South Wales Weekly Post

OMINOUS RUMOURS, Ii HIS ABSENCE FROM PARLIAMENT. Very persistent reports are current concerning the iiiness of the German Emperor, which is stated to havo taken a serious turn for the worse. His con- dition is alleged to oe now so grave that his sister, the Queen of Greece, has been summoned 10 Berlin. A telegram from Rome said The ■« Id. a S azionale lea-mj from Berlin that the Kaiser has been takeni suddenly worse, that two specialists have j been hurriedly summoned from the front, and that ail the of the imperial family harve arrived. j The following further messages are to baud: POME, Thursday. The depanmre for Berlin of the Queen of Greece L imminent. She has been sent for in conseq uence of the serious pro- grass of the illness of the Kaiser, her brother. PARIS, Thursday. A message from Rome to the Echo de Paris," dated 12th inst. says thr i there are assurances from neutral sources iha-t the condition of the German Emperor has become worse. Two German doctors on the Eastern front have been recalled to Berlin. It is noticeable that the German Press is completely silent as to the health of I the Kaiser. Sews of the Kaiser's iiiness first leaked out about a fortnight ago, when it was stated that he was suffering from a cold. Then on December 31 the following state- i merit appeired in the semi-orhcial organ of the Berlin Government: "The AII,E-meink- Zei- tun g ascertains from an authorit-s^iv* source that the Kaiser is suffering from a harmless nolI and i* not confined to his bed. The unsettled woather makes it appear ad- visable that the Kaise-r should keep to his room for a, few days, and his work has not been interrupted. The Kaiser receives his reports daily in the usual way." On the other hH nd, an Exchange Tele- ?, z?ii Te l e- graph Company's message from Amsterdam, dated December 31, said "Ac-ord!??' to rc-ports from Ber!:n the state of the Kaiser's health is stiJl disquiet- m?. The Ej?per?r letumed from the Rus- sian front Euifer fom a number of car- bnndes of a ?Trulent character, and the doc- tors have not yet succeeded in removing the i danger of blood-poisoning. Th-e Governor j of Berlin has advised the public nqt to de- moastrate before-th 3 Royal P-iiace, as the Emperor needs re.J a,nd quiet. Tha fact that the Emperor will be ux.abil to attend the parade on January 1 is a heavy disap- pointment fa Berliners, and wild rumours: bave spread throughout the city with regard to the Emperor's health." [ The Frunch Pres., declares that the Kaiser is suffering from cancer of the throat. and recalls that both his father the Emperor Frederick and his mother died of the saaioj malady. ACcÕrding to yesterday's wircle&s from Berlan, quoted by the "Wireless Press," Berl?n, 'Berliiier Tdi??blLtt' f¡tatt the EM-! peror is merely suffering from a liarmless: ruruncular boil, which does not even prevent him from walking out. A Significant Absence. I But it is noteworthy tnat the Emperor! w&e not present at the opening of the Prus-j tian Diet on Tuesday, although it is his I invariable practice, when well, to read his Speech from the Throne personally. The duty in this case was performed bjbthe Tm- perial Chancellor in his capacity as Pru-sian Minister-President. WELL-FOUNDED." PARIS CORROBORATION OF REPORTS. j PARIS, Thursday. I am able to stat.. from a sure source tha.t the reports of the German Emperor's serious illness are well founds, and that his condi-' tion may be considerably worse than any-! one imagines, although the exact nature of the malady is not known. Many indications—the cumulative effect of which amounts to strong evidence—tend to tllhow that for some weeks, or montha past, the Emperor has ceased to exercise im-, mediate control and direction of military and diplomatic operations. Shrewd judges perceive cJear sign5 that the unity of leadership, which had been un- mistakable in the Austro-Germans since the beginning of the war. and was one of their chief forces, no longer exists to anything' like the same extent as it did until latterly, -(" Daily Telegraph. ") I

A STRIKING AUSTRIAN TRIBUTE TO BRITISH COLONIES EXERTIONS. The Arbeiter Zeitung," the organ of the Austrian working classes, publishes a leading article on Greater Britain in the War," which shows a keen appreciation of the enormous services rendered to the Empire by the Dominions and Colonies, and of the new bonds of sympathy which the war is creating between the Mother Country and her children. When we are told, says the Arbaiter Zeitung, that Canada is supplying 200,000 men for the British armies a.nd 100,000 muni- tion workers it is reasonable to doubt these g^eat totals. The population of the Minion does nA permit of this effort, but eveu when one strikes out the half of these the undisputed fact remains that what Canada is doing and has done in this war far surpasses alt expectations. I And it is not only Canada. It Í3 Aus- tralia, New Zealand, South Africa and the' met, great territories for which the word I colony" is not the right term. They are md?pendant St?t?g, but of ?.heir own wiil and affection they ?cknow?ed?e the over- kxrdiiup of England. England has not the pow-cr to compel their assistance in war. The conduct of Canaula and Australia in naval matters shows that it is not pos^'bie for England to command their complete unanimity with tile Home Land, but no' controversy which has arisen on those and other subjects between England aud her Dominions, no friction ever caused by- differing points of view has any influence on the powerful sentiment of inward oneness I and inter-connection. A STILL CLOSER UNION FORESHADOWED. TAe Arbeiter Zeitung continues"Al- though the European war which flamed out because of Serbia's action, and whose most Important battles have been fought in Europe, does not in the slightest decree affect the in- terests 01" the security of Canada or Aus- tralia. yet of their own free will these Cana- dians and Australians have shed their blood freely on all battlefields for England. The national feeling, the consciousness of their common mission, bas conquered all cleavage of interest, and the remembrance of the blood which Mother Country and Daughter Coun- tries have fIed toother in a common oaluse )rill create a still oloser union, and will, after Jfoie war is over, contribute to the more wmplete consolidation cf the Imperial edifice )f Greater Britain. A STRIKING TRIBUTE. I "Honwer little the present aspect of the wbr, whose end is not in eight, lancourilges ne to look beyond the war, the lines of develop- ment of the British Empire are cle?r. ether the Engli3h win this war or are de- ?.ted the result will be the strengthening of ke feeling of inter-dependence between Eng- ;nd and her Overseas Dominions, the Itr-ngthening of the feeling that they belong be ,ae another, the founding of a?w imperial &OtBt&Mons for the future." The generosity and ingight, of this article presents a striking contrast to the petty &ggliuc and blindness displayed in the North German Press regarding the relations be-1 tween Britain and her Dominions. It waa only the other day that a leading Conserrar the Journal of Berlin was gloating over the roEPwt of the DominioM withdrawing from W. "sr on the ground that their soldier? wore pushed too frequently into the firing b8.

