The Cardiff Times

HOURS PROBLEM. Agreement Signed. COAL BOARD'S TASK ENDED. SATURDAY'S 12 HOURS' SITTING. The terms of the agreement have been finally arrived at and there are no points in dispute." This was the purport of the brief official report of Saturday's protracted sitting of the Conciliation Board at Cardiff, and the finality attained in the Eight Hours difficulty was a happy consummation to a week's etrenous negotiatory work between the parties. The Board met on Saturday pt 10.30 a.m. and sat continuously until 10.40 p.m. Five minutes later the following joint official report was supplied to the Press representatives by Mr Dalziel, secretary to the Coalowners, and Mr T. Richards, M.P., secretary of the Miners' Federaton:— The adjourned meeting of the Concilia- tion Board of South Wales and Monmouth- shire was held at the Engineers' Institute, to-day, to further consider the points arising under the Eight Hours Act. The terms of the agreement have been finally arrived at. The document itself will not be ready for publication for a day or so. Everything has been agreed upon and there are no points in dispute." 5 We understand that the agreement was signed by all the members of the Board, with the exception of four of the men's leaders from Monmouthshire, who have first to con- sult their constituents. They are Messrs W. Brace, M.P., James Winstone, G. Harris, and George Barker. The decision to delay publica- tion of the actual text of the agreement is due to a desire to that effect expressed on both sides of the Board. It was felt that as the agreement might be liable to misconstruction by the workmen in the absence of explanatory statements of the whole of its provisions, and might lead to complications, it would be to the interests of all concerned if the men's leaders took the initial step of arranging mass meetings to enlighten their constituents as to its contents. The terms, ho-wwver, are of such a nature that no exception is likely to be taken to them by the men and no undue signifi- cance need be attached to the action of the four Monmouthshire leaders, for it is under- stood they had pledged themselves to their men to sign no agreement whatever until they had first consulted their constituents. Terms of Settlement. In the agreement now arrived at practically all the privileges and customs of the miners are retained, and no points of principal have been sacrificed. Briefly, the terms of settle- ment are The bonus shift (or the six turns paid for five turns worked) to be continued. Payment for overtime to cease except in cases where allowances are already made over apd above the actual overtime worked, any disputed cases to be referred to a joint Bub-committee of the Conciliation Board. The prevailing customs at the various collieries on the occurrence of fatal accidents to remain as hitherto. Present customs in relation to the starting time of hauliers to continue. Meal times to be fixed, but to bo no longer than 20 minutes in duration. Coal winding to be continuous and un- interrupted. Surface men, being not governed by the Act, are to work 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the coal-winding shift. Though the two main issues-the 60 hours clause and the double shift—which threatened an industrial calamity in the coalfield had been disposed of at Wednesday's meeting, the draft- ing of the remaining clauses in the arrange- ment proved a task that called for careful and delicate handling. Gjreat difficulty was ex- perienced in arriving at clauses satisfactory to both parties on the double shift and the hours questions, and at one or two stages in Satur- day's proceedings the tension became acute, it being feared that the task would be insur- mountable and that danger still lurked in the inability to arrive at a modus vivendi. Con- siderable time was spent in the framing of these two clauses, but ultimately the desired end was attained, and the parties proceeded to the dis- cussion of remaining points, which required ad- justment owing to the enforcement of the Eight Hours' Act. Bonus Turn and Overtime. Though of relatively minor importance in comparison to the 60 hours and the double shift, the remaining points contained several vital principles, and required careful and tole- rant consideration to avoid fresh difficulties being encountered. There was the question of the bonus turn, which some of the workmen feared the employers would insist upon abolishing. Some of the leaders had ground for such apprehension, for it had been reported to them that at some collieries the managers had declared their intention not to continue the payment of the bonus shift. When the parties met in the Joint Board at 3 p.m., having spent the earlier hours of the day in separate consultations, the point as to the bonus shift was at once raised by the men's representatives, and it was then ascer- tained that the employers' side had not for- mally waived their demand for its abolition. Then came a strong and forceful appeal in favour of the retention o £ the bonus turn, the men's representatives urging that its abolition would result in a direct reduction in wages to the day wage men, and that this would be stoutly resisted. Happily, the owners did not press their claim unduly, and eventually agreed to the withdrawal of that demand. More intricate to solve was the q uestion of overtime, owing to the many and varied cus- toms which exist throughout the coalfield. Under the new Act no overtime will be per- mitted, but there are throughout the coalfield several cases at present where men are paid allowances over and above the actual over- time worked. This is done, so it was main. tained by the men's side, in order to bring up the workmen's wages to a certain standard, and therefore, they urged, this so-called" over- time as now paid should be regarded as part wages. Cases were also cited where overtime was paid to labourers and others for cleaning and dusting "—duties which were performed in the ordinary day's work. Agreement was finally come to that where the payment for overtime had been regarded as a privilege and was not in respect of extra hours no alteration would be made in the present system. How- ever, owing to the varied and complicated nature of this question, it was decided to refer it to a joint sub-committee to investigate, it being understood that the system of payment in vogue at present would remain in existence until each case was decided upon its merits. A Custom Retained. Objection was