The Cardiff Times

Motor Racing Fatality r ROYALTY AS OBSERVERS. Car Leaps Into a Crowd. Cairo, Wednesday.—During the second race of the automobile meeting at Heliopolis yester- day (as briefly reported in Wednesday s Echo ")the Braizier car, which was m front, was coming round the ugly corner leading into the straight at about 60 miles an hour, when It swerved, and a cushion became detached, tail- ing on the track. just before the grand stand wasreached- A policeman who was behind the ropes guard- ing the course unfortunately received an order to pick up the cushion. While he was in the act of doing so a De Dion car came round the bend at an enormous speed, and though the chauffeur tried to avoid a collision he caught the policeman, who was hurled several yards and ,killed. The effect of theshodk was sufficient to cause a deviation in the direction the car was taking, causing it to leap into the crowd near the side of the grand stand. The chauffeur was hurled to the ground, but was only slightly injured. Another policeman and a fireman were killed. Fourteen injured were carried without delay to the adjacent Military Hospital- Immediatel ihe accident occurred, Major Jarvis, of the police, seized a white flag, and rushing to the corner, succeeded m stopping the other cars which were arriving, thus pre- venting further mishap. No blame attaches to the chauffeur of the De Dion car, but it is generally thought the course was unfitted for race cars going at a Pace of 60 miles an hour when it is considered that the course turns into the straight at almost a right angle just before the grand stand is reached. • The meeting during which the accident occurred was the first that had been held in the district, and the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and the Khedive were present. Their Royal Highnesses left the course imme- diatelv after the catastrophe.—Reuter. Cairo (Later).—The correct list of casualties in the motor-car catastrophe was one native Policeman and two Europeans killed, and live Europeans and nine Egyptians badly injured. One thousand pounds have already been sub- scribed in aid of the families of the victims. Reuter. (

SUFFRAGETTE METHODS. CARDIFF LADY'S REPUDIATION. Speech by Mrs Evans (Eglwysbach). Speaking at a meeting in connection with the British Women's Temperance Association at Pontypool on Thursday afternoon, Mrs J. Evans (Eglwysbach), Cardiff, £ aid she did not want the lady members of her audience to be suffragettes, although she herself-was generally regarded as one. This was not so, however, for she believed they had done more harm than anyone else in the cause of women s suffrage. Women would have had the vote from this new reform Parliament but for the methods of the suffragettes. Women certainly wanted the power to say who should represent them, and it was glorious to know that two- thirds of the members of this House of Com- mons had voted for them in spite of the hideous conduct of those people who did not represent the women of the nation. Such women they wished to keep out of Parlia- ment, for they had not yet learned to govern themselves, and how could they hope to govern the country ?

MINERS BURIED ALIVE. Paris, Wednesday.—A despatch from Crecy en Pohthieu, published by thtt" Matin," gives details of a fatal accident which has taken place at a phosphate mine. Three men, named Ledoux, Lor^-e-Regnault, and Gaston, were buried by a heavy fall of earth. Miners toiled for 12 hours to pierce a passage from another working, and at the expiration of tha.t time hea.rd the voice of Ledoux, who was rescued. When the fall occurred he was a little behind his comrades, and to that fact owes his life. The two others were killed.—Central News.

RUN OVER BY MOTOR-CAR. Little Percy Kelly, 16, Brecon-street, was on Wednesday run over in Cowbridge-road Cardiff, by a motor-car belonging to Mr O. Adams, of Port Talbot. He was immediately conveyed to Dr. Cownie's surgery, and found to be badly bruised and injured about the s»ead and legs.

DEAD MINERS FOUND Lying on Their Faces. THE HAMSTEAD DISASTER. On Wednesday the rescue party who had been exploring the Hamstead mine for some hours came across the bodies of thirteen men. The circumstance. of the discovery were narrated in the following official statement issued shortly afterwards A rescue party, consisting of three dragger- men and Mr. Wright and one wedge man, each e with bearers and carrying apparatus and ac- companied by Mr H. R. Makepeace, Inspector of Mines Mr A. M. Renshaw, Talk of the Hill Cotliery and Mr Rose, of Hamstead, descen- ded to-day at 11 o'clock and proceeded to the point 1,200 yards from the pit bdttom which had been reachedi by the previous party. Here the apparatus was worn, and the bearers being left behind the party proceeded to explore a large portion of the north work- ings. In the course of the search, which was ltamstead Colliery the Two Shafts. __d 7 ,_u impeded by several falls of the roof, they dis- covered a group of eleven men lying side by side on their faces on the ground, none of them showing any signs of struggling, and they appeared to have passed away peacefully. Two other men were found lying by them- selves in the same peaceful attitude. They also found 20 or 30 horses all dead. It is feared that there cannot be any hope of finding any of the remaining men alive. The news of the discovery spread like wildfire, and the crowd grew to tremendous proportions. The news was not broken to the relatives of the miners who occupied the engine house. I A rescue party which had been down since half-past 6 came up at 10 o'clock. They stated that thev had found another body, making 14 in all. Nothing has been allowed to transpire as to the 12 other men. Experts again descended the pit to-day and coffins were sent down in which the 14 bodies already found will be placed before they are brought to the bank, but this it is stated will not be until midnight when the crowds have cleared away. Owing to the ravages of decomposition, the bodies are unrecognisable, and can only be identified by their clothing. KING'S DONATION. A message of condolence with the bereaved families has been received from the King. The telegram, which was read by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham yesterday at a meeting con- vened by his Lordship to consider the question of relieving the distress occasioned by the disaster, was as follows The King is grieved to learn that the gal- lant and ceaseless efforts of successive rescue parties have up to now been unable to save the lives of the entombed miners in the Hamstead Colliery. His Majesty is deeply moved at the lamentable disaster, and wishes you to convey his deepes t sympathy with the wives and families of those who have lost their lives under such exceptionally sad circumstances. His Majesty sends warm appreciation to all those who organised and assisted so ably and unselfishly in the rescue work. On Thursday afternoon the Lord Mayor of Birmingham received another telegram from Buckingham Palace:— To the Lord Mayor of Birmingham.-By command of the King I am sending you a cheque for 150 guineas as a donation from his Majesty towards the fund you are raising on behalf of the sufferers from the sad colliery disaster at Hamstead.—Dighton Probyn, Keeper of his Majesty's privy purse." Most of those found have now been placed in coffins. The inquest has not yet been fixed, but the initial proceedings will only be formal, and it is expected the inquiry will be adjourned to the 25th inst. If more bodies are discovered to-(LW the inquest piay be opened to-night or to-morrow, as an early burial will be compulsory. None of the coffins will be moved to the men's boniest but funerals will take place simultaneously, probably on Sunday. None of the bodies has yet been brought to the surface, and searchers are still exploring. It is hoped the remaining bodies may be found very shortly. Dying Message of Entombed Miners. The gloom of the Hamstead mining disaster was deepened on Thursday by the dis- covery of six more bodies, which, up to the hour at which they were found-between 5 and 6 o'clock—made the total death-roll 20. It was the saddest day of all the weary week of wait- ing. Death had apparently come in a mote ter- rible form to the men whose fate was now re- vealed. Their comrades in the opposite workings, when they fell on their faces in the vain hope that the gaseous fumes might pass overhead and leave them to breathe a purer air, prob- ably never realised what was happening to them. It was otherwise on the southern side, where life did not at once become unsustainable. How long the unhappy men suffered will never be known, but, as the temperature of the burn ing mine would rise with great rapidity, it is not too much to hope that even in their case the time which passed before they lasped into unconsciousness was mercifully curtailed. It is clear, however, that they lived long enough to know their doom, and to leave a message, roughly scrawled in chalk on a door, which must ever rank as one of the most mov- ing in all the pitiful history of mining disasters. In this bitter hour, cut off from all escape, and with death creeping on relentlessly along the dim and narrow,roads, the six miners wrote :— THE LORD PRESERVE US," and then, after the names, came the assurance that they were -1 ALL TRUSTING IN CHRIST." The door which was to preserve their prayer for the eyes of the loved ones in the homes they were never again to see, was by the side of the men, who were lying in a peaceful posture, as though there had been no struggl- ing before the end. "-Sed Be With You." The Yorkshire rescue party left for home yesterday. Students from Hands worth Wes- leyan Training College saw them off, and be- fore the train started all joined in siting God be with you till we meet again."

PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY. The present accounts and valuation report of the Prudential Assurance Company are especi- ally interesting. Though the influence of new developments introduced will increasingly extend with the "duration of the company it is already partly reflected in the figures of 1907. The large number of polices for £ 50 and £ 100 which are issued in the ordinary branch is apt to lead to the impression that they confine themselves to business of a small character. It mav therefore not be superfluous to point out that they issue more policies for larger amounts than many companies wnich confine themselves to this class of business. Thus in 1907 the sums assured by new policies for £1,000 and upwards issued during the year amounted to 317,OOC, while they issued alto- gether 3,127 policies of JE250 and upwards assuring no less than £ 1,376,750. The bonus in the ordinarv branch was declared at 32s for every £ 100 assured, and in the industrial branch under the new profit sharing scheme all policies of over five years duration which be- come claims during the year, whether by death or by maturity of endowment, will become entitled to an addition of 5 per cent. to the sum aSTbe'industrial premiums received during 1907 show an increase ojer these of the previous "ear of £ 162,603, and amount to £ 6,661,631. The corresponding increase m the Ordinary branch is £ 189,406, raising the premium revenue to £ 4,480,378, while the aggregate assets exceed those of 1906 by no less #ML19 276 and attain the immense proportions "V'rcc'oofi 284 The total number of policies in wewith the company in both branches ia 18 300 000, assuring £ 269,000,000, and pro- 'an annual premium income of 450 000, whilst the funds of the company SfS to £ 68,000,000, and yield an annual in- fest of £ 2,172,000, which works out at £ 4 3s 6d Per cent. The company distnbut^ amnngst theiToutdoor staff the large sum of £ 35,000 last The year 1907 was a record one for the Cu> Wdi Messrs J- Morcom, J-P-, 1- »• Thomas G Roblin, J. Stanfleld, R. S. Stan- ScTg. Wyatt, J. March, J. Hailes. and G- BOOA, contributed largely to make up the great increase of this company-

NEWPORT ANB THE ASSIZES. Vta meeting of Blackwood Chamber of T^e on Wedngcsd»y » J: T^irlinc it was decided to ask the rederatea SSmbeS to rtpport the, to Newport A 3^J0b3!S* fifbSSi.ag* I hold their next show in sePtember at Black- hold their next show in September at Black- wood.

RUIN FOR BURTON." Remarkable Town's Meeting. At Burton-on-Trent on Saturday afternoon a town's meeting called by the Mayor, Council- lor Trevise, was held in the Town Hall to pro- test against the licensing proposals of the Government. The hall seats considerably over 1,000 persons, and aU available space was occu- pied. The Mayor, one of the leaders of the local Liberal party, presided, and Lord Burton, Colonel Ratcliff, M.P., Colonel Gretton, M.P., and other leading brewers were on the plat- form, while the audience included several minis- ters of religion, and was representative of every commercial and professional interest of /the borough. The Mayor, in the course of his speech, said if they were emphatic in carrying their resolu- tions be had faith as a Liberal that the Govern- ment would lend an attentive ear. The Bill lacked the principle of Liberalism and was a political mistake. (Cheers.) They wanted to drive that home to the Government by argu- ment, not by threats or unduly strong langu- age, and they proposed making their protest in a truly honourable manner. (Loud cheers.) Lord Burton said many men had gradually been compelled to leave the Liberal party be- cause the Liberal party would not let them alone. The interests of self-preservation, which were intensified by the Bill which they were discussing had compelled them to take that political line very reluctantly. He called the Bill one of flagrant national dishonesty. If it was desirable to reduce the num- ber of houses—and he for one doubted if the number was anything to do with the amount of drunkenness—let the nation pay for it like men. (Cheers.) Don't let them come down with a sham scheme of compensation and a sham term of years for which the licences were to continue, but let them come down at once and say that they thought a great reduction was required, and they were prepared to pay for it out of the national funds. The most important matter to him was what would be the effect on the trade of Burton and other towns connected with the brewing trade. To Burton and these towns it would be absolutely ruin. Their trade was already languishing, and it would become smaller by degrees and beautifully less. (Laugh- ter. ) The Vicar of Burton, Rev. H. B. Freeman, denounced the injustice of the proposed measure, and suggested that its promoters had neglected to learn the lesson of the much abused Church Catechism regarding their duty to their neighbour. In the words of Bishop Westcott legislation would never work moral reformation. Resolutions were unanimously carried con- demning the Bill.

