Weekly Mail

Wttlh fpl SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1910. THE "WEEKLY MAIL" is published on Fridays and Saturdays, and can be obtained from your local newsagent. If you find any difficulty in obtaining the paper, please communicate with the Manager, Weekly Mail Offices, Cardif. The" Weekly Mail" will be sent by post on payment of a subscription in advance on the following terms:- 5. d. One Quarter 1 < Half Year 3 3 One Year 6 6

HOME TRAINING IN SCHOOL. It is, it may be confessed, of little use to continue to point out that educa- tional enterprise is invading more and more the legitimate sphere of home train- ing, and thereby removing from the parent an increasing share of his natural responsibility, for it is an acknowledged fact that large numbers of parents are unable or unwilling to impart to their children the instruction in question. With this in view the Board of Educa- tion have issued an important memoran- dum on the teaching of infant care and management in public elementary schools. It is acknowledged that the desirability of providing instruction in infant care and management for the elder girls in public elementary schools has lately begun to be more appreciated. It is, indeed, beginning to be realised by many that some knowledge of this sub- ject should be regarded as part of the ordinary educational equipment of every girl leaving an elementary school. Suffi- cient experience has already been gained to show that, while the instruction given must necessarily be of a limited charac- ter, it is practicable, notwithstanding, to introduce into nearly all our schools a course of simple teaching which should prove of great value to the girls in later years. If girls and women could be taught how to take care of infants we might hope to diminish not only the high rate of infant mortality, but also the large amount of unnecessary ill-health and physical suffering caused by neglect in infancy and childhood. Education is, of course, concerned with the bodies as well as the minds of the scholars, and a practical knowledge of the common con- ditions which affect health and physical efficiency. is as necessary a part of the purposes of education (at school or home) as intellectual attainment. Book- learning has in past years been too much regarded as the supreme purpose of elementary schools. Much advance in home instruction has been made in certain schools. In one of them, for example, the girls are permanently attached to the home-making centre" during the last year of school life. Half of each school day is devoted to general education, and the other half to "techni- cal" subjects, such as cardboard and wood work, cleaning, mending, cookery, laundry work, personal hygiene, house- wifery, domestic book-keeping, and the care of children. In teaching the last- named subject the schoolroom is con- verted into a nursery for several weeks, and the girls are taught in a practical way how to look after the children. Each girl brings a little child to school with her, and the half-day is spent in learn- ing how to take care of, interest, teach, and play with these children. It may, surely, be hoped that with training of this character in the public elementary schools the scandal of infant mortality and the reproach of inferior physique— in which we stand as compared with other nations, such as Germany-will before long be wholly removed.

IN THE EVENT OF WAR. » RED CROSS SOCIETY FOR MONMOUTHSHIRE. Lady Llangattock presided at a meeting at Monmouth on Monday to organise for the county a branch of the British Red Cross Society. Her ladyship said they were for- tunate in having Dr. Lynn Thomas present to instruct them. In the event of an invasion the care of the sick and wounded was the moat essential part of the Territorial Forces, and this was the work of the Red Cross Sociefv. She bor~d the important subject would be taken up in Monmouthshire as it had been in other parts, for the county must not be behindhand in organising this voluntary aid detach ojent. Monmouthshire, it wa. said, would be more open to invasion than other counties on account of its coalfields, and it behoved England not to be lacking in her safeguards in time of war. Dr. Cropper, Chepstow, read a letter from Sir Frederick Treves, regretting his inability to attend, and adding that they had not for- gotten what Wales did in South Africa, and he was sure Wales would be to the fore now. The movement was a call to the women of Monmouthshire to look after their own countrymen, and if there was a possibility of an invasion, for Heaven's sake let them be prepared. Prior to proceeding with his lecture. Dr. Lynn Thomas said they had now accepted the responsibility in Monmouthshire, as they had in Glamorgan. Queen Alexandra had started this excellent movement, which was now being conducted on the county system. Lady Llangattock, in thanking Dr. Lynn Thomas and Dr. Cropper, said they could not sit quietly in their homes when they knew they were wanted.

« COMPENSATED FOR SIX MONTHS." Mr. Lyndon Cooper held an inquest at Newport on Monday concerning the death of John Jenkins .60), labourer, of Ton-roal, Cwmbran, who was stated to have met with an accident at Me&srs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds' works on February 1. He was assisting in carrying a heavy wooden pattern from the foundry, when he slipped, and later he complained of pain between the I shoulders. For six months he received com- pensation, but that was stopped in August. In September he became paralysed, losing the use of his lower limbs, and died in the New- port and County Hospital on November 30. —Dr. Joubert said the primary cause of death was the paralysis, but he could not say whether it was brought on by an acci- dent.—The jury returned a verdict in accord- ance with the medical evidence.