raised from the owners' side to the re-opening of the question relating to the custom of suspending work at the whole colliery when fatal accidents occur. When the Joint Sub-Committee conferred in London a proposal was agreed to that when fatalities take place operations should only cease imthe immediate fireman's district where the acci- dent happened. It was upon this agreement by the sub-committee to facilitate continuous working of the pits that the employers based their resistance to the matter being further discussed. A number of the men's side, how- ever, would not submit to the suggestion that a finality had been reached on this question, and urged that sentiment and sympathy would be too strong among the workmen to remain in the colliery once it came to their knowledge that one of their comrades had been killed. This gave rise to a lengthy dis-, cussion, but again conciliation prevailed and the owners consented to a continuance of pre- vailing customs. Another point was in reference to the start- ing time of the hauliers, and here an under- standing was come to that where the practice is now in vogue of the hauliers descending the mine prior to the coal cutting shift there should be no change, and further that where allowances are conceded by the owners for this extra time those /payments should also continue. i Surface Mfcn's Hours. Difficulties, it was said, had already arisen at some collieries where work was resumed on Friday in regard to the hours to be worked by surface men who are not governed by the new Act. The management at these particular collieries maintained that in the case of these men no change'could be effected, but the men desired to be granted equal privileges to under- ground employees, and in some cases had refused to work beyond the eight hours shift. A compromise was now arrived at by the Joint Board, the decision being that the sur- face men should commence work 15 minutes earlier than the day shift and finish 15 minutes later or, where the management so desired, the whole of the half-hour should be worked at the end of the eight hours shift. The working hours for colliers were fixed as from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the day shift, but. liberty was given for any colliery to mutually arrange different times if they so desired. These numerous items having been agreed upon there still remained a great amount of work in drafting the preamble of the new agreement. The respective solicitors, Mr Chas. Kenshole, Aberdare, for the Coalowners' Asso- ciation, and Mr W. P. Nicholas, Pontypridd, for the Miners' Federation, had been in the conference room during the day hearing the discussions upon the various matters. This attendance of the solicitors was due to the suggestion of the owners' chairman (Mr F. L. Davis), who thought it advisable that the legal advisers of the Board should be present in order to enable them to frame clauses em- bodying the exact intentions of the Board's decisions. As indicated, the drafting of the preamble was no easy task, but was success- fully concluded at the end of a 12 hours' sitting. COAL AGREEMENT. Full Text of Document. The following is the full text of the agree- ment signed by both parties on Saturday night:— MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT made the 30th day of June, 1909, between the undersigned, duly authorised to act on behalf of the owners of the collieries in Monmouthshire and South Walea.whose names or titles arc set forth in the schedule hereto —hereinafter called the owners, of the one part, and the undersigned, duly authorised to act on be- half of the workmen (except enginemen. stokers. and outside fitters) now employed at the collieries of the said owners, of the other part-and supple- mentary to an agreement made the 11th day of December, 1905, between the owners, by their re- presentatives, of the one part, and the workmen by their representatives of the other part, and which agreement is known as the Conciliation Board agreement. WHEREAS, in view of the coming into operation of the Coal Mines Regulation Act ,1908, on the 1st day of July next, the result of which would render it impossible for the workmen em- ployedbe!ow ground at the different collieries of the owners to carrv out the terms of the contracts of service now existing between them ,and the owners,the owners on or before the 1st day of June inst. served the workmen employed below ground at their respec- tivelfcollieries with notices that such contracts of service would as a result of the coming into opera- tion of the said Act cease to have effect as from the 1st of July next; and whereas the said owners also served the workmen employed upon the surface with notices terminating their contracts on the 30th day of June instant. AND WHEREAS, the said parties hereto have agreed that work shall be carried on at the said collieries from the 1st day of July next upon the terms and conditions of the Conciliation Board agreement be- fore referred to, subject as hereinafter mentioned 1. That the hours ot labour oi worKmen employed below ground at the said collieries respectively shall be such as are authorised by the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1908, andthat notwithstanding the limitation of hours to be forked as the result of the coming into operation of the said Act, no alteration shall be made in the standard rates and prices hitherto paid to such workmen during the continua- tion of the said Conciliation Board Agreement 2. The workmen's representatives having declared that it is not their intention to prevent the mutual in- troduction of any new method which may lead to the better working of the pits, due regard being had for safety and economical working. it is agreed that the owners shall have freedom to pro- pose any method of working their collieries without being met with the objection that their so doing is a breach of custom or a breach of the Conciliation Board agreement. Should the workmen allege that the proposed method of working is a source of extra danger to the workmen employed at that colliery, this question, in the event of failure to agree at the colliery, shall be referred to the decision of an experienced and disinterested person, to be agreed upon between the owners' and workmen's representa- tives on the Conciliation Board, or, failing such agreement, to an experienced and disinterested per- son to be appointed by the Home Secretary, the owners and workmen to be at liberty to call evidence

