The Cardiff Times

SWANSEA CALAMITY. NAVVIES RUN DOWN BY TRUCKS inquest on the Victims. A shocking accident occurred at the new King's Dock construction works, Swansea, on Monday evening, by which two navvies were killed and four injured. The work of excavating the new dock is pro- ceeding with great activity, and at one point at the eastern side two steam navvies are at work in the dock bottom, standing on parallel rails. Just before 6 o'clock a gang of men had assembled in the four-foot way, where the No. 5 steam navvy was at work, and taking up a position behind trucks, which were being filled with the excavated earth, they stood waiting for the time for them to take the place of the day gang. These trucks would be stationary until they were filled, and the men naturally thought they were safe in the position. While they were thus standing an engine, which was shunting a train of empty trucks to the No. 4 navvy, jumped the points, and in- stead of going into the No. 4 went into the No. 5, crashing into the standing trucks and pro- pelling them violently against the gang of men who were standing behind them. The men were scattered in every direction, and when the onlookers rushed to the scene they found two had been killed and four were more or less injured. Medical aid was promptly obtained, and while the injured were being attended to the horse and motor ambulances of the Swansea Corporation were telephoned for, and promptly arrived on the scene. Of the injured men one was sent to his home and three to the hospital, while the bodies of the dead men were taken to the mor- tuary. The names of the men killed and injured are as follow — KILLED. Richard Beard (33), lodging at 11. Ysgol- street, St. Thomas's, belonging to Skipton, Yorkshire. George Timpson (18), of 20, Ysgol-street. INJURED. John Thomas (38), crushed chest. George Hewitt (45), injury to the back. Ernest Timpson (15), crushed hand. George Timpson, the father of the last- named injury not described. The Timpsons are a father and two sons, and It will thus be seen that that family has suffered severely, one being killed and two injured. While of the injured George Timpson was sent to his home, the other three were taken to the Hospital, where they were detained, and are reported progressing favourably. There are conflicting theories of the accident, but the most feasible one seems to be that the trucks jumped the points, and thus got on to the wrong line. The shocking accident cast quite a gloom over the whole of the men engaged in the work, with the result that work was suspended for the night. Of the four men injured in the shocking acci- dent at the King's Dock works, Swansea, on Monday evening—an accident in which two men were also killed—three are reported as progressing favourably. The condition of the fourth, John Thomas, is regarded as critical. On Tuesday afternoon Mr Viner Leeder, the "borough coroner, held at the Seamen's Rest an inquiry into the circumstances attending the deaths of Arthur Henry Timson and Richard Beard. Mr Ashworth, H.M. inspector, watched the proceedings, and Mr Smith (works manager) and Mr Henty (the engineer) were also present. George Timson, a ganger, who was suffering from an injured leg, said he was the father of Arthur Henry Timson, who was 16 years of age and employed as a waggon stopper. At 5.40 on the previous evening they arrived at the dock bottom to begin the night shift. They and a gang of men were standing in the 4-foot way ready for work behind some standing waggons, when another train of empty trucks, instead of coming on the line it was intended to, missed the points, and came on to the line they were standing on, bumped into the trucks in front of them, with the result that deceased, he, and others were knocked down. The Coroner: Did you hear a whistle?— There was no whistle blown because the man did not expect to come on that line. In answer to Mr Ashworth witness said the gang consisted of seven or eight men. The trucks were brought for the gang to use during the night, and they were standing waiting on another line of rails behind another train to which no engine was attached. Bv the Coroner I asked the man at the engine how it occurred, and he said, The points had been propped up and I could not see them till I doije it." Thomas Thompson, another of the men in the gang standing behind the trucks, said the men in the waiting gang were all knocked down. Guard's Explanation. Albert Routlcdge, the guard of the engine, said he was coming down with his last set of empties and turned his points to go down in the direction desired. It subsequently trans- pired that a second pair of points had been propped up by a wooden prop, consequently the points did not drop and his train went on to the wrong line. He ascertained this as a fact after the collision. His driver said to him What do you want to turn me into that navvy for ?" He took him to the points and said" Look here, you can see the points have been propped up where they should not have been." In answer to Mr Ashworth, he said, when he set the first set of points the second set should have dropped, and would have done so but for the propping. Mr Ashworth But was it not your duty to see the second set was right ? It is your duty to put your points right for your driver ?— Yes, and I did. The propping of the points was against the regulations. But could not you have seen that they were not right from the point where you put the first set right ?—I put the points right, but would not know the second set had been propped up and had not dropped. The man had no business to leave the points propped. The witness explained that he supposed the points got propped because when a previous train had passed the guard was unable to handle two sets of points at the same time, and consequenty propped one. Afterwards he forgot to remove the prop. The Coroner; From what you say, it is evident the driver trusted implicitly to you, because he afterwards asked you why you wanted to turn him into the navvy ? You were the guard, you know, and should have seen that everything was all right for the driver ?—The prop had no business to have been left there. But for that the points would have been right.—It would seem that you were ,r> orally responsible at any rate. You assumed the other man had done his duty when it was your duty to see whether he had. Engine Driver's Statement. Albert Silverton, the engine driver, said as he was aproaching the No. 4 navvy he was given the signal that the line was clear, and went on, his guard remaining at his points, holding them. The first intimation he had of anything wrong was the collision. He asked Routledge what was the matter, and he called his attention to the fact that a second pair of points had been propped. He was then about to move out again-when a man told him, For God's sake, don't move. There are four or five men under the end truck. The points that were propped were the pair that led on to the empty waggons he had bumped into. He had seen points propped up hundreds of times. Asked if it was a recognised thing to prop points,, he said it all depended on the method of the particular guard. The Coroner: Could Routledge have seen the prop ?—He was at the time holding the other points, or all my trucks would have got off the line, and evidently took it for granted the other points were all right. Ry Mr Ashworth Routledge could not have left the points he was holding up to go to the next set, where the prop was. It was natural for him to have thought those points would have dropped when he held the other up, and they would have done so but for the prop- ping. He could have stopped me over the first set of points while he went to see the second set was clear. The Coroner I suppose he was in a hurry to get away ? It was his last journey f—No, sir, Mr Ashworth pointed out that the engine must, on its way down the incline, before backing into the steam navvy, have passed close to the points in question, and then if he had looked he would have seen they were propped. Propping the Points. George Jones, the guard of the engine serv- ing the other steam navvy, said he had put the waggons that were bumped into the posi- tion they were at the time of the accident. He propped the points because he could not hold the two at the same time as the boys had gone off. It was usual to have boys to look after the points in the day time. Mr Ashworth: Why did not you take out the prop ?—The steam chest was leaking and I was anxious to get my engine to the shed to have it put right, and the prop slipped my memory. You ought to have removed the prop ?— Well. I should have moved it but for it slipping my memory. You ought to have knocked it out ?—Yes. The Coroner Supposing you were taking in empty waggons, would you look for props ?— Yes, 1 would look to see,my own road was clear. In summing up, the Coroner said it seemed perfectly clear how the accident had occurred, and the only question was as to the degree of responsibility. The two men implicated were Jones, who admitted very straightfor- wardly that he propped up the points, and forgot tc knock out the prop. But for that there would have been no accident. On the other hand. Routledge was to blame in not having made sure the points were not propped, and there was no doubt, that he, being the guard on the moving engine, was responsible for seeing that, the road was clear. U the jury considered that amounted to culpable negligence that of course amounted to manslaughter, but it seemed to him rather that it was carelessness trusting to luck, with no intention to wilfully neglect a duty. There was a certain amount of responsibility removed from Routledge because he would naturally assume the other man would have removed the block. He had, however, no business to so suppose, but he should have seen that there was no chance of the other man having omitted to do it. Verdict/of" Accidental Death." The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," and censured the two guards. Mr Smith, on behalf of Messrs Topham, Jones, and Railton, expressed sympathy with the relatives of the killed and with the injured men.

