South Wales Daily News

THE BUBIAIi OF MEBTHYP. PAUPERS.: LIVELY DISCUSSION BY THE GUARDIANS. At Saturday's meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians (Mr D. P. Davies, J.P., in the chair), a letter was read from the clerk to the Merthyr Burial Board conveying the terms of the resolution passed by that authority on the day previous desiring the guardians to make ade- quate arrangements to secure the burial of paupers with decency, it being represented that at least four men should be sent with each funeral. Mr Daniel Thomas moved that the communication be allowed to lie on the table.—The Clerk: You must deal with the matter. You have an average of about five burials a week.—Rev. Canon Wade moved that the matter be referred back to the committee. Alderman Williams observed that he thought that the offer of the guardians to contribute two guineas as a payment to the soxtons of the Burial Board to assist at the burials would have had the effect of settling the difficulty. Mr W Lewis asked whether it was not a fact that on the 24th November there was a. fnneral timed for 3 o'clock at the Cefn Cemetery, that the grave- diggers waited until 4.30, and that the fnnoral did not arrive until the 25th November, the following day. Mr W. Lewis explained that it was not a. monetary question with the Burial Board, but one of decency, the desire being that the paupers should receive proper bn ._i„. He thought the contracts for burials were Saken at too Iowa. price, and, indeed, he believed it was disgraceful that so low a figure was adopted. At the same time he believed all the guardians would wish that the pauper3 should be buried properly. Mr V. A. Wills did not see what good there was in referring this matter to the com- mittee. For his own part the sooner thj Burial Board were buried the better. Here the Burial Board were accusing them of countenancing in- decency in connection with the interment of paupers, but they would not come for- ward and help the guardians in the efforts they were making to meet the case. He would propose that the members of the guardians see to the burial of the paupers belong- ing to their respective wards.—Mr Lewis I don't think (" Order, order," You have spoken once," &c.).—The Chairman said it had been moved and seconded that the matter be referred to the committee.—Alderman David Davies Mr Chairman—(cries of "Order," "Vote.") After some uproar Aid. David Davies said he supported the motion to refer the matter for con- sideration to the committee, and he would strongly ask the master to see, if possible, if one or two extra men could assist at the burial of the paupers until the meeting of the Finance Committee took place.—Mr Wills: The guardians yon mean!—Alderman Davies said he did not mean that. It was not his duty to the ratepayers to personally see the paupers buried he ha.d not been sent there by the ratepayers for that purpose, but it waa his duty to see that the paupers were buried properly. He thought their friends at the Burial Board had misunderstood what the guardians wished. He was sure there was no guardian present who did not desire that the paupers should be buried properly. It was agreed to refer the question to the Finance Com- mitteee, and, with the consent of the mover, a rider was added that a special meeting of the committee should be called on the subject.

LATE LORD DORCHESTER. A service in memory of the late Earl of Dorchester wa.s held on Saturday at St. George's, Hanover square, simultaneously with the interment of his Lordship's re- mains at KensaJ Green Cemetery. Among those attending the service were General Greene Wilkinson, Countess of Roden, Louisa Countess of Essex, Mr Leopold de Rothschild, Lord Carrington, Hon. Enc Barrington, Lord Glenesk, Lord Iveagh. and the Hon. F. G. Carzo*. 4

MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A CARDIFF CABMAN. INQUEST AND VERDICT Mr E. B. Reece, the Cardiff coroner; on Saturday held an inquest on the body of the cabman, John Pocknell, which, as already reported, was discovered on Friday morning in the Nant Dulais brook that crosses the Peterston-road, a mile or so beyond St. Fagan's village. The body lay in one of the outhouses of the Tregochas Farm, and it was in one of the rooms of the farmhouse that the inquest was held. The brook where the body was discovered crosses the road under the Little Mill Bridge, not far from the house, and both Coroner and jury visited the scene. When the jury returned to the farmhouse it was Ascertained that the widow, who sat in waiting to give her evidence. had not viewed the body. This being necessary for the purpose of identification, the poor woman was led to the improvised mortuary-house. Upon her return she fainted and became hysterical, and had to be carried out. The Coroner very considerately spared her the pain of giving evidence, and called her sister, Clara, Banks, of 14, Hamilton-street, who identified the deceased as John Pocknell, her brother-in-law. He was 35 years of age and a cabdriver, married, with t vo children, and lived at 44, Havelock-street. He went on duty at 7 o clock on Tuesday evening last, he being em- ployed by Mr Chick, of the Angel Hotel Mews, He was generally a steady man. The last; who saw Pockn311 alive was Mr Joseph Strong Frazer, of St. Bride's, a ship store merchant, who has an office at Cardiff Docks. Mr Frazer said in eviuence thàt on Tuesday he was at a ball at Ely, and about 10.45 p.m. he telephoned to Chick's lor a hansom to be sent to meet him at the White Lion Hotel, Ely. He did not know when the cab arrived. It was 3.15 on Wednesday morning when he got into the hansom and drove home. Pocknill was the driver. It would be about 4 o'clock when he got to St. Bride's-euper-Ely. He gave the cabby his supper and one bottle of bear. He gave him also half a sovereign in gold, as he bad kept him waiting so long. Deceased was perfectly sober, and left the house at 4.30 a.m., witness hearing him rattling away. It was a very dark and cloudy niaht and very cold, but he (witness) did not think it was raining. That was the last he saw of deceased. On Wednesday, about 1.30 p.m., he heard he was missing. William Charles Chick, of the Angel Mews, Westgate-street, said he sent the cab on Tuesday night in charge of Pocknell to Ely. The cab left the mews a little after 11 o'clock. The next bo heard about it was It telephone message about 7.30 on Wednesday jniorning that the horse and cab was fI,t be Corporation Yard at Canton, and that the driver was missing. He made all possible inquiries, sont his boyan horseback to search the roa.d all the way to St. Bride's, had the police offices communicated with, but nothing could be heard or seen of Pocknell. The horse and cab had been found trotting dow. Cathedral-road at 6.10 on Wednes- day morning. Everything in the cab was the same as it was when it left t118 mews. The whip and the waterproof rug were there, but a big plaid rug used by the driver was missing. The horse was not at all injured, and had not been down but the near wheel of the hansom was damaged &t the box. The iron band—'• the nose of the wheel"—was flattened in on the front side, and he (witness) considered this mnst have been driven violently against something solid and had received a heavy blow. And that would have caused quite a, sufficient concussion to throw Padmell off his box ?-Ycs. Was deceased a sober man'?—Yes. a very steady man, and had been in my employ for 19 mont. Police-constable Y/illiam Spiller deposed that ou Friday he made ;1, search for th deceased, and about 10 a.m. he found the body in the Nant Dulais Brook, in the parish of St. Fagans, close on the left hand side (going towards St. Bride) of th bridge crossing tjl brook. Deceased was lying 03 his back, with his head resting on a stone, and the water up to his ears the face being exposed. The body was under water, but'the knees were out. Witness pulled the body out. It was quite stiff, and the man had evidently been dead many hours. There was ice on the face, and the portions of the coat that were above water were frozen. He i'ol1':1d the cap, which was wet, jast on the edge of the water on the other side of the bridge. The water on Wednesday morning must have been considerably higher, for it rained very hard on Tuesday night. From every appearance tha body had been entirely covered with water. There was a braise on the left temple, the left eye being much swollen There wit" no blood on the bruise then, but it had bled since. There were a couple of scratches also on the left side of the face, but there were no other injuries. Witness searched the body, and found in the pockets half a sovereign in gold, two shillings in silver, and five pence in coppers. The Foreman How wa3 it that he received no information before Friday morning ? The Coroner: Didn't you receive any informa- tion on Wednesday or Thursday ? Witness No, sir. The Foreman It's a most extraordinary thing. The Coroner: If Spiller had received the information, he, knowing t1, country so much better than the Cardiff poli would probably have discovered the body long before Friday morning.^ Mr Frazer Chick drove out with a detective from Llandaff and another from town on Thurs- day, and they came to my place. The Coroner It is a very curious thing that the county police did not communicate at once with P.C. Spiller. He is the first man who ought to have been told. A Juryman As soon as he was told of it he went to the very spot and found the body. The Coroner Thinking it a likely place ? Witness Yes, sir. The Foreman I think representation on the subject should be made to the Chief Constable, Witness, further examined, said it was per- fectly possible that the deceased was washed under the bridge. There would have been plenty of water there at the time. The Coroner, summing up, said that the only verdict the jury could return would be an open one—that the body was found with the injuries snoken of upon it. He (the Coroner) con- sidered there was very little doubt that those injuries were caused by an accident, and that by some means or other the deceased fell off his seat on the cab into the brook. The damage on the wheel showed that the cab had been driven with force against something, but there was nothing to show whether that damage had been caused before or after the accident. The horse in trotting home might bwo run against something. There waõ certainly no mark on the bridge to indicate that there had been a collision there. The Jury returned an open verdict, stating that there was no direct evidence to show how tho deceased got into the brook, but that they were of opinion that he somehow fell into it from the cab. At the request of the jury, the Coroner under- took to write to the chief constable calling attention to the delay of the police in in- forming the local constable that the driver was missing. Some of the jurymen complained that the Little Mill waa dangerous, but the Coroner pointed out tbat this was a matter which they, through their Parish Council, must remedy. The jury returned their fees to the widow. 1

