The Cardiff Times

8HANKUN BEACH MYSTERY. An important London clue has been dia- eovered in connection with a mysterious affair which is engaging the attention of the police at Shanklin, Isle of Wight. A man's bowler hat, overcoat, and lounge jacket were found late on Sunday aftefnoon on Luccombc beach, near Shanklin. Inatde the hat were the initials A.M." The overcoat had no name upon it. but the tab of the lounge jacket bore the name of a well-known tailoring firm in the Strand. In one of the pockets of the jacket there was a green < rocodile leather case, with silver cor- ners. inside which were a number of cards bear- ing a name and address. There were also found in the jacket a cheque book on the Acton branch of the London County and Westminster Bank (Limited), and a bank pass book, on the outside of which was written a name and address.

OSTEND PILOT BOAT SUNK. Ostend, Monday.—ApHotboat out on service Bear Westhinder Lightship, was sunk to-day by a steamer bound from Antwerp to Dover. Nine persons were drowned.—Renter. Brussels. Monday.—According to the news- papers, the steamer which was in collision with the pilot boat waa the British steamer Imperial. which left Antwerp yesterday. It is stated that the pilot boat was cut in two. A Dutch pilot boat has arrived at Fiushmg, and reports that she saw the coitisinn. but was too far off qo give any asa'stan'c. The catastrophe occurred during a thick fop. The matt steamer Princesse Henrictte and two tugs searched for the crew of the pilot boat, but in vain.— Beuter.

INDUSTRY P)ONEERS. South Wates' Leaders. NO. VH!.—W!LUAM MENELAUS. Practical Scienttst Patron of Art The cry of Wales for the Welah is the expression of a cheap cynicism bom of ignor- ance of the spirit and traditions of the Princi- pality. For of the men who made South Wales not a few were strangers within the gate." From the North of England came more than one great pioneer; from the South of Scotland,' among others, came William Menelaus. In those early days, as now, Watea welcomed representatives of all the nations gave them opportunity for fame encouraged them in their work held them in highest esteem paid them tribute when their labours were ended. The industrial history of South Wales is eloquent of the achievements of Englishmen and Scotsmen who became Welsh Nationalists in the high, practical, sense, and gave an impetus to the development of their adopted land in every sphere of human activities. Menelaus, of Dow lais. William Menelaus was bom in 1818 in Edin- burgh amid surroundings that have recalled Athens in its zenith of culture and influence. H!s mind was essentially that of the student rather than of the man of action. Few men are eminent in more than one sphere versa- tility demands sacrinces and the scientist in William Menelaus was ultimately merged in the master of men. For nearly a third of a century he was genera! manager of the Dowlaia Iron and Steel Works, with interests that ex- tended to Tredegar and Treforest Iron Works and to several large collieries. But his interest in, and devotion to, scientific research were kept alive, and while his fame reals on his work as Menelaus of Dowlais he is entitled to distinction aa the sympathetic supporter ot the celebrated Bessemer. He realised that in his day there was to be the dawn of the steel era, and it was not to find him unprepared. He not only assisted Bessemer in his experiments he was one of the first to share in Bessemer's triumph. It was at Dowiais Works that Bes- semer steel was first rolled into raila. WILLIAM MENELAUS, from an oil painting. His Varied interests. William Menelaus left Edinburgh in 1844, at the age of 26, on his appointment as engineer to the Aberdare Iron Company. He soon won a reputation for skill and energy, and in 1850 he came under the notice of Sir John Guest. In 1856 he was the controlling power of the greatest ironworks in the world, being then but 38 years of age, a young man of dominating personality, and in foresight a genius. Himself a hard worker he demanded and received faithful service from others. When he went to Dowlais the works turned out 1,200 tons of iron a week he lived to see the works produce 4,000 tons a week of finished iron and steel, in addition to tin bars. Of his achievements as pioneer at Dowiais much could be and has been written it is necessary here and now only to indicate some phases of his efforts. We have already referred to his work with Bessemer and the impetus which the Bessemer achieve- ment gave to Dowlais. Menelaus was among the first to utilise waste gases in and he was the pioneer of appliances to lighten the labour of the men in the forges and rolling mills. His engineering skiti, added to his inventive genius, gave him a commanding position, and rails were made upon him to enter public life. But he felt that his duty lay in that nearest his hand, and he gave to Dowlais his gifts and his energies. His in- terests, however, were not confined to iron and steel. He was a patron of art. Friend of Carlyle, he was a disciple of the rugged philosophy of that great sage. A wide reader, poetry was a sort of passion with him, and he was an authority on the ballad literature of the Scottish border. He touched life at many points, andjf his interests were not universal, they were disingTiished by catholicity of mind, culture, common sense. Founds a Great institute. William Menelaus could not be persuaded to devote his abilities to public life as such, but his achievements have their national aspect. He founded the South Wales Institute of Engineers and became its controlling power. He was also one of the founders of the Iron and Steel Institute of Great Britain, which was started in his own house, and he was one of its first and most distinguished pre- sidents. No University was so enterpris- ing as to honour him, but in 1879 he was awarded the Bessemer Medal—a well- merited and popular distinction. It was in the fitness of things that the inventive engineer, practical scientist and leader in industry, should thus be associated with the man of genius whose labours have won immortality in the records of the Steel Age. It has to be noted also that Menelaus was a firm believer in, and supporter of, the Volunteer movement. He was one of the first captains of the 2nd Glamor- gan R.V.C., and gave an impetus to the ad- vancement of the citizen army by the practical' sympathy ot his untiring efforts. His Great Gift to Cardiff. It has been pointed out with regret that no monument was ever raised to his memory. But it has also to be pointed out that what Mene- laus hated alcove all things was public praise. He found his reward in duty well done. There is, however, one great monument to his memory. A patron of art, he bought with sound judgment and artistic taste, and his gallery of paintings was one of the finest in the country. This he bequeathed to C<u-dia Corporation, and it will soon become part of the National Museum of Wales, and remain striking evidence of the collector's wealth, re- fined tastes, and public spirit. The Inspirer of Youth. William Menelaus died in 1882, long before he bad reached his three score years and ten. His popularity was as universal as his inmience. It was churarteriatic of the m&n who by his own efforts, had risen to eminence in the industrial world that be should seek out and encotirage clever lads. He was a arm believer in giving facilities for advancement to the yo-ith who gave evidence of unusual gifts and energy and many men who have achieved fame owe the early impetus to the manager of Dowlais. The leading factor in his own career was undivided attention to business, and be impressed upon his workers that their nrst duty lay in the workshop. He achieved greatness at many points, and is numbered among the foremost of the pioneers who have made South Wales.

