Evening Express

Telephone: Nat. 502. Post Office. 95 Tetegrams:" Express, Cardiff."

TRAM WRECKERS. Hooliganism is not comprehensive enough to describe the latest outrages that are going on in Cardiff. Seme vin- dictive people have taken upon them- selves, it would seem, the mission of wrecking life and property, and the Cardiff tramways are chosen for the scene of their operations. It is almost incredible that outrages of this descrip- tion should go on in our midst. Fortu- nately, so far each attempt to do any harm has been frustrated, but the orga- nised conspiracy to derail the tram cars is a very serious matter, and should be put down with a heavy hand. It is stated that the instigators of these acts, which might conceivably result in loss of life, are the men who were discharged by the corporation for incompetency. The state- ment is a. serious one, and it is difficult to account in any other way for the outrages. They are not the mischievous pranks ot boys. No lad who wishes merely to have a "bit of fun" out of it would take the trouble to hammer wedges in the grooves of the metals. The thing has been done deliberately and of set purpose to hinder the tram service. Perhaps those who are responsible for it never contemplated any- thing more serious than the derailment of a car, but it is obvious that the safety of passengers is endangered, and every means should be taken to bring the offenders to justice. -.0 The genial "Cochfarf's" premises at Bute-street have been the locale of an impromptu game of quoits. An intoxi- cated fellow came in and asked the bar- maid for soup, and as she declined to serve him he proceeded to give her beans by shying half-a-dozen plates at her. "Cochfarf" said most of his evenings were spent in standing sentry against men of that type. This is a waste of valuable time, and we hope Hooligan quoitists and the like will note that the defendant in thú; case was fined 10s., with damages 4s., or in default fourteen days.

Is there some kind of resurrection in progress, or "is visions about"? Another "Ancient Briton" has sprung up. This one is in the vicinity of Tunbridge Wetis, and is just as lively as his brother of Brithdir. As a contemporary sweetly says, "The lice and a number of people are now giving chase," so the poor fellow will have a lovely time.

What is the matter with the Cardiff I magistrates—the unpaid section, at any rate? There seems trouble in getting them together, and, when got together, in keeping them there. Our reporter speaks of a seductive place "across the road." Where) and what is this? The suggestion, reminds us of the "better land" of a well-known poem. But couldn't the genial J.P.'s "send across for it" ?

THE PING-PONG SEASON HAS COMMENCED. And hast thou really come again To set us by the ears? We hoped to have forgot thy name; But not so, it appears. We thought the bell had tolled ding-dong Above thy grave, ping-pong, ping-pong!

The Barry burglary—an even more impudent one than the recent double one at Llanishen--emphasises the necessity of householders seeing to their bolts and bars. Locks are clearly no safeguard; a bolt or a chain would have effectually foiled the cowardly blackguard who invaded the Barry house and relieved a lonely woman of her cash.

Since ministers and quiet folk Object to pugilists And seek to aim a master stroke At those who use their fists, A correspondent thinks that they Should seek some lonely spot Where "sports" at length could have their way And pound. each other hot. Our friend has looked upon the map To find a fitting ground. The Steep Holm—there it is, ker-slap! No better could be found!

Mainly About People. The Hon. Mrs. Prideaux Brune has not long survived her mother, the venerable Lady Carew, who some little time ago died near Waterford in her 103rd year. Mrs. Prideaux Brune died on Friday morning in her 79th year. She was the second daughter of the first Lord Carew of Castle Borough. County Wexford, and married Mr. Charles Prideaux Brune, Lord of the Manor of Pads tow, as long ago as 1844i. since when she has mostly lived at Prideaux Place, the Cornish seat of the family, which has been the home of the Prideaux Brunes since the reign of Henry VIII. The deceased lady had very much endeared her- seif to those amongst whom she lived. She was foremost in all kindly and philanthropic deeds, and locally was of much importance in the Primrose League, being Dame President of the Padstow Habitation. She had enjoyed excellent health till within two weeks of her death. Major-general H. L. Smith-Dorrien, D.S.O., whofle marriage to Miss Olive Croftoa Schneider, daughter of Colonel Schneider, of Oak Lee, Furneat Abbey, has been one of the most interesting of recent social events, is wtwt. favourably known for hit work in South

PUBliC NOTIOE". "A Legacy of Hate" (By the author of "The Final War ") will Qommence in the "EVENING EXPRESS" NEXT SATURDAY, "A LEGACY OF HATE," NEXT SATURDAY, "A LEGACY OF HATE," NEXT SATURDAY, "A LEGACY OF HATE," (Illustrated by our Own Artist). T Mr. LOUIS TRACY'S stories, "The Final War," "The American Empero. and "The Strange Disappearance of Lady Delia," have a world-wide reputation, and liaTe earned for their author a position in the very first rank of imaginative story-writers. Mr. TRACY'S greatest success was achieved with The Final War," to the appearance of which, in serial form, the present position of one of the leading penny weeklies may be attributed. Mr. TRACY, who has only recently returned from a voyage round the world, has been con- nected in an editorial capacity with many prominent newspapers in different parts of the country. All his stories have run through several editions, and been translated into several languages. THE LEGACY OF HATE," the latest story from his pen, is quite the most powerful that he has yet produced, and the brilliancy of the conception of the leading character has not been excelled since Oonan Doyle produced Sherlock Holmes."

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS. The following are the readings since ftte o'clock last evening, as given by the barometer in the vestil>u19 of the "Evening Express." St. Mary-street, Cardiff, which is 33ft. above ipeau Ilea level. § y.*i. op. 30-5; '1- •7I »♦#»♦♦♦•♦»•• ••♦*•••••••♦ •«••••••••- — -'1i" 0.2JI

TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.! Cars Derailed at Cardiff OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE METALS. It seems that during the past two or three months repeated attempts have been made in Cardiff to throw the electric cars off the rails. There can be little doubt that this despicable practice :a organised, for the situation chosen for the attempts at derailment have been where traffic is fairly heavy and where much damage to property, possibly accompanied by loss of life and injury to limbs, would have been done had the scheme succeeded. For this purpose wedges of various descriptions have been inserted in the somewhat large groove of the tram metals, and in several cases cars had become derailed, but, happily, at a time when the speed has not been great. Neverthe- less, the danger of the wicked practice remains, and its conception speaks of a. hooli- gan-like disregard for life and limb. In one case, under Salisbury-road Bridge, a piece of iron 6in. long, laid lengthways, sent the car off the track. Shortly afterwards a bolt 12in. long and half an inch thick was placed in the groove of the Grangetown section just at its most dangerous part-the Clarence Bridge. What would have happened had the car been going rapidly at this point can be best imagined. The wheels, however, passed over the obstruction, and the only trouble was in getting the iron out. The third recorded attempt was made in Tudor-road, where, apparently, a hammer-head had been wedged in so tightly that it took half an hour of energetic work to remove it. There have been several minor attempts to derail cars in Bute- street, and the only conclusion the tramways committee of the corporation can arrive at is that these offences have been at least instigated by certain sections of incompetent and careless former employee, some sixty of whom have been dismissed during the time the corporation have taken over the cars. A reward of £10 for information is offered.