SWANSEA'S BOROUGH I MEMBER 'REPLIES TO MR. J. H. THOMAS. The Liberal rally at the Swansea Albert Hall to hear an address by Sir Alfred Mond, M.P., on The National Situation," on Friday evening, was successful in so far as the party followers turned up dn force, whilst the audience, which filled the hall, »"as largely composed of women, as all iVidical gatherings are. Mr. Richard Martin, J.P., said by some to be the chair- man of the Swansea Liberal Association, though there is an uncertainty about it, even on the part of members of his own party, presided, and the platform ticket- hclders were shown to tin ir sea to by the party officials, Messrs. W. J. Crocker and A. D. Perkins, and the platform in- cluded all the well-known Lriberal-Ir. and Mrs. Aeron Thomas, Mrs. M. B. Williams, Mr. and Mr3. W. E. Harries, Mr. Gwilyrn Morgan, Mr. Morgan Tutc-on. Mr. R. L. Sai-s. Mr. R. W. Jones, Mr. John Williams (Dulais House), Mr. T. P. Cook, Mr. David Griffiths, Dr. Edwards (King Edward-road), Mr. D. J. Davies, J.P., Mr. Dd. Matthews, Dr. Lloyd Edwards, Mr. David Roberts, T. P., Mr. J. Vaughan Edwards, and Dr. John Da vies, etc. Sir Alfred Mond was accompanied by Ladv Mond and his brother. Mr. Robert Mond. Interruption at the Start. The Chairman .said the meeting was called to hear the views of their member A Voice: We don't WdIlt, to hear the "ièws of a German. (Cries of Order," and Put him outside," and interruption, which lasted a few minutes, whilst the chairman looked on.) At length Mr. Martin went on "I am not used to giving my views in front of a lecturer. I know too well you have not come here to hear me. You have come to hear the member." He had not heard two opinions on one question, and that was t.he duty of th.is nation to prosecute the war to' a, successful issue. (Applause.) They might have differences, buL. to get over those differences was to be loyal to their leaders, and in that w-iv they would, get rid of all thoce difference. (Hear, hear.) The Borough Member. Sir Alfred Mond said the meeting which he had atkecl to be called at a time of grave national crisis did not appear as some seemed to imagine, to be of the character of a non- party gathering. To him, coming frecli from the House of Commons, where the Government was composed of all parties, he was amazed to hear the talk of a Radical meeting or Radical politics. Since the war started he had only had one creed of politics, and that, was the winning of the war. He cared not what views a man had expressed before the war brr>k-.> cut and what views he would express when the war ceased. He F, -?r (?'c d 1 t u &ê\(] "For God's sake, let u.^ all join to win the war, .uid when we have won it will be time enough, if we have the inclination, to return to the quarrels of the pest." (Hear, hear.) Some people seemed to forget that we were in the greatest danger the greatest countrv in the world had ever seen, and when he saw resolutions of many kinds parsed, some of which reflected on himself, he would boldly ;;ay this, "I don't believe there is a leader—a responsible leader—of tho Conservative party in the House of Commons to-day who would endorse for a single moment the resolutions passed here the other day." (Hear, hear.) He had en- deavoured, as they knew--apd he was glad to think that it had been generally recog- nised by all the men in the town whose good opinion he cared about—(cheers)—to do hid beit to forward in every possible way i/v personal endeavour, by personal sacrifices, by personal work, to promote the cause they had in hand. What was it that induoed him primarily to meet them at all ? It was that recently they had been addressed bv a col- league of his in the House of Commons, whose purpose it was to divert their support from i-he Government in the course of action which he (Sir Altreo) tnought absolutely necessary for the winning of the war. He said, without fear of contradiction, that a.t one period the wastage of cur army was greater than the number of recruits we were getting in. It was then that he decided— whatcvor the opinion of others and whatever Lhe consequences which might accrue to him in his career as a politician—to speak out boldly. and to see that no preconceived ideas, no prejudices of the past, and no view which might be different under difterertt circumstances, should divert t.he policy necessary. (Cheers.) Thr Compulsion Bill ) T  ?- ( ?ompil l giclil, did not in any way dimin ish the I-oiunteet- i spirit. The free and williing rreil would be just as much volunteers whether there was compulsion or not. Compulsion might make a man who wa* uemtatu/g to do his dutv j make up his mind, but once it was made up for him he would be Its good a soldier as any one who ever walked. (Cheers.) He ha-d the privilege at his houne of ell-tertaifiing v, ounded soldiers. Their duty was to get well and go out and fight again. Some had been out not once, but twice and three times, and they said "We don t want. to go back. Is it light when there vre hundreds of thousands ol able-bodied men in the coun- try who have never lifted a little finger to help forward the war?" (Hear, hear.) Was it r i h t, was it fair, it right, was it fair, was it democratic, was it "British"? (Hear, hear.) He said "No," and he could not understand those who were opposing the Government Bill in the face of those heroic and wonderfully patient men who hid suffered and suffered and were asked to suffer ag;iin because others would not ao their duty. (A voice: "Shame:") National or Private War? He hau oiien asited himself the question, "Is it a national war we are waging for a national object, or is it a, private war we are waging for private people?" (Hear, 1 hear.) if it were a national war it was all equal national obligation for every man to take part in it. (Hear, hear.) If it was the duty of every man to take part in it, and if people would not, sometimes from selfish reasons in order to better themselves by; other men's patriotism, then they should be made to go. (Hevr, hear.) He had read the speech of Mr..J. H. Thomas, against- whom he had not