The Cardiff Times

THE HEALING ART. Speaking on Monday night at the Caxton Hall, Westminster, before the Psycho-Thera- peutic Society, the Rev. Clinton V. Billis, M.A., dealt with psychic healing activity. Giving a summary of the varions forms the bealingwork took in the United States, he characterised the Christian Science movement as primarily a healing cult, and only secondarily as a religious movement, though quite the reverse was true theoretically. He did not think the 4isual professional method of viewing a sick man was the best. He proposed that the first and chief factor for con- sideration was the patient himself, viewed as a living soul stocked with incalculable resources and powers innately quite adequate to deal with any disease or trouble, and that any treatment ought to assume the existence bf a great and almost untapped reservoir of re- cuperative power in the patient, as well as the power of the patient to draw on it if he be but taught of its presence and efficacy. This naturally made the consideration of the disease a simpler matter than usually, for it really reduced disease to one order of trouble, i.e., j to a lack of control atthe centre of the patient's I personality, brought on through ignorance of I personal capacity and through weakness of j will. All disease was a disturbance of equi- i libritrm and lacic of balance, and that balance I was amenable to the central governing agency of the patient's real self. The healing process was therefore a restora- I tion of the patient's real self to the command I and control of his various activities. It was instruction in the art of living, and healing bodily distempers was only Preparatory to the larger sense of life, ethically* as well as physic- ally.

LOST HER WAY IN DARK. Treharris Teacher's Death. An inquest was held on Monday at Aberdare on Mrs Clara Rose Warne, an assistant mistress at Treharris, who was found drowned od Satur- day morning in a pond on the side of the moun- tain between Aberdare and Merthyr. Evidence of identification was given bv de- ceased's sister, Mrs Emily Denny- Mrs Rose Anna Foxall, Cardiff-road, Aberaman, said deceased had stayed with her for about three weeks, up to five weeks ago. She was ill at that time. but left to assume her duties at Tre- harris. Mr Benjamin Moss, Gwaelod-v-Garth, Mer- thyr, said that deceased had lodged with them, but left at the beginning of the year. A mopth ago she called and wanted to stay, but his wife could not take her in, and she left. This was the last known of her being seen alive, and the evidence of Dr. Downhurst was to the effect that she must have been in the water at least three weeks or a month. The Coroner said that evidently the poor woman, who was somewhat short-sighted, had walked over from Merthyr, intending to go to her friend, Mrs Foxall, at Aberaman, and lost her way in the dark. A verdict < of Found drowned was returned. -=-0--

SORDID STORY AT ABERAVON. At Aberavon County Police Court on Monday Catherine Price, married, of Tip Cottages, Fforchtwm. Avon Valley, summoned Thomas Parker, collier. Fforchtwm, to show cause, &c. Mr L. M. Thomas appeared for the applicant, and Mr A. H. Deere defended. At the request of the chairman all women and girls left the court. Mr Thomas said the evidence revealed a most sordid story. Complainant was a married woman, and defendant was her brother-in-law. Defendant was capable of earning 15s per day. Complainant said a child was born on January 17th last, of which she alleged defendant was the father. Defendant married her sister, and in December, 1906, she went to look after her sister, but the latter died Complainant and her family of six and defendant and his family all slept in two beds. Complainant said she had not seen her hus- band for three years, and did not know where he was. The Bench made an order of 5s per week for 14 years, and ordered defendant to pay all costs. The Chairman said it was the most disgusting case ever heard in that court,

ABED GARDENER'S FALL. The Cardiff Ceroner held an inquest at Cardiff on Monday on the body of George Rowlands (70),a, jobbing gardener, of Jfoon-street,who died on the 19th inst. The evidence of decesfeed's wife showed that be had worked for Mr Digby Holdaway, of Newport-road, for the past 16 years. On Friday, 22nd January, he was brought home in a cab, and told witness that he had been pruning a tree at Afr -1-1-oldawa-yls house when the ladder on which he was stand- ing slipped, and be fell on the tiled pathway. Dr. Biggs said that the deceased had had the neck of the thigh bone broken and forced in- ward into the head of the bone. The cause of death was heart failure, partly duo to age, partly due to the confinement in bed, and partly due to the injury. Dr. Owen i Rees, of the Infirmary, agreed with Dr. Biggs's conclu- sion. Mr Cousins, who represented the em- r a ployer, pressed for a post-mortem examination to show the exact cause of death, and Dr. Biggs observing that two persons might come to different conclusions on an X-ray photo- graph, the Coroner adjourned the case until to- day for a post-mortem pv«-mination to be made.

