The Cambria Daily Leader

FRENCH CROSS THE VARDAR. Important Advance. GERMAN AERIAL PLANS. Raid on Salonika Intended. There are fresh developments in Macedonia which indicate that the policy of the Allies is not to be merely one of a waiting nature. It is obvious that reinforcements on a large scale have reached General Sarrail, who is extending his defences in a bold fashion which may be taken as a prelude to further activities on the part of the France-British forces entrenched at Salonika. Paris, Sat-tirday.The Salonika corre- spondent of the "Petit I'ai-i,if-n says io-day the French troops crossed the Vardar and installed themselves on the right bank ot the river, in the region of Yenitso and at Vernia, an important station on the Monastir-Salonika Rail- way. Two Columns Advanced. Pari. Saturday.—M. Edouard Helsoy, telegraphing from Salonika on the 10th to Le Journal says:- Strong bodies of French troops have crossed the Vardar opposite Tophin, advancing in two divergent columns about 12 kilometres to the west. New defensive works are to be started immediately. Suc,h a. forward movement, the import- ance of which may prove to be consider- able, can only be randered by the arrival 0' French troops, and the announcement of more. Another Air Raid Imminent. It 16 certain-and I can affirm from a good source—that the Germans are pre- paring a fresh atrial raid on Salonika. It is their intention to make this raid on a coloesal scale. Besides three aeroplanes iiot far from the Greek frontier, I am able 1 a state that 20 aeroplanes have been con- centrated at Monaster with a plentiful supply of explosives. It is stated that Marshal Mackensen will go to Athens in n few days' time, travelling via. IAtriew.- Exchange Special.

CIRL IN KHAKI. Australian Maid's Exploit on a Transport. After one of the transports bringing Australian troops to the front had hee-n two days out from Australia a young Australian girl was found dressed in khaki. She was sent back by another transport, but was still in khaki when she reached Melbourne. She was a well set-up girl. who might easily he mistaken for one of the opposite sex, and is IS years of age. She disguised herself as a soldier, and managed to get on board a troopship outward hound from Sydney. The disguise was excellent, and the girl escaped detection for two days. The explanation, given by her was an i ■>rerpowerlr»g desire to see her brother, who is in Egypt on active service. Know- ing that she would not ho allowed to land ín TIgy pt if her ses were known. s-he de- j cided to disguise herself as a olclier.

I DECIDED ON THEIR MERITS I Swansea Tribunal Disposes I of Many Claims. I The Swansea Borough Tribunal sat at; the Guildhall on Friday. The Mayor! L Idonna u T. Merrells) presided, and j kiajor liari-ios represented the military I authorities. Claims numbering 202 from groups 5, 7. 8 and 0 were considered. Of the 137 had been agreed to by the re- cruiting offkN, whose decision was ap- proved by the Tribunal. The 65 remaining claims, wTyich were objected to by thp recruiting officer, were I dealt with individually by the Tribunal. The claimants, or their representatives, | appeared before the Tribunal, and each case was decided upon its merits.

I THE !)HAID LIGHTER I I- Important Point Under Realm Defence Act. j ■ At the Sheriff Court at Cupar, Fife, on j Friday, the first: steps were taken in a case of considerable importance under the Dote nee of tha Realm Ad. when Mr. W. F. ,JacL.on,Mr. WiHiam Whi<p]aw. j ?aiid -Nir..1'. G. comm? sioner, and secretary r?p<?'dvd.v of th.? Burntisland Harbour Commissioners, were charged with having 011 October 26 detained the steam lighter Briton, then on Admiralty charter and urgently re- quired for taking ammunition to the Fleet The Burntisland docks are owned by the North British Railway Company, and Mr. Whitelaw is chairmnn and Mr. Jackson rq-nager of that company. The charge stated- that the accused refused to permit the steamer to leave, despite the representations of Admiral Lowry. unless certain dock dues were deposited, the steamer being thus detained for a day. Mr. Robertson, advocate, objected to the competency of thf' charge, contending that it involved onlv a question of civil right and that the facts set forth did not infer a contravention of the Defence of tho Realm Regulations. The case was sent to the High Court of ¡ Justiciary for decision on the points raised. )

SALE OF DUTCH VESSELS 1 ■ I Hague, Friday.—A Bill has been pre-I :-pn?-d 'o the Chamber forbidding the I or chartering of Dutch vessels to people outside Holland without a special permit from the Dllfch Ministry of Trade.

