The Cardiff Times

Arrested in Bed. J. TREHERBERT MAN'S RETURN. Paternity Order Arrears. STRANGE CASE IN THE HIGH COURT. In the Divisional Court on Tuesday, before •heLord Chief Justice and Justices Darling and an application was made for a rule nisi for v, .jfrtiorari in the matter of the King v. Lewis, ndl8ol7 magistrate (ex parte Davies). The matter Mote out; of affiliation proceedings taken by Margaret Meredith against John Davies at Ystrad Police Court aa far back as May 17th, 1897. The defendant, it was stated, then lived at Dumfries-street, Treherbert, and the Court at Ystrad made an order upon him for 3s 6d per week, the order being made by the late Mr Ignatius Williams. Mr Holman Gregory said the order for the Writ of certiorari was issued on 15th February last to remove the order. Counsel now read affidavits in support of the case of the woman, which counsel claimed showed that the man had had the summons left at his last place of abode in England. The Lord Chief Justice What does the de- fendant say V Mr Gregory replied that it was that the sum- naons was not served upon him personally, nor had it been left at the house where he was living the last time he was in England. Also, the defendant said, if it was served there it Was after he had acquired a domicile in America, tnd that he had gone to that country with the •ntention of residing there permanently. The defendant, in his affidavit, said he resided with his father and mother until he went to America 1856. Up to that time he had lived at Dum- fries-street, Treherbert, and was there attended the medical man to the colliery. That gentleman advised him to go away, and be thereupon negotiated with his brother in Penn- sylvaniar and subsequently went to America. He lived in America until January 12th, 1909, ^hen he returned to this country with his wife. During the whole of that time, further de- clared the affidavit, he never heard anything about a summons or the birth of a child, and no communication was made to his family. When he left England, he declared, it was not with the intention to evade service. He did not know at that time that Margaret Meredith alleged he was the father of her child. Subse- quently he married Mary Jones, and on the 27th January, after he returned home, he was arrested in bed for £54 168 arrears. The Lord Chief Justice: A rather strong proceeding. Why didn't they summon him ? Mr Gregory was unable to explain that. The defendant said the first intimation he had of the matter was the reading to him of the war- rant by the late Sergeant Davies. In con- clusion he denied being the father of the child. The learned counsel added that there were two other affidavits, one by the defendant's mother and the other by his sister as to his denials, and saying that they knew Dr. Walton had advised him to go abroad. He then read other affidavits to the effect that the girl had been approached to settle the case by accepting a himp sum down, the price mentioned being £15- The Lord Chief Justice Was the original BHmmons served or was it substituted service T Mr Gregory said he was unable.to say because the stipendiary magistrate, the magistrates' clerk and the police sergeant were all dead. Mr Justice Darling Everybody has died but the person who was in ill-health. Mr Hohler, K.C., for the defendant, said defendant had no knowledge of the girl's oon- dition, and did not leave the country to avoid Service of the summons. Mr Justice Jelf said the defendant had evi- dently told a good many lies about the case. Mr Justice Darling: There is a French pro- verb which says one always returns to the first love. Mr Hohler It could not be in this case because he was married. The Lord Chief Justice said the story that the man went away for his health was not sup- I Ported by the doctor's affidavit, nor were the statements that he had never beard that he ^as the father of the child. The rule ought to be discharged. The other Justices agreed. Rule discharged accordingly with costs.

CARMARTHENSHIREWILD BIRDS .The London Gazette contains an order by the Home Secretary cited as" The Wild Birds Protection (County of Carmarthen) Order, 1909," which repeals the order of March th, 1907, and now orders that the Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880, shall apply within the county to the following species of wild birds in the same manner as if those species were in- cluded in the schedule to the Act:—Bullfinch, black headed bunting, red bunting, buzzard, honey buzzard, tree creeper, dipper or water OUzel, golden eagle, kite, linnet (all species), robin, shrike (butcher bird), thrush, blue tit, ng tailed tit, marsh tit, common wren, goldEm crested wren. Certain wild birds are Protected during the whole of the year, and a JjJinaber of birds' eggs are to be protected throughout the county.

LLANDOVERY WATER SHORTAGE. At a meeting of the Llandovery Town Council I Tuesday, under the presidency of the Mayor, J. C. V. Pryse Rice, the tender of Mr J. Richards at £ 24 for extending the water main 5° the site of new houses to be built on the VjClycwm-road, was accepted. Mr W. Lloyd, sanitary inspector, presented a report on •be common lodging-houses of the town. Coun- cilor J. Nicholas said some of the men staying ?• these bouses alleeed there was overcrowd- J?"' It was resolved to register one only of Jreso houses. The borough engineer reported *jha.t the water supply was getting very low. Ajdennan Thomas attributed the shortage to waste of water going on taps were kept all day. It was decided to turn the off daring certain, hours.

