The Cambrian

SWANSEA DISTRICT. At At^r&Ton on Tuesday. Ellen Maclean, no sxrd abode, received 14 days for drunken and li so *d«rly behaviour on Monday even. iag. ASe: "(1 County bench on Monday gramted. ¡ CJ. i.iwn Morgan, Angel Hotel. Kenftg Hill. at O> i.- onal Hoeooe for the Marram COOTS- .a^r ag on the 21st ivet. At Aberdare on Monday John Hughes, r £ ur ara bone dealer, of North Wales, and v.io h,,6 been residing at Swansea, was re- maiideu to Wednesday, charged with the Ir.*p-<U)r Weeks, of Gowerton, police- ser~e&r'- formerly at Ynysybwl. was present- »e-i in illuminated address and a mo- roc:< -c"und Bible on Monday evening at Gl)n->Lr; et Chapel, Ynysybwl, on the occa- sion of a is promotion. The f ineral of the late Mrs. MaTy Sulli- van. re of Mr. Michael Sullivan, Wern Hoi-'s-e Abewon, took place at St. Joseph's Rond. Catholic Cemetery. The attendance aL the cemetery included the Mayor and Counci lor Jenkin Morgan. Rev. Father Yaig;,m officiated. At Vberavon on Monday, Alfred Bryan, no address given, was charged with drun- kenness at the G.W.R. Station. Defendant a/imit^d he had been drinking heavily .1-11 the week- He came from Belfast and had been looking for work.—Fined 2s. 6d. and costs, or five days. At the annual meeting of the Gowerton Conservative Club. Mr. P. D. Atkins presid- ing. Coi. J. R. 'Wright was unanimously elected president. Mr P. D. Atkins wa« r^" elected chairman and treasurer, and Mr. Wallace J. Harris secretary. The balance sheet showed the club to be in a very ,atIs- factory position financially. At Aberavon on Tuesday William "lBoiTas, labourer, Water-street, was charg- ed with stealing candles, value Is. od., and a hammer, value Is., property of Port Talbot Iron and Steel said he arrested prisoner, who had the ar- ticles mentioned in the first case m his pos- session.—Prisoner was remanded on bail, hinvself in £25, and two sureties of £10 until Friday. At Aberavon County Court on Wednes- day several judgment summonses were celled. The Judge was informed that deb- tors were out of employment, which caused him to remark: "If a man is not working I never make an order." Later the Judge remarked, "I wish you would make enquir- ies before issuing the summons to find out if a debtor is working or not." Mi&s Tillie odycombe, the Pon>tardawe contralto who was sent to the London. Royal College of Music by Mr. Gilbertson, is making rapid progress in her studies. To assist her in continuing them, a concert Has been arranged, which will be held at Pon- tardawe on March 9th, and in which the following artistes have promised to ap- pear, in addition to Miss Bodycorobe her- geif Soprano, Miss M. Squire, Cardiff; tenor, Mr. Ifo<r Walter, Swansea; bass, Mr. tenor, Mr. Ifo<r Walter, Swansea; bass, Mr. David Hughes, Landore. 'Cello and clar- ionet soioswill also be rendered by local ex- perts. I St. David's Church, Hendv, held their an- nual tea and social meeting on Thursday evening at the National Schools. Tastefully decorated tables were presided over by Mrs. R. H. Sampson, )Ii.es Bright, Davies, M. M. Davies, A. Marker, Hilda Isaac, L. Wil- liams, Axume Bow en aEid Peters. Rev. Roger Williams presided at a concert, contributed to as fallows :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Cerid- wen Hopkins pianoforte duet, Misses H. Isasc "nrj Marker songs. Misses Sampson, MAI V, Jones and M. M. Da-vies; duets. )fist2.r. H. Morris and M. J. Williams, Messrs J. J. Hill and M. M. Davies; recitations,! Miss Sampson, Mr. W. H. Mathias;hiunor- ist, Mr. Elt. Mr. Ceredig Williams accom- panied. j Oyster mouth Choral Society on Monday night performed Sir Sterndale Bennett's cantata "The May Queen," followed by a miscellaneous selection, at the Parish Hall, under the baton of Mr. E. A. Morris, I A.R.C.O., with an orchestra. under Miss Muriel Cavill. The principal artistes were —Miss Edith Harlington, soprano; Miss Rebie Watkins. contralto; Mr. Ivor Wal- ¡' ters, tenor; and Mr. Joedah Thomas, bass. A miscellaneous programme followed, to which the above artistes and Miss Cavill I contributed, Mr. D. Lewis accompanying. The funeral took place on Monday of Mr. John Oliver Thomas, wireman, who was I killed at Pantyffynon Colliery on Thursday, the interment being at Christian Temple Burial Ground, Ammanford. Revs. T. C. Evans (Ammanford), S. Williams (Pontar- dawe), and — Richards (Cross Hands) offi- ciated. Wreaths were sent by the work- men at Pantyffynon Colliery and the Christ- ian Temple Sunday School. At Aberavon on Monday, Mary Jane DSTMI, Cwmavon. summoned her husband, Wm. Davies. collier. Duflryn. for desertion. Mr. L. M. Thomas said that though hia client was prepared to return to her hus- band, there waa little hope of a reconcilia- tion. Defendant offered 8s. per week. Defendant said hp earned 4s. 6d. per day. He was willing: to return t.o her if she, came to a hou?e with him. He would not live with his wife's aunt. Mr. L. Thomas: You are the fourth son who has run a.-ray from his wife? I don't see what that has to do with this. Clerk: It seems to run in the blood, fiaughter). Chairman: Kind of a homer pigeon. Dr. Jones: Are you prepared to take a house and return to your wife? Defendant: I can't get a house in Cwm- avon. Defendant was given two weeks to make suitable arrangements. CLYDACH FIRE INSTRUCTIONS. At "Clydach Parish Council on Thursday evening, Mr. Evan Lloyd presiding, a letter was received from the Midland Rail-way intimating they had granted the Council's request to run a down train at 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The G.W.R. i6 again to be written to regarding the protection of an alleged dangerous spot on Clydach canal bank. Instructions were approved by which members of the public, when a fire occurs, are requested to telephone to the Mood Nickel Works requesting the hooter to be blown, thereby summoning the Cly- dach Fire Brigade, and to telephone the location of the fire to Messrs. Rees, Saw Mils, or J. Davies, newsagent. Miss Louisa Godfrey and Mr. David Richards, two members of Siloam Chapel. Killay, the latter a deacon and a resident of Dunvant, having passed away recently, a funeral service was held on Sunday even- ing. Miss H. A. Richards, organist, play- ed the "Dead Marh in Saul," and atlso God shall wipe away all tears," an ori- ginal composition by her father, Mr. B. J. Richards. Rev. W. J. Lewis delivered a + >->oughtful address. Appropriate hymns were syng. Villiers Tinplate workmen. Briton Ferry, held their annual dinner and social ?ath erlng at the Boyal Dock Hotel, Briton Ferry, on Saturday night. Mr. Thomas Thomas, chief clerk, took the chair at the proceedings subsequent to the dinner, read- ing several Setters of apology, including one from Mr. F. H. Taylor, director. The band gave an overture, under Mr. Thomas Jones' conductorship Messrs. G. Thomas. James Thomas, G. Williams, gave songs, R. Jones and A Jones flute and violin FOIOS, and D Davies recitcd. Tb-. *~<u»t of the manager. Mr Jones, was given by Mr. R. and G. Jones also spoke. Nicholls, and Messrs. D Reee. G. Samuel At Ocean Colliery, Blaenganv, on Satur- day, William John Jones, haulier, of James- road, Blaengarw, was run over by a full txMB of coal and killed. J

