The Cardiff Times

500 RINGS STOLEN. Remarkable evidence relating to the theft of over 500 gold rings and other valuable jewel- lery from the premises of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Manchester, was given at the Manchester Assizes on Monday, when three men were charged with stealing the goods indi- cated, valued altogether at £800. The prisoners were Benjamin Stirrup (32).watchmaker; John Stirrup (25), his brother and Francis Arthur Hitchin (25), bookmaker. They were indicted for stealing 47 diamond rings, 475 gold wedding rings, and 18 gold albert guards, the property of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Ltd., the masters of Benjamin Stirrup. The case for the prosecution was that Stirrup took an impression of the key of a safe and made a key from it. On August 26th the safe was found open and two trays of jewellery empty. Stirrup was shadowed by detectives, who heard him conversing with Hitchin in a public-house. Hitchin was heard to say, Are you sure they don't suspect anything ?" and Stirrup replied, No they have not even spoken to me about it." In December Stirrup was arrested. In his possession was a bag containing two receipts for registered letters despatched to two firms of gold refiners. It was subsequently found that Stirrup, in con- junction with his brother and Hitchin, had melted the rings down and disposed of the metal to gold refiners. The case was adjourned.

I WAS THERE PERJURY ? Nurse Beatty, who created a remarkable acene in the Appeal Court last week, applied at Bow-street on Monday for summonse" for per- juryagainsfc three witnesses who gave evi- dence for the defence in her action against the London United Tramways Company. She was awarded JE50 damages for personal in- juries, but she contended the damages would have been greater but for the evidence of these three men. They swore that after the accident she led the unemployed, took part in borough council elections, and was in Corn- waJl during part of which time she was, she said, in bed. The magistrate promised to con. sider her application.

WEDDING DURING A FIRE. The M exbornugh Parish Church had a nurow «*eape from destruction by fire on Monday. The fire was quickly subdued, and when it was uen that the church was safe, the vicar decided to proceed with a marriage, which was awaiting solemnisation. The ceremony was carried out in singular circumstances, some of the firemen forming part of the congregation, whilst others could be heard tramping over- head on the roof.

_0- _4_P- FORTUNE FOR SERVANT. A fortune is left to a housekeeper under the will of the late Herbert William Nowc, which was' proved on Monday at £46,212. Mr Howe, who lived at Thornleigh. Vicars Cross, Chester, left his house, Thornleigh, and all itx appur- tenances and surrounding land, all his house- hold furniture and effects in Thornleigh (iust as it now stands), and a life annuity of £520, to his housekeeper, Susannah Ferniehough.

Caldwell Insane. TO BE SENT TO AN ASYLUM. New York, Sunday. — Mr R. C. CaJd- well, who is charged with having com- mitted perjurv in the Drace case, has been declared by the Supreme Court to be insane, and an order has been issued for his committal to an asylum on Ward Island. The committal order was obtained on the petition of Mr Caldwell's daughter and two examiners in lunacy, who declared Mr Caldwell was suf- in lunacy, who declared Mr Caldwell was suf- fering from paranoia. The daughter stated that for several years her father had been in the habit of boasting of the magnitude of his achievements and his acquaintance with dis- tinguished men. Early in 1907 she became con- vinced he was insanc,but before she could take steps for his committal two London solicitors, representing Mr G. H. Druce, came to New York and asserted his story regarding the Duke of Portland would be corroborated.— Reuter.

HAD COMPENSATION MONEY. David Cox (59), collier. Cwmparc, and his widowed daughter, Cecelia Evans (25), were before the Ystrad magistrates on Monday charged, at the instance of the N.S.P.C.C-.with neglecting their children. It was stated that the female defendant's husband was killed in an explosion, acd that she had been awarded SL50 compensation. Neighbours alleged that both were addicted to drink, and that the children were always scantily clad and dirty. P.C. Fudge said Mrs Evans treated her own and her father's children alike. He had seen them go about in the cold Christmas weather bare- footed. The Stipendiary said the case against the woman was a bad one, as she had had plenty of money. She was ordered to be im- prisoned for four weeks in the second division. Cox's case was adjourned for a month to give him a chance to reform. .J ohn Owen, an elderly man, of Tylacoch. was at Ystrad on Monday charged with at- tempting to commit suicide. The evidence showed that about six months ago the de- fendant was injured in the mine and was awarded compensation. A week ago the doctor declared him to be fit for light employment. and he thereupon, it was stated, became ex- cited. On returning home, it was alleged, he threatened to take his own life and the doc- tor's, and stabbed himself with a pen-knife in the chest. Prisoner was remanded for a week.

SCIENTIFIC TEMPERANCE. Lecture by Mr W. H. Edwards, F.C.S. A.t the invitation of Councillor and Mrs W. Roberts, a large audience assembled at a social gathering held on Monday evening at the Newport-road Methodist Church in order to meet Mr W. H. Edwards, F.C.S., scientific tem- perance lecturer. A large number of temper- ance and Sunday school workers were present. Mr Edwards, in an admirable address on Scientific Temperance by the Eye and Ear," described the steps to be taken by those who wished to enter upon the work. Giving also very many simple experiments, he detailed the exact method of preparation for and carrying out of a children's service with scientific ex- periments—experiments which, he said, could be performed with ordinary apparatus and by anyone with a very elementary knowledge of chemistry. Much interest was manifested in the new meth ids suggested, and at the close cordial thanks were tendered to Councillor and Mrs Roberts and the lecturer.

PUBLICAN'S TROUBLES. Before the Ystrad Magistrates on Monday O. Meredith, landlord of the Bailey's Arms, Pentre, was summoned for causing an obstruc- tion on the roadway, on the night of the 25th ult. Mr A. T. James, Pontypridd; defended. The police alleged that defendant was in the centre of a crowd' at stop tap attacking a man. For the defence it was contended that Mr Meredith was only doing his duty in eject- ing a couple of men who had refused to leave at stop tap and that he was struck from behind in doing so. Defendant said the house was a difficult one to manage. The Stipendiary dismissed the case on payment of 5s coste. A case against defendant for using obscene language was next heard and a fine of 10s im- posed.

