The Cardiff Times

ERROR THAT COST A LIFE. SAD AFFAIR AT CYFARTHFA FURNACES An inquest was held at the Town Hall, Mer- thyr, on Monday, by Mr R. J. Rhys, on the bodv of Matthew White, aged 59, living at Garden House, Iron-lane, Merthyr. It appeared that deceased was employed as a table-filler at the blast furnaces in Cyfarfchfa Works. He had followed this occupation for the last seven- teen years. On Thursday night he wheeled a barrow with 15 cwt. of ore on to the table, when the lift went up. He overbalanced and fell into the well, with the barrow on top of him. The electric light was out, and when he was recovered death had taken place. William Macks said that it was his duty to work the lift, and what deceased had to do was to wheel his barrow on to the table, then get off, put a chain across the table to prevent the barrow falling off, and then give two knocks for witness to start the lift. On this occasion witness had been delayed by the upsetting of some stones at the top of the lift, and thinking that deceased had been waiting after loading the table, he shouted out, Are you right 1" A voice came back, Go on," and thinking it was deceased's voice he signalled to the engine- man, the lift moved, and deceased fell down eight feet into about four feet of water. The Coroner observed that it was better for -he witness to work in the ordinary way. He did not want to be hard on him, but it would be much better to work according to a system. The system in this instance was that the de- ceased should have signalled by two knocks on a gong. More lives were lost by disregard to sys- tematic methods than by any other cause. Tn answer to Mr Ashworth, H.M.I, of Fac- tories, witness said that if the lights had not been out he would have been able to see the deceased. The Coroner remarked that Macks had given his evidence very straightforwardly, and the question for the jury was how far was he re- sponsible. Macks did not carry out bis instruc- tions to the fullest extent. He acted on what q thought was the voice of the deceased tell- him to go on. It was for the jury to say uether Macks's conduct was criminal or whether it was neglect of duty, which, although serious, did not amount to a criminal offence. The jury, after deliberation in private, in- tubated that they thought there had been & little neglect in working the lift by word of mouth instead of by signal. From the evidence they concluded that death was due to an acci- dent, and their verdict was accordingly. They added a rider that in future more caution should be exercised in working the lift by signals only. The Coroner called in the witness Mack, and told him that he was a very lucky man be might have had to answer a serious charge.

MERTHYR SCHOOL CLOSED. Monday the girls and infants who had ied up to the Christmas holidays the St. Church Schools, Merthyr, were accom- ited m jew quarters. The infants found ^commodation in the Shiloh Chapel, which had been prepared for them, and the girls at the Salvation Army Hall. This change comes about through the refusal of the Board of Education to recognise St. David's School owing to the action of the owners in not putting t in a proper state of repairs. At a meeting of the Buildings Committee the tender of Mr E. P. Davies for the alteration of CJwydyfargoed School at 3d was re- commended for acceptance. The Board of Education declined to approve plans sub- mitted for the enlargement of the Pant School, and suggested that a new infante' school should be erected. Mr F. T. James moved that the matter be left over for a month. This course was agreed to. At a meeting of the Education Committee on Monday night Mr J. M. Berry said that now that the school had passed under the control of the Council, and they had achieved what they had striven for, they should put the teachers upon the same scale as the teachers in the other Council schools. Alderman D. W.Jones observed that there was no scale adopted by the resolution of the committee, but Mr F. T. James remarked that there was an implied adoption of the scale of the old School Board when the committee had continued the salaries that were in force under the old regime. The cuestion of salaries was referred t.o a com- mittee, who were authorised to deal with all matters relating to the education of the children in the new schools. A letter was read from the Board of Education asking to be furnished with the committee's reasons for recommending that the boys department of the St. David's Schools be not recognised after Marcn, and this matter was also referred to a committee.

ABERYSTWYTH GUARDIANS. Sunday Detention of Tramps. Di'tnightly meeting of the Aberystwyth if Guardians was held at the Workhouse Say. The police reported that during year 1,910 tramps had been relieved, as ed with 3.371 during 1905. Of the 1,910 1,1,092 were relieved for the first time. mthetic replies were received bv the rom Tregaron and Forden Union respect- detention of tramps over Sundays, but XA ter declined to take it up again owing to a prt/ious failure, due to lack of combination by the authorities of other Unions. Discussion took place as to the appointment of a rate collector. Some delay has arisen owing to the Town Council having applied to the Local Government Board for the right of appointment. Mr J. Richards was in favour of the Town Council having the right of appoint- ment. Mr E. J. Evans agreed. The Town Council were only asking for the power which every Parish Council in the country had, and he did not see what was in the objection unless there was something behind the scenes. Mr J. R Morgan (sharply): We do not come from the same shop as the West Ham Guardians. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman asked that such motives should not be imputed to the Board. It was agreed that the overseers should be asked to make a temporary appointment.

The quarterly meeting of the Western Valley District Londge 1.0.G.T. was held on Monday at the Noddfa Baptist Church, Cruinlin. Dro. M. Sheen, D.C.T., Abertillery, presided', and representatives were present from ten lodges- Reports submitted by the various officers wertf considered satisfactory. In the evening a mblic meeting was held, the Rev. George Hopkins. Crumbn, presiding. The prin- cipal speaker was the Rev. J. A. Rees, B A., curate QÍ Focliriw.