NEATH. [ j At Neath on Friday, John Stevens, hawk- tng traveller, of Aberavon, was fined lCs. or seven days for being drunk while in charge of two horses at Melincrythan. At Neath on Friday, Oliver Phillips, boy, Frederick-place, Llansamlet, who said he was a. driver for Mr. J. W. Llewellyn, gro- cer, Neath, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs for driving without lights. Expressions of sympathy with the rela- tions of the late Mr. F. J. Gibbins, J.P., were made at Neath County Police Court on Friday by Mr. E. Powell, chairman of magistrates, Mr. Evan Jones and the clerk. At Neath on Friday, Wm. Jenkms, col- lier, Dynevor-road, Skewen, was nned 17s. 6d. for drunkenness.—Samuel Williams, collier. 69, Neath-road, Neath Abbey, was nnpd los.—Davitd Jones, collier, "Sunny- bank," Mooretown, was fined 12s. 6d. Neath Coroner has been notified of the death of Phyllis Mary Jones, eleven weeks old, daughter of Alfred Jones, clerk to Mr. Evans Bevan- The child was found dead in bed on Monday. I QUARRELLED WITH MR. TRUEMAN. At Neath on Monday, David Reynolds, Penydre, was fined 5s. for using bad lan- guage.—P.C. Thomas said defendant was quarrelling with Mr. Trueman.

LLANDILO. At Llandilo 80 objections to licenses under the Dogs Act, 1906, were heard, j Fifty-four were refused, 25 allowed, and one adjourned. Mrs. Swiney, wilenf Major Swiney, Royal Engineers, etutioned at Lahore, India, ar- rived at her home in Liaasdilo on Tuesday for a. three months' stay.

WEDDING BELLS AT PONTAR- DAWE. MISS GERTRUDE SUFF—MR. POOLE, EXCHANGE HOTEL. The wedding was solemnised at St. Peter's Church, Pontardawe, on Tuesday morn»ng, of Miss Gertrude Suff, eldest daughter of Mr. William Suff, High-street, Pontardawe, and Mr. Probert Poole, of the Royal Exchange Hotel, Pontardawe. There was a full choral service. Mr. Henry Jenkins, F.R.C.O., organist, presided at the organ, and the officiating ministere were the Rev. T. Maddo :ks Jones, B.A., and I. R. Mor- gan. The bride was prettily attired in blue, with chiffon hat to match. The bridesmaids were Miss Lena Suff and Miss Annie Poole,- and the bride was given away by her bro- ther, Mr. Bert Suff, whilst the duties of best man were carried out by Mr. E. H. Poole. The happy couple subsequently left for Bristol and Bath for their honeymoon. There were many presents.

SLIPPED ON THE ICE POND. CURIOUS END OF AN YSTRADGYN- LAIS SCHOLAR. FALL THAT SET UP INFLAMMATION. An inquest was held at Yetradgynlais Police Station, on Saturday, into th- death of Mark Daviee, 17, son of Mr. W. Davies, grocer, of Gough's Buildings. From the evidence of a lad named Ben- jam in Williams, it seems deceased and other boys went eliding on a pond in the Patches. Whilst there Mark was noticed to be sitting on the side of the pond, and. upon witness enquiring, the latter was told deceased had fallen and injured h:f hip. Nothing was said of this at home, Mid the boy was about the following day, nothing much being noticed the matter. In a few days, however, he got worse, and Drs. Thomas and Lewis, of Ystalyfera, attend- ed. They found him suffering from perios- titis-infianunation of the membrane of the hip bone. An operation was performed by Dr. Brooks of Swansea, but deceased never properly rallied, and died on Thursday last. VeTdict in accordance with the medical testimony of Dr. Lewis, given above. The funeral took place in the afternoon, those present including Mr. A. B. Sully, headmaster, and the staff and scholars of Ystalyfera County School, of which deceased had been a pupil. The bodv was carried into the chorcfi by four of his fellow scholars. Revs: J. Wil- liams, Tabernacle, W. Griffiths, Cwmgiedd, and T. J. Teague (curate), officiated. —»

=======.=====-====———= GORSEINON WATER AND DRAIN-, AGE SCHEME. SWANSEA GOVERNMENT INQUIRY HELD IN PRIVATE. At Swansea District Council Offices on Tiwsday A Local Government Board en- quiry was held into Gorsemcn water and drainage scheme, for which work £14000 is required. The inquiry was conducted by Co. Slacke, R.E., who at the outset intimated that the proceedings would be conducted in private, and asked the press to retire. j It will be recalled that last summer an inquiry was held at Qorseinon into the mat- ter, but on that occasion Cockett Parish Council, through its representatives, ob- jected to the apportionments. That diffi- culSy baa now, we understand, been re- moved, and all now necessary was to make the hnal application for borrowing the money. Thoee present included Major Lewis (chairman of the District Council), Messrs J. W. Johnston (vice-chairman), J. H. Ros- ser, F. H. Glynn Prioe, Ben Mathews D Jones, and John Bevan and Ben Jones of the Cockett Council. Mr. E. Harris (clerk to the Council), Mr. Morgan Davies (en- gineer), and Mr. T. T. Williams (surveyor), were also present. COCKETT PARISH'S OBJECTIONS. At the conclusion of the inquiry we were informed that the whole matter was gone into again. Discussion took place as to how the figures of the apportionment were ar- rived at, whether by the rateable value of the parish it was proposed to serve by ',ha scheme or upon the whole population of the several parishes. Colonel Slack also gave a. hearing to the Cockett Parish overseers re their objections to the apportionments, and Mr. J. Bevan, an overseer, was asked by the inspector to mention his alternative proposition, and the inspector pointed out that in arriving at h* figures Mr. Bevan disregarded the rate- able value of the parish. It transpired after Mr. Bevan's &1- ternative proposition that he only differed from the Council apportionment by £200. and that this amount was spread over a period of thirty years for repayment, and only came to about £7 per annum. The District Council on this difference alone. thought that all difficulties ought to bo I brushed aside. The inspector's report will be made known in due course.

I AMERICAN TINNED MEATS. Sir WalteT Foster, M.P. has returned from a trip to the United Spates, the coraS of which he paid a visit to Chicago, in ad- dition to other principal industrial centres. In an interview with a press representative Sir Walter Foster describes the reports cir- culated with regard to American Tinned Meats as preposterous exaggerations. He declares that the American Tinned Meat Trade as a whole is carried on under con- ditions whic-h would satisfy the most fasti- dious. This first hand testimony, coming from such a distinguished exponent of medi- cal science, will reassure many who were somewhat alarmed on account of certain re- ports, which have been publisihed on the subject.