I I INSIDE BRITISH EMPIRE General Smuts' Co?s?ce in I South Af?ca's Loyalty. Capetown, Friday.—The Johannes- burg Star" sayt>:—General Smuts s undertaking the heaviest rosjwnsibilities, but no one is more fitted for them. From the point of view of physical fitness and unique experience in guerilla warfare aiid knowledgs of organisation gained in South-west Africa, t] appoilitylic will be received with great satisfaction by South Africa and the Empire. The "Rand Daily Mail" MY6: Britishers are proud of the tact that tl e British policy in Sooth iUrk-a sinn the! Boer War has established such ecu fid- ence, friendship, and loyalty, that jet another Dutch leader ha.s come forward to give Great Britain important I in a time of crisis. General Sniuts has given ample proof of his ability, both as a commander in tiold and an organiser or victory. Ite has assumed the command of an army in which every soldier has the fullest, confidence in him, and will follow him with pride and enthusiasm. The BI.-x,mfiiit-eiii Friend rejoices that the East African campaign will be finished hv South Africans, under a South African commander, and says General Smuts ac-i eepted high command in the British Army not because of any ultra love for British, hut because he is the great South African who sees clearly that tlie future, of the Dutch-speaking population of tilí linion lies inside the British Empire, not outside. I

TROOPS IN BESSARABIA. Amsterdam, Saturday.—According to a telegram from Budapest, the Russian rail- way communication with Rumania has been interrupted owing to the movement of troops in Bessarabia. Military (rains only are running ill Bessarabia, and Rumanian passengers are stopped at Ung-eni.

I WARDING TO TELEPHONE USERS On the occasion of the recent air raid the transmission of official telephone mes- sages of urgent importance was teriouslv j interfered with at several places by tho I inconsiderate and unnecessary use of the telephone by private suhscril>ers to call ) up the police and other public officials. The Postmaster-General earnestly ap-! peals to the public to use the telephone' as little as possible on such occasions and I on no account to call up the police or I • other public officials on unimportant or merely personal matters. If this warning is rot regarded it raav become n«ae*sary to curtail the facilities afforded to private parsons oil occasion- of public aiiiergencj. i. i.

DUAL PAYMENTS STOPPED i M. P.'s on Service to Relinquish One Salary. Membeis of Parliament serving in thr Army or Navy have just received the following official intimation:- It has been decided by his Majesty's Government that no M.P. serving witt the forces of the Crown may draw both salary as member of Parliament and heir service pay. I have to request accordingly that you will be good enough to let me know V, your earliest, convenience whether it ir your wish to 'continue receiving fcr salary from the Ilou-e. of Common, estimate and decline naval or mihtan pay. or whether you prefer to receivc Ifonr naval or military pay. i

GERMAN TRENCHES CAPTURED. French Gain in Champagne. i'vliowing Frcncli offi. jjl < ^-ni- mnniqr;e was i,y_x1 in Paris this a;t-;r- -Ac^JtvLing to frc^-ii Hi. ot raflk.grer.ndo attack vhich wc <yrri-xl otrt afrorBoon in itt tio JVgi-3 to he eait ot the h i 113, after artillery v,, Ln po b:>S"Ú!1 or "ij-o-ar 'j00 m<rc- f trcrche^. A counter-attack by t-) (1:" ea:ri.vl j-t 111 the of Ihe night compk-ioly reputed. Sii*ky<iv'e.prisoners, including one- oih- creaain in our liand. Tho n:L-t low calm oa ira-e rcat oi tho frorit. tarvrgrtht Oiffcer Killcd, lfm. Williame. C'ambray Hou-e. C. r- gaarthen, peeeired ■ official inf'ru;ti,>n cm Satnrday morning tbut her r eon, SWoad Lieutenant W. J. M. Wit- 1Iam of the STd Koyal Welsh Fusiliers, bftS boeo kilted io action. He was jpfiure o? asJ a, grandson ot the- la to Captain Aloi-i Graiije rea? Cardis* < } ¡¡.. I

■a> 'jvi ii nani «i wn——gw——»—m——Wi Cips'jr Cyrtrefo' 'rv i-'nr, Lhindatr. BINGHAM HOTE,LI b, Southampton Buildings, Hciborn, London, W-C,. 'Oppos'te Chancery Laue Tube SLat;.on.) Mofct conveniently eitnated for Visi- tors, for Bm-nms, or Pleasure. Under the Personal Supervision of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. LEWIS. Homely, Quiet, and ComfortaMe. ¡ t Terms Strictly Mod.rate. Night Porter Telegrams, Alcoves, I/ondon." 'Phoue: 522 Owtral.

