Weekly Mail

WELSH RADICALS AND THE EDUCATION BILL. PRIVATE MEETING AT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. The Welsh Radical members are evidently not enamoured by the optional clause in the Education Bill. At a private meeting held on on Tuesday evening in the House of Commons they decided, after a long discussion, to request Mr. Brynmor Jones and Mr. Humphreys-Owen to draft a clause embodying a proposal to make all Welsh county councils the dominat- ing and controlling authority, acting through committees of its own members, which would be responsible, to its own members, and also providing that the same authority should superintend the county governing bodies appointed under the Intermediate Education Act. Sir Alfred Thomas presided, and there were also present Messrs. Brynmor Jones and Her- bert Roberts (secretaries), and Mesers. Chas. Morley, Lloyd-George, Bryn Roberts, Hum- phreys-Owen, Wynford Philipps., and Abel Thomas. COLONEL KENYON-SLANEY'S AMENDMENT. Writing to a correspondent, Lord Halifax says that if any protest is made against the amendment to the Education Bill proposed and carried by Colonel Kenyon-Slaney in the House of Commons on Friday, sueh protest will have hi* cordial rapport.

WAGES IN THE COAL TRADE. JOINT COMMITTEE MEETS AT CARDIFF. Tuesday's meeting of the joint committee authorised to negotiate for a new wage regu- lator for the South Wales collieries had been looked forward to with considerable interest, partly because the negotiations have already been postponed so many times, and partly owing to the expectancy as to the change in the personnel of the leaders of those negotiations. The workmen's repre- sentatives met at 10.30 a.m. in the committee- room of the Engineers' Institute, the meeting being really one of the executive committee of the South Wales Miners' Federation, which includes several representatives who are not also members of the sliding-scale committee. The employers met separately in their own room, and it was nearly mid-day when the two sets of representatives met jointly. When the workmen's representatives, at the invitation of Mr. W. Gascoyne Dal- ziel, entered the joint conference room. the meeting became what was subsequently described as the first meeting of the new Con- ciiiation Committee of the South Wales Coal Trade. That meeting was held in the board- room of the Engineers' Institute. Cardiff, under the presidency of Mr. W. Jenkins (Ocean Col- lieries) and the vice-presidency of Mr. W. Abraham (" Mabon "), M.P., but the question of the election of permanent chairman was not settled; and the circumstances are these:—The workmen's representatives raised the question of the chairmanship, contending that at this junc- ture "Mabon's" services entitled him to the chair, but "Mabon" himself, as usual. abstained from putting forward his claim. Air. W. Jenkins, of the Ocean Collieriea (who was in the chair presiding over the deliberations of the coalowners' representatives, when the men's representatives entered) occupied, the chair of the joint committee pro tern. The employers insisted upon the right of the coal- owners' representatives to select the chairman from among their own side, but stated that they were not able to name the chairman that day. Then the workmen's representatives declined to accept the nomination of any chairman without knowing who he was going to be. and contended that whoever was appointed must be a man who would have the confidence and respect of both sides. After a lengthy discussion, the matter was deferred, Mr. W. Jenkins continuing to preside. CONCESSION OF WORKMEN'S DEMAND FOR INCREASED REPRESENTATION. Now, on another point—the claim of the workmen to have twenty-four representatives— an important step was taken. When the twelve representatives of the workmen entered the room they found about sixteen of the owners' representatives present, and the first point that was raised with regard to this matter was the application of the workmen to increase the number of their representa- tives from twelve to twenty-four. After a brief discussion, Mr. Jenkins. th3 chairman, said the employers' representatives had no objection to that application. They simply thought a. committee of 50 would be rather unwieldy, but as soon as they understood tha.t the men's representatives were all authorised representatives of different districts they agreed to receive the twenty-four, and to appoint four more on their own side to meet, them. As an indication of the spirit in which the negotiations were opened, it is worth noting that the remaining twelve workmen's representatives then entered the room, and the business was proceeded with. REPLYING TO THE OWNERS' QUESTIONS. It is not generally known that a circular was. nine or ten days ago, sent to the work- men's representatives by Mr. Dalziel, on behalf of the employers' committee, asking a list