i. —— ACTRESS OBTAINS DIVORCE. In London on Monday Mrs Margaret Browne, an actress, whose stage name is Madge Mcln- tosh," was granted a decree nisi on the ground of the desertion and misconduct of her hus- band, Mr William Graham Browne, an actor. The suit was undefended. Counsel said the marriage took place in Manchester in 1S97, when the parties were on tour with one of Mr Benson's companies. They subsequently went through a religious cere- mony at Fulham. Last October petitioner obtained a decree of restitution of conjugal rights. There had been no compliance with that decree. As the result of the publication of a report of the restitution soit petitioner's solicitor received an anonymous letter with regard to respondent having stayed at an hotel with a woman. This, said counsel, showed the value of cases in that court being reported, for on inquiries being made it was found respondent had stayed at the hotel with a lady. Evidence was given to support coonsel's statement.

NATIONAL POULTRY FARM. As there has been no Central Educational Poultry farm and Experiment Station since the College Poultry Farm, Theale, was closed in September, a strong committee has been formed to establish a National Poultry Insti- tute and Experiment Station. A draft scheme was submitted for considera- tion which had been provisionally approved by the Board of Agriculture who, should dona- tions and annual subscriptions be forthcom- ing on a sufficient scale, are prepared to do all in their power to support an institute by active interest in its work and to obtain adequate grants from the development fund proportionate to the contributions which may be forthcoming from other sources.

Under the auspices of the Gelli Home Sweet Home Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars a competitive meeting was held on Saturday evening, Mr G. W. Evans presiding. Awards :—Recitation, opet)L, Mrs Harriett Bacon. Ystrad soprano solo, divided between Mias Myfanwy Williams Redroschill, and Miss Sarah Williams. Heolfach bass Solo, Mr Evan Evana, Penti'e unpunctuated read- ing. divided between Messrs D. Thomas and C. Potter, GeHi tenor so)o, Mr Thomas Smout, Bodnngallt-tcrrace quartette, Mr Isaac Parker and friends.

Budget intentions. "DRAWtNS THE CHANCELLOR Tory Members' Poor Success. Mr FELL (C.) in the House on Monday asked if the Budget for the year 1910-11 will not be presented until after the spring holidays and, if so, could the Chancellor of the Exchequer give any estimate of the losses that will be in- curred through the delay in its presentation ? Mr LLOYD GEORGE'said the answer to the first part of the question was in the afBrma- tive. As regarded the second, he waa not aware of any appreciable loss that was likely to be inC1llTed.. Mr STAVELEY HILL (C.) asked the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer whether the Govern- ment received representations from Irish sources as to the desirability of amending the Finance Bill, 1909, and whether it was pro- posed to amend the Bill to meet Irish objcc- tions or in any ot.her way to secure the re- moval of Irish opposition to that measure. The !rish No Exception. Mr LLOYD GEORGE The hon. member cam hardly expect me to anticipate my financial statement. Like every other Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, I have been in receipt of representations on every portion of the Budget. There are people in all parts of the United Kingdom who prefer that others should pay taxes instead of themselves, and Ireland is no exception to this rule. Mr FELL asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the financial resolutions leading to the Budget of 1910-11 will be brought in shortly to legalise the collections made and to be made of duties and taxes since 31st March. Mr LLOYD GEORGE I cannot yet give a date for the introduction of the financial resolutions for the Budget of 1910-11. The First Step. Mr FELL I am asking about the pcesent. collection since 31st March. Mr LLOYD GEORGE My answer is in re- ference to that collection. I hope it will be legalised before the Budget of 1910-11. We propose to have a Budget in the ordinary course for the year 1910-11. but before we reach it we have got to legalise the collection for last vear. That will be the nrst step. Mr MAITLAND (C.) 'Under what authority is income tax being collected at present ? Mr LLOYD GEORGE It is being collected quite voluntarily at present. I have no mean& of enforcing its collection until a resolution if) carnoo. I hope that resolution wiH be carried in the course of a week. Replying to Capt. Craig (C.) and Mr Lens- dale, Mr LLOYD GEORGE said he could not now state whether the proposed relief of taxation which is to be granted to the Irish taxpayers under the Budget of 1909-10 will be made in the Budget of 1909-10 or will be em- bodied in the Budget of the present nnancial year. He hoped to make his statement early next week. WiN App)y AH Round. Mr LONSDALE If the right hon. gentle- man agrees to any reimposition of the taxes will they apply to all parts of the United Kingdom ? Mr LLOYD GEORGE Oh, yes. I think the hon. gentleman witi be quite satisfied about that.

NATtON'S DOOM As Foreto!d by Pohticians. There must be something singular! y depress- ing to the nervous system in modern Conser- vatism (says the Westminster Gazette "). Of 12 distinct and separate reasons recently set before us to prove that the doom of the British nation is assured, nine of them have been formulated by Unionist politicians, indi- viduatly or all together. Thus ruin and damna- tion. &c., are prophesied by :— Mr Balfour, if the Lords' Veto be limited. Mr Chamberlain and Co., because of Free Trade. Lord Roberta, for want of a Conscript Army. Lord Chartos Beresford, because we wilt not spend jE70,000,000 on the Navy. Lord Rosebery, if we permit Socialism to grow. The Bishop of London, because of the decreasing birth-rate. Archbishop of Canterbury, by Disestab- lishmcnt. The Unionists, as the result of Home Rule. The Unionists, on account of the Budget. Then there are other reasons :— Mr BIatchford, for want of One Man. Sir WilUam Crookcs, hy the exhaustion of coaL Mr Carnegie, by the exhaustion of iron. If all these prophets have as much faith in one another as in themselves their is not an enviable one.

