The Cardiff Times

"-— MERTHYR WATER SCHEME. j New Dam at Pentwyn. Merthyr Corporation have for some time been considering the best means of remedying 'a defect in their Pentwyn reservoir. There was a huge fissure in the bed of the reservoir originating in a fault and a drop in the strata, and extending under the dam. The Corpora- tion! have been sinking shafts in the bed of the reservoir beyond the fault to ascertain whether suitable foundations exist for the erec- tion of a new dam, which would impound watet- in a much larger rea than at present. The foundations havingXproved satisfactory in the opinion of the borough engineer (Mr T. F Harvey) the Corporation decided to take the opinion of Mr G. F. Deacon, a Westmins- ter engineer, upon the state of the reservoir anct.the proposals they had in view. Mr Dea- con has reported favourably upon the pro- posal to construct a new dam on a site which Is be,-n proved north of the great east and fault, and at a meeting of the Town Council, held on Monday, it was decided to a,sk--Mr Deacon to prepare an estimate of the cost of the work. Alderman Caradoc Jones, on behalf of the Labour party, moved that the estimate be prepared by the borough sur- veyor, but withdrew on Alderman D. W. Jones pointing out the importance of having the estimate of'one of the best engineers in the country when they went to Parliament with a scheme which would probably involve £ 200,000- The Town Clerk reported that an obstruc- tirn which had been placed in Castle Yard, and which the rector of Merthyr had been given 14 days' notice to remove, was still there, although the notice expires to-day. He asked for the appointment of a committee to consult with him on the matter. Alderman I Da;vid,Evans said he would not show the white feathet, and moved that the obstruction be removed by the Council. The committee was appointed. The Council referred to the Housing Com- mittee a motion by Mr Red] or calling attention to the scarcity of houses in Georgetown, asking that the Housing of the Working Classes Act should be put into force in that district, and requiring the borough surveyor to report upon a site at Heoigerrig for the erection of work- ing's dwellings. The Council sealed a contract for baths and ranges for the 50 houses they are now erecting at Twynyrodyn. The Education Committee sent up a recom- mendation that plans for new schools should be in future prepared by the deputy borough engineer, and that six months' notice be given toi-fche present architect, Mr J. Llewellin Smith, Ut terminate his engagement with the com- mittee- Alderman D- U*. Jones moved that the notice be not given on the ground that there was too much work in the surveyor's department at present. Mr F. T. James pro- tested against the Council tying themselves to one architect, instead of giving every archi- tect in the borough an opportunity to compete for what work the Council required to be done. Alderman Jones's amendment was carried by eight votes to live.

ONION-SELLER BLACKLEG." Frenchmen's Row at Merthyr. Four Breton onion men were at Merthyr Police Court on Monday to hear a quarrel ad- justed. One, named Picart Pierre, charged the three others—James Pechant, Louis Car-oiler, andHervean Jean—with an assault. Mr J. W. Lewis appeared for the complainant. It ap- peared that on Saturday night, September 7th, Pechant induced Pierre to accompana- ble to a public-house, where they had some bevT. An altercation took place, in the course Of which Pierre was accused of selling his tfoicms too cheaply. He said he would sell them at what price he liked, whereupon Pechant said that if he did so he would kill him. Pierre went out and sold his last lot of onions in the market. The men afterwards met, and Pechant got Pierre to the ground. The latter got up, and ran away, and Pierre went after him. The other defendants then struck Pechant on the head with their sticks, inflict- ing a wound which had to be dressed by Dr. Charles Fox. The magistrates considered it an unprovoked aasault, and fined delvmdjasi* Sfeand costs wdvofqaa month.

MERTHYR IMPROVEMENTS. Te Cost Tens of Thousands of Pounds. Merthyr Town Council propose to promote a Bill in the next Session of Parliament, and at a meeting of the Council last night the Parlia- mentary Committee reported upon improve- ments for inclusion in the measure, viz., acqui- sition of the rights of Messrs Guest, Keen and Co., Limited, over the promenade footway op- posite the theatre, with a view to extending it to the steps leading to Park-terrace, widening of High-street at Pontmorlais to a width of 36ft. by the demolition of shops on the western side widening of the Penvard Bridge, near the theatre, to a width of 30ft. widening of Brecon-road, Church-street, Court-street, and Mary-street, Treharris the erec- tion of a new bridge at Cefn construc- tion of a subway 9ft. high and 9ft. wide at Pentrebach Station building of a new bridge connecting Merthyr Vale and Aberfan acquisition of a site for a refuse destructor at Gellifaelog widening of the canal bridges in Bethcsda and Penry-streets, Merthyr. Tho committee recommended that the borough sur- veyor proceed with the preparation of the neces.sary plans and estimates of the cost of all the foregoing improvements. Alderman D. W. J ones said important improvements were in- eluded in the report, which would involve the Corporation in the expenditure of tens of thousands of pounds. He suggested a special meeting of the Council to consider the esti- mates bejore pledging themselves to proceed with the work. This course was agreed to. The Parliamentary Committee reported having deferred consideration of establishing a motor omnibus service between Merthyr and Troedyrhiw pending the receipt of information from other towns. The town clerk, the Parlia- mentary Committee stated, had advised them that it was unnecessary to insert provision in the proposed Bill for the issue of Corporation Stock for the redemption of mortgages and the raising of additional capital, as these powers could be obtained by means of an order made by the Local Government Board.

