The Cambrian

GERMANY'S VERDICT AT THE POLLS. VAST CROWDS CHEER THE EMPEROR. The results of the German general elec- tions on Friday were not fully di closed un- til Saturday, br-> the eaTliest returns indi- cated that to a certain extent the result would be comforting to the Kaiser. There were two Socialist gains at Metz and Muhl- havsen. but three Socialist losses at Leigne, Konigsberg, and in Wurtembeig. The Kaiser had threatened to leave his palace in Berlin if the Socialist candidate, Herr Arons, was returned. Arons poUed 503 less votes than in 1903, and his defeat on the second ballot is assured. The Jive other Berlin d visions all re-elected their former Socialist members, but by heavily reduced majorities. Still later "returns indicated that the Socialists were losing ground.

ROUSING OVATION FOR THE KAISER. GOVERNMENT WINNING DECISIVE VICTORIES. DEMONSTRATORS MARCH TOWARDS HIS CASTLE. (Press Association Foreign Special.) Berlin, Saturday.-To find a parallel for last nignt's demonstrations here, which were entirely spontaneous, it is necessary to go back to the days of the Franco- Prussian war. The enterprising Berlin daily, the 'Lokal Anzeiger," had arranged to throw the elec- tion results on a huge screen outside its offices, and from seven o'clock onwards this innovation, imported from London and New York, attracted considerable attention among the ceaseless streams of people which filled Lne Zimmerstrasse, the Fleet-street of Berlin. By eight o'clock several thousand had assembled before a similar screen, erect- ed by another newspaper, in a neighbour- ing street. The last result was shown on the screen at mid-night, and was followed by a por- trait of the Emperor. His Majesty was up- roariously cheered, although there was some hooting from Socialists in the crowd. Someone then struck up "Heil Dir 1m Sie- gerkfanz," and the refrain was taken up by the vast multitude as one man, singing "Die Wooht. Am Rhein" and "Deutschland, Deutechland, Ueber Alles." The crowds then marched in perfect order up the Zim- merstrasse, past the newspaper offices, where the presses were already turning out the morning editions. As the procession moved into the Teip- sigerstrasse, going in the direction of Prince Buelow's Palace, in the Wilhelmstrasse, an officious policsrnan, with drawn sword, tried to bar the way, but the crowd was determined to get to the Imperial Chan- cellor's residence, and for the moment it looked as if official ardour would be the cause of a disturbance. Just then, however, a motor car, in which Prince Edtel Friedrich was returning to Bellevue Castle, turned the corner, and the crowd, taking advantage of the diversion, swept towards the Wilhelmstrasse. A lieu- tenant and a squad of police, stationed out- side Prince Buelow's Palace, summoned the people to disperse, and were attempting, more or less roughly, to enforce their orders, when a footman appeared, and informed the officer that the Imperial Chancellor wished to address the demonstrators. At this moment Prince Buelow himself was seen crossing tl*e courtyard. There was dead silence while he was speaking, but when he called for oheers for the Ger- man nation the spell was broken, and the people responded with a will A start was then made for the Castle, but the procession, after passing along the Unter Den Linden, found its way blocked by a cordcta of police at the Castle Bridge over the Spree. The would-be demonstra- tors unwillingly retraced their steps, but a halt was made outside the Palace of the Crown Prince, opposite the University, where the, National Anthem was again sang. The Crown Princess appeared at the window and her Imperial Highness was greeted with frantic cheers. The crowd then dispersed. Complaints have been made of the rough- ness of the police in dealing with the de- monstrators, who behaved in an orderly manner. There no longer seems to be any doubt that the Government has gained a decisive victory at the polls. It is true that the Government's party cry was dir- ected against both the Centre and Social Democrats, and that the former have not yet lost any seats, but the blow "hich has been dealt at the heart of Social Democracy makes the Government triumph complete, and fully justifies Prince Buelow's confident words to the crowds which besieged his gates at midnight. This is the first election since 1887 in which the Socialists have not increased their strength in the Eeiohstag by from five to 20 seats, and it is remark- able that their losses are so severe vi large cities like Liepzig and Magdeburg, both of which have been carried by the National Liberals. In Saxony, which has been nick- named the "Red Kingdom," since it was carried by the Socialists in 1903, the dis- comfiture of the party is complete. Where- as in 1903 they carried 22 out of 23 seats in the Kingdom; at the first ballot yester- day they lost seven outright, and must go to the second ballot in eight cases. A not- able feature of this remarkable election is the number of second ballots in which the Socialists will have to take part, and exper- ience shows that fortune generally goes against the party on these occasions, when non-Socialist voters of all shades unite as a rule against the Social Democrat, no matter who his opponent may be. The polling seems to have been on Na- tional lines, as is demonstrated by the fact that the Centre has so far lost no seat. The constant appeals uf the Government during -lie campaign to the "etay-at-homes" have reaped a good harvest, and when the final figures are known the total will be found to have exceeded all previous records. ■D the National Liberal and Kadical parties largelv contributed towards the overthrow of the Socialists.

SOCIALISTS SEDAN. ELEVEN SEATS THE NET LOSS (Reuter Special Telegram.) 0. Berlin, Saturday.-Up to 4 o'clock this morning results were known in 202 con- Btituencies. In ninety-two cases second ballots will be necessary; j The state of the par-uies now is •. Centre, 34. Social Democrats, 20. Conservatives, 18. National Liberals, 14. Imperial Party, 7. Pole-, 5. Radicals, 3. Reform Party, 3. Alsatian, 2. People's Party, 1. Independent Conservative, 1. Independent Liberal, 1. Landowners' Union, 1. La.te.r.-Socialists losses amount to twelve and only one gain is recorded. National Liberals ha.ve won eight, and the Conser- vatives five seats. eaid thanked the crowd, and did hii-i eecon^ ballots everyone that th t'^le whole world would know saddle firm in the in the w overthrow whatever stood neas. their welfare and their great-

GERMAN REICHSTAG RETURNS. Full details wepe available on Monday of Wh^ h,dlot <%tion 'or the German Reichstag which hJe created a political sensa ion ytha crushing reverse sustained by the Socialist*. The state of partus up to the present is as follows:- Conservatives Imperial party Poles — 18 Clericals 90 National Liberals *— 19 Radicals — 10 SociaJ Democrats 30 Other parties 19 2,37 In the impending S6C50M ballots wfll par- ticipafce twenty-nine Conservatives, nuje-J

A MODERN FAMILY MEDICINE. BILE BEANS ARE UNEQUALLED. We are suffering much to-day from old- fashioned ills, but much more from old- fashioned pills. The grosser habits of our forefathers—gross feeding and high living ws have abandoned nowadays, but we have not yet entirely cast aside old-fashioned pills, composed mainly of coarse and search- ing mineral drugs. The one modern medicine which ha.s superseded mistaken methods of the past, is Bile Beans for Biliousness, a grand house hold remedy, whose consistent and world- wide success is its badge of genuine merit. Old time remedies for the stomach and liver were almost invariably based on mer- cury, a drastic and destructive mineral which notoriously salivates and corrodes the strongest constitution if persistently used. Bile Beans contain no trace of any mineral medicament. They are entirely vegetable, and are so compounded that they act gently, genially, and comfortably. As distinct from all other pills and medicine for the stomach and liver, they are designed to promote the purely natural working of these important organs. By virtue of the potent herbal ex- tracts which are their essential principle. Bile Beans exert a tonic influence on the secretory glands of the stomach, liver, and intestines. Bile Beans are essentially the modern pill for modem ills. Influenza is a; typical form of purely modern ailments, and its latest development seriously affects the stomach and liver, taking the form of gastric influ- cnza and liver chill. Bile Beans have achieved striking triumphs in the cure of these forms of the prevailing influenza epidemic, thus affording conclusive proof that Bile Beans are the modern pill best suited to modern conditions of life. Bile Beans may be obtained of all chemist in sealed boxes, at ls..l^d. per box, or 2s. 9d. for size containing three times the quantity. All pills sold in loose form should be steadfastly refused. The genuine Bile Beans are sold only in sealed boxes.