SMART WORK OF CARDIFF POLICE. CAPTURE OP ALLEGED BURGLARS. The detective staff and general force of the Cardiff borough police have been very busy and successful this week, as will be seen from the following information which we have, upon special inquiry, been able to acquire. On Saturday information was laid at the Central Police Station that the stable of a coal dealer in Teal-street, Roath, had been broken into and a horse, saddle, and bridle stolen. Police-constable Snooks, of the Roath division, mounted a bicycle, a.nd suspecting tha.t the delinquent had gone eastward went in that direction along Newport-road in search. When he got to near Lord Tredegar's park he came upon the missing horse, &c., in possession of a man named Thomas Henry Jones. Snooks took the man in custody and brought him and the horse back to the Roath Police Station. Joues will be brought before the Cardiff ma.gistra.tes on Monday. It WitS reported to the Cardiff police that a house had been entered near Caerphilly, a.nd that clothes and various other articles had been stolen. The Cardiff police gave the county force all the assistance possible, and some of the pro- perty was recovered at Cardiff by Detective Davev and one of the county police officers. Detective Davey arrested on suspicion a man named Richard Jones, who resided at Ordell- street, East Moors, Cardiff. On being searched at the police station there were found on Jones a gold watch and two gold chains, and he was at the time wearing, it is alleged, some of the stolen property. In his possession were also three pawntickets relating to other articles. J ones was handed over to the county police, and he will be tried at the Llandaff Police Court on Monday. A woman, whom Jones said was his wife, will also be tried in connec- tion with this matter on a charge of participating in the robbery, as she ha.d possession of some of the stolen property. The Cardiff police also assisted in tracing another robbery. On receiving information tha.t a. considerable quantity of jewellery had been stolen from Barry inquiries were made, a.nd Police- constables Wheeler and Watkins, of Cardiff, arrested on suspicion a. man named Bloom. On Bloom was found ate pawnticket relating to some of the 8tolelf property, and through the arrest of this man there were traced a gold watch, two gold chains, a gold brooch, a. pair of gold earrings, and a gold ring. Only a few days ago two men were arrested by Police-constable Smith on suspicion of haying 111 their possession a watch supposed to have been stolen from a public-house at Caerphilly. Further inquiries were made, and another arrest was effected by Detective Stephens. These threo prisoners (Patrick O'Brien, Fred. Crowley, and James Donoghne) will be tried at the ensuing County Quarter Sessions.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EHCHEQUER TO VISIT SWANSEA. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has accepted the invitation of the president of the Swansea Chamber of Commerce (Sir John Llewelyn, M.P.) to attend the annual banquet of the Chamber, which will be held on January 17th next. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach is brother-in-law of Sir John Llewelyn.

A DOWLAIS CHOIR LEADER GONE. DEATH OF MR JOHN DAVIES. The news was received in Merthyr and Dowlais on Friday night with deep regret of the death of Mr John Davies, A.C., brother of Mr Da.n Davies, Merthyr, and formerly conductor of the Dowlais Philharmonic Society. The de- ceased was 36 years of age, and resided at No. 41, Berry-square, Dowlais. He had been attended by Dr. Hughes (Dowlais) for an internal com- plaint during the last few weeks, and latterly the services also of a specialist (Dr. Thomas, Cardiff) were requisitioned. An operation was performed, but the well-known vocal leader gradually sank, and breathed his last about 7 o'clock on Friday evening. He was bora in the immediate locality of his death, and as a young man he distinguished himself by winning several prizes from the Guest Scholarship Fund. As to his musical career, it may .be stated that at the age of 21 years he carried off the prize at the Odd- fellows' Hall, Dowlais, for his rendering of Thou snalt break them and that subsequently he and Mr Dan Price scored a number of successes as duettists. He had already passed his examina- tion as A.C. In conjunction with his brother, Mr Dan Davies, he began to develop much ability as a conductor of choirs, and he led the Dowlais Choir to victory at Porth Christmas Eisteddfod, 1388when six other choirs entered the lists. The adjudicators upon this occasion were Mr R. C. Jenkins, Llauelly, and Mr D. Bowen, Abercarn, and the prize was £20. At Neath, in the follow- ing Easter, he met the Neath Choir (Mr Arnold, conductor), a rival choir from Dowlais (led by Mr John Evans), and three other choirs, and again took the honours. The test pieces were Handelian, From time to time he was also heard of as an adjudicator. Upon occasions he led his choir to victories of a distinguished character at Swansea and Neath. Next he was heard of at Bridgend, where his choir carried off Lord Dunraven's prize of £100, and he received a gold-mounted baton. Of late years the deceased was associated with his brother, Mr Dan Davies, not only in business, but also to a large extent in matters choral. He took a studied interest in the welfare of the famous Merthyr Choir, and ably seconded his brother in many directions. Sincere sympathy is felt throughout the Merthyr and Dowlais districts for all the members of the family in their bereavement, and it is felt in local choral circles that a leader of excellent ability has been lost to the Principality—of whom, indeed, it was once said some years ago he would be well fitted to receive the mantle of the ablest conductor to be then found in Wales—Caradoc—whenever that veteran hero felt inclined to part with hig robes. John Davies has, however, been cut off in the prime of life, although he has left behind him many cherished recollections of his high choral accomplishments and his characteristic geniality.

SHEBEENING IN CARMAR- THENSHIRE. ANOTHER POLICE RAID. INTERESTING PROSECUTION.— NOVEL DEFENCE. Another case of shsbeening in Carmarthen- shire was submitted to the County Bench at Carmarthen on Saturday, the defendants being Penry Morris and William Rees, colliers, of Pleasant-view, Cefneithin, near Cross Hands, Llanarthney, who charged .rith gelling intoxicants without a licence. P.S. Bryant, stationed at Tumble, deposed that on the 20th ult. he and P.C. Brittain concealed themselves in the neighbourhood of defendants' houses, both of which were ordinary cottages separated from other dwellings. The police were attracted there by the extraordinary illumination of the premises and the noises therein. T'hoy had had complaints about the unlicensed sale of liquors in the district. The houses ha.d the appearance ofbusy "pubs on a fair day. They stated that they heard frequent calls for beer, saw glasses and jags exchanging hands, and tha constant motions that came under their notice indicated that money was being received and change given. Some men went in and told those inside that there was DANGEIT AHEAD. The police were ail the while behind a hedge in proximity and could easily see what was going on without being observed. They were, in fact, near enough to hear the animated conversation that was being carried on. After 3, signal, however, a good many persons quietly and stealthily left the premises, and within half an hour the occupants of the houses became remarkably quiet, the doora being guarded by women. When anyone went in or out the doors were instantly closed. After a time, evidently thinking that they were safe, the people began to be careless and the noise was resumed. Whisky was called for by a woman who was standing seven or eight feet away from the watchers, who saw her receive a glass and drink irom it. At 7.30 THE POLICE MADE,'A DASH FOR IT, witness going to the house of Morris. He found the ground floor full of people, the tables in each room being loaded with glasses and cups. He tasted the contents of a glass in each room. T he flavour was that of beer. Some of the glasses were full and some half full. On going to Rees's house he saw men in a. body dashing about, and in their hurry falling over one another. This house was in the same condition as the other. He returned with Brittain to Morris's, and on foing into the second room found that all the rink had been taken away, the glasses only remaining. They then visited the outhouse at the pine end of Morris's house and there found an 18-gallon cask of beer on tap, a bottle of whisky nearly full, a.nd a lot of other drinkables, includ- ing pop and ginger brandy. When they were leaving the shed men were running in every direction over the fields and through the mud. Witness had been told that there had been a wedding at Morris's house that day. Morris was drawing the beer in the shed, and looked like a regulir potman. P.C. Brittain, also stationed at Tumble, cor- roborated. THE DEFENCE. Henry Morris, in his defence, said that the 18- gallon cask of beer had been given by his son on the occasion of his daughter's marriage to give away to the people who paid the nsual visits, according to the custom ot the district. They had only sold pop a,nd ginger brandy. They had given the beer away, and in return the bride received gifts. There was also a bottle of rum there that had been paid for. It was simply used to put into the tea, of the folks who had a liking for it. Thev also sold eatables. He had had the loan of Wm. Rees's house for the da.y. That was how Rees got to be involved. Wm. Rees, in his own behalf, said he had had nothing whatever to do with it. He h&d simply allowed Morris to use his premises for the day. John Williams, Olvenganol, Llanarthney, said he was there and had some beer, but he psid lor none. When asked if he bad given bride anything he replied, Yes, I gave a shilling for a. cap of tea." In his opinion not a drop of anything had been put into the tea. He had also had some "picks" (hearthstone ca.kes). P.S. Bryant remarked, before the Bench retired, that it was not the Saturday night drink. ing that was complained of so much as the carry- ing of drink on Sunday, and he defied any police- man living to catch the delinquents in the day- light. On Mondays the police had seen dray loads of empty and full casks being conveyed from the district. The Bench having privately consulted with their clerk, said (through their chairman, Mr C. W. Jones) they had determined to convict both defendants on the clearest evidence. The maximum penalty was £50. Should there be a, repetition of the offence they would be fined a heavy sum. They would now have to nay a fine of £2 and 143 4d costs each in all JE5 8s 8d.

