The Glamorgan Gazette

PONTYCYMMER. Obituary.—It is with .regret that plaoe on record the deathi which occurred on Mom- day. of Mr. Emlyn W atknis, a nephew of Mr. D. A. Davies, clothier. Deceased who was onlv 90 years of age:, sterved 111 has uncMs esbabiklun^t at Fou*ycyimne.r He » » •native of Criokhowell, and had the misfor- tune to lose- both, his parents within a short period. Deceased wa.s secretary of Polity- cynwiwar branch. os the National Amalgamated Society of Shop Assistants, and was much •• esteemed in the locality. Much sympathy is felt with his bereaved brother and sister and other relatives. Lecture. —-Mi&s F. M. Thomas, head mis- tress at the I'faldau School, dclivwed a ■tex- ture at Barry on Monday might on ^-c °0'> in Amierica," making special reference to Hampton Normal and Industrial Traanang School. The lecture mot with much ap- proval, and Mips Thorn aw was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr«v Thomas ako gaw the lecture on Wednesday inght at ite tycymmer, the proceeds being in aid of tire National Society for the of Cruelty to Children. A large number assem- bled at tho Public-hall.

NANTYMOEL. Billiardis.—The billiard match in the League tournament between N antymoeli and -it, Nan'tv-nicei on- foaturoay ended m will for through the inability of Nantynioel's selected players to turn up. J Ocean Colliery Dispr.te.At a, meeting of *l,o, rv)al Conciliation Board on Saturday, it w £ ported that Mr. H. W. Martin and kr. E. Mori-ell had settled: a oispute. at the Ocean. Company's Ogmore Yale Colliery- in regard to the t'un hernia's wages. New Church. Officers.The Welsh Congre- gational Church at Bethel, where the Rev. J. A Roberts has successfully nrumtored -few nearly 30 years, elected additional new otti- cers to discharge the import ant office of dea- cons. Tho new officers are Messrs. Henry Jones, John Thomas, Moses Lloyd, George Coles, 0. Jones, and David Enoch. Musical Success.—At Dinam Competitive Meeting", Master George Owen, non. of y r. and Mrs. D. Owen, Llan harra n-ter race, Nantyinoel, addtd two more triumphs to hiE. other numerous successes. Oil Saturday, Master George. who captured the prizes for the boy's sol'o and contralto ~olo, exhibited very marked abilities a* a vocal^ and from tire adjudicator s eulogistic rtmaoke a very pj-onrising musical iuture is m stole for him. „. Friendly Societies Council— Che adjourneu conference of Friendly Societies was hexl the Wymdham Anns Hotel on luwalay even- ing, wlie-i* theix* was a. very repies-el. a 1^ attendance. The reports of the Showed a strong feeing in lavour of keepmg up the annual subscription of ten gummas to- ■wards Cardiff'Infirmary, and! a resolution tj as unanimously carried that the lodges ccmb^ne thed-r sub^riptioiKs for this purposo. The secret a rv, Bro. T. J. Job, was directed to write-: thW lodges to this effect. Several mat- ters of unimportance were mtonnally dis- CUSK'ed. Chaiitv Committee.Tla» local Cha,rity Committee met OIL Monday evening at tho oomanil-tee-room of the Workmen s-ha 11, under the genial presidency of Mr. Jolin Hughses. Tho committee, reported that a generous response to their appeal for the. pro- motion- of an, eist<Hklf(xl towards local clian- ties ha d' been re^-mKi. Messrs Ivhedynog Price, Cardiff, and T C..Toiw-s (chairman of Bridgend and Cowbnd^o Board- of GuardTam) were appointed musical adpidicators and the Rev. H. Evnon I,ewis- conductor and literary adjudicator. Mr. J. Lewis was appointed Chair-man: Mr. Tom Pope, ^^w-e-chairm^n'; Mr. John Isaac, lion, treasurer; Mr. William Roberts, Council Schools, lion. s<ereta.ry. Death and Burial.—Om the 14th inst., after a lingering illness, an old and eateemedresi- dent passed away in the person of jlr. David i Evans, Chapel-terroco, at an advaucecl age ct over three score years and ten. The fane- on Saturday last was a large and reprcseuta- tive one, which bore testimony to theicfi.^ to the memory of the departed. At house the Rev. J. T. Davie«, th(^ able pa^lm of Dinam C.M. Church, conducted a very im- pressive service, whilst at the «rraveside "last solemn rites were touchtngly dvschaig-' by the Rev. M. J. Mills, the -esteemed pastoi of Gilead Enslisli C.M. Church. Nantymoc-J. The interment vraa made in the Blaenogwr Cemetery. Much sympathy prevails witii the bereaved family in their sorrow.

OGMORE VALE. Succtss.—At Mathry Eisteddfod last week Mr. D. J. Morris, draper, London House, was the successful author of an essay on the Advainta.g-e.s of Estjibli^'in-g I^iKiin-g } xiaroefe and General Literature in Connection with Places of Worship." Alderman, Wil- liams, in his adjudication, paid a high tri- bute to tho sucx^'ssful e^sa-y, which was an easy frret cut of a very keen competition. We heartily congratulate Mr. Morris upon his success, and we express a hope tha.t it is -only a fore-runner of victories to come in the i1 eisteddfodic arena. Ambulance.—The amhulanee class which has been hekl throughout tiie winter session in connection with locat Technical Instruc- tion, is undoubtedly doiirg -sonie excellent work, which rtyflect-s the greatest pradseupon tho practical tuition imparted by Dr. Hart. Two squads from the class competed at Nan- tymoel I'ast Saturday, anul' out of several cco> tangents the two Ogmore ale s<juads caimed away the. medals. We tsin-eerely congratulate both the teacher upon his effective instruc- ti-olli, and the class upon their intelligent ap- plication* of their knowledge. Presentation.— A vcy pleasant function was performed after the evening service on Sunday nipht at Bcthania Welish Congrega- tio-ntal For thv las-t, thirty years the purse-strings of the church have been, en- trusted to tho care of Mr. John Roes, grocer, High-street, and it is largei> due to the faith- ful an 'excellent- manner in which he has. dis- charged his duties that the financial affairs 1<)Il. of this church are insuch a healthy condition. Mr. Rees's geniality and candour have made him beloved of all and have. brought around him a large circle of friends, and it was thought tha.t such a record of honourable ser- vice to the. cause, of the churct) and: Master should not go unrewarded. He was there- fore on Sunday evening made the recipient 1 "of a valuable gold chronometer balance watch suitably inscribed for the occasion1. Mrs. Jacob Williams, the oldest and one of the most fa-ithful members of the church, very fittingly made the presentation. Further addresses bearing Testimony to the excellent way Mr Roes had manoeuvred the finances oi the church were made by Mr. D. T. Joii^ (secretary of the clinich)), M.r. David Wil- liams, G. and L., Mr. Tom Luoa^s, A.C., miners' a^e n t a ml choir piecentor; Mr. Mor- gan. Reps. åcaeon; and the Rev. J. G. Jones, pastor.