Feigning Sleep. CARMARTHEN THEFT CHARGE. A Strange Story. At Carmarthen Borough Police Court on Monday, William Owens, a mason, living at the Arch, Parade, again arwwered to a charge of stealing 56 lbs. of lead from the roof of a build- ing owned by Mr David Phillips, Pibwrlwyd, on the morning of the 29th ult. Mr H. Brunei White, solicitor, appeared for the defendant, who pieaded Not guilty." Police-constable David Jones said that while in the company of Police-constable Rees in Oak-lane, at a quarter to three in the morning of the day named, he saw defendant coming from Priory-lane with a piece of lead on his shoulder. Defendant threw the lead down in the passage of 30. Priory- street, and hurried round to the back of the house. Witness ran after him, and defendant closed the door in his face. Without avail wit- ness asked him to open the door several times. Failing to burst open the door, witness went round to the front door and burst that open, and he found defendant lying on a bed in the kitchen feigning seep. Witness roused him and asked him where he got the lead. Defendant. asked, What lead ? I know nothing about it. Defendant. was taken to the police station and, when charged with theft, be said, You did not see me." The lead which he saw defend- ant carrying weighed 56 lbs, and was part of 280 lbs. of lead which he found in the passage of the house occupied by defendant's cousin, David Owens. The defendant was partially dressed when witness shook him, and his boots, which were alongside the bed, were covered with snow. The cousin was not at home at the time. Cross-examined by Mr White, witness said he had no reason to suspect Owens or his cousin that night. Witness jidded t hat defendant did not appear to be in drink, but pretended to be asleep. Witness said he saw by the marks in the snow on the roof that the lead from the roof of the tinworks office had only recently been moved, although he could not say that there were any distinct footmarks in the snow on the pathway leading from the tinworks office to defendant's cousin's house. David Phillips, Pibwrhwyd, stated that since he bought the old tinworks office last September practically all the lead which had covered the ridge of the roof had been stripped and stolen. He could not positively state that the lead produced was part of his stolen property, although it was similar to the material which he had lost. Defendant emphatically denied the charge, and gave an account of his movements on t he night in question, stating that as he had been drinking all day and was not in a fit condition to go home he stayed in his cousin's house. They had a good supper and some whisky after stop-tap, and went to sleep on a settle. His cousin eventuaHy induced him to go to bed. That was all he recollected until he was shuffled about by Police-constable Jones. He dis- claimed ownership of the lead, and said it be- longed to his cousin, who was a builders' con- tractor. David Owens, defendant's cousin, was called to support defendant's story. Mr White urged that with such an element of doubt in the case it would be unsafe to convict a person who had borne a spotless character. The Bench held that the charge had been proved and fined defendant .£2 and costs.

Cardiff City Hall. THE DEFECTIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. A meeting of the Town Hall Committee was held at the new City Hall on Monday. The members took their seats in the Council Cham- ber, Alderman Dd. JonCij occupying the chair. The voices of the members were hardly dis- tinguishable owing to the defective acoustics of the chamber, and the Chairman suggested that the first business wotud be to propose that they should leave that room to conduct their business. I second that." said a number of members in unison, and thoy aU immediately filed out, and the meeting was in the members' rooms. Guardians' Rooms. A letter was read from the clerk of the Cardiff Board of Guardians asking that a deputation should be allowed to inspect certain rooms in the City Hall, which, it was suggested, might be utilised for guardians' meetings, before terms were offered. The request was granted. Public Statues. A communication had been received from Mr D. T. Alexander stating that the Lord Tredegar Memorial Committee were now getting on rapidly with their work, and asking what site the Corporation proposed to offer. Mr Goscombe John's model was of such a character that it ought to be placed in the beit position in front of the City Hall. The Chairman said that the sub-committee recommended that a. site be granted on the west side of the garden. Councillor Chappell asked if they had definitely decided to give a place to the war memorial, and said lie thought the site selected was most objectionable.—ihe Chairman That question can be raised again.—Councillor Chappell: Well, I intend giving notice that the matter be reconsidered. That is the place where all funerals pass.—The Chairman: You cannot get a better place for a war memorial-The reo commendation of the sub-committee was adopted. Carpets, Furniture, and Heating Mr Rickards, the architect, in reply to Mr Morgan Thomas and others, stated that the carpets supplied to the City Hall were in ac- cordance with the samples which the com- mittee itself had selected. With regard to the complaints made that all the furniture had not arrived, he had now to say that they were at present within the building, and he would reo main in Cardiff to superintend the placing down of the furniture in the different rooms to-morrow. Mr Lund, the heating expert, of Messrs Ashby and Ncsbitt, heating contractors, at- tended to explain the difficulties experienced with regard to the heating of the various rooms, and stated that at present they had not ascertained the volume of air required in each apartment. When that bad been ascer- tained and regulated the experiments would be concluded and detailed instructions would be given to the Council's engineer.

SWANSEA COUNTY COURT. Judge's Protest Against Protracted Hearing. At Swansea County Court on Monday Judge Bryn Roberts heard a case in which T. H. Toms and Co., of the Strand, claimed JE5 from Christopher Rowlands, railway con- tractor, for damages sustained through a wagon belonging to plaintiff being run into and smashed by a train controlled by defendant while passing over a level crossing at the Prince of Wales Dock, Swansea. The allegation for the plaintiff was that the smash was due to defendant not having a man near the crossing to give a signal when trains were about to be moved. Defendant, on the other hand, said plaintiffs' driver went across in defiance of warning. After the case had occupied a long time the Judge protested against so long a time being occupied over a case involving where there was no material conflict on the facts. Be found for the plaintiffs. Construction of a Will. Judge Bryn Roberts gave judgment in the action of Martin v. Williams, a case heard at the last court, in which the question of t he construction of a wl arose. The testratrix-left to Mary Ann Martin, of 122, St. Helen's- avenue, Swansea, all her furniture and effects of which she might die possessed." The pro- perty she died possessed of included her hus- band's effects and a leasehold house, and the question was whether this demise included the house. The Judga said he had come to the con- clusion that, taking into consideration all the circumstances, this was of the nature of a re- siduary bequest, and he therefore found that the intention of the testatrix was to cover all the property she died possessed of. Being a matter of construction, he ordered the costs to come out of the estate. Bankruptcy Discharge. Henry Evan Davies, formerly a grocer carry- ing on business in Fabian-street, St, Thomas, who became bankrupt in February, 1902, applied for his discharge. The report of the Official Receiver showed that the liabilities were £526, and that JE158 was distributed amongst the creditors. The liabilities were not of a value equal to 10s in the £ Mr Stobo Andrews, for the debtor, said the debtor wished for his discharge in order that he might be in a position to carry on the calling of a commer- cial traveller. A discharge was granted, suspended for two years

DROWNED AT THE CAPE. Newport Resident's Bereavement. South African newspapers to hand show that Douglas Ewins, second son of Mr Bernard J. Ewins, Queenstown, CapeColouy, was drowned on December 12th whilst bathing in the Komain River about two miles from the town. He was carried away by the sudden rising of the river, and his body was recovered the following day four miles away. Mr Bernard J. Ewins is the son of the late Mr J. F. Ewins, Murenger House, Newport. He was on a visit to Newport last summer. His wife, who died some months ago, was a sister of Mr J. N. Pennington, Newport.