THE CARMARTHEN STABBING CASE. At Carmarthen County Petty Sessions on Saturday, the young railway engine cleaner (Wm. Edward Hughes, of Johnstown), who had been arrested charged with stabbing a fellow employee with a pocket knife in his right side, was placed in the dock for the second time. Dr. Thomas, house surgeon of the Carmarthenshire Infirmary, where the injured lad is being treated, stated that the condition of Thomas Jones was not dangerous, but it would be advisable to adjourn the case for a week, when the boy might appear with safety. This suggestion was adopted, defendant being admitted to bail in the sum of £25. Mr James John appeared for the Crown, and Mr H. Brunei White for the defence.

NEWPORT GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians was held at the Town Hall, Newport, on Saturday. The chairman (Colonel Lyne) presided. A communication was received from the Home Secretary enclosing abstracts of the Infant Life Protection Act, which will come into force on the 1st prox., and pointing out that the Boards of Guardians were the local authorities" entrusted with the administration of the Act. The Act provides for the regulation of baby farming, and under its provisions inspec- tors must be appointed to visit such children and inspect premises, and measures are to be taken to ensure the preservation of the health of chil-, dren in such homes. The Home Secretary stated that he had directed the police authorities throughout the country to co-operate with the euardians in carrying out the provisions of the Act. Mr J. H. Griffiths was appointed 8B the person to whom the notices of the adoption of children which the Act requires should be sent, and the Caerleon Schools Committee w&s directed to report upon the provisions of the Act. The Visiting Committee reported that Nurse Green, one of the nurses at the Workhouse Infirmary, who was appointed a. month ago, had resigned her appointment on the ground tha.t the rations and accommodation for the nurses was not wha.t she had expected—the food provided was not good enough, and there was not enough of it, Nurse Green said. A sub-committee was appointed to investigate the matter, and the nurse's resignation was accepted.

BACKING THE FAVOURITE does not always bring pleasure or profit to those concerned in it. Fre- quently the horse no one thinks much abont wins, and those who gain anything are few and far between. This cannot be said with reference to Holloway's Pills and Ointment, for they never disAp- point those who place faith in their merits. With reference to the Ointment, medical men are so con- vinced of its merits that they recommend it to patients as the best remedy within their experience. The Pills, also, have marvellous effect upon the system; and it can be truly said that, whatever the cause of the trouble may be, the combined medicines will restore the patient to Ä8aW".

t THE LONG-ACRE MURDER. DESCRIPTION OF THE CLEAVER. In spite of the efforts that have been made by Scotland Yard, the murder of Anthony Broset-te, the elderly Frenchman who was discovered at No. 60, Castle-street, Long-acre, shortly after noon on Wednesday last, with his throat cat and the back of the skull battered in, still remains an absolute mystery. During the last two days the French colony in Soho has been largely visited by plain-clothes officers, and several clubs of a revolutionary character in the district have been visited, but all without avail. That robbery was the motive that induced the perpetration of the crime is altogether out of the question. By the authorities at Scotland Yard it is regarded as either an act of personal revenge or a political assassination. Brosette, the murdered man, was to all appearances a most harmless being, reti- cent, sober, and uncommunicative. His com. panions were invariably Frenchmen, and although he is known to have had an excellent command of English, his conversation was almost invariably conducted in French. Mr Mann, the landlord of the house in which the tragedy was enacted, states that when he took the premises a year or two back the deceased was then, and had continued to be up to the time of his death, the occupier of the front room on the second floor where his body was discovered on Wednesday. He did not know what the financial circumstances of the deceased were, but he was in every way a good lodger—quiet and orderly. The tragedy continues to excite the utmost interest in the neighbourhood, and throughout Friday the house in Castle-street in which the murder was committed was thronged with crowds of visitors. On Friday an official description was given cf the cleaver by means of which the fatal injuries to the murdered man's head were undoubtedly inflicted. It is an ordinary butcher's cleaver, with a blade 9iin. long and 3;in. at its widest part. The handle is of wood, into which three brass rivets have been driven. The heads of two of the rivets are missing, and there is a circular hole in the blade of the cleaver. When found by the police this formidable weapon was smeared with blood. It has, of course, been closely examined since, and it is evident, from the absence of grease and dull appearance of the surface of the blade, that it has not been much used for some time past—at any rate by a butcher. In fact, there is more reason to suppose that it has been used for chopping wood or some similar purpose. It is considered probable that the cleaver was stolen before it was used on tho head of the mur- dered man; and the police, of course, are anxious to hear from anyone who has any knowledge of such a weapon as that above described. OPENING OF THE INQUEST. An inquest on the body of Brosette was opened by Dr. Danford Thomas at St. Giles's Mortuary on Saturday. The body was identified by Alfred Mann, landlord of the house in which the deceased occupied rooms. So far as witness knew deceased had no relations in this country, but he was frequently visited by foreigners. On Wednesday witness went to his room and found Brosette dead in a chair near the fireplace with wounds on the head and neck. The Coroner examined witness as to tho visit of a man named Gustave Alexander to deceased's lodginjjs on Wednesday. Frederick Still, police constable, described the condition of the body when he was fetched by the last witne8. There was a terrible wound in the throat, and the knife produced was sticking in the wound. (The Coroner described it as a French shoemaker's knife). There was also a severe wound at the back of the head. Witness also produced a blood-3tained chopper which he found on the floor at the back of a chair. Dr. George Haslip also gave evidence as to the injuries. There were four distinct wounds at the back of the head such as woald have been caused by the chopper produced. The bone was cnt clean through. The blow must have come unex- pectedly from behind. The wound in the throat was probably inflicted after death, which was due to injury to the brain. Chief Inspector Henry Moore, Scotland Yard, who is in charge of the case, stated in reply to the Coroner, that no arrests had yet been made. The case was one which required very delicate handling, and he was not prepared to make public all the information he had obtained. The motive of the crime was not quite clear. The inquiry was adjourned until Monday, De- cember 20th.

_+- AN ACTRESS'S LOVER. IMMORALITY AND SUICIDE. At the Islington Coroner's Court, London, Dr. G. Danford Thomas held an inquest concerning the death of Charles Norton, aged 23 years, an undertaker's assistant, lately residing at 9, Florence-street, Isling- ton, where he committed suicide on the 1st inst. Mr Charles Norton, an undertaker, carrying on businer-s at 91, Essex-road, deposed that the deceased, his son, had assisted him in his business. Six weeks ago the deceased left witness of his own accord. There had been a disagreement between them. He was not always steady, and was of an excitable disposition. Witness had disapproved of his son's action, and that was the sole cause of all the trouble. Beatrice Clifford, a stylishly-dressed young woman, lately residing with the i deceased at Florence-street, stated that she had been in the theatrical profession five years. They ha,d been living together five or six weeks, and were contemplating matrimony. The de- ceased had done no work while they had been living together. Witness was aware that the:r connection was not in accordance with the de- ceased father's wish, and the young man had been very despondent. On several occasions be had asked witness what she world do if she wanted to commit suicide. He had previously been very cheerful. He had pawned all witness's jewels, and her sister had promised to provide a home for them if they would on ly get married. On Tuesday the deceased came home shortly after midnight. Later on she saw a lady friend who had been visiting her out, and when she returned to the room the deceased said to her, Kiss me you will not be able to do so again." He then drank something from a cup that was standing on the table. She had received the following letter from him on the previous Friday, but she had placed it undor her pillow, thinking he was only trying to frighten her.—The Coroner read passages from the letter as follows :—" Thursday. I have been home to night. My father has been usii< £ some i strong language to me. I hope the Lord will bless you, and see you safe through the world. Peace be your end. Forgive me if I t&ke my life. I think someone has been telling my father a pack of lies."—The Coroner He seems very much attached to you. He goes on to say, I send yon my love, and hope God will always bless you. Good-bye, good-bye. Do forgive me if I ta.ke my life in this attempt to avoid the curses I am under which no man would ever endure."—Dr. Godfrey deposed that the cause of death was poisoning by carbolic acid. The jury returned a verdict of Suicide while of unsound mind."