THE LICENSING BILL. Idle Rumours Dismissed. Notwithstanding the publication of contrary rumours, the Press Association understands that no Cabinet crisis exists or is pending with reference to the Licensing Bill or any other legislation announced by the Goverment. It is true that the period of the time limit to be inserted in the Licensing Hill is the result of a compromise, as Ministers necessarily did not all in the first instance hold the same opinions as to the term to be proposed, but there is reason to believe that they have arrived at an understanding upon this point, and that the Bill as it is to be brought forward was ap- proved of at last Wednesday's Cabinet Council.

BREWSTER SESSIONS, "Jug & Bottle" Again Condemned The adjourned Licensing Session for the Bedwellty division were held at Abertillery on Monday. The Chairman (Dr. W. E. Williams) announced that all the licences in the Aber- tillery district would be renewed subject to certain structural alterations. The Bench were of the opinion that the jug and bottle depart- ment should be dpne away with. They also condemned the playing of rings in public- houses. Mr W. A. Everett, Abertillery, applied on behalf of Mr John Charles Shepherd for & pro- visional licence for a hotel to be known as the Glandwr Hotel to be erected in Glandwr- street. The application was refused.

PORT TALB0T~MY8TERY. Mr H. Cuthbertson held an inquiry at Port Talbot on Monday touching the death of a Swedish engineer named Olivson. who disappeared mysteriously on New Year's night, and whose body was found in the dock on Saturday morning last. Inspector Edwards said that on the 2nd January the captain of the ss. Vikenger in- formed him of the disappearance of deceased. He was a little under the influence of drink when he returned to the dock, and refused to go aboard, and walked away alongside the dock. A verdict of "Fôund drowned was returned.

GRATEFUL MR BURNS. On Saturday night Mr John Burns attended a meeting of the Battersea Labour League, and presented a silver watch and chain to one of the members. In the course of an address Mr Burns said he greatly acknowledged the work done by mem- bers of the League, and said that it was to working men that he owed his position. He warned them not to be impatient for reform, and pointed out that one reason why reform could not march as rapidly as they could wish was that other places were much more back- ward than Battersea.

X-RAY MARTYR. On Sunday Dr. Hall Edwards, Birmingham, had his left arm amputated as the result of the X-ray dermatitis from which he has been suf- fering for some years. Dr. Edwards was one of the first in this country to take up the study of X-rays as a practical science, and went to South Africa with the Imperial Yeomanry as radiologist. As recently as Friday he applied X-rays to four patients. The constant ex- posure of his naked hands to the rays produced a wart-like formation, which gradually spread and ate away the flesh and bone of his hand, and his arm as well was becoming affected.

GRATEFUL BLUEJACKETS. Officers and men of H.M.S. Vernon have given practical expression of their gratitude to the Guildford Hospital authorities for the care taken of a shipmate when injured in cycle accident. They not only gave two naval entertainments in the town, which yielded jE85 for the hospital, but they have presented Holy Trinity schools with a Union Jack and photo- graph of their ship. and have distributed dolls and toys to the children in the hospital—the latter being a gift from the officers' wivap.

NATIONAL DEFENCE. At a meeting of the Council of the Interna- tional Arbitration League in London on Mon- day a resolution was passed and ordered to be sent to the Premier and the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing dismay at the rumours regarding the increase in armaments and re- gistering its emphatic protest against not. only an increase, but also against a continuance of the present national expenditure.

SWANSEA BUILDING FALLS. On Monday a structure in course of erection on the Strand, Swansea, collapsed, crashing down on the roof of a stable occupied by Mr John Lewis, timber merchant. In the stable were five horses, and all of them were injured, one so seriously that it had afterwards to be slaughtered.

_4- At Aberdare Bankruptcy Court on Monday, before Mr Rees Williams, registrar. W. Morgan, boot and shoe dealer, Aberaman, who was represented by Mr W. Thomas, solicitor, Aber- dare,was examined by Mr Ellis Owen, official receiver. Debtor, who started business in August last, returned his gross liabilities at £234 10s. to rank for dividend £2.32, assets, after deducting amount due for rent, £28 7s 5d, leaving a deficiency of £20:5 12s 7d. The cxami- nation was closed, subject to some alterations in the cash and goods account. <

Swansea Controversy. u SCHOOLS MANAGERS REOPEN CASE. In a letter to Mr McKenna. President of the Board of Education, Mr A. F. Eden, corres- pondent of the Swansea Oxford-street Church of England School, essays to make corrections in speeches of Mr McKenna and the Parlia- mentary Secretary of the Board of Education regarding the Oxford-street school. He denies that Sir William Anson had the same responsibility in the matter, because up till the time Sir William left office he could have had no/ time to deal with the appeal to the Board on the question of teachers' salaries. Sir W. Anson, so far from having construed the Act (of 1902) to mean that the Board had no authority to compel equal salaries in the Voluntary schools as in the Council schools," stated in reply to a question in the House in July, 1903, that the standard of efficiency of all public elementary schools must be alike, unless special educa- tional reasons could be shown for a distinc- tion, and the refusal of Welsh local authorities to give rate aid to any but Council schools would therefore be in contravention of the Act. It was also incorrect to state that in Swansea the teachers were paid the amounts of their agreements. In May, 1907, the local authority declined to pay the salaries fixed by the agreements, and although fully in- formed of these facts Mr McKenna failed to take action. Further, there was power to go behind the agreements upon appeal by the managers that the salaries in the agreements were insufficient. Despite the denial of the statements to that effect by Mr Lyttelton, the managers did pay the teachers at a higher rate. They began in May, 1907, and were still doing so, and in more than one letter requested repayment under the Default Act of the sums they had advanced, but Mr McKenna declined the request. Con- trary to his statement that he had no power to prevent the default of the local authority to pay any salaries at all for six months, the Default Act was passed for the very purpose of preventing such acts, and Mr McKenna refused to use the Act, though pressed to do so by the managers. At the end of the debate the Parliamentary Secretary stated that the Swansea case had been amicably settled some months ago. The managers were thoroughly satisfied. • Mr Eden says the only thing settled is that the managers shall make improvements in the buildings of the school costing £11.000, and the complaints beforementioned, which he re- capitulates, remain unredressed. The managers impute to the right hon. gentleman no inten- tion of misleading the House of Commons, but submit that as he has inadvertently done so with regard to this school he should be so good as to correct in the customary manner the mistakes pointed out.