VENTED THEIR SPLEEN. At Neath on Monday Frederick C. Thomas and John Arnold Hopkins, of no fixed abode, were charged with stealing a flagstaff and a box, together valued at 4s 6d the property of the Swansea Bay Golf Club. Mr A. J. Jeff erics, who prosecuted, said he had been instructed to press the charge, as a considerable amount of damage was done from time to time to the course. < Stephen John Cairns, steward, said Thomas went to the club-house on Saturday and asked for coppers. He was refused, and then went outside and joined Hopkins. The pair went in the direction of Briton Ferry, and witness saw Thomas take a flag from the ground and break it to pieces. Further on he went to one of the tees and smashed one of the sand boxes, carry- ing the pieces away. The Bench sentenced prisoners to three months' hard labour each. 1

MR STEAD ON JOURNALISM. What constitutes a Journalist" was the title of a discussion which took place on Sat- urday night under the auspices of the Society of Women Journalists, at the Society of Arts. Mr Stead said that when he was sent to gaol he remembered a man who possessed 1-1, d, a pencil, and a knife, giving his profession as a journalist." The man who looked after him (Mr Stead) said, Whenever anyone comes in here who has no profession he always Pays he is a journalist." Mr Stead said he had written advertisements and had been penny a liner." He had written letters to the editor, and had answered his own letters, but he had never taken a shorthand uote, because he did not know shorthand.

An Unsatisfactory Officer By CAPTAIN CHALMERS. Author of Dark Years," Big Jumbo," &c., &c. Isn't it pretty ?" Yes, exceedingly," he answered. They had cantered up to the top of the hill in the hunting-path cut through the wide Cop- mere Wood, and were looking down the soft green of the lane, hedged by straight lines of dark green fir trees to where a broad river flowed. Tba,t is the Girton River flowing to the sea —your sea, Mr Saunders." Yos. It seems quite pleased, singing and gurgling as it goes. For the present I am happy, too," he said, looking across at her. She smiled slightly. The horses in the contented manner of their kind when they have an affection for and un- derstand their riders, had stretched their reins loose and were npozling for juicy tufts of grass. Their quest brought the riders close together. He laid a hand on her horse's shoulder. Yes, I am very happy only one thing can change that," he murmured, looking into her eyes. Her eye-lids dropped; a flush reddened deeply the rich colour of her cheeks. She hung her head and attempted to gather up the reins, but Sambo was engaged on a particularly fine piece of turf, just near his lore feet, and took no heed of her gentle tug. Miss Ra.rgrea,ves-Winiffed, I love you," he utterad the words softly in a whisper. A thrush alighted on a branch near them, and, shaking its feathers, began to sing gaily. With eyes that did not see it,shc stared at it, fascinated, entranced, as if the joyous songster I held in its frail power all the glories of the world. "Winifred," he pleaded," I-I know I should not say so, but I must; I love you." His voice was tremulous. The thrush fluttered to the uppermost branch and, the supple summit of the tree swaying with its slender weight, twittered in a delicate crescendo. She turned her head and looked at the man. Leslie," she said, and stopped suddenly. The sound frightened her it thrilled him. He raised his hand fromSaim bo's shoulder and took that one of hers which was playing ner- vously with the horse's mane. Winifred, will you be my wife ?" She was silent. He repeated thewords.crush- ¡ ing her hand unconsciously in the intense I yearning of his desire. Y-e-s." The answer came faintly, linger- ingly, slowly rising and falling, like the notes of distant music. As if conscious of the need, the horses stood immobile, flank to flank. He threw his arms around her, and she, from her trembling, yield- ing lips, gave the seal of her promise, the sur- render of her heart. The workers on the estate were plodding their way homewards as the lovers trotted out of the copse on to the avenue, its embank- ment brilliant with the pink, white, and em- erald of rhododendron bushes. He shouted a cheery good-night, and she, radiantly happy, waved