a word to say personally, but he was associated with men who had never lifted their little finger to help the country in this war; .,nd sometimes really, cue absolutely failed to understand tihe men- tnlily of fellov. human beings in this matter. Invasion 11 Bogey Comes Home to Roost. T'ney had got to i-yicit-ure what was happening in Belgium, in Serbia, and in the munition factories ot Germany, and he wondered what those against compulsory military ser- vice in this country would say if 5O,wiJ Ger- mans landed at Sketty and were marching on Swansea? He wondered if they wo-ild tlhen say "I am a trades unionist, hist aaid tfvfrytiung else aft,elw",rdl> (Hear, hear.) He wondered if they thought their wivea and daughters would get any better treat ment from the German Huns than those of Belgium and Serbia" He wondered if these would pref er to work under the lash of the taskmaster in the German munition factories I (Hear, hear.) The alternative was either to win the war in- to losa it. (Hear, hear.) He had seen the resolution pas.ied by the Swan- sea Branch of the I.L P/, and he was told [there was no military necessity for i ht* pur- poses oi the war that the Government mea- sure was introduced. It was suggested that the measure wai introduced in order to plcasie some journalis' s -some capitalists— and the imagination of sorie of thosa who had been opposing the Bill seemed to have beconio over-heated—they had taken the tittle-tattle of Lobby journalists for Cabinet w.rets,-th-ev had got Lord Northcliffe on the brain, and imagined that the Govern- ment, composed of all parties and of men of rectitude and ability, had lent themselves to a most nefarious scheme for the pur- poses of some private interests. (Hear, hear.) Don't we all want to obtain victory?" asked the speaker. (Hear, hear.) Was there a single man, woman or child in this country who did not want to obtain vic- tory, and if there were, had not they bettel leave this country and go to some other. As regards the Darby scheme, the married men of the country had behaved magnifi- ce.ntly, and nowhere more so than Swansea, and if all other parts of the kingdom had behaved as well he ebouid not be there d'anissing that Bill. Mr. J. H. Thorn a.?, who spoke at Swansea, last Sunday, said he ha.d no sympathy with the slacker, but hell did not tell them what he was going to do with them. Mr. Thomas said he would go to any sin.? young man who ought to serve and tell ); to his face he was a coward. But that did not brin.; about his attestation, and ivhat right had Mi. Thomas to call a man a coward for not doing that which he was not compelled by law. Sir Alfred called that compulsion by insuit. Personally he pre- ferred compulsion by Act of Parliament. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Thomas said he wanted to investigate the cases (of the. slackers). But how wis he going to do that when the men were not compelled to go somewhere where their cases could be investigated? Mr. Thomas would compel a man to be in- vestigate and not compel a man when ho had been investigated to join the Army. Conscription of Wealth. What a^i illogical position. Mr. Thomas had stated, too. that if wealth was conscripted he would vote for the Bill. (Applause.) He could understand compulsory service being objected to on tlie ground of a mistaken view of liberty or there bemg no military neces- sity, -or that we wanted all the people here for trade a.nd finance, but he could not- un- derstand him objecting on the ground that he would not allow this to take place until he had picked someone's e>,e's pocket. Mr. Thomas was confusing two entirely diffenmt things. We wanted so?diere to figh and to keep those who hud bo(A Voice And we manage to p?y)— and that. was quote dinerent. irom money. If a battalion w;is in the trenches and wait- ing for reinforcements it would be no good sending out a sack of gold watches to fight the Germans with. (Applause.) Money, of course, was wanted to conduct the war. (A Voice "Give it.") What was taxation ex- cept conscription of wealth. He paid one- third of Ills dnoomo and he did not caira whether it was the whole. If the Govern ment wanted money for the war let them take it: he had not the slightest objection, but don't say, "I won't allow reinforce- ments to go out to save the Belgians and the Serbians till I have been. through your poc- kets." If they "conscriptod" wealth, let them consider wha.t was commg. Trad e Unions had funds. That w? wealth. Build- ing societieo ha.d funds. That w?s wealth. The wa.gN of munition workers was wealth. Think of the consequence. Let it all go into the melting pot if necessary. People had written to him to say don't infringe up<m j sacred Liberty. What, liberty not to do | your duty to vnr country and fellow man? Little Nayites. Ihat was not liberty but cowardice. Sir Alfred spoke of what we had done, and speakin- on our absolute control of the seas when a voice should, "No thanks to the Little Na-vyites. "I never belonged to them, either," said Sir Alfred, who added that he hoped the war would wield them | j mure together. (Applause.) H- L. Saiis p- a resolution approvin g of compulsion for single me-n w ho could not chow any reasonable cause for failing to jowi the forces, together with the action of the Borough Member in support- ing the Bill. Mr. T. P. Cook, in seconding, saixi liberty —which everyone claimed—was not the liberty to allow the other man to do the fight- ing while the shirker stayed conifortably at home. Ladv Mond a.Iso addressed the meeting, declaring that there was plenty of work for the women to do, and that if the neces- sity arose she was ready to brush the street crossing. If the men woiuidn't fight, she added, then the t women would. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) The resolution wa« then put and carried, the Chairman declaring tha.t there were three dissent Lents. The National Antbrm wa t,hen u,ng, and three cheers were called for Sir Alfred Mond, and given in a very half-hearted fashion. Prior to the meeting there wao .:in organ recital.