GILFACH GOCH. Hope Presbyterian Church.—On. Wednes- day and' Thursday evenings liast week a cnn" tata, entitk-d Joseph and Ifls Triumph." was given at the? above chapel by the child- ren of Hope Church; under the leadership of Mir. W. Jenkins, late etationmaster of GiLfaeh Goch. The choir wore. assisted by the Gil- ar fach String Band, under the leadership of Mr. W. J. Matthews, A.L.V. The young choristers sang and did their parts remark- ably well. The part of Joseph was well taken by Master W. Harris, and Mr. J. Roberts and Mr. W. Rosser shared and did) justice to the paJrt of Jacob.. Mr. John E. Jones ably pie- sided at the piano. The cantata was a suc- cess in every respect. The duties of stage manager weno ably carried out by Mr. A. All- oomb.

BETTWS, Comoert.—A successful concert was hekl at the Bettws National School on the 13th iiust., in aid of the building fund of the Sardis Bap- tist Chapel. The chair was occupied by the Rector (Rev. J-I. Morris), who opened; the con- cert with aji excellent add'reiss. There was a large gathering, and the 'artistes' endeavours were evidently highly appreciated. The prog-ramme included an overture by Miss S. Butler, Pontycyinmcr; solos by Miss C. Wil- liania (soprano), Mr. E. Davies (baritone), Madame R. Griffiths (contralto), Mr. J. Butler (tenor), and Mr T. W. John (baritone). The latter waa ably aocompanied by his niece., Miss M. A. Hopkins, and rendered The Re- deeaners Light," composed by Mr. J. John, of Bettws. During the interval, Mr. D. E vans (schoolmaster) delivered an in- teresting address. A hearty vote of thanks was proposal; by the minister (Rev. B. Jones) to the chairman and artistes, which was seconded1 by Mr. D. Evans (schoolmaster). The concert concluded with "Hem wl-ad fy nihad<a.uthe sola being taken) by Mr. J. Butler.

WAS IT DFE TO AN ACCIDENT? JUDGE ROBERTS DECIDES TO THE CONTRARY. Judge Brynt Roberts was occupied for some hours ou Friday in. hearing a claim under the. Wwrknie.n's Compensation Act brought by Percy Osborne, an under-ground workman, of Ogmocre Vaie, against Cory Bros., the owners of the: Aber Colliery. Ogmorø Vale. Mr. Meager (inritrnct-ed by Messi-s. Walter Mor- gaii,, Bruce and Nicholas) was for the appli- cant. -and' Mr. Ivor B-owen for the respon- dents. Applicant stated that ho had been em- ployed as a surface tipper under the respon- dents for the past seven1 or right years. On the :23,r\1 May, last year, he was working with a man named Laity, and- a loaded tram of coal went off the rails at the cross-points. As they were endeavouring to get. it on tho rails again, witness slipped while he had tne weight of the tram on his shoulder, and lie felt a. strain- He made a complaint to Laity and assistance had to ho obtained in order to get the tram again, on the rails. Witness went home and rested', but he was able to resume his work on the three following days. On the 26th of May lie aisked Mr. Redshaw, the- manager of the -colliery, to find him a light job as his back was tso bad. He was givrti another job, but on the next day lie found himself unable to go to work, and he left an intimationi to that effect at the residence of Mr. Mosely, an official under the. company. He alleged that lie was tot-ally incapacitated until September, when Ire undertook light work, but ho, was now only re-cc-iving 3s. a turn p'l'iis j)."r cent ages. Mr. Meager: And you claim weekly com- pensation from May 30th to September and the difference between the wages you now earn ami1 those you received before the. acci- dent?—Yes. Mir. Meager: The figures can he arranged again. .1 Richard Laity, a tipper, who was with the plaintiff at the timp. of the alleged accident, gave corroborative evidence, stating that Os- borne made a. complaint to him at the time. At, this point it was admitted that the man had been Incapacitated, and that the defence would contend that the incapacity was the result of a disease am! not of an accident. Dr. Andrew Re-id, formerly of Ogmore Vale, contended that the. plaintiff's condition was consistent with his story about receiving a, strain, and this view was supported by Dr. Joseph (locum tenons to Dr. W llliams), and Dr. Cornelius Griffiths, Caranff. Dr. A. M. Spencer, Bridgend, said the man's condition could not have beeii caused by the alleged accident, but was the result of a, disease, and evidence supporting this theory was given by Dr. Win. Martin, Car- cliff. In the end, his Honour decided that, the plaintiff did not strain himself, and that the incapacity was du<? to disease. Judgment was entered for the respondents, with costs.