A BLOW, SHOCK, AND DEATH. Mr. Howel Cuthbertson held an inquiry on Monday into the fatal accident which on Thursday last befell Thomas Phillips, a tipper engaged at the Glyncorrwg Colliery, and living at Douglas-terrace, Glyncorrwg. There were present at the inquest Colonel Pearson (his Majesty's inspector of mines), Mr. W. E. Morgan (miners' agent), and Mr. M. Evans (manager of the colliery). Evidence was given that deceased, a married man with four children, was passing a truck on the screen, when a piece of coal, weighing 151b., fell and struck him on the temple. Dr. Fisher, Glyncorrwg, said there was no fracture. The cause of death was shock from the blow. A verdict of Accidental death" was returned. Mr. Evans, on behalf of the company, expressed sympathy for the widow and family.

DEBTORS' PARADISE, PLEA FOR A COUNTY-COURT AT FISHGUARD. A meeting of tradesmen and professional men at Fishguard decided to petition Judge Lloyd Morgan to establish a county-court at Fishguard. It was pointed out that many bad debts were allowed at present to be writ- ten off because the expense of attending courts at Haverfordwast or Cardigan waa too great. great. SERIOUS RAILWAY SMASH AT WILLESDEN. THE SCENE AS THE WRECKAGE WAS BEING CLEARED AWAY FROM THE SCENE OF THE DISASTER. [World's Graphic. I-

WANTED THE OLD FLAG. AN ECCENTRIC CHINESE CREW AT NEWPORT. A gang of 20 Chinese were charged at New- port on Tuesday with deserting the steamer Netherby Hall and refusing to obey the law- ful commands of the master. Captain J. W. Houghton said the men, who had previously been good workmen on board, refused their duty on Tuesday and Wednesday last, and on Friday deserted the I ship. Their conduct had involved the cap-1 tain in an expense of jE50 19s. for extra labour, &c. They objected to continue in the ship because the name had been changed, notwithstanding the fact that the captain had tried to convince them that the changing of the name would not affect their agree- ments, which did not terminate until July next. Police-sergeant Merry, of the Docks police, said that on Friday he was on the gangway of the Netherby Hall, when the prisoners made a demonstration, handled him and a constable roughly, and cam a ashore. They refused to return to the ship. When asked what they had to say, the defendants, through an interpreter, said they would go back into the ship if the cap- tain changed the funnel and put the old flag up. The captain said he had no power to do that. The Bench expressed the opinion that the desertion had not been proved, but ordered the men to forfeit two days' pay each for insubordination. They also recommended that the captain communicate with his owners and the authorities with a view to getting the men sent back to their homes. —————————— j

MUSICAL COPYRIGHT. IMPORTANT QUESTION OF LAW DECIDED IN CHANCERY. In the Chancery Division on Tuesday Mr. Justice Joyce dismissed an action brought by Mr. Lionel Monckton, the well-known musical composer, against the Gramophone Company for an injunction to restrain them from te- producing on their records plaintiff's song, Moonstruck." first sung by Miss Gertie Millar in Our Miss Gibbs." Defendants contended they were entitled to do what they had done without any consent on the part of Mr. Monckton, but for plaintiff it was argued that he was entitled to the advan- tages he could derive from the exercise of his own skill and labour of his brains. Plaintiff, when cross-examined, admitted that the song had been sold by music publishers all over the kingdom since February last year, and the Judge, addressing his consel, observed that the publication of the song was fatal to the plaintiff. In dismissing the action, with costs, his Lordship held that plaintiff had no right to stop the defendants.

NEWPORT TRADER'S CARGO APPEAL CASE REMITTED TO THE JUDGE. Before Sir Samuel Evans and Mr. Justice Bargrave Deane in the Admiralty Division on Tuesday the case of the Steamship Glen- m lml finlas Company (Limited) v. Lagoda (Limited) ¡ was heard in an appeal of the defendants against the judgment of Judge Rentoul in the City of London Court. The plaintiff company, of 31, St. Vincent-place, Glasgow, brought an action against defendants, the charterers of the Glenfinlas, to recover L31 dead freight on twenty fathoms of pitprops and zCl5 for half a day's demurrage while the vessel was waiting outside Archangel to load her cargo for Newport, Mon. Defendants denied negli- gence, and pleaded, amongst other things, that while they were always willing to load a full cargo, plaintiffs did not take the neces- sary steps to tend. Judge Rentoul gave judgment for plaintiffs for £ 46, and defen- dants now appealed. In the result their lordships remitted the case to the judge for him to state the reasons for his judgment.