THE DOMESTIC GAS METER. Respecting the assertion made -by a witness at Southwark that a gas meter and a liar are synonymous terms, M.P." writes to the DxilIJ TeUyraph:—" It may interest your readers if I state what I beard the ex-Lord Mayor, Sir G. Faudel-Phillips, say at a Mansion House dinner to the Fruiterers' Company on October 19th last in respect of the same subJect-the unreliability of existing gas meters. He remarked:—' We are all, familiar with the domestic gas meter, which sometimes goes by the name of the domestic deceiver.' We have the firm conviction that our meter is recording against us that which we have never consumed. We are always dissatisfied; we sometimes appeal to the higher authorities, but the result is the same always—we have to pay.' The observation of the School Board officer that the mothers of children, in accounting for their offspring being away from school, 'lied like gas meters,' proves how universal is the discredit of existing meters. Nothing is motre annoying to a householder than to have a. bill corns in for gas which he feels confident he has not con- sumed and this will be accentuated in the coming Christmas accounts."

ARE CHILDREN ORTHODOX? A Brixton clergyman vouches for the following incident, which, he thinks, is a touching instance of youthful orthodoxy, and ought to prove a, counterblast to those who seek to abolish Balaam's speaking ass. He writes :—" A little girl, about 9 years of age, was obliged for some time to endure the nagging annoyances of a maiden aunt. The child puzzled her little mind as to the best means of getting rid of her tor- mentor, and at last hit upon a plan which she thought would have the desired effect. She spent the whole of one morning writing a letter, and having finished it she disappeared in the garden. In the course of the afternoon her mother asked the gardener what Alice had been doing, and was surprised to learn that she had dug a deep hole and put a letter in it. A search was made and the following epistle was discovered, ad- dressed to the potentate of the nether regions at his official residence :—' Dear Mr Satan,—Will yon kindly come and take away Aunt Jane ? She is a very fussy person, and does worry me so.— Alice.

RAISING THE WIND. A New Jersey minister, wishing to get a church debt paid off, announced for a, Sunday morning a discourse on "The X-rays." Many were attracted by the announcement, a.nd there waa a full house. When the discourse came on a black- board was covered with a big parallelogram divided Hp into a multitude of little squares each marked X. The remainder of the morning was spent in rubbing these out as fast as persons in the house responded to the exhortation to take an X, or any multiple thereof, as a. fraction of the debt, each X square representing, of course, $10. The X-rays thus proved to be an X raise, and as a financial stroke waa successful. Whether it was a genuinely Pauline proceeding might be doubted, although there were at Corinth some who alleged that the Apostle being crafty caught them with guile."

THE GKBAT CUM top CORNS Munday's Viridine—Still further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cures of the same colour, bnt none of them appear to eqoal yours. No one ought to say his corns are incurable until he has used "Viridine." Thousands have been cured, most of whomhad suffered for over SO years. Beware of imita- tions. Sold in bottles ls, by post Is 2d. by the pro- iotor, J. Monday, Chemist, I, High-street, Cardiff, and all Chemists. 1079