Fatal Railway Crash. TWO KILLED; OTHERS INJURED 300 Emigrants in Peril. At Woodhouse Junction, near Sheffield, on the Great Central Railway, early on Saturday morning, an emigrant train carrying about 300 persons, collided with a goods train. The guard of the latter was killed, and a driver and fireman of the emigrant special were badly injured, while one of the passengers, a German, also received a scalp wound. The accident occurred at 12-38 a.m., on the main line between Woodhouse West and East Junctions, about 300 yards on the Worksop side of Woodhouse station. At that hour a mineral train was leaving the East Junction for Worksop, when the emigrant special, travel- ling at a rate of about 20 miles an hour, dashed into its rear. The two engines of the emigrant train overturned, and now lie on the banks of the cutting badly damaged, while the first saloon coach was telescoped. The guard's van of the coal train received the full force of the impact and was literally smashed to pieces, the guard in charge of it being buried in the debris. Driver Howell, who now lies in the Sheffield Infirmary, was in charge of the leading engine of the emigrant special, and he and his fireman, Harold Clark, were hurled from the footplate directly th6 smash occurred, the latter being pinned be- neath the locomotive. Besides a fractured leg he has sustained serious internal injuries, as he remained for some time embedded underneath the wreckage. He is hardly expected to re- cover. Howell was picked up immediately after the crash badly scalded, and was dis- patched to Sheffield on a light engine, but Clark bad to be dug out by the rescue party. It was-two hours before the body of the dead guard was discovered, and it is evident that he was killed on the spot. There were, roughly speaking, between two and three hundred passengers on the emigrant train, and marvellous to relate only one of them, Adolph Gutowski, of Allenstein, Ger- many. was injured, and he received only a scalp wound. He remains at Woodhouse Station in the care of the stationmaster. The remainder of the passengers were sent on to Grimsby, another locomotive being requisi- tioned. Both the up and down main lines were blocked with debris and traffic was car- ried on by means of the goods lines until the wreckage was cleared away. The driver of the second engine of the emi- grant train and his fireman escaped injury in spite of the fact that their locomotive was overturned. The emigrants were travelling from Liverpool to Grimsby on their way home from America to Russia and Germany. The cause of the collision is not stated, but it has been suggested that it was due to the snow- storm. Death of the Stoker. Harold Clark, the stoker of the emigrant train, which was in collision near Sheffield on Saturday, died in Sheffield Royal Hospital on Sunday evening. TWO SHUNTERS KILLED. A shocking double fatality occurred on Saturday night at Bray, co. Dublin, in which two shunters named Timothy Doyle and William Needham lost their lives. The men were engaged in moving an empty passenger coach from the dock at the running shed when it was struck by an incoming engine, and re- bounded, throwing both men across the metals and passing over them. The poor fellows, who were "terribly mutilated, were removed to the Meath Hospital, Dublin, where they died almost immediately after admission.

