The Glamorgan Gazette

A LANDLADY'S ORDEAL. I LOBGER SWtNGS A FLAGON at CAERAU 1 ) At Bridgend Police Court on Saturday, -Hugh Griuiths, labourer, Caerau, was sum- mone d for having assaulted Agnes Hopkins, Humphreys Terrace, Caerau, and further with having been drunk and disorderly.—Mr. J. R. Snape defended. Complainant said defendant lodged at her house. On Saturday at about 9.45 p.m. iOte was in the kitchen, when defendant came in, .and then went out to fetch a case of beer. After that he went upstairs, drinking a flagon before he went. He took the other flagons with him. Soon after witness heard & noise upstairs, and sent her daughter upstairs to see what was the matter. There was a scume, and witness went up. As soon as she got to the top of the etairs, defendant struck her on the head with a flagon. He 1;ht-n I struck her twice with his nst. Mr. Snape: When you thought he was in bed you sent your daughter upstairs to get the nagons ?-No. And you were waiting outside to take tre nagons?—No. Complainant's daughter gave evidence, ar.d said her motner had a. terrible gash on the bead as a result of the blow from the flagon. Defendant said complainant drank the bottle of beer with him in the house. He de- nied hitting her on the head with a nagon. He never had one in his hand. The da.ugnt.er came up to the room, and tried to get a nagon. Witness jumped out of bed, and stopped her. Then complainant came up, and caught hold of him, and scratched his face. It was a regular pantomime in the hoojw. Mrs. Cabel said defendant came to her kuse and had supper with hor and her bus- band. When be left to go to his lodginga be was quite sober. He came back at 11 o'clock covered with blood. P.C. Ewington said he saw defendant in Tonna Road, Caerau. He was drunk, &cd witness spoke to him of the complaints he hsd recerved. Defendant made ese of filthy ex- pressioM, and said he would hit them aga;.n. Defendatrt was fined 15s. for navmg been drunk and disorderly, and for the assault 30's. The Justices thougM there unght have been some provocation for the assault.

LLANGYNWYD RELATIYES. I COMPLAtNT BY A SOLDtER'S WrFE. At Bridgeud Police Court on Saturday, Gwendoline Edmunds, wife, Llangynwyd, summoned Margaret Jenklns, wife, Pontrhy- dycyff, for having used abusive language to- wards her.—Mr. J. R. Snape defended. Complainant said she was the wife of a sol- dier who was at the front. Defendant was a i relative through marriage, and other relatives had annoyed her for months. On the o<'ca- sion in question defendant opened witness' front door, and shouted out abusive language. Complainant's mother also gave evidence, and said she wanted peace for her daughter. She had no one to defend her now, except witness. Defendant denied the offence, and called four witnesses to support her story. The case was dismissed.

TRMED TO MAESTES. I HUSBAND DESERTS WtFE. I An old-age pensioner—Robert Edwards, &ged 76—was ordered at Festiniog to contri- bute half-a-crown weekly towards the main- tenance of his wife, aged 42, who summoned him for deserting her. Defendant, it was stated, was a widower when they married last September. Two months later he left for South Wales, promising to send his wife money, but she beard nothing from him. She traced him to Maesteg.—Complainant: H8 had JE132 saved.—Defendant: No, I have only JE104;; you told me you had JE300.—Com- plainant No; I said I would get it after an aunt.

MtNEHS' ALLOTMENTS. I Councillor J. T. Jones (Perth), at a meet- ing of the Rbondda Federated Chambers of Trade, at Pentre, drew attention to the ad- vantages which would be gained by workers by the cultivation of allotment gardens. Mr. Jones pointed out that a more extensive cul- tivation of fruit and vegetables would not only produce pecuniary benent, but would also have an advantageous moral effect. There was plenty of ground in the Rhondda which would yield a good supply of fruit and vegetables if properly treated, and it had the advantage of beina; within easy reach of the workers. He asked the delegates to call the attention of their Chambers to the mat- ter. A Member asked whether the Rhondda Ur- txn Council possessed power to compel land- lords to hand over land for the purpose stated. Mr. Jones: Yes, they do. But they cannot spend the rates; the allotments must be self- supporting. The meeting expressed itself in favour of supporting the sTiz-g,-stion put forward.