of questions as to the men's intentions, and suggesting a written reply. Now the points in that circular cropped up. and first of all came the explanation why the replies were not sent in in written form. It was mentioned that such a procedure was novel, but very full and liberal explanations, without dis- cusgion, were now given orally by "Mabon." Mr. Jenkins asked the necessary questions on behalf of the employers, and Mr. Abraham, MR. WILLIAM JENKINS. who acted for the workmen, answered all the questions put to him, but there was no dis- cussion upon the points involved. One ques- tion upon which the employers wanted a definite answer was the length of the agree- ment, but Mr. Abraham replied that it was the usual custom to determine the length of the agreement after the agreement had been made, but, no doubt, he added, the length of the agreement would to a great extent depend upon its nature. THE FACTORS IN THE REGULATION OF WAGES. Upon the very important question of the basis upon which wages might be regulated. there were questions in the list referred to. and the replies may be summarised into saying that the state of trade, the volume of trade. and the prospects of trade would be the factors proposed. Upon the question of contracts, it was suggested that, probably, there would be no change in method of signing and arranging between managers and work- men. As to the general regulation of wages, however, the workmen's representatives sug-1 gested that they would like the employers to join the general conciliation board of the federated areas. The employers were very anxious to know all the details, so as to take this matter into consideration No counter-proposals were made by the employers, the proceedings being then adjourned until Saturday week, at 10.30 a.m. It is expected that meetings of each side will be held separately in the meantime. The men may have a conference; the employers may have a meeting of the coalowners' asso- ciation. OFFICIAL REPORT. The following official report was suppiied to the press by Mr. Dalziel:- "There was a joint meeting to-day between the committee appointed by the South Wales and Monmouthshire Coalowners' Association and the representatives of the workmen to consider, the demands of the latter in refer- ence to the regulation of wages as from the 31st of December next. There were pre- sent on the owners' Bide: -Messrs. William Jenkins. J. Boyd Harvey. E. B. Martin, Henry Davies, T. H. Deakin, H. E. Grey, F. L. Davis. W. Ma.claren, Henry Lewis, William Smith, Clifford Cory. F. Cleeves, William Evans, C. H. Eden, anjl W. Gascoyne Dalziel (secretary). On the workmen's side there were:—Messrs. William Abraham, M.P., W. Brace. Alfred Onions, Daroawy Isaac, W. Harris, J. Kemp, John Davies. D. Watts Morgan, Ben Davies, Thomas Evans. David Beynon, William Vice, James Winston, Vernon Hartshorn, Thomas James. Thomas Manning. Evan Thomas, Enoch Morrell, W. E. Morgan, Thomas George. Thomas Thomas. C. B. Stanton, John Wil- liams. John Thomas, and Thomas Richards (secretary). "Mr. William Jenkins was appointed by the owners' committee to act as chairman, Mr. Abraham being in the vice-chair as represent- ing the workmen's side. "The question of the chairmanship of the joint committee came up for consideration, and was adjourned for future discussion. The workmen's representatives referred to the reply given by the owners to the request that for the negotiations there should be 24 repre- sentatives from each side. The owners were of opinion that the number should be confined to twenty on each side, but after a brief dis- cussion the owners' representatives agreed that there should be 24, and the workmen expressed their thanks for this concession. "In reply to the owners' side, the workmen gave their assurance that they were duly authorised to represent the workmen at the associated collieries, and to enter into any arrangement that might be agreed upon. A general discussion followed, the work- men's representativee explaining in detail the basis of their proposals for the new arrange- ment, and ultimately the joint meeting was adjourned until Saturday, the 15th inst., at 10.30 a.m." SIR W. T. LEWIS AND THE CHAIRMAN SImP. We understand that Sir William Thomas Lewis intimated to Mr. Dalziel, secretary to the coalowners' association, on Tuesday morning that he regretted his inability to entertain the request of the coalowners that he should accept the chairmanship of their committee. MR. W. JENKINS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE OWNERS' COMMITTEE. We understand that Mr. W. Jenkins, gene- ral manager of the Ocean Coal Company, was on Tuesday morning selected chairman of the owners' side of the committee to conduct the negotiations with the workmen's representa- tives. This at present does not involve the question at the chairmanship of tÀa joint oon- oiUatinn £ Mnmittea.