THE FUTURE OF PENTREBACH. Hill's Plymouth Company's Intentions. A proposal to build a new school near Pentre- bach was discussed at a meeting of the Merthyr Borough Council on Monday evening,.Mr N. F. Hankey, resident director of Hill's Plymouth Company, said the school should not be built. His company's leases would expire in seven years, and it was not their present intention to renew them. It would be better in the interests of the ratepayers to wait until the Corporation knew whether a population was likely to re- side thei.T. As to the state of the present school referred to on a recent occasion by Councillor D. J. Lewis, he said it was not in a good state of repair, but the managers had aL) proved plans which they were ready to present to the Board of Education when tbey knew whether or not the Council were going to take over the school. Mr Arthur Daniel said that while the condition of the school was any thing but desirable, it was not so bad as had been described. As to the likelihood of the Plymouth Company not renewing their leases he said if they did not the property was,too valuable to be allowed to lie idle and somebbdy would surely lease it. A large number of houses were about being built in the neighbourhood. Mr D. J. Lewis adhered to his previous state- ment- Most of the woodwork in the school was rotten. Every bit of the flooring was almost falling through, and if the place was not at- tended to shortly something serious would happen. The proposal to erect a new school was adopted-

PLUCKY BOY'S MODESTY. On Tuesday a boy aged four, whilst playing on the side of the Feeder at Cardiff near Guildford crescent fell into the water.. A boy named Jones, who was passing at the time, climbed the railings, and without divesting himself of any clothing jumped into the canal, and rescued the hoy from drowning. A person who lives close by took both of them into her house and dried their clothes, after which the child was taken home by a pla. Jones was asked for his address, but firmly refused to give

THE LITTLE HORSESHOE CLOUD. Mr Chaplin (who has been whistling for a wind and singing Wait Till the Clouds Roll Up "): Do you see any signs of a 0 breeze, Austen ? Mr Austen Chamberlain By Jove there's a little cloud just above the horizon, it looks like a horseshoe! Mr Chaplin That means luck at last. Cartoon by Sir F. C. Gould. Published by .arrangement with the Westminster Gazette." I

NONCONFORMIST DISABILITIES A Question of Chapel Sites. One of the real grievances of Nonconfor- mists in connection with the Church Commis- sion is that they are not allowed to submit evidence showing the disabilities they suffer owing to their Nonconformity. A typical instance is now exercising the patience of Carnarvonshire Congregationalists. Recently a small church was established at Nantmor, in the neighbourhood of Beddgelert, as a branch of the church founded over half a cpntury ago at the latter place. The new church had been rendered necessary by changes in the population, a number of Congregationa- list families having no meeting place of their own denomination within reach. With the consent of the parent Church at Beddgelert, and the full concurrence and assistance of the South Carnarvonshire Con- gregational Association, the new church was formally incorporated during the present year, its meetings being held meanwhile in temporary premises attached to a farm build- ing. When, however, the newly-incorporated church proceeded to found a permanent home by erecting a chapel, difficulties were encoun- tered. Ail the land in the vicinity is owned by Anglican Churchmen, and those who were ap- proached refused to lease or sell land for that purpose and up to the present, notwithstand- ing earnest appeals and the kind services of influential Nonconformists from outside the area, including an ex-chairman of the County Council, the refusal to grant land fn- the pur- pose under any conditions has been persisted in by the Church landlords referred to. This, unfortunately, is no isolated instance in the Principality. The knowledge of such facts inspired Mr S. T. Evans to introduce some years ago his Chapel Sites Bill. It *s perfectly obvious that this attitude towards Nonconformity increases enormously the difficulties with which they have to contend in providing for the spiritual needs of the popu- lation," but it belongs to a class of essential evidence excluded by the ruling of the chair- man of the Church Commission.

MERTHYR LIGHTING CONTEST. Electricity-or Gas P A meeting of Merthyr Tydfil Town Council was held on Monday evening,the Deputy Mayor (Mr J. M. Berry, J.P., presiding. An animated discussion took place upon a. rec< mmendation sent up by the Public Works Committee that the main road from Merthyr to Dowlais should be lighted by electricity instead of gas. The Ga-s Company onfered to light the roari by 68 single burner lamps and 10 3-light lamps at a cost of 1267 per annum, the burners to he of an improved type, the single burner lamps to be of 100 candle power and the 5-light lamps 300 candle power. The Electric Company's offer was 13 per lamp for 2-light Orram lamps and £6 for 4-light Orram lamps, the Council to provide the brackets and supports. Alderman D. W. Jones, moving that the matter be re- ferred back, asserted that gas lighting was more efficient and certainly more economical, and as the gas standards had been fixed at the expense ot the Council it would be a great mistake to make an alteration, especially as they had no means of comparing the cost of the rival schemes. Mr Arthur Daniel said that it would be a suicidal thing to tie themselves to the Gas Company, who had never given any concessions except under compulsion and the threat of competition. The minute was re- ferred back to the committee, as was also a recommendation that the Electric Coinpaxiy be allowed to fix overhead wires for lighting at Dowlais. The Water Works Committee reported upon negotiations with the Pontypridd Water Works Company for the purchase by the com- pany of a supply of water. The committee recommended the offer of a hundred million gallons per annum at the rate of 5d per 1,000 gallons, and if terms were arranged with the company works costing X6,400 for the purpose of delivering the supply under pressure on the southern boundary be carried out. The Council agreed to meet the company and dis- cuss the question of reducing the charge for any quantity above the minimum of a million gallons that they might take from the Cor- poration.