DURATION OF THE WAR- Russian Foreign Minister's Forecast. In an interview with a representative 0; the Moscow newspaper Outro-Rossii (which is quoted by t.he TimesM. Sazonoft, the Russian Foreign Minister. ■>aid:— The -aT- must be carried to a success- ful end. Cur object is not only to drive the enemy out of the territories which he has invaded, but to crush him finalfv. so as to securf for ourselves the full freedom to develop according to our national ideals, Germany and Austria must be rendered perfectly harmless. In this respect we are in perfect agreement with our Allies." Asked as to the probable duration of the war. the Minister said:— H The war cannot be very pre'Tacted, as Germany will not be able to bear the strain. Her present financial position is very grave. Tn any ca. ihe -present year will not see the end of the war."

CANADA'S IRREPARABLE LOSS.  Ottawa, Friday.- t is now disco?rcd that the almost priceless historic reminis- I cences of Sir Wilfrid Laurier were de- stroyed in last week's tire at the Parlia- ment Buildings. The documents were in- valuable as constituting a complete record of the history of Canada for half a cen- tury. There is no duplicate c.npv, and Sir Wilfrid is greatly gTieved that his irrp- placeable mementoes have been lost to the country.

THE ITALIAN MINERr PASSPORT. I An Italian named Urso Frank Paolo (16), labourer, w?s charged at. Swaaf?a Boro'?gb Police Court on Saturday with €mp.ii.? a prohibit? area wiLhout having in his possession a. passport less than tw? years old or other e6tabl4,i- ? ing his identity, and ?'i?hout the per- mip?u of ?h? ali??p? T?iph'ation o&r?r. ) Prisoner told Dctecriv?-C'on stable Clif- ford that h? came from Ab?ravoc. He) had been working at some ('opr works if Port. Talb,,f, for the paftf, six months, I' and came to Swansea to look for work. Through the interpreter, Paolo, in reply to the chairman, said he came to ¡ England six months ago on a Greek ship. Prisoner was fined 20s. or li -days.

ARAB TREACHERY SUPPOSED FRIENDLY TRIBES ATTACK BRITISH IN MESOPOTAMIA. I I SPEEDY RETRIBUTION Press Bureau, Friday.—The Secretary to the War Office makes the following announcement:— A telegram received from the general I officer commanding the troops in Meso- potamia etaies that a reconnaissance I party was despatched from Nasriyah up a branch of the Tigris named the Sliatt- el-Haida. t No signs of any Turkish advance in this direction could be discovered aud Ion the 7th of January the detacimiunfc i commenced its return to Nasriy^n. It was closely followed by a force of hostile Arabs, who endeavoured to turn hoth tianks, and was also attacked by i tribes of other Arabs hitherto believed to be' friendly, who issued from villages | along the route Our total casualti es which have already been notified amounted to 373. Those of the enemy amounted in killed alone to considerably over 300. On the 9th a small punitive column was despatched from Nasriyah. The Arabs were completely surprised and four of their villages were destroyed Wte had only six casualties. Enemy Report. Amsterdam, Friday.—The communique received from Constantinople to-day is as follows:— Irak Front.—There has been intermit- tent artilley and infantry firing. The enemy attempted an advance from the right hankof the Tigris, but. was eom- pelled io retreat to his old positions after j two violent engagements. Near Kut ei Amara th-erc is no change. I Isolated for 66 Days. This fighting appears to have been the most serious that General Aylmer has been engaged in since his check on J anur. ry 21. In the intervening three weeks only ar- tillery duels and some minor attacks from the British side have hee-u reported, these accounts coming from the Turkish side. As the weather has been steadily improv- ing it seems quite probable that the condi- tions have now made possible the more active operations indicated in the Con- stantinople communique. The fighting on the right bank of the Tigris, where these two violent engage- ments arosaid to have taken nla, has hitherto been subsidiary to that on the left, or north-east, bank. Tn the January fighting General Kemball was here faced by one Turkish division. Kut itself is on the left bank. General Townshend has j now been isolated for 6fi days. j

LADY'S DEATTMH A TRAIN. I Lady Barry, wife of LieuL-Colonel Sir Edward Barry, Bart., of Ockwelis Manor, Bray, Maidenhead, died on Friday night whilst travelling by train from Norwich to Liverpool-street Station. Daughter of I' Colonel Couitenay H. S. Scott, Lady Barry was married to Sir Edward in 1891.