I SWANSEA NURSE I I MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. I Nurse E. Evans, a former pupil at the Swansea High School for Girls, and now a. niu-sn in France, has b-o-en mentioned in despatches by Sir John French. She left the High School iin July, 1905, where she was for three years, and has been a nurse in France since August, 1914. j She resi.ded at Rcsehill-terrace.

"NOTHiNG BUT STARVA- TION." I REFRACTORY INSTITUTION I INMATE AT SWANSEA. I At Swansea on Saturday Thomas Thoira.s (77), Workhouse inmate, was charged with being drunk and incapable in Brmsifi-terrace, on Friday, and also absconding from the institution with | cloths, the property of the Guardians, on the stnie day. P.O. (4.5) Thomas gave evidence, and defendant admitted both charges, iaying that he came out of the T-nl on to have something to eat, because it was nothing but starvation there," and he didn't return. On the second charge Mr. D. J. Jones (Swansea Workhouse) said defendant had been an inmate for many years, and left there on Friday afternoon without con- sent. Supt. Roberts said defendant had been before the court on 2H previous occasion's, Jo being for drunkenness, and once for destroying his clothes. He wais sent, down for six weeks. Defendant (to chairman): Thank you, sir.

AT A COMRADE'S CRAVE. I A gunner in the EN-peditiontt-y force gives the following account of Christmas- tide:—I will try (in my own little way") to give you an idea of Christmas, as we saw it. On Christmas Jive as I was coming '? duty I sa,w some infantry I coming r)u? of tho trenches also. Softly I they sang carols, they joked, anal laughed. I walked slowly in their rear. As I came to the place where I turn off to go to my own quarters, I saw three of the infantry turn off and go down my turning. I thought it was strange for them to leave the main body, so I fol- lowed, v. -.tolling them ciosely. (One lias to be suspicious of anything unusual I I ir here.) They walked about. a mile along the road, and then as I caught them up they turned rnd went off the track and about 20 yards away they stood stili. I walked up to them, but they took • no not! of me. They were standing all three, cap in hand, before a little mound and a rough cross. One muttered, Poor Dick. Christmas, too." They turned, bid we good-night-, and trudged away, living me deeply toi. -Jicd to ruminate, and. in- deed what a neartiful tribute to a dead i pal." Men dead beat, cold, and hungry had walked a considerable distance out of they way to visit a dead comrade's grave. they w ?! ave. In my opinion that poor Dick was grar.de- m its simplicity than the finest requiem ever composed.

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CLAN LINERS FATE. I SURVIVORS' TERRIBLE I EXPERIENCE, (Press Association War Service;) I MALTA, Jbmday. I I have gathered the following particulars regarding the recent sinking of the Clan Macfarlano by an enemy submarine. The vessel, which was bound from England to Bombay with a general cargo and had a crew of 74, left Malta on the morning of December 28th. Two days later, in the afternoon, she was torpedoed without warn- ing, when a heavy 8ea was running. The shots soon had the desired effect, and the steamer began to sink lrt.3t. Six boats in aU were launched, and they contained all the crew, both European and La-scars. They were tied together one behind the other, and for three days they remained in company battling with a mountainous s(-,a,. Although each man's rations consisted of only halt" a biscuit and ha 1: a dapper of water twice a, day, no one lost his spirits. The hardships they were suffering, however, began to tell on the Lascars. On January 2nd, owing to the very heavy sea, two of the boats broke away and drifted apart and were never seen aga,in. Two days later, on Januktry 4th, Captain Swanston's boat, which had already lost two men through exposure, also broke loose and drifted away. The three remaining boats, half filled with water and with their oc- Icupants Nearly dead from exposure I and starvation, drifted about helplessly for three more long days and nights—the long- est in the lives of any of the men—tossed hither and thither by a raging sea which never abated. Eleven more Lascars had by this time died, while the survivors were in an utter state of collapse, a.nd gave up all hope of ever seeing land again. On January /th, however, after eight days cf niiscry ajid. agony, they attracted the at- tention of a British steamer, which picked them up and brought them to Malta. Besides tho.se mentioned in Lloyds' dis- patches, the rescued include the second officer, who is here. They speak in the highest possible terms of aU that was done for them on the British vessel, aboard I which, as they Ha.y. they were brought to life again. They a.ro now accommodated at the Seamen's Rest, and look none the worse for their eight days' awful experience. Out I of a crew of 74, however, only 24 have been landed, and 50 are. therefore, unaccounted .Tor. Europeans missing are :Ca:ptacin, ¡ third offioftr, third ngineer, steward, and two other members of the crew I