FIVE HOURS OF JUDGMENT SUMMONSES. Judge Bryn Roberts re-opened the Swansea County Court on Monday after the vacation, and was occupied nearly five hours in hearing judgment summonses. Amongst these was a case brought against William Morrish, of Brynymor-crescent, for S28 9s. Mr W. A. Thomas (for the Lcyland and Birmingham Rubber Co., the plaintiffs) said defendant lived in his own house, which was mortgaged, the furniture belonging to his wife. The house was in one of the best residential parts of the town and heavily rated. Yet defendant came into court pleading poverty. The Judge said if people were foolish enough to give credit to those they knew nothing of it was their own fault. He made an order at the rate of JE2 a month. An Inventor Sued. T. Glad well, of Marlborough-road, Swansea, Fued for £5 19s. was said to be an inventor of wireless telephony, As, however, no evidence was available as to his earnings, his Honour said he was unable to make any order.

A WIFE'S REVENGE. Before Mr Justice Bray on Tuesday Florence Atkinson, aged 21, of Maplin-street, Mile End, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with throwing sulphuric acid upon her hus- band. Mr Verney, for the defence, said the case was a sad one. The woman had been very badly treated by her husband. He had knocked her about, and on one occasion threw a jug at her, destroying the sight of one eye. On the night of the affair the husband made use of abuse and violence towards his wife, ■end she in exasperation threw the acid at him. His Lordship, considering the prisoner's condition, passed sentence of 14 days' imprison- ment, which would mean that she would only serve seven days, she having been in custody since the opening of the Session.

PAWNED WEDDING RING. An inquest was held at Cardiff on Monday on Rose fcinsey, married, Habershon-street. Solomon Kiasey, the husband, said deceased left home on Thursday in herusual health and in good spirits. Next day her body was re- covered from the Glamorgan Canal near Hill's- terrace. Alice Evans, married, said she and deceased were in each other's company all Thursday afternoon. During that time de- ceased pawned her wedding ring. Witness left her in St. John's-square about 5 p.m. Dr. J. J. Buist said there were no marks of injury on the body, and the c-ause of death was drowning. P.C. John Bowden said an um- brella belonging to deceased was found by the side of the canal near where the body was re- covered. A verdict of Found drowned was returned.

A TIFF WITH HUSBAND. Mountain Ash Woman at Weston. At Weston-super-Mare Police Court on Mon- day, Rose Allen, of Hamilton-road, Mountain Ash, was summoned with being drunk and dis- orderly. When apprehended the prisoner be- came very violent and abusive. Prisoner said she was an independent woman with JS100 a year, but she had had a few words with her husband and took feme brandy. She didc ji know what she was about, and was now ashamed of herself. Fined 5a and costs.

rt'I: POLICING OF POPTHCAWL. CounciMors on Ethics of the Force. At the Porthcawl Urban District Council on Monday evening, Sir John Elias, J.P., presid- ing, the Works Committee recommended the Council to support the supc-rinten dent, of police in his application for an extra constable for Porthcawl. Mr John Grace opposed, saying the police had less to do than formerly, be- cause three or four public-houses had been closed. He had had some experience on the Bench and never saw much crime brought before the Bench at Porthcawl unless some strangers got drunk and were brought up. Mr J. L. Lamoert beiieved that the jewer police they had the better they would be. A few cooks might miss thepolicemen's company, but they would probably find other gallants. Mr Griffin, in replying, said the proposal would not mean extra rates. The work of the police really lay in the prevention of crime rather than in ecuring captures after it was com- mitted The report was carried, Messrs Elias and Grace being the only opponents. Delay at the Railway Crossing. Sir J. L. Lambert asked if any report bad been received from the Board of Trade since the visit of Colonel Yorke. The Clerk replied in the negative. Mr Lambert stated that a serious accident had taken place in the station on Fri- day morning last, and he thought a committee should be appointed to inquire into the cause of the accident. Mr W. J. Griffin moved that the clerk, Mr E. T. David, be instructed to v write to the Board of Trade ior its report and at the same time to call the attention of the Board and its inspector to the accident. Mr Lambert, in seconding, said the shunting near the station caused considerable delay to per- sons who used the new route.—The Chairman Yes we had to wait 15 minutes to-day at this crossing.—The motion was agreed to.