MASS MEETING IN LONDON. A mass meeting of the trade," to protest against the tyrannous and confiscatory pro- visions of the Government Licensing Bill was held on Monday afternoon at Queen's Hall, London. The huge building was crowded, and several thousands who filled the surrounding thoroughfares were unable to get in. Great enthusiasm prevailed, and during the assem- bling cheers were given for Mr Balfour and groans for the Bill. Alderman Edward John- son, chairman of the Central Board, presided. Lord Burton wrote hoping there would be no talk of compromise. Resolutions were carried claiming recognition of the rights of property, describing the Bill as an unwarrantable inter- ference with the convenience of the public, and as harsh, oppressive, and unjust, and could find no warrant in the conditions upon which it was attempted to be justified. The resolu- tions will be sent to all members of both Houses of Parliament. THE BILL AND CLUBS. The Council of the Working Men's Club and Institute Union met in London on Saturday to discuss the proposals regarding clubs con- tained in the Licensing Bill, and decided to issue a manifesto condemnatory of the measure, which says :— After due consideration of such proposals the Council has no hesitation, or from the point of view of real temperance or the con- tinuation of club life no alternative, but to call upon its clubs to organise the most active possible opposition to these proposals. In the opinion of the Council the very life of clubs is threatened. Clubs are, therefore, urged to cast aside politics and to support the Union in the effort it will make for the salva- tion of the clubs, and the defeat of the pro- posals at present made. Further and more drastic and penal proposals are said to be con- templated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer." An Omnibus Resolution. The Allied Brewery Trades Association held a meeting on Monday at the Cannon-street Hotel, London, which was attended by 500 representatives of firms, and the following resolution was carried unanimously :—" That tJûsmeeting is of opinion that the passing intp law of Mr Asquith's Bill must of necessity prove as calamitous, if not ruinous, to the allied trades as to the parent brewing industry upon which the trades are dependent. These trades comprise accountants and valuers, analysts, architects, barley, malt, and corn factors, builders, dealers, bottle manufacturers, coal merchants, coopers, vat, stove, and timber merchants, cask merchants, distillers, rectifiers, blenders, engineers, coppersmiths, hop mer- chants and factors, maltsters, manufacturers of sugar, flaked malts, caramel, etc., mineral water manufacturers, pottery makers, printers, scientific instrument makers, shippers, lightermen, wine merchants, blacksmiths, cartage contractors, indiarubber manufacturers, ironfounders, makers of boxes, crates, etc. This meeting, therefore, pledges itself to oppose by all means in its power the iniquitous and confiscatory measure now before Parliament." The Parsons and the Trade. When the reverend gentleman sat down the audience shouted for him to continue. In response to loud cries of encore he read again the resolution, which was then put and carried unanimously." We quote from the Daily Telegraph's report of the great anti- Licensing Bill demonstration at Burton. The reverend gentleman is the Rev. H. B. Free- man, the vicar of Burton, and the speech which was encored contained the following pas- sage :— Referring to clubs, the vicar of Burton asked, was it fair that Dives in his club might play for the highest stakes and drink his fifteenth whisky-and-soda—he had reason to believe those statistics were not out of the way —(laughter)—while poor, despised Lazarus in his public-house was moved off just as he got comfortable, and was not allowed to play dominoes with his friends ? (Laughter and cheers)." Comment is unnecessary, but the passage may be put on record as a curiosity of clerical oratory. We are glad to think that the bishops and clergy as a whole are not quite so im- pressed as this reverend gentleman with the iniquity of moving Lazarus from his public- house just as he got comfortable."—" West- "minster Gazette."

"NO COMPROMISE." A meeting of the General Committee of the National Trade Defence Association, represent- ing all sections of the licensed trsSfte, was held at Westminster on Tuesday, Mr F. P. Whit- bread presiding. The committee unanimously agreed that it would serve no useful purpose to request the Chancellor of the Exchequer to receive a deputation,1 as no compromise was possible. The committee also decided that an active campaign should at once be started in. the constituencies represented by members, whose names are on the back of the Bill, and who spoke in favour of the Bill on its intro- duction, and also in constituencies represented by members who vote for the second reading of the Bill. LOCAL RESOLUTIONS. J During the service at the Tredegarville Bap- tist Church, Cardiff, on Sunday night the preacher for the day, the ReV. J. E. Barton, submitted to a full congregation, at the request of the officers of the church, the following reso- lution :— This meeting of the members of Tredegar- ville Baptist Church, together with congrega- tion assembled, rejoices at the fact that the Government has introduced a broad measure of licensing reform, and expresses the earnest hope that both Houses of Parliament will agree to pass it into law. This meeting further assures the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Government of ita whole-hearted and unanimous support. The resolution was unanimously adopted, the congregation giving its assent by standing up. At a largely attended meeting of the execu- tive committee of the Cardiff and District Temperance and Band of Hope Union, Mr Fred W. Brett presiding, a resolution was unanimously carried heartily thanking the Government for the introduction of the Licensing Bill, regarding it as a comprehensive measure of social reform, and welcoming the special provisions relating to Wales and Mon- mouthshire- It was decided to immediately call together tho representatives of the churches, and temperance and philanthropic societies of the city to discuss and arrange an effective agitation in favour of the Bill. At the Salem Welsh C.M. Chapel, Canton, oh Sunday night the following resolution in sap- port of the Licensing Bill, proposed by Mr William Richards, senior deacon, seconded by Mr Gwilym Hughes, secretary of the church, and supported by Mrs Job John, was unani- mously adopted :— Fod yr eglwys hon vn dymuno datgan ei llawenydd fod y Llywodraeth wedi cyflwvno i'r Senedd y fath fesur rhagorol i reoli y fas- na.ch mown diodydd meddwl; ac yn mawr werthfawrogi y darpariadau i leihau nifer y tafarndai, i amddiffyn y plant, i gau y tafarn- dai ar y Sabboth yn Sir Fynwy, i roddi ha.wl i bobl Cymru a Sir Fynwy i reoli y fasnach o fewn eu gwlad, ac I gwlogi oriau gwerthu y ddiod ar y Sul yn Lloegr ein bod yn cyfiwyno ein diolchgarwch diffuant i'r Prifweinidog, i Mr Asquith, ac i'r Weinyddiaeth am yr ymdrech clodwiw hwn yn erbyn teyrnas y tywyllwch, ac yn addaw gwneuthur yr oil yn-ein gallu i hyrwyddo pasiad y mesur. Fod copi o'r pendcr- fyniad hwn i'w anfon i'r Prifweinidog, i Mr Asquith, ac i'r aelod Seneddol dros Gaerdydd, yr Anrh. Ifor Guest, A.S." In all probability a similar resolution will be passed by all the Welsh churches in South Wales. .v.- I