BRYNMILL PARK. SUGGESTION TO PROVIDE A RUN- NING STREAM. A suggestion has been thrown out that the spring under Mr. Richardson's garden wail at Brynmill, Swansea, would make a decided acquisition to the Brynmill Park, and the distance from the present boundary beiag only a few yards from the intended new road to connect that portion of the Bryn- mill estate with the Uplands, the improve- ment could be carried out by extending the present park grounds, the extent being so jmall that little expense .yrouldbe in- volved. i" '-1;. ,■■■■■< v. By the improvement, running water with ornamental miniature pools and aqdbi-ic plants could be introduced, which would prove a great attraction.

WELL-KNOWN SWANSEAITE. DEATH OF MR. W. WEARING .CURRAN. Many Swanseaitas will regret to hear of the death of Mr. Wm. Whaling Curran, local representative for Stubb's Mercantile Offices, and a well-known personality in the town, which took place at 36, Carlton- terrace, Swansea, on Saturday afternoon. Deceased, who was born in Salubrious-pass- age, and was for years in the shipbpoking businecfc, caught a chill laist Tnursday, which developed into pneumonia, and he succumbed as stated. Deceased's wife predeceased him by three years, and both were the practical found- ers of St. Jude's Mission, Swansea, being I active participators for years back in Church work. Four sons are left, two at present in Australia, and the others Mr. Osmond Cur- ran, proprietor of the Market Restaurant, and Mr. W. Curran, the popular local bari- tone, for whom much sympathy is felt.

"STANDARD" AND JOHN EURSN QUHSTJCKV FOR OONTEIMPT OF COURT. JUDGE'S SHARP KiBBUKE TO THE CABINET MINISTER. In t.he King's Banch on Saturday an ap- plication was made agrainst Mr. John Burns, President of the Local Government Bofcird, for alleged contempt of court. Sir E Carson, who appeared for appli- cants, the "Standard" Newspapers, Ltd., said be was instructed to apply for rule I nisi, calling upon Mr. Burns to show cause why be should not be committed for con- tempt in a speech made by him on Thurs- day evening1. There were twelve adtions pending, brought by various members of the London County Council. Each action com- plained of libel contained in certain state- ments that appeared in articles in the "Stan- dard." The articles commented upon the pol- icy of muni oi pal tramways, and it was averred that each of the articles constituted a libel upon plaintiffs. On Thursday even- ing there was a public meeting in tlhe Queen's Hall, several of the rlaintiffs in the action attending Mr. Burns made a speech, which counsel said was a grave contempt of court, the President of the IfJCa.1 Govern menst Board having commented on the actions in a manner which was calculated to preju- dice a fair trial. Sir E. Carson said Mr Barns should be r asked to explain, and should be punished for the comtefaipt of oourt, which he thought vheir loa-dships would see Mr. Bums had un- doubtedly committed. Counsel read pas- 8~8'e? froon the speech, which were to the effect that there was a oooirt at Whitehall, the Liooal Government Board., whdoh could Waive decided tibe matter, amd that the t>tanaara knew its charge could noit be brougrht to a legal issue before March, and that it skulked behind that fact. Mr. Justice Darting said he could not him- self think thai: such a speech as the one in question would advance tie cause of plaintiffs, or damage that of defendants. The vory violence of it. and very gToteeque- ness of the suggestion than t.he proper per- son to try this cass -was the gentleman who made this speech would, to his lordship's mind, prevent it from having the effect of influencing a jury a,?air5t defendants, whose case was prejudiced in that speech. Althoagfa the speech was one of extraordinary indiscre- tion and impropriety, though he thought it showed very slight regard for the ad'minis- traltiion of justice by the courts, yet upon the ground that he oould not see that it was really calculated to prevent a fair trial, he thought they should be no rule granted in this case. Justice Phillimore concurred, though OlD somewhat different ground 'It would," be said, "take a Ion? time to convince him that it was contempt of court if a man said 'My friend John Burns is accused of disgraceful condiuct, and he is bringing an action for libel: Meanwhile I say that I believe he is not guilty of disgraceful conduot. I sffitll believe in my friend, and I ami not going to be prevented from saying that because an action for libel has been brought." I The rote was refused.

DEVELOPMENT OF ABER I COLLIERY. GOOD BUSINESS FOR SWANSEA EDUCATION. ANNUAL INCOME OF £10,000 TO £12,000 PROBABLE. We learn on excellent authority that Afters. Cory and Co., the lessees of the minerals under the Aber Estate (the pro- perty of the Swansea Education Authority as the governing body of the Grammar School), are now sinking to the lower mea- sures with highly satisfactory results. As their lease expires in 19 years, it is obviously their intention, in order to re- coup themselves for the considerable out- lay involved, to work out the veins in that period. This means so large an increase in the output that the royalty payable to the Ijocal Education Authority is expected to reach between £10,000 a.nd £12,000 a. year, or about ten times the present income de- rived from that source. A proportion of the income will doubt- less have to be set aside in view of the mroads upon the capital value of the es- tate. Nevertheless the Local Education Authority will now have the means for suitably equipping the Technical College in a manner complying with the requirements of the University Court without drawing upon the rates.

YSTRADGYNLAIS RATING. I APPROVED BY BRECON COUNTY COUNCIL. At Brecon County Council on Friday. The Main Roads, Committee reported an application from the Ystradgyniais Elec- tric Lighting Company, Limited, thro gh their secretary. Mr. Taliesyn T. Rees tor permission to erect posts alongside the ccunty roads in the parish of Ystradgyu- lais Lower for the purpose of affixing eiec- trio cables thereto. The Committee recommended that the ap- plication be granted, subject to the ap- proval of the county roads surveyor; also on condition that all cables conveying cur- rent be laid underground, and at an An- nual rent of Is. per poie. The Council adopted this recommendation. The basis of county rates was submitted by the County Rate Basis as follows:- Pontfardawe Union-Ystradgynlais Higher, £3,397; Lower, £17,112; total, £20,509. ———————:="—————

SEIZURE OF TWO COWS. SEQUEL AT LLANDOVERY COUNTY COURT. An interpleader action was heard at Llandovery County Court on Saturday, in which the claimant. David Griffith Thomas, tarmer, Gellyonen, Llanddausaint, sought possession of two cows seized under the in- structions of the execution creditor, J. R. Evans, Llandilo, who had obtained judg- ment against claimant's sister. The claimant also claimed £10 damages for illegal seizuie. Claimant said he had been tenant of Gel- lyonen since September, 1904. and had paid the rent. rates, and taxes from that date. Up to 1904 his late brother-in-law (OwBn Ambrose) as the tenant. In November, 1904. his father gave him two calves to place on the farm, and these were the animals now seized by the bailiff. His Honour gave judgment for claimant, with no damages, execution creditor to pay high-bailift's fees and other costs. !=