HIS RULING PASSION. Even so grim an incident as a railway smash has its humorous side. At Woodhouse on Saturday a passenger by the emigrant train divided his anxieties between an injured cousin and his cash. Mine monish, mine monish," was all the railway,officials could get in answer to their inquiries as to where he was hurt. His countenance brightened when a small box, part of his belongings, was dis- covered untouched on one of the parcel racks. It contained 30 cents—Is 3d. This story recalls another which is told with gusto in railway circles. The smash on this occasion took place in Wales, and the railway servants came upon an Irishman who was severely injured. What's your name, my man ?" asked one of the officials, in tones of tender solicitation. Bejabers, ye needn't bla.me me," rejoined the son of the Emerald Isle. I didn't do it."

"ADVISED TO DEATH." Mr Cecil Raleigh presided Monday after- noon at the annual meeting of the Actors' Association. Along report dealt with the some- what acrimonious discussions which have been raging in the body. The policy of independ- ence from magisterial control was brilliantly vindicated, and the Council felt that it was only by the firm pursuit of this policy that the association could ever become a self-respect- ing and authoritative institution. Most of the sub-committees appeared to havadribbled away into space. The first Actors' Day collection produced more than £ 1,500, the second little over £300. This meant that Actors' Day was a miserable failure. It had been advised to death and bored to extinction. The noble de- votion, of actors to the holy cause of charity for other people was one of the most curious for other people was one of the most curious and remarkable expressions of the artistic temperament.

SURPRISED PIRATE." It is told of the late Mr Walter Slaughter that on one occasion MrSlaughter took the law into his own hands as regards music pirates. He was walking along Upper-street, Islington, where he saw a hawker selling pirated copies of two of his compositions, The Dear Home Land and Gondola Dreams." He promptly seized all the copies, gave full expression to his indignant feelings, tore the sheets to pieces- and walked away. Once, while on a cycle tour, in passing through Lowestoft he heard a street- organ grinding out one of his popular songs from Bluebell." The music was so devoid of expression that. Mr Slaughter immediately jumped off his bicycle, and, seizing the handle of the organ, showed the man to whom it be- longed how the work should be played to the j right time and with the proper pauses. I

ITCHING RASH ON 0 n BODY AND ARMS oj Was Hot and Irritated Dreadfully- Doctor's Medicine Failed Utterly Completely Cured by One Set of Cuticura Remedies and Now j RECOMMENDS CUTICURA TO SUFFERING FRIENDS "A few weeks before baby was born I came out with a bad rash on my chest, back, and arms, which after a little while irritated me dreadfully. I showed it to the doctor, but he said my blood was out of order and gave me some medicine, but I did not lose the humour. Seeing a Cuticura. adver- tisement, I bought a set of the Cuticura Remedies and tried if it would be suc- cessful. They stopped the itching almost at once, but I only used one box of the Cuticura Ointment and one box of the Cuticura Resolvent Pills, and they took every mark off me, leaving my skin clear and bright and stopped the hot irritation. I cannot speak too highly of Cuticura Remedies and I recommended them to several ladies who came out with nasty sores, and to three relatives whose babies had been troubled with rashes and crusts, and so make Cuticura known more. I think that Cuticura Remedies ought to be known well, as they would save many and heavy doctors' Dills if used in time. Mrs. F. Popkin, 74 Glencoe Avenue, Seven Kings, Ilford, Sept. 8, 1906." DISFIGURED FOR LIFE Is the Despairing Cry of Thousands 01 Skin Tortured And disfigured victims of humours, eczemas, tetters, and rashes, who have tried and found wanting the usual remedies, and who have lost faith in all. To such Cuticura Soap, Ointment, and Pills appeal with irresistible force. They are absolutely pure, sweet, gentle, v and wholesome. They afford immediate relief in the most distressing cases, and point to a speedy cure when all else fails. They may be used on the young- est infant as well as adults of every age. And lastly they are within means of all. Complete External and Internal Treatment for Every Humour of Infants, Children, and Adults consists of Cuticura Soap to Cleanse the Skin, Cuti- cura Ointment to Heal the Skin, and Cuticura Re- solvent Pills (Chocolate Coated) to Purify the blood. A Single Set often Cures. Sold throughout the world. Depots: London, 27 Charterhouse Sq.; Paris, 5 Rue de la Pal x Australia, R..Towns & Co.. Sydney; Potter Drug & Chem. Corp.. Sole Props. i as- Poet-tree. Cuticura Moolt on Skin Diseases,

PRINCE OF WALES & MR BURNS The Prince of Wales visited the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, and from his seat above the clock listened to the debate on Mr Murray Macdonald's motion. When his Royal Highness left the gallery he was escorted through the lobby by Mr John Burns, with whom the Prince had an animated conversa- tion.