I Night Watchman's Fate. DEAD NEAR HIST CABIN DOOR. Terrible Wounds. BLOW AT SLEEPING VICTIM. An atrocious murder is reported from New- port, the victim being John Smith, a watch- man in the employ of Messrs Easton, Gibb, and Son, the new dock contractors. Between 5 and 6 o'clock on Saturday morning the body of Smith was found outside a cabin at the dock extension works, under circumstances which leave little room to doubt that he met his end by foul play. Smith, a married man had for some time, it is stated, complained of interference while carrying on hi3 duties, and he even believed his life was in danger. So much did this fear possess him that he is stated to have taken to carrying a revolver, though lately, it is under- stood, he had given up this practice. The cabin where he was employed is situated at the north end of the Alexandra Dock timber float. It is a cabin of the ordinary type some six or seven feet square. Round it on the in- side are wooden benches where navvies fre- quently had their meals, and in the centre there was an ordinary fire stove.. ,3 The first intimation the police received that anything untoward had happened was received by Dock Constable Charles Whit- combe,who immediately proceeded to the cabm. He found Smith lying dead outside. The body was quite cold and the fire in the cabm had gone out, suggesting that the man had teen dead for some hours prior to the discovery. The body was covered with blood, and there were several wounds on the back of the head, the head itself being very much swollen. There was also blood on the hands. Deceased was wear- ing a Cardigan jacket, but no coat. Inside the cabin there was more blood on the seat and also on the walls, while bioodstaineJ. newspapers were found outside. The offi- cer failed to find any instrument which could have caused the wound on the back of the head. P.C. Whitcombe, who is an ambulance man, found that first aid was useless, and sent for Dr. Cooke, who arrived a few minutes after q o'clock. He ordered the removal of the body to the mortuary, and later in the mornmg, with Dr. V. C. Crinks, examined it. Mr Lyndon Moore, the borough coroner, also examined the body, and later in the day visited the scene of the tragedy. The inquest will probably be opened to-day (Monday)* ■»^ There were footmarks on the bank outside the cabin, but very few signs that there had been a struggle. What, however, tance is the fact that the police found a police- Ws whistle and a latch key between the bodv and the cabin. Deceased had been advised, when complam ing that he was in danger by continual threats, to blow the whistle. The finding of it seems to suggest that he was attacked inside the abin, and that he was able to struggle outside and blow the whistle. Up to the present the police have not been able to find anyone who heard the whistle blown. What is also of importance, and might in- dicate a motive for the crime, is the fact that the deceased always wore a watch and chain and invariably earned with him some valuable rings, in which he took some pride. He would frequently show those to his friends. Whether he took them with him to the cabin on Friday night is not known. Anyhow, they were not found on the body. The Injuries. There were eight cuts on various parts of the head. Two upon the right temple, near the eye, were of moderate severity, and six others were on the back of the head. Two, coming from the right, were slight, but the next three were very severe. Another cut was just. over the left ear, while there was one through the ear. It is absolutely impossible that the wounds could have been self-inflicted. Dr. John Cooke, Alexandra-road, who was the first medical man on the scene, says he was called up a few minutes before six o'clock on Saturday morning. He found Smith dead, lying outside the hut on his left side, with several wounds, probably inflicted with some blunt instrument. The wounds were severe, and the probability was that the skull was fractured. He could not say that definitely, as he had only made a superficial examination of the wounds, which were all lacerated. There were no injuries on the body or arms. Smith was evidently struck six or seven violent blows with a blunt instrument. The doctor is in- clined to think that the victim of the crime must have been sleeping in the hut. for his coat was folded up at one end o C the bench he was probably struck on the temple first, and then rolled off, and subsequently staggered outside, where he fell, and was found dead. John Baker, of 18. Adeline-street, a guard on one of the company's engines, when spoken to on Saturday mornmg. said he was going to work at 5 o'clock. He went to the door of Smith's cabin, and expected to find him there. It was quite dark at the time, and when he had struck a match hit said to his mate, John Petite, who ia also a guard, Jack is not here." They went inside but saw the body lying outside on the ground 1ien. fee away. Later ano\her man, William Harris, came on, and Betts remarked to him, Old Liverpool Jack is lying dead by here." They subsequently informed the police. Robbery as Motive. All sorte of theories are suggested as motives for the crime. Messrs Easton. Gibb and Son, by whom de- ceased was employed, have missed several quantities of brass and other materials from their trucks from time to time, and it is sugges- ted that deceased in attempting to catch some of the thieves on Friday was probably attacked. It is also rumoured that he had a violent quar- rel with an unknown man on the Ballast on Friday night, before he had started his night s shift. The most credited theory, however, is that robbery was the motive, and that. deceased after being battered to death was looted of his watch and chain and the valuable rings pre- viously referred to. It is clear that the murder took place before midnight for in addition to the fact that his body was coJd when found, and that the fire had gone out there is the additional fact that he had not eaten his second supper," which is generally consumed between midnight and 1 o'clock. His supper was found in the pocket of his mackin- tosh. During Saturday several police officers and the detectives in the borough force visited the scene of the tragedy, and took full particulars of the hut and its surroundings, as well as a number of photographs. They also pursued inquiries in other directions, and followed up two or three clues.

A VOLUNTARY STATEMENT. A further development was reached on Monday in the Newport murder case, when George .Tones, rope runner (30), of 20, Robert- street, Newport, a native of Llanynynech, Montgomeryshire, was charged with assault- ing and beating John Smith whilst on the Bal- last, Mendalgein-road, at 5.30 on Friday, Mferch 19th. He was also charged on suspicion with causing the death of John Smith, some time during the night of Friday, March 19th, at the west side of the Alexandra Dock, Newport. Sergeant Hiles said he found the body of de- ceased outside the hut at 6 o'clock on Saturday morning. Prisoner then came up to him and said, I had a quarrel with this man last night and I want to make a statement to clear my- self." The officer took him to the Pill Police Station, where he made the following state- ment :— I am a guard in the employ of Easn Gibb and Son at the Docks Extension Works, Alexandra Docks, and live at 20, Robert- street. At 5.50 pan- last night I was going to work, and when on the ballast near the end of Robert-street, I met Jack (the de- ceased man), and as he had been saying objectionable things about me lately, I said to him, Jack, if you want any information about me getting married you can pay a half-crown up at the Registry Office in Skinner-street, and get to know all you want." He replied. I did not say it. You are a liar." I told him I didn't want to be called that when he raised his stick to strike me. I then struck him on the chin with my open hand and Ife fell on the ground. Smith, who baa only one leg, then said, If I only had my other pin (meaning leg) I would have dressed youlong ago." I then said, You let my name drop. I don't want to speak to you. I then went on my way to work. I was working all night with Joseph Naish, engine-driver, and Frederick Smith, fireman, on engine 59. I did not see John Smith at any time during the night. The first I saw of him was at 5JJS a.m., when I saw his body lying on the ground. I have known the deceased for the past 14 years, but during the past four months we have not been on friendly terms with each other. The reason I have made this statement to the police is because I want to clear myself, as I know nothing about the matter. My mates can prove that I was with them during the whole of the night. The Magistrates' Clerk And he made this statement voluntarily ? P.8. Hiles Yes, sir. The Clerk And you want a remand until Wednesday, so that you can make further in- quiries ? The Chief Constable That is so. There was no application for bail, and pri- soner was then formally remanded until Wed- nesday. The Newport Coroner (Mr Lyndon Moore) opened an inquest on the body on Tuesday. The body of deceased was found in the early hours of Saturday morning last outside his hut near the timber float. It was badly mutilated, and the only theory advanced is that Smith was done to death. A rope runner, George Jones, Robert-street, who worked for Messrs Easton, Gibb and Son, made a voluntary statement to the police, namely, that he had had a quarrel the night previous with the deceased, but he denied any knowledge of the crime. Having regard to this voluntary statement he was formally charged on Monday at the Newport court with causing the death of Smith, and remanded. Jones was represented at the inquest on Tuesday by Mr Harold Lloyd, solicitor, Cardiff. The widow of the deceased, Mrs Emma Jane Smith, was present, and showed considerable emotion. She said deceased was her husband. She had been living with her sister, Mrs Harris, at 28, Wolseley-street. She had understood her husband was a signalman. She last saw him alive on Friday afternoon, 19th in st., at her shop in Penllwyn-avenue between three and four o'clock. He was in good health and spirits then. As far as she knew lie left her to go to his work at the Alexandra Dock extension. The next time she saw him was when he was lying dead in the Newport mortuary. The Coroner You know nothing of the cir- cumstances of his death ?—No, sir. The Coroner announced that no further evi- dence would now be taken, and the inquiry would be adjourned until Monday next at 2 p.m.

