Weekly Mail

EXCITING RESCUES AT A FIRE Several thousand pounds' worth of damage was done by a fire in the early hours on Friday at the upholstery warehouse at Eton. The fire was discovered by a passer. by, who, seeing flames at the back of the shop, smashed in the window with his foot, and arousei the occupants. Mr. Wilkinson, his wife, and two children, who were in bed at the time. The alarm was immediately given, and a crowd quickly assembled, including several of the Eton masters, who rendered admirable assistance. Finding the downstairs eltit6 all out off, Mr. Wilkinson, lifted his wife and children through the Oedroom window over the shop in their night attire, and they were carried to a neighbouring house for shelter. The Eton. Windsor, Slough, and Datchet brigades quickly arrived, but the buildings, chiefly composed of wood, were well alight and were anon gutted.

ADRIFT FOR A MONTH. CARDIFF CAPTAIN EFFECTS A RESCUE, After having been adrift for a month on a leaking schooner, Captain Wm. Campbell. of the Jeannie Thomas, and his crew of six men arrived at New York on the 18th inst. on the steamer Afghanistan, whioh had picked them up about 400 miles east of the Capes of Virginia. The master of the Afghanistan is Capta-in Charles Bliault, of Golum-road, Cardiff. It was when the men had abandoned hope, and believed they Would be tossed helplessly on the ocean until either they starved to death or went down with the schooner, that they were sared, and the Jeamie Thomas is, possibly, still a derelict, drifting somewhere east of the Capes of Virginia, her staysail set and dragging 100ft. of hawser to keep her head to the sea. When last seen she was being kept afloat by her cargo of lumber. Several tugs have started out of New York on the chase, which will yield to the lucky pilot a large share of the vessel and cargo. Captain Campbell, when interviewed, said that on November 16, after drifting for about a month, and when the men had almost given up hope, the Afghanistan came along, and Captain. Bliault promptly sent them provisions by one of his own boats. As the boat was about to leave the Jennie Thomas the men abandoned the pumpe, as they saw what they regarded as their last chance of life disappearing, and refused to stay with the schooner any longer. So they decided to abandon her, and were given a welcome on the Afghanistan, as already stated. ?T-*V MR. WALTER RIOE EVANS.

MR. WALTER RICE EVANS. Hits PORTRAIT IN OILS PRE- SEiNTED AT NEATH. A very enjoyable function took place at the Castle Hotel, Neath, on Thursday week, when a handsome Portrait in oils of. Mr. Walter Rice Evans, J.P., Eagle-shush, ex-hig-h- sheriff of the county, Was presented to him by Mr. W. H. P. Jenkins, J.P., on behalf of a. number of personal friends. The portrait which represented Mr. Evans in high-s'hNff's i dress, had been executed by Miss Rose Bonnor, a, Welsh artist of high repute. The dinnea- was a. private function, over which Mr. A. T. Williams, Lord Jersey's agent, presided, and the attendance included a number of county gc-at,le,mcn.-The Chair- man, speaking of Mr. Evans's successful tenure of the office of high-sheriff, said that five of his line had occupied that high position—a- fact which was unique in the history of Glamorgan. Sir Griffith Thomas, mayor cf Neath, gave the toast of "The Gnsst of the Evening," and Mr. W. R. Evans, in responding, spoke of the valuable assistance rendered to him during his year of office by Mr. A. T. Williams.

SEQUEL TO FACTORY GIRLS' STRIKE. Mr. E. White, inspector of factories, Home Office, London, charged David Lewis, Cam- brian Mills. Drefach, at Newcastle Emlyn with ten offences under the Truck Act of 1896. Mr. J. Hilditch, Swansea, appeared for title prosecution, and Mr. Roy Evans, solici- tor, Newcastle EmJyn, for the defence. Mr. Hilditch said the defendant owned large woollen mills at Drefach. The alleged offence was that he made certain deductions from wages die to certain employes. He maintained that as the girls could not be employed after one p.m. on Saturday the employer sought to evade the Act by cending, thc-m work to do at home. Margaret Anne Jones, a bobbin-winder, deposed that the sum of 4d. had been deducted from her wages during a week in which she had put in full time. For years past she had been doing home work on Saturday, afternoons. Some of the girls declined to take any work home, and this led to a strike. The master gave in to their demand. Mr. Roy Evans, for the defence, main- tained that it was not illegal for young women to take home work on Saturday afternoons. The Bench dismissed the case of Margaret Anne Jones, and Mr. Hilditch applied for an adjournment of the other nine cases, which wa-s granted.

TRAxMWAYMEN'S UNION. GENERAL SECRETARY SPEAKS AT CARDIFF. The tramwaymen of Cardiff and district held a most enthusiastic meeting at the Lower Cory-hall on Sunday morning, the room being far too small to accommodate the attendance comfortably. Mr. W. Brittan, president of the Cardiff Branch of the Tram- waymen's Union, occupied the chair, and a vote of congratulation was accorded to Coun- cillor G. T. Jackson, J.P., of Manchester, general secretary of the-Unioii, upon his return at tho last municipal election, after fifteen years' service on the Manchester Cor- poration, by a larger majority than that recorded for any other Labour member throughout the kingdom. It was reported that the Cardiff and Dis- trict Branch had made more rapid strides than any other branch in the Union during the past year, having added 200 to its mem- bership—150 at Cardiff and SO at Pontypridd, Speeches were delivered by the President, Mr. A. J. Attwell (branch secretary), Counr cillor Jackson, Councillor J. Chappell, Mr. A. Tuckley (motorman), Mr. A. W. James (motor- man), and others, appealing to the men to be steadfast to tihe objects of the Union, and thanking the Cardiff Tramways Committee for agreeing to a; conference with the men's representatives on the overtime and Sunday labour questions. Councillor Jackson spoke in a stirring manner for three-quarters of an hoar, and Councillor Chappell, who had quite an ovation, promised his support on the corporation at all times to all reasonable requests made by the men. After the meeting Councillor Jackson was driven to the Great Western Railway Station in a brougham, and the men, who marched in procession, raised three hearty cheers as the train moved from the platform. The Cardiff Branch now numbers over 350 members

