Evening Express

Yeomanry Disaster at Britstown. NEWS CONFIRMED. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] CAPE TOWN, Friday Evening. The report of the capture of 50 of the Imperial Yeomanry, who were following up the western invading column of the enemy from Britstown. is confirmed to-day. The Yeomanry were released after being dis- armed.

Boer Activity in South- eastern Transvaal. BRITISH REPEL MANY ATTACKS [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] STANDERTON, Friday. Reports are being received from all points along the line of Boer attacks, the enemy having pushed their operations well into North Natal and right up to the British out- posts at Utrecht. It is estimated that not less than three thousand Boers are engaged in this concerted action, in the hope that they will break our communications. Every attempt has been .unsuccessful, and the Boers have been driven off in each case with more or less heavy losses. A force of the enemy attempted to hold up a train near Ingogo, but the Boers, not having taken the precaution to first destroy the rails ahead, and the driver observing all clear, applied full steam, and brought his train through in safety. The Beer casualties along the line during the past day or two number about fifty, and many of their horses were shot. Our losses have been slight. BRUSH NEAR STANDERTON. [PRESS ASSOCIATION WAR SPECIAL.] STANDERTON, Thursday. Major Kays, with a force of 150 mounted infantry, one 15-pounder, and a howitzer, left the tamp here yesterday for Rudolf's Farm, about twelve miles east of Standerton. A force of about 200 Boers was met close to the farm. The enemy opened a heavy Martini rifle fire, to which we replied. Our guns, joining in, poured a continuous stream of lyddite and shrapnel against the Boer position. Some Boers crept iIlto a donga, and, taking cover there, opened a steady fire, wounding two of our men. These were our only casualties. As the wounded were being carried off, the stretcher was hit in two places. During the fight our wagons were busy load- ing up with mealies, and they secured fourteen loads. What they were unable to carry away was destroyed. Major Kays had a narrow escape of being shot. He was walking towards the house some 60 yards' distant when a volley was fired by the Boers hidden inside it. A rather plucky act was witnessed on the Boer side. A man was seen to fall from his horse, apparently wounded, and, although bullets were falling thickly around, a corn- j rade rode out and got him safely out of danger. On the march back the Boers pressed hard i on our rearguard, coming within 500 yards, evidently with the object of capturing our wagons. They hung persistently on our rear until within three miles from camp. BOERS ATTACK AN OUTPOST. (REUTER'S TELEGRAM.) JOHANNESBURG, Thursday. About 500 Boers attacked t. post near Modderfontein yesterday, but were repulsed. "B.-P." AT DURBAN. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] DURBAN, Saturday. General ^aden-Powell arrived here to-day. BOER COMMANDANT ON THE CAPE INVASION. Steyn's Narrow Escape. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] ROME, Saturday Morning. The Tribune publishes an interview with Commandant Botha, who has arrived here from South Africa. Botha says that the Boers are fortifying the mountain^ in the Zouppansbei-g district of the Transraai, from the fastnesses of which the British will never be able to dislodge them. Botha assures the Tribune" that the general rising of Cape Afrikanders is inevit-i able, and he accuses Lord Kitchener of arming; thousands of natives against the Boers. Boths. has left for The Hague to join ex President Kruger. Boths. further says that the invasion of Cap*- -l}!. an old and ».et. scheme of AX-Presi-^

STOP PRESS: Latest Telegrams. CHINA. RUMOURED ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS OP PEACE. Shanghai, Friday.—According to rumours emanating from Chinese sources, an impor- tant official at Singnanfu has telegraphed to Shanghai that the peace conditions have reached the Emperor and Empress, who, have decided to accept the terms. This report lacks confirmation and receive" little credence litre.—ReuLer, DELAY FOR LOCAL NEWS. The Postal Telegraph authorities cancel yesterday's notice of delay, and substitute a notice of delay to all West of England offices below Bristol, and probable delay to Leeds and offices north of that point and Scotland. 2.15-Th-e KINGSTON HANDICAP HURDLE. Bashful Boy.. 4 10 9 Intimidater 5 12 7 Sir Benjamin a 10 3 Teo ran. Honachus. 1; Berners, 2; Beretta. 3. 5 rau. Betting—7 to 1 agst Speculation II.

Yesterday's Telegrams, BURGHERSDORP, Wednesday. After the invasion of th. Colony Lord Kitchener, with his usual energy, paid a flying visit to De Aar and Naruwpoort, and, having arranged for operations in the Colony to be carried out by Generals Settle, Inigo Jones, and Macdonald, left again for Pretoria. Parties of Boers continue to roam the country between Bethulie. Venterstad, Steynsburg, and Burghersdorp, but up to the present they have not succeeded in doing much harm, merely changing the venue of operations from the south of the Orange River Colony to the north of Cape Colony. The m;un commando, consist- ing of about 700 men, is being admirably kept in check by Colonel Grenfeli's mounted force, which is giving the enemy no rest, although it is operating in a most difficult mountainous country. The enemy are at present moving to the north-east of Steynsburg, where Colonel Gren- fell came into contact with them yesterday. Immediately the British guns came into action, the Boers, as usual, retired, moving in the direction of Stormberg and Henning. Colonel Grenfell, however, cleverly interposed, headed them north-west, and is now following them up. The most gratifying feature of the invasion is that so far as is known not a single Colonial Dutchman has joined the enemy. Small parties of Boers have visited the farms in the vicinity of Knapdaar, but all it quiet here.—Press Asso- ciation War Special. KNOX HOLDING DE WET CAPE TOWN, Friday. De Wet, with a considerable commando, is holding the country be: Neen Ficksburg, Sene- kal, and Winburg. He has made attempts to break southwards, but these have been frustrated by General Knox, who is holding the country between Winburg md La-dy- brand. Colonel Grenfell, with mounted troops from Steynburg, is continually in touch with the invaders, and has pushed them in the direc- tion of the Orange River. They sure also threa- tened by a, column from Na&uwpoort. The western invaders ha.ve quitted the Philipstown district, crossing the western line at Houtkraal. The Yeomanry who were captured near Britstown have been released, and the invaders have retired to the north and south-west, having apparently divided into two sections. One of these was last heard of near Strydenberg, while the other was moving towards Prieska. A small patrol of Boers entered Vosburg and destroyed the telegraph instruments. Few of the inhabi- tants in any district have joined the in- vaders. The Boers taken in arms since the beginning of the war and still imprisoned number 14,838, besides 362 on parole and several hundreds in the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony. A company of Railway Pioneers, chiefly con- sisting of refugees, waa sent to Beaufort West in connection with the establishment of mar- tial law this morning.—Renter. FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE TRANSVAAL. Sir David Barbour, who has been commis- sioned by the Government to inquire into the financial position of the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies, will sail from Southampton to- day (Saturday) for South Africa.. He will be accompanied by Mr. E. G. Haxman, of the Treasury, late Financial Secretary to the Soudan Government, who has been appointed to act as his private secretary*

