The Cardiff Times

The Ship's Crew, The following is a list of the crew :—. Oaptain. J. Precious. Tirst.officer, C. Morsley. Second officer. J. Wyatt. Carpenter, S- Ellis. Cook, T. Bulrnan Able seamen, J. Harvey, R, Raymont. A. Pells, T. Gould, A. Britton, and H. Samkin. Ordinary seamen, F. Fisher, T Harper. Deck boys J. Farthing, C. Gibsons. First Engineer, VV. Dellanfc. Second Engineer. W. KendaU. Third Engineer, W. Gregory. Fourth Engineer, C. Milis. Donkey man, H. Carlisle. Firemen, B. Catchpole, J. Gilbert. D. Brntth. A. Wallers, J. Rycroft, J. Gostling, W Howlett, F Gibson, G. Syrett, J. Rouae, A. Pond, G. Woods, F. Robinson, A. Coppin, A. Chapman. Chief Steward, W. Moor. Second Steward, J. Kedgley. Second Cabin Steward, A. Cooper. Head Saloon steward, G. Bullock. Saloon Stewards, W Carter, 9. Salter. Extra Stewards, J. Keen A. Durrant and- W. (query P.) Mead Pantry Boy, W. Wild ing. Cook's Assistant, M. Puttock. Stewardesses, Mrs Bulman and Miss Bi own. Second Cabin Stewardess. Mrs Ellis. A telegram has just been received stating that there was another stewardess on board named .T. Mallows. The crew belonged to Harwich, Parkeston, and district. Risen from the Ranks. Interviewed by a representative of the Pres Association, Mr C. Busk, the manager of the continental department of the Great Eastern Railway. said that he could only account for the weather as being in the main responsible for the disaster. They had had news that a terrific gale was blowing at the time. Captain Precious was the senior captain of the fleet and be was a most able man, and the Company had the greatest confidence in him. He was an old servant, having risen from the ranks. OPERA COMPANY GO DOWN. The Opera Company said to have perished in the Norih Sea disaster is the unfortunate .organisation whos<» Winter German Opera Season at the Co vent Garden Theatre, prov- ing unsuccessful, ended last Saturday. Amongst the principals was M. Van Dyck, the tenor, but he is understood to have pre- riously returned to his home at Bertider-lez- lifcve, in Belgium- The Exchange Telegraph Company says there were 19 members of the company on board. No Money." There isn't any money that is why the Winter German Opera season at Covent Gar- den ended last Saturday." This statement was made to the Mirror representative at the offices of the company in Great Winebowtcewtrwt, E.C., yesterday after- *»an. The syndicate is insolvent, and claims will be met as lone: as there is anything to meet them with, continued a representative of Winter German Opera, Limited." The directors are J. W. Budd, solicitor, of Budd, Johnson, and Co., Austin Friars (chair- man) Frank Dawes, solicitor. Dr. Arnold Whitaker, Oxford Miss Elsie Smith, Miss Ellen Skinner, and M. Ernest van Dyck, the tenor (general manager). Among the shareholders are the Earl of Dysart, the Earl of Shaftesbury, Mr Carl Armbruster, the composer, and the baritone, Mr David Bispham- The nominal capital is £lO.OOo-out of 100 shares of L100 each seventy. one were part subscribed- Messrs Rendle and Forsyth, who manage Covent Garden Theatre, have nothing what- ever to do with the syndicate. The Central News has been supplied with the names of the members of the German Opera Company who are known to have been on board the Berlin. These include Mr and Mrs Wenderg and child and governess, Mrs Schroedar, the two Misses Lehmann, Miss Sternsdorf, Miss Wild, and 'Ali- Stelmach, all hailing from Berlin. The opera company numbered about eighty. Several returned to Germany on Tuesday, and nineteen last Digilt, while the remainder arc still in London Several members of the com- pany attended the Great Eastern offices this afternoon and furnished the officials there with the names given above.

Bodies Washed Up. Rotterdam, February 21.—Later—Up to the present 25 dead bodies have been washed ashore. One person has been saved. Passengers and the crew gathered in the after part of the vessel, which remained above ,,vater, -Reuter.

A RELIEF BOAT. The Press Association learns that a relief boat has been despatched from Harwich. Cap. tain Howard, marine superintendent, leaves Liverpool-street this morning to proceed to the scene of the disaster. It is also stated that the bervice will be carried on as usual to-night.

Parted Amidships. Amsterdam. Thursday, February 21.-The Handelsblad has received the following details of the Berlin disaster The vessel struck about 6 o'clock this morning. Tugs and lifeboats immediately put out and attempted to save passengers and crew. The violent gale and heavy seas, however, made it impossible for boats to approach the wreck. Later the vessel parted amidships and begun to breakup altogether. Latest news received leaves no doubt as to the fate of those on board, and it is feared all have perished. -Renter. BOAT ad OPERA CO, It was ascertained on inquiry at the Covent Garden Theatre that the nineteen members of the German Opera Co. who lost their lives were members of the chorus, and that none of the principals was among the party. 180 PASSENGERS. Only Two Survivors. Rotterdam Thursday, Noon.—The agents of Harwich-Hook of Holland Line here state that the Berlin had on board -120 passengers and 60 crew, altogether 180 persons. Names are not known. At eleven o'clock 25 bodies had been washed ashore. Two men have been saved, one of them an Englishman, being described as second steers- man. He was carried in an unconscious state to the Hoek van Holland Hotel. Lifeboats tried in vain to approach the ship- wreck. A few persons can still be seen clinging to what is left of the steamer, It is very doubtful whether any more persons will be saved. The disaster occurred at half-past five this morning,-Reuter, It is reported that one of the passengers was Mr E. Clark, of the Voelker Lighting Co., Ltd., of Wandsworth. The Exchange Telegraph Company states that Mr W. M. Reenes,of Tokenhouse-buildings, name is given as one of those in the ill- fatea Berlin, is well known in the city as the secretary of the British North Borneo Planta- tion Company. Mr W. B. Anderson. of the Alexandra Docks at Hull, and Mr J. Barton, an official of the Hull and Barnsley Railway Company, were also passengers. AMONG THE MISSING. Cardiff Docksman's Fate. CAPTAIN'S WIFE A PASSENGER ? There is grave reason to fear that at least two Cardifiiana may be found to be among the victims of the disaster. On Wednesday Alder- man Trounce, the local agent for the Great Eastern line, booked two local passengers for Holland, one being a captain's wife who was going to join her husband at Bremen, and the other a Cardiff docksman who was proceeding to Rotterdam on business. Both left Cardiff on Wednesday, and would, in the ordinary course, have embarked at Harwich on the Berlin on Wednesday n ght. The captain's wife referred to was ex- ceedingly anxious to cross by a day boat, and seemed disappointed when told by Alderman Trounce that there was no day boat, and that she would have to take a night pass- age. At the time of writing the names of the two Cardiff passengers were not known. Interviewed later. Alderman Trounce said he had not yet discovered who the two passen- gers were who had been booked through his office by the ill-fated steamer, but he was making inquiries. A Narrow Escape. A Cardiff gentleman had arranged to cross to Rotterdam by the ill-fated vessel, but, being detained owing to the illness of his partner, has escaped narrowly-his detention occurring literally ta the last moment."

