The Cardiff Times

Great Earthquake. THOUSANDS KILLED IN PERSIA. Villages Engttlfed. Teheran, Wedn-sday.-The belated reports received by the Government record a severe earthquake on January 23rd in the vince of Luristan, irr the west of Persia. In the districts of Burujurd, and Selahor, although they are sparsely populated, 6p vil- tages have been wholly or.partially destroyed, while several villages are reported to have been engulfed completely. The loss of life is estimated at between five and six thousand, and twice as many cattle have perished. The destitute survivors are flocking to Buru- Inrd, appealing to the Government for help.— Renter. All the seismographs in Europe recorded on Saturday afternoon, January 23rd, a great earthquake shock, or rather a prolonged series of shocks, inferior only in degree to those that desolated Messina and Reggio on December 28. So violent indeed were the shocks, and so powerful their influence on the recording needles, that in one case the machine was broken. All the experts agreed in locating this mys- terious upheaval, of which no news could be heard, some 2,000 miles to the east, and later on they announced that it most probably tooK place in the great salt deserts that extend over the eastern provinces of Persia, where human life is exceeding sparse. As it turns out, however, the upheaval oc- curred in the extreme west of the country, among the mountain ranges that look down towards the plain of the Tigris and Euphrates, inhabited by those Bukhtiari tribesmen who have recently occupied the great city of Isfa- han, which nes 250 miles to the south-east of the centre of the province. It is still somewhat inexplicable that news has not come earlier of the catastrophe. We have grown unfortunately so accustomed to monster death rolls in connection with earthquakes—the 108,000 at Messina and then 57,000 in Calabria the same day-that 6.000 seems a small amount, but in reality it is only surpassed in its terrible effect by the eruption of St. Pierre, which destroyed 30,000 lives on the island of Martinique in 1902 by the up- heaval at Dharmsala, in Northern India, which proved fatal to 19,000 natives; and by the earthquake at Karatagh, to the north of the Afghan frontier, which in the autumn of 1907 sWept 10,000 human beings to destruction. The town of Burujurd is an important centre for trade with Kermanshah, and has a popula- tion ot between 16,000 and 18,000.

Shop Girls' Morality. I ——.—— REV. R. J. CAMPBELLS CHARGES. A meeting of the Drapers' Chamber of Trade was held at the London Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Mr Arthur Pyne in the; chair, when the question of the charges made by the Rev. R. J. Campbell as to the morality of the female shop assistants in London, and more particularly in the West End, was fully discussed. Before the discussion was opened the secre- tary read the opinion of Messrs Lloyd George and Co., the solicitors to the Chamber, that no action for libel or slander could be sustained against the rev. gentleman on technical grounds. Mr Edward Jones, a past-president of the Chamber, pointed out that the Rev. R. J. Campbell had made three speeches upon this question-two in London and one in Liverpool. He had refused to either withdraw or substantiate his charges, but had even reiterated them. What he wished apparently to do was to advertise his name. It was the bounden duty of the Chamber to protect the character and reputa- tion of the young women they employed. The allegation of Mr Campbell was that the cause of all the immorality he alleged was a miser- able wage. It was a questidn of money, but the conditions of employment proved there was nothing in that. It was a wicked and malicious assertion to say that the girls were paid a miserable wage. Mr Campbell said that these girls were encouraged to commit heinous Bin to eain their livelihood. What proof had he of that ? He also asserted that it had been going on for a long time. If that were so, what had the reverend gentleman been doing ? If such an awful condition of things bad pre- vailed, what had he done to avert it ? Appar- ently Mr Campbell had not troubled himself, but now he gave a little cheap advice and said. Find it out for yourselves." Mr F. Longley (Handsworth) condemned the charges of Mr Campbell as of a shocking and awful character, especially as coming from a minister of the Gospel. A Member If he is a man of honour he will prove his charges. Mr C. T. Grant (Finchley) threw oil on the troubled waters, and moved a resolution for a 11 Face to face conference with the reverend gentleman, who migbi have been misled. Mr Francis said if Mr Campbell were able to point to a few young womsa not entirely virtuous it would not prove his case. There were always black sheep in the fold and in their case, where they employed so many thousands, this was not sufficient to establish such a charge as Mr Campbell had made. Mr P. Walters (Brompton-road) said if Mr Campbell were an honourable man he would give every opportunity and convenience to the Chamber to meet him. Alter some further discussion as to the course to be adopted, it was unanimously resolved that Mr Campbell be invited to receive a depu- tation of the Chamber to discuss the question at issue.

MAGISTRATE'S SURPRISE. ThePenarth magistrates (Messrs D. Duncan and H. R. Jones) on Wednesday heard an ap- plication made by Mr H. M. Rees on behalf of Benjamin John Harris, a Cardiff boilermaker. for the reduction of a maintenance order of gi pier week. Applicant saic that owing to slack- ness of trade, he had found he could not pay he amount, the arrears at present being £ 18. The order was made in April last year, and in November it was reduced from 25s to;El. He gave details of his earnings, and, in reply to Mr Harold Lloyd, admitted that he had received ZroO for the furniture. D. Bd. Smith., secretary- of the No. 2 Cardiff branch of the Boilermakers' Society. said that there might be 500 or 600 men out of work in Cardiff one week, and -next week be very ft w. Mr Duncan (surprised): Five hundred or 603 boiler-makers Yes, there are 750 in Car- diff. The avorage man could, in witness's opinion, earn E2 10S a week. It was a matter of luck. Mr Duncan And ability, I suppose ?—Yes. The magistrates eventually decided to reduce the order-to 15s a week, and told respondent that it would ber competent ■ for her to come to cotlrt a and get the oaler increased tvhen her husband's circxrmstances improved.

