The Cardiff Times

A BRIDGEND BEAR GARDEN. -L- Hot Discussion at the Board of Guardians. There was a lively discussion at the meeting of the Bridgend and Cowbridge Board of Guardians on Saturday over a proposed in- crease in the salary of Mr R. H. Cox. clerk to the Board. Mr T. C. Jones presided. Mr D. H. Price moved that the clerk's salary be increased from £170 to JE190 per annum. He remarked that Mr Co x had now completed 25 years' service, and four years ago had consented to a reduction of £30 in his salary on the appointment of a deputy clerk to assist him. Mr J. Canniff moved that the increase be £30, but this was lost. Mr Edward Edwards, Ogmore Vale, moved that the matter be referred to the General Purposes Committee, and that information be obtained as tf6 the clerk's total income from public sources. The Rev. D. G. Rees seconded, and this amendment was discussed at length. The Rev. Eynon Lewis, opposing the amend- ment, said that what the Board had to con- eider was not the clerk's total income but his value to the Board. t The amendment was lost. Mr Edward Edwards proposed, as a further amendment, that the increase be £10 instead of £20. He understood that Mr Cox's total income from public sources Was over £400, and that was fair remuneration. He complained that while some^guardians made a great deal of fuss about spending the ratepayers'money when it was a matter of 6d in out-relief to the podr, they were only too ready to vote a jE20 a year increase to an official. This was rank hypocrisy. (Dissent.) The Hev. Eynon Lewis said that if the members responsible for the great increase in out-relief were consistent with themselves they Would not vote for a mere £10 increase, but to double the salary. (Laughter.) At this point matters became uproarious, and Mr Canniff asked whether the board room was to be made a bear garden. The Rev. Eynon Lewis said he did not want to take up the time of the Board, but the rotten arguments used against the in- crease tempted him to speak. There were cries of Vote." Mr Edward Edwards I object to be choked down. Mr Nicholl There are some people who never know when they are beaten, and cannot take a licking. The amendment was lost. A division was challenged, and amidst a good deal of disorder the names of the guardians voting were taken. The amendment, was declared lost by 19 votes to 11, and the motion fur au increase of Jb20 was carried. -c-J.

While cycling down Holton-road, Harry Dock, on Saturday evening a Spanish seaman collided with a passing cart and fell off his machine. He was taken to Dr. Sixsmith's surgery suffering from a deep gash in his lower ■ jaw. After several stitches had been put in he was able to return to his ship.

MEETINGS AT CARDIFF. YOUNG WOMEPTDISTURBERS. Speakers Refused a Hearing. The votes-for-women campaign was con- tinued in Cardiff on Monday night, when a meeting under the auspices of the Women's Social and Political Union was held at the Secondary Schools, Howard Gardens. Special precautions were taken by the police to guard against disorder, but the disturbance came from quite an unexpected quarter. The police were conspicuously stationed at various points. Chief-Inspector Rankin was present, and every grade of the force from superintendent, in- cluding detectives, both plain clothes and uniform, was represented. Only ladies were admitted to the meeting. The attendance was made up for the most part of girls of about 16 or 17 years of age. Miss L. Gillett presided, and the speakers were Miss Keegan and Miss Crocker. Miss Gillett, in her opening remarks, referred to the proposed visit of the King to the Czar of Russia, and alluding to the treatment meted out to workers for freedom in Russia, said if she had an opportunity to shake hands with the Czar she would decline, as his hands were too red. Her remarks were greeted with ironical ap- plause and laughter by a section of the audi- ence. Subsequently Miss Keegan mounted a chair and submitted a resolution calling upon the Government to give a definite pledge this Session to bring in a Bill for the enfranchise- ment of women. She had not uttered many words before it was evident that a number of those present refused to take her seriously. There was a Continuous Ripple of Laughter while Miss Keegan stated that during Chartist days 400 men went to prison for the vote. Recently 300 women had suffered imprison- ment for the cause, but she did not think many, more would have to go before they got what they wanted. The interruptions became so pronounced that Miss Gillett observed with some asperity, If Cardiff women forget themselves it will be the first time that I have known of it. At the close anyone will lie permitted to ask a question, and will be civilly answered, but I must aek you to keep quiet and listen to the speakers." Mrs Reed seconded the resolution, but her observations were drowned by the stamping-of feet. Mjss Crocker rose to support the resolution, and said she thought her hearers hardly appre- ciated the importance of the question of votes for women. It was first and foremost one of bread and butter. Anyone who laughed, she remarked, was greatly to be pitied. All that could then be heard above the stamping of feet was, I maintain that if there i3 any- one Miss Crocker could get no further. There was stamping of feet, and one-half the audience were laughing or carrying on conversation with each other, while the noise was increased by girls entering or leaving the lecture-room. Miss Gillett strenuously appealed for order. She said, "If there are any who don't want to listen, and find the arguments Too Advanced for Their Brains, and have not the decency to behave respect- ably, they can leave. I should iike to point out that the suffragettes have never yet dis- turbed a meeting in Cardiff, and goodness knows what will happen if they begin." (Laughter ) Miss Crocker assayed again to obtain a hearing, but the disturbance was too great. Again the chairman (Miss Gillett ) rose and remarked, I think there is' an organised at- tempt to stop the meeting bv some very silly and empty-headed girls who think they will imitate the empty-beaded boys who can't combat the arguments of intelligent women." These remarks acted more as an irritant than as an emollient, and the cries from the front row of Chuck them out were lost amidst the shrill notes of defiance from the rear. Miss Crocker ejaculated, This opposition is a great compliment to our cause. Opposi- tion is a sign of growth and progress." (Ap plause.) She then proceeded to speak about the great demonstration in Hyde Park next month, and remarked, I believe the women of Cardiff know what is good for them." Rather," was the response, followed by Derisive Shouts. The din was quite deafening. Babies in arms were screaming, girls were whistling, and feet were hammering on the boards. One or two in the front of the hall stood up and faced the opposition and were promptly told to sit down. Miss Gillett appeared quite distracted, while Miss Keegan wore a severe and disgusted look. I didn't think Cardiff girls capable of such rude and unbecoming behaviour," said Miss Gillett. Very pluckily, Miss Crocker resumed her address during a lull in the disturbance, and referred to the Hyde Park demonstration. Now, are you going to be represented there ? she asked. No," was the rejoinder from half-a-dozen. While Miss Crocker continued to speak on the conditions under which women were com- spelled to work, saying that slavery was with them, Mrs Keating Hill got up from the front row and marched up the steps with a very defiant look on her face. For some moments she fixed a withering glance upon the offen- ders, but all to no purpose. She was utterly disregarded, and soon Had to Sit Down. Miss Crocker strove valiantly to make her- self heard, her remarks being punctuated with ironical cheering and shouts of "Go it." Meanwhile, a couple of male teachers at the secondary school and a police officer entered the room at the back of the hall, and were saluted with cheers. One of the former, the brother of Miss Gillett, endeavoured to quell the disturbance. The interruptions ceased for a moment, but broke out again as bad as ever. Miss Crocker, after a consultation with the presiding lady, finished her address, after which Miss Gillett observed that they had now arrived at the most interesting period—ques- tion time and, she added; While you are thinking about them we will take the collec- tion." Oh," was the exclamation. Miss Gillett appealed for questions, but none were asked,and mounting a chair she held up two sheets of blank paper showing, as she said, the state of mind of the interrupters. Amidst disorder she put the resolution and triumphantly declared it carried by a large majority. Immediately shouts of disapproval followed, during when Miss Gillett said the meeting is now closed." Itwas several minutes before the hall was cleared, some of the in- terruptors continuing to laugh and applaud ironically as if pleased with the success of their own efforts to create a disturbance. Outside the School there was a fairly large crowd of youths, but they rushed off along Moira-terrace thinking the speakers had gone that way. Meantime Miss Keegan and Miss Crocker, with the police in close attendance, proceeded to New- port-road and boarded a tramcar for town.