-—————————— f I HIS WAGES. I CASE BEFORE MUNITIONS I TRIBUNAL, I Swajrsea Munitions Tribunal met on Thursday, Mr. J. \augh-an Edwards (chair- man) presiding, the assessors being Messrs- J. Griffiths (Poutsrdawe) and J. Ddovie. (Ammanford). Philip Hughes (21), a turner, living at Cambrian-place, Llanelly, complained that his eerti.fioite of discharge had been un- reasonably withheld. He had been receiv- ing 36s. a weekj "nd this, he contended, was not. the district rate, and consequently after working since the beginning of Novem- ber, he gave his note in on Boxing Day. Applicant told the Court he had an oppor- tunity of going elsewhere at better money. Ile pa d He sarld hiis employers had previously promised to consider his rate of pay. His transfer had been refused. Questioned by the President as to im- provers' rules, applicant said there was no time for improvers to serve. He had known cases of people being as improvers two or I three years. Tlie Works Manager said the firm were working entirely on munition work. Appli- cant had an advance of Is. at the end of November, and he would have received another advance in January. He would then have reoei ved about 41.s. The firm were short-handed. It took a man from three to five years to bridge over the period from apprenticeship to (uAtJ rate. They had a few men returned from t,lift -,vorking at the shop, and the firm wanted guidance as regards the'r action respecting and they made it clear they did not wish to press the case. Applicant said he did not wlish to go back (at 4p.), and ha would prefer to remain out for six weeks. The Court found that the apph'rant went to the works on approval, and that subse- quently he was not satisfied with the wages, which were not fixed between the partis The certificate was granted. The applicant ha.d said he would go to a shali factory. The C'oiM-t emphasised that each case must be eonsiidered on its merits, and that that, case in no way governed any others. William David Phillips also com- plained th -it, his certificate had been unreasona bly withheld. Applicant live2.- s at Briton Ferry, and had been employed as a labourer and a be-hinder, and one week earned altogether 23 8s. 9d. He wanted to leave beca use boh biding d,d not agree with his health. His average wages were £2 Is. 2d. Applicant said he had been stopped at another works.  eir The President said if that w,,u so the firm had evidently acted under a misapprehen- sinn. It was vi wrong thing to do before the Court had decided. On behalf of the firm, it was stated they wanted the Court's guidance. The Court gra-ntfd 1.119 certificate.

P0NTARDAWE COUNCIL AND MR, COUTTS. l REFUSED PERMISSION FOR RED CROSS CONCERT. PUBLIC MEETING ENTERS A I PROTEST. A meeting was held at the Pontardawe Pavilion on Sa,tuiday evening to show sym- pathy with MT. Will. Contts in the manner in which it was stated he has been treated by the Pontardawe Council, on account of Suii,clav be';iig held for the Red Cross Society and the Prisoners of War Fund. Mr. W. Forbes presided over an enthu¡Ùlùt:,C gathering. At the outlet a letter was read from C cnciUor Owen Da vies regretting his inability to attend, but stating he was ill sympathy with the object of the meeting, and was d-isgust-d at the Council refusing to grant permit-on lo hold a, benent for such a deserving cause. Mr. Bert Howell appealed to the meechie to nay round and support Mr. Coutts in his attempt to have the license renewed. Mr Coutts, lie said, had come to Pontardawe and had spent a great- cie.al of money there He had supported local charities, and he had p.MI the free use of the hall when- ever an appeal was made. The manage- ment of the Pavilion, had received an appeal for assistance from the Red Cross Society and they applied for permission to hold a Sunday benefit, and the Council refused to grant it. However, the management could not -resist an appeal from such a deserving cause, and they held an exhibition of non inflammable films. Mr. T. Jeremiah (secretary, Steel Shelt- er*) said he was disgusted with the PontaT- dawe Council. He had heard of mainy cases of our soldiers having to lie wounded on the battlefield for many hours through the lack of Red Cross appliances at that spot. Now the Pontardawe Council were the meaJnG of stopping- a sum of money going to do such good work. a Mr. ftioherd Jones also spoke, and Mr. Phil Hopkins suggested that the meeting should demand that the Council renew the license. \f J 1.d It was decided that Ifr. Jeremiah should attend the next Council meeting and place the views of the meeting before the mem- bers and ask. for the renewal of the license.