her hand as they sped past. The labour- ers stopped for a moment their steady trudge and turned round to watch them, noddingtheir heads sagely, tender words in their halting speech, a benediction in their eyes. Near the door they met her father. What do you think of a sailor on horseback, Sir Arthur ?" asked Leslie Summers, laughing. General Sir Arthur Hargreave surveyed him critically. You look alright; only you ride with too short a stirrup." I am lengthening the straps gradually. May I speak to you, Sir Arthur 7" Sir Arthur looked from one to the other. At the firm Strong features of the young man, at his confused and blushing daughter bend- ing over her saddle stroking Sambo's neck. He seemed uneasy, looking suspicious and uncer- tain a light frown flickered over his face and disappeared, leaving it set and impasaiee. I will see you in the library as soon as you dis- mount, Mr Saunders," he said, courteously. When Leslie Saunders walked into the library he launched forthwith into his purpose, bend- his riding whip between his hands as he talked. Sir Arthur stood on the hearthrug, leaning his right elbow against the mantel-piece and pull- ing at his grey moustache, while his eyes rested in a curious scrutiny on the face of the embar- rassed suitor. Mr Saunders," he said, when Leslie had finished," You have good estates, and so far as itlkatis concerned can make my dsragferte* com- fortable. But what about your naval career ? That has not been by any means creditable. DOfYOU think an unworthy officer can make a good husband ?" Leslie Saunders was abashed, perplexed, he could find no answer." Mr Saunders, did you cany out faithfully your obligations to your King and country while you were in the navy t" asked the discip- line loving old soldier. "No," answered Saunders, looking Sir Arthur straight in the face. Then how can I trust you to fulfil your duties as a husband to my daughter ? His manner was cold. Saunders bent his whip into the shape of a ring the question was impossible for him to answer. "Winifred has given you her affection," went on the general after a considerable silence, and I wish to do what is wisest. If you promise to go to sea for two years and prove that you can stick to your duties, I may then give my consent. You are quite young yet- twenty-eight. Winifred is twenty-lour. Until then no engagement—no ring." When Leslie walked into the drawing-room he found her sitting down, smiling dreamily at her mother's portrait. Winifred," he said. She looked into his sad downcast face. Leslie, what is the matter 7 Has—oh 7" she gasped. A torturing thought flashed to her bram. Not so bad as that, dear, bat bad enough. Your father says I must leave you for two years." And leaning down, lie told her what had passed. I—suppose everybody has trials, Leslie," ,she said, with a sorrowful sigh. Yes," said he, looking gloomy, but I am the cause of ours." When you left the navy-" Left it ? If I hadn't I would have been dismissed the service. I only got out in time." But your faults were* never really bad, dear," she said, nestling in at his side. Going on leave without permission taking a cruise without orders ignoring senior offi- cer's commands. A lot of tricks like that. The Admiralty would generously enough, call me an unsatisfactory officer." And Lieutenant Leslie Saunders, late commander of the torpedo destroyer, Fastnet," looked the misery that he felt. I am sure, dear, you have been very well behaved since you have been at home Yes, I met you, and have been too busy breaking your heart to find opportunity for anything else," he said mournfully, something gulping in his throat. She put her arms round his neck and pulled his head down. Looking into his eyes, her breath wafting in soft zephyrs against his lips, she said I.,eslie,. -vou could never, never do that." He caught her to him, and clasping her with a fierce grip, kissed her again and again. My darling My darling For some minutes they were silent. She sit- ting on his knees, a cheek resting on his right shoulder and playing a hand tenderly over his clean-shaven face. Sunbeams filtered through a tangle of beech-tree leaves, and striking the window-panes, shot rays on the lovers, light- ing up into golden sparklets the coils other bountiful fair hair shedding a