RUSE OF WORKHOUSE INMATES. The wicked wiles of three workhouse I inmates were the subject of a discussion before the school management committee at the City-hall on Tuesday, when a letter was read from the caretaker of Radnor-road Elementary School, stating that a few days previous three bags of sticks from the Ely Workhouse had been abstracted from a truck- load of ten, delivered by three of the inmates. The caretaker saw the men throwing empty sacks over three of the bags, and upon his demanding, the delivery note they replied that the three bags were ordered for another customer. On the motion of Councillor Lovat- Fraser (chairman), seconded by Mr. J. J. Jackson, the caretaker was commended for his promptness, and it was decided that the his promptness, and it was decided that the offenders should receive no other punishment than that of detention by the master.

PORTHCAWL AND A POLLING BOOTH. A meeting of Porthcawl Council, Mr. W. J. Griffin, J.P., in the chair, received a letter from Mr. Tom Jones, captain of the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, inviting a few of the members to meet I members of his club in committee. The chairman, Mr. J. L. Lambert, and Mr. David Jones were appointed. A letter was also read from the deputy returning officer, stating that the wishes of the council had been agreed to in respect of an additional polling station in Porthcawl for the present election. Owners and Tythegstone voters to poll in Newton. An application from residents of New-street to put the Private Street Works Act in motion was agreed to.

DEBTORS AT NEWPORT. In Newport Bankruptcy-court on Tuesday (before Mr. Registrar Hornby) the adjourned public examination was closed of Philip Howard, engineer, of Corporation-road. James Edvrard Webb, painter and deco- rator, of 4, Station-street, came up for public examination. Liabilities were set down at £ 147 15s. 5d., and assets at L13 12s. Id. Debtor, who was represented by Mr. F. H. Dauncey, attributed his failure to losses cn contracts in 1908, and to coats of legal pro- ceedings. The examination was closed. In the case of Timothy Morgan, of Chep- stow, the debtor did not appear. His wife stated that he was so ill that he could not move hand or foot. The examination was adjourned to" a moilth.

"OUT OF HIS POWER." JUDGE HILL KELLY AND MARINE ENGINEER'S DEBTS. At Barry County-court on Tuesday (before his Honour Judge Hill Kelly) Mr. Gordon Williams, solicitor, appeared for the defen- dant in the case of Edwards v. Bruceson. Plaintiff sued for an administration ordsr against defendant. Defendant's wife stated that her husband was a marine engineer, earning £3 10s., and owed debts to the extent of L47 15s. 3d. Defendant offered to pay 15s. a month until they were cleared off. Mr. W. H. Hooper, ironmonger, Barry, objected to an order being made, contending that defendant owed money to several other tradesmen. His Honour informed defendant that aril debts must be disclosed, and advised Mr. Williams to talk the matter over with his client before the end of the court. Mr. Williams, however, said that the debts mentioned by Mr. Hooper totalled more than £ 5G. His Honour stated that, whatever his inclinations might be, the case was out of his power. WRONGFULLY DISPOSSESSED. Emily Barrett, milkvendor, summoned John Cawthorn and his wife, also milkvendors, for trespass. Mr. Ivor Bowen (instructed by Mr. Morgan Rees, Solicitor, Cardiff) was for the claimant, and Mr. 1\. L. Parsons (instructed by Mr. Forsdike, solicitor, Cardiff) defended. The case for the plaintiff was that the defendants took a field on a sub-lease, and turned out the plaintiff's cows without giving notice. It was pointed out for the plaintiff that she had paid the rent for several years, and received no, notice that defendant's had taken the field. His Honour held that plaintiff had been wrong- fully dispossessed of the field, although no doubt defendants' thought they had a just claim. He ordered defendants to surrender possession in seven days, and pay iCI5 damages to plaintiff.