How Christmas Was Kept. PRESS AND MAGISTRATES. During the course of business at Cardiff Police-court to-day Mr. E. W. Shackell, one of the magistrates, remarked:- On Thursday last two cases of drunkenness were brought before us, and I had occasion, with the concurrence of my colleague (Mr. Louis Samuel), to express the gratification of the bench at the good order that prevailed in the town during the holidays. Yesterday al sweeping article appeared in the "South Wales Echo," in which it was made to appear that a special standard is set by the police at this season of the year, and that, if the police did their duty, a great many more would be brought before the bench. Addressing Superintendent Fowler, Mr. Shackell continued: I ask you, in the absence of the head-constable, if any special instructions are issued to the force at Christ- mas time with regard to cases of drunken- ness? Superintendent Fowler: No, sir. I cannot say that we any special instructions. We never interfere with drunken persons, so long a3 they behave themselves and go home quietly and properly. We only interfere in cases in which people are incapable or dis- orderly. If they are capable, and can walk home, we do not interfere. Mr." Shackell: Quite so. Thank you very mtich. Mr. Samuel: Do you invariably bring these cases before the magistrates? Do you not sometimes in a case of simple drunkenness take into consideration the holiday time, and let the prisoner go after he has been some time at the police-station? Superintendent Fowler: For myself, I had one at Roath who was brought in and detained a couple of hours, and we let her go after- wards. Mr. Shackell: Quite so. Superintendent Fowler: That is in my own division. Mr. Shackell: I only wanted to know if any special standard was set up. A few minutes later Mr. Shackell, after con- versation with Mr. Samuel, his confrere on the bench, said: We are much obliged to you for the information. We are still of the same opinion—that the inhabitants of the town con- ducted themselves well during the Christmas holidays. This tribute to the sobriety and good conduct of the people is further confirmed by the fact that the police say the week just passed is the quietest they have had for a long time past. There has not been a single case of cutting and wounding or violent assault.

WHY IT CAME. Load of Air Removed that had to be Removed. When all the reports from distant stations are received (writes a meteorological corre- spondent of the "Daily Express") it will pro- bably be found that yesterday V-ngale was the most severe that we have had this season. The storm was accompanied by a remarkable fall in the barometer, which circumstance alone would, ensure it a noteworthy position in the archives. During the 24 hours the mercurial column fell Hin., a fact which was sufficient indication that turbulent and boisterous winds were abroad. Such a decrease in atmospheric pres- sure as ia represented by this movement of the barometer means that an enormous mass of air has been removed from one place to another, and a great load of superimposed atmosphere was indeed taken off the backs of humanity. It is not always realised that at any given time the weight of air, say over London, is greater than the total weight of all the build- ings over which the air is brooding. Commonly it is said that the atmosphere presses with a weight of 141b. on every square inch, and on this basis it is easy to make a calculation which siiows that a fall of lin. in the barometer means that no less than 721b. has been lifted from every square foot of surface. It will be gathered, therefore, that the weight of atmosphere removed from over the British Isles during the past 24 hours was enormoul, and, as the currents of air rushed inwards to fill up the vacancy thus created, it is not surprising that an aerial vortex of great depth and violence was the outcome.

THE GALE AT PEMBROKE DOCK. Great damage has been done to house pro- perty at Pembroke Dock, scarcely a street being free from the effects of the storm. Three smacks riding at anchor in the Pill at Pembroke Dock foundered. The London mail for Pembroke Dock, which comes via New Milfoed could not be landed, and had to be returned to Whitland and sent via the Pembroke and Tenby Railway, thus making the delivery about four hours late.

Reports of the Damage and Loss Caused by Yester- day's Gale will be found on Page 4.

HOLYHEADSHIPPING DISASTER The Holyhead police have recovered eight bodies from the yrecked railing ship Primrose. hill, and the cargo, whuei. was a general one, is being washed along coast. The only man saved was conveyed to a farm- house, this morning reported to be not seriously injured.

s 1 That £ 10,000 Debt. The number of shillings contributed on Friday towards the "Western Mail" Shilling Fund for the liquidation of the debt on the Cardiff Infirmary amounted to 460, making a gross total for 28 days of 47,036 shillings.

"TOO OLD AT FORTY." A pathetic little meeting of fourteen persons took place lust night in a small room at the Memorial Hall. Mr. A. E. Clarke convened and presided over the meeting, which was aJt, once a "tea, and a. conferenoe," and had refe- rence to the "Too-Old-at-Forty" movement. The fourteen ate little red American apples, and made brief speeches, charged with indignation. A commission-agent, a mechanic, a clerk, a. printer, and a handy man, each told how he had lost his employment by reaeon not of in- competence, but of grey hairs. Mr. Olarke observed that there were three channels through which relief might be sought —the religious, the political, and the journa- listic. Most, he opined, could be hoped for from the Press. Yet there was general agree- ment as to the desirability of "getting a ques- tion pot in the House of Commons" anent the Post Office dismissals.

Mr. Richard William Binns, one of the oldest Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries, I died at Worcester on Friday, aged 81. The deceased greatly improved the quality of Wor- cester china-

Lord William Beresford Dead. An Exchange telegram soys that Lord William Beresford died at midnight. Biographical Details. Lord William Beresford served in the Zulu War of 1879, "nd was present at the engage- ment at Ulundi: where he greatly distinguished himself. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallant conduct in having, at great per- sonal risk, during the retirement of the recon- noitring party across the White Univolosi River on July 3, 18?9. hurried to assist Ser- geant Fitzmaurice, 1st Battalion 24th Foot, whose horse had fallen with him, mounted him behind his horse, and brought him away in safety under the close fire of the Zulus, who vera in great force and coming on quickly. Lord William was a prominent figuiffe on the turf. He it was who introduced Tod Sloan into the country. In 1896 Lord William's total winnings amounted to only £5,186, but the following year they increased to £7,857; in 1898 to £8,020; and in 1896 the big total of £42,723 was reached, which was only eclipsed that -year by the late Duke of West- minster, whose total was £42,9q5. This was in Flying Fox's year, and there is no doubt that had it not been for the marked superiority of the latter over Caiman Lord William would have headed the list. It will be remembered that Caiman ran second to Flying Fox in the Two Thousand Guineas, and also second to Frontier in the Dewhurst Plate. He, how- ever, won the Middle Park Plate. The only classic event secured by the deceased was the One Thousand Guineas in 1899 with the filly Sibola, who also ran second in the Oaks. iii

REMARKABLE EFFORTS OF PRO-BOER IMAGINATION. The issueof the "New York Journal" for December 19, just to hand by mail, contains a remarkable cable from Mr. W. T. Stead, who is describe das "Special Correspondent to the 'New York Journal,' who is in Holland confer- ring with Mr. Kruger." It is displayed with such headings as "The Fate of Boer Women a Shock to all Europe," "Victims of Awful Brutes in Khaki," "Torn From their Homes by Kaffirs," and "Starva- tion, Disease, Rags, Outrage." The basis of this is an alleged letter from a Mme. -Hardus, of Kimberley, making dis- graceful charges against British soldiers. "Yes, that's my cablegram," cheerfully admitted Mr. Stead to a "Daily Mail" repre- sentative. "They are serious allegations which you can doubtless prove?" was asked. "Prove? What evidence can I have? I have not been to South Africa. I saw this letter at The Hague, and cabled it because Mr. Hearst, the proprietor of the 'New York Journal,' was anxious to get dispatches which would help the great and growing detestation of our conduct of this war which is felt all over the States; aye, and in all civilised countries." Mr. Stead was asked if he intended to bring the allegations before the proper authorities. "What can I do?" was the reply. "Publish a second edition of 'Hell Let Loose' brought up-to-date? This woman, this Mme. Hurdus, who I presume is a Dutch woman, is at Kim be'rley, within reach of the authorities. Let them examine the story on the spot." Asked if he believed generally in these stories about British soldiers, Mr. Stead replied promptly, "Yes. You know perfectly well that the British soldier is no more a saint than you and I. If you say these poor folk could always get redress if they complained to the authorities, I reply that a- British general is the last person to whom a Boer woman would tell her story." The Daily Mail representative remarked that such offences were punisfooble by death. My friend," baid Mr. Stead, excitedly, if everybody had his deserts tbeie would be a good many hanged over this miserable war. "I have no complaint against Buller and his army. I believe they behaved weli. But al: this tolk about Robert's humanity is simply nonsense. "It makes one feel ashamed of his country to hear, as I do, the detestation of the methods with which 'we are vainly trying to crush this Little nation." Mr. Stead then took a prophetic turn. We've got to be beaten this time, and it will do us a lot of good. We have been suffer- ing ton long from swelled head," thinking ouraelwa cock of the wolk and the cream of creation."