Lifeboat Heroism. WORK OF THE INSTITUTION. Over 600 Lives Saved in 1908. The annual meeting of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was held on Tuesday after- noon at the United Service Institution. Lord George Hamilton presided. The annual report stated that the committee of management had used every effort to maintain and as far as pos- sible increase the efficiency of the institution's service during the past year. Although the storms and gales of the past year provided plenty of work for the lifeboats and their gal- lant crews, the year taken as a. whole was not a remarkably boisterous one. Between the 1st January and the 31st December inclusive the lifeboats were launched 421 times on service and 1,080 times for exercise, besides wlich the crews were assembled in readiness for service on 58 occasions when fortunately it proved their aid was not needed. The number of lives for the saving of which by lifeboats the institu- tion granted rewards in 1908 was 486, in addi- tion to which it granted rewards for the saving of 152 lives by shore hoats and other means, making together a grand total of 638 lives saved. The lifeboats were instrumental in saving 42 vessels and boats. The total of lives for the saving of which the committee of man- age cnent have granted rewards since the foun- dation of the institution on the4th March. 1824, has been 47,983. The total expenditure in 1908 was £ 90,335 8s 3d. The Chairman, moving the adoption of the report, expressed deep regret at the deaths of Sir Edward Birkbeck and the Earl of Hard- wicke, who had done so much for the institu- tion. He thought motor-boats would in the course of events necessarily supersede lifeboats by sail or oar. All we could do was to take care to instil in the minds of those who in the ¡ future would have to go to the rescue of life some of the courage of their predecessors. The report was unanimously adopted. Lord Halsburv. proposing the election of the Prince of Wales as president and the election of other officers, said it made us proud to see what our countrymen wouid do when called upon. Whatever changes there might be in I mechanical Contrivances there could be no change in the human heart and the spirit which prompted men to come forward and do what .1 they could for the relief of suffering and the saving of life. Colonel Seely, M.P., speaking as one who had lived by the coast all his life and knew some I thing of what the men had to face in times of I storm, said without hesitation that those who feared that England was a decaying nation must be people who had never seen anything of the lifeboat service to-day. If anyone thought that Britishers had lost their old courage let them read the account o) what Mr Owen, the Holyhead coxswain, and his crew did, and they would see that the old spirit existed to-day. ——————M———————. ¡

EBBW VALE PROPERTY DISPUTE On Tuesday, before Mr Justice Eve in the Chancery Division, Mr Ward Coleridge men- tioned the Libbw Vale case of re Jarrotfc Griffiths v. Phillips, which has been before the Court on one or two occasions on motion to restrain a sale of property by an executor. Mr Coleridge said his client, the plaintiff, had now handed 175 over to the executor, having borrowed the money from a friend who was a tenant of one of the houses and a Justice of the Peace. Under these circumstances he did not think there was any need for anything more to be done in the action. His Lordship said he did not know. He understood that Mr Errington, on the other side, said that for his client's relief the property ought to be sold, and that ultimately he wished judgment to be pronounced in the action for sale. Mr Erring- ton assented. His Lordship said that the action would have to go on, he supposed. Mr Errington suggested that the action should be dismissed on the undertaking of the defendant not to sell Mr Coleridge objected, and after further dis- cussion his Lordship said he could not deal finally with the action without the consent of the parties. AI1 the order he could make was this, that on defendant undertaking not to sell until judgment or further order, there should be no other order except that the costs of the motion be costs in the action. Mr Errington said he supposed the action would have to pro- ceed. His Lordship said he must leave that to the parties.

LITTLE WIDOW'S STORY. Alteged, Theft of a Postal Order. Mrs Mary Ann Williams, a little, old, white- haired widow, with an old-world little black bonnet, and an old-world little black cape, told the Deputy Stipendiary( Mr M. Jones)atCar- diff on Tuesdaythat on the 13th of each month she received a 4s P.O. from her sister in Farn- borough, Kent. The little widow smiled the sweetest of smiles as she spoke of her sister's kindness. On Saturday week last, in her apartments in Cairn-street, Catitays. she waited and watched for the early post. It was February 13th, and so —but the postman's welcome monthly rat- tat was not heard. Mrs Williams asked her landlord, John Owen (64), more than once that day whether a letter had come for her. The answer was always No." The little widow, somewhat distressed and mystified, wrote her I sister. The reply made her communicate with the Post Office authorities and the police, with the result that John Owen was now charged with stealing the postal order and forging the signature of Mrs Williams. Detective-Sergeant Dicks gave evidence of arrest, ad ding thatwhen charged prisoner said the dog tore the letter, so he signed and cashed the P.O., and gave the money to Mrs Williams next day. Mr Sydney Jenkins appeared for the prisoner, who, reserv- ing his defence, was committed to take his trial at the present Assizes.

LANDSCAPE BY GLOVER. Gift to Cardiff. Mr John Griffiths Jones, the son of the cele- brated choir conductor, Caradog, has presented to the citizens of Cardiff a very large and mag- nificent landscape by John Glover. It is now on view at the City Hall. It was painted in 1814 at Paris, where it attracted the attention of Louis XVIII., who gave the young painter a gold medal. It was exhibited in London at the exhibition of the Royal Society of Water- colours in 1817. Glover was a president of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1827. His pictures in oils and watercolours fetch high prices. He was one of the leaders of the English school of painting. There is one picture by him in the National Gallery, some in South Kensington Museum, and in the British Museum. s The picture is of great size, measuring about eight or nine feet long. Experts regard it as a great work of art.

ACCIDENT TO ENGINES. Bristol Channel Salvage. On Tuesday in the Admiralty Court, Justice Bargrave Deane, sitting with Trinity Masters, had before him a claim by the owners, master and crew of the Powey steamship Par for salvage remuneration in respect of services rendered to the steamship Lady Alice Kenlis, of Boston, Lincolnshire, in the Bristol Channel on December 19th and 20th last. While on a voyage from Cardiff to Plymouth with a cargo of flour, the Lady Alice Kenlis, a small vessel, met with an accident to her engines when off Trevose Head. The Par, bound from Garston to Padstow, at once went to her assistance. Owing to the weather, it was not thought ad- visable to attempt to make Padstow, and the Par towed the disabled ship up the Bristol Channel, eventually bringing her safely to anchor in the Mumbles Roads. On the case being called on, Mr J. B. Aspinall, for the plaintiffs, announced that the claim had been settled for £ 320. This sum his Lordship was asked to apportion, and did so as follows :— £ 200 to the owners of the Par, t40 to the master, and SO to the crew. Judg- ment accordingly, with costs..

THE ABERSYCHAN OUTRAGE. John Edmunds, collier, Abersychan, was brought up in custody from Usk Prison, before Mr William Marfell, at the Police Station, Usk, on Monday afternoon, charged on remand with attempting to murder Mrs Cecilia Harris on Lasgarn Mountain, near Abersychan, on Feb- ruary 14th also by shooting her with a gun and cutting her throat with a knife. A medical cer- tificate from Pontypool and District Hospital stated that Mrs Harris was still unfit to ap- pear, and prisoner was again formally remanded for a week.