SUFFRAGETTES AND LAUNDRY SUFFRAGETTES AND LAUNDRY MAIDS. 'Mid-day Meeting at Cardiff. During the dinner hour on Monday the Misses Keegan and Crceker, suffragettes, made an effort to enlist the sympathy of the girls work- ing at the laundry in Minny-street, Cathays. A fairly large crowd assembled, and as soon as the speakers drove up in a brougham they were saluted with shouts of Go home, What's the good of you in Parliament ?" from a couple of youths perched at a window at the back of a Woodville-road house. The laundry girls did not seem to be so much inter- ested in what the speakers had to say, but were rather tickled by the nbvelty of the whole thing. Miss Keegan had not been speaking long before she was told to Go and mend the socks." Later Miss Crocker spoke and in- dulged in so much gesticulation that several onlookers imitated her. One man ventured to make aremark. whereupon the speaker levelled her finger at him, and, with threatening look, said, Now. you keep quiet." Don't you cause a riot," was the retort. For a time Miss Crocker got a good hearing, but the girls sur- rounding the carriage were inclined to ap- plaud too much, and were asked to be a>little lees demonstrative. The speakers took the banter in very good part. Question time was filled up by the singing of Three women to every man," and, after much handshaking with the laundry girls, the Misses Keegan and Crocker drove away.

TRELEWIS MIDNIGHT FIRE. Released Dog Bites Its Rescuer. A fire was discovered about midnight at the grocery premises of Messrs Evans and Hughes, at Trelewis, near Treharris. Smoke was seen coming from the shop, and an alarm was at once given. Lieut. Jones, in charge of the Trclewis district of the Gelligaer Council Fire Brigade, was soon there with the two lengths of hose available, but these proved to be quite useless, as the are hydrant near the premises Was smashed in February, and although reported to the Council had not been re- paired; The hose was too short to reach another hydrant, and the firemen,assisted by P.O. JonM and a number of civilians, car- ried water in buckets. At one time it was feared that the fire would get the upper hand, and a messenger was dis- patched to Treharris Police Station for their hose and reel. P.S. Jones, of Treharris, on reaching Trelewis at 3 a.m., found that the fire had been extinguished. The damage, it is com- puted, will be-over £100, and is covered by in- surance. A shoemaker named Jordan was attempting to force open a door at the rem- of the pre- mises, when a dog jumped at and bit bird very st-verelv on the band. He is being attended to by Dr. Jones, Treharris. -n_

At the annual ineeting of thegoveroorsof the Bridgend County School on Monday, Alderman „T. J. Hughes was rc-clected chair- man and the Iter. Stephen Jones, Coychurcb, vice-chairman. The Rev. W. A. Williams, Blacngarw. and Mr Michaei Davies, Bridgend, were co-opted members of the governing body.