A LORD OF ALIASES. Audacious Frauds Upon London Houses. A tall, smartly-dressed man, aged about 40 years, has been giving several West End busi- ness firms a great deal of trouble. His latest adventure was a visit to Oetzman and Co., the house furnishers, to whom he represented himself as Lord Wilmington, of No. 98, Carlton-gardens. Claiming that he was furnishing a large country place in Gla- morganshire, he selected several thousand pounds worth of goods, and had them placed in position so that her ladyship could inspect them the next day. He did not appear again, but sent a note post- poning. the appointment. Inquiry developed the fact that the man had been troubling other firms in a like manner under the aliases of Lord Raeburn, Lord Manners, Lord Radclyff, and Lord Brereton, beside that of Lord Wil- mingtou. He gave different addresses in each case. The Marquess of Northampton, whose eldest son, Lord Comptpn, was in the late Marquess's lifetime Lord Wilmington, declares that any- one using the latter title is an imposter.

SPORT OF THE DAY. To-day's Lighting-up Time for Cyclists: 5.0. Mr. J. Porters yearling filly 'by Ayrshire—' Alltuneuse hu named Heather Fire. The assumed name of Mr. D. Seymour has been abandoned under the Rules of Racing. Mr. Joel's horses having gone elsewhere. C. Archer has at present only three of hia own stabled at EUeemere House. The assumed name of "Mr. Five Rivers," which veils the identity of an Indian Prince, has again been registered under the Rules of Racing. For his win in the Newcastle Selling Hurdle Race at Keele Park, yesterday, Flintlock gets no penalty in the Swallowcroft Selling Handi- cap Hurdle Race, run to-day. In future geldings are to be eligible for entry in the Grand Steeplechase de Paris and the Auteuil Grand Hurdle 'Race, both of which races have hitherto been confined to mares and entire horses. Prosaeb, winner of the Maiden Steeplechase at Hurst Park yesterday, is engaged in the Old Year Steeplechase at the same meeting to-day, but incurred no penalty, his weight remaining at lOst. 101b. As a consequence of his breakdown at Kempton Park on Thursday it has been decided to send Count Schomberg to the stud forthwith. The son of Aughrim and Clonavarn has a high-class fiat-racing record, as winner of the Liverpool Autumn Cup, the Chester Cup, and other ipportant events, while it will be recollected that, racing under other rules, he won the Grand Auteuil Hurdle Race, as a four- year-old, in 1896. A busy time is in store for clerks of courses during the next few days, as by Tuesday next, January 1, entries close for very many valu- able stakes. Among the races to close are the Lincolnshire Handicap, Grand National Steeplechase, Liverpool Spring Cup, Great Metropolitan, City and Suburban, Northamp- tonshire Stakes, Chester Cup, and Kempton Pa.rk Jubilee Stakes, in the way of handicaps, and such weight-for-age contests a the Gold Cup, All-aged Stakes, and Alexandria Plate at Ascot, and the Criterion Stakes and Payne Stakes at Newmarket.