EXCITING INCIDENT: A DESPERATE FOX. The Llangeinor Hunt met at Pen coed on Thursday. The Coedynnvstwr Woods proved to be tenanted, and two stunt foxes were put on; the run, one taking iii-, course towards Peancoed and JL'enylan and the other breaking cover towards Mi". E. Williams's, Coedymws>- t-wr Farm, with bounds in full cry in close pursuit. From here he. Mended his way to the Lleysh and through Coed-Brynglas by the Gowiu, and over to Tremaius, passing close to Mr. W. A. Williams's front door. A little further, being hard pressed, he took shelter in. aiD old watercourse. 1'w'O of the stoutest terriers were put in at one end, and ve.ry soon could be heard, close at the outer end of the watercourse, a sharp fight going on. Much to their sur- prise, those 'Looking and watching for a bolt at this end heard the sound of the terriers receding, and after a while the fighting was heard at the other end. Ultimately one of the terriers backed out soaking wet, and them. the second backed out, showing severe signs of punishment, having his mouth com- pletely bitten through aiki, covered with blood. With the approaching signs of the re- appearance of Mr. Fox all were on the tip- toe of expectation, and hounds were kept silent far away, when out my lord bolted for all lie was worth. Given a good start, hounds weire tallied off, and' a, most exciting run was experienced, liounde following their quarry over much the same ground. Instead of ro-cntefrting the wood, Reynard made for Dorcoed and Ooyaburch. and over the low- land, orossing the river near Tycandy; then facing the. hi 11 by Tanylan Woods, and over St. Ma.ry Hill dhwn to near Treos, where he crossed another brook and faced his mask to- wards "Fmdlir Oei\" and not far from Liamfa" found another shelter close to the roadiside, wh< -re, ho was left to rest, as it was the Glamorgan Hunt country. Tho field was a fairly numerous one, having, amongst others', Mr. Lewis, (the master). E. Janus and his son- (first and second whips), J. T. Salathiel (hoTi. setctre- tary), Mr. Morgan (Llanliarran), Mr. W. H. Davies (The Ve-rlandK, Peneoecl), Mj-. J. T. D. Nicboll and Miss Nieholl (Merthyrmawr), Mrs J. Blandy Jenkins, Miss Adams (Llanharran House). Mrs. J. M. Randall (Bridgend), Cap- taut Williams, and Mr. Msses Maddbx. J. T. S.

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IGNITED BY SHOT-FIRING. 1 vt^lMCT AT THE GILFACH GOCH INQUIRY. GAS THEORY DISCOUNTED. INQUIRY LASTS FOUR DAYS. I The inquiry into the circumstances of the explosion at Dinas Main Pit, on Decembei 14th, resulting in the deaths of seven men, was concluded on. Friday, having lasted foui days. The theory put forward by the manage- ment was that the explosion; was caused by ani inllet of gas from the old workings of the Glamorgan Colliery, through what itS, known as the Trespass heading, which connects the two collieries. The Mines Inspectors, how- ever, held the opinion that coal dust was ig- nited through a shot being fired. The jury on Friday afternoon returned the following cerdict: — We are unanimously of the opinion that the Dinas Main Colliery explosion) on De- cember 14th, 1907, was caused by the firing of the so-called disputed shot, wmca ignited' the coal-dust. — —■