For Children's Hacking Couglh at night. Wood's Great Peppermint Care, la lid. 2s 9d

» STIRRING SHIPWRECK STORY. 15 Survivors Arrive Home GAPTAIN'S STATEMENT. The survivors of the Forest Castle arrived at Swansea on Wednesday morning, on board the. ss. Castleford. The Forest Castle, it will be re- called was on a voyage from Bilbao for Rotter- dam, with a cargo of iron ore. She signed on her crew at Barry, on November 17th last, for a voyage to Genoa, and after calling at several Mediterranean ports she loaded at Bilbao, leaving that port on the 9th inst. When mid." way across the Bay of Brest with the Vandree buoy on the starboard side, the ve-,isel struck a rock, was pinned to it for a short time, and wih equal suddenness slid off. Fifteen of the crew had occupied the boats, which were im- mediately put out by Captain Osbon's orders, but the others unaware of the immediate danger, lingered a while to gather their effects, with the result that they perished with the vessel in 20 fathoms of water. Captain Oshon's devotion to duty nearly cost him his life. With singular bravery he remained on the bridge giving out orders and seeing that everything was being properly done. Without a moment's notice, however, the steamer plunged head foremost. His presence of mind saved him. Not able to swim an inch he grasped at a plank and was rescued later, after undergoing in the water a period of unconsciousness. The pilot boat Sans Soucie, of St. Nazaire, picked the men up from the boats and they were landed at Brest. They left on Monday on board the Castleford, for Swansea, and arrived there. as stated, on Wednesday morning. Captain R. S. Osbon, of the Forest Castle.— Photo-, ZanguK. Freres, Port Baid. The survivors are; Captain Osbon, Cardiff. Chief mate, Robert Day, Birmingham, late of Swansea. Cook, H. Jones, Lionel-road. Cardiff. Boatswain, D. Rees, Cardiff. Able seamen, John Morrison, John Marexn, M. Bassili, C. Chavalis, D. Adams, an of Bute- street, Cardiff. Ordinary seaman, N. Demos. Firemen, M. Sardine, M. Abdal, N. Abdal, A. AbdaJ, A. Suliman, and Mahomet. Of the ship's complement of nine officersno fewer than six perished. They were.- Second Officer E. Thomas (24h Oafcford, Llanarth, Cardigan. Second Engineer H. HQ Chnrch- street, St. Thomas, Swansea. Steward J. E. fitting (42), Hull. Mess-room Steward E. darksoa (209, Blyth. Chief Engineer Wm. Dando (31), West Hartlepool. Third Engineer Geo. MID (26), Jazvom.

STORY OF FATAL DELAY. Survivors at Swansea. The survivors were met at Swansea by our representative, who gleaned the following particulars :—The Forest Castle left Bilbao on Tuesday, bound for Rotterdam. The passage was fair, but at 3.15 a.m. Friday afternoon a shock shivered the vessel from end to end, and the crew saw that she had struck a rock. At this time a number of men were in their bunks, and these rushed on deck to find tbeship rapidly sinking. Captain Osbon, on the bridge, at once realised the threatening danger, and shouted forth the order, All hands stand by the boats," and immediately the port and star- board lifeboats were manned. The vessel had already begun to settle down. Four men got into the port lifeboat, and six into the star- board lifeboat. Just before the boats cleared off the word went round that the engineers were still in the ship. They were shouted to to make for the boats, and sone of the men then on board jumped into the boats, the waiter on deck being then over their boots. The second engineer, Mr Howell, of fliwsiw », was seen standing near the fiddley," and, when entreated to jump into the boat, replied There's plenty of time." Looking round, one of the crew could see no signs of any other officer on board, and concluded that one of the small boats on the other side of the vessel had been launched. Plenty of room remained in the two large boats. Indeed, one of them could have taken the whole crew of 24. The ill-fated steamer now plunged oat of sight, disappearing head foremost. One member of the crew said there was sufficient time for all to save themselves, although five minutes after she struck all was over. The survivors lost all their belongings.

CAPTAIN OSBON INTERVIEWED. A Remarkable Story. Captain Osbon had just arrived at his home, No. 8, Church-road, Cardiff, on Wednesday afternoon, when our representative called, and was courteously accorded an interview. Mem- bers of the family, sons, daughters, and grand- children, swarmed about him dancing with delight, and the skipper of the ill-fated Forest Castle sat in his parlour armchair before a big, comfortable fire. Never in a career extending over 40 vears at sea had Captain Osbon been so near death. It was a close thing," he said. On the evening of the 9th of February the ship left Bilbao. Heavy gales blew, the sea was heavy, and to shorten the voyage and secure shelter they steered through the Ras de Seine and the Le Four Channels. When halfway across the Bay of Brest," he proceeded, with the Van dree buoy bear- ing well on our starboard bow at a distance of about three-quarters of a mile, the vessel sud- denly struck a rock, and, remaining fast, immediately began to fill. All bands were called, boats were put out, and most of the crew got into them. Others occupied themselves in collecting their baggage. Without a moment's notice the vessel dropped off the rock and sank. in deep water. I was on the bridge at the time, giving orders. I had time only to catch hold of a bucket rack, and I was totally submerged. I knew no more until I was picked up. As far as I understand, a loud explosion took place, and several of the crew still aboard jumped into the sea. Some were drowned and some rescued by the boats. The explosion, to my mind, was caused by the compressed air in the vessel. The mate says it was the buoy that exploded. He saw it, of course I didn t." And what became of you In the water, captain ?" I came to myself, fortunately, or it would have been all up. I was injured, and chmg to the wreckage. I was able to hail the crew in the boats, and shortly afterwards I was picked up." This concluded the plain story of Captain Osbon. He deprecated the publication in the papers that the lost men came by their fate through their own fault. They were aQ good men and true, and it was the suddenness of the dip made by the steamer that was respon- sible for so many being drowned. The cause of the disaster in the opinion of the skipper was the shifting of the buoy. The westerly gales had completely changed its position. The vessel struck at 3J30 onFriday evening, and it was three and a half minutes later when it sank. The exact time was indi- cated by Captain Osbon's watch, a grim record of the incident. Captain Osbon paid a grateful tribute to the officers and crews of the pilot boat, Sans Souei, and the Castleford. They showed the men evey possible tenderness and kindness in the circumstances. In the plunge Captain Osbon sustained two fractured ribs, and on landing at Brest he was medically attended. He suffered a good deal on the ,way home, Mid on his arrival was also attended to by a local doctor.