PERROT'S TRUSTEES, HAVERFORD- WEST. On Monday a meeting of the trustees of Sir John Perrot's charity was held at Haverford- west, Mr E. Eaton Evans presiding. It was stated that the lease held by Mr W. C. Llewellin of nremises in Perrot's-avenue, had been surrendered, and the trustees were now at liberty to complete the work of uncovering the avenue. Mr James Thomas pointed out that a barbican tower, which formed part of the old town wall, was included in this property. In giving the architect instructions to advertise for tenders for taking down the property, he was ordered to consult with Dr. Henry Owen and Mr T. L. James, two local antiquarians, as to the preservation of any historic relics. In the course of a discussion it was remarked that the trustees now only held two licensed houses, and it was hinted that they will be willing to sell them.

THE PECULIAR RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT BASSALEG. Numbers of persons visited Bassaleg on Sun- day to view the wrecked engine and van which were precipitated over a bank naar Bassaleg Station, on the Brecon and Merthyr Railway, on Friday. The engine still lay wrong side up and half-buried in the earth. The engine origi- nally belonged to the Great Western Railway Company, and was bought from them a few mouths ago by the Alexandra Docks and Rail- way Company, Newport, It is a smail type of tank engine, becoming superseded on thel arger railwavs by heavier type. The task of getting the engine up the bank wilt be a difficult one, and it is probable that large cranes from the Great Western Railway Company will be ob- tained to effect this. The Position of the Engine and the Van at the Bottom of the Bank, Showing How the Smoke-stack was Buried in the Ground and the off Driving-rod Broken by the Fall.( Photo.).

AFTER THIRTY-TWO YEARS. Rhondda Licensee's First Conviction. Before Mr Arthur Lewis (stipendiary), at Ystrad Police Court on Monday, Mrs Xmraa Williams, licensee of the Blaenrhondda Hotel, Blaenrhondda, who had conducted- her hou«e for 32 years without a conviction, was sum- moned for supplying a drunken person and for permitting drunkenness. Police Superintendent Cole prosecuted, and Mr W. P. Nicholas (Messrs Morgan, Bruce. and Nicholas), Ponty- pridd, defended. Evidence was given by P.S. Rees Davies, that when he visited the hotel a man named Wm. Thomas was sitting asleep in the bar, in a very awkward position, with a pint measure half-full of beer in front of him. Defendant, upon being asked why she supplied Thomas, replied, He is only asleep he is not drunk." Witness said he awakened Thomas after considerable difficulty, where- upon Mrs Williams remarked. "I never thought he was so drunk, or I would not have supplied him." Upou hearing some brawling in the smokeroom, witness and P.C. Williams visited the room, and found another man named William Jones in a very drunken state, and making hideous noises in attempting to sing." (Laughter.) Corroborative evidence was given by P.C. Williams. P.S. Aldridge said he saw Thomas staggering drunk outside the hotel. Defendant, in giving evidence, flatly contradicted the story narrated by P.S. Davies and P.C. Williams as to the conversa- tion in the bar. The Stipendiary Can you give any reason why these officers should have in- vented this very wicked falsehood ?-No. I can- not. Upon being further questioned on the point by his Worship, defendant said she could give no reason except it was because the police had lost a case against her eight years ago. The Stipendiary You say that these two officers have deliberately perjured themselves ?—Yes, sir. Witnesses for the defence stated that the man Jones had only been on the premises for a very short time they contradicted the evi- dence of the police as to Thomas's condition. The last named denied that he was drunk, adding thathe walked from thehotel unassisted. The Stipendiary said he was convinced of the truthfulness of the story given by the police. Defendant was fined £ 5 and costs. Another Case. Similar summonses were preferred against Dd. Lewis Evans, landlord of the Bodringallfc Arms, Ystrad Rhondda, Mr W. P. Nicholas again defending. P.S. Baker and P.C. Jones said they found a man named I'atsy Carney at the inn on a Saturday evening in a drunken condition, with a pint containing beer in his hands. The landlord upon being approached as to Carney's condition, said witnesses, remarked It must have been the servant girl that served him." It was also alleged that another man named Ryan was drunk. The witnesses called for the defence contradicted the version given by the Police. The Stipendiary decided to convict in both summonses, and imoosed a fine of ig3 and costs for each offence, 17 4s in %]I.

WYNDHAM COLLIERY TROUBLE. Men and the New Proprietary. Mr Evan Thomas, Mr Vernon Hartshorn, and Mr T. Lucas, local Miners' Executive re- presentatives, accompanied by a deputation of workmen, attended at the Wyndham Colliery offices On Monday, and discussed with Mr Wight, colliery agent, and Mr Richards, man. ager, matters now under dispute. The com- pany refused to recognise the awards made by the hauliers' sub-committee in relation to wages to be paid to hauliers on the ground that the wage was only intended to run during the time the cotliery was owned by Messrs North's. They desired the men to return to work on the wages paid prior to the award, but allowed the matter to be again brought before the hauliers' sub- committee. This the Workmen declined to agree to. The company are insisting upon having price lists for each of the four seams worked at the colliery before resuming work. As one seam has hitherto been worked on day wages it will necessitate considerable delay in the settle- ment. Another matterin dispute is the rate of wages to day men. The company are also seeking to alter the number of hours previously worked by the men. The workmen's representatives urged that the men should return to work on the old rates of wage and conditions existing at the colliery when it changed hands. As the company declined these terms, the prospects of a settlement appear to be some- what remote. The wages of the hauliers will be considered by that body on Wednesday, and it will then be decided whether any useful purpose could be served by a further meeting of the repre- sentatives of both sides.