Third Days' Proceedings. THE OPPOSING THEORIES. The adjourned inquiry was resumed on Thn.rsdav before Mr. S. H. Stockwood the coroner for the Manor of Ogmore, and Mr. D. Rees, coroner for East Glamorgan. The interest of the general public shown during the first and second days was maiu- ttained, the space available for the pubric being crowded. „ Mr Edward Powell, of appeared tor the Home Office; Mr. W. P. Nicholas (Messrs Walter Morgan, Bruce. and Nicholas, solici- tors) for the South Wales Miners' Federa- tion-; and Mr. C. Kenshole (Messrs. C. and W. Kcnshoie, Abertlai-e) for the colliery com- PSn'V" GAS v. COAL DUST. As to the cause of the explosion, two differ- ent theories had been submitted—the owners suggesting that on the day of the disastei. the barometer for the previous evening bavin- been abnormally low, gas exuded into the pit from the old Glamorgan Colliery in-ork- ings, down through the Trespass heading 1-1100 the main intake, and was there fired by the, naked light in Richard Evans's cap. It had been suggested also that a quantity of gas exuded through 350 yards of strata, from the old steam coal workings immediately befow. The Home Office inspectors rejected this theory, and suggested that the disaster must he atlributed to an explosion of coal dust duo to sho Wiring in the mam i»-takeata spot where, after the explosion, a shot-hole was found. The remains of that shot-Lole contained dust which, on ana-W, showed traces of exploded gunpowder ihis tlieo-y was supported by Mr. W. P. Nicholas on be- half of the Miners' Feneration. The owners admitted that arrangements^ had been made for shot-firing on the, dav of^ the disaster j n the main intake, but denied that any sivot- fii-ing actually took place. The -'sho^hole referred to by the inspector, the wners ai- feged was merely a drill hole which, before the explosion-, contained a plug and staple carrying the signal wires; and in support of this' contention, they had produced in evi- dence two stones found in the debris near this bote, and these stones bore grooves cor- responding to the drill hole. The <>wn«s produced also a wood plug and covered close1- by. which, they alleged, filled the drill hole before the' disaster took place. THE EVIDENCE. lofr. R. Rees, Aberdare, who gave expert evidence on Tuesday, was re-examined by LlilT. Kenshole, and said that the condition of things as to the explosion was consistent u ith the theory that the seat of the explosion was at the Trespass heading, through which it was suggested that gas had come into the workings. The fact that the timber at the Trespass heading had- been burnt indicated the presence of gas at that spot, a circum- stance which he should not have expected if a coal-dust explosion had taken place. ine barometer was still low, and may have caused the gas to work downwards from the cavities above the umbers and get ignited by the light in Evans's cap. Cross-examined The existence of cavities was a matter of theory. It had not been ascertained, as a matter of fact. Assuming that there had been shot-firmg, this might also have ignited the gas. Mr J. V. Hutchinson-, g-enerai manager for the Lewis-Merthyr Colliery Company, who stated that ho had had. 25 years expe- rience as a. colliery manager, sand that ho visited tho Dina& Main Collkvry on; tho might of the day of the explosion, and there was then a, strong smell of afterdamp, and his opinion was entirely against the theory that shot-firing could have caused the explosion. There was, indeed, no ine»c<?sis.ity for shot-firing as the roof would have come down without it. The necessary work for the purpose of laying the cable had also been completed. Then there were no sitms of pulling out shot, while there were evident signs of gas having rciled backward^ and forwards, as was indi- cated by the burnt and charred timber. Ihe most likely spot from which eas could have come was from the: flue side of the main road, and would have probably come from. subsi- dence, of strata. Witness: stated that it was an ascertained fact that gas could come up from the seams below that which was worked, and that had been the experience at the Hafod seam of the colliery with which he was connected. Assuming this was the case at the Dinas Main Colliery, there would be sufficient height in the main heading to form a cavity where the gas might have aecumii- lated, and the broken, character of the head- ing indicated that there would be cavities above the roof. John Webber, an engineiuian, stated that on tho morniing of the e-xplosion John Jenr- kiriis, who was one of those killed, had told him that he (Jenkins) would have to fire a hole that afternoon. He (witness) was stand- ing outside the colliery at the time of the explosion. Having heard the report he saw- something like white smoke coming out of the pit, but saw no flame. Mr. Coroner Stockwood Did he tell you anything as to who was going to fire those holes ?—He said that what he had' to do was to fire them, that is all. Did you understand him to mean that he was to fire them himself?—That is what he told me, sir. The holes, he added, were at the. bottom of the- big pitch. THE SHOT FIRING THEORY. It was contended by the parties supporting the shot firing theory that on the night pre- ceding the explosion, Watkin Evans, the shot r x firer (one of the killed), worked late in order to finish drilling the shot holes in question,, to prepare for firing it next day. For the owners, Mr. Enoch Jones in his evidence on Tuesday, denied all knowledge of Watkin Evans having worked that evening. Thomas Rogers, tho adopted see of Watkin Evans, now called, said that on the Friday night as he was leaving the pit he passed Watkin Evans, who was then boring a hole in the engine plain. Asked to indicate tho spot more precisely, witness said it would be about 50 yards outwards, from the Trefcpasti heading. (Measurements of the colliery plans taken in the room showed that the spot thus indicated corresponded with the spot of the disputed shot hole.) Watkin told him. added witness, that he was not íYoing to pull down that top sid,) that night, but Was pre- paring it for Saturday, that he had ten more holes further out to be put out on. Saturday, and that he wanted to see Thomas Miles to get him to purchase powder for Ixim by Satur- day. Thomas Miles, on being called, corrobo- day. Thomas Miles, on being called, corrobo- rated this story. He also saw Watkin Evans at that spot, and added that he (witness) did purchase the powder at a Local ironmonger's, and left it at Watkin-'s house that night. Miles said he was positive that Watkin, who was his brother-in-law j worked lute that night. John Clarke, stoker at the boiler on the engine drift, said that about 4.30 on the Fri- day night, just as he (witness) was leaving the pit, he; saw Watkin Evans, who told him he was going to work on that night, that he wanted to drill some holes for tlie cables of the electric pump. Albert E. Hathaway (an old man, whose son was lost in the Caradog Vale Colliery dis- aster a year ago) gave evidence as to the condition of the boiler, and spoke to hearing frequent "pounces" in tho boiler return. He believed that on December 3rd there was all explosion in that return. Dr. Na-u-nton Morgaai, the colliery doctor, gave detailed evidlence regarding the condi- tion of the deceased, from which it appeared that they had all sustained superficial burn«, and some had had their limbs frac- tured. All also gave evidences of having been poisened by carbo monoxide, or afterdamp, which showed that they were alive subse- quent to the explosion, although they would then- be unconscious. TRACES OF GUNPOWDER, Mr. E. Grant Hooper, superintendent chemist of the Government laboratory and member of the chemical and other scientific societies, gave evidence as to the result of the analysis of the following samples sub- mitted to him by tho Home Office through Mr. Atkinson, the superinteiiicient inspector of mines:— (a) Matter scraped from inside of the shot hole (which was alleged' to have been fired). (b) Matter scraped from off the side of the road adjacent to the shot hole, but which could not have been, touched by the explbsive-; and "(c) Pieces of strata in tb, shot hole. The. sample "a" upon analysis showed that it undoubtedly contained the product of spent gunpowder which was absent in the other sample's analysed. M'r. Kenshole: Supposing a shot had been fired. You have seen the stones produced, and you ha.ve seen the marks of the drill thereon. You have also seen the plug which it is suggested was in that hole. Supposing the shot had been fired some years ago, and the plug had been in, and the hole, practically air-tight, what would you have expected to find?—If the surrounding rock was dry, I think the products might have remained. And of course if th-at were the. condition of things you would have no idea, at all when the hole was exploded?—No. Mr. Powell: Tho Home Office asked you as a-n expert to find out whether .sample "a" con- tained products of gunpowder, and you found them in sample "a," but you did not find them in sample "b" ?—That is so. Mr. Coroner Stockwood: Have you any doubt whatever?—None whatever. The Coroner intimat.ed that as the Govern- ment Mines Inspectors were again to give evi- dence, there was no hope of concluding the proceedings that evening. The inquiry was then adjourned until Fri- day.