THE EISTEDDFOD. -4 Result of Male Voice Competition. CARDIFF CHOlTs CLAIM TO THE AWARD. Time is slow in healing the injured feelings of those who felt that an injustice was done the Cardiff Male Voice Choir at Bangor in their being deprived of the prize and the honour of its winning. It is stated on the authority of one of the oldest and certainly not the least able musicians in Wales—from whom we have received a communication- that there was a concensus of opinion among musicians that the prize ought to have come to Cardiff. This gentleman gives the names of those who were heard to declare that a mistake had been made in placing Manchester first. But he does not give us authority to use those names, and in the circumstances it would be a breach of faith ifwe did so. The great point made by Mr. Roderick Williams in seeking to prove his title to the victory is that his (the Cardiff) choir kept in perfect tune through the two test pieces, and that all the other choirs, including Man- cheeter, failed to do this. According to the adjudication of Dr. Parry the Manchester choir fell half a tone, but to what extent this should have influenced the adjudicators in coming to their final decision as to the best all-round performance is a matter known only to the adjudicators themselves, and with them rested the sole power to determine whether this fault of falling half a tone should put the Manchester choir out of the competition. It was purely a question of fitting the penalty to the crime, and those who are interested in what appears to be developing into a con- troversy would, no doubt, like to have their memories refreshed with the actual text of the adjudication as it was given in reference to the Manchester and Cardiff choirs. These were the words as taken by our special corre- spondent at the eisteddfod, the accuracy of which has not been questioned:- CARDIFF CHOIR. MANCHESTER CHOIR. The adjudicator declared Vo. 10 (Manchester) gave that the first choir (Car- the fullest, richest, and the difT> opened full and strong, most tuneful opening of any the harmonies and the of the preceding choirs. In phrasing being specially the Mel.delssohn piece they good in the Mendelssohn kept good time, were piece, though in page 13 alwavs in perfect tune, they were a little flat. Their troad and majestic' In rendering of the Sullivan and the voices were riece was a nioa finished the most organ-like of all. performance. They kept 'fhe climax wa3 grand. In perfectly in tIInp. all the Sullivan chorus the through the work, and this harmonies were pure, the was .he only chair In the hautihl chromatic con- competition that had done cords and discords perfect, this. tna their total gradations beautiful. They were equally successful In both pieces, though In the Sul- livan piece they fell halt a tone. No comment is needed on the above adjudi- cation, as it carries its own clear meaning. However, we will give the statement made by the musical correspondent to whom we have already alluded:—"It is clear," he says, "that the basis of adjudication has considerably changed of late. For some time the adjudica- tors at the National and other eisteddfodau have held that if a choir goes out of tune it should be left out of the competition. Now. in this contest, the Cardiff party excelled all other choirs in intonation, whereas the win- ning choir went out of tune-at any rate, Dr. Parry declared that the Manchester choir fell half a tone in the Sullivan piece. I contend that a choir that keeps a perfect intonation without sacrificing anything should stand a chance of being first rather than a. choir that goes half a tone out of tune. The adjudicators stated that in the Sullivan chorus the har- monies of the Manchester choir were pure, the beautiful chromatic concords and discords perfect, and their gradations beauti- ful. Now, this could not be if, as the adjudicators say, the singing of the Manchester choir went down half a tone. The successful choir, as a matter of fact, commenced singing Sullivan's The long day closes' in 'E' flat, and ended their render- ing in 'D' natural, and they had. therefore, been singing wrong notes right through the piece. In my opinion choral competitions can only be properly judged by such musi- cians as Dr. Mackenzie, who has had con- siderable experience in choral singing. According to the adjudication the Cardiff Ohoir ought to have been awarded the first prize. It would also have been more satis- factory if the adjudicators had agreed to mention the positions occupied by the non- successful choirs in the contest." Of course, it is only fair' to add that Mr. Roderick Williams also made a point of the fact that tite Manchester choir introduced into their singing that warmth, enthusiasm, and even shouting that has been so often con- demned at the National Eisteddfodau of recent years, and that his choir would have had no difficulty in singing in that style, but they had done that which Welsh choirs had, so often been. advised to do by tke English critics, vis" cultivate- repression. Therefore, what be (Mr. Williams) complained of was that in this com- petition the adjudicators did not adhere to that standard which they had set up for choral singing in Wales. Mr. Williams fur- ther claimed that it was only fair that there should be a uniformity of standard, so that conductors might know where they stood.

RAILWAY TO THE PERSIAN GULF A Constantinople report says:—An under- standing has been arrived at with the French financial institutions which are to participate in finding the capital required for the con- struction of the Baghdad Railway. The Germans now contemplate approaching British capitalists as regards their share in the undertaking, but here a serious difficulty presents itself, namely, the question of Koweit. the proposed terminus of the Koniah- Baghdad line. "What are Great Britain's intentions," it is asked in German circles, with regard to Koweit ? Is the present posi- tion there to be maintained?" Because if so Turkey, it is argued, will hardly consent to the terminus being at Koweit.-Reuter.

SCOTCH RAILWAYS AND COAL I RATES, At a meeting in Glasgow on Tuesday of the proprietors of the Glasgow and. South Western Railway the Chairman intimated that the three Scotch railways had come to a mutual ¡ settlement with the coalmasters regarding the increased haulage rates. The railway companies had granted the coalmasters four months rebate out of 22 months increased rates, but no compensation had been paid to the coalmasters.—Mr. Harrington. of Man- chester, said that the American railways, by using iO-tori wagons, were running trains at one half less cost than British railways. British wagons would be considered obsolete in America.—The Chairman said their difficulty in employing higher capacity wagons was lack of facilities at the docks. The directors, how- ever. had given orders for more powerful loco- motives, and were considering the question of wagoua. j

BREWER'S MANAGER Found Dead at Merthyr. BODY FOUND IN PWLL TAF. ] The body of Mr. Thomas Morris, manager of the Pontycapel Brewery—one of the oldest established firms in the district—was found in the River Taff at a part known as Pwll Taf, a point which has become almost historic since the construction of the railway by the Car- diff Corporation to their waterworks at Cwm- taf. by reason of the deaths that have taken place there. It is a bend which forms almost a right-angle of the river, over which the tem- porary railway of the Cardiff Corporation runs to the works, and Nature has made in the bed a pool of the most romantic descrip- tion, which has for many generations been an attraction for expert swimmers. Within the last two years at least two accidents have occurred at this spot. Twelve months ago a man walking along the Cardiff tramway fell over the edge thereof, a distance of 8Cft.. and met an instantaneous death; and shortly afterwards a man poaching for fish with dynamite had his right arm blown off in a manner that remains to this day a mystery. No greater surprise could have come upon cither the district of Cefn or the whole of Merthyr Tydfil, where he was so thoroughly well known, than the death of Mr. Thomas Morris, for no more genial man resided in the district. The firm with which he was connected, so closely allied with the family of Pearce, had been almost a house- hold word for the last half century. Mr. Morris himself began his connection with the firm as a lad when the late Mr. Pearce. sen.. was in business as a grocer at 101, High-street, Merthyr-a business which, with others, has since been taken over by Messrs. W. Harris and Son. Subse- quent to this date Mr. Pearce joined in partnership with Mr. Shapton in the control of the Pontycapel Brewery, and ever since then Mr. Morris, who was about 56 years of age at the time of his death, took prac- tically the leading part in the management of the concern—for the last 40 years. When old Mr. Pearce died the late Mr. Harry Pearce, a well-known gentleman in art circles- himself an artist of great ability—succeeded him. Mr. Morris still retained control with great business tact, and so continued until the end. In recent months a new heir had come to the property. Mr. Morris seemed to be in his usual health even up to last Saturday and Sunday, and on Sunday evening attended Cefn Church as usual. From inquiries we have made, it ap- pears that he was missing from home the latter part of Monday, and on Tuesday morning Mr. Pearce was surprised to find that the letters in the office had not been opened by Mr. Morris, who was always the most methodical of men. As Mr. Morris had not been home on Monday night the police were notified of the fact on Tuesday, and Police-sergaant Winterson caused the river to be d,ragged, Mr. Morris's hat and coat having been seen on the bank. The search was prosecuted with great vigour, and during the afternoon the body was found in the pool known as Pwll Taf in about twenty feet of water, and about 200 yards above the brewery. The remains were flrsrt taken to the brewery and then to Tanbryn, where the deceased gentleman resided. Cefn feels that it has lost one of its foremost and energetic residents, for in no department of public life has any citizen been more to the front than Mr. Thomas Morris. In all forms of public administrative work Mr. Morris took an active part. He was a parish councillor, and a member of the Merthyr Board of Guardians. He was a member of the Breconshire County Council, and he was often called upon to advise on matters relating to the district so closely allied to the important industrial town of Merthyr. During one year of office he was an ex-officio justice of the peace for Bre- conshire, being chairman of the Vaynor and Penderyn Rural District Council.

IRISH REMOUNT CASE. Further Evidence of Mr. Douglas Grand. At Ennis Police-court on Tuesday further evidence was given in support of charges of conspiracy and fraud preferred against Major Studdert and others in connection with the purchase of remounts for the Imperial Yeo- manry. I Douglas H. Grand, formerly of Snepperd and Grand, Liverpool, was re-oalled, and his oross-eiamination by Mr. Moriarty for the defendants concluded. He remembered get- ting a telegram from Lord Lonsdale on the 6th of January, 19Q0, stating that he (Lord Lonsdale) heard Oolonel Roberts was going to Liverpool to inspect the horses, and add- ing: "1 look upon you as my agent, and I decline to allow any interference with the horses or their selection. I will go down as soon as I a.m able, but will be responsible for nothing but what I do myself." Follow- ing that message. witness said he wired Colonel St. Quinton that he considered the horses the property of Lord Lonsdale, and would not brand them without his instruc- tions. Three shillings a day was allowed for the keep of each horse, and witness farmed out a contract, making a profit of a shilling each per day in respect of a number of horses. He could not say what he got for his own horses. The case was not concluded when the court rose.

INDIAN RAILWAY ACCIDENT. The total number of bodies of victims of the accident to the Madras mail near Manga- patan. which have been recovered up to the present is 62. The injured include the Rev. Father Bernard and the Bishop of Quilon. The latter was slightly hurt.—Renter.

ALLEGED PRIZE-FIGHTERS ARRESTED On Tuesday afternoon William Jones. 91. Mandoline-cellers, Pontygwr.ith, and John Da vies. 9, Thomas-street, Tylorstown, were brought up before Mr. D. Thomas at Fern- dale and charged with taking part in a prize- fight the previous morning. It is alleged that a prise-fight between the defendants had been arranged to take place on the Rhondda Fach side of Penrhys Mountain, and it appears that a good number of people had assembled to see the encounter. Informa- tion of the proposed fight reached the police, and the arrest of the parties was effected before the actual beginning of the contest. The men were remanded, and will be brought before the bench at Porth to-morrow (Thurs- day).

AUTUMN ASSIZES AT SWANSEA The commission for the Glamorgan Autumn Assizes at Swansea, over which the Hon. Mr. Justice Bucknill. Knight, will preside, has been fixed for Saturday, November 15. The first set of petty jurors will commencc attendance on Monday. November 17. and the special jurors on Monday, November 24.

NEWPORT FREE LIBRARY The statistics for the month of August were:—Central Library: Open 25 days; volumes isaued, 8.950, an increase of 177 over the corresponding period last year, with a •daily average issue of 238 volumes. Maindee branch: 1.150 volumes isaued, a daily average of 46. Total issues at central and branch lending and reference libraries, 10,100, an increase of 219. with a daily average issue of 404. Fifty-eight cards were granted to new borrowers. Highest number of persons counted in the central reading-room at one time, 129.

THE NATIONAL DEBT According to a. return relative to the National Dett. the gross liabilities of the State, which amounted ou the olat of March 1901. to £705.723.878. were increased on balance in the succeeding twelve months to £768.443.386. or by £62.719,508. In 1860 the National Debt stood at £ 8?o, 153,815. In 1899 it had declined to £ 62^,562,583.

PRETTY WEDDING. Brilliant Ceremony at Carmarthen, MR. OWEN PHILLIPS UNITED TO MISS MAI MORRIS. The principal thoroughfares of Carmarthen on Tuesday were gay with beautiful garlands I and bunting-embleD18 of the hearty goodwill of the inhabitants towards Mr. Owen Philipps, of Amroth Castle, Pembrokeshire, and Miss Mai Morris, of Coomb, Carmarthenshire, whose marriage was solemnised at St. Peter's Church at 1.30 o'clock. The interesting event, r Mr. OWEN PHILIPPS. Miss MAI MORRIS. I had been keenly anticipated locally, and. as the whole arrangements were on a very elaborate scale, the crowded congregation who witnessed the nuptial ceremony may be said to have taken part in one of the grandest weddings which have ever taken place in the borough. The bridegroom, Mr. Owen Philippa. is well known in South Wales as the brother of Mr. J. Wynford Philipps, M.P. for Pem- brokeshire, and as an aspirant for Parliamen- tary honours in more than one constituency in the Principality. He is the third son of the Rev. Canon Sir James Erasmus Philipps, Bar: of Barnard's Cross, Salisbury, and Mary Margaret, daughter of the late Rev. Hon. Samuel Best, and grand-daughter of Lord Wynford, who was Lord Chief Justice from 1824 to 1829. The family genealogy is a most interesting record, traceable to Cadifor ap Colwyn. lord of Dyfett. who died in 1084. and. through the lords of Kilsant and the Philippses of Picton, to the present holder of the title, the twelfth since the creation of the baronetcy in 1621. Mr. Owen Philipps is chairman of the King Line of steamers, and has twice unsuccessfully contested at Parlia- mentary elections, the first time in the Mont- gomery Boroughs in 1896, when he was defeated by 85 votes, and afterwards at Darlington in 1898. The bride is the elder daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Morris, J.P., D.L., of Coomb, high-sheriff of Carmarthenshire in 1882. who died in 1894, and Alice (Mrs. Morris), only damghter of Mr. James John Lloyd. second son of the late Mr. Thomas Lloyd, of Bronwydd. lord marcher, twenty-second lord of the Barony of Kernes by right of tenure, and grandfather of the present lord marcher, Sir Marteine Lloyd, Bart. The bride's grand- mother on the maternal side was Susan, daughter of the late Mr. David Arthur Saunders-Davies, M.P., of Pentre, Pembroke- shire, whilst on the paternal side she is the grand-daughter of the late Mr. W. Morris, M.P for Carmarthen Boroughs, who married Magdalene, only daughter of the late Mr. Sackville Gwynne, of Glanbrane, and it was at the house of her grandmother (Mrs. Reid), who now resides in Carmarthen, that the reception was held after the wedding. The church had been most profusely and beauti-, fully adorned with flowers and evergreens, an-:I a large proportion of the sittings had been reserved for the invited guests, who comprised a very fashionable company. Daring the wait preceding the arrival of the bride the time was enlivened with selections on the organ by Mr. II. F. Ellingford, and during the ceremony the spectacle in the sacred edifice was very charming, the sun- shine enhancing the gay colours of the ladies' costumes. The nuptials were solemnised by the Rev. Canon Sir J. Erasmus Philipps, Bart, (father of the bridegroom), who was assisted by the Lord Bishop of St. David's, the Bishop of Swansea, the Archdeacon of Carmarthen, the Rev. Prebendiary Rhys. Lloyd (Troed- yraur), and the Rev. W. Llewelyn Rees (Llan- gunnock). The bride, who was given away by her uncle. Sir Marteine Lloyd, Bart., was attired, and looked remarkably pretty, in a very handsome gown of ivory duchesse eatin, with bodice of accordion chiffon and satin Empire belt, her full Court train being of ivory satin covered entirely with Honiton point lace, rouches of chiffon and long trails of orange blossom and myrtle. The costly lace was the gift of the bride's mother, it having been used on her own wedding dress. She also wore a plain tulle veil and a wreath of orange blossoms, and carried a bouquet of white flowers, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridemaids were Miss Gwladys Morris (sister of the bride). Miss Nesta Lloyd, Miss Peveril Lloyd, and Miss Joan Lloyd (cousins of the bride), and Miss Marjory Philipps and Miss Andrea Smallpiece (nieces of the bridegroom), whilst Master Grismond Philipps acted as page. The bridemaids looked a very hand- some group in costumes of white ivory satin. with white chiffon fichus, large white picture hats trimmed with white ostrich feathers, and they carried bouquets of crimson roses and wore leek brooches of green and white enamel, the gifts of the bridegroom. The best man was Mr. Bertram Philipps, brother of the bridegroom. After the service, which was fully choral, Mr. Ellingford played the Wedding March, and the invited guests, about 400 in number, proceeded to the reception held at Mrs. Reid's residence in Spilman- street. where a spacious marqnee had been erected for their accommodation. Later in the afternoon the happy pair left, amid many felicitous greetings, by special train for Good- wick, the bride's going-away gown being of pale grey voile, incrusted with white English embroidery and guipure. the latest Parisian mode. She also wore a black picture hat and long white coat trimmed with lace. The bride's mother wore a black satin gown trimmed with point d'Alencon lace, and .carried a bouquet of mauve orchids, the gift of the bride.

WOMEN LABOUR. Discussion at British Association. UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE FOR COMMERCE. Such good progress was made on Tuesday with papers and discussions at the British Association meetings at Belfast that several of the sections were able to conclude their work in the afternoon, but others will not complete their tastf until to-day (Wednesday). Factory Legislation and Women's Labour. In the economic science section, Mr. E. W. Brabrook, chairman of the committee appointed to investigate the economic effect of legislation regulating women's labour, pre- sented the second report of that committee. It embodied long and elaborate reports from investigators in several districts where women are. largely employed. These included con- tributions by Professor S. J. Chapman with reference to the cotton industry of Lanca- shire, Mr. A. A. Bowley on the textile indus- tries of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Miss B. L. Hutcbings on the industries of Birming- ham, Mr. G. H. Wood on the boot and shoe trades of Bristol and Kingswood, Mr. R. Hal- trades of Bristol and Kingswood, Mr. R. Hal- stead on the trades of Leicester and North- ampton, Miss Hadley on the industries of II Canning Town and the Isle of Dogs. There were also reports with reference to factory legislation and women's work in I Switzerland, Holland, Hungary, Finland, I Austria, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Mr. Brabrook added that the committee proposed to extend their observations during the com- ing year. Miss B. L. Hutchings read an historical account of the regulation of home work I between 1864 to 1901. Miss A. Harrison followed with a paper on I the administration of the Factory and Work- shop Act by local sanitary authorities. It was probable that more control would have to be exercised by the central authority over the local bodies to compel them to appoint an adequate number of inspectors of work- shops. This might be done by the method of grants-in-aid. the Government contributing towards the salaries of the inspectors, with power to withdraw the grant in case the local authorities did not come up to the required standard of efficiency. A paper was next contributed by Miss H. Blackburn on Nature's Economies." She reminded the section incidentally that the British Association itself formerly excluded women from its membership and meetings. The writer of the paper pointed out that factory legislation and the extension I of machinery had seriously encroached upon the home industries of women. Factories bad swallowed up what were formerly domestic processes, and the home was no longer a school of female work. She objected to class legislation which, under the name of protection, really handicapped working women in their employments. Mr. Bowley said the investigators in the inquiries carried on for the committee had constantly found that they could not isolate the effects of the Factory Acts from other industrial problems. The effects of their inquiry would, therefore, probably not be all shown in their immediate reports, but might If afterwards bear fruit in side issues. Professor Gonner, in reply to some conten- tions in Miss Blackburn's paper, said the wages of women had not been reduced owing to factory legislation, but their labour had been rendered more efficient and their health improved through that cauae. Professor Chapman said lie had not found in the course of a careful investigation in ) Lancashire that women had suffered in the cotton industry through the effects of factory legislation. The debate was continued at some length. Miss Norah Vyne, in replying on behalf of Miss Blackburn, said legislative restrictions were, unfortunately, imposed only against poor working women who had to earn a live- lihood for themselves and their families, and whose industrial value was diminished by so- called protective measures and conditions which hindered them from getting work. A Universal Language. Cariosity attracted a considerable audience I to the educational science section, where the first business on the programme was an address by Sir Frederick Bramwell. Bart.. F.R.S.. an ex-presldent of the British Asso- ciation. on the subject of "A Universal Language." The learned baronet does not intend to propose any new language for the I world such as Volapuk, his suggestion simply being that England, France, Germany, and the United States, should agree upon one I language, such as Ita!ian. which could be universally used for the purpose of commerce and literature. Hie said it would be an obvious advantage if his men wuo had to travel over I Europe were able to conduct their transactions I' in one language commonly used by all for such purposes instead of iravellers and merchants having to speak English, French, German, and possibly also some other Continental languages. Sir Frederick anticipated that some critics would ask why English should not become the universal language of commerce. but he pointed out that internal jealousies of the Great Powers would prevent the general adoption by consent of English, French, or German, but there would probably be no such feeling if Italian were selected, and that language, springing from the Latin, would be easily acquired. The Teaching of English. In the same section a paper was read by Pro- fessor P. J. Hartog, of Owens College, Man- chester. upon the teaching of English. He pointed out that whilst our education had hitherto been almost exclusively literary, the use of the mother-tongue had been very badly taught. It was notorious how inarticulate our boys were, and how weak in the art of expressing themselves on paper. He pleaded for the rational and systematic teaching of English in English schools. Professor Minchin afterwards discoursed upon the too common neglect of English grammar. Antarctic Exploration. Dr. H. R. Mill interested the geographical section with a comprehensive historical nar- rative of the various Antarctic expeditions. Mr. W. S. Bruce followed with an address, illustrated by lantern slides, upon the Sot- ti h national Antarctic expedition. During the summer an attempt would be made to reach as far south as possible without incur- ring the risk of the ship becoming frozen into I the ice in the winter, for it was intended, by keeping the ship free during that season, to continue the scientific work up to and out- side the limit of the polar sea. Few people realised tke immense unknown area of the south polar regions within which no human being had ever penetrated, but an idea of this area could be obtained when we found that it was possible to include in that are?, two-and-a-half Europes or three Australias. The land area of Antarctica was probably as great as the continent of Australia, but we knew only a fringe of the coast-line along a limited extent, and knew nothing at all of the interior. Astronomical Section. The astronomical section showed much interest in an exhibition of celestial photo- graphs from the Yerkes Observatory, where there is the largest telescope in the world, with forty inches of aperture. In the same section Professor G. Forbes (London) submitted a paper on a new range- finder, with special reference to the result of actual tests in the field. He had trekked in the recent war 300 miles in eleven days, the range-finder being always slung at his saddle. Each day he had been called upon for dis- tances. It never took a minute to dismount, set up the finder, and give'the first range, subsequent ranges being given in a. few seconds. In two days he was ijti action, and gave the ranges quickly and accurately, and undoubtedly improved the shooting. The amount of jolting in long gallops never put the range-finder out of order.

DISMISSAL OF COLLIERS. Important Case Heard at Aberdare. A case of considerable importance was heard at Aberdare Police-court on Tues- day (before the stipendiary, Mr. T. Mar- chant Williams, and Dr. David Davies). The complainant was William Reed, who claimed £1 16s. from the Powell Duffryn Coal Com- pany for alleged wrongful dismissal. Mr. W. P. Nicholas (Pontypridd) appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. C. Kenshole (Aberdare) defended.—Mr. Nicholas stated that it devolved upon him to ask his worship to determine the power bestowed by the law upon a company in connection with the tendering of notices to workmen- Reed was. engaged as an ordinary labourer at the beginning of the present year at the defen- dants' Aberaman colliery. On the night of the 8th of January last he and another labourer, named Bishop, were ordered by the fireman to proceed to a certain stall" to remove some rubbish. At about 9.20 the official in question called, and made another visit at 3.25, when he found the men in the act of taking their food. In reply to a question by the fireman as to how long they had been eating. Reed answered to the effect that just a little while before a man had gone by who told them that it was then one o'clock, an observation which led the fireman to say that the labourers had been eating between one o'clock and 3.25, that he would only give them half a turn for the night, and that they would be dismissed for not doing enough work. The matter ulti- mately resulted in a deputation of the work- men waiting on the manager (Mr. Jones) to try to bring about a re-instatement of Reed and Bishop, but that gentleman decided to pay them their full turn for the night in question and to dismiss them. The defence was that even at 9.25 the fireman told the men they had hardly done up to then half. an hour's work, a com- plaint which he repeated at 3.25, with the addition that the whole quantity of work performed could have been done in two and a half hours.—At this juncture the learned Stipendiary intervened, and said the company were not justified in dismissing the men under the circumstances.-The Bench found for the plaintiff, with the usual costs.

MISHAP TO A MAIL TRAIN. Owing to a breakage, insigni&cantjn itself, the 8.55 up mail train from Swansea to Lou- don 011 Tuesday night was delayed for an hour and a half at Briton Ferry. It. v.as after twelve o'clock when the mail, due at 10.35, reached Cardiff. A second engine had to be sent for to Swansea, and the first one removed. The up traffic was naturally con- siderably disarranged, but the down traffic wat much leas interfered with by the mishap.

ELECTRIC ENERGY. Continuous Current at Cardiff. THE PROSPECTS OF THE UNDERTAKING When the Cardiff Corporation obtained a Provisional Order to supply electrical energy for lighting and for motor power the majo- rity of the engineers were in favour of the alternating system as against continuous current. It has, however, been found in practice that the latter method of distribu- tion is the better, and, consequently, the Car- diff Lighting and Electrical Committee have resolved to "change over," a process which many other towns have found necessary. The Central and Docks districts at Cardiff are now turned over, and yesterday Alderman Carey, the chairman of the lighting and elec- trical committee, manipulated the switch which supplies the energy throughout the centre of the town and the Docks district, outside, of course, the private property of the Cardiff Railway Company. In addition to Alderman Carey and the officials, there were present in the basement of the Cardiff Fish Market, a portion of which has been turned into a sub-station, Aldermen David Jones and Ramsdale, and Messrs. T. Andrews, Good, and Mildon. Alderman Carey stated that at the present moment the committee were supplying 57.000 eight candle-power lamps in Cardiff. The great advantage of continuous current was that they could obtain through it not only light, but power. With alternating current it was necessary to have transformer boxes, by which 10 to 25 per cent. of the energy gene- rated was lost. With continuous current they would be able to get rid of nearly all the transformers, and such an accident as that which occurred in Custom House-street a few days ago would be rendered impossible. Although the transfer had been expensive, he was certain that finally it would be a great advantage to the inhabitants. Mr. Ellis explained that directly the con- tinuous current was set going the committee could supply the Mount Stuart Dry Docks, and other works could be connected both tor lighting and power. Subsequently he stated that the Mount Stuart Company were sup- plied at Id. per unit, which left a good margin of profit. Alderman Carey then started the machinery, Mr. Andrews (ex-mayor) putting in motion one of the balancers for regulating current. In replying to the toast of his health, pro- posed in complimentary terms by Alderman Ramsdale. and supported by Alderman David Jones. Alderman Carey referred to the initial difficulties in connection with electric lighting, but he thought they were yet better off than the people of such towns as Bradford, Leeds, and Liverpool. Those towns allowed the powers to go out of their own hands and had to pay the companies on an average JB206 per cent, of capital in order to get the control in their own hands. The coat of the Cardiff works at that time was £98,000, but if they allowed private enterprise to come in the company, feeling sure that they would be bought out, would probably runt the expenditure up to £200,000. Another important point was that the corporation could not run electric cars without consulting the company which would have a foothold in Cardiff. Alderman Carey concluded by proposing the health of Mr. Ellis, whose work he highly commended. Mr. Morgan Thomas paid a graceful tribute to the chairman of the lighting and electrical committee and to Mr. Ellis. In replying, Mr. Ellis stated that at the conference of electrical engineers Alderman Carey could discuss abstruse questions of lighting and power with anybody. He \Mr. Ellis) had seen certain articles in the "Wes- tern Mail" in reference to municipal trad- ing. It was not his duty to reply to anonymous correspondents, but he would ask, Was there any town in the coun- try supplying electric light and power at lower prices than Cardiff? The committee were only charging one penny per unit for large quantities, whereas some of the London companies were charging 9d. to Is. Ho asked the members of the corporation present whether the cheap rate at which power could be supplied was not likely to induce manu- facturers to settle down in the town? (Jar- diff stood in a very happy position. The electrical committee had just turned the corner, and there was every prospect of the profits increasing year after year. With the continuous supply they would do ten times better. Alderman Jones (incredulously): Ten times? Mr. Ellis: Yes, ten times If you take out the amount of current which we sell and compare it with the capacity you will find that the plant in Eldon-road is not used more than two hours a day. With continuous current manufacturers and others will take a supply for fourteen to sixteen hours a day. "Take the tramways," said Mr. Ellis, "We are making current at one halfpenny per unit because our cars are running fourteen to sixteen hours a. day. Then at Canton we have two hours a day. but that cannot be avoided at present, because you havp to keep a supply on the lines." Continuing, Mr. Ellis said, "We arc not the least afraid of any company such as the South Wales Electrical Power Company. What they can do we can do, and I think we can go one better. Their nearest station is Treforest, and it must coat them something to send down their energy. We are on the spot. and, consequently, in a better position." When that company was formed something was said about the generating station being in the centre of the coalfields, but Mr. Ellis pointed out, that the carriage made up an infinitesimal fraction per unit. Dealing with electric lighting. Mr. Ellis said Dealing with electric lighting, Mr. Ellis said tha.t it hadi been stated that out of a population of 164,000 only 500 were connected with the mains. That was a very unfair way of stating the case. There were not 164,000 houses in Cardiff, and each person would not require a light, to himself or her- self. as the case might be. The corporation were supplying over 500 houses, and that meant, according to the Registrar-General's return, about 30.000 inhabitants. The com- parison which had been made was altogether unfair. The health of Alderman Ramsdale was then drunk, and the proceedings terminated.

CLEVER FORGERS. Two University Men sent to Prison. At- the Old Bailey on Tuesday (before the Common Serjeant) Gerald, Kennaway (31) and Herbert Kennaway (33), both university men, were indicted on charges of forging a cheque for JE185 and an exchange i ce for a similar amount on the London City and Midland Bank, and of conspiring to defraud. The allegations were that the prisoners were two of the most expert forgers that had come under the observation of the police in recent years, and they were proved to be in posses- sion of keys with duplicates of safes at various safe deposit establishments. The jury, after a two days' trial, found the prisoners guilty.—Warder Cook proved a previous conviction against Gerald Kennaway in connection with uttering a cheque for £ 1,000.—Mr. Gill said prisoners had in their possession a number of cheque-books, the proceeds of robberies and burglaries at Hatton-garden and various railway stations. —Inspector Holmes said prisoners were known as associates of the th" ves who committed those crimes. Though lltroert Kennaway had not been convicted before, he was the cleverer of the two brothers. He had assumed such artful and clever disguises that he had suo cceded in completely baffling detection down to the present time. They had been con- cerned, amongst other things, in bogus betting agencies.—The Common Serjeant said this was one of the most deliberate schemes of forgery he had ever tried. He sentenced each prisoner to seven years' penal servitude.

LADY'S HAT ON FIRE AT BLACKPOOL An exciting scene was witnessed on the Blackpool Promenade. A smoker on one of the cars threw a lighted wax match into the street. It fell into an open carriage contain- ing Mr. and Mrs. Allison, of Wood-green. Lon- don. and their two nieces. Miss Bertha Har- rop and Miss Juliet Harrop. The match caught the hat of Miss Bertha, and in a moment it was ablaze. Mr. Allison caught hold of the burning headgear, and succeeded in extinguishing the flames before any great injury had been done.

HARBOUR MASTER BURIED AT SEA A remarkable burial at sea took place on Tuesday off the Goodwin Sands, the body of Captain Richard Marsden, R.N.R., for nine- teen years harbourmaster at Gravesend. also a J.P. for Kent. being committed to the deep j at his express wish, although his death took place at his residence, Overcliffe, Gravesend. The body, enclosed in an oak coffin and lead shell, was conveyed by the steam tug Britan- nia in the direction of the Goodwin Sands. When shot into the water the coffin was caught by a wave. and 'Boated some yards before disappearing. t

VALE OF GLAMORGAN Agricultural Society's Show. SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION AT COWBRIDGE. As reported in our Extra and later editions yesterday. The eleventh annual show of the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Society, held on Tues- day at Cowbridge, was the most successful of the series which have been held since the more extensive "Glamorgan" Show, formerly stationary at Cowbridge, became a peripatetio institution. The following were the prize awards: — CATTLE. HEREFORD CREED. Class I.-Bull calved in 1S99 or 1900: 1st. P. Jenkins, Flemingstone Court; 2nd, W. R. Board. Grsat Frampton. Class 2.-Bull calved in 1901: 1st, T. Watts, Llanrai- hnngel Place; 2nd, J. Williams, Pitcot, St. Bride's Maior. cbs; 3.-BulI calf calved In 1902: 1st. T. Evans, Bur- donsuill, Wenvoe; 2nd, J. Lewis, Bricram. Class 4.—Cow in calf or milk: 1st, D. Jenkins; 2nd, T. Gecrsre, The Deri. Whitchurch. Class 5.—Heifer calved in 1900: 1st, J. Lewis, Brigam, Cowbridge; 2nd. E. Williams, Penmark. Class 6.—Heifer calved in 1901: 1st, E. Williams; 2nd, T. Evans. Class 7.—Heifer calf calved in 1902: 1st, T. Evans; 2nd, J. Lewis. FJ-IORTHORN BREED. Class 9.-18t. R. Thomas. Boverton Place; 2nd, J. B. VVayman, Brocastle. Cowbridge. Class 10—Bull calf calved in 1902: 1st and 2nd, R. Thomas.. „ Class 11.—Cow in calf or milk: 1st and 2nd, R. Thomas. Class 12.—Heifer calved in 1900: 1st and 2nd, R. Thomas. Class 13.—Heifer calved in 1901; 1st and 2nd, R. Thomas. „ Class 14.—Heifer calf calved in 1902: R. Thomas. DAIRY CLASS. Class 15.-Pair milking cows: 1st, W. Thomas, Village Farm, St. Hilary; 2nd. R. Thomas. Class 16.—Cow in calf or in milk (for farmers whose holdings do not exceed 100 acres in extent): 1st, vv. J. Thomas. Cross Farm, Sigginstone; 2nd. T. Llewellyn, Lianblethian. Class 18.—Heifer calved in 1901 (for farmers whose holdings do not exceed 100 acres in extent): D. Jenkins, Rythin. SPECIAL PRIZES. Class 19.-Pair of two-year-old steers: 1st, R. Thomas; 2nd. J. C. Thomas, Boverton Court. Class 20.—Pair of cows in calf or in milk, any breed: 1st, T. George: 2nd, R. Thomas. Class 21.—Cow. two-year-old heifer, and the cow ■ yearling ofTsnring. to be bred by exhibitor: 1st, D. Jenkins; 2nd, R. Thomas. SHEEP. ANY BREED. Class 22.—Yearling ram: 1st, N. Morgan, Penybryn; 2nd, T. Thomas, Cam. Llantrithyd. LONG WOOL. Class 24.-Three yearling ewcs:-E. T. Board, Gigman MI"S SHORT WOOL. OUrs 26.—Ram lamb: 1st and 2nd. R. Lane, Coed Hills. St. Hiiarv. „ Class 27.—'Three yearling ewes: 1st and /na, ». it. Board. Great, Frampton.. Class 28.—Three ewe lambs: 1st and ^nd, w. R. Board. TIGS. Class 29.-Boar under two years: 1st, F. Evans. St. Athan; 2nd, Colonel H. Oakden Fisher, Tymynydd, B<Cliiss 30.—Sow. with pigs under ten weeks: A. S. Evans. Cowbridge. Class 31.—Pair sows, farrowed: 1st, i. Evans, St. Athaji; 2nd, A. S. Evans. HORSES. CART HORSES. Class 32.-Palr cart mares, bred in the county: 1st, I. Williams, Castlcton; '2nd, Mrs. Morgan and Son, Sker House, Pyle. Class 33.—Cart mare: 1st, D. Spencer, Flemingstone; 2nd, D. Evans. Cala. St. Nicholas Class 34.-Colt foal, by "Montrave Major": 1st, Mrs. Joseph, Kenfig House Farm, Margam; 2nd. J. T. Loveluck, Stormy, Cefn Cribbwr; 3rd, W. Williams, Maesvrhaf, Wick. Class 35—Fillv foal, by "Montrave Major": 1st, J. T. Loveluck; 2nd. D. Spencer, Flemingstone. Class 36.-Sucker colt or filly, got by any of Mr. J. Williams's (Merthyrmawr) horses: 1st, A. M. Maddock, Pyle; 2nd, D. Jenkins, Eythin. Class 37.—Sucker colt or filly, got by any cart horse: 1st. D. Evans. Caia Farm: 2nd, Mrs. Joseph. Ciaes M.—Mare and foal: 1st, D. Spencer; 2nd, D. Evans, Caia, St. Nicholas. Clas3 39.-Three-year-old gelding or mare: 1st, D. Evans; 2nd, Mrs. Morgan and Son. Class 40.—Two-year-old gelding or mare: 1st, W. B. Loveluck. Kenfig House, Pyle; 2nd, E. H. Ebsworth, Llandough Castle. Class 41.—Yearling colt or fitly: 1st, R. S. David, Wilton, Cowbridge; 2nd, W. B. Loveluck. Clara 42.-Faal, irrespective of breed, insured by the County Live Stock Insurance Company (Limited), York: J. Board, Sheepleys. Class 43.—Mare, irrespective of breed, Insured by the County Live Stock Insurance Company (Limited), York: J. Board. Sheepleys. Class 44.—Cart mare or gelding, suitable for a builder or contractor. to be shown in harness: 1st, W. B. ■ Loveluck; 2nd, D. Spencer. HUNTERS. Class 45.-Brood mare, calculated to produce hunters, in fosl or with foal at foot: 1st, D. Morgan, Lanelay Fach, Llantrisant; 2nd, Mrs. Williams and Sons, Great House, Llandow. Class 48.—Three-year-old gelding or mare: 1st, T. M. Price, Bryntfrwd, Coychurch; 2nd, D. Watts, Tydraw, Llantritbvd. Class 41.-Two-year-old gelding or mare: 1st. D. Watts, Tydraw, Llantrithyd; 2nd, T. Jones, Newton Farm. RIDING. Class 48.-Pony not exceeding 13 hands, to be ridden by a boy not exceeding fourteen years of age: 1st, H. M. Phipps. Queen Adelaide. Treforest; 2nd, D. Richards, Llanover Arms, Pontypridd. Class 49.—Mare or gelding, exceeding 13 hands and not above 14.2: 1st, W. Williams, Maesyrhaf, Wick; 2nd, J. Evans, The Cottage, Llantwit Fardre. Class 50.—Mare or gelding, exceeding 14.2, not above 15.2, and not exceeding six years: 1st. F. Cory, Coryton, Whitchurch: 2nd. H. Thomas. Cardiff. Class 5I.-Cob not exceeding 15.2 and not exceeding six years, to br. the bona-flde property of a farmer who gains his livelihood by farming alone, to be ridden or led by a farmer's son: 1st, W. Williams, Maesyrhaf, Wick; 2nd, E. Thomas, Wern Fawr, rencoed. Class 52 (open).—Mare or gelding, not above 15.2 (special prize): 1st, F. Cory. HARNESS. Class 53.—Pony, mare, or gelding, not above 13.2: 1st, Wilmitt and Dare, Roath Market, Cardiff; 2nd, B. M. Lewis, Sunnyside, Pontypridd. Class 54.-Mare or gelding, exceeding 13.2 and not above 14.2. the property of persons residing within ten miles of Cowbridge: W. Williams. Class 55.-Mare or gelding, exceeding 14.2 and not above 15.2, to be the bona-fide property of a farmer or tradesman who resides within ten miles of Cowbridge: 1st, T. M. Price. Brynffrwd, Coychurch; 2nd, E. Thomas, Wern Fawr, Pencoed. TRADESMEN'S CLASS. Class 56.-Single harness mare or gelding, the property of a tradesman, used solelv by him for the delivery of goods (harness and cart taken into consideration): 1st, H. Thomas, Cardiff; 2nd, E. Smith, Llantwit Vardre. OPEN CLASS. Class 57.—Mare or gelding not exceeding 15.2 (special prize): A. Hayes, Cottrel Mews, Cardiff. JUMPING. Class 58.—Jumper, 14.2 and upwards, the property of persons residing within ten miles of Cowbridge: 1st, J. Trenchard, Pontypridd; 2nd, Miss Lillie Jones, Pontypridd; J. it. Cnamings, Barry;, 4th, Jas. Howell, The Laurels, Llantrisant. Class 59.—Jumper, under 14.2( the property of tenant farmers or tradesmen residing withfn ten miles of Cowbridge: An unmeritorious class, but a second card each was awarded to W. Williams, Wick; Thomas and Son. Cowbridge; and J. Hopkins, Cwrtyrala, Dinas Powls. Class 60.—Champion class (open): 1st. Miss Lillie Jones; 2nd, J. Trenchard: 3rd, J. R. Chamings. DAIRY PRODUCE. Class 61.—Cheese, not exceeding 561b.: 1st, Miss 15. Lougher. Llanvythin Farm, Cowbridge; 2nd, Mrs. E. Watts, Ty Ucha, Llantrithyd; 3rd, B. T. Board, Glgman Mills.. Class 62.—Fresh butter, not less than 61b.: 1st, Mrs. Williams, Prisk; 2nd, Miss R. M. Jones, Waterton Hall, Bridgend; 3rd, Miss S. J. Jones, Manest, Water- ton; 4th. Mrs. T. Williams. Ty Canol, Hantrithyd. Class 63.—Decorated dish of ornamental butter, 21b., Quality taken into consideration: Mrs. Thomas, Great House, Llsworney. GARDEN PRODUCE. Class 67.—Collection of vegetables, not less than eight and not exceeding twelve varieties: 1st, L. Leyshon, Penyvai, Bridgend; 2nd, G. Rees, Merthyrmawr; 3rd, Penyvai, Bridgend; 2nd, G. Rees, Merthyrmawr; 3rd, p, Kelly. Angelton, Bridgend. Class M.—CoHeotion of vegetables, not less than eight and not exceeding twelve varieties, open to cottagers who are labourers, not market gardeners or profes- sionals: 1st, J. Edwards, Penyvai, near Bridgend; 2nd, E. Reed, Cowbridge; 3rd, G. Rees, Merthyrmawr. Class 69.-Collectlon of potatoes, five varieties: 1st, S. Willment, Cbwbridge; 2nd, G. Rees, Merthyrmawr. Class 70.—Twelve round potatoes: 1st, F. G. Burge, Pepdoylan House: 2nd, E. Matthews. Isycoed, City. Class 71.-Twelve kidney potatoes: 1st, S. Willment; 2nd, C. Lock, Tydyfreath, Llanharry. Class 72.—Bunch of leeks, not less than eight: 1st, G. Rees, Merthyrmawr; 2nd, N. German, Llandough Castle. Class 73.—Best dish of not less than twelve autumn- sown onions: 1st, G. Rees; 2nd, L. Leyshon. Class 74.—Dish of spring-sown onions, not less than twelve: 1st, L. Leyshon; 2nd, J. Edwards. Class 75.—Rope of onions: 1st, G. Rees; 2nd, L. Leyshon. Class 76.—Three red pioiling cabbages: 1st, C. Lock; 2nd, P. Kelly. Class 77.—Twelve parsnips: 1st, P. Kelly; 2nd, C. Lock. Class 78.—Dish of kidney or French beans, not Jess than 24: 1st, E. Matthews, Isycoed, City; 2nd, L. Leyshon. Class 79.—Twelve carrots: 1st, F. G. Burge, Pendoylan House; 2nd, C. Clissold. Brynsaddler, Pontyclun. Class 80.—Collection of apples, not less than five and not exceeding nine varieties: 1st. N. German; 2nd, T. Watts, Llanmihangel Place; 3rd, H. Cook, Verlands, Cowbridge. Owing to a mishap to a relative of one of the judges of the field crops, the adjudicar tion of these classes, which have filled well, the entries for which number about 25, has been postponed for a day or two. Tregaron Show. Tregaron Agricultural 'Society's show was held on Tuesday, when there was a very satis- factory exhibition of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and garden produce. The president was Mr. W. Jones, J.P., Ffosheulog; general mana- ger, Professor Williams. U.C.W.; and secre- tary, Mr. R. S. Rowland. The Garth.

PENRHYN QUARRY DISPUTE The representatives of the men have replied to Lord Penrhyn's last letter, contending that the acts complained of by his lordship are but the results of the dispute, and cannot reasonably be expected to cease till the cause is removed. They maintain that. on the whole, the conduct of the strikers has been singularly free from excess, and regret that Lord Penrhyn's last communication is hardly of a nature that will conduce to diminish the incidents of which he complains. Everything passed off quietly at Bethesda on Tuesday, but the extra police are still retained in the district, and will remain until Satur- day. Lord Penrhyn, owing to the disturbances on Saturday, declines for the present to receive a deputation of the strike committee. About 2,000 men are working at the quarries and Bangor shipping quay.

BRITISH TRADE AND BRITISH STEAMERS A message from Siam says :-It may be inferred with tolerable safety from the returns that British trade enormously prepon- derates. The transfer of steamers to another flag does not appear to have effected the nationality of the bulk of the transhipment of import trade from Singapore in the least.- Presa Association Foreign Special

"Cschfarf's" j Comments. There are complaints of reckless motor-driving still coming in, and only last evening a vehicle ran the whole length of Queen-street, Cardiff, on the wrong side of the road. Whilst news- paper correspondents and others are dis- cussing motor-car speed I have received a very sensible suggestion from" A Nervous Pedestrian — Dear Sir,—Between careiess cyclists and reckless and incompetent motor- drivers our streets present constant danger to such as myself, I being liable to a confusion of vision when in the least excited. The result is that crossing a busy street is impossible for me without a stout guide. I am told that in other large towns 'refuges,' or 'islands,' are provided by the load authorities wherever there is crowded traffic on a road. or where the road is very wide. This is a capital precaution, and would make the lives of many such as myself more toler- able when walking abroad. Why cannot we have similar things in Cardiff?" I am afraid" A Nervous Pedestrian" has not sought out with sufficient care what there is to be found in our Cardiff streets. At the base of every one of our electric light standards, or posts, a strong kerbed "refuge" can be found, and they are very effective safeguards against either cycles or motor-cars going at a. foolish speed, if care is taken to be on the opposite side of the standard to that from which a cyclist or motorist is coming. The traffic in St. Mary-street, Queen- street, and Bute-street is such at certain hours of the day as to justify the Lon- don rule of stopping all traffic occa- sionally, so that pedestrians can cross the roads in batches. This is far safer than any "refuge." for the strongest of these would not offer very effective protection, say, against the assault of a motor-car going at full speed. This rule would ako prevent the dangerous habit which somo drivers of light vehicles have of running the gauntlet between the right and left course in our thoroughfares, and it is this which leads to the greater number of col- lisions which occur. The London method of stopping traffic temporarily for pedes- trians is considered the best in the world, and foreigners when they visit the Metro- polis are always loud in their praise of it. Reference to London and its traffic brings to mind the agitation which ia going on among cabmen for sixpenny hansoms. The network of electrical railways, which is dissecting the under- ground metropolis in every direction, is relieving London's congestion of traffic so successfully that it is affecting the hansom as well as the emnibus. It has cut into the particular branch of the cab trade which was most renumerative to the hansom driver, viz., the short dis- tance journey in the heart of London. If this reduction is effected, the number of people who ride in hansoms will be enormously increased, especially on wet nights. The lowness of the fare would attract a class of people who do not dream of riding in a hansom now. On the other hand, it is said the man who usually hails a hansom does not stop to count the difference between sixpence and a shilling; but, then, the men who are compelled by circumstance to count the difference between sixpence and a shilling eschew the hansom altogether, and there are a far greater number of people with sixpences to spend than there are of those who are indifferent to the value of a shilling. It should be understood also that the present shilling distance would not be paid for with six- pence, for reduced fares would certainly mean reduced distances; although not fully pro rata. I do not think the Uardiff Corporation: would have entered upon a unification of parishes' scheme if there had been any probability of its not being accompanied with a consolidation of offices also. In my opinion, to have Cardiff made into one parish for administrative purposes is a far lesser advantage than that of getting all rates collected from one office and all rating authority vested in one public body. The opinion of the clerk to the Cardiff Guardians that the door should be left open, so that an agreement may be come to between the corporation and the Poor-rate officials which may be deemed most equitable in the view of the Local Government Board, is a safe one, for such agreement would only apply to the present holders of the offices of rate- collectors, and would cease with their resignation, superannuation, or death. An incomplete scheme after so many years' incubation would be a confession of failure by the nnance committee; and it is much better for the members to keep cool heads in the face of what is but a bargaining for their best interests by the Poor-rate collectors. The experience of Mr. Daniel Owen ("Ap Rhydderch"), of Cardiff, as the bard who should have been chaired at the Meifod, or Powis Eisteddfod, so long ago as August, 1901, is another instance of the folly of steps not being taken by eisteddfod committees to communicate with the successful bard before the day of the eisteddfod. Mr. Owen, not feel- ing justified in travelling to Montgomery- shire on the bare hope of being the winner, forwarded a sealed letter to the secretary enclosing his proper name. This letter was misdelivered, or lost, for tho secretary alleges it did not come to his hands; whilst Mr. Owen has a trust- worthy witness that he posted the letter. From August, 1901, until now the ques- tion of "Ap Rhydderch's" claim to the bardic chair of Powis has been in the hands of the lawyers, but at last the many-chaired Cardiff uard has another chair to add to his eisteddfodic trophies. This incident and the absence of the winner of the chair at the recent National Eisteddfod, together with many other similar instances of the absurdity of not communicating with the successful bard in advance, should bring about a reason- able reform betore long. I have every desire not to hurt the feel- ings of Mr. Smyth Piggott or his fol- lowers Dut if a supposed Messiah'' is necessary to fill the columns of news- papers during the dull non-Parliamentary season, there are at least three of them at an institution not far from the town of Bridgend who would not yield in the least degree to the master of the Abode of Love in their pretentions to Messianic attributes, and would be very willing to lead new believers as Mr. Piggott if the committee of management oi the said institution permitted them to air their propaganda to their contemporaries. One of them insists upon remaining in his shirt-sleeves, so as to be readv for his work" whenever his pet aversion the committee will permit him to undertake, and when in answer to his inquiries he is told he is not well enough to oroceed to any work his exhibition of contempt for his custodians would command a for- tune for a tragedian.

Africa in command of the 19th Brigade. A thoroughly practical soldier, he has a fine scope fpr his abilities in his new appointment, that of Adjutant-General of the Indian Army, especially under such a pre-eminently prac- tical chief as Lord Kitchener. A story is being told of a clergyman famous for his jokes. His first curacy had proved rather trying, owing to the preaence of so many ladies, ail too eager to help him. He soon quitted the neighbourhood, and some time after, meeting his successor, he aeked. "How do yon get on wit-h the ladiea of your congregation?" "Oh, all right," was the answer; there's safety in numbers." "I found it in exodus," was the reply. The American visitors were a great trial to Tennyson at his home in the Isle of Wight (says a writer in "Temple Bar"). A pretty little summerhouse in an outlying part of the grounds was gradually broken to bits and carried away in souvenir fragments. There was no knowing at what untimely moment some bold stranger might achieve an excep- tional success in eluding the gardener and appear inquisitive and unashamed before the very dining-room windows. Such unwelcome visitors were dismissed with a-a little cere- mony aa they had shown but their object had been accomplished. There was, however, a trap for the unwary in the person of an old man, a taxidermist, of Freshwater, who increased his singular personal resemblance to Tennyson by adopting the same garb. This consisted of a. huge soft felt hat, whose brim approximated to the proportions of a. small umbrella, and a voluminous cloak, which marked genius in every fold. Thus equipped. the "double" was accorded the eager recog- nition of strangers, and enjoyed a vast deal of that homage so distasteful to its authentic recipient. Alexander Hugh Bruce was born three-and- fifty years ago. went to Eton and Oriel, and at twenty became the sixth Baron Balfour of Burleigh, the title having been restored after the attainder of that fifth baron, who was involved in the Jacobite rising of 1715; thougk another ancestor, Bruce of Kennet, raised a troop of horse in 1745 to defend the Hano- verian dynasty against Prince Charles. He belongs (says "Vanity Fair") to the Bruce stock, of which, curiously enough. Lord Elgin -his contemporary at Eton and Oxford, and his neighbour in Fifeshire—represents another branch. At Oriel he learned to know Cecil Rhodes, and other Oxford contemporaries of his were the Bishop of Winchester and the Bishop of Bath and Wells-all of them intimate friends, although he has most unbigotedly adhered to the Church of his fathers, the Presbyterian Established Church of Scotland. When he came to his own he threw himself heartily into the work of county administration as well as into political life, working most of all in the sphere of education. For six years he was Chairman of a Com- mission on educational endowment in Scot- land, which boldly and thoroughly over- hauled endowments of the value of a quarter of a million a year: and so made Scotland grateful. As Secretary of the Board of Trade he served under Sir Michael Hicks-Beach until he was improved into a Lord-in-Waiting and Secre- tary for Scotland. That was seven years ago; so that he has seen the most notable of poli- tical changes in that country. For twenty years ago there were only eight Conservative Scotch members of Parliament, while now the majority of them are Conservative for the first time since 1832. He is an exceedingly tact- ful fellow, and the names of the Commissions over which he has presided are legion, includ- ing the Local Taxation Commission, which must presently form the basis of important legislation. Be is, for diversion, a keen curler and a ready golfer; but he is also one of the best shots in the country, who is said to have beaten the record last season in the number of birds that fell before his gun. "Can you tell me the meaning of the word 'Peace'?" asked Mies Gray of a. little boy who had just recited a patriotic poem in which the word occurred. 'Peace' means when you ain't got no child- ren," answered the child. "How is that?" asked Miss Gray. "When my mother has washed and dressed her six children for school in the morning, she says, 'Now I'll have peace.' Every profession has its fixed value in the French marriage market. A lieutenant in the army commands a good dowry, for may not his wife become Madame la Generale? Until a few months ago no officer was allowed to marry a lady whose dot did not amount to 1,000 franca (£48) a year. This minimum has now been abolished, but the officer has still to seek permissnon to marry, and state what convenance his bride would bring him. Without a dot no girl, however beautiful and accomplished, can marry in her own rank of life. She is pitied, and regarded as outside the pale of matrimony. She may marry beneath her, but moet usually she be- comes a nun, a teacher, a clerk in the post office, or a saleswoman. The Crown Princess of Roumanla is the most beautiful of future queens. She is half Eng- lish and half Russian, and seems to unite the charm of both great nations. As Princess Marie of Edinburgh she was very popular in the neighbourhood of Eastwell Park, where her childhood was spent, and she is never hap- pier than when spending a few weeks in her native country.