ONE OF THM ABERTYSSWG HEROES KILLED, No. 1 M'Laren Colliery. Abcrtysswg, the scene of the recent explosion, was the locale of another accident on Monday morning, which resulted in the death of Mr. William Taylor, surface overman at the colliery. Mr. Taylor was superintending the working of a machine called the "tippler," by which trams of coal are tipped into trucks, when he was caught in the machinery and sustained such serious injuries tnat he died before he was conveyed to his residence. Mr. Taylor was one of the oldest end most respected of the officials of the company. Previously to being transferred to Abcrtysswg he held a responsible position at Bedwellty Colliery. On Saturday, the 25th ultimo, he was the recipient of an address of thanks, a silver watch, and £5 by the directors of the company in recognition of his gallant conduct in rescuing the men on the occasion of the explosion at No. 1 Colliery. He was the first to descend the pit after the explosion, and had bef n recommended for the Albert medal for bravery.

FATALITY AT MERTHYR. Mr. R. J. Rhys. coroner, held an inquest on Tuesday at the Merthyr General Hospital upon the body of Thomas Edwards, aged 21, of 8. Libanus-street, Dowlais, who died at that institution on Saturday from injuries sus- tained on the previous Wednesday whilst pur- suing his employment as a rider in the South Tunnel Pit, Vochriw. Mr. Gray, his Majesty's inspector of mines, was present, and Mr. D.W. Jones, solicitor, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Miners' Federation. It appeared that the aecident happened in the Little Vein Drift. On Wednesday morning the electric wires became deranged about the middle of the drift, which is 1.100 yards in length, and after they had been set right Edwards. who was on the ground, gave the signal for a journey of ten trams to go out. When the journey came opposite to where he was it was travelling at a crawling pace. Edwards walked alongside it. and in trying to get on the shackle between the first and second trams he missed his footing and fell in the centre of the road. the other wagons crushing him as they passed over.—Mr. Stuart Martin, the general manager of the Dowlais <>llierie8, put in a tracing of the workings where the mishap occurred, and Nursr Pound having described the fatal injuries—which consisted of general paralysis caused through a bleeding into the spinal canal—the jury 0 returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

THREE PERSONS BADLY INJURED AT FORTH. A trap accident occurred between four six o'clock on Monday evening in the Ceme- tery-road. Porth. A milk cart. owned by David Lewis. Salem Chapel Cottage. Hannah- street. Porth, was being drawn from Tre- alaw, down a steep incline, when it collided with a wagon, the three occupants of the cart being thrown against a. wall and sus- taining serious injuries to the head. The driver of the wagon and others who were passing at the time at once rendered assis- tance, and the three, David Lewis and two boys about thirteen years of age. named Thomas Lewis, 9. Argyle-street, Porth, and DaviJ Morgan Jones. 75. Primrose-terrace. Porth, wfre taken to the Forth Cottage Hos- pital. close by. The boy Lewis had his fingers almost severed from his hand. and at the hospital it was found that the three persons were suffering from concussion of the brain. The telephone was at once put into opera- tion. and Dr. Joyce and his assistant. Dr. Paxton (Porth), Dr. Morris (Tylorstown), Dr. Evan Davies (Grovefield), and Dr. Thomas (Pentre) hurried to the spot. They found it necessary to perform an operation on each of the patients.

MAESTEG MAN'S DEATH. An inquest was held on Tuesday by Mr. Cuthbertson, coroner, at Caerau Police- station on the body of William Re2s, 54, collier, Caerau.—Dr. Harris Jones stated that he was called to the deceased a fortnight last Saturday. He was suffering from dislocation of the shoulder and injuries to the other joints. He then informed deceased that his shoulder could not he put right unless he was given an anaesthetic. This deceased consented to. and he (the doctor) arranged a time for him to be at his house for this purpose. He also gave him instructions not to overload the stomach. Deoeased called, and Dr. Davies, his (Dr. Jones's) assistant, administered chloroform, after which deoeased vomited, which proved that he had not taken the pre- cautions which he (the doctor) had impressed upon him to adopt. When deceased recovered from the effects of the chloroform he was seized with syncope, which, no doubt, was the reeult of the stomach being overloaded — After hearing the medical evidenoe, the jury returned a. verdict of Death from mis- adventure."

ACCIDENT AT NEATH. Mrs. Gwenllian Davies. a widow, of GIas- road. Cilybehyll, was driving into Neath on Monday with her adopted son. when the horse shied, and the occupants of the trap were thrown out. Mrs. Davies was caught by one of the wheels and dragged along the road until the trap overturned. She was seriously injured, and was removed in an unconscious state to a. neighbouring house. The boy was not hurt.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE ROATH BASIN. Mr. E. B. Reece held an inquest at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Monday, on the body of George Coles, sailor, aged 59. who acciden- tally met with his death at the Docks on the 1st inst.—Thomas Griffiths, 68. Caerphilly- street. pilot, stated that about five o'clock in the afternoon he was on the pierhead and saw Coles climbing from one step to another in the Roath Basin, with the idea, as he believed, of getting ashore. Witness and two others procured a ladder and went on one of the ships, and he himself descended by that means, and, without getting into the water. caught hold of Coles, who was hauled up by the dock police in an unconscious condi- tion. An hour-was spent on the ship in trying to revive him. and when he got better he Was taken to the Hamadryad. —Dr. Hughes deposed that deceased on admission had a slight wound on the left side of the forehead, and was unconscious from partial drowning. He was conscious the next morning, and said he was about to go on a ship, whose name he could not remember. when he fell. He died from double pneumonia —the result of the immersion on October 30.— The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

ACCIDENT AT SWANSEA DOCKS. A seaman belonging to the schooner Jacinth, of Plymouth, was drowned in the North Dock. Swansea, on Tuesday. He waa engaged on the jib of the schooner when he slipped, and his head probably struck the veoscl, for he did not rise to the surface. After the body had been recovered artificial respiration was tried, but was unsuccessful.

PAINFUL FATALITY AT DOWLAIS. A young man named James Owen, living at Penydarren, and employed at the Old Works, Dowlais, as an outside fitter, was on Monday evening caught by a hook in his neck. near the jugular vein. He bled pro- fusely. and expired within a few minutes. He was about 33 years of age, and lodged with a married sister.