bright flame on his brooding face. Two years will soon pass, dear," she said, comforting him, rather than herself I have been a mean brute, I ought to have cleared out as soon as I found myself in love with you." Then you would surely have broken my heart," she said gently tugging at his chin. I was in love as soon as you—sooner, may be." Not once did they question the justice of Sir Arthur Hargreaves commands. Two days later he came to her, and said "I have been lucky. I have obtained command of an old steamer trading on the China coast. They don't usually care for royal navy men in the merchant service." Then his voice drop ped I must go to-night though, dear." Her heart sank. To-night! She had hoped to have him n'car her for some, days, a week perhaps, before the parting. Only a few days, to exchange the tireless signs of love, of his love and of her. And he was going away to- night! A cold shiver ran through her, a tremor of dread, of dark foreboding. She looked bravely into his face, her eyes smiling through a haze of firmly suppressed tears. Give me.a kiss, Leslie," she whispered. It sounded like a prayer. CHAPTER II. Resplendent and inscrutable the stars glit- tered in the soft blue dome of the tropical sky. Pitilessly, tauntingly they had shone on Saun- ders for interminable nights six months before in an open boat on the China Sea, and Leslie, disillusioned, strode the bridge in calm indiff- erence to their cruel beauty. He threw away the stump of his cigar lie heard its vain, pro- testing hiss as the sea quenched it. and turning from the port-rail faced the silent-footed com- pradore. Well compradorc what t-hing 7" One more man makee die," answered the Chinaman, laconically. Saunders blew his whistle. Keep a look out here," he said to the native quarter-master, who answered, and followed by the compra- dore he went down the ladder. Stoppng at the hatchway he lit a, fresh cigar; the burning of the Manila leaf was his only safeguard against the all-powerful germ that prevaded the ship. That never yet truly discovered enemy had come on board two days ago, and the ghastly question that was in the minds of all* wwr when would he finish reaping his harvest ? Equatorial airs, eddying softly round the bridge, caught the flame of the match and flickered it gently, then passed away noiselessly to leeward. Asea-hawk, perched sleepily aloft, in the fore-rigging, looked down startled at the new light and with a. sharp cry flew skyward. The ship foamed on through a blaze of glorious moon-light and the calm water lapped her side caressingly in tune- ful complainings at this disturbing of its rest- fulness. Emptily, weirdly, its great long arms inert and motionless, likea phantom in a grave- yard, a windsail reached out of the gloom of the 'tween-derks." Saunders looked at it and shook his head, No air getting down here," he said. The compradorc banded him a bull's eye lamp, and they passed down the gangway. The tepid stench, of many poisonous fumes greeted them, and Saunders looked round on a disor- dered mass of Chinese, lying, in all manners of repose, on mats spread on the iron deck. With the callous fatalism of their race they slept or talked idly. Here and there an opium lamp was hastily covered up, like the strange vanishing of a will o' the wisp, as the presence of the officer flashed to ther consciousnesses. All was black and the air was thick Saunders.thought he could cut it with a knife. Which of these maJodours con- tained the cholera. germ ? he vaguely wondered. Mingling timidly with the heavyfet-or of opium, the fetid breaths and the taint of cargo under the hatches, was the feeble, expostulating odours of disinfectants which had been plenti- fully sprinkled about and had proved power- less against the coming of the pestilence. Saun- ders sucked vigorously at his cigar, blowing the smoke down his nose. In the confused jumble of heads, bodies, legs, arms, bundles, opium-boxes, and diverse curious things, were some who were well, other who were sick, dying or dead, each and all working out independently his own destiny. They were from the unhealthy tin-mines of the Federated Malay states They belonged to different clans and towns of Southern China, and were return- ing thither with their punv fortunes. Because of their separate