PENSION CLAIMS. Total of 613,962 Granted. ~"MF Fell having asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claims for pensions had been received up to date, and how many were still under consideration in England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively, Mr Lloyd George writes- --The nmnber of clainas for pensions granted up to the 31st Januarv last were England and Wales 370,657 Scotland <*>123 Ireland 177,182 Total — 613,962 The numbers of claims still under consideration on the 31st January last were (exclusive of those which were the subject of appeals): Rngland and Wales — —- Scotland — Ireland. 3l,554 Total 65,768 Statistics of the numbers of claims made up to the 51st January are not available, but the numbers up to the 31st December were England and Wales • 434,070 Scotland 76,045 Ireland 23U91 t Total 743*306

W. A. Sparks, Broad-streets Builth Wells, has been presented with a silver merit medal and illuminated certificate on the occasion of having completed 10 years' full attendance at the Endowed School, Builoh Wells.

J MANUAL INSTRUCTION CLASS, TRUANT SCHOOL, TREHARRIS. The accompanying illustration is a view of the manual instruction class in woodwork, which is a feature of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Truant School at Treharris. The articles made by the boys consist of book-cases, pipe-racks, photo stajids, watch stands, foot-stools, letter racks, stocks, etc. In addition to the woodwork class another notable development is the brass band, the only brass hand in existence in the whole of the truant schools. and Monmouthshire Truant School at Treharris. The articles made by the boys consist of book-cases, pipe-racks, photo stands, watch stands, foot-stools, letter racks, stocks, etc. In addition to the woodwork class another notable development is the brass band, the only brass band in existence in the whole of the truant schools.

Glamorgan School Loans. FURTHER BUI Lome SCHSIIE8. Dr. Morris presided at a meeting of the Gla- morgan County Education Committee held at Cardiff on Tuesday. The following tenders were accepted, the figures showing amount of tender, accommodation, and cost per head erf building :—Fochrrw Infants, F. Bond, £ 3,082 15s 9d, 152, Z9 Is 3d Trebanos Infants, David Rees and Sons, 1?n., ?M, E15 lis; Heotyehy Temporary Building, F. Smith aad a36 108, 62, £ 3 16s 3d. The Board of Education having given a decision that a new school for Brymnenin is necessary, it was decided that a conference be held with the managers as to site for a tem- porary building. It was reported that an offer of JE500 an acre had been made for the site of the proposed school at Lisvane. The Com- mittee decided to ask the Board of Education to increase the promised grant of EL,000 to- wards the cost of building a new school at Bryncoeh. A new school. for 300 infants at Gilfach Fargoed was decided upon. Instead of extending the school at Aber, it was decided to erect a new two-storied building on land to be acquired from Mr J. Blandy Jenkins. It was decided to forward to the Board of Education plans for a new boys' school to accommodate 200 at Sandfields, Aberavon, and a new mixed school for 300 scholars at Tyderweti. Instruc- tions were given to the architect to proceed with the preparation of plans for the girls' school at Barry to be erected close to the site selected for the training college. The estimate showed that Is 3d in the S would be required as the elementary education rate, and 3d in the t for the secondary education rate. It was reported that the sanction of the Local Government Board had been given to the raising of rates of 3d in the ifor secondary education in Anglesey, Merioneth, the West Riding of Yorkshire, and in Glamorgan (in 1907-8), while the Lancashire rate amounted to 2Jd. It would be necessary during the next year to borrow £100,000 for new county schools and additions in Glamorgan, From a return presented by the county accountant it appeared that the annual cost of the teaching staffs in elementary schools had gone up from 291,403 in 19034 to E141,263 in 1907-8, and under the operation of the new scale this figure was estimated to exceed £ 150,000 in 1909-10. The ordinary grants for provided schools for the year ended 31st March, 1905, were £ 64,233, and fornon-provided schools £ 10,253, while for the year ended March, 1908, the amounts were 170,W and M472 for pro- vided and non-provided schools respectively. The expenditure upon education both elemen- tary and secondary during the current year had amounted to AMM. The amount raised by loans for new elementary schools since 1904 was set down as £ 267,454. It was stated that the total loans now owing for elementary schools exceeded half a raiTIWi of money, which was greater than in any other county, with the ex- ception of the West Riding of Yorkshire. School Norserfea. ¡ The chief education official was directed to ask the Board of Education whether they are prepared to make a grant towards the cost of establishing school nurseries under the charge of trained nurses. A request having been received from the Pen- arth District Council that the Provision of Meals Act should be put into force in the dis- trict, it was decided that the conditions at Pen- arth did not warrant the stops suggested. Mr S. Thomas and Miss Tregellis were re- elected the representatives on the governing body of the Penarth County School, and Messrs O. H. Jones and Hopkin Morgan with Mr T. H. Franklen were re-elected members of the Central Welsh Board. The Board of Education having refused to pay grant in respect of certain pupil teachers at non-provided schools on the ground that the Board were not satisfied that the pupils in question could not have attended at pupil teachers' centres, it was decided that hence- forth the pupil teachers engaged at non- provided schools be subject to the same arrangements with regard to training as are in force for the training of pupil teachers em- ployed in the Council schools. It was also decided that the decisions previously arrived at altering the arrangements for the instruction of pupil teachers be amplified so as to provide that first year pupil teachers shall attend the primary schools full time during the Lent term, and the county schools full time during the summer term. The chief education official was instructed to report to the next meeting upon the present method of examining pupil teachers and pro- bationers at the various centals. It appeared from a report presented by Dr. James that out of 328 candidates who sat at the preliminary examination for certificate in 1908 183 passed, while 120 failed for the first time, and 25 failed for the second time, whereas in 1907 403 sat, 224 passed, 128 failed for the first time, and 51 for the second time. The committee having in October lastordered a report upon the cost of the summer mining school, the Chief Education Official now pre- sented a return showing the amounts contri- buted from Government grants and rates re- spectively to be S,125 and £ 956 in 1906, £ 162 and £!jó7 in 1906, and £254 and JE496 in 1907. Schools as Reading-rooms. A letter was read from the corres- pondent of the Neath group of school asking the committee to consider the desirability of making regulations that would enable the people in country districts to use the schoolrooms as readmg and recreation rooms at such times when they are not re- quired for educational purposes, so that every parish desirous of adopting the Free Lib- raries Act should have the me of the schools after the usual school hours, providing they pay for fire, light and cleaning, and that the parishes should indemnify the Council against all costs other than those of reasonable wear and tear. Alderman Jcbn Morgan called attention to the fact that the London County Council granted such facilities as were asked for. The matter was referred to a sub-committee. A deplorable state of affairs was re- vealed in a report by the inspector upon the PenfLergaer Schools. In a temporary iron building the heating apparatus was so defec- tive that children of five and six years of age were found sitting in a temperature which was only eight degrees above freezing point. Dr. James explained that the architect was on his way to the school to see what could be done to remedy the defects.

CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE A Pontypridd Application. An application was made by Mr T. W. Lewis to the Pontypridd magistrates on Wednesday for the release, on bail, of Hubert Davies, a young man from Ctydach Vale. It was ex- plained that Davies was awaiting his trial on a charge of attempting suicide, and Mr Lewis ntimated that the stipendiary had informed him that if Dr. Gabe Jones could now certify that Davies had no suicidal tendencies, he would grant bail. Dr. Gabe Jones remarked he visited Davies in prison last night, and he was now very much brighter than when he appeared at the police court, and seemed quite able to take care of himselL There was now no trace of insanity. Mr Lewis stated that Davies had been married only seven weeks when the affair happened. It was due more to a tiff than anything else. If granted bai he would go back to his father. Mr Richard Lewis, JlP.: Had he not better go back to the wife ?—The Magistrate's Clerk That's what the whole bother is, I think. Mr Lewis: Yes, it was something about the wife and the lodger. The magistrate decided to submit Dr. Jones's evidence to the stipendiary-who was not present—in order that his worship might deal with the appbea- tion. for bail.

REMARKABLE FRETWORK BARGAIN. Send us three penny stamps and we will, as an advertisement, send you a Shilling parcel of our novel Art Fretwork Designs, including a Sixpenny Book of 13 dainty small designs, and Two Threepenny sheets of larger designs. Address—Desk 36, National Association of Fretworkers, 63, Farringdon Street, London,. E.C. x 119665

