The Cardiff Times

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, "DEATHS I WKTHS. 1 BJftGS.—On Christrnaa morninc, at 52. Newport-road r Cardiff, the T,-ife of Kserfcon ]3iW- of a aon. I EDAtO:>»S.—December 2otli, at Cwra J'lel-s. Puatypool, trut wife of A. K. Edmonds, at a son. "12 FllANK. -On Christmas Day. at Marchington, staffs, J to Mr and Mm L. W. Frank, adauihter. l GILES.—On Satnrd.iy. 29tb nit., at isrrysMe. the I wife of Mr Lewis (iiles. of a son. 4103 MAKlilAUES. BOWDE^—KOWLAXDS— On Dec. 25th. at St. Awawtin«'.4 Church, Penartli, by iwv. H. C. Morton, Ernest Jaxnes Bowden. Cowbrkise-roaa, Cardiff, third IOn of Mr B. I;owden, Exeter, to LiJy Victoria, second daughter of 3ir Cliarlf-.i RowlwacII6 Penartli. DTAXOND-BBART,E.-On th' 26th nit., at Sf; Saviour's, Splot-r.-iid, Josepii John. sccond son o John Diamond, of 173, Hafc«rthon-street, ft plot, to Emily Hearne. 79, Raberfhon-strept., adopted daughter o. WitViarn Henry Hearne. 788 GBIi'ViTHa -AIlTiIUR.—At Dynaa Powis Wesleyan Chapel on Thursday. December 27tli. by Rev. David Knapp, Wed Richard.. West son of Jamcs Griffiths, Coraerjweli-road. Penartli, to Kat", Isabel, younger rfaughterof Captain Jamu Arthur, Rocidyr. Dypas Powis, 891 LATTEY-B1 .VT>TJ; YOn December 22nd, at Wert Dutwich, by the Rev. B. C. Sanriison, Eraalt Lattey, Cardial, third son of the late Dugaid Lattey, to -• Grace, daughter of thp. lata Charles Hugh ley, of Alley" Park, Dulwioh. S55 R-URIGN -On December26th, atCrwys oy the Itev. H. I. Elowells, William, eldest son w itfr H. Miller, of Fivehead. Somerset, to Allee younzest daottbtrr of Mr W. H. Briertall, of Cardiff. DJtCHA»tD— "AMURL.—On the 27tb December, at Bedwellty Church, by the Rector, Rev. R lfoberta, ted by the Rev. Ernest T. TheophilUB, M.A.. Pootypool, William Alfred Orchard, Headmaster 14irbowy Coimcit School, Tredejar, toitlinnie Samuel, MeatbalftreMi Troedyrhiwjjvair Council School, Tredesar. Noeards. 4114 PHILLIPS—CANTY.—On the 31at ember. at St. I.ti'-e's Church, >'ishttr. £ a.me. London S.W., Davkl Herbert Philiip->, of Broomvood-road, S.W to Julia Eiizr.bcth (>.uty, daughter of the late John ^Kty, of Cart?i8. 274 POW I, LL-HAI"-jCJ N-S.Dewmbrr 26th, at 8t. Margaret's, Carrfiff. by the !>▼. Canon Beck, Thomas L'OYIL Powell, to Isma Octavia Hawkins. PRIGG—OATS.—Oa Chrstmas Day. at St. John's C;surch. Bedmirtster, Brhtol, r AUred John p. igl. Plrince of WaWs Inn, Hot wells- rovl, to EHzabefch, widow of the late William U11. Agr.te-strefot. Itoath, Cuntiff. BO" LAND-POPE.—On Dec.25th.at St.Anguatine « Church. Pecarth, by the Rev. H. C. Morton. Albert Rowland. Cowbr'.dge-road, Cardiff, sccond soa of Mr Charles Rowland. Peaarth. to Hetty, second daugh- ter of Mr Frank Pops. Pmarth. 892 DEATHS. ATTWVIZ.Un D^ ember 27th, at 13.3, aive-street. After a sevre illar.si, Lizzie. aeed22, the beloved daulthter f)f vrilli»m and Elizabeth Attwell. BkGt-S.-On December 24th, at 6. Woodville-road, Cardiff. Ann. widow of the late Jamei llaw. of this totrn. -921 BATESOX.—On the 25th December, at. 42, Parade. Pontypridd, Sarah BatMon, mother oi Mr Leslie, Dentist, a 53. BARTLETT.—27th Dec., at lZ, ndaff -road, LiJy .7p.ae, dausbter of Thomas Curtis and Jane Bartlett, lat» of 3. Brecon-atrect. after a short illness. BIUT.—On Christmas Day, 9, Mansfleld-street, River- side. Cardiff, Rachel Llewellj n Birt, belovedwife of Arthur H-Rirt, assurance agent, after long and painful illness. On the 25 h wit., at 278, Cowbridrzeroad, James bamnel, hetoved husband of Carrie Bond. -P cl,.tf engineer of :lie Eritiah and African sjs- Sangyara. Deeply regretted. COOPER.—On December 27th, Maud Isabel, the de,srfy beloved wife o tJ. W. Cooper, at The Grange, lXnas Powis (late of blarthileld). CORN-S.-On Chrstmas Eve, Minnie, the beloved daughter of Mr and kirs Corns. King's Head Hotel. Brfdgeni, Me 15 years, suddenly- DA VIES.—On the 2fth December, 1906, at 18, GnoJl- alvenne. Neath, fhoma Speacsr Davioi, Draper, DAV i.Y.—On December 26th, at 143, Haberahon- ttroet. Hannah, the dearly beloved wife of Lewis Darey. GAMES.—On th- 25rd ult., at his residence, Ship- street, Brecwi. Thomas Games, aged 81 years. 919 GARRATT.—On 24th ult., at 10, Glenroy-street. Roath, Mark Garratt, after short and very painful illness. ths 29th ult.. suddenly, at 24, Flora- street. Daniel Green, stonemason, »ged 73 yearl. GRAYSTON-COLLINS.—December 25, 1906, at 6. WeitHeld road. Lancelot Francis St. Arvan (Irairstoiw C(,Il i its, aged 5. HALf^—On f/cc.Oth, at,4.Troedyrhiw-road, Mountain Asli, Willism'-reague Hall, Pi inter, HERBERT—On the 2ird ult., at St. Denys, Lisvane, <'ardtfT, EJiz^beih Annf Herbert (widow of the late Rev. James Ban!•;>•* Rerhcrn. formerly Rector of Cit ihedyn, Feinbr(%ke,,hirp), aged 74 yeafl. JAMES.—On 21 th uU., at PenHwyn House. Narberth. Sar».h, tlie vridriw of the late William James, Eui., J. t' aged 62 vears. 740 JONES.—On Christmas Day, at AberkonBs. W. T. Mb»s, M-i: '>* S-vansea. son of the late Mr David fofins! M.E., and ilrs E.Jones. JONES.—On December ;th. at 60, Pembroke-mad, E'iith, dearl? beloved of Thomas Jones. LJ.WX:On D. 26th, IMS, at 5, North Avenue, Maeovemmer, Ann Lewis, widow of th late John Lewis, JlJUbrook Shop, Pontllanfraltli. IfOROAN— On December 24th, at 7, Morgan-street, Mlskin,Mountain Ash. Elizabeth Morgan, the affec- tionate mother ot Edwin and Arthur Morgan, aged 81mn. PARIT.-r,ecember 23th at Upper Boat. Catherine, beloved wife of Frank Parry, altll youngest daughter of the late Wm. Morgan, Cwmbycban, aged 44 years. PATTERSON.—On the 23th ult., suddenly, at 81. Oogfleld-street. Thomas Patterson, (deady loved husband of Susie Patterson). Mod 36 years. REES.—Dec. 27, at Ebbw Vale, William ReM. draper. RE15S.—On December 24th, at 61 Plant^ceuet-jtrect, Cardiff, Kllzsbtth, the dearly beloved wife of Benja- min Samuel Reee. E1DLER.—On the 2Sth December,, at. 130, Cairns- min t-tnauet HeeB E1DLER.—On the 2Sth December,, at. 130, Cairns- »trust, Cathays, Cardiff, James, ti>c beloved husband rf Matilda Ridler, for mauy yearx train foreman T.V.R. „ ROBERTSON.—At hsi residence, 68, Wellington- atrcflt, Dec. 21st, James Robertson, Cab Proprietor, age 71. 8APH.—36, Francis-terracc, Carmarthen, December .31s,John Saph. aged 71. REAULE.—On ChristmAs Day, at theLimpert, Giles- ton, Mary, wife oi Edwird Searlo, aged 74 yeam. SHORT.—On December 29t,b. 1905, nt the Cardiff Tnfirmarv, Frederick Short (Indian Mutiny veteran), 5th Laacers, late of Bristol, aged 73. SLACK.—On the. 22nd Wt.. at 2, Moon-street. Roach, Thomas Frederick, beloved husband of Ellen Stlomt Slack. SWEET'.—At his brother's residence. Muttey, Ply. month, Dec. 19th. suddenly, John Sweet, formerly of Cam Brea, Redruth, late of Pontypridd, aged 4S. TANNER.-Ou ths 20thof December. 190S. at Cathays- terracj. Thomv, dearlr beloved husband of Martha Tanna. TIONAS.On Ibm Eve, at45, Gilfach-road, Tony- refail, Eiias Thomai. Builder, beloved husband of EliJiabeth Thomas. THOMAS.—24th December, Bancynos, IJanwrda, T. Mors-s Thoma-, Clerk Messrs D, Jones and Co., Bank, L andovery, •Mest son of Rev. T. Thomas, Llanga- dock, aged 21 years. VEBB.—Oa 24th December, of 7, Catbays terrace. Calhays, Edward, be.oved husband of Hannah Webb. WHEELEK.—On Dec. 2 £ th, at 33. Broadway, R"ith, Jesse Joeepb. dearly beioved husband of Elizabeth June Theeier. t'ecrty mourned. WILLIAMS --December 25th. at 14. Kingslana-road, Victoria Park, Cardiff, aged 35. Tore, the dearly beloved hu-band of Catherine Williams, for 17 years at t-ht ltlv Paper Mills. Cardiff- *TLl.UM&. — At Tycharl Farm, Pencocd, Mary WlihlPCI, TOCNO.—December 28th. at Sanatorium, r.,trice beloved daughter of William atiti Ann Young YOT'NG — December 23rd. at. 2, Ivor-street, Charl«. dearly beloved husband of Hcdda Young, funeral