NOTES ON THE GAME. (BY OLD STAGER.") Although ten members of the originally selected players stood down, the trial match at Swansea was the most interesting of the long series, the sides appearing well balanced, and the play being fast throughout. Quite contrary to expectation, the game, judged as a spectacle, amply repaid its spectators, but while it afforded evidence that WaJes has a bigger number of useful club men than in previous years, it was also plainly proved that the Union will not be able to command so strong a side as in recent years—whatever the skill shown in selection. The match revealed that the old hands are still at the top, with few, very few, exceptions. Neither the East or West pack on Saturday's form was powerful or skilful enough to run through either the Blackheatlror Cambridge eight as I have seen them play this season, and the pick of English scrummagers can, and assuredly will, be much superior to either. And while our backs have deteriorated, know- ledge of the passing art has spread. Neither of our left wings at Swansea was as fast as Pilkington, of Cambridge, or Robinson, of Blackheath, the likely men in oItPosition; and there was no centre on the ground to ap- proach Mackie, who, if picked in the same posi- tion as he occupies in the University team, will play opposite to Gwynn Nicholls. It is fortunate we have one strong centre left, as the Cardiffian is now unequalled in the four kingdoms. But even he has not quite the dash he used to have— at all events he has not displayed as much this season. Wales will sadly miss Arthur Gould, and his worthy successor is not yet in sight. Observation of Gould and the uncertainty as to what was going to happen always severely handi- capped opposing centres. Doubtless it will be said that I am taking a pessimistic view of matters. The fact, however, remains that forward and back Wales has deteriorated in the scale of excellence, while there are more clubs of class in the Prin- cipaJity than ever. In no previous local trial game more promising players have been seen together, but the bulk of the men are in the process of manufacture, and most of the backs will ner reach a much higher standard Five, if not six, of last year's pack— disappointed at not being allowed to travel to Edinburgh—will have to be included in a truly representative side. Now each of those men is a year older, and not one of them has shown improvement. If we had the plethora of class scrummagers some people like to tell us we have, more than one or these men fjbonld be sup- planted. As it is, we have half-a-dozen men, all of whom are below the merit of the old hands, yet all of them so near that unintentional injustice is bound to be done to the losers of their caps. I am assuming that International matches will be resumed. This will not come about though until the Welsh Union acknowledges its remiss- ness, and the longer such frank acknowledgment is delayed the more abject will apology be when it takes place. What an English Union representative on the International Board said in conversation this week at Cambridge convinces me of this. The Welsh Union members have denied knowledge of points loading to this unfortunate dispute which to my certain knowledge were well-known to Union members in the other countries. That reflection upon themselves, though an excuso for otherwise inexplicable conduct, is unavailing in the future, for definite information can be had for the asking. Well, supposing we do meet England on January 8th-which at the present juncture is not within the range of certainty—what are our chances, provided the English Rugby Union choose a side such as they can command ? Eng- land, I believe, will put out a fifteen which could have beaten that defeated bv Wales last year by quite as much, if not more, tha,n the goal and two tries then regis- tered. England much improved will be met by a strong fiiteen if the local Union select on merit alone, but it will be one unquestionably inferior to that which put on the record score at Newport. What can be done to improve the Welsh side ? Welsh clubs with men of far inferior physique I have beaten the champion English clubs by their better comination. With the style of back play, which most Welsh clubs have made themselves expert in, combination is essential to success, and given the date of the English match, I would urge the desirability of giving the international team a, practice so as to get them accustomed to one another's peculiarities. Wales will have fewer brilliant in- dividual men—who. pitchforked among strangers, conld be trusted to rihine-tban hitherto, and with the possibility of recruits at forward and three- quarter it would improve the all-round play of the team considerably, and give confidence to the young hands. The game could be arranged for an off-day in the last weak of December. A reserve should he selected for every member of what was considered to be the best XV., and opportunity could be taken to improve any palpable weak spot. Our team against England has rarely met Scotland, and experimental stages should be passed before our men oppose the Saxons. Weaknesses in Satnràay's trial were painfiilly apparent. On both sides the forwards tailed to heel cleanly and swiftly, and though the Western men got the ball out far more often than the Easterners, theirj halves were prejudiced by their lack of style, the ball lagging in the last row. Anything like a combined dribble was not seen, but the rushing, particularly of the Westerners, was smart and difficult to stop, though the handling of the Eastern pack was tne most likely to score, as the other scrummagers frequently overran the ball. Then, too, the halves passed too mechanically, and in this respect the West couple were much at fault, the ball going from the one to the other almost invariably. So much club intercourse has taken place between English and Welsh clubs that mediocre passing is of little service now, and without possession of the football genius of an Arthur Gould among them the Welsh backs will have to vary the pass from man to ma,n along the line system, or it will be more profitable for the for- wards not to exert their energy in securing the ball. Not once on Saturday did I see a skilful imtance of high-els/ss re-passing. Time after time a centre would get towards his wing, and as surely wonld the ball be sent on to the man between him a,nd the near tonch-line when the whole of the opposing men were making for that wing, and when a smart transfer to the co-centre could have enabled him to cross by running straight. Passes from the wing to near centre and thence to the other centre are, however, rarely seen nowadays eyen in crack club games. There is no more profitable pass, for nine times out of ten the second centra has a clear run over, no one seem- ing to dream of the ball coming to him. Cardiff last year did this manoeuvre successfully, and Arthur Gould got several tries last season from passes from Pearson, who missed, by design, the next back to him. Passing which a few seasons since wonld have been nonplussing will not now do, as Cardiff found at Cambridge. The English- men can now pass more than moderately well. Having written in detail in the football Echo of the performances in the trial game, I will now stay my hand. Pontypridd team came down with a thud on Saturday when defeat at the hands of Treherhert to the tune of 27 points to nil was the most severs sustained for a long time. Such a reverse was never contemplated, but it was evident from an early stage of the game that the devil" which the homesters infused into their play wonld pla.y the dickens with the Pontypriddians unless they woko up. The dMh of the winners appeared to take them, as well as the spectators, quite bv surprise, and shortly after the second half commenced the result was beyond doubt, for whilst the Rhondda men kept up a, vigorous attack throughout their opponents had to work very hard to keep their line intact. It was, how- ever, crossed three times, and it was entirely due to the sterling tackling of a few of the visitors that they did not do so oftener. The display of the Pontypridd men was very disappointing, and the crowd that journeyed from the town on the Taff to witness the match hardly knew what to think of them. The defeat, so decisive in its character, was a bitter pill to swallow after the recent grand performances of the team, which a fortnight ago seemed to have a very bright prospect of being in the running for the League Cup. But it is not too late even yet, and instead of being discouraged by the reverse it is to be hoped that the players will stand together and go in for strict training. They must not hold their opponents, whoever they be, too iheaply, for the result of Saturday's game is undoubtedly due to the confidence of the homesters and their determination to play a winning game. It was that spirit which enabled Pontypridd a fortnight ago to lower the colours of the cupbolders. Now, Pontypridd players, keep up your courage, and make up your minds to make strennous efforts to retrieve your posi- tion. So writes my correspondent, who is ani- mated by the sole desire to see a keen competi- tion for premier honours in the League. Treherbert's men ùeserveheø,rty congratulation upon their victorv, especially in the absence of their skipper. That the team can play when it has a will to do so haa been conclusively proved, and one could with some amount of confidence venture to aa.y tha.t few South Wa.les teams oould have withstood them upon Saturday's form. They showed dash and combination to a rema.rk- able degree, and if they kept it up other teams are aure to get a warm time of it at their hands. From first to last they were superior to their opponents, both forward and behind. The for- wards, individually and collectively, brought off some splendid head and foot work, and it was with the greatest difficulty that some of their rushes conld be stopped. The halves sent the ball out with precision and regularity, and the rear line was frequently set in motion and showed that they could pass very effectively. It wonld be invidious to single oat any of the home forwards for special mention, because each one seemed to bo doing his level best. The same remark, however, cannot apply to all the visitors' forwards, some of whom did too much winging and shirking of hard work. Playing behind a winning pack Emlyn Lewis and Rees shone to advantage, especially the former, and Chick and his partner were consequently handicapped. Chick, however, did heaps of useful work, but Hill's display was disappointing. All the home three-quarters played well together, and ttid far better than their opponents, of whom Wayne Morgan and Roberts were the most prominent. The former frequently collared well at oritica.t moments, and bad he but have missed big man the scora would have been much larger. Warlow had a very harf time throughout, and, notwith- standing the score, played a good game, his kicks and saves frequently bringing relief to his hard-worked comrades. Daley, of Grangetown, is an undoubted acquisition to Treherbert as full-baok. Treherbert meet Treorky to-day, and a. stiff contest ought to result. Neath fully deserved their win in the match with Llwynypia, and the score fairly indicates the degree of their superiority. But the visitors gave them a hard game and no mistake, and the winners certainly did not get their victory too cheaply. From the start the pace was terrific, and both teams showed good staying power. This latter inestimable quality was better seen in the winning team than in their opponents. It is only common justice to say that Llwynypia never lost heart, but went at their work with a will, notwithstanding repeated and oft-repeated dis- appointments. One of the most pleasing features of the game was the fine combination of the Neath three- quarters. They understood each other, and playing with judgment and dash, they again and again made a fine exhibition. Of the quartette Steer, who was in his good old form, was very noticeable. J. D. Davie3 is proving himself to be the treasure the prophets said he would be, and