MAURETANIA'S RECORD. The Mauretaniaon Monday arrived at Queens- town from New York in 4 days 18 hours 35 mins., thereby constituting another record. Her average speed was 25.61 knots per hour, and the highest day's run 609 knots. This is the fastest eastern passage ever made, and beats the best previous record of the same vessel by 1 hour 27 minutes, made last month. The Mauretania experienced rather severe weather. She had on board 2,951 bags of mails and 592 passengers.

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Tramwaymen's Threat. RESULT OF THE INQUIRY. The Dismissal Upheld. A special meeting of Cardiff Tramways Com- mittee was held on Monday in response to a request from the tramwaymen that the circum- stances of the dismissal of Conductor H. Cypher should be inquired into. Mr J. W. Courtis presided in the absence of Alderman Carey, and at the outset the Town Clerk (Mr J. L. Wheatley) read corres- pondence (already published in these columns) which had passed between him and Messrs Harold Lloyd and Cross (the legal advisers of the tramwaymen). The purport of this corres- pondence was a request for an inquiry, and hinting at complications if the request was not conceded. Mr G. F. Forsdike asked why the meeting had been called. The Lord Mayor (Alderman Lewis Mor- gan) said the quicker movements of this sort were strangled the better. If the newspapers had not taken up the agitation the matter could have waited and been dealt with in the ordinary course. The town had already been sufficiently disturbed with a threatened strike, and it was important, therefore, that they should set the public mind at rest. The Chairman said it was a dangerous prece- dent to eall a special meeting on receipt of a letter from the solicitors representing the men's Union. It meant that the time of the com- mittee would be occupied in dealing with cases which could well be dealt with in the ordinary course of business. However, he hoped it would not be considered as a precedent. Mr Harold Lloyd (the men's solicitor) was outside with Cypher and the Union officials. Mr Forsdike moved that they do not hear the solicitor. There was nothing (he said) to prevent Cypher taking his case to the courts. It would be very bad, indeed, to continue the bad precedent set two years ago by admitting a solicitor. Aid. F. J. Beavan seconded. Dr. Smith As this is a criminal charge, we ought to admit the solicitor. The resolution was carried, and it was then decided to hear Cypher and to admit Mr Isaacs, president, and Mr Attwell, secretary Cardiff Tramwaymen's Union, as spectators only. Cypher's Statement. Conductor Cypher then made his statement, in which he denied having made fraudulent use of a ticket. I have had 14 years' honourable service," he declared, and although he might have made a mistake it was untrue to say he had been guilty of fraud. Mr Ellis (tramway manager) said the charge against Cypher was that he issued a ticket twice and put the penny iu his pocket. Mr Ellis produced a duplicate of Cypher's way-bill, and traced ticket 2,629 to its being handed to a boy. Proceeding, Mr EUis said the ticket, when handed to the boy, was I in a dirty state. He took it home, and showed it to his father, who thought it of such import- ance that he sent the ticket, with a letter, to him (Mr Ellis). He thought the matter so extraordinary that he sent for Cypher and showed him his way bill. He explained the whole matter to hun and advised him to take tune to consider it. Cypher subsequently re- I turned to the office and said I might as well make a clean breast of it." Mr Cypher No, no, sir. Mr Ellis There were three other people in the room when the statement was made. After Mr Ellis had explained how Cypher's explanation could not be reconciled with the way in which ticket 2,629 was dealt with, Cypher said he admitted a breach of the j rules, but he had no intention of fraud. Mr Neale, a son of Mr Neale ( Neale and West) said he got on a car and was given a ticket by Conductor Cypher. He did not notice Cypher punch the ticket, which was in such a dirty state that his suspicions were aroused, and he took the conductor's number. Inspector Collis said he examined Cypher's way-bill, and the last ticket on his pack was 2,630. He assumed, therefore, that tickets 2,628 and 2,629 had been issued. The point of the inspector's evidence was that, according to Mr Neale, ticket 2,629 was issued to him after the inspector had checked Cypher's waybill and pack of tickets. Mr David, traffic manager, said he was pre- sent when Mr Ellis acquainted Cypher of the charge against him. Within a minute of being told by Mr Ellis to think the matter over, Cypher returned to the office and said, "I think I had better admit it." Mr Elliv, said, Very well. I think that ends the matter, and you had better send your clothes in." Cypher said, I hope you will give me another chance." Mr Ellis said, No bring your clothes in." The Lord Mayor Are you quite clear about that ? Mr David Perfee-tly. Mr Forsdike Did Cypher make any protest or remark? Mr David No, he simply teiterated that he would like to have another chance. He begged for another chance several times. Conductor Cypher interposed and saicPhe did i not admit he had been guilty of fraud, but that he had made a mistake in issuing a ticket. Mr Ma.theson (assisfcasttt traffic inspector) and Inspector Ball corroooraAed Mr David's version of what happened between Mr Ellis and Con- ductor Cypher. Mr Attwell (secretary Cardiff branch Tram- waymen's Union) said Cypher's case had been considered at a meeting of the branch, and they honestly believed he was innocent of any fraud. Conductors of cats were robbed merci- lessly by dishonest passengers. It was hoped. therefore, that the committee would give Cypher the benefit of the doubt and reinstate him without a stain upon his character. They had never advocated a strike, and they did not know where the newspapers got their informa- tion from. Mr Isaacs (President Cardiff Tmmwaymen"m Union) said what they asked for was a fair trial when tramway employees were accused of such things. Indeed, they would rather a man Was prosecuted than that he should be placed on trial and dealt with as Cypher had been. He assured the Committee the tramwaymen had no intention of coming out. on strike. If an inquiry was not held, however," declared Mr Isaacs, there might have been a strike." The Lord Mayor That- is the point. Then I think the Press were quite right. (Hear, hear.) The tramway employees having retired, Mr Forsdike'* moved that the committee uphold the action of Mr Ellis- Alderman Illtyd Thomas seconded. Alderman Beavqn: I am in doubt as to whether the mpn tttade anything out of it. Dr. Smith There is not the slightest evi- dence that the man made a penny piece oat of it. There has been a mistake in issuing tickets. Mr Chappell said it would be advisable in future to prosecute in cases of suspected fraud, and he moved an amendment that the com- mittee were of opinion that the ticket was issued, but they were not satisfied that it was done with a fraudulent intent. Mr W. Jenkins seconded. Dr. Biggs That is a dastardly amendment, because it censures the manager. Mr Chappell: Dastardly There are other things mote dastardly than helping an em- ployee. The amendment was defeated, only three voting for it. and the resolution was carried. Conductor Cypher was called in, and he re- ceived Mr Courtis's message as to the decision of the committee with a courteous Thank you." Seen after the meeting, Mr Attwell and Mr Isaacs said Cypher had been given a fair and a full inquiry, and that was what the tramway- men had agitated for. Of course, if such an in- quiry had been refused, then a strike would probably have taken place.