I I Suffragettes' Vain Visit to Llandaff Fields. Our picture was taken while the Suffragettes were arguing with P.C. Evan Thomas about their right of entry. The cabman 0 apparently not interested in the matter and gazes reflectively at his horse, at the head bf which stands the park keeper. Miss' Keegan is standing up in the brougham, while Miss Crocker remains seated. Both seem to be enjoying the situation.- (" S.W.D.N." photo.)

For and Against the Resolution. i c The suffragettes, Miss Keegan and Miss Crocker, held a meeting outside the Minny-stfoet Laundry at Cardiff on Monday. The top picture shows some of those who greeted the speeches with applause. The bottom one is of those who offered caustic criticism.—(" S.W.D.N." photos.)

-+- WOMEN'S STREET QUARREL LIVELY CADOXTON SCENE. ¡ A Cadoxton street row led to a couple of cases at Barry Police Court on Monday (before Mr T. P. Thomas and Mr J. J. Neale). Keziab Cridgb, a married woman, of Forster-street, summoned Thomas Fury, of Holmes-street, for indecent assault, and Mary Ann Fury for common assault. On the 9th inst. (com- plainant said) the female defendant challenged I her four times to fight, and at length when she went towards her she was struck and fell. They were together on the ground when the male defendant came out and caught her by the back of the neck, pressed her down, put his knee on her shoulder, and with the left hand tried to raise her clothing. She cried out, That's enough of that." Mr Harold Lloyd (for the defence): Wereyou not keeping the whole street in an uproar, and acting like beasts, you two women, fighting on the ground, one on top of the other ? Complainant: Certainly not. Mr Lloyd Then were you behaving like a lady ? Complainant (haughtily): I am a lady, Mr Lloyd. (Laughter.) Were you not kicking about, and did not this man, Thomas Fury, take hold of your legs to stop you ?—Certainly not. Rhosina Wheeler said that Tom Fury cried out, Mary Ann, where's your knuckle- dusters ? Have another round." (Laughter.) Sergeant Davies said he saw complainant shortly after the' occurrence, and found her then very much under the influence of drink. She made no complaint of having been inde- cently assaulted. The charge of indecent assault was dismissed, and in the case of assault against Mary Ann Fury defendant became very demonstrative in court, and asked complainant, Didn't you make a ring in Forster-street, stand in the middle and say, Come up here,' and I said, No, come down here.' As two witnesses were giving evidence they described defendant as Mary Ann," and were greeted with, Mrs Fury, please, and less of your Mary Ann." (Laughter.) Witnesses for the defence could not say who struck the first blow, but they declared that Mrs Cridge issued a challenge, and then the fight began. The Bench imposed a fine of 20s and costs, or 21 days' imprisonment with hard labour. As she heard this, defendant cried out, "Pay for challenge Not likely. I'll watch it," and with that she walked with a jaunty air towards the cell passage.

AMMAN BOY WANDERER. On Monday afternoon the party organised to search for the missing boy, Evan Phillips, aged 12, son of Mrs Phillips, Gwndwnmawr, Glanamman, arrived with him at Carmarthen and took him home by the 4.35 p.m. Llandilo train. The lad is in good health and had been found at the house of his aunt, Glaneiron, to which he was traced on Friday. On Saturday it appears his aunt gave him money to get home by train, but when he reached Carmarthen he returned to Llan- pumpsaint on foot, and as his widowed mother saw nothing of him on Saturday and Sunday, she and her friends became extremely anxious, seeing that the lad ""aU not been seen at Glynamman since Thursday, when he was sent to school as usual. In order to allay the anxiety occasioned p. number of young fellows scoured the country around some of them went over the hiUs on foot, and the majority cycled along the highways and byeways in Conwil and neighbouring districts. The lad, it seems, returned to Llanpumpsaint late on Saturday night in a deplorable condi- tion. His feet were very much blistered, and the child, being exhausted, took refuge in his aunt's dog kennel and slept with the animal all night. There his aunt found him on Sundaymorning sound asleep. Whilst Informa- tion of his discovery was being sent to Glan- amman on Monday the search party was still on the, look out. Several of them had charge of him on his arrival at Carmarthen, and before leaving they regaled him with some good things at a cook-shop, thus further displaying their goodheartedness. These sons of toil were quite content trt lose their wages so long as they could restore the missing boy to his mother.

LADS STEAL BICYCLE. AtAheravon on Monday two lads were charged with stealing a bicycle, value £4, the property of Joseph Thomas, Gwyn-street, Taibach, on the morning of the 19th inst. Joseph Thomas (the prosecutor) said he was a platelayer on the Great Western Railway, and the bicycle was stolen from the place where he was work- ing. P-C. Phillfps deposed to receiving the prisoners into custody. In reply to the charge, they said they found the cycle in the graàS, covered with mud, and took it home. Prisoners were bound over under the Probation Act for six months.

TREORKY SACRILEGE CHARGE. A tramping printer. J. H. Williams, who said he hailed from Stock port, was at Ystrad on Monday committed to the Glamorgan Assizes on a charge of alleged sacrilege and theft of a mackintosh from the English Methodist Cliapel. Troorky. P.C. Moore gave evidence as to seping a light in the chapel, and proceeding to the vestry, where he caught the man making a hurried exit through a window. Witness said it was afterwards ascertained that the man l had left an old coat in the chapel, which he admitted was his property, in place of the new mackintosh.