Prizes worth JE20 in all will be awarded this year by the Thames Conservancy Board to iock-keepers, weirkeepers,and ferrymen for the cultivation of their gardens and the care of the locks.

Miners' Federation. EXECUTIVE AT CARDIFF. THE EIGHT-HOURS' BILL. The Executive Council of the South Wales Miners' Federation met on Monday at Cardiff., Mr W. Abraham, M.P., presided, and the attendance also included Mr W Brace, M.P. (vice-chairman), and Mr A. Onions, who, in the absence of Mr T. Richards, M.P., acted as secretary. Workmen's Compensation Act.—Mr James Winstone, Eastern Valleys District, brought before the 'Council the decision given by his Honour Judge Owen in the case of Baldwin v. the Tirpentwys Col- liery Company, his Honour holding, as in a previous case, that the plaintiffs, the relatives of a deceased workman, had no legal claim to compensation from the employers for fatal in- juries received by the deceased while travelling on a workman's train, on the ground that the injuries received did not arise out of or in course of his employment. Mr Winstone asked the executive to stake steps to appeal against tliis decision. Mr W. P. Nicholas, Pontypridd, solicitor to the Federation, who was in attend- ance, stated that he had given very careful consideration to this case, and he was strongly of opinion that an appeal would not succeed. It was resolved that this advice be acted upon. Industrial Diseases.—Mr W. P. Nicholas, solicitor, brought before the Council fornix of notice for accidents under the industrial dis- eases section of the Workmen's Compensation Act, which had been prepared by counsel, and it was decided that he be requested to send a number of copies to each district, so that the district secretaries may print and distribute them to the compensation secretaries at the various collieries. Good Fridav.A letter was read from the South Wales and Monmouthshire district of Railway Servants, asking that a deputation from their branch be allowed to attend the annual conference of the Federation, with the view of getting the miners to agree to take Good Friday as one of their Easter holidays. The Council having already considered this matter on a former occasion, it was now resolved that no good purpose could he served by a deputation appearing before the confer- ence. Sub-contracting.-H was resolved that a sufn of £100 be granted out of the central funds to Aber-dare district to help them to support the Bwllfa and Nantmelyn workmen, who are now on strike against sub-contracting. The Western District.-A deputation, con- sisting of Messrs Thomas Davies, W. R. Jones, and W. H. Davies, appeared before the Council from the Western District of Miners seeking permission for that district to be divided into three separate districts, with agents of their own, the new districts to be called Gower and Llanelly, Neath and Swansea, and the Avon Valley. It was decided that consideration of this request should be adjourned to the next meeting. Lower Deep Pit.—Mr James Manning, Blaina district, reported that on the 1st inst. notices were given to the rrfen employed by Messrs John Lancaster and Co. at Lowey Deep Pit-one of their largest collieries—ana that no reason had been assigned for taking this step. The Eight Hours Bill. A letter was received from the Newport Trades and Labour Council with regard to the Eight Hours Bill, in which they called the attention of the Council to the opposition now threatened to this Bill by various public bodies, and asked them whether it was the in- tention of the Council to take any steps with regard thereto. A long discussion ensued upon this matter, during which reference was made to a circular distributed among the workmen throughout the coalfield, but to which no names were attached,, calling upon the work- men to take steps to oppose the Bill. It was ultimately decided by the Council that the officials be requested to draft a manifesto in reply to that anonymous circular and that the names of the members of the Executive Council be attached thereto. This manifesto will be distributed among the whole of the workmen. Transfer of Members.—A statement was read giving the names of societies and Trades Unions that are now prepared to accept the Federation transfer cards, whereby the mem- bers will be allowed to pass from the Federa- tion into any of those unions without paying the entrance fee. It was resolved that the ce list be printed and sent out to the district secretaries. Day-to-Day Contracts. The 300 men engaged at the Pontlottyn pit of the Rhymnev Iron Company, whose notices terminated on Saturday, have been re-engaged on day-to-day contracts.