LLANDOVERY. BOWDDWRETTES. (By" Dyfri.") The examination of tihe candidates for the vacant survey ship in this Union was conducted by MT. Howard, the Brecon County surveyor, at the Town Hall on Wed- nesday last. I wonder how many survived the ordeal? The aippoin-tment takes place on the 15th prox. Notwithstanding an expenditure of JE198 add, the last Whit-Monday contests have Ye- sulted in JE44 surplus being addied to the coffers of the Improvement Committee. No wonder tlb..e committee were jubilant after hearing the treasurer's report. Thanks to the smartness of the staff at our post office, leters addressed "Road Severe" and "Road Several'' respectively were duly delivered to Mr. Evan Williams, surveyor. The attendance at the last Improvement Committee was very sparse indeed, just the few faithful ones as usual. The Hockey Club has now abandoned six successive matches. Ofo, dear! what can the matter be? The last game played was on December 13toh, and the Ibext figure is arranged for the 21st inst., unless, in the interim, the' Col- legians are met. Now, "Green and Whites," buck up, and don't let people say you are down-hearted Next Saturday, the 23rd inst., the famous Swansea team will pa.y us a. visit, and if regular practice is pursued, the homesters should just snatch a victory. The Licensing Sessions passed very quietly. All licenses were renewed, with four excep- tions, which were formally adjourned on ac- count of convictions during the past year. Mr. Morton, Erskine House, delivered the following lines at a banquet given one day Lasct week — Little drops of whisky, Little drops of gin, Lead from patihs of virtue To ruin and to sin. Little drops of AHsopp, Little drops of Bass, 'Steal away the senses, And make a man an ass. But little drops of water, Never äsagtree; Water, sparkling water, That's the drink for me. Alas too true The Rev. Morris Jones, a. North Wales minister, delivered a stirring lecture on "Temperance" at the Tabernacle Chapel on Thursday evening last. Readers will be pleased to h<ear that the vicar is making every satisfactory progress. The following notice appears in one of our boot establishments: "Prime Hay for Sale-Apply Within. Sounds strange in a leather shop? An "anonymous'' letter, sent to the secre- tary of the Improvement Committee, was read at the last meeting suggesting a change in the timbering adjudicators. WThat a pity the writer did not have the courage of his corrvictioni; the epistle was treated suit- ably. The Rev. Volander Jor.es, Pentretygwyn, will again be the conductor at the Whit- Monday contests. H;,s store of original witticisms just suits him for the posiiton, too. PETTY SESSIONS. The usual fortnightly sessions were held at the Town Hall on Friday last, the magis- trates present being Mr. E. P. Lloyd, Glan- sevin; Col. Lloyd Harries, Llwyndewi; Mr. C. P. Lewis, Llandmgat; Mr. J. Wil- liams, Tirvpentre; Mr. Isaac Haley, Glan- brane Park; and Mr. John Davies, Abor- ltechach. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A POST- MAN. Thomas Evans, a rural postman in the employ of the Postmaster General, at Llan- dovery Post OfSce. was brought up on re- mand, charged with stealing a. registered letter containing tihe sum of £3 13s. 5d. in money, the property of the Postmaster Gen- eral, and handed to him on the 17th Dec- ember last Considerable interest was cen- tred in the case, both in the town and dis- trict, where the accused was well-known, and it created no surprise there to find the hall crowded during the hearing.—Mr. T. R. Ludtford, solicitor, LLanelly, prose- cuted, on behalf of tihe Postmaster General, and Mr. T. Phillips, solicitor, Llandovery, daclen<1led the prisoner, who was allowed to sit by his advocate. Mr. Ludfcrd, in opening, said that the charge was a serious one, and proceedings were taken under Section Z6 of the Post Office Offences Act, 1837, undeT which the magistrates had no option but to commit the prisoner to the Assizes if a prima facie caise was made out. Having detailed at some length the facts of the case, the follow- ing evidence was adduced. Winifred Jones, Rhandirmwyn, reposed that on the 17th Dec. last she had occasion to send a letter to Messrs. Robinson Brown, Royal Silk Warehouse, Macclcsifeld.—She addressed a Post Office Registered Envelope to the firm, and placed therein £3 in gold a half-sovereign in gold a quantity of sil- ver (Which she would be certain of) and twopence in coppers; making a total of ,£3 13s. 5d.—ThM money she tied up in a paper, and closed the envelope.—-She did not place any sealing wax on it.—She gave the letter to her brother to pest, who sub- sequently brought heir the receipt (pro- duced). Morgan Jones, a brother of the last wit- ness. said that he was at school at Teilo House, Llandilo. His home was at Ystrad- ffin, aitxl was there on the 17th December last-. He remembered thst on that day his .aster gave him a registered letter, ad<tressed to Robinson Brown. This letter was closed wiien he received it. He handed the letter to Mrs. Owen, the sub-postmistress, at | Rhandirmwyn, and he received the receipt produced. CrcFs-examiraed The Post Office was 3? miles distant from his home. He could teU there was money in the envelope, but he did not tell Mrs. Owen this. The Govern- me^t. stamp w?r on the envelope when he posted it, and Mrs. Owen placed the letter in a drawer. Elizabeth Owen, wife of David Owen, and Sub-Postmistress of Rhandirmwyn, said she remembered the 17th December last. On that day she received a registered letter from Morgan Jor ?s. of Ystradffin. and she gave him a receipt out of the Posting Book, which f he produced. The receipt produced was t.h.o orn she had gÍ-wn. She also en- tered tihe particulars on the counterfoil a.s well. She also made a record on the Iettor- bill (produced). She put on the letter-bill the "Head Postmaster." opposite numbeT one liri?, and "Pobinson Brown or Brown," opposite number two line. The postman (prisoner) called abont five minutes to two o'clock and ehe harded to him t\> regis- tered letters, one addressed to the Postmaster, Swansea." and the other to Robinson Brown." She told him that tbere were two registered tetters for him to sign for, and he signed for them. He signed fo1' the letter addressed to "Robinson Brown" on the small receipt produced. The pris- oner's signature, testifying to his having received the registered letter, appeared on the counterfoil produced. He then laced the two registered letters in his bag. She saw him do this. The letter-bill (produced) was the one she gave him on the 17th Dec. last. It was then perfectly clear, and op- poeite the second line was the entry "Robinson Brown," which had now b3en erased. Cross-examined: She had been ]::()¡-t- mistress for many years, and thoroughly understood her duties. There was no one hrt herself at the Post Office when Morgan Jones brought the letter in. She placed the letter in the desk and not in a drawer. She identified the signature on the letter- bill as that of the prisoner, but admitted she did not see him sign it. She was cer- tain the prisoner was handed the letter on that day. Daniel Williams, the sub-postmaster at Cilycwm, stated that when the prisoner handed him the letter-bill there was no- thing on line number two thereon. He, however, noticed dirt on the paper. James Jones, the suVpostmaster at Llan- dovery. deposed that the prisoner had been employed at the Llandovery office for about 15 years. His duties as rural postman ex- tended from Llandovery to Rhandirmwyn. He saw prisoner about 4.30 p.m. on the 17th December last, when two registered letters were handed witness, both addrassed to the, Postmaster at Swansea. Prisoner also handed him the letter-bill, which he now produced. Cross-examined: He had never received any complaint about the prisoner before now. Ernest Crossley Whitehead, a. confidential cleark with Robinson Browm, Macclesfield, stated that he did not receive any registered letter posted at Rhandirmwyn lay Mies Winifred Jones on the 17th December last. Cross-examined further: All letters were attended to by him. and the firm in the course of a year received thousands of let- ters. Charles William Whitehurst said he was attached to the General Post Office, Lon- don. On the 30th January last he ques- tioned the prisoner about a registered letter posted by Miss Winifred Jones on the 17th December last. which contained money. Prisoner replied that he had never noticed it, and always placed the letters together in the bag. He admitted to witness that his signature appeared on the counterfoil dated December 17th, 1906, which con- tained an entry of the letter described. Prisoner then said that he might have had it, but. was not quite sure. Witness then told him that Mrs. Owen said that she had entered on line No. 2 in the way-bill, the letter in question, and that this had been erased, and a registered letter subsequently entered on that line at Cilycwm. Prisoner replied "I can't say anything about this as I never noticed it." Prisoner denied any knowledge of the erasure on the way-bill. Witness then handed him to Polke-Sergt. Deans. P.S. Deans testified arresting the pris- oned, who in reply to the charge said, "I know nothing about it." This was the evidence adduced for the pro*ieeution, and Mr. Phillips submitted that he had no case to answer, and alluded to the fact that Mrs. Owen, in particular, had given her evidence in a most hesitat- ing manner. Up to this charge no com- plaint had ever been made against this young man, although he had been in the Post Office service for 15 years. As to character, he had abundant evidence in court if necessary, and submitted most re- spectfully that no jury would convict on the evidence. The magistrates, after a short delibera- tio.n, announced that they considered that a prima facie case had been made out, and committed the prisoner for trial to the Assizes. On the application of Mr. Phillips, bail was allowed, the accused himself in JB50, aad two sureties in £25 each, which were forthcoming. LICENSES. These were the sessions for granting re- newals of licenses. Supt. Evans stated that there were in the division 42 ale-house licenses, and two off-licenses. The majority of the houses hod been well conducted, only two licensees having been convicted during the past year. Seventeen persons were proceeded against for drunkenness, as compared with 11 in the preceding year. He asked their worships to ho'd over until the adjourneu sessions the renewals of the White Hart, Butchers' Arms, White Swan, and Golden Lion, but as to the others he had no ob- jection to their being renewed. Their worships acted accordingly. DRUNK IN CHARGE OF HORSE AND CART. Thomas Thomas, of Drover's Farm, Por- thyrhyd, was charged by P.C. Edwards with being drunk in charge of two horses and a ca.rt on the highway. Complainant stated that on the 12th Jan- uary Last he found the defendant in Cily- cwm-road, leaning against the shaft of his gamboe, in a drunken condition. He woko defendant up and gave him in the care of a friend, whilst he placed the horses ill the New White Lion. Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. L. P. Lewis and John Smith, his servant man, admitted being drunk and disorderly in the borugh on the 16th ult. The for- mer was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, whilst the latter was let off on payment of the costs only. „ „ „ ANOTHER "D. AND D. Emmanuel Bayley, the landlord of the Butchers' Arms, was charged by the same constable, with being drunk and disowferly in Broad-street at 1.30 a.m., on the 19th Ul<Mr. Phillips, solicitor, Llandovery, on behalf of the defendant, admitted the of- fence, and apologised for the non-attendanoe of hi client who had been unexTe<^dly called away to his branch business at Here- A fine of 2s. 6d. and costs wasinflictsd. VACCINATION EXEMPTION- P C Reynolds, Cilycwm, applied for an exemption" order from vaccination m re- spect of his three-months -old child, gating that he had a conscientious objection tnere- to. Ihe application was granted. SALE OF FREEHOLD PROPERTY. On Friday last, at the Castle Hotel, Messrs. William and Walter James, auc- tioneers, Llandovery and Swansea, offered for sale, in one lot, the freehold villa resid- enoe and pasture land, known as "Bryn- heulog," and Penybont Sawdde," situate near Llangadock, in the County of Carmar- then, containing 22 acres, 3 roods, 2B perches by admeasurement, and of tine es- timated annual rental value of £ 70 7s. 6d. After a spirited bidding the -property was sold to Mr. W. Picton Davies, grocer. Aber- dare, for £2.270. Mr. T. Phillips, of Llan- dovery, acted as solicitor for the vendor. DEATH OF MISS ETHEL HANDLEY. The death of Miss Ethel Hamdley, tihe daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Handliey, of Rose Cottage, in this town, occurred m her 16tih year on Saturday morning last. The deceased had been undergoing treat- ment at the at Nort.hwood a.nd Hampstead for som months past, but re- turned to heT home a week ago apparently m a very weak state. She succumbed to that fell complaint, phthisis. The greatest sympathy is felt for the parents in their and affliction, as they have now lost three grown-up daughters within the last three years. The interment took place on Tues- day at Lla.ndin.gat, when a large number of relatives and friends attended the solemn rites. The funeral of Miss Eethel Ha,ndley, the Rose Cottage, took place on Tuesday last-, and was largely attended, amongst these forming the solemn cortege being: Mr. and Mrs. Hand-ley (parents) and fa.mily; Mrs. Daviies, Vale of Towy Factory, Llanwrda; Mr and Mrs. Joshua Jones, Barley mount; MT. ancd Mrs. T. Griffiths, North Western Hotofll; Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Lewie, Lletity- evnndde; \1T6. Jones. Brynteg; Messrs Tom and John Jones, Brynteg (mourners); the Revs. Gruffvdd Evans (curate); T. E. Thomas, Bailyglas; and H. Ifor James, Brecon Villa.; Alderman T. Watkins. Y Berllan; Aid. S. S'aundere Thomas, Bel- mont; Councillors T. Roberts, Crown Stores; J. Nicholas, High-street; R. Thomas, Ma,fe- king Villa; H. Havard, Northampton ) House; S. H. Price. Trafalgar House; J. J Evans, Castle-street: Mr. W. Jones, Alma j House; MT. G. Anthony. Stone-street: Mr. ) M. Griffiths. Penygawse: and Mr. D. I Clarke, Henllysfach. Dr. Thomas conducted ¡ a.n appropriate service at the house, whiJsb at the churdh and graveside the curate offi- ciated. The place of sepulchre was at Llandingat. Several beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave.