PORTHCAWL COUNCILLORS' WRANGLE. At a meeting of the Porthcawl District Council on Monday night Mr J. L, Lambert proposed to appoint an independent person to superintend the replacing of roads broken up for the removal of disused pipes of the Porth- cawl Water Company. It transpired in dis- cussion that Mr John Grace, a member of the Council, the surveyor (Mr Rhys W. Jones), and an outside gentleman were interested in the taking up of the water pipes, and Mr Lambert remarked that he would have proposed some- thing to deal with the difficulty of superintend- ing the replacing had he known the surveyor was interested in the undertaking. A lively discussion followed. Mr Grace emphatically denied the suggestion that the names of the gentlemen interested were not made known at the beginning. They were announced to the Council when the agreement was considered. The Chairman Don't let us have any fric- tion. Mr Lambert: I don't want any friction, but I will deny the statement. It is not the first statement of that sort made by Mr Grace in respect to me. Mr Grace said it was well known to the gentlemen around that table why the matter had been raised it was because he was mixed up in it. Mr Lambert: You are utterly wrong. Mr Grace I can tell you one thing, gentle- men. No person in Porthcawl has been perse- cuted more for being a member of this Council than I have. At every point, at every step I take, 1 meet this gentleman, in every trans- action I make I meet him. He contended that the taking up of the pipes had been of advan- tage to the ratepayers- Mr Lambert repudiated the suggestion that he had persecuted Mr Grace and challenged him to point out a single instance in which he had done so. After some lively passages it was decided that the whole Council should form a commit- tee of inspection of the roads. Mr John Elias (chatirman) said that in the report of the proceedings of the county con- ference with regard to the proposed water scheme for Glamorgan it was said that Porth- cawl Council had a leaky reservoir. It was decided to support the proposal for the establishment of a Bankruptcy Court at Bridgend.

SUNDAY TRAilNfi CASE. First Prosecution at Carmarthen Dismissed. The Carmarthen Borough Bench on Monday investigated a Sunday trading prosecution, the first of the kind preferred by the police of the borough. Defendant was an Italian named Sydney Alberto, who opened a. shop in King- street last Christmas Ev3, and having ob. tained a licence for refreshments from the Excise authorities, took advantage oj an Act permitting the sale of refresh- ments on Sundays between the hours of 12.30 and 2.30 p.m. and 6 and 10 p.m. He was summoned for unlawfully exercising worldly labour and business of work in his ordinary calling of vendor of refreshments on the Lord's Day." Mr H. Brunei White, solicitor, defended. A constable said he saw boys in defendant's shop at 9.30 on Sunday night, the 26th ult., being served with ica cream. Defendant, upon being told he was trading on Sunday, replied he had a right to do so. Mr White remarked that if the Bench wished to rely upon the Act of Charles II., 1677, they could only impose a fine of 5s without costs, as was done in Swansea, where hundreds of pounds were paid yearly by Sunday traders. Commenting on the Art, Mr White asked did the Bench ever see such rubbish in their life ? Cardiff Councillors had declared they were not going back on ancient history. Were the Car- marthen Bench going to do the same ? If they did inflict a penalty, then others should be tarred with the same brush. They might also apply this Act to a man who kept a motor car and employed his chauffeur with it on a Sunday, unless it could be proved it was used for necessitous or charitable work. Mr C. W. Jones. speaking on behalf of the justices,said, "We have come to the conclusion after talking the matter over, that no penalty will be inflicted in this case."

WORK FOR PEMBROKE DOCK. An Improved Boadicea to be Built The Admiralty shipbuilding programme for 1908-9, which will be issued this week, will make provision for only one cruiser, which will be an improvement on the unarmoured cruiser Boadicea, now building at Pembroke Dockyard, to be laid down at that establish- ment during the year. The new cruiser will be some 20 feet longer than the Boadicea, and she will embody important structural modifications as compared with the ship named. It had been hoped that? two ships of the new type would be allotted to the yard, and had that been the case the building pro- gramme would have been tolerably satisfactory. As it is. it will be probably found necesssary to supplement the new construction at the dockyard by a small pogramme of refits. In Jun3 or July next, when the cruiser De- fence leaves to undergo her offidal steam trials, only the Boadicea will be left at the dockyard. A rumour has been current for several days that the third-class cruiser Medusa, which has been lying atMotherbank, on the non-effective list for some time, is to be sent to Pembroke Dock shortly to be refitted. Should that prove to be the case it will, of course, relieve local tension, as will the building of 14 large wooden camels for use at Dover Harbour, which it had been proposed to begin a few days ago, but which has now been postponed pending the launch of the Boadicea, in March on April next. Both the Defence and Boadicea should, according to programme, be completed and commissioned by December 31st next. Then only the new Boadicea will reterain on hand unless other work is entrusted to the dockyard in the interval.