GLAMORGAN FINANCES. The Finance Committee of the Glamorgan County Council was held at Cardiff on Tuesday, Alderman T. J. Hughes presiding. Cost of Pauper Insane. It was reported that the total number of patients at the County Asylum was 1,728, of whom 1,389 were Glamorgan pauper patients. The committee at^ksbprteed their chairman and the chairman of the Works Sub-Committee to support the Bridgend Urban District Council in their application for a provisional order to enable that Council to acquire the Bridgend generating station of the South Wales Electri- cal Power Distribution Company. The charge for the maintenance of pauper lunatics was increased from 8s 5td to 9s Old per head per week. Financial Readjustment. The question of the proposed re-adjustment of the financial relations between the county and the city of Cardiff and the county borough of Swansea was discussed, and the Clerk (Mr Mansel Franklen) reported that be had been in communication with the town clerk of Cardiff with a view to have the matter dealt with, but this could not be done in time for that meeting. It was therefore .resolved, on the motion of Alderman T. J. Hughes, the chairman, that the facts be again stated to the Local Govern- ment Board, and that they be informed that the Cardiff Corporation had received the neces- sary information several months ago, and that they had been informed that the Finance Com- mittee met that day, and that the Local Gov- ernment Board be asked to hold an inquiry and adopt steps to make an order. Criticism Misapplied. The report of the Government District Auditor on the accounts of the county of Glamorgan was submitted. The auditor expressed himself dissatisfied with the manner in which the finances were dealt with, and pointed out that in an annual expenditure of £560.000 the total balances on all accounts reached only B2S.025 on the 31st March. On the capital account they were in- debted to the extent of £ 61,(XX), and there was upward? of E80,000 due for temporary loans, and only a balance of £4,164 remaining in the sinking fund, and this balance was not in- vested, but formed part of a. sum in the treasurer's hands. The Clerk thought that the report was rather a compliment than a reflection, for the less they had on balances the better, provided they had no overdrafts, and the way in which Mr Fisher managed the accounts was greatlv to the advantage of the ratepayers. Mr Fisher stated that the onlv time interest had to be paid was when delay occurred in the sanctioning of loans. For instance, they were now waiting for a loan of £ 42,000. The Chairman said he would like to publicly endorse what Mr Mansel Franklen had said, that they were largely indebted to Mr Fisher for the able wav in which be advised the com- mittee, and for the manner in which he ad- justed the accounts. Their total expenditure meant about a million of money a year, and he thought it was a sane policy that each year should pay for itself. It was unfair to the ratepayers that they should pay for next year's liabilities by having large balances to credit, and he could not accept the suggestion that they should increase their rates in order to have large permanent balances. Alderman H. E. Davies said that every member would endorse the chairman's views, and it was then resolved to instruct the treasurer to report on the auditor's observa- tions.

A double murder was committed on Tues- day in a street off Plymouth-grove, Manchester, Catherine Doran, wife of an innkeeper, cut the throats of her two. children, age one and a half years and one month respectively, and after- wards wounded herself to such an. extent that she cannot live. Before the tragedy nothing peculiar was noticed in her conduct.

I The HEALING VALUE, 1 in the treatment of ACHES and PAINS, I OF JttfKAN'5 !is too firmly established to need pressing. For For Rheumatism, Chronic Lumbago, Bronchitis, Sprains, Backache, Bruises, Cramp Sore Throat Chapped Hands, from Cold, Ciul'otams, Neuralgia Soreness of the from Cold, Limbs after from Cold, Limbs after Kj Cold at the Chest, exercise. I In Bottles, I Std., i/Ii, 2/9 & 4/- I ELLIMAN, mU CO., Sloagh, England, r. '0 H COCOA gf iii i i'i "is admirable, in flavour it is perfect."— p" IiTIm British Mcdical Journal. Ys/ Best & Goes Farthest. I

I Cardiff and Congo. TOWN MEETING REFUSED. I Singular Proceeding. I Since the middle of December efforts have been made to secure a town's meeting in Cardiff in order that protest might be made against the Congo atrocities. At that time a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Lord Mayor, and submit a requisition signed by over 80 of the leading citizens praying him to call a public meeting to discuss the claims of the inhabitants of the Congo Free State upon the British Government. The deputation con- sisted of the Revs. A. Henderson,W. E. Winks. J. Williamson. John Williams, E. Lightwood Smith, and Mr F. W. Brett. The Rev. John Williams, who acted as secretary, asked the Lord Mayor to grant the deputation an inter- view, but on the following day the Lord Mayor replied exceedingly regretting that he could not see his way to comply with his wishes. The rev. gentleman followed up the applica- tion for an interview with another letter on the 21st December, stating that the object of the deputation was simply to lay before him the requisition, to confer as to when and where to hold the proposed meeting, and to express a desire that the Lord Mayor would preside over the meeting. Mr Williams pointed out that the requisition was signed by 80 representative citizens, including 19 members of the Corpora- tion. the Bishop of Llandaff, six clergymen, two Roman Catholic priests, 17 Nonconformist ministers, and 12 Guardians, besides several shipowners, merchants, doctors, solicitors, and others. A reply was duly made, but nothing was done, and on the 6th of January the Rev. John Williams wrote again stating that the Lord Mayors and Mayors of Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Derby, Stafford, Nottingham, Northampton, Plymouth, Devonport, Torquay, and several other cities and towns had called meetings, and urging upon his Lordship, as the chief magistrate and the representative of the citizens of Cardiff, to act on their behalf by calling a meeting. To this communication Mr Williams received no reply, and eight days later he wrote again pressing for an early and definite answer. The Lord Mayor then asked the rev. gentleman to call upon him at the City Hall, and on the 26th of February the Lord Mayor forwarded to the Rev. John Williams a copy of a letter he had received from the Foreign Office, in which it was stated that the whole question of the future of the, Congo is receiving the careful attention of his Majesty's Government," and enclosing an extract from the King's Speech. In acknowledging the receipt the Rev. John Williams again pressed the Lord Mayor for a definite reply as to whether his Lordship pro- posed to call a public meeting. The Lord Mayor replied that having regard to the assurance of Sir Edward Grey, the signatories of the requisition would have been completely satisfied that the Government were doing everything possible to protect and safe- guard the interests and the property of the inhabitants of the Congo, and also drawing attention to the question asked in the House of Commons on the 26th of February, and the reply of the Foreign Secretary thereto. The Rev. John Williams then wrote stating that he inferred from the tenor of the Lord Mayor's letter that his Lordship did not consider it necessary and did not intend to call a town's meeting, and added that he would send the correspondence to the Press for pub- lication. The Lord Mayor Interviewed. To one of our representatives who waited upon him on Tuesday afternoon the Lord Mayor explained his attitude in this way I did not think it was wise to convene the purposed meeting when I was approached, and I do not think it for the good of the town that I should call such a meeting at the present stage. The Rev. John Williams has informed me he intends to publish the correspondence. I do not object to that course. As Lord Mayor discretionary power is given to me, and I have exercised it, tbat is all. Tlve speech pi Sir Edward Grey and the intended action of the Belgian Government convince me that it would be serving no useful purpose to hold such a meeting at this juncture."