[ TAKING HIS GRUEL Mr Lloyd George 111 deal as gently with you as possible, but you've got to take it even if I stay up all night." (The obstructive tactics of the Opposition have forced late sittings of the House of Commons.) (Reproduced by permission of the Editor of the Morning Leader."

before the person agreed upon or to be appointed and other objection to the proposed method to be brought before the Conciliation Board in the usual way, and the Board sball either deeide the matter or report failure to decide within two months from the date of reference. 3. Where payment of six turns for five worked by night has hitherto been paid, the same shall con- tinue. As under the said Act no overtime can be worked, other than in cases of emergency as de- fined in Section 1, Sub-section 2, payment for over- time will cease. In all cases where any disputesarise as to whether any overtime or extra turns heretofore paid wre in part paid for work done in the work- men's ordinary houn of work .the questions if in dis- pute shall in all cases of failure to agree at the col- lieries be referred to the Joint Committee of the Conciliation Board with power to settle- In the meantime, and until the dispute is settled. the men shall continue working and be paid as hitherto for a period of two calendar months from the date at which the same shall be referred to snch committee. In cases of failure to settle, either side may determine the contracts of the workmen affected by a month's notice, to be given on the first day of the following month. 4. Workmen on the surface engaged in handling the coal shall work half an hour per day beyond the coal winding time—either starting 15 minutes before coal winding, and working 15 minutes afterwards, or at the option of the owners working half an hour after the winding. The only workmen intended to come under the operation of this clause are those who handle the trams between the cage, and the tippers, the screenmen, slag pickers, and wagon men. Banksmen are excluded. I 5. The meal-time for underground day wage-men, day and night, shall be 20 minutes. It shall be so ar- ranged as not to interfere with the haulage and general working of theoolliery, and in the case of all workmen connected with the winding—whether employed uoon thesurfaoo or below ground—the meal times shall be 20 minutes, and shall be so arranged as to secure continuous winding of coal without in terruption during the shift. 6. Where serious but non-fatal accidents occur, an agreed number of men, but not more than 20, to be selected by the management, may accompany-the injured workman out of the pit. 7. No stoppage for funerals shall take place except by arrangement with the management 8. A copy of the Conciliation Board agreement, to- gether witb a copy of this supplemental agreement, shall be placed in a contract book at each colliery, which shall be signed by or on behalf of the owners of such colliery and also by each workman em- ployed thereat, as one of the terms of the engage. ment between the owners and the said workman. Owners' Representatives. FRED L DAVIS, E. M. HANN, JOSEPH SHAW, HENRY T. WALES, H. WATTS, W. J. HEPPELL, C. H EDEN, THOMAS GRIFFITHS, CLIFFORD J CORY, W.W.HOOD, WM. JENKINS, W, H. ROUTLEDGE, H. E. GRAY. WILLIAM SMITH, J. FOX TALLIS, HENRY WM. MARTIN, T. H. DEAKIN. W. GASCOYNE DALZIEL, Secretary. Workmen's Representatives. W. ABRAHAM, W. H. MORGAJN, W. BRACE, JOHN WILLIAMS, D. WATTS MORGA3T, CHAS. EDWARDS, C. B. STANTON, JAMES MANNING, JOHN WILLIAM, VERNON HARTSHORN, E. MORRELL, THOS. LUCAS, WM. VYCE, W. E. MORGAN, ALFRED ONIONS, JOHN THOMAS, JOHN DAVLES, TOM GEORGE, BEN DAVIES, HUBERT JENKINS, WALTER LEWIS. THOMAS RICHARDS, Secretary. Then follows the Schedule setting forth the names of the 83 coalowners and colliery com- panies in the Association. COALOWNERS' REGULATIONS. The following regulations, dated July 1st, have been issued by the coalowners of South Wales and Monmouthshire for securing com- pliance with the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1908 :— 1. The expression workman for the purposes of these regulations means any person employed in a mine below ground other than an official of the mine, fireman, examiner or deputy, or a mechanic, horsekeeper, or a person enoged solely in surveying or measuring. 2. The expression a shift of workmen shall be deemed to be any number of workmen whose hours for beginning and terminating work in the mine are approximately the same. 3. The times fixed for lowering the different shifts of workmen to the mine and for the raising the dif- ferent shifts from the mine are those ^posted up at, the pithead. 4. The persons appointed to direct the lowering and raising of men to and from the mine shall give all necessary directions to secure the men being lowered into and raised from the mine within the times pre- scribed bv these regulations for that purpose. Such persons shall at the end of each shift enter in the register to be kept for that purpose the particulars prescribed by the Secretary of State with respect to the times at which men are lowered into and raised from the mine, and the cases in which any man is below ground for more than the time fixed by the said Act and the cause thereof. 5. Every workman shall obey the directions of the persons appointed by the owners to direct the •owering and raising of men to and from the mine so as to secure the workmen being lowered into and raised from the mine within the times prescribed for that purpose. 6. No workman shall remain in the mine after the time fixed for the completion of the raising of the workmen from the mine in the shift upon which he works except for the purposes of rendering assistance in the event of accident or for meeting any danger or apprehended danger, or for dealing with any emergency or work uncompleted through unforeseen circumstances which requires to be dealt with with- out interruption in order to avoid serious inter- ference-with ordinary work in the mine or in any district of the mine. « 7. The overman or fireman of each district shall, so far as it is reasonably practicable, see that the workmen in their respective districts leave their working places in time to doable them to return to the surface within the time prescribed for that purpose. 8. No treman, examiner or deputy, hitcher, pump man, fanman or furnaceman, shall be below ground for more than nine hours and a half during any con- secutive 24 hours except for the purpose of rendering assistance in the event of accident or for meeting any danger or apprehended danger or for dealing with any emergency or work uncompleted through unfore- seen circumstances which requires to be dealt with without interruption to avoid serious interference with ordinary work in the mine or in any district of the mine. 9. When the owner, agent or manager shall, under Section 3 of the Act, extend the time fixed by the Act as the time during which the workmen may be below ground for the purpose of their work and of going to and from their work (but on not more than 60 days in any calendar year and by not more than one Hour a day) they shall poet up in a conspicuous place'at the pithead printed or written notice-of the days and times on which such extensions of time shall take place.