f W. ARCHER IGOLOEMRETORMS I Fac-itinil! oj One-Oar. I'adtct. I Archer's Golden Returns Tha Pwrtoctlos of IPI" Tobacco. RwY-n. ,on I'r.£c1lJlY! -t The LONDON OFFICES of the Cardiff Times" are at 190, Fleet-street (two doors from Chancery lane), where advertisements are received and copies of tbe paper may be obtained. ———————————W——S—W——————Ml

A NEW YEAR'S GREETING. The Arcbdraid of WalpB addresses a New Year's Message to all Welshmen, and asserts that the language of Wales has a rigùt to live. It is strangely odd that such a claim should be necessary. Ho rejoices iu the fact that there aic ligns of an awakeniug interest in uationalisui, and altur a, strange referenco to the history of the paat, asks Welshmen to cast off their alaackica and hold fast to the langnape of Wales. There is in all this a plea for the support of the efforts which are being made to establish the teaching of Welsh in tlio schools, an effort winch is being ptinhed in an extreme manner, and may brlig about a. result the very reverse of that which the patriots seek. Marioneth will not have compulsory Welsh, amlsome of tiiip foremost men in the Principality declared against the claim that is being- made for it. J nut now Cardiff is excited ov*>r fchc\hasty methods of the advo- cates of compulsory Welsh, aud feeling is running very high. Dyfed, in his New Yaar's address, possibly had this in mind, for it is a strong appeal for the existence of the Welsh language after a. reference to the past, as if the conditions of centuries ago were those of to-day. He thinks it necfissarv to declare that Welsh has a right to linre, and he puts hi3 linger on the secret of the whole problem when he appeals to parents to teach the Welsh lan- guage to their children on the hearth. Wefali parents have neglected to do this, and benee the political efforts to establish compttisory teachiujj in the schools of Cardit, where there is so slight a use made of the language. The schoolmaster in the public elemeutary school can never take tho place of the Welsh parent in the home, and when Welsh is no longer the language of the hearth all the efforts of all the schoolmasters aud the national socie- ties will fail to preserve fcho language as an instrument of either converse or trade. Just so lon2 as the language is the lan- nage of the Welsh home will it be the language of the street and the pulpit, and no longer. It is not compulsory teaching of Welsh id the schools for the English and Scotch and Irish child that is needed, but tha tBaching of Welsh to the Welsh child, aud the uso of the language in the home that will keep the language alive. These may be unpleasant facts, but the wise man will recognise them. More patriotism and less political actiou is needed in the interests of the Welsh lan- guage problem.

The cptestion of Religious toleration which has arisen at Malta provides a very valuable lesson. The priest, whether at home or in the Colonies or on the Con- tinent, understands liberty and toleration to refer only to himself and his church. There is no room and no rights for any other religion but his. In Malta a Pro- testant mission was closed at the instiga- tion of the Roman Catholic Archbishop. Here was an interference with the liberty of the British subject in the Bricisli dominicEta, and a Royal Instruction was sent out establishing the right of religious worship in Malta. A resolution has been passed by the Catholic community and sent home by the Governor. It provides strange reading. The Archbishop also sends a remonstrance to enforce the resolu- tion of the Catholic population. The Archbishop demands that the right of exercising religious worship in public" should be reserved sxclusively to the Catholic Church." All that the Roman Catholics have done is to establish the fact, beyond even tho doubt of a Roman Catholic ArchbBhop m Malta, that re- ligious liberty for the British subjects does not meau an exclusive right of libertyfor the Catholic Church. Religious toler- ance "meant a tolerance for Catholics only. It is not by any means a rare claim but it is uot often that it is made with such childlike simplicity as the de- mand liom Malta.