DEATH OF MRS. RODERICK, LLWYN- BERLLAN. We regret to ainoulice the demise of MTS. Anne Roderick, the wife of Mr. David Roo- erick, of liwynfberllan, near this town, which sad evenit occurred late on Friday evening last.. The deceased, who was 61 years of age. had been in failing health for the past eight months, and the end was hardly unexpected. Sbe was medically at- tended during her illness by Dr. Hugh Tay- or. The deceased lady was bom at Dolan- hirkm, and was a sister of Mr. David Evans, J.P., Llangennedh Park. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved widower, and Miss Madge Roderick, the only surviving child. The funeral took place on Tuesday last., and being of a public nature. was attended by a large and representative assemblage. The interment was at Tynewydd, Cilycwm. Amidst universal signs of sorrow, the mortal remains of the late Mrs. Anne Rod- erck, the esteemed wife of Mr. Dd. Rod- erick, of Llwynberllan, and sister to Mr. D. Evans. J.P., Llangenmech Park, were interred at Tynewydd, Cilycwm, on Tupes- day afternoon" last. The funeral, being of a public character, was very largely attended, tihe re bein g pres eint no less t han 30 vehi cles conveying agriculturalists and other resi- dents in the neighbourhood in addition to many others on foot. The mourners were: 1,st. coach: Miss Sarah Evans, Miss Madge Roderick, Mr. David Roderick, Mrs. Lloyd and Mrs. Evans, Iiangennech Park 2nd coach Mr. Morton Evans, Mr. James Jones (Y Dolau), Mr. David Evans (St. Clears), and Mr. Morgan Walters (Uandrindod Wells); 3rd cca-oh Mr. Emrys Evans, Mr. Joseph (Llangenmech), Mr. Llewellyn (Car- marthen), and MT. Tom Evans (St. Clears); 4th coach: Mr. Price (Court Farm. Aber- edw), and Mr. Rees Evans (Penrhos, Aber- ga-venny); 5th coooh: Ald. J. R. James (Albert House) and Mr. J. James (Maesy- coed). Dr. Taylor, Llandovery (medical atten- dant), was amongst the general public. At the residence of the deceased lady, the Rev. D. Davies, Viicar of Cilycwm, read a portion of Scripture, and prayed. Prayers were a^so offered bv the Revs. H. Tfor James and T. Phillips (Silch). Dr. T. E. Thomas then delivered a brief and pathetic sermon, the discourse closing with the renderirig or a well-known hymn. At the graveside the Rev. T. Phillips was the officiating minis- ter, and made very touching allusions to the Christian c-hajracter of the deceased. Numerous floral tributes were placed on th.9 grave, sent by sorrowing relatives and friends. Mr. D. Perrott, Waterloo House, acted as undertaker. LLANDOVERY IMPROVEMENT COM- MITTEE. A meeting of the Working Committee of the Town Improvements Committee was held at the Town Hall on Friday evening, under the presidency of Aid. C. P. Lewis, Llandingat, to further discuss the arrange- ments for next Whit-Monday. The Music Committee recommended the following test piece for soloists — Soprano, Hear ye Israel contralto, "As it fell upon a day"; tenor, "Can y Bardd wrth fawr"; and bass, "The Wan- derer." The report was unanimously adopted. The selection of a hymn tune was dele- gated to a committee of four. Mrs. M. H. Nichols, Upton House, Llan- dovery and Mr. J. Harries Thomas, D'an- dilo, were appointed as accompanists. It was resolved to include ^in the pro- gramme a carnival, and also competitions in timbering, ambulance, and quoiting; in addition to the contests already decided upon for brass bands, choirs, and soloists. The treasurer, Mr. D. Edgar Williams, presented an abstract of his accounts rela- tive to last year's oontest6, which present- ed the satisfactory surplus of £ 44 12s. 6d. YSTRAD RENT AUDIT. The Michaelmas half-yearly rent audit of the Ystrad estate, the property of Mrs. Jef- freys Owen, was held at the Castle Hotel, on Tuesday last, when the rents were per- sonally received by the landlady, who also entertained her tenantry to an admirable dinner, catered by Hostess Morgan.