CORONER'S INQUIRY. Verdict of Manslaughter. The following appeared in our Pink Edition last night; — Mr. R. J. Rhys, district coroner, held an inquest at the Butchers' Arms Hotel, Peny- graig, on Friday on the body of the old woman Mary Morgan, who died on Christmas Eve under circumstances already reported. Henry Morgan, aged 73, who had been arrested on a charge of causing his wife's death, was present during the inquiry. Prisoner is a oripple with only one leg, and walks with a crutch and stick. ■ Robert Cording, who lives at the Adkre Inn, Tonypandy, said that Morgan and his wife were in his house about noon on Monday. Morgan called for a drink, and witness refused it. The woman had been drinking. Annie Griffiths. 17, De Winton-terrace, Llwynypia, said she was the niece of Mary Morgan. She identified her aunt's body. She was 69 years of age. They had parish relief, and witness helped them to live. Morgan Rees, Bon, of Mrs. Sees, of the Butchers' Arms, said he knew Henry Morgan. He was in the Butchers' Arms between seven and eight o'clock on Monday night. Mrs. Morgan was with him. They were both sober. They had a pim and a half bottle of rum. which they took away with them. About half an hour afterwards Henry Morgan came back and had two pints of beer in a bottle, which he took away with him. That was the last he saw of them. Richard Dyke, 10. Gethin-road, said he fetched his child away from Henry Morgan's about 10.30 o'clocl: on Monday night. Henry Morgan and his wife were in the house then. The old woman was drunk, and Henry Morgan watt also under the influence of drink, but not so far gone as the old woman. About 12.30 (midnight) Henry Morgan came up to witness's house and asked him to come down with him, say- ing. I think 'Mary is dead, or there is something the matter with her." Wit- ness went to the house with him. and saw the old woman lying on the floor in the kitchen. She appeared to be quite dead. He felt her hand and also put his hand on her breast, and then told Henry Morgan that he should have to the police and doctor. Morgan Rees and his wife then came in. When he (witness) went to the house at 10.30 the old woman was on her knees, with her arms leaning on the bench, and the old man said, "Rise, or I will help you to rire." She said "Good night" to the child. At 12.30 the old woman had only her chemise and stockings on, having evidently undressed to go to bed. By a Juryman: There were no signs of a struggle in ihe room. "A DEUCE OF A ROW." Morgan Rees, a member of the Salvation Army, living at 10, Gethin-road (the under house), said about 2.30 o'clock in the afternoon he saw Mrs. Morgan going into the house. She then appeared as if she had been drinking. About 11.30 o'clock at night witness and his wife were coming home, when they heard Henry Morgan swearing in his house. Witness went out again, and returned at a quarter to twelve, and his wife, who had remained at ome, said: "I am glad you have come; there is a deuce of a row in Morgan's." Witness went out to the back, and could hear Henry Morgan cursing and swearing in Welsh and calling on his wife to get up, and then he heard a box or fender rolling on the floor as if it was falling. Witness went to the side of the window and heard Morgan say in Welsh: "Rise, you devil, or I will kill you on the spot. Rise, or I will kill you on the spot." After that he sa.id: "Shall I go and fetch somebody tr) pick you up?" She answered in a small voice, "No." Subsequently, when witness went into the house, he heard the Bound of blows as if they were on some clothes. A SCENE. Prifscner: Don't tell lies, Morgan Rees. I never beat her. Tell the truth. His (witness's) wiie got alarmed, but witness told her not to interfere, as on one previous occasion when she had done so Henry Morgan threatened to hit her head off. Prisoner (excitedly): I never touched her. Don't tell lies, man. Witness (continuing) said everything waa silent for a quarter of an hour, and witness's wife said. "Thank goodness, they are gone to sleep. We shall have quiet now." Then they heard Henry Morgan walking upstairs, and some time afterwards Morgan commenced call- ing. "Mary, Mary!" from upstairs. After- wards he came downstairs and left the house. Subsequently Dyke came, and they entered the house together. By the Coroner I did not think the blows I heard were directed on the woman's body, or I should have burst open the door and gone in. I, thought h was hitting some clothes to frightsxr her. I heard twelve blows. By a Jurymfcn: I have never known Morgan to strike his wife, but I had often heard him threaten to kill her when they were quarrelling. Maria Bees, wife of Morgan Rees, gave similar evidence to that of her husband, and added that she heard two blows about eleven o'clock before her husband came back. POLICE EVIDENCE. Police-constable Gribbenman said that he went to Morgan's house about 1.30 o'clock in the morning and found deceased lying, on the floor, her feet being towards the fireplace. She had only her chemise and stockings on. Prisoner was sitting near her. He appeared &os if he had been drinking. He eaid to witness, "The poor old soul is dead." About six a.m. witness, after being told something by Dr. Llewellyn, arrested Henry Morgan, and charged him at Tonypandy Police-station with causing the death of his wife. Morgan denied having touched his wife. "I went home yesterday," he said, "about two p.m. My wife came home with me. We had a few dTinks at the Butchers' Arms and other places. I had my dinner, and went to bed about 3.30. I got up at half-pa-st elevenl o'clock, and found my wife downstairs. She did not answer, and I went down and found her lying on the floor in the kitchen. I took hold of her hand, and found she was only breathing. I went to Richard Dyke's house and told him there was something the matter with myoId woman, as she was only breath- ing. I never touched her with my crutch or stifle. I never touched her in my life. She was always very fond of drink, and she must have gone out and got some more drink after I went to bed. She had a bottle of rum in the. house then." MEDICAL EVIDENCE. Dr. Thomas Richard Llewellyn, Penygraig, (stated that he was called to Morgan's house about 5.30 a.m. Henry Morgan was there. The body of the deceased was laid out on the table near the fire-place. Witness examined the body, and found the following injuries:—Immediately above the right ey«j there waa a. large bruise. Above the left eye,! and extending on to the temple, there was another bruise similar in character. On the left chefk there were two scratches, and one on the right cheek. They were small, and might have been done by finger nails. On the right forearm there was an extensive bruise, covering the whole of the outer and front surface of the forearm. This extended from the elbow to the wrist. On the left forearm there was also a iruise, but not so extensive as on the right. This was in a similar posi- tion on the outer surface. The backs of both "rms were also bruised. On the middle of the right, forearm the skin had been torn ag if it had been peeled. This torn skin left two raw surfaces, .each about the size of a two- shilling piece. On the outer .side of the left thigh there was a very large bruise, covering quite half the thigh. There were no marks of bruises on the trunk, but the fourth and fifth ribs on the right side were completely frac- tured. On the same date he made a post-mortem examination, and found the body badly nourished. Underneath the scalp there was a good deal of extravereation of blood in the tissues of the scalp and over the vault of the skull. This extraversation was more marked on the left and right sides. Just above the ear on the left side was a clot of blood an inch and a half by an inch. This clot would corre- spond with the outside bruise. There was a good deal of extraversation of blood around the ends of the fractured ribs. The right lung had a wound in it opposite one of the frac- tured ribs. Deceased must have had some chronic chest trouble. The liver was enlarged, as a result- of intemperance. The death was, in his opinion, due to pres- sure on the brain from the clot of blood and also to the shock from the other injuries. The clot of blood was quite a recent one, and as soon as it formed deceased would, probably, have become unconscious. The Coroner asked if it was likely the injuries were caused by falls. The Doctor replied in the negative. One or two of the injuries might have been com- patible with a fall, but it would be a most un- usual thing to have both sides of the body injured by a fall. As far as the ribs were con- cerned-, he (witness) was decided that the frac- tures were due to direct violence, and also the bruise on the back of the hands. He examined the olothers of the deczased, and there were no signs of any dirt. He thought it possible that the tearing of the skin on the right forearm ccrald have been caused by the ferrule of a crutch. Blows from a stick or a crutch could have caused the injuries described. STATEMENT BY PRISONER. Pri-soner (crying) asked to be allowed to make a statement, and was cautioned by the coroner. I never put my hand upon her poor body," said Morgan, breaking down completely. Û Give me fair daea, gentlemen. I will speak the very truth before God Almighty. I nfever touched the poor old soul to break my home up: Neither the weight of my fist or crutches or walking-stick was on her. I never touched my poor old sweetheart. I came down and found her dead on the floor. She pulled h-er own clothes off and put them on the arm of the chair. SUMMING UP AND VERDICT. The Coroner, addressing the jury, said it seemed to him to be more a case of man- slaughter than murder. The prisoner, upon the coroner reviewing the evidence of some of the witnesses, exclaimed, Morgan Rees wants to hang me out of the way." The jury having retired, brought in the fol- lowing verdict:—"We think the injuries sus- tained by the woman were done by her hus- band, but they were not premeditated. We, therefore, think th case one of man- I slaughter." Prisoner after the inquest was removed to I the Pandy Police-station, and there taken before a local magistrate and committed for trial.

COUNTY COUNCIL AND THE STIPENDIARY. Police-court to be Pulled Down Next Week. An acute stage has been reached in the dispute between the county council and Mr. Mar chant Williams as to the right 01 the former to pull down the present police- court at Merthyr before they have pro- vided for Mr. Williams a temporary court which he approves as suitable. The reply of the county council to this is to make arrangements for the prompt demolition of the court in which the stipendiary now sits. On Friday afternoon the contrac- tors who have agreed to do the work of alteration arrived in Merthyr, and we are informed that, as they naturally want to make a start, they would have taken steps to dismantle the stipendiary's room but for the intervention of influential local gentlemen. It has, therefore, been agreed to "permit" the stipendiary to hold his court at Merthyr on Monday, and then the- fixtures will be removed to Bent- ley's CentraJ, Hotel. Whether Mr. Marchant Williams will make active resis- tance remains to be seen; what seems certain is that the matter will produce some interesting developments. It will be remembered that his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams refused to sit at Merthyr Police-court, and the county- court business was transacted at Bent-lei-s for a considerable time. The contractors do not intend touching the living quarters, office, and mess-room f<M- the time being, so that the full brunt orthe inconvenience will fall on the stipen- diary and those who have to attend his court. The only way prisoners can be taken to Bent]ey's-hall is by means of steps which also lead to the Inland Revenue and Excise offices, and there is no doubt that some amount of inconvenience will be caused. Even now people loiter about the steps leading to the court from the sitting till the rising of the bench, and cause great inconvenience, as the defendants or com- plainants, when called, have to elbow their way through the crowd. For months the business of the court has lasted on Mon- days from ten a.m. till four or five o'clock in the afternoon, so that the prospect of seeing neople hailing from the most squalid dens of Merthyr and Dowlais loitering on the steps leading to the Revenue depart- ments does not exhilarate the residents of Merthyr to any great extent.

DOG DIES AFTER A YEAR'S SERVICE WITH POLICE. An acute bereavement has just been suffered by the Dewebury police in the loss of one of their latest recruits. Towards the end of last year, "Jack," a fine specimen of an Airedale terrier, began to show a marked inl-erest in police work. His owner could do nothing with the dog. A policeman's uniform was his magnet, and directly he spotted an officer he insisted on following him on his beat, night duty being his special preference. At last, coming to the conclusion that the animal was not made for a life of domes- ticity, and not wishing to stand in the way of his career, the owner handed him over to the police. They hailed him heartily, bought him a collar, and put him up at headquarters, with regular daily rations. Night after night since then "Jack" has been on duty in the streets. After nearly a year's faithful service, he was taken ill some weeks ago: and died on Wednesday from lung trouble, deeply re- gretted by every man in the force.