SEPTUAGENARIAN'S FIRST OFFENCE. I An old man named Hill, who was stated to be over 70, and a pedlar, was summoned at Swansea County Police Court on Saturday for being drunk and disorderly in Gorseinon. The constable stated he was lying on the pavement helplessly drunk. » Thitf waf¡he oJd mn' fiT':+ offence, and. the chairman 1:1 r. A. H. Thomas) ex] *tesed the hope it would be his last, lho fa je would be dismissed,

FRENCH REGAIN I TRENCHES NOTABLE POiNTS RE-WON !MhML!: GERMAN CAPTURE BALL0CS DRIFTS BEYOND THE ALLIED liNES I BRITISH MIMING ACTIVITY The following telegraphic dispatch has 'been received from British General Head- quarters in France, dated Friday :— We sprang three mines yesterday north of Cornoc, and another south of Fosse 8. I To-day the enemy sprang a mine south- i wet of the Holienzollern Redoubt. We suffered no casua lties. 1I ostilo artillery has been active to-day north of Albert, north of Loos, and about Ypres. Armentieres and Elvertlinghe were shelled during the day. | This afternoon wo sprang a mine north- east of Givenchy. NOTABLE TRENCHES RETAKEN. Paris, Friday, 11 p.m.—To-night's com- munique .-dates :— In Belgium elir field artillery seriously damaged a email enemy fort near the Pasechendaelo Canal, and caused the ex- plosion of munition depots. In Artois there was intermittent ean- nonading in the region of Lille road, To the south of the Somme in the course of minor actions carried out on the Sth jand 9th February we rogaincd from the Germans a notable portion of the r('l1ch I elements which fell in? their hands in the region to the south of Frise. Towards the close of yestei clay the enemy at- tempted, by means of violent counter- attaeks, to drive as o"t of their recon- quered elements, but onr curtain fire and (>ur infantry lire stopped him dead, and he suffered important losses. To-day there was average artillery activity in the whole of this sector, To the norili of the Aisne our batteries carried out effective firing against a re- victualling convoy to the north-east of BerrY-l n- Hac. In Champagne, in the course of a grenade attack in the region of the Butte de Alesiiil., we took abnlltW prisoners, On the heights of the OUT arfil- lery overthrew an <memy blockhouse and observation post in the sector of the ;Bouchot Wood. Sixteen Tat-g- rallt)i-e shells were thrown to-day in the direction of Belfoi-t. Amsterdam, Friday.—To-day's German communique is as follows:— .Nortli-w(,st of lhí French, after artillery preparation which lasted soveral hours, made four attempts to recapture trenches which they recently lost there. All their attempts miscarried. Fouth of tJw Somme also they Wf'T un-I able to recover th9 least part of the lost portion of their trenches. On the Aisne and in Champagne there were hrifil hr-a] artillery engagements. One of our captiv- balloons, in which there were no occupants at the time, tore j itself away from its mooring and drifted I beyond the enemy's lines near Vailly. I

ITALY JOINS WAR COUNCIL I Decision of Great Importance to Allies. Rome, Friday.—As a result of the visit of M. Briand. the French Prime Minister, and bis colleagues. Italy has fully adhered to the proposition already ac- cepted by England :1.t the London confer- ence for the creation of two supreme mili- tary and diplomatic councils.