"B!6 BEN" CRACKED. New Casting Wanted. Big Ben is in disgrace. Mr Wooding Starmer, lecturing at the Royal Institution, said the tone the bell gave was not so good aa it should be, and nothing but serious injury could re- suit from the cutting of holes in the sound bowls, although it wns said that the hotes were cut to ascertain the extent of the crack. Messrs E. Dent and Co., of the Stnmd, who have charge of the great Westminster clock striking on Big Ben, confess too that all is not well. We quite agree," said the manager to a Press representative yesterday, with Mr Wood- ing Starmer's remarks about the hour bell, and we certainly think that we ought to have a new one cast in its place, but it would be a big job taking the bell down. It weighs 13} tons, and no end of trouble and expense would be involved in removing it. The bell might have to come through one of the dials, or over the top of the tower, but in any case it would cost many hundreds of pounds."

PASSENGER BOAT AS PLUG. In a crippled condition, and lying low in the water, the Norwegian sailing ship Sophie (2,500 tons) arrived at Southampton on Sunday in tow. She had been in collision with the London and South-Western Railway's passenger steamer, the Laura. (641) tons, which reached South- ampton on Saturday with two holes on each side above the water line. The Laura was on her way to Cherbourg, when, shortly after midnight on Friday, she struck the Sophie amidships on the starboard side, and water rushed into the hoLe. In order to avoid the possibility of the Sophie sinking, the captain of the Laura kept the bows of his ship nrmly wedged in her side for four hours. There were only a. few passengers on the Laura, and no panic occurred.

CARDIGAN'S HEALTH RECORD. In hia annual report upon the sanitary condi- tion of Cardigan to tt.e Town Council on Mon day. Dr. Stephens stated that there were no cases of infectious disease notified to him dur- ing the year. He much regretted that the application to the Local Government Board for a loan to carry through the St. Dogmells w;tter extension scheme waa declined. The addi- tional supply was urgently needed. During the year a large number of new buildings were erected within the borough. The develop- ment of the higher parts of the town would be accelerated by an extension of the sewers and water mains. Tb& rate of infant mor- tality was the lowest recorded during the past 10 years. Complaint was made of tMe destruction wrought amongst flowers upon graves in the cemetery by dogs, and the matter was referred to a committee;

FATAL MOTOR ACCtDENT. At Colchester on Saturday night Arthur Webb, a commercial traveller of that town,was committed to the Assizes on a coroner's warrant charging him with the manslaughter of Frederick Goodwin, aged 24. The latter died from fracture of the skull, after being thrown out of a grocer s cart which was drawn up by the side of a road in Colchester, and with which a motor-car driven by Webb is said to have collided. Bail to the amount of £1,000 waa entered into.

ABERAVON FATHER SENT TO 6AOL At Aberavon on Monday William Cokely, dock labourer, Aberavon, waa charged on & warrant with neglecting his nve children under 14 years of age. Mr E. T. Evans prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C. Defendant pleaded guilty. Mr E. T. Evans said that defendant, who failed to appear on February 24th, waa arrested on Sunday. Defendant was capable of earning 12s per day, but waa addicted to 'drink. His wife died last June,and since then the children had been well looked after by Mary Lewis. defendant's motherin-law, but defendant had only contributed about £3 10s towards their support. Inspector Best, N.SJP.C.C., said the case had been under his observation for about three months. Defendant was dirty in his habits. Mary Lewis corroborated. P.S. Phillips and P.O. Lister described the defendant as lazy and drunken. There was a previous con- viction for a similar oSence,and defendant was sent down for three months' hard labour.

LANDLADY'S CHASE OF LODGE. Harry Pelk was charged on remand at Swan- sea Police Court on Monday with breaking into No. 127. Strand, and stealing a suit of clothes worth 8s. Defendant had lodged in the house, and was met by his former landlady with the clothes, chased, and arrested. When caught his landlady said, Now, Hoop-la I'm going to have you locked up this is the third time you've broken into my house." Mr Pryddcrch, the Strand missioner, ex- pressed the opinion that it was hunger which made defendant steal, but defendant said he was working up to the Friday before he was pinched." Defendant's mother, with tears in her eyes, appealed for leniency because he was her only support, and the magistrates decided to deal with him under the Probation Act.