ASSIDUOUS COLLECTORS. LIFEBOAT SATURDAY PRIZE- WINNERS AT CARDIFF. The Sunday scholars engaged in carrying out the annual envelope collection for the Cardiff Lifeboat Saturday Fund met at Andrews'-hall on Saturday evening. Tea was provided by the Lord Mayor (Alderman Lewis Morgan), who, in addressing the workers, expressed on behalf of himself and the com- mittee unstinted appreciation of their efforts. The sums collected from the various wards amounted to L143 7s. nd. The ladies' prize watch was won by Miss John, 21, Merthyr- etreet, who collected £ 1 5s. 3d. in the Central Ward, while the gentleman's prize. watch went to Master George Waite, Church-street- ohambers, who collected 19s. lOd. in the Roath Ward.

<— DEMANDS OF LABOUR. EIGHT HOURS' DAY IN ALL INDUSTRIES. A conference of Labour representatives of Monmouthshire at Newport on Saturday urged that the promised legislation on behalf of unemployment should include a limita- tion of hours of labour in all trades and industries to eight per day, and that a department of Labour, to be presided over by a Minister with Cabinet rank, be created. It was added that a minimum wage should be established.

—*— NOT TO BE MADE FOR POLITICS. SALARIES IN PERIL. Judgment was given by the Master of the Rolls and Lords Justices Moulton and Far- well in the case of Osborne v. the Amal- gamated Society of Railway Servants of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The case, which was argued a short time ago, raised the question whether the funds of Trades Union could be legally used to finance the Parliamentary Labour party. It arose on a motion for a declaration that a resolution passed at Cardiff with this object was ultra vires the rules of the society. Mr. Justice Seville decided in favour of the defendants. Mr. Osborne now appealed. i \r n^ns' K.C., Mr. Spencer Bower, K.C., Bevan appeared in support of the appeal. Mr. Peterson, K.C., Mr. F. M. Preston, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Clement Edwards were for the defendants. THE JUDGMENT. The Master of the Rolls, in giving judg- ment, said: This appeal raises questions of difficulty and great importance with refer- ence to Trades Unions. The material facts are not in dispute. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants is a. Trades Union which was established in 1872 and registered under the Trades Union Act of 1871. The objects for which it was estab- lished are stated in the rules. Nothing was said in the original rules as to securing Parliamentary representation by means of compulsory levies. In 1903, for the first time, there was introduced by amendment words "to secure Parliamentary representation," and in 1936 an amendment was carried requiring all candidates to sign and accept the conditions of the Labour party and to be subject to their whip. This last amend- ment was not properly carried, because there was no resolution by the executive commit- tee that the alteration was urgently required in the interests of th^^iciety. Nevertheless, the amended rule wa^Pertified by the Regis- trar. The plaintiff is, and has been for six- teen years, a member of the society, and as such has an interest in the funds. The action was commenced to obtain a declaration that the rule requiring pay- ment of ls. per member per year for Par- liamentary representation was invalid, and alternatively that the Condition introduced in 1906 was invalid. Mr. Justice Neville, feel- ing himself bound by the decision of the Divisional Court in Steele v. the South Wales Miners' Federation, decided last year, that the provision of a Parliamentary representa- tion fund was within the scope of a Trades Union, and without expressing any opinion Ofl the subject, dealt only with the second point, and he held that the certificate of the Registrar was conclusive as to the validity of the addition made in 1906, and he dis- missed the action with costs. DEFINITION OF TRADES UNION. On the appeal both questions have been argued before. It has not been contended that the dispute is one with which the court ought not to deal. Now, it is important to observe that a Trades Union was not the creation of the Act of 1871. That Act dealt with the existing combinations known as Trades Unions. It is common knowledge that in 1872 the idea of securing Parlia- mentary representation was not one of the objects attempted to be SCOT red by Trades Unions. The Act itself shows that the provi- sion of benefits to members was known by Parliament to be and sanctioned by Parlia- ment as being within the s^ope of a Trades Union. I see no reason to doubt that the objects of the defendant Union as originally expressed were authorised, by the Act. But it is argued that a Trades Union registered under and claiming the benefit of the Act of 1871, and thereby constituted not a corporation, but a species of (fuasi-corpora- tion, can, in addition to the objects plainly indicated in the statutory definition of Trades Union and in the other sections of the Act, with any provisions merely ancillary to these objects, also add any other object not otherwise illegal. Thus it may carry on a trade subject only to the restrictions as to the number of members imposed by Section 4 of the Companies Act, 1852, or it may devote its funds to the promotion of any political or religious party, or to the encouragement of any athletic sports, and it will none the less be a Trades Union, with all the rights, privileges, and disabilities of a Trades Union. I am unable to accede to this argument. A VITAL ARGUMENT. The definition contained in the Act of 1871 or the amended definition in Section 16 of the Act of 1876 is a limiting and restrictive definition. In my opinion, it is not com- petent to a Trades Union either originally to insert in its objects or by amendment to add to its objects something so wholly distinct from the objects contemplated by the Trades Union Act as a provision to secure Parliamentary representation. Trades Unions comprise members of every shade of political opinion, and I cannot think it was the intention of the Legislature tha.t it should be competent to a majority of the members to compel a minority to support by their votes, still less by their subscrip- tions, political opinions which they may abhor, under penalty not only of being expelled from the Union, and thus losing all chance of benefit, but also the risk, and in some oases the very serious risk, of not being. able to find employment in their trade in consequence of the refusal of Trades Union members to work with non-Union members. COMPULSORY LEVY NOT PERMISSIBLE. This is the conclusion which I have reached by the mere consideration of the Acts of 1.871 and 1876. But I think it is permissible to refer to the Trade Disputes Act of 1906, which applies to every Trades Union under the earlier Acts. It seems to me extravagant to siupposo that the immunities and excep- tions conferred by that Act can have been intended to apply to any business which a Trades Union might add to what I may call strictly Trades Union purposes. In short, that Act confirms the view that a Trades Union registered under the earlier Acts must be a body with limited objects. I am unable to agree with the judgments of Mr. Justice Darling and Mr. Justice Phillimore in the case of Steele v. the South Wales Miners' Federation, followed by Mr. Justice Neville They seem to have been largely influenced by the omission of any reference to "bene- fits" in the definition of Trades Unions. But, as I have pointed out, the Act itself says that a Trades Union may provide benefits. I cannot concur in the view that there is nothing to prevent a Trades. Union from having a great number of additional objects besides. It follows that, in my opinion, it is not competent for a Trades Union to provide for the maintenance of Parliamentary repre- sentation by meana of a compulsory levy. This really disposes of the appeal, for it was Dot contended that the Registrar's certificate could be conclusive as to a rule which the court holds to be ultra. vires. But as the subordinate point upon which Mr. Justice Neville based his judgment is important I think it right to say that I am unable to agree with that judgment. His Lordship then stated his reasons for differing from the learned judge. VOID ON PUBLIC POLICY. Lord Justice Moulton read a judgment to the eame effect. In his opinion, the rule was Toid on the ground of public policy. This was seen by taking the simplest case. Sup- pose that A contracted with B that he would pay the election expenses of B and support him while in Parliament provided that B would engage to vote as A directed. To his mind it was clear beyond contest that such an agreement would 00 void as against puWic. policy, and this none the less though motives were perfectly pure, and his intention was solely to use the power he thus obtained for the public pood. The reason why such an agreement would be contrary tJ) public policy was that the position of a representativo was that of a m. n who had ac«*pted a trust towards the public, and that any contract, whether for valuable con- Biaeraaon or otherwise, which hound him to eter-cise that trust in any other way than ] es on each occasion he conscientiously felt to be best in the public interest was illegal and void. Lord Justice Farwoll read a judgment in which he said the question that was raised was one of grave public importance. He had JiO hesitation in agreeing1 that the appeal should be allowed, for in his opinion a Trades Union was not authorised to pay for Parliamentary representation, and, therefore, could not make a levy for that purpose on its members. The appeal was accordingly allowed, with oosts. Mr. Peterson asked that the operation of tIle injunction might be suspended pending appeal to the House of Lords. Lord Justice Farwoll: To allow them to up-end the money upon those very objects that we have just held were illegal? No, certainly not. The Master of the Rolls: I a.grce. W. ron- Stot grant your application.