MERTHYR CASTLE FIELDS. Town Council's Comprehensive Scheme. At a meeting of the Mertbyr Town Council on Monday, the Mayor (Alderman D. W, Jones) presiding, Messrs Nixon intimated that unless the clause in the Corporation Bill pro- viding for a rccreation ground at Merthyr Vale were withdrawn they would petition against the Bill. As, in the opinion of the Parlia- mentary agents, it was necessary to specify more particularly the purposes to which it was proposed to devote the Castle Fields, it was decided to establish upon them free libraries, public baths, police court, and fire brigade station, and the borough engineer was ordered to prepare the necessary plans. It was decided to apply to the County Council for the election of representatives of the Corporation on the County Assessment Committee. It was also decided to apply to the County Council for the appointment of a joint committee to deal with any future appointment of coroner. The report upon suggestions made by Mr Allcock, city controller, Cardiff, regarding the admin- istration of Merthyr Corporation business was submitted. The report, which provides for the appointment of a committee elerkand a clcrk in the health department, was adopted.' Discussion took place on a proposal sub- mitted by the Health Committee to build an additional pavilion at the new Isolation Hospi- tal. Eventually the committee's proposal to build one pavilion was confirmed. »

Obituary. OLDEST BAPTIST MINISTER IN WALES The death is announced of the Rev. Wm. Reynolds, of Pendre House, near Solva, Pem- brokeshire, at the advanced age of 88 years. The deceased gentleman had been minister of Felinganol and Solva Baptist churches since 1841, and he was the oldest Baptist minister in Wales. Mr Reynolds was never a salaried pastor his ministry was a labour of love. In his work at Felinganol and Solva he always had the assis- tance of a co-pastor, the present one (the .Rev. T. Davies) being the eighth. Mr Rey- Rev. W. REYNOLDS. (Photo, by C. M. Rees, Solva.) nolds was grandson of the late Rev. John Reynolds, of Treglemais, who was the first minister of the Baptist church at Fetinganol at the close of the eighteenth century. At the age of 16 years William was baptised at Felinganol, and in 1841 he commenced his ministry at the same church in conjunction with the Rev. David Jones. Both young ministers had preaching powers of a high order, and when Mr Jones passed away they had baptised upwards of 300 converts. Mr Reynolds contributed largely of his wealth to various Pembrokeshire churches, including X150 towards the Baptist Manse at Solva, AW towards new burial ground at Felinganol, £100 and land towards Horeb Chapel, land for Croesgoch Baptist Manse and burial ground. He is sur- vived by one son and three daughters.

MR MORGAN DAVIES, M.E., SWANSEA. We regret to record the death of Mr Morgan W. Davies, M.E.. which occurred at his resi- dence, Gwydr Gardens, Swansea, on Friday morning, at the age of 50. Tb'e deceased gen- tleman, who stood high in his profession, had a winning personality, and was widely known and respected. Mr Davies was born at Ystmdowen, Cwmtwrch, in 1858. He was articled to the late Mr John Owen Jones, mining engineer, of Swansea, and when that gentleman relinquished practice Mr Davies, in 1882, succeeded him. He became secretary to the South Wales and Monmouthshire Coal- owners' Association for the Swansea district, he was consulting engineer to the Swansea Corporation and to the Llanelly District Council, and he (acted for several of the more important owners in the anthracite coalfield. He also .acted as consulting engineer in rt^gaed to many important vp*ts?l d sewerage under- takings in South Wales, and the construction of bridges. He had, earlier in life, held the position of professor at the Swansea Technical College. He was a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, and a member of the Society of Ftench Engineers. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow, but no children. The funeral will take place on Tuesday. Mr G. A. Woods, Cardiff. We regret to announce the death of Mr G. A. Woods, of Cathedral-road, Cardiff, which took place on Monday. For many years the deceased gentleman was the Cardiff and South Wales representative for Messrs Cook, Son and Co., wholesale drapers, of St. Paul's Churchyard, London, and in an extensive business connec- tion made many friends by his strict integrity and marked business ability. He was a good sportsman, being a member of the Porthcawl Golf Club, a pastime in which he was very keen, and one of the old members of the Cardiff Cricket Club, although latterly at any rate The Royal and Antient Game" claimed most of his time. MIl Woods was a Freemason, and took a very active part in the Cardiff Musical Society..He was in politics a strong and active Liberal. In private life he was described as a model father and husband. He leaves a widow and three grown-up children. For the last three years he has been in failing health, and his decease was not altogether unexpected. Mother of Councillors F. and Clifford Phillips, Newport. News reached Newport on Monday of the death of Mrs Elizabeth Phillips, widow of Mr Thomas Phillips, and mother of Councillors Fred and W. Clifford Phillips, both ex-mayors of Newport. Mrs Phillips, who passed away at her residence, Fauconberg, Bays Hill, Chelten- ham, on Sunday, was 80 years of age. Mr John R. Thomas, Pantyffynon. The death is announced of Mr John R. Thomas, Violet-villa, Pantyffynon, proprietor of the Dynevor Arms. He was a property owner in Llansadwrn, Llangennech, Cross Hands, and Pantyffynon.

