Weekly Mail

RURAL JOTTINGS. Tjjh KBX.1S5 hINTS AND INFORMA- S^I% of ^Z/ANTS CLEAR OF GREEN FLY. 01. greatest drawbacks to the per- z -hh>cti°n of plants and flowers is the intrusion of insects. They all dis- °C:iJr winter, but as soon as growth re- 'n s in the springtime the insects are all t^r^diness to do harm, and they are a the impediment to many plants. One of 911, tooet aggressive and destructive is the sh^D fly" Ite favourite food is the youn» ton ?f-rthe rose> but other PIaints suffer, iiv,' a 1 means are taken to prevent their grease from the first much vexation will Ulanf a.,nd a more enjoyable class of by n and flowers Presented. Insects are al>le fJSe'aD<; bad ju,d^ of the most agree- fhey 11 ?sith« juicy young shoots that Partial to, the points where the **vnd it j if orm bein? their favourite resort; as when \c greatest harm can be done, P^fect f» uds are there is no ^"t J'T™' aD-d interfering with the ^^olonTnxJ.i '"?oof-s 13 an impediment to Rto :d th?t wiI'- therefore, be under- df>veior) n,e.ltller flowers nor wood can of the msects are at work, and one the prcsent 1 wportant of all operations at assure the ls to dcstr°y insects and «PElies t rv „7nts, unhindered growth. This ^-roseS> fr-iit \1Vn glass 'a5ld in t.he open are plentv if •a,nd ewryt.hing. There flv- but if ?.^ er inf,fv"t-s besides the erwn be sJvJzV* killed the «thers^ will more of a green fly> too> dator than — a early summer depre- H i8 or autumn one, Ld turned at present Th/r -Tds fthouId be recommended from and powders almost innumerable, bm^+if 61011 are friinators are few. l' alwai, ik exter- advise the use of expensiv/in^ntlto°' to know that many spend every haif^T8' a-s 1 can on stocking their garden, and^ «Dy thoy irainta.ining can be ill-afforded still partial to the following am «oai>, washing soda. loz.; paraffin 1 sint; water, 1 pallon. Boil all togtll, old pot. and sponge or spray when it is ^out 80 degrees. If this is applied carefully an insect wi!J survive. Ifapnl;>d at and washM ofF profusely^! the morn. lvR Tr> injury will be done to root or leaf of t Plant, Tnd a spraying once a week at ^ai,on ^hf.thcr the insects are plenti- » «r :„1 Pi». «ceUOTt M disappoifitments. preventive is a mere trifle, but, its are enormous, and there "need^ i>lah} about its efficiency, as it i]i both clean and healthy ncw a ^mes. ^«MAL FARMING REPORT FROM SOUTH 1, 'k AFRICA. Reader" of these notes in South Africa plates leaving- that country and to Old England. I am not erur- to hear it. He says—"Farming out very heart-breaking' this season. lr,n^re dying like rotten sheep of horse- av!'n». eure available. Cattle are e'ery{]'ever daily, and locusts have eaten ]¡1:g that is green." THINNING GRAPES. ■nguaj, is very generous, and while that arc r^/1? t}le number of bunches form are fifty the beri'ie« in the bunches nirtr them otIt 1s°^ than are needed. Thin- opcr .i t:ons con^iPct&d most crponsive culture. Those who gro^- ^>, 8mnrr|er grape market employ scores or.eXtra^ 1*fs'e'ly for time in thinning the berries, it this work, but rather tiring. Women can°in^a,y it nicely, but it i= work requiring oare ^.nd thought. Crowding must be avoided, and in thinning try to calculate what space will be deeded to allow the berries to swell to their utmost. Quite half that form, as a rule, have to he removed. The centres should be Wpll thinned, and the smaller berries Amoved first. They should all be thinned "hen about the size of peas and before they become a firm mass. Use narrow, sharp

4b F 9Stic&Acnd &&lUU4ie^Adiaft&, dhect Sumv ^'JjAC £ ^&xta £ a$ju £ A jJo&t'.

INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE. The report of the Departmental Committee appointed last autumn to report upon what diseases and injuries, other than injuries by accident, are due to industrial occupations and can properly be added to the diseases already enumerated under the Workmen s Compensation Act has just been issued. The Committee recommend a number of diseases to be added, amongst those being poisoning by nitrous fumes, cb,imn.ev-swecp,s oarnoer, glanders, and compressed-air illness. The diseases particularly affecting mining recommended to be added to the schedule to the Act are nystagmus, subcutaneous cellu- litis over the patella (miners' beat knee), subcutaneous cellulitis of the hand (beat hand), acute bursitis over the elbow (miners' beat elbow), and inflammation of the cynovial lining of the wrist joint and tendon sheaths. The Committee state that some of the diseases are seldom seen by medical men, and occasionally difficulties of diagnosis might arise. They think it desirable that the medical referees who would be appointed to adjudicate on medical points in disputed cases should be specialists with particular knowledge and experience of these diseases. In the course of their report the Com- mittee say that they have reoeived much evidence to show that bronchitis often has an industrial origin among dock labourers handling dusty cargoes and tin-plate workers exposed to the fumes of hydro- chloric acid gas and to dust. They cannot, however, find that there is any sufficient means of differentiation that will enable the bronchitis which is of industrial origin to be distinguished in practice in individual cases, and for that reason they are unable to advise its inclusion in the schedule. A large portion of the inquiry has been directed to the investigation of the diseases variously known as miners' phthisis a,nd the like. The pulmonary disease manifests itself in three kinds or forms—as ordinary tuberculous phthisis, acute or chronic; as "fibroid phthisis," and as a mixed form when a tuberculous process is engrafted sccner or later upon the fibroid. Fibroid phthisis is always a slow disease, and consists in a chronic reactive inflammation around the many minute foci of dust inhalation, which by coalescence gradually invade large areas, impairing and strangling the proper lung tissues in corresponding measure- Again, a lung so impaired is very apt to harbour bacilli, especially the bacillus Of tubercle, by the influence of which it may still further be destroyed. Thus, both fibroid phthisis uncomplicated and fibroid phthisis with the supervention of tubercle are in their nature occupational diseases. More- over, there is little doubt that ordinary tuberculous phthisis prevails excessively among workers in gritty dusts, and that this excess is in some measure due to the injurious influence of such dust on the lungs of the workmen. After describing the features of fibroid phthisis, the Committee state that they regard it as a disease specific in the employ- ment of tin-miners; amd in the Mtse of men employed in slate quarries and in the works where slate is sawn and dressed the incidence of the disease has been established in some instances. The Committee are clearly of opinion that coal-mi"^>-9 are not liable to fibroid phthisis, and although cases of anthracosis—using the term to mean cases in which the lung is charged with coal-dust-are commonly met with, they cannot find that in anyone that condition has proved to be a contributory cause of death. They hold that the disease is a sufficiently distinguishable trade disease affecting certain industries named, but that on account of considerations set out they cannot recommend the immediate addition of the disease to the schedule. The matter demands more deliberate consideration than it has yet received on the part of the employers and workpeople concerned. It may be that in some or all of these trades schemes of insurance will be devised which will meet all difficulties. The Committee consider that it would be the more prudent course to keep in abeyance for the time being the scheduling of this disease.