List of Passengers WHO RESERVED THEIR BERTHS The Great Eastern Railway Company this afternoon issued the subjoined list of passen- gers, for whom accommodation was reserved on the Berlin, but they desired it to bo understood that the list could not be regarded as official Miss isharrock. Miss Hertz. Mr W. Fisher Maninger- Mr W. M. Reeves, Tokenhouse-buiidings. Mr R. Frankenburg, Salford, Manchester. Mr Arthar Herbert, 22, Portman-street, Portman-square. Master Aug. UirsQ. Mr and Mrs Serabski, of Liverpool. Mr F. Salt, 101. Leadenball-street. Mr A. Lamotte, 61. Crutched Friars. Mr Henry Lamotte, of the same address. Miss Thurnton, travelling from London. Mr Themans. Mr Bochlander. Mr Helfenstein, 20, Eastcheap, Vanderneulen, Mr Spiker. Mr Jennings. Mr Watson. Mr Halswortb. Messrs Anderson (2). Mr Murse. Mr Raismann and son, Mr Groot. Mr Davison. Nineteen members of the German Opera Company. Mr Muroe. Mr Raismann and son, Mr Degroot.

Hotel Register Names. A representative of the Press Association to. day paid a visit to the Great Eastern Hotel, where passengers crossing to the Hook of Hol- land occasionally stay for a night or two. It was stated that the following left last night by the Contnental train for the Hook Mr Len- sen, Mr Dryden Davison. of Malk-enesser Laan, 196, Rotterdam and Mr Brodersen, of Hong Kong. Mr Lensen came to London on Monday last from Dublin, and since then sojourned at the Great Eastern Hotel. Mr Davison and Mr Brodersen arrived in London from the Hook only yesterday morn ing, and after doing a day's business in town they left again by the next train. Mr Davison frequently stayed at the hotel, where he was well known. It has also been ascertained that Mr W. E. Clarke, of the firm of Voliker Incandescent Mantle Company, Limited, Wandsworth,, also left last night for the lIook of Holland,

Passengers on Wreck. Hoek Van Holland, Thursday, 12.30 p.m.- The after-parb of the Iterlin isftrmly embedded in-shore. There are still people on board the wreck, and it is hoped that it will be possible to save them at low tide Only one man has so far been brought ashore alive. He is Captain Parkeston, of Belfast. He was carried to the Hoek Van Holland Hotel and oJaced on a billiard table, where he is lying wrapped in blankets and shivering with fever. Twenty-five bodies have been conveyed to the Hoek Van Holland Railway Station. It is believed that victims bf the disaster total 150.- Reuter. Message From Their Majesties. Lord Knollys to-day telegraphed to the general manager of the Great Eastern Rail. way :—" The King and Queen desire me to say how horrified they feel at the foundering of M the Berlin and at the terrible loss of life which ensued."

WOMAN AND PIT MANAGER." Not the Manager. In the cage heard at Caerphilly Police Cou ) on Tuesday Mr Wm. Llewellyn should ha* been described as under-manager of No. Pit, yanbradach and. not ma Hut maiMtea^

WHtTELEYMURDERER 0 From Hospital to Gaol. RAYNER CHARGED & REMANDED On Tuesday Horace George Rayner, or Turner, appeared in the Police Conrt charged with the murder of the late Mr William Whitelev. The medical skill and care lavished on Ray- ner since be was, on January 24th, admitted to St, Mary's Hospital, Paddinton, suffering from a self-inflicted bullet wound in his head, has saved his life, but he is a mere wreck of the fine fellow he used to be. His brow was completely shot away, the bridge of his nose shattered, and his eye had to be removed. He has been provided with an artificial eye, but that only partially re- lieves the disf srurement of his face One result of the shot is that he has lost con- trol of certain muscles governing the mouth and lips. As a result he cannot masticate hard foods, and his speech is affected. He cannot form words distinctly. Prisoner Nearly Faints in the Dock. Horace George Rayner appeared on Tuesday at Marylebone Police Court (before Mr Paul Taylor) on a charge that he did wilfully mur- der William Whiteley by shooting him with a revolver at 43, Westbourne-grove, on January 24th" The interest in the case was shown by the besieged condition of the approaches to the court-house, which faces on Seymour-place, a bye-street off Maryle- bone-road, and when tho doors were thrown open at 10 o'clock there was a rush for places. The police kept the crowd back until the magistrates had dealt with the usual list of applications. At a quarter to 11 o'clock, on the officer of the court presenting the charge sheet to the clerk, and calling out the name of Rayner, all eyes were turned with a painful interest to the passage leading from the cells, and the accused was at once conducted to the dock. He is a tall, well built man, but bears traces of the injuries which he inflicted upon himzelf at the time of the tragedy. The right side of the face is swollen and discoloured, the skin being distended, particularly below the eye- socket, so that the artificial eye presented bv the surgeons is scarcely perceptible A depres- sion above the bridge of the nose shows the track of the revolver bullet. Rayner has grows a short brown beard and thin side-whiskers, and has a slight moustache. His appearance suggested a condition of physical depression. He stood within the dock dressed in a suit of grey tweed with a grey overcoat, and in his left hand, which he rested on the rail, he convulsively clutched a soft cloth cap. Detective-Inspector Fuller at once stepped forward and applied that the case should be taken only shortly, and his Worship assented. Mr Pierron (solicitor): I appear, sir, for the prisoner. Mr Roche Solicitor): I appear for the family of the deceased, Mr William Whiteley, and shall be glad to offer the court any assistance that I can Inspector Fuller, having been sworn, said On the 24th of January I went to 43, West- bourne-grove, and saw the dead body of Mr Wiliam Whiteley with two bullet wounds. In company with Detective-Sergeant William?, I then went to St. Mary's Hospital, wheie I saw the prisoner. He was dangerously ill. At this point of the inspector's examination Rayner, who had been hanging his head, showed signs of fainting, and a police-ser- geant, at the magistrate's request, told him to be seated. The prisoner then sat down on the dock bench. Inspector Fuller (resuming): I was present at the inquest on Mr Whiteley, when a verdict of Wilful murder" was returned against Horace Rayner. At 9.20 this morning Sergeant Williams and I went to St. Mary's Hospital. I then saw the prisoner, and said to him. I am a detective-inspector. and am going to arrest you for the muiderof Mr Whiteley at Westbourne Grove on January 24t.h" He replied, I have nothing to say now." He was taken to Paddington-green Police Station, and formally charged. He made no reply. This is all the evidence I propose to offer this morning. Mr Pierron 1 shall have to put a few ques- tions, your Wotship, but, if you will allow me. I would rather reserve them to-day, and put them on a future occasion. The Magistrate; Very well. (To prisoner) You are remanded for seven days. Inspector Fuller, before leaving the witness- box, informed Mr Paul Taylor that prisoner was in a very feeble state, and the magistrate directed his removal by cab. Rayner was at once led out of court and conveyed to Brixton Prison, where he was placed in the infirmary ward.