DISPUTE AT NEWPORT DOCKS. Sequel to the Coal Trouble. A dispute as to terms of contract has arisen with the cranemen anff traffic men at the New- port docks. It will be recalled that the management of the Alexandra Docks, in view of the threatened coal trade lock-out, gave notices to their employees to terminate con- tracts. When the coaj trade dispute was settled it was found that only a few boats had been stemmed for Newport for the next few weeks, and the management informed the cranemen and traffic men that they would be re-engaged on a day-to-day contract, adding that they were agreeable to divide the work amongst the men until trade improved. This the men object to and contend that they should all be taken back under the old terms of agreement. On Tuesday the cranemen declined to work, with the result that a number of other hands, who were engaged in discharging and filling cargoes, were also idle. The traffic men were also similarly affected. On Tuesday evening the cranemen and others affected held a meet- ing at the Dockers' Hall, and addresses were delivered by Mr Harry Seer, district secretary, and others. A ballot was taken, and this showed that the men would not return to work other tlzan under the old terms." One of the men's officials informed our repre- sentative that between 400 and 500 men are already affected, and that the outlook at present is threatening. An official on the other side informed our representative that Mr Macaulay, the general manager, has offered to re-engage 15 of the 24 cranemen every day untQ the effects of the threatened coal strike have passed away, and that he will subse- quently re-engage all the men as in the past.

CHEDDAR GORGE. Mr Robert Bowring, on behalf of the National Society for the Preservation of Places of Interest, has concluded the purchase from the Marquis of Bute of Cheddar Gorge, which was in danger of quarrying operations.

Postal Robbery. a BLAINA MAIL RAIDED. On Saturday night a darihg robbery was per- petrated between Blaina and Newport on the train which arrives at the latter place at 9.45. Usually the postal officials send the parcel from the Blaina office to Newport in a canvas bag, duly sealed. On Saturday evening, when the bag was examined at the Newport office, it was found that it had been ripped open, and that between JE55 and £60 in notes and money had been taken from it. The seals had not been tampered with, neither were a number of other parceis inside the bag. The bag contained the following :— £ 49 18s 4Jd. a receipt for t5 Os 10id, a clip with 12 penny stamps attached, and a registered letter addressed to Mr J. H. Thomas, 25, Laneaster- street, Blaina. The 149 18a 4Jd was made up as follows :—Four f,5 Bank of England notes, the numbers being 70,110, 70,909, 70,915, 70,916. They were issued from London on June 1st, 1908. There were also two sovereigns, four 2a pieces, one 3d piece, and lid in coppers. The money with the registered letter and notes were all placed in a bag wrapped up according to Post Office regulations. The wrapper was addressed to Mr Abraham. This is the third robbery that has taken place on this branch line within two or three months. The miscreants have not yet been traced