THRILLING BALLOON VOYAGE. I GERMAN AERONAUTS' NIGHT OF PERIL. "Are we in England? We have come in a balloon." These were the words, uttered in a strong German accent, which startled the inmates of Park Cottage, near Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands, about ten o'clock on Sunday night. "We thought we were in Sweden," added the spokesman, "till we saw the word 'Push' on your door bell." On being asked to enter, two men, covered with blood and mud, staggered into the house. The story told by the balloonists was thrilling. It appeared that about four o'clock on Saturday three gentlemen—Herr was thrilling. It appeared that about four o'clock on Saturday three gentlemen-Herr Dietler, managing director of the Deutscher Touring Club; Captain Joerdens, a retired German Army officer; and Herr Metzger, manager of a rubber factory for automobiles, all belonging to Munich, left that town in the Deutscher Touring Club's balloon for a I twenty-four hours' ascent. "About 7.30 on Sunday morning," Herr < Dietler states, "the balloonists' greatest dread appeared. We heard the roaring of the sea The wind was blowing strongly from the south-east. We came down to locate our position. So great was our speed that the basket dashed against the sea, we three were immersed, and," Herr Dietler patheti- cally added, "when we rose clear again we were two." Herr Metzger was not seen any more. Relieved of the weight of oee passenger, the balloon rose out of danger, and all Sunday the balloonists drifted they knew not I whither except that the German Ocean was ¡ beneath them. A dense fog hung over the sea to a height of about 100 yards. Twice during the darkness the balloonists I descended, but each time struck the waves. At last everything, even the anchor, had to be cast overboard, and the emergency rope was pulled to release the remainder of the I gas as soon as the balloonists knew they were over land. Still so great was the impetus that wire fences and dykes were i torn down as the balloon whirled along, while Herr Distler and Captain Joerdens lay crouched in the bottom of the basket expect- ing each minute to be their last. When they stopped they were a mile inland.

EBBW VALE COMPANY. MR. D. A. THOMAS APPOINTED A I DIRECTOR. The directors of the Etbw Vale Steel, Iron and Coal Company (Limited) have issued the following circular to the shareholders:- In continuation of the policy announced I in my letter to the shareholders of the 10th of November last, and with the view of still further strengthening the position of the company in regard to its coal business, Mr. I D. A. Thomas, recently member of Parlia- ment for the city of Cardiff, who has for many years been interested in the South Wales coal trade and is the managing director of the Cambrian Collieries (Limited), has been appointed a director of the com- pany, in succession to Sir William Bailey, who has retired in his favour under condi- tions similar to those of the previous appointments. Mr. Thomas will be asso- cia-ted with the firm of T. Beynon and Co. (Limited), in the sale of the com- pany's coal. The re-construction of the board is now complete, and your directors are convinced that these arrangements will add to the prosperity of the company.—Yours faithfully. "JOSEPH BEAILSFORD (Chairman)." We understand that, although Mr. D. A. Thomas is managing director of the Cam- brian Trust, Ac., there will be no connec- tion in any way between the combined collieries and the Ebbw Vale Company.

J UDGMENT AGAINST COUNCIL His Honour Judge Hill Kelly gave judg- ment at Barry County-court on Tuesday against the Glamorgan County Council for X81 15s. and costs in an action for com- pensation brought against them by William I Williams. Mr. W. R. Allen, .solicitor, appeared for defendants, and Mr. A. Parsons, B.A.L., for plaintiff. Mr. Allen admitted the claim, but regretted that an order had been made for costs. He contended that if the claim had been made after the next county council meeting plain- tiffs owuld have been justified in their claim for costs. As it was, however, the county I oouncil had paid as soon as possible. His Honour held otherwise, and gave judg- ment as stated.

UNFIT FOR DWELLINGS. INSANITARY CONDITIONS IN CARDIFF. A report on a number of insanitary dwell- ings in the heart of Cardiff was presented to the city health committee on Tuesday by Dr. Walford, the medical officer of health. Mr. pWilliam Jones, who urged that the matter should not be overlooked for long, declared that there were houses in the city which they would not use as pig-styes, and it was a marvel to him that the council allowed I them to be used as human dwellings. From this report it appeared (he added) that there were houses where the back space was too limited to enable the usual sanitary arrange- ments to be provided. Dr. Robinson (chairman): That is so. Mr. Jones: Then why has it been tolerated so long? Dr. Walford pointed out that legal points were involved, which needed very serious consideration. Dr. Robinson: There has been a standard in the past, and it is for us now to raise the standard of housing accommodation. Mr. Jones: Why have you not dealt with Tyndall-street, Dr. Walford? The medical officer pointed out that there was a report before the committee. Dr. Robinson said the committee could not pick and choose in their work. There must be a comprehensive survey. Mr. Jones: I agree, if you seek the worst. Dr. Robinson: That has been done time after time, and we are going over them again. It was decided to defer further considera- tion of the matter until the next meeting of the committee, when a list of houses requiring attention is to be presented.