"PREYED ON HER MIND." MOTHER AND BABY IN MILL STREAM AT BRIDGEND. BHd^^Ra'dbone' wife of David Radbone, Saturdav' char?€d at Bridgend on suicide. Wlfch attempting to commit svening^he^jfw^ stat-ed that on Monday baby along Breww defendant carrying her she heard her BIV y'road. As she passed c heard her 8:y som th' an end to herself about putting followed her. The and witness some railings by the eot through into the water. She wt V am and walked child into the streamT when0^^0 thrOW the it by the legs and got it awa^ o?8 caught the baby to another wo^Tn ^v Sbe hand^ up. The defendant then fl™, ? come the water, and witne*, ^VtTp^S 11 dii""•« w »• To Police-constable Poison she said she did not know why she tried to take her life Inspector Evans said that on Sunday week the defendant made a complaint to him that a woman of uneojjnd mind had gone to her house and threatened to destroy herself. This woman was after- wards taken to the workhouse. After her arrest the defendant said the incident had preyed upon her mind. The defendant was bound over and dis- charged.

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BUT NO COMPENSATION IS GRANTED. Edaiji has been granted a free pardon, but will obtain no compensation for his i.mprisonmen t. The Home Office issued as a. White Paper on Friday night the report of Sir Arthur Wilson, Mr. John Lloyd Wharton, and Sir Albert de Rutzen, on the case of George Edalji, who was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude at Staffordshire Quarter Sessions in October, 1903, on a charge of feloniously wounding a horse on the night of August 17 or the morning of August 18, 1903. The Committee declare that the case called for strict scrutiny for several reasons, amongst them being the fact that the police commenced and carried on their investiga- tions, not for the purpose of finding out who was the guilty party, but for the purpose of finding elide. against Edalji, who, they were already sure, was the guilty man. Dealing with the circumstantial evidence called at the trial the Committee declare that by far the most important point was that the police stated that they found horse hairs corresponding to the colour of the injured animal on a jacket and waistcoat found at the prisoner's house. These were pointed out atu j time to the parents of the accused, there were any hairs there, f. ,e Committee, while expressing regret t^th mat'ter was not fully cleared up f ;„iv ln?f' 6ay that the hairs were cer- a y on the clothes when they were shown to Dr. Butler, who was a witness quite ah Vh SUiSp*clon- They think it doubtful +T the jury would have convicted upon Hori clr,ci?mstantial evidence alone if they Itjio-rr.110 been influenced by the case put to them regarding the anonymous or pseudony- T^tfS ,tters known as the "Greatorex Letters" of 1903. ONLY HIMSELF TO BLAME. The Committee are not prepared to dis- wa« rh0m 6 flnditig of the jury that Edalji thP,r> !?ltc>r °f those letters, and regard rn?fr.; W0Tk °f a "wrong-headed and misfhiW6 n;an '"dulling in a piece of impish know nitv^retendiRg to k:now what he ^y ? of in order to puzzie the police a n increase their diihcultiee in a very diffi- cult investigation." In wnclueiaa the Commission state that f. r opinion the conviction was uneatis- tivfn f' ancl a!ter a most careful examina- r!i ,ai11 the facts and printed evidence placed before them, they cannot agree with the verdict of the jury. The view of the oase, however, which they had taken, was one which would not have warranted the ticn*6 interfering with the convic- the one hand," the report says, "we trunk the conviction ought not to have taken P aee, for the reasons we have stated. That conviction, in addition to the sentence of the court, necessarily brought upon Edaiji the total ruin of his professional position and prospects, and, as long as things continue as they are, he must remain under police supervision, a condition in which it would be extremely difficult if not impossible, for him to recover anything like the position he has lost. On the other hand, being unable to disagree with what we take to be the finding of the jury that Edalji was the writer of the letters' of 1933, we cannot but see that, assuming him to be an innocent man, he has, to some extent, brought his troubles upon himself." FREE PARDON GRANTED. In his aeknowledgrnent of the report, the f?"? !^Cth y states he can only give effect to the views 0f the Committee by departing from the general principle which governs the action of the Home Secretary on such matters, whereby he advises the grant of a free pardon only when the prisoners innocence hasten established to his satisfaction. lIe has therefore, decided to advise his Majesty act of Royal clemency to grant a free pardon, but he has tn whi^h that the case is not made of compensation can