Greater Cardiff. 1 PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXTENSION. The Parliamentary Gbnjmittee of the Cardiff City Council on Monday afternoon traversed the boundaries of the area which it has been suggested should be added to the city area. The committee's route was via King Edwards's-avenue, through Catbays-terrace and Fairoak-road to the city boundary at Roatb Park. Skirting the western side of the park, they proceeded via Fidlas- road to Llarushen Village, and thus to the village of Lisvane. Tntrning sharply to the north, they passed Lisvane Parish Church and went in a north-westerly direction across the Rhymney Railway by the bridge, about half a mile to the south of Caerphilly Tunnel. Fol- lowing the Caerphilly-road, they continued in a north-westerly direction to Thornhill, on the northern boundary ot £ isvane and Whitchurch^ parishes and of the Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural District. Turning south, they pro- ceeded along the high road to Cwmnofydd, and continuing in a southerly direction until they came to the point where Whitchurch Rhiwbina-road intersected. The Committee went along past the service reservoir at Rhiw- bina and up the hill to the northern boundary of the parish of Whitchurch and Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural District. They then traversed the district of the Caerphilly Urban District Council for about half-a-mile, they turned off sharply to the southward along the road practically on the proposed extended boundary, to Tongwynlais. Here they again entered the parish of Whitchurch. and took a westerly direction along the Merthyr-road past the Cardiff Mental Hospital. and turning bythe new Whitchurch Library followed the old road to Llandaff Station and across the Taff through St. Bride's-super-Ely, and down Fairwater- road for two-thirds of a mile within the boundaries of the proposed extended area. Proceeding thence along the main road to Ely and along Cowbridge-road, past High- mead, they noticed the proposed extended boundaries north and south of Cowbridge-road. Then on through Cwrtyrala Pari, they pro- ceeded to Michelstone-le-Pit. The party were here for a short distance outside the ex- tended area. The Committee then passed on, still in the district of the Llandaff and Dinas Powis Rural Council, to the road leading from Leckwith to Dinas Powis. Taking a northerly direction past the Llandough service reservoir of the Corporation to the parish lof Leckwith, they entered it near the gate to the new storage reservoir recently constructed on the western side of the road- Thence they pro- ceeded, still along the same road, to Leckwith, down Leckwith Hill. and again entering the City boundaries at Leckwith Bndge returned to the City Hall. The journey was made in taxi-cabs, and so steep were the roads in several places that the passengers had to get out and walk. Oppor- tunities were taken by the Lord Mayor (Alder- man Lewis Morgan) and the city engineer (Mr Harpur), who accompanied the committee, to explain the boundaries as they were reached.

Welsh Territorials. GENERAL LLOYD AT CARMARTHEN. General Uoyd, commander-in-chief of the Welsh Territorial Division, arrived at Car- marthen on Monday even ing in order to inspect the local companies. He was accompanied by his aide-camp, Major King King, and was met at the railway station by the Mayor of Carmarthen (Mr John Grossman), Captain Stoddart, Captain Francis, and Col.-Sergt. Carpenter. The general inspected the forces at the barracks and put them through their drill in the presence of a large crowd., Speak- ing to the men afterwards, he highly compli- mented them on their smartness and the pro- gress they had made. He was quite certain, he said, that a country with a real sound Terri- torial Army was able to take care of itself. It was only now that the meaning of the Terri- torial Army was being understood. Monday, at the cyclists camp at Carmar- then, despite the showers, was mainly devoted to manoeuvres in the neighbourhood of lJan- stephan. At 9-50 a.m. the A Cardiff Com- pany were sent out of camp to act as an inva- ding force, which was supposed to have landed in the direction of Llanstephan. The enemy were under the pnmmand of Captain Cook. In an hour afterwards the main body left the camp in charge of Colonel Wilson with the object of locating the enemy and closing up the roads m the Carmarthen and St. Clear's districts; Everything was done under service conditions, and the main body or defending force put out an advance guard in command of Lieutenant Plant, of Swansea. Each man was served with several rounds of blank ammunition. The-main body arrived at Llanstephan without see- ing the enemy, twit after going a shqrt distance the invaders were located between Llanstephan and Llanybri. Ex. change firing took place, and the defending force took up strong positions at the Llan- gunnock, Smyrna, and other branch roads. The enemy were consequently unable to pene- trate the defence, sgad the whole of the troops by arrangement afterwards met at Llangun- nock, and returned to camp. The manoeuvres, which were conducted mostly in the rain, were very instructive. Whilst the Bridgend Com- pany were returning along the Johnstown road Private Watkins collided with another cyclist, and falling heavily he sustained a gash in the knee, which necessitated some stitches being put in by Lieut. Dr. Rogers.