-¡;, BARRY COMPANY'S SECRETARY. Mr Main's Retirement. Mr W. Mein, who has been secretary of the' Barry Railway Company from its very early hours, will BhortlJMWtire from that position, and it is believed he' will be superannuated. The company are already advertising for a successor, but the date of the retirement has not yet been fixed. Mr Mein, who is 72 years of age, is one of the most respected officials in the service of the company. He is of Scotch parentage, and entered the service of the Barry Railway Company shortly after the line was opened, first as assistant-secretary and. in 1894, when Mr G. C. Downing, of Messrs Downing All. NV. MEIN. and Handcock, relinquished the post of secre. tary, Mr Mein was appointed as his successor. This position he has now filled for many years with unfailing tact and great efficiency, his kindly disposition and keen bnsiness aptitude securing for him the respect and esteem of a large number of people in South Wales com- mrcial circles. For many years, Mr Mein, prior to coming to Barry, was secretary of the Rhymney Railway company, being the imme- diate predecessor of Mr Fairlamb in that position, and his impending retirement is greatly regretted by the other officials and the staff of the company. Mr Mein is of retiring disposition. One of his favourite sources of recreation is walking in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan.

TRAIN PULLED UP. Scramble on a Cardiff Express. At Hereford City Police Court on Monday ar i John Callaghan, collier, of Carlisle-street, Cardiff, was charged by Frederick Jones, rail- way constable, with being drunk and dis- orderly in the 6.3 Cardiff express, and interfer- ing with the comfort of passengers on May 23rd. The constable said that at Hereford Station the guard of the Cardiff express train drew his attention to a compartment full of sailors, who had been fighting. Defendant was helplessly drunk on the floor, and when assisted out he could not stand on the plat- form, but kicked and tried to throw witness. Assistance had to be obtained to carry him into the waiting-room. Mr Lambert, the station-master, said the guard informed him that the train was pulled up at Llanfihangel, owing to the communication cord being pulled in the scramble. It was al corridor train, and passengers complained of the men's conduct, at which they were terrified. For the safety of the public and the safety of the man himself defendant was remold to the waiting-room. At Mr Lambert's request, the charge was amended to drunk and disorderly at the station. Defendant said be knew nothing about the affair. He had been a teetotaler for 3l years, but having to appear at Caerphilly to answer a summons for having a piece of cigarette in his pocket, he broke out on Saturday, and had too much to drink in Cardiff. The Bench sent him to prison for a month without the option of a fine.

NEWPORT BLAZE. At 4.30,a.m. on Monday « fire was discovrfed at No.76, Commercial-street. Newport, a three- storey brick building occupied by Mr Winired King as a newsagent, tobacconist, and hair- I dresser's shop. The alarm was given by P.C. Drewett and Alfred Harrington, a foreman road sweeper, and the occupants of the ad- joining houses, as well as Mr King, were called up. The fire brigade, in charge of Lieutenant Lyne and Supt. Cottcll,#ere at the spot within a few minutes, but by this time the flames had secured a good hold, the combustible Btock feeding them rapidly. They were, however. prevented by the brigade from spreading. The stock at No. 76, which Mr King values at iE400, was completely destroyed. Mr King says he retired to rest just after midnight, and was awakened by someone kick- ing at his frbnt door. He tried to get out that way, but was prevented by the smoke, and was obliged to escape through tin; back pre- inises of his next-door neighbour. An outbreak of fire WKK reported in the building behind the Wcstgate Chambers, New- port, on Sunday evening. Most of the offices' were locked, and some uneasiness was felt.. Later it was discovered that the volume of smoke was caused by s-ome waste paper which had been left to burn at the back of a mantle l shou-

I "Filled with Shame." WHAT GERMAN VISITORS SAW. We have received the following letter for publication I/etchworth, Herts, May 24th, 1908. Sir,—Last week I took part in the reception of the German burgomasters who visited London on the invitation of the British Muni- cipal Society. My vanity as an Englishman was gratified by their admira.tion of our in- stitutions and their sympathetic interest in our social achievements, but there was one slight shown to them which filled me with shame. They were taken to the Hugh Middle- ton Higher Elementary School of the London County Council in Clerkenwell. The buildings, the equipment, the teaching staff, and the attainments in drill and singing excited the warm approbation of our visitors but the physical condition of the children, and especially of the girls, was so deplorable that some of the visitors spoke to me about it of their own accord in terms of pity and regret. The children were pale, hungry-looking, and uncared for. I could not help contrasting the sight with that which I had seen at a school Un the poorest quarter of Berlin three years ago. A Lancashire municipal councillor, who was a practising doctor, stood with me at the door as the children streamed out, and we failed to mark a single child that could be pronounced to be really in bad condition. At Clerkenwell you had to search the ranks carefully for the few who looked at all passable. I wondered if the members of the London Countv Council who were present shared my feeling of shame. Two Acts have been reeently passed for the benefit of neglected children in elementary schools. The one is permissive, giving to education authorities power to feed starving children, and charge the cost on their parents. The other is compulsory, requiring the authority to medically examine every child coming into the school after January 1st, 1908. The poor little half-starved children in the Hugh Middleton School have not, however, enjoyed any benefit from either Act.-I am, etc., JOHN E. GORST."