A LLANELLY NONAGENARIAN. Mr Richard Smith. A Llanelly nonagenarian, Mr Richard Smith, of 1, Swan-street, passed away somewhat sud- denly on Tuesday night. The deceased gentle- man, who was 94 years of age, was preparing to go to the Royalty Theatre when he was taken ill, and died shortly afterwards. Mr Smith, who was of a retiring disposition and Mr RICHARD SMITH. Llanelly, Aged 94 Years. (Photo, by McLucas and Co.) highly respected, was a native of Berwick-on- Tweed, and came to reside at Llanelly in 1887. His wife, who was a native of Llanstephan, predeceased him by 21 years. Mr Smith lived in retirement at Llanelly, having reached the age limit in the Custom House service. He enjoyed fairly good health, and his faculties were unimpaired. He leaves three sons and three daughters. »

FOUNDER OF N.S.P.C.C. The death of the Rev. Benjamin Waugh occurred at Westeliff-on-Sea on Wednesday. The rev. gentleman, who was the founder of the N.S.P.C.G., of which lie was consulting direc- tor, had been in failing health for some time, and his death, which took place in the pre- sence of members of his family-, was not wholly unexpected. Deceased, who was aged 69. was a native of Skipton. Yorkshire. During his connection with the children's society he fre- quently addressed mpptings in Cardiff and South Wales. The Children's Friend. Mr Waugh was educated at Airedale Col- lege, Bradford, and in 1865 joined the Con- gregational ministry, retiring from active pastorate in 1887. He was a member of the London School Board from 1870 to 1876, and in 1884 promoted the N.S.P-C-C-, in connection with whose operations on behalf of countless little ones his name will ever be borne in grate- ful remembrance. In 1905 deceased resigned the directorship of the society, and became consulting director. Deceased gentleman first visited Cardiff in 1888, when the Cardiff committee of the N.S.P.C.C. was formed. This was the first provincial committee of a#j[ organisation which was then known as the L6adon Society for the Prevention of Crueltv to'Children, but which 18 months later became the National Society. MR T. J. MASTERS, LLANTRISANT. We regret to announce the death yesterday of Mr T. J. Masters, of Lanelay Hall, Llantrisant. The deceased gentleman, who was 59 years of age, was head of the well-known firm of clothiers which has 29 branches in the leading towns of South Wales and the West of England. A man of restless energy and great business ability. Mr Masters had in a compara- tively few years built up an enormous busi- ness, for, in addition to the firm referred to, he was the proprietor of the Cardiff Naviga- tion Colliery at Llantrisant a nd part proprietor of the Meiros Colliery, near Llantrisant. He had been connected with Cardiff for the greater part of his life, and married a Miss Jones, daughter of the late Mr Bassett Jones, Cardiff, by whom he had a large family. The widow, two sons, and six daughters sur- vive him.' Of his sons> the eldest, MrvGodfrey Masters, is in the Horse Artillery, and is at present home from India On leave. His younger son, Mr Arthur Masters, is engaged in the business. Of the daughters, one married Mr Clement Morel. Despite his commercial abilities and strong character, Mr Masters was of a very retiring disposition, and was never so happy as when at home surrounded by the members of his own family. In his business, as well as in his domestic life, his kindly nature and his scrupu- lous straightfordwardness endeared him to aJI with whom he came in contact. He had suffered for some time from his heart, but had only been confined to the house for a few days, and the end came with un- expected suddenness. Mr Wm. Harris, F.R.Q.S., Cardiff. The sudden death is announced of Mr Wm. Harris, F.R.G.S., of 21, Llanbleddian-gardens, Cardiff (late of Dowlsis), which took place on the 11th inst. Mr Harris In past years was Vice and Deputy-American Consul during the time that the Hon. Anthony Howells and also the late Mr D. T. phillips held office at the American Consulate at Cardiff. He resigned the position to represent the Carbon Slate Co., Slatington, U.S.A. Deep sympathy is gener- ally felt with Mrs Harris and her six children by a very large circle of friends. Mr Harris was also well-known lD musical and other circles in Dowlais. He had lived at Cardiff for the last 12 years. The funeral will take place on Monday, the service being held at the Woodville-road English Chapel, of which deceased had been for many years a deacon. Mrs Harris is a sister of Mr D, W. Evans, solicitor, Cardiff. Miss Martha Williams, Aberdare. Miss Martha Williams, head mistress of the Town Girls' National School, Aberdare, died on Saturday after a somewhat lingering ill- ness at her residence, Bute Villa, Aberdare. The deceased lady came to Aberdare in 1861 on her brother being appointed head master of the Town National School, and soon after she was appointed head filistreas of the girls' de- partment, in which capacity she has served for the past 45 years. Her brother died not two years ago. An Essex NowsPsoer Proprietor. The death occurred on Sunday afternoon in his 60th year of Mr Thomas Thompson, editor and part proprietor of The Essex County Chronicle series of newspapers, at his resid- ence, Granville House, Chelmsfordr4 Mr Ephralm Wilharns, greengrocer and fruiterer, one of Cardiff s oldest trademen, died at his residence, Bridge-street, on Wednesday after a long illness, deceased was one of the promoters of the Nazareth House assault- at-arms. --=-=