DOCTORS DEMAND A GUINEA. Doctors at Yarmouth have refused to certify cases of lunacy unless a fee of one guinea be paid in each case. As a conse- quence, there is a singular deadlock. It Was reported at yesterday's meeting of the guardians that there was a caae of idiocy, but no medical man l the town would give a certificate. The guardians have hitherto allowed a fee of half a guinea in such cases, but the local branch of the Medical Practi- tioners' Association yesterday informed the boards that no medical man would certify a lunacy case unless paid the minimum fee of one guinea. As a. way out of the difficulty it was pro- posed to make the fee one guinea. The voting was even, and the chairman of the guardians gave his casting vote against the doctors. There, for the present, the matter rests. .L ^"——————»—

REVOLVERS FOR STRIKERS. A lighterman who had sold revolvers to the dock strikers has been arrested, as well as a female Socialist who urged on the strikers during the fierce riot of last Satur- day. The strike committee, says the Daily Mail," has given permission for the men to discharge the vessels which are detained out- side the port, but the shipowners refuse to allow them to do so. The shipowners have declined to consider the proposals of the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce. There is great misery among the strikers, and the Socialists are distributing 2,000 loaves per day:

THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS. The following is a list of the candidates who were awarded certifioatee at the examination held at Cardiff on December 19 and 20, 1900. The examiners were:—W. S. Vinning, Esq., Mus.B., Oantab, of London, and J. W. Lawson, Esq., of Bristol:- Pianoforte.-Grade IV. (advanoed).—Oandi- d'. e's Name.-Elizabet-h Bentley, ifildrer C. Davies, Dora A. Low, and Blodwen Morgan. Grade IlL-Thomas Elias, Mary Grey, Daniel1 R. James, and Mabel M. Jones. Grade n.- John B. Bartlett, Maggie Brooks, Blanche Cater, Florence E. Charles, Bessie Hurley, Constance Llewellyn, Walter Lloyd, Ethel Parry, Eveline M. M. Talbot, and Alice M. Winn. Grade I.— Ivan A. Baker, Maory E. Gregory, Mary Guy, and Maud Richards. Preparatory Grade.— Florrie Ayres. Mary A. Havard, Gladys Jones, Myfanwy Jones, Nina Rochard, and Morfydd Rogers. Singing.-Grade IV. (advanced).—Austin M. Morris. Grade M.-Mildred Needham. Violin.—Grade IV. (advanced).—Beatrice O. Rowe. Grade rf.-Irene A. Fargher, and Annie A. Sloggett. Grade I.—David M. Evans, and Harold Noel.

Ten Ponies Suffocated. Owing to the ignition of some woodwork at Wyken Colliery, near Coventry, by the fusing of an electric wire,, ten ponies in the under- ground etables were suffocated yesterday. A few JIlØnwhowere in the workings at the time were sot out without accident.

To-Morrowl s Preachers. LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL. SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY.—In residence, the Very Rev. the Dean and the Rev. Canon Johnson. Eight a.m.: Holy Com- munion. Eleven a.m.: Chants; Litany; anthem, Jesu, Lover of my soul (Iliffe); hymrfs, 56 and 60; preacher. Canon Johnson. 3.30 p.m.: Chants; anthem. "Let all men praise the Lord" (Mendelssohni; hymns, 165 and 283; preacher, the Dean. Offertories for Llanda-ff Yard Services. ANGLICAN CHURCHES. All Saints' (Adamsdown-aquarei.—Morning, Rev. Griffith Thomas; evening, the Vicar. Eglwys Dewi Sant (Welrh).-Morning, Rev. T. Richard;: evening, Rev. Griffith Thomas. St. James's.—Morning, the Vicar; evening. Rev. D. H. Griffiths. St. John's—Morning, Rev. R. S. Plant; even- ing, the Vicar. St. John's Mission—Morning, Children's Ser- vice; evening, Rev. R. Shelley Plant. St. Mary's (Holy Communion at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.).—Morning. Rev. W. E. Boys; evening, Rev. E. B Rand. St Mary's Mission (Blaenclyda-ch-street).- Evening, Rev. E. r. Finch. St. Michael's IHodge's-row).-Morn.ing. Rev. E. B. Rand; evening. Rev. G. W. H. Harding. St. Monica's (Cathay-a).-Mcrnin, Rev. D. H. Griffiths; evening, Rev. A. W Parry. St. Stephen's.—Rev. A. G. Russell. Christ Church.—Rev. C. W. Lamport. BAPTIST. Ainon (Welsh) (11 a.m. and 6 p.m.—Mr. D. Morgan. Bethany (St. Mary-street).—Rev. W. E. Winks. Bethel (Mount Stuart-square).—Pa-stor T. Davies. Longcross-street.—Morning. Pastor W. T. Lee; evening. Rev. A. Macmillan, M.A. Hope (Cawbridge-road).-Rev. T. W. Medhurst (pastor). Siloam (11 a.m. and 6 p.m.).—Rev. W. Harries. Splott-road.—ilev. Rhys Jenkins (pastor). The Tabernacle.—Rev. Charles Davi-es (pastor). Tredegarville (The Parade;.—Sev. James Bail lie. BIBLE CHRISTIAN. Cowbridge-road (Canton).—Morning. R-ev. W. S1 Welch; evening, Rev. Cooper G. Hawken. Diamond-street.-Morning, Rev. M. de J. Lark; evening, Rev. W. R. K. Baulkwill. CALVINISTIC METHODIST. Cathedral-road.-Rev. J. E. Harris (Brecon). Clifton-street.—Rev. R. J. Rees, M.A. (pastor). Frederick-street.—Mr. G. M. Llewellyn, B.A. (Oxford). Salem (Canton).—Rev. W. Jones (Ton Ystrad). CONGREGATIONAL. Bethlehem (Eyre-street).—Mr. T. B. Harris Brecon College). Central (Queen-street).—Rev. W. Spnrgeon; evening subject, "Voices from the Dying Century." Charles-street.—Rev. J. Williamson. Ebenezcr (Welsh).—Morning, Rev. H. M. Hughes, B.A. Ila r. Gwilym Rees (Brecon Col- lege). Minnv-street (Welsh).—Rev. Thomas Hughes, A.T.S. Richmond.rea d.-Morning; Rev. J. H. Walker; I evening, Rev. W. Cadwaladr Parry. Severn-road (Welsh).—Rev. P. M. Howells. Star-street.—Rev. J. Morris. St. Paul's (Cowbridge-road).—Morning, Rev. W. C. Parry; evening. Rev. J. H. Walker. Wood-8tre?t.—Rev. J. T. Peace (pastor). St. Paul's (Cowbridge-road).—Morning, Rev. W. C. Parry; evening. Rev. J. H. Walker. Wood-8tre?t.—Rev. J. T. Peace (pastor). PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WALES. FORWARD MOVEMENT CENTRE. Clive-road-liall.-P,ev. F. K. Leybourne. Crwys-hall—R%,v. J. Williams (pastor). Ea-st Moors-hal1.-Rev. H. G. Howell. Fitzroy-street-haM (Gathays).— Evangelist Jones. Gran-.eto,A-n-ha-il.-R-ev. W. Wat-kin Williams. Heath-hall (Whitchurch-road). Evangelist yerrimen. If^jflorial-ha1! (Cowbridge-road) -R.ev. Seth Joshua. Saltmead-halL-E,angelist B. G. Barker. PRIMITIVE METHODIST. Mount Zion.-Morning, Mr. Grant; evening. Mr. A. E. Gush. Ccttrell-road.—Mcrning, Mr. J. English; even- ing, Mr. R. Lethbridee. Severn-road.—Morning, Mr. J. Hobbs; evening, Rev. J. Whittock. Dalton-sti'eet.—Morning, Rev. J. Whittock; evening, Mr. J. W. Goddard. SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN. Roath Park.—Rev. W. E. Shaw. UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCH. Cathay8-terracf?.—Morning, Mr. J. W. Baker; evening. Rev. H. Fry. Newport-road.—Morning. Rev. T. P. Dale; evening, Mr. J. W. Baker. Penarth-road.—Morning, Rev. H. Fry; even- ing, Rev. T. P. Dale. UNITARIAN. We?t-grove.—Rev. J. T. Davies. B.A. Morning subject. "Growing Old"; evening subject, End 9f a Century." WlESLEY AN. WESLEY CIRCUIT. Wesley.—Morning, Mr. A. W. Hunt; evening, Rev. T. Gladding. Cathays— Morning, Rev. W. R Maltby; even- ing, Rev. Owen Wat-kins Rcath Pa.rk.-Mcrning, R-ev. Owea Watkins; evening. Rev. W. R. Maltby. Whitchurch.—Mcrning, Rev. T. Gladding; even- ing-, Mr. B. Milsom CANTON CIRCUIT. Conway-road.—Morning, Rev. W. Maltby; even- ing. Rev. E. A. Buchanan. Clare-gardens.—Morning, Rev. T. Miller; even- ing. Rev. W. Maltby. I Ludlow-street (Grangetowu).—Morning, Mr. J. Oradock; evening, Mr. P. Stuckey. Victoria Park-Mcrning. Rev. E. A. Buchanan; evening. Rev. T. Miller. Ehr.-Morning, Mr. G. Burgess; evening, Mr. B. George. Llandaff —Morning, Mr. J. Diamond; evening, Mr. A. R. Tanner. LOUDOUN-SQUARE CIRCUIT. People's-hall.-Rev. A. E. Balch, M.A. Angelina-street (8.0 P.M.).Sister Charis. ROATH-ROAD CIRCUIT. Roath-road.-Mornin.g, Rev. H. Wostenholm; evening, Rsv. E. Smith. Broodwa,y.-Morning, Rev. A. E.. Salmon; evening, Rev. H. Wostenholm. Splatt-road.-Morning, Mr. A. E. Stokes; even- ing, Rev. A. E. Salmon. Lla-ui shen .-Morn i iig, Mr. T. Berwick. PENARTH CIRCUIT. Aroot-street.-Morning, Rev. S. Y. Richards; evening. Rev. J. Jenkin. Trinity.-Moriting, Rev. J. Jeffreye; evening, Rev. S. Y. Richards. Ca,domton.-Morning, Mr. Skinner; evening, Rev. J. Jeffreys. Ba,rry.-M,orning, Rev. J. Jenkin; evening, Rev. W. D. Pellett. Barry Dock.—Morning. Rev. W. D. Pellett; evening, Mr. H. N. Atkins. Barry Island.-Morning, Mr. T. Firth; evening, Mr. W. T. Turner. Dinas POWiB.-Mornill, Mr. W. H. Mayne; evening, Mr W. J. Flowers. Y C.A. P.S.A. (3.0 p.m.).Speaker, Rev. R. J. Rees, M.A.; 6.46 p.m., for lads, speaker, Mr. M. Burt. Wiere oaly one name is given the camit preacher officiates at both services. •Exc&pt where otherwise stated all the ser- vices referred to in this columm conaeict at 11.. a.m. and 6.34 p.m. = i