FINANCE COMMITTEE. Local Consols. At the meeting of the Finance Committee of the Cardiff Corporation on Monday (Alderman F.J. Beavan presiding), the City Treasurer (Mr Allcock) reported that in accordance with a resolution passed by the committee, he had sold £ 34,426 nominal value 2J per Cent. Con- sols at 86 13-32, for settletnent on 1st June. The cash realised was £29,746, and, after deducting commission, there was a net sum left of £ 29,703, resulting in a loss to the Corporation ot *1,041. ReptyiiMf to a question, he stated that this sale of Consols would not provide them with all the money they wanted by £ 60,000. Councillor H. C. Vivian suggested in that case they should sell another B.30,000 Con- sols if they could get 861, especially as they had X120,600 invested. The Chairman observed that he would rather wait a little, and see if Consols jumped. In any case, he would much rather leave the decision to the Council. It was agreed to defer the question and call another meeting of the committee before mak- ing a recommendation to the Council, if neces- sary. sary. Rumney Bridge. The Committee, at the request of the Public Works Committee, agreed to reconimend the Council to apply to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow jE3,661, being the city's share of the cost of re-constructing the Rumney bridge. The other share will be borne by the county of Monmouth, an agreement having been arrived to in the matter. Official Complimented. The City Treasurer reported that he had been in communication with the Surveyor of Taxes regarding the amount due from the accounts of the Corporation to the Inland Revenue* in respect of tax on dividends on stock, interest on loans, and profits from trading undertak- ings. There had been no settlement of the matter since 1899, but as the result of his claims, he had been able to effect a cash s iving to the Corporation of jE742 15s. Also, in the tramways and electric lighting departments. substantial reductions had been made by reason of deductions on amount of deprecia- tion. The Chairman (Aid. Beavan) thought the report was very creditable to the City Treasurer, and Councillor Vivian concurred. It was agreed the. report should be printed in full on the minutes. Lord Bute's Reply. The Committee received a letter from Lord Bute in reply to the deputation which waited upon him last week with a view to securing a contribution towards the improvement of the Monthermer-road bridge. His lordship stated he had inspected the brdge, and whilst he agreed that what was proposed to be done would be a public benefit, he regretted his in- ability to agree to contribute towards the cost. The Chairman (Aid. F. J. Beavan) added that when they interviewed Lord Bute, the line his lordship took was that aaoneof the, if not the, largest ratepayers in Cardiff, he would be pay- ing his full share towards the cost of the im- provement. It was stated that the money was in hand, and the committee agreed to recom- mend the council that they saw no reason why the work should not be proceeded with. The total estimated cost is jE2,300, towards which the Rhymney Railway Company has agreed to contribute if".

PARKS COMMITTEE. Roath Lake Dressing Boxes. The Cardiff Parks Committee on Monday decided that a charge of one penny per bather be made for users of the dressing box|s to be erected at Roath Park. Ticket hold<V"S only are to be permitted to use the stage, Itut free bathing will be allowed from a reserved Space near the stage. Appointments. Mr W. J. Martin, Plymouth, was appointed art master at Howard Gardens Secondary Boys' School at a salary of f,135 per annum. Two candidates for the post of senior mathe- matical mistress for the Howard Gardens Municipal Secondary Girls' School appeared before the committee. Miss L. Glanville, B.A., of Belfast, was appointed.

LLANDAFF MAN'S NEGLEOT. A Four Months' Sentence. One of the worst cases that you could pos- sibly imagine, was the way in which Mr D. W. Evans (Messrs George David and Evans) described a cafie at HandafF on Monday when, on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C.. he prosecuted Ernest Owen, of Llandaff North, for neglect- ing his three young children. 1_ air i'iVaus expiameu in at- ueieimam, was lazy and left his work on the Taff Vale Railway, the children had to be fed by the guardians, while the wife in the eight years of hermarricd life had been nine times in the workhouse, the furniture had to be sold for food, and ift the end defendant, taking the two eldest, children with him, left his wife in an absolutely empty house with a youug baby, without fire, food, or even a seat. Prisoner said that" as a collier of 16 years standing he did not think that he ought to work for £1 a week. Characterising him as a bad and disgrace- ful husband" the magistrate passed a sentence of four months' hard labour.

A wedding was celebrated at Clyne Castle Chapel, near Swansea, the nuptials of Miss Hilda Down, eldest daughter of Mr John R. Down, metal merchant, of Belmont, Black- pool, and Mr Allan Young, second son of the late Mr J. Stow Young, of Penang, Strait# Settlements. The bride who was given away by her father, was attired in a picturesque robe of ivory Liberty satin, and she was attended by Miss Mabel Down (sister). Miss Jessie Young (sister of the brid•••groom), and Miss Enid Down and Miss Dorothy Falconer (cousins). Mr J. Slow Young was the best man. The officiating clergy were the Rev. the Hon. Talbot Rice (vicar of Swansea), and the Rev. Harold Williams. The church was eautifully decorated with roses.