clanships none was interested in the other further than to watch his last breath, grab at his box. and secure his wealth, for the New Year time was approaching when the live Chinaman must pay his debts, his re- lations' debts maybe, and shine among his frieDd. Saunders heard a, moan, and turning towards the sound, saw in the light of his bull's eye, a writhing man straighten himself out in a. super- human effort to conceal his sufferings. He tried to look well, but the strained eyes, the clenched teeth, the pallid face, and twitching hands told another storv. To this latest victim, as to the others, Saunders was the human confederate of the dread disease. This red faced devil came among them, watched them in their torment, and when the cholera had finished its work, it was he who had them fastened up in their mats and thrown into the sea. From his hands they would take no medicine, no brandy to them he seemed to offer it only to increase their an- guish and their torture in order that he might delight devilishly in their excruciating agony. No, although succumb they must, they would hold out until the sheer exhaustion of their bodies took them to death. Saunders raised the sufferer's head and placed a bottle to his lips but the man struck at it, and the liquid splut- tered over Leslie's white uniform jacket. He lifted him to carry him on deck to where the air was unsullied; the man struggled and squirmed out of his grasp. That was where the great hungry, mysterious sea was, that had been taking his countrymen and was greedy for more. The terror of the sea that seemed to be in league with all things deathly, even when it smiled, had entered deep into their hearts, and they feared to look on it. This was one of Les- lie's greatest difficulties in his endeavour to check the course of the contagion. They would not stay in the pure atmosphere of the deck they preferred to huddle down below, out of sight of the uncanny thing which encompassed the ship for miles around. There in the foul a;r they busied themselves in hopes for the future —some in the business of dying. A number lying near watched impassively the officer's futile attentions, then re-arranging their wooden pillows lay back again. Saunders left the man alqne and moved on to the after- end of the 'tween-decks to where the dead man was, stumbling in the misty gloom over count- less forms indicating their animation by queru- lous grnnts. The toe of his canvas boot un- earthed an opium lamp, still burning, from under a pile of, dirty cotton clothing. As a rapid and effectual means of preventing fire, he put his foot on it and stamped the flame out, crushing the glass into many pieces and bursting the oil-well. The owner set up a shrill chatter and stretched out to collect the said remains (ft his much-valued property. Saunders grimly lacked it out of his reach and walked on. Close to the bulk-head the dead man lav half on his face, his knees close up to his chin, and one hand over his head, just as life had left him in the final contortion of his agony. Near him was his box, its lid broken off and empty, silently testifying to the late presenceof rifiers. Moonbeams struggled in through a small port above the lifeless man's head and feebly essayed to penetrate the sordid and deathly spacewith- in. Saunders put his hand out and felt gentle wafts of wind go past, none of which sought an entrance, ignoring that stench-hole which con- tained the concentrated horrors of all the world, and where a veritable typhoon was necessary to bear the thing away to void. Leslie Saunders, the captain, was the only white man oh board the ship. His vessel flew the dragon flag of China and all his subor- dinates were natives of that country. These men had been faithful and obedient in their routine duties, but now that plague bad struck the ship they had become demoralised in a stubbornly, cold, expressionless way were not afraid to go near the sick, but considered it death to themselves to touch them, and so calmly refused, disobeying Saunders when he demanded their help, saying No belong my pidgin, sir my belong sailor." This was his last voyage, his two years had expired, and when he returned to Hong Kong he was taking a passage home in the mail steamer. He had experienced many hardships, but