SWANSEA BELGIAN FUND I Committee in Need of More I IVsonev. A meeting ol the Swansea Belgian I Hofugco t onimittee was held on Friday, Aid. D. Davies presiding. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. F. E. T?u- bridge), in his report, stated that with the exception of aiew disputes everything at the refugee houses was going on satis- factorily. He considered the sailor refugees were now in a position to buy their own coal, and he suggested that the supply cease from the date of that meet- ing. The supply might be continued to a few widows, for whom Tie could make pro- vision. The Teichimm family had left, and he had received a very kind letter from Mr. Teichman thanking the com- mittee for ail it had done for him. The report was adopted, and Mr. Tnn-I bridge was given discretionary powers re- ,L I garding the coal. j Funds Nearly Exhausted. I Arising out of a reqr.ost to the com- mittee to find accommodation for two mare Belgian refugees, the Chairman said when the Belgians came over here ihere was a prospect of them going back to thoir own country in twelve months, bill there, Yia:, HOt- that prospect to-day, and the committee had practically come to the end of their funds. Their accounts this month amounted to -CSO, but £ >0 of I that was for coal. Mr. D..?. DaviF-. in r?y to th? Chair- man, said the Poplars at Morriston was not full, but as they had refused many people who had employment in the dis- trict, they thought it would be a bud pre- cedent if they took in people from Swan- sea. There were hundreds of Belgian refugees who came to Morriston, and the committee there had always acted on the principle of allowing them to get rooms themselves. The Chairman: You have a fund at ?Fr. D. J. Dnvi?: Y?. The Chairman: ? h Dr?ty uantial? ?orriston. i.. iii,f,I t v siibrtanfitl*l Mr. D. -T. Davits: No, it ?s weakpnin? very much. In a further reference to the Belgians -if Morriston, Mr. Davies said they were living in Morriston under all conditions. There was one family living in the cellar and sleeping in the attic. If was decided to find temporary accom- modation for the two Belgians in qustÏQn at Bryneifi Houee, N

TWO BANKS FAIL i i I I THOUSANDS OF CERMAN I DEPOSITORS RUINED Exchange wires from Switzerland give the following particulars of German bank I failurf' ThpZarifh?XpupZeitung??nnounce? ithe bankruptcy of the w211 known Stu't- gart banking houao of Stapperfenue Schulz and Co. Another report ascribes the failure to the precarious conditions of German finance. Tho amount of the liabilities is not yet known. The "Gaxete Lausanne" authoi itatively learns that two of the largest: TuniTing in- stitutions of South Germany have just entered into liquidation. The liabilities involved total Thousands of depositors are ruined. I INTERNED IN SPAIN I  German Sobers From the I Ca?eroo?s. Madrid, Fridir.-The Liberal states regarding the Germans from tlie Camer- oons taking refuge.in Spanish Guinea, that at first the number to be interned was 900. Suiisequeni advices show that the number of soldiers has been inorea?pd to 2?r), to which must be .idd?d the families of some of them, making alto- gp<h?r about ?C.n. all of whom will be transferera tn ?pan'. The expense*; of their internment in j Spain wil be defrayed by Germany at the. end of the war.—Renter.

"FREIGHTS B[YOND REASON" j I Lord Rhondda on State Intervention. Speaking on Friday at Cardiff at the' annua! meeting of the Globe Shipping Company, Lord Rhoydda (probably bette" known as Mr. D. A. Thomas) said that. i the rates of freight, now ruling were aHD- gether beyond reason and not only justi- fied but called fn)- Government inter-1 vention in some form, though hp, was not prepared to sav that the fixing of maximum freights was the best olution of the difficulty. I It was idle to bl&me the shipowners. If blame attached to anybody it was to the Government, for their wasteful control of the large number of -tearners they com- mand?rpfL Th? '?.?rnmpnt n-n?ht yet j do som?-hin? to pallia? the pTis?ng ev?) by allowing the bo-its Mw p;)Tti?i:y built to )-? cúmplf)h, br prohihitin? the im- "irg t h e., im- 'I portation of nDi-n?s?ry articlei, and by I improving the suiiervision of com- m;jndre¡J boat, While Stat?inierven-' n?t was noeessar.v, he thought that the,' ]ua.?<i?mp)it: of thf s??m?.s should be! I ilir- I-3 should be lett in. lbeir hands. j

FALL KILLS TWO MINERS. I On Saturday morning two miners named Wm. Colton and Wm. t'ugh, married men, were 'killNJ y a tall of roof at th?Cop- pice Colliery, Cannoek Cha:ót, taft'o¡'d-I shire. I

LESS BEER FOR GERMANY. Stockholm. Friday.—A further reduc- tion of 20 per cent. in the amount of grain which may be u-5ed for the brewing of beer in Germany has been ordered, say" s a telegram from Berlin.