It is an accepted principle in this country that ignorance of the law is no excuse for the law-breaker. It is taken for granted that every citizen knows the law, and as lawyers are frequently puzzled and go astray, and Judges require time to Btudy its intricacies, it is a pretty tall order to take for granted that tbo average man understands every Act of Parliament and must regulate his conduct accordingly. It is a fine tribute to the law-abiding charactcr of the average Briton that he transgresses so rarelyagainst his country's laws. The New Year brought in with it ia. creased responsibilities and tho danger of tresh penalties by its new legislation. First and moat noticeable there is the new Act which has beeu promoied to check the giving and acceptance of illegal com- missions in business. The regulations r- spscting corrupt practices with agents are strict and the penalties severe. The owners of dogs iu town and country have new reo -apoosibilities thrust upon them, and they will bo held responsible, so to speak, for the good conduct of their pets. The owner of a. dog is made respooaible for damage done to cattle by biB dog, and it will not be accepted as an excuse that the dog was uot Unown to have any vice in the direction of worrying cattle. In the towns the police have additional powers to seize stray dogs, and it is compulsory on the. part of individ- uals to give notice to the police of tbefind- ing of stray animals. The regulations are such as will tend to the better care of dogs, I and the removal of a danger to the public. It should make the issue of those irritating and cruel muzzling orders in tho summer- time quite unnecessary, for in nine times out of ten it was made necessary in order to enable the police to temove the neglected curs from the public thoroughfares—a pro- cedure which they werepowerle88 to adopt without the aid ot a general muzzling order. There are other new powera and re- sponsibilities which have come in with the new legislation, but these are the principal as directly concerning the general public.

There is every year an appalling loss of young lives by fire. The Cardiff Coroner has commenled on the subject almost times out of number, and bewailed the fact that so few cheap fireguards are in use, for it is clear that hundreds of children would be saved from that most terrible of deaths were it a general practice- to use fireguards ia the dwellings of the poor This, however, is not the only cause, or the worst of the contributory causes to the Joss of life during the winter mouths. The Breutford Corouer remarked the other day This is the tenth inquest I have had iu liius days in which the child has worn flannelette." Flannelette is excep- tionally inflammable, and as it is cheap it is largely used by the poor. It Has beeu stated many tunes that it is a simple matter to maka the material quite safe from these dangers, but the chemically prepared material is rarely used, probably n account of its enhanced cost. It is stated that there have been 400 deaths due to the inflammable character of flannelette in the course of a single year, and that in 1904 the deaths due to open and unprotec- ted firegrates amounted to 3,331, and in 412 of these the children were wearing flannelette which caught fire. It is a. terrible commentary on parental neglect, and the matter is under the serious con- sideration of a department with a view to making parents responsible for con- tributory negligence iu the deaths of this large army of infants who are sacrificed to unprotected firegrates.

The old year closed on the tide of pros- perity with record totals for trade. The new year opens on the boom, with every prospect of exceeding all previous totals. From all parts of the country reports of rising trade are satisfactory, and the holi- day season has been marked by the absence of appeals trom the unemployed. Not that there are no unemployed or no suffering from real distress, but there has not been a sufficient number of appeals to warrant the opouiDg of general employment agencies or distress funds. Trade has not been so good as at present for a generation, and the prosperity which the country is enjoying is a strange commentary on the jeremiads preached by the Fiscal Re- formeis before the General Election. The swecpiug Liberal majorities against Pro- tection settled all doubts about the fiscal policy of the country and, aided by the confidsnce of tho country, and foreign nations, trade has risen with a bound. The expansion in the world's trade has been euormous, and with it there has been a general rise iu prices In almost everything save wheat, the mainstay of the people's food. While there is cause for general re- jotcing in the all-round good trade of this country and of the world it must not be forgotten that these periods of abounding prosperity and trado luflation are followed by times ot depression; but for the preseut there is every indication of a period of unusual prosperity.

SWANSEA MYSTERY. BRIDGEND WOMAN FOUND DEAD. On Sunday night, as John Webborn, a guard on the Mumbles Railway, was inspecting, for the Imlt time thaI; night, the premises at the Swansea terminus of the Mumbles Ralway, he found a woman dead in the ladies' lavatory. She proved to be Lena Thomas, aged 31. supposed to be a native of Bridgend Her body was removed to the mortuary. Deceased is stated to have been at one time parlourmaid at the Grange, in the servjee of Lord Glan- tawc. Some time ago she married, but up to within the last few days had lived alono at Vaughan's lodging-house. She was seen on Sunday afternoon in the neighbourhood of the Rutland -street Station. Late at night Guard \Vehborn noticed the gas burning in the lavatory, and being unable to into the room he smashed the window from the yard and thus effected an entrance, lie found deceased lying between the pedestal soat acd the wall, with her head pressed back- wards, as though she bad broken her neck. From inquiries made by Inspector Benjamin Evans and P.O. Phillips, of theBridgend police, it appears that deceased was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas, Park-street, Bridgend. Deceased's parents are respectable people, and her only brother is in a good situation in the town. Deceased was 34 years of age. and had lived from time to time with her parents at Bridgend, but she left some months ago, and since theu her parents have received no communication from her. P.C. Phillips informed tho brother of the discovery in Swansea, and on being given a description of the deceased he entertained no doubt that it was his sister. Deceased, as already stated, was married, but is said to have lived apart from her husband for some time. At Swansea Hospital on Tuesday Mr Viner Leeder. borough coroner, held an inquest touching the death of Lena Thomas (31), a native ol Bridgend, who was found dead in the ladies'lavatory at Rutland-street Station, on the Mumbles Railway. Dr. William Horgan. who had been called to examine the deceased, said that she had prob- ably been dead for some time when he saw her. There was nothing to load him to suppose that there had ben foul play. He was of opinion that she had fallen down rather awkwardly, as she ivas found with her head bent uppn her chest, and that she had died from suffocation. William 'Thomas, of Bridgend, the father, gave evidence of identification, and said his daughter had been married to a collier, and she with her husband had lived at Pontypridd. She separated from her husband on account of his drunken habits.1 She was at home the whole of last, winter, but went away. saying she was going to Cardigan. He had at times detected signs of drunkenness about her. William Huxtable Bowen, in charge of the station, said he had on several occasions seen her about the station door. John Webber described how he had discovered the body in the lavatory, which was locked by a penny in the slot arrangement. He found it necessary to obtain a ladder. and break a. window. When he got to the woman she was dead. The Coroner remarked that it was terrible that a young woman like this, who had a com- fortable home to go to, should have given way to drink. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with tho medical evidence.