AN OLD CUSTOM. At the beginning of the century Innocents' Day was invariably a feast of whacks and groans for children, for on that anniversary kind parents deemed it. their duty to soundly flog their young offspring in order to impress ou their minds the cruelty of Herod to the infants of Bethlehem 1900 years ago. At the end of it the day has become a festival of joy and gladness for them, and. instead of being hustled to the punishments room, they are taken to Westminster Abbey, to St. George's Chapel, and to other churches, where special services are held for their edification, and they are treated to beautifully-eung carols. In this respect the conclusion of the century is a decided improvement on the beginning, and yesterday the change was duty appreciated by thousands of happy children, who filled the buildings where these services are held.

"JACK SHEPPARD" LITERATURE. Yesterday, three lads, about sixteen, William Padgett, Charles Booth, and John Long, were charged with stealing a box containing eleven hymn books from the Church Schools at Idle. The Vicar of Idle asked the Bench to deal leniently with them, as he was inclined to think they had been reading some Jack Shep- pard literature. They were each fined half- a-crown, and El coats, or fifteen days' im- prisonment. (

LADY DOCTOR SAYS IT IS BARBAROUS. Great amusement has been caused here 'says the "Daily Mail's" New York correspondent) by a crusade against kissing, started by the local branch of the Women's Christian Tem- perance Union. Dr. Anna Hatfield, lady physician, the leader of the new movement, was interviewed to-day. She says that kissing is a barbarous, insani- tary custom, worse than drinking, and should be rigidly abolished. No person should ki-ss another without first using an antiseptic wash on the mouth to destroy bacteria. "As for the moral bacteria," she said. that is even more dangerous. Girls are not taught to view a kiss with awe, as they once were. Engaged persons should be allowed only one kiss at the time of be- trothal. Mothers of to-day are to blame for imbuing their, children with the kissing vice. Many children are literally kissed to death. Kissing between women is quite as un- wholesome. It is time to make war on kiss- ing, and I am willing to go on record as firing the first gun." The progress of the anti-kissing crusade is being watched with great interest, but its failure is generally predicted.

CARDIFF. THIS DAY.—(Before Messrs. LOUIS SAMUEL and E. W. SHACKELL.) DRUNK WITH FIREARMS. William Charles Peake was charged by • Detective-inspector Rankin with being drunk while in possession of a loaded revolver in St. John-street on December 28. A dock constable was called and proved the case. He deposed that at five o'clock on the previous afternoon he was in St. John's- street, and saw prisoner point the weapon at the head of a boy in charge of a tramway horse. Prisoner declared that he had just bought the revolver for the captain of his ship, and bad no intention of using it. Fined 20s. and costs, or fourteen days.

Ill RST PARK MEETING. 12.45—A MAIDEN HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs; second to receive 10 sovs. Two miles. 3 10 7 Mr Wigan's Daimorton G Williamson 1 3 10 7 Cn.pr Bald's Sprig of Shillelagh Mason 2 3 10 7 Mr Parker's Obelisk II Faulkntr 3 Also ran- Mi Baraato's Le Buff (Mr Harti- gan), Mr M'Creery s Thomas Cat (R Chaloner), Mr Lushington's The Shogun (Ant-honyi. Mr Parr's Orange Pat (H Bletsoe). Mr Hare's Stage Marriage (Read), Mr Gardner's Traveller II. (A Nightingall), Mr Hoboken's Sudbury (Sian- ton), and Mr Sidney's Beolle Magnifiqne (H Sidney). Hetting-5 to 4 agrt Daimorton, 100 to 30 ag3t Sprig cf Shillelagh, 8 to 1 agst St-age 10 to 1 a Thomas-Cat, and 100 to 8 agst any other. Mr Law's Jove (Read1. 1.15-Tlie BROCKLEY SELLING STEEPLE- CHASE PLATE of 100 sovs; winner to be sold for 50 sovs; second to receive 3 sovs. Two miles. a 12 0 Baron von Trutzchler's Speculation II W Pnllen 1 4 11 6 Mr Parker's Organ Grinder Armstrong 2 6 12 0 Mr Yates's Postaster Doliery 3 AIR, ran: Mr Gore's Martano (Mason), and iRace started at 12.49.)