PONTARDAWE POLICE COURT. FRIDAY. Before Messrs H N. Miers, E. G. Benthall, G. H. Strick, Dr. Griffiths, J. H. P. Lloyd. i nd Samuel Jenkins. D. AND D. John Thomas and James Evans, colliers, Brynamman, were each fined 10s. for being drunk and disorderly. BREACH OF BYELAWS. A charge ngainst Morgan Davies, fireman, Brynamman, for breach of building bye- laws. was adjourned, for a month on the application ilf Mr 0, JL Jenkins. ON LICENCED" PREMISES. For being drunk on licensed premises, Owen Williams, labourer, Pontardawe. was fined 10s. inclusive. SCHOOL CASES. The following were fined for not sending their children to school:—Dd. Bevan, col- lier (5s.). Henry Bater. labourer (5s.), Rich- ard Rees, collier (7a. 6dJ, Dd. Hopkins, col- lier (5s.), a.nd Wm. John, collier (5s), all of Llac&amlet.

PENRTECHWYTH CONCERT. HIGH CLASS MUSICAL TREAT AT BETHLEHEM. On Saturday evening a concert was held at Beihlehem C.M. Chapel, Pentrechwyth. and from a musical point of view was a i distinct success. M,: A. T. Williams, soli- citor, Briton Ferry, presided, and stated that Lord Jersey was prepared to refund the ground rent paid by the chapel. The concert, opened with a pianoforte tsulo "Selected," by Mr. W. W. Bodycombe, fol- lowing which Mr. J. Amos Jones. Llanelly. gave a beautiful rendering of the baritone song, "Bandolero," and later gave "Can y Marchog." Miss Eliz. Hall. Burry Port. who has a sweet, and full soprano voice, sang, "Yr Arglwydd yw fy Mugail." and "The Nightingale." Undoubtedly the "star" turn of the evening was Mr Tom Bonnell. Pentre- I Ystrad. He possesses a remarkable tenor voice, capable of reaching the high notes with uncommon clearness. His interpre- tation of Handel's "Deeper and Deeper Still, and "Waft her Angels" was loudly applauded and was encored. He also sang rtn £ me your Aid." It will be wise to watch the musical career of this budding singer. Miss Mary Richards. Rhynmey, sang Cymru Fydd." and "Three Fistfers went singer. Miss Mary Richards. Rhynmey, sang "Cymru Fydd." and "Three Fistfers went Sailing. A feature of her singing is the free and easy style—no strain, which is to t»aCii nstic ■? singers nowadays. Messrs Bonnell and Jones sang the duet "Tenor and Misses Hall and Rich- ards Venetian Boat Song." The four ar- tistes al&o sang a quartette "A Regular Royal Queen" Mr. Richard Thomas, Llan- samlet played II Trovatore." a.nd "La Tra- viata on the violin. Mr. W. W Bodv- combe was an efficient accompanist." A first- class concert was brought to a close by the singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." The cr ncert was also a financial success, the chapel being full and it is anticipated that a good sum will be realised towards the liquidation of the debt. « £ ============:

PENDERRY COUNCIL. STATE OF WATER SUPPLY: ROGERS' CHARITY. Penderry Parish Council met at Fforest- fach on Saturday. Mr. David Rees, Cape Colliery, presided. The distribution of Madame Rogers' charity having been delayed much beyond the usual annual period, it was decided to communicate with Mr. David Jones, Velin- dre, Morriston (secretary of the Charity Committee), asking the cause. The Coun- cil decided to pay £8 17s. Id., balance which, with £10 already paid, was the total cost of the renovations to Gorslawhena Footpath. It having been mentioned that a serious public obstruction had been caused at Waungron-roaxl, Treboeth, by the placing of a fenoo JMaj- Tirdomkin railway siding, a committee was appointed, to investi- gate the matter. Action was postponed, pending the committee s report. It was understood the obstruction complained of interferes with an ancient right of way in the locality. In connection with the typhoid epidemic at Goreeinon, Mr. D. C. Morris said he pre- ferred the water from the pomp at Lower Goreeinon to any water supplied by the District Council in carts. He had never discovered the slightest contamination. It was agreed to corrymunicate with Sir John Llewelyn and Mr. William Rees, dTatrict councillors, with regard to the casing of this pump. With regard to the Pemhoyn water at Fforestfach, it was reported that the inspector had visited Pontlliwitha, and found the tap water unfit for drinking, the tank corroded and full of filth, cover and overflow pipe broken, and the whole gener- ally dilapidated. Mr. T. S. Thomas, Gelliorgaji, Corseinon, wrote complaining of the state of Eynon and Goreeinon streets at Gorsemon caused by recent building operations. It was arranged to hold a special meet- ing directly upon the receipt of the Madame Rogers' charity, and also to revise the rates f excujsal list for 19C7.

Things that make life easier It used to be thought impossible to speak to people hundreds of miles away or to wash clothes without boiling them. That was before the telephone and Fels-Naptha. Now you can do both. But you can't do the talking by shouting or the washing with ordinary soaps. You must use the telephone in the one case and Fels-Naptha soap in the other. Modern science is making life easier for both men and women. FELS-NAPTHA 39 Wilson Street London EC -=S

RAINSTORM'S HAVOC. I EXTRAORDINARY DAMAGE AT HONG KONG. (Reuter Special Telegram.) Hong Kong, Monday.—A terrific rain storm of ten minutes' duration broke over Hong Kong to-day. More than fifty native craft were swamped, and a river stenmer went adrift. The native casualties will probably exceed one hundred; no European lives lost. The harbour is littered with wreckage,

IN DEFENCE OF POPLAR. ICNDON GUARDIAN ADDRESSES A I BRITON FSRRY MEETING. I Mr Geo. Lardsfrury. of Poplar Board of Guardians' fame, addressed a large I.I..P. gathering at Briton Ferry on Saturday, Mr Evan Evans presided. Mr. Landsbury declaimed against the mis- leading reports given of the recent enquiry at Poplar. The peopl3 among whom they lived and wtiked had not lost their confi- dence in tht-m. Without labour nothing came to anybody and those who lived in luxury and ease at the expense of the neces- sities of the toiler should not grudge a little bit extra to the poor in their old age. The poor were afraid of the taint of pau- perism. He (the speaker) said to them:- "Como in the spirit of citizens and demand what is your legitimate rights." Mr Lands- bury proceeded at length to justify the course of action at Poplar and declared that the position of every inmate in all the workhouses of the land waa better to-day for what they had done.

FIRE ALARM AT ABERAVON. ESCAPE OF GAS AT AN HOTEL. Excitement was caused in Aberavon at half-past seven o'clock oh Saturday night by a report trhat the Walnut IWe otHei wa £ on fire, and in a few minutes many hundreds of people congregated. What gave rise, to the alarm was a sudden appearance of flames through the Water- stret grating, rising to a considerable height above the pavement. I' It appears the cause was a sudden out- break of gas through the water escape oon nection becoming detached, and probably a match thoughtlessly thrown down the oellor ignited it. There were no inflaanmable -M-. tioles in the vicinity, and there was no dam- age. The flames were stopped quickly bvi turning the gas off.