not a word had he mentioned of them to her whom he hoped to hold in a few weeks' time once more in his arms, only counting cheerily in his letters the lessening days of his absence. But now his greatest trial was upon him—a trial that asked for more than a superb seaman's skill; a test that might bring death on himself and leave his ship unnavigated, drifting with its pestilence upon the face of the !ocean. Whatever he did he must do it forcibly. If he could only cure one of the sufferers he might gain the confidence of the other five hundred suspicious minds, and so induce them to come on deck into the open-air. He went back to the sick man, and setting his teeth, picked him up, holding him firmly. Up the ladder he carried the twisting, moaning, remonstrating burden and laid him down near the cabin door within easy reach of the medicine chest. For two hours he tended the tortured man, then the man began to show signs of being easier, and soon had fallen into an untroubled sleep. Saundcrs had cured him. He went down below again to order the horde up on deck, to tell them that their countryman was well and sleeping. And there was another victim. Saunders stooped, lifted, and carried the unwilling man off, praying earnestly that he might also succeed with this one. He did succeed Coaxing, hustling, ordering, he ultimately got the others into the fresh air. When he reached the bridge aga-in he felt tired, worn out. A little rest would do him good. Thirty hours later his ship arrived m the Hong Kong quarantine ground, a yellow flag flying at the fore-truck. A steam launch steamed alongside, and two spruce harbour officials coming from a pleasant leisurely breakfast at the King Edward Hotel, hastilv mounted the ship's gangway. Thcv found Leslie Saunders lying beside the engine-room telegraph, breathing faintly, his face bloodless and drawn. Cholera «' Yes," said the other. Looks pretty far gone." Then feeling Leslie's pulse, he ex, claimed Hopeless." • .••• CHAPTER III. Has Leslie never told you anything about his life in the East ?" asked Sir Arthur Har- greaves. Not much, father. He says it is just work, and there is no use filling a letter with that." Winifred turned from the piano deeply con- scious of one note that coloured every page of Leslie's correspondence—his enduring love for her. Strange he never speaks of himself. I won- der if he really has been behaving," he said in an oddlv concerned voice. His daughter gazed at him, a pained look in her eyes, her lips twitching. Father, why should you doubt 7" Throughout the two weary years of waiting she had to listen to Sir Arthurs out-spoken reasons for distrust of Leslie Saunders. It had been occasionally at first: now it was almost daily. The fact that the young sailor was silent as to his personal experiences, gave Sir Arthur much room for worrying speculations. Wini- fred was his only child. To see her happily married was bis highest ambition. He dreaded that Leslie had renewed his unsettled, irrespon- sible life as soon as he had returned to sea. If he had nothing to hide, why was he so reticent about himself ? When he comes home, he will tell u every- thing," she said, crossing over to a chair near her father. She looked at the clock, it was 10.30 p.m. Would to-morrow never come ? To-morrow She had been repeating it all day, until the burring word had thrilled into a. beautiful song. Along the corridors she had sung it; in the kitchen iIb. the dining-room wherever she went on her house-wifely duties. Out of affection for their mistress and the man who was returning to glndden her heart the servants took it up. Even the sedate, white-haired old butler, fussing about the coming guest's room, sung it asthmatically, with cheery gasps. To-morrow you will know, (atlier," she con- tinued. Sir Arthur looked at his daughter with a frown. Her faith in Leslie amounted to mad- ness. All right; I'll fino. them." A voice long prayed for was heard at the opening dorway. Leslie Leslie with a bound lithe and mobile, she was in his arms. "Caught an earlier train at Marseilles thought there was no use bringing you to the; station ia the cold night air." Pleased to see you, Leslie," said Sir Art-hut politely. Thanks, Sir Arthur," said Leslie, looking up bright and happy from his burden. Winifred