Eastern Valleys Free Church Council. REVIVAL REACTION PROBLEM; Close Communion Controversy. The annual meeting of the Eastern Valleys Free Church Council was held at Abersychan on Monday' the chair being occupied by the Rev. D. Phillips, Pontnewynydd. the retiring president. Sahsfactory reports wcre prp. sented by the Rev. E. Owen, B.A., secretary, andRev. J. James, financial secretary. Mra W. P. James, Abersychan, submitted an interesting report on the work of the Rix branches of the Free Church Girls' Guild which had been formed in the district. The branch at Garn- diffaith had 80 members. These guilds, it was stated, were doing excellent work, building up the character of the future women and mothers of the nation Officers were elected as follow :—President, Rev. W. II. Colbeck. Pontypool vice-presi- dents, Rev. J.G. Watts, Pontnewynydd Rev. J. Goldtborpc, Pontypool and Mr W. Hales, Pontypool financial secretary, Rev. Jenkyn James, Grimthatown treasurer, Mr H. iI. Pratt, Pontypool; temperance secretary, Mr A. Jones, A hersychlln; secretary, Rev. E. Owen, B.A., Pontypool. The Rev. J. Goldthorpc proposed a resolu- tion expressing gratitude to the Government for the Licensing Bill, but regretting that grocers' licences were not to be abolished and that the clauses relating to children were not prohibitive. Mr Goidthorpc said the greatest success of the measure was illustrated in the re-union of the churches, and the focussing of the moral energy of the community upon the accomplishment of a great reform. The resolu- tion was unanimously agreed to. A resolution, proposed by Mr G. Jenki ns J.P., Abersychan, approving of the main pro- visions of the Education Bill, was also unani- mously passed. Spiritual Poverty. A report from the Abersychan centre stated that during the year mission work had been carried on, but the numerical results, notwith- standing elaborate preparations, were not successful Unfortunately, this district shared with many others a reaction from the revival, and the spiritual poverty felt to day was largely due to the lack of good nursing of the converts. Close Communion Question. Discussion took place upon the question of close communion. The matter arose out of a report from the Pontnewynydd centre, which stated that on Christmas Day a united com- munion service was held, conducted by the Rev. J. G. Watts (Baptist) and the Rev. D. Phillips (Congregational), members of all the churches being present. A similar service was held on Good Friday, when the Rev. J. Gold- thorpe (P.M). officiated. The Rev. W. Maurice, Talywain (Baptist) said that as a close communionist he was bound to refer to this matter. It was a burning question in Wales, and had caused the Welsh Baptists to stand aloof from the Free Church Council. They had been protesting in Wales against the bogey that it was only a mere name, and he was sorry that it had cropped up here. He would have to attend the forth- coming meetings of the Baptist Union of Wales, and he could not then say that this question of communion had not been discussed at the Free Church Council. In order not to be inconsistent with his principles, he would have to withdraw from the Council. The Rev. J. D. Rees, Pontryhdyrun, said that afl a Council they had always left this question out of their deliberations. At the same time, he did not think they had any jurisdiction over the Pontnewynydd people. The Rev. D. Phillips, Pontnewynydd, said thsse united services were held independently of the Free Church Council. The various churches combined in order to hold a. service in those days. The Rev. A. O. Hopkins, Abersychan, pro- posed that this portion of the report be deleted, but on a division the motion was lost by 11 votes to 10. The Rev. W. Maurice afterwards stated that the only course now open to him was to resign from the Council, and he was very sorry to do so. He would have to face his association in a fortnight's time, and as they knew the feel- ing existing on the communion question, for consistency's sake he would have to withdraw. A public meeting was held in the evening, and an address was delivered by the Rev. T. Nightingale, of London.

> MISSING DEED OF GIFT. Llandilo Will Suit. Before Mr Justice Neville in the Chancery Division on Monday the action of in re Williams, deceased, Richards v. Williams, came on for hearing. Mr Ashton, K.C. (instructed by Mr C. E. Morris, Carmarthen), was for plaintiff, and Mr Jenkins, K.C. (instructed by Mi Claud R. Davies, Llandilo), for defendant. Mr Awhttm vtated the litigation was com- 'mcnccd' in the Probate Court, then went to the King's Bench, and now came to Chanccry. The plaintiff, Mrs Hannah Richards, was the only child of the administratrix of David Thomas Williams, and the defendant was the widow and executrix of John Williams. David Thomas Williams, the father of the plaintiff, left Wales and went to America. From time to time he sent to his brother in Wales cer- tain money to be invested. In 1895 John made a deed of gift in favour of David of certain estates which he had in his own name, but which it was contended represented the money his brother had sent home for invest- ment. In 1897 David died in America, and in May, 1898, plaintiff came to England at her uncle's request and kept house for him for several years without payment. He made a will leaving her the whole of his property. When she came from America she brought with her between JE300 and £400, and that was invested in the bank with money of her uncle's, in their joint names. In 1902 it was with- drawn and invested in a mortgage, the total amount being £1,700, of which £1,300 was found by the uncle. In 1901 the plaintiff executed an agreement under which her uncle took the interest in the £1,700 during his life. The mortgage was in the plaintiff's name, and in September, 1904, the mortgage was made over by her to him, he giving her his note of hand for the JE400 she had contributed. In October of that year he paid off the £400, and pressed his niece to give him a general release in respect of all claims she might have, but this she declined to do. They quarrelled partly over that and partly over the fact that she had married. She left his house, and his wife, who had been separated from him for many years, returned to the house. Then he made a new will leaving her JE50 in consideration of her services during the time she was his house- keeper. In October, 1905, J ohn Williams died and plaintiff commenced the action in the King's Bench Division, and obtained judgment for two sums which had been sent from Aiherica by her father to John Williams. No account, as asked for. was rendered. Mr Jenkins said the judgment in the law action was a complete bar to the relief sought in this case, except in regard to the alleged deed of gift, which was not forthcoming. There was no evidence as to the money received. His Lordship; Am I to understand that this is an action for ejectment ? Mr Ashton said that was so. The ejectment would necessarily follow on proving the deed of gift. Evidence a3 to the deed of gift was then given, the principal witness being Mr J. R. Nicholas, clerk of the peace for Carmarthen, a member of the County Council, etc. Other witnesses were called, who said that John Williams told them he had burnt the deed of gift, but had provided for his niece in his will. The deed of gift to his niece comprised the farm of Pantyhedw, which John Williams afterwards sold. The plaintiff was the last witness, and she said she had been paid the amount of the judgment and costs in the King's Bench action—over £)00. In reply to his Lordship, Mr Jenkins said he relied on the Statute of Limitations, and that was an absolute bar to the plaintiff's case. His Lordship thought there was sufficient evidence to show that the deed of gift had been duly executed. The real difficulty in the plaintiff's way was the Statute of Limitations. He thought that at the time of the brother's death John had no intention of doing anything wrong. It was only after his brother's death that he got it into his head to get rid of the deed of gift. There was no doubt John Williams gave instructions for the deed to be drawn up, and paid £2 for the stamp, but no stamp was ob- tained. Then, was there such fraud as to render the deed null and void ? It seemed to him that the non-disclosure and concealment of the deed from his brother was really concealed fraud, and fraud by which the plaintiff was deprived pf property. She must have the benefit of the unsold property and her costs in regard to that, but as for the sold property and the claim for statement of accounts, the defendant would succeed. Mr Jenkins said that really meant that the plaintiff succeeded in regard to the property in the statement of claim. Mr Ashton All the unsold property ? His Lordship I do not go as far as that. I have given my judgment.