OPINIONS OF THE LABOUR M.P.'S. y MABOS DOES NOT WORRY. Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon), -.P., in an interview, on the decision of the Court of Appeal that compulsory levies for Trade Union MoPs are illegal, said he did not think that the judgment waa one which would materially affect the Miners' Federation, since that body had Parliamentary represent tation as one of its objects, and rules pro- viding for it were included in its constitu- tion. Moreover, the members, by a very large majority, had voted in its favour. "Our scheme," added Mabon, "has been duly registered, and I do not think we need trouble very much about this judgment." MR. W. BRACE, M.P., DEEMS IT "RIDICULOUS." Mr. W. Brace, M.P., seen on the subjcct, said he could not give a considered opinion at present, but if it was ultimately found that the present law did not permit of Trades Unions sending their own representa- tives to Parliament, they would make other arrangements to meet the situation. The idea that by any judgments the courts made Trades Unionists were to be prevented send- ing members to Parliament from their own society was, to say the least, a bit ridiculous. VIEWS OF MR. D. WATTS MORGAN. Mr. D. Watts Morgan, the Rhondda miners' leader, seen on Sunday, said:—"I have only seen the report n the 'Express,' and I am awaiting with some anxiety the fuller report. I do not, however, agree with the suggestion that it is of a grave nature, btcause the Miners' Federation of Great Britain is not in exactly the same category as the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants or other Trades Unions which are supporting members in Parliament. We have in our original rules provisions whereby wo can from the contributions, apart from a special fund, maintain members of Parlia- ment, and that rule is registered as one of the objects of the Federation. It is true to say that we have also Another scheme which is incorporated in our Trades Union work. That scheme, however, has been before the workmen and hallotted upon, and to tha.t extent there \s a material difference as between our constitution and that of other Trades Unions. Further than that I am not prepared to go, but it only shows that it behoves other Trades Unions which are affected to take such measures as will place them right in the eyes of the law." Mil. WINSTONE AND THE DECISION. Mr. James Winstone, the agent of the Eastern Valleys District, thought the decision astonishing, b-ut he did not think it would in any way affect the miners as a federation. They appreciated the necessity of, and the benefits accruing from, the work of the Labour members of Parliament, and he thought they would continue in the future, as they had done in the past, to pay the levy voluntarily. LEADER OF LABOUR PARTY. Mr. Arthur Henderson, M.P., the chairman of the Labour party, said there was no disguising the fact that the decision was of a far-reaching character, but he did not think it would seriously affect the Labour party, except, perhaps, temporarily. The Labour party would attempt to maintain their finances by voluntary levy, instead of by enforced levy, until it was ascertained whether the decision was upheld or reversed by the House of Lords. Should the decision be upheld, they would proceed by a new Bill to have the law clearly stated, as in the case of the Taff Vale decision, and the decision appeared to him to prohibit the payment of any part of the funds held by a Trades Union for Parliamentary purposes. For more than thirty years representatives of the Trades Unions had fat in the House of Commons and received the whips of one of the orthodox political parties, and it was rather remarkable that in the early years of an independent party such a decision should have been obtained. The decision would not only apply to the Labour party, who represented over a million Trades Unionists, but it also applied to the whole of the miners' organisations, who represented half a million members, and who recently decided to affiliate with the Labour Party. MR. BELL, M.P., INTERVIEWED AT BARRY. Our Barry representative had an interview with Mr. Richard Bell, M.P.. on Sunday. "The Amalgamated Society of Railway Ser- vants will, no doubt, appeal to the House of Lords," Mr. Bell said. "The decision will not be allowed to lie where it is. It is too important and too serious to accept lying down. Our evscutive will meet in London on Monday k, when they will consider the decision, r I have not the least doubt that a judgment of such far-reaching effect will be appealed against." In the course of a conversation on the general effect of the decision, Mr.. Bell said: —"In the event of the judgment being upheld by the Lords, the responsibility for such a decision must rest absolutely on the shoulders of the extreme section of the Trades Union party, the Socialists, for forcing the position to such an extremity by their unfair and unwise action in coer- cing everybody who did not hold their views and would not agree to their methods. This spirit of coercion has been carried to such an extent that it amounted to persecution- if not to persecution, to a point of tyranny "These extreme elements in the ranks of Labour," Mr. Bell added, "have had no regard whatever for the political opinions of those upon whom they have arbitrarily im- posed their views. I deeply regret the deci- sion of the court, or that there should have been cause given for any individual to go to the courts at all on this matter, but it has been invited by the Socialist element. 00 But what if the decision is allowed to stand?" "Well, in that case. no doubt, strong efforts will be made to amend the Trades Union Acts of 1871 and 1876, so as to enable the Trades Unions to support their Parlia mentary representatives. But, whilst all shades of political and religious opinions represented amongst the members were unanimously united in the effort to bring about the passing of the Trades Disputes Amendirent Act of 1906 so as to protect their Trades Union funds in case of dispute, it goes without saying that it will be by no means pos.sible to get the same people to be unanimous in seeking power for the majority to compel, under penalties, men who hold different religious and political views to sub scribe to the support and maintenance of bodies and individuals with whose opinions they have no sympathy, especially in a matter of so great a constitutional charac- ter." LEGISLATION IMPERATIVE. Mr. Williani- Straker, secretary of the Northumberland Miners' Association, paid that so far as the judgment was concerned, he thought the result might have depended upon the rules of the association in question. Should the decision have a general applica- tion, it would, in his opinion, be imperative to have legislation introduced to legalise payment for Parliamentary representation from Trade Union funds. He waa sure steps would at once be taken by the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress to introduce the n-aceasary legislation.

