The Glamorgan Gazette

WEST GLAMORGAN WELSH BAPTISTS. N The West Glamorgan: Association of Welsh Baptist Churches held their annual meeting at Aberavon last week. Rev. D. Griffiths (president) occupied the chair. The presi- dential address was on, The position of our denomination." The treasurer's statement showed receipts L159 13s. 8d., expenditure £ 123 10s. 7d., leaving a credit balance of £ 36 3s. Id. The secretary reported an, actual decreased membership of 432. Mrs. D. C. Howells. Maesteg, reported that a sum of £ 358 17s. 4d. had been raised for Zenana missions, aTh increase, of 9141 13s. 6d. Dr. W. P. Williams, Landore. presented the com- mittee's report on the question of affiliation with Free Church Councils. The committee did not consider this a wise step to take. Considerable interest was taken in the fol- lowing motion, forwarded by Philadelphia, Ogmore Vale: "That it be a recommendation from the association that every minister, deacon, and church officer sign the total ab- stinence pledge." The resolution was car- ried.

You will be Happy .# ■' — ■=„ THE SOUTH WALES FURNISHERS r, Dainty, Durable & Substantial Furniture. Prices Moderate. Terms Easy & Convenient. 'WP "II!!I" (Next to Laviers) COMMERCIAL STREET, MAESTEG. WYNDHAM STREET, BRIDGEND. I • •» • v.

BLAENGARW. Renovation.—The friends of Bethel Church, liave decided to renovate the buildung. It is also proposed to introduce some method of heating the chapel. Promotion,.—The residents of the valley generally were gratified to hear that Mr. William Jenkins, fireman at the Interna- tional Colliery, has been appointed, under- manager at the Ffaldan, as successor to the late Mr. Thomas Rees. Mr. Jenkins, who is comparatively a young man, has been, an offi- •cial for several years, and he has proved him- self effic lent in every respect. Darran Colliery.—Alderman John Thomas (miners' agent) and. Mr. Thomas Lucas, miners' agent, Ogmore Vale. were under- jg round at the Darran Colliery on Tuesday. Since the introduction of the coal-cutting machine into the 2seam, the question of raising the price list ha6 been under consider- at ion. Both side& appear most anxious -to arrive at an amicable settlement. Tablet Unveiled.—The annual meetings in ,connection with Trinity Church were held -throughout Sunday and on Monday evening. j The preacher was the Rev. G. Parry Wil- liams, M.A., Pontypridd. The meetings ( were conducted by the pastor. Rev. P. Mar- chant Lewis. There were good congregations throughout, and the sermons were of an in- ,spiring character. Additional interest was lent to the services on Monday evening by the unveiling of a memorial tablet to the late :and esteemed pastor. Rev. D. T. Morgan. The Rev. P. Marchant Lewis, prior to the sermon, spoke in glowing terms of the deceased gen- tleman, as a.Iso did the Rev. Moses Evans, Tabernacle, Blaengarw. Special mention was made of the fact that the Sunday School class or which the deceased was teacher had col- lected JE7 towards the cost of the tablet. Annual Tea and Concert.—The annual tea and concert was held at Trinity Church on Wednesday afternoon in last week, and, not- withstanding numerous counter-attractions, "there was a good number present. The fol- lowing ladies presided, at the tables:—Mes- -dam,e,s Sugg, Walters, Jones, Richards, Mil- ton, Skinner, Misses Bo wen, Thomas, Sugg, Jand Stevens. The cutting department was .attended to by Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Rees. A capital programme was provided for the concert with customary care and intelligence. The pastor, Rev. P. Marchant Lewis, presi- ded. and Mr. Stratton Roberts, of Barry, who is at home on a holiday, was at the piano. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. Tudor, rendered' several selections in fine; style. Solos were rendered by Messrs. A. Hunt, Bennett, J. Phillips, and Miss Jones, and recitations by Master S. Lines and Mr. Stratton Roberts. A spelling bee. was also iheld, the prize being awarded Miss B. Green- slade. Mies Jones won the singing compe- tition. A reading was given by Mrs. iStevens. The impromptu speech prize was awarded Mr. Stratton Roberts. 1