"IT IS AN INSULT" MR. EDALJI NOT QUITE PLEASED wrTH His PARDON. n7STl<X5t of his free pardon, five that ie wai^med a repr«*nt^ eo'lll'lI1>Ïssion's tiou • f Btep in the right direc- ° hf fa'd' b«t the statement that I contributed to my oonviction by writing Borne of the lettei-a wnich played 00 promi- nent a part in th<y case is a slander-an insult. It is so fa,r satisfactory to know that they are 8TaHtdng me a. free pardon, bat that statement about the letters is a baseless' insinuation, and I ehali not rest content until it jg withdrawn and a.n apology tendered. I am disappointed to find that no compensation is offered They have offered me a free pardon. Th^Tadmit that I was "rongyoonvxeted, and ft fs only just that I should be compensated for the three years' penal servitude that i suffered- 1 shall not let matters rest as thev are I want com- pensation for my wrongs. I have been deliberately sacrificed in order that Captain Anson and the Stafford- blameConstabulary might be shielded from blame. The whoks constabulary have been in dis- grace over these outrages, which have been perpetrated under their very noses, so to speak. They never discovered the offenders, and I was made the scapegoat. There was no doubt a gang concerned in them, but the mere fact that r have been pardoned shows that I have had nothing to do with the out- rages. "The point I want to impress upon the public is that the person who wrote those letters knew all about the police and their movements, where they went and where they were watching, and he a-teo knew how to avoid them. He it was—whoever he may be —Who committed the outrages. I knew none of these things, as the police admitted. "These letters," Mr. Edalji went on, "were written probably at the instigation of the poldce to get me convicted, and were trumped up for that purpose, because the moment the police commenced watohing me the letters began to be written. The police did not start watohing me before any letters were written but two days afterwards the letters appeared' "I suppose I shall get justice in driblets Mr. Edalji was originally sentenced to seven years' penal servitude, but was released last year after being three years in prison.

RAILWAYMEN'S DEMANDS. CRITICAL JUNCTURE WILL OCCUR NEXT MONTH. dispute between labour and capital in some*" BMl*01,1?-1* d,fPUte which concerns £ 2 2ftn °f track and over Sfe^h'T lnvegtod capital-is expected Lin«Jt crultlcal P°int towards the end of tant 1 beginning of July. The impor- at^ut^>, +reBoe-of the men is to be held that. renod somewhere in the Mid will the most central position. It a attsnded by about 6C0 delegates Aooording to a statement made by Mr. il>Lams, the assistant secretary of tawnated Society of Railway Ser- s* the officials of the society have no a what will bo done at the conference. xou must remember," he told an inter- viewer. that this is entirely a men's move- ment, and we only have to carry out the behests the men. Consequently, we can- not predict what their decisions will be. But we do not anticipate any serious development. The conference will consider the reports of the recent demonstrations in favour of our demands for the recognition of our Union, increased wages, and fewer hours of duty for the skilled branches. So far as the companies themselves are concerned, the matter has not advanced any further. Instructions to approach the com- panies again must come, first, from the dele. gates at the conference, and the replies which are reoeived will determine our course of action. It all depends upon whether the companies will take the decisions of the con- j ference as important or not. The decisions of the railway companies are respected by us," added Mr. Williams, and we ask only that they recognise the same principles so far as we are concerned. The personnel which constitutes the railway directorate of this country is largely the per- sonnel which constitutes the directorate of our industrial concerns, and in those indus- trial businesses the same personnel recognises the rights, of the Trades Unions, and why should railwaymen stand on a different 'basis? But if the railway companies are reasonable and amenable in the matter there ought to be nothing serious."

A RAPID COLLECTION. PONTYPRIDD AND THE MEMORIAL TO THE JUDGE. At a meeting of the Pontypridd Committee in connection with the memorial to the late Judge Gwilym. Williams held on Saturday, Mr. J. Colenso Jones, the secretary, reported that since the previous week no lees than jB30 had been received towards the fund, and this, in addition to the amoomt already sub- scribed, made a total of over JE100 from the Pontypridd district. The secretary was instructed- to make inquiries as to what was l proposed to be done with any surplus that might be available after defraying the oost of the proposed etaAue.

MR. DEAKIN'S CANDID VIEW OF IT. Renter's representative has had an inter- view with the Hon. Alfred Deakin, Prime Minister of Australia, who, accompanied by Mrs. Deakin, left London on Monday on hi" return home. Asked whether the results of the Confer- ence had oome up to his expectations, M". Deakin replied:- If you mean by results the resolutions wh'oh have been unanimously passed at the Conference, I should be obliged to say no, because on several of the most impor- tant subjects we not only failed to induce an acceptance of our proposals, but even to receive a definite approach towards them. Something, it is true, was done in nearly every case, but that something could have been accomplished by correspondence, and that is why I say that if we judge th-j Conference by its official resolutions we cannot claim caise for congratulation. Asked if there were not another side to the picture, the Commonwealth Premier said:— Yes, if you look to the general, indirect, and the unexpressed results, one is justified in assuming a very different tone. The cordiality with which all the representa- tives of the self-governing dominions nave been met on every hand, the consideration shown them personally in the Conference and out of it, the interest manifested in their official proceedings, and the sym- pathetic manner in which their utterances have been received, constitute a total effect not to be measured, which I will not attempt to estimate at this stage. At present, speaking for myself, I cannot see the forest for the trees, but I am satisfied that the forest is there. Asked what, in his opinion, would be likely to be the effects of the Conference upon the people of Australia, Mr. Deakin replied that it was impossible to say at the moment. In reply to a question whether the Con- ference would tend to closer relations between the Colonies and Mother Country, I Mr. Deakin answered: — Yes, undoubtedly, every such meeting, every interchange of views contributes to that end. Whatever friction there may have been or whatever friction may have occurred during our visit was but indi- vidual and transitory. It is forgotten already and will not be recalled. We shall look back upon this Conference, remember- ing the great ideas which inspired our gatherings, and we shall still cherish great hopes that those ideas will be to some extent crystallised by future meetings now that the Conference has been put on a I more permanent basis and better equipped for its wide responsibilities.

FAREWELL MESSAGE. Before leaving London on Monday after- noon Mr. Deakin handed to a press repre- sentative a farewell message, in the course of which he said that he hoped to see within the next four years an independent Imperial Secretariat acting with and for the indepen- dent representatives of the Government of the Mother Country and those of the self- governing dominions, in providing for their practical co-operation towards Imperial unity of aim and action. Mr. Deakin left Charing Cross by the Con- tinental mail train, accompanied only by Mrs. Deakin.