FRIENDS IN AMERICA. WELSH LADIES' CHOIR SPLEN- DIDLY RECEIVED. On November 13 Madame Hughes-Thomas and her Welsh Ladies' Choir returned to the Ohio Valley from Illinois to fulfil a number of return engagements previous to visiting the State of Indiana. A month ago the choir had enthusiastic concerts at Steuben ville and Martin's Ferry, when pressing invitations were g-jven to come again. On the. 15th (Sun- day) a sacred concert was given at the fine Steubenville Congregational Church. Promi- nent among the auditors was Judge Richards,, a Swansea boy, who greeted the singers in his native tongue. The minister of the Church (the Rev. R. Jones) is also a Glym- corrwg boy; indeed, a goodly third of the congregation were from one part or the other of the Swansea Valley, and they made their presence felt when the old Welsh hymn- tunes they had learned from Eos Morlais and others were being sung. On the 16th of November the chcir made its appearance at the Ceramic Theatre. East Liverpool, the leading pottery centre of America, chiefly populated by Staffordshire families and their descendants. The more familiar English glees created much enthu- siasm. Lassen's descriptive The Spanish Gipsy Girl" was called a third time. The conductress demurred, but the audience would not te denied Then, in pure Stafford- shire dialect, came "Sing again, lassie!" from a corner of the balcony. The house roared, and Madame Hughes-Thomas recognised that non-compliance was impossible under such circumstances. The glee was re-sung, and the veteran who precipitated the second encore Tolled with delight in his seat. Madame Hughes-Thomas has now definitely postponed her engagements to the west of Chicago until the autumn of 1909, and the success of next season's concerts is secured by contracts that are already in hand.

CNFENCED CHANK PIT. CEREMONY STOPPED THROUGH ACCIDENT AT GARTH-MERTHYR. The proceedings on October 9 in connec- tion with the-layin.g of a foundation-stone of a new workmen's institute at Garth, Maes- teg, at which Sir S. T. Evans was the central figure, were brought to an abrupt termina- tion owing to a fatal accident to a boy in the Garth-Merthyr Colliery -engine-house. The accident had a sequel at Bridgend oil Saturday, when Evan J. Bevan (manager) and Charles A. Baker (mechanical engineer) were summoned for contravening the Goal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, in. not causing exposed and dangerous parts of the machi- nery to be kept securely fenced. Mr. Edward Powell, Neath, appeared for the proeecution, under instructions from the Home Office; Mr. C. Kens hole, Aberdare, defended, and Mr. E. E. Davies watched the case on behalf of an interested party. Arthur Ernest Gray, engineman, said that he found the boy lying right across the crank pit, pinned down aerobe the shoulders by the connecting rod. The boy died from the injuries shortly afterwards. There was then no fencing. The Bench imposed a fine of Y,5 om the manager and £ 1 on the mechanical engineer, including costs.