PONTYCYMMER. Off to the Cape.—Mrs. James Christopher is about to leave the locality to join her hue- band in South Africa. Mr. Christopher iholds a very good position in the coal indus- j try. I.L.P.—A series of open-air meetings are -being conducted on Monday nights under the auspices of the I.L.P. The speaker last JVIonday night was Mr. Blades, Featherstone, Yorkshire. The meetings are held oni the Square at Waun Bant. The rain on Monday night militated against the meeting. Ffaldau Colliery.—Work was resumed at -the Ffaldau Colliery on Monday. The night men commenced at 6 o'clock on Sunday night and the day shift at the usual time on Mon- j .,day. The workmen had an unexpected fort- might's holiday whilst. some repairs to the machinery were executed'. Fine weather j .characterised their holiday, and physically they appear the better for their open-air change, though pockets are lighter. Dr. Parry's Testimonial.—Mr. Christopher Williams, son, of Mr. Evan Williams, Maes- teg, is engaged in painting Dr. Parry's por- trait, which it is proposed to present him at an opportune date. No efforts will be spared to secure the company of Sir S. T. Evans, M.P., on the occasion of the presentation. Sir Samuel and the doctor are particularly intimate, and the committee are confident that lie will conform with their request. "Queer Way of Conducting Bysiness<At Cardiff Bankruptcy Court on Friday, William Mansel Lewis (trading as "Mansel Lewis"),' of the Gwalia Stores, Pontycymmer., grocer, submitted a statement showing gross liabili- ties amounting to E327 9s. 8d., and assets to the value of 1:64 9s., leaving a deficiency of E2,4,7 58. 6d. In the course of his examina- tion the bankrupt said that lie had no money to file. his own petition, and the act of bank- ruptcy was an execution levied by his brother under which the sheriff sold. His brother would thus obtain the money from the sale. The shop was kept open for several weeks and mo money was taken. "Do you really mean to say that that is true?" asked the Official ■Receiver.—" Quite true absolutely true—no money taken," was the debtor's reply. The, Official Receiver was not satisfied with other replies given by the debtor, and eventually eolemnly warned him to treat the examina- tion with seriousness. Debtor then said that the furniture belonged to his wife. Qucs- tioned as to his mode of conducting business the debtor said he charged piofitable prices ■upon customers who paid cash, but people "who did' not pay cash were charged under eost. The Official Receiver A very (4iieer way of conducting business, is it not.—The examination was adjourned.

| It Isn't Often g yea can find so large or choice an l$| assortment of rings as that we [I| III carry, and the nice part of it is g| they are priced so low that you H wonder how we can sell them at H such figures. ID Engagement H ™ Rings, Wedding Rings, Keeper H rc| Rings, we offer an unrivalled B -selection at prioea to suit all. H | J. DAVIES Co. I Pi 4i Oxford St., Poabyoymmer. H If you have any difficulty in securing the Gazette," write to the Head Office.

] GILFACH GOCH. j Cricket.—Among the team of cricketers 1 picked to represent- Great Britain in a match against an Australian team at the Stadium a few days ago. was Mr. A. E. Hathaway, son of Mr. George Hathaway. The bowling hon- j ours for the British team were carried off by | .ar. G. Hathaway, who took four wickets for 1 1 9runs. We wish him every success in the i antipodes. Tea Pai-ty.Tllc- annual te,a party of Bryn- sion (W.C.) Chapel took place oil Monday. About 500 sat at the tables. Obituary.—We regret to report the death of Mrs. Nicholas, Blandy-terrace, which took place on Sunday evening, after a short ill- ness. The funeral took places on Thursday, the interment being made at Llanharry.