OBITUARY, Mr Ebenezer Lewis. Pioneer of the Welsh Coal Trade. The death of Mr Ebenezer Lewis on Monday at Weston-super-Mare, where he had been living for the last year or two, removes from the iu- dustrial life of South Wales one of the last links with the pioneering days of the great South Wales coal trade. Mr Lewis was one of the foremost, certainly one of the most enterpris- ing, of the band of pioneers which embraced men like the late Mr David Davies, Mr Lewis Davis, Mr Samuel Thomas, Mr John Nixon, and the Messrs Wayne. He was a son of Mr Edward-Lewis, of Glan- torfaen, on which now stand the Blaenavon Ironworks, and a good part of the township. Born in 1823 he would have completed his 84th year next June. His ancestors were well-known landowners in North Monmouthshire and Breconshire, tracing their descent from the Welsh chieftain. Rhys Goch Educated at Abbot's School, Stow Hill, New- port, and an eye-witness of the Chartist riots which convulsed Newport, ending in an attack on the Westgate Hotel, and considsrable blood shed, he had many reminiscences to tell of those days. On leaving school, he joined his brother in business at Nantyglo. and later at Llanelly in succession to the late Mr John Jayne, Mr Lewis soon turned his attention to the Aberdare and Rhondda Valleys, in which he foresaw great possibilities. In course of time he went into partnership with the late Mr Samuel Thomas, of Sguborwen, Aberdare, father of Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P. On the dissolution of this partnership he took over the Bwllfa and Merthyr Dare Collieries, Aberdare, a property now so well-known, and completed the sink- ings. This property was afterwards turned over to the Messrs Brogdens. By this time Mr Lewis had become a great figure in colliery developments, and he went over to the Rhondda and sunk the Rhondda Merthyr Collieries. Here, owing to the faults encountered, he made heavy losses. Later on he sunk the Fernhill Collieries not far away. His next successful enterprises were the sinking of the National and Albion Collieries. Later, in conjunction with Messrs Cory Brothers, he took over the Garth and Maes teg Collieries, subsequently sold to Messrs Elder, Dempster, and Co. He was also the owner of the Hendre Owen property, on which the Duftryn Collieries are sunk. The deceased gentleman was a thorough- going Liberal and a Nonconformist. In business, he connned his great activities almost exclusively to the development of colliery properties. He was one of the oldest magistrates for Glamorgan, and also for over 20 years Monmouthshire. For many years he resided at The Maindee, near Newport. He leaves a widow, one son (Mr T. E. Lewis, Albion Colliery) and several daughters. Mr H. Ratcliffe, Swansea. The death is announced at Swansea of Mr Henry Ratcliffe, a well-known musician Until two years ago he was organist and choirmaster at St. Mary's Parish Church, and on the occa- sion of his retirement ho was the recipient of handsome presents. Mr W. Thomas, Aberavon, After a brief illness, the death took place on Sunday of Mr W. Thomas, Brynogwy, Aber- avon, a chief official of the Rio Tinto Copper Company. He snent his early years at Skewen, and by diligence and perseverance worked him- self to the higv --sfc position under the Mines Royal Copper Co. About 20 years Ago he re- moved to Aberavon, and took over the superin- tendence of the Rio Tinto Works at Cwmavon. He was an ardent Congregationalist, and had been a secretary of the Tabernacle Welsh Congregational, Skewen. was a deacon of the church, and had been superintendent of the Sunday school for over 18 years. Be leaves a widow, one son, and a daughter, who is married to the Rev. Griffith Evans, BVA., Ogmore Vale. A Pembroke Dock Freemason. Mr William Gwilliam, retired dockyard rigger, died at his residence, Bufferland, Pem- broke Dock, on Monday afternoon, aged 72 years. Deceased, who was a pensioner from the Navy, served subsequent to his retirement from that service at Pembroke Dockyard, from which establishment he also received apension on his retirement about 12 years ago. He was for some years ship-keeper on the dockyard mooring lighter, but later was employed as a rigger in the yard. He was one of the ship's company of the old warship Wariior, which conveyed Queen Alexandra across from Den- mark for her marriage with the King, then Prince of Wales, in 1863. As a Freemason, he held office in the Loyal Welsh Lodge, No. 378 (Pembroke Dock), for many years. Mr Charles Strlck, Swansea. The death occurred on Saturday morning of Mr Charles Strick, eldest son of the late Mr Edward Strick, for many years the borough and district coroner of Swansea, and brother of Mr T. N. T. Strick, the secretary to the Swansea Harbour Trust. The deceased, who was a member of the Savage Club, was a genial per- sonality, and very much respected by a wide circle. He was the secretary of the Hotel Mefropole Company. Mr Strick had been in indifferent health for some time, but his illness did not become serious till a week ago.

Captain Luard has not yet made his report on the Llanelly and Burry estuary. Before do ing so he desires further information and wants certain tide velocities taken. For the purpose of enabling this to be done the Harbour Trust tupM decided that a current meter be pur.