GAS EXPLOSION AT CARBIFF. Householder Badly Burned. A very serious gill. rxplosion occurred last night at No. 1, hurley-road, Cardiff, occupied by Mr J- Herbert McKiever. The house had been shut up all day, and when Mr McKiever returned home shortly before 7 o'clock he noticed a of gas in the kitchen. He thereupon opened e kitchpn door, and a few minutes afterwards-too soon evidently to allow the gas to ,cr^, from the room—he struck a match to hght the gas. There was immediately an explosion, and Mr McKiever was severely burned about the hands and face. The report quickly ^F°SSht neighbours upon the scene, and Mr McKiever was taken into the house of Mr Kedziie, who lives opposite, Mr L. Harper, of Mate^mg-road, at once tele- phoned for the fire brigade, and in the mean* time the neighbours and oolioe set about extin- guishing the fire which was caused. The kitchen was almost wrecked. The back door leading into the garden was blown out, and several panels in the scullery door were broken. The windows were smashed and the ceiling badly damaged- The flames had pene- trated and set fire to the bed in the back room of the storey above, while clothing in the "kitchen and the window hangings were ablaze. The bedding was promptly thrown through the window into the yard, and by the time the brigade arrived the fire had practically been extinguished.

SUGAR AND SPICE.—The old nursery rhyme tells that these are the two things which little girls are made of. Now although girls are not made of sugar, yet if they did not eat sugar in some form they would presently cease te be ClIls. Currants are over two- thirds their weight natural sugar, ready for digestion, and are therefore one of Natare's beat and cheapest foods. Girls and boys should eat-Cunattta every day to besteeog and healthy.

Fifty Years Ago. "CARDIFF TIMES" EXTRACTS. (From the issue of March 13th, 1868). Grand National Winner. The Grand National Steeplechase, which was postponed on Wednesday week owing to the severity of the weather, came off at Am tree, near Liverpool, on Saturday last. The result was telegraphed to Cardiff in the course of the evening, for Little Charley, belonging to Henry Lewis,TEsq., of Greenmeadow, High Sheriff of the county, was the winner. A vast sum has been lost and won on the event. Little Charley, who was entered in Mr Capel's name, was opposed at 100 to 6, but notwithstanding his Welsh admirers looked forward to his triumph, and now many well-filled purses re- ward their reliance on his steady paces." Famous Mansion. Destroyed. On Sunday morning at Wynnstay, near Wrexham, the princely mansion of Sir W tvtkin Williams-Wynn, Bart., M.P., was burnt to the ground, and the inmates barely escaped with their lives Very many valuable paint- ings were lost, including one by Vandyke, another by Schneide, the portrait of Williams by Mcmgs, so much admired at the Manchester Exhibition, and a number of family pictures indeed, only about four of the family pictures, by Sir Joshua Reynolds and Davie, have been saved. Fortunately the valuable collection of pictures by early masters, many of which were at the Manchester Exhibition, had not yet been brought down from London.. The celebrated painting Wynnstay Hunt' was among the saved. It is estimated that the total loss will not be less than £100,000 taking into account the valuable paintings, furniture; and jewellery, not an article of which was insured, although it is stated Sir Wiitkyn Wynn is the chairman of a Welsh insurance company." The then head of this famous Welsh family was the uncle and father-in-law of the present baronet, who succeeded him in 1885. The Wynnstay which was burnt down was not a very ancient building, the first portion hav- ing been designed by the great Inigo Jones in the reign of Charles I., but very large additions had been made from time to time, and occupying as it did an unrivalled posi- tion it presented a very stately appearance. Earl of Glamergan. The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint the Most Noble Henry Chas. Fitz-Roy Duke of Beaufort to be her Majesty's Master of the Horse in the room of the Most Noble Arthur Richard, Duke of Wellington, resigned. This was the eighth Duke, father of the present holder of the title and lord-lieutenant of Monmouthshire. Amongst the Duke's numerous titles are Earl of Glamorgan, Baron Herbert of Chepstow, Raglan, and Gower. New Cardiff Graving Dock. The New Graving Dock is situated at the Northern extremity of the West Dock and ad- jacent to Herbert-street, which was spanned by triumphal banners while the roadway to the Dock Feeder was dotted with flags. The total length of the dock is 238 feet, but so formed that two vessels, one of 165 feet and the other 135 feet, can be repaired at the same time. The barque Alloa was towed into the basin by a gang of labourers with a hearty' Ye heavho,' and three small pieces of cannon soon gave tongue to announce the formal opening of the dock." There are now in the East Dock three graving Docks, one 400 feet long, another 408 feet, and a third 420 feet long. In the Roath Basin two graving Docks 600 feet long each, and in Roath Dock a pontoon Dock 360 feet, besides the Mount Stuart Dry Dock, the Channel pontoon and Dock, another on the Ely, and another at Penartb. South Wales and Irish Traffic. It is a very gratifying circumstance to find that the traffic between the South Wales Rail- way Company's terminus at Neyland and Waterford is so rapidly increasing that an ad- ditional steamer upon that station will soon be necessary. Every exertion is being made to complete the arrangements at the terminus. The new arrival platform is ready, and in a short time the station will be supplied with gas. Arrangements for the easier handling of cattle, which come across in large numbers, are completed."

London Street Tragedy. SHOTS BY REJECTED LOVER. Shortly before 11 o'clock on Thursday night a young domestic servant named Rose Hurst was walking with a friend named Edward Hancock along Frederick street, King's Cross, London, when they were confronted by a young man named Walter O'Donovan, who produced a revolver and fired two shots at the girl. The bullets passed through her shawl and bodice, but glanced off without inflicting any serious injury on the woman. The man then fired at Hancock, who also escaped unhurt, and immediately struck up the revolver. The assailant afterwards turned the revoveron him- self and fell dead, shot through the heart. The affair is ascribed to jealousy, Miss Hurst hav- ing refused to have anything to do with the man. O'Donovan was conveyed to the Royal Free Hospital, where he was found to be dead, and the girl, whose arm was grazed hy a bul- let, was taken to her home at 11, Sidmouth Mews, Frederick-street.