A CURE FOR ASTHMA. A NOTED PHYSICIAN WILL PROVE THIS TO ALL SUFFERERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. It is but natural that the majority of Sufferers from Asthma, after trying doctors and numberless remedies without avail, have come to the conclusion that there is no cure for this most distressing disease. These same persons may still have doubt when they learn through the columns of the preea that Dr. Rudolph Schiffmann, the recognised authority who has treated more cases of Asthma than any living doc- tor, has at last achieved success. He has perfected a remedy which not only gives immediate relief in the worst cases, but has positively cured thousands of sufferers who were considered incurable. These persons had previously been just as sceptical as some of our readers now are. Dr. Schiff- m ami's remedy doubtless possesses the merit which is claimed for it, or he would not extend an invitation to every sufferer to make a free personal test of it. He authorizes this paper to announce that he is not only willing to give free to any person suffering from Asthma or Bronchitis in the United Kingdom, one free liberal "trial package" of his Cure, but urgently requests all sufferers to send him their name, to whom a sample will be posted absolutely free of charge. He fears that in making the claim he does for his Cure, a strong doubt may arise in the minds of many, and knows that a personal test, as he offers to all, will be more convincing, and prove its merits, than thousands of Testimonials which he could publish from perzom ho have been permanently cured by the use of his remedy. "Dr. Schiffmann's Asthma Cure," as it is called, has been sold by most chemists for several years, although many persons may never have heard of it, and it is with a view to reaching these that he makes this offer. This is certainly the most generous and fair offer, and all who are suffering from any of the above complaints should send to Dr. R. Schiffmann, British Depot, 32, Snow Hill, I London, E.G. He requests that you send him simply your name and address plainly on a postcard, nothing else. INTERESTING WEDDING: LEES- THOMAS. On Saturday morning last, the pretty little chapel built in High-street in memory of the great hymnologist, Williams, of Pantycelyn, was the venue for the solem- niza,tion of the marriage between Mr Wm. Edward Lees, of Snailton Dale, Pembroke- shire. and Miss Elsie Margretta Thomas, the second daughter of Alderman D. Saunders Thomas, of Belmont, Llandovery, the well- known and highly esteemed headmaster of the Llandovery British Council School and =lerk to the County Girls' School. Not- withstanding the fact that the event was supposed to be of a quiet and private char- acter, a large number of friends congre- gated at the sacred ed fice, to witnes.s the interesting proceedings, which proved even happier to those interested perhaps through being graced with a little ray of sunshine. The chapel had been prettily de- corated for the occasion with the choicest of white flowers. The bride, who was given away by her father (Aid. Thomas), was charmingly at- tired in a costume of soft cream Venetian cloth. The gown was a short-waisted semi- fitting bolero, with gored shaped skirt and scalloped folds, trimmed with Irish point embroidery. She looked most graceful and handsome, the perfect fit and style adding much e'egan:e to the slim figure. She also wore a chic French-shaped hat to match, trimmed with cream Valennciences lace and tulle, while a long ostrich feather and white heather adorned the side, giving a most charming bridal effect. The Misses Muriel Prothero Thomas and L. Irene (Dolly) Thomas (sisters of the bride) made very pretty bridesmaids. They were dressed in cream silk colienne, trimmed with lace and ru:hin. The full skirts were gathered into the waists, and were trimmed a third of the way up with a band of gaug- ing. The bodice material was draped over a pointed lace yoke back and front; whilst below the yoke was a short bolero trim- ming formed of fo'ds of yellow silk and edged with a frill of lace. The yoke was edged with a deep frill of lace put on under a row of white silk ruchin. The full short sleeves were gathered to form a double puff. and finished at the elbow with a frill of lace. They also wore cream Tuscan straw lop hats prettily trimmed with cream silk .ibbon, tulle, and daffodils. Mr. Thomas Alger, of Newport, acted as >ost man. The ceremony was performed by Dr. T. 0: Thomas, of Bailyglas, the esteemed pas- tor of the chapel. The service was fully rhoral, the choir singing, amongst other renditions, the beautiful hymn, "The Voice that breathed o'er Eden." Miss Jones, Post Office, ably presided at the organ, and it the close of the ceremony played bril- liantly Mendelssohn's Wedding March. On amerging from the chapel, the newly united couple "n wedlock, were greeted with show- ers of rice, confetti, and old slippers. A reception was subsequently held at the bride's residence, and amongst those pre- sent were —Mr. and Mr. Edmund Lees, Dalp Aid. and Mrs. 1) Saunders Thomas, Belmont; Miss Helen Lees, Dale Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Swinburne, Pembroke Dock; Mr. Tom Alger, Newport; Mr. and Mrs. D. Rice Thomas, London Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Harris, Norfolk Miss H .Evelyn Thomas, London; the Misses Muriel Prothero and Irene Thomas, Belmont; and Dr. T. E. Thomas, Bailyglas. Sveral speeches were made expressive of every happiness and pro- sperity to the bride and bridegroom. The honeymoon wiU be spent in London, the happy pair leaving the town by the 2 o'clock train. A number of friends assem- bled on the platform and gave them a hearty send-off. The bride's travelling dress was a pale green tweed costume, trimmed with green velvet and gold buttons, and a tweed pale- tot, trimmed with oppossum fur. The hat was made of two shades of rose-coloured vel- vet and chiffon, with a flowing ostrich feather. The presents received by both the bride a.nd bridegroom were numerous and of a costly description, and a full list thereof will appear in our next week's issue. LLANDOVERY* TOWN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Town Coun- cil was held at the Town Hall, on Satur- day, under the presidency of the Mayor Mr. C. V, Pryse-Rice, of Llwyn-y-BTain. There were ilso present, Aldermen T. Wat-. kins, Y-l>erltan; C. P. Lewis, Llandingat; and J. R. James, Albert Ho-usc; Councillors D. T. M. Jones, Nantyrhogfan T. Phillips, Picton Court; T. Hoberts, Crown Stores; D. Perrott, Waterloo House; S. H. Price, Trafalgar House; J. Nicholas, Central Drug Stores; and John Evans, Castle-street; to- gether with the Town Cle-rk (Mr. H. Alfred Thomas), and the Surveyor (Mr. W. Lloyd). MEAT MARKET REPAIRS. In consequence of a letter ha,ving been re- ceived from the Local Government Board, declining to sanction the borrowing of the sum of J6104 towards the proposed repairs to the meat market, building, it wa.s resolved after some discussion, to reopen the ques- tion at the next meeting. MONEY RETURN. In repy to Aid. Lewis, the Clerk stated that be had received no reply to his appli- cation for the return of 8s. 6d., the amount ohargied by the engineer for repairing a water pilpe alleged to have been damaged by the County steam roller. NOTICE OF MOTION. Coun. T. Phillips g'ave notice that he would move at the next meeting that a book be purchased for entering th?. records of all committee meetings of the Council. ROAD COMPLAINT. Coun. D. Perrott brought forward. a cam- plaint that heaps of mud were allowed to remain on the roads for a period of nine days at a time without being cleared. Tile Surveyor replied that he had reported the nuisance to the District Inspector many times. The Mayor suggested that a letter be written to the County Surveyor drawing his attention to tihe matter. This suggestion was unanimously adop- ted. FIRE APPLIANCES. A report from Mr. D. Edgar Williams, the captain of the Town Fire Brigade, upon the condition of the fire appliances, was read, and considered most satisfactory. SANATORIUM. It was decided to defer for a month the appeal of the promoters of the West Wales Sanatorium to petition the County Council let ccjoitribute thereto. BYE-LAWS. The bve-laws relative to dairies, cow- sheds and iiilkshops were presented. Aid. Watkins queried whether it was suggested to carry out all the clauses in the book. Personally, he did not think they were all applicable to the district. Aid Lewis remarked that he had been through them rather hurriedly that morn- ing, and although stringent, he moved that they be adopted en bice. Aid. Watkins seconded, and the resolu- tion was carried. OH THOSE STONES. Aid. Lewis complained tha.t the stones placed on the Dolanhiriori-road was too big, some of tihern being as big as his fist. He thought that t.he stones were suppcsied to go through a proper gauge. Aid. Lewis here produced a, sample of the stones which he had picked up. J. Th? Surveyor replied that he did not think Aid. Lewis would find many of that size on the road. He had tried, but failed to pro- cure smaller ones. Coun. Evans also substantiated the com- plaint. On the proposition of Aid. Watkins, sec- onded by Aid. Lewis, the Surveyor was in- structed to see that the stones placed on the road aid mat exceed a 1| inch gauge.