Train Overturned. CALAMITY IN NEW YORK. MANY THEATREGOERS KILLED. Thieves at Work Among the Dead. New York. Saturday.—A local train on the New York Central Railroad is reported to have been wrecked at Bronx, having fallen over an embankment. Between thirty and forty per- sons are said to have been killed. The wrecked cars are on fire,— Reuter. New York, Sunday, 2 a.m.—First reports of the extent of the disaster at Bronx and the number of casualties were exaggerated. It is now known that 16 persons were killed out- right, while four others succumbed before mid- night. The injured number at least 50. The train was filled with people returning from a matinee performance at New York theatres and season ticket holders. The accident occurred at a sharp curve which was taken at a high rate of speed. The motor and first carri- age passed safely, but the four following carri- ages left the rails, and after being dragged for about a hundredyards fell down a low embank- ment. Many of the injured were brought to New York by special train, and others were attended to either at the hospital in the vicinity or at their own homes.—Reuter Identification by Jewellery. New York, Sunday (Latdr).—The majority of the killed and wounded in the Bronx train wreck were women residing at White Plains and the outlying suburban towns. The train was recently put on as an express to White Plains, and travellers by the line were de- lighted with the change. There have, how- ever. been criticisms regarding the speed main- tained, especially round curves. The scene of the wreck was between Bronx Park and Web- ster Avenue—a. street with fine residences parallel to the line. Eye-witnesses who saw the disaster from the windows oi these houses say before the cars left the line their attention was drawn to the train by a tremendous shower of electric sparks underneath It apparently enveloped the train in flame. The line curves sharply, and not until the last car was turning the curve did the accident occur. Accounts differ regarding the order in which the cars left the rails, but the four last, containing 150, which were thrown over on their sides and dragged nearly a thou- sand feet, were literally ground to pieces The sides were ripped out, the floors torn open, and the roofs taken off by being dragged along the embankment bordering the track. Many of the bodies were so mangiled and dis- membered that they could be identified only by the jewellery found on them. Police from the Bronx station nearby hurried to the scene, and drove oil thieves who were already engaged in stripping the dead aud injured of their valu- ables. The work of clearing the debris was somewhat retarded by the darkness and danger of fatal shock from the exposed live rails. A great crowd gathered, and the police had to tight their way through to remove the injured -Reuter. Speed of 70 Miles an Hour. Rogers, the motor man of the wrecked train, has made a statement to the coroner, in which he estimates that the train was running at a speed of 70 miles an hour in accordance with the time table. He believes that the rear coach was the first to lea.ve the line, and that it pulled the others off. After the collision wild stories were circu- lated of injured passcngerspinneO. in the wreck- age being killed by the electric current from the live rail. These, are, however, untrue, the bodies of the dead, though torn and mangled through being dragged along so far, being quite unseared by electricity. As a matter of fact, it has been established that a gap was made in the contact rail when the care first overturned, the electric current being thus inter- rupted, and the tram running on merely by its momentum.-keuter.

Starving Millions. CHINA'S AWFUL PLIGHT. Multitudes Faced with Death. Shanghai, Friday.—The Mandarin Wen who was charged with the supervision of Govern ment relief in the famine stricken area in Nanking Vice royalty, has presented his re- port to the Tuangfang Viceroy. The Mandarin replies vigorously to the criticisms of Captain Kirton, the representative of the Foreign Re- lief Committee, and other foreigners regarding the methods of distributing relief. He asserts that adequate arrangements were originally made to distribute money among the camps When it became evident that these camps were liable to develop into centres of disease and political unrest, provision was made for the peaceful return of the people to their homes. He denies the statement that hundreds are perishing of starvation. On the other hand Mr Ellis, an American journalist, who has just returned here. reports that the famine had reached its worst stage. Snow has fallen, and precludes the digging of weeds. Deaths from cold and starvation, he says, are increasing, and there is indescribable suffering, especially among thchildren. The officials, moreover, have ceased to distribute cash. An attempt to gain control of foreign funds completely failed. The missionaries arc the sole distributors, and are feeding the multi- tudes without danger. Relief funds here now total 250,000 taels- Many distressing particulars as to the extent of the famine have, Renter's Agency states, come to hand by Saturday's Far Eastern mails. Dr. Woods, of Tsingkiangpu, writes that the people are pulling down their houses and selling timbers and straw in order to procure food. There are said to be 600,000 people with- out the walls, and hundreds are dying every day of cold and under-feeding. The secretary of the Chinbiang Famine Com- mittee says :-1 saw one of the great refuge camps at Tsingkiangpu with over 300.000 refugees in it. It is the most pitiful s'ght I ever saw- Words fad to describe it. We ex- pect an awful winter. A most interesting letter from Father Thomas, S,J., draws a terrible picture of the conditions in the Hsuchou prefecture. It is estimated that pearly one million people are facing death from starvation in this one pre- fecture. Over one third of the population has fled southwards to escape certain death. The letter continues Many families in better circumstances could not make up their minds to abandon their homes. These have now reached the famine stage, having consumed the little they could save from this year's harvest. A good many families who were formerly well off are now reduced to eating once or twice a day a. horrible mixture of leaves and roots. and we are only at the beginning of the most frightful misery. The winter will be terrible, and for many there is no prospect but death from hunger or cold. To all these horrors i £ added that of brigandage, and much robbing, if not more serious trouble, is anticipated. Chinese mer- chants. availing themselves of the exemption from taxation granted to relief grain. have accumulated considerable supplies of grain, which they will only sell at exorbitant prices. The starving have stripped trees of their bark in order to satisfy the craving for food.— Reuter.

War in Central America. HONDURAS ARMY DEFEATED. Many Hours' Hard Fighting. New York, Tuesday.—According to a tele- gram of to-day's date from Nicaragua, the troops under the command of General Bonnilla, President of Honduras, at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, attacked the forces of General Zelaya, President of Nicaragua, guarding the Nicaraguan frontier. After many hours of fighting the Honduras army was defeated Reuter. Civil wars and struggles with other Central American Republics have for years past characterised the Nicaraguan Republic. For some time past strained relations have existed between Nicaragua and Honduras, which President Roosevelt has endeavoured to smooth over. II was thought that ho had succeeded in this.

TERRORISTS AT WORK, Substantial Hauls. Warsaw, Saturday.—During the last two days terrorists have attacked post offices at Zwolen, in the Government of Radom and Rasi- mierz, in the Government of Lublin. Alto- gether they:have secured a sum of2,000roubles, and they have escaped on both occasions. Several communal offices and Government alcohol stores have also been ransacked.— Reuter. Officer Fired At. St. Petersburg, Sunday.—At Neumajpgelan, in the Fergkana district (Russian Turkestan), a man to-day fired a revolver at Major-General Pt kotilo, Military Governor. The latter was leaving church. General Pokotilo was not hit. The man was captured.—Reuter. Another Murder. Baku, Sunday.—The Governor of the port has been murdered.—Reuter.