SWANSEA-BOUND VESSEL DELAYED. CURIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE: HOW THE COMPASSES WERE SMASHED. The steamer Velocity, trading 1 ^tween Bristol and Swansea, was prevented, by curious circumstances, from leaving the former port at the appointed time on Sun- day. The engineer was acting as watchman while she lay in Cumberland Basin in the afternoon, and, according to his statement, when asleep in the bunk he was awakened by an unknown man, who struck him on the head. lie gave chase, but the man got away. Later it was found that the ship's com- passes had been smashed, and a clock and pair of field glasses stolen from the cabin. Owing to the wrecking of the compasses she had to put back to the harbour for re- pairs.

BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. RESUMED CHARGE AGAINST ABERAVON WIFE. At Aberavon on Monday Rosina Carter, married, Mulborough-terroce, Corlanna, Aberavon, Port Talbot, was charged in an adjourned case for neglect of her four child- ren, aged from eight years to nine months. Defendant had received a month to reform. —Mr. E. T. Evans prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C., and Mr. Ll. Thomas defended. Inspector Best, N.S.P.C.C., said he had often visited defendant's house, but found no improvement in defendant's manner. There was no food or fire in her house, and the children were filthy dirty. The hus- band had lost his regular employment through having been brought to. that court by his wife. He had given his wife money for food, and had pawned his watch to give L his wife and children money. Mr. L. Thomas, far defendant, urged that there was no evidence of neglect, amd that the only evidence against her was that she was dirty, and he considered the husband most to blame. I The Bench said there was a doubt in the case, and gave defendant the benefit. The husband, asked why he did not take charge of the children, said his wife would not give them up. Carman Possession is law. Take them by ferce. (To the wife): Why don't you live xTith your husband ? Defon d.int: Because he ill-treats me. The Inspector was asked to watch the parties.

-==-- THE MUSIC HALL "WAR." MR. ERNEST SHAND BACKS HIS BROTHER ARTISTES. The latest development in the Music Hall wax is that the Alliance Executive have obtained a 21 years' lease oi the Scala Theatre, London, and will open the same with an "All Star"' combination and "Un- rivalled talent" on Thursday. Mr. Ernest Shand, who tops the bill at the Swansea Empire this week, states that he is in thorough accord with the action being taken by his brother and sister ar- tistes, and further says they could not go back now if they would. Mr. Shand sin- oerely hopes an amicable arrangement will be arrived at, and the suggestion that seven "stars" should meet the managers, and the calling in of Baron Rothschild, to act as intermediary, he supports heartily. Swansea, as previously stated, is quite unaffected by the "war." Nor is there any likelihood of there being any trouble locally —at present, at all events.

ADVICE TO MINISTERS. LESS TIME IN STUDY AND MORE TIME IN THE SLUMS. Notwithstanding the cold weather on Saturday evening a large audience assembled at the Ragged School, Swansea, when 'he weekly temperance meeting was held undsr the auspices of the Total Abstinence Society. Rev. E. Evans, Mount Calvary, Manselt-yi, occupied the chair. A short but excellent programme was submitted. The chief it«m was a quartet given by Mr. and Mrs. Mor- gan and M'r. and Mrs. Evans. The rendi- tion wa6 of the highest order. Misses Sey- more, Irene Samuels and Mitchell also took part. Mr. Fred Miners, a missionary from South America, delivered a most effective address. Ho said that the amount of money spent on strong drink during the year 1906 was £ 164,167,941. Ministers, continued the mis- sioner, should spend less time in their studies, and pay more attention to he slums.

V 300 TONS OF BOULDERS COLLAPSE. RHYMNEY RIVER PARTIALLY DAMMED. 'd A considerable fall of material from a diff a.bove Rhymney River at Ynys Houses, Aberbargoed, t-ook place on Sunday. Un- accompanied by serious results, the fall was attended with a startling roar, and huge boulders slid down and partially dammed the bed of the river, and the flow of th-e I stream was consequently diverted one side. It is estimated that about 300 tons of debris was dislodged. It is thought the action of the frost and sudden thaw caused the collapse. I

DOINGS AT THE DOCKS. I SWANSEA'S NEW LINE TO SAN I FRANCISCO. I In connection with the new lir.9 of steam- ers between Swansea and the States, we understand that another large steamer, the Sark, is due the first week in February for San Francisco, and she will load a large cargo of tinplates and general merchandise- The Atlantic Transport liner, Mackinaw, is due to load tinplates for Philadelphia, and the Bristol Gity is now loading for New York, and her sister ship, the Jersey City, is due to load at the end of the week. The Batoum and Odessa prospects are good. The steamer Thosas is now loading for that nort, and the s.s. Menelans is due to load tin- plates and galvanised iron for Japanese ports. The Cunard liner Veria is loading for the Mediterranean ports, and steamers are on the berths for Messrs. Burgess and Co., to load foT Hamburg, Nantes and Bordeaux. This company have also the City of Cadiz discharging sugar and general goods from Hamburg. The Bristol Steam Navigation Co. have the s.s. Pluto now loading for the Continent, and the steamers Hilda and Douro are due to load tinplates for the Baltic ports. The s.s. Ravensworth is discharging pig iron, and the steamers Lizzie and Sultan are also due with this commodity.

A choice of Cocoa to suit your taste. Either the most nutritious and strength-giving EPPS'S Gratetul-Oomtontng. COCOA A delicious drink and a snstaiiing food. Or, a lighter and thinner drink, refreshing and stimulating. EPPS'S COCOA ESSENCE I Welcome at any hour of tiie day.

] SWANSEA MUNICIPAL TELE- PHONES. NEGOTIATIONS WITH P.O. PRACTIC- I ALLY ENDED. NATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY A LIKELY PURCHASER. We are in a position to state definitely that for all practical purposes the negotia- tions with the Postmaster-General, for the transfer to the State of the Swansea Muni- cipal Telephone System, have ended, and there is now little likelihood of the latter I result being brought about. The final offer of Mr. Babbington Smith, who received the Corporation and discussed II the matter with them, was so unsatisfactory that it cannot be seriously entertained. It only represented a three-figure improvement upon the previous offer of j322,C03. On the other hand the National Telephone Co. have readily consented to re-open ne- gotiations, and in accordance with an ar- rangement made, the Sub-Committee, which had been invested with considerable dis- '.■rctionary power, have submitted a pro- !>>al for which favourable consideration was promised. The general feeling is that unless the terms obtainable admit of the recovery of the money laid out, the idea of felling should be abandoned, and the example rf Hull Corporation followed, which has re- fused to dispose of their telephone exchange, which is being continued under municipal management, with exoellent financial re- sults.

BABE BORN IN PRISON. FRENCH WOMAN'S TRAGEDY IN LONDON. At the Old Bailey on Monday the trial (f the French woman, Emilie Foucalt, for throwing vitriol on Andre Delombe, was adjourned until next sessions- Accused has given birth to a child ;n prison and was unable to attend.