TO STIR UPCARD)FF. M)S8)ONERS' STR)K1N6 METHODS. Chapman (& A)exander. EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS. The Chapman-Alexander Mission, for which preparation has been in progress for some time in Cardiff, has commenced, and the world- ifamous American missioners who are conduct- ing it are sanguine of a beneficial time. The chief personaiities in the mission—which is one in which strong personalities have to be reckoned with—are Dr. NVilbur Chapman and Mr Charles M. Alexander, who arrived on Saturday after concluding a mission in Ohio. The former pays his first visit to Cardiff, but the latter, who is accompanied by his wife (nee Miss Cadbury), will be weit remembered for his work in association with Dr. Torrey in Cardiff some yeaM ago. The missioners are accom- panied and aided in their work by Mr Robert Harkness, an able accompani&t; Mr Ernest Nafter, a soioist; Mr and Mrs Wm. Asher, who hold meetings in the surrounding districts, in the ahims, and amongst the poor Mr and Mrs Norton, who sp<'ak and instruct on per- sonal work Mr George L. B. Davis. who carries on the work of the Pocket Testament League Mr N. W. Rock, secretary and Mr N. Thomas, assistant secretary. Enthusiastic Wetceme. The missioners came first into contact with a Cardiff audience at a welcome meeting held in the Y.M.C.A. lecture hall. on Saturday even- ing. The hall was crowded, and there were many evidences of enthusiasm. Principal Edwards, of the Cardiff Baptist College, occu- pied the chair, and the ministers of the city were represented by the Revs. W. J. Zeal (Wood-street), and B. Grey Gn&ths. B.D. (Trede-garville). Mr Richard Cory occupied a place on the platform. Principal Edwards extended to the missioners a very warm wel- come. Dr. Chapman explained that be had been a minister of the Gospel for a number of years when he came under the influence of Mr Moody. He indicated their aqsociation by say- ing that Mr Moody would preach the sermon and he would hold the after service. Them followed one of those graphic descriptions of a world mission er's joumeyings—Canada to China, Japan, Korea, Australia-telling the same story. And we have 250,000 people at the back of u?, praying for us," said Dr. Chapman, in the Hawaian Islands, Australia, China, Japan, and Korea, and we are afraid to go wrong-I a.m positively afraid to preach anything but the Gospel." The Rev. J. WUbar Chapman and Mr Charle M. Alexander. Object of the Mission. Speaking of his mission. Dr. Chapman re- duced it to plain terms It stands for every- thing that can make it easier for men to live right, and for everything that can nmke it harder for them to do wrong and when we come to the end of the mission in this city. if ministers here do not find that the mission has helped them to preach, and made it easier for them to preach, even though there be ten thousand converts, and the ministers dp not say that at the close, I shall be an intensely disappointed man." Dr. Chapman touched a responsive chord in the hearts of many Welshmen present by saying that he had read Christmas Evans all the way through and back again. Mr Alexander was rather more definite in his optimism. He said I feet just as conn- dent]y that God is going to bless thij city at this time. I just shut my eyes and see them coming to God now." A Magnetic Personality. Mr Alexander then proceeded to teach the audience to sing a wonderful song written by Dr. Chapman, with the refrain, I know of a name' a precious name—'tis Jesus." Sunday's Meetings. On Sunday the work of the day commenced at eight in the morning. Neither of the mis- sioners was announced to attend a service at that hour in the Park Hall, but both attended, and an inspiring meeting was held. In the afternoon Sir William Crossman took the chair at Dr. Chapman acknowledged the welcome, and after urging those present to attend their own churches before coming to the evening meeting, said No man lives in the United States who can say that one single slighting word has even been spoken about a minister in public by me. nor one single word spoken against the Church. I know the weakness of the Church, and every thoughtful man doas, but the public platform is not the Dla.ce to say it. He expressed thankfulness for the work the churches were doing, and said that his message was to all classes and all denomina- tions. Mr Alexander conducted the music, which was greatly helped by the united choirs from various churches which Mr W. T. Samuel had trained. Mr Alexander was greatly impressed with the way in which a large audience sang Jeau, Lover of My Soul," to Dr. Parry's famous tune of Aberystwyth," and when he said that he wished he could take the tune back to America and make it popular there, many remembered the fact that the composer lived in Cardiil, and that it was in America his musical genius first found development. Among the ministers present in the after- noon were the Revs. Charles Davies (Taber- nacle) and Rowlands (Welsh Wesleyams). interesting Incident An uncommon incident, illustrating the popular methods of the missioncrs .occurred at the largely attended evening meeting. Mr Naftzger, the melodious soloist who will add a charm to all the meetings, sang a refra'n which Mr Harkness recently composed, and Mr Alexander offered a Bible to anyone in the audience who would get up and sing the chorus. A young man got up, and having correctly caught the words, won the Bible. Dr. Chap- man delivered an address which was closely followed. Some curiosity has existed as to what becomes of the money collected at this mission. Dr. Chapman said that it was for the local expenses of the mission.

NEWPORT GUARDtANS' CLERK. At Saturday's meeting of Newport Guard- ians,with Mr T. Dutfield presiding,al ballot was taken for the position of clerk to the Board and the clerkship of the Magor Council and St. MeUons CounctL There were 53 applicants but these had been reduced to six, viz Messrs W. dark, deputy omcial receiver, Newport; R. Stevenson, assistant clerk to the Cardiff Board of Guardians E. J. Jones, Monmouthshire Education Committee A. H. Rees and W. Dowiec, Newport Board of Guardians, and Wyndham Lewis, Pontardawe Board of Guardians. Mr A. S. REES, new Clerk to the Newport Board of Guardians.—(Photo by Burnicle, Newport.) Mr Rees. the present acting*clerk,was elected by a large majority, the voting being :—Reea, 55 Lewis, 7 Stevenson, 5 Dowler, 3 Clark, 2 Jonsa. 1. Mr A. H. Rees, the new clerk, is the son of the late Mr R. Rees, Great House Farm, St. Bride's, a former member of th6 Newport Board of Guardians. He was born at Pantyreos, Henllys, Newport, and in his early days assisted his father in farming work. Thirty years ago he became relieving officer under the Newport Board of Guardians, and coUector of rates for the parish of St. Woolos. He has remained in the employ of the board ever since. He submitted testimonials for the position from Mr H. D. Probert. district audi- tor, and the late Mr Ithel Thomas, former clerk to the board.

The eighth annual musical festival of the English Calvinistic Methodist churches of Tre- degar, Rbbw Vale, Beaufort, and Cwm was held at Park-place Church. Trcdegar, on Mon- day, the conductor being Mr .1. T. Rees, Mua.Bac., Abe'rystwvth. The Rev. R. D. Edwards, Beaufort, presided at the afternoon meeting, and the Rev. D. M. Rees, Tredegar. at the evening meeting. Mr C. Morgan, Tre- degar, presided at the organ.