J. H. THOMAS CRtTtCtSED BY RAILWAYMEN. A meeting of the Rock Perry, Cheshire, branch of the National Railwaymen's Union on Saturday passed a resolution deploring the attitude of Mr. J. H. Thomas, M.P., on the Mihtary Service Bill, and calling upon him to withdraw his opposition. "In our opinion," Mys the resolution, "we have in the Triple Alliance auf&cient safeguard against the Act -yez being extended to the industrial world.

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR FURNITURE RUYERSI A E. LOCKYEK, Completa House Furnisher, COMMERCIAL STREET, MAESTE6. Bega to announce that he has now opened I. Extendve Showrooms at Market Building's, Talbct Street, Maesteg, 'ltUJ; 1 With a New and Up-to-date Selection of FURNITURE, CARPETS, REDU TEADS, BEDDING, Etc, Etc. Including all the Latest Designs and Styles. You are cordi&IIy invited to inspect Showrooma at your leisure. Customers can rely upon making their choice from a magnificent acd comprehensive stock. Every facility is pro- vided to enable you to get just that pretty home you have in your mind. Every need is met and every taste catered for. Once yon become a customer you will discover why LOCKYER'S" h<t9 become a household word, and merited the confidence of the Public. Your wishes will be observed to the smallest details, you will get FURNtTURE WORTH HAVtNG at Moderate Prices. NOTE ADDRESS OF NEW SHOWROOMS: LOtKYER'S FURISHIN,tJ EMPOt{iUM, Market Buildings, Talbot Street, MAESTEO. Mar A VtSTTT INSPECTION WILL PAY YOU. <NB -.L

MAESTEG URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. ——— ——— MONTHLY MEETINGS IN FUTUREE. I TOWN HALL LETTING. I Mr. Gomer Jones presided over the meet- ing of Maesteg Urban District Council on Tuesday. INCREASE OF SALARY WANTED. The matron of the Isolation Hospital ap- plied for an increase of salary. Mr. Gibbon: When did she receive her last increase, and is the matron getting the maxi- mum salary ? The Clerk: She is getting the maximum, whatever it is, I think. Mr. Gibbon: I move that the matter be deferred till the next meeting.—Agreed. BOXING DAY, 1916. I An application for the use of the Town Hall I on Boxing Day was adjourned for considera- I tion at a further meeting. SCHOOL MANAGERS. I The members representing the Council on the Group of School Managers were re- elected, with the exception of Mr. M. Hard- castle, whose place was taken by Mr. T. Lewis. NANTYFFYLLON ALLOTMENTS. I A letter was read from Mr. J. W. Hutchin- aon stating he was prepared to make the usual concession in respect of the allotments at NantynyIIon by allowing the holders to have them rent free for the first year. On the proposition of Mr. Hicks, It was de- cided to send a letter thanking Mr. Hutchin- I son for the concession. NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS ACT. I The Local Government Board wrote stat- ing that they had had under consideration the report of their inspector. Dr. Morgan Reee, after his recent visit to the district to inquire into the arrangements for maternity and child welfare. Although the Notification of Births Act was adopted by the Council a year ago, and the Board nxed the 1st of April last for it to come into operation in the dis- trict, the Board regretted to learn that, & the date of the inspector's visit, no arrange-' ments had been made for utilising the infor- mation obtained under the Act. It was obvi- ous that there was very little advantage in requiring notincation unless the information so obtained was made the starting point for measures for securing the health of mothers and Infante. Such measures werp very neces- in the Maesteg urban distnct, and the Board were glad to learn that the Council proposed to appoint a health visitor, and they hoped that this omcer would take up her duties at an early date. In view of the number of births and the circumstances of the district, however, the Board were of opinion that it would be impossible for one omcer to pay as many visits and re-visits as were neces- sary, and they trusted that the Council would give early consideration to the question of appointing a second omcer. It was pointed out that the Board were empowered to make grants equivalent to one half the approved expenditure incurred by local authorities n connection with maternity and infant welfare work. These grants were available towards meeting half the cost of the sauries of hea!tn visitors. Mr. Gibbon moved that the matt"' J-e re- ferred for consideration. These peopie were asking them to economise 'n every Flection —this might be economy ;n saving life—and he did not think they ought to rush into tHs. I They were unable to get a health visitor for a long time, and as soon as they got a suitable applicant they appointed her, but he would want to know how she got on with the work before they appointed another, and he would be prepared to consider the matter in six months' time. It was agreed to defor consideration for that period. TOWN HALL LETTING. I In accordance with notice of motion, Mr. Gibbon moved that the terms of letting the Town Hall be so amended as to provide that all applications for Good Fridays, Christmas and Boxing Days in every year come before the Council for consideration. This would enable the Council, he said, if the Council saw fit, to increase the- rate for letting. Some information should be given to the people, too, to let. them know when the applications could be sent in. Mr. Nicholas: Is it in Mr. Gibbon's mind to make an additional charge for holiday times? Mr. Gibbon: Yes, a.nd the object also is to make it impossible for one party to get the Town Hall every year, by forwarding a cheque months before the date it is required. As things are at present there would be nothing to prevent me from getting the Town Hall for holiday times during the next five years, to the exclusion of other parties. Mr. D. Davies seconded the resolution, wh' 'h was carried. The Clerk said he had received a cheque fror.7, nn applicant for the use of the hall on a future holiday. Ii tvas decided to return the cheque, and and nform the parties of the altered arrange- mentz. A NANTYFFYLLON SLAUGHTER- HOUSE. Some di-scussion arose on a notice of motion brought forward by Mr. A. J. Hicks that "the last resolution by which the Council re- fused to grant the application of Mr Williams, Tonna Road, for a slaughter-house license, be rescinded." He contended that the man had been s?mcrently penalised by the action of the Council. It seemed hard to penalise him all the time. Mr. D. Davias seconded. Mr. Gibbon opposed the motion because of the position of the slaughter house to the houses near by. It was on a much higher level, And was offensive to tenants of houses below. It was the duty of the Council to look after the health of the district, and not I after the interests of a.single individual. It was unfortunate for Mr. Williams, but if he ) knew of any similar building similarly situ- j' (Continued on Bottom of Next Column).