Swa riseacouncil I Breeze.' r NOT COKDOOYE TO COOL DEBATE. A quarterly meeting of the Swansea County Borough Council was held on Wednesday, the Mayor (Councillor Morgan Tutton) in the chair. Dr. Rawtiogs called attention to a reeom- mendation of the General Purposes Committee declining to add to the maintenance of the Swansea beds at the Brentry inebriate. Refor- matory. He said the whole sabject of cleating with this class was in transition,.and he thought it a pity to withdraw the help at the present time. He moved that the Council agree to further maintenance. Alderman Solomon suggested a limit of ope-year, and Dr. Rewtinga accepted the suggestion. Mr Hopkin said that the effect-on the Swan- sea patients had not been good. Dr. Raw- lings can say what he likes." The Mayor called Mr Hopkin to order, and said that the use of soch language was not conducive to cool and unbiassed debate. Mr Hopkin further had taken exception to something he (the Mayor) said at a recent meeting, and then went into print and practically threw the lie in his face. Mr Hopkin Mr Mayor The Mayor (firmly): I rrrrmndi nfhrif any xBs- cusskm. Mr Hopkin: W31 you allow me The Mayor would not allow Mr Hopkin to proceed. Mr Hopkin: Very unfair. The Mayor Order, order. Mr Hopkin I consider you are wary unfair. The Mayor Please sit down; that is thoonty way to deal with you. Dr. Rawimgs's amendment was agreed to. Proposed Asyiom. Discussion ensued over recomm £ i*datioiis of the Asytmn Committee that the Merthyr Tydfil Council be asked to appoint a sub- committee to confer with the sub of the Council relative to a joint asylum. It was decided to eliminate the whole of the recom- mendations except the one asking the LUMOCY Oommiasioners to inspect sites named. During the discussion of the Education Committee's minutes the Mayor said he over-. heard Mr Morgan Hopkin use the word manipulation," and it as a re- flection on the Council. Mr Hopkin (warmly) j "You have shyM me out for special treatment to-day, and I am not going to submit to your insults. I can surely speak to my friend without your anticipating what I am going to say. I am not going to be insulted^ The Mayor: Q"*8*. order. Iuumrmmy feet. Mr ilopicin may be on your feet, and you are taking advantage of yo- pcisi- tion. (cries of'o Or(ke.) The Mayor added that Mr Hopkin by his conduct had brought the interpositwms on- himself, and he was trying to teach him to conduct himself like other members. Mr Bop You cannot teach Mmyor. r- omec.") Sehemes in the Air- The Hon. Odo Vivian desired Information respecting statements in print to the effect that the Education Committee contemplated an expenditure of £ 44,000 on a new school and alterations to other gcbools. The Mayor said it was not on the minutes, and could not be discussed. Mr Vivian said he understood there were schemes in the air and perhaps the chairman of the committee would say if that expenditure was proposed in the near future. Alderman Martin declined to reply. The Mayor It is absolutely irrelevant. Tho matter dropped. Housing Scheme. The Hon. Odo Vivian took exception to a minute of the Housing Committee proposing to select a site for 200 additional houses for the working classes, and in moving its deletion said that the. town was already committed to schemes involving an expenditure of 944OXoo, The amendment was lost. and the com- mittee's RECOMMENDATION agreed to.

KING MANUEL ENGAGEMENT. Princess Beatrice of Saxe-Coburg, to whom, it is stated, King Maxrael of Portugal has become engaged, is the youngest daughter o the late Duke of Saxe-Ooburg (Duke of Edin- burgh). Her mother, the Duchess Marie, is an aunt of the Czar. She was born at Eastwell Park on April 20th, 1884. She and her three sisters have the reputation of being the most beau. tiful Princesses in Europe. Kaulbach painted her in the famous group of the Four Prin- cesses." A little over 12 months ago her be- trothal to Prince Alfonso of Bourbon-Orleans, Infante of Spain, was announced, but last March the engagement was broken off, it being Princess Beatrice of Saxe-Cobnrg. reported at the tame that she bad lost her heart to an officer of somewhat plebeian birth, who, however, met with great success in the fashionable world on account of his very fine tenor voice." Princess Beatrice's three sisters are all married. The eldest, Princess Marie Alexandra, is the wife of Prince Ferdinand of Roumania; the second, Princess Melita, married first her cousin, the Grand Duke of Hesse, and after the dissolution of that mar- riage the Grand Duke Cyril of Russia; while the third, Princess Alexandra, married the Hereditary Prince of Bohentohe-Langenbea^, Regent of Saxe-Cobuxg-

RATE ON SALMON FISHERIES. Wye Board's Decision. A meeting of the Wye Fisheries Board was held at Hereford on Wednesday. Mr E. Stafford Howard was re-elected chairman. The chairman announced that the Wye Fisheries Association, which had undertaken to pay the Wye Fishery Board £ 500 a year for the nets, were xmable to pay more than £ 200 this year as yet, and tho- £ 300 was put down as owing. Now that the board had the necessary powers, he proposed that they borrow 41,70D on the security of the rates and. repay the asso- ciation what they had contributed for the last four years, less the JE500. Lord Trodegar seconded. Mr Venablos Llewelyn moved an amendment that the association be repaid the whole £2,:md Mr Watson seconded. The amendment was carried, and it was decided to bomw the 92,000. The Cho-irman observed that the rates in Scotland varied from 10s 3d to 12s in the E, and he moved that the Wye Board make a rate on the salmon fisheries so as to meet their liabilities, inclusive of the bor- rowing, and also to clear off the present over- draft of £ 700 at the bank. On the proposition of Captain Kidston, seconded by Lord Gianusk. it was decided to make a rate of 4s 6d in the £ for the ensuing year. Mr Symons was the only dissentient, and it was resolved that the money received from troiit licences, less 10 per cent. for working expenses, should be devoted to re- stocking the river and looking after trOOt. licences.

ACCIDENTALLY FIRED. THE COMMONER CLAIMANTS. Another Scrimmage. The Freedom Campers are again gone from the Leckwith Common. During Sun- day night, through some wood and brattice accidentally catching fire, the huts were burnt down, and the men who were sheltering there were compelled to seek cover at Canton Police Station. About 9.30 a-m. on Monday a large number of Commoners proceeded along Leckwith-road with a wagon and cart, with the intention of evicting the land-grabbers. They found, how ever that the camp was deserted, except by Mr Robert Williams, and contented them, selves by placing all the charred wood, etc. which was lying about on their cart, and re- moving it to Canton pound. Daring the course of these proceedings some residents of Grange- town arrived on the scene, and challenged the right of the Cantonians to interfere with the hunger marchers. They claimed that the common belonged to Grangetown as well as Canton. These men, led by Mr Noad and Mr Robert Williams,counnenc-e(i to pull down from the wagon the wood and implements which had been stacked upon it, Williams claiming them as his own. This caused some disturbance, and in the melee Williams was struck on the head with a piece of wood. He was escorted from the scene half-dazed by Mr Noad. For some time matters looked ugly and had it not been for the presence of Superintendent Yelland and a few constables from Canton, trouble would no doubt have ensued. Eventually the Canton commoners placed the Marchers' implements and the remains of the huts on the cart, and, followed by a cheering crowd, conveyed them to Canton Market. Subsequently the commoners proceeded on a lorry, with spade and shovels, headed by Mr Lusty, back to the common, and quickly set to work to level the ground, saying that the mounds were dangerous to the cattle. In a few minutes the whole place had been levelled. We understand that the Hunger Marchers propose to proceed to the spot again, and, with the aid of the Cardiff unemployed, armed with a sufficient number of spades and shovels, to dig up the whole common without delay.