PRESENTATIONS. In recognition of 35 years' service as a Sunday school teacher, Mr G. Watts was on Sun- day night presented at the Zoar Congregational Chapel, Merthyr, with a purse of gold and the theological works of the late Dr. Prob, principal of the Bala-Ba»ngor Congregational College. On Saturday evening at Babell Baptist Chapel, Mr John V. Jones was presented, on his promotion to be under manager of the Graigola-Merthyr Clydach Collieries, by his late colleague^ at Birch Rock Colliery, with an elegant illuminated address. Dr. W. C. Griffiths was the chairman, and the presenta- tion was made by Mr John Jones, under manager. As a token of esteem, on the occasion of his leaving the service of the Rhondda Tramway Company to take up a position under the Cam- brian Coal Company, Mr C. M. Gardiner, A-M-LC.E. was on Saturday night presented with an oak and silver spirit stand.

BANGOR COLLEGE BUILDINGS. The authorities of the University College of North Wales, Bangor, are confronted with a curious difficulty. The architect of the new college buildings, which are to cost £ 175,000, specified Cefn stone as building material, but already the erection of the first instalment of the buildings—the arts and administrative department—is six months behind the scheduled time owing largely, if not entirely, to the supply of Cefn stone being insufficient to keep the work going. As an experiment the contractors have obtained a truckload of stone closely resembling the Cefn .stone in appearance and quality, and have built this stone into the structure. On Wednesday morning the college authorities will meet Mr Hare, the architect, and consult as to continuing partially or entirely the use of the Shropshire or some other stone in view of the difficulty experienced in obtain- ing the originally specified Cefn stone.

BARRY IMPROVEMENTS. Dr. Howell Rees, who with Mr Wm. Thomas (The Hayes) had heard as justices a short time ago certain objections to apportionment of works of street improvement at the rear of Salisbury-road, Barry, announced at the local Court on Monday that having viewed the im- provements personally, they had decided that the Salisbury Building Club should be entered as owners of the land abutting on the lane. They therefore adjourned the hearing until the Salisbury Club had been served with notices. Mr J. A. Hughes, who represented the owners of the Romilly estate, took it that the club were served instead of the estate. The Magis- trates' Clerk said that the estate would appear and show cause. The hearing was adjourned til April 19th.

Nearly £100,000. MR SOLOMON ANDREWS'S HUGE LOSSES. Feeling references were made on Monday at the meeting of the Star Omnibus Company, held in London, to the death of the late Mr Solomon Andrews and to the illness of his son, who was unable, through influenza, to leave Cardiff to attend the meeting. Mr W. A. Perry laid before the meeting a statement showing the properties of the com- pany were being realised in a satisfactory man- ner. A Shareholder asked what the- probate of Mr Andrews' estate had been put at. If they knew what that was, they might be helped in seeing what the shareholders' property was worth. Mr Perry replied that the times had been disastrous to horse omnibuses. Mr Solomon Andrews in the last five years had lost nearly £lOO,<À-"û through the slump in the omnibus trade. The whole of his shares in the company were held by his executors. He did not think the question as to the probate was a fair one. (Hear, hear.) The directors had never received any fees since the dividends ceased to be paid. A committee to work with the liquidator was suggested, but it was not considered worth while to appoint one.

TARIFFISTS EXPOSED. Instructive Lectures at Cardiff. Mr W. A. Wilson, the National Liberal Federation well-known lecturer, and statistical officer of the Cobden Club, whose previous campaign in the city has made' him very popular locally, opened another series of meet- ings at Cardiff on Monday night, when he ad- dressed a large attendance at the Marlborough- road Council Schools, Roath. Mr W. G. Howell, who presided, was supported by Alderman C. H. Bird, Messrs Walter T. Williams, G. Fred Evans, H. G. C. Allgood (Liberal agent), F. Chapman, Lester Jones, and others. Mr Wilson, in a closely-reasoned speech, dealt with tariff economics, and answered some Protectionist riddles. The Bank rate, he said, was a sure indication of the healthy and satisfactory state of the import and export trade of the country. During the recent American financial crisis the Bank rate in New York went up to 22 per cent., while in London it reached 7! per cent. ComparingtheBankrate in England with those of France and Germany, in normal times the rate in England was always lower. This conclusively proved that gold was not going out of England, and that the export trade of the country was in a healthy condition. Mr Wilson said it was very amusing to watch the shifting attitudes of the tariff-makeis since the policy was inaugurated. There was, how- ever, a serious aspect which every Liberal should pay attention to. The average workman could not' be expected to understand e very- thing about great economic and ethical prin- ciples, and it was quite possible that the plausible arguments of the tariffists converted them against Free Trade. He urged all Liberals I to help in getting right ideas into the heads of their fellow workmen. Mr Wilsou answered a large number of questions. Mr Allgood asked whether it was a fact that under the Land Tenure Act it was possible to compel farpiers to contract out. He added that there was a rumour in Cardiff that the tenant of the home farm under the Marquis of Bute was leaving that farm because he had But-e was leaving that farm because he had refused to contract out of the Act. Mr Wilson replied that tenants can contract out of the Act, but if an Act was passed for the benefit of farmers there should be no contract- ing out at all. Mr Allgood The tenant of the Marquis of Bute's farm, who is a Conservaii ve, is giving up the farm on the last day of this month. I understand that the farm is to be turned into a pleasure ground, ar.d that they are going to make a deer park of it. Mr Dyche asked the lecturer whether it was not advisable for Froe Trade speakers to dis- continue such misleading terms as Tariff Reform and Tariff Reformers when refer- I ring to opponents, and give them more appro- priate names, such as tariffists," tariff re- actionaries,' food taxers," and the like. It I was the idea of Mr Herbert Thompson, and he considered it a very good one. Mr Wilson agreed with Mr Dyche that it was I very desirable, and said that in a forthcoming book they were to be named as Tariff makers."

ARCHDEACON SUED. In the King's Bench Division on Monday (before Mr Justice Coleridge and a common jury) an action was brought by Mrs Beatrix L. M. Ward, Bexley Heath, Kent, who Cued her father, Archdeacon Charles Gordon Cumming Dunbar, for the sum of JE448, money lent. Mr Henle, counsel for the plaintiff, stated that the defence was that the money was given to defendant, who said he was not liable for its repayment. Counsel informed the court. that Mrs Ward 'I had not lived with her father since she was six years of age, at which time her parents were separated. She was brought up by her father's parents, and had visited him very infrequently, I and then only for a few days at a time. Mrs Ward was interested under the will of her grandfather, a Mr Wentworth, in a con- siderable sum of money, and when she I was of age she made a settlement, with the result that she received £ 600 and her father the rest. An action taken in the Chancery Court to have that settlement set aside was compromised. They became es- tranged for some time, but in July, 1904, at her invitation, her father visited her, and upon that occasion he told her of his monetary difficul- ties, and she lent him £10.. Subsequently,said counsel, Mrs Ward handed him other sums of money, which made the total claimed, including a sum of E2 a week. She kept account, her father signing the book in which the sums were noted. They could not come to any agreement respecting the repay- ment of those sums, and the present action was the result. Mrs Ward said her mother was a rich woman. When she separated from the witness's father he became poor. She denied that she had given her father the money, but expected that it would be repaid. The Rev. C. G. Dunbar was then called, and said he had been Archdeacon of Granada. He admitted receiving the sums in question, but alleged that the money was given to him by his daughter, who would be able to receive repay- ment when his affairs were put right. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, and judgment was entered accordingly.