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. Merthyr Miners' Meeting. The Merthyr district monthly meeting was held on Saturday evening, Mr John Davies presiding. The contributions amounted to iE236, and it was stated that in consequence of the reconstruction scheme £2,220 had been paid into the district fund from the surplus funds of the old lodges. This, it was suggested, should be devoted to establishing a workman's insti- tute in Merthyr, and a committee was appointed to consider the matter and report. The meeting decided that a uniform scale of payment for lodge officials should be drawn up and presented to the lodges for adoption. It was resolved, that a request should be made to the management of the Plymouth and Cyfarthfa Collieries for a reversion to the old system, under which the companies provided tools for colliery workmen. The periodical examination of pits by the men's examiaers was ordered to take place, and the meeting decided to insure the men undertaking the work. A dispute with the ostlers at the Cyfarthfa Collieries was referred to the agent (Mr John Williams) with powers to settle. The agent reported at length upon negotia- tions for the settlement of a price listthat had taken place between himself and the Plymouth management in regard to the Graig Pit, which had been reopened, and where the 7ft. seam had now been reached and 300 men were employed. He stated that a breach of the conciliation agree- ment had been made by the management in endeavouring to compel the men to accept payment by the ton before a price list was arranged. In consequence of the dispute five men had been dismissed, and it was decided to claim a month's wages in lieu of notice, and that notices should be tendered by all the men in the pit on March 1st. House Coal & Compensation at Dewlais A joint meeting of iron and steel workers and mechanics was held at the Royal Ex- change Hotel, Dowlais, on Saturday evening to take into consideration the question of the price charged for coal to those who have the misfortune to be injured in the works and who are claimants on the Compensation Fund. Hitherto the Dowlais Iron Co. and Messrs Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds, Ltd., supplied the coal at 5s 3d, but lately all were obliged to pay trade prices for their coal. The meeting was presided over by Mr Richard Jenkins, and a comnuttee was appointed to take steps that may seem best to them and to report to a future meeting. Bryncoch Colliery Workmen. A meeting of the workmen of the above colliery took place at the Vale of Neath Hotel on Saturday. Mr G. George presided. A report of the movement to divide the Western District of Miners was approved. It was resolved that another checkweigher should be appointed for the colliery in addition to the one there at preseut. The selection will bejnade next Saturday. It was resolved to tender notices on the 1st of April against non-Unionists, but that in the meantime every effort should be made to bring those outside the Federation into line.

Daniel Leary, a labourer, residing at New- town, Cardiff/whilst following his employment near the ss. Trevanion, lying in the East Dock, about four o'clock on Monday fell from a staging and sustained injuries to his head.

Miners' Federation. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT CARDIFF. The Executive Council of the South Wales Miners' Federation met on Monday at Cardiff, Mr W. Abraham, M.P., presiding, the other officials present including Mr W. Brace, M.P., vice-president Mr Thomas Richards, M.P., general secretary; and Mr A. Onions, trea- surer. Abnormal Places,—The Council considered at some length the decision of bis Honour Judge Bryn Roberts in the case of VValcers v. Ocean Coal Co., Ltd., in which the claim of a workman to allowances for working in abnormal places was disallowed by the judge, owing to the absence of any stipulation to that effect in the price- list. It was resolved that inasmuch as this judgment was contrary to the general practice and custom under the Conciliation Board agree- ment that the matter be raised at the next meeting of the Conciliation Board. Discussing this matter, later, with our repre- sentative, Mabon, M.P., said :—" It appears to me, from reading the Judge's decision care- fully, that it means a man may have his wages regulated by a price list when he works in normal places, but if he is working in abnor- mal places, then he has to depend upon gratuities to be granted at the discretion of the manager. "< Dinas Main Explosion.— Certain matters in connection with the Dinas Main Colliery ex- plosion, and the Home Office prosecution of the management were also considered. Easter Holidays.—A letter was received from the Aberkenfig branch of the A.S.R.S. asking the miners to make arrangements for taking Good Friday as one of their holidays at Easter. It was resolved that the general secretary reply that in consequence of the difficulties surround ing this question it was ^.impossible for the Council to make any general rule in the matter. House Coal for Injured Workmen.—Mr Thomas Richards, M.P., the secretary, at the close of the proceedings, asked us to explain that although the discussion of the question o house coal for injured workmen was not decided by the Conciliation Board on Saturday, and stands adjourned, the owners have agreed that in the meantime they will continue to supply injured workmen with house coal as heretofore. The Auditors—Messrs Thomas Andrews and Moses Severn, the auditors, presented their report on the audit of the Federation accounts for the year 1907. The report was adopted, and the auditors were heartily thanked for their services.

SUFFRAGETTE BOOTBLACKS. Self-denial" Efforts. Mrs Pethick Lawrence, hon. treasurer to the Women's Social and Political Union, speaking on Monday to a reporter on the subject of the suffragettes' self-denial effort, said they aimed at raising £ 1,000, and at the close of the first day of the week they had already realised a quarter of that sum. Officially the propaganda was being carried on by collecting cards, several thousands of which had been distri- buted among branches of the Union all over the country, but some of the enthusiastic members were resorting to various ngenious devices to help them to attain their object. Among the means adopted, said Mrs Lawrence, were organ-grinding, crossing- sweeping, and boot-blacking. Several ladies were singing in front of the theatre queues, and street artists were awaiting fine weather to begin their efforts, while other members were stationed at busy thoroughfares with collecting boxes. One enthusiast who would like to go to prison, but was prevented by professional reasons, was living on prison diet for a week, devoting the difference in the cost to the fund. Mrs Lawrence added such accounts as they had been able to get from prison showed that their members there were bearing up bravely, and their spirit was unbroken.

IN PRAISE OF THE N.S.P.C.C. Work in the Pontypool District. There was a large attendance at a meeting of the Pontypool branch of the N.S.P.C.C., held at the Waverley Hotel, Pontypool, on Monday. Mr W. P. James, J.P., Abersychan, presided. Mrs W. P. James, the secretary, reported that excellent work waa being done by the society in the district. Mr J. Teasdale, from the head office of-the society, referred to the Children's Bill, remarking it was gratifying to find that the measure was welcomed by all political parties. It was, he said, admitted throughout the country that this Bill was largely the work of their Society, and it was gratifying to remember that nearly all the statutes passed for the benefit of children had been carried through the instrumentality of the N.S.P.C.C. (Hear, hear.) TJhe society had befriended over on* a>od a halt million chudrea, and »v«7 flre minutes of eVeiVWorking day ttoey investigated four cases of cruelty or criminal neglect of children. It was sometimes urged that the society was a prosecuting agency. No impu- tation could be more unjust, for as a. matter of fact, only five per cent. of the cases dealt with were taken into court. Last year the Newport branch took up cases affecting 869 children, and in Pontypool 77 cases were dealt with.