AMAZONIAN NEIGHBOUR. REMARKABLE STORY OF A WOMAN AND DOG-WHIP. A sequel to an exciting scene at Lingfield occupied the Oxted Bench on Tuesday, when Mrs. Hepzabah Eagles, of Falconhurst, was summoned. by Mr. Ludwig Selbach, of the Tower House, for wilful damage and assault. There was a. cross-summons for assault. It was stated that the residences adjoin, and there had been a dispute respecting the boundary fence. This was settled, but on November 26 Mrs. Eagles objected to some matting placed against the fence and removed it. Mr. Selbach remonstrated with her. where- upon. it was alleged, she attacked him with a. whip. To escape her violence he concealed himself in a cowshed, together with his son and gardener and a boy servant. Mrs. Eagles then broke Mr. Selbach's study window, and went to the coachman's cottage and requested to be told where his master was. saying, I am going to give him the best hiding he has ever had in his life with my dog-whip." The coachman refused her request, but she ultimately found the party sheltering in the shed, and challenged them to come out, calling them cowards. Then she smashed four window panes, whereupon Mr. Selbach went out with a birch broom to ward off lashes with the whip. Mrs. Eagles fell into a rose bush, and subsequently the gardener stepped between the parties to prevent I further blows. Mrs. Eagles alleged that Mr. Selbach knocked her down with the broom, but he denied this. Defendant was fined 20s. on each summons, i and ordered to pay the damage. The cross- summons was dismissed.

CHAPEL EISTEDDFOD. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING AT NEW TREDEGAR. A successful eisteddfod was held at New Tredegar under the auspices of Uohdir Con- gregational Church. The adjudicators were: —Music, Mr. Joseph Bowen, Mus.Bac., Porth, and Mr. David Jones, Bargoed; recitations, the Rev. J. R. Salmon, Pontlottyn, and Mr. Tom Lloyd, New Tredegar: ambulance. Dr. Davies, J.P., New Tredegar, and Dr. Davies, J.P.. Fochriw. The principal awards were:- Recitation: Miss Maggie Williams, Aber- tysswg. Translation: J. T. Jones, New Tredegar. Translation: D. C. Roberts, Abertysswg. Boys' solo: Haydn Parry, New Tredegar. Soprano solo: Miss E. Pickford, Penarth. Pianoforte solo (under 16): Tilda Pugh, Bargoed. Tenor solo: W. G. Thomas, Abertysswg. Juvenile choir: Council School, New Tre- degar (conductor, Mr. W. G. Thomas, Rhym- ney). Open soprano solo: Divided between Miss G. M. Jones. Newport, and Miss E. A. Thomas. Ynyshir. Open solo (soprano or tenor): Miss E. A. Thomas, Ynyshir. Tenor solo: J. L. Bebb, Abertysswg. Bass solo: W. Dullard. Deri. Open recitation: Divided between J. G. Owens, Pengam, and Miss E. Pickford, Pen- arth. Ambulance: New Tredegar (Mr. Walter Price). Male voice: Pengam (conductor, Mr. E. Jones), the only competing choir. Chief choral: Pontlottyn (conductor, Mr. E. Davies).

DANGER OF INFECTION. NEED OF CLEANSING CARDIFF SCHOOLS. At the meeting of the Cardiff School Management Committee at the City-hall on Tuesday, Mr. Lovat-Fraser presiding, Dr. Robinson remarked that the elementary schools were hotbeds of infection after the vacations, owing to the long interval between the cleansing of floors, walls, Ac. Dr. Robinson recommended that the floors be sprinkled with disinfectant before being washed, which latter operation should take place at least once a week. Dr. Biggs seconded, and Mr. J. J. Jackson (director of education) stated that the medical officer of health did not approve of that particular method. The matter was deferred. An application from the Band of Hope Union to instal a peripatetic lecturer on temperance and hygiene was dismissed, as those subjects are at present part of the curriculum of elementary schools.

WORKMEN'S WAGES. Practically the whole of the shipping firms in the Bristol Channel ports have received notices to prepare a return of the wages of their workmen—boilermakers in particular-with; a view to the assessment of those wa.ges for income-tax purposes.