SOAP DEARER. All Manufacturers Agree. In spite of last week's denials, it transpires on Tuesday that all soap manufacturers in the kingdom, both within and without the recent trust, are uniting in a policy of raising prices. The advance ranges from J35 to JE4 per ton, and comes into effect forthwith. This will entail an immediate increase to the public of Id per lb. on all washing soaps. The price of toilet soaps willnot be much affected. The grocers of Birmingham and district on Tuesday received notice by post of an ad- vance of 4s per cwt. upon all classes of soap. An emergency meeting of the Grocers' Association was called, and it was decided to announce an immediate rise in the retail price øfbPJfnAnnv, a

Chivied and Kicked. SENSATIONAL STORY AT POLICE INQUIRY. The inquiry into the Metropolitan police was resumed on Wednesday by the Royal Commis- sion, of which Sir David Brynmor Jones, K.C., M.P., is chairman. The Commissioners proceeded to inquire into a complaint by a man named George Gamble, who is also called Pearce, a painter's labourer. .He stated that on August 31st last, just after the public-houses had closed, the time being about 1 or 2 am, lie was on his way to his home (the Victoria Home, Commercial-street, Whitechapel) when he met a woman whom he knew named Ethel Griffiths. She stopped him in a street off Brick-lane and made a certain proposal to him. While they were talk- insr a policeman came up and said, Get out of this. You are doing no good with the likes of this." Witness replied, Ail right, no hurry," and walked steadily on, the woman remaining behinu with the policeman. Half-way up the street the woman again caught him up, and told witness that the constable had made a proposal to her as to accompanying him (the officer) into a doorway. At the moment the policeman again came up and. said, You are not out of this yet, then ?" Witness replied, I am going now," to which the constable re?ponded. You are doing no good. and ought to be ashamed of yourself." Witness replied," You should set an example instead of asking women to go round the corner with you." Griffiths was there at this time. Witness then walked on. The constable followed him and trod on his heels and shoved him. Witness threatened to report him. but used no bad language. be- cause he thought that the constable was trying to rile him and provoke an assault. When the officer found that treading on his heels and shoving him was of "no good," he (the constable) knocked him down and kicked him between the legs. Wit- ness got up and went off, but the officer over- took him, and with his hand knocked him down again, and once more kicked him. A police-segeant came up while this was going on, and witnessed the assault, in the course of which thesergeant said." That is enough you have done enough to him." Lord Riissell Did the policeman then stop kicking you ?-No; not for a little while. The sergeant said to me, Get up and fzgtyt him like a man." I was on the ground shouting. You say that the constable went on kicking you while the sergeant was standing there Yes. Witness went on to say that after the constable stopped kicking him he gOG up and made his way towards the Victoria Rome by the side of a wall. He was in terrible agony, and commenced to swell like a balloon," and was taken to a hospital, where he remained to the 16th November. He then went to a con- valescent home at Swanley, remaining there 26 days. He was now able to do only light work, and could not follow his usual occupa- tion. Lord Russell Did you get the number of the constable?-No, but I could identify him. I noticed that be had a red moustache. I saw him outside the court this morning. I cannot identify the sergeant. The witnesses on both sides had been ordered out of court. At this stage, by the direction of the chairman, half a dozen constables, with helmets on, were marshalled into court and drawn up in front of the witness. Lord Rassell: Now can you identify the con- stable ?-Witness (without hesitation) Yes the third man from that end (the far end from witness). Lord Russell: That is 207 H. Cross-examined by Mr Bankes, witness said t,hat on this occasion he was on his way home from a theatre. He had had nothing alcoholic to drink. In reply to the chairman witness said that he came from Lincolnshire about four years ago, and had since been in regular employment. He had returned to the employer for whom he worked prior to the assault. Mr Benkes You gave the name of Pearce at the hospital. Why ?—I was in pain, and only half sensible. I must have said," Police, police," at the hospital, and they took it for Pearce." Then you did not give Pearce because you were ashamed of having been seen with this woman ?—No. Did the policeman kick you from behind or in front 1—Behind, as I lay with my hands over my head, as I was afraid he was going to kick my head. Mr Bankes said that every inquiry had been made, but they couldnot find outtbatany such occurrence as that now alleged took place. In reply to Mr Rufus Isaacs, witness said that he had not seen the constable who assaulted him between the date of the assault and that morning. He did not know the con- stable's number at the time of the assault, but he was certain of his identity. He could swear his life on it Mr Rufus Isaacs It is a very serious matter. Edith Griffiths was called, and swore that when she was talking 1 o Gamble the policeman called her on one side and made a proposal to her. which she refused, and then she went back to Gamble When the constable started knock. ing and kicking him about she went between them to try and stop them- She also saw the police-sergcant and a man named Hugucs and another person on the spot. Witness knew the constable, as she frequented this locality. She could not be positive as to the sergeant. The inquiry was again adjourned.

NOTABLE ADMIRALS. By a strange and pathetic co-incidence the announcement of the death of Vice-Admiral William des Vaiux Hamilton appeared simul- taneously with the gazette of his promotion from Rear-Admiral to Vice-Admiral. Vice- Admiral Hamilton was born in 1852, entered the Navy 1866, was appointed ca.ptain 1399, and Rear-Admiral in 1903. He served in East I The Late Vice-Admiral des Y. Hamilton. I Africa 1874, Kaffir war 1877-8, Zulu war 1879 bombardment of Alexandria and Egyptian war J 882, lieutenant HM. Yacht Victoria and Albert 1883. commander of Nelson flagship Australia 1S84-9, various commands to 1398, Chief of Staff Mediterranean 1896-9, captain of Naval Depot, Portsmouth, 1900.1903. Naral A-D.C. to the King. Rear-Admiral Mediterranean 1903- 4. Rear-Admiral H. T. Raby was a Crimean veteran, having served with the Naval Brigade before Sebastopol. He was second-in command of one of the ladder parties at the attack on the Redan in 1855, and received the Victoria Cross for bringing in a wounded man under fire The Late Rear-Admiral Raby, V.C. I on that occasion. He was promoted to C-om- mander for services in the trenches. Admiral Raby commanded the boats of the squadron at the capture and destruction of Porto-Novo, on the West Coast of Africa, in 1S61, when he was wounded. He was repeatedly mentioned in despatches, and also, for his acti-vity in the sup- pression of the slave trade.

THE CORNFIELD CRIME, Execution in Jersey. At Jersey on Tuesday Thos. Connan was exe- cuted for the murder of Pierre Leguen, his sister's husband. The woman, Marie Leguen, who was also found guilty at the trial of com- plicity in the crime, was sentenced to 20 years' penal servitude. According to the evidence, Leguen was found in a cornfield in July, his head having been fractured with a stone, and the contention of the prosecution was that Mrs Leguen wanted to get rid of her husband. It is stated that Connan made a confession be- fore being hanged. Pierpont was the execu- tioner Previous to this execution all executions in Jersey were in public, and previous to 1866 took place on the Gallows Hill. In the latter year a French youth was hanged on the prison wall, the execution being witnessed by 3,000 people. The next execution in 1875 also took place in the presence of some thousands of people The Press were not admitted to Con- nan's execution, but the scaffold erected within the prison walls could be seen from the roof of an adjoining building. The culprit had little sleep during the night, and occupied the time singing hymns. He met his death calmly. After the inquest the sheriff handed to the Press Association's correspondent a brief sum- mary of Connan's confession, made voluntarily in the presence of members of the Prison Board. According to this statement, the condemned man averred that he alone murdered Lefruen, and that he found his sister in hrl on reaching borne, and informed her what he had done. Connan, howerer, firmly maintained that it was wholly at the instigation of his sister that | fee the cwto*. 1ilIi$--