J. Rees was as active and useful as ever. Beasley would have shone more if he had not had at times such cruel ill-luck. The Neath halves did their full share of hard work. The home forwards were in admirable trim, shining in all respect a, and frequently non. plussing the more burly hillmen. Joe Davies was himself, which is the best tribute that can be paid him. J. E. Jones played a good safe game, and made excellent response to the numerous calls upon him. Of the scrummagers Alexander and Gabe were seen to best advantage, In a word, the Llwynypia men played a hard defensive game in a highly creditable manner. To-day the Gla- morgan League Cup holders meet Llanelly in the Rhondda, and they will be strengthened by the inclusion of their captain. It will be seen, and before long I think, that the win of Neath was not due so much to deterioration of the visitors as to the rapid improvement of the winners. There should be a. grand forward battle next week a.t Abert&we. If Saturday's game be taken as a criterion of the form of Penygraig, it is plain that the Rhonddaites are on the down grade, and the high promise given by their play at the com- mncement of tho season will nevr be fulfilled. It is trne they were without the services of Con- stable Evans and Dan MarCgregor, but the absence of these two men ought not to reanlt in the poor display given by them against Barry. They never once seemed to realise that the result meant for them either a win or a loss of two points in the League ladder. The forwards heeled out repeatedly, but after the scrummage had broken they were at sea, and there was alack of combination in every one of the forward rushes. The halves also appeared to be very slow, and when the forwards had won ground it was soon neutralised through lambling by the halves. Three-qnarter the homesters had plenty of advantage, a.nd there was but one weak spot, vis., Dan Ree3 at centre, who on Saturday's form did not come np to expectations by a. long way. Jones at back was safe on all occasions, but lacked judgment at critical junctures. The visitors played a good defensive game. They once only really appeared dangerous, and their efforts should have been rewarded with better success. Their play was devoid of any great "skill." The back was in fair form. Dowdeswell and Jones, the wings, rendered yeo- man service for their sides. Hatherhall was the pick of a decent pair of halves. Clarke, Dea,ne, and Tuggs shone in the front rank. Altogether it was a, miserable game, and if the hill men intend coming out well in the League contests yet to play successfully, they will certainly have to wake up. Strict training should at once be the order, otherwise it will be useless to expect any more successes. To-day they play Abercarn, and a.nother defeat will be in store for them, judging by the experience of Mountain Ash, unless the present form be improved upon. I The team will be materially helped by the inclu- sion of P.C. Eva.ns. As is invariably the case when there is a food thing on," there was a record gate at the 'ontymister and Brynmawr match at the City in the Hills" on Saturday, and it was soon apparent that not a few entertained a hope that the homesters would come out of the encounter on the right side. To those who had followed Pontymister's record since the open- ing of the League competition the hope must have seemed a, rather forlorn one, bearing in mind Brjnmawr's League record, that the team has suffered lately through continuous changes, and that Saturday's fifteen included a substitute full back, with three others at three-quarter. Fawke, the back, fnlly justified his appointment to the post, and did some splendid work. It was soon apparent that the better team was Ponty- mister. The forwn.rd3 on the whole were well balanced, but the visitorfl excelled their oppo- nents in the half and three-quarter divisions. To-day (Monday) there is another field-day at Brynmawr, where concltKions will be tried in tho Monmouthsbiro League with Abertillerv, who, as things stand at present, are the top scorers. They have anticipated that they will be this season's champions." Unquestionably they have come off well in the eight League matches played by them in succession up to Saturday. But they have Pontymister to reckon with. There is nothing worth noting in the Penarth draw with Morriston, with Ebbw Vale's win by a point over Newport Reserves, or with any other local match, excepting the surprising draw at Bridgend, and Abercarn's fine performance in sending home well-beaten from Gwent the runners-up for the Glamorgan League — Mountain Ash. A dropped goal and a try is a substantial score, but when it beats a side like Mountain Ash pointless feven though minus several players) it bespeaks that the victors are by no means small fry. Thomas, the Abercarn half, I am told, played a clover game; while the best man on the visitors' side was Inns, a young and able scrummager whom I Shall include in I my gallery next week. Aberavon sorely missed Dan Jones in their ma.tch at Bridgend, bat that the Bridgonder3 i have come on surprisingly was proved by tho fact ,t they had none the worne of the drawn and r reless gttme. They, too, had a man in the trial match in Jenkin Matthews, and that he would have been of service to them WM patent by the sound and promising game he put m'at Scvansoa. To one who is aware of the difficulties sur- mounted by the Penybont Club Committee it is particularly pleasing to chronicle such marked progress. Writing me from near Cambridge, where I hope he is still enjoying himself, one who at one time was a prominent figure in Welsh football speaks ¡ of the lack of sportsmanlike feeling on the part of the speet3>tors when visiting tea-ms are beating the 'Varsities. One would expect to find ready appreciation of clever play and spontaneous applause from such a crowd than else- where, but I have attended matches of all descriptions in South Wales, and 1 have always found that however high the partizan feeling might run, a good piece of play has been recognised by whichever side it has been shown, even amongst the roughest crowds. Huzzey placed a splendid goal Trom near the touch- line. but there was no applause from them. I have been to many funerals, but never have I known such death-like silence when a number of human beings were congregated."—Pity it is and 'tis. A W.F.U. referee, whom I know to be ex- perienced, writing me from Newport, says It is full time that the Referees' Society was altered. The wa.y that the present Selection Committee oppoint referees is disgraceful. Unless you are one of a selected few, who are appointed week after week, you get no chance at all. I a.m one of the first appointed, yet this is the result :—In 1831-95, no call in 1895-96, one appointment in 1895-97, one appointment and so far this season I have not had any. Yet to show you that I am fully qualified I had last season 23 applications outside the Referees' Society, and this season I have had 10 applications to act as referee. Is this just'to anyone or not ? It is time that this favouritism is stopped." Such a com- munication speaks for itself. I have taken special steps to test its genuineness.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES LOCAL RUGBY. INTERNATIONAL TRIAL MATCH. EAST v WEST. [BY OUR SWANSEA CORRESPONDENT.] Played at Swansea in good football weather, hut before & small crowd. Evidently not milch interest was taken in the tTame owing to a large number of those who were picked bsing absent. Spectators at Swansea have not much interest in trial matches, as they believe the day's form is rarely accepted af, a criterion for selection for International honours. The teams were :— 33ABT.—Full back, Waterfield (Ebbw Vale); three- qrutn-ter-backs. Simmonds (Northampton). W. Jones (Cardiff), J. Driscoll (Cardiff), T. W. Pearson (New- port) half-backs, Elliott (Cardiff), L. Lloyd (New- port); forwards, Parfitt (Ebbw Vale), B. Jones (Cardiff), Boots (Newport). T. Dobson (Cardiff), J. Jonkiiis (Newport), J. Barnfield (Ebbw Vale), G. Dobson (Cardiff), J. Booth (Pontymister). WEST.—Pull back, W. J. Bancroft (Swansea); three- quarters, T. D. Davies (Treherbert), Ned Jenkins (T.J.allo11y), C. Bowen (Devonport), am1 M. Wiliiams (Iilanally); half-backs, Dan Jones (Aberavon) and Phillips (Mountain Ash); forwards, Falcon (Treorky), D. J. Daniel (Llanelly), R. Thomas (Swansea), R. Hellings (Llwynypia), D. Evans (Penygrl1Ïg), E. Vigors (Neath), W. E. Rees (Pontypridd), and J. Matthews Bridgend). Mr A. J. Gould referee. At 3 o'clock the East kicked off from the Town end against the wind, and Bancroft returned. A rush by the East carried play near their opponents' quarters, but similar tactics by the latter changed the venue to about mid-distance. Some very uuiHtcresting play ensued in the West half whIch occupied some minutes. Then the West broke away and carried play into their opponents' half. Water- field was all there, and kicked over to the halfway line. A free awarded the East was entrusted to Pearson, who landed the ball into touch about mid- way in his opponents' half. Scrambling play followed, the backs being almost unoccupied. The Westerners rushed, and W. Jones got possession and punted several yards ahead. The East men adopted rushing tactics, which broke the opposition defence, and the West goal was put in danger momentarily. Pearson kicked over and exacted It minor. Resuming, the East again a.8bumed an aggres- sive attitude, but the attack wa. removed by a. fine bit of forward play, and Tom Davies thereafter put in a long kick,;which took the scene of the contest into his opponents' 25. Waberfield giving an in- rtiffm'oijfc reply this advantage was short lived, &9 the East dribbled out of danger, but Only to be rsturnert, Hellings been well In evldfitioo. A eonole of tfeht scrummages ended decidedly In far one ot tho East, and stibseattently a poor bit of transferrins lost a little ground for the latter, a payout by Da>n Jones being mnllrd amongst the third line of dcfence. Playing with the wind, liancrott kicked over, and Waterfleld touched down. Bob Thomas did the same, and the Eastern custodian again touched down in ample time. Neither kick was at all dangerous. A strop? rush by the West front contingent proved irresistible, and was not checked till the ball was about a yard from the goal line. However, the siege was renewed with spirit, and Driseoll put in the finest run, so far, of the match, covering three-fourths of the Held, and Simmonds seconded his effort and got away, but his progress was barred. As a coincidence, the West, by exactly similar play, got right to the other end, and D. Evans nearly got over. A most exciting scrummage now took place almost on the West goal-line, and when broken up a penalty was awarded the West for off- side play, and Bancroft was within an ace of scoring a goal from the kick. A minor resulted. After the kick-out Bancroft punted into the the 25, but the ball was at once worked out. A neat bout of passing by Dan Jones, Ned Jenkins, and Morgan Williams gained an appreciable distance, bub the defence was too good to be broken. Thereafter, from a scrum, Dan Jones passed to Tom Davies, who cleared several of his opponents, and transferred to Cliff Bowen, who scored between the posts, and Bancorft had no difficulty in converting. Almost immediately after restarting the West came away at a rattling pace, which drove their opponents back pell meli, and D. J. Daniels scored, and Bancroft being again successful with the place-kick, the West thus led by 10 points to nil. By way of retaliation the East pot l'i¡;ht down to their opponents' goal-line, and a try was scored, a try which Waterfleld converted as time was called. HALF-TIMJB SCOBE G. T. M. WEST 2 0 3 EAST 10 1 Hellings restarted for the West, and Driseoll returned into touch in his own territory. Following the throw-out the East forwards made a fine burst into West groupd. Hellings initiate d a bout of passing, which was taken up by- Dan Jones, Ned Jenkins, and Tom Davies, the last named being most difficult to tackle, and he gained a lot of ground, but this was soon neutralised by Pearson and