SWANSEA FORESHORE RIGHTS. Speaking at the annual court leet of the Duke^ of Beaufort on Monday, Sir Griffith Thomas said a good deal was made of the rights to the foreshore, and ho hoped that some agreement would be come to between the Corporation, the Harbour Trust, the London and North-Western Railway Co., and the Duke of Beaufort by which access could begot to the most- beautiful sands in the neighbour- hood of Swansea. He regretted that these rights might to some extent have been lost to the public, and he hoped that by an agreement all parties interested would be got together. Sir Griffith said he would venture to prophesy that future generations would see great works established in the immediate neighourhood of the new dock which would be a gn at benefit to the town.

On Saturday morning Alf Sandy (61), living at West View-terrace, Steelworks, Ebbw Vale, was knocked down at the steelworks by a loco- motive attached to some waggons, being run over and terribly mutilated. Death ensued a short time afterwards.

BY D. EMLYN EVANS.

A LONDON WELSH CHURCH. A very interesting and somewhat lengfttf account of the Church ot St. Benet (i.e., Bene- diet in an abbreviated form: Bene't), Paul's Wharf, London. appears in a recent number of The Organist and Choirmaster and which church has, since the year 1876' been given over to a Welsh congregation whose services are in conformity with thoeB of the Church of England." The building stands, as we read, on Bennett's Hill, having its south front in Upper Thames-street opp°" site Paul's Wharf: and placed in an iso- lated position on a slope leading down to tbc river side, the church is seen to from the higher ground of Queen Victoria" street. The old church is mentioned as far back as 1180 but the ancient building was destroyed in the great fire, and the chutcb was rebuilt in 1683 by Sir Christopher WreB» at a coat of over t:3,OOO. It is of interest to Welshmen that Inigo Jones was buried in the old church in 1652 a costly monument 01 white marble bearing a Latin inscription beiog erected to his memory on one of the walls and the writer in the" Organist and Choir- master ventures to express the very com- mendable opinion that it would have been to the credit of Sir Christopher Wren placed a fresh monument to his brother-arcb1- tect (and mason) in the New St. Benet." It is also of interest to the musical reader to find that E. J. Hopkins, afterwards organise of the Temple Church, sang the soprano sol° in Handel's Messiah in this church when » boy and that among the eminent men who have filled the post of organist here were George Cooper. Dr. James Higgs,and Sir John Stxliner, M.A., Mus. Doc. The organist from 1897 to 1904 was Mr G Vincent Davies, Mr J. B* Davis, who holds the office at present,^sue* ceeding him, and who has proved himself to b* a capable and an indefatigable worker. Sunday evening, April 12th, the choir, under his guidance, we may add, numbering some 40 voices, gave an excellent rendering 0 Hemory's sacred cantata Prynedigaeth '1 Byd" (sung to the Welsh words), without 8311 assistance from without, the performance o the work being preceded by a short service address. Churches and chapels in Wales taaj make a note of this, and profit by followinft the example. Evidently this church is not ot the Laodicean type, and one can quite accept the closing words of the above notice as beiOi correct and well-deserved, to the effect that the services of this Welsh church are of tbc heartiest description the congregation iJ& large one, and altogether there is far mof spiritual life and much greater religious actiV' ity here at St. Benet's than can be found in tbC great majority of the City churches at the pre- sent time." Good Advice. Good practical advice and very useful infor- mation to the aspiring a.nd ambitious yriuntf t-inger is given in the current number of "HoCie Life," by Mr George Cecil, a gentleman con', nected with the Carl Rosa Company and wbo therefore is in an advantageous position to form an opinion on such a topic, and to offet valuable advice. Particularly should his word" be thoughtfully pondered over by those numer- ous lady vocalists, with burning ambitioB« whose one sure way of reaching the much-de- sired and longed-for goal, as they think, is to take lessons" the practical result for maDJS however, heing grievous disappointment and disenchantment, for an all-wise Creator never endowed them with the qualities essential to the formation of a successful artiste. As a ter of fact, our author says, little wealth apd less fame can honestly be held out as an in- ducement to a girl to neglect the offer of a cer* < ain clerkship for a problematic position iØ the musical world. There is nothing especially new in these views, they have been expressed and presented to the public and those whoDO they more particularly concern many before, and, unfortunately, the sequel^ wiD prove to be just the same in the majority Of instances as in times past. Young ambitioO will go its own way, no matter what the men- tor's warning may be—until dearly-bought personal experience will "teach the lesson sharply. I. Llangollen's Last Minstrel." Such is the heading of a paragraph ia. daily contemporary recording the death of Madoc Roberts, harpist, Llangollen, early thif month. He was a native of Newtown, and one of the seven or eight sons of the late Jow. Roberts (Telynor Cymru), the well-known and respected Welsh harpist of that town, where he had resided for a long period, and where bØ died Rome 14 yean ago.- ,• MMoc Roberta hy' lived in the romantic town On the SSPfora quarter of a century, and was known in the locality, so we read, as the Llangollen harpist, he being, like all members of the family, more or less skilled as a player on the national in- strument. We aresorry tolearnthat the veteran f player had fallen upon evil days, as hij life's journey neared its end and that due. according to the writer, to the wani&4 popularity of the harp, and the consequen* reduced demand for the services of the hafP player; a conclusion which, if correct,all loverf of Welsh national music will likewise regret. The Late Mr. W. I. Argent. The decease of the above musician, whitf& took p ace during last month, is also &11- nounced. He was well-known in Liverpool an active musician in various directions as teacher, organist, conductor, author, aft" composer, &c. and is known to us in WaJ<* as the composer of an anthem" A'r Gair » wnacthpwyd yn gnawd (And the Word WAS made flesh) that appeared in the Carddof Cymreig,"under the editorship of IpuanGwylltf 1864. The author was then residing in Rhyk where his father was engaged in business, hay- ing migrated there from England.