"I AM DISAPPOINTED." DR. JAMESON'S LAST WORDS ON THE CONFERENCE. Dr. Jameson left Waterloo at 2.15 on Satur- day by special boat train for Southampton. He was accompanied by Dr. Smartt, one of his Ministers; Mr. Southern Holland, private secretary, and by Mr. F. D. P. Chaplin, ex- chairman of the Johannesburg Chamber of fcfrn-es, and Mrs. Chaplin. Upon the platform to see the doctor off were a number of friends, including Sir William Baillie Hamilton, of the Colonial Offioe; Mr. G. F. Johnson, one of the assistant secretaries of the Colonial Conference* Mr. B. F. Hawksley, Mrs. and Misa Hawksley, and Mr. Frederick Young. A large crowd was on the opposite plat- form to witness Dr. Jameson's departure, and he bad a very hearty send-off. Just before the train left the doctor said that he greatly appreciated all the kindness shown to him in this country, anu hoped that a.t least some good would result from the Conference. Mr. Moor, Prime Minister of Natal, went down by an earlier train/ Mr. Moor said he had enjoyed the utmost JnndniOSlS and hospitality from all classes in this country, and particularly wished to thank those political associations which had forwarded to him resolutions, numbering something like 100, in favour of Colonial Pre- ference. With regard to the Conference, he believed its effect would be to make for tire Empire's good. DK. JAMESOX DISAPPOINTED. Router's representative at Southampton had an interview with Dr. Jameson who before embarking on the Norman, saad':— I will not disguise the fact that I am dis- V?ult °f the Conference, landed at Southampton I told you that the two great matters for the Confer ence were those of Preference and the Impe- nal Council. On neither of these have we exPeeted or what we think we rrir^ili1 the same time certain principles have l>een affirmed and definite future which must bear fruit in The Conference has done great good in arousing public feeling on the points of vital interest we have lately discussed, and in this respect I return to the Cape with a feolmg of assurance and confidence that in future the attitude of the Homo Gorern- ment will become less unbending and More calculated to bring about closer rela- tions botwoon various parts of the Empire. ■

CEMENTING THE ENTENTE ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH VISITORS IN FRANCE. The sky was overcast at Lyons on Monday morning. President Fallieres, accompanied by M. Rudu, Minister of Agriculture, and M. Donmergue, Minister of Commerce, visited the military hospital and the university. At the last moment it was announced that the British visitors who had expressed a desire to attend this reception, and for whom places had been reserved in the amphi- theatre of the university, would not be able to be present. M. Fallieres also received the mayors of the department of the Ehone, and was present at a luncheon of four hundred covers given by the General Council of the Rhone. Provost Mackie, of Leith, and Mrs. Mackie, the Lord Mayor of Manchester and Mrs. Harrop, and Provost Bilsland, of Glasgow, and Mrs. Bilsland sat at the President's table. The rest of the British visitors sat at tables close by. M. Cazeneuve, a member of the Chamber and Presided* of the General Council of the Rhone, proposing the toast of King Edward and M. Fallieres, concluded as .f?!8' addressing himself to the President: we are delighted that our English and Soottwii rriends have accepted the invitation of the General Council of the Rnone, and have been present at this gathering before your departure. M. Ie President, their presence here, which I greet with gratitude, m a sign of the new times of which M. Berthelot spoke. It symbolises and justifies all our dreams for the future. I express, I ameure the sentiments of our guests in raising my elass to science, which paves the way for the rapprochement of peoples, and in uniting in the same toast our reepectful wishes for the health of their Sovereign and th reeoectful wishes which I address to the emineDt and head of the French ^Tr''l'ri.'ply. M. Fallferca eulogised the of the General Councils under the Republic. M Fallieres left Lyons at 3.30, amid the cheers of the crowd assembled at the station, —Reuter.

AMERICA AND JAPAN. NEW SOCIETY RESULTS FROM KUROKI'S VISIT. General Kuroki and his party left New York on Monday morning for Newhaven, whence he will proceed to Boston, and after- wards to Niagara Falls. In New York he has been the recipient of< distinguished attentions. Geneml Kuroki gave a luncheon, with Japanese decorations, on Sunday afternoon. An association, to be known as the Japan Society of New York, waa organised on the occasion, with M. Aoki, Japanese Ambassador, as honorary presi- dent. General Grant and Admiral Dewey are among the honorary vioe-presidents. The object of the society is to cement the friend- ship between Japan and America. The new society will invite Prince Fushimi to visit New York, it being contrary to official pre- cedent for the United States Government to extend such an invitation. After luncheon General Kuroki visited the tomb of General Grant, the great Federal leader, and placed a wreath on the saroo- nha^ua with his own hands.—Beater.