COL. F. GASKELL AND M&JOR SMITH. .t. # MAKtNG RAPID PROGRESS. Lieutenant Colonel Frank Gasket! and Major Fred Smith, of the Cardiff City Bat- talicn, are both in a London hospital rapidly recovering from injuries recently received. Colonel Frank Gaskell was looking well, and hopes to be about again in a fortnight. His leg is rapidly mending. I am very anxious," he said, "to get back to the battalion, and the* only thing worrying me is that I am get- ting reports from boys in the trenches, and cannot get to them. However, the Medical Boaj,d have promised not to keep me in England after February 14th and if I can only hobble about the battalion headquarters at the front it will be something. How my leg came to be broken? When I went over on Christmas morning to see Major Fred Smith, who I hea.rd was in hospi- tal, the horse fell on some ccobble stones and oamedown on my leg. I ha<l such a short time at the front on the last occasion that I haven't many reminiscences to record. Before I go back I shall go down to Cardiff to see the Lord Mayor and my family for a day or two. CARDIFF BATTALtOX S CASUALTIES. As to the casualties vie have sustained," continued Colonel Gaskel), my information only comes from a private source, and may not be correct. Therefore, I had better not state what I have heard for fear I might be the cause of innictiog unnecessary pain or anxiety. However, it is known we have lost one omcer. Lieutenant Lindsay Gaskell, a relative of my own, and three men have been killed and six wounded. That was up to Jan. 9th. Lieutenant and Quartermaster Acra- madis Is in hospital with lumbago, and Regi- mental Sergeant-Major Priest is in hospital with rheumatism. I have had a most excel- lent report of the men from the Brigadier, who has seen them In the trenches, and the Brigadier's account is borne out by Major Cochrane, who Is now in command, who says the men's conduct under fire was admirable. But this was only to be expected from such a grand lot of fellows. Proceeding, Colonel Gaskell said In the early days of the war in France the rough British soldier was always confident we were hopelessly outnumbered In men and muni- tions. In the summer of 1915 in .numbers of me.n the situation was about equal, and the munitionment was t_1.ily improving, both facts tending to growth of confidence in an early superiority. By the end of 1915 that superiority in men and munitions had been reached, and there is not a soldier in the Ex- peditionary Force from general to drummer who is not absolutely confident that when the opportunity comes the British, in conjunction with their Allies, will wipe the Germans off the face of the earth. Of course, I &m only speakng for this particular part of the world," said Colonel Gaskell. That the breaking of German lines will be very costly In lives goes without saying, but that It caji be done and will be done is beyond question. I was nevar so struck in my life with the absolute conndenoe that is felt out there, and I know from ob- servation that the feeling of confidence once held by the other side has given place to a feeling of depression which pervades all ranks." ) MAJOR SMITH. I Major Smith said that both Colonel GaskeU and himself had made such good progress that they hoped to be fit to resume duty the nrst wec-k in February. They came into hospital on Sunday, January 2nd. Major Smith said he was struck on the left side of the face by a shrapnel splinter, which inflicted a nasty wound and injured the drum of the ear, mak- ing him deaf on that side. He had had a lot of pain, but now was feeling much better, and was able to get out for a little while every day. The Cardin' Citv Battalion is goimg on splendidly, and it is surprising how quickly the men have shaken down to the conditions and discomforts they are called upon to en- dure. They expected hardships, and I can tell you they have not been disappointed. They are splendidly keeji, and a more willing lot of chaps you could not find. Major Smith referred to the fact that he was in the South African War, But this war is very diSerent," he said. In South Africa we fought above ground, but now it is aB burrowing."