EUiott. who worked together in splendid style. They found openings in their opponents' defence, and Elliott scored in a favourable position. Waterfleld failed to negotiate, and thus the'Westerners led by 2 points. Resuming, Bancroft kicked out with effect, and a scrum was formed just on the division line. Cliff Bowen picked up out of some loose play and made tracks for the goal line. This put the East goal in imminent danger, a scrummage being formed opposite their coal po3ts, the outcome that Phillips, Mountain Ash, dashed over in rare style and scored in the corner. Bancroft failed to kick a goal, but from this difficult Eosition his attempt was praiseworthy. After the all was set in motion the Westerners were seen to great advantage. Driscoll, Simmonds, Jones, and Pearson worked together with machinelike precision, and their opponents fell back en masse, and only by a superhuman effort stopped Pearson scoring, the result being that the East-eners were put hard on the defensive. This time they rallied in good style, and their forwards, headed by Hellings and P.C. Evans were seen brilliantly dashing along to the division line, and all danger was re- moved at the most critical juncture. Phillips got the ball when hauled out of tha scrum- mage and put in a well-timed kick which sent the Easterners flying buck. Some very fast play ensued. and the bail wa3 sent all over the field. Eventually Bancroft got possession and kicked well ahead, and then the forwards contested every inch of ground in central territory. The game now 6howed West thirteen points and East eight; therefore it was anybody's game, but the East men were now playing a grand S»rne, Pearson and W. Jones being especially notice- able at three-qua rter. An effective dribble followed by a rush on the part of the West front contingent took the scene of contest exactly opposite the Eastern 25 post, and similar tactics compelled the East to play for a minute on the defensive. The pressure was soon removed a good bit of combination by the defenders' backs standing them in good stead, and the West territory was reached. Bancroft was called on three times, and each time responded to the call with marked effect, his last effort ending in the ball finding touch just in his opponents' 25. From the throw-in a com- bined rush by the East carried all before them and culminated In W. Jones (Cardiff) getting possession and scoring try, which Waterfleld failed to convert. The Westerners were now only two points to the good. The game became very exciting. Close to the call of time some tight play amongst the forwards in the West half now took place, and when the ball was heeled out Pearson passed to Elliott who nearly got over, and it looked bad for the Westerners for a nun ate or two. However, by a supreme effort they rushed the ball into neutral ground, Matthews being prominent. The East then cam* away with a burst, and play ensued in tho West territory opposite their cross-bar. The attack and defence were now admirable on both aide", and 11:1ard struggle for supremacy took place, which eventually ended in favour of the East, as Driscoll galloped over and grounded down, but the kick for goal was unsuccessful, and the East led by one point, when time was called. piNAi, SCORE a. T. M. EAST 13 4 WEST 2 13 REMARKS. The East only won by one point, a victory which was not anticipated till about 10 minutes to the call of time. In the initial half the West had the best of the play, and attacked frequently, and eventually led by seven points, but it was evident towards the close of the game that they had rather over-taxhd their strength, as they had frequently hard work to keep their opponents out of their 25. Bancroft at this juncture put in some very effective saving play, and was the mainstay of his side, while Simmonds, Driscoll, Jones, and Pearson were at their beat. Towards the close these players in the third line of defence worked admirably together, the assaults on the wegt goal being a treat to witness. Every opening was seen and every weak point in their opponents' defence attacked, and this lost the Westerners the match. If this quartette had played in such fine form in the initial portion the score for their team would have presented a more rosy aspect. The game opened in a very slow fashion, the for- wards keeping the ball amongst them for fully 10 minutes. A few rushes and dribbles were the order of the day, but subsequently the spectators were treated to One bit!! of passicj; in the nrst half by the West, and in the second portion by the EMt. Instead of the game being very selilsh, like similar trial matches, she players pafls?d out with judgment an appeared to play for a team and not for them- selves, and the match was, dnring 50 minutes, a very interesting one, bnt not so brimfnl of excitement as local games between Welsh teams. For the West Bancroft was at his beat. It was one of those days in which he wished to show what he can do, and he did it to the satisfaction of the most captious critics His kicking was well timed and judicious. Dan Jones did some 9nlf:.rt work behind the scrummages, especially in the first half, when he fed the three- quarters effectively bnt Lloyd was the best half on the field, and waa seen to much advantage. For the West three-quarter line T. Davies and C. Bowen played a sound game, offensive and defensive. Waterfleld, the Eastern full back, had the worst of the comparison with Ban- croft, although the former at times kicked well and saved occasionally pluckily. Taking both packs, Hellings (Llwynypia), P.C. Evans (Penygraig), and Vigors (Neath)" appeared the pick, the last-named being a most prominent recruit, and whose play at times called for special praise when there was really hard work to do. The result was about justified by the character of the pIny. It was rather a disappointment to tile Swanseaites pre- sent that two only of their team were play- ing, viz., W. J. Bancroft and Boh Thomas, but still the committee were desirous to see some new blood infnsed. The absence of so many origi- nally picked gave them a good opportunity to un- earth some rising talent. OLD S'I'AGER' 8KI,ACTION. Wales will have to go outside the teams playing to-day if there is to be reasonable hope of beating England. The game was an extremely in- teresting one, but it was not calculated to assist the Match Committee much in their final selection. Hellings and Evans were the best forwards on the field, and Daniels showed undoubted claims to consideration, while of the youngsters Vigors, of Neath, was the most conspicuous and should run strongly for place. Bob Thomas, of Swansea did well, and his following up and tackling weve distinctly good, but I would not advocate his claims against those of his fellow clubmen, Parker or Jackson- Six of the pack should be, in my opinion, Hellings, Evans, Cornish, Boucher, Daniels, and Sa.wtclI. Tho pick of the Swansea pack, who- ever he be, should get the seventh place, and for the eiphth there will be a very keen comnetition. Had J. Btftko not been on the injured list his chances should hfnc been very rosy, but Vigors, the older Dob- son, and one Western forward selected out of three, say, Reos, Pontypridd; R. Jones and Alexander, Llwynypia coulfl be played with confidence, Ban- croft holds his own easily at full back, and at quarter I should play T. D. Davies, with Gwynn Nicholls in tha ceiitre, and Pearson, and pro- vided his knee be sound, Cliff Bowen 011 the wings. In tho event of Bowen not being perfectly fit Driseoll should take his place, and for the sake of combination Jones should supple- ment Davies at ieft centre. Simmonds demonstrated plainly that he has no serious claim, Skrimshira being his snperior. At half Selwyn Biggs should be partnered by Lloyd on the day's play, bnt it is ques- tionable whether Elliott should not be given prefer- ence for liis more solid defence,.and because he Knows his captain's style to a, nicety. Phillips and Dan Joues were outclassed by Elliott as well as Lloyd, and of the Western couple the ex-International and Aberavon man was the pick. In the absence of Biggs however I should throw in my vote for the Brothers James. NEATH v IrLYWNYPIA. At Neath, before an interested crowd, and on fairly good rarf. The following were the teams POSITION. LLWYSTCXA. NEATH. Back J. E. Jones J. Davies Three-quarter.. W. M. Llewellyn C. Brailey Three-quarter.. R Foster C. Steer Three-quarter.. I. Edmunds J. Rees Three-quarter.. G. Mills J. D. Davies Half-back C. Tlioi-nas C. Powell Half-back I. Thomas H. Harnord Forward NV. 11. Alexaiider W. Jones Forward R Jones J. Reynolds Forward 3. 'r. Phillips M. Reynolds Forward W. Gabe S. Davies Forward. G. Evans J. Thomas Forward G. Bowen J. Linnard Forfrard J. Atkins W. Johnson Forward P.C. Hockinrrs D. Evans Referee, Mr Gii Evans. Llwynypia started, and at once the game became fast and furious. The visitors were penalised. The kick being followed up, Llwynypia were caJ1u upon to resist a very hot attack. They however suc- ceeded in doing this. Neath being given a iree in their own 25, Samuel Davies gave proof of his powers, and the ball was well follocd up, but Alexander soon equalised matters, and the Neath line was assailed. The visi- tors looked as though they were going to notch the coveted try. Johnson, at a somewhat critical stage, made an opening and got away. He pa.ssed to Jack Rees, wlio transferred to J. D. Davies, who ro- turned to Rees. The pace was splendid and at fnll speed. Rees again passed to J. D. Davies, who made clear for the Llwynypia line, which he suc- cessfully crossed. The place kick failed. Encouraged by their success, the home team played up with great dash, and again got close to the Llwynypia line, when, however, the visitors were given a free kick, which transferred the play to half-way. Another dribble and a little luck would have given trv. HALF-TIME 3DOHE G, W. Y. 1 0 1 NEATH 0 0 0 LLWTNWIA 0 0 0 Neath restarted with a fine kick by Sam Davies, and after the return a business-like ruGli took the home lot close to the line. The Llwvnypia forwards here got away with a pretty on Ob It-, the effect of which was,however,soon spoiled by the acti- vity of the Neath thres-quaate~s. Jack liees, taking a pass, was makiug tracks for tne line, when ne was floored with the prize almost within his grasp. Neath returned to the attack, and, indeed, kept the visitors almost the whole of the time on the defensive. It was now getting dark, but the game did not abate one jot of its Jaruestnefes. The visitors by a supreme effort got well into the Neath quarters, but Joe Davies took the ball and put in a huge kick. Joe was shortly after again called upon, and as usual made a satis- factory response, but there was 110 scoring, although Neath repeatedly had hard lines as they hovered long over their opponents' line. At length some admirable play, which culminated in a fine show oi passing between Jim Reynolds, Powell, and Steer, enabled the latter to get over, Joe Davies conveltillp, FINAL SCOBE G. T. M. NEATH 113 LLWYNYPIA 0 0 0 ItEAIARKS. ItEAIARKS. A really tine game, which ended in the right way—a win for the better team. The spectators gaw an exhibition of football, for whilst Neath wero in their b^tform, notwithstanding the Rb^esee of Visorn f?om tho forwards, the visitors were n, warm lot, who pitted tho name with dash, spirit, and judgment, aftd'rvhoee defensive tactics were really very fine. There were some notable exhibitions of passing, the visitors, before they were finally hemmed in their own territory, giving proof of what they can do. Joe Davies wa? in superb form, not failing in any particular when called upo# JSe never failed to make an effective response. The Xeath three- quarters played well together, Davies proving him- self a treasure. Steer showad up well, and thoroughly pleased his old friends. Brailey, who had ill-luck time after time, formed some opportunities of exhibiting his prowess, which he availed himself of. The visitors proved them- selves a capable team, and they gave Neath as good a game as has ever been seen on the Neath ground. CARDIFF RESERVES v PONTYMOILE This match was played before