SWANSEA NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD THE OFFER RESPECTING PAVILION ACCEPTED. PRICE £ 1,605: TO SEAT 15,000 PEOPLE. The General Committee of Swansea Na- tional Eisteddfod of 1907, met on Thursday to receive reports from the Pavilion and Musical Committees. In the absence, through indisposition, of Rev. Dr. Gomer Le wis. Mr. R. K. JcUH€s, The La-iirels, "\vas voted to the chair. About ten days ago the Pavilion Com- mittee had opened and considered the twelve tenders received for building a timber and canvas-roofed pavilion, to be erected in the Victoria Park. At the last moment, how- ever, came an offer from a well-known Nottingham firm, to supply a timber pavilion to seat 15,000 people, roofed with corrugated iron, at a price Qi £ 1,605, or about JB500 less than the lowest tender for a canvas-roofed structure. The Pavilion Committee recommended the acceptance of this offer. After a number of questions with regard to the firm's standing had been satisfactor- ilv answered, the recommendation was adopted. Mr. T. E. Powell (secretary of the Musical Committee) reported upon his committee's work, stating they had appointed Mr. J. D. Thomas conductor of the choir, and had also selected six accompanists at five guineas each, their names being :—Miss Maggie Jones, Mrs. Arthur James, Mt. T. D. Jones (Morristonj, Mt. David Lewis, and Mr. David Richards. The Committee also re- commended four concerts. a* one of which Berlioz's "Faust" would be performod, at another Mr. David Thomas' We!sh cantata. "Llyn y Fan," the remaining two being I miscellaneous nights. A suggestion was made that a. Pan-Celtic concert. should be arranged, similar to the one at Carnarvon, but it was pointed out that "Llyn y F&a" would provide one Welsh night. The doings of the Committee were con- firmed.

THE NEW FRENCH REMEDY. THERAPKlN osed in Continental Hospitals by Hi cord RostaD, Jobert, Velpsau and others, sur- Irasses everything hitherto employed for im purity of blood, Bpots, blotches, pains asd swelling of icmts. darangements of liTer and kidneys, Piles, gravel, pains in back. goat. rheumatism Pibaustion. etc. Three form, N'-e 1. 1 f^l3>,2s' and As. 6d. poet free for P.O. from Jir Johnson. 43. Eolford- equare. London, w C. If in doabt as to j eend details of Bymptonrs with stamped addressed envelope for reoljr.

VACCINATION FEES AND EXPENSES. BETURNS snow A CONSIDERABLE LOCAL TVtf* INCREASE. i^ued a rot, Goyernn ent Board have just ?rn, of lh* expenditure by 'he "n'd tbc poor on vaccination fees which have so greatly in- Governmpnt*,the year 1899 as to cause the r, ,iH T<J contemplate the revision cf rniiiir i..» Public vaccinators out of the retted witvT\u.The ^-lowing figures con- t#r«,tinp- h 18 district will be found in- nSrJv U.,e ratepayers npnditiiTxfdn<hire county the cx- ?n V!^ocination fees and expenses £ 9-262- against £ 13.586 in the "1Un7 1903; £ 7.621 in 1900-1; and £ 2,899 ansea Union, £ 1.095, £ 3.659, £ 746, .f^Peetively. Cardiff, £ 1.847. £ 2,170, l%9 7tn' ?>?0 £ 766 in. 1899. Pontypridd. £ 2,492. tbvr Tvdvvi and ^er- !n iRDfl .f1-576' £ 2,235. £ 1.295 and £ "05 VfiAfi ez.ni Bridgend and Cowbridge. £ 766, ?77A „and £ 2%. Neath, £ 982, £ 1.145, fJZ' ™,d £ 511 ic 1899. Pontardawe, £ 384. oa"d -EilS in 1899; Gower, £ 120, £ 2?9, £ 43 in 1899. Llanelly. £ 701. £ 857. JiRfi .pi\c 206 in 1899- Llandovery, £ 92, ios?' ,aijd £ 21 in 1899. Llandilo Fawr, and £ 97 in 18S9. Carmarthen, Imp/' rio7 f 284, and £ 13 in 1899. Narberth. VSro' £ l82» -nd £ 71 in 1899. Pembroke, £ 350. and £ 97 in 1899. Haverford- £ 457, £ 384. and £ 110 in 1899. Car- diean* £ 117, £ 15$, £ 176, and £ 45 in 1899. Newcastle ETnlyn, X115, R,184, £ 155, and JE71. Lampeter. £65, £157, jE68 and £ 35 in 1899. Aoerayron. £113, £174. jE109 and f37 in 1899. A hrystwyth, £184, £418. £174 and JETS in 1893. Tregaron. £79, JE112. je71 and .£30 in 1899 Builth £ 94 X149, £132. and R45 in 1899. Brpcknock, '£195' £ 300 XM. and je63. Hay, £ 89. £ 232. £ 103, ^nd £ 36 in 1899. Crickhowell. £ 263, £ 427, £ 320 and £ 78 ir. 1999. Knighton, £ 114, £ 200, £ 193 an<^ £ 8 in 1899. Rhayader, 75, £ 60. £ 62, and £ 32 in 1899.

SOLICITOR AND THE CWMAVON POLICE. I crRIOUS STORY IN CHARGE AGAINST I A LANDLORD. At Aberavjn .,n Monday, Edwin Clark, Jersey Arms, Owmavon, was summoned tor pel nutting drunkenness. Mr. W. H. David defended. P.C. Israel Davies, spoke to finding a man at the nous-3 named George Francis drunk. The landlord had requested the man several times to leave but Francis had refused to go ^.nd said "he would not go to please the landlord o» the policeman." Witness put the man out. but Francis returned and was again ejected. The landlord said Francis was there from eight o'clock to 10.20 and that he was sober when he came in. De- fendant denied that he had supplied the man with any beer and stated that Francis had drunk the customer's beer. Clarke, so witness told Sergt. Davies, gave evidence against prancis end the latter was fined i2 ondco*s at the last court. jfr. W. 1L David cross-examined P C. Davies 10 show defendant had done his best to get rid of the man. Sergeant Dayiee spoke to a conversation v,-ith defendant c.n Wednesday. Mr. David. Did you go there to try t3 trau him? Witness: Certainly not. and it is wrone of you to suggest such a thing. Mr- Davii: Please do not make any JP. marks about suggestions to me I do not want to get into altercation with you or you may find you will get the worst of it. The Bench enquired concerning Fran ri fe and Superintendent Davies produced a list of previous convictions. ■jjr David said the evidence was 'nsufS- ciect toO convict and characterised the ;,<• tion of the police as the most "mean un- English proceeding imaginable," to ask a man to come and give evidence on their be- half against the man Francis and then turn round and charge the witness. Defendant said he only supplied the man with one "sleever. Wm. Jones, collier, and Wm. Thomas, said Francis was not supplied with beer, bnt drank out of other people's glasses, the lat- ter remarking that "he 'Francis) lit-de., or.eugh to make him drunk." j The case was dismissed. 1