ARSON CHARGE AT POLICE COURT. Hunger Marchers and Unemployed crowded the Cardiff Deputy Stipendiary's Court on Tues- day. There were many more outside who failed to gain admittance. The case before the court was the charge of arson preferred against Henry Welsh (22) and John Lancastle or Lancaster (29). Mr Sydney Jenkins prosecuted and Mr Harold Lloyd defended. Mr Jenkins explained that the prisoners were arrested upon a warrant charging them with fetCmioixdiy setting fin- to tt sbSl on ljiackwltfa (Common with intent to injure, and the prosecution was undertaken at the request of Mr Robert Williams, leader of the Hunger Marchers. Two men, Stephens and McCutcheon, were in the hut on the night of February 6th, and about 7.30 they heard voices outside. A man shouted, Come outside. We are going to burn you outand burn you down." The two men went outside and saw the two prisoners—one pouring oil from a can over the bottom portion of the hut, and one striking a match and setting the place on fire. A struggle ensued, and eventually the flames were put out by Stephens. Next day one of the Hunger Marchers named Duke met the two prisoners, and they asked for Robert Williams. They were taken to him, and they admitted to him and to Duke that thev were the men who had set the hut on fire. Mr Jenkins argued that if the act was done wilfully that in itself proved malice. ■ Evidence in support of counsel's statement was given by Alexander Stephens. James Lister McCutcheon gave his version of the incident, and said that after the shed had been burned he smelled paraffin in the van and next morning noticed that some had beessn sprinkled there also. Were thev doing to you what you had been doing to other people T" asked Mr Harold Lloyd. McCutcheon for a time declined to answer, and the Deputy Stipendiary said that it had never been suggested that the Hunger Marchers had burnt other people's property. There's no analogy, said McCotoheon, between our action and theirs." Charles Duke said that when the prisoners admitted to him that they set the place on fire, they also told him they were very drunk at the time. "Mad Drunk." Robert Williams having given evidence, Detective-Sergeant Victor Keliett proved the arrest. Welsh said he did not intend to injure anyone, and was drunk. Lancastle said they were mad drunk, and when they came to know what they had done they apologised to Wil- liams. He added that on Sunday night they took nails and canvas to repair the damage done. Robert Williams, recalled, said he had made no promise to the men, but his personal feel- ing was to let them go. Prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes and admitted to bail, themselves in £5 and one surety of 95. Mr Harold Lloyd The Hunger Marchers will cost the ratepayers something.

UNGRAMMATICAL ACT. Unintelligible Section on Income Tax. A question of some importance with reference to income tax returns came before -the Court of Appeal, consisting of the' Master of the Rolls and Lords Justices Moulton and Buckley, on a considered judgment in the case of the Attorney-General v. Herbert Till. Mr Herbert Till, a solicitor' practising at Dorchester, appealed from a decision of the Lord Chief Justice, holding that he was'liable to a penalty of JE50 under Section 55 of the Income Tax 1842 Act for having delivered, as it was alleged, an incorrect statement of his income upon which property tax was charge- able. No fraud was alleged. The Master of the Rolls said that the ques- tioA in the case was. whether a man who had delivered a statement of his income chargeable with property tax, which from, negligence or carelessness, without fraud, was incorrect, was liable to a penalty of jE50 under Section 55 of the Act of 1842. The Act was so framed that it was not possible to arrive at a clear and satisfactory conclusion upon iv, and Section 55 was ungrammatical and almost unintelligible. His Lordship did not say that if a person delivered a statement which was illusory the Court might not hold that there had been no delivery under the Aet. He thought, how- ever, that the question in this case for the opinion of the Court should be answered in the negative, and that Mr Till was not liable to the penalty. He was of opinion, therefore, that the appeal should be allowed. The Lords Justices concurred. A stay of execution was granted with the view to an appeal.

SWANSEA SCHOOL FOR MOTHERS. Dr. Rhys Davies delivered the third of-a series of- lectures to mothers of children attend- ing the infants' department of th > Vinceut- street Schools, Swansea, on Wednesday after- noon. The series consists of simple addresses, the first five on the clothing, the food. the cleanliness, the sleep, and the growth of in- fants-and the sixth on the baby at home—or the baby's first, school. The Swansea Educa-. taon Authority was the first in Wales, and among the first group of school authorities in In the Kingdom, to appoint school medical officers. It anticipated nearly the whole of the Medical Inspection of Schools Act of 1907 by ten years. The present experimetit--a school for mothers—is the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for doughs and Colds never faito. Is lid, 2s 9d. 8387