BURNING FATALITY AT CARDIFF. Olive Agnes Parsons, aged three years, died on Tuesday afternoon at 158, Penarth-road. Cardiff, from shock, consequent on burns received about the head and body last Sun- day. An inquest on the body was held by the Cardiff coroner (Mr. E. B. Reece) on Wednes- day afternoon. The father stated that the child, with two other children, was in her chair in the kitchen when he was attracted by screams, and, running to her. he found her clothes ablaze. He took off his coat and wrapped it around her to extinguish the flames and called in medical aid. —Dr. R. J. Smith, describing the burns on the lower part of the child's body, said that she was delicate. Shock had resulted in death.— A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

ANOTHER FOOTBALL FATALITY. John H. Richardson, of Whitehaven, a half- back. who played for Whitehaven Recreation. was assisting Cumberland County against Yorkshire at Leeds on Saturday, when he col- lided with one of his own side in running to take the ball. He went off the field, but subse- quently returned to play, but only to be again obliged to leave the field, and eventually he was removed to the Leeds Infirmary suffering from an injury to the groin. An operation was performed on Sunday, hut the sufferer rapidly became worse, and death took place on Monday.

ACCIDENT AT PORT TALBOT. William Edmunds, aged 18, of Aberavon. was killed at the Port Talbot Iron and Steel Works on Monday by being drawn into some machi- nery.,

WORKMAN CRUSHED TO DEATH. A shocking accident occurred at Preston Docks. A number of men were breaking up the liner Alaska, and had exploded five charges of gelignite in the engine-room in the course of their work. A workman named Joseph Davison was laying another charge when the cylinder overhead collapsed and fell on him. killing him instantaneously. Another workman. named Ambler, was seriously injured, and was removed to Pres- ton Infirmary.

SHOCKING LOCOMOTIVE ACCIDENT. A shocking accident occurred at Keyham Extension Works, Devonport. on Monday morning. The gauge glass of a locomotive engine blew out, and a fireman named John Barrett, in jumping from the engine to avoid being scalded, had his leg caught in the wheels, with the result that ills body was terribfc* j&axxgled.

BRITISH CONVOY REPORTED CAPTURED. A bazaar rumour was current in Aden on Monday night to the effect that the Mullah raided an advanced outpost in the vicinity of Bohotle, capturing an important camel trans- port.— Reuter. Bohotle is a town in Italian Somaliland to which the British force retreated after the unfortunate affair near Muddug. It is under- stood that the force is still at Bohotle. recu- perating and awaiting orders. Colonel Swayne is at Aden or Berbera. The capture by the Mullah of a camel transport or convoy suggests that the British camp supplies are in peril. The news comes by way of a bazaar rumour," and is uncorroborated, but these bazaar rumours, well known in oonnection with mili- tary operations in India and Afghanistan. have repeatedly proved to be accurate.

SERVICES OF INDIAN TROOPS DISCOUNTED. An Aden telegram of Monday says :-Colonel Swayne has been re-called to act temporarily as adviser to the Foreign Office, and General Manning has assumed supreme command over the movements of the Somaliland Expedition. The immediate advance has been deferred pending the arrival of the African troops. The latest reinforcements for the column are expected to arrive on the 27th inst. It is pro- posed that the reinforcements shall land at Illig, on the eastern coast of the Italian terri. tory, and his Majesty's cruiser Pomone is pro- ceeding thither to survey the facilities for disembarkation. The general advance will commence about six weeks hence, when it is expected that Colonel Swayne will have re- turned to his post. The plan of advance favours the creation of bases both at Berbera and Illig The services of native levies and African Protectorate troops will be utilised as much as possible, in preference to those of Indian troops, who may possible be entrusted with the duty of holding the lines of communication. General Manning wishes to dispense with Indian troops wherever possible on account of difficulties connected with transport, climate, camp followers, Ac., espe- cially affecting them. By the 27th inst. or thereabouts the available strength of the force will be approximately 3,000 men. The employment of a large force is discoun- tenanced. The exclusion of the Indian troops which will arrive before those from East Africa. involves delay in the operations, affording the Mullah opportunities to assert his influence and to visit various tribes in order to propagate the doctrine of his supe- riority. Moreover, the season is now favour- able for the advance of the expedition. Gene- ral Manning returned to Berbera to-day to organise the expedition. Details of field artil- lery and some special service officers are pro- ceeding at once.—Press Association Foreign Special.

I LITTLE MISS CARNEGIE. MARGARET CARNEGIE. Thoto by Rockwood, New York. The a.bove is a picture of the little daughter and only child of Mr. Andrew Carnegie. Heiress to an embarrassment of millione, she recently asked her papa. to buy her "the biggest and hairiest-headed lion in the world," not for her- self, but to give it to the Zoo of the Bronx Park for the benefit of the little New York children. Mr. Carnegie once said that his little daughter "is the only one of my treasures that I want for myself." He also said that she "should not be cursed with great wealth." She is. nevertheless, reasonably well secured against future indigence.