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER DIES AT SWANSEA. DEATH OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY The death took place suddenly at quarter past nine on Monday morning of Jno. Trues- dale Scott, aged 51, commercial traveller, at No. 29, Alexandra-road, Swansea, where he had been staying. Dr. Nightingale was called in after death. The deceased had not been attended by any doctor. Deceased was a traveller for Messrs D. J. Lodwig and Co.. coal merchants. Swansea, and for some years he was honorary secre- tary at the Workingmen's Club. Alexandra- road. He was also a brother of Captain oc-oti, formerly of the "Alexandra." De- ceased at one time lived in Malvern-Ur- rac-e, and some years ago he kept the En- gineer's Hotel, Neath. Death is attributed to heart tailure. THE IN QUEST: CORONER AND DECEASED'S SON. The inquest was held at Siddall's Build- ings, Swarsea, on Monday afternoon Christie Scott (son), living with deceased at his home, No. 29, Alexandra-road, said his father was all right on Sunday night, and made no complaint of feeling unwell. About 8.45 on Monday morning de;eased called witness and said he felt as though he was going to faint. Witness went down for a cup of tea and fetched his aunt up. Then witness fetched some brandy and went for a doctor three times, but the latter did not arrive until after death. Deceased had not suffered from his heart; neither could he give any reason to bring about the fatal seizure. Witness's aunt was with deceased when he died. Questioned by the coroner, witness said he did not know what was the cause of death. He had not seen the doctor, and his aunt had not told him. By a juryman: Witness did not know whether his father had ever been laid up with rheumatic fever. Coroner You seem to know so little and seem to take such little interest in the mat- ter, I don't understand it. Witness: He has been laid up with a cold, I don't know about rheumatic fever. You lived at home with your father?— Yes. How long were you trying to get the doc- tor?—I should say about a quarter of an hour. It was not long. Why didn't you go to another doctor—Dr. Davies opposite, or Dr. O'Sullivan?^—I didn't think he was dying Detective Roberts thought perhaps the illness referred to could not be remembered by the witness. Asked by the coroner his age, witness said about 20. A juryman said it would be some con- siderable time ago when deceased was laid up. Deceased, he added, was a great cricketer. Dr. R. Nightingale said he was oa'Jed to No. 29, Alexandra-road, and directly after arriving at the surgery he went to the house, but deceased was dead. There were no suspicious circumstances whatever, but witness learnt deceased complained of his heart last Friday, and was advised to see a doctor. Witness ascertained deceased had suffered from a weak heart. The death was due to cardiac syncope. Coroner said with reference to the son's evidence it might be due to want of thought rather than want of filial affection. Still, he thought the son had given his evidence callously, as though it were not a matter of njuch regret, but that might be due to any want of real feeling. The jury returned a verdict of "N aturaJ causes."

SUNDAY TRADING AT SWANSEA. FRESH FACES BEFORE THE BENCH. Eleven Sunday traders answered to their names at Swansea. Police Court on Tuesday. Two of the new ones were Edgar Rowe, Greenhill-street, who sold onions, and Bar- nett Bad did. Prince of Wales-road, who in- advertently disposed of a moutfc orgazi. Rowe promised not to repelt 1he offence and was discharged. Baddiel pleaded tha.t he had forgotten all about it being Sunday. Chairman Competition with some other orga.ns you are trying to make, is it? Defendant was just about to be dismissed, on promising to be good in future, when Supt. Gill stated that he had been cau- tioned before. "Oh, then it's 5s. said the chairman.

THE DECAY OF EMPIRES. ADDRESS BEFORE THE LABOUR PARTY. "The Decay of Empireis" was the subject of Sunday evening's lecture before the Swan- sea indepjjxient, Labour Party, and was de- livered by Mr. David Davies, the editor of the "South Wales Daily Post." The lecture room at SiddaU's Building was filled, and the chairman (Mr. Griffith Jones) said that Mr. Davies was esteemed in Swansea as one of our most intelligent townsmen, both for his work as a publicist and, as editor, for his advocacy of clean administration. Mr. David Davies, who was well received, said he purposed to exalt the things that were contmualiy being condemned by Socialists, and condemn the things ,uat they were continually exalting. and his first proposition was a statement by I Plato: "All states are in perpetual war with all; for that which we call peace is no more than merely a name, whilst in Teality nature htus set all communities in an unproclaimed but everlasting war with each other." The encouragement of a spirit of anti-militarism and the discouragement of the acquiring capacity for defence was, the lecturer contended, one of the most mis- chievous influences in a state, and if it succeeded the country would decay and the empire would fall as a matter of course. No nation which neglected self-defence—no nation which neglected the capacity for war -would long withstand the influences of decay, and in illustration o-f that great truth he gave three existing examples of empires; Japan as the empire in the course 01 creation, Great Britain as the empire that had grown and might, if properly directed I continue to grow, and Spam as the empire shrinking back into its original proportions. continue to grow, and Spam as the empra &hnnkmg back into its original proportions. Afterwards he passed in review the great empires of antiquity and the middle ages to enforce this view. The Chairman said the lecture was an intellectual treat, and had almost inspired him to enlist. (Laughter.) An interesting discussion followed.

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I EXCEPTIONALLY THIN I WITH WEAK DIGESTION. GAINED 11 LBS. IN WEIGHT. MADE STRONG AND HEALTHY BY DR. CASSELL'S TABLETS. I Mr. W • C. Shad well. Mr. W. C. Shad- well; 17, Woodrow- terrace, Forest-road, j Melksham, Wiite., j writes:—"i feel it my duty to write you a Testimonial in praise of Dr. Cas- sell's Flesh-Forming and Strengthening and Strengthening Tablets. I was ex- ceptionally thin, ow- ing to the Weakness of the digestive sys- tem, being unable to assimilate my food. 11 suffered from weak stomach and constipa- tion. My weight before commencing the treatment was just over 9 stone in three weeks there was an increase in weight of 4 lbs., and I could enjoy mv food better than for years. I oontinued for four months, and can palely say a complete cure has been effected. I now weigh 10 st. 2 lbs., and do not feel the slightest trace of indigestion I gave up the Tablets 6ome time ago and still maintain mv good health. Dr. Cassell's Flesh-Forming and Strength- ening Tablets will add at east 1 lb. per week to vour weight, fill out the weak parts of your body and improve your physical ap- pearance, because they rure mai-nufcrition (a very common complaint), 1 in prove dIgestion and feed the body and brain. 1 hey absorb superfluous fat and convert it into healthy flesh. An excess of fat is unnatural and should be reduced. If assimuatio is per- fect more actual nourishment 16 created which goes into blood, bone and muse e no fat, ana therefore adds physical and ^enj strength. Dr. Cassell's Tablets remedj fective assimilation, they renew youth a j delay the appearance of odd age, and cuTe the most pronounced cases of j Leanness of Bed Wasting; Diseases General Weakness Anaemia Wrecked Nerves Indigrestion Paralysis of Nerves Mai-Nutrition Loss of Flesh Kidney Weakness and aU diseases arising from physical and nerve exhaustion. W e could no more ex- plain the marvellous action of this extraor- dinary tablet than yon can explain the chem- ical phenomena which produces electricity. It is the tablet everybody requires. lO.yi. and 25. 9d., at all Chemists and Drug Stores everywhere, or post frce from the famous Dr. "Cassell's Co., Ltd., King-street West, Manchester. Advice free by letter. ======================