WELSH PARTY. Meeting at the House. THANKSFOR THE CHURCH BILL. (From Our London Welsh Correspondent.) London. Tuesday Night.—An attendance of a full two-thirds of the jull complement of the Welsh Parliamentary party at the meeting this afternoon betokened a lively interest in the prospects of Welsh legislation during the present Session. At the commencement of the, proceedings Mr Wm. Abraham (Mabon), as one of the senior members present, occupied the chair, and the other members attending wereSir Alfred Thomas. Sir J. Herbert Roberts, Bart., Sir D. Brynmir Jones,K.C., SirFrancis Edwards, Bart,, Colonel Sir Ivor Herbert, Hart., Messrs Herbert Lewis (Junior Lord of the Treasury), Abel Thomas, K.C., J. Llovd Morgan, K.C., Vanghan Davies, Ellis Griffith, William Jones, Osmond Williams, Llewelyn WilJiams, Clement Edwards, Sidney Robinson, Lewis Haslaro, J. D. Rees, Thomas Richards, John Williams, William Brace, EUis Davies, and Walter Roch. In generous and appreciative terms Mabon proposed the re-election of Sir Alfred Thomas as sessional chairman. The proposal was seconded by Mr Herbert Lewis and was carried with acclamation. Mr Clement Edwards gave notice to call attention at a future date to the desirability of appointing a vice-chairman. Sir D. Brynmor Jones had signified a desire for private and professional reasons to be relieved from his duties as one of the secre- taries, but he had been urgently pressed by Sir Herbert Roberts, Mr W. Abraham, and the chairman of the party to allow his name to be again proposed. After further pressure he con- sented to act for another Session, and on the motion of Mr William Jones, seconded by Mr Thomas Richards, Sir Herbert Roberts and Sir D. Brynmor Jones were unanimously re- elected secretaries of the party. It was decided in the event of any Welsh members being successful in the ballot for places for private members' Bills that pre- cedence be given to the Places of Worship Enfranchisement Bill, the Sunday Closing Amendment Bill, and the Checkweighers Bill. A discussion took place as to the Parliamen- tary situation created by the introduction of the Bill for the Disestablishment and Dis- endowment of the Church in Wales in the King's Speech, in which Mr Thomas Hichards. Mr Llewelyn Williams, Mr John Williams, Mr Ellis Griffith, Mr William Jones, and others took part. In the result Mr William Abraham proposed, Mr Clement Edwards seconded, and it was unanimously resolved- a That this meeting returns thanks to me Government for placmg the Welsh Disestab- lishment and Disendowment Bill in a promi- nent place in the King's Speech and relies with confidence npon the passing of this Bill, so long delayed and so greatly.desired by the overwhelming majority of the people of Wales, through all its stages in the House of Commons in thecourse of the present Session. The thanks of the party were afterwards publicly expressed in the House. In the Lobby Welsh members were not slow to express their resentment at the unsympa- thetic attitude adopted by Mr Arthur Hender- son as the representative of the Labourites. From what subsequently transpired it was understood that Mr Henderson on this occasion had spoken beyond his brief, and there is no reason to believe that there will be any serious antagonism to the Welsh Bill on the part of. the Labour members. The Central News says by the general con- sent of the members of the House of Com- mons the King's Speech has been framed with a view to avoiding any grave crisis with the House of Lords. The only measure in it, indeed, which is likely to be rejected by the Lords is the Irish Land Bill. The Welsh members are pleased with the promise of a Welsh Disestab- lishment Bill, and particularly at the fact that the Prime Minister will introduce it himself. It is generally believed that the Bill will not be proceeded with beyond the second reading.

THE OPEN COUNCIL. ♦ EJ.M-" Wet Fly Fishing," by E. M Tod, poMished by Messrs Sampson Low, Marston and Co. Will (Perplexed).—This depends upon the wording of the will. Let us know the exact wording, whether the property was left to them as joint tenants or tenants in common, and we shall be glad to advise. Farm (Clodhopper).—We do not think he is bound by the old covenants, except any covenants which he broke during his tenancy, the landlord's remedy for which breaches continues after the tenancy expires. Cottage (Freehold).Oln the facts as stated we think he has acquired an absolute right to the property. Will (TT.)--An executor can safely do all the things mentioned by yon before obtaining probate. Will (Anxious).—There is no objection to A being a witness, and there is no reason why C should not keep the will in his possession. Damages (Cymro).-We think he has a good cause of action. He should see a local solicitor. It. Is no good bringing an action unless the other man is worth going tor. Sale GTJF.1.-—Consult a local loatMdie. Voagwn to have a good cwise of action.. Servant (S.I).R.).—We tbtnk your best plan would be to proceed against, him it the local County Court for a return of the wages in lieu of notice. Railway (G.T.).—Before advising you further we should like to see a copy of the consignment note. Tongwynlais.-First sod Barry Dock cut November 14th, 1884. Barry Dock opened July 18th, 1889. Churchman.—1850 is the year the schools were built. D. Jenkins.—He was sentenced in 1896 to penal ser- 'ns vitude for life, but was released about three years since. Rev. E. T. Parry.-It is contrary to our practice to publish contradiction of statements made in con- temporaries. J. Evans.-No such statement has been reported in our i-olamns. W. B.-Cannot trace the name to which you refer. GordoD is the family name of Marquis of HaDtiy. Earl of Aberdeen, and Baron Stanmore. Landlord and Tenant (Perplexed).—It makes no dif- ference at what hour the notice is given, as it will not be necessary for the tenant to leave the premises until midnight on the day when the tenancy ends. Goods (Trout) I ed),-You did quite right in refusing to take the goods, If you have any further trouble write us again. Rent (Anxious),—Yes, he can. Yoa cannot claim any I compensation whatever. Chapel (Register).—No, you cannot do so; you can only take the land in the same way as an ordinary Separation (Pit).—Your best course would be to apply to the magistrates for a separation order, and, tfyou are succcssfuli your husband will be ordered to contribute weekly towards the support of yourself and your children. „ Right of Way (Farmer).—He is only permitted to pass and repass along the right of way, and cannot interfere with it in the way you mention.. If he per- sists in his conduct consult a solicitor. Agreement (W J.P.).—The stamp retired Is 2s 6d, nKlthout that the agreement is useless. If the apprentice breaks the agreement you will have the remedy prescribed in the agreement for such breach. whatever it may be. Licence (Anxious Litigant).—From a perusal of the covenant you send us we are of opinion that you would have to obtain a licence to assign to make the equitable mortgage. Parish Council (J .J.) —We do not think that a meet- ing can be held on any account before 6 in the evening. See the Local Government Act, 1894, Schedule 1, Part-1. is es- Affiliation (Distrel-d)--The nrother^^denceis es- sential, and therefore, if she dies before the hearing no order can be made. Trustee (Trustee).—It is somewhat complicated,:ana we think the best thing you can do is to apply to tne Court for directions. See a local solicitor. Court for directions. See a local solicitor. Wild Birds (Tenant).-The close season for wiWpiras is between the 1st March and the 1st August. bet this provision does not apply to the owner or occupier of land killing any wild b ird not included m the sche- dule to the Act. „ „„f. Will (W.D.R.).—If you think it would rot be sate deposit it with your bankers. Wills, however, may be deposited in a sealed efcivelope m the Pro Date Registry at Somerset House, London, for safe cus- tody on payment of a fee of 12s 6d. Tobacco Licence.—The cost is 5s 3d per anmnii. Rates (Holder).—For rating purposes allotments should be assessed at one-fourth of their net annual value. You are correct, an allotment may not be sub-let. „ Mortgage (S..T.).-As there does not appear to be any stipulation to the contrary the ordinary rule must prevail, and the mortgagee will be entitled to six months' interest in lieu of notice.