SINGING FESTIVALS. Bridgend. The annual singing festival o! the English CalvinLstic Methodist Churches ^f the Bridgend district (including the Llynvi, Ogmore, and Garw Valleys) was held at Hermon Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church, Bridgend, 011 Monday. There was a large attendance, and the singing was of a high order. The con- ductor was Mr D. Jenkins, Mus. Bac., Aber- ystwyth. Presidents—The Rev. E. Owen. Gilfach Goch Mr E. Hughes, London House, Bridgend and the Rev. H. J. Lewis, MaeS* teg organists, Mr J. T. Howell (Pencoed) and Mr S. Roberts (Blaengarw). The chairman of committee was MrT. Hargest, Porthcawl, ano Mr E. David, Nantymoel, was the treasurer- The secretarial duties were carried out by M* L. Price, Nantymoel. Burry Port. The annual singing festival of the Welsh Congregationalists of Burry Port and district was held at Jerusalem Chapel, Burry Port, on Sunday, under the conductocsbip of-Mr T. Glyndwr Richards, of Mountain Ash. Thefft was a very large attendance of choristers rroct Jerusalem, Zion, and Carmel, and the throughout was of a very high order. Tha rendering of the anthem, Goruchafiaeth 1 Cristion," composed by the conductor, wai much appreciated.

EISTEDDFOD AT BLACKWOOD. A successful eisteddfod was held at the Drill I Hall, Blackwood, on Monday, the proceed* being in aid of the building fund of the ne<* English Congregational cause. Adjudicators* Mr Jacob Gabriel, Argoed, and Mr John Dwelt, B.A., Pontllanfraith. Principal awards Girls' solo—Maggie Lewis, Tredegar; boys' sole —Percy Silverthorn, Abertillery pianoforte solo—divided between Miss Pansey Newport, and Master J. Beddoe, Pontlottyn » soprano solo—MrSf Loveless, Pontypool; recitation-Mis3 Ethel Grafter, BrymnawT baas solo-Mr David Morgan, Pontnewvdd » baritone solo, novices—Mr J. Lewis, New- bridge tenor solo—Mr Alfred Lewis, Newport- The chief event was the male voice party com- petition, the test piece being The eru- saders," four parties competed, viz., Peng*rn (conductor, Mr Edwin Jones), Newbridge (M* Arthur Phillips, Crumlin), Cwm (Mr HarrV Clist), Abercam (Mr Birt Thomas). The priz- was awarded to the Pengam Pafty. Champion solo, open competition—Sir Harry Clest,

VANDALS AT ABERCYNON. School Entered and Piano Battered. Some wanton depredators forced an entrant* into the Abercynon infants' and girls' school* during Saturday night and created a consider- able amount of damage to an expensive the cupboards, and books. The discovery made on Sunday, when the caretakers weCt to prepare one of the class-rooms for a voice party to hold a singing practice. whole place had been ransacked and the book' and utensils were scattered all over the floofls- The piano, valued at between JE50 and UIJ, had been terribly battered and has been ren- dered practically useless. Damage rath«r than loot was obviously the object of the mis- creants, but that does not explain such* senseless proceeding. The police have dis- covered that an entrance was effected through the breaking of a window, and Sergt. Angt* and his staff are busily engaged in cndea^OUf ing to trace the culprits.

TEGIDM EMORIALT A final meeting of the committee of th6 Tegid Memorial Fund was held at Messt. Morgan and Richardson's office, Cardigan, ° < f Saturday. Tlio secretary read the of account, which showed a balance of £ 3 6d. directions for the disposal of which given. The secretary was thanked for ty' given. The secretary was thanked for ty' energy he displayed in the movement, and. !(I replying, said it was very gratifying to read. I an English paper the acknowledgment tha, just ice had been done at last to the memory c Tegid." j