Fourth Days' Sitting. MINES INSPECTORS' EVIDENCE. On Friday there was again a large attend- ance at the. inquiry. With) the exception that Mr. Gerald Bruce appeared for the Miners' Federation instead of Mr. W. P. Nicholas, who was indisposed, ail the gentle- llWl1 connected' with the inquiry lvere again present. Mr. William Nicholas Atkinson (Bridgend), superintendent inspector of mines for foenith Wales, examined by Mr. Edward Powell (who appeared for t-ne Home Office), stated that he carefully examined the colliery on several oc- casions after the disaster. and from those: in- vestigations he had ascertained that the ex- plosion had trp-vedle(I of 1.800 yards along the main intake airway, or what was known as the main haulage road, and ex- tended 950 yards and 850 yaid's respectively oit either side of the disputed shot-hole. His opinion, was that the. locale of the explosion was at some point between tho bodies: of John Jenkins and Richard Evans, or, in other wor;rs, at tho disputed shot-hole. The marked absence of force on either' side of this particular spot indicated clearly that the shot-hole was the seat of explosion. ii t-, bc- luoved that sihot-hole had been fired. Mr. Powell: And the probable, explosive?— Compressed gunpowder, I should say. Witness then vent on to say that he had also come to the conclusion tha.t the hole had been stemmed by coal dust. Mr. Powell: Assuming that this shot had been fired, what wouid be the result?—The proba.ble result would be a large body of flame. What, would that do?—That would ignite tho coal dust, and tho natural result AvouJd be an, explosion. Wi triers added that the position of the stones and particularly of the dust, which had formed part of the shot-hole, showed that the doors had been forced out before or at the time of the explosion. NOT A GAS BLAST. In. the course of further evidence-, witness maintained there was nothing to support the theory that this was a gas explosion. No gas had been, found in the. colliery since or btv fore. In. reply to Mr. Kensholte (who appeared for the colliery owners and the manager) lie di6- puted tlie statement that the main haulage road was in a wet state prior to tlie explosion., his opinion, hewing that it was perfectly dry, and that it was in a caked c.onditioni before the explosion. His conviction, was that the road was dry and dusty. He had had the, substance in the bore-hole analysed for a definite object, but he did not have the flue dust found on the road' analysed but it was competent for the other side to have done ,so, Mr. Kenshole: But you see there is a very great difference between you and the expert gentlemen whom I have called as to w-hether that was. coal dust or flue dust.—Witness: There is. Mr. Kensholo: WiU yon go so far a-s to pledge yourself beyond question-of doubt, or is it a matter of opinion that the seat, of the- ex- plosion was at the shot-holer—Witness: I bavei no doubt in my mind'. Was it a blown-out shot, (10 you think; or had the shot effectually done its work?—It had done. its work. Contiruung witnesa said tha.t oven if the shot had been fully charged he would not have expected a larger quantity of rubbish, the roof at that point being of fairly good cliff. It was not necessary that there should bo a suspension of dust in the air in order to produce, all explosion- You can form no theory as to whether there was dust in suspension here r,r not? -1 don t suppese there was; there may have bevn a. little caused by the men walking about. little caused by the men walking about. Tliat is, assuming there'- was 110 water tlie re?—No, assuming it wa-s as I saw it. Proceeding, witness stated that he couki not say whether there was any after-damp noticeable after the explosion. He agreed with the suggestion that gas might percolate through the strata from one seam of coal to the other. I woukl not say exceedingly probable)". added witness; "I should say quite possible." Exudation, of gas frequently occurred. Mr. Kenshole: If a. shot was fired wouldn't you have expected1 the signal wires to be severed?—I should not have expected it, but I should not be surprised if they were. By Mr. Stockwood: The explosive, orders prohibited the 11,90 of gunpowder for the purpose of charging a liole to be fired in a main haulage road. If permitted ex- plosives had been used, in all probability the firing of the luole would not have ignited coal dust. ROOF AND SIDES NOT WET. Mr. J. Dyer Lewis, the inspector of mines for the Swansea district, corroborated the evidei^e of the previous witness, and said he agreed with Mr. Atkinson -as to th-ø dry and dusty condition of the main. haulage road, and also as to the location of the seat, of the explosion. He disagreed with the suggestion of the under-manager that the read was wet. He agreed that the gas sometimes exuded from one seam to thte other, but at Din-as Main the conditions were not such as to ac- 1071' count for this theory as to the accumulation of gas in the main haulage road. Mr. R. G. M. PtIchard (Bryntirion), the assistant inspector of mines1, also gave con- firmatory evidence, and said that it. was vei-y inadvisable to fire a shot in' a. main haulage road without using a permitted' explosive and taking the precaution of watering the skies of the road. He agreed that his impression of the Dinas Main Pit was that tlie floor of the nra-in lisaulage road was. net, that he had wet feet whenever he went there, but that the roof and sides were not wet. The roof might be diamp in places as the. result of the wetness of the floor, but he couldn't recall ever having seen water dripping from the roof. In a con- versation he had with the manager (Mr. Bowen Jones) and the fireman (David Mey- rick) as to the cause of the explosion. Moyrick expressed the opinion that it was John Jen- kins who fired a shot at the disputed shot- hole. (Sensation.) I may say." added witness, that I have got a note of it here, taken at the time. I am bound to say that he corrected himself directly he found that that view did not fit in with Mr. Bowen Jones's yjew of the ex- plosion." Mr. Kenshole: Just let me see your note, please.—Witness (handing over his notev book): I did not think it was ve-ry important j at the time, so I have not a good no-HI of it. The note read: "Meyrick said that be thought John Jenkins had fired shot, but re- oonsidered it when he found Jones did not like it." (Laughter.) Continuing, witness said: I don't think Meyrick gave any reasons for this opinion. I don't think he had time quite. Mr. Kenshole: Did Moyrick express the opinion that the explosion might have been due to loose powder having exploded some- where on the roadwav?—No, I don't think so. MIL S. H. STOCKWOOD SUMS UP. Addressing the jury at the close, Mr. Coroner Stockwood, in an- a(l!niii-abl*.k sum- mary of the evidence, said it was agreed that the explosion- took jilace somewhere between the Trespass^ heading and the place- where John Jenkins's body was found. The theory of the owners was that this explosion was caused by ga,s which by some means had ac- cumulated at the spot where the Trespass heading crossed to the engine fine., and there fired by the- Light in Richard Evans's cap. They suggested that the gas came either directly from the old workings, or partly from the old workings and partly from the warn undernetat-h—1the Abergorky scam-which had been disturbed by the. workings in the steam coal measures below that. These were iiitiv theories, but- they were put forward by ex- perts, and entitled to consideration. On the other hand, it had been very forcibly put before them by the Government officials that any gas coming from the old workings would have to come within the influence of tben- gine flue-, and would have been sucked away by the boiler nue, and would never reach the. engine plane at ail, and that it was much more likely for air to fee swept into the en- gine flue from the main haulage road than for gas to travel in the opposite direction. The other theory was that the explosion was I caused by coal dust. but if the shot-hole theory went there- would not be much loft of the coal dust theory. The management sa.id that six shot-holes were authorised, four in one place and two in another, and that these were expected to be put off on t.he day of tlie disaster by Watkin Evans, the appointed shot firer. These six shovholes were after the explosion found charged but unexploded'. Was there then, an unauthorised shot ? If it depended upon the evidence of Mr. Atkin- son and the no me Office analyst, they would have a strong ease for eaying that there had been a shot fia'f'd at wdiat 1\"as called the dis- puted shot-hole. Undoubted traces of gun- powder were found' in that hole, and there was evidence that Watkin Evans worked late on the Friday night before the disaster, and one of the victims, John Jenkins, told the witness John Webber that be was going to work at tiiis place to fire three shots, and to clear the rubbish from there. What three shots? There were four shots in. one place and two in another. The disputed shot-hole was comparatively near the two holes. If a shot was fired from the oisputed sliothole, then where did the plug and bracket come from ? The presence of the plug arid bracket did certainly tell against the theory that that hole was fired, but it was not conclusive. He (the coroner) had formed his own opinion as to this, but, he had no light to tell that to the jury. If that shot was fired, did that cause thifei explosion ? Mr. Atkinson was of opinion there was sufficient, dust about to be fired by Slieli a shut in which gunpowder was the ex- plosive, especially if, as was undoubtedly the case in the; other six shots, coal dust foraged part of the tamping. The coal dust theory and the shot-firing theory were bound to- gether. If there was a shot it might have ignited coal dust or gas. and this opened up the serious question whether if a shot was fined in the main, haulage tkere had not. been a breach of rules in using gunpowder and in not withdrawing the men. If Watkin Evans directed that shot to be fired, and with gun- powder. were the managers responsible? That woukl depend upon whether the place was dry or dusty. There was the evklence of the management that the floor was vret and the roof diamp. but other witnesses spoke to the roof and sides being dry, and only the floor wet. The jury would have to consider whether any blame was to be attached to anyone, for using gunpowder here at all. It was a serious matter, and it was very diffi- cult, to draw the line between what was mere ne^le-et, a.nd something that was more serious than that. Mr. Coroner Rees also summarised other points in the evidence. THE VERDICT. The jury returned the following verdict: — We are unanimously of tlie opinion that tlui Dinas Main Colliery explosion on, De- cember 14th, 1907. wa-s caused by the firing of the Rivc-alled disputed shot, which ig- nited coal dust. Mr Stockwood Then your verdict is emeof Accidental Death" under these circum- stancv: c.