LLANSAMLET EISTEDDFOp. HISTORIAN OF THE PARISH. An eisteddfod was held at Parish Hail, Llansamlet, on Saturday. Liberal prizes were offered for literature. Presidents ware Alderman J. Jordan (Parcyderi), and Mr. li. T. Williams (Baglan House), and adjudica- tors were Music, Mr. loan Williams, A.R.C.M., Pontardawe; literature, Mr. 1j. Prioe (Ap lonawr), Llansaaulet: hnci prize | bags, Mrs. J. M Griffiths, The Vicarage- Mr. A. H. Thomas, J.P. and Ap lonawr were conductors. Awards:— Four male voice parties competed, the test piece being "Away to the Forest" 1, "True Boys," Llwynbrvrydrau (conductor,; Mr. W. D. Roberts). The winner was in- vested by Mr. Jordan, Parcyderi. In the mixed choirs competition, Bethel Choir, Llansamlet, led by Mr. Dd. Evans, were awarded the prize. I Duet (tenor and bass), J. Braaell (LLan- elly), and E- S. Evans (Manselton). Baritone or bass soio: Morlais Evans, Morriston. I Tenor, "Dreaming e'er of thee" Divided between John Brazell and Dd. Beddoe, _,I Llansamlet. Soprano, "Chwifior C&dach Gwyn" M'ss Emily Ivy, Llansamlet. Pianoforte solo (.under 13): Miss E. Thomas, Swansea. I Solo (under 15) "Return to thy home" 1, Emily Ivy 2, Nancy BeaJe, Swansea. Solo (children under 12 years): Ivor Sims ( (Morriston), and Edwin Neil (Llansamle*). Pianoforte solo (under 16): Master E. Jones, Morriston. Violin solo (under 14) Master Rufus Har- Jones, Morriston. Violin solo (under 14) Master Rufus Har- ris, Gowerton. Trio of flutes, "Niuddlan March." 1nd I "Caerphilly March" Members of St. John s, Clvdach. t Welsh recitation (above 18 vears): Miss M. Evans, Cwrotwrdh. English recitation, "Burial of Sir John Moore" Master D. W. Roberts, Moo'-e j Town, Skewen. Welsh recitation (txwJer 14) D. W. Rob erts. Prize-ba. 2 Miss Liszae Jones, CI yd ach, and Miss Williams, Gowerton. A special j prize was given by Mrs. Griffiths to Miss R. I A Powell. Welsh Elegy to the late Rev. Vicar Mor- gan. Llansamlet. father of Dr. E. Rice Mor- gan Mr. Jones. Brecon, the prize being £ 2 2s.. and a portrait of the vicar. Essay. "Hanes Plwvf. Llansamlet": Mr. Hopkin Owen, Owm, Bonymaen, Llansam- let. Four verses to "laansarnlet. Parish Church Tower": M'r. John Phillips ("Treforfad >> Morriston. Welsh essay on "Value of tearhi^fi! S as an asset in the education of Welsh c dren" The prize and a 6 poems went to Mr. John Phillips, Morns- k°TransIataon (Welsh into English and F.i^ lish into We-Uh) Emlyn Griffiths. Llan- samlet. and G. Phillips, Morriston.

APOSTLE OF THE "NEW THEOLOGY." REV. R. J. CAMPBELL COMPLAINS OF ATTACKS BY CRANKS. Rev. R. J. Campbell, the apostle of the "new theology," preaching at, City Temple, London, on Sunday, said: "1 should think that every crank in Chris- tendom must have written to me within the pact fortnight-(laughter)-and probably every epithet in the dictionary—and a few that are not in the dictionary—has been flung by way of insult at me by many who think that by that method they render ser- vice unto God. "Nothing has served to demonstrate more fully and completely the moral powerlessneSt; of the so-called religious orthodoxy of to- day that the spirit shown and the methods adopted by these defenders of the faith." ("Hear, hear" aod "Shame I") BRITON FERRY VICAR S PRONOUNCE- MENT. The announcement that the Rev. T. Lloyd Williams, B.A., Briton Ferry, would preach on "The New Theology," drew a large con- gregation to St. Clement's Church on Sun- day morning. Liberty of thought, said the Vicar, had been allowed in the Church throughout the ages on all matters outeide fundamental truths. The statement of Mr. Campbell that "to say Jesus Christ was of Virgin birth was untrue," implied that he was illegiti- mate. They were told that they were not bound to believe in the doctrines of the Fall, the Virgin birth, the Atonement, or the infallibility 01 the Bible. These were in done away with. What had they left? One word would express tha.t belief, vii., Pan- theism, or a mixture of Buddhism and Uni- tarianism. These beliefs were held by bun-1 dreds of Nonconformist ministers and theij j laity. They had not the courage to «Pf™t out, and it increased his respect for tb« min- ister of the City Temple for the courageous expression of opinions which were very pre- valent in the Nonconformist churc'ies. This doctrine gave them no hope or offered no comfort. As Churohpeople they had their track to follow and had their creeds. Were it not for them, he (the speaker) would him- self have been an atheist.

Workmen* were employed clearing away debris at Aberavon Market after the recent fire, and the stalls, etc., will now probably be erected temporary in the old place.

TRADE AT WEST WALES PORTS KEPOBTS FROM. SWANSEA- LLANELLY. AND FOKT TALBOT. ADVERSE EFFECT OF EXTEAOEDINAKI ,c „ WEATHEB. (Specially Compiled for the "Daily Post. v. a* Monday.—The extraordinary weather experienced in the past week had Kwi 60 on lbe trade of tiie 00ru Although, however, the conditions were I D- ta\ouraDl^, the general result was gatinfac- tory, a slignt increase being shown 00m- j a red wit-i. the corresponding period of iafet. year loo import trade Waf, unusually quiet," anú the cleamneei of general goods below the average. but considerable activity was aisplayed in the coal and patent fuel trade, c, ^hiJPmew^ of ooal and patent fuel were 81,699 tons. Imports delude—Frar.oe, 645 tons and :1.5 tons general; Germany, 240 tons general: ifclland and Belgium. 170 tons general; J Sweden, 465 tons general; Bolivia 7U0 tons^J New York. 644 tons general. Coal Shipments-Sweden. 1.280 tons Ger- miany, 1,760 tons; Holland and Belgium, 1,260 tons; Prance 58.425 tons: Spain, 1,950 tens, Portugal. 1,530 tons; Gibraltar, 300 t(.ns: Italy. 6,S2G tont; Egypt, 3.665 tons; Tunis, 1,850 tons, and home porte, 6,129 tons. Patent fu?l—France, 1,500 tons; Spain. 2 530 tons; Italv 4,400 tons; Tunic. 3,600 tons; Algeria. 1.800 tons. Importe-9,353 tons; exports. 89.225 tons; and total trade, 98,578 tons; compared with 103,093 tons the previous week, and 97.142 tons the corresponding week last year. Shipments ot coal. 67.869 tons. patent fuel 13,&3Q tons, and tinplates and general goods. '*s 7*526 tons, the latter for Sweden, Germany, He Hand, Belgiim. France. PortugaL Ita!y.i Brazil, New York. and home ports. r Shipments of tinplate. 41.399 boxes; and receipts from works. 67.145 boxes.. Stocks in the dock warehouses, and vara, 127,124 boxes, compared with 101.378 boxes this day week, and 225,343 boxes at this date last year. • To load general cargo in the current week: MeneHns (Japani. Machinaw (Phila~„ delphia). Jersey City tNew York), Veria. (Mediterranean Ports;, Thasos (Batcum and Odessa), City of Berlin (Hamburg), Juno (Amsterdam), Hero Rotterdam and Ant- werp), Achilles (.Nanteo and Bordeauv), IXuro (Copenhagen ard Stettin;. Hilda ■.Baltic ports). Vessels ir. dock Saturdav. Steam 45: sail, 08; total, 83. F*,0ST WOBKS HAVOC AT POBT TALBOT. jr 'roe* was responsible for much delay wftfrt e business at Port Talbot Docks last 21 °f the tips being idle for nearly ninac k •on account of the hydraulic water v trrni»«(ln' froisen. There was plenty of f available and when the tips were 1 j, mVl^'orking order good business was nn ti,fet,,rna 8how a decrease of 4,?5C „-iiH_pry,vi°us week ard 1.396 tons 00 !T= period of 1906. The by 3,645 tons and imports 1,100 xonr. The frf* the returns:— Exports-Coul (for,:ien ports), 27,561 ooal icoa^*lS(<^ 4.620 tons,; fuel. 2,905 tons; tinplates, 70_ tous. total. 35.156 tons. 1 Imports. Tirob r 1,300 tons; pitwood, 554 tons; ballast. 7W tons; pig. ipon 144 ton4. pitch, 170 tons; scrap iron. 80 tons: general. 35 tons- total shipments, 37,943 tons. j Vessels in Dock on baturday. Steaia 38; bail 14. "VERY POOR WEEK" AT LLANELLV. The share frost of vhe past week al«v» hampered the shipping at Llanelly Dock* and a, times it was impossible to work some cf the tip = Tho week's work at the docks has been a very poor one compared -iti that of thv- previous week and there wap a reduction in the aggregate of over 10.r.00 tons. It was rot expected that the would 1 be a very brisk one owing to the neap *irfes. but to make mutters worse the cutting winds of the past few days haf made tho tides about 2ft. 6in to 3ft. lees than sboWll ] on the tide tp,hie. The dredgers have also J done but little work owing to the pipes be- ilJg frozen The f otal shipments amcurtel to 4,950 tonp against *5.000 tons last week. 5.000 tons were < oai and 1,000 tons tinplates. The impor'p amounted to 95C wns- The coal trade is .s busy as it can be *n<? prices are being raised continually. C)I lieries ill round continue busy and the de- mand for both anthracite and hitnreiDo^- Qualities is unusually active. Orders are- i plentiful and it is impossible for some cf if the collieries to accept any ".ore for the next few weeks.. The activity ait the maru- facturing wcrke is causing a big demand in the Qualities suitable for their purpose V *nd almost fancy prices are beine obtained, f The cold weether now experienced has Trade things boom in the house coal fuelp aid prices have again been raised, the better sorts reaching 25s. per ton In all proba- bility the miners' representatives will ?<>ek" an advance in watres on the 1st proximo and' thf ctinior is fh"t at least 2« pet cent, will be allowed the men. The inplate trade is still moving satis- factorily and all works are in full empjoy Order books are in good condition for tii,. first quarter of the year and it is vox • likely that prices will be lowered ,:i1.t yet The difficulty now experienced V scarcity of steel bars. The 1 MM wnaMe to keep pace with the deroa fereign bars are being imported to requirements The steel works are doine well m.nA r busy as i-hey can be. Messrs. 5!h.cv Thomas and Co are erecting now frrna"* at their works.