RUDE RETORT. I Lord Broughton, whose Recollections have just been published, was afflicted with a temper which occasionally led to uncomfortable scenes in society. On one occasion he dined with a large party at Thackeray's house, and after dinner some specially fine Madeira was produced. In his usual genial way the novelist pressed this on his guests, and, patting his neighbour, Lord Broughton, on the back, re- marked." Now, my dear old boy, you must try some of this." A chill fell on the company when the noble lord retorted, I am not your dear boy, I am not old. and damn vour wine."

Mines Inspection. CARDIFF AND SWANSEA DISTRICTS. Higher Standard of Safety Possible The reports of Mr W. N. Atkinson, H.M. Superintending Inspector of Mines, and Messrs F. A. Gray and J. Dyer Lewis, H.M. Inspectors of Mines for the Cardiff and Swansea districts (Nos. 10 and 11), to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, under the Coal Mines Regulation Acts, 1887 to 1896, the Metalliferous Mines Regulation Acts, 1872 and 1875, and the Quarries Act, 1894, for the year 1908 are pub- lished in Bue Book Cd. 4672—ix. Mr Atkinson's report states the year 1908 was one of declining prosperity in the coal trade, although the statistics show a slight increase over the preceding year, both in the number of persons employed and the output of minerals. There was a considerable reduction in the value of all classes of coal, except anthracite, and this led to the closing, of a number of collieries, chiefly of those producing manufac- turing coal, thus throwing out or employment several thousand workmen. There was no change in the rate of wages during the year, nor any serious labour dispute. In the Cardiff and Swansea inspection dis- tricts in 1908 the collieries working were 546, two more than in the previous year, and the persons employed numbered 128,527 below ground, 23,315 above ground total 151,842. The total increase over the previous year was 8,398 persons, or 5'85 per cent., whilst the re- turns for the preceding 10 years show a con- tinuous increase. The mineral output was 37,298,302 tons, of which coal made a total of 37,192,335 tons, showing increases over the totals of 1907 of 415,149 (1*11 per cent.), and 409,827 (1-11 per cent.) respectively. Of anthra- cite coal the output was 3,3U.,074 an in- crease of 232,816 tons on the total of the pre- ceding year. There were reported to the inspectors 205 fatal accidents, involving 216 deaths and 931 non-fatal accidents, the total number of per- sons injured being 957. There was a decrease over the preceding year of 16 in the total number of fatal accidents and of 32 in the number of deaths. In the Cardiff district there was a decrease of six fatal accidents, and of four deaths, and in the Swansea district a de- crease of 10 fatal accidents and 28 deaths. The average death rate per 1,000 persons employed was 1-42, comparing with a death rate of 1*32 per 1,000 persons employed in the United Kingdom- The death rate of 1*42 per 1,000 persons employed appears to be the most favourable death rate in the decennial period, except in the year 1898, which, being the year of a great strike, is not fairly comparable. The death rate of 1908 for the combined districts is probably the best ever attained. A New Feature. A new feature appears in the statistics of non-fatal accidents for 1908, through the opera- tion of the Notice of Accidents Act, 1906. That Act, in addition to defining more closely than had hitherto been done the non-fatal accidents required to be reported to the inspector at the time of their occurrence also requires an annual return to be made of all accidents which occurred in or about the mine or quarry during the year to which the return relates, and dis- ables for more than seven days any person employed in or about the mine or quarry from working at his ordinary work." The result has been not only to increase the number of non- fatal accidents reported at the time of their occurrence to the inspectors, but to include in the statistics a large number of minor accidents such as have not hitherto been officially re- corded. The total of such accidents in the dis- tricts was 22,612, and affected 22,646 persons. These figures show that per 1,000 persons em- ployed 149 persons received injuries disabling them for more than seven days, assuming that no person received more than one such injury during the year. There were 24 explosions or ignitions, of fire- damp, resulting in the loss of two lives and in- juries! more or less serious, to 32 persons. These figures are a great improvement on those for the. preceding year, when explosions accounted for 21 deaths and injuries to 60 persons. Of the 24 explosions 21 were due to the use of naked lights, one was caused by an illegally opened safety lamp, one was probably caused by a match or smoking in a mine worked with safety* lamps, and one was caused by shot- firing. None of these accidents presented fea- tures of unusual interest, except the explosion due to shot-firing, which was of importance as having been caused by the permitted explosive saxonite. An ignition of fire-damp causing no personal injury was also caused by a shot of the permitted explosive bobbinite. In the Swansea district, where most of the explosions occurred, their number will probably be still further reduced by the extended use of safety lamps, the introduction of which into mines producing fire-damp is steadily progressing. Higher Standard of Safety. By falls of ground there were 67 deaths in the Cardiff district and 38 in the Swansea district, a total of 105 deaths, as compared with 107 in the preceding year. Injuries to 388 persons were reported to the inspectors in the two dis- tricts, and the total number of persons injured by falls so as to incapacitate them from work- ing for more than seven days was 10,174. The death rate from falls of ground per 1,000 per- sons employed underground in 1908 was, in the Cardiff district 0*769, and in the Swansea dis- trict 0*915, as compared with 0-735 for the United Kingdom. There is no prospect of any material reduction of the death rate from falls (observes Mr Atkinson) until a higher standard of safety is thought necessary by mining officials and workmen. That a higher standard could be maintained is hardly open to doubt, and that without prohibitive addition to the cost of working, part of which would be re- couped by diminished payments for compensa- tion. In the Cardiff district there were 12 fatal shaft accidents and in the Swansea district one such accident total deaths 13. There were also reported to the inspectors of the two districts 16 non-fatal shaft accident?, in- juring 16 persons. Two of these fatal accidents were caused by stones falling down shafts from trams in cages. This is, says the chief inspector, a form of accident due to the practice, general in South Wales, of loading the trams above their tops, for which reason particular care should be taken to shield, as perfectly as pos- sible, persons at the bottoms of winding shafts from things falling down the shafts. A Safety Appliance. Mr Gray mentions in his report that in con- sequence of an accident on 10th February at Cwm Colliery, in which a rope changer was struck on the head by the handle of the crab, which was caused to revolve the wrong way by the engine pulling instead of slacking in, the management have had an improved crab made of which, by the courtesy of the agent, he is able to attach a plan. The following is the de- scription of it:—" In the main and tail system of haulage arranged to serve two or more dis- tiicts, it is necessary to provide means to en- able the man at the junction to change the ropes. The hand .rab or winch as shown on the plan has been designed to prevent over- hauling. This is accomplished by a worm and worm wheel. The worm A is carried in move- able arm B so arranged that it can be in- stantly disengaged from the worm wheel, and allow the drum to revolve. When required to be used the flexible rope is attached to the end of the haulage rope coupling, the worm is put in gear with wheel by bringing the movable arm into the horizontal position, and the arm is locked in that position by a catch C. In the event of the engine man drawing out the hauling rope, it will be seen that it is impossible to overhaul the shaft to which the handle is attached, and if the rope changer suspects any misunderstanding he can instantly put it out of gear, and allow the drum freedom to re- volve."