I Premier & Disarmament, HAGUE DISCUSSION FAVOURED. Hopefui Letter from Sir H.C.-B." In replying to a letter from the International Arbitration and Peace Association expressing surprise and disappointment at the published interview with M. Do Martens with reference to the approaching Hague Conference. in which it was stated, that, Germany, France, and Russia held that the question qf disarmament is not ripe for discussion, and that even tha limitation vi armaments is not a practical ques- tion, and requesting the Premier to receive a deputation on the subject. Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman has sent the following reply :— "10, Downing-street, February 16,1907. Sir,—I am directed by the Prime Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th inst., and to say in reply that the reports published in the newspapers respecting the views of foreign Powers do not seem to him to afford sufficient ground for his receiving the deputation to which you refer. I am to add that his Majesty's Government have not been officially informed that the Governments men tioncd in your letter object to the discussion of the armaments question, and that the Prime Minister adheres to the opinion whicl1 he has c spressed that this question should be discussed if possible at the approaching corl- icrence at the Hague.—I am, your obedient servant, Vaughan Nash." The association in its letter represented that it would seem unreasonable that in a confer- ence at which some 40 States will be repre- sented three States, however powerful, should be allowed to obstruct, more especially when the two stronger naval Powers—Great Britain and America-arc in favour of the subject of armaments being discussed.

Port Talbot Prospects. .4 RAILWAY AND DOCKS ENTERPRISE. Meetings of Shareholders, A FORWARD FOLlCY APPROVED. The ordinary general meeting of the Port Talbot Railway and Docks Co. was held at Paddington on Wednesday afternoon, Colonel I J. R. Wright, deputy chairman of the com- pany, presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the Chairman said a general all- round improvement had taken place, and the progress had been steady and was a continuing one. Thers was a gross increase in receipts of £6,492, or at the rate of about 13 per cent., whilst the expenditure increased but £2.038, being roughly 7 per cent., such increased ex- penditure absorbing about 31 per cent only of the increased receipts. The total percen- tage of expenditure to receipts was 53'75, a decrease of 1'91 over the corresponding half- year. Taking the railways and docks separ- ately the percentages were 58'05 and 50'24 respectively. Passenger receipts were better by £233, coal and coke by £1,852, shipping and dock receipts £3.680, and sundry receipts, which include some hire of dock plant, £657. On the debit side maint enance of way was up JE422, loco, power £681, traffic expenses £259, shipping and dock expenses £451. and rates and taxes £199. On the whole the increased expenditure was not unreasonable. The rail- ways and working stock had been well main- taiaed. Miss Talbot had favoured them yet once again with a remission of her land rent charges, He need hardly say how much they appreciated Miss Tal- bot's generosity and how greatly their undertaking had benefited bv it. The sum of JE751 was expended in relaying a further section of the main line, over which the traffic was very heavy, the rails taken up being relaid as storage sidinrjs. The directors bad deemed it prudent to place £700 t.o a reserve fund for general renewals. The balance available for appropriation was £19.193, compared with £1 ).521 in the corresponding period, and the directors recommended that in addition to the full dividend of 4 per cent, on the Preference Shares, a dividend on the Ordinary Shares be paid at the rate of 2 per cent. per annum for the half-year, the balance forward being £955. as compared with £4D2, an increase of £.553. The traffics of the company were steadily increas- ing, the quantity handled by the railways for the half-year under review being 1,195,560 tons, and that at the docks 853,665 tons. showing in- creases of 268,840 tons and 188,115 tons respec- tively. Ou capit.al account the total expendi- ture was £9,700, the greater portion of which was incurred at the docks. This was abso- lutely necessary to cope with the increasing traffic, and was proving remunerative. Upon redemption and rebuilding of waggons £588 was spent. During the current year 50 goods wag- gons would be completely redeemed. A new tip had just been brought into use. The out- look at Port Talbot was such as to inspire every confidence in the success of the undertaking. New sources of traffic were opening up Several new pits in the immediate neighbourhood had commenced turning out coaJ. U ork in connec. tion with the sinking of the Whitworth Col- lieries had commenced. The steelworks at Port Talbotwere now practically reconstructed, and work was being resumed, He was glad also to say that the entrance chancel from the sea to the docks had been well maintained, and no d ifiiculty was experienced in dealing with heavy class shipping tonnage. An increasing number of shipowners made use of the port and appre- ciated the facilities afforded, and also the fact that the best classes of steam, bituminous, and anthracite coals could be shipped in separate holds in the same veseel without having to change ports. A great saving was thus effected by shippers in dock dues, pilotage and other chargcs. The motion having been seconded and adopted. Mr Williams moved a vote of thanks to Talbot for her kindness in the matter referred to. This was seconded, and Mr Richard Cory, in supporting the proposition, said that Miss Talbot deserved their heartiest thanks for the magnanimous manner in which she had foregone her claim upon tho company year after year. Mr Roberts asked if anything could be said as to what had happened with regard to the Whitworth Collieries, a.ad what would happen when they were sunk. Their company, he thought, T.-ould have an immense prospective value. Probably the chairman would be able to say morc on Lhe subject if be knew less. (Laughter.) Several other slaveholders asked if some ex- planation could be given as to the rumours that had been published of late. The Chairman said that tho shareholders might be sure that the company's interests would be looked after by the directors with re- ference to the Whitworth Collieries. As to the rumours of amalgamation that had been going about, it was uot with the Great Western Rail. way, but with another company. But the whole matter had dropped now. That was all he could say. If anythmgeamebefore the direc- tors they would deal with it, but they would have to come to the shareholders before any. thing could be done. Mr Roberts asked if the Whitworth traffic would come over their railway. The Chairman replied that it would. The Chairman moved, and Mr T. E. Walton seconded the resolutions with reference to the dividends, which was agreed to. Mr Byass and Mr R, Cory were re-elected directors. The Company's New Bills. An extraordinary meeting was then held for the purpose of submitting two Bills now be- fore Parliament. The Chairman, in moving the necessary resolutions, said the first Bill was for the curposc of assuring the continuance of the conditions which had hitherto obtained with regard to the competition for traffic and access to the districts likely to be opened up for traffic in the near future. An increase in share and loan capital was also asked for— £ 120,000 in shares and £40,000 in loan capital. It was not anticipated that the whole of this would be required for some considerable time, but it was necessary that the directors should be placed in a. position to extend from time to time the dock accommodation, which could be done by deepening the now unused shallow portion of the old dock. New tips, new storage sidings, and additional locomotives were all becoming necessary. The second Bill is one deposited by the South Wales Mineral Railway Co, This was a company hav- ing connection with their railway, and per- missive powers were sought to empower the Port Talbot Co.. in conjunction with the Great Western, the Rhondda and Swansea Bay, a.nd the Taff Vale Railway Compajaies to enter into working arrangements, and if necessary to sub. scribe towards the undertaking of the South Wales Mineral Rail way Co. The shareholders would be committed to nothing by approving this Bill, as before any subscription could be made their consent would have to be asked at a, special meeting convened for tha.t purpose. The resolutions approving of the said Bills were seconded by Mr T. E. Watson. Several shareholders asked for further in- formation, especially as to the prospect of return upon the widened capital. The Chairman replied that they anticipated much more traffic for the docks and the rail- way in the immediate future. and they would want to provide extensions of their equipment. The capital asked for would not be expended at once. They had just enough now to cover their requirements, with another new tip. He thought that the directors were watching the company's interests. especially with regard to the running powers overs the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway. Mr T. E. Watson said that the Whitworth Collieries would necessitate new rolling stock, especially locomotives. Answering other questions, the Chairman said that the new capital would be offered to the shareholders, bat the debentures would be offered at the highest price. The resolutions approving of the two Bills were carried unanimously.