G.W.R.Temperance Union CARDtFF CONFERENCE The De!egates Entertamed. The 27th annual conference of the Great Western Railway Temperance Union was held <n Cardiff on Monday, the proceedings being conducted in theCory Hall by Mr T. H. Gibbon (late divisional engineer). Plymouth. The General Secretary, Mr F. J. Waite. presented the 27th annual report, which showed that there was a membership of 11,195. being an increase of 1.739 upon the total of 1908. New branches had been opened during the year at Cheltenham. Lampeter, Leamington. Ludlow, Banbury, Dudley. Wellington (Salop). Yatton, Worcester. Kidderminster, and Port Talbot. The Council acknowledged the great en- couragement given to the Union by the direc- tors and chief onicers of the company, and the many facilities which had been granted. The report showed that arrangements had been made whereby the staff employed by the Rbondda and Swansea Bay and the Port Tal- bot Railway Companies might become members of the Union. The membership return showed 2,527 members in South Wales. I Luncheon to Detegates. The delegates were entertained to luncheon by Sir Clifford J. Cory, Bart. Mr Thompson, secretary of the Railway Temperance Union, submitted the toast of the Great Western Railway Company. He said that no railway company in this country gave so much encouragement to temperance work and in so many ways as the Great Western Railway Company. He hoped the Union would insist upon annual subscriptions, however small, and if at the end of the year the member had not paid his name should be taken off the books and not included in the total. (Hear, hear.) Mr F. G. Stephens, PiMldington. said in reply that the company did take a very strong and exceptional attitude in regard to the tem- perance question, and they had done as much, if not more, for the cause of temperance than any other railway company in the Kingdom. He knew that the directors, not only individu- ally, but collectively, took a great interest in the movement, and it was gratifying to them that the Union had increased both in numbers and usefulness. He hoped they would hear no more on the subject of separation in the Union, for continual unrest was sure to do injury to the Union and the cause it existed to promote. (Applause.) Mr T. H. Gibbon, who also responded, said that he was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, of the company's staif, and in his opinion no man and no body of men ever had a more just or equitable body of men to work with than the Great Western stlJft. He hoped that one of the results of that meeting would be to unite in a closer union the company and their onicers and servants. Mr Wilcox, stationmaeter of W estonper- Mare, in submitting the toast of The Union,' said be remembered the day when temperance men were regarded with doubt and suspicion, but the travelling public were now glad to know that the man in charge of the engine hurting them along at 60 miles an hour and the signal- man in the box were temperance men. Mr John Armstrong, Paddington, in reply, satd that the Union was a house with a porch. The porch was the A section. They did not wish men to remain in the porch very long. They would welcome them into the B sec- tion, but they would prefer that the men should be in the porch than outside. (Ap- plause.) He proposed the toast of The City of Cardiff." which was suitably acknowledged by Mr E. Williams and Mr Carter. The toast of the health of Sir Clifford Cory, M.P., and Mr D. A. Thomas. M.P., for enter- taining the delegates to lunch and tea, was heartily honoured. PUBDC MEETING. Happiness th$ Cure for Drink. The annual public meeting of the Union waa held at Cory Hall, Cardiff, in the evening, Mr Chatlea Mortimer (the president, and a director of the G.W.R. Company) in the chair. He was supported by many G.W.R. omcials, including Mr J. J. Learning (divisional superintendent, CardiS and district), Mr H. Carter (assistant .superintendent),' Mr P. Glover (assistant general manager, London), Mr F. Guest (goods department. Cardiff), and Mr H. L. Wilkin- son; Councillor Ed. Thomas, Dr. de Vere Hunt, &c. The Chairman said the work of the Union was being watched with the keenest interest and sympathy by the G.W.R. Company, and amongst the many who had written expressing regret for unavoidable absence were Lord Cawdor—a great friend of the Temperance Union—and Mr A. Beasley, who was an old G.W.R. man. The Rev. Hugh B. Chapman (chaplain of the Royal Chapel, Savoy) said the real loyal servants of the K were those who helped on the cause of temperance. (Applause.) Drink did more to increase animalism than almost any other factor. There were masses of the race who were becoming the prey to the drink curse, which brought them back to the animal uhtu fKey aoul or sense, until they were almost uncompanion- able and unlivable. As slum priest and Royal chaplain he appealed for sympathy and help for the victims of the drink evil. One oi the hardest things to realise was that men were made Peers who made their money out of the ruin of people. (Hear, hear.) Some of the most brilliant characters he had come in con- tact with—clergymen, authors, doctors—had been stricken down by the drink demon. They were men with vivid imaginations, with tem- peraments not to be found amongst average men, and who drank to think themselves in heaven, but awakened to nnd themselves in hell. The one cure for drunkenness was happi- ness. The wife should not sermonise. She should kiss her husband into happiness, for therein lay his best hope. Harry Lauder had a place in the world, for he made people laugh, made them feel happy, and the happy man was not a drink victim. The Rev. J. Howells, M.A. (vicar of Capel, Surrey), also addressed the meeting. An ellent programme of musical items was provided by Madame Hughea Thomas' Welsh Ladies Choir, and songs were admirably rendered by Miss Marianne Squire, Miss N. Langdon, Miss Alice M. Lewis, and Miss M. Jones. Mias Beatrice V. Davies was accom- panist.