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LIFE IN WORKHOUSE. « MAINTENANCE OF MASTER'S CHILDREN. The maintenance of the Cardiff Workhouse master's children was again considered by the guardians on Saturday, when the Clerk (Mr. A. J. Harris) presented his at"a.rL reply to the Local Government Board's request for the guardians observations concerning the letter sent by four guardians. After some discus- sion it was decided to have the letter read. This document traced the history of the circumstances since the master's appoint- ment on October 6, 1906, the guardians knowing that he had three children, for Whom sanction was obtained that they should live in the workhouse. In October, 1906, the arrangement of £13 a year for the three children was confirmed by votes of 33 to 23 and 37 to 18. No provisions were issued from the stores for the children, but the master and matron received their rations in full, and the master purchased at his own cost whatever further provisions were needed. To the suggestion that the allowance is too liberal, it was pointed out that several other large workhouses from whioh particulars have been obtained, Cardiff was the lowest, with one exception. The Chairman (Canon Buckley) moved that a reply similar to the long letter read be sent to the Local Government Board. Mr. W. B. Francis seconded. Mr. D. R. Morgan moved an amendment that it be sent to every member and dis- cussed next week. Mr. A. Good seconded. Mr. J. Enoch said they put it off for years, and it was oigh time it waR settled. Mr. Morgan rose to speak again, Mr. W. J. Travers: This is wasting time. Mr. Coughlin said, as one who had signed Mr. Morgan's letter, he was satisfied with the clerk's reply." (Hear, hear.) The amendment wa,) defeated. The Rev. E T. Davies said he was not satis- fied that Mr. Morgan would not write again to the Local Government Board-(1aughter)- and he moved a fortnight's adjournment. If Mr. Morgan did not then refute the state- ments made he (Mr. Morgan) ought to apolo- gise. ("Hear, hear" and laughter.) This amendment was also defeated. The letter was then approved. COMMISSION-BEWARE! Upon the workhouse building committee re- porting that they had approved tenders for new laundry machinery, Mr. D. R. Morgan said at the recent health exhibition he asked the price of some machinery, and waf; told, with the addition as to commission, "You can keep that back if you like," He thought they ought to do what they could to prevent any official or member accepting commission direetly or indirectly. Mr. W. Geen: I should like to know who Mr. Morgan thinks is getting the commission. We have heard a lot of this lately. Mr. Morgan: We want to prevent it taking place. ("Shame.") The Chairman: There is no reason to think it is happening here. I don't believe it is done. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Travers: Mr. Morgan is a member of the committee. He ought to know what is being done. DISPUTED WEDDING RING. The visiting committee reported that the wedding ring over which there had been a dispute was the one a woman had worn on her admission and had returned to her on her discharge. The Rev. E. T. Davies said now the election was over he hoped Mr. Jones was satisfied. (Laughter.) Mr. William Jones (Adamsdc wn) said he wm sorry he was unable to atrffild the committee, but he had every confidence in his colleagues. The election was over. and he had won. ("Hear, hear," and laughter.) NEAR A FULL COMPLEMENT. Alderman F. J. Beavan drew atten- tion to the fact that at present there were 158 more inmates of the Cardiff and Ely Workhouses than last year, and they were within 74 of being filled up at both places- Mr. W. J. Trdvers: That warrants your remarks at the Mental Hospital Visiting Com- mittee. OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE SUGGESTION. Mr. William Jones asked how many old people were in the workhouse who could be kept by their friends outside if a reasonable allowance could be made. Mr. C. W. Melhuish said they had already looked into this matter, and they found that not more than five or six could be dealt with as suggested. Alderman F. J. Beavan said they could promise Mr. Jones that the matter should be gone into. POOR QUARTERS AT BARRY. Mr. J. R. Llewellyn called the attention of the guardians to the condition of affairs revealtd at Barry Dock. On the previous Saturday night at the police-station 30 or 40 men, women, and children appealed for shelter, and asked to be allowed to lay down even in the stone corridors. The super- intendent of police had to refuse the comfort of the cells, whioh he ?aid had to be retained for regular cust411J.eI.I. The polioe ouSrht to be able to issue tickets to sornfe of them, especially the women and children, who were wet through on that j night. Mrs. Dorman eaid there were special facilities for women to go astray at Barry. A committee of Barry Guardians and others was appointed to go into the matter. "THE MOST FAITHFUL." The Rev. John Williams (Grangetown) asked the chairman towards the close of the busi- ness if they were a quorum, adding, "We are eight." (Laughter.) Alderman F. J. Beavan: We have the press here. The Chairman: And six of the most faith- ful. (More laughter.) A few minutes later the Chairman looked up from signing his last document and said, You may go now!