SOLICITOR CHARGED. Frank Sumner, a merchant, on bail, living at Queen Anne's-gate, Westminster, and Charles Richard Stevens, a solicitor, appeared at the Mansion House again on Monday upon a charge of conspiring to obtain money by false pretences. Stevens was further charged with mis- appropriating two sums of £ 12,000 and £ 900 of which he was trustee under the marriage appropriating two sums of 912,000 and E900 of which he was trustee under the marriage settlement of Mr and Mrs Cameron, and Sum- ner was charged with aiding and abetting in the misappropriation. Mr Graham Campbell, representing, the prosecution, said he had stated that both the accused were undischarged bankrupts, but he had since ascertained that, in the case of Sum- ner, the discharge was conditional, and that although the condition had not been fulfilled, the effect practically was that he had been dis- charged. Mr Cooper, an examiner in the official re- ceiver's department, having given evidence, the case was again adjourned.

MONEY AND LODGER MISSING. At Aberavon on Monday William Rees, collier, Glyncorrwg, was charged with stealing a quantity of clothing and £1 7s 6d in mohey, belonging to his landlord, John Davies, 6, Elm- wood-street, Glyncorrwg, with whom defend- ant had been lodging for six months. Prose- cutor said he missed, the clothing and money on Sunday morning and defendant was also missing. P.C. Pearce said he arrested defend- ant, who said he was in drink when he did it and was very sorry. Defendant was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour.

.ASLEEP IN A MANHOLE. At Aberavon County Police Court on Mon- day Gilbert Brace-Grirdle, timekeeper, em- ployed at the Duffryn Rhondda Colliery, was summoned for sleeping in the colliery on the 9th inst. Mr A. H. Deere prosecuted. S. Thomas, overman, said he found defendant asleep in a manhole with his lamp alight be- side him. Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined 20s and costs.

STEEL DEPRESSION. New York, Monday.—A receiver has been appointed for Messrs J. B. and C. M. Cornell and Co., who are stated to have unsecured liabilities amounting to 500,000 dollars, uncom- pleted contracts of the value of over 1,000.000 dollars, and out:standing bonds worth 600,000 dollars. The failure is said to be due to the depression in the steel industry.—Reuter.

MOUNTAIN ASH I.L.P. EISTEDDFOD. The first annual eisteddfod under the auspices of the Mountain Ash I.L.P. was held on Monday at the Workmen's Institute. Awards :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Alice Alulvey, Mountain Ash. Recitatiun (juveniles), Idw-nl Shelby, Mountain Ash. and D. E. Jones, Dowleis. Pianoforte solo. Miss M. D. Lloyd, Cwmaman. Welsh recitation, Mr Wm. John Harris, Aberaman. Pianoforte solo. Miss Irene Jones, Aberdare. Tenor solo, Mr Thomas D. Lewis, Mardy. English recitation, Mr Oded Williams, Penrhiwcelber. Election song, Mr Daniel. Englvn, Mr Owen, Cardiff. Male voice competition, Abercynon party (Mr W. Williams). Champion solo, Miss Dora Davies, Pontygwaith. Juvenile choir competition, Abercwmboi party (conductor, J. Eiddig Davies). Bass solo, Mr D. Williams, Mountain I Ash. Chief choral competition, Abercynon (conductor, Mr Evan Davies).