Councillor John MorrM, Ncath. baa been re-e&eoted á6 President, of the Neath and District Licensed Victuallers' Association, with Mr. Tom Roberts, Crown Hotel, Skewert, as treasurer, and )1r. T. R. Clee

SWANSEA GIRL STUDENTS. THE EVENING SCHOOL! SUCCESSES. I STEADY INCREASE IN EFFICIENCY. The Trinity-place (Swansea) Evening School for Girls (a commercial and domestic centre) has now to hand a c-omplete list of its suc- cesses for the session 1914-15. Such a list re- flects much credit upon the head-teacher (Miss R. M. Atkins) and her efficient staff. The steady increase in the number of pupils registered each session, ami in the number of successes, is sufficient guarantee of the high standard of work thoroughly under- taken. For the session 1914-15 the total num- ber registered was 3o5. The following is the list of successes:— N.U.T. Br-,ok-keeping,-F,Iemeiita.r-y, 1st Class: Mabel A. Bevaii, Gladys Turner, Emily Evans, Mabel Ilaynes, Mattie Jones.—2nd Glass: Ethel Ellis, Elsie Howells, Elsie Ralph. Winifred Rice, Florence M, Foy, Emily Pickering, Mary J. Jones, Maria. Jones, Ethel Borgen, Margaret Longden, Violet M. Clarke, Myrtle Williams, Margaret Davies, Sybil Knoyle, Elizabeth Atkins, Mary Tucker, Lilian Price, Cissie PigTam, Sarah Roberts, Doris Williams, S. Irene Beynon, Blodvven Jones, Edith Sinnett, Dorothy Meyriok.—Intermediate, 2nd Class: Elsie Morton, Ethel Cooks, Eleanor Williams, Dorothy Whitehorn, Evelyn Rees. Shorthand.—Elementary, 1st Class: Emmie Foxall, Edith Sinnett—2nd Class: Elizabeth Atkins, Louie Todd, Margaret Longden, Evelyn Reee.—Intermediate (60 words), 1st Class (with distinction): Emiiy Pkkering. 2nd Class: Marjorie Jones.—Advanced (100 words), 2nd Clase: Hilda Jenkins. ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS. Book-kee-ping.Elemoiitary-. Eleanor Wil-1 liams, Dorothy Whitehorn, Emmie Foxall, Elsie V. Morton, Dorothy Walton, Irene Thomas, Elizabet,h Atkins, Ethel Cocks, Emily Pickering. Shorthand.—Elementary; Esther Ceridwen Jenkins. Ethel Borgen. LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Book-keepm'.?.—Ethel E. Cocks,. Elsie V Morton. Louie Todd. Shorthand (80 words per minute, with dis- tinction) Hilda Jenkins. u ENGLISH PRIZES. nl1-a. If. D. Williams' prize, gained by Eleanor Williams; the Mayoress' (Mrs. Dan Jones) prize, ifary Jones: the English mis-I tress' prize. fl. Irene Beynon. AMBULANCE. I rirst year: M. A. Quentrall. U. ninas. u. Davies, L. Young, E. Murray, E. Leonard, G. Davies, C. Bowler, E. Bennett, G. Bicbard.. E. Donald, O. Lillicrap, G. Williams. J. Lang- don, V. Hinds, E, Griffiths. H, Conibear. N. Jones, W. Hopkins, B. Elliott, P. Knight, P. Brasel, J. J. Jones, Molly Davies, G. Foy, C. Mansfield, M. Whitoaker, K. Meyler. L. Ha-nna, C. Bendall, N. Willing-, S. C. Evans, B. Marshall. J. Gibbs,- See-Ond yerr (vouchers): Mary G. Davie?, G. Symonds, B. Phillips, M?-y C. Jones, E. Beard, E. M. Kolm^3.—Third year (''?edallio??' ? ?. Els?cn. Mary I?vi?M, S. Stokes, 8. Coghlan, L. Dailey, L. Wimajms, E. Masien, H. Gorviu.—Fourth year (labels): E. Cann, E. Morgan, E. Work- man, M. Williams. *■" -—-——a

WATER -O;- THE  MULES. I I TERMS OF THE INTENDED II SUPPLY. I I LOCAL COUNCIL'S UP-KEEP I CONTRIBUTION. I Swansea. Council on Wednesday will con- I sider the minutes of the joint meetings of the Pqjrliamentary and General Purposes, Committee and Waters and Sewers mittee, re supply of water to the Mumbles, when it wa-s firiaJIy resoled that the Conn- cil be recommended to give the supply on the following terms j (1) Amount of wat-er-30 gallons per head per diem. (2) Payment to he made at the rate of B700 for the first year, LBOO for the second year, -,vnd CgOO for the third year, until the District Council's area becomes incorporated in the borough or until the expiration of three yea-rs from the commencement or supply; the District Council to be liable for; The upkeep of the main within their district, i a.nd the Corporation without the district. (3) All water used over and above, 30 gallons per head per diem to be paid for at; the rate of 6d. per thousand gallons. j (4) The Oystermouth U.D. Council to the cost of the main, to be constructed by the Corporation to the existing District Council's reservoir. (5) In the event of the extension of the! borough not taking place for any reason for; tho a bove pei-iod of three years, the Oyster-j mouth CD. Council agree to take and the Corporation agree to supply water on the terms set out in the Corporation minute, numbered 930, dated 6th February, :1913, subject only to the free quantities per head; per day being increased from 25 gallons to 30 gallons and the Corporation repaying to the Council the sum of £ 1.000 out of the sum of £ 2;COO agreed to he contributed by them. (6i The Corporat ion not to be under any obligation to lav the main a.nd furnish a supply of vater to the District Council un- less and until the consent of the Local Gov- ernment Board and Treasury is obtained. (7) The foregoing terms to be subject to the District Council agreeing to support loy- ally and actively the Swansea Main Drain- age and Extension Schemes. (8) The above terms to be embodied in an agreement to be settled by the respective legal advii-ers of the Corporation and the Council and, the terms of agreement come to upon the recent Local Government, Board inquiry into the Swansea Main Drainage and Extension Schemes not to be affected there- by as expressly provided. It is understood that the financial terms are acceptable to the Oystermouth author- ity.