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OGMORE COUNCILLOR'S HONOUR. —♦ VINDICATION AT BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. EXTRAORDINARY ALLEGATION f AGAINST A RESPECTABLE TRADESMAN. r DEFENDANT LET OFF WITH A FIXE. J Councillor Evan Griffiths, of Nautynioel. j was the comphvinnnt in a case at Bridgend t-t on Saturday in which extraor- dinary allegations were made. The defend- ant, was Walter Fowler, of 10 LlieweiKyn- street, Nantyinoel. a colliery labourer, who was charged with assaulting Mr. Griffiths on January 11th. In opening the case. Alderman) T. J. Hughes said the assault In itself was not a serious one. The real grievance was the das- tardly behaviour of the defendant in seeking practically to blackmail Mr. Griffitlus by threatening to ruin his character and reputa- tion by reason of a debt he owed him. He threatening to ruin his character and reputa- tion by reason of a. debt he owed him. He (Alderinaar Hughes) was afraid this was a story of a. kind which too often occurred in these valleys, but j, waB seklom that- a man had the pluck, as Mr. Griffiths had; to come there and nail the lie to the counter. People were prene to believe that where there was SMOKE THESE WAS FIRE, and Mr. Griffiths came there to vindicate his character. Complainant, in reply to questions by his advocate, sa id- hl. had lived at Nan-tymoel 35 years, and was a member of the Ogmore and Garw Urban Council, a govetraor of Bridgend County School, and a deacon of the chapel which he attended. Defendant was a- cus- tomer at his shop until last June, wlwll his supply of goods was stopped because he would not pay. The debt was £ 7 lis. 3jd., End witness had to get a County Court judgment against him. Un Friday in. the previous week he sent a letter to say he would have to levy a County Court execution unless a fur- ther instalment of the debt, ws paid, aaid in pursuance of this letter I10 called at too house on. Saturday evening. Mrs. Fowler was at the dnor, and asked him into the kitchen. Mr. Fowler and a man named Wm. I Morris1 were there. Fowler asked1 hi in. What is this letter you ænt p., and witness replied. I want- the money badly, and am in need of it." Defendant then said, "What about this execution?" "I must have my money," witness said "you know you are m Court, and I can proceed for jt." Then iie charged witness with an improper suggestion to his wife. Alderman Hughes What did he say Complainant: Do you remember you told my wife that, if she came to the bakemvi'-e she could have some things with yon. "Never in my life did say svrch words." w.t- 11 ess said. He then raised his fifc-t at wit- ness's head and threatened to RUIN HIS CHARACTER. There was a- pause, and in a. minute or two complainant asked, Am I to be paid r Not a. —— cent," he replied. Complaun- ant t-lwn prepared to leave, btsi- defenda-r.-i.- called to has wife to close the doe, and pre- vent him, saying, I will give bi n the •worse' of two months." Complainant appealed^ to the other man, and asked if this was fair play. Mrs. Fowler said, "I doit want a row here." a.nd opened the door. Defendant was in a, big rage, and as complainant was leaving he struck at him. He also struck at COlll- plainant in the street, but ho evaded him. He then made for a. house- e- the other side of the road, but seeing defendant would reach him in the doorway, he turned, back along the street. Defendant overtook him, :-u:d struck him two or threo blows in. the face., splitting I his lip and giving him a black eye. It was was dark, and complainant seeing a. door open slipped in, and the lady of the housie, seeing the state he was in, bleeding from his injuries, shut the door on defemdant. Alderman Hughes: Is there a, word of truth in the suggestion that this man- made against you?—Complain ant: Not a word. And you determined to bring This case- to publicly vindicate yourself 'Yes. Defendant: Do .you absoiute-iy deny^ ma,is- ing improper suggestions to my wiie during the time I was working at t:ie Cape (Aber- gwynfi) in the spring? Complainant Absolutely. Mrs." Rraham said defendant took refuge in a house in Llewallyn-street. He was "crying I and bleeding awful." Fowler came, to the door in a. fighting attitude, .1 lid. witness stopi>d Lim coming in. DEFENDANT'S STORY. I Defendant Raid bo was working at the Great Western Colliery at Abergwyiifi, and I went home on Suturoay. He, had a glass or two of lieer, but not s>uffici< nt to excite him. I During the' afternoon he found the letter from Mr. Griffiths threatening to put in oil execution. He remarked to his wife that this was persecution, or something to that effect, because he paid 2s. a fortnight off re- gua.iiy until ehrist-mas week. He expressed surprise, and his wife then said it was be- cause he could not gain his own ends with Ilwr, and1 that, he had tried to tempt- her into Ins 'bakehouse. After that defendant went out and had some more beer, and returned with a friend to tea. He heard that Mr. Griffiths was in tho street, and tokl his wife- to call the complainant in in order to have an explanation of 111", conduct. "He came in," continued defendant, and I told him what I thought of him anel threatened to go to his wife and report his conduct. I m,: y have used objectionable words, but I think anybody would have done <0 under ihp circumstances. After I had said what 1 uaa to say I sat down comfortable. As he- was going out of the door he passed an insultairg remark a.t my wife, and I s-ot up and ciiased him into the street.. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. S. H. STOLK- wood): What was the insulting renr-irk? Defendant: My wire said, "Mr. Griffiths, you did try me, did yon not? Can you deny it?" Yes." he said, I deny it. Yon are always the same DIRTY WOMAN." Aklerman, Hughes: Did you tell Mr. Griffiths you v..mid not pay a cent?— Defendant: I may have done so in. a temper. Did you tell hr.ii you would ruin his cfi-a-iac- D'.cl t-er?—Nothing <>i the kind. Mrs. Fowl' r, wife of the defendant, aHegttd in her evidence, that complainant made an improper suggestion- to her, "when his MWSSIIS had gone to'her private house. And." aeided witness, "this was not the lirst time by three or four. Seeing I was helpless, the man thought, I M.ppe.s that the bait of food would fr'-net- 1 ■ ■ •».} go wrong, but it «ti<l not. Coming t>rjy of the offence, witness said she asked Mr. Griffiths as he AVas leaving the house "Cane veil look me. in; the face and say you did not ask me?" He said. Ye^ you a,1"(" fa bad., dirty wemsn." "Which I am not." added witness. Alderman Hughes: How long is it. ago in** you say this suggestion was made?—Witness Four or five months-. i. x How is you never tokl you* iiusband abouu it before Mr. Griffiths threatened to put this execution ) n '• -Because I was afraid- of my husband's temper. „ Then why were. you not- airaid on this Sat- urday night?—-I told him because1 of this exe- cution. Wiii:i 31- ti ho was in the house at the time. ;s> LVVOC- evidence for the defence. TINE CF £ 3. j'te-r » long consultation, the Chairman, said Walter Fowler, you will be fined' £3 for