NEWPORT GAS WORKS. Benefit Society Dinner. The 32nd annual dinner of the Newport Gas Works Benefit Society was held on Monday night in the King's Head Hotel, Alderman Thomas Canning, J.P., presiding, supported by tho Mayor (Councillor T. Parry), Colonel Wallis, Alderman Greenland, Alderman Howell, Mr T. H. Hazell (secretary of the Gas Company), and others. The Mayor, responding to the toast of The Corporation," said Newport's future, he was sure, would be greater than it was to-day. With greater railway sidings the new dock would be the means of doubling the export trade of the town in five or six years. Newport had been content to lie quiet in the past and take the crumbs from Cardiff's table, but he had told the President of the Board of Trade when he received the freedom of the city of Cardiff that in future they would have in New- port half the loaf. Other toaete followed.

COST OF ASYLUM INMATES. At a meeting of the Cardiff Finance Com- mittee on Monday the estimates of the Mental Hospital Committee were discussed. In reply to questions, Dr. Goodall said there were 650 patients to be removed from other asylums. They would begin to take these in the middle of April, and thereafter would take them in at the rate of 50 a week. The maintenance would be for the first year at 13s 5d per head per week. Councillor Stanfield said when the can- didates for the appointment of medical super- intendent were before them most of them said the cost of maintenance at their asylums was about 10s. How was it the cost at Cardiff waa to be 138 5d ?—Dr. Goodall replied that was the cost for the first year; it would come down in subsequent years. The average cost of borough hospitals was lis per head. The cost was higher in borough asylums on account of bigger wages, rent, rates, &c.

STOLEN MACKINTOSH, While on duty on the Hayes Bridge on Saturday afternoon P.S. Dredge saw William Taylor (32) with two mackintosh coats hang- ing on his arm, and from one was hanging the price ticket. The constable asked where he got the coats, and defendant replied. I bought them." The property was afterwards identified as belonging to James Ingram Rees, of 54, St. Mary-street. Prisoner pleaded guilty when brought before Messrs J. H. Hallett and J. Howard at Cardiff on Monday, and ho was bound over in the sum of &5 for six months. «

DRUIDS' ANCIENT CAVES. Professor Nichols, one of the greatest authorities on the Chislehurst caves, delivered a novel lecture, in the Chislehurst caves on Saturday afternoon, to over thirty members of the Essex Field Club. When the party were some half a mile from the entrance, and about 70ft. below the surface, Professor Nichols read a paper refuting the recent allegations that the Chislehurst caves were merely chalk excava- tions. He said that it could be almost con- clusively proved that the Druids inhabited the caves over 2,000 years ago. He had recently discovered in them some Roman pottery and some bonea, proved to be those of the red deer.

GROWTH OF ABERBARGOED. At a meeting of the Rhymnev Valley (Mon- mouthshire) group of school managers at Aber- bargoed on Monday, it was reported a tender had been accepted for the erection of a tempor- ary school at Pengam. Relative to the pro- posed increase of staff at Aberbargoed schools the Chairman (Mr Lewis Watkins) suggested that the county authority be asked to allow the temporary school to be established perman- ently, for after the opening of the new premises there would still be lack of accommodation. There were 506 on the books, with accommo- dation for only 380. Alderman N. Phillips, J.P., said that during the last year there had been an increase of 430 in the population of Aberbargoed. It was decided to recommend Miss Glayds Rees, Rhymney Miss E. A. Morgan, Aberbargoed and Miss J. Griffiths, Cwmsynog, as a short list for the post of head- mistress of Aberbargoed Infants' School. A committee was appointed to select sites for a newschool in the lower portion of the Aberbar- goed district.

On Monday Mr Bowel Cuthberteou, district coroner, held an inquiry into the circ umstances of the death of John Rees (19 months), son of John Rees, furnaceman, Scutre-row, Taibach. Janet Rees, the mother, said the child, in January, was burnt by fitting on pome hot sand. Dr. J. H. Davies saifl pneumonia set in, and on Saturday convulsions. He did not think the burh was the cause. A verdict of Death' from pneumonia and convulsions returned.