VICTIM OF LIFEBOAT DISASTER. t On Sunday, after the tide had receded, Mr. H. Elcock, of Newton, discovered a, body lying in the Newton Pool, east of Poithcawl. There was on the body a life- belt with the word Lifeboat" on it. The body appears to be that of Mr. Williaiv. fifvnen, of Port Eynon, who lost hip life in .oirig to the assistance of the Dui;i-egaii í>t..eam"hip, when he and two others lost their lives.

-=-C- I ABERAVON AND DISTRICT NEW I HOSPITAL. The committee of the kberaN-or. Port Tal- bot and District New Hospital has decided l tu throw the building open for public in- spectioll from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the next fortnight. This is done to give the public un opportunity of seeing the various de- partments prior to the official opening, which takes place in February.

RAILWAYMEN WITH THE COLOURS. I I ?, ? ?' up to Oecember iUth tne total number of L. and N.W. men who have joined his Ma- jesty's forces was 17.637, or, in round fig- ures, one out of every five of the company's employes. The T total casualties reported amongst L. and N. W. men amount to 2,42, made up as follows:—Killed in action' drowned, etc., 388: died from wounds, etc., 181; missing, 166; wounded, sick etc. ysm-, prisoners of war, 165. "Out of these 1,395 have now returned to their military duties.

SWANSEA GUARDIANS OFFICIALS' I-TER. I .4. -4- O- uwv-nsea tiuaraians meeting on Thurs- d, ay, :t was stated, with regard to Mr W Owen application foT a return of salaries G;nd fee"! of the officers of the Board, that He Clerk had been unable to preeent his re- port this week, as he had not received the ue-ceesary return.—Messrs. J. H. Iioeser and fi. W. Peaoook were appointed to visit the iiarnsley Hall. Cheddleton, and Ta.Ig- arth Asylums.—x vote of sympathy .ana oondo- lenoe was passed with Mr. John Merodl I,, a member of the Board, on the death of his wu. It will be remembered that the e. ceased was an engineer on board a ship, and was accidentally killed through an eJ- pio&lon of the boilers.

SOBERED BY EXPERI- ENCE. RUSSIAN JOURNALS ESCHEW PROPHECY. BUT A NOTE OF QUIET I CONFIDENCE. The newspapers on the first day of the Russian New Year devoid much space to exhaustive reviews of the military and political events of the past year. With l scarcely an exception the comment is pitched in a key of moderation, with a marked avoidance of prophecy. Nowhere is there a disposition to under-estimate the magnitude of the task yet remaining to be atooomplished before the attainment of final victory over the foe, who, in the words of the Imperial Rescript to the Army and X avy, is I, strong in numbers and rich in all resources." All the newspapers re. iterate their belief that the struggle can have but one of two issues, either an in- glorious temporary peace or the complete subjugation of the foe. Regarding the military situation more particularly, the note sounded is one of firm yet sober confidence. Colonel Clerget mention* the likelihood of the renewal of German attacks on the Franco-Belgian front, after which wiii come Russia's turn, but he reminds his l'eaders that the season of light- ning Teutonic blows is gone by, an d all fu- ture a-ssiults on the AllIes positions will cost the enemy fa.r dearer than when he was able freely and swiftly to manoeuvre. The trump cards are no longer in the h n.nds of the Kaiser's Field-Marshals.—("Times.") .=-

NEW SWANSEA CONCERN. j J 0. Napier and UO. (Ixsndon). Limited.- Capital of E10.000 in £50 shares, to carry on in England, or elsewhere, the business of colliery ascents, exporters, importers and factors of and dealers in ooal and fuel, pit- wood and colliery stores, supplies, and re- quisites, etc., and to adopt an agreewnt with J. C. Tfapier and Co. (Limits of Z. Cambria.n-place. Swansea. The subscribers are: J. C. Napier. 2, Cambriazi-place, Swan- sea, colliery proprietor, and J. M. Napier, OIÜnäl. Sketty. Swansea, articled olerk. T'rivate company. J. C. Napier is first per- manent director. Solicitor: W. V. Wil- liams, 16, Craven-street, Westminster. i