Providence is a very bad thing to trust to for house rent," Judge Bacon told a widow at the Bloomsbury County Court.

etive L to me' ■ I \It, 'I :¡- s "1\. iiiiii:fI | l| H I'm Puritan Soap, the only household Olive Oil ■ g| soap. I'm a heavy weight "sixteen full ounces to ■ H the full pound "—and there isn't an ounce of ■ B me but is made to tuorK. Work is my delight, ■ ■ and I'm ready for work at any moment- m ■ now if you like-and always come up smiling. | 9 Lots of my friends have got the smile from me. ■ H It's pleasant to see them with a heavy wash day I H before them—smiling all the time. They smile I 18 because they've got me, you understand. ■ fl I'm a sturdy fellow. That's because I'm a I H heavy weight and well lined inside. It takes a lot I B to wear me out. Some fellows in my line—well, I B the less said about them the better. Poor fellows, I B I've seen them done up, "washed out" is the I B term I think, long before washing day was over, I B while ^1 was just enjoying myself and as happy as I B Though I'm sturdy I am a harmless chap. My I B makers-Thomas of Bristol-said to me when I I fl started out "You're to be the soap that cannot, I fl tvonvt harm the clothes, and to make sure that I fl you'll do what we want we're going to make you I I different from all the others—we're going to put I fl olive oil into you." ■ fl And they did, and still do-costly education for I fl me when you think of it-for olive oil costs twice I fl as much as any other soap oil. ■ fl But it's been the making of me. Sometimes rve I fl felt a bit frolicsome—wanted to shrink that nice fl fl new woollen garment—just for fun—but I couldn't fl fl —the olive oil wouldn't let me. fl fl I'm making friends every day—let me be your fl fl friend-your heavy-weight clothes saver. B B 3!d. is the magic wand that brings me into your fl fl hands-open the box, take off the wrapper (save it I fl carefully, they'll pay for it at BristoD and behold, I I FULL POUND SSmSf'SS' I ■ 1 d. the soap that I B O 2 CANNOT HARM I