Fashion and Things Feminine. By MISS IBA MELLER. A Pretty Corselet Dress. Corselet skirts and princess effects have by no means exhausted their popularity, and cer- tainly there is no reason why fashion .should hurry them out of favour, since both vogues have much to commend them to admiration. An advantage of the corselet skirt is the neat- ness ensured to the waist by doing away with any risk of an ugly gap appearing between skirt and blouse and it is, of course, a fashion that^hoT"! off I'll,ttty of good lines in the region of the waist far nore emphatically than I the ordinary skirt-waist is capable of doing. Our sketch -suggests a corselet skirt of face-cloth with a blouse of. soft silk or crepe de chine in the same colour, and a handsome yoke-collar of the skirt material embroidered in silk-cord, chenille, and filo-floss, the bands to the sleevea also being of embroidered cloth. Little pendants of chenille and cord fall from the collar in front and decorate the blouse in the fashion of a necklace, and the vest and under-sleeves are of tucked net. A Simple Coat. Tailors are to be congratulated on the very charming little coats they are turning out for the spring, many ot the new short models achieving success by their simple lines, and the absence of trimming, coupled, of course, I' with a cut that leaves no room for criticism. One of the new coats is illustrated herewith, the original' being of dark blue cloth, with a fitted waistcoat in sulphur-coloured suede cloth with brass buttons. Later on this waistcoat could be exchanged for one of linen, since the coloured linen waistcoat is to be a feature of spring fashions. Nothing could be simpler that the coat sketched, which is charaaing, however, for its becoming shapes and length, the seams following the curve of the figure aod granting just tho nccessary spring to the lxipa. A, nf the peltif would bfi^ aB tmprorcment. Secrets of Health. The secret of health lies, chietly, in careful diet, and another important factor in health preservation is the avoiding of chills, which are frequently the beginning of more serious illnesses, and these might often be averted if at the first symptom of ill-health rest and warmth were the prescriptions followed. There is little more than a doctor can do in the case of an everyday illness than order his patient rest, warmth and simple diet. They are the cardi- nal attributes to health. A sick headache can often be cured simply through the medium of rest in a dark room and starving the system for a day. Sometimes a cup of very hot tea or hot lemonade will hasten the cure, and bathing the forehead with a. sponge dipped in either hot or cold water helps to banish headaches as does also a cupful of almost boiling black coffee. Pope, the poet, used to cure his head- aches by inhaling the fumes of strong coffee. Dumplings for Soup. In many households soup is supplied every day, more as an economy than luxury. Soup takes the edge off the appetite, and I find that with it a joint goes a great deal farther th In without it," remarked an economical house- keeper the other day, and," she added, if a. stock-pot is always on the stove so that any bones and suitable pieces can be tossed in instead of being thrown away, your everyday soup costs nothing." Another economy hint" she gave was to the effect that thickened soups and broths—those to which are added rice or barlev, chopped-up carrots, potatoes, turnips, etc., effect a still greater saving in the after- food, and she declared in favour of forcemeat balls or plain dumplings as an addition to eco- nomy soups." The recipe she gave for soup- dumplings was as follows—To any weight of flour, rub in from one-quarter to one-third the weight of fat. Moisten with cold water, or liquor, in which rice or meat has been boiled. Dumplings the size of a small orange may boil (in soup) half an hour. Removing Grease from Beards. To remove grease-spots from boards or car- pets, moisten some fuller's earth with boiling water spread a thick layer on the grease, and let it remain until dry if the grease is not then quite removed, repeat the application. Boards should afterwards be well scrubbed with soap and water, and carpets thoroughly brushed with a dry brush. Hair-wash. To make a cheap hair-wash, take loz. of borax, ioz. of camphor powder, and dissolve them in one quart of boiling water. When cool,-the solution is ready for use, and is an excellent cleanser. Thoughts for the Week. He who is false to present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and will find the flaw when he may have forgotten the cause. It may serve as a comfort to us all in our calamities and afflictions that he that loses anything and gets wisdom by it, is a gainer by the loss. Life affords but few opportunities of doing great services for others but there is scarcely an bour of the day that does not afford U3 an opportunity of performing some little, it may be unnoticed, kindness. It is not great wealth nor high station that makes a man happy. Many of the most wretched beings on earth possess both but it is a radiant, sunny spirit which knows how to bear little trials and to enjoy little comforts, and thus extracts happiness from every in- cident of life. In their pursuit after happiness thousands pass by the real thing.

SAVED BY UMBRELLA. PAris, Monday.—A woman's forethought^ajid presence of mind resulted in the saving of tfcvo lives this afternoon. A young girl. Marcello Jalline, while walking along the banks of the Seine slipped and fell into the water, A hos- pital attendant, named Guilloteau, who wit- nessed the accident, plunged into the water to rescue the girl. Being but a poor swimmer, he was unable to reach the girl and both were in danger of being drowned, when Mme. Dupret arrived on the scene. Opening a large umbrella which she earned, she took a firm hold of the handle, and then jumped into the water. The buoyancy of the open umbrella kept her from sinking. Striking out with her disengaged hand, she succeeded in reaching the struggling couple, and Kept, them afloat, until a boat put off, when all three were reseucd.—" Chronicle."

BELFAST ANARCHIST." Extraordinary evidence was heard at Belfast on Monday, when a man named John Meara was charged with using language calculated to lead to a breach of the peace. The police stated that after referring to the :issassiu»tion of the King and Crown Prince of Portugal, accused declared he himself was an Anarchist, and would not be afraid to do the same thing to King Edward to-morrow if necessary. He made similar remarks concerning other monarchy. The crowd threatened if the to King Edward to-morrow if necessary. He made similar remarks concerning other monarch?. The crowd threatened if the police did not take him away they would shove Hint into the tide. Accused was -Ordered to find sureties to keep the peace for 12 months, or in default undergo three months' imprison- ment.