VONPAPENS PAPERS DAMNING CONSPIRACY REVELATIONS. (Press Association War Special.) > JNiiiW YORK, Saturday. y' The Associated Press publishes a loug diso patch, giving the main points of the corre- spondence seized Falmouth upon Captaiflj Von Papen, the German Military Attache af Washington, who was lately recalled at tlio req uest of the American Government. The papers show that Captain V on Pal) made frequent paymtilts to persons charge wtiith being responsible lor explosions at munition works and bridges in Ameiici-4 Captain Von Papen's cheque book, counter" foils, pass books, and letters from his banty at V» ashington show about five hundred items, many of which have to do only with) routine expenditure, but others s hnw PAYMENTS TO VARIOUS PERSONS WHU lian-e ngurea prominently iai the active ties of the Geni.an agents in America, anq at least of one spy—the man who committed suicide in an English ^lison. Several largf pay merits were made to Yon Papen b) Count Bemstorff, German Ambassador all Washington, but most of these were fof salaries or allowances. Several entries show payments by Count Bemstorff to Captaiffl Von Papen made oil account of the War Intelli gence Office. One of the pay-menta on this account was made in October. 1914. for 2,300 dollars. In January, 1915, an entry shows that Von Pa.pen gave to Horn, the man convicted of BLOWING UP TUE MAIN BRIDGE, IW ooltars. On the day before this cheque was issued the Germa.n Embassy paid 2,000 dollars into Von Papen's account. In January, 1915, Von Papen gave a cheque, payable to Amsick and Co., New York, but with the name E. Kupferle in brackets on the counterfoil. Another counterfoil shows tJ:at about two wee.ks before tile Seátt1 ex- plosion of May 30, 1915, Yon Papen sent 1,500 dollars to the German Consulate at Seattle. In February, 1915. Von Papen sent 1,300 dollars to the German Consulate at Seattle. To illustrata the extent of Von Papen's financial opera- tions, his bank book shows that in January, 1915. he received approximately 6,400 dol- lars and paid out 5.000 dollars. Four LITERS OF ESPECIAL INTERBST ? wwe iound among Yon Fappfi ? ellects. lhe first is the letter from Mr. R. Von Mevsen- burg, the German Consul at New Orlea.us, to Captain Von Papen. It run:, as follows: "New Orleans, Dec. 4 "Dear ITerr Van PaPell.-I read with great regret that the fate of recall has indeed over- taken you. I do not suppose that you are very unhappy at being able to shake the DUST OF THIS UNFRIENDLY COUNTRY from off your feet. What cÜefly offands me is that in always giving way to the Govern- ment here- have never found that they are kindly disposed towards us. May the day of reckoning also come here and our Government find again the iron determina- tion with which alone one can make an im- pression in this ocyurtry." METHODS COMPARED. BRITISH AND GERMAN SECRET SERVICES. I NEW7 YORK, Sunday. A deep impression has been caused in this country by the publication of extracts from the correspondence of Captain von Papen, seized by the British authorities at Fal- mouth. The feeling produced by these ad- ditional revtflatior.s is expressed in the edi- torial columns of the leading newspapers to- day. That in the Sun is headed Im be- cile or Blockhead? and charges Captain von Papen with incredible stupidity in his most recent performance. It points out that this gentleman calmly loaded his per- son for which person the United States at the request of the German Government had as a matter of courtesy procured a safe con- duct from Great Britain -with a mass of evi- dence incriminatory of the very activities that were at the same time the occasion of his removal and the subject of solicitous in- quiry by the American police. The." San" proceeds :—"This incident is characteristic of the almost bovine inepti- tude of the many efforts and proceedings of German agents in this country since the war began. We are led to speak here of the re- ma.rka ble and perhaps unexpected contrast between the methods of German agents and those of Great Britain in respect of efficiency, noise lessness, and a bsence of of- fence to the American people. "The attitude of the British Embassy and its personnel has been correct from the be- ginning down to the present. There have been nn English analogies with Dr. Dern- burg, Dr. Albert, or any other of the widely- advertised head centres of Teuton prosely- tism or intrigue. A. io the Silence, swiftness, certainty, aaid intelligence of detective operations, there is no comparison between the secret service of Germany and that of Great Brit- ain. Comment on the wisdom of this re- straint and on the superiority of British methods in producing results is forcibly sug. gested when these results are comparatively considered from the American point of view."

"ON THE UPWARD TREND." General Lloyd in Optimistic Yeliu Sir Francis Lloyd, commanding the London District, in a short speech on Saturday commending the work being done for soldiers, said he believed events with us were now on the upward trend. We were going to beat Germany, and there were signs that German power was diminishing, while ours was steadily in- creasing.

BRITON FERRY PRESENTATION. An interesting presentation has just been made at Britcn Ferry in connection with the St. John Ambulance Brigade. This took the form of a case of pipes to Mr. W. Wheel. Llansamlet, and of a brigade walking-stick to Quartermaster J. Shipton, both of whom gave every assistance to the members of the brigade by lectures, etc., previous to tutir recent ambulance examination. The presen- taliou to the former was made by Mr. C. T. Keynolds, and to the latter by Mr. A. Bishop, and both recipients responded and returned thanks.

LLANSAMLET VACANCY. A meeting of Llansamlet Labour Party waj held on Saturday evening at Seion Chapel, Xjlansamlet, to nominate a person to fill the vacancy on the Swansea Rural District Council, caused by the elevation 8f Coun. Richards to the Glamorgan County Council. Coun. Riohards presided over a good attend. ance, and two names were submitted to the meeting, Parish Councillors James lforris and T. W. Watkins. The former was choses by a substantial majority. Mr. W. J. Davies. lay-reader, Birch-rove, is also a candidate. He will stand as an independent. So unless one withdraws, there will be a contest

On Sunday morning the Rev. H. J. Stewart, in Sketty Church, read a postcard written by the late Crpl. Harry Isaac juat before enter. ing the trenches, containing a. preeentment that he was about to be killed, and statinr that he had just partaken of holy con*, munion.

4 If you enclose one penny stamp to Mr, Agar; Kaputine, Ltd., Man- Chester, you will receive by return FREE SAMPLES of KAPUTINE for HEADACH- or NEURALGIA and a set of twelve Co,oured picture cards. 'PRiEFn worth ? couple of shHiing?