The executive of the Constitutional Associa- tion of Mile End on Monday adopted Mr. Warwick Brookes as candidate for the Par- liamentary vacancy there.

AH Fast Colours. [ o;¡¡¡¡; o;¡¡¡¡; I Ptain and Striped RED FLANNEL. Ptain and Striped NAVY FLANNEL. Ptain and Striped BLACK FLANNEL. Assorted Stripes QREEN FLANNEL. Black and White Plaid SHtRTtNG. Black and Btue Plaid SHtRTtNG. A Large Variety of Fawn Stripe SHtRTtNG I from Is. 2d. per Yard. Cream Striped Shirting FLANNEL. Ptain, P)aid, and Striped Grey FLANNEL. Apron FLANNELS from 23 to 46 in. wide; j In Fact, every Kind of FLANNEL you can Want in RELIABLE QUALITY at RIGHT t PRICES, And HUNDREDS OF PATTERNS TO CHOOSE FROM. NOTE ADDRESS- .1 I ?N, WT JONES 'J MANCHESTER HOUSE, NOLTON ST., BFUDGEND

About the War. WNAT PEOPLE SAY. :1 Pray for the Kaiser. Preaching in Manchester Cathedral on Sun- day night. Bishop Welldon, says the "Man- chester Guardian," referred to the reports concerning the illness of the Kaiser, and asked the congregation, as Christian men and women, to pray for him. As on the Cross Christ prayed for His enemies," he said, "so let us pray for him, that God may show him mercy. Miners' Agent's Sound Advice. The annual meeting of the East Glamor- gan Miners' Association was held at the Clive Hotel, Caerphilly. Mr. Hubert Jenkins, J.P. (agent) said there was only one practical com- monsense view to take of the position, and that was for all those who were liable to come in under the Bill to come forward at once and be attested. If they did that it would practically make the Military Service Bill a dead letter, and the representatives of Labour would then be able to go to the Prime Minister and ask him to withdraw thQ Bill. "Let these men demonstrate that they are against conscription," added Mr. Jenkins, "by coming f onward and attesting so as <H make the Bill unnecessary, and let the local tribunals decide whether any man is indispen- sable. By doing this these men would be ren- dering an immense aervioe not only to the nation, but to the friends of the voluntary system. Nothing would please me better than to see all the men coming forward, and thereby killing compulsion by rendering it un- necessary." The meeting unanimously agreed with the agent's remarks. Cost of Living. The "Board of Trade Labour Gazette" on Monday gave comparative ngures showing the increased cost of living in England, Germany, and Austria. Comparing July, 1914-the last peace month-with the end of 1915, there was a. general rise in food prices:—In England of 44 per oent.; in Berlin of 82 per cent.; in Vienna of 111 per cent. The English ngures taken were for December, those of Berlin and Vienna for November and October respec- tively. There was a fall of prices in Berlin of about 6.6 per cent. compared with October —an unprecedented happening since Septem- ber, 1914—because maximum shop prices had just been nxed there for fats and pork. These maxima were well below the current open market charges, and from the German news- papers it is clear that people had dimculty in buying these articles at the nxed prices dur- ing November. In Vienna (in October) the only cheaper article was potatoes, and since the last peace month everything else has grown dearer by from 9 per cent. (sugar) to 342 per cent. (lard)—by an average, taking all foods, of 117 per cent.. In Italy since the war began prices have gone up by 28.6 per cent. Christianity and the War. A series of lectures has been arranged by the Brecon Council of Free Churches on "Christanity and the War." The inaugural lecture was given on Monday by the Rev. David Davies, Penarth, at Bethel Hall. Mr. Davies said that the question of the relation- ship of Christianity to the war, and the con- sequent rightful attitude of Christians to- ward war—the present war in particular—was a complex one. A& an individual he had cer- tain liberties and duties, which as a partner or member of a community or a citizen be- came modined. Partnership and all social, civic and national relationships limit the liberty to exceed our specific duty if it was done at the cost of loss or dissadvantage to others in such relationships. The supreme law in the spiritual world was love, but love always in harmony with justice. As a mem- ber of a community or a state the individual could not form such a relationship without having his own personal preferences limited. He had to remember that all true govern- ment must be based on justice and righteous- ness. All Governments must deal strongly with the rebel, the lawless, and the enemy of public order. Christ's personal command to turn the second cheek when the nrst had been struck was an exhortation to the in- dividual not to be too ready to strike back, but ultimately if that patience was ill-re- quited the moment for self-defence must come. In the life of a nation it was supremely so. The ultimate weapon was force. If an unscrupulous foe was bent upon their ruio as a people, and upon the plunder. of their country and homes, it was simply their duty to resist unto the death. When the great principles of justice, righteousness, and humanity were involved, the necessity was increased a hundred-fold.