NEATH LICENSING DAY, FIFTEEN LICENSES OBJECTED TO. SOME PLAIN HINTS FROM THE JUSTICES. Neath licensing justices sat on Monday, the magistrates being Messrs. E. S. Phillips t-uayor), W. E. Rees (ex-Mayor), C. Gard- ner, D. T. Sims, John Rees, W. B. Trick, Hopkin Morgan, Hopkin Jones, B. W. Da- vies and Thomas Teague. Mayor read a statement which he hoped would be considered carefully by the public and by those directly concerned. The jus- tices were prepared to grant renewals ex- cepting the following, which they considered to be unnecessary for requirements:—Lamb and FTag, Water-street; Farmers' Arms, Tynycae; Royal Exchange, Old Market- street Queen's Arms, Old Market-street White Lion, Clarence Inn, Walnut Tree. Cornish Arms, King William IV., and Royal Oak, Melyn. The justices also ob- jected to the following because of struc- tural unfitness, and plans must be submitted by February 25th:—Greyhound Inn, An- cient Briton, Victoria Hotel, Hope and An- nnr (rebuilding required), and Exeter Inn (enlargement desired). In the fo-Howinr fouT other cases rear boundary walls should be either erected or raised Apple Tree Inn, London Inn, Butchers' Arms and Windsor Castle. The license of the House of Lords Inn would be kept back, so that the occupier might consider the advisability of taking out a six-days' license. The Sessions were then adjourned to March 11th. There are 85 lioenses in the borough of Neath. NEATH REFRESHMENT ROOMS. William Smith, Swansea, applied on be- half of the Great Western Railwary Co. for a reduction in the amount of compensation payable to the compensation fund in res- pect of the Neath Refreshment Rooms. Mr. Smith said this year he would show a greater preponderance of nonalcoholic sales than alcoholic. Figures last year were: Alcoho- lic JB374 2s., and non-alcoholic JB531 5s. The Bench could reduce the amount payable 1 to not less than one-third. He was en- titled to some reduction, because the pre- mises came under the headings: 1., Rail- way Refreshment Rooms; 2, Bonafide Res- taurants and 3, rooms which are kept open for any other purpose to which the license is merely auxiliary. Mr. Ernest Milton, district manager, gave evidence. Bench decided that the rooms were re- freshment rooms within the meaning of the Act, and reduced the amount payable as compensation to one-half. DRUG DEALER'S APPLICATION. Mr. David applied on behalf of Mr. Ernest Hemming, Melyn Drug Stores, for an off wine license, to sell medicated wines in sealed vessels, as received, for which there was a demand. Bench granted the application.