Rising Swansea. FLOURtSHtNG TRADE F!GURE8' The monthly meeting of the Swansea Har- bour Trust was held on Monday afternoon. Sir GriSlth Thomas presiding. Mr Glynn Price submitted the monthly state- ment of the port's trade, which he described aa very satisfactory, there being an increase in the imports and exports aggregating 23,000 tons. Imports showed increases in tar and pitch of 2,000 tons, copper ore of 1,400 tons, u-on ore of 2,800 tons. and pig iron of 2,000 tons. There were decreases of 2.300 tons in calamine, 2,000 tons in pitwood, and 2,000 tons in grain. The exports showed increases in coal and coke of 9,000 tons, pitwood of 5,000 tons, and tin- plates and galvanised sheets of 8,600 tona. The gross revenues for last month showed an increase of JE1.900, and the net revenue, after debiting interest on the capital of the new dock, showed a deficiency of only JE2.395. Mr Roger Beck, who seconded, described the position as Distinctly satisfactory and en- couraging. The trade of the port would, if it had been under the conditions of last year, have shown a gain over the corresponding month of dE200, and as it was they had met the whole of the interest on the new issue with only a loss of £2.395 compared with a gain of jE4,0'?8. Add those two figures together and they got JE6,473, whereas the interest paid was .£6,705. Then the position was encouraging with regard to exports of coal, especially con- sidetmg the dimculties they had through. Let them hope now there was a prospect of peace for nve years before them that when the energy of the rail- !way companies had completed the coaling appliances in the new dock they would see a nood of ships in to load at the King's Dock, thus ensuring its real success. With regard to the staple manufacture of tin- plates their most fonmdable competitor had taken from them 1,800 tons more of plates than in the coresponding month, a fact which went to prove that quality and Qnish would always command a trade against mere quantity. Then there bad been a gain of 1,200 tons in ship- ments of tinplates to Roumania, while Italy, in spite of having competing works, had taken 532 tons in excess. The report was adop<:ed. On the recommendation of the Executive Committee it was agreed to make an arrange- ment with the contractors of the King's Dock as to the period over which certain works outside the contract not already Snished shall be completed.

THOUSAND WARNtNCS- James Henry Powetl, of Dock-etreet, New- port, waa charged at the local court on Monday with annoying passengers. The constable stated that the boy got hie tray of Qowers and prevented ladies from getting out of their motor-cars. The Clerk What is the matter with the boy ? P.C. England I don't think he is quite square. (Laughter.) He capers round us, but keeps a three yards' distance. (Laughter.) P.C. Henshy: I don't think he is quite compos mentis. I have warned him at least l.OOOtimes. The Rev. Harry Abraham (hon. court mis- sioner) said the b"y wanted a lot of holding in," but there was a lot that was good in him, and he had made a promise to behave himself m future. The boy was warned, and his case dizmitsed.

At the last meeting of the Rhayader Board of Guardians the master's journal showed that the average weekly cost of the indoor paupers for the half-vear ended Lady Day. 1909 and 1910, was as follows :—1909 4s 21<1 per bead 1910 3s Sid per head. The number of vagrants relieved during the last omcial half-year in- cluded 2,223 men, 65 women, and 33 children. total, 2.321 compared with 2,536 men. 72 women, and 45 children, or a total of 2,650 for the corresponding period last year—a decrease of 332.

Mid-Gtamargan Sequel MR KEIR HARDIE AT CWMAMAN Mr J. Keir Handle, M.P., speaking at a social meeting of I.L.P. workers at Cwmaman 01 Monday, paid a high compliment to the work done by women. He was delighted to see how the women had worked in political circles. That fact bad at last awakened the Liberal party to recognise, at least to some extent. the claims of women, for they felt if they did not do something they wouJd be bound to get left. The women's movement, he added, was making very rapid progress, and he would be not at all surprised if within the next two years a Bill was carried through all its stages to grant women the vote on the same lines as men. Parting of the Ways. Proceeding, the hon. gentleman said the recent contest in Mid-G)amorgan had em- phasised the fact that the parting of the ways had come and that no longer could Labour and Liberal work together. There had been a great deal of crowing in the Liberal camp over the fact that Mr Gibbins had been returned. It haft been referred to as a great Liberal victory," but what did that victory consist of ? It merely meant that the Liberals and Con- servatives combined to hold the seat by & small majority over a Labour representative who was a wen-known Socialist. If anybody a few years ago had said that, a Socialist candi- date in Mid-Glamorgan would have done as well as Mr Hartshorn had done he would have been laughed at. Mr Brace Weutd Have Been Fought. A statement freely made in Mid-Glamorgan, and one that had a I) earing on the situation in Mertbyr Boroughs, proceeded Mr Keir Hardie, was that the Liberals would not oppose the Labour candidate had he not been a Socialist. His reply to that statement was that it was not true. In proof of that it was sufficient to recall the fact that in 1885, when Mabon first came out, the Liberals fought him, and now they did not oppose him only because they knew it was hopeless to try and defeat hnn. In Gower Mr John Williams had to nght a Liberal, and in South Glamorgan Mr Brace would have been fought by Mr Lief Jones if the local -Liberals had had their way. Neither Liberals nor Tories would give up a seat and make way to Labour unless they were bound to. Compromise in the Air. Dealing with the situation in Parliament, he said they ought to be very thankful that there was an Irish party and a Labour party in the House of Commons to force the Liberals to nght the House of Lords. He never saw more make believe than there was at present in the Liberal press in reference to the House of Lords. There was compromise in the air, and an attem pt was made to lay the blame for the present deadlock on Mr Bedmond and the Irish party. The blame for tJle delay was on the Liheral Cabinet in not out the man- date of the people at the last General Election. There was amorat certainty that there would be a General Election in June. and when that came he did not want to hold his seat by the favour of Liberals or Tories. If the Liberal party in Merthyr decided to run two candi- dates, provided his party would select a strong colleague for him, he would cheerfully take the risk, but let them remember if they were doing so that it was to be war, not politics.

MONKTON HOUSE SCHOOL. Honourmg a Cardiff Teacher. Mr John Hart. M.A., has just completed 25 years' connection with Monkton House School, Cardiff, of which he is now the principal, and the occasion was celebrated on Monday at the Whitehall Rooms of the Park Hotel, Cardiff, by a largely-attended breaking-up party. Dur- ing the evening Master C. D. Gibbon, on behalf of the scholars and friends, presented Mr Hart with a gold watch suitably inscribed. Coun- cillor Sydney Jenkins, a Monkton House old bov, superintended the arrangements. Mr Hart, who graduated B.A. 1884 and M.A. 1887, at Durham University College, received an appointment at Monkton House School in 1885. Mr JOHN HART. (Photo, by Wills, Cardiff.)