OGMORE VALE. Musical Success.—Under the baton of Mr. W. M. David, we are glad to congratulate the Mixed Choir on their successes both at the Maest-eg Eisteddfod on Tuesday and at Blackmill oil, Saturday. The- test piece at Maesteg was Duw a. sych bob deigryn," and the composes, Mr. Gabriel, Bargoed, adjudi- cated. The test at Blackmill was Blodeuyn bach, r'wyf fi mewn gardd." Both the juvenile and 'adult choirs are doing excellent work) and are justifying their exis- tence. Obituary.—The sudden death of Mr. Mor- gan Rees, Corbett-street, on Thursday last week came as a. great shock to the place. The deceased was a very well known and highly respected inhabitant, and was appar- ently in his usual health when he succumbed to an attack of heart disease. He was a very faithful member of Bethania Welsh. Indepen- dent Chapel, where lie. had been a deacon for many years, and, where his presence and timely7 advice on all matters pertaining to re- ligious affairs will be greatly missed. He was originally an inhabitant of Coity, and at one time sat on the old Coity School Board as a Labour member. lie leaves a widow and several children to mourn- his loss, and great sympathy is expressed with them in their sudden bereavement. The interment took place at the old Churchyard of Llansant- ffraid on Monday afternoon, and a large con- course had assembled to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. The officiating minister was the. Rev. J. G. Jones, Bethania. Presentation.—On Wednesday evening a presentation meeting, dispersed by songs, solos, recitations, and speeches, was held at Calvary English Baptist Chapel. A few weeks ago the highly respected pastor, Rev. J. T. Treharne, took unto himself a wife, and the members and friends considered it a very opportune and appropriate occasion to show to him and -virs. Treharne their high esteem for their pastor. Tiie presentation took the form of a purse of gold, with an illuminated address. The edifice was literally packed to its utmost capacity, and the meeting was pre- sided over by Mr. William Williams, colliery manager, Llanharran, who made a telling speech on the qualities of the rev. gentleman. A letter was read by the chairman from the Rev. Pandy John, Barry Dock, regretting his inability to be present, and testifying to the many excellent qualities of Mrs. Treharne as befitting her for a Christian minister's wife. Mrs. Evans, the oldest member of the church, then presented, in a very neat speech, the pastor with a purse of gold. The rev. gentleman very feelingly returned thanks for himself and wife. The Rev. Griff Evans, B.A., also addressed the meeting, and Miss Ethel Morgan concluded a pleasant meeting by singing a solo. Miss Lizzie Kinsey and Miss Ceinwen Kinsey delighted the audience with selections during the evening. Sunday School iiel-nonstrati,ll.-oll, Wed- nesday afternoon the Sunday Schools connec- ted with the various Nonconformist places of worship held a united demonstration, and the promoters are to be congratulated upon its unqualified success. Favoured by delight- ful weather, the schools met in the Square at the top of High-street, and, conducted by Mr. Jenkin Williams (Bethlehem) joined iu singing the well-known hymn, All hail the power of Jesu's Name," to the equallywell- known tune "Diadem." The Rev. Charles Williams (Hermon) delivered an address, and the Rev. Griffith Evans, B.A. (English Con- gregational) having offered prayer, a proces- sion was formed, and, marshalled by Mr. G. Adams and Mr. T. Watkins, the schools, in the following order, paradeo the principal streets: -Bethlehem (Welsh Baptist), Beth- ania (Welsh Cong.), Hermon (Welsh C.M.), Wesleyan, (English), Bethel (Primitive Metho- dist). Calvary (English Baptist), P'hiladelpliia (Welsh Bap.), and Congregational (English). After the processions the scholars, which numbered over 1,600, returned to the various schoolrooms, where ample provision had been made for the "inner man," and full justice was done to the excellent fare provided, the little ones' appetites having been abnormally whetted by their long marcn. Tea over the scholars resorted- to various fields (kindly placed at their disposal), where games, sports ,and other innocent amusements were, heartily entered into by adult and juvenile alike. Cake, oranges, and sweets were here again distributed among the children, who keenly appreciated the kind consideration shown and. the efforts made to add to their enjoyment. It was a memorable day for the youngsters, and the opinion of the older scholars, with- out exception, was that it had been, a most enjoyable day. The arrangements for the united demonstration, and procession had been made by a joint committee, of which Mr G. Adams was chairman, and Mr. T. Watkins secretary, to whose energy much of the success of the event is to be attributed. On all hands words of praise are being heard, together with expressions of hope that the joint Sunday School demonstration will in future be an annual' event.