THE DEATH OF LORD WILLIAM BERESFORD AND THE DERBY NOMINATIONS. It is important, in the untoward circum- stance of the deplored death of Lord William Beresford, reported this morning, to state that the sad event does not affect the nomination of Volodyovski, the favourite ior the Epsom Derby of 1931. The entry was made by "Mr. Theobalds," and. consequently, stands good. The horses disqualified are Alien. Bronzewing, Choctaw. Nahlband. Lenton, and Yellowbird. The Derby candidate Star Shoot was a part- nership between Lord W. Beresford and Cap-, tain Eustace Lorler The non-inadon of the coii is valid as the nomination stands to the name of Captain Loder. J

ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS THIS MORNING. Traveller II., SLage Marriage, Sudbury, Obe- lisk II., Belle Magnipque, Berners. jJikthetic Anne, Shackleford. Monachus, Beretie, Alswi. 1 tha. Tenebrosa. Castle In Spain, Black Cat, Lord President. Covent Garden, Aspinall, Duke's Seal, The Major, Blast, Parma Violet, and Opae.

On the Stock Exchange AUSTRALIAN. INDIAN. A0. Op. Cl. Op. 01, Ass*. GHVV.A. 2% lake Viewo, jott BrofcenHill Pro. 49/0 Lake View So'th £ Brawn Hill Ex lï Lou. A G'. Fin.. 1219 Ilurbnks E'tkd'y t& Mysore 5 Central & West Nundydroog. 3,\ Boule&er Ooregnm Ord. 3% CfcAffsrs 7/3 Do. Pref 4{t- halIJpioll Reef. 6 Peakliill Goldfis 3% (ildsu H«rs«Sliop 105i Sons of Gwalia.. 4^ Do Links 1% W. Aus. oikllidi" 1ft Grea' Bor.lder. 25/0 liio Tinto 57Jgj Do P's've'nco 8 J Anacouda. Hamnaii's U. Hill 4 IWont.Lyel) Nth. 2% Haunnn's Oroya liV !B,,sten Coll)ft, Ivajilioe 8 fi (Copper King 1% Kalgrurli 4% Utuh firz Do North ii Le Roi 5% Do Sauth Ashauti 25 Ladv Siipiiton .$. | MINING (BOOTH AFBICAN) Op. 01. Op. m. Angelo 6% Laujr/aagte 3 Anglo-FrencliEr 3h I Ltûp']'ds Vi'Nw ] to Ape* 6% M'sbonaldAgcy 1% Barnat* Consols 2 Muv- 4 British S. Africa Mat'beleGeldR 4g (Chartered) 3% MeyeriiCharltn 5 CityA Suburban 5% Mod'lerionteir. 9% ConsdGldflds of D» "B" 2% S. Africa Def 7. New Priinrage.. 3fj Crown Beef. 14* Nigel. De Beers 29jfr Oceaua Consd.. 1ft D'rban B'odep't 5% 2 £ EafttBand 7& Kand Mines 39% Ferreira 20 Beitfontein 1 "] Gee',Ong 3ft Robinson 8& Geldenkuis 6 Rose Deep 8& Dq. T>eep 91 Salisbury 2% G'encairn J iSeJnkwe 2 Globe & Phoenix 5!!r iSheba 1 j" Hend'r 'n Trsvi Simmer & .Tack. 6 Henry Nonrse 8',» S. Afric GoIdTe 7% Heriot 6% T-tti Concession ] Jagersfontein 36& Transvaal Gold. Joaanssbrg. Invt 2 Va.nRyn 2:sk Jubilee 5{j Village Mainref Jumper 4% Wemnjer 11 Kleinfontein 2^ Wolhuter. 4% Kni*ht 0%

YIENRY JETHO M A. STOCK AND SHARE DEALER, THE EXCHANGE, CARDIFF. Telegrams-" Preference." Cardiff. Telephones-1.169 Nat.. 186 P.O. eB571

KILLED BY A CRANE. A man, named Arthur M'Duff was killed and four others were seriously injured this morn'ng at Messrs. Rankin and Blackmore's Engineering Works. Greenock, by the over- turning of a crane, through the collapse of a beam. i

Killed Through Swallowing a Needle. A Port Glasgow girl, named Maggie Carr, has just died in Greenock Infirmary through swal- lowing a needle and thread over a week ago. Rontgen rays were tried without success.

Jewel Robbery at Chatham, When the establishment of Mr. M jeweller, in High-street, Chatham, was re- opened this morning after the Christmas holi- days, it was found thot the premises had been ran sacked by burglars. The thieves h-adoarried away much valuable stock, and the inner doora were unfastened in such a manner as to indicate that the burglars concealed themselves in the ahop t during Christmas Eve.

COMMENTS ON TO-DAY'S MATCHES. [BY WELSH ATHLETE."] verbial dust-cart, and, by -the same rule, after a busy holiday season there comes a slump in W el ^otball. Bristol, of course, should make it interesting for Cardiff, for Cardiff was beaten by Oxford, and Oxford in. turn was defeated by Bristol. In this CaBer, however, I shall depart from my rule of depending upon the book," and simply sug- gest that Cardiff will win, not by a big score, perhaps, but. still, they will win. Newport make the journey to Moseley, and ought to return victorious, for the Birmingham men are none too strong this season. Swansea. too, ought to win their match with Mountain Ash, although I anticipate the all whites will have a tough battle, for Mountain Ash are exceptionally strong forward. Where Mountain Ash will lose, I should think, would be at three-quarter. Forward, I feel confident they will hold their own with the Westerners; indeed, I fancy three forwards out of the Mountain Ash team will gain their caps this jear. They are weak behind, however, and Swansea are strong, and that means the difference between winning and losing. Form suggests that Treherbert and Llanelly will play a tight game. but I cannot make out Pontypridd as receiving aught but a hiding at the hands of Aberavon. Llwynypia and Maesteg will play a. tight game, and so will Xeath and Penygraig. Of course, in the last- mentioned case it is on the Neath ground, and that should make a big difference in the ordinary way. But Neath have been playing so badly of late that one is afraid to repose much confidence in them. Cardiff ought to defeat Bristol in a general sort of way, but one has reasonable grounds for doubting their ability because" of the Oxford game. That form. however, will not, I fancy, apply in this ca&e. The West of England men may run the Welsh Metropoli- tans close, but that. I think, is all they will do. Forward. Cardiff showed exceptional form against Edinburgh University, I thought, and the Scotchmen were more than a bit warm in their front rank. Behind the scrimmage Car- t diff will surely hold their own. Sweet-Escott is playing, I note-at least, he is down to play. True, that goes for very little, for the Penartb man has been down to play for some Saturdays, but has generally disappointed. Hughes played so good a game on Monday that one is entitled to express surprise at his being left out against Bristol. Certainly he. in the opinion of many, should have been given his place to-day with Kestell. At three- quarter and full back Cardiff should win very ea,sil.v. The unexpected may happen, of course, and Bristol may hold their own, but I don't think there is much fear of it. Swansea to-day meet Mountain Ash, and it is pretty clear the engagement is not quite of the usual character. Swansea have been pushing against the Scotch for- wards during the Christmas holidays, and appeared to have nothing to spare against them. Indeed, the Watsonian and Edinburgh University forwards were, to my thinking, a bit better than those of Swan- sea. Now, Mountain Ash prides herself, justifiably, on her pack or forwards, who did what they liked with the Llanelly lot. They ^kre visiting Swansea in the pink of condition, fresh from a- convincing victory over Llanelly at Stradey. Can it be that they have the ambition and the ability to imperil the home record of the powerful all whites? One never knows what-may happen when a hills team plays in its very best form, and the match ought, at any rate, to be productive of some good football, in which neither side will have a great reserve of power. At the same time (says my Swansea correspondent), I do not for a moment believe that the Mountain Ash men will reach the goal of their ambition if they think to inflict a defeat upon Swansea, and I have for a long time been soesuceessful in prophecy by keeping on the favourite that I venture to say Swansea will do as well against them as they (Mountain Ash) did against, Llanelly, Newport ought not to have very much diffi- culty in disposing of Moseley at Birmingham to-day, though that particular Midland organi- sation is about as uncertain as any. The war in South Africa has depleted several of the Midland clubs of some of their best talent, but there is the fact to set against any such drawback to Moselet that at holiday times like the present thei6 are generally able to get hold of a few really good players to make up for deficiencies. The Usksiders have been going very strong in their holiday games, and. though the injury to Phillips's knee may com- pel him to stand down to-day, Huggett from the second team would make a very creditable substitute. Alexander, who had a bad kick on the leg a week ago, is now better, and was on Friday looked upon as a certain player. To-day Neath meet Penygraig on the Gnoll enclosure for the last time this season. The previous encounter resulted in a win for the all-blacka. and I expect them to again prove victors, notwithstanding their recent mediocre displays. The Xeath forwards will be strong, while behind the scrums they win probably be superior to the visitors. The exact somposi- tion of the Neath team has not been decided upon. but the team will probably be similiar to that of last Wednesday. Neath should win by at least a couDle of tries.