ADVtCE FREE.—Mrt. Stewart, Herbal Specialist, 9 Guinea Street, Bristol. 6871

f I THE CHALLENGE. I I LIFE IN TÍiE TRENCHES. I The foNowing breezy and graphic de&anption of the march of the 13th (2nd Rhondda) Bat- talion of the Welsh Regiment to the trenches "somewhere in France is supplied by a. su baltetm:— The life here is a rush from begmning to end—rushed across the water, rushed! to a ba,se, a short rest, then another rush to an a<dva.nced base and rest camp. One more rush generally long a<nd miserable marches along muddy and ditch-lined roads, over tragic- looking plains, on a.nd on to advanced and temporary rest billets for the night. Some- times we rest here for two nights, for the sake of worn-out bodies and torn feet. Thence, in semi-darkness or uttor darkness, we again march in battle array to the fascinating nring line—fascinatin.g, I say, owing to the bewiMering lights, najes, bursting shells, and whizziing bullets above and encircling us on the way tnBther. At Ia.st, cross-roads, and a guide to lead us further. In the centre of the roadway one observes a huge hole, the result of the burst- ing of a Jack Johnsion,' and In its neighbour- hood are houses and mansions half-torn away a.nd roofless; wiUow trees leafless and lifeless; a glimmeri'ng light in this or that ruim—the whole scene presenting a most tragic a<nd sickening spectacle to the new-comer. We turn to the left maybe, and encounter a far- eyed sentry a.t his post. He challenges Halt-who a.re you? and one hears a. click. His ride is lioaded; he has a cartridge in the chamber. We halt, a,nd sharply reply, Officer and men, 13th Welsh,' He approaches obs<'rves, and replies Pa.sa, the Welsh; all's well,' a<nd on we go, plodding along the mud- dy ajid aheU-swept road, till the Io<ng and ir- regular cooMMotifon trench is reached. Thence we proceed till at last the front line is gamed. Then what a hearty welcome we get from the brave omcers and men who have dome their turn there; aye, ready to do their turn there again, yet full of gra-titude, praising God for the refreshing relief and rest so many of them are to enjoy once more. But let me continue. We march along the traversed line, in the best of spirits 'now, post our sentries, reliefs, etc., and once this work, executed as it is in awful silence, haa been completed, the brave &nd relM-ved de- fenders march oS orderly and quietly through the endless communication trench a.nd over the muddy, tramcless and shell-torn road to enjoy the short and sweet rest they so thoroughly merit. As to "fe in the trench itself I hope (D.V.) to give you an account in detail hn the near future."