MUSIC HALL ARTISTES'STRIKE. Arrangement of Settlement. As; a, result of private meetings in the arbi- tration between the managers, artistes, musi- cians, and employees of the music halls, held in London, arrangements have been made by which a.,number of musicians wiHVeturn to.work on Monday next, and akfurther number a fort-

Newport Fire Brigade. EFFICIENCY VINDICATED. Reply to Criticism. There was a large attendance at the annua.t meeting of the Newport Fire Brigade, held at the Town Hail, on Monday, the Mayor (Coun- cillor F Phillips) presiding. During the past year 43 fires were dealt with M against 32 in the previous year. The amount of damage sus- tained was. however, considerably below the average, the total being £í.93: as compared with £16,0-;5 in the previous year. There was a credit balance at the bank "of £105 19s 7d. The Mayor proposed the adoption of the re- port. He assured the brigade that the citizens were indL bted to them for the work they had carried out. Referring to the recent fire, liesaid he regretted the deplorable ioss of life. It Was, however, his opinion, and he believed the opinion also of the majority of the townspeople, that it was no fault of the brigade that lives were lost, and he deplored a statement which appeared in the Newnort new-oaper that there ought to be a paid brigade. There was not the slightest foundation for such an innovation Capt Horace Lyne.in seconding, also referred to the recent firs, and regretted the loss of life. The Press, he remarked, had been very kind to them as a brigade, but he must say lie was dis- appointed to read in big type in the New- port newspaper the heading Is a paid brigade necessary ?" The newepapers generally exer- cised considerable wisdom in their comments. but he thought that on this occasion the jour- nal in question might have waited until the inquest had been held before even making a suggestion of condemnation. He also com- plained of a member of the Corporation asking a question at the Council meeting, on the very eve of what was really their trial before the Coroner, as to whether it was true the brigade took 35 miiintes to turn out to the tire. He should have thought that in common fairness the question might have been asked, first of the chairman of the Watch Committee, or someone else who knew all the circnmstaaces. It was absolutely indecent of this councillor, and if he were to say any more it would only be that he was not surprised when he heard who tll. gentleman was who asked the question. The report was adopted-

LOCAL WILLS. Mr Thomas Taylor, Pontypridd. Mr Thomas Taylor, of Heath Cottage. Tram* road, Pontypridd, dealer, who died on the 31st, August last, left estate of the gross value of £2.358 Os 3d with net personalty £2,332 19s 9d, and judgment having been pronounced for the force and validity of the will, which bears date the 22nd of December, 1902, probate thereof has heer> granted to Miss Marj- Jane Gully, of Heath Cottage. The tes- tator left his estate in equal shares to the said Mary Jane Gully and William Thomas Gully. Councillor D. B. Owen, Pontlottyn. Councillor David Benjamin Owen, of the Lord Nelson Hotel, Pontlottyn, Gelligaerr hotel proprietor, a prominent educationist and temperance advocate, one of the Governors of the Gelligaer County Schools, and vice-chair' chairman of the committee, a member of the Glamorgruishire County Council for the division of Pontlottyn and Rhigos, connected with Friendly Societies and tne Ancient Order of Foresters, a Welsh Congregetionalist, who died on 4th November last. aged 63 years, left estate of the gross value of 18s 5d, with net personalty £1.39Q, 15s 4d, and probate of his will has been granted to the Rev. Richard Evans Peregrine, of Rhymney, and Mr William Walter Morgan, of 3, South :md-terrace, Pont- lottyn, railway station master. Mr Isaac Morris, Bassalsg. MrTsaae Morris, of 5. Richmond-terrace, Bassaleg, farmer, who died on the 30th Decem. ber last, left estate of the gross value of JE3158 12s 7d. with net personalty £3,082123 4d, and probata of his will, dated the 27th September, 1888, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Blanch Morris, and Mr Henry Phiilips,of Caris- brooke, Caerau road. Newport, retired butcher. The testator left his estate in trust for his wiik dr" ing her life or widowhood, and in the event of her re marriage he bequeathed to her £200, and he bequeathed subject to her interest £300 to his da ughter Kate, JESOOeach to his daughters Margaret and Bertha, and £150 to his daughter Mary Jane, and B150 to his daughter Emity. and £30 to his daughter Elizabeth. The testa- tor left his rea: estate in trust, for his sons William Henry. Henfv John. Alfred Miles, Edwin, and Percival in certain proportions. Mr Henry de Satge, Tenby. Mr Henry de Satge, of Hartueld, Malvern Wells, Worcester, and of Worcester House, Tenby, who died at Tenby on the 12th January last, left estate of the gioss value of £11,617 lis 91, of which the net personalty has be n sworn at Probate of his wii*, date J 23rd March, 1905, has been granted to his son, Mr Henry Valentine Cache de Satg." barrister- at-law, of Ackleton Manor. Wolverhampton, power being reserved to grant probate also to his widow, Mrs Emily Frances de Satge. The testator bequeathed each to his nieces Ernestine Dolphin and Mary Graham. his goddaughter Yrorne dt, and his nephew Ernest Edwin de Satge, a iiic annuity of £40 to his sister Caroline, a legacy of £100 to his brother Oscar, Lis shares in Australian mining companies bought sine; 1st January, 1899, to hi3 son Henry Valentine, charged with a life annuity of £40 to his son's old nurse Eliza Robins. Subject to several oth^r legacies, including bequests to his s?rvant=? at. fiartfield, he left t ha residue of his estate to hill wife. Mrs Emily Frances de Satge, absolutely. Mr Robert T. K. Levett, Tenby. Mr Robert Thomas Kennedy LevcfU of Packington Hall. taffora.>hec, ad of Rose- mont. Tenby, D.L., J-P for Shropshire, and chairman of the Lichfield Brewery Company. formerly lieutenant-colonel 2nd V B. Stafford Rifles, who died at Tenby on the lOth Novem- ber last, aged 75 years, second son of the late Mr John Levett, of Wvchnor Park and Pack- ington Hall, left estate of the gross value of £34.128 15s Id, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £;32,655165. Probate of his will dated 31st January. 1906, has been granted to his widow. Mrs Margaret Catherine Levett, of Rosemount, Tenby, his brother-m-Jaw, Mr Thomas Levett Prinsep. (If. Croxhall Hali, Derbyshire, and Mr Edward Ar- gyle, solicitor, of Tamworth. Staffordshire. The testator left all of his grounds and the land which he had added to his residence, Rose- mount, Tenby, to be held upon the: trusts of a settlement, by which this estate, subject tn his wife's interest, devolves to his daughters, Mary Frances, Gwendolin Margaret, and Helen Grace Constance, and be left, the residue of his pro- perty to his wife for life. On her decease, ha left a sum of to which he was entitled under the will of his la (e uncle, Theophilus Levett. and the proceeds of his insuranca policies, to his raid three daughters in equal shares* and all other his property to his three sons. Walter Mackenzie, Robert Kennedy, and George Monro, in equal shares, his eldest son being already provided for by hi", succession to the Packington Estates, and other settled estates in Staffordshire. Mrs Fanny Brader, Swansea. Mrs Fanny Brader, of 57, Bryn-road, Swansea, who died on the 15th January last, wile of Mr John Brader, music seller and piano- forte dealer. left estate of the gross value of £1.875 8s 2d. with net personalty £1,114 138 5d, and probate of her will dated the 25th August, 1901, has been granted to her sons, Mr John Barwetl Brader, of 4. Calvert-terrace, Swansea, and Mr Charles Scott Brader, of Bryn-road, Swansea, music sellers and pianoforte dealers, her daughter Miss Margaret Alice Brader. and her husband. The testatrix bequeathed £lG each to her sons,who will be otherwise provided, for. and she left the residue of her estate, sub- ject to the bequest of her stocks and shares, t", her said daughter in trust for her husband for life, with remainder subject to his interest to her said daughter. Mr Robert Sething, Newport. Mr Robert Gcthing, of Briar Hill. Stow Park, Newport, member of the firm of Messrs R, Gething, jan. and Company, shipbrokers and coal and pitwood merchants, of Newport, formerly chairman of the Newport Shipowners' Association, and member of the Newport Harbour Board, a member of the Bureau Veritas Committee, and of the Pilotage Com- mission, who died on the 18th December last, aged 71 years, son of the late Mr Robert; Gething who was harbour mastsr at Newport for many years. left estate of the gross value of £U.178 12s, with net personalty £9.7ZlI0s 9d.. and probate of his will dated the 19th March, 1902, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Mary Milner Gething, of Briar Hill, and his son. Mr John Owen Kenrick Gething. of Car^ate, Bryn. gwyn-road, Newport, shipbroker and wood merchant. The testator left his household effects and £200 to his wife, and he left to his son John Owen Kenrick Gething his gold watch, and the remainder of his personal effects the testator left to his wife. He left his interest in his business of a coal and pitwood merchant and shipbroker to his said son, and all other his estate, including his interest in the steamship* John Marychurch and Monmouthshire, he left to his wife and his said son in equal shares. Mrs Mary Jones, Llanon. Mrs Mary Jones, of Albion House. Llanoo Cardiganshire, who died on the 22nd May last wife of Mr Thoraas Jones, master mariner, let estate, including property vested in her trustee, valued at £1.220, and administration 01 her estate has been granted to her husband.