HAVE YOU INDIGESTION ? ARE YOU WEAK AND THIN? SEAWEED IS YOUR SALVATION. Mr. Henry Davies, 22 James Street, Wrexham, writes, Feb. 27th, 1904:—"I beg to add a word of praise in favour of Veno's Seaweed Tonic as I have received the great- est of benefit. I was. in a very weak state and suffered frightfully from indigestion., and also got very thin and weak, but thanks to your Seaweed Tonic, I am quite well and strong again and ajble to work." Veno's Seaweed Tonic is guaranteed to permanently cure all ailments arising from a diseased condition of the stomach, liver, kidneys and blcod. It strengthens the body a..nd nerves., en,res indigestion, wind, sluggish liver, weak and painful back, dizziness, head- a.che, kidney troubles, dropsy and female weakness, and is especially good focr ohronic constipation. Prioe Is. Igd. and 2s. 9d., at chemists everywhere.

DEPOSITING ASHES IN A LANE SWANSEA CORPORATION'S ATTACK! AND MAGISTERIAL COMMENTS THEREON. At Swansea on Monday J. W. Ford, Nor- folk-street, was summoned for depositing ashes, etc., in a lane at the back 01 w a road. Mr. W. Arthur Davies defended. Inspector John Nener gave evidence. Mr Davies: Do you know what has been the custom in the past?—I believe there has been tipping in the lane. Witness admitted defendant bad not been warned, but there was a notice on the walls. As a rule they gave nctice before prosecution, but had not in this case. Mr..Javies submitted that as Corporation men were continually doing the same thing, notice ought to have been given. The Chairman said it was a reasonable de- fence. Notice should have been given. The authorities seemed to have become sud- denly virtuous. Dr. John Jones, Fynone-street, and Thos, Lewis, Picton-place, were similarly summoned.—MT. Jones said he put out the ashes for the Corporation to take away. In the care of Mr. Lewis, Inspector Lamb- ert said he had seen defendant emptying a bucket of ashes into the street at 11.15 p.m. There were complaints of this sort of thing generally. Mr. Lewis was fined Is., but the other summonses were dismissed.

CANADA The cry for unskilled Labour greater than ever. Splendid oppor- tunities for healthy men and women. Britain's nearest and greatest colony. 160 Acres F fee Get your own Farm; quit paying Rent i Happy Homes; Healthy Bracing Climate; Under the oid Flag; Cheap Fares; Comfortable and Speedy Travel. Work is found On Farms for experienced or ineL. perienced Men, for Domestic Servants, for Navvies, Carters and all willing workers. For Maps, Pamphlets, full information and erections. apply- J. BRUCE WALKER, Assistant Superintendent Canadian Emigration, 11-12, Charint r Cross, London, S.W., or to H. M, HURRAY, 81, Queen Streot, Exeter. ',»

PARLIAMENT OPENS. "EARLY BIRDS~^CN THE SCENE HIS MAJESTY'S SPEECH. SESSSION'S PROGRAMME OUT- LINED. IRISH QUESTION: THE PEERS. As is customary the first day of a Parlia- mentary Session, there were many members anxious for the distinction of being first on the scene at St. Stephen's, and a whole batch of them entered an appearance about midnight. The first member to secure a seat in the House was Mr. Cheetham, who was quickly followed by a. number of competi- tors, including Mr. J. Baker, Mr. H. W. Garr Gomme, Mr. G. McCrae, Mr. H. Watts, Mr. W. Ellis Davies, Hon. E. Blake, Mr. John Dillon, Mr. J. P. Hayden. Mr. T. P. O'Connor, and Mr. John Redmond. There was a lull until 12.25 when Mr. Horatio Bottomley arrived, and just before one o'clock, Messrs. E. Price, E. Fiennes, ana C. Henry took their seats. From that time onward members arrived at irregular inter- vals until past breakfast time. Subsequently the customary search of the vaults was made to see that no modern "Guy Fawkes" lurked in the precincts. LEADERS' DINNER: xXXJAL GUESTS. Lord Glantawe was invited to the dinner given by the Marquis of Ripou to Government leaders in the Lords on Monday evemng. Lm-d Lansdowne, as leader of the Opposi- tion in the Lord, entertained Eaiil Cawdor amongst the Conservative peers. Sir George Newnes, M.P., and Lady Newnes were invited to the "at home" given by the Under-Secretary for War, tihe Barl of Forte- mouith Lady Swansea also attended the reception of the Earl and Countess of Portsmouth, which was griven on behalf of the Premier. Lord Cawdor attended Lord Lalnsdnwne's dinner; Lord Tredegar was present a.t the dinner giiven by the Marquis of Londonderry. SCENE ALONG THE ROUTE. The Royal route to Westminster was guarded by police and milieu) the soldiers being all in their great coats. The Prince and Princess of Wales, with their suite, left Marlborough House under the escort of the Royal Horse Guards at 1.50. Ten minutes later the King and Queen left Buckingham Palace. The members of their suites rode in five State carriages, while their Majes- ties occupied the old State coach drawn :.y eight cream horses. A detachment of Yeo- men of the Guard acted as unmounted body guard, and a troop of Royal Horse Guards rode in attendance. King Edward was in military uniform, and the Queen seated at his left, wore a rich ermine cape and upon her head was a small diamond crown. The King and Queen were loudly cheered by the people along the line of route from Buckingham Palace to Victoria Tower, which was reached at two o'clock. Here their Majesties were received by the great officers of State and conducted to the rob- ing room. MAGNIFICENCE OF THE SCENE IN THE LORDS. The scene in the House of Lords was one of couTtly magnificence. The peers were in their scariet and ermine robes, the judges in their judicial garb, and the Ambassadors wore the stars, orders and decorations be- fitting their diplomatic rank. The bishops were also present in full force. The peer- esses were attired in gay costumes, mostly white, and they wore white plumes and sparkling tiaras. At five minutes past two the whole as- semblage rose whilst the Prince and Prin- cess of Wales entered and took their special chairs on either side of the throne. At ten minutes past two the great officers of the Roval Household arrimd iT1 attendance nrion the KinIY. who led the Queen by his right hand. Their Majesties took their re- spective throne seats, and all present were bidden to resume their seats. After a brief interval, the Speaker of the Hous" of Commons arrived at the Bar, accompanied by the Prime Minister, the lai- de- of the Opposition, and the leading officials of the representative Chamber. When all had assembled, the King, put- ting on his cocked hat, read the Roval Speech (which appears below) in tones dis- HndlY heard hv all present. His Majesty then took off his plumed hat and gave the Ouesn his left hand. King Edward and Queen Alenandra afterwards resTrmed their places in the Royal nrocession which passed si owl v ont of the House while the whole assembly stood. Their Majesties reaehed Buckinfrhajn Pal- ace at three o'clock being again lendly cheered by the people in the streets.