WORKSHOP FATALITY. DEATH ATTRIBUTED TO A SMACK ON THE FACE. An inquiry into the circumstances of the death of John Henry Scott (nineteen), an engineer's apprentice, who died under sus- picious circumstances on Friday in Bous- field's Garage, took place at York. Joseph Varley, whitesmith, who is charged with causing the death of Scott, was present in court. William Skilbeck, whitesmith, said he was working at a drilling machine, with Scott a few yards away working at a forge. Varley walked past Scott, and the latter said some- thing to him. He heard Varley reply, "I've warned you before," and saw him turn round and walk up to Scott. The latter tried to get out of the corner, when Varley took hold of him by the shoulders and pushed him back. Varley walked away, leaving Scott standing against the wall. He said, All right," and a few moments later witness looked round, and saw Scott lying on the ground. Varley and witness went and lifted the deceased up. He lived three minutes after. Varley did not strike Scott, nor did he push him against anything. George Bousfield said he did not see the actual occurrence, but when Skilbeck called him he saw Scott huddled up on the floor. Witness inquired the meaning of it, and asked if anyone had been striking him, and Varley replied that he had hit him on the side of the face. Varley said it was not a severe blow; it was an ordinary smack on the face, not on the jaw. Witness saw he was dying, and sent off for a doctor. Dr. Sanderson Long said the lad was dead when he arrived. Witness thought the cause of death was the arrest of the heart's action by shock caused by a blow. The jury found that Scott died "as the result of a push and blow, and returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against Varley.

DIVORCED IN FRANCE. '-I JOINT OWNERS' DISPUTE OVER, WELSH COLLIERY. In the Chancery Division on Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Swinfen Eady, the South Wales action of Depeaux v. Depeaux was called. The plaintiff is Eugenie Marie Depeaux, and the defendant Francois Felix Depeaux, her former husband, and the pro- perty in dispute is the International Anthra- cite Colliery at Abercrave. Mr. Frank Russell, K.C., for the plain- tiff, said both parties were French subjects. They were formerly husband and wife, but in 1904 there was a divorce at Rouen. It had been decreed that there should be an equal division of all property owned by the parties. Part of this property was that in South Wales, which was taken in the defendant's name, and held by him under seven leases, one of which was granted by Lord Tredegar. On July 17, 1905, the Rouen Court ordered the sale of the colliery, and subsequently Mr. Alexander, a chartered accountant, was appointed receiver and manager. Other litigation followed, and there was a scheme for the said of the property for £ 51,000. That sale was entrusted to the defen- dant, but there was considerable delay owing to friction between defendant and Lord Tre- degar, and the negotiations fell through. Mr. Macnaghten, K.C., said defendant was a gentleman with large interests in the South Wales coalfield, of which he had had great experience, and was likely to obtain a better price than anyone else. His Lordship ordered the sale of the colliery under the direction of the court, the sale to be entrusted to the plaintiff, and the defendant having power to bid. The money realised is to be paid into court, and the receiver and manager will remain in the meantime.

DOUBLE RAILWAY FATALITY WOULD-BE RESCUER KILLED TRY-, ING TO SAVE HIS CHUM. At Westminster, London, on Tuesday an inquest was held on William James Hart and John William Whitehead, both carpenters, who were killed at St. James's Park Underground Station on Saturday afternoon. Hart, it was stated, had a weak heart and suffered from giddi- j ness. A witness stated that hd saw the deceased men at the foot of the stairs leading to the platform. Hart reeled, and, not being able to recover himself, fell on the lines. Whitehead sprang on the line to save his friend. Just then a train emerged from the tunnel which ran over both men. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death" !n Hart's case, and found that Whitehead lost his life in trying to save his companion.

BURIED CARTRIDGE. FATAL QUARRY BLAST AT GOOD- WICK. An inquest was opened at Goodwick on Monday on the bodies of William Grady, Gocdwick, and Gwilym John James, Duffryn, who were killed by an explosion at the new railway cutting, Manorowen, on Friday. Albert Holtan, the ganger, attributed the tragedy to a pick coming into contact with a blasting cartridge, which might have missed fire three months ago and been buried in the debris. The inquest was adjourned for the attend- ance of the chief inspector of explosives. Amixrl";

BARREL OF BEER REFUSED BUILTH GUARDIANS' SUGGESTED GIFT FOR CLERK. A barrel of beer offered for the inmates at Christmas by Mr. T. R. Worthington (Drover's Arms Hotel. Builth Wells), was refused with thanks by the Builth Wells Board of Guar dians on Tuesday. The members, however, humorously resolved to accept the liquor for the clerk. (Laughter.)