BARRY HEALTH STATISTICS. Seamen and Their Habits. In a volume of 135 pages Dr. George Neale, J.P., medical officer for the Barry district, sets out the statistics affecting the health of the town for the year 1907. Many facts of an in. forming character may be noted :—Barry's area is 4,104 acres, the site of the town rising to a level of 300 feet above the sea the water varies from 35 to 40 points per 100,000 in hard- ness the population in April, 1901. was 27,030, and in the middle of 1907 it was 31,342, an in- crease of 4,312 within six years there are 16,779 adults, 14,563 children in the town, 6,198 families 5,854 inhabited and 378 uninhabited houses in 1907, the latter compared with 543 in 1906, the highest number being in 1901, when they totalled 1,404. It is satisfactory to note, as far as the building trade is concerned, that 91 plans for new houses were passed last year, being the greatest number since 1902. The excess of births over deaths (552) was the lowest since 1896. notwithstanding the higher population, this being the general teadency throughout the country,and the birth-rate (29-0 per 1,000) was the lowest ever recorded. The death-rate (10.9 per 1,000) is the lowest since 1894. There were 31 inquests held. Of the 358 deaths 112 were under one year of age not a single death has ever occurred in Barry from small-pox not one case of small-pox was re- ported last year and only 43 in the history of the town, or an average of 2-4 per year for the past 18 years. Last year one of the most modern and up-to-date small-pox hospitals in South Wales was opened at a cost of £ 4,624. Last year there were no fewer than 45 deaths from tubercular diseases. Inspector Hopkins reports in regard to shipping. He comments on the neglect of some crews to keep the forecastles in a clean and habitable condition, and men- tions that greater comfort and safety is being secured by having berths in the after-part of the vessels. „

v THE OLDEST V.C. I Major-Gener&l Thomas de Courcy Hamil- ton, whose death in his 83rd year is announced, was the oldest V.C. having won his cross in the Crimean war 53 years ago. He was born atStranraer on July 20th, 1825, entered the 90th Light Infantry in 1842, and took part in the Kaffir war of 1846-47. Promoted to a lieutenancv in 1847 and a captaincy in 1854, he served with the 68th Light Infantry throughout the Crimean war, 1854-55, being present at the Major-General Hamilton, V.C. battle of the Alma, Balaclava, Inkerman, and the siege and fall of SebastopoL It was on the night of May 11th, 1855, that Captain Hamilton won his Victoria Cross. A deter- mined sortie; being made by the Russians from the besieged town of Sebastopol, Captain Ham- ilton, with a few men, boldly attacked them and saved the works from falling into their hands, showing great personal gallantry in the affray. _—.—.

WHEN TO WIND A WATCH. At the monthly meeting of the British Watch and Clock Makers' Guild yesterday the question whether it is better to wind a watch at night or in the morning was discussed. Some members were of the opinion that it was better to wind it at night, as in the morn- ing the mainspring would be colder than it would be after being carried about in the pocket all day, and steel is more brittle when cold than when it is warm. Mr Wright, the vice-president, said that during the day the watch Was carried about and subjected to all kinds of irregular condi- tions, and when it was fully wound it was able to withstand these abnormal conditions better than when it reouired winding. He thought it was a decided advantage to wind it up in the morning. This view of the case was agteed to by the majority of the members of the trade who were present.

Fall from Clifton Rocks. r PONTYPRIDD MAN'S DROP. PICKED UP SENSELESS BUT ALIVE! Shortly before noon on Tuesday a young married couple were walking along the Hot- wells-road, Clifton, towards the city, when the husband noticed a body falling from the rocks far overhead. He saw it strike a rock once or twice and then disappear from sight behind a. line of railway carriages standing i n the Port and Pier Railway Station. Information was given promptly and the station- master was informed. The police were sent for, and until they and the ambulance arrived efforts were made to discover the man's identity. In a coat pocket was found a bank book bearing the name, Jack Price, Pontypridd." He is a m "1 about 35 years of age, and dressed in dark Clwl. ,vsi. It is estimated he fell a distance of 300ft. When picked up lie was alive, a fact which is certainly marvellous. There was a bad cut on the forehead, but upon removal to the in- firmary there were thought to be hopes of re- covery. JACK PRICE, Trehafod. (Photo, by Williams and NViUiams.) Instead of bounding on to the line of railway carriages, the wind carried the descending man into a. garden which is the property of the stationmaster, and he lanaed comparatively softly on the wet mound. On inquiry at the Bristol Infirmary later our representative was informed that the injured man was still unconscious. He had sustained a fractured leg and injuries to his head, and his condition was precarious. It is understood that on the body was found a letter with the following address Jack Price, 5, Ivor-street, Trehafod, Pontypridd," and also a letter addressed to a (YOung lady. The man was identified by the Clifton police as Jack Price, 24, who has been residing at 5, Ivor-street, Trehafod, Pontypridd. He is a Bristolian and has been working at Trehafod. He returned to Bristol on Tuesday morning. In his possession was found a small album of miniature photographs, including one of him- self. Had Been III. From inquiries made by our Pontypridd representative of his landlady, Mrs Elizabeth Jones, it appears that Price was a native of Bristol, and has a sister still resident there. He has been engaged at the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery as a colliery labourer for over three years. During this period he had frequent attacks of acute pains in the side, consequent on an attack of pleurisy, and the recurrence of these pains during the last few days made him very depressed. On Tuesday morning he conceived the idea of paying a visit to the Cardiff Infirmary,with the object of getting a remedy for his complaint. This was the intimation he made to a fellow lodger named Bill Rees, and Price then left by the 7 o'clock ttain. In alluding to the painful attacks in the side, Price told his comrade that he wished he was dead. Recs endeavoured to encourage him Dot to take a despondent view as he would cer- tainly get a cure at the infirmary. The visit of Price to Bristol remains a mys- tery and his brother, when interviewed, was at a loss to know what object he could have had in going there. t —————