jTUE COPPER PIT I STOPPAGE i'S,P-TTLEI?,'IEti'T ARRANGED I TO-DAY'S MEETING OF SOUTH WALES MINERS' EXtOUllVE. i The Hat the Copper Fit. Morrifc- ton, was settled on Saturday. Mr. John Williams, M.P., met the men at the Duke HNel, Morriston. and suivsequently met the managenwnt; y. hen the se ttlement, ) which is regarded as an amicable one to both sides, was arrived .at. Arrangements [are being made for work to be resumed on Monday. The announcement in regard I to the settlement was made at the conclu- sion of the Western Miners' meeting j the Elysium, Swansea. Anthracite District. I'll Protests on Several Points. ine meeting 0I the Anthracite District i of miners was huld at the Elysium, wan- sea, on Saturday. There were present 66 delegates, representing about 11.000 mem- bers. Mr. William Hughes, Cross Hands, presided over the meeting. It was reported that Sir Laurence j Gomme had retired through illnoss iroIL the position of arbitrator on the lost 5 per cent. and an appeal had been istnt to Mr. Runeiman to appoint another arbi- 'trator. It was dceided to appeal for out-of-work 1 pay for depression in trade. This de- i predion is caused through lack of trucks and other things. With regard to Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, a resolution was passed to the effect that the District Executive Councils be asked to take ftops with regard to the conditions for men on light. employment. There were said to be tix men concerned. It was recommended that the meeting enter a strong protest against the Cae- bryn Colliery Co., for refusing to sign the price list; further, that unless the matter he settled within a month, steps will be taken. j A strong protest was also entered with .regard to the Pantyffynon 5 per cent. question. it was decided that if tlis question is not settled within a month. that at the next meeting the,best steps to take in connection in the matter will be considpred a od decided upon. It was decided to circularise the district with a view of securing a unanimous vote on the question of out-of-work payment for depression in trade. The result will be sent jointly with that of the Avon An- thraciie Western District. Yynysarwed Dispute. Sub-Agent for Western District. J ne Western Miners met nl the Elysium, Swansea, on Saturday. There were present 29 delegates, representing members. A resolution was passed: "That we I miners of the Western District desire to call attention of the all miners in South Wales to the dispute in the Ynys&rwed Collieries. It was decided to appoint a snb-agent for the district to assist Mr. W. E. }lor- gan, who has been ill for some time. Ihe appointment Ls open to all members o fthe South Wales Federation, and is to he made by ballot. The Cardiff Meeting. (By Our Mining Correspondent). I A meeting of the Council of the South j W'alf«5 -Miner," Federation was held on Saturday at the offices ill Cardiff, Mr. James Winstone presiding Others pre- sent included Mr. A. Onioll-s (treasurer), who acted as in the absence through indisposition of Nir. T. Richards, M.P., the Right Hon. William A lira ham (Mabon) M.P., and Mr. W. Jenkins (agent of the Mid-Glamorgan district). Condolence and a Wclcome. At the commencement of the proceed. I ings, the Chairman referred to the death cil' Mr. NV. the niit)frs' agent at I Ebbw Vale, and paid a high tribute to his memory. A vote of sympathy with the relatives was passed. It was derided that the Council should be officially repre- sented at the funeral. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Owpn Powell, miners' agpnt at Aberdare, as the new member in succession to Mr. C. B. Stanton, M.P. Motor Ambulance Convoy. M{1tor Ambulance Convoy. It was resolved that the ballot upon the motor ambulance convoy i-K, taken on the Sth and 0th of next month. Tho Genera l Wage Committee report was presented by Mr. A, Onions hy way of preparation for next Wednesday's meetings of the Conciliation Honnl, and j was adopted. The Light Employment Men. A letter was read from Messr-. Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas (Pontypridd), solid- I tors to the Federation, enclosing a lengthy letter from Messrs. Kenshole and Proseer, solicitors to the coalowners, re- ferring to the claims now being made by various workmen for special allowances in respect of reductions made ill the par- tiai compensation paid at the time flict war t?or.n? came i?to force. The ]pttel" was of a eom'niatory charact'T. stating that if names and particulars were sent j in to them in accordance with the sugges- tion of Judge Bryn Roberts, amicable arrangements might, if possible, be come to in such cases as circumstances per- mitted. A resolution wa« passed that the condi- tions in Messrs. Kenshole and Prosser's letter be accented, and that a letter ro this dIed be sent to the Federation solici- tors. It. was further resolved agent in the area referred to in Messrs. K ens hole's letter he asked to send in par- ticulars to the colliery offices, aud fur- ther that we endeavour to get the coal- owners to agree to apply Judge Bryn Roberts' decision to the whole coalfield, and that thp question be placed on the agenda for the next Condliaj ion Board meeting." Stone Dustinq. Messrs. Winstone and Barker reported upon their visit to E-kncal to witness ex- pprim?nt? with regard to Metric ei?- naUing and otbpr maters affecting P.,?: plosions by coa dust. Reference was made to a circular i-?ifd by the Home Office with regard to stone dusting in collieries. It was deeided tu leave matters in the hands of the Executive Council of tlv Miners' Federation of Great Britain, who will further report upon the matter. Meanwhile tho Home Office has been (j asked to hold its hand.