.r::4I:T A LOAN OF £ 3,973. FOR LAYING OUT A PARK AT MORRISTON. A Local Government Board inquiry was held at Swansea on Tuesday by Mr. W. O. E. Meade King into an application by Swan- sea Corporation to borrow X3,973 for the purposes of laying out and enlarging a park at Morriston. There was no opposition to the scheme. The Commissioner visited the new park site later in the day.

WEEK BY WEEK. +— LIGHTER SIDE OF CURRENT EVENTS. Mr. S. R. Jenkins, for some years pastor of a Congregational Church at Merthyr, has been called to the Bar. Next summer the Wesleyan Conference assembles at Cardiff, and preparations for the event are already under way. The fund for commemorating the men who were educated under Dr. Thomas Phillips at the old academy at Neuaddlwyd, in Car- diganshire, has reached more than £100. A local farmer says that where the wind is at noon on October 29 it will remain till the end of the year. Well. at that time it was due east, and it has been more or lees easterly ever since. A Narberth hairdresser is a great bird fancier. During the last seven years his handsome goldfinches have been awarded no less than 165 prizes at various shows in Wales and at the Crystal Palace. The weather has no party. Owing to the heavy rains the Vyrnwy and Severn have ♦overflowed their banks, stopped a lot of political meetings up Oswestry way. and delayed the distribution of election litera- ture. At the last meeting of the Royal Numis- matic Society a member exhibited seven shillings of Charles I., of Aberystwyth, Btristol, Exeter. Worcester, and York." Does this mean that there was once a mint at Aberystwyth ? publishing a portrait of Miss Gwenllian Morgan, mayoress of Brecon, the "Sphere" memtions the interesting fact that Miss Mor- ga<a numbered amongst her personal friends Rolbert Browning, Mr. Gladstone, and the lato Lady do Rothschild. This is a true story from Pencoed. A col- liery engineman's wife was shopping at Bridgend, when she had a premonition that her husband would meet with an accident. Accordingly, she purchased a stock of lint, antiseptics, and linseed meal. An hour after returning her husband was brought hoime by some fellow-workmen, having been caught in the machinery and badly hurt. A Haverfordwest man had a remarkable escape this time seventy years ago. He was returning from Pembroke Dock in company with a lad. and between Freystrop and Mer- lin's Bridge he slipped and fell into a disused coalpit to a depth of sixteen fathoms. He was not much injured, however, for wearipig a mackintosh cape and cloak he descended with comparative gentleness. It was like riding in a sedan chair, as he expressed it. Sir Jsambard Owen, vice-chancellor of the University of Bristol, was one of the founders of the Medical School in the University College. Cardiff. Since his appointment at Bristol he has secured in that university the establishment of a School of Tropical Medicine. Where is the Cardiff School of Tropical Medicine, and. by the wavy, where is the proposed and promisee School of Mines? Wake up, South Wales and smpport the college. How "the times change! Two hundred years ago the united ports of Cardiff, Newport, and Aberthsvw had only eleven ships between them; and a hundred years later this very modest amount had only doubled! Swansea, Porthcajwl. and Neath had 37 ships, increasing by the Imd of the century to 96. At the end of the eighteenth century Carrligan and FitJh- guard between them led all South Wales with 239 ships, whilst Beaumaris, Amlwch, and Barmouth had 327 between them. and did far and the most shipping business in the PrincipaJity! By tha death of the Rev. A. Williams, vicar of Elerch, the Church in North Cardigan- shire hms lost one of its most devoted clergy. Ordained in 1875, he was curate of Capel Bangor with Goginau until 1883. when he was appointed to Elerch. Mr. Williams will be missed by a large circle of friends, especially in his parish and at Church meet- ings. El erch Church, consecrated in 1868. is one of hialf-a-dozen erected in the parish of Llanbadnrn Fawr, and was built and endowed chiefly by and through the influence of the Rev. Lewis Gilbertson, M.A. It is sadd of Gitto Nyth-Bran. recently referred to in this column, that he used to shepherd his employer's flock on the bleak slopes of Llanwonno Mountain, and was fleet enough af foot to be able to dispense with canine assistance. One day, having penned an unusiually large number of sheep, which he had cjhased in from all corners of the mountainous countryside, he was asked, "Well, Ghlto, did you have much trouble in managing them to-day?" "Oh, no." was the reply; I only bad a bit of a sprint with that little ibrown beggar in the corner there." On a closer inspection of the pen it was found that Gitto had folded a hare, which lay panting under the feet of the sheep! If none the prices given for the George Meredith M SS. at Sotheby's were sensational. none of the-m were wretched (the highest was £260 for qai early unpublished version of about half of One of Our Conquerors," the lowest £53 for The Sage Enamoured, with Earlier Fragments "), a.nd though one or two were bought on personal grounds, bidding was keen arad general among the dealers. The total sum reached was £1,964 for only sixteen lots, The Tale of Chloe" for £171, 95 pages of "Diana" for £168, and three poem lots-na.ch at close on or above .