COLLIERS IN TROUBLE. REFUSE TO OBEY ORDERS OF THE HITCHER. At Abercarn Police-court on Thursday an important prosecution under the Mines Regu- lation Act was heard. The owners of the Cely- nen Steam-Coal Colliery, Newbridge, summoned Prank Pidgeon, John Browning (his assistant). and Edgar Tranter, three colliers, for a breach of Special Rule 57 in refusing to ol>ey the orders of the hiteher on October 16. Mr. W. J. Everett conducted the prosecution, and Mr. T. S. Edwards defended. Tne case had been adjourned from a previous court. It appears that on the date named the defendants went to the cage at the bottom of the pit. of which Thomas Newman, the head hiteher, had charge, and suggested that they should go up to the top of the pit. This was at 7.40 p.m.. they only having descended about six o'clock the same evening. They were re- fused. At nine o'clock they returned again to the cage. On this occasion the eight hour men were due to descend, and. consequently, the cage would have to ascend. The signal was given to the hiteher below to send up the cage. and the defendants entered it. They were requested on two occasions to leave the cage by Newman and the lamp keeper (Caled). They refused to do so, and they were told that they would have to take the conse- quences. The special rule in ques. tion sets forth that a man must. at the request of the hitcber or bankman, leave the cage when ordered to do so.-After Thomas Newman, bead hitcher. had given evidence, Mr. Edwards urged. for the defence, that when these men went to work there had been a fall from the previous shift. They were prepared to clear it away for extra money, but the foreman would not come to any understanding. He (Mr. Edwards) contended, therefore, that. under Rule 56, the men were entitled to leave work.—The defen- dant Pidgeon said he asked the foreman for a note to go up, but he refused.—Cross- examined, be said it was not part of his duty to clear up the leavings after another shift.- The Bench considered that a breach of the rule had been committed, and Pidgeon and Tranter were fined 1 each. The case against Browning was dismissed. A similar case was heard against J. S. Davies, collier, Cwmdows. The defence was that he was ill when he left, and a medical certificate was produced, which stated that he had been suffering from lumbago.-He was. however, found guilty of the o offence and fined 10s.

SUPPLY OF "KOSHER" MEAT INTERESTING CLAIM AT CARDIFF COUNTY-COURT. At Cardiff County-court on Wednesday an interpleader action was heard, in which James Tucker, of Carlisle-street, Cardiff, was the execution creditor, H. Parsons and J. Kro- tosky were the defendants, and J. Robinson was the claimant. Mr. A. Parsons appeared for the claimant; Mr. G. F. Forsdike for the execution creditor. J. Robinson said that he was a cattle dealer, living at Marshfield. He sent a beast to the Roath Market to Krotosky for the purpose of being used ns Jewish meat." The arrange- ment was that if the meat was "kosher" it would be the Jews' meat. but if it was not kosher" it remained his (Robinson's) pro- perty. The meat was not passed as kosher," and when Rcbinson went to the market he found that the carcase had been placed under a levy at the instance of Tucker. In cross-examination, Robinson admitted that the beast was entered on the books in Krotosky's name. and be (Robinson) had not paid any of the dues at the market. In answer to the judge. Robinson said that m eases where a beast was not kosher he re-paid the dues to Krotosky and eold the meat to other butchers. Max Morris, rabbi, said that he rejected the beast because there was something wrong with the lights. Krotosky said that he was for some time in partnership with Parsons, who sold in the market meat that was not passed as" kosher. The arrangement that he had with Robinson was that if the beast \n question were not "kosher" Parsons would sell it in the market to Gentiles. Any profit was divided between Parsons and witness. The partnership had leased for the last six months. He did not mark the beast in question, nor did he pay the tolls. The Manager of the Market stated that when the beast was taken to the market it was entered in Krotosky's name on the market books. The animal was marked K," which was recognised as Krotosky's mark. His Honour ruled that the claimant was entitled to his claim, and entered judgment lAQNrifautiy..