iTHEWAR i a B a W w F a m I j Resume of To-day's | Messages. "Leader" Office 4.50 p.m. Enemy reports record the sinking of a British cruiser off the Dogger Bank. lr was, however, a mine sweeper that wc The French have regained a notable portion. or the trenches lost to the south ol Fri-o. lhrough Arab treachery, the British iorce in Mesopotamia lost 373 men. Speedy retribution followed. Italy has joined the other Allies in the War Council. Two well-known German banks have failed. Russia maintains all her recent gains. It is reported that French troops irom. Salonika have crossed the Vardar. j

ENEMY GRAFT COME OUT AMUSING REPORT OF THE SINKING OF A NEW BRITISH GRLHSER. fINE SWEEPER MISSING A characteristic sample of German "news" ib afforded in ihe foiio-.yin^ claim:— Amsterdam, Friday.—According to a Bprlin telegram the German Admiralty issued the -following to-day:— Last night during an advance or our forpedo-bor,i = our boats met on the Dogger Bank, some 120 miles east of the British coast, several British cruisers, which at once fled. Our boats pursued them, r^ank the new cruiser Arabis, and hit a second cruiser with a torpedo. Our torpedo-boats rescued the com- mander of the Arabis, two other officers, a.nd 21 men. Our forces suffer^ no damage .->nn no losses."—Press Association War Special. The Press Association adds: The Secretary of the Admiralty states that the cruisers mentioned were foui minr-sweeping vessels. Three have re- turned safely. [The only vessel of tlte name of Arab is in Lloyd's Register is a motor-ship of. 3,&>~ tens, Ixdonging to the -Alot(-,l, Ship Company. This vessel is now in far distant waters.]

WAR SAVIt:GS CERTIFICATES I &.RTIFICATES 1 New Scheme of Thrift to be Put Into Operation. The two National War Saving- Com- mittees, whose appointment was all nouneed two days ago. completed arrange ments un Friday for the inauguratio: next Saturday oi' the scheme for indi vidual investments, and on and after th11 date application can be made at au money order office for the 15s. Lid. Savi ngs Certificates. These will i- five time. Should the invesu require, the money before then, he cai withdraw ii 'and receive 5 per cent. con. pound interest for the period it has beei lent to the Government. IT11-fvif Schemes for the collection and inv? it?eiit ot ?l" I !I ij,-Ovez.? c?l' pa rat ion. A repr?sfn?a.tivf mt?rin? wi. be heid in the Guildhall ar which pa?Jr'T lars will be given. This lingering will b addressed by the Prime Minister. Lor Kitchener, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Lloyd George Mr. McKenns. and Mr. Ron a,r Law. The commit-pes wish to make it ejea that the appeal tor saving is not. made r the very poor, who are hord hit by hie" prices, but to all who can save, and at by their wasteful demand for good- raising prices to the detriment of th really poor consumer.

W?MAM'S BAD RECCM. ,? At Swansea Borough Police Court, or Saturday. Annie Lewis (26) was charge. with riotous conduct in Green Dragon-Ian^ j oi Friday night. She had bocn up t/ times since Aurrust, :014, a.nd was now ser. tecced to six weeks' impri'^onment.

GENERAL SMITH-DORSIEN'S HEALTH. I We understand that General Sir Boraf" Smith-Dozen's present illness is due. t. a very .-u^-ere attack of influenxa and t rrI3J),C,(>. W]lidl is all the more regrfff-abl as for some years past, despite various j reports to the contrary, he has ecJO" Te' ^I excellent health