FRIENDLY SOCIETY'S DIFFICULTY. The problem how to address a noble lord when the particular application is signed by more than one person once azitatedthe trus- tees of a friendly society who were writing to Lord Wolverton in his capacity as Postmaster- General. "My lord," was. of course, dismissed as ungrammatical. but what to substitute in its place was not so obvious. Eventually the difficulty was solved, and the letter, when it came into the hands of Lord Wolverton, com- menoed. "Our Lord."

TOO LATE 70 CLASSIFY. Wy. I.L-FrRKI,SHEl» Kooms to I*>t.—Apply 5^ Northinte-street. lioath. Cardiff. 460i5 "t*7"ANTED. f;xperienejed Barmaid; *vius<t<iiiip<l to H colliery district trade.—Apply Central Hotel, l'ontj-pridd. 459i5 CUEATp W..tM fr A!! Sdints', IP-artb, title mifrlit lie gin-n-Apply Vicar. 458i2 WANTED at once, C<«)t-Giraera!; able to waiu I I and iTOll, Also Housemaid, about 17; frood refe- rences indispensable.—'Apply Mrs. Williams, Lynwood, Stow Park, Jsev.jKjrt-, MOil. 72059 GENEKAL Servant Wanted; comfortable home. References, Mrs..Williams, 142, Caatle-road, Car- dift. 456i5 WANTED, Young: Man as Single-handed Butter; tirut-rate plate cleaner; strictly sober; under- stand ilaiitiil- t,hilJO. early riser; unmarried.—Apply, by letter, ftatinp waives, to W. Cubitt, Bumney House, Cardiff. 457zlt MANA(iEHEi>S.—Situation Wanted in -IStnsll Hotet"; 1.1. experienced; references.—E 36, Western Mail, Cardiff. 461i5 EX1jK1U1JN< EJU Nurse Wanted for Baby Six IL Weeks' Old —Apply Mrs. Hill, Kingswood, Cow. hridse-roBd, Cardiff. • 89392 WANTED, Middle JaiAuary, Gi-oon, help in garden.—Captain Gemis, Soethrog, Bwlch, Bre- 00ash ire. 452i5 PLAIN Cook Kequired for family of four.—Apply Mrs. Perkins, Kaplan Vicarage, Mon. 453i5 Ffi immediate Sfcle, in eonsequenee of ill-health, a progressive Practice; takings, £ 300, with con- siderable scope for increase.—Apply, first iifetauee, to Dr. Stevens, 41, Newport-roau, Cardiff. 454i5 WANTED immediately, respectable Woman! early riser, as Housekeeper.—10, Penartb-road, Car- dift. 455i2 COB, 6rrs, 14-3; Q'net ride and drive; sound; trial allowed. A teo aeed Cart Horse; good worker.— Hughe?, Tenpergwni, GIaw. 4717i7 GliOCERY—Wanted, smart .Tumor or Improver; references and wages.—Apply Progeer Broe., Abtianaan. 446i2 PASTRYCOOK and Confectioner.—Young Man Seelsj Situation; well up in pastry, cakes, and smalls; excellent reference —Apply Burrows, c/o J. laries Modem Bakery, Barry Dock. 448i5 WANTED, good Genera!.—State age, wages r.nd references Secretary, Temperance Hotel, Tra- degar. 449i5 WANTED, good General Servant.—Apply Mrs. t' iUiys Morns, 4, Gradg-terrace, Dowlais. 450i8 WANTED. Genera! Servant; small family.—Apply 183, Pearl-street, Bqtth, Cardiff. 451i5 SOL. PHILIPS (" Th« Firm ") PAWNBROKER. JEWELLER, SILVERSMITH. 43, CAROLINE-, r 43, CAROLINE-, STREET CARDIFF, Fr. A BARG-AIN.-Lady's Solid Geld Watek, 28e. M. (Albert included); warranted tkr4m years; sacrifice A BARGAIN.—Gent.'a 9ct. Geld Albert Uld. Seal, 45s. Also !Ja¡dy'. 9ct. Gobi Albert. 21s. A BA-RGAIN.-ISet. Gold Diamond EmgrasreaieBt Ring. 21s.; worth double. A BARGAIN.—Silver English Lever (by GrearM. Sheffield). 35s.; quite new; warrnt«d five years; great sacrifice. A BARGAIN.—Solid Silver Match Box. 3s. 9d- solid Silver Cigarette Case, 12s. 6d. A BARGAIN.-9ct. Solid Gold Erooclt., set with Pearls, 5s. 9d. v Also one set witk Diamond. 7s. 6d. A BARGAIN.—Lady's Sliver Watch (Albert in- cluded). 10s. 6d. 9ct. Solid Gold Scarf Pin, 4s. 6d. Set of Geld Frort Linke and Studs, 58. fed. ON APPROVAL. ("THE OLD FIBM "). SOL. PHILLIPS, 43. Q.4.RCtUNE-í)Tl\E&T, £ 4»ine,

dent Steyn's, but its realisation was delayed by Steyn being seriously wounded. On that occasion the ex-President was in sore straits, and narrowly escaped falling into the hands of the British. GENERAL COLVILE REACHES PLYMOUTH. Major-general Sir Henrf Colvile was among the passengers arriving this morning at Plymouth by the P. and O. steamer Britannia. KIMBERLETiTlNDUSTRY. Prosperous Despite the Siege. (CENTRAL. NEWS TELEGRAM.) KIMBERLEY, Friday. The annual meeting of the De Beers Mining Company was held here to-day, when a divi- dend of 20 per cent. for the half-year was declared. The annual report a-dmitB that the siege and the subsequent events have seriously affected the industry. Mr. Cecil Rhodes was not present. POSITION AT LYDENBURG. (PRESS ASSOCIATION WAR SPECIAL.) LYDENBURG, December 17th. Eight British subjects, who were staying at Pilgrim's Rest, asked the Boers if they might be allowed to come into Lydenburg. Consent was given, and they arrived a few days ago. They reported that provisions were scarce among the Boers, and that the field-cornet required everything for the men on mando in Brighstad Valley. Cannon firing has been heard near here, but no reports of fighting have come in. j»'