(By D. EMLYN EVANS.) THE QUESTION OF WELSH MUSICAL DECADENCE. In a recent number of The Druid," a Cam- hro-American contemporary, the query" Are the Welsh deteriorating as a musical people ?" is discussed in a page Gathered from all parts of Hwalia Wen and the opinions of writers and correspondents in a Carnarvon journal, the "British Bandsman," the musical critic of the "Daily News," London—Mr E. A.Baugha.n —and others are quoted. The views expressed, however, seem to have been formed after a limited and partial, not a complete and general, survey of the question. The majority do not appear to be able to consider the musical posi- tion otherwise than in connection with the Eisteddfod—with competition as if the former could not exist independently of the latter, ignoring the fact that a considerable amount uf musical activity exists among us in the direction of Cymanfaocdd Canu, concert performances, which include the rendering of complete works, such a-s oratorios and can- tatas, and, to a smaller extent, instrumental compositions. The writer in the Carnarvon paper laments the present decline in choral singing not only in that town, but in North Wales generally, and attributes it to t11. incur- sions and successes of the English choirs at our National and other important Eisteddfodau. The reason adduced may contain some truth, but not the whole truth. Apart from the fact that there is ebb and flow in this as in other matters, that the indifference of to-day follows the enthusiasm of yesterday, and that to-mor- row again may see a renewal of the old zeal, it is well-known and recognised by the close musical observer that the formation of so many male voice choirs, and later of ladies' —though not to so great an extent—has very seriously affected mixed voice combinations throughout the country. Some of the corres- pondents referred to above view the question from a purely personal standpoint, and their own very limited experience consisting of those difficulties which every conductor has to face when forming or arranging a choir for the purpose of competition. These do not touch the root of the matter. Mr Baughan, as we ventured to suggest in this column at the time, seemed to take the singing of a Welsh choir that gave a concert in the Metropolis dur- ing a visit, the primary object of which was to entertain Royalty with onr national song, as representative and typical of all our best Welsh choirs and the best and the highest effort they were capable of under any and every circumstance pretensions, we feel pretty sure, that that excellent choir and its talented conductor would be the first; to disclaim. In attempting to form a. proper estimate of our musical condition, as a people," the whole of WaJes must be taken stock of—the North with its comparatively thin and scattered popula- tion, and possibly more or less, and for the nonce, decadent musical state and the teem- ing South with its large centres of popula- tion, where all are in close touch, providing new spheres of musical work, and where fresh choral societies spring up which more than balance the deficit elsewhere—as a mere cal- culation by numbers not the highest con- sideration, however, nor, of necessity, the most reliable standard or method of estims^ tion. Finally, and as already touched upon, the whole effort made in connection with the Eisteddfod, in" all its various guises, the sing- ing festival, and the concert room (that, also, in various directions), &c., needs to be taken into account. When all this is done, we do not think that we are in such a parlous state after all. That there is a falling off, and in some important and essential details, is granted. It goes to show the necessity for continued watchfulness and fidelity on the part of those who love Wales and its music as they love the art of song—for its own sake. Welsh Choirs and the United States. Various references to this subject have ap- peared in the Welsh-American papers, and In those of thia country, while some private com- munications bearing upon the same question have been received by ourselves. We have no intention of introducing into this column much of what has been discussed elsewhere but we may state that while many were of opinion at the time that it would be advisable for any other male voice choir contemplating a tour in the States to postpone it until next year, the wish was unanimous that a ladies' choir should pay them a visit this year Mrs BgiirtjfiiWfti'cfiiri ifalftii W'r hll!yin had visited merica-first, as compeutY-. -• ^aml winners) at Chicago's World's Fair, and sub- sequently as a concert party and the reputa- tion of that finely constituted and finely trained body of singers will not be allowed to die out soon among their enthusiastic fellow countrymen over there. Now, however, that it is known that Mr Glyndwr Bichards, Moun- tain Ash, has finally decided to take his male voice party over this autumn, we have no doubt that they will be generously received and welcomed. The Druid announces that it is in receipt of a letter from Mr T-Glyndwr Richards stating that the party will arrive in New York in October next, that he has carefully considered all the arguments which have been made, and has arrived at the con- clusion that it is impossible for him to with- draw from the tour at this time. He is very confident that his friends in the States will make the tour successful, while he is certain that the high standard of the choir will ensuro success from a musical standpoint." It also informs us that final arrangements have been made by the Cardiff Choir, under the direction of Mrs Hughes-Thomas, to tour the United States about the same time. Mrs Hughes-Thomas will bring thirty ot the ladies who sang before the King and Queen at Cardiff, and there is a consensus ofl opinion that this is one of the best female choruses ever organised in England or WalAli." And concludes-by saying "Mr Richards gives his word that his party will comprise only the regular members who have rehearsed regu- larly for years, and that no new or untried voices will be pressed into service at the last moment. In the past this has been a very serious offence on the part of some of the choirs. We know Mr Richards well enough to state that we can rely implicitly upon his word, 80 that there is every promise of the national reputation being more than sustained by these two admirable and splendid choruses which will visit us this year." We. too, have every confidence that the. musical prestige and the good name of tho old country will be well taken care of in the handf of Mrs Hughes-Thomas, Mr Glyndwr Wcharrlsv and the singers under their respective leader ship.

FELL 80 FEET. At the Hammersmith's Coroner's Court 011 Monday Mr Luxmoor Drew held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death ot Mrs Emma Macdonald, aged 53, widow of a naval surgeon, and lately living at Palliser- court, West Kensington. The deceased's house- keeper said that she put Mrs Macdonald to bed at night in the front room of the fifth floor. A gentleman named Stanley, who lives in a flat at the bottom of the building, said he heard a thud, and on going outside to see what caused it he found the deceased attired in he* iiightdress lying on the ground unconscious. The top storey was about 80 feet from the bottom. Ellen Bentley, who had known tha deceased for many years, stated that Mrs Macdonald spoke to her once or twice about her attempt at suicide, and said, "People can easily lose their mind and regain it again." The attempt was made in Aberdeen in 1881 or 1882. The Coroner said it was a mysterious case, and he advised the jury to return an open verdict. They accordingly did so.

LESALITY OF A RATE. The legality of the Battersea Borough Coun- cil's supplemental rate for the unemployed, amounting to £ 25,000, waa discussed Monday at Newington Sessions before Mr Robert Wallace, K.C., chairman. Mr E. Charles, representing the protesting ratepayers, said the Council received a deputation from tht Battersea Trades and Labour Council, and also a deputation ot unemployed. Afterwards a supplemental rate of jE25,000 was recommended. Ot this sum il"20,OOO was to be applied t o roads and footways, but it was not knowp where they were or whether the repairs were/ necessary. A committee was prepared to make out a scheme. All this was putting the cart before the horse. After hearing the arguments at length Mr Wallace said he supposed that whatever the result the case would go to the House of Lords. The question was of such importance he would consider his judgment.

—■— SAVED FROM SUICIDE BY EDISON. Mr John F. Randolph, for more than U. years the right-hand man of Mr Edisop, the grea.t inventor, com mitted suicide on Monday in a fit of melancholia, due, it is supposed, to overwork. After writing notes of farewell t/, his wife and the inventor. Mr Randolph went down into the cellar and blew out his brain: No sooner was the tragic news telephoned fcc Mr Edison than, with extraordinary prescience he jumped Into a motor-car and drove at breakneck speed to the home of his assistant- He was just, in time to see Mrs Randolph, who is the mother of three children, run upstairs to a top-story window, with her clothes torn to shreds, and shrieking in frenzied grief. Moaning, Oh. John, úll, John, Fit kill my self too," the poor woman sprang to the sash. But Mr Edison, who had npn after her, caught her by the waist as she was about to throM herself to the flagstones below. > A struggle ensued, for t he maddened woman crying, "I must go to John." caught the in venter by the throat. When assistance at la* arrived, both Mr Edison, who is 61 years old 1 and the woman were exhausted.