RUNAWAY HORSE TRAGEDY. The Cardiff Cka-oner hdd am inquest on Tuesday on ThomasGmileyt50).Dudley-street a widower, who was killed in Dnmballs-road on Monday, Mrs Minnie Amcry, who gave evidence of identification, said deceased was rather hard of hearing and blini in one eye. William Horton, a driver, said he was with William Long yesterda.y in Dmnballs-road, witness and Lung both being in the, employ of Mr C. Wall. Witness had gone into Burton's, Ltd., for orders, leaving Long outside with the horse and cart. While inside witness heard a train coming and ran out. The horse was a young one and was a bit restive, and this was the reason that two of them were sent with it. The horse began to plunge, and broke away from Long before witness cculd reach it. Witness gave chase, and saw deceased lying in the road, bleeding. Someone said, He's dead." Witness just looked at the man, and then ran back to see after his mate, whom he found lying in a shed, injured. John Begg, Stockland-street, Grange town, a driver in the employ of the Cardiff Railway Company, said he saw deceased walking along the left-hand side of the road towards him at a distance of about 300 yards. Witness saw a horse ard cart coming along at full gallop after the man, and he shouted twice. Aa the man looked round, the wheel of the cart seemed to strike him in the back. Witness went to the deceased, and found him bleeding a good deal He never spoke and witness thought he was dead Dr. A. J. Andrews, Park-place, deposed to being summoned hurriedly to the scene of the accident, soon after 1 o'clock. Deceased was quite dead, and witness found a compound fracture at the back of the skull. This fracture, followed by brain injury as the result, was the cause of death, which mpst have been instan- taneous. The jury returned a verdict ot" Accidental death." Mr C. Wall said he would like to take the opportunity of expressing his deep regret at what. had occurred. He had known deceased since he was a boy. He had been trying to find his friends, but had failed. He didn't want to see him buried at the expense of *he parish, and would like to defray the funeral expenses himself. The Coroner expressed his satisfaction at Mr Wall's practical sympathy, and directed that the burial note should be handed to Mm.

Lnsrsram COMPOUND" for Coughs & Colds. Of proven efficacy. 9Jd and la l$d. Of Chemists on!y.643e

London Welsh Liberals. ASSOCIATION FORMED. A large and enthusiastic meeting of Welsh Liberals was held on Tuesday night at the National Liberal Club to organise a Welsh Liberal Association for the Metropolis. Mr Woodward Owen presided, and the speakers included the Revs. Elvet Lewis, M-ichreth Rees, and Herbert Morgan, Messrs John Hinds, D. R. Hughes, and Howell J. Williams. The committec reported an amicable amalgamation had been effected with the Liberal League, and Mr Ellis Griffith, the president, promised hearty co-operation. Much enthusiasm was aroused by allusions to the prom;se of a Dis- establishment Bill in the King's Speech, and support of the promised measure was declared to be the first object of the new organisation. As the scond object, th establishment of a Welsh Ofuce analogous to the Scottish Office was agreed upon after a short, lively debate, an amendment in favour of Welsh Home Rule as an immediate object being withdrawn. It was explained that this object was not ex- cluded, but that in view of the support given by leading Conservatives, such as the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, to an immediate recognition of Wales as a separate entity it was desirable- to hasten slowly and secure what seemed im- mediately attainable. Ao English Liberal appealed to the meeting to forego Disestablish- ment and combine in an attack on the House of Lords. His appeal was recei\ed with deri- sion. The association was then formally estab- lished. Mr LI jyd George gi vs it support.

Peter Robinson, a tramping labourer, was sentenced to a month at Abergavenny for stealing a pair of clogs, the property of George Oliver.

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