Cardiff Rates. MR C. F. SANDERS & TRAMWAYS The Lord Mayor (Alderman Lewis Morgan) presided at the adjourned meeting of the Car- diff City Council on Monday, when he stated that he did not want to exaggerate the position, but there was a strong feeling among the rate- payers that some effort should be made to reduce the estimates, so that they should not make a demand for an unreasonable rate. He read a letter from Mr .T. Sankey, who, a3 chairman of four cottage companies represen- ting 300 cottages, brought to the notice of the Council the serious position involved by the raising of the rates. The rates, he said, were as high as that class of property could stand. After discussion it was ruled that the resolu- tions passed at the previous meeting wer-e in force, it oeing pointed out that amendments could be made when the rate was made. Councillor Sanders's Motion. Mr C. F. Sanders moved, That this council declines to impose a rate in aid of the tram- ways and electric lighting undertakings, but offers its congratulations to the Electrical Lighting and Tramways Committee upon the improvements recently effected in the financial position and resolves cordially to support the further efforts of the committee to ensure such complete success of the under- takings as that adequate means may be found out of the earnings to make suitable provision for all the requirements of sound finance. That any resolutions inconsistent herewith be hereby rescinded." Mr Sanders advocated a sound system of finance. He was not one of those who considered that their tramways and electric light undertakings must be run for the benefit of the ratepayers and the reduc- tion of the rates at the expense of the users but he was equally emphatic that on the other hand the users must not be favoured at the cost of the ratepayers. Such a method would be unjust. It was essential that if municipal authorities traded they must trade fairly and the trading must pay its own way and be on a sound commercial footing. If the trams did not pay they must be made to pay. (Hear, hear.) They were suffering heavily for the sins of the past. The unsatisfactory finance of other years was coming back upon them. The reason the tramways did not pay was that the people would not let them. The manager had made recommendations, the committee had endorsed them, but the Council bad rejected them. Mr Ellis said several ways could be found of immediately increasing both the income and profits of the tramways. It could be done by a stroke of the peifc practically. Whether it was to be done by extra fares on bank holidays, by economies in the use of cars, and the wear and tear of the lines, or by a general revision of fares on Sundays and week days, it was not for him to suggest, but he was assured that Thousands of Pounds per Annum. could easily be added to the indome and the net profits in one or other of these ways. There were three ways in which the wear and tear and other deteriorations of a manufacturing concern might be provided. Any one of the following if adopted was sufficient :-(1) by a sinking fund paying the whole cost of the undertaking (2) by a depre- ciation fund making annual provision for wear and tear and (3) by a charge upon I revenue for all repairs, maintenance, and new plant, keeping everything up to date. They were doing something in each of those ways, more or less, and the question was whether they were doing too little or too mueh. In his opinion they were aiming at too much. They were doing something very considerable in the matter of repairs and maintenance, and he be- lieved a. very large proportion of the necessary wear and tear was absolutely provided for. With regard to the principle of sound finance" to which Mr Allcock adhered, he (Mr Sanders) only differed from him in method. He argued that instead of a depreciation fund of £14,522 being required annually, £9,935 would suffice. More than that sum was provided in 1907-8, and there was every reason to hope that such an amount would be forthcoming for the year just closing, so that upon the past two years there would be no deficiency. It only remained for them to see that that sum was earned in each future year. The whole of the capital cost now under discussion would have been met by the end of the 20 years' term. If the track had to be relaid there would be £45,000 more in hand than the amount deemed necessary by Mr Allcock for that purpose. Mr Sanders went on to show that certain items might be eliminated, and that the sum of £6,655 would provide in 20 years for the remainder. He claimed that sufficient provision could easily be made annually out of the revenue of the tramways and that there was no need to pro- vide sums of £1.905 and £4,000 out of the pre- sent rate. With regard to the electric lighting and the further sum of £4,800 included in the estimates in payment of capital expenditure, for which no sanction to borrow had been ob- tained, he suggested that sum might be spread over two years, and that the earnings of the past and present year might be made as a set- off against the figure. If the Council adopted his view, a saving of 3d in the rate would be eSected. General Discussion. Mr G. F. Forsdike, seconding, said the tram- ways system was being worked on wrong prin- ciples. The running of cars on Sundays in- volved a loss, and to obviate that the fares should be increased. He agreed in the main with the views of Mr Sanders. There were por- tions of the tram track which would not need relaying for 30 years, and so why build up a fund to renew a system in 14 years ? He was as anxious as Alderman Trounce that the city's business should be conducted on sound finan- cial lines, but he objected to a system which meant burdening the present generation for the benefit of the next generation. He was certain the trams could pay £5,000 a year, and that was enough for the purposes of sound finance. Alderman Trounce said he had long advo- cated the establishment of a deperciation fund, but he was pooh-poohed by members who, however, agreed with Mr Allcock when that gentleman started such a fund. (Hear, hear.) If they could not make the trams pay, why. then, they should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Alderman F. J. Beavan (chairman Finance Committee), after paying tribute to Mr San- ders' opening remarks, proceeded to criticise his arguments. We cannot play with finance," declared Alderman Beavan. You will get yourselves into such a bad financial reputation unless you are careful that it will take you years to recover." He suggested that the matter should be referred back for further consideration in the hope that a thorough understanding might be arrived at. Mr J. W. Courtis (deputy-chairman Tram- ways Committee) complimented Mr Sanders upon his very able speech, and added that his figures deserved serious consideration. (Hear, hear.) The threatened increase in the rates was a most serious thing. In the circumstances he thought they ought to do all that was possible to obviate the necessity of calling in a rate in aid for the tramways. (Hear, hear.) The Lord Mayor, after complimenting Mr Sanders upon his speech, advised the Council to agree to the suggestion that there should be a conference between the Finance Committee and the Tramways Committee. This was agreed to. Mr Sanders said that whatever the result of the conference—which he welcomed—he would still object to the trams receiving a rate-in-a.id. The trams should be made to pay. (Hear, hear.) On the suggestion of Mr Caple, the education estimates, affecting the question of a floating balance, were also referred to a joint meeting of the Education and Finance Committees. Alderman Sir William Crossman said that if the Public Works estimates were reduced by £4,000 a number of workmen would have to be discharged, and he moved that the estimates be referred back to the committee with a distinct instruction that there should be a substantial decrease. Alderman. Illtyd Thomas seconded, and it was agreed to, as was also Mr Harold Turn bull's resolution that the estimates of all the other committees be sent back with an instruction that they should be reduced. Miscellaneous. Mr Sydney Jenkins moved thAt the bowling green at Grange Gardens be reformed and turfed, at a cost of JE300, and Mr A. Sessions seconded. The resolution was lost. Mr A. Sessions moved that the resolution directing chief officials- (excluding the town clerk)-to be in their respective offices during each meeting in order that they might be called on by telephone or messenger when necessary, be revoked, and it was carried.

WELSH CHURCH BILL. Our London Welsh correspondent wires .:— The matter is not definitely settled, but there is reason to believe that the Prime Minister-may find it possible to propose the first reading of the Bill for Disestablishing and Disendowing the Church of England in Wales before the House adjourns for the Easter recess. If a favourable opportunity cannot be found before the adjournment takes place the introduction of the Welsh Bill may be expected immediately after the House reassembles. It is not antici- pated that there will be anything like a long discussion on the first reading. The date of the second reading would necessarily depend on the progress made with the Budget. It would probably be possible to devote two or three days to it before the Whitsuntide recess, and if the Bill is then sent to Grand Com- mittee, as is now contemplated, there seems no reason to doubt its being carried through and sent to the House of Locds before the en.tl of the Session.

KILLED ON THE LINE. A man, who has not been identified, was killed on the London and North-Western Railway between Beaufort and Trevil on Monday. The driver of the passenger train leaving Beaufort fflr Merthyr at 6 p.m. saw a j man walking on the line, and he blew his whistle. The man, however, was killed on the I spot, the face being badly mutilated. There was nothing found on the victim to indicate I his identity, the only article in his pockets being a button. Our correspondent, writing later, states that the victim has been identified as hailing from Ebbw Vale, his name being Hetley, and age 35.