SEA SERPENT SEEN AT LAST. The Rev. T. C. Davies, Of Sheffield, and Mr E. Dodgson, of Jesus College, Oxford, have had a remarkable adventure in North Corn- wall. They were at Tintagel, one of the most romantic little towns on the coast, where stand the ruins of the castle in which King Arthur held his court, and they saw, or thought they saw, a sea-serpent Mr EdwardS. Dodgson's story—he is staying at Clifton Houfec, Tintagel. as told in a letter to the "Western Morning News," Plymouth, dated September 12th. is as follows At 11.45 a.m. to-day I was seated with the Rev. T. C. Davies, M.A., of Queen's Colllege, Oxford, chaplain of an almshouse at1 Sheffield, who is now staying in this hotel, on the edge of the cliff of the Cove known as Gulla Stem, at Tin- tagel, when he called my attention to a black object that was moving at a distance of about 200 yards very rapidly along the calm surface of the sea towards Tintagel Head. In about a minute it had disappeared behind the cliff that bounds the cove on the west. It was a sea- serpent at least 20ft. long, holding its large head, with apparently some kind of a crest or mane upon it, aloft. Unfortunately we had no telescope with us, still less a KAdak where- with to take its likeness. We are told that no such beast is known to have been seen here. I have, however, seen a large yellow and green snake swimming quite close to me in the sea at Corunna in the north-west of Spain, and smaller ones like it in Spanish rivers. This fact may be worth recording as a contribution to the natural history of North Cornwall." I One can only gasp, Next please

SALVING THE MONTAGU. The work of breaking up the battleship Montagu, which ran ashore on Lundy Island in a fog some 18 months ago, is proceeding apace. A correspondent states that the company that bought the wreck, the Cornish Salvage Com- pany, ar • actively at work blasting and carry- ing away metal, ironwork, and parts of the machinery from the engine-room as fast as they can get at it. They have, of course, to conduct their operations with some regard to the state of the tides, although the wire hawser bridge from the island to the vessel (of which a, picture was reproduced in these columns some time back) enables the men to get aboard at any time. Several hundred tons of salvage have already been taken to Ilfracorobe and disposed of from the company's store vessel, the Jumbo. About a score of hands are engaged on the work. They Are housed in the old Morisco Castle, on the island The intention of the salvors is to work on into the winter as long as the weather will allow. and to resume as soon as possible in the spring. The mysterious firing by warships last winter on the ill-fated vessel is now explained as being due to the desire of the Admiralty that the huB should be so irretrievably damaged that it would be quite impossible ever to float her again, and with this purpose in view the battleship was made the trial ground of several interesting experiments with explosive charges.

A WILD BEAST Example to Tom Lazy." At Neath on Monday Thos. Davies, labourer, of no fixed abode, was prosecuted for neglect- ing to maintain his child, aged 12. Mr Gabrie! (warrant officer to the Union) said that defendant had neglected his child on previous occasions, but had not been prose- cuted. He now owed 30s. When arrested he denied all knowledge of the child. Mr Powell said defendant was better known as Tom Lazy." (Laughter.) That name was considered to be very appropriate. (Renewed laughter.) The Mayor (to defendant) Have you ever been to a wild beast, show 1- Y es. sir. Well, you will find that the wild beasts treat their young with love and tenderness. You a-re ten times worse than a wild beast, and will have to go to prison for a month.—The Mayor added, 11 We cannot be pestered by men like you."

HAUL OF GAMBLERS. Scouts on the Hills. Eleven young men from Ystrad Rhondda were before the Ystrad magistrates on Monday, charged with playing cards on the Gelli Moun- tain on Sunday. P.S. Baker said he crept right up to them, and saw nap and banker jn progress. Subsequently one of the defendants, named Fear, came to him and volunteered to give him the names of the men if his haul was not complete. (Laughter.) Mr W. P. Nicholas, who defended, submitted that the place where the men were playing was not a public one within the meaning of the Act. Fines ranging from 15s to 30s were imposed. Four Tynewydd men were also fined 15s each for a similar offence. P.C. Williams gave evi- dence, stating that it was exceptionally diffi- cult to get near the men, as they employed scouts to warn the gamesters.

MOTHER ACCUSED OF MURDER Sympathisers Send Postal Orders Weeping bitterly, Louisa Day, the domestic servant charged with the murder of her child, was again before the magistrates at Harlesden on Tuesday. The Chairman said that postal orders had been received from anonymous donors, with the request that they be given to the accused. These were handed to her. The body of the child, which had been strangled, was found on a piece of ground near Okehampton-road, Kensal Rise, on August 13. Atthe last hearing Detective-inspector Pollard said that the girl when taken into custody con- fessed that the child was hers, and said, I am sorry I did it. I killed it, but I was mad. I meant to have done away with my '¡ self, but I love my little girl so much that I could not do it." I The Jrirl wa& committed. k.r <a.L