noticed the restraint in her father's voice, and, releasing herself from Leslie's arms, she stood erect, taking his hand. Happy and confident, she took her father's hand also, and smiling into their faces, she said, Come, will sit on the sofa, and Leslie will tell us of his work in the East." She sat between them, exalted and beautiful, rich in the complete consciousness of her pos- I session of their opposite loves. For a moment there was a definite sense of I uneasiness on the part of the men. Not having Winifrd's faith, Sir Arthur's gentlemanly nature resisted forcing Leslie to speak to com- mit himself. And Leslie had a manly dislikte to recounting his hardships, his dangers, his ship- wrecks. But the gentle squeeze of his hand and the look of „ loving command in her eyes pro- duced in Leslie the knowledge that she had a pressing and a lofty reason for her wish. He told them of adventures which had ha written of them as they occurred would have made Winifred's heart bleed; would have made her years of waiting a period of bitter anguish. Of his ship foundering, and he being adrift for a week,with a boat-load of Chinese, without any food, hardly any water. Of a small-pox scourge. Of the wreck of a German steamer, when he during the height of a fierce storm saved the lives of her passengers and crew. Of being fre- quently boarded by native pirates among the outlying islands. Of many things he told them. He stammered and slurred over the events where his personal bravery was immediately concerned, but she, sweetly insistent, had ifiis stories made clear, glancing from time to time with gentle flashes of pride at her father. Fin- ally, he narrated the terrors of his last voyage when cholera had broken out, and of his. awakening in a private ward of the Hong Kong hospital. I thought I was at home I could just see some dogs frolicking outside my window," he concluded. Poor Leslie poor father said Winifred, a little wistful, a little sad, but intensely happy. Sir Arthur held out his hand Across Wini- fred's lap the hands of the two men met in a silent grasp the grip of a true and a perman- ent understanding. (The End.) Next Week— GREAT POSSESSIONS, By Barry Pain.

fullIvhuTTry HONOURS. Brynmawi1 Colour-Sergeant Instructor's Buria.L On Monday afternoon at the Cemetery, Brecon, the remains of Colour-Sergeant In- structor E. J. James, of the Brynmawr Com- pany of the Breconshire Territorial Battalion, were interred with full military honours. The cortege comprised the depot South, Wales Borderers under the command of Lieutenant, Fratimer, firing party of the depot SouthlWales Borderers with Colour-Sergeant Bryant in charge, band of 3rd Battalion S.W.B., a repre- sentation of the Brecon (A) Company, Bryn- ma-wr (B) Company under the command of Captain Dixon, Crickhowell (C) Company, and F (Talgarth) Company of the County Terri- torial Battalion; the borough contingent of the Breconshire Constabulary, under the com- mand of Superintendent Thomas Flye and a deputation from the Tredegar Lodge o Free- masons, of which deceased was assistant secre- tary. The mourners were deceased's widow, family, and nearest relatives. The coffin w draped with the Union Jack, and bore de- ceased's helmet and accoutrements, and a pro- fusion of floral tributes. The sergeant instructors of the Breconshire Territorial Battalion acted as pall bearers and the sergeants of B (Brynmawr) Company as under bearers. The band of the 3rd Battalion South Wales Borderers, under the direction of Sergt. Drummer Thompson, played Chopin's and Beethoven's Funeral Marches en route to the place of burial. At the cemetery the Ven. Archdeacon Beavan (vicar of Brecon and chaplain of the County Territorial Regiment) officiated, Bro. A. Orchard, P.M. of the Tre- degar Lodge of Freemasons, also reading the main portion of the Freemasons' Burial Service. The customary three volleys were fired over the grave and the last post'' was sounded on the bugles. Mr Councillor W. Morgan (seegeanti A Company Breconshire Territorial Battalion) was undertaker. Deceased was 42 years of age, and had just completed his 21 years with the Regular Army and the Territorials. He was a native of Tre- degar, and had seen considerable foreign service with the South Wales Borderers ia India and elsewhere.