6LAMORGAN TEACHERS. Council Meeting at Port Talbot. The annual meeting of the Central Council of the Glamorgan Federation of Teachers was held at Port Talbot on Saturday. Mr T. C. Jones, Pontyrhyl, presided. The new Educa- tion Bill was discussed, and a resolution adopted deprecating the inclusion of the con- tracting-out clause in the Bill, and suggest- ing that all Voluntary schools should be trans- ferred to the local education authorities under the same terms as it is contemplated in the Bill in the case of Voluntary schools in single school areas. Expression of opinion was given with regard to the reconstitution of the Glamorgan Educa- tion Committee, and it was considered desir- able that there should be a separate com- mittee for elementary and another for secon- dary education, and that every member of the County Council in the administrative area should be a member of the Education Com- mittee. In this way the authority would be in closer touch with the schools within the area. The following officers were re-elected :— President, Mr T. C. Jones treasurer, Mr D. H. Williams secretary, Mr J. H. Rees, Gendros.

GOOD NEWS FOR PEMBROKE DOCK. Building Orders Reoeived. The Admiralty have approved of a proposal submitted by the authorities at Pembroke Dockyard, to prepare demands and issue orders to contractors for materials, for the new un- armoured cruiser, provided for in the Navy Estimates for 1908-9, which will be an improved Boadicea, so as to ensure their delivery, and thus permit of the ship being commenced at Pembroke Dock before the armoured cruiser Defence leaves there for Devonport, in June next, to be docked and prepared for the official steam trials. This step was suggested, in order to provide work for the workmen now employed on the Defence while the trials are in progress; which, as the small unarmoured cruiser Boadicea i., the only other ship now in hand at Pembroke Dock, would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible. The Admiralty have also approved of a pro- posal to fit at Pembroke Dock the third class cruiser Medusa for calibration purposes at Bantry, the work to be taken in hand about the middle of May next. A proposal to entrust the re-boilering and refitting of torpedo boat destroyers and tor- pedo boats at Pembroke Dockyard is being considered by their Lordships.

IMPORTANT LAND AGENCY. Appointment for the Town Clerk of Carmarthen. Mr R. M. Thomas has intimated his inten- tion to tender his resignation next Friday after- noon of the town clerkship of Carmarthen. This decision has been come to in consequence of his appointment by Sir Watkin Williams- Wynn, Bart., to the stewardship or agency of the estate of Wynnstay, Ruabon. The position is estimated to be worth at least E2,000 a year. He will commence the duties of his new post three months hence. For a long period Mr Thomas has discharged with couspicuous ability the duties of town clerk and magistrates' clerk, the joint positions being worth between JMOO and sbw a year. His selection in 1906 as secretary for the Welsh Church Commission, and the capacity he has shown since for dealing with intricate matters, are testimony to his merit.,

RAILWAYMAN'S THEFTS. Inspector's Large Hauls. William Eggleston, aged 42, who had been in the service of the Great Northern Railway Co. for 28 years, and who up to December last was piatform inspector at Retford Station, pleaded guilty at the Notts Assizes on Tuesday to stealing goods to the value of zE196 whilst in transit on the company's system. His son, William Pitcher, aged 21, had been indicted for receiving many of the articles, but the jury acquitted him, adopting the view which was put forward by the defence that he had ac- cepted the goods as presents from his father, believing him to have honestly come by them. It was stated that articles which had been stolen bad been traced to the value of £1,500, and that many other things missing had not been discovered, but the prisoner denied taking anything like so large a quantity. It was proved by the police that the accused had been systematically disposing of the articles in London and elsewhere. Sentence was post- poned.