Atoersycb&n Murdererv WAS HE INSANE P COLLIERY MANAGER'S STATEMENT, Mr G. Jones, the manager of the Woodfield Collieries, Blackwood, writes in relation to the execution of the collier John Edmunds, for the Abersychan murder" The account of the execution of John Edmunds at Usk on Sat- urday is gruesome reading, and the question arises, naturally, was the condemned man accountable for his actions? The deed com- mitted was so dastardly that I am afraid that the mental condition of Edmunds was not in- quired into by the proper authorities as it should have been. That his mind was at times unhinged I am certain of. for near the end of February, 1908, I dismissed him because of his strange actions, as I felt that it was not safe for him to work underground. He was then! employed as a night haulier. For about a fortnight after he was dismissed and payed eff he would hang around the colliery, and if he saw a tram of rubbish on the rubbish tip. he would take a shovel which he always carried with him and discharge it, or do some other work, if I was not about, men of course allowing him. As soon, however, as he saw me coming he would run away. I found out that he would get into a disused level and would begin working without anyone knowing. I consequently had to threaten to send for the police, before I got him to keep away. He would, however, not apply for any pay for the work he had done. That he was not compos mentis was quite evident, and that was the only reason I had for dismissing him. He was before he began to be strange, a quiet, inoffensive young fellow, and performed his work satisfactory. He left this locality and the brutal crime had been expiated before I knew that the con- demned man was the John Edmunds who worked for me 18 months ago, otherwise I should have given publicity to this before. On Saturday an insane man was led to the gallows, and although the crime that he com- mitted was most revolting, the fact whether he was sane or insane should have been properly inquired into. This I feel confident was not done, and the authorities in question can draw what consolation they may from the above fact.

A MATTER OF COSTS. Narberth Cross Appeals. In the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, before the Master of the Rolls and Lords Justices Farwell and Kennedy, the cross appeals of K. G. Thomas v. Collins came on for hearing. The matter in dispute, one of costs, had been before the County Court and also theDivisional Court, and there were appeals from the judg- ment of the Divisional Court, consisting of Justices Phillimore and Walton. Mr Green, in opening the matter, said this was the defendant's appeal, and originally came before the Narberth (Pembrokeshire) County Court. The action there was by the mortgagor claiming an account against the mortgagee on a sale of property included in a bill of sale. An account was ordered, and the Registrar found X44 6s 4d due to the defendant. When thejaction came before the County Court judge in the first instance, notwithstanding that the registrar had given a certificate in the defendant's favour, he made an order that the mortgagor (the defendant) should pay the plaintiff's costs. An appeal was made and the High 'Court allowed it, and sent the case back to the County Court judge. Mr Rowlatt (for the plamtiH) said his reply was that Collins did not sell as moitgagor, but in the ordinary way of his business as an auc-* tioneer for the customary remuneration, and which bad been allowed him. Lord Justice' Farwell: Did not the First Divisional Court decide against you ? Mr Rowlatt: I cannot agree with that. The Court held that the plaintiff was not entitled to an account unless it was paid for. Replying to the Master of the Rolls, Mr Green said the sale realised JE366, and included everything. Mr Rowlatt said his friend was asking the costs of the whole of the inquiry, but surely Mrs Thomas was entitled to an account of the sale and the prices realised. The Master of the Rolls said if things not mentioned in the bill of sale were introduced and sold it was hard on the auctioneer to de- prive him of his fees. Mr Rowlatt: When you get a lady in diffi- culties in South Wales I think you will find she is hardly treated. The Master of the Rolls thought the County Court judge was wrong, and the order must be discharged. Collins must have the costs in the County Court, the Divisional Court, and that court. Lords Justices Farwell and Kennedy concurred. Mr Green said the plaintiff had no means whatever, and as the litigation was initiated by Mrs Thomas, who had property, he applied that they be allowed to recover the costs against her. The Court said they would hear the matter argued.

Mr Lionel R. Lloyd, the recently-appointed magistrates' clerk for Ystradgynlais, acted for the first time at a special Police Court on Monday.

f- HDtSASTER IN PORTU^Ai- Lisbon, Monday.—Telegrams published the Lisbon papers to-day report that • terrible railway disaster occurred near Eulalia during last night. It appears tn owing to a mistake on the part of a a goods express and a night passenger collided whilst travelling at full speed, R°:JJ trains being completely derailed. Both were overturned, and the two front carria# of the passenger train were smashed to dj0^LA wood. Four persons were killed instantly, 33 were injured, 11 of them being in a crxti^ condition.—Central News.

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