The Dinas Main Appeal. JUDGMENT BY MAJORITY. In the Court of Appeal, composed of the Master of the Rolls and Lords Justices Moulton and Buckley, on Monday, judgment was given in the plaintiff's application in the case of David v. the Britannic Merthyr Coal Co. for judgment or new trial in an action which was heard before Mr Justice Channell at Swansea. The plaintiff in the action was the dependent of a man named David, and she brought her action to recover damages against the defend ants on the ground that David met his de&th owing to their alleged negligence." Deceased, with 11 others, was working in the Dinas Main Colliery in December, 1907, as one of the night shift, when an explosion occurred, David and six others being killed. The plaintiff's action was a test case, upon the result of which depended several others, and it was alleged that the explosion was caused by reason of there being coal dust in the mine, which *was ignited by gunpowder shots, and that the direct cause of the accident was a breach of the statatorv rules. The defendants denied that it was a coal- dust explosion, and asserted that it was due to gas exploded by the lamps of the men compos- ing the night shift. Mr Justice Channell, it was alleged, had misdirected the jury, and the case for the respondents was that no breach of duty on their part had caused the accident, and that they were in no way responsible. The Lords Justices now delivered their re- served judgment. The Master of the Rolls. The Master of the Rolls said this appeal raised a question of great importance and of no little difficulty as to the liability of the owner of a coal mine towards one of his colliers injured by an accident in a mine due to a breach of the statutory rules by which the working of the mine was governed. The facts were not really in dispute, having regard to the finding of the jury. The plaintiff was the widow of a collier who was killed in the Dinas Main Colliery on the 14th December, 1907, of which the defendants were the owners. This action was based upon an alleged breach of statutory duty and negligence on the part of the defendants. The defendants pleaded that the breach of statutory duty, if any, was com- mitted by, and the negligence, if any, was that of, a fellow servant of the deceased, and they relied upon the defence of common employ- ment. The action was tried before Mr Justice Channell and a special jury, and the jury found (1) that the accident was caused by a shot fired by Jenkins and Evans. two fellow workmen, in contravention of the rales and (2) that such contravention by Jenkins and Evans was not brought about by the defendants not taking all reasonable means to prevent such contraven- tion by enforcing the rules to the best of their power. Upon those findings the learned judge ordered judgment to be entered for the de- fendants. The learned judge had previously directed the jury that the duty which the statute imposed upon mine owners in respect of the performance of the statutory rules was that they were first of all to publish the rules, and in the next place to enforce those rules to the best of their power, and that if they did enforce those rules to the best of their power, then they were not responsible if one of their servants committed a breach of the rules and thus caused damage to another servant. In other words, he held that the statute did not impose an absolute duty upon the owners to insure and ensure compliance with the rules by their servants. The plaintiff had appealed and claimed either judgment or a new trial on the ground of mis- direction. The principles of law which ought to govern this case did not seem to be open to serious doubt, although the application of those principles presented to his mind very great difficulties. The principles might be shortly stated thus A master was not liable to one servant fur the consequences of an accident caused to that servant by the negli- gence or breach of statutory duty of another servant. This was often spoken of as the doctrine of common employment; but on the other hand a master was liable to his servants for the consequences of an accident caused to that servant by the breach of a statutory duty imposed directly and absolutely upon the master, and the master could Dot shelter him- self behind another servant to whom he had delegated the performance of this duty. In such a case the negligence was the master's negligence, and the doctrine of common employment had no application. Before con- sidering the Act of 1887, by which the working of coal mines was regulated, it was necessary to state that neither Jenkins nor Evans was the authorised shot firer, and more- over, that the shot was fired in a main haulage road without removing the plain- tiff's husband and other colliers from the neighbourhood. It was probable, though there was no finding on the point, that an improper and non-permitted explosive was used in firing the shot. The Act of 1887 was an elaborate code, regulating the mode of working a coal mine, and the duties of the numerous persons employed at the mine. In addition to 39 general rules contained in the body of the Act, there were 247 special rules applicable to the present mine which had equal statutory effect to the general rules. It was plain that many sections of this Act imposed a direct duty upon the owner. Hie Lordship, having referred to the rules and sections, said the manager had the responsible charge and direction of a colliery and the control of all officers and other persons and was to direct the places in which blasting was to be permitted. No shot was to be fired except by the shotman, who was to observe and obey the instructions of the manager as to the places and times for firing shots, and the other regulations made by the manager in pursuance of Rule 8. Now the accident from which the deceased collier met his death was due to a shot fired by unauthorised persons. He could not hold that an owner who could not lawfully himself fire a shot, or even direct the shotman when and where to fire, should be held guilty of the offence of firing such shot. In other words, he thought this particular duty was imposed not upon the owner, but upon the shotman. and he agreed with the view of Mr Justice Channell upon this point, that the owner had a duty to do, but there was no evidence to show that such duty was nof discharged. It was remarkable that there was very little authority on this point, but such as there was seemed to him to help the respon- dents rather than the appellant. He agreed with the judgment of Mr Justice Channell. and thought the appeal should be dismissed, but as the majority of the Court thought otherwise the appeal must b<? allowed. Lord Justice Moulton. Lord Justice Moulton dissented, and said that he disagreed with tbe judgment of the Court below, and thought that the learned Judge had misdirected the jury in spying that there was no absolute statutory duty imposed upon the owners in this particular case. It appeared to him that if acts were done in a. mine and damage ensued the owners must be liable for that damage. If breaches of the rules alleged in thi3 case were proved those breaches must entitle the plaintiff to succeed. In his opinion the appeal ought to be allowed and a. new trial granted on the ground of misdirection. Lord Justice Buckley. Lord Justice Buckley, who agreed with Lord Justice Moulton, said he thought that there was no ground for saying that the statute laid an undue burden upon the employers, so that the appeal ought to be allowed and a new trial ordered. He assented to the argu- ment that for certain purposes a statutory manager was given authority which displaced. even that of the owner, assuming the latter not to be a person competent in this matter, but it did not follow that no duty was cast upon the owner. He thought section 49 created a statutory duty in the owner to observe all the rules, and he thought that this was a statutory duty in the owner towards the workmen. A further fact of section 50 was that a breach of the rules was constituted an offence of the owner unless he proved what was laid down in that section. A person who broke the rules was guilty of an offence, and the owner was guilty of an offence unless he could prove that he had taken all reasonable precautions. In his opinion section 50 created both a criminal and civil liability on the part of the owner. When once that conclusion was reached the doctrine of common employment was of no ap- plication. It followed that there had been in this case misdirection, and he thought that there must be a new trial, the costs of this appeal and the trial to abide th result of the new trial. The Master of the Rolls said this judgment woulcNiover five other appeals. A stay of execution was refused.

BEDWELLTY RATE REDUCED. A meeting of Bedwellty District Council was held at New Tredegar on Monday night, Mr Morgan Thomas presiding. Discussion took place on the Monmouthshire county rate, which Mr S. Goodwin said would be 3s in the being an increase of 3d. The total amount paid by them to the county in six months was £10,891, and £5.113 of this was for poor law administration. They only received about £240 from the county. This, he thought, was not an adequate return. It was decided to make a strong appeal to the County Roads Committee for a larger proportion towards the mainten- ance of roads in the Bedwellty area. The estimate for the half-year was £5,653 166 6d, and a Is 6d rate margin of £10 for con- tingencies. It was proposed to make a rate of Is 6d in the this being a reduction of 3d.

FISHGUARD QUAY SUPERINTENDENT. The funeral of Mr W. T. Gray, station and quay superintendent, Fishguard Harbour, took place on Monday, the remains being conveyed from the residence, Penrhvn, Fishguard, to Neyland for intermeut. All the vessels in the harbour had their ensigns at half-mast. The coffin was covered with floral tokens from friends and railway staffs, and the bearers were Great Western Railway employees in uniform, under Inspectors Bowen and Jenkins. Repre- sentatives of all departments were present, including Mr C. T. Davidson, Captain Sharp, Mr T. E. Williams. Mr D. FJias, Mr A. E. Miles, Mr A. F. Nichols. Captain Driver. Mr E. T. John. The (UTarigemroite at Fishguard Harbour were iu cliargo of t X- P. Monsfield. acting statioriniasvy and quay superintendent, and a special motor with trailer conveyed the remains to Neyland. The Rtoov. E. Lincoln < Lewis, vicar ol Goodwick, lfTiriatttd,