CARDIFF-BOUND STEAMER Lifeboat Rescues Crew. Lloyd's Falmouth agent telegraphs that the steamer Highland Fling, which left there on Monday afternoon for Cardiff, is reported on shore at Kemack Bay, near the Lizard. Tugs endeavoured to get her off the rocks, but the attempts failed. Efforts will be renewed to- day The crew are safe aboard a tugboat Another telegram says the steamer Highland Fling, from London to Buenos Ayres, with a cargo of cement, left the former port on January 1st, and has bten at Falmouth for the past few days owing to the engine room bilges making water. It was finally decided by Cap- tain Purvis to take the steamer to Cardiff. where the cargo might be discharged and the hull examined. She started on her short voyage on Monday morning, and in the evening a tele- § ram was received stating that the Highland 'ling had gone ashore at Kenrack Bay, near the Lizard. Tugs were despatched to the aid of the stranded steamer, and on their return they reported that the forehold of the wreck is tull of water, and she will probably become a complete loss. Ita/tpr in the evening lifeboats from Cadgwith and the Lizard and Coverack rescued the crew, numbering 40 The Highland Fling is owned by the Nelson Line.

| ,BROKEN COLLIERY RULES. Before the Ystrad magistrates on Monday E. Jones, collier at the Park Colliery, Cwmpark (Ocean), was summoned for having commi ttoo a breach gf the Coal Mines Act in neglecting to properly sprag his working place. Mr ç. W. Kenshole, Aberdare, prosecuted for the com- pany, and' Mr A.T. James/Pontypridd, de- fended. The evidence showed that he should have placed a sprag against the coal at dis- tances not exceeding six feet, in accordance with the rules, whereas he had a free area of 26 feet with only one or two loose pieces of tim- ber put up, and which were not in any way proper sprags. For the defence, Mr James submtted that Jones had loosened the sprags to work the coal, and that there was no deliberate attempt to evade the rule. A fipe of XI was imposed. Wm. Gwyn was fined a similar amount for having used an inflammable substance, viz., old brattice cloth and paper in stemming a hole for blasting purposes at the Park Colliery. Mr Kenshole, who prosecuted, explained that according to the Act, only clay should have been used. If the pieces of cloth had caught fire it might have frizzled for some time and led to serious consequences. Defendant's ex- cuse to the manager was that there were cracks in the hole, and that he had put the stuff in to fill them.

RAIN OF RED-HOT SLAG. Explosion at Iron Works. An explosion of slag occurred on Monday evening at the Parkgate Iron Works, Rother- ham, John Henry Wholey, 27, single man, who was acting as a shunter of slag wagons, being killed, though the diiver was not injured. The red-hot slag fell like a rain of fire in the ad joining streets, and did much damage, to win- dows and doors. The explosion was caused by the slag rolling djwn it. tip into a pond This was the second similar explosion at the works.

NEWPORT GIRL'S ESCAPADE. Gladys James at Cardiff. Gladys James (18), daughter of Mr and Mrs James, Caerleon-road, Newport, was brought up at the Cardiff Court on Monday (before Messrs J. Herbert Cory land T. H. Stephens) charged with stealing, on the 3rd inst. a coat, a skirt, a blor se, and a boa, value 12a 6d, the property of Lily Davies. The prosecutrix. who is a second-hand clothes dealer, stated that prisoner called at her sbop,64, Bridge-street, and made a selection from some clothing, and asked for them to be sent to the Coldstream Hotel between 7 and 8 o'clock that night, when she would pay on de- livery. She then left the shop, but returned and asked witness if she had anyone who could go with her and take the parcel. It was arranged that her daughter, Florrie Davies. should ac- company the prisoner, and she (witness) par- ticularly told her not to leave Miss James without the money. Subsequenfcy her daughter returned without the parcel or money', but with a note. Witness then went in search of pri- soner, and traced her to No. 14, Green-street, but found she had left there. Evidence was given by Florrie Davies and Isabella. Booth, of 14, Green-street, the latter stating that prisoner Called there and wrote a note. A. witness napied Anthers, from the Cold- stream Hotel, stated that Miss James was em» ployed there for about five days as a servant and to help in the bar. She left on Thursday last- When received into custody by Detective Little from the Newport police on Saturday prisoner was wearing the coat and boa. The other articles of clothing were handed to the officer by the prisoner'. Prisoner's father, who is a guard on the G.W.R., said his daughter came- to Cardiff of her own will and they had a letter from her on Wednesday last saying she had obtained a situ- ation. He came to Cardiff on the Thursday with clothes for her and found she had left the Coldstream Hotel. On Friday she returned home. Prisoner bad plenty of clothes at home. Mr Cory: Had she ever given you any trouble before ? Mr James No, not a not to complain of. Prisoner was bound over in the sum of 95 to be of good behaviour for six months and she promised to return home with her father.

LLANELLY ELECTRIC TRAMS. Still Coming: Another Promise Obtained. At a meeting of the Llanelly Urban District Council on Monday night Mr Nathan Griffiths moved that the Llanelly and District Electric Light and Tramways Company be called upon tci place the tramways in an efficient state of repairs forthwith. He said the electric cars had been promised from time to time, but they never came, and repair of the tramways, which were in a deplorable state, could not,be de- ferred any longer. Mr D. J. Davies explained that he was one of the deputation to go to London upon this matter. They made representations to the Llanelly and District Electric Light and Trac- tion Company, prior to the inquiry held by the Board of Trade, for the purpose of hearing the Council's objection to the granting of the light railway order. Mr Graham Forrest ana one or two other directors were present to see the result of the conference, and he was able to report that the company agreed to insert clauses in the order whereby they were to contribute iC250 towards the widening of Falcon-biidge and to provide paving steps from Station-road to Swansea- road. The clerk asked the directors when they would commence the work and when the electric trams would be brought to Llanelly, and he was given to understand that immediately they obtained the light railway order the work would be commenced. Mr Griffiths said he was ashamed to go from home as he was continually being twitted about the Llanelly trams. (Laughter.) Mr E. T. Jones said that he was very pleased to say that the deputation had been able to make such good terms, and he hoped that the promises of the company would be carried out. The intentions of the company might be good, but he didn't know whether they were in a financial position to fulfil them. Mr Davies said that the Board of Trade in- spector had been satisfied on that point. It was decided to allow the company another three months, but that in the meantime the most dangerous spots must be repaired.