THE KING'S rjtECH. PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW. SESSION. MINISTERS AND THE HOUSE OF LORDS. IRISH DOMESTIC LITIGATION. LICENSING REFORM: CRIMINAL APPEAL. Tis Majesty's speech to Parliament was as follows:— My Lords and Gentlemen,— I am happy to say that my rela- tions with Foreign Powers continue to be friendly, and I have no occasion to add to the full statement which was laid before you in December, reciting a number of satisfactory agreements recently concluded. The earthquake at Kingston adds one more to the series of calamities which Jamaica. and my other colonies in the West Indies have experienced. I regret the de- plorable loss of life and destruction of pro- perty in an important city, and I have seen with satisfaction that the emergency has been met by the Governor and his offi- cers with courage and devotion, and by the people with self-control. The occasion has called forth many proofs of practical good- will from all parts of my Empire, and I recognise with sincere gratitude the sym- pathy shown by the people of the United States of America, and the assistance promptly offered by their Naval author- ities. The first visit of an Amir of Afghanistan to my Indian dominions for more than twenty years, and his active survey of the leading features in Indian life, have been to me and, as I understand, to '-he Amir himself, a. source of much gratification, as tending to promote that right feeling which is even more important than formal com- pacts. In India, while firmly guarding the strength and unity of executive power un- impaired, I look forward to a steadiast ef- fort to provide means of widening the base of peace, order, and good government among the vast populations committed to my charge. Gentlemen of the House of Commons,—, Estimates of the national expendi- ture for the forthrnni'Mrr Prinnm' yep- -;]1 in due course be laid before you. They have been framed with the object of effect- ing economies consistent with the efficient maintenance of the public service. My Lords and Gentlemen,— Serious questions affecting the working of our Parliamentary system hav.i arisen from unfortunate differences between the two Houses. My ministers have this important subject under consideration, with a view to a solution of the difficulty. A measure of Licensing Reform will be introduced, with the object of effectively diminishing the erils which result from the sale and use of intoxicating Iiquoxrs under present conditions. A proposal will be laid befoM you for more clearly defining the functions of the military forces of the Crown, both regular and auxiliary, and for the improveinejlt of their organisation. Bills will be introduced deaing with the holding and valuation of land in Scotland. Your attention will be called to measures for further associating the people of Ireland with the management of their domestic affairs, and for otherwise improving the system of government in its administrative and financial aspects. Proposals will also be submitted for ef- fecting a Teform of University education in Ireland, whereby I trust that the difficulties which have so long retarded the (develop- ment of higher education in that country may be removed. You will also be invited to consider pro. posals for the establishment of a court oi criminal appeal; for regulating the hours of labour m mines; for the amendment of the patent laws; for improving the Law re- lating to the valuation of property in Eng.- land and Wales; for enabling women to serve on local bodies; for amending the law affecting small holdings in England a.nd Wales; and for the better housing of the people. I commend all your arduous labours to. the continued blessings of Almighty God,

WOOLWICH SHAKEN. TERRIFIC EXPLOSION AT THE ARSENAL. CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. The Press Association's Woolwich corres- pondent telegraphs:— At 3.15 ac Monday morning a terrific explosion occurred in the chemical research department attached to Woolwich Arsenal. So great was the force of the concussion that the town was shaken., while the plate glass windows of about fifty shops in one road were shattered, be- sides those of many private rcsiideccee ia the neighbourhood. Within a few minutes the streets were alive with people hurrying to the axmnal gates, where it was quickly ascertained from the officials in charge that an explosion bad occurred in the danger zone on Plumatead Marches, and a little later Major Deacis, superintendent of the Royal Laboratory* who, with other officers, had made a haety journey to the scene of the accident, an- nounced there had beeu no loss of life and: not a single case of injury, for the fortunate reason that, being Sunday, tiuane ww £ no night shift engaged in the chemical depart- ment. The only persons working in the ar* senal at the time were men attending to the boilers in another part of the efftafcihh-i ment some distance away. The explosion was accompanied by a vivid sheet of flame, a.nd almost snnultaffiieocsly a small gasometer in the arsenal gas works blew up. Police patrolling the danger aone appear to have had narrow escapes. One policeman patrolling in OMMtfeet was mueh cut about the face and body by flying glass, but no other personal injuries are reported. Many people living in the neighbouiitood ooosicbeir the cspi- pares very closely with the great ptagazioe accident which occurred IIOImI8 years ago. The cause of the explosion has not been as- certained. A later message says the explosion will not interfere with the employment of any. of the men in the chemical rcpearoh depart- ment. The explosion caused more damage to property in Woolwich than any pre- viously. Fully half the shops mm} private houses in High-street, Plumsiead, had win- dows broken, and in aU many hnadrnds .1 buildings were affected. The eternal suffered considerably, especially -where thæe was glass work. Policemen have been brought into Wool- wich from the adjoining stations tc look after property, as in some cases mods fell through the shattered shop windows feyto th* streets. The explosion was heaxd at a distance of four or five miles. The men employed in the danger build- ing of Woolwich Arsenal have been sent back to their honnes and toid then will be ro work for them to-day. ThMe or four hi .ncred men are said to be affected. Houses in Glen side, Ceres, Banaies ,nd Bannockburn roads are almost wrecked. Some houses in the former road have win- dows, doors, window frames and green* houses blown to pieces. STOUT BUILDING BLOWN TO PIECHS8. A "Star" reporter, who accompanied police to the scene of the explosion, sawort the way pieces of masonry of various Bines, some of several hundredweights, yUnt in the road. The lane of broken masonry, he says, led us to a yawning hole in the ground. At first sight it seemed as if the earth had opened up and swallowed a building. Groping oar way about we at last found that the strongest building of the Ohemiea1 Research block had disappeared. It bad stood inside a stout earthwork. and was officially marked as a danger building. The roof and sides of the building must have been scattered into fragments at the first shock, which also carried away part of the earthwork, besides tearing a huge hole in the ground. The rest of the buildings in the block were found to have been severely damaged, all windows and doors were gone. and holes torn in the walls. The damage, estimated at a minimus, must be ten thousand pounds, but it wili probably run to double that figure. Nothing is known as to the cause of the disaster. It is thought to be due to the accumulation of gas or gases.

SWANSEA POLICEMEN'S "OATH.* MAGISTRATE'S PROTEST IN THB POLICE COURT. At Swansea Police Court on Tuesday, the policemen who gave evidence in the Sunday trading cases were all using the Scotch form of declaration in preference to the oath. The Chairman (Mr. J. W. Jones), pres- ently observed: There's likely to be a good deal of controversy about this oath. To me it seems the most irreverent and jarring thing I ever heard of; I don't know what Dr. Rawlings thinks of it. but this flippant calling on God's Holy Name is very ob. jectionable, to my mind. I think the form of affirmation suoh as was used in tha Licensing Court is by far the best." The next policeman called to give evid- ence still used the Scotch form, but as the next got into the box the Clerk observed: It's for you to elect of your own accord which form you adopt; you are not to dot it because you have been told; it i& tot you to elect. Two policemen who followed still elected to use the Scotch form. but after that kisao ing the Book again became the rule.

INCOME TAX REPAYMENTS. Anyone who has a total income of noS more than JB700 a year is entitled to claim at repayment of Income Tax when his income is derived from house property, stocks, 05 shares, ground rents, interest, and otheU similar investments. Where the claimant has had the incomet some few years, the amount repayable will vary from JE15 14s. 2d. to JB31 6s. 8d., ao cording to the exact amount of the income. Persons who pay premiums for life insure ance have also a right .0 receive a return of Income Tax upon the premiums they pay. and they can claim this even when their in- comes exceeds JE700 per annum. Those who wish to secure these repay- ments of tax must take immediate action, as there is a strictly limited time in which the claim must be made. Full information, Jree of charge, from that Income Tax Recovery Agency, 21, Welling- ton Place, Hastings, on receipt of addressed envelope and particulars of income,