The Cambria Daily Leader

NO HYPOCRIML PEACE. NO HYPOCRITICAL PEACE. -Ii. German Proposals Condemned TROTSKY'S DISILLUSIONMENT. British Mission Leaves, PETROGRAD, Wednosday (received Thursday). (From the Bolshevik Petrcgrad Tele- graphic Agency.) At the Central Committee of the Soviet to-day, M. Trotsky, in the name of the Government, unveile,d in scathing terms the German hypocritical peace proposals. He declared that the Government of Russian workers would not consent to II such conrlitions.-Pre.sg Association. BRITISH MISSIONLEAVING. A special telegram from Petrograd on Thursday announces that Sir George Buchanan, owing to illness, and the mem- bers of the British War Mission, are leav- ing Petrograd for London. SirjGeorge guaranteed to the representa- tives of the Soviet Deputies tliegziiiic- privi- leges as those afforded to himself. "PEACE OF THE PEOPLES." Attempt to Convert German Troops. Petrograd, Wednesday (received Thurs- day).—The Izvestia to-day produces an article in pamphlet form on The Peace of People9/'which I he Peoples? Commissioners are issuing in German with a view to its distribution among the German troops at the front. 7 It says that all the German and Rus- 6ian promises of a democratic peace are unconscionable lies. The pamphlet then proceeds to describe the various exbibitiom; of the mailed fif-t in Poland and Lethuania. German so- called self-determination means nothing but the violation of the will of the mass of workmen and indigent peasants by the German barons and Polish-German ex- ploiters. AGAINST PROLONGED WAR. The document adds: Rise soldiers of Germany for the revolutionary struggle against the prolonged war. Do not lie the executioners of the Russian work* men's resolution."—Reuter. KAISER SEES HINDENBURG. Hurried Call by Telephone. AMSTERDAM. Thursday. Yesterday, the Berlin Council came as a grtMt/surprise to ITindenburg had been hurriedly called by telephone, and came by special train. It i:; confirmed that Brest-Litovsk, as well as the possibilities of the Entente's reply to the offer to open negotiations, was die- cussed. Immediately after the Council von Kulhmann left by special train for Russia. POSITION IN UKRAINE. A Reuter's Petrograd message says:—The ViOfyerament of the Soviet (according to an official note) is daiji- gaining authority m Ukraine. Telegrams from Ekaterinoslav (South Rusia) state that the Government is completely in the hands of the Soviet. Arrangements have been completed for the despatch of corn to the north. The influence of the Bolshevists is daily extending its scope. INDISPENSABLE CONDITIONS. The Times Petrograd correspondent telegraphs that the delegation from the Central l'owers in the Russian qapital is stated to have made known to the Bol- shevist Government certain indispensable conditions of peace. Germany has de- clared. it is rumoured, that the peoples of Poland. Courland, Lithuania, and Eathoniu have already clearly expressed i desire to be annexed to Germany. There- fore Germany will remain in occupation of these regions, which Russia will hand over to her. The Bolshevists appear to have decided to meet these conditions with a demand for the liberation of Liebknecht and other of their friends detained in Ger- many. THREATS TO RUMANIA. The Bosheviks, through Trotsky, th* Foreign Commissary, are threatening the harshest measures against the Rumanian monarchy and Government. The excuse for this unwarrantable in- terference with another nation is the shooting of some Russian revolutionaries and seditionists whose attempt to corrupt Rumania's gellant little army has been ruthlessly suppressed. Rumanian refused to agree to the arinistice until compelled by the treachery of Russian troops, and it was with the object of forcing peace upon Rumania that the Bolshevik Com- mittee, who are said to have been arrested and some shot, were sent to Rumania. AFTER WAR REVOLUTION. .Mr. Gerard on Conditions In Germany. New York. Mr. James W. Gerard, ex-United States Ambassador to Germany (says the "Daily Express ") has been discussing prophecies that the German people will revolt against militari-nu and PO end the war. "There is no possibility of a revolution in Germany until after the war" IIP states, ?and then only if the v.ar :s a German failur?. When the men in the ranks who have suffered horrible distress in the trenches C(?ne bark—unless it iswitIi? German vic- tory—they v.iU rss and throw out the rulers as a failure. 'I And if they do rise, then," says the ex- l Ambassador with emphasis, u becarss of their greater brutality, their greater beastli- ness, which excels that of all the other people of the earth, they will make the French Revolution look like a Methodist Sunday school picnic. "It is because the military party realise this." ndds Mr. Gerard, "thit t.hev are willing 10 fight on in the hope of ultimate I victory." r >>• -i

WELSH TROOPS. Their Splendid Tenacity in Palestine Fighting. In the great Turco-German assault for the recapture of Jerusalem the Welsh troops held the eastern position with 6plendid tenacity. The principal bone of contention was a ridge, which was so hotly shelled at one point as to become untenable for either side, but the Welsh troops definitely established themcalves on it.