OUTVOTED STIPENDIARY. Sir Maccharrt's Aotion. At Mountain Ash Police Court on Wednes- day the case of George Dowse, who was sum- moned for being drunk at the Colliers', Arms, Mountain Ash, was mentioned. It will be recalled that a fortnight Ego the landlord of the Colliers' Arms was summoned for permitting drunkenness at hia house, it being alleged that George Dowse was found there drunk. Mr C. Kenshole defen- ded in that. case, aud the Stipendiary (Sir Mar- chant, Williams), who had given the decided opinion that the case had been proved, was outvoted by his colleagues, whereon he ex- pressed himself very strongly that he dis- agreed with his colleagues, and said that all cases of that kind in future would have to be tried by a full court He ordered the case against Dowse to be adjourned. On the callc of Geo: go Dowse bOing called on Wednesday Mr C. Kenshole. who defended, said that he understood an intimation had been Bent to his client. that, the case wag to be ad. journed, hut in view of the fact that his client had already lost, a day, and had made arrange- ments to attend again that day. he ventured to appeal to the Stipendiary, who was alone on the Bench, to allow the summons to bo with- drawn. The Stipendiary Certainly not. the caic is adjourned to A oerdare next Tuesday. I will have this ease beard by a full bench at Aber- dare. The magistrates from Mountain Ash may Bit there as well if they like. Mr Kenshole again appealed to the Stipen- diary under the circumstances to allow the summons to be withdrawn. The Stipendiary Certainly not. Tt will come on next Tuesday at Aberdare. Mr Kenshole: That will bo very inconvenient to me 1 cannot attend next Tuesday. The Stipendiary thereon agreed to adjourn the case until the 22nd iost. at Aberdare.

ABERTILLERY At the Abertillery Police Court on Monday Mr Adams, the landlord of the Prince of Wales Inn, Abertillery, was charged with supplying liquor to P.C. Cooke while on duty on December 21st Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was represented bv Mr Lyndon Cooper, of Newport. Inspector Lewis raul that shortly after mid- night on December 21st he saw the defendant hand P.C. Cooke a bottle, which be afterwards found contained whisky. When he saw the landlord about it. he said that he thought Cooke was going off dutyat the time. Defend ant afterwards begged him to look the matter over. Mr Cooper said defendant bad only been in the house nine or ten weeks, and had invested the whole of his savings in it. What he had done wns due to the generosity of his nature. He did not know that he was doing wtpng at the time. The Chairman said that defendant would only have to pay the costs.

Sodnd Logic prompts you to keep a supply of California Svrun of Figs iu the house. It is the pleMantet and must trulr beneficial of laxatives, a tonic to the sluggish organ;, as well as a cleansing medicine. At this season of the year it ir; especially needful, when a little jxaf- donable induicence in the good things of the table is liable to cause over.heating or the stomach, indigestion, and biliousness. It is positively necessary to children who have hcen given too many ,,(,(: or too tnlwh pastry, «hd it ts only- another t cpat to them it is to delicious to ihc I

The King and Queen at Chatsworth. It has now become the regular tiling for the King and Queen to pay a week's visit to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatswortli for the New Year. This year they were again accompanied by Princess Victoria. They were met by the Duke in the booking-hall, trans- formed into a reception-room, the walls being hung with curtains and rich tapestries and palms and exotics, introduced from the Chats- worth conservatories. From the reception-room the Royal party passed through an avenue of dwarf fir trees, from the branches of which hung, hundreds of tinv electric fairy lamps, Then, with postillions and outriders, the Royal Then, with postillions and outriders, the Royal carriages travelled the intervening four miles to Chatsworth, the last stags between lines of llaring torches borne by the woodmen, keepers, and other workmen on the estate. The Duchess of Devonshire received the Royal visitors in the great entrarn;c hall, and shortly afterwards tea was handed round in the drawing-room, where the other guests were presented to their Majes- ties. As usual, the famous Chatsworth theat- ricals have been held, the company including such brilliant performers as Mrs Willie James, Princess Henry of PJcss. Lady Maud tvarren- der, Miss Muriel Wilson, and Mr Frank Mild- may, who work together very harmoniously.

J Fire Alarms. a SMART BRIGADE WORK AT CARDIFF. The smartness of the Cardiff Fire Brigade in getting to the scene of a fire, and the skilful manner of dealing with an outbreak were never more obvious than on Wednesday evening. Within very few minutes of the receipt of a telephone call from one of the alarm boxes at 6.25, a steamer from the CentraJ Station and a reel from Canton were at work on a fire at a carpenter's shop in Wyndliam-road, and what promised to be a. big blaze in a residential neighbourhood was soon extinguished. The brigade was in charge of the Chief Constable and Superintendent Geen Efforts were directed with the object of confining the tire, and it waa got under completely within 20 minute, a feat that was all the more creditable because there was a stiff wind. The outbreak was on the top tloor of a lock-up shop, in premises which are in the occupation of Messrs Pendleburv and Hayder. It is estimated that the damage will not exceed S50. Before the return of the Brigade squad from Canton, another alarm was siven, also through one of tbe series of street telephone boxes which are eonvenientty situated throughout the city. This provided Opportunity for demonstrating the real effectiveness of the much-criticised motor. It is not generally known that when- ever a steamer leaves the Central the motor is made ready for a possible second call, and there is then left another steamer. This second call was to 172. Newport-road, Roath. a dwell- ing-house occupied by Mrs Nicholls. Engineer Mooger was in charge, and with him was Fire- man Francis. The motor went alcng Queen- street and Newport-road at a great pace, and the unusual sight at night, and the perfect driving evoked cheers from the interested crowds. The hose cart from Roath was over- taken, but on aiTivinsc at the house it was to discover that the tie bad been put out by the I occupier and assistants, and the trip only proved a test-but a good one-of the speed with I which the brigade can respond to a call, and bring adequate appliances to a fire when another blaze is being attended to in an- other part of the city. This outbreak, it is stated, was caused by a girl leaving a. candle on a piano in the drawingroom. and near to some curtains, which the draught from an open window blew against the light. Damage was done to the piano and carpet, but the fire was out within a few minutes, and could not have taken anything like a irm hold of the premises, because the motor was so soon on the spot ready for work. Outbreak in Roath Park. Alertness on the part of a railway foreman saved the Corporation of Cardiff some loss in Roath Park on Wednesday. Going down the line he noticed something was amisa at the greenhouses, from which a large volume of smoke was arising. He informed another rail- way employee, and gob him to call up the firo brigade over the telephone. This was at 1.9 a.m., and Superintendent Geen promptly pro- ceeded to the park with the brigade and tender. They found the roof over the beating apparatus wns ablaze, and the flames had extended to the adjoining wooden shed used as a store. The fire was easily extinguished, and the green- houses sustained no damage, but if the out- break had not been so quickly discovered and dealt with the residt would probably have been somewhat serious, as the prevailing high wind was fanning the flames. The overheating of the flue is believed to have caused the fire. West Dock Works Ablaze. I About 10.30 p.m. on Wednesda-y the premises of C. T. Doye, ship repairer on the east side of the West Dock, were reported to be on fire, and the Bute Dock police proceeded to the spot and found the building one mas 's of flame. After working hard for about an hour the fire was estingushed. The place was completely gutted. Fires at Newport. A fire broke out at one of the workmen's sheds at the Alexandra Docks, Newport, on Wednesday. The dock police were promptly on the spot, and with a plentiful supply of. water put out the flames before much damage was done. A fire also broke out at the premises of Mr Smith, fried fish shop, Clarence-place, New- port, on Wednesday afternoon. The damage was small. Shortly before midnight on Tuesday Mary Reardon, caretaker to Mr John Moxon, solici- tor, Commercial steret, Newport, reported to he police that the premises were full of smoke. A search was made of the offices, as well as in the shop of Messrs Lil)ton, adjoins, but no trace of a fire could be found. Later Supt. Tothill and other members of the T'irc Brigade made a further search and found that a beam in the premises of Mr Phillips, corn merchant, which are underneath Mr Moxon's offices, was on fire. They were obliged to take away the firegrate fixt ures and part of the wall before they could get at the smoidderirig timber. It was fortunato that ifrwas discovered in time, as it might have led to a big tire in the princi- pal street of the town.