GUARDIANS FOUND GUILTY. STIFF SENTENCES FOR BRIBE- TAKERS. After a senrational preliminary inquiry that lasted for weeks, and a trial that occupied the Central Criminal Oourt for over a fortnight, the trial of the corrupt West Ham guardians and their satellites was concluded on Friday, when nine out of the ten men arraigned were found guilty of con- spiracy and were sentenced to va-rioue terme of imprisonment. Tarrant was found not guilty, and was immediately discharged. The verdict was rendered to a packed oourt-room, in which the nervous tension- owing to the numbers of friends and rela- tives of the prisoners present-was high. Distressing scenes occurred while counsel were pleading for lenient sentences after the decision of the jury had been handed in. The sentences imposed were as follows:- U. A. Urump (guar- dian) 2 years' hard labour. Lewis Hill (infir- mary steward) 2 years' „ „ E G. Hodgkin (work- house master) 18 mO'Ilths' Jno Anderson (guar- dian) 15 months' Alf. Skinner (guar- dian) 15 months' Alf. Riohes (infir- mary storekeeper) 9 m<mths' M „ Thos. Watts (guar- dian) 9 mO'Ilths' Frank Hill (guar- dian) 6 months' John Baird (infir- mary engineer). 6 months' „ „ CLOSING SCENES. The trial of the six guardians and four officials on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the union by means of the coal contracts entered into by Harry Elijah Bond was resumed a.t the Central Criminal Court on Friday, when the Attorney-General addressed the jury on behalf of the prosecution. He asked them to accept the evidence of Bond in its entirety. Bond bad been sentenced for fthare in the frauds. He might have returned to his old friends, to his old tainted surroundings, but Bond preferred making a clean breast of the whole thing, and no reason had been shown for disbelieving him. One of the guardians had committed suicide rather than face the alleg-ations, and another had attempted suicide. In conclusion, the Attorney-General said that if the jury bad any doubt let them, by all means, give the defen-da/nta the benefit of it; but if. as he contended, the prosecution had made out the case, they were in the presence of a plague which it was the duty of everyone to stamp out. JURY TO BE COMPENSATED. The Judge, in rumming up, thanked the jury for the patience and kindness with which they had listened to the case. He thought the oase was one where the jury, as a measure of justice, should be compensated, and he promised to use his influence to see what compensation could be given them. The case was one the gravity and import- ance of which was recognised on all sides, and it was one of the moot important that had come before the courts for years. CLEANSE THE AUGEAN STABLE. If the case was proved against any or all of the defendants, then he and they must do their best to cleanse the Augean stable and stamp out this hot-bed of corruption. THE CURSE OF THE COUNTRY. It was the curse of the country, and, he was afraid, a growing curse, that such trans- actions as those they had heard of should prevail, and that people were losing their hold upon all that was best in the civic life of the country. The jury retired for the consideration of their verdict at 4.15, and returned at 5.30. In the interval the court had filled up, and much tense feeling was observable. His Lordship, taking into his hands two sheets of foolscap, on which their answers to questions had been written, read the verdict, and counsel engaged for the defence of the nine convicted men addressed the joourt successively in mitigation of punish- ment. SCENE IN THE DOCK. This formality was for a moment inter- rupted by a dramatic scene. Mr. Metcalfe, speaking on behalf of Hodgkin, the workhouse master, urged as proof of his good character that his client had previously left an appointment where ishady practices were in vogue to drop, un- wittingly, into this hell of corruption." Anderson, from his place in the front row, loudly protested against these observations of counsel. "I challenge these remarks," he vehemently exclaimed, in the face of the world." You must conduct yourself quietly," was his Lordship's reproof. Anderson (in emphatic tones): Aspersions are being made, my lord, which are unjust, and I claim the privilege of protecting myself. "I AM LOSING MORE THAN SOME OF THEM!" Mr. Justice Jelf: Unfortunately, I am obliged, to tell you that the aspersions are I borne out by the facts. Anderson: I repudiate them so far As am concerned, and I challenge either of the counsel to substantiate them. I am ready to admit all I have done, and no more With breaking voice and bowed head, Anderso added: "Forgive me, my lord, I am losing more than some of them." The painful episode thus closing. Another of the barristers engaged on tne side of the defence asked that Baird and '1 Riches should be treated under the First Offenders Act. His Lordship: Quite impossible. At 6.10 hie Lordship began the passing o the sentences, prefacing each witn so observations which the learned ju »(• regarded as applicable to the individual ca [Addressing Crump first, Mr". he described the grossly unjust acts of wl" had been guilty as of a natu^.ttprinff sore much misery and to bring a fest into the body politic. In dlJec]tl°f. Crump mum punishment, he deC* nnv incapable for ever of ^ny public office, and incapable of v <snch election for a period of seven years^ Such offences (added his fords:hlP'' t j destroy go on unchecked, would ultimately destroy it,<; country itself.. -Rin In sentencing Lewis George Hill, the Judge described him as °™L 'hief leaders, of whom Crump made a system of chicanery and fr?,. He made a shS order as to disqualifications. in pronouncing the remaining sentences in pi j—pit on such palliating eir- hlS L enabled him to order shorter terms, and directed civic disqualifications in these cases also.

SOAP COMBINE ACTION. APPEAL AGAINST THE PLACE OF A LIBEL TRIAL. In the Court of Appeal the cases of Lever Brothers (Limited) versus The Asso- ciated Newspapers (Limited) and the same versus the Pictorial Newspaper Company (Limited) were down in the list for hearing, on an appeal of both the defendant com- panies against the decision of Mr. Justioe Sutton in chambers affirming an order of Master Chitty and directing that the trial of the actions should take place at Liver- pool. The appellants were desirous of the cases being tried in London. The actions were brought by Messrs. Lever Brothers (Limited), of Port Sunlight, to recover damages for alleged libellous state- ments published in connection with the pro- posed soap combine, the action being against the "Daily Mail" and other papers. Mr. Rufus Isaacs, who appeared, with Mr. Duke, for the Associated Newspapers (Limited), asked that the appeals might be allowed to stand over till next term, on the ground that both he and Air. Duke were engaged in another case in the Divorce Court, where they represented separate parties. Mr. Norman Craig, for the Pictorial Newspaper Company (Limited), was also engaged elsewhere. Mr. Horridge, K.C., for Messrs. Lever opposed the application. He said this was' a case of very serious libel affecting the personal character of his clients. It was most vital that the actions should be tried as soon as possible. After further discussion it was directed that the appeals should stand over till the next sittings, it being understood the postpone- ment should not in any way prejudice Messrs. Lever.

I PERSIAN DISTURBANCES. DISMISSED BELGIAN MINISTER THREATENED. The following telegram has been received at Sit. Petersburg from Teheran:- Serious disturbances have oocmred at Tabriz. Members of local majlis and clergy, followed by great crowds of. people, besieged the telegraph offioe and demanded confirma- tion of the Constitution by the Shah. They also appealed to other towns to support their demand by telegraphing to the Shah. The bacaare were closed. "Similar disturbances occurred at Resfct, Kermanshah, and Shiraz, where the Gover- nors had to seek sanctuary. "M. Nans. the recently-dismissed Belgian | Minister of Poets and Customs, was stopped in the streets of Teheran by people, who demanded money from him. M. Nans, who has received threatening letters, is guarded by Persian troops. "-Re uter.