INCOME TAX. Owners of hom\oe property whose incom. fall below £ 700, often omit to get back thf over-paid property t-ax. Although they c« often recover as much as P,30, they jSW ally go on year after year allowing tlu t. 5 to be deducted from their rents, anc ne- e think of enquiring whether they can iRl back. Persons in receipt of incomes from ie: gages, ground rente, sto2ks and share.- an7' Government funds, often show the sar 1 gleet of their own interests, yet when had the income for some years they v, J, entitled to a repayment of Income ranging in amount from L15 14s- £31 6s. 8d., providing .their total r; ,.t come does not exceed i>/00. A repayment of Income Tax can claimed upon the premiums P81 for ii suranoe. In all classes *teims Pr™1 Ja" necessary, tbere \s ua Presf™bed tir which t&> claims must be made. Fun information, free of charce, fron Income Tax Recovery Agency. 21We1 ton Place. Hastings, on receipt of aider envelope and particulars of income. -#

ALL ABOUT CANADA. MR. CRAWSHAY WILLIAMS' SWAN- SEA LECTURE. Mr. Crawsbay W illiams, son < Arthur Williams, ex-M.P. for Glamorgan, and a nephew of Mr. an M. B. Williams, Kiliay House, gav. lightful lecture on "Canada" at b •• i Public Library on Saturday evenin C. H. Perkins presided over a crow tendance. The lecture was illustrated by photo- graphic slides. He said he had never met a nation more hospitable than the Canadians who were .1- tremely good to the Englishman, pr<jv.<i he was not the kind of Englishman who usually thought he was so much better iuaa the people he met abroad which, Mr. W11- liams was afraid, was a failure of .M-S. (Laughter.) On the question of emig-twuoD, he expressed no fear of the Americans, who constituted 55 per cent of the immigrant* for last year, annexing Canada. It was curious how little you saw of Eng- land in the newspapers, said Mr. W liiams, and he thought it was a p ty. It W,')U'd. be well if some bureau of infonnati-r.. or cable agency could be established by w hich ample news of the various Colonics wouJd be telegraphed and in this connection he wel- comed the proposed lower postage rai«6, <>* that would enable the Canadians o got some of the English magazines, not i*e>cau_,e they were any better reading- but beca-aee of the advertisements in ttJem. which.wera English and which would to foster Eng- lish commerce. (Hear, hear.) Men who were to work an rougji it were wanted in Canada, and speai. .{ the cosmopolitan of t.be peon;e. the lecturer said there was absolutely n.. comv parison betwvoo Canadian politics and Eng- lish politics, for one v >nservative n.ember whom be met would, if he came to E'nglan<ir be ,a follower of Keir Hardi< mkI.t- jjjg fiwm kis views on land and the Tiat-weuJ ^ffurces. The Canadians did not want to interfere with us or for us to interfere, with them, thoogh they were perfectly re; .y 100 come to our help. (Hear, hear. He thought an interchange of not only or8ct>fS, but whole bodies of troops between s .11d our Colonies, was in some ways to -it- sired. He could wish the Mother t tiT7 would take -lie Colonies more into < -vr- tion in schemes of imperial defenct H"¡'T, hear.) The great farming and agricultural possibilities of Canada were &11uded in and in conclusion Mr. Williams urged that we shaaJd get to know, in this country. r->ore erf oar marvellous dependencies. nd **«s wanted was a better understanding the English people at home apV™. peoples who were English and En., a it sub- ject* throughout the world- (Applavse }

9 ■- teen of the Imperial party, five Poles, thirty-one Clericals, fifty-eight National Lib- erals, fifty Radicals, ninety-two Socialists, and some thirty-five of the smaller parties. It is generally expected that the secoml ballots will show a continuance of the So- cialist reverse, and that instead of Holding 81 seats as in 1903, they will only hold 53 to 58. Yet Bebel and Singer, their leaders, had counted on winning ten to fifteen, whereas their net loss is nineteen. The most striking thing about the Socialist defeat is that the cause has lost ground chiefly in the large cities and in these great centres of industry where hitherto it. has celebrated its greatest triumphs. Their vot- ing power Has gone back materially in West- phalia, in the Rhine Provinces, in Silesia, and such strong towers as Kcenigsberg, Breslau, Magdeburg, Leipzig, and Halle have been torn from their grasp. Herr Be- bel comes back not only with diminished forces, but with forces shorn of all their prestige. It is in- Saxony that Herr Bebel has suffered most severely, the "Red King- dom," as it was previously called by his ad- herents, is red no longer. Even where the Socialists have been re- turned, their majorities have heavily dim- inished. In a word, Buelow has beaten Be- bel, and the Kaiser's policy of Colonial en- terprise have received the assent of his peo- ple in a most striking, even sensational manner.