MONOPOLY VALUE. Case of a Monmouthshire Inn. The case of tbe Pioneer Hotel, Cwtnfolinvach. Ynysddu, came before the Monmouthshire Licensing Committee—Sr H. Mather-Jackson, Bart-, presiding—at Usk. on Wednesday, when Mr Amphlett, K-C., and Mr J. Corner were for the applicants, and Mr Horace S. Lyne repre- sented the police. The case had been sent back for re-hearing on a mandamus issued by the Superior Court, in order that the committee's valuer. Mr F. Parry, might be cross-examined with regard to his report on the monopoly value which he fixed at S5,000, and which the committee adopted. The local licensing jutices had refused to vary their valuation, whk-h was X2,250, and the applicants now claimed, as before, that both amounts were excessive. Mr I E. C. Peyer, London (senior member of Messrs Feyer <&; Sons), was called by the applicants and fixed the monopoly value at iEl.jjbo. Mr John Young, of Newport, put the monopoly value P't and Mr James (of Messrs James and Morgan, Cardiff), gave it as £ 1,550. Mr Alexander, auctioneer and valuer. Cardiff, valued it at £ 1.620,and Mr JamesStraker, Aber- gavenny, at 11,800. Mr Thomas Parry, fixed it at E5,060, and Mr Thomas (G eorkre Thomas and Sons. Cardiff), £ 8,710. The decision of the com- mittee was that they would not confirm the licence unless the licensing justices consented to vary the conditions attached to the licence by fixing the amount of the monopoly value at ZIWO.

BEDROOM WINDOW LANGUAGE AT SWANSEA". Amongst, new byc-laws approved by the Swansea Watch Committee is one for the pre- vention of the throwing of waste paper, orange peel, broken glass. etc about the streets another the use of blasphemous language and a, third jostling in the jttnV; Captain Celquhoun added that in regard to th" use of bad language the present law is inadequate, not. touching people in the habit of shrieking frightful language from their bedroom windows.

1:1. I Swansea Harbour. I EXTENSION OF THE WEST PIER, I The Swansea Harbour trustees have de- posited a copy of their Bill for introduction in the ne>jt Session of Parliament. Under this Bill the trustees seek power to further extend the West Pier, authorised in 1901, for a distance of 700 feet in a seaward direction, and also to construct a breakwater on the eastern side of the entrance channel, extending for a. distance of 2,600 feet in a seaward direction. The trustees also ask Parliament to grant an extension of time until the 17th August. 1910. within which to complete the purchase of the lands required for all the works authorised in 1901. including the dock and lock, which, the preamble states, are being proceeded with. By Clause 7 the trustees may on any of their lands make and main tarn, or join with the Corporation or any companies or persons in making and maintaining" dry docks, gridirons, workshops, fitting shops, stores, warehouses, landing stages, pavilions, shelters, and other buildings in connection therewith, and may lease or join in leasing the same for such tor ji of years at such rents and upon such condi- tions as shall be agreed upon between the trus- tees and the Corporation, companies, or per- sons taking such leases." The Bill also pro- poses to empower the trustees to grant leases to, and to take leases from. the Corporation of Swansea of "quays, wharves, lands, or build- ings," and an enlargement of the powers granted in 1901 is also sought as to the setting apart and appropriation of berths, wharves, and other accommodation." The trustees .also seek power to load and unload vessels, to deal with wrecks, and to license boatmen- Borrowing Powers. By Clauses 19 to 23 the trustees seek power to increase their borrowing powers under the Act of 1901 from £ ?,000,000 to £ 2,150.000, but to can- cel their unexercised powers to borrow under their Acts of 1894 and 1895. It is also proposed to issue all their Stock by the one name of Swansea Harbour Four per Cent. A Stock The remaining clauses in the Bill amend the provisions of the Act of 1854 as regards the qualifications of proprietary trustees and of electors of proprietary trustees and the prepara- tion of lists of certain electors,

CHARGE DISMISSED. Case Against Abertillery Trades- man. A case in which great interest was taken locally, tho court being crwoded, was heard at Abertillery on Wednesday, when Win. Bonford Downes, furniture dealer, Market-street, Aber- tillery. surrendered to his bail to answer to a charge of indecently assaulting Lily chapman (19), single woman, on December 24th and 28th. "M,' A. H. Dolman, Abertillery, prose- cuted. and Mr Lyndou Cooper, Newport, de- fended. After Mr Dolman had opened, it was decided on the suggestion of the magistrates' clerk (Mr E. H .Davics) to reduce the charge to one of common assault. For the prosecution it was alleged that complainant used to work at de- fendant's house, but went home at night, and on the night of December 24th. when his wife had gone away, defendant gave complainant a ring, and afterwards pulled her on his lap. She went home to her uunt's, where she was staying, but did not com- plain of having been assaulted- On the second date—December 28th-it was alleged that the defendant similarly assaulted the girl, and that be had offeied her money on two occasions if she would overlook the matter. In cross-examination complainant denied that she bad made any scandalous accusations against her former employers, and alno that her story as to December 24th was a tissue of lies Two of the complainant's aunts, Mrs Cribble and Mrs Jones, cleposed to calling upon defendant, and stated that he wanted to settle the case. Without calling upon the defence, the Chairman (Mr E. Jones Williams) announced that the case would be dismissed.