I Pura Soap and Bettor. I For every Household purpose for I which Soap is used, Crosfields* I Pink Carbolic is Superior to the I best pure pale or Yellow Soaps. t' | B ^18 t £ s3 £ l t 11 i. ri By Appointment ti 'o C4 I I., I., 1. To H.M. the King. 'i £ I:s standard cf purity is 70° 0 against 63% for best yellow soap, t* W I i herefore it contains more solid weight of working material. | i herefore it contains less water—wears longer, washes better. 5 It dreinfects and purifies without extra labour and expense. I h i ds the Health of the Children and saves the doctor. t. I ep'i CR03FIELDS' PINKO^OLIC" has the largest $?4'iS-. zzte of Carbolic Soap in lb. tab!cts in the world. I' i I fcpflpr! flf W. T. Jones' WELSH Flannel SALE 4 /I I t ;li i r I 1, ',I f Now Proceeding. Come Early and have lirst diotce. ._w_- Plain and Stripe Red Flannel Fia,in and Stripe Green Flannel Is- Fuin and Stripe Royal Blue Flannel ^*fy" Plain and Stripe Fawn Flannel • ••• J8- Per ^4' Plain and Plaid Piak Flannel ^8* Jier yar4" Plain and Srripe Grey Flannel Whit'-i and lilaek Stripu Flannel Is. pe. y*ri- Black and White Dreas Flannel J8, ^er Striped Navy Blue Flaocel Js* P*1 ya"r Plain Salmon Colour Flaanel la. per yard, Fiue Oaality White la. per All Full Width Good Quality FlanneL About 500 yards Plain and Stripe Fawn Flannel, suitable for Youths' Shirts, only lOld. per yard. (25 inches wiae About 200 Welsh Shirts, Plain and Stripe Greys and Ftiwns, Full Men's Sizes, Reduced to 48. 6d. each. Welbh Blouses, in a Variety of Patterns, Reduced to 3s. 6d. each. Best Quality Welbh Turnovers, in good patterns, Reduced to 2s- 6d. each. Note Address— W. T. Jones, Manchester House, Nolton Street, BRtDEEMD. (Not 5 minutes walk from Station).

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Otrmore and Gilfaeh District of the Miners' 'Federation can congratulate itself upon tli" aeeompiishime'nts of 1907. Apart from t-hfc* ola-niis of t-hoir otvii -wh".h have been extraordiutirjly heavy, they haAe liberally supiK>rt«i feJJow tr&de unionists out- side their own district. St,riko pay to dis- trict liieinbe u"» amounted to £ 06 14s. ICkt. supplipirie<ntary pay to Wyndliam workmen. £:Z6f:i Us. Gil.: donations to Hemsworth nriners. £50; djopia.tions to C-3 n CoHiiery. p.(}11It:ypooLC5; making a-total in strike pay and graut-9 of £ 377 Gis. 44.1. Tlw-re 11318 also beeai lai"ge <-xpeiwlstuw m- th»? matter of legal expenses imcauTod in compe-nseytion eases, and the fair wage elaiu-se in price liste. This ex- penditure amounted to £ 4/>3 7d. Ihe grand fetal .m strike pay. grant!1, and legal expanses tor the year is £ <8U 12s. lid. Tlie district fr.aw.ls show an increase 1nr the year of £ 173 ?* l id. Mr. David Bonner, Gilfaoh Goch. Iras- Ix'f'n (.:1001#-rl in place of Mr. T. L-ueais, w ho was apponrteKl ;«gent. M1"- L. Lewis was re-elected treasuivr. a position he has fiik*l einoe the formration of the dis- trict; and Mr. Steanwel Adamp. Gilfach Goch, is the presidem.t for th«i year.