AGRICULTURAL CO- OPERATION. THE PAST YEAR'S WOHK IN WEST WALES. The quarterly meeting of the Carmarthen- shire Chamber of Agriculture, held at the Boar's Head Hotel, Carmarthen, on Wednes- day afternoon, was largely attended, and the proceedings were most interesting and in- structive. After tho usual dinner. Mr. Augustus Brig3tocke, Blaenpant. read a paper on the progress of the agricultural co- operation movement in West Wales. They now had had a year's experience to work upon, and it was not. there- fore, a difficult matter to point out the weak places and to suggest how they could be strengthened. For the sake of simplicity and clearness he would try to put before them what could be done by educational methods, by closer methods of organisation, and by Practical work. There was an immense amount of EDUCATIONAL WORK to be done, so much. in fact, that it was quite appalling to contemplate. He received a letter from a tenant farmer on Saturday last (one of many which he had received almost daily from farmers during the past year in connection with the movement) in which the writer said: "There are large num- bers of farmers who know nothing of co-opera- tion and its benefits, notwithstanding your eloquent and lucid letters. Something should be done o reach those who thus live in dark- ness. I believe that a small committee should be formed in each parish to wait upon and enlighten this clasB." That suggestion was one that he should very much like to see acted upon, and he' thought that. as a preliminary step, a. conference should be called together as soon as possible at Carmarthen to decide what could be done in this direction. (Hear, hear.) His experience was that the Welsh farmers were comparatively easy to organise -if anyone would take the necessary trouble. I (Hear. hear.) It was the quiet and persistent workers they really wanted. Surely in every parish in the county half-a-dozen men could be found, if they looked for them. who would see that something was done to reach the farmer on his farm. Those who wanted the movement to succeed must go to the farmer, and not expect the farmer to come to them. (Hear, hear.) In the course of the next few months he hoped to see published (both in Welsh and English) a complete guide to agri- cultural co-operation, explaining the whole scheme from beginning to end, which would at any rate make it easier for local workers to take up the educational propaganda which he was suggesting was necessary to be carried on. (Hear, hear.) If the county councils did not teach the farmers what were the modern conditions of the agricultural industry, which was rapidly being revolu- tionised by co-operative methods in every branch and in every direction, how was the farmer to find out these things for himself? Fortunately, the finger-posts had been put up. and in the report of the county council dele- j gates (which was to be published in fall as eoon as possible) they had all the informa- tion cut and dried for many years' work. (Hear, hear.) He hoped to see appointed by each of the joint councils an agricultural committee, who would make it their special business to carry out, one by one, the recom- mendations which, no doubt, all of them were now familiar with. (Hear, hear.) To sum up his suggestions under the head of educational work, considerable progress could be made in a year if they had district com- mittees and the county councils working in harmony. (Hear, hear.) Next as to organi- i eation. By organisation he meant, in this instance, the starting of agricultural co- operative societies, and—where they were demanded-the STARTING OF CREAMERIES. They would note that he said where creameries are demanded. He did not believe in trying to force creameries on the farmers. The time would come—it would not be very long. either—when the farmers would have to take Hobson's choice, for they would either have to give up making butter alto- gether or take to creameries. Could anyone present give him a single inetance in which raannal labour bad been able to compete against machinery in the long run? Why, then, should butter-making by machinery be an exception to the general rule? In the county in which he lived (Cardiganshire) he had been asked by farmers in three different districts to see what cculd be done in start- ing creameries. The farmers in those dis- tricts were becoming alarmed about their butter. Why? Because some of the principal butter merchants in Glamorganshire had recently intimated that they could not buy any more butter from the local butter mer- chants unless they could send it of uniform quality. in sufficient quantities, and unless also a guarantee was given that the per- centage of water did not exceed the legal limit. What was the consequence? Three well-known butter merchants in the Cardigan districts, knowing perfectly well that they could not possibly comply with these condi- tions. as things were now. had. like wise men. abandoned the business, and the farmers were left without their local buyers. Agricultural co-operative societies should be started in every district in the three counties as eoon as possible. (Hear, hear.) That was a con- venient time to tell them what had been the experience in working. THE VALE OF TTVY SOCIETY, which had Cardigan for its headquarters. and he hoped that the experience there would be of some help to others. The Vale of Tivy Society was registered last February. They had made plenty of mistakes, and had a few hard knocks, principally through want of experience and lack of closer organisation. But they were gradually filling up the gaps. The result of their trading showed a net profit, so far. of at least JE153. all of which went into the pockets of the farmers. (Hear, hear.) Each member took one £1 share, fully paid up, but in order to encourage small holders they were making a graduated scale of shares as follows:— £ 1 for ordinary tenant farmers. 10s. for those holding over ten acres but under twenty acres. 5s. for those holding under ten acres, and 2s. 6d. for those who held no land at all. The object in having 2s. 6d. shareholders was to induce farm labourers and others to join, to reap the benefits of cheap culm and coal. Mr. Brigetocke pro- ceeded to give, in detail, the position which this eocietj bad attained, and said that it already had on foot a stock improvement scheme, which in a few years' time would, no doubt, grow by leaps and bounds. As goon as possible they intended, too, to make their stores at Cardigan an egg-collecting depot, and contemplated buying an egg-grading machine, so as to meet the present requirements of the egg trade. At the rate the society was grow- ing, this modern appliance would coei the members under Is. each! And. as an impor- tant part of this egg business, they were about having over from Ireland a stock of the best winter layers, and this was to be the baiie of a stud poultry farm, so as to get the right quality of eggs in the immediate district. (Hear, hear.) He appealed to one and all to try and do something towards Bilving tho most alarming question of the day—the decay of British agriculture and the depopulation of our rural districts. (Applause.) Agricultural co-operation might not be able to cure all evils, bnt he affirmed that the history of the co-operative move- ment. beginning in the year 1844 with the Rochdale pioneers, and since then extendinc: its beneficent work to every quarter of the globe, proved beyond controversy that it was a tremendous power for good, and for this reason he asked them to work for it. (Loud applause.) The president (Mr. E. Stephens. The Grove, Llanstephan) conducted a very interesting dis- cussion on the paper. Professor D. D. Williams (Aberystwith) said if co-operation was not going to take root in Wales, then Welsh agriculture must go to the dogs. Several other gentlemen participated in the dogs. Several other gentlemen participated in the discu«3ion. after which Mr. Brigntocke announced that Mr. Hanbury, president of the Board of Agriculture, who was a strong sup- porter of the principle of co-operation, would addresa a meeting at Aberystwith on Decem- ber 1st, and it would be a good thing if that chamber were to invite him to address a meeting of farmers at Carmarthen. (Hear, hear.) On the motion of Mr. H. Jones-Davies, seconded by Mr. D. Hinds, it was decided to eend a formal invitation to Mr. Hanbury to address a meeting of farmers at Carmarthen, and to procure a copy of the Irish deportation's report for ea-ch member of the chamber.