KING'S REPLY TO WOOLWICH.. CRIES OF "LIAR!" GREET ROYAL NOTE. The reply of his Majesty the King to the petition of the Woolwich Arsenal workers was read on Saturday evening at the demon- stration of the men that was held in Tra- falgar-square. It was from the Home Office, but was written at the express command of his Majesty. It was notable that one pas- sage in this epistle from the Throne w38 greeted ovith loud cries of "Liar." The letter, which was read by Mr. WiU Crooks, M.P., stated:- I have duly laid before his Majesty the King the petition from the Woolwich work- men which was banded to me on Wednes- day. His Majesty commands me to say that he is grieved to hear of the distress and want of employment which the peti- tion brings to his notice. He understands that it has not been found possible in the altered conditions of peace-time to avoid reducing the number of men em- ployed at Woolwich Arsenal, but he is con- fident that no man will be discharged whose labour at the arsenal can be pronto ably utilised in th: public service. Loud cries of Liar" from the crowd greeted this statement, and Mr. Crooks paused in reading the letter to remark, "We say it can be properly utilised in the publio service." Resuming the letter, Mr. Crooka rea d: — And that everything will he done to miti- gate the hardships of such discharges as prove to be inevitable. (A Voice: "And that's a lie again !") He has referred the petition to the Secretary of State for War (cries of Booh !")—and he has sent to the Secretary of State for War an expression of his personal wishes to this effect. MESSAGE FROM MR. KEIR HARDIE. Mr. Jenkin Jones, who acted as chairman of one section of the meeting, read a tele- gram frr,m Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., which was ao follows:—"Wish gathering success. Government treats Woolwich workers scan- dalously. Officials and machinery to be kept intact; we workers have to go. We shall change all that one day." Mr. Jones moved the following resolution, which was simultaneously moved from the other platforms:- That thia mass meeting of the arsena.l workmen a.nd citizens of London here assembled calls on his Majesty's Govern- ment to stop the discharges of workmen from AVoolwich Arsenal by utilising the nation's workshops and valuable plant for work required by all the Government departments; and further urges ha Majesty's Government to realise that by the discharge of over 10,000 men the arsenal has already been reduced considerably below its normal peace strength, and that further discharges constitute a serious menace to the well-being of the State. WANT A CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT. Colonel Lockwood, M.P., said that not only Woolwich, but the English nation, was con- cerned. Should war arise to-morrow—and one never knew how quickly it came—those men who had been discharged to starve on the streets or emigrate were the men whom they would want and not be able to get. Was it possible that at a time when the Eng- lish nation had most want of bone and sinew these men had been handed a paper telling them how to get their living in a. foreign country? Other speakers said if the Government could not be prevailed upon to stop the dis- charges the Government would have to go— a statement which was met with loud cheers and several cries of Out with them."

THE GREAT GODIYA PUZZLE COVENTRY AGITATED TO ITS VERY ROOTS. Coventry is, for the time being, agitated to its very roots over the Great Godiva Problem. The puzzle for the instant is not so much what the lady is or is not to wear, as who she is to be; and grave worry and perturbation are being caused to his worship the mayor and his civic advisers in the matter of deciding upon the merits of the numerous claimants for the airy, but onerous, task. Nearly a. score of ladies have applied to be allowed to play the part. The highest figure which has been asked is £100. and the value set on the service varies from that to a very small sum indeed. On past occasions sometimes twenty guineas have been paid, sometimes half aa much. Many of the applicants are associated with the stage in one way or another: some have no experi- ence of the kind, but, a.t any rate, are horse- women. NO COVENTRY LADIES HAVE APPLIED. They write from London and numerous other parts of the country, but no Coventry lady has had the temerity to offer to appear before her fellow-townspeople in the required capacity. The committee's choice seems, however, likely to be narrowed down to Miss Vera Guedes, who officiated on the occasion of the last pageant in Coronation year, and La Milo. well known as the inauguratox of the recent "living statue" craze. It has generally been made a condition of the agreement that "the Lady" shall not enter Coventry till a few hours before she is required to take her rlace in the procession nor remain after eventide on the show day. The struggle in committee during the week has been between a Godiva dressed as a. Saxon countess and a Godiva sans fripperies, and for the moment the party which would save money in oostumes has won. In pasrt years Godiva has appeared dressed in both the ways mentioned. During the actual ride j the minimum clothing has been an elastic silk dress of pinky-white colour, close fitting from neck to foot, except that the arms have been bare. with a simple white satin tunio for a riding habit. The hair flows down over back and shoulders. Then, as a. countess, appearing after her lord's hard condition has been fulfilled, Godiva has on occasions, but only once or twice, been dressed in a robe of creamy white caehmera .trimmed with embroidery and oloak of velvet with laoe and gold.

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. A BALANCE OF OYER S14,000 n HAND. The balance-sheet of the Football Assoc! tion for the year ended April 30 deals witiu some remarkable figures. The general receipts amounted to £4,701 Qs. lid., which included £1,224 17s. from fines and complaint fees, and £2,732 as. 1d. from the 5 per cent. levy on the matches in the Association Cup competition proper prior to the semi-finals. The general expenses were £ 4.287 18s. Id. The receipts from the semi-finals and final amounted to £6.907 19s. Id., and the expenses to £478 14s. 6d. The Crystal Palace Company paid the association £ 4,302 136. 4d. in connec- tion with the final tie. The Amateur Chip semi-ft!1als final produced £ 434 1a. 5d against expenses JE125 4s. 7d. The amounts payable to the clubs are as follow:—Everton. £2,7ri5 2s. 2d.; Shemeld Wed- needay, £ 2,637 # Itte. 7d.; West Brcmwicb Albion, £ 577 Is. 8d.; Woolwich Arsenal, JM03 10s. ld. The inteniational and trial matches pro- ro in eate including £ -,7i2: 14s. 6d. from the England and Scotland match at Newcastle. The expenses of the international and trial games totalled JS2228 ie. Ed., including £SfJ9 12s. 2d. for the three amateur internationals played out of Lngland. During the year grants amounting to £1.m 188. 9d. have been made to charities. The general balance-sheet shows that the cash and invested funds amount to £21-515 11s. Id. and, after paying the a.mounts due to the cup clubs, there will remain a balance of £14,m 9s. 8d., as against £12,408 13s. 9d. at the end of the previous year.