PONTRHYDYFEN NEW SCHOOL. Opened by Mrs Llewellyn. In opening a new Council School at Pont* rhydyfen the county education authorities have supplied a long-felt want in the district and removed what was aptly described by the Mayor of Aberavon as the worst school in the county." The old school had been in exist- ence many years, as Councillor W. Matthews paid at the opening, remarking that he had attended it 37 years ago, when he had to walk all the way from Glyncorrwg, a distance of about six miles. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs Llewellyn, Bagland Hall, who was accom- panied by Miss Llewellyn. Amongst those present, were the Mayor of Aberavon (Mr Jno. Smith)/Mr W. Matthias and Mrs Matthias,Glyn- corrwg Messrs E. T. Evans, LL.B., Edward J.P., Dr. R. T. Williams, Cwmavon Hcvs. Atnbros Williams, James Evans, B.A., Messrs D. E. Jones. Morgan Lewis, T. J. Lewis (headmaster) aud Mrs Lewis. Mrs Llewellyn, in declaring the school open, said she hoped it would be the means of mak- ing good men and women of the children of Pontrhydyfen. (Cheers.) She was delighted to see such a fine building erected in the most modern aud up-to-date style, so vastly superior to the schools of byegone days. (Cheers.) A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Ed. Davies, J.P., and seconded by Mr J. M. Smith, was accorded Mrs Llewellyn, and the architect and contractors were also congratulated. The children, conducted by Mr Lewis, the headmaster, then rendered the National Anthem. Mr E. T. Evans announced that in honour of the event the children would be pro vided with a tea during the next few days. The doors were then thrown open for in- spection.

CHURCH TEACHERS IN COUNCIL SCHOOLS. Nonconformists' Protest. At a mectina: of Montgomeryshire Educa- tion Committee at Welshpool on Monday, Mr Hugh Lewis presiding, a petition, signed by 23 parents of children attending CwmbcJlan Council School was read, stating, that of the total number of 54 children attending the school the whole were Nonconformists, and they therefore objected to the reappointment of a Churchman to the headship of the school, and tbe introduction again of a Church atmos- phere into the school. As Nonconformists they considered that they were entitled to have their children taught by a, Nonconformist. Mr Godfrey Bowen, in deference to the feel- ings of the parents, proposed that the appoint- ment should be rescinded. The Chairman, a prominent Nonconformist and Liberal, said the motion was out of order. He said that Mr D. Thomas, who was ap- pointed, was selected from a short list of appli- cants made by the managers, and the list was approved by the District EducatiorbCommittee. He protested against the argument that a Churchman should not be appointed. (Hear, hear.) He trusted they would always appoint the best men for Council schools, irrespective of religious belief. (Hear, hear.) The matter then dropped. Mrs M. E. Bennett, Caerphilly, was ap- pointed headmistress of Old Hall Council School, Llanidloes.

WELSH IN CARDIFF SCHOOLS. Cardiff School Management Committee on Monday considered a report from the Director of Education relative to arrangements for carrying on the resolution of the City Council to provide for optional teaching of Welsh in elementary schools. Mr Jackson stated that 12 male and 16 female peripatetic teachers will be required. The proposed salaries are E100 a year for males and £90 for females for the first year. Then; are at present two male and eight female peripatetic teachers in the service of the Council. The additional cost of the optional teaching t\ proposed over the old arrangement is LI,720 per annum. Each teacher is to give 18 hours'teaching a week, and the minimum time given by the pupils to Welsh is three hours a week. The chief diffi- culty is over the accommodation in 20 schools. In some the central hall, in others the corridors, and in a few classrooms, used at the same time for teaching other subjects, are only available. A sub-committee was appointed to visit the schools and to make application where neces- sary to the Board of Education for permission to teach the subject in the halls or corridors where other accommodation cannot be secured.

MID-GLAMORGAN AND LABOUR. Maesteg Miners Impatient. At a meeting of the Maesteg district of the South Wales Miners' Federation, on Monday, Mr Joshua P. Thomas presiding, a resolution was received from the Caerau Colliery Lodge calljng upon the district meeting to take imme- diate steps to conclude the arrangements for the selection of a Labour candidate for Mid- Glamorgan. in accordance with the decision of the South Wales Executive. Several delegates at, the district meeting expressed their dis- appointment with the mariner in which the arrangements for the selection of a Labour candidate had been allowed to lag, and it was unanimously resolved to request the secretary to communicate with the other miners' dis- tricts concerned in the division with a view to arranging a joint conference at an early date to make the final arrangements for the selec- tion of a candidate.

ARRANGED HER OWN FUNERAL The Portsmouth Coroner held an inquest yesterday on the body of Emily Alice Long, the wife of a dockyard rigger, who lived apart from her. The deceased, who was a heavy drinker, died on Friday night. She had com- plained of being weary of life, and last Mon- day went with her landlady to the undertaker to make .arrangements for her funeral, saying she mig:ht drop dead any moment. She left a letter for the coroner, saying she could not bear her sleepless nights and heart troubles any longer. It was shown, however, that she died from alcoholic poisoning, and a verdict wau returned accordingly.

WINSTON'S ELOQUENCE. Our own Winston, says T.P. is the man above all others who can make a speech that rouses the devil in both sides—of enthusiasm in the one, of almost inarticulate hatred in the other. He never spares a political opponent; every one of his speeches is a battle cry and a challenge. Winstone's power of speech has steadily improved. He still stammers now and then and pauses for words, but as a rule his eloquence is almost like a tornado, and the self-confidence which he has got from office and constant speaking has converted him into one of the very effec- tive debaters of the House.