I A COCK-EYED CHRISTMAS. CARDIFF PAL'S LAMENT. Writing just before Christmas, one of the CardiS "Pals" says:—"We are jogging along just about the same. The weather is still cold a.nd damp, and we are over our ankles in mud and water. Last night we had Christians Awake,' on a gramophone, and it made us realise, even out here, that Christ- mas was near. After two days' hard tramping and Josing ourselves about six times we got in done to the world,' but we had a good tea and built our bivouac, which is made of waterproof ooverings held up by sticks—not so bad; but unfortunately there is no back or front amd they do not give us much room for settling down. They are about four feet and three wide, but here in the mountains we must put up with it. Last night we had steak ajid onions and fried potatoes, and this morning for breakfast bacon and fried bread-the last of our bread, worse tuck, for it's all biscuits up here. Everything takes at least two days to reach us from the base. and it is all foM- stuSnrst." Writing on Christmas Eve the same "Pal" says: Here is Christmas Eve-and the mo&t cock-eyed one I've ever known. Every- one is working here as usual, absolutely no diSerent to any other day, and if you wish anyone A Merry Christmas it seems a huge joke! However, I suppose we shall get over it, and make up for it In the future." Writing on Christmas Day, he says :— Best of all, the parcels are a-rrivmg, and weren't they a Godsend It made it as near Christmas as is possible out here, and the c&ke and the pudding were 'tres bien.' After the parcels came the letters. We then had half-a-day—nnishing at 11 o'clock in the lopming."

Constance Johnson, castle-street, Newport, I who was nned 21s. at the local Court on Mon- day for being drunk and disorderly, said it was "only now and then she broke out."— ? There's a long list here (half-way down the page) against you," said the Mayor, t

'í;' "¡:' ? i ? Look Out for Great Bargains r' ?'" ?' ? ''?' 1N ;¡ ?' ? ''Ill: ( /t 'I L:1>' ,) L" Henrt; LaVier5 ,"t. 11 Y 5,' r v:. f, ,{" ,,¡\h.; 'fi 1- NOTED SALE Jj?)r No?r Proceeding. ?9? < —-?-?-—-——-—-— -? ? ??.? Great No"" Proceeding. (». /< ,[ :J,atBargains in all departments., ( ? -? ? ?' ? ? \?. ? ——?"——— ? .?;. ?' ?. ?' .??' .? '? ? 38? 39, 40, 4t & 42 ..t,' ">. ,f' ?"<.?.' '?? '? Commerciat Street, MAESTEG. -C_- w. Doc T f ?? ?? t? ? <? ? C?m pl?tc JEX??w? T1 T ? i H i$ ?Ciii?tII?? ????? ? ? Suoccssox' to W. Jenkins <Se Son.s;ii" i' 14 and 15, Commorcial.Wreet, MAESTEG., We are lmavw shoin.g MELIMY lmevw clesigime imL "MAr Solid Oak. Walnut & Mahogany.' ? Solid Oak, Walnut &MahogaDy/????????????????????? p?icea: JBNF? It has always been ONr 6 ?? C-??u??imn??.e??a??.?s .? tmsMy'X??m tn!! r" ??W' ? object to seH the B <! J newest &, best designs. 8 ? ? Guineas ??[??'? ???, ??.???-j at prices well witMn 10 Guineas ? ????'???????°a the reach ot everyone. iiiiiõ.¡¡P;¡¡P;¡¡P I I;' ,[, í: It will be a positille pleasure to us, to show you pound ouf showmw F*ooMs whether buying or not. accept this, as an Invitation whelJtt next in the vicinity. <J. SIMS NAVIES SENSATIONAL SitLE' LAST TWO DAYS, to-day and to morrow will end OUR GREAT SALE Further reductions have been made in Ladies' and Ohidren's Costumes Coats Millinery Underwear,. Blouses, etc. See the Bargains in Hats, at ls., 2s. and 3s. Ladies' Costumes, 10s., 15s. and 21s. Ladies' Coats, 5S., 7s. 6d., 10s. and 21s. Another sensational offer in Blouses! Jap Silk Blouses, Is., 2s., 3s. & 4s. Worth 3/11 to T/1101 Children's Coats, Is., 2s. and 3s. Doors OjaeM ftt 10-30 ca<:h Mtoi?MiMg Reinember. All Bargains are front our regular stock, not specia))y bought for the sale THE LADYS REALM, !7, Commercial Street, MAESTEC. 8.