TON GWYN LA IS LICENSING CASE A Constable's Omission. At Llandaff Police Court on Monday (before Colonel Woods and Colonel Forrest) Mrs Henrietta Dunford. licensee of the Cardiff Castle Inn, Tongwynlais, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on her licensed premises on Sunday, December 30th. Mr Harold Lloyd (Messrs Harold Lloyd and Cross) appeared for the defendant. P.C. Davies stated that at 2.30 p.m. on the 30tli ult. he saw two men, who afterwards gave their address as the Graig Lodging-house, Pontypridd, enter the Castle Inn. They then appeared to be sober. it 3.45 p m. he saw' them leave the house They were then drunk, staggering from one side of the road to the other. He noticed them performing an offensive act, and spoke to them, whereupon they be- came abusive, and he locked them both up. He afterwards went to the house, where the landlady's son told him he had supplied them with two drinks, and that his mother was up. stairs with his father, who was very ill. Replying to Mr Harold Lloyd, witness said when he saw the men after they left the house they were making a row, and were surrounded by a crowd. If Le had not seen the men mis- conduct themselves on the highway he would not have locked them iifl. Witness did not see the landlady on the subject until 6 o'clock. Mr Lloyd I suggest the men left the house before 3 o'clock, and that the disturbance you saw arose because they were refused readmis- sion ?-I saw Moore coming out of the door. I also suggest you did not know whether they came out of this particular house, or out of one of the other houses near by ?-!swone man coming out of the door. If you saw that. and. as you say. the men were staggering drunk, why didn't you at once take them back to the house and get the land- lord's explanation ?-They walked away. But you could have fetched them back. Why r didn't you ?—Well, they wenta\?ay. That is your clxplanafion ?-Yes. Mr Lloyd laid stress on this omission of the constable, and called defendant and her SOD,, who swore that the men left the house shortly aftet 3 o'clock, and were only served with two drinks. Colonel Woods, in giving the magistrates' decision, said it was to be regretted that the police constables did not take the men, or one of them, back to the house when he saw them leave. There was a doubt in the case, and it would be dismissed.

SUICIDE AT DINNER TABLE. MOTHER CUTS HER THROAT. An inquest was held at Aldershot on Mon- day afternoon on the body of Mts King, who committed suicide on Sunday in a most tragic manner. Mrs King, who was the wile ofa carman, had been strange in her manner since last November, apd had b,n under the care of a, doctor for insanity. After spending a fortnight with some friends at the seaside she returned to her home at Aldershot on Boxing Day, apparently quite herself, and gave no indication whatever of her complaint. On Sunday, just when her husband had finished sharpening the carving If wife preparatory to cutting the Sunday joint, and had turned round to get a dish, Mrs King spate-hed up the knife from the table, and in tho presence of her hus- hand and two children drew it fiercely across her throat, inflicting 1>, fearful wound, from which she died in a few mimites. Both little girls gave evidence at the inquest. The jury re- turned a verdict of Suicide during temporary nsanity." and expressed sympathy with the husband.

PRINTING CONTRACTS AND COUNCIL'S SERVANTS. Merthyr Firm's Complaint. There was a discussion at Merthyr Town Council meeting on Monday evening upon the rights of a, member of the education staff to participate in the benefits of a contract placed by the Council, and also the question of whetherTradeUnion conditions could be insisted upon as well as the payment of Trade Union wages. The matter cropped up at a meeting of the General Purposes Commttee,over which the Mayor (Mr F. D. S. Simons) presided, there being a motion to open tenders for printing and stationery for the ensuing year. A letter was read from the local secre. tary to the Typographical Association* asking that only such offices as recognised i Trade Union conditions should be accepted as contactors for Council work. A letter was read fromMessrs Southey saying that although theirs j was an open office they paid proper wages. It I was urged that although the Council made it a condition that Trade Union wages should be paid for all work done for them they could not go further and bind their contractors to cer- tain conditions, however desirable in them- selves those conditions might be, and the matter was. on the motion of Alderman Wilson, referred to the Council for discussion. A letter was then read from Messrs Southey and Sons and other printers in the town questioning the legality of a firm in which a schoolmaster in the Council's employ was financially interested being given orders by the Council. They stated that it was unfair that a. schoolmaster whose salary put him beyond the risks which trades- men had to face should compete with trades- men who had to undertake all the risks of business without such a standby. The Town Clerk said it was not illegal for. a servant of the Council to be financially interested in an undertaking which accepted contracts from the Council. But from a point of view of principle he should consider it morally wrong. Alderman D. W. Jones said that the Council had no power to say to any schoolmaster what he should do in his spare time, and it was very. much better that Mr Rees, who was one of their best headmasters, should render the service he had rendered to education in the books circulated by the Principality Press, even if he had benefited himself, than that he should devote his leisure to les3 beneficial purposes. After further dis- cussion the letter was referred to the Council, „ and the printing tenders were referred to the borough accountant for tabulation.

LLANELLY COUNTY COURT, Compensation Case Reviewed. At Llanelly County Court on Monday (before Judgo Bishop) Messrs -Richardson, Thomas; and Co., limited, Llanelly, applied for the ter- mination or reduction of a weekly compensa- tion payment of 16s to Eenry Davies, Bigyn- road. Mr Ivor Bowen appeared for the plain- tiffs and Mr D. Randell for the respondent. His Honour adjourned the case for three months in order that Davies might again try to follow his employment as a bar-cutter, and decided that the compensation in the meantime be diminished to 7s per week. A Rude Awakening. David Lewis, Oxen-street, applied for an ad- ministration order.—His Monour How long have you been married?—Applicant: Three years. -His Honour And you have run into debt to the extent of JE41 ?—Applicant: Yes my wife ran awny.-Hi.s Honour: Was it then you found out about the debt ?—Applicant Yes.-His Honour: You must have been eating and drinking tremendously. What is this item m for jewellery I-Applicant- My wife had a keeper, but I never saw it,-The application was granted. Nonsuited. The Star Tea Company suad David Walters, grocer's assistant, Stepney-street, for a week's wsges in lieu of notice. Mr D. G. Rees in de- fence explained that the defendant applied for the position on the understanding that he was to be appointed to the branch et Carmarthen. snd when he found out that they had appointed him to Pembroke Dock he decided to remain on with his present employer. His Honour said plaintiffs had failed to show they had suffered any loss, and they were, in consequence, non- suited.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE CLUB. Henry Birch- of Keen-street, summoned John Hales, of Marshfield-street, at Newport on Mon- day for assault. The complainant was a trustee and the defendant a member of the committee of the Orb Workingmen's Club, where the alleged assault occurred. Bil ch said he was struck in the mouth and several teeth were loosened, and he brought this case on for the good of the club. The defendant pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr Lyndon Cooper. In answer to the latter, complainant said the defendant had been brought before the committee, who asked complainant to accept an apology, but he did not think an apology was good enough for a blow in the mouth. He denied the damage was done by aswinging door. The defendant, in giving evidence, said the complainant Interfered in a matter which did not concern him, and defendant told him to shut his mouth and go away." He never struck complainant, and had always been on friendly terms with him. He admitted to the Bench that 4e was asked by the committee to apologise to complainant. A fine of 10s and costs or seven days was imposed.