THREE GENERATIONS IN THE DOCK Three generations were seen in the dock of the Cardiff Police-court on Wednesday, when Matilda M'Donaid, a youthful married woman, with a tiny baby at her bieast, stood side by sid-e with her mother, Xora Myers, 13. Godfrey- street, jointly charged with the theft of 50 yards of "Welsh flannel. The flannel was in roil, valued at .£3. and had been missed from the shop of Evan P. Lewis, 290. Bute-street. Soon after it was missed the younger woman was detained on suspicion, as she was attempt- ing to pawn a part of the roll. Then she said her mother had sent her to pawn it. but that she did not know it was stolen. Another part of the roll was found by Julia Harrington under peculiar circumstances. A few days ago Mrs. Myers asked Mrs. Harrington if she might pass through her house to get over the garden wall home, as she and her husband had quarrelled, and she did not want to go by the front door. That rermission was given, but Mre. Myers, after being at the back of the premises which adjoin her own for about fifteen minutes, decided not to cross the wall. A few minutes later a part of the roll was I found in Mrs. Harrington's back kitchen, covered by a sack. She and a friend "pitched it over into Mrs. Myers' backyard.Both prisoners were committed for trial to the sitoiii

SUFFOLK MURDER CHARGE. — ) A SENSATIONAL TRIAL AT IPSWICH. At Suffolk Assizes at Ipswich on Thursday Wm. Gardner. 36, a foreman carpenter, and superintendent of a Primitive Meihodiet Sun- day School at Sibton, was placed upon hit trial. charged with the murder of Rose Ann Harsent, a domestic servant. Mr. Dickens, K.C., who appeared for the prosecution, said the parties resided close to one another at Peasenhall. In May of last year the prisoner. a married man with a large family, commenced (said counsel) immoral relations with the murdered girl, which raised a scandal in the church. An inquiry was held. and thte minister pointed out to Gardiner that he had certainly been guilty of indiscretion, and that he should be more careful in bis conduct. The intimacy, however, continued, and the girl got into trouble. The time came when this fact could no longer be concealed, and the case for the prosecution was that prisoner wrote a letter making a midnight appointment with the girl when he murdered her and tried to destroy her body by fire. The crime took place in the kitchen of the deceased's mistress's house, and the remains, much charred, were not dis- covered till next morning. Learned counsel mentioned that in May last year, before the murder, accused and deceased were seen one evening to go into Peasenhall Chapel by two men, who overheard a remarkable conversa- tion. The girl. it was said, remarked that the previous Sunday she had been reading in a Bible about what they were doing, and chapter and verse were mentioned Th.g. counsel argued, showed the parties" relations. Prisoner and deceased sat together at the chapel, and on one occasion Rouse, who was in the rostrum, noticed Gardiner behave in what he considered an improper manner. Mr. Rouse wrote to the prisoner about it. and suggested that the deceased should sit in some other place. Counsel then described the circumstances of the crime The girl's mistress heard a stifled scream and a thud in the night, but as a storm was raging she did not take any notice. Next morning deceased's body, clad only in a night- dress. was found by her father, who had called to see her. A man named Morris saw marks of rubber shoes in the mud leading from prisoner's to the deceased's place of employment and back again, and -Amongst Gardiner's possessions were a pair of rubbei shoes. The deceased's wounds consisted of a stab in the left breast, and her THROAT WAS CUT IN TWO PLACES. Beside the body was a burnt newspaper and tablecloth, and deceased's nightdress was partially burnt. There was also a broken medicine bottle, and this had contained paraffin, which had been sprinkled about the noor. The medicine bottle was supplied by a local doctor in the previous February for an ailment for the prisoner's children. Traces of blood were found on Gardiner's pocket-knife. When arrested the prisoner denied all know. ledge of the murder, or that he wrote a letter making a midnight appointment. Experts would state that the letter was in prisoner'^ handwriting. Superintendent Andrews stated that the distance from the prisoner's house to the deceased's was 208 yards. There was a back staircase to the girl's bedroom. William George Wright, wheelwright, spoke to seeing the deceased and accused go into Peasenhall Chapel one night in May last year and to hearing the conversation referred to. Alphonse Skinner, another wheelwright, corroborated. ° The case was not concluded at the time of going to press with the first edition.