FREEMASONRY AT NEWPORT. The annual meeting of the Silurian Lodge (No. 471) of Freemasons wRA held at the Masonic Hall, Newport, bn Wednesday. There was a large attendance from the four town lodges to witness the installation as Worshipful Master of Bro. F. Herbert James, P.P.G.J.D. Worshipful Bro. S. Barnett, P.G.S.. performed the installation ceremony. The W.M. appoint4,fl the following as officers for the ensuing year —I.P-M-. W. Bro. H. Barnett, I'.P.G S. Work?-, S-W. Bro. It. Perry; J.W., Bro. Herbert Jones chaplain, Bro. Rev. D. Wilks treasurer, \V. Bro. G. L. Scott, P.Z., P.P.G.J.D. secretary, W. Bro. A- Ernest Jones, P.Z. assistant secretary, Bro. H. Phillips S.D., Bro. H. A. Jones J.D., Bro. H. Reginald James director of ceremonies W. Naisb, P.P G.A.D O. librarian. W. Bro W. Lyndon Moore. P Z., P P G.R. organist, Bro. E. 0. K. Richards. P.P.G.O. stewards, Bros. J. F, Lewis. W. Graves, and F. W. Cutlifte tyjer, Bro. Fothergill, P.P.G.P. At the banquet, which was held at the King's Head Hotel, the nerrly-installed W-M-was supported by the Rigb t W.. Bro. Fred Phillips (Mayor). Deputy Pro. Grand Master W. Bro. Colonel C. R. Li-ne, P.D.P.G.M.. W. Bro. M. McLeod, P.G.S.B., Bro. Rev. A. A. Matthews, &c,

HOW DO THE POOR LIVE P A sad case of poverty WM unfold rel at Maryle- bone on Wednesday at a,n inquest on the body of Annie Elizabeth Whiting, aged 39 years, a single woman, who lived with her invalid mother in Hardington-street, Cburch-strcct, and died on Saturday last from pneumonia. accelerated by general self-neglect. According to the evidence of deceased's father, a news- vendor, deceased up to six years ago kept three confectionery shops in Brighton and one in Carlisle-street, Marylebone, but for the last three years she had been in bad health. Wit- ness supplied her with newspapers, which she sold at tbe door to passers-by. He gave -i-r and his wife (from whom he was separated) 2s 3d a week towards the 3s rent, and a son used to sond them something. Dr. W. Davis, of St. John's Wood-road, said deceased Was in a very neglected condition, and the room in which she and her mother lived was far from cleanly. The relieving o ficer for the district said the surroundings were wretched, the room being the worst he had ever been in, and he had seen a good deal of wretchedness before. The air was,so fon! that he could hardly breathe. He ascertained that dcceassd's son allowed her 5s a week. A Verdict. in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

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South Wales Festivities. CONSULS AT PORT OF SWANSEA Mayoral Reception. For Swansea. the New Year promises, ac- cording to indications from every conccivable source, to be most prosperous. Hence, although the weather was as depressing as it possibly could be on New Year's Day, the spirits of the inhabitants were unusually buoyant. In the midst of the genera! greetings the poor were not forgotten. Mr Studt, as usual, entertained the pauper children at his fete aud gala, regaled them with good things, and drove them home happy and rejoicing. The Mayor (Mr David Harris) followed the example initiated many years ago by the late Colonel Pike by inviting the representatives of foreign nations at the port to meet him at the Guildhall and exchange New Yerr greetings. In addition to the ioreign Consuls and Vice- Consuls, there were present representatives of t he various trades at the port, together with Baron Glantawe, Sir Griffith Thomas (chairman of the Harbour Trust), Mr R. L. Sails (presi- dent of the Chamber of Commerce), Mr E. P. Jones (secretary of the Chamber of Commeice), Mr W. II. Edwards(High Sheriff of Glamorgan), Miss Dillwyn, the ex-Mayor (Mr Gwilym Morgan), Mr W. Law (general manager of the harbour), Mr John Thomas (the town clerk). Alderman Tutton, Mr J. Jay Williams, and others. The Mayor, in opening the proceedings, said his duties ill, n town like Swansea were of a multifarious character, but, he knew of none more pleasing than that which fell tit bis lot on New Year's Day of welcoming in his official capacity the Consuls of the different countries of the world which did business with the port. The happy idea was initiated at Swansea by the late Colonel Pike, and it had been followed by many other centres, notably the City of London, which hailed the custom as one which cou:d only tend to promote a better under- standing and feeling between this country and foreign countries. At the present time better relations existed between England and the rest of the world than,ever before, and this was greatly due to the peaceful and thoughtful policy of King Edward. The Mayor said he naft picasuie 1U wisinng tne Consuls in Swansea and the countries they represented a happy, prosperous, and successful NON Year. (Cheers.) Lord Glantawc said it was astonishing what effect the Consular reports had, not only in the country to which they were addressed, but throughout the whole world. Formerly what was most not.iceab e in these reports were references to the riva-ry as to th-3 strength of the respective armies or the navies. Now all that was changed. The wasteful naval and military rivalry of the past had given way to a rivalry in trade,and of this the Consular reports kept them fairly wellinformed. They showed the weakness as well as the strength, and in that respect the Consuls at Swansea were not behind those in other centres. In conclusion, he congratulated all present on the outlook for the New Year, which promised to be the most prosperous for a lon~ time past. Sir Griffith Thomas said the year which had just closed had witnessed the biggest increase in the trade of the port of Swansea, the har- bour returns showing something like three- quarters of a, rnilliou tons in cxce-s of the trade of the preceding record year. That was an increase which would stand well in com- parison with any other port in the kingdom. He was sanguine enough to hope that the Mayor's successor would in the year 1909 wit- ness the opening of the new dock, which would create a great opening in Swansea for trader which up till now they had never seen there. He felt sure it was only for the people of Swansea to work together and make the most of the opportuni- ties and the facilities the port possessed, to se- cure for the port a.grcat position amongst those of the United Kingdom. The High Sheriff (Mr W. H. Edwards) fol- lowed. Miss Dillwyn said she was interested in the trade of the port, and she was present also as representing the women, and she hoped in the coming year they would he given the franchise. The Mayor then invited the company to drink to the health of the Consuls. M. Piat (the French Consul). in response, said that gathering was a reflection of the amity which prevailed between England and the different nations which they as Consuls represented. At such a time he felt con- strained to refer to the terrible disaster at Port Talbot, by which four of his fcllow- couutrymcn had lost their lives. Whilst deeply regretting the occurrence, he could not but express his deep sense of satisfaction at the manner in which the poor fellows had been cared for at the Swansea Hospital. He then referred to the forthcoming Anglo-French Exhibition, and quoted statistics show- ing that notwithstanding the entente cordiale between France and England, the trade in imports and exports had not- materially increased. Englishmen said Frenchmen were too stop-at-home, but the French refilly had the same reproach to make against fhcfr English"7 fr^eh^s,' and ho could not but lwr stress on the fact that Englishmen did not seem to cultivate the French language as they ought in order to en- able them to carry on their commerce with Frenchmen. He hoped both nations would reciprocally benefit by closer intercourse, both from a commercal and a friendly point of view. Mr Burgess (as Ru-sian Consul) also re- sponded, and gave the health of the Mayor, which was enthusiastically received. Mr H. L. Sails and Alderman Tutton also delivered suitable addresses. A Good Beginning. Swansea, is starting the New Year well. At the conclusion of the business at the Police Court on Tuesday Mr J. W. Jones congratu- lated the town upon the fact that not a single "drunk "case had come before the Court. That is a remarkable record," he added, for a town of 100,000 people." A Carmarthen Charity. At Carmarthen there were watch-night ser- vices at the English Wesleyan Chapel and MiP-street. Mission Room, and early devotions at the Catholic Church and the Established Churches. After a special service at the. parish church 250 quartern toaves were distributed among the poor, Morris's Charity providing the funds. The Cahmarthcnshiie foxhounds were,to have met, in Guildhall-square, but the. inclement wea ther ca used a. postponement of the hunl, to the disappointment of many far- mers who rode in from the district. Both foot- ball and hockey matches were abandoned through the same cause.