a capital gate at Cardiff .Arms Park. The teams were as follows:— Cardiff— Back, H. B. Winfield; three-quarter backs, A. M. Ricketts, J. Buhr, Hnazuy, and another half- backs, J. Heaven and C. Hallidav forwards, W. T. Davies, J. Mills, G. Bowler, W. Mclntyre, W. W. Hughes, W. Williams, A. Own. and F. Box. Pontnmoilc—Back, T. Davies; three-quarter backs, G. Vaughan, B. Williams, F. Edmunds, and A. Parker; half-backs, R. Saunders and E. Taylor; forwards, Powell, Phillips. Groves, Creighton, Sol- way, Price, and Gibbs. Referee, kTr Eo Garrett, Penarth. It was half an hour after the advertised time when Cardiff started. Several scrums took place in the centre and then the visitors got o £ but; Huzzey returned, and a fine piece of play by the visiting custodian, Davies, left play again in tho centre. From near the cc-ntrc Halliday got away from a, scrum with a dodgy rim, but kept the ball too long and a chance for the home right winger was lost. By hard scrummaging the Cardiff pack got down near the visitors' line, but thedefence was good. Hard rushing play on the Pontymoile 25 line followed. Cardiff's first minor followed a moment later, and after this the homesters kept up continuous pressure for some minutes. At length the Pontymoiie forwards broke away, but Win field returned again close to the line. Edmunds returned cleverly to near the centre, but from this pointthe home backs got off, Buhr sending on to Hu/nev, who, running strongly, was stopped only six feet from the line. Then came Cardiff's second minor. Just inside the centre line Pontymoiie was penalised, Huuzey making an abor- tive attempt to drop a goal. Then followed a quite lively bit of play. Near the centre Hubr made an attempt to drop at goal, but some of the Pontymoiie pack, following np hotly, charged the kick down and dribbled close down to the Cardiff lines, where HuBzev saved by kicking into touch. The homester3 were now on the defensive, but only momentarily, for the ball getting among the three- quarterB Ricketts dashed over the centre, v, here he was rushed into touch. Pontymoiie, however, soon got back, thanks to a fine burst by one or their centres, and touch was found on the home 2, ling. The Cardiff pack forced their way back to the centre, bnt the Pontymoile vanguard dashed back with the ball at their toes In fine style. Cardiff rushed back, and just before half-time" Huzzey had dropped at goal from a penalty, it was thought ineffectually, but it subsequently transpired that the baJl had just passed inside the left upright. HAIXP-TILTE SCOBE G. T. M. CARDIFF RESERVES. "I 0 2 PONTYMOELE 0 0 0 Penalty. On resuming Cardiff pressed for a time, Williams just failing to get in. By long kicks to touch Pontymoiie got back to the centre, where some ding-dong plav took place. By a long run the home pack got down to the Pontymoiie quarter-lice, but hero loose passing between the home backs let in the visiting forwards, who ran 'back over the centre and were only pulled up two yards from the line. Rushing a scrummage here the home pack dribbled right over the centre, and here Ricketts got possesion and ran to the visitors' quarter-line, where hot scrummaging took place. By this time darkness was coming on. Cardiff were now attacking hotly, and it seemed as though thev must score, but loose pass- ing let in one of the visiting three-quarters, who ran hotly over the centre and kicked to touch near the Cardiff quarter-line. It was a fine single-handed effort, but doomed to be of no effect, for Cardiff soon got back to the centre, where a wearying succession of scrums followed. Gradually the Cardiff pack transferred play to the visitors' quarter, and from a forward rush Cardiff all but scored. A minute or two from time Heaven scored, Winfield converting. There was no further score. FINAL SCOBE G. T. M. CABDUPF *2 0 2 PONTYMOILE 0 0 0 *One penalty. RESCABKS. It was not in any sense of the word an interesting game. There wasplenty of wild, headlong dash, but little science. Tho Cardiff three-quarters at time brought off bouts of passing, but there was Ten little of it carried to a successful issue. On the Cardiff side Huzzey's kick- ing was a feature, and at back Winfield was very safe. In the tight scrnms the homesters nearly always got the ball out, but in the loose Pontymoiie were often dangerous. Of the visitors' backs Edmunds was the most prominent on the aggressive, bnt while defend- ing ail did good hard work. PENARTH v MORRISTON. At Penarth, There was only a small bunch of spectators present to witness: the encounter between these clubs. The home club, who suffered through the absence of Gibbs and Sweet-Escott, both of whom were assisting Somerset in their county engagement, and Thornley stood down in conse- quence of the injury sustained by him in the Ponty- moile match on Saturday last. Teams POSITION. PEN ABTH. MORRISTON. Back H. Hntchings D. Scott Three-quarter.. H.G. Alexander. T. White Three-quarter.. R. C. Thoii-.a-j E. Jenkins Three-quarter.. H. Ja.mes. W. Willicombe Three-quarter.. F. Goodman T. Roberts Half-back G. Hughes R. Thomas Half-back W. Davies J. Davies Forward R. Blake T. Williams Forward J. Matthews T. Fowler Forward E. Edwards G. Bowen Forward S. King L. Thomas Forward >\ Kir'oy W. Davie3 Forward R. Morel J. Evans Forward T. Cochrane S.Bevan Forward. C. Warburton W. josepil Keferee, Mr j. E. Webb, Newport. The kick off by Blake, from which a couple ot exchanges ensued, saw play settle down nea* the Morriston line. The visiting forwards at once rushed the play towards thf centre. Alexander kept them within their own half by deftly kicking along over the heads of the visiting three-quarters, tho ball, unfortunately, rolling into touch when he was upon it. A penalty kick for an infringement in the scrnmmaga gained the visitors an advantage. A pass intended for Alexander, intercepted by Tom Roberts, nearly let the visitors in, the homo captain kicking along to touch in order to save. Hughes and Davies beating Ross Thomas relieved the pressure slightly by dribbling bhe ball into touch, but the visitors were not to be denied, J. Davies and Ross Thomas robbing the home forwards of the ball, and by that means counterbalanced the efforts of the forwards, who threatened to get away. T. White missed a golden chanco of scoring here, and thin proved the only opportunity the visitors were to get at this juncture. Hughes led the forwards in a splendid dribble, which Scott turned to touch at half-way in order to save. Jones on the wing, given a chance by Alexander, was unable to prove his speed and was forced down by Willicombe midway between the half and 35 flags. Penalties against Morri«ton were awarded on two occasions, and these kept the visitors within their ground. So far, the game had been absolutely devoid of interesting incident, the half backs on both sides being too well watched to get away. MorriRton made a brief incursion into the home ground, chiefly through a smart play on the part of Ross Thomas, bnt Alexander with a strong run round, and Idcking along the ball, reached the centre-a piece of play that at once relieved the anxiety of the homesters as to the result of the brief prescare exerted by the visitors. For a time play remained in the vicinity of the centre, James and Thoma3 making gallant attempts to get away before half time arrived. HALF-TIME SCOBE G. T. M. PF.NAKTE 0 0 0 Monrasio;; 0 0 0 The restart was followed by a wenrisome series of exchanges, the ultimate result of which was that Penarth wore left with a consider- able advantage, and the first scrummage was formed inside the visitors' 25. Fair catches were next frequent on both sides, but when play fairly settled down it remained for a time near the centre. Alexander was tackled in possession from a boric of passing, but matters became warm and in- teresting, the Penarth backs resorting to the passing game. They failed to gain much ground, however, and Ross Thomas breaking through the forwards handled well, and the ball eventually reached Tom White, who was brought down on the verge of the line by R. C. Thomas. The Penarth half-back, by adopting smart kicking tactic: at once relieved the pressure, and the centre was quickly reached. Alexander here drove the visitors within their 25, but the forwards were unable to rtftord their backs any chances, consequently the homesters were unable to get through. White wa1 tackledin possession near the posts, and then Hughes, Alexander, and Thomas narrowly missed scoring. Pen- arth pressed their opponents very hardly for a time, and although the visiting forwards relieved the pres- sure somewhat, the home backs kept them within their own ground. At length Willicombe, intercepting a pass intended for Alexander, travelled down, bnt the speed of the last-named was too great for the visitors, and, fielding the ball very smartly, the cap- tain kicked along to the centre again. From here Goodman kicked up and Scott had barely time to kick along to touch. James receiving from the wing was held up over the line. Morriston then succeeded in rushing out from the scrum that ensued, and reached the spot mid-way between the half-way and centre flags. Morriaton forwards now took matters more to themselves and made great efforts to break away by wheeling the scrums, but the home halves were able to defeat them very smartly, consequently play hovered round the 25 flag in the visitors' ground when time was called. FINAL SCOI'.E: G. T..V. I PENARTH 0 0 0 [ MOKJUSTON 0 0 0 | r,r,-A-P, KS. It was a dull, uninteresting game, and one tiivt did not reflect a great deal of credit upon either side. The elements were decidedly favourable for an open, interesting, and enjoyable exposition of the back game that spectators delight to witness This was conspicuous only by its absence. The few instance:; of this'style o' play that were witnessed in the eonrse of match were provided by Penarth, but it was no fa;;1-J of the bucks, who really showed better íGr¡JJ than in any other match of the present season- The Penarth forwards were beaten, and tllttll exp'ains the whole thing. Hughes, too, at half wa* handicapped through being obliged to plav with." new man, and had to work the scrummages with his confrere, a task wnicn Sweet-Escott usually perform? aione. Koss Thomas Davies chiefly adopted rushing tactics, and the Morriston biw*9 were also afforded little chance to shiue. although in this department Tom White celled, his headstrong dashes and p:DC}.1 saves being features in the game. Alexander unselfish to the extent of being absolutely genero«* wit'h his passes when it was that he should assert his own powers "j allowing chances to his wing. James well, and the .same thing can be said Goodman, both of whom made their deb1 'Ji' Hatchings, another untried hand, Rho"«'e < especial aptitude for the position A custodian, and proved a really capable gnbstitate Thornley. It was at half that Penarth chie'J^ suffered, the absence of Sweet-Escott being keen' felt. The result of the game provides a record h'j the Penarth Club, who have not during the pres<-n season won a match against a Welsh club. MOUNTAIN ASH v ABEHCARN. The Mountain Ash team, minus Millar, W. j 01106 Mu:;worthy, Phillips, Llew Deere, Perrott, Dunn, journeyed to Abercarne to-day to against the home combination. The teams wer^' t. MburU*in A ah—Back, J. Netherway three-quai'1 backs, J. Deere, L. Parry, E. Griffiths, j I. Edmunds; half hacks, R. Hillman ? 0, D. Lewis forwards. Inns, Beer, Morris, Davies, Fryer, J. Rees, and J. 11 Ah^rcii.rii—Back, W. F.. Games; three-qnarter bac J. Tarnplin, W. Evans, W. Dennis, and W. <f. half-backs, A. Thomas and H. Harris ;forward- Lewis (capt.l, J. E. Edwards, T. Roberts, F. Gn?ijiS' W. Russell, T. Davies, W. Maisey, and J. PetJJ jj» Lewis, for Abercarn, kicked off, and play settle the centre, where several tight scrummages fought, Hillman getting awav from the tfi passed out to Griffiths, who in turn transfer* e>« Parry, and the latter skirting along was only collared when a ;ry was nent. The homesters gradually forged At and scrums became the order at A. Thomas, for the homesters, then made hc» tn which was further increased by Tamplin, DW