CARDIFF COAL SHIPMENTS. Over Two Millions Increase. Although i he annual statements of the ex- ports from the Bute and Penarth Docks for ]905 have not been published, it is understood that they will show an increase of about, a million tons over the shipments of 3305, and that the total coal, coke, and patent fuel ex- ports from the three docks of Barry. Penarth, and Bute will exceed those of 1905 by over two milliontons. Of this amount Barry claims an increase of abo.it 1.080.000 tons, and it is expected that the Bute Docks exports will show an increase qf between 600,000 and 700,000 tons, and the Penarth Docks an increase of about 300,000 tons. The combined coal and coke shipments of the three docks for the year amount to between 21 i a.nd 22 million tons.

NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. On Monday the Llangollen Royal National Eisteddfod Committee completed the rough e g draft of the Literary Committee's programme. In addition to features already reported the Gwynedd Temperance Society and the United Kingdom Alliance have decided to offer ten guineas for a Welsh, temperance handbook containing the latest suspects of the temper- ance question, with a history of the beginning and development of the cause in Wales. Mr Ldewelyn Williams, I.I.P., wrote congratulating the Llangollen officials on the novel literary subject embodied in the programme and agreeing to act as adjudicator for the best historical novel dealing with Welsh life in the seventeenth cen- tury.

SWANSEA LICERCE COMPENSATION. A meeting of the Swansea magistrates was held on Monday under the presidency of Mr Howel Wat kins, when various questions affect- ing licensing were discussed. With regard to the provision I, of compensation money assent was received from the Home Secretary to borrow what might be required to make up any deficiency in the aifiount obtained from the licensees under the eooipens:ttion.(-Iailseq of the Licensing Act, and the clerk was given instruc- tions to take the necessary steps. The justices also decided on the advice of their assessor (Mr W. James) on the order in which the compen- sation money awarded in reapcct of ten houses dealt with at. last year's Brewster Sessions should I)q paid, and steps were taken in view of the review of licences for the Cwmbwrla and Manselton area at the sessions, which open on the 11th of next month.

In Coytrahen Wood. a GAMEKEEPER'S EXPERIENCE. Serious Charge Against Alleged Poacher. At Bridgend Police Court on Saturday Reuben Furlong, of Coytrahen, was charged oil remand with night poaching, having a loaded:gun in his possession, and assaulting Harry Tuffs, gamekeeper to Mr Onslow P. Trahcrne, J.P.; of Bryngarw House, and Mr J. Boyd Harvey, managing director of Messrs Nortti,s-,N-aviga,tion Collieries Com- pany. Prisoner, who had wounds on his nose and scalp, held a handkerchief to his mouth and nose during the whole of the hearing, and stated that his nose was broken. Alderman T. J. Hughes, for the prosecution, opened the case. Tuffs and an assistant keeper named Judd were, lie said, watching near the Cabin Wood, Coytrahen, about 11 o'clock on Wednesday night, when thev heard shots fired. Thev entered the wood and saw Furlong com- ing towards them. When they got within a few yards of him prisoner put his gun to his shoulder and pointed it at the head of Tuffs, who was leading. He (Mr Hughes) supposed that, humanly speaking, a man was never nearer eternity than Tuffs was at that moment, but, with great presence of mind, he dropped upon bis hands, and, drawing his staff, sprang at the prisoner. Had he not attacked the pri- soner in this way Furlong might have been at that court upon the charge of murder. Tuffs gave evidence bearing out his solicitor's opening statement, and said he honestly believed that had he not ducked and sprang at the prisoner he would have been shot. Prisoner had threatened on a previous occasion to swing for him." Assistant Keeper Judd produced the gun alleged to have been taken from Furlong, and said it was at full cock. Prisoner had a dead pheasant on him, and another was found near by. Prisoner When Tuffs knocked me down did he shout" Bring up the gun and dead b;rds ? Witness I never saw the gun until I saw you with it that uight. He had nob, he proceeded, seen any dead birds before the affair in ques- tion. Emma Furlong, sister of the prisoner, said her brother had no gun in his possession when he left home at 4.30. She had heard the keepers say they would get her brother imprisoned for life or do for him. Prisoner was committed for trial.

A 24-Years-old Order. WELSHMAN'S STERN REMINDER Twenty-two years ago William Rees, now staying in Gower-road, Gowerton, went to America, where he has since amassed consider- able means. It seems, however, that three months before his departure for the Land of the Free he had a bastardy order made against him, A little while ago he returned to his native Wales, and, as on the bastardy order he had only paid 14s, Margaret Agg, of Waunarlwydd, in whose favour it had been made, on Saturday brought him up before the Swansea County magistrates for arrears which amount to iCIO9 Os 6d. It was alleged that when the warrant was issued he was about to return to America. The eompiainant said when defendant made his first and only payment of 14s he said it would be the first and last payment. The child is now living, and is 24 years of age. The cross -examination was directed to show that after the defendant left another child was born, and that was the reason he had not con- tinue the payment. Complainant, however, denied this, and said that the child had nothing to do with him. Defendant was called ani denied any in- tention of going away, and said he had no means. He had a good deal of property in San Francisco, but it had been destroyed in the earthquake and fire. He was now claiming against an insurance company. He admitted that in 1890 he had 640 acres of land in San Francisco valued at 30,000 dollars, but that had been lost through non-payment of taxes. He now offered to pay S,4 or Z down and 10s a week. The magistrates, bou ever, made an order for payment forthwith, or three months' imprison- ment. Mr Clarke appeared for the complainant, and Mr Dahne for the defendant.