NATIONAL WAR BONDS.! 0- Swansea Far Below Its Quota. The following particulars regarding the purchase of National War Bonds for Swansea will interest our readers, The amount given under the heading "Quota," means that this is the proportionate amount on a population basis that should be subscribed weekly to give the desired figure for the entire country. It must be remembered that the figures are accurate only up to a point. If a purchaser living in one town makes his application through a bank in another town, the latter town gets the credit of it-not the town in which he resides. The figures relates to National War Bonds only-not to War Savings Certificates. SWANSEA. I Population. 114,673 Quota £ 57,300 Sub. week ending Dec. 15 £ 47,225 Sub. week ending Dec. 22 £ 28,700 Sub. week ending Dec. 29 £ 9,000 Total to Dec. 29 (13 weeks). £ 642,800 I ,2 I

dEN EVANS' DANCE. I Messrs. Ben Evance at the Cam- er Hotel, on. Wednesday evening, was a huge euootss. There was an extraordin- ary diversity of bri-Iliant colours and re- splendent oogtumee. Mr. Albert EvallS made a moitt etBoient M.C. The first frize (la-diee) went to Miss Lewis (ee Carnival"), and second to Hiss TutLand (as Dolly Varden "). Mr. J. Bibby won the first (gent's) prize (as Viking "), and Mr. C. I)avim second (as H Coeter Bill "). The efforts of the ener- getic secretaries, Mr. W. J. Cound and Mr. T. E. Spencer Davies were amply re- warded, and the Mayor's Comforts' Fund "will benefit considerably as a result.

I SCROLL OF FAME. [ More War Decorations For Welshmen. I The following names of Welsh officers appeared in the third instalment of the New Year military., honours:— I Lieut.-col. Richard A. Nevill, of Thi Undercliff/l'erryside, a J.P. and D.L. for CarmarUwn-sn Hoe; lie lias business associa- tions with Llanelly, atill lvft., I)e<,n for many years associated with the Terri- torial n.Ks in West Wales. Capt. C.' A. Branfill, a Swansea officer, associated with the Yeomanry. Capt. C. J. Cowley, formerly of Dun- vant, near Swansea, and employed on the local railway. Chaplain the Rev. W. T. Havard, an old Llanelly Rugby player. Major Victor Hilditch. 60n of H.M. In- spector of Factories at Swansea, has been awarded a third bar to his M.C. I WELSH AIRMAN KILLED. I The death occurred on Sunday night, while flying in Yorkshire, of Lieut. Arthur Lewis Jcikins, brotlier-in-lavv of Mr. W. Llewelyn Williams, K.C., M.P. Deceased was a son of the late Sir J. Lewis Jenkins, and was only 25 years of age. He wa-s a clever writer of venae. Whilst doing night patrol work something went wrong with the engine, and the machine crashed to the ground, and the airman was instan- tsr»>3u#ly killed. Ho liad sten ecrviee in India, Mesopotamia, Aden and Egypt. He was one of the best boxers and footballers at Oxford University. His latest pub- lished verses were entitled The Inn of the Sword," a song of youth and war, and aXJpeared in Punch some time ago. A PRISONER IN GERMANY. I Mr. and Mrs.* Potter, Park-street, Pem- broke Dock, have received information that their son, Sec.-lieut. Harry Potter, R.G.A., Who was reported missing some weeks ago is now a prisoner of war in Germany. SWANSEA MASTER LOST. r In the sixth list of casualties among the Mercantile Marine, issued on Wednesday, appears the name of J.Dickillson, Swan- sea; date, or supposed date of death, 30th March, 1916. RELATIVES AT SWANSEA. I Amongst those mentioned in Sir Doug- las Haig's latest dispatches is Lieut.-co!. Elgin Jones, D.S.O., of the Canadians. Lieut .-col. Elgin Jones is a son-in-law of Mr. John Preecobt, of Hawthorne-ave., Swansea, and at the present time he is spending a well-earned leave with his wife %c Swansea.

MESSAGE TO AUSTRALIA. I Melbourne, Wednesday (received Thurs- day).—Mr. Lloyd George, in a cablegram to the Australian Premier, says that he had good hopes that before the new year was past the purpose to which they had set their hands would be completely achieved. i

t ROYAL PALACE IN FLAMES. j I Madrid. Wednasday.-Tlie Royal Palace at I,a Granja is in flames. Dclail are at present lacking.—Reuter.

OUR ART TREASURES. I Precautions have already been taken in London by removal and otherwise against damags to works of art and museums, etc., by enemy aerial attack. This policy i6 now being considerably extended. I

STATUS OF A NEWSPAPER. I The Liverpool Stipendiary magistrate decided on Wednesday that the exhibition of a newspaper in its entirely in a frame or holder outside a shop did not constitute a poster, and was not an infringement of the Paper Restriction Order. In consequence of a communication from the Paper Commission a summons at Liverpool for the display of the illustrated plates of three Christmas numbers of peri- of the oVder pro- hibiting posters, was dismissed.