MERTHYR GUARDIANS. CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR THE POOR. The Merthyr Guardians on Saturday decided that the usual extra Christmas relief of ls. for each adult and 6d. for each child dependent be granted to outdoor paupers (resident and non-resident) in Christmas week, and that the usual Christmas dinner and tea be given to inmates of the workhouse, the training-school, and the cottage homes on Christmas Day; also that an extra 6d. be granted in respect of each child belonging to this union in certified and other schools for providing them with additional allowances at Christmas. It was also determined to give an extra Is. relief for coal during the quarter ending the 26th of Maroh, 19:9, to all to receipt of outdooT relief, householders and others, who have to pay full price for their coal. PROPOSED EXTENSION OF WORKHOUSE. Mr. T. Roderick submitted a sketch plan for providing additional accommodation at the workhouse by building on the open space between the board-room and the children's quarters. The plan was adopted, and ordered to be sent to the Local Government Board for their approval. The Local Government Board wrote approving of the plans for the proposed receiving home at Aberdare, and it was resolved to advertise for tenders for the building

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AZARIAH'S WISH. A marriage failure was dealt with by the county justices at Newport on Saturday. Is your name Azariah Jeremiah?" asked the Clerk of a well-dressed workman from Gross Keys. Yes, he replied. And do you wish to be separated from your wife? Yes," he also replied. Mr. Lyndon Cooper, who appealed. for the wife (Mrs. Helena Ellen Jeremiah), said it would not be necessary to go into the details, as the parties, who had been sepa- rated on previous occasions, had agreed to part. The defendant, whose wages had ave- raged £2 lis. 7d. per week, de&erted his wife on November 3, and refused to support her any longer. The only point was the amount of maintenance which he should be ordered to pay. The Beach ordered payment of 15s. per week.

BILL REJECTED BY LARGE MAJORIITY, For rejection of Licensing Bill 272 Against 96 Majority against Bill 176 After three days' historic debate in the House of Lords, the ill-fated Licensing Bill was killed by the peers on Friday. The scene towards the close was remarkable. No such throng has crowded the Gilded Chamber since the Lords threw out Mr. Gladstone's last Home Rule Bill. Great territorial earls and barons came up from far shires for the final vote. Lor if Aberdeen, Viceroy of Ireland, hurried in and slipped into his place on ti;e G Jfa, anient bench. The Mar- quess of 01anr;c:T_v!. with a green tie flash- ing with diamonds, was on the other side. Lord Eosebery lounged on a croes-bench Lord Roberts, straight and smart at 76, sat near him. All was ready for the final stroke. The Lord Chancellor of England rose from the woolsack, strode-a t-a.ll, dignified figure-to the left of the red settee, and delivered the last speech of the great debate. The Lord Chancellor had scarcely room to stand, so dense was the throng cf peers. He dwelt on the havoc wrought by the drink evil, by fill- ing gaols, workhouses, and lunatic asylums. He began to arguo that the Lords could let the Bill g3 to the Committed stage. He stopped short. He swung round, a monu- ment of dignified indignation, and looked at the great throng of Unionist peers. But I know that ttkJ Bill is as dead as a door nail," said the Lord Chancellor. Then came the end The Bill was scon dead. The Lord Chancellor put the question to the House, Should it be read a second time ? Lord Lans- downe sat, leaning forward, his arms on his kaeas. A thin, white-robed line of bishops ar.id a small black file of peers paced slowly to one lobby-great battalions of Unionist peers to the other. Twenty minutes later the figures were announced. There were loud Unionist cheers. Then the vast aesembly melted away, the flash of jewels and the flutter cf silks vanished from the Peeresses' Gallery, and the Licensing Bill was a thing of the past.

MABON GETS ANGRY. WITH THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND THE CLUBS. Mr. William Abraham (Mabon), M.P., addreeeing a meeting at the Bodringa-llt Chapel, Ystrad Rhondda, on Friday, spoke 1 with some warmth on the rejection of the Licensing Bill by the House of Lords. Lord Lansdowne had, with his friends, condemned the Bill before discussing it. Those who had read Lord Crewe's speech would appreciate such a political indecency. The Rhondda. would t'oU,o,c to action on the question of the future positIon of the House of Lords. He challenged the world to prove that the act-ion of the Lords would stand the criticism of recognised constitutionalism. What he wanted and, what the Government advocated was t,hat clubs should be controlled in such a. way that they should not be used solely for drinking purposes. As to opening clubs on Sundays, if he were asked to give an opinion in the case of an election, he would unhesi- tatingly say he would rather lose his seat than, give his assent to the continuance of the present system. (Applause.) With more than his usual fervour Mabon added, Believe me, and before heaven I say it, the opening cf such clubs is to your detriment." (Hear, hear.)