An inn at Alnwick is believed to he the smallest in existence. It consists of two rooms, separated by a wooden partition, and measur- ing together 16ft. by 12ft.

Illustrated Humour. The Mighty Thirst. Can any little boy," asked the new teacher, tell me the difference between a lake and an ocean ?" I can," replied Edward, whose vision had been learned from experience. Lakes are much pleasanter to swallow when you fall in." Were Either Happy. ( Jim, the Mendicant: So 'elp me, sir, for three days I ain't 'ad a meal nor 'card a kind word. James, the Magnate You're lucky. I've been to three City banquets and listened to 24 complimentary speeches. Sized Up. Stout Gent: What will you want to take me to the station, cabby ? Cabby (with respect for his springs): A lorry, sir Dumb Show. She (watching clergyman on the golf links) There's one thing I admire about about the Rev Mr Holdfortb. He always says what he means. < He Oh no, he doesn't. When he misses the ball he generally just grits his teeth Correct. A teacher in a public school asked the chil- dren to define the word advice." Advice." said a little girl, is when other people want to do the way they do." Spotting Talent. Well, sir," said the old gentleman indig- nantly, what are you doing round here again ? I thought that delicate hint I gave you with my boot just as you left the front door last night would give you to understand that I don't like/ you—won't have you coming here." It did," said the young man, who was after the daughter, as a look of mingled pain and admiration came over his face. But I thought I would come and ask you Ask me what ?" If you wouldn't like to join our football club." SmaJ) Wonder. I brought home a friend to dinner last night, and there was an awful row." Didn't you notify your wife ?" Ob, yes, but she forgot to notify the cook." Thunder and Lightning. Why, what's the matter ?" I have just had one of those lightning lunches." •« Well ?" Now I've thunderin' pains." Heredity. The baby was learning to walk. B'ess its 'ittJe heart exclaimed the fond mother. It waddles dess like its big fat papa, doesn't it?" Couldn't Be. Ha ha ha ranted Hi Tragerdy, in the dungeon scene. I'm mad, mad, mad." "Ibet," yelled a voice from the gallery, you ain't near as mad as us fellers that paid to rrit in." The Reason. What do you wear green spectacles for, boy ?" 'Cos I puts such a shiny shine on gent's boots it hurts my eyes." A Wise Daddy. Young Aspirant Sir, may I count on your supporting me ? Practical Citizen: That depends, young man. Are you going to run tor office or do you want to marry my daughter ? ) His Nickname. What is that nickname you have given your boy ?" Flyin' Machine," answered Farmer Corn tossel, You see, he's mighty interestin' and promisin', but he won't work."