BONNIE DOONE BREAKS DOWN. When some three miles off Bexhill on Satur- day evening the machinery of the Brighton excursion steamer Bonnie Doone broke down. Communication was made with the shore, and the coastguards put off in a boat. Passengers were in no danger. Those for Hastings were, two hours later, transferred to the steamer Cynthia., and some few went ashore at Bex- hill. The majority had booked for the double trip, and these had, perforce, to return by train. At ten o'clock the excursion steamer ) Lorna Doone took the Bonnie Doone in tow for Newhaven Harbour for reDairs.

-s: PALMING THE TICKET. Curious Case at Llandaff. A curious case was heard at Llandaff Police Court on Monday by Messrs Edgar David and Vernon T. Hill, when a butcher's manager named Richard Watson, of Cowbridge-road, Cardiff, was charged with aiding and abetting Henry Preece to attempt to travel on the Taff Vale Railway without paying his fare between Taffs Well and Treforest. Mr Cyril Brown, of Messrs Ingledew and Sons, appeared to prose- cute, and Mr Harold Lloyd defended. On July 18th, Watson, who works at, Porth, was travelling up from Cardiff. At Taffs Well, Henry Preece, also a butcher's manager em- ployed by the same firm as defendant, entered the carriage, there being present two other men. John Pennell, a special ticket examiner, called for tickets, took one from Preece, punched it and handed it back. Watson, when asked for his, hesi- tated and put his hand in his waistcoat pocket. Preece then moved towards Watson, their hands went together, and a ticket passed. Watson submitted the ticket which had a!ready been punched to the inspector, and when his attention was drawn to it, remarked, That's mine." The official then turned to Preece, and inquired for his ticket, and after feeling in his pockets,he replied that he had not got it. The defence was that when the inspector en- tered the compartment and called for tickets, Watson pulled out his and held it out, at the same time that he was reading a newspaper. Instead of the inspector taking it, as defendant, thought, the man Preece received it and passed it on to the railway official. Preecs, who had been fined for defrauding the company, on this occasion gave evidence on subpoena, and admitted taking Watson's ticket and handing it to the inspector. The reason he had not a ticket was that he had not time to get one. Defendant was fined £ 1 and costs.

-¡- HORSE-BEATER FINED. Schoolmaster Does Good Service. When Mr E. W. Jenkins. headmaster of the Troedyrhiw Council Schools, was cycling to Merthyr on Wednesday evenirg last, he en- countered a man named Albert Munday riding a horse, which he was flogging with a whip having a steel rod at the core. The whip, when Munday struck the horse, curled round its shoulders and cut it under the breast. Mr Jenkins called the man's attention to the wounds, and the only reply was, You leave me alone." Mr Jenkins warned the man that if he struck the horse again he would be re ported to the police. Munday, however, dis- regarded the warning and struck the horse, which backed on to the pavement, where a quantity of blood dropped. The case was reported to the police, and Sergt. Davies, on visiting the stable of Mr Boulton. the owner of the horse, found five wounds on the breast, three between the forelegs an inch in length, another on the off hip, and along the belly for a distance of two feet there was amass of cuts. Munday was summoned at the Merthyr Police Court on Monday for cruelty to the horse, and Mr Jenkins gave evidence of what took place on Wednesday evening. James Boulton stated that the horse was all right when defen- dant took it out. Defendant said that Boulton knocked him down when he took the horse home. The Chairman (Mr John Plews) said that the Bench would try to teach defendant to be humane by fining him £ 5 and costs or one month.

-J__ COKE OVENS SCANDAL. Depredations at Ynysfach. The manner of life lived by those who make their home at the Ynysfach coke ovens is becoming generally known through revela- tions in the police court. It appears that a, very large number of women who, on account of their habits, are not permitted by the police to resort to hoses, sleep at the ovens by night, and spend their days there with male com- panions, who plunder the neigh bouriDg gardens for vegetables, and obtain the rest of their food as best they can. Four youths, named William Christopher, Thomas Thomas, James Harvey, and John Treharne, were discovered sleeping at the ovens on Sunday night by P.C. Bevan. At the Merthyr Police Court on Monday they were sent to prison for a month, all except one of them jaaving been to prison before, although neither of them was over 20. Harvey and Treharne had previously been discovered. digging potatoes in a garden belonging to a man named James Evans. The constable saw them wash the potatoes and put. them in a tin to cook them at the ovens. The defen- dants, when charged, said that they had only done what others had done.

MISSING DIAMOND RING. Welsh Lady and her Housemaid. Kate Love (31), a nurse housemaid, was charged At, West London on Tuesday with stealing a diamond ring, valued £30, the pro- perty of Mrs Wynn-Evans, wife of Mr Wynn- Evans, a solicitor, lately coroner for Denbigh- shire, and residing at 86. Philbeach-gardens, Kensington. Mrs Evans stated that the prisoner had only been in her service since Monday week. On Saturday witness missed the ring from her bedroom, and she asked the prisoner to allow herself to be searched. The prisoner refused to comply with the request, and made a rush from the room. Mr Evans tried to stop her, but she wrenched herself free and ran downstairs and locked herself in a room. Emerging a few minutes later, she then offered herself to be searched, but Mr Evans went down to the lavatory and found the ring on the top of the cistern. Since her arrest, added Mrs Evans, the prisoner's box had been searched, and a few small articles belonging to witness and the other servants had been discovered. In answer to the prisoner, the witness denied that she offered to be searched if Mr Evans left the room. Prisoner Yes, I did and I wanted the other servants in the room. Mrs Evans Nothing of the sort. The magistrate committed her for trial.