Air Rifle Shooting. ROOK TNMIIL (POKITICAWL. v. BRlDG- KND CONSFRVATTVE CLUB. I Rock Hotel: T. ParkwcHxl, '2i 1- in- wards, -o H. Hook aw ay, 2ti; W. M. Donne, 29; O. Howe. 26; T. Connolly. 27; R. Rowe. 20; T. Saunders, 25: B. Hntchin«on. 30; A. R-owp. 33; 1) Hopkins, 30; -1 ■ Jenkins (ca.pt-.). 133. Tot ah 341. T Const"1! Oluh: L. Williams. 29; J. Hcwe. 29; J. James, 20; E. ore. 32; C. Pelfrev. 23; J. J. Thor.tas. 25; W. Par- kins. 30; J. Morgan, 31; 3. E. Daniel. 31: E. Eva.™?. 32: OrifF. Jemes. 28; F. Bartlett (capt.). 33; total 352. BRIDGEND Y.M.C.A. v. TON DC G.W.R. Y.M.O.A. D. W. Edwards. 27: W. E. Jenkins. 2-S; ti. Goodman, 30: A. W. Harei- wick. 31: .T. Atkins, 27; 0. P. Tucker. 31; F. T. A'-eoid. 29; V. Davies. 30; R. "1. 29; E. J. Tltom-ay, 33; c. Cfelley, 31; T. G. LilewelrvU. 30. Total, 35G. Tondu H. Prk ha.rd 2$; A. Cimrclies, 30: W. Bradfordj 27; A. Chajnt^ rlain. 32; T. Taylor. 24: J. Power, 28; B. Richings. 31; A. E. Purchase. 30; r. Adams. 27; J. T- Price, 28; C. Skinner, 31; D. Edwards, 29; total, 345. ——— WHITE LION (BRIDGEND) v. BRIDGEND CONSERVATIVE CLUB. White Lion: W. Thomas. 32: W. 'Wil- liams. 28; J. Francis, 31; J. Jonee, 26; S. Bevan. 23; W. Parkin, 32; J. Howe, 29r; T. Venn, 29: E. Barrington. 28; O. Lewis, 2&; J. Evans. 33; S. Pitt, 26: total, 346. Bridgend Conservative Club J. Jaines-. 27 J. Thomas, 26 S. Baldwin. 22 F. Bajiiptt, 32 E. Evan's. 31; ft ■ Jones. 2/ J. 29; J. Rose. 26: SJ. diomas. 22; C. P&tfiOT,- 2^); C-. C-orhett, 27; E. Anpleton.. 27. xjroal, ST. ILLTYD'S (BRIDGEND, v. OLDCASTLK TEMPERANCE. St. Dltyd's: R. Deniring. 29; W. Thpntofl, 3D; T. Davief>, 32: F. James. 33; M. Brofwu, 29: H. Jenkins, 28; D. Jones, 28; ff^B. -ivi Hutehiiisoii. 30; W. Daviess, 30; R. Smarts, 28: T. Mortoo, 29; D. R- Jamee. 29. Tmal, 355. Oklcastle Temperance: O. Tucker, 29,j;. G. Gronow, 31: D. Llewellvii.. 33; A. Ho 29; G. Gould. 27- G. Hughes. 26: G. SSro- monds, 32; B. Simmomls. 26: M. Hardiniff, -cl, 23: S. Simmonds. 29: M. Davies. 26; J. Cox. 20. Total. 330. ST. JOHN'S (TONDUi v. NORTH S WORK- MEN (TONDU>. Sr. John's: H. Pritehard, 27; A. ClhH^UflR, 29; H. Hughes. 24; J. Richmond, 25: EUX). Anthony, 27 W. J. Beard. 26; J. H. P^r^Wil, 28; B. Purchase, 27; U. Ridimond. 24: P.C. Llovd, 31: A. Mim hington. 28; Percy Mead. 27. Total, 323. North's Workmen; ,1 a. Allen, 2t: F. Harrison.. 29; F. Hugh 's. 21; John Brvsjufc, 20' T. Rossiteir, 27; W. Trick. 24; Jas. 3fet- thews. 24; J. Hopkin. 25; W. Hopkin, 33; P. Richmond, 27: E. Wl ittir-gham. 27; JJIfbit Morris, 27. Total, 303. KING'S HEAD < BRIDGED D) v SVAR (ABERKENFIG). King's Head T. Bnown, 30 H. B. W 31: D. leyslioii, 30; T. Davit^s. 29; J.fik*- Leltan. 30; I Tiiri-er. 2D: F. Protheroe. 26; C. S. Coi-bett. 23: J. Co«ns. 30; W. 30; D. McLeiJan. 32; J. SU'tcliffe (capt.v, "27. Tot.aJ, 347. Star: J. Higgins. 29; P. Morris. 27; D. Thomap. 26; S. Villis, 28: J. DarH^, 28; T. Jemkins, 24; J. Pool* 29; W. 26- W. Sminev. 26; W. Jemkins. 27: Vi Bowen, 29; S. Pitt, 26. Total. 324. ,< P KING S HEAD (BRIDGEND> v. "WRITE LION (BRIDGEND). King's Head J. McLeilatr. 30; B. W-Zliq, 29; I. Turner, 27: D. Leyshon, 27* T. Protheroe, 29; W. Corns. 32; J. Corns, 31: G. Lvons, 30; J. But cliff e (capt.i. 29- C. Clar- lK-tt; 30: D. McLeliam 30; S. Villis, 31. Total. 355. White Lion: E. LoosnK-fie, 31: J. Mor^me, 27 W. Thomas, 34; J. Jones, 26: J. Hfjjwe, 31; T. Venn, 32: T. Daviee. 30; E. BaJ^nog- ton (capt.h 28 C. Pelfrey. 32 T. WidjaipB, 28; W. Pferhin-. 30: J. A Evans. 30. I ^>59.

this offenee. and if it had not I>e< r, that you aeted apparently on the advice oJ your wite, we should have sent to ga* without the op- tion of a fine. 4-kIermau Hmrbes a.«ked tne alternative to paying, and thS Bench iixed the imprison- ment, in <lefau!t, at -1 da>iC- Alderman Hughes: So many people axe prepared to believe a storv ex this knur especially of a respwstsbte tr-<wHainan, that 1 ask vour worships to fOay whether you are of opinion there is any truth, in the statements made. i The Chairman: Wo h.ve r.o reason- to !*>- lieve there u word of truth in them.