CHEERLESS DAY IN CARDIFF. The weather in Cardiff nn New Year's Day was meteorologically of the most cheerless character. There was a high wind, and rain fell incessantly up till 2 o'clock. Large num- bers of people from the district visited Cardiff during the day, when the chief attraction was the football match belwee-n Cardiff and the South Africans. During the evening the streets were crowded with people, many of them trippers from the hills. who were all in the best of good humour over the result of the malcli. About 9 o'clock rain came on agaia. Cymry Cymraig Caerdydd. There was a large gathering of members of the Cymry Cymreig Caerdydd at the Cardiff Y.M.C.A. on Tuesday evening, when a recep- tion and musical evening were held to welcome Mr J. Jenkins, the well-known bard, Gwili, who recently left Ammanford, and who, with his family, has now come to reside in Cardiff. Alderman Edward Thomas presided, and during the eveuinor, &c., were contributed by Miss Eilir Evans, Miss Llewelyn (Pontypridd), and others. A hearty welcome was offered to the guest of the evening by Alderman E. Thomas, and Gwili fittingly responded. Entertainment at Merthyp Workhouse. The inmates of Merthvr Workhouso were on New Year's Day given an entertainment, the programme being arranged by Mr John Mor- gan, C.C., a member or i lie Merthvr Board of Guardians. Alderman David Evans, another menbe^ of the board, presided- Solos were renderdd by Mrs Morton (Troedyrhiw), Miss Elsa Headon Ov en. R.A.M.. ML-s Carrie Price (Dowlais), Miss Howells (Trordyrhiw), apd Miss Howells and Miss Pa,vies (Merthvr), Messrs Griff Davies, R.A.M.. W. PowelJ, T?.. A and Tt. W. Owen, Humorous selections were given by Mr Stan Leigh, Mer thyr, Mr R^cs price, Pcnydarren. and Mr Matt De La-ey. Mr Gwilym Lewie played the accompaniments, and instrumental selection were given hy Mr, Mre. and Master White, Mr Johns, and Mr H. M. Lloyd. Aberavon Mayor's Generosity. On New Year's Day the Mayor of Aberavon (County Councillor J. M. Smith, J.P.) dis tributcd gifts among the Door of the town, about 300 persons each receiving a loaf of cake. 2lbs of loaf sugar, and a quarter pound of tea. The gifts were distributed by the Mayoress and the Misses Smith, assisted by Misses A. W Powell and Idris Jones.

TOO MANY OFFiGIALS. Carmarthenshire Councillor's Complaint. At the meeting ot the Main Roads Committee of the Carmarthenshire County Council at the Llanellv Town Ilall on Wednesday Mr Jno. Lloyd stated that what struck him at their meetings was the superfluity of officials seen strutting about. They had the clerk, surveyor, three inspectors, and the surveyor's clerk present. They had five officials present, and could be satisfied with one. He could quite understand the necessity for having the sur- veyor present, but he Vailed to see what the inspectors wanted there. When they appointed the inspectors it was intended that they should be inspecting roads, and he thought the best place for t hem was 011 the roads. They hold 12 meetings in the year, which, with jour unnecessary ollicials. meant 48 meetings in the year, or eight working Aceks for one of the inspectors,. Didn't it strike them that it would pay better to havff them at the roads inspect- in men then at the meeting ? He moved that the inspectors should not attend future meet- ings unless tipecilically asked to do so. This was seconded. The Survey.r (Mr Mnnnsey) have instruc- tions to bring thed here- Mr J. Lloyd Vfe are wiser than when we gave that instruction. The motion wao carried.