I LABOUR'S YEAR OF PLENTY !NCREASE OF OVER 960,3,000 PER WEEK IN WAGES. The outstanding teatmre of the Labour market in 1915," says the Board of Trade Labour Gazette, "was the shortage of work- people, which became more and more pro- nounced as the year advanced, and was very acute at its closo, owing to the active recruit- ing campaign that took place in the autumn and early winter." The shortage would have been even more severely felt but for the transfer of work- people from one industry to another, the "di- lution of skilled by semi-skilled and un- skilled tabour, and by the greater employment of women and girls. At the beginning of 1915 the increasing shortage of labour, together with a rise in the cost of food and clothing, led to a demand for higher wages, and by the end of the year the aggregate effect on weekly wages of all the war bonuses and increases in rates of wages which had been granted far exceeded that re- corded by the department in any previous year. At the beginning of 1915 retail prices of food were about 18 per cent. above the normal prices of July, 1914, the month before the war. On 1st January, 1916, the corres- ponding increase was 45 per cent. The greatest increases occurred in January, May, and September. The January advance was largely due to the increases in the prices of bread and Sour, that of May to the advance in meat prices, and that of September to the increases in the amount of duty on tea. and suga'r. In addition to the rise in food prices there was also a substantial increase in the retail prices of boots and clothing, particu- larly in the second half of 1915. On the other nand, the increase in the prices of food, light, and other items of do- mestic expenditure was not so marked, and, except in a few places, mostly in munition areas, rents remained practically unhanged. As regards wholesale prices, it is interesting to note that the index number for 1915 was below ,that of 1872-4, the years immediately following the Franco-Prussian War. The total number of workpeople who were reported to the Department of Labour Statis- tics of the Board of Trade as having received war bonuses or increased rates of wages :n the industries for which statistics are avail- able was 9,165,000, and the total amount of increase in the wages of these workpeople was over jE603,000 per week, an average of about 3s. lOd. per head. The general level of wholesale prices during 1915 was higher than in 1914 by about I' 22i per cent.

I TRAMPS ON THE DECREASE. I tNTERESTtNG FIGURES. I Mr. Godfrey L. Clark (TaJygarn) presided I at the meeting of the Glamorgan, Momnottth- shire, and Breconshire Vagrancy Committeo, heM at Cardiff on Moinday. I The seventh quarterly report was presented showing that the number of admissio.Djs to ca&uaJ wards in the different unions covered j by the district for the period ending Decent* ? ber 31, 1915, was 3,928, compared witM 7,648 for the corresponding quarter of 1914< or a decerase of 3,720. I At the chief centres the number of a<t< mi&sicMLS were: I' CaixM 519 against 1,114 Merthyr. 129 534 I Newp(H-t 228 „ 543 Pomtypridd 240 „ 503 Swajisea 348 5.58 In the combined unions of Cardiganshire, the admissions tota.Ued 607, compared with 2,900, pr A decrease of 2,453 for the corres- pond mg period. Recognising the marked diminutic.n in the number of casuals relieved, the committee aga.in expressed the opinion that the system of reJievrng in lodging-houses shouM now be abandoned. They therefore recommended that in uniona where this method was stLH practised the method should be discontinued, if possiMe, daring or at the end of the etisTt" ing quarter. Thie d.ifferent were urged to detain trampH for two days in the event of their not being im possession of way tickets. It was felt fhat} by this mca-nt there would be a. still dimin'utiotn in the number of vagrants. The rcpo-rt was adopted.

I (Continued from Previous Cotumn). ated elsewhere, he would oppose any license being given. He did not take up that atti- tude because of any personal feeling. The Chairman opposed the motion, and Mr. Jenkin Jones said as far as sympathy went he felt very strongly for Mr. Williams, but owing to the close proximity of the slaughter-house to dwellings, he could not conscientiously vote for the motion. Mr. T. Lewis said the people near by who objected before were now in favour of giving the man another trial in view of the altera- tions carried out since the last report. His trade was being injured, and if he would pro- mise to carry on the slaughter-house so that it would not be a nuisance to the tenants of houses close' by, he would be prepared to vote for the resolution. Mr. D. Davies said he knew of another slaughter-house, similarly situated, which had been granted a license. All he appealed for was equality of treatment and fair-play. Mr. Hicks said if the place was afterwards proved to be prejudicial to the health of the people near by, he would never vote for a re- new jf any further license. The mohtm v<as lost. MONTHLY MEETINGS. I Mr. Gomer Davies moved that the meetings I of the Council in future be held once a month 1 instead of every fortnight. ) After a. little discussion, this waa agreed to. I