@IN.J I j I Forcing Cauliflowers in Spring. The excellent Cauliflowers grown under glasS».; seen at the Temple Show and earlier in the- year, are examples of vegetables that aro scarce and of much value at that season. As the Cauliflower can be cultivated at a small; cost in regard to space and labour, it should, be more commonly grown, says a writer in the Gardeners' Chronicle." Gardeners who rely upon plants raised in the early autumn may experience serious losses by frost; and in order to make these good they should sow seeds of a variety that forces well and is of rapid growth. The seeds should be sown from the, end of January onwards. In some private; gardens a warm-house is not always available. but a cold frame is usually to be found, or hand-glassses or cloches," under which the! seeds may be sown at an early date, and the resulting plants will provide heads some weeks in advance of those from the first sowing madac in the open on a south border. As regards the- varieties and the method of cultivation, much.; will depend upon the number required and theo, means available for forcing them. It is sur- prising how well certain sorts of Cauliflower can be grown in quite small pots from seed sown at this season. J,have been enabled to cut nice serviceable heads three months after sowing the seed, grown in 6-inch pots, placed in cold frames. They also do well if planted out in rich soil in frames when just larger enough to be handled but in this case they require more care in affording air, being liable to attacks of mildew, which may likewise occur on plants in pots. Dusting with flowers of sulphur occasionally will sometimes destroy this pest. Nitrogen for Plants. Plants may absorb their nitrogenous food in two ways, either by means of their leaves from the free nitrogen of the air, or from the ammonia gas or the nitric acid, by means of their roots,from the stores within the soil. With regard to the first of these, the absorption of free nitrogen by means of the leaf, the ques- tion cannot, perhaps, be said to be definitely j settled even yet, though the general trend of scientific opinion is to the effect that no such absorption and direct utilisation by the green plant takes place. With regard to the second = of these problems, the assimilation of plant- food from the soil, it is kno wn that plants ob- tain their nitrogen almost entirely in the form of nitrates dissolved in the water of the soil, o These nitrates, as they are formed by the soil- germs, combine either with lime to make nitrate of lime, or with potash to make nitrate of potash, when they become easily available plant-foods, and can be taken up by plant- roots as required. Soda, to some extent, may take the place of potash or lime. The Rothamsted experiments show that when nitrate of soda is used as the source of nitrogen supply, an application of potash is not al ways necessary, but when sulphate of ammonia is used as the source of nitrogen supply, then potash must also be supplied, and at frequent intervals a dressing of lime also. The Flower Garden. The old Dahlia tubers should no w be place& in a temperature of 55deg. in a position near to the glass and should be lightly covered with soil. An occasional syringing with clear water will induce the formation of sturdv shoots suit- able for cuttings. These should be detached with a sharp knife, and be inserted singly in small pots filled with sandy soil. They will soon form T>oots, after which they should be gradually hardened. If the ground in which Dahlias are intended to be grown has not been already prepared, it should be well dug and freely manured, throwing the soil up roughly with the spade during the process. Seeds of AbutiJons raised from cuttings, inserted about September, and that are now well established in 6-inch pots, will furnish fine specimens for planting out about June. Fuschias intended for summer-bedding purposes may be trained either as dwarf, bush, or standard plants. They should now be removed from their winter quar- ters into a warmer structure, and as soon as they break into leaf they should be cut backj have the old soil shaken from their roots, and be re-potted in a mixture of rich sandy IOanJ and leaf-soil. The Mixed Border. Now that the positions of bulbs and most other plants that have been resting beneath the ground can be seen, the mixed border may be carefully pricked over with the fork, but standing on it should not be allowed, for gar- deners' boots are large, and the available space is small. In any case ground which cannot be dug afterwards should never be trodden on when wet. An old hot-bed in a crumbling condition makes the best top dressing. Failing that, spent hops may be used for the purpose. It soot be added, it will reduce the number of slugs, an important point, because it is just as the plants are starting into growth that tht- most damage is done to them. The black colour is, of course,objectionble, but it will dis- appear after the first shower. Soot is a valu- able fertiliser, not bcause it is itself a manure -that it cannot be, as it is quite insoluble— but because it acts as a carrier of manure it, the form of ammoniacal gases which it absorbs; It is probably on /acccount of these gases that slugs and insects keep away from it when it ift fresh. A sprinkling of fresh lime may alstt be used to protect young plants just starting. It was proved by Misa Ormerod that lime does not kill slugs, merely causing them to change their coats when it falls on them but as this is a performance which they do not seem to care for it has its value in keeping them at a distance. Spinach. Make a good sowing on a south border i» drills 14in apart, on ground which has heel, deeply tilled and well manured. So important is this crop in most households that a smaR sowing should be made about once a fortnight in various parts of the garden. Splendid early crops may be obtained by sowing now on < very mild hot-bed in frames. The Carter and Victoria Round are both splendid varieties fo)- affording early crops. Preparing Vegetable Ground. The weather is seasonable for getting into condition the vacant ground intended to b6: cropped with garden vegetables. If heavy rain should come, and the ground become wet, the soil must be left alone. More harm than good results from working it in that con- dition. But with open conditions everything is to be gained by getting the land dug over and reduced to the fine, friable condition so advantageous for seed-sowing. During the next four to six weeks the seeds of most veget- ables in ordinary use will need to be sownv Preparation of the ground in advance spella success. The strong soils, roughly dug and duly manured in autumn, have been seasoned by frost, and now break down easily under the work of the fork. Light, sandy lands, left un« worked in autumn, as is the wise pulicy, will now require thoroughly! working. They should be deeply dug and generously manurecb They cannot easily be over-stocked with fer- tility for vegetable crops, providing the manure is put into the lower layers, or, as it is calledi, the second spit. This holds good for almost all crops. The plants do not require to find the manure in the upper soil, where their first root growth is made. It is worse than useless there -it is harmful. But later, when the roots are in full vigour of growth, they will go down to the stores of rich plant food below with hearty appreciation.

SLEEPING IN A TRAIN. A curious legal action has just been brought by a passenger by theParis-Lyon-Mediterranee Railway who, having taken a ticket from Marseilles to Lyons, fell asleep during th. journey and was carried on as far as Tre- voux, a station about 20 miles north of hia destination. He claimed JMO damages from, the railway company on the ground that it. was the business of the company to carry a, passenger to the station indicated on his ticket and to take proper measures to ensure his getting out on the arrival of the train all that station. He also claimed the price of the, ticket which he was compelled to take at Tr& voux in order to return to Lyons. The Court dismissed the suit

LAD-Y-GAGGED: Arthur Leslie Delamere, of Albany-strecti Regent's Park, who is under arrest in connec* tion with the Croydon gagging case, appeared at the Guildford Assizes Monday. Delamere, it is alleged, gained admittance tA the house of Mr William Savery, of St. John's* grove, Croydon, with another man not in cus. tody, under the pretence that they were detect tives. The two men threw Mrs Savery to th," floor, it is stated, hound her hand and foot* and gagged her with a towel, and then varr sacked the house, stealintr jewellery and othflf articles to the value of £ 65. j Adjourned until the July Assizes.