The school was then in the hands of its founder, Mr H. Shewbrooks, H.A.. and num- bered about 70 boys. Mr Hart worked as assistant to Mr Shewbrooks for nine years when he was taken intot partnership, and this alliance continued till Easter, 1899. when Mr Shewbrooks retired. Among the past pupils of the school are many prominent citizens at the present day, occupying important positions in various professional and commerciat spheres. The school has also produced a great num- ber of men who have distinguished themselves in the athletic worid. The school is an old Cardiff landmark, having been in continuous vigorous existence for over forty years, and many hundreds of men, scattered all over the globe and engaged in every conceivable occu- pation, were intellectually nurtured there.

GERMAN MtNER'S EARNINGS. A recent report issued by the German Statis- tical Omce gives some particulars as to the earnings of miners in the German Empire in 1909. Aa regards coal mining, Prussia is by far the most important State, producing nine- tenths of the total output. Last year the average number of persons engaged in this industry in the chief coal districts was aa follows:—Upper Silesia, 115,908 Lower Silesia, 27,812 Dortmund. 330,414 Saarbrucken State mines, 51,788; Aachen, 21,660. The lignite mines of Halle and the district to the west of the Rhine afforded employment to 51,522 persons. In each of these districts the average amounts earned per head in 1909 showed a decrease compared with 1908, whether the total earnings in the year or the earnings per shift be considered. The following figures give these parliculars for 1908 and 1909, taking the German mark as equivalent to a shilling (which is slightly in excess of the real value) :— JNajtungs per Man. Per Annum. Per Shift. 190&. 1909. 1908. 1909. t s. £ s. s.d. s. d. Sitesia (Upper).. 50 16 49 6 3 6 3 6 Siiesia. (Lower).. 50 0 48 15 33 33 Dortmund. 74 14 67 10 4 10 4 6 8a&rbrucken.5912 5616 4 0 4 0 A&chen .70 9 67 4 47 45 Ha.ne. 54 15 542 37 36 Rhine (West Bank) 58 18 57 0 40 3,1 It is evident that the annual earnings per man differ widely as between one dsitrict and another, reaching their maxima in Dortmand, and their lowest in Silesia. The difference be- tween them amounts to about JE18, or in other words is about 37 per cent. greater in the former than in the latter district. Theae ngures include all classes of workers, whether underground or surface men. women, or boys. Taking the most important groups in the Dortmund district (which has the largest number of miners), the report from which these particulars are taken gives the average earnings of hewers and trammers in 1909 as 5a 4d per shift worked, underground workers 5s lid, surface workers 5s lOd, lads and boys la 4d, no females apparently being employed. In Silesia (Upper and Lower combined) the earn- ings were 5s 9d for hewers and trammers, 5s 6d for other underground workers, 5s Id for sur- face workers, and Is 2d for lads and boys, while women earned Is 6d per shift. All these sums are net earnings after the usual deductions ha<-e been made for the State insurance against accidents, si"kneas and old age, or by the mineowners for lights, tools, &c.

WOULD-BE 8U!C!DE'S ACT. First Shot Pet t)og. George Yates, proprietor of the Groavenor Hotel. AJdershot, was on Monday committed for trial at the Winchester Assizes by the Alderahot magistrates on a charge of attempt- ing to commit suicide by shooting himself with a revolver. The prisoner wag very fond of dogs, and before shooting himself shot at his favourite little Pomeranian, tne bullet passing through its neck. He then ptaced the weapon in his mouth and nred, the bullet lodging in the bone under the eye, where it still remains. The man looked in a very weak state, but the dog is all right. and running about. The only indication as to the cause of the defendant's Met was contained in a statement made to the doctor at the hospital, when the man stated he was broke."

At a meeting of the Al'ertiHery District Council on Monday, the chairman (Mr D. Smith J.P.) handed a certificate on behalf of the Society for the Protection of Life [rum Fire to Mr H. Bartiett. of Cwmti))(.'ry. in recog- nition of his servicea in rescuing children from a house on fire in June 18th. ]90S. A Renera! district rate of Is lid in the JE was adopted for the ensuing haLt-yea.r. The Council adopted a precept for the purpose of education which