DEATH OF MR. LEWELLEN WOOD, J.P. I News was received at Fenarth on Sunday I of the suaden death of Mr. Lewellen Wood, in his sixty-sixth year. Mr. Wood was one of the pioneers of the Cardiff coal industry. His name was a household word amongst Locksmen, and throughout the district he will be remembered as a man of great cul- ture and high business ability. About two years ago he left Penarth and t-coik up his residence at Locks wood. Bromley, in Kent, where on Saturday evening he was seized I with paralysis, and succumbed during the early hours of Sunday morning. The news will be read with much regret throughout South Wales. Mr. Wood's father, Mr. James Wood, estab- lished a business at Cardiff Docks, which is carried on by a younger son, Mr. Ernest Wood. Mr. Wood, sen., is still living, at a very advanced age, at Williton, Somerset. Mr. Lewellen Wood, by his character, ability, and integrity, attained ar. influential place in the commercial history of South Wales as a coal magnate and financial expert. When he entered the offices of the lata Mr. William Perch, colliery pro- prietor, his business acumen asserted itself, and when the lato Colonel Hunt acquired the Dinas (Rhondda) Collieries of Messrs. Coffin and Co. he became Colonel Hunt's manager and general adviser. The Dinas Collieries were probably the first pits sunk in the coalfield, and Mr. Walter Coffin will always be remembered as the first man to construct a trN-n%-ay from the Rhondda to convey coal to the Cardiff Docks. Even- tually these pits had to be abandoned owing to faults in the workings and engineer- ing difficulties experienced in coping with them. Under Mr. Wood's management the concern assumed large proportions, and after a few years Colonel Hunt took him into partnership. -Mr. Wood after the abandonment of the THE LATE MS. LEWELLEN WOOD. [Photo. F^-eke. Dinas Collieries became connected with the Naval Collieries, in association with Messrs. E. Bregeon, L. Gueret, and others. When this property was transferred, in 1397, to the existing Naval Colliery Company (1897), Limited, he retired from an active business life. A quarter of a century ago Mr. Wood was a familiar figure in the famous Parliamen- tary Committee fights of those days. His activity in the promotion of the Barry Dock and Railway was one of the most prominent features of his career. The evidence given by him before the Parliamentary Committee in support of that undertaking was acknow- ledged to be one of the chief factors in bring- ing about the favourable decision on the Bill before the House, and as one of the early in- vestors in the company he benefited very largely. He was also a promoter of the Port Talbot Docks and Railway Company, of which he was a director for a few months, and. years ago, he was associated with Mr. T. R. Thompson in the ownership and management of st-ea.mahips. As director, also, of the Barry Graving Dock and Engi- neering Company, he brought his ripe expe- rience in shipping matters to bea.r upon th business cf that undertaking. On leaving Penarth for Bromley he retired from the directorate. In 1393 he was elected president of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce. In 1873 Mf. Wood married Elizabeth, daugh tor of Mr. Charles Orinstead, of Waltharn Sussex, a well-known county gentleman. The wife and two E'OnE and a daughter survive him. One of the sons is in business near London, and the other is partner in the firm of PrimaVesi and Wood, of Havre, France, coal importers. The daughter is married to Mr. Railton, of the well-known firm of contractors, Messrs. Topham, Jones, and Railton, who constructed the Queen Alexandra Dock, Cardiff, and are now engaged in the construction of the now Swan- sea dock. It was in order to live noar to Mrs Railton that Mr. and Mrs. Wood left Gardenhurst for Bromley about two years ago.

THE LATE MR. HENRY {1;1 ALLEN-, K.C. In Carew Churchyard on Saturday the I interment of the body of the late Mr. Henry George Allen, K.C., who tat for the Pembroke Boroughs in Parliament from 1880 to 1886, and hold many offices in connection with his native county of Pembroke, took place, the large attendance at the out-of-the-way large attendance at the out-of-the-way village church testifying to the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held in the neighbourhood. Among the mourners and others present were Mr. H. Seymour Allen, M.F.H. (Cresselly), Colonel Frank Allen, Colonel Fred AUen, Mrs. F. Allen, his Honour Judge Allen, Mr. Hugh Allen, Miss Wedgwood, Sir Owen Scour-field, Bart., Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Lort Phillips, Mr. B. Lort Phillips, Major and Mrs. Dugdale, Mr. C. F. By the courtesy of Mr. Allen, photographer, Pem- broke Dock, we are able to re-produoe a unique photograph of the late Mr. Henry G. Allen, K.C., taken in 1E80, just after his return to Parliament for the Pembrokeshire Boroughs. Egerton Allen, Mr. Herbert J. Allen, Mr. C. W R. Stokes, Mr. Edward Laws, Dr. E. A. Sa-unders, Mr C. Young (mayor of Pem- broke), Mr. R. D. Lawless (town-clerk of Pem- broke), Admiral Evans (Upton Castle), Colonel Mireihouse, Mr. J. Froyne, Mr. D. Davies, and Mr. F. Herriman (president and secretary respectively of the Pembroke Dock and Mil- ford Haven Chamber of Commerce, of which the late Mr. Allen was a life member). The funeral cortege left Parkeaton at two p.m., and arrived at Carew Church, where Mr. Allen had been wont to worship for many years, about half an hour later. Four clergymen took part in the service, which was of a, plain character, namely, the Rev. Canon David Bowen, vioar of Monkton, Pem- broke; the Rev. J. Pollard Lewis, vica.r of Carew; the Rev. W. G. Spurrell, vicar of. Cosheeton; and the Rev. J). Davies, rector of Nash. Canon Bowen read the lesson, and the committal sentences at the graveside were said by Mr. SpurreH. Many wreaths were laid on the coffin, one being from the mem- bers of the South Wales Circuit, on which tho deceased had practised. Mr. Allen had reached the venerable age of 93.

WHAT THE DOCTOR FOUND INQUEST ON A SWANSEA BABY'S DEATH. An inquest was held at Swansea on Satur- day on the body of an infant child, named John Matthews, of 2, Gladstone-buildings. A Mrs. Benjamin, who let lodgings to Mrs. Matthews, the mother of the child, gave her evidence in such a reserved and reticent manner that the ooroner cautioned her severely. She said that the mother lived apart from her husband, and had been fre- quently visited by a strange man. On the day of the birth she saw Mrs. Matthews in a crouching position on the floor. Dr. O'Sullivan said he found the child soon after birth in an earthenware vessel doubled up so that breathing was prevented. The child died in spite of artificial respira- tion. The Coroner said he was not at all satisfied with the evidence, especially that of Mrs. Benjamin, about the "visits of the strange man," and he advised that an open verdict should be returned, so that further inquiries might be made into the case. The jury agreed.