TRANSPORT ECONOMY. I I.ieut. E. G. II. Evans, road transport offioor of the Ministry of Food, attended a meeting of Llanelly confectioners with regard to transport economy. It was de- cided that, in view of what had been done, very little, if any, further economy could be effected, and the secretary of the association was asked to send in full I particulars within the next few days. LaiW, Lieut. Evans addressed a meeting of bakers, and also of milk vendors and producers. -With regard to the former it was agreed thai a further meeting be held to choose between the Cardiff and Swansea schemes. The latter meeting de- cided to reduce the number of horses used in delivering milk to 21.

SWANSEA DOCK RESCUE. I Certificate Awarded to St. Thomas I Man. At the Swansea Police Court on Wed- nesday, the Royal Humane Society's certi- ficate of merit was handed to Mr. Charles Ball, 2, Roseland-terrace, St. Thomas. He rescued a lad aged Ii, Charles Sweeney, from drowning in the King's Dock. He lowered himself into the water by a line thrown from a vessel, and kept the lad Sweeney afloat bll both were rescued in an exhausted condition. Mr. W. Thomas, chairman, said he was glad to see that this was only one of several rescues by Ball. Mr. Ball holds the Royal Humane Society's certificate for similar actions in 1884 and 1916.

TWO HOSPITALS I BOMBED BY ENEMY IN ITALY. UNCONQUERABLE CHEERFULNESS UF BRITISH TROOPS TO-DAY'S ITALIAN OFFICIAL. PRESS BUREAU. Along the front no event of importance. t During the night of the 1st and 2nd January, enemy airmen dropped bombs on Castelfranco-Kenepo, obtaining direct I hits on two hospitals. Eighteen of the patienta were killed. LAST NIGHT'S ITALIAN OFFICIAL. I Wednesday. The Italian and English batteries have brought about the explosion of two enemy munition-depots at Fontigo and to the south of Conegliano. t English patrols attacked enemy ad- vanced posts, inflicting losses upon them, and captured prisoners. About ten vessels loaded with troops, which attempted to approach the right bank of the Piave at lntestadina, were dispersed by our fire Aviators and English batteries brought down three enemy aeroplanes, and two others fell as the result of aerial battles II with Italian and French aviators. During the night enemy aviators dropped a few bombs on Matre and Tre- viso without causing any damage or vic- tims. They also bombed Bassano, where one death, live wounded, and slight damage must be deplored. Our squadrons bombed aviation camps at La Comina and Aviano, causing exten- sive fires. Enemy movements at the railway sta- tion of Sultion de Livenza and the bar- racks have been bombed effectively by one of our dirigibles UNCONQUERABLE CHEERFULNESS. (From the Press Association Special 5 MJofrespomdeat). 1 ITALIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS. I Wednesday (xeceived Thursday). While the English soldiers both on the mountains and on the Piave front have impressed the Italians among whom they are fighting with their unconquerable cheerfulness and spiendid spirit, they seem to be making ao equally marked but less pleasant impression on the Autro- Germans. Accustomed the severe winter weather on the Western front, they eee noticing in the Italian enow but-vtft-inew- tive to keep the enemy awake by constant small attacks, giving him no rest or sense of security, day or night, since lie never knows when he may expect to have small detachmente decimated by a sudden as- sault of skirmishers who drive in out- poets and have an uncanny qu>'okneas is spotting the positions of his big gums OT lidk-out posts. Wearing dowa the enemy's nerves by eonstant uncertainty, the English leap upon the foe so unexpectedly that they seldom fail to Jkvi* j dii a good SafeE'*# prisoners.

STRIKE EQHO. I Judicial Inquiry in Llandebie I Trouble. (By Our Mining Correspondent.) Mr. J. Vaughan Edwards, chairman of the West Wales Munitions Court and of the Court of Referees, sat at t-ho-Hotel-- Metropole, Swansea, on Thursday, to continue his judicial inquiry into the dis- pute which led to the recent etrike of 300 miners at Llandebie Colliery. Mr. Randell, solicitor, appeared for the workmen, and Mr. C. W. Kenshole, solicitor to the South Wales Coalownere Association, for the 4mployers. Mr. J. James, Anthiacite miners' agent, wlio was in charge of the case for the workmen, was accompanied by Mr. Frank Hodges and Mr. Tom Smith, as repre- senting the South Wales Miners' Federa- tion. Evidence was offered on hehalf of the workmen as to their complaints against the alleged conduct of the company's weigher, and the checkweigher was for some time under cross-examination by Mr. Kenshole. Ultimately the sitting was again adjourned.

NO MEAT IN LONDON. I The Central Meat Market, London, on Thursday morning presented an un- precedented app<v>.ranoG there being no meat whatever for sale. In the absence cf bua:ness, the butchers discussed the situa- tion. i.

BRITAIN'S EXAMPLE. I Washington, Wednesday (received Thurs- (lay).-Tlic War Department announces the geneTal organisation of an Ordnance Bureau with experienced busr.ness men as heads of the important divisions, but I under General Crozier, Chief of Ordnance. The plan is to make the Bureau a great working unit modelled j-mewhat after the j British Ministry of Munitions.

'THE BELLE OF NEW YORK.' I The former wewn actress Edna I May (" The Belle of New York "), