Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

A SPLENDID WORKER FOR PEACE. Sir Randal Cremer's work in the cause of peace found proper recognition in the award to him of the Nobel Prize in the year 1903, but the Hague Conferencee were the true crown of his life's work. In Sir Randal Cremer: Hie Life and Work," by Howard Evans (Fisher Unwin), a remarkable story is told of the beginnings of this man, and of his work, whose career was a good modern exemplification of the force of self- help. In the House of Commons, during a de- bate on a tax on corn, he once drew a graphic picture of the pitiful struggle of his early days: He said that when his mother, who kept a dame school, had only five or six shillings a week on which to keep herself, him, and his two sisters, a two-pound loaf cost eightpence. For breakfast the children had three thin slices of bread with a very thin scraping of butter, and a cup of tea without milk or sugar. Dinner consisted of boiled duff-flour and water stirred together and boiled like a pudding-with pota- toes, and perhaps once a week an ounce or two of meat. The tea was like the breakfast, and usually the children had to go to bed without supper, hungry as wolves. Naturally the boy grew wan and pinched, and the old grandmother used to say, Ah, Harriet, I am afraid you will never save that poor boy." A kindly gift of flannel shirts from the parson, as Cremer be- lieved, really saved the boy's life. At the age of twelve he began to work, as pitch-boy in a shipyard, earning two shillings a week. The hours were from six to six during six days. It was a rough-and-tumble life, but it was in the open air and his health began to mend. A few years later he was apprenticed to an uncle in the building trade. He says: One evening there was a lecture on "Peace," probably given by a lecturer of the original Peace Society. The speaker advocated the settle- ment of international disputes by peaceful means instead of war. I listened with rapt attention, and next day I discussed the matter with two or three ehopmates who had been present. They pooh-poohed the idea, and declared that the world had always settled its disputes by force and would continue to do so. That lecture sowed the seed of International Arbitration in my mind, though the word arbitration" had hardly been heard.

FROUDE IN THREE SENTENCES. In his volume on Six Oxford Thinkers (Mur- ray), Mr. Algernon Cecil passes .many ripe opinions. With regard to Froude he says: The twelve volumes of the History of England are, and must remain, the best pictures, if not of the completed Reformation, at least of the Eng- lish Reformers, because no one will ever, in all probability, be able to enter again quite eo heartily into their temper. Anthony Froude grew to dislike Rome with all the vigor- ous prejudice of an Elizabethan sailor, and set out to satisfy himself that, after all, the Re- formation was no mistake. Upon an age, which was, in fact, far more occupied with mortality than theology, he brought to bear a mind, at times heedless of suffering, but passionately hos- tile to corruption, cowardice, and treachery, and as glad of every manly virtue—of dash, ad- venture, courage—as one that finds great spoils. Many Catholics died well, but in forcible char- acters the Reformers had it. There are none to set against Luther, Latimer, Knox.

✓ [ The food that builds I sound constitutions Consumption 40 St. Saviour's Road, Saltley. ] I should like everyone 8 afflicted with Consumption to know that two years ago I was suffering from tubercu- losis and had to give up my work. I was sent by my employer to Cornwall. After four months I was able to resume work, but a subse- quent attack of influenza brought on the old trouble. My weight went down to between 7 and 8 stone. I was put upon Yirol, which I have taken since with astonishing results. My weight is now 11 stone. I am in perfect health, and am not only able to do my ordinary day's work, but I am putting in overtime. My age is 38 years. r I (Signed) George" IN VIROL I In Jars, li-, 118, 2/11.

Maesteg. Social.—On Tuesday evening, the 16th inst., an interesting social evening was held at Bethlehem (English C.M.) Church in connection with the Mutual Improve- ment Society. A most enjoyable evening was spent. A good programme was gone through during the evening. Solos were rendered by Miss Ida Owen, Mr. loan Davies and Mr. William Davies; and recitations were given by Miss Gwladys Jones and Miss Annie M. Owens. Town Hall.—This week, Miss Inez Howard's company (under the direction of Mr. Henry Chattel) presented a thrill- ing drama, entitled Through the Divorce Court." The play created a sen- sation on Monday night. The hall was full to Overflowing. Tea and Concert.—A tea and concert was held on Monday of last week at Morgan's Hall, C'aerau, in connection with the I.L.P. Mr. Vernon Hartshorn presided at the concert in the evening. Solos, recitations and duets were ren- dered by Messrs. Isaac Morris, Fred Ball, William Llewellyn, Miss Mona Rees and Miss Kinsey. The accompanist for the evening was Miss Myfanwy Rowlands, T.O.L. A recitation was given by Mr. 'Bottomley, the late organiser of South Wales, and Mr. G. H. Bibbing,8, B.A., gave a short address. Whist Drive and Dance.—A very suc- cessful whist drive and dance was held in the Parish Hall, Office Road, Maesteg, on Thursday evening, the 18th inst., under the auspices of the Maesteg Minia- ture Rifle Club, which passed off very successfully. Anniversary Services.—Anniversary ser- vices were held in connection with Beth- lehem (English C.M.) Church on Sunday last, when the Rev. J. Glyn Davies, of Rhyl, officiated throughout the day. Col- lections were taken at all the services for the church building fund. On Monday evening, Mr. Davies gave a, very interest- ing lecture on The Noble Two Thou- sand; or, The Great Secession of 1662." The chair was occupied by Mr. J. P. Gibbon, J.P. Obituary.—It is with deep regret we record the death of Mr. George Thomas, 20, Morris Street, Maesteg, who passed away suddenly on Sunday morning. The deceased, who was 58 years, was an old and highly respected inhabitant of the town. The funeral took place on Thurs- day. Lecture.—At Bethel (E.B.) Church. in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society. Mr. Evan E. Davies. C.C., gave an excellent lecture on Tuesday evening, the 16th inst., entitled "Should Bible Reading be Taught in the Day Schools?" which was very much appreciated by the members.

I Published try the Free Trade Union. London I TARIFF REFORM MEANS TRUSTS. ri I ( r I' 4 fIBST FARMER £ 10 for a stitch harrow and the last nobbut cost me fowerl" 0 SECOND FARIVE ii Why. I tell'd thee thou was making a nice rod for thee own back when thou voted for Protection. SALESMAN "Now. Gentlemen, hurry up and give your orders this is the shop. the ONLY shop. You can either IIIq from us or go without

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RANDOM READINGS. t A GOOD STUDIO STORY. I Borne artists have the finanoial instinct ifcrongly developed. A member of the Royal Academy received a visit from a dealer about his "subject picture," just ready for the Bur- lington House Exhibition, while he was finishing I a portrait-painting the coat and hands-from a model who was at the same period sitting much to me. This model had to wear the fashionable outfit of the man whose portrait was in pro- gress, with silk hat in one hand and rich fur overcoat over the arm. When the dealer was announced the comedy began. The painter rushed in to see him—care- fully leaving the second studio door open suffi- ciently to allow the dealer to see the "gentle- man there. I am so sorry," cried the artist, but I am engaged-a rich amateur has called to buy this picture." But I must have it! said the dealer. Just too late, I fear." replied the artist. What does he offer? Let me see," whispered the artist, as ran Iback to his model. There was a short conversa- tion, and he was back again to the dealer. fi Two thousand pounds. Not a shilling more an I get out of him." What's his name? asked the dealer. He does not wish it to be known." Well, I'll give you two thousand two hun- dred and fifty, and you put him off." The artist did so, and continued the sitting. In due course the model's work was done, and, es he was leaving the house, to his surprise the dealer came round the corner-he had been watching the house ever since he bought the pic- ture-and raised his hat, but soon put it on again. The model was lighting a clay pipe, and his clothes had seen better days-long. long ago. Here's half-a-crown for you, my good man. Tell me, when is that swell coming out who has just been buying a picture? "I am he!" replied the model. "Good- morning. sir." From" The Light Side of Finance," by Harry Furniss, in the Strand Magazine.

A DEALER IN DISILLUSION. It seemed to Madeline Lane that the long line ahead of her at the ticket-office would never grow shorter. At last her turn came, and in another moment she was hurrying away with tickets for three of the best seats safely tucked into her pocket-book. Estelle and Violet will enjoy it so much she thought I must run over directly after dinner and tell them that they are to go with me." But when she went on her pleasant errand, both the girls were out, and their mother met her enthusiastic invitation with a decided refusal. I don't understand, Mrs. Claydon," she said, a little astonished. "The play is all right; I took care of that; I wouldn't ask the girle until I was really sure. And it can't be that you don't wish them to go with me." But that's juet what I do object to," an- swered the older woman. firmly. "Why. you've known me all my life! cried Miss Lane. You've let me take them before, e. and I'm exactly the same now as I always was. It's too absurd It may seem absurd even when I try to tell you," answered Mrs. Claydon. "I've juet be- gun, myself, to understand. Perhaps I can't ex- plain it, either. I know that you don't break the ten commandments, and that you leave undone most of the things that you ought not to have done; you don't even gossip—much! But-" She paused a moment, seriously. "But what?" interrupted Miss Lane, a little flippantly, a little anxiously, too. What dread- ful crimes are you going to accuse me of? Mrs. Claydon went deliberately on: But in a fway you are a thief! Miss Lane gasped. Did it never occur to you that you rob your friends of their trust, their belief in humanity? Did you never guess that you doubted life too much? You are so fascinating, so magnetic, my dear, that you can't help charming the girle. What you say to them they take as gospel truth. You are so witty that they hug a saying of vours to their hearts and fancy themselves brilliant women of the world when they repeat it. Yon are dealing in disillusion! "I don't understand you," broke in Madeline again, now genuinely bewildered. "Think a moment and you will; you are too clever not to. Through you Violet and Estelle liave learnt to treat lightly the big things, things iuat should be vital and sacred to them. You make an epigram on every serious question in life; you are very brilliant and very clever, and, oli. very, very silly, Madeline; and my girls be- lieve in you. Violet said to me only the other day, 'To know a.11 is to seek the divorce Court,' and when I told her how foolish it was to say such things, she just laughed and said, 'Oh dear little motherkins! Don't you know that "the suspected always happens "?' I won't have life cheapened for them I won't have them robbed if their illusions. They're young enough to il-low better! Madeline put out an uncertain hand in fare- Svell as she rose to go. You are unjust to me. Mrs. Claydon," she eaid. and her eyes were full of tears. But all the way home her clever head and her honest heart strove together. She remembered 'when she had first read her "Twentieth Cen- tury Maxims" to the girls that Violet had cried out: Oh, how splendid I just love to read them! But "—a little wistfully-" doesn't it make you unhappy to believe in these things?" She remembered, too, how she had laughed and silenced Violet with anofher and more sparkling epigram. And now she questioned her- self, had she been wise, and kind as well as ,wise? Was ehe only a dealer in disillusion ?

SPIRIT-DRAWINGS. Some very striking "spirit-drawings" accom- pany an article in the Strand Magazine. They are the work of a humble policeman whose bona fides can be sufficiently vouched for, a man who in his normal moments was destitute of any artistic talent whatever. Each of them exhibits what the late Mr. Myers called a fusion of arabesque and ideography," resembling those forms of ornamentation into which the artistic hand strays when, as it were, dreaming on the paper without definite plan," coupled with the weird symbolism of savages before they have evolved" an alphabet. Fantastic they are- grotesque with a vengeance, with something more than a suggestion of Blake or Mr. Sime. Of the manner of their production, we are told that the man liked to sit with his wife in the twilight. A pencil was placed in his hand when the signs of trance were noticeable, and he very soon began to sketch on sheets of paper supplied him. This continued for some time. When lights were brought it was found that he had made drawings of strange and unearthly objects. He made numerous designs, but nearly always of the fame character. His power of drawing while in a trance lasted about one year, since when he has lost it completely. Although he still is subject occasionally to trance, his h..md is as unable to draw as in his normal stale."

CONCERNING BOASTING. Almost everyone is inwardly convinced that boasting, especially "n its simplest form, is a hichly penal offence. We dare not do it. Open exultation in continued good fortune is, remarks the Spectator, hardly heard among the educated. When we talk about my luck we mean ill luck; though when we speak of someone else's luck we are as often as not alluding to a con- Etantly recurring happy chance. Yet even in this primitive manner we all feel the impulse to boast. It is one of the temptations common to man, but we refrain from fear of consequences. Should any man forget the formula which is euppesed to protect from the evil effects of vain- glory, his friends will say it for him; and should he obstinately declare that such fears of retribu- tion are superstitious, they may probably agree in words with his abstract proposition, but in- wardly they will prepare for the woist and will certainly not be surprised to hear that poetic justice has overtaken him in one form or other. So strong is this feeling that, should Pqisfortune, happen to the boaster, all his acquaintance have a secret feeling that he has brought his punish- ment on his own head, and GOT WHAT HE DESERVES. Foolhardiness undertaken for no possible good rouses annoyance, not sympathy. The boaster knew the common result of his action, the on- looker reflects. He was sure to suffer for his ill- judged words. Why did he not think of that be- 1 fore he -scoke? Others have Vw.r-ausa tliey were more wary. Some very sensitiv^ people will reproach themselves even for i.n in-' ward boast. They experience a passing shadow of foreboding, and instinctively regard any small happiness which may come to them immediately after as a grace of which they were just then specially unworthy. In the East all appearance of boasting is avoided with a ludicrous scrupulosity. Even here we make use of moderately self deprecia- tory formulas which, while they deceive no one, testify to the common sentiment. All the same, human nature must find an outlet. In some men the longing to boast, especially of their prowess or their possessions, is so persistent as to he irresistible. Does it offend in any way against the social instinct? We are inclined to think it does.

TWO POINTS OF VIEW. The German people do not adnjire the methods by which the young English or Ameri- can woman seeks diversion. Mrs. Alfred Sidg- wick, in "Home Life in Germany" (Methuen), says that she has heard German men condemn Englishwomen who play games or take walks that make them temporarily dishevelled. It never seemed to occur to them that a woman might think their displeasure at her appearance of less account than her own enjoyment. No," they said. Ask not that we should admire Miss Smith. She has just come in from a six hours' walk with her brother. Her face is as red as a poppy, her blouse is torn, and her boots are thick and muddy." As a matter of fact," writes Mrs. Sidgwick, I have not asked them to admire Miss Smith. Nevertheless, I tried to break a lance for my countrywoman. You will see,' I assured them. she will re- move the torn blouse and the muddy boots, and when she comes down her face will be quite idale But she often looks like that,' said one of the men. At least once a day she plays a game or takes a walk that is more of a strain, on her appearance than it should be. A young woman must always consider what effect things have on her appearance.' "'Why?' Why ? Because she is a woman. There is no sense III a question like that. It is un- answerable. Every young woman wishes to please.' 'But is it not conceivable,' I asked, 'that a young woman may sometimes wish to please herself, even at the expense of her appearance? Miss Smith assures me that she enjoys long walks and games. Oh, games that you have not seen her play here hockey, for instance, and cricket! Ferriickt!' said the men, in chorus. 'A young woman should not think of herself at all. She was created to please us, and it does not please us when she wears muddy boots and is as red as a poppy; at least, not while she is young. When she is married and her place is in the kitchen, she may be as red as she pleases. That is a different matter.' Is it?' I responded, meekly."

THE FRUITS OF THE EARTH. Nearly all the fruits, if perfect and thoroughly ripe, are, in their raw state, sweet enough to satisfy any unperverted taste; they are also more palatable and more healthful than when cooked and sweetened. The pear, the peach, the cherry, the strawberry—each is richest in flavour when unchanged by heat, and made ripe and perfect by the rays of the sun. As regards the introduction into this country of many well- known vegetable productions, Thomas Lord Cromwell, in the reign of Henry VIII., en- riched our gardens with three different plums. Ia the reign of Elizabeth, Edmund Grendall,after- wards Archbishop of Canterbury, transplanted hither the tamarisk. Oranges were brought into England by one of the Carew family. To Sir Walter Raleigh we are indebted for that useful root the potato. Sir Anthony Ashley first planted cabbages in this country. The mulberry is a native of Persia, and is said to have been introduced in 1576; the almond was introduced in 1570, and came from the East. The chestnut ia a native of the South of France. The walnut is a native of Persia, but the time of its intdo- duction is unknown. The aoricot came from America about IbbZ. The plum is a native ot Asia, and was imported into Europe by the Crusaders, and the damascene takes its name from the city of Damascus. The Alpine straw- berrv was first cultivated in 1760; the peach is a a native of Persia, but the time of its intro- duced about 1562. Cherries are said to have come originally from Cerasus, a city of Pontus, from which Lucullus brought them into Italy, and they were introduced into this country about the year 53. Filberts were so named from Phillebert, King of France. The_ quince,_ called cydonia, from Cydon, was cultivated in thi« country in Gerard's time. red queen applft was so called in compliment to Queen Elizabeth. cultivation of is of great anti<niity, for Pliny mentions twenty different Mart of our apples originally from FraoM. of our apples came originally from Frames

IN REAL LIFE. Daysey Mayme Appleton was reading a news- paper last night, when suddenly she gave a scream and fell to the floor in a dead faint. Now, according to the books and tradition, Daysey Mayme fainted because she read the an- nouncement of an old sweetheart's marriage or death (and it will turn out afterward, according to the books and tradition, that he was a cousin of her old sweetheart by the same name). But real life is so unlike the books and tradition. Upon being revived, Davsey Mayme related that she saw hosiery advertised for 27 cents that she had paid 35 cents for the day before.-Atchison Globe. te It is easy to promise ourselves, when start- ing out in life, that we will never lower our ideals, and that we will always go onward and upward, and that we will ever be found abreast of our times, in sympathy and co- operation with the leaders of progressive thought. We do not dream of the constant vigilance that must be exercised in order to keep our ideals in sight; we do not count on all the influences from without and withia, against which we must struggle if we would remain true to the high and beautiful aspirg* tions of youth.

Opening; of New Empire, Tonypandy. CI To the Editor of the Rhondda Leader." Sir,—Would you kindly permit me a small space in your valuable journal to point out two omissions in your report of the formal opening of the above. You omitted naming a most prominent and active member of the syndicate, Mr. Henry A. Bolton, who has been most assiduous in his attendance during the construction of the building and" interest in its completion; and also that Mr. David Roberts, the syndicate's chairman, participated in the public opening of the hall, and was, in conjunction with my daughter (in the unavoidable absence of her mother), presented with a gold key, also supplied by the Mirror of Gems, Tonypandy, and presented by Mr. J. T. Jenkins, (architect) and Mr. Evans (builder). Apologising for troubling you. —I am, yours faithfully, WILLIAM MORGAN, Maesyrhaf, Trealaw. Secretary.

JrHTARCHERftCnfl hGOLDEM RETURNS I "CER FLEG TDTERED Eir- area Facsimile oj One-Ouna fradut. Archer's Golden Returns 1%0 PwtMtlon o. Mm TublflWfc Oocft." 8YJœr. :r.ft..ü'ro T '(

BITS FROM BOOKS. A FEW JOKES OF SORTS. There is a good deal of robust fun in the English countryside, and The Humours of the Country (Murray) gives some fair samples of it. The following is quite what a well-intend- ing, matter-of-fact farmer would say to the rector's remark: "Those pigs of yours are in fine condition, Jarvis?": Yes, sur, they be. Ah, sur, if we wos all on us only as fit to die as them are, sur, we'd do! Again: At a concert, the conclusion of which was the song There's A Good Time Coming," a farmer rose in the audience and said: Mister, you couldn't fix the date, could you you?" On a higher plane of humour is the tale of a countryman who was accosted by two would-be smart fellows: Well, honest fellow, it is your business to sow, but we reap the fruits of your labours." To which the countryman replied, It is very likely you may, for I be sowing hemp." And this: Well, Sandy, you are getting very bent. Why don't you stand straight up like me, man?" Sandy: Eh, man, do ye see that field o' corn ower there? Laird: "I do." Sandy: "A' weel, ye'll notice that the full heids hang down an' the empty ones stand up." We seem to have heard the anecdote of the late Sir Wilfrid Lawson buying an expensive bull from one of our dukes, of the animal dying, and of the baronet dropping into the epitaph: Here lies Baron Oxford, quiet and cool, Bred by a duke, and bought by a fool." Also familiar is the story of the Queen saying at a dairy show, Is it true that the best butter comes from Denmark?" and being answered, "No, madame; Denmark sends us the best Princesses, but Devonshire the best butter." That was a courtier, and it was a wit who said: Why, that caps all! A horse doctor making a call in an automobile." It was unprofessional conduct.

JUSTICE TO SLOWCOMBE. Eton Memories," by an Old Etonian (Long), has many interesting chapters, but one of the most interesting in the book is that headed Absent Without Leave," of which a boy named Slowcombe is the hero. Slowcombe re- turned late after the summer holidays. He pre- sented the following letter, purporting to come from his father, which Keate read with in- creasing fury and great impatience The Grange. Mr. Slowcombe presents his best compliments to Dr. Keate, and greatly regrets that his son could not arrive at the college by the appointed time owing to the very alarming and premature illness of his dear mother. (Here Keate paused, looked as if he could twig" anything, and sneeringly repeated the words premature ill- ness and "dear mother.") The whole family has been completely upset by the sudden calamity, and many important duties neglected. Mr. Slowcombe trusts this will be a sufficient excuse for his son's unavoidable default, and that he will make up lost time by extra study and good conduct. I am sure the dear boy (" dear boy," repeated Keate) feels very sorry, and I remain, Rev. and dear Sir, &c. Roger Slowcombe. Long before the Doctor had reached the end of the letter the boy Slowoombe had recognised his destiny. So when Keate, looking at the two well-grown praepostors, exclaimed, Down with him! Slowcombe was not only in waiting at the block,' but, before taking possession of it, had carefully removed with a blue and white bird's-eye silk handkerchief (then fashionable) a considerable quantity of dust which had there accumulated during the late holidays."

Rhondda Student's Success. We note with pleasure that Mr. Thos. E. Hammond, of Penrhiwfer, Penygraig, son of Mr. Edwin Hammond, late manager of the Cambrian Collieries, Clydach Vale, student at Bartholomew's Hospital, has successfully passed the Primary Fellowship Examination (Eng- land). Such an achievement, following so quickly upon his success in July last, when he passed the Intermediate London Examination, taking an open scholarship in Anatomy and qualifying for a scholar- shin in Physiology, speaks well for his future.

The Extra Hour Test Case. Application to Expedite the Appeal. Before Justices Phillimore and Coleridge in the Divisional Court on Tuesday last, Mr. Montagu Lush, K.C., mentioned the case, of Robinson v. Insoles (Limited), and said he appeared for defendant and re- spondents in the appeal, and his appli- cation was to expedite the appeal. The appeal was from a magistrate on a case stated at Porth Police. Court, and it was a case of very great importance to the colliery owners and miners, and the decision would affect some 200,000 miners. The case came under a regulation of the Coal Mines Act of last year, commonly known as the Miners' Eight Hours Act. The men employed at the South Wales mines had agreed to work as many hours as authorised by the Act of Parliament, which prevented men being underground for more than eight hours, but it con- tained a section which allowed the owner to extend the time one. hour for sixty days in a year, and the workmen refused to work that extra hour, and action was taken under the Employers and Work- men's Act of 1875, and his application was that the case might be heard before the end of the sittings. Mr. John Sankey, K.C., said he opposed the application on the ground that there were two cases entered for hearing which raised the same points. The first was a case of Keats v. the Lewis Merthyr Col- liery, No. 53 in the Crown List, and Robinson v. Insoles, Ltd., No. 54, and his view was that the cases should be heard in their order on the list. Mr. Justice Phillimore: You want the case of Keats to come on before Robin- j son? Mr. Sankey That is it, my Lord. Both the cases are from the same court-Porth. First we want them to come on together, but to retain their places in the list, and not for Robinson and Insoles to come on before Keats and Lewis Merthyr. Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., who leads me in the second case, and will probably do so in both cases, cannot be here next week. Mr. Justice Phillimore: Will they come. on this side of Christmas? Mr. Sankey: Yes. Mr. Justice Phillimore: Are you in- structed in each, Mr. Lush? Mr. Lush No, my Lord, but I am told I may be. Mr. Justice Phillimore: Are you for the appellant or the respondent? Mr. Lush: For the respondent. Mr. Sankey: I am for the appellant. Mr. Lush: I wish it to be understood that I do not in the least wish the case to be taken on a day inconvenient to Mr. Rufus Isaacs. Will your Lordships fix a day during the next fortnight or three weeks, and let that be the minimum? Mr. Justice. Phillimore These cases are in the Crown paper, and must come before three judges. Probably the Lord Chief Justice will preside, and it would be desirable that we should consult him before fixing a. day. I think myself that under all the circumstances both appeals should be taken together. In the paper 53, of course comes before 54, but the cases shall be taken together, bat we will speak to the Lord Chief Justice first, and communicate with the Crown Office. As to expediting the cases, you say not next week, Mr. Sankey? Mr. Sankey: If your Lordship pleases. Mr. Justice Phillimore: Any time after next week? Mr. Sankey: Yes, my. Lord. Mr. Lush asked if he might mention the matter again. Mr. Justice Phillimore: Yes, but the. convenience of the Court must be studied.

Fatality at Trehavod Pit. While Mr. Edward Durham, of Tre- hafod Street, Trehafod, was following his employment as a timberman at the Lewis Merthyr Company's House Coal Colliery on Wednesday evening last, the side "if the roadway suddenly burst out upon him, killing him instantly. At the in- quest on Saturday, it was stated bv the officials of the colliery, Mr. M. Williams (undermanager) and Mr. J. Booth Wil- liams (overman), that the deceased could scarcely have worked in a safer place underground. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned. The deceased leaves a. widow and three children to mourn his loss, also an aged mother and brothers. The interment took place on Monday at Treforest Cemetery.

tie Had a long, thick beard, which it was difficult to keep one's eyes off, as it had a singu- lar attraction for fragments of cigar-aeh. He told me that he began to write at five o'clock in the morning, and wrote a certain number of hours till it was time to dress, never touching his literary work after breakfast. I said that I envied him the gift of imagi- nation, which enabled him to create characters. He said, "Imagination! my dear fellow, not a bit of it; it is cobbler's wax." Seeing that I was rather puzzled, he said that the secret of success was to put a lump of cobbler's wax on your chair, sit on it, and stick to it till you had "suc- ceeded. He told me he had written for years before he got paid.