DOG LICENCE DfSPUTE. Haverfordwest Trainer Summoned. At Haverfordwest Petty Sessions on Monday (the Mayor presiding) George Forrest Herbert, of Prendergast, Haverfordwest, was summoned for keeping nine dogs for which he had no licence. Mr W. J. Jones, solicitor, who appeared for the defendant, said an important witness for the defendant was unable to attend that day, and he asked for an adjournment. In reply to the clerk Mr Jones said the absent witness was Mr Harry Rees, of Springfield, who owned three of the dogs, which defendant waa training for him. The Deputy Chief Constable said 15 dogs were on the premises, and the defendant could only produce three licences. Mr Rees's three dogs were licensed in the DamIJ of Mr Rees. P.S. Morgan said that when ha counted the dogs and asked defendant for hia licences he replied, Give me a chance, sergeant, to make a living." P.C. Wheeler, who accompanied the sergeant, said the dogs were more like a pack of wolves than any thin" else. (Laughter.) Defendant went into the box and swore that the dogs for which he had no licences were puppies under six months. Ho had been in business as a trainer of dogs for 22 years. The Bench imposed a fine of 15s and costs.

LESSONS IN MOTOR DRIVING. Henry Mansfield, described as a motor engi- neer, living at Harringay, was charged 011 a warrant at North London on Saturday with obtaining five guineas from James Warren by false pretences. The prisoner, it was shown, occupied premises in Lower Clapton-road. Warren said he went there in response to an advertisement in a. newspaper offering instruc- tion m motor-car driving, and saw the prisoner. He paid five guineas, visited the premises fo. three weeks, but did not receive any lessons or sec a motor car. The prisoner told him the firm had £34.000 in the bank. Detective-Serjeant Smith said that the prisoner after reading the warrant said, They have had seven lessons. I give a month's tuition for five guineas. In the City they only get 2 lessons for three guincks. Do you think I was going to let them have a motor-car to break up ? They have had tho mechanism explained to them on a black- board." The magistrate ordered a remand, bail being allowed.

KEEPS COLDS OFF. A correspondent write to London a con tempos, rary describing a Hindu breathing exercise for protecting the lungs from colds. We call it Pranayam,' which means the regulation o £ vital energy.' It has stood the test of thou- sands of years in India. As soon as you ara awake in the morning let into the room a good supply of fresh air, but beware of a draught. Then lie flat on your back without a pillow under your head, with your hands and k8 relaxed as much as possible. Keep your mouth shut. Take a long, deep, and very slow breath, as gently as you can, through the right nostril. Retain as much of the air as possible in you? well-inflated chest tor about 15 or 20 seconds. Then let out the ail- gradually through the left nostril. Take the next breath in tho same man- ner, but, through the leifc nostril, and let it out very gently by the night nostril. Breathe like this about ten times every morning through the- different nostrils alternately before you leava your bed. This exercise, when properly done, is an excellent massage for the breathing organs."

CAUSE OF HER DOWNFALL. Swansea Drink Tragedy. At Swansea on Monday Mary Taylor. mar. ried. was sent to prison for a month for stealing a pair of boots from Messra Auckland's shop in High-street. Defen- dant offered the boots in pawn, and as sho could not show a receipt the police were sent for, whereupon she disappeared. Afterwards she returned and was arrested. She wept and told the Bench drink was the cause, Superin- tendent Grill tohl the Bench drink had no doubt been the cause of the woman's downfall. She had been to prison for neglecting her children, and had also been in an inebriates' home.

CARMARTHEN GAS CLAIM, At Carmarthen Borough Police Court 011 Monday A. 1. Jones, architect, was summoned, at the instance of the gas company, for the non-payment of 12s 3d, one month's consump- tion of gas. Defendant stated that formerly he paid for gas by the penny-m-the-slot sys- tem, but one day he put nincpence in the slot, and did not get any gas in return. On com* plaining to the company they induced him to have a meter installed in his house. By thia method he observed that the amount debited to him was twice the amount he would have to pay according to the peimy-in-the-sl.ot system. He thought he had been treated very badly by the company he had refused to pay more as a protest than anything else. The gas collector said the company had done everything possibla to meet the defendant. They had tested tha meter and had found everything correct. The Mayor (Mr John Crossman) announced that the Bench had no alternative hut to make an ordN for payment of the amount claimed, but tbert would be no costs.