NUDE MAN'S PLIGHT. A strange story of a nude man's vagaries comes from Lydney. On Tuesday morning the police were informed that a man was strangely wandering abroad at Nass, some two miles srom the town, and Constables Haxcll and Day kin were despatched to the scene. Pro- ceeding along the railway track they came up with the man, who was stark naked. In reply to questions the poor fellow said his name was James Curly, 39 years of age, and in explana- tion of his nude condition he said he was on the Berkeley shore, and desiring to cross to the Forest side he stripped himself, tied his cloth- ing in a bundle, ana secured them on his back, but he lost them while making the passage. Mr James Hopkins, of Plumbers Farm, hard by, kindly came forward with some wearing apparel, in which the man was conducted by the police through the streets and locked up. Remarkable to say, he refused to be accom- modated with boots.

QUEEN MOTORIST'S PERIL The Daily Chronicle's Geneva corres- j pondent telegraphs that Queen Margherita. while travelling in a motor-car from Geneva to Besaucon over the Jura mountains, by way of the Faucille Pass, had a narrow escape on the French side of falling down a precipice. The royal automible was travelling at a high speed, when the chauffeur suddenly observed a peasant's cart crossing the road in front of him. He was obliged to swerve in order to escape a collision, and only just managed to clear the precipice by a few inches.

Llanelly Harbour Trust JOINT COMMITTEE CONSTITUTION. The annual meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Trust was held on Monday. Mr W. W. Jones was elected chairman and Mr John Waters vice-chairman. In acknowledging a vote of thanks the retiring Chairman (Mr J. S. Tre- goning, J.P.) said he was sorry in one sense there had been no contested election in con- nection with the Trust, as it would have offered opportunity to clear the air at public meet- ings. He would be perfectly prepared to go before the ratepayers of Llanelly and prove that a vast amount of misrepresentation had been going on without any foundation whatso- ever during the last six months. The Clerk said it was necessary to appoint four members to comprise the Joint Committee—two to repre- sent the Bank of England and two to represent the Trust. 11 was formally moved that Messrs John Macaulav, Newport, and John Roberts, Swansea, be re-elected as the bank's represen- tatives. Mr Brinley R. Jones moved that Mr W. B. Jones and Mr John Waters act as the Trust's representatives.—Mr Philip Williams Will the two representatives of the Trust act as our delegates or maintain a free hand ?—The Chairman I am prepared to represent the views of the Trust. You may depend upon it the views of the Bank of England are repre- sented by their own representatives, and it is only fair that the Trust should be represented in the same way. Captain David Thomas You have not stated that you will submit a report of the joint com- mittee to the Trust. The Chairman: I thought that was understood. Mr J. S. Tre- goning I am not so sure about that. The Chairman said there were some things it would be inadvisable to divulge, but the Trust should be informed of anything that con- cerned them. Mr G. F. Blake said in that event the newly elective trustees would not be in a better position than formerly, because the two Trust representatives would keep certain matters at their own discretion, as the old members did. The Trust wanted to know what was really happening at the Joint Committee. The Act of Parliament declared that the Joint Committee should keep a record of their proceedings, and it was inconceivable that the Trust should elect gentlemen to pursue a policy opposed to their own. He thought a declaration should be given by these gentle- men that they would ascertain the views of the majority of the Trust, and vote accord- ingly. Mr Nathan Griffiths said he did not believe there was any matter which could not be disclosed to the Trust. He moved that the two Trust representatives be asked to submit a report to the Trust periodically on tho doings of the Joint Committee. Mr Phillip Williams seconded. Mr D. James Davies suggested an addition to the resolution that the Trust's representatives should ascertain the views of the majority of the Trust before voting on any question before the Joint Com- mittee. Mr J. S. Tregoning said Mr Davies's proposed was quite unworkable. It seemed to him that the Trust's representatives had to be given power to carry on the business as far as possible, and when they came to a final de- cision they must come to the Trust. That was the position that Mr J Williams and himself had taken up. If the Trust laid it down that their representatives must come to them for instructions before voting on any question, it meant that the whole thing was a. farce. Mp D. 3. Davies considered bis proposal quite feasible. Mr J. S. Tregoning moved an amend- ment that the words and that no vote be given by the two representatives of the Trust without having first consulted the Trust," be deleted, and Mr Jos. Williams seconded. The amendment was defeated by nine votes to six, and the chairman and vice-chairman were elected as the Trust's representatives on the Joint Committee.