-NOT A DOCTOR. N.S.P.C.C. Inspector's Reply to a Carmarthen Magistrate. On Saturday, at the Carmarthen County Petty Sessions, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children preferred a. charge against James Thomas, of Conwil, for neglecting his children. Mr James John, soli- citor, Carmarthen, appeared for the prosecu- tion. Defendant, who somft time ago sustained an accident in a colliery, pleaded guilty, and said he wouldliko to bo summarily dealt with. He said he only came out of an infirmary last Thursday morning, and some of the Bench- sympathetically commented upon his enfeebled condition. Mr John pointed out that if a father was unable to provide for his children's main- tenance, and thus permit through neglect any injury to their health, there was a means for their keep at the workhouse. He declared that the defendant during the whole of his married life had done practically nothing for the support of his children. Defendant, said the advocate, was addicted to drink, and when he got work lost it through intemperate habits. Inspector William Roberts had had the case under his supervision from November 1905, to November, 1906. This inspector f-poke of his visits to the house, where he saw defendant's children. On his first visit on November 28th, 1905, he found them fairly well nourished, except the elder boy, who appeared pale and anaemic. They were very well clad, their clothing was clean, and their boots and clogs in fairly good condition. The house and bed were perfect!y clean, and there was a little food in the house. The Chairman On that occasion you had no cause for complaint ? Witness I had simply what the wife told me. She said she had not received anv money from her husband for the last seven months. The Inspector said that on another date all the food he saw in the house was a piece of bread, an ounce of tea, and a spoonful of sugar. The Chairman What state were the children in ? The Inspector They were clean but I am not a doctor. The Chairman I am perfectly awai-eofthat, but vou arean inspector for the National Societyfor Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and you ought to know whether they were in asatis- factory condition. The children were not des- titute, then ? Inspector They were as far as food goes. The Chairman But you said in your evidence that they were fairly well nourished. The Inspector The children were not badly nourished. Witness went on to point out that it was not due to the man. The signi- ficant point was that defendant did not bring tbe food in. Mr C. W. Jones But could they cat more food if they had it ? The Inspector Yes, there is no doubt about that. Mr C. W. Jone* How do you know? Did you ask them? (Laughter.) Inspector: No, 1 didn't. Mr John Did you give the wife money your- pelf to provide lood for those children ? In- spector Yes, two shillings, on November 21at. Mr C. W. Jones That shows that you thought so. The Bench bound defendant over in his own recognisances to come up for judg- "Dent in a fortnight's time.

DEATH OF SIR HENRY DE BATHE Father-in-Law of Mrs Langtry. General Sir Henry de Perceval de Bathe, who had been ilt for only a few days, died on. Saturday night at his seat, Wood End, near Chichester. Sir Henry was the fourth baronet and the bead of ono of the oldest families in the king dom, its record going backto the twelfth cen- tury. He was born June 19th 1823, at Malta, and succeeded his father. Colonel Sir VViiliam Plunkett de Bathe, in 1870. He took part in the coronation of Queen Victoria as a page, and entered the Army before he was 16 years of age. His son, Hugo Gerald, who now become* the fifth baronet, was born in 1871. and married, in 1899, Mrs Langtry, the well-known artress. Sir Henry's second daughter is the wife of the Hon. Harry Lawson, eldest son of Lord Burn- ham another daughter married Sir Savile Crosslev, Bart. Sir Henry had a great liking for the stage, and. was formerly a member of the Windsor Strollers, the Old Stagers, and the Wandering Minstrels. Besides his seat near Chichester, he was the possessor of De Bathe Barton, North Taw- ton, Devon Knightstown, Ladyrath, Navan, co. Me.-t.th. while his London residence was 123, Victoria-street. In consequence of the death of General Sir Henry de Bathe, the wedding of the Hon. John Coke and Miss Dorothy Lawson is postponed until Thursday, the 17th ins at 2.30 p.m., at the-Guards' Chapel, Wellington Bar-

DEAD IN A MANGER. Labourer's Strange Fate. At the Workmen's Hall, Llanbradach, on Saturday Mr R. J. Rhys and a jury inquired into the death of John Lewis, a farm labourer, who was found dead on Boxing night at Brynawen Farm, Llanbradach. The evidence showed that deceased obtainei permission of the bailiff to alerip in the hay loft, and that when the bailiff went into the premises about a quarter of an hour afterwards the deceased was lying in the mangsr dead. having fallen through the fodder hole. The jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death by falling from the hay loft.

ANTHRAX AT TONYREFAIL. Au outbreak of anthrax has occuiTed among the cattle on the Tyntalcba Ganol Farm, Tony- refail, whicn is tenanted by Mr David Rees, and three cows and six yearlings have succumbed to the disease. The first animal died about the middle of December and when notification reached Superintendent Cole, inspector under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, he had portions of the carcase sent; to the public analyst at Cardiff who found anthrax bacillus in them- The farm was disinfected and the re- mainder of the cattle isola ed and iherp have been no sicus of a recurrence of 'he ou-weak.