INTERESTING CLAIM. RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COLLIERY MANAGER. The scope of responsibility of a colliery manager was involved in an action—John Brown against W. L. Llewellyn—heard by his Honour Judge Owen at Cardiff County-court on Thursday. It was a counterclaim for £50. that being a nominal figure to enable this case t) be heard in a county-court. Mr. C. H. Eailhache and Mr. A. Parsons (instructed by Messrs. Payne and Chambers) represented Llewellyn, who was the owner of the Pen- twyn Colliery, Caerphilly, and Mr. J. Sankey (instrurtr-1 by Messrs. Roberts-Jones and Ever?: nppeared for Brown, who was the manager of the colliery, the output of whioh WM 12j U>ns. The counterclaim was for alleged negligence in taking out coal which should have been left for support, that the roof was insufficiently supported, and that the airway became blocked by a preventible fall. Mr. Bailhache: What we say is that where a colliery manager so works it as to allow the airway to collapse and close up, and where the headings are insufficiently timbered, and who. although he has the applianoes for the purpose, allows the mine to become flooded, is either incompetent or negligent. His Honour: In the ordinary case the over- man would be responsible for neglect of this kind. Mr. Bailhache: I should have thought that the. man responsible was the certified manager 011 the spot. His Honour: If he delegates authority to au overman he has to see that the overman does his work so that it comes back to the manager. Mr. Sankey said that the manager's wages had been paid for six months without demur, nor were there complaints in the mine report book. Mr. Bailhache: That is scarcely ingenuous. for the report book was kept by the manager. Evidence of the state of the c .llkry was given by Phillip Lewis, who stated that owing to flooding they had been unable to raise enough coal to keep the pumps going. He defied that the "long wall" system of work- ing was responsible for the falls of roof, and that rhe timbering had been poor. nor were the pumps inadequate to the work, for they had since cleared the water. Mr. Llewellyn, in his evidence, said that it was quite right that a cheque of his to Brown wa« dishonoured. He kept it a long time, and the fact became known that the pit was flooded, with the result that he was pressed on all hands. Mr. Bailhache: As a matter of fact. this period of management hae been disastrous to you?—It has nearly made me a bankrupt. I got four writs and three or four summonses in one week. Hie Honour: There are some people in the country who paper their smoke-rooms with writs and summonses. (Laughter.) I am glad you haven't so many. In further examination, witness said he lost about.E1.500. Mr. Brown gave evidence to the effect that the pump was defective, and was frequently stopped, and. owing to other causes, they could not get a supply of coal to keep it it going, and all the other defects came from that fact. Yr. Llewellyn a&ked him to go back again as manager. His Honour, in giving judgment, said be recognised 1 hat it was a serious matter for "r". Brown. It seemed to him a. serious matter tnat the colliery should have been so worked. Brown had acted negligently or carelessly. or, perhaps, he did nbt know the kind of working at the colliery, and his Honour gave judgment for the amount claimed, £50. with costs, which was no compensation for the damage caused.

LOCAL DIVORCE SUIT. ELOPEMENT OF A STATIOUMAF- TER'S WIFE. f' In the Divorce Division of the High Court of Justice on Wednesday, before the presi- dent 'Sir Francis Jeune) and a common jury. the case oi Lambert v. Lambert and Wardie was heard. This was a suit of Mr. Albert James Lionei Lambert, a stationmaster~at 1 Arkwright Town, Derbyshire, formerly of Neath, for a dissolution of his marriage on the ground of his wife's misconduct with the co-respondent. Mr. Joseph Wardie, whose position was not disclosed, and from whom damages were claimed.-Yr. Newson^ who appeared for the petitioner, said that the marriage took place on the 25th of January. 1895. at Neath Registry Office, and the parties lived at Neath for a time. and then removed to Arkwright Town. Derbyshire, where 4ho -petitioner was a stationmaster. Thete Jpks no issue of the marriage. Everything went on well until March this year. when the- co- respondent. without the knowledge of the petitioner, took the wife to a theatre at Sttef- field. The petitioner, on hearing of it. was very much annoyed, and wrote a letter-to the co-respondent telling him never to cotitae to hit) house again, and the wife promised to have nothing more to do with him..In the following month the wife told her fins- band that she was going a ehort railway journey, and they parted on affectionate terms. She, however, never returned. Peti- tioner made further inquiries, with the result that it was discovered that the respondent and co-respondent had stayed together at a hotel in Newcaetle-on-Tyne. Counsel said that. subject to the approval of the court, the co-respondent had agreed to pay JB260 damages.—Petitioner gave evidence in sup- vort of counsel's statement, and a chamber- maid from the hotel was called to prove that the respondent and co-respondent stayed at the hotel as husband and wife in the name of "Mr. and Mrs. Lamb."—Tbe jury found for I the petitioner, and assessed the damages at £ 250.—The President granted petitioner a decree nisi, with costs against the ce-*MnMk