PROPOSED SCHOOL OF MIXES PRINCIPAL GRIFFITHS AND THE WORKERS' CHANCES. At the monthly meeting of the Garw Dis- trict of the Scuth Wales Miners' Federation on Saturday a letter was read from Princi- pal E. H. Griffiths on the subject of the proposed school of mines. He expressed regret that the district had allowed a letter from the secretary of the council to lie on the table, "as the proposed school of mines would be of no use to the children of work men unless they could use some backstair influence, and the children who would most benefit would be those of colliery managers and owners." He could understand that a statement of this kind would prejudice the minds of those present, but it was aht^ luteiy without foundation. "The history ^f the department of mining already estate- "i ?n itLu ffinege>" the letter Proceeded! is in itseif sufficient refutation. During tha past few years some scores of men have passed through that department, nearly all antT^^e ~e+n0T tbtained ?ood Positions, the ■,? students have been the sons of working colliers." deHiWi00* °f tlle the district meeting ^-consider the question, and it eventually resolved to arrange for three meetings in the district.

An you run down ? Is yonr digestion poor ? Is jour Meep broken? If eo. take Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bittera, The Vegetable Tonic, eold everywhere lJ1 bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4a. 6d. each Beware of imlt*. JOMU vdZM

scissors, and do not prick any of the berries remaining. Handle all most carefully. OVER-FRUITING APRICOTS. The apricot does not often fruit by halves. It is either a blank or a great crowd, and, as a rule, this year it is the latter; but advantage should not be taiken of this, and the tree allowed to bear an excessive crop, as this has a crippling tendency for next yea,r. To give it a good chance and secure the best possible samples of fruit go over all now. Remove the smallest fruit, and leave the best at a distance of three or four inches from ea-ch other. On no account leave them in twos or threes together. PLANTING BRUSSELS SPROUTS. In planting various winter greens give pre- ference to putting out the Brussels sprouts first. The reaison for this is that the sprouts take longer to reach a useable size than broccoli, kale, and other greens. No matter how late and small broccoli are, they vvill always produce a head of some sort, but when late sprouts fail to form they are use- less, and the longer the season they have to develop the more acceptable they will be, as they will be both large and firm, which are the two points constituting a model sprout. Plant them from twenty inches to two feet apart in moderately rich, but well-cultivated soil. They must be fully exposed, and care will have to be taken that they are not eaten by wood pigeons or snails, which are partial to them. PLANTING OUT GLADIOLI. The gladioli are bulbous plants. They are dried and stored in autumn, and should be planted again at the end of May or early in June. They have green iris-like foliage, and throw up great tall spikes of most gor- geous coloured flowers in September. They are in no way offensive when not in bloom, and once in blossom it is always felt they are amongst the grandest of autumn sub- jects. Plant the bulbs amongst other plants, and they will show up above their heads beautifully. TOO DEEPLY BURIED ROOTS. More plants are sickened and crippled from too deep planting tha.n the majority of growers have any idea. of. In planting many think if the roots are let well into the soil they will soon catch a firm hold, and be in a position to develop immediately and con- tinously, but in a yerr or two it is noticed that progress is very slow and results dis- appointing. Then severe winters, spring frosts, smoky atmospheres, high winds, and other elements are all blamed, while if the truth was known not one may have had a little finger in their sluggish condition, the whole fault resting in too deep plant;ng. When deeply buried the roots are quite a way from the immense advantages derived from nearness to sunshine and air. It is not the cold subsoils that encourage young roots, but the warmer surfaces stimulate them capitally. The most healthful and produc- tive plants, no matter what the class—fruits, flowers, or vegetables—are these with the roots close to the surface. It <s very rare, indeed, that a sickly plant is met with if the top roots can lie exposed by merely scratch- ing a little soil off. Plants too well provided with surface roots are not Blc-w in sending down feeders to the subsoil if any benefit ia to be found there, but it. is the roots near the surface that all must depend on to maintain high order. Hundreds of thousands of flowering plants will now be in the hands of planters, and all these benefit quite as fully by shallow planting as great subjects. Although planted shallow, all may still be made firm, and rather than bury the roots deeply with the object of getting support, stake and tie them. CRIPPLING AND KILLING TREES. If any one wants to cripple a tree and kill it before its natural end, a certain way of doing both is to heap earth round the stem and over the roots. From the day this is done its progress will oease. Only the other day a friend was regretting the failure of a cedar on his lawn. He asked me to come and see it. When I learned it was thriving two years ago, when two feet more eoil was put on the top of the roots, and it sickened from that date, I had it du.g up. Not a root was reached till we were over two feet down, and all were paralysed. It was a striking instance of what I am anxious that all should avoid. Feeding trees by top dressing is beneficial if done intelligently, but lreep- ing material on them year after year is a doubtful practice, and before doing so it should always be ascertained if the roots are very near the surface. If so.. they are right; if not do not bury them deeper. TRAINING UP THE MUSK PLANT. The mufik is a favourite window plant. Ite leaves are a refreshing: green colour* the flowers are a rich yellow, and the fragrance is delig-htful. It is often allowed to grow in any fashion and hang about over the sides of the pot, but it is improved in every way by training, and this is best done in an informal way. A pretty effcct is secured, and the plants kept in excellent health by pushing a few little twigs into the pot, and allowing the growths to scramble up to a height cf one foot or more. PLANTING OUT AUTUMN FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. There are those who write and speak of "summer flowering" chrysanthemums, but very few, or, indeed, none merit the appli- cation of such words, as few of them ever bloom before July, and it is August before the great majority manage to become gay; but during August, all September, and throughout the greater part of October t-ney make a splendid display, and almost rival the time-honoured dahlia. These chrysan- themums, however, are not the varieties that flower under glass in late autumn and early winter, but are a section in themselves, and a highly deserving class they undoubtedly are, as they are most free-growing and haj-dy, and bloom most attractively in the utmost profusion. In ordering them a distinction should be made from