Committee v. Managers. SWANSEA SCHOOLS DISPUTE. A Prolonged Controversy. At a meeting of the Swansea Education Com* mittee on Monday, Alderman Martin presid- ing, correspondence was submitted which had passed between the committee and the managers of the non-provided schools with respect to the claim of the latter that the com-, mittee should agree to certain increases in salaries of teachers of the non-provided schools. In the course of its letter the committee denied that it had now or had at any time since the appointed day been under any obligation to keep or maintain the non-provided schools since the managers had failed to conform with con- ditions precedent to any obligation on the part; of the authority. The managers seemed to have hitherto tried to evade compliance with these conditions, which embraced the bringing of the non-provided schools up to the requirements of the authority's architect, and if those condi- tions were not forthwith complied with the authority would cease to maintain the non-pro- vided schools efficiently. The authority further reminded the managers that if they failed to make written agreements with their teachers according to Article 53 of the Code their schools might be sliruckolI the list of public elementary schools. In reply the managers of the National, York. place, and Parochial Schools sent a long letter, in which the whole question was argued and reviewed. On the subject of salaries, the managers said they were not aware the Board of Education had yet delegated its powers to the Swansea authority—(a laugh)— and referring to the last clause, it was said if that were intended as a warning it was Uh- necessary, and if as a threat it was absurd- On the subject of the alteration of buildings, the managers did not desire to enter into any controversy with regard to the legal construc- tion of the Act of 1902. That was a question to be threshed out between the local authority and the Board of Education. The managers had always carried out the Act to the best of their ability, and refused to adopt the view of the local authority till it received the ap- proval of the Board of Education. In answer to Mr Livingston, the Chairman said the last steps the authority had taken on the subject was to state its minimum as to the alterations required to the various schools, and that was contained in the report of the autho- rity's architect. Asked further if the authority had lately taken over the schools, the Chair- man said, when under the Act the authority had to take over the schools, it did so condi- tionally on the necessary alterations to the various schools being carried out by a certain day. Circumstances had arisen which led matters to drift. Now it was for the authority to fix the day on which, if its requirements were not carried out, it would cease to maintain the schools. Mr Livingston suggested it was much better to fix a day at once on which the authority's minimum must be complied with. Mr Corker said the authority's requirement was not a fair one, and he questioned whether it had a right to make it. It was wished to rebuild the schools entirely. —The Chairman: Of course, if not fit.— Alderman Tutton said that instead of comply. icg with the authority's requirements the managers' answers to the demands merely were, We have painted sashes." "Ve have re- paired a lavatory." Mr Cadwallarlwr said the authority's architect said one thing and the managers said another, and then when the Board's architect came down he said what the managers offered was reasonable for old build- ing3. The Chairman said the proposal of the National School managers actually was to build over the playground. The authority simply said there must be proper playground provision. and until a scheme for bringing the school up to the requirements with proper playground provision was carried out the authority would not maintain it. Mr Caldwalladwr said the managers were willing to spend £8.000 to the Oxford- street schools immediately they knew what the requirements were. The Chairman said the authority would sanction nothing which in- volved the doing away of the playground as the managers desired. Were the authority to take over the schools with the playground built on, the first thing it would have to do would be to buy surrounding property at enormous cost for the provisiou of new playground accommo- dation. The duty of replying to the managers' letter was referred to a sub-committee. Committee's Coal Revenue. A report was submitted by the mining engineer (Mr Dd. Thomas), showing that the committee's revenue in royalties from the Aber Mineral Estate, which forms part of the revqnue of the grammar school, had for the past quarter totalled £439 2s 2d, against £344 lis Id in the corresponding quarter of last year. The Chairman said now that a start had been made in developing the No. 2 section they might look forward to a constantly increasing revenue from this source. A letter from Messrs Ijogiedew and Sons (solicitors to Messrs Cory and Sons, Limited, the lessees of the coal measures) was read. drawing attention to the. action of the Corporation in announcing that part of the estate was to be let for btmdjng purposes, reminding the committee of the rights, of their clients in this respect. The letter was referred to the Minerals Sub-Committee. A Breeze. During a discussion on the subject of the resignation of a cleaner at the National Schools Mr Cadwalladwr moved that the resignation be not accepted, and that the person's salary be increased by JElO. Mr Tutton said no reason for the increase had been given, and he sug- gested that the cieaner was not acting on her own initiative in threatening to resign.—Mr Cadwalladwr Then I'm a liar that's what it amounts to.—Mr Tutton said he put a faL sug- gestion, and then Mr Cadwalladwr fixed on him the onus of calling him a liar. He declined to accept that position, but if Mr Cadwalladwr would say what position he took up with regard to the resignation he would say whether he was or not.—Mr Cadwalladwr Wlmt do you want to ?—Mr Tutton I want to know your position, seeing you say I am calling you a liar. —Mr CadwaUadwr Sit down, and I will have my say.—The Chairman interposed by ruling further remarks on the subject by anyone out of order.

PASTOR AND CHURCH. Differences at Mountain Ash. The differences between the minister and deacons of the Rhos Baptist Church. Mountain Ash, have for some time past formed the sub- ject of a good deal of gossip throughout tha denomination in Wales. In the current issue of Seren Cymru," the Welsh Baptist organ, the Rev. T. T. Hughes, the former pastor of Rhos, explains the position from his standpoint. and emphasises the fact that he has not parted company with the church of Rhoo, but only with the deacons," and that he left the place rather than in asserting his position embark on a quarrel that would be a disgrace to the cause. He quotes Acts xix., 9, in justification of his action, and adds that the Church is not of stones and wood, but of men consecrated to Christ./ The faithful of the revival, of the prayer meetings, Bible class, and the Sunday school—the great majority are, he says, with him and deter- mined never to return to Rhos. After reference to his 14 years'happy connection with Rhos Church and the presentation of £50 made him on the day of his wedding, the ex-pastor cornea to the time immediately preceding the revival, t and states that at a well-attended church meeting a resolution of confidence in him was Unanimously passed, and on the following Sun- day evening it was confirmed amid enthusiasm by the whole church. After making a series of astounditie allegations against those who oppose him, Mr Hughes states that without conferring either with him or with the church the opposition asked him to resign- Subse- quently the church resolved with unanimity and much enthusiasm. that their respected pastor be established in his position of minis- ter" with more honour than ever." On the next Sunday morning, after he had descended from the pulpit he found that old differences were again being raised, and that Sunday night, he resigned. He concludes the remarkable letter hy stating that now his prayer was, 0 Lord, Thy will be done,"

HORSE DIES ON THE STREET. A Canton Incident. On Monday, while an old horse owned by Mr Pearcy, general dealer, of Portmamncor. road, was being led along Newbridge -road, near the Workhouse, it fell and remained on the road in a dying condition for over half an hour.The police took the owner's name and ad- drgS3 Mr Pearcy avers that the horse was on its; way to the knacker's at the time, having in. jured itself in the stall. The monthly market of horses and cattle was held at Canton to-day, but Mr Pearcy states that he had no intention whatever of endeavouring to^sell the animal. It was at the time being led by a boy named Hall to the knacker's. Several people in the crowd made comments on the fact that the horse was al lowed to remain on the roadway palpably in a dying condition, although two veterinary surgeons, whose ser- vices might have been secured, lived within a hundred yards of the spot.

SMALLPOX AT NEWPORT. Smallpox has broken out in the Pill district of Newport. It is believed that the disease was imported from Portugal by a German, who has since become convalescent. Two of his relatives—a man and his wife—contracted the disease, and are now in the isolation hospital at Newport. Dr. Howard Jones, the medical officer, and his staff are busy roping with the outbreak, and on Sun lay vaccinated a number of people who had come in contact with the infected persons.

At a special meeting of the trustees and coinmittce of the Gwauncaegurwen Public Hall, held on Saturday evening, under the presidency of Mr J. Mark, it was passed unani- mously that thebalJ phaU he licensed for theatricals. The committee have been com- pelled tr> take this step as the recent concerts have plunged them into debt, and the yourg folk were passing the building on concert night:- to attend A play in another locality.