£100- falling to Quaritch. Three Meredith manu- scripts. the auctioneer reminded his buyers, had been to the British Museum, and almost all tito rest were in America. This time ninety years ago there was great indignation up and down the country oyer the treatment of Queen Caroline, the un- happy wife of George IV. Demonstrations were made Ùla. every town and almost every village in Wiiles, and at a border church a delightful incident occurred. "After the clergyman had repeated that part of the Litany, 'That it may please Thee to bless and preserve all the Royal Family.' the clerk, instead of saving We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord,' repeated with a loud and distinct voice and most solemn countenance 'Not excepting our most religious, gracious, and ever revered Queen Caroline' The congregation 'were, of course, astonished, and the poor cIeri, got a severe reprimand. Inspector Bingham (Cardiff) would seem to be as much of an expert in ladies' hair as he is in the fingnr-marks of suspects. In quite a usual assa ult case, where the parties were ladies fnom Mary Ann-street, the lady in the dock exhibited for magisterial inspection a shuock of hair, which she alleged had been drajsged out of her head. There- upon the lady in the witness-box, speaking in strongly-matrked Irish accents, shouted fiercely, I challenge that hair. I say it is not hers!" "I say it is!" "I say it is not!" And so the wordy warfare went on. until Inspector Bingham strode up to the dock, caught hold the hair. examined it cur- sorily. and. ad< Lressing the bench, said, It is not her hair, your worship." The hair was in the shape of a pad. the like of which, our representative subsequently ascertained, is not unknown to ladies who move in higher circles. On the April. 1812, the corporation of Aberystwyth granted to Mr. Pryse Pryse, Gogerddan, and others, as trustees of the Charitable Institution for the Education of Youth According to the Established Prin- ciples of the Cliurch of England, a piece of ground on Maeoglaa. adjoining St. Michael's Churchyard, containing 150ft. by 50ft. On that ground wsis erected the first school- house built at Aberystwyth, and it has been used for educational and other Church pur- poses ever sinae. For many years it has been used as a. grammar school, and many men who hold responsible positions were educated there. Until the Welsh Church was opened the Welsih evening services were held in the building. As curate of Llanbadarn Fawr, the Rev. Thomas Evans. who has been vicar of Llanrhiystid since 1863. officiated at St. Michael's and the Ysgoldy for two years. It is now proposed to pull down the building and erect hanclsome Church-rooms on the site. A feat by a well-known Welsh preacher, the late Rev. Thomas Rees, D.D., Cefncoed. Merthyr, deserves to be recorded. The eminent divine on one Sunday 35 years ago preached five times on that day—three times in Welsh and twice in English, and at the end of the day he was as fresh as a daisy," and he never irepeated a sermon, and his sermons were a.tways worth repeating. The doctor was engaged to preach in Hermon Schoolroom, Dowlais, on this particular Sun- day to the English Church who worshipped there while thetir chapel was being built in Elizabeth-street. Hermon Church had no preacher that day, and he cut it short in the morning and went to the Welsh upstairs afterwards. In the afternoon he went to Fochriw, a distance of five miles, where an anniversary WIW being held, and in the even- ing, having returned, he preached in Hermon first, and afterwards to the English section, finishing the day with a communion service. Is there a morei wonderful feat to record? Merionethshire* is the one Welsh county in the peculiar position of possessing no acknowledged county town. Although the geographies giv.e pride of place to Dolgelly, Harlech, which once boasted a charter with a mayor and corporation, is the historic capital. But county council never meets in Harlech. clerk to the county coun- cil has his office at Portmadoc. in Carnarvon- shire. The officc of the education committee is at Towyn. The county council and the police committee meet at Dolgelly, Towyn. Bala, and Festiniiog, in turn. The education committee sometimes meet at Barmouth. The quarter sessdons alternate between Dol- gelly and Bala, whHe the former is always the assize town. The only distinction left to Harlech is that fit is still the town where the nominations in connection with Parlia- mentary elections take place. The declara- tion of the poll in a contested election is. however, made at Dolgelly. Harlech has flourished in reoent years, and there is now a movement aftvot to persuade the county obuncil to meet there at least once a yea*.