TAFF'S WELL SHEBEEN. Belated Wedding Festivities. Oh, my God, we're caught now," was the exclamation alleged to have been made by Mrs Jackson when Police-sergeant Davies and other officers called at No. 13, Moy-road, Taft's Well, on Sunday morning, August 25th. George Jackson, a foreman ganger on the new railway, was summoned at Llandaff Police Court on Monday for selling beer without a licence at the above address, Mr Harold Lloyd appearing for the defendant. The evidence of Sergeant Davies and two constables was that they watched No. 13, Moy* road from 4.30 to 11 o'clock on the Sunday in question, and saw a number of men and. woman enter and leave, the pockets of some of the former being bulky on their departure. In the housc seven men were seen sitting round. table drinking, and an 18-gallon cask on te.p. and another one empty, together with dead." whisky bottles and flagons were found. The defendant explained that four of th men were friends on a visit from Nantganr, and the other three were lodgers. He on. gave navvies, who work..rl under him, some beer in order to get more workout of them; but he consumed a good dej* of the intoxicant himself. When asked how r :uch, he replied, Oh, on an average two or three gallons a day." He added that on August 6th he got married, and the wedding was celebrated by a liberal consumption of beer. It was their cus- tom to have an 18-galloncask or "two-niners in every week. Questioned as to how long aa 18-gallon barrel lasted, he answered, Oil. sometimes about four or five hours." Defendant was fined £10 and costs or a month, and three men from Nantgarw who were found on the premises, named Amos, Slade, and Clutterbuck, were fined £1 and costs. A warrant forthe fourth man, Nortb.- cote, was issued.

SUNDAY DRINKING. Treherbert Police Trap. At Ystrad Rhondda Police Court on Monday Hugh Jones, licensee of the Castle Hotel, Tre- herbert, was summoned for keeping his premises open for the sale of intoxicating liiquor on Sunday, the 8th inst. Mr W. P. Nicholas, Pontypridd, defended. P.S. Rees Davies, Treherbert,, described how he and P.C. Wil- liams had kept the back part of the house under observation from a place of conceal- ment. At 10.30 a.m. the landlord came out with his pockets very bulky, walked down the lane and spoke to some men. At 10.45 the landlady walked out. carrying four bottles of beer to a man named Morgan Llewellyn, who shouted, Hi All right." and in a few minutes a man named James Phillips came to the back door and received four bottles of beer from the landlady, for which he paid a shilling. Upon being detained by witness, Phillips exclaimed. D I thought it would come to this." The landlady tied, and when subsequently spoken to replied, Weil, it can't be helped now." Mr Nicholas said the substantial facts of the case would not be controverted. Defendant had a fortnight previously gone through an unpleasant experience at that court, and he was giow about to quit the house and put up with the consequences, which were very serious to him. Mr T. P. Jenkins said the Bench accepted the statement that defendant was going to leave the house, and expressed the opinion that he was quite unfit to hold a licence of that sort* A fine of £2, including costs, was imposed.

I BOTH A'BEER'D" AT BARRY. Richard Edwards, of Barry Dock, labourer, living at, Morel-street,. at Barry Police Court. on Monday, charged W. Reed. his landlord,with an assault. Complainant said that he was in the back yard of the house, at which both lived, on the 4th September. Defendant came behind him, and on turning around to face him he was knocked down and kicked twicer After the first kick. defendant cried out, Take that, you blooming article." Witness was rendered unconscious by the blow. Defendant, who took the oath in Scotch fashion, said that complainant came home droonk and said," You are no scholar, Bill." Witness replied. "You area liar." Defendant said, Come out in the back and fight," and they let drive at each We were a-beer'd,' he said, bu *4 mon was the worse. I had four pints, and v were like two dogs scrapping together." Com- plainant had a knack of falling down when he has too much ale." (Laughter.) The Bench characterised the affair as a drunken brawl, and dismissed the case.

AID FROM PUBLICANS. v Swansea Magistrate's Appeal. At Swansea Police Court on Monday rrh James Livingstone, J.P., having scanned.. long list of cases of drunkenness down on the sheet for investigation, said it occurred to hint that the magistrates ought to get more assist- ance than they did from the publicans. A case in point was that of a man charged with be an habitual drunkard. The publicans knew his weakness, yet some of them supplied him with drink. Mr Livingstone said he did not know how they should check this evil, but he would appeal to the publicans to try and check the long list of persons charged with drunken- ness before the justices week by week, and especially to check those they knew to be too weak to resist the temptation. He desired this to be regarded as an appeal, not as a reflection. The Chairman (Mr Howel Watkins) and Messrs Wignall and W. Williams concurred.

-+- SUNDAY MEETINGS. Protest by Journalists. The 20th annual conference of the Institute d Journalists opened at Scarborough on Monday At a meeting of the Council of the Institute (Sir Frederick Wilson presiding), the Mayor of Scarborough, Mr John W. Rowntree, and Mf George Manville Fenn were unanimously elected hon. members of the institute. Mt. Holland, on behalf of tbe Manchester distric called attention to the large and increasing number of Sunday meetings. It was resolved: by 17 votes to one, to point out the hardshipf entailed on journalists, and to endeavour ti bring about a reduction of such meetings. It was announced that Mr A. F. Robbing of London, had been unanimously elector president for the ensuing