COLLISION OFF USHANT. Port Talbot Laden Steamer Sunk. A Camburg telegram states that be Ger- man steamer Omea, from Carthagena, has arrived there damaged by collision with tho Danish steamer Ellen, from Porb Talbot for Huelva with coal. and not with the steamed Alberta. as reported on the 16th inst- The collision occured 60 miles west of Ushant during fog. The Umea's stem was stove uu The Ellen sank. All on board were saved by the Umea and have been landed at Hamburgh The Ellen was a steel screw steamer of 455 tonf net register, built at Copenhagen in. 1905. a_

A meeting of the Swansea Sab-Telephonft Committee was held on luosday, when the draft prepared by the town in connpctagfc with the proposed offer of -he Nt;ioDa1 TMtc

Official Statement. I, The Great Eastern Railway Company have issued the following offical statement :— The Great Eastern Railway Company ex- ceedingly reget that from information re- ceived this r-qornin g from tbeHook of Holland thesteamship Berlin, which left Harwich last night with passengers for the Hook of Hol- land, was totally lost off that port this morn- ing, with passengers and crew. A Reuter telegram from Rotterdam says the steamer Berlin was driven by the force of the i gale to the northern jetty as she was trying to -Apter the new waterway. The teauisy was broken in two. The <w wa.ter\va.y is a.t the entrance of the l'Íver .jfc as, and the quay is accessible at all state* 1. the tide. iKing's Messenger a Victim. The Press Association, in a later message, states that there is great difficulty in ascertain- ing the names of those who perished in the Berlin. The passengers took their tickets in the ordi- Inary way, as if going on a railway journey, and 'there jJ. of course, no actual record of the "personal bookings. It will probably, therefore, only be known 'from enquiries by relatives 'what persons ha v -lost their lives It is stated, however, that among those who -have perished is one of the King s messengers, Vbo was making a journey to the Continent. The Berlin went ashore at thenew waterway, •pn the northern bank of which are the quay 'and railway station. The new waterway is at, the entrance of the :rivcr Maas, and is accessible at all states of the tide. Mr Herbert, the King's Messenger, who has been lost in the disaster, is, says the Press As. sociation. Mr Arthur Herbert, son of Mr Robert Charles Herbert, and a grandson of the third Earl of Potvis. lie was appointed a Queen's Foreign Service Messenger in 1899. He was formerly a lieutenant in the Honourable Artil- lery Company, and in 1900 served in South Africa. He was about 40 years of age. The duties of Foreign Service Messengers are to convey despatches of the more important and confidential kind to foreign parts. Mr Herbert left the Foreign Office last night, and was the tearer of a particularly heavy and important batch of despatches. He was charged with missions to the Courts of Copenhagen. St. Petersburg. Berlin, and Teheran. taking those places in the order named. The Press Association is officially informed that amongst the drowned on the Berlin were Mr Arthur Herbert, a King's messenger, and 19 Saembers of the German Opera Company. II the Mails Lost. The Exchange Co. says In addition to ;be passengers and crew, all of whom perished, àle mails were lost. The vessel struck on a sand-bank within sight f land, but so tremendous a sea was running \hat help was entirely oat of the question. The steamer carried 13 mailbags, all of which aave been lost. Six were for Amsterdam, three tor Rotterdam, two for The Hague, ODe for Arlem, and one for Leyden,