CARDIFF WORKHOUSE. T Extension Foreshadowed. At a meeting of the Cardiff Workhouse Visiting Committee on Tuesday Mr F. J. Beavan, who presided, said the time had come when they should tackle the big question of providing adequate accommodation for the in- ma.tes of the Workhouse. It would be neces- sary during the spring and summer months to make some provision for next winter. He did 0 not know whether they would recommend the board to take an additional house or two and go to the cost of separate management; but he was certain that at the rate of increase of the past winter they would be unable with the pre- sent accommodation to find room for the num- ber of inmates they would have in the ensuing winter. Several things had been suggested— the enlargement of the house at Ely, where there was considerable ground, or securing the land at the back of the Jewish synagogue, if it I could be purchased on reasonable terms, and extending that house. Not only their hospital but also the whole of J block and part of K block were devoted to sick cases. The number of sick was increasing, and they would have to extend the hospital department. Mr Ames suggested a storey might be added to a por- tion of the house at Ely. The Chairman I shall never agree to that, wehave three storeys here. Think what would happen to the help- less people if a fire broke out. Of course every care had been taken they had gone to a lot of expense to put up outside staircases, but third storey rooms were not the places for sick patients. A sub-committee was appointed to go into the whole question. Wages in Case of Illness. Mr Gilbert (Barry) moved that all assistant officers be paid their wages in full for one month and half their wages for the second month in the case of illness, and that their wages should cease after the two months. He said his object was to put everyone on the same footing whether they be- longed to a Friendly Society or not. Mr Hallett (Penarth) seconded. Mr C. W. Melhuish moved an amendment that the matter be re- ferred to a sub-committee so that the clerk might obtain information "as to the practice adopted by other public bodies. They would then be in a better position to arrive at a. decision. He agreed they ought not to treat differently a man belonging to a Friendly Society and one who did nob. He believed the Cardiff Corporation passed a resolution some time ago to encourage their employees to join a Friendly Society by a reeing to pay them 50 per cent, of the amount they received from Friendly Societies during illness. He thought the Guard- ians might do something of a similar kind. Mr J. J. Ames said he had no feeling against Friendly Societies, but a man's income ought not to be larger when he was ill than when at work. The matter required discussing from the ratepayers' point of view as well as from that of the servant. Mr Melhuish's amend- ment to refer the matter to a sub-committee was adopted.

LOCAL WILLS. Mr J. Long, Mountain Ash. Mr Jabez Long, of 58 and 60, Commercial- street,! Mountain Ash, grocer, wine and spirit merchant and provision merchant, who died on the 6th February last, aged 67 years, left estate of the gross value of £3,213 9s 2d, with net personalty £3,172 19s 2d. and probate of his will, dated the 20th January, 1904, has been granted to his son, Mr Harry William Long, of Maesycoed, Aberdare-road, Mountain Ash, pro- vision merchant, and Mr George Walter Mills,of Oxford-street, Mountain Ash, butcher. The tes- tator left his household and personal effects to his son Harry and his daughters Edith and Jessie, and he left the goodwill of his business and his business premises to his said son, and the residue of his estate upon trust for his said two daughters Edith and Jessie and their issue. Mrs E. Phillips, late of Newport. Mrs Elizabeth Phillips, Fauconberg, Bays Hill, Cheltenham, who died on the 16th Feb- ruary last, widow of Mr Thomas Phillips, of Kemerton Court, Gloucester, and late of New- port, left estate of the gross value of "047 9s 5d, with net personalty £2,924 17a 2d, and pro- bate of her will, dated 29th March. 1902, with a codicil of the 29th July, 1906, has been granted to her sons, Mr Edward Phillips, of Ffrwd Vale, Newport, brewery director, and Mr Walter Clifford Phillips, of Cambrian Chambers, New- port, solicitor. The testatrix left the property over which she had power of appointment under the will of the late Ann Smith to her daughters-in-law, Nellie and Mabel Phillips, and she left certain jewellery to each of her daughters, Amy Beaumont, Ethel Devereux, and Mabel Coulman, i25 to each of the executors of her will, and jE25 to her coach- man, William Skirton. The residue of her estate she left to all of her children in equal shares.

NOT A WILFUL ACT. Daniel Sullivan, a. ship's fireman, of the as. Sveokio, and belonging to Boston, Mass.,U.S. A., at Newport on Wedn sday was charged with being drunk and breaking a plate-glass win- dow, the property of Councillor Searles The Chief Constable said he arrived in Newport Reven week! ago, and having lost all he had he was trying to get work here. The Bench fined him 10s or 14 days for being drunk, but believed he accidentally fell against the win. dow, and dismissed this charge against him.

COAL WINNING IN 60WER. The New Gorwydd Colliery Company, Gowerton, have struck a seam of 4ft. 6in, at New Penlan, Penclawdd. The Hughes seam, which varies between 5ft. and 12ft., has also been struck. This is expected to give em- ployment to a large number of men.

Newport Dockers' Strike, ALLEGED BREACH OF TARIFF. On Thursday at the Newport Docks th( whole of the labourers suspended work and held a meeting, presided over by Councillor P. Wright. It appears that they arc required in cases where boats are not fully loaded at New- port to place the cargo so as to leave the hatch clear for he remainder when introduced at another port. The men claimed for this 3d per ton extra. Negotiations had been in pro- gress some time, and recently the local brokers signed an agreement with the men's represen- tatives—Mr J. Twomey, of the NationalAmaloo gamated Labourers' Union, and Mr H. Seer,; of the Dock Labourers' Union—for the addi- tional 3d per ton to be paid- Messrs Jones; Heard and Co. refused to sign the agreement until last week. When they did so the men who had been working for them claimed to bo paiql the arrears due since the agreement was drawn up a month or so ago. The firm refused to do this, and the men would not work. The result is that the ss. Yangtsze, which arrived to partially load with block tin and general cargo on Saturday, and is to proceed to Liver- pool to complete her cargo, has been lying idle* the men refusing to touch her. On Thursday the crew, which consists of Chinamen, com- menced to load her themselves. This becom- ing known was the cause of a general suspen- sion of work by all the dock labourers. After the meeting the men on the other boats decided to resume work pending further negotiations, and the men's representatives' were closeted with the general manager of the Alexandra Docks (Mr John Macaulay) for several hours. The ss. Yangtsze, which is a boat of 4,249 net tonnage, is lying at the East Quay, South Dock, and is closely guarded by dock and borough policemen to prevent any dockera approaching her and interfering with the Chinese crew in loading her. The ss. Planet Venus, net tonnage 2,825,from Rotterdam, is loading with coal, the brokers being the same in this case and the dispute similar. The crew, who are Dutch, are loading the vessel. Messrs Jones, Heard and Co., who do not hold that the agreement is now binding owing to the men refusing to work, have received a: large number of telegrams from shipping lines advising them not to accede to the meni demands. Settlement Effected. During the evening a deputation of th< men, includingtheir secretaries (Messrs Joha Twomey and H. Seer), met representatives o. the wharfingers and the shipbrokers and shipsl captains at Mr Macaulay's office, and after « conference of three and a half hours5 duration it was arranged that on condition that UK workmen agreed to the agreement made on Tuesday last being cancelled, pending a round table conference on the whole question of stoW" age tariff, that the amount which that agree- ment entitled the men to receive from Febru- ary 1st last would be paid to them by the shipowners, and that the amount be handed over to Messrs Twomey and Seer. The decision was conveyed to the men, and they decided be restart work this (Friday) morning. Some mem- bers of the deputation, seen by our represent tative after the conference, said that Mt Macaulay had acted in a. most businesslike manner.