ordinary varieties and autumn bloomers asked for. The following .a.TIe a most effective dozen:—Ambrose Thomas, Crimson Queen, Dolly Prince, Frankie, Goacber's Crimson, Horace Martin, Madame Marie Massie, Mons. Louis Lion- nette, Market White, Perfection, Rosie, and The Sparkler. They should be planted out now in beds or borders like the other sum- mer-flowering plaints. They are especially effective in grours and rows. Tney may also be planted i11 the centre of beds, with more dwarf plants as edgings. THINNING PEACHES. Excellent crops of peaches have formed, and it is encouraging to see the fruit in crowds along the shoots, but three parts of them are superfluous—indeed, injurious— and should be removed. This will benefit those remaining immensely, and cause them to swell quickly and attain a large size Remove every one of the fruits on the back of the shoots facing the wall. Rub them off, and thin those in front to a distance of three incnes apart. To leave them in twos or threes is a very bad plan. All should be single. HATCHING LATE CHICKENS. There is little difficulty in hatching late chickens. Eggs are generally fertile now. There are plenty of broody hens, and the chicks are more progressive than in the chilly weather of early spring. The early one^ are very desirable, as oome to lay in the autumn,' the T ready f°r the table at a time when have sood prices; but late chickens Partiof?0^ Points to recommend them, too, Partiof?0^ Points to recommend them, too, and wint aa ta'>le fowls for late autumn ones <>a ,t?r. killing. To keep spring-hatched and most *s a most expensive affair, June they btlt when hatched out in much up-keen** *n with,°ut loss of time or very acoeptablpf^ t3" season when, they are layers in June would hesitate to hatch in the autumn' t^ey wcmld not lay into spring, which •ProbabIy not till well keep them; but for very long time to he hatched out at mii? pxirpoe€8 they may abouts, and pay Weii. •r^lin?nier or there- n<yw are these of good tahi^ reed's to hatch afi Buff Orpingtons, Indian ™ahtiea' e«ch Wearing in foster-mothers j*™1' or crWs«5- Matter now, with such natural?? K URD and hatching and rearing at>° ^n'lid in still. aring may wen BE R..AVR.V- THE SOWER PLOWESS beds m su eome caseg this may ? planted out. 1 planting tf J}?™ d^astrou. to 1 WB them a long tim<. checked at first t€ effect is out of the pick up, and aI1 is safe, and th* question. Jvow, ho^ev put out most tender things ajjd beds will have been been reared at readiness. Plants ma> have bought_ Jf home or they may no doubt the varier>rmer are pC^ £ 'SS^k make the most of hi are favourites, and ht think of them. If they have to be ea,mre ^11 what kinds will give the m £ t ptea*«re. well as the best adapted to lu + i secure snch only. Do not weeks little weaklings, which will take many before they make a show. Do 110 00 much for great mixtures. A S°0' f an. impressive flower is always most P Arrange colours to suit the aste, and let favourite shades predomina If. possible, plant every one with a ball of so l at the roots. Let them in comfortably, but avoid deep planting. If the weather 1 ♦y + vfc tbe time soak the roots once; then let them go on for a week before watering again should it not rain. If plenty of plants are available, they may be put in rather close to secure immediate results, but if scarce spread them out. Well-grown plants showing their individuality are always pleas- ing. Hoe the surface of the soil, and level it all neatly as soon as planting is com- pleted. HOEING THROUGH THE VEGETABLE CROPS. The majority of vegetables are now grow- ing, and every attention should be given them that is in any way likely to help in- their development. The thinning out of the young seedlings is urgent and important work, which on no account should bo omitted, and one of the greatest helps that can be given to all is to hoe between the rows and loosen the surface all through and quite close up to the sides of the plants. Do this when the soil is dry and friable. The hoeing will kill all the weeds, and do great good in every way. MANURING AND EARTHING UP POTATOES. All potatoes should be earthed up when six inches high. Do not omit it till the stems bend over, but earth while they are still standing straight up, and they will then be kept in the best form to proceed. If the soil is stiff along the sides of the rows break it up with a fork and loosen it two or three inches deep. If they were not fully manured at planting time, give a sprinkling of artificial close up to the stems before earthing up, and draw the soil over it. Make the ridges drawn up sharp on the top and neat, as the earthing up not only keeps the stems firm, but the potatoes snug as well HELPING THE EARLY PEAS AND BEANS TO POD. Both these crops are very promising, but flowers and pods are more required now than more leaves and growth, and the latter must be checked to encourage the former. -As soon as the first flowers open go over, and pick the point out of every shoot imme- diately above the top flower buds that are visible. There is no feeding or other atten- tion that will make the pods form and the crop swell so quickly as this proceeding. PLANTING THE FIRST CELERY. Celery is more of a winter than a summer vegetable, but it is looked for on many tables in the autumn, and some relish it rf:) early as St. Partridge Day. It is one of those accommodating subjects which, if not used immediately it is ready, does not dete- riorate b" keeping, and if ready in Septem- ber it will last during October or longer. Some grow celery in eingle rows, others in two rows and up to half a dozen or more in one trench; but two rows are always handy for earthing up, and first-rate celery may be produced in double rows. Dig a trench one foot deep and fifteen inches wide. Build up the sides neatly and firmly, and fork a tity of short manure in the bottom; plant, keeping the plants oppos;te other and about nine inches, *ro™ -th brace. Transplant thom, if poesiK m ball of soil to each lot of no,t lant watered and free from weeds, iwwiu more than is actually needed, as be later crops to introduce. „ATI01!f MOWING LAWNS AND RECREAT1 Grass h now ""Si it rfli do all th.• »»»; £ £ £ ^T/P.5 sufficient to mow it once^ Ifc ig a sent it should be ahca(ji jt can great mistake easily and neatly if donwhen 'short. This is also the way to maintain a carpety surface, wh>>h° i/rot only pleasing to look upon, but r'fSh^i- «°der f°ot- Many bowltaS <r ■' r>e cricket, croquet, and tennis lawns, fnTthe nutting greens attached to golf links well furnished now, but daily wear will make them less acceptable, and mowing when it may almost appear as if the work was superfluous is the best of all ways of keeping them in high order. I can give no better advice for their maintenance. Adhere to it. UTILISING LAWN MOWINGS. Lawns are growing rapidly now. More or leiS bulk of grass is secured from all of them, and, as a rule, it is thrown into some out-of-thc-'vvay corner amongst all sorts cf rubbish. It is difficult to make anything of it then, but if kept by itself it becomes o fome value as manure. When put in a, heap it heate, becomes yellow, then brown, and shrinks; but next winter, when material 18 required for the vegetable quarters, all may be utilised to advantage.