By a EMLYN EVANS. THE EtSTEDDFOD GORSEDD. Different peop'e look upon the Gorsedd frott diSerent points of view. Some regard it merely as an interesting display not dissimilar to th< Lord Mayor of London's show and simile spectacular exhibitions. Others esteem it as part and parcel of the old national institution to be treated with all due reverence no matter what the scoffers and the unbelievers in itAI antiquity and genuineness may attempt to prove or insinuate. While others yet. consist* ing of those who are anxious to see the wort of the Eisteddfod got through in a businesslike manner, consider the Gorsedd with its expend** ture of time and money only as sometJling that must be tolerated and that within circntO* scribed limits; pointing out that the pro* gramme of the Eisteddfod proper is already too heavily laden to permit further delays oB account of long-drawn-out Gorsedd ritee! and that, moreover, the people who financially support the Eisteddfod are not the outside sight-seers nor the Gorsedd votaries—the Got" sedd never having paid its own way—but thoat who attend the Eisteddfod meetings from day to day. We have already drawn more than one* upon the Eisteddfod ic Reminiscences of Judge H. M. Edwards, in the Scranto* (U.SLA.) Druid and we make no apology for now quoting further from one of his recent articles dealing with the LlaneIIy National Eisteddfod. 1S95, in which the Gorsedd question is referred to at some length. I am not con* cemed," the writer says, aa to the antiquity of the Gorsedd, nor as to its utility as an inst'" tution in these modern times. but I do not hesitate to confess that I like th< Gorsedd, with its ceremonies. The more elabo* rate the ceremonies the better I like the Gorsedd. It ought to be a much more dazzling pageant than it is now. I should like to see thousand men in the Gorsedd parade. Th< past history of Wales ought to be ransacked for the purpose of adding to the pictorial eSect of the <jorsedd ceremonies." The author doa< not mean that the history of Wales, generally* should be represented; "but everything coD" nected with Barddas, the customs of tb< ancient Druids, the figures and costumes of dtf early Welsh poets. reprcsentatMns in character of the old minstrels—the Welsh troubadour and of the Welsh princes who. to some extent* were patrons of poeta, singers, and of tb< Eisteddfod these varied figures of the paet and many others ought to be a part of the pictorial glory of the Gorsedd." Instead of an hour or two in the morning, when a few hundred of the faitbfu.) attend the ceremonies, the whole nrst day of the National Eisteddfod* at least from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., should be de- voted to the Gorsedd," in his opinion. And he thinks that" there ought to be no dunculty io securing a sumcient number of persons fof such a pageant as he suggests." 6orsedd Ex&mm&tiens. Welsh people and others prominently con* nected with the Eisteddfod and with Welsh literature those who have made a name io music the leaders in educational matters io Wales the Faculties of the Welsh colleges Welshmen who occupy chairs in the English colleges those who have Gorsedd degrees— aU these and more should exalt the Gorsedd examination? as now conducted. They should be continued, improved, and enlarged buG: they should not prevent the greater outward display and magnificence which." in our author's judgment, ought to surround the Gorsedd." Perhaps we should add that the Gorsedd held in connection with the HaneUy National Eisteddfod was the Qrst Judge Edwards had ever attended where the cere* monial observance was complete." Foe although Hwfa Mon. with his druidic dress and patriarchal mien was presenlï at the Chicago World's Fair Eistedd- fod, 1893, the Gorsedd ceremony there was not the drama of Hamlet played with the Prince left out. but the other way—the drama was played by the Prince alone, and everybody else left out." It was only natural therefore that the Uanell y ceremonies, car* ried on with the pomp and circumstance pro* per for the occasion," had especial effect on the visitor from the world. But, notwithstanding our talented fellow countryman's persuasiveness, we question very much whether he will influence the opinion of the men who have watched the working of the Eisteddfod, with the Goraedd inctuded, continuously through m. y BBs idea of what the iatter be made to be may be marnificent, bat it K not business As it is the Eisteddfod is in dan- ger of being swamped. It ia overladen with all sorts of work, much of which cannot possibly be accomplished properly under present cotf ditions. What it would be if a whole day were given over to the exploitation of the Gorsedd is beyond our imagination. The con* sensus of opinion among experienced Welsh Eisteddfodists,wbo see that more or less drastic reform must come sooner or latter, is in favour of limitation rather than expansion—subjects and sections to be fewer in number, but more important in character, and that everything the Gorsedd included, should be made sub* servient to the real work of the Eisteddfod, instead of the main institution having to wait upon the pleasure or the bad arrangements o< extraneous bodies. As regards the Gorsedd degress and examinations, their value and utility, past and present, has been long and well-established a fact that nothing but completely new departure as to method wiH help to alter.

fR!SH SHEBEEN MURDER." At DaMin on Monday Thomas Colema0< labourer (30). was sentenced to death for tM murder of Mary Powell on the night of Marct' 6th. The woman kept a shebeen, and according to the case for the Crown prisoner purchased some stout and suddenly stabbed deceased with a razor. He had previously threatened to murder her, and on being arrested he said* Long threatening comes at last." Prisonaf was described by his counsel as a man of low intellectual type. The execution has been provisionally axed for May llth in Mount;o1 Prison. I

I LUNATICS' 8TRAN6E DEATHS. Two mysterious deaths have taken place tit the Essex County Aaymm at BMmtwood* About 100 patients had been on the airiJ¡g ground, and upon returning, Richard PearaoOt of Claybury, and Alee Rayner, of Chehnaford* were taken ill and died, one expiring while tha doctor was applying artnici.aJ respiration tP the other. It was said that both men were in the habit of picking up and eating anything they about, and that Rayner had been seen to eft worms. Just before he died he cried, Ob< what have I eaten ?" In neither instance* however, did the symptoms point to poisoning* It has been decided to have the conteota o* the stomachs analysed.

t ——— StLEStAN D!SA8TER. Berlin, Saturday.—The town of BezecoO* close to the Russo-Silesian frontier, has heeO practcally wiped out by a disastrous frre. SK persons at least are known to have perished iI1 the names, and over 3,000 are reported to bØ without shelter. Two hundred and ten housed have been completely destroyed. The neighbouring town of MaczonoS waØ attacked by the nreand partially burned down. 90 houses having been reduced to ashes. Two persons have been arrested on snspicioØ charged with being concerned in stazting both ares.—Central News.

ROOSEVELT RUMOUR. Porto Maurizio, Monday.—Wild rumours of an attempt on the ex-President Roosevelt** life were in circulation to-night, which proved to have the smallest foundation in fact. Shorty before 7 o'clock an Italian, who gave his na? as Magaguo.tried to force his way into the viS* where the Roosevette are staying. Mr Rooae* velt was away at the time, and not liking tbØ man's appearance, the police took him custody. No weapon of any description vv" found apon him, and the police regard him" I a harmless crank.—Central News.

ANGLO-FRENCH PENNY POST< At a meeting on Monday of the Parliamentary Group, formed to obtain additional postal, tele* graphic, telephonic, and parcel post facility between the United Kingdom and France, was announced that the Postmaster-Gener& had consented to receive a deputation on subject on Tuesday. 19th inst. It is understood that the proposals of the group are for present restricted to the adoption of penM postage between the two countries.

FACTORY ACT PROSECUTtON. At Brynmawr on Monday Mr D. F. brewer, Abercynon. was summoned at the ?* stance of Mr T. 0. Edwards, his Majesty ? inspector of factories, for contravening the Factory Act by employing three young WOrt1 during prohibited hours at Brynmawr on Feb. ruary 25th. Defendant pleaded guilty, b?- said that he did not know the gir)s had work? overtime. It was a newty-cstablished mulSf?' water factory, and his foreman was responsible for the breach, but he did not desire to t?? advantage of that fact. The Bench Qned d?* fendant 5s and costs in each of the three cø.SeØ.

Carnarvonshire claims to be the nrat eo\WtJs in Wales to engage a specialist to examine tB* .pc pi clúl4ù i.Q,Q N1"