MRS. LLOYD GEORGE'S VISIT TO CARDIFF. TO DISTRIBUTE PRIZES AT TWO COUNCIL SCHOOLS. On the third Monday in December Mrs. Lloyd George, wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will distribute the prizes at two council schools in Cardiff. Mrs. George will first visit Severn-road Girls' School, where Miss Harries is head-mis tress, and after- wards Splott Girls' School, where Miss James is head-mistress. On the following day Mrs. Lloyd George will travel to Llanelly for a sinilar function.

A SHIVERING COURT. Closely muffled and attired in a heavy overcoat, Mr. E. H. Davies, the magistrates'- clerk, sat shivering in Ne,w Tredegar Work- men's Hall on Friday. Truely, it was colder inside than in the streets, and many teeth chattered. Mr. E. Jones-Williams (chairman) observed, We shall decline to uee this place again unless it is properly heated." The Clerk (to the caretaker): Br-r-r-r-r. It is hired by the county council, and should be fit to sit in. We might as well be in a gale ae to eit here. Br-r-r-r-r!

A DIVORCE SEQUEL. POINTED QUESTIONS IN SWANSEA BANKRUPTCY-COURT. Swansea Bankruptcy-court was held on Friday, before Mr. S. Home. registrar. James Thomas, Gwynfryn-terrace, Gors- einon, check weigher, was represented b f Mr. Dahne, and Mr. C. B. Jenkins appeared for the creditors. The debtor's deficiency was £ 207, whioh he attributed entirely to damages and oosts recovered against him in a divorce action. Twelve months ago he waS £ 117 to the good, and had over zElOO in the Savings Bank. The divorce judgment was for L203. He was earning 30s. a week. Ha was a champion reciter, and had won man?! "ohairs," which he had sold at 7s. 6d. eaebt although beautiful chairs. Mr. Jenkins: In addition to being a chanvj pion reciter you are a champion wrecker ot homes?—I can't Day that. Aro you still a Sunday school umpenutew dent at Brynteg Congregational Chapel?- Ye&. They overlooked your little offence, then?.Â/ ■TlMkt notlalin*. to do with tho» <'™ n"t_ -j* The oeot-or to ma wrrej^ The debtor admitted keeping lodgers whosT payments he had not brought in. The case was adjourned in order that bd might do so. A BUILDER'S CONTRACTS. In the caM of Edward Evans, Mumbles, formerly in business at Major-street, Man" selton, as builder and contractor, the liabili" ties were stated at C269 and the deficiency at £ 147, but in reply to the Official Receiver he admitted that the deficiency would be much larger, as there were no euxplussea likely to accrue on the contracts he had oil hand, viz., at Mile End and Bryn-street, Gendros. The debtor, who was represented by Mr. Edward Harris, was examined at great length by the official receiver.-His examina* tion was adjourned. MANY EXECUTIONS. Bertram T. Hooper, Brynymor-road, mat- tress maker and upholsterer, attributed hiS failure and his deficiency of L312 to want of capital, keen competition, and law costs. Debtor, who was a single man, had been in business two years with a capital of L5, and had had repeated executions levied and his stock removed for sale.-Tlie examination was adjourned. Mr. T. R. Harris appeared for debtor.

"BEST IN WALES." LLANELLY AND THE TERRITORIAL FORCE. Speaking at a prize distribution meeting held in connection with the Llanelly detach- ment of the Territorial Force, Major Nevill' who presided, said that they would all agree that since the Territorial Forces Act carne into operation, eight months ago, their expe- rience at Llanelly had been a very happy one. The Act had made improvements iJ1 regard to their pay, allowances, and OL,.1.ef things, and he hoped that there would be further improvements in the future, as there was ample necessity for them. The Secretary for War had stated that the Act was a pr<>* visional one, and he (Major Nevill) that next year an improvement would b8 made in regartl to allowances to married privates. The Territorial Force at Llanelly could well be proud of the progress mad^ during the last eight months. At the outfit a they were called upon to provide two panies of infantry and two sections of Field- Engineers, an aggregate of 350 officers ment. Their strength to-day was 3oy' (Applause.) Llanelly had attained a poisitioll which was better than any town in It was possible that Llanelly would be call^ upon for a further addition because they done so well. If such a call were made jo- hoped that improved accommodation facilities would be provided.

CAERLEON WOMAN'S DEATfÍ CORONER FINDS EXCUSE Foll DRINKING HABITS. Mr. M. Roberts-Jones held an inqueet ø Caerleon on Saturday concerning the deel of Emily Morse, aged 60, a widow, who "j found dead m bed.—Charlotte Jones st that on Tuesday she assisted decees^i bed because the latter had had more d_t(0u than she should have had. Witness had ° helped her upstairs when she was un(for tbd influence of drink.Yaris Davies, a new bour, deposed that deceased underwent a operation at Newport Hospital ago. There were empty bottles room.—Dr. de Gruchy, two months .ago. f;roØ attended her when she was suffering fjro the effects of drink. saflts The Coroner remarked that there was vv-llo excuse for a woman of deceased's had undergone an operation, and was ing from ill-health, taking a piP to cheer herself, and, perhaps, the mark. ("Yes." from some of the A verdict of natural causes was rew*

VAN DWELLERS' CHILI) SWANSEA CORONER'S *° EDUCATION. gatu^* An inquest wae held at Swansea day on the body of Shandufi seven daye old child of cal"a^nto be Cockett. The death was stated to a0tte» convulsions. The father,, ° mner to ef M or write was told by the c lived his children to school, althoUgh bebe prjJJ1 his children to school, altho^» pr a caravan. "They may grow i v0lJ Ministers, as well as anyone e added Mr. Leedcr.—"Natural c verdict.