OUR MILK SUPPLY. Mr Burns' Hopes For the Future. 1 Mr Burns on Thursday afternoon received at the Local Government Board offices an in- fluential deputation representing the Central Land Association, the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture, the Tuberculosis (Anim ajs) Committee, and the County Councils* Association, concerning the application of the law in connection with the production and dis- tribution of milk. Mr Bums regretted the absence of the Minister ofAgticulturc, who was far from well in health. Sir J. Dickson-Poynder- introduced the depu- tation, and among the speakers were Lord Onslow, who welcomed the intention of the President of the Local Government Board to introduce legislation on this subject, and hoped that some standard of purity should be fixed for milk. Replying, Mr Burns said he was pleased to hear that all were agreed as to the desirability of general legislation. A plea had been put fop- ward for county administration as opposed to other local administration, as an ideal that was almost perfect, but it would not be pos- sible to brush aside all the existing local machinery. As to compensation, he did not object to paying public money for an adequate return, but it must not be made more profit- able to receive compensation than to remove the causes of the trouble. He thought farmers were too much afraid about com- pensation. Commonsense must be their guide, public health their aim, and equity theil means. He could hold out no hope that from abroad should be prohibited. He wished to see greater co-operation among all the interests concerned in the trade With better housing, more and better milk, and leas of other liquids, together with other social reforms, we might abolish tuberculosis in forty years.

CARDIFF INQUESTS. Coachman's Strange Death. The Cardiff Coroner (Mr W. L. Yorath) held an inquest on Thursday on Lionel William Hannày (28), of 75, Metal-street, coachm&Q in the employment of Dr. Williams, of Park- place, who met with an accident on Monday afternoon, death following early on Tuesday morning. Henry Charles Young stated that the de. ceased was loading a cart with manure at the stables at the back of the Parade. He had nearly finished, and was reaching to the top of the load with a pitchfork when he exclaimed, Oh my neck; there is something wrong with my neck." and staggered against the wall. Dr. Blight, who made a post-mortem ex*< animation, stated that there were no external marks of injury. Death was due to paralysis of the respiratory organs, causing aBphyxiaw this being brought about by the pressure of a blood-clot on the upper part of the spinal marrow. He connected the rupture of a blood vessel with some injury sustained by deceased while at work loading the cart. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. Mr Harold Lloy4 .watched the case on behalf of the Vidow. Heart Trouble and Syncope. At an inquest held on Thursday at Cardifl on Henry Roberts Francis (66), retired oo« merchant, of 6, Bangor-street, who was found dead on Wednesday morning, a verdict of Death from syncope due to heart disease was returned. Deceased had, it was stated^ complained of heart trouble for years.

SWANSEA DOG LITIQA TIOH. An Unsatisfactory Cass. At Swansea County Court on Wednesday Judge Bryn Roberts resumed the hearing of the action in which Albert W. S Hughes, of Neath-road, Plasmarl, sued Jo n Nolineaux, 4 working man who lodged at the Coopers' Arms, Plasmarl, for the value or the returt of a greyhound known as Bristol Dick, claim- ing also damages. Mr BowenDavies (instructed by Messrs Andrew and Thompson) appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Leyson for the defence. Evidence was called for the defence to show that plaintiff gave the dog to defendant. His Honour, in giving judgment, said that the cast/ was a very unsatisfactory one. Many of th. witnesses apparently had little regard for the truth. Looking at the broad facts, the plaintiff's tory was that defendant said he would get the dog by hook or by crook, and that he and! his brother actually arranged openly in a public inn to steal the animal. A more absurd story never was invented. And then, notwith- standing this alleged open theft, the police v^ere not informed, while defendant waa allowed to keep the dog for two months. Plaintiff had entirely failed, but he agreed there were unsatisfactory feature* I in the defence, so while he gave judgment fop f the defendant he did so without costs. t —— »

m T. THOMAS'S RETIREMENT Tribute to West Wales Official Receiver: At the conclusion of the sitting of the Car* marthenshire Bankruptcy Court on Wednes* day reference was made to the impending retirement of Mr Thomas Thomas, the official, receiver for Swansea and Carmarthen districts* Mr James John, on behalf of the solièitorsw expressed regret that Father Time was about to oompel Mr Thomas to sever his connection with the court. The relations between ths receiver and the practitioners of Carmarthen had always been of the most cordial charac- ter, and nothing but perfect courtesy and kindness had been shown by the official receiver. It was hoped that the days that were before Mr Thomas would be as many 88 those which he had left behind. Mr RegistraK Thomas Parkinson said he had sat in that, court almost as long as Mr Thomas had bee* official receiver, and he cordially agreed witty- Mr John's remarks. The Official Receiver madt a suitable acknowledgment.

HARBOUR OF REFUGE. Sir Clifford Cory, Bart., M.P., has jus^ scored a good point in connection wititf the proposed harbour of, refuge at St. Ives. Sir Clifford approached the President of thf Board of Trade, and it is a cause for much satisfaction that Mr Lloyd George, in response to this representation, has consented to re- ceive a deputation from the County Councils at Cornwall and Devon, with other influential parties concerned in the scheme. The number of wrecks at St. Ives this wintei has given a fresh impetus to the long-continued, agitation in favour úf a harbour of refuge oa, the north coast, and the happy result of Sif Clifford Cory's latest effort to press this urgenf need on the attention of the Government De- partment will be good news to all who arr solicitous for the safety of ships crews.