Draper's Speculations. LOSSES ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE BONCATH MERCHANT & LADY. Carmarthenshire Bankruptcies. The Carmarthenshire Bankruptcy Court was held in Carmarthen Guildhall oa VVednesday. before Mr Deputy Registrar Thomas Walters, the examinations being conducted by 1\11 Thomas Thomas (official receiver for tht Swansea and Carmarthen districts.) Stock Excliangc Losses. Re Thomas IN-illianis. -This bankrupt was draper who had been carrying on business at the Temple, Llav.elly, since April. 1895, when h< started with a capital of £ 600. £ 140 of which wa^ borrowed and still owing. His liabilities amounted to £ 2,865 2s 5d, his deficiency being £ 2,239 5:i 5d. His failure was said to be due to losses by speculation on the Stock Exchange, slackness of trade during the last three years, illness in family, and bad debts. The excess of his liabilities over his assets in December, 1905. was about £ 1,400, and his net loss through carrying on business from that date was iEI&3, his bad debts amounting to E249 5s 9d. He estimated that hid gross takings for the last three years would average about 13,500 per annum. He informed thu official receiver that he had been speculating largely on the Stock Exchange at varions times from 1899 to 1904, and estimated that he had lo"t, about £ 1,200 through it. He resided at 6. Coles hill-terrace. Ltanelly, and the furniture there, estimated at £ 100. was claimed by his wife Mr D. Jennings, solicitor, Llanolly, appeared for the debtor, and Mr Martin Richards, solicitor, Llanellv, for a petition ing creditot- examination was not gone into at great length, seeing that the trustee, Mr Collins, -chartered accountant, Bristol, had intimated his desire to be present at the February sitting to go fully into various matters. Asked by the Official Receiver when he com- menced to speculate on the Stock Exchange, debtor thought his first deal was in 1900 on Trunks," on which he made about X40, and on the following day or so he went in for South African shares. Oflipial Receiver: You went into it thoroughly, then, after, making the £ 40 ?—Yes. Who were 3 our brokers ?—Mr Rees. Llaneily, and Messrs Davics and Barry, Swansea. How much do you estimate you lost alto. gether, as I put it. through gambling on the Stock Exchange ?—About £ 1,200. He went on to say that he had no entries in his books to show such dealings, but relied upon the state- ments received from his brokers. He did not think he could get the missing particulars. Mr Recs had lett Llanellv. The Official Receiver pressed for them, and Mr Jenniugs offered to see Mr Rces. The Deputy Registrar made an order for the production of the Stock Exchan ge transactions, and Mr Martin Richards reserjred his cross- examination until the February sittings, to which the examination was adjourned. Assets Nil. Re David Phiflips.-This bankrupt, who was 45 years of age, was a moulder at the NVern Ironworks, Llaneily, and earned 35s a week. He commenced business at the Union Inn, Seaside. Llanellv, in October, 1897. w.th a capital of £20, discontinuing it in 1905, when his effects were sold under an execution and a distress for rent. His gross liabilities were £1"12 Is 5d. and his assets nil. He alleged that he failed through want of capital, slackness of trade at the public- house, illness and deaths in his family, and loss of employmant. Mf J. Lewis Phillips, solicitor, Llaneily, appeared for the debtor, whose ex. amination was provisionally closed. A Lady in the Case. He James Knight Jones.—This bankrupt. who wan 49 years of age, had been trading as J. K. Jones and Son at the Merkondile Saw- mills, Boncath. Pembrokeshire, and he com. menced business as a timber merchant m April, 1904, with a capital of 4120. He was pre- viously in the employ of a firm of timber jier- chants as manager. His gross liabilities amounted to .£899 9s 9d, his deficiency being £ 680 12s 6d. Hit failure was alleged to be duo to loss through failure of firm to supply trac- tion engine which he had paid lor, through death of six horses, loss in several timber deals, County Court and other costs, and illness ot his wife and son. He esti jiated his gross turn. over for the past twelve months at about £ 2,000- Mr James John, solicitor, Carmarthen, ap. peared for the debtor. It transpired that debtor had never been in partnership with either of his sons, and that he traded under the style of J. K. Jones and Son, as he thought it would look better for business purposes. No doubt, if the business had gone on flourishing his sons would eventually have had an interest in it. One of them was carry- ing on a similar business at Whitland. the capital for which he got from his wife, stock worth some S208 being sold to him by debtor. Sundry things he let a certain Lewis, of SWan. sea., have for the sum of £ 10, and on being pressed for a description of this person he said it was a woman who had left her husband. lie was friendly with her, Shtj tent him the money to"-file his petition, so that he bad had,120 from her.' He declared that there was no relationship be. tween him and this woman, but admitted that he had been giving her money and assisting her in her maintenance. Official Receiver: What other ladies have you been assisting to maintain 1-None at all. Have you been spending money in regard to any other lady ?—No. Some of your creditors are of the contrary opinion. How much of your deficiency has been used on women ?-None of it. Not £ 20. You know there has been a great deal of talk at Cardigan and Carmarthen about yoa and a certain lady ?—Yes. You mean to say that non, of your money has gone there ?—I do not mean to say that none of it has done. Tell the creditors plainly how much you. think has gone in that way, because you have s large deficiency to account for- How much oi it has g me in keeping those Avomcn 1—Not £ 25 in the whole lot. Has not at least £ 100 gone in this way ?-No, Deputy-Registrar The suggestion is, Ifz Jones, that you have been living with some ol those women. Is that suggestion true ?—Not exactly- Official Receiver Why don't you admit it7 It would be much better for you. You admit that you have been living with some of those women ?—Yes. More than two ?-On,. At Cardigan ?—I\o, at Swant ea. Haven't you also been living at Carmarthen with a woman ?—It was the same one. The debtor then undertook to arrange with thizi lady friend to hand over certain things to the official receiver. He also stated t-htt he had lost through the illness of his wife, and that he had to send to India to his son to come home through illness, and that had cost him about £70. The examination was adjourned for a month. Adjourned Caseq. The adjourned examinations of Jonathan Evan Morris, draper and outfitter, Roslyn House, High-street, Amtnanford, and 3amer Rees. contractor, Llandebie, were provisionally closed.

WON'T OR CAN'T REFORM P Newport Man's Obduracy. Patrick Ryan, familiarly known as Bull Ryan, is strong and well-built, standing 6ft. lin. in his stockings. On Wednesday he made Ill. 73rd appcaranco before the Newport magiso trates. P.C. Hensby said he found defendant oppo- site tho Police Office in a fighting attitude. He had been ejected from the Police Office, and as he was disorderly he was put in the cells, not, however, before he had kicked the officer about and given him a bit of his mind. The Magistrates' clerk Why did he come to the Police Office ? P.C. Robinson It's the usual thing with him to come there when he's drunk. He came in and asked to have a, go at someone. It's all lies," said Ryan, with a glance of contempt at the o(Prer. The other bloke gave mo a kick and a blow on th" head. and they made a punching ball of my faee. But whatevci they say agairist I Bull is believed." Mr Martyn (magistrate) bial, wilaf, aboii, this beastly language, If you'd had it on th, hoad the -a,toe as I aid. you would have used that. language too. (Laughter.) Tbp, Clerk The Court finds you guilty, ant! we are, gltng to lopk up your character. "Bull" Oh. it's a good 'un. (Laughter.) Alderman Canning, who presided, said defen- dant had spent the bulk of his time in prison, and when he was out 11 was causing Con- siderable troublo to the police. He would be sent to prison for six months with hard tabour for assaulting (be officer, and one month hard labour for being drunk and disorderly-seven months 111 all. Speaking with some emphasis, he added to Ryan, Thi3 is the beginning of a new year. Might I appeal to you to turn over a new leaf. You are a young man and can re- trieve the past." ltvaii (interpbsing): Tho only time I am going to stop is when I have a rope round here. (Drawing his hand across his neck). Alderman Canning Why don't you try 1 You are young and can do some good yet. Uyan; It will be worse for some of their when I come out.

A WONDERFUL OAK TREE. Remarkable Find at Gianammarv The other day while Mr Daniel Williams, builder, Glananiman, was excavating for th4 foundation of a now house in peaty ground a short distance east of the oldBrynlloi farmhouse, he came upon the trunk of an oak tree lying under the surface with an irregular thickness of 1 from 9in. to 2ft. of peaty soil covcri- g it. The trunk measures from the stump end to the first branching fork 42ft., with a hard black stem, between tSlt. and 21ft. in diameter. From the branching fork up to where it has been la,d bare it measures l'?lt., and it is conjectured that it extends up to an old hedge another 20ft. awav I l,-o the total length of the tree is 74ft. At who have examined it <•;re surprised at its won- derful size and good state of preservation, aci the question that appeals to all is Whatcal its age be ?"

or At Aberdare Polire ( ourt on Tuesday fitf magistrates fixe! February 12th for the annual licensing mectioe. aud March 12th tor tJ:i1 adjourned meeting.