vrorR nas been started two miles north-west of Houston, Texas, by a syndicate with a preiimi- nary capital of £ 30,000 to unearth buried cities, believed to lie in Harris County. Professor Braissons declares that the work will prove that Texas was peopled like Mexico with Aztecs and To 1 tecs. In the Land Judges' Court. Dublin, Mr. jus. tice Ross sentenced two defendants to four months' imprisonment- and three to two months' for contempt of court in driving cattle off lands under the protection of the court. A man named II. Clements, alias Wood, tvho is ''wanted" by Scotland Yard, is under arrest at Brandon, in the Canadian North-0b^ charged with burglary and bigamy, telegraphs a Winnipeg correspondent. Clements's wife and family were deported from Canada to Liverpool. The Prince of Wales has informed the \layor of JJernioudsey of his willingness to accept an address of welcome from the borough council on the occasion of the opening of the Rotherhithe Tunnel, on the 12th inst. Mr. Thomas Burt, M.P., and Mr. Fenwick, M.P., will represent the Northumberland miners at the Peace Congress to be held in London next month. In a printed reply Mr. Lloyd-George states that the total amount of duty received from taxation on tea and sugar from April 1st, 1900, till Anril 30th last, was f!93.ifP.fi 710.

THREE GARW MEN [DROWNED 4 » FATAL MUSSEL-GATHERT>fG TRIP. CAPSIZED OFF ANGLESEY. A sad boating accident, involving the loss of three lives, occurred in Dulas Bay, Angle- sey, on Wednesday afternoon, last week.. SOllle time before midday a party of three men named John Davies, Johlll Thomas, and J Evan Hughes, all belonging to Penysarn, tDok j a small boat and went over to Dulas Island, which is about two miles from the shore, for 1; the purpose of gathering mussels.. All three men, had been lately engaged at the Ffaldau Colliery, Pontycymmer, and had returned home for the Whitsuntide holidays., During their passage out the breeze was moderate and the sea comparatively calm, and they reached their destination in safety. Shortly afterwards the wind stiffened con- siderably, and when the party started, be- tween two .and three o'clock, for the shore they were soon. observed to be in difficulties. It is supposed that the boat was swamped, and that all the men sank at once. One, however, was observed to be afloat and mak- ing desperate efforts to regain the rocks which the boat had just left. Every effort to help them was made from the shore, a horseman, from Llysdulas, Lady eaves's seat, galloped to Penysarn Post Office and telephoned for the Moelgre lifeboat to proceed to the scene, and it is highly to the credit of all concerned that the lifeboat was well on its way to the spot before the Poor fellow who was struggling for his life hnally disappeared. Another boat was launched from the spot which the, men had left a few hours previ- ously, but this had to put back owing to its unseaworthy condition. The lifeboat cruised about the place for several hours, and the only thing found was the jacket belonging to Eran Hughes. j Thomas leaves a widow but no children, Hughes a widow and three young children,. and Davies a wife in delicate health and about eight children. A telegram was received on Thursday at their lodgings in Pontycymmer, stating that they had been drowned. All the men were members of Bethel Church, Fontycymmer, and quite a glooili was cast over the congregation of that place of worship on hearing the sad news. Under the auspices of the church, Messrs. Tom N. Fox and T. O. Morgan onened a siibsei, I pt list for the widows and families. The mem- bers and tradespeople liberally responded, and on Tuesday L28 had been raised.

PORT TALBOT COUNTY SCHOOL SPORTS. The annual sports of the Port Talbot County School were held on Friday on the County School Field, amongst those present being Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Bvass, the Mayor- ess (Mrs. Henry Walsh), Mr. J. M. Barry, headmaster; Miss Oakley. headmistress. The chief events were as folloll-s-- 100 yards (junior boys): H. M. Jones, scratch. Seniors: Ivor Cuombs. Long jump (senior girls): Annie Evans (14 feet); junior girls, Meta Roberts; senior boys, T. Hickman (17ft. 9in.). High jump (senior boys): E. J. Crook, 4ft. ioill. junior boys, A. Hurford. 400 yards (senior boys): R. Hughes (scratch); junior boys, H. Galliver. 5 yards. Half-mile handicap: R. Hughes (scratch). Chairman's challenge silver cup for winner of largest number of events: F. Gaen. During the proceedings the Port Talbot Troop of the National Corps of Boy Scouts (under Mr. Cosgrave) gave a. scouting display. The prizes were distributed by the Mayoress (Mrs. Hy, Walsh).

Mu'iORING MAGISTRATE FINED. Lieutenant-Colonel Boyd C. P. Hamilton, of Brandon, Suffolk, chairman of the Mildcnhall Bench of magistrates, was fined E3 (including costs) at Newmarket for driving a car at a speed of twenty-five miles an hour, although ten miles formed the limit. The colonel protested strongly against the police being sent to work motor traps on Sunday, when there was little traffic, end therefore no necessity for the time-limit.

TRAGIC SEQUEL TO SURPRISE VISIT. Thomas Dcwhurst paid a surprise visit at Lan- caster to the house of his wife, from whom he had been living apart, late on Monday night. He was intoxicated, and quarrelled, but was allowed to pass the night on the couch. On Tuesday morning, while his wife and daughter were at breakfast, he produced a revolver and fatally shot himself.

KILLED BY A WEASEL. Joseph Carroll, a young farmer, of Rock- mount, Clare, discovered what he believed to bo a rabbit's nest. Thrusting his hand into the bur- row, he was horrified to find that a weasel had buried her teeth deep into the wrist, severing one of the veins. Blood poison' followed, and has now ended fatally. The vicious little animal had tlil-cc- young ones in the burrow. I

CYCLIST KILLED BY A TRAIN. Mr. Peter Ada, chief officer of the Norwegian ftoamcr Fjord, running between Parkeston and Esbjcrg, was cycling with a companion over a level crossing at Parkeston Station, when he was struck by a Harwich train and instantly killed. His body was hurled from the bicycle a distance of twenty-five yards. His companion, the chief engineer of the Fjord, escaped by throwing him- self off his bicycle.

CRUSHED BETWEEN TRAMCARS. James John Price, aged forty, a slater and tiler, of Pollock-road. New Kent-road, London, who was badly crushed between two tramcars a.t Hampton Court on Monday evening, died dur- ing the night at Molesey Cottage Hospital. Several of his ribs were broken, and he sustained other severe internal injuries. The accident occurred during a rush among holiday makers for London-bound cars. Deceased's son was with him at the time.

Asked at Wandsworth County Court on Monday to produce a book in which he had noted the doings of a lady be had been paid to watch, a private detective said he lost it at the Derby. The Registrar: I can under- stand a man taking his betting notebook to Epsom, but not a private one. Witness: I

GLAM. EDUCATION COMMITTEE. + PROPOSED TRAINING COLLEGE. BRIDGEND COUNTY SCHOOL. The monthly meeting of the Glamorgan Education Committee was held at the Gwyn Hall, Neath, on Tuesday. Dr. T. H. Morris presided. PROPOSED TRAINING COLLEGE. The Board of Education wrote stating that ibefore determining whether the proposed training college at Barry could be regarded as necessary they wanted as precise information, as possible as to the area the college was likely to serve, the probable staff, prospec- tive attendance, and the facilities in the neighbourhood for the students to study the working of schools. The Board l'eturnoo the plan of the proposed site at, Barry, stating that the site was not of sufficient size. The Board had expected something like eight acres would be required if suitable provision 1 was to be made for the recreation of the stu- dents, but they now considered that a rather larger area than eight acres would be neces- sary. The Chairman Our site before was four acres. The Clerk Yes, but if you like to take pos- session of the site already selected for a girls' intermediate school you will come up to seven acres. Alderman the Rev. D. H. Williams: There is plenty of land adjoining this site. The Clerk It is a matter that must be settled by the County Council at their next meeting, or it will be hung up. Alderman Hopkin Morgan Dees not our action require confirmation by the County Council ? The Clerk I don't think the matter can safely proceed until the County Council have confirmed this committee's resolution. It. is within the riaht of anyone to move at the County Council that the training college be at Aberdare for instance. Alderman the Rev. D. 11. Williams: There is plenty of land available at Barry. Mr. D. Hn ghes But by this new proposal j we are altering the whole situation. How- will the Barry scheme compare with the Aberdare scheme now? Alderman George There is plenty of land available by Abernant House. Miss E. P. Hughes: I take it we should want eight acres at Aberdare. Mr. D. Hughes: But the Aberdare cost works out at zC250 an acre, whereas Barry works out at £ 1,000. Alderman D. H. Wiiliams: Xo. £ 500. Miss E. P. Hughes:' We have plenty of land I beyond, and need not take the girls' site at all. Alderman T. J. Hughes said that the com- mittee had already had a full dress debate upon this matter, and had decided Barrv was a better place than Aberdare. Ail that was now required was to ascertain whether the land required was available at Barry. If it was, then the matter stood. He moved that. the clerk make inquiries as to whether the additional four acres of land were available at Barry, and on what terms, and that par- ticulars be laid before the County Council on Thursday. Alderman D. H. Williams seconded. Alderman George moved, and Mr. D. Hughes seconded, that the matter be de- ferred. The motion of Alderman Hughes was car- ried by 14 votes to 12. BRIDGEND'S CLAIM. The Secondary Education Sub-Committee reported that the sub-committee had met the governors of the. Bridgend County School with reference to a proposal to erect at tem- porary building either oil. the grounds of the Bridgend County School or on a field which it was contemplated to acquire for the new girls' school for the use of pupils now at the Tondu Pupil Teachers' Centre. At the con- ference (the report stated) there seemed to be general agreement that there would be no objection to this course, subject to immediate extension being made to the Bridgend labor- atories and provision being made in the amended scheme for 200 boys and 200 girls. The sub-committfee recommended that the Bridgend Governors be informed that the with reference to a proposal to erect- a tern- ary building on the site of the Bridgend County School rather than build a. temporary laboratory adjoining the Tondu Centre. This would probably secure a grant of £ 9 10s. per pupil, whereas the grant would not be more than E4 per pupil if the teachers re- mained at Tondu. The sub-committee re- commended that if this recommendation was adopted the Buildings Sub-Committee be re- quested to give directions for the erection- of a temporary building, and also to take into consideration the question of the enlargement of the existing laboratory accommodation at the Bridgend School. I Alderman Hughes (who is chairman of the Bridgend County School governors) said that the claim of Bridgend for increased accommo- dation had been put off year after year, and something definite must now be done, other- wise he, as one of the donors of the school, would injunct the committee from going on this land to erect this temporary building. The Clerk It is our own. land. I saw to that. (Laughter.) Alderman Hughes I give you warning that we will injunct you from going on "the" land. Alderman Hopkin Morgan said he hoped the matter could be amicably settled. Mr. Evan E. Davies said it had been under- stood that no additions would be made at Bridgend before the question of the school at Maesteg was settled. He moved that the temporary building for pupil teachers be erected at Tondu. Alderman W. Llewellyn seconded. Alderman T. J. Hilglie6 said he wished to meet the appeal of Alderman Morgan for an amicable settlement, and he thought the I difficulty could be overcome if the sub-com- mittee's report was altered so as to pledge the committee to provide the additional labora- tory accommodation at the Bridgend School without delay, and to recommend to the County Council the permanent and consider- able enlargement of the school. Alderman Hopkin Morgan proposed as an amendment to Mr. Davies's motion that the sub-committee's report be altered in accord- ance with Alderman's Hughes's suggestion. This was seconded by Alderman D. H. Wil- liams, and carried.

Three representatives of the Scottish fish- ing industry are now visiting Sydney, New South Wales, in connection with a scheme for emigrating 5,000 fisherman from Scotland, to develop the fisheries in Australia.

"A little British Army goes a very long way." So does a little 0,1,. lOHisers BAKE?«S PG'&DER. It is so powerful in action that only a minimum quantity is required to make the lightest [ cakes, scones, pastryy &c. ) I SOLE AGENTS are Agents for the International KING OF CREAM BillierS' SEPARATORS lp|pr lj|p§ Martin s Swarth Turners, THE pjj Side Delivery Rakes, &e. (tjtj *B- ———— MELOTTE. |j |j| KING'S ELEVATORS All Farm Implements kept in Stock. THE LARGEST SALE £ j| in the British Empire. flj „ — iM j&E 8an'Abral,aiD' And Co., FOR SIZES AND PRICES, IMPLEMENT AGENTS, APPLY TO Wholesale & Retail Ironmongers, REES; MORGAN Llantwit Major, Cowbridge ^ABRAHAM j^Co. — And at THE MARKET, BRIDGEND. -D.

MINES INSPECTORS' REPORTS. j 4 j INCREASED FATALITIES. The annual reports to the Home- Office of Mr. W. X. Atkinson, superintending inspec- tor of mines, and Messrs. Ir. A. Gray and J. Dyer Lewis, inspectors of mines for the Car- diff and Swansea Districts, are published by the Home Office. Mr. Atkinson, in his report, states the year 1907 was a very prosperous one for the coal trade, and nowhere more so than in South Wales. There was a large increase in the output of coal and in the number of persons employed in: both the Cardiff and Swansea districts; unfortunately there was also a large increase in the number of accidents and deaths in. the Swansea district. In the two districts there were. employed below ground 121.351, and above ground 22.093 persons, the latter including 147 females, making altogether 143.444, or 12,372 more than in 1906. the increase being the largest recorded in the tables, which go back to 1897, and being equivalent to 9.44 per cent. The output of coal was 36,782.508 tons, an increase of 1,964.431 tons, or 5.644 per cent.. and of all minerals the total was 36.883,153, or 1.946,993 tons increase over the output of the preceding year. There were 221 fatal accidents, causing 248 deaths, giving a. death rate of 1.75, compared with 1.70 in 1906. These represented an in- crease of 22 accidents and' 25 deaths. In the Cardiff district there was an increase of three fatal accidents, but a decrease of 11 deaths, and in the Swansea district an in- crease of 19 fatal accidents and 36 deaths. The average death rate. per 1.000 persons em- ployed (1.73) compares with a death rate of 1.32 per 1,000 persons employed in the United Kingdom. There was a large in- crease in the number of non-fatal accidents reported —957 in 1907 against 556 in 1906, but no importance can be attached to these figures. The increase was no doubt chiefly due to the effect of the Notice of Accidents Act, 1906, which came into operation on the 1st January, 1907; 201 of the fatal accidents involving 215 deaths and 894 of the persons injured belonged to the Glamorgan coalfield. There were in all 46 explosions or ignitions of fire-damp or coal dust, resulting in the loss of 21 lives and injuries, more or less seri- ous, to 60 persons. The great majority of the explosions and all the deaths were in the. Swansea district. In the Cardiff district there were eight non-fatal explosions, result- ing in injuries to eight persons. All the ex- plosions except seven were due to the use of naked lights. Several prosecutions were undertaken in consequence of explosions, and some of the mines in which explosions were caused by naked lights are now worked with safety lamps. There is still (he adds) much ground for complaint concerning want of at- tention to the legal requirements in many mines in the Swansea district, especially with reference to the important subjects of ventil- ation, safety lamps, and the use of explosives, and as to laxity of discipline generally. He has observed some improvement in the Car- diff district as to the prevalence of dust and debris and other obstructions on the floors of main, intake and haulage roads. Mr. Gray states:—I am of opinion that a great proportion of the accidents from falls is not inevitable, but can and ought to be guarded against. But it is quite evident that this attainment will not be effected till the necessity for complete support to all re- cently exposed roof—quite independent of any pre-supposed safety owing to its natural strength—is fully recognised by all persons, from the owners and officials down to the col- lier, and is strictly enforced. It is by no means uiiconimon to find officials satisfied with props set eight and nine feet or more, apart, these distances having been fixed by them as maxima. Of course the men are at liberty to set props nearer if they see the need for them, but they frequently do not see this necessity, and hence an accident oc- curs. Props to be of any protection should be considerably closer than the distances men- tioned, and they should be as close to the face as possible. Mr. Dyer Lewis regrets to have to report a considerable increase in the number of deaths resulting from explosions of firedamp or coal- dust. During the year four separate fatal explosions were reported, causing the deaths of 21 workmen. These are the highest figures recorded for the district. The number of ac- cidents from falls of roof and sides reported during the year was 188; of which 41 proved fatal to 42 workmen, and 147 non-fatal acci- dents caused more or less serious injuries to 153 persons. Compared with the figures for the preceding year. an increase is shown of 65 in accidents reported, 15 in the number of deaths, and 53 in the number of persons in- jured. These results are very unsatisfac- tory. and he believes are Dartly attributable to the great influx of inexperienced labour caused by the flourishing condition of the coal trade.

FALSE FIRE ALARMS. LAW'S INADEQUATE PENALTIES. Charles Major, aged thirty-four, a carman, was charged at Marylelwne on Monday with dis- orderly oonduct in the Harrow-road, and further with wiifully giving a false alarm of fire at a public call box of the National Telephone Com- pany in the Harrow-road. Evidence was given that. on two occasions the prisoner went to a telephone call office in the Harrow-road and gave false alarms of fire. Mr. Paul Taylor said rtich conduct was sense- less and wicked, The maximum penalty provided bv the law was JB20. but in view of the serious loss of life and property that might result from such conduct, it. seemed to him the amount was wholly inadequate. He a)60 regretted that the imprisonment in default of payment of the fine could not be given with hard labour, for if ever an act deserved hard labour it was this. He fined the prisoner L20 or two months.

BATTLESHIP MISHAP. The battleship Irresistible met with an alarming accident in Portland Roads on Tuesday afternoon, and was for some time in danger of sinking. According to a Weymouth correspondent, a valve was blown out. and the ship at once com- menced to make water, shewing a list on the starboard side. The watertight doors were at once closed, and signals were made to the other vessels of the fleet, which immediately sent divers and oilier help. Several boats with pumps lay alongside and rendered all necessary assist- ance. The damage was rapidly repaired, but in the meantime the inflow of water had been so great and the vessel's list so dangerous that it became necessary to train the big guns to port to restore an even keel.

AERONAUTS' ADVENTURES. Mr. Spencer, the well-known aeronaut, had an exciting experience at Cardiff on Tuesday. He and Miss Ella Spencer made a balloon ascent at a sports meeting at Pontypridd, and Miss Spen- cer successfully carried out a parachute descent on a neighbouring mountain. The lightened balloon then rose to a considerable. height and was borne rapidly towards Bristol Channel. Faced with the imminent, danger of being swept across channel. M r, Spencer made a rapid des- cent and landed safely in Cardiff docks, the bal- loon coming down by the side of a coal tip on the dock wail, narrowly missing a plunge into the docks. LADY PARACHUTISTS' THRILLING EXPERIENCE. An exciting adventure befell two lady para- chutists. Miss Da^y Sheppard and Miss Louie May, at a. fete in Longton Park. Staffordshire. They ascended in a parachute balloon with the intention of making a double descent. The balloon travelled to a great height, and the on- lookers soon began to realise that something was amis-, The performers vanished in the clouds in a south-easterly direction, and nothing more wa.s seen of them Ky the spectators at the gala. It was afterward, discovered that the two girls had had a thrilling experience. One of the parachutes became entangled in the cording of the balloon and failed to act. and only when an altitude of ll.OCOft. had been reached war- the young lady involved able to free herself. She then took a daring flying leap to her oompanion. and both descended on the one parachute. The increased weight. however. resulted in the descent being made much more rapidly, and on reaching the ground _\b- Sheppard received seri- ous injury. Her companion, however, was com- paratively uninjured. The balloon had travelled a distance of eleven miles before the descent could be made. the girls reaching the earth at Uttoxeter. ——■

CORNELLY PUBLICAN'S BANKRUPTCY. At Cardiff Bankruptcy-court on Friday (before Mr. Harry Cousins, registrar) George Morgan, now of South Cornelly, PyJe, and late of the Lamb Inn, South Cornelly, appeared for his public examination, with liabilities expected to rank for dividend amounting to £ 232 5s. 5d. and a defiCIency of £ 222 5s. 5d. The bankrupt alleged that the causes of his failure were loss on trading at the Lamb Inn through having to pay heavy prices for beer, and pressure by the landlord and other creditors. Til. answer to the Official Receiver, the bankrupt said he was now a quarryman. His wife persuaded him to go into the manage- ment of a public-house, and neither she nor himself had had any experience in the busi- ness. He himself was no scholar, could not read, and had never been at school. Bank- rupt admitted that he was being sued for three or four years before he filed his peti- tion by his creditors. The business was never a paying one from the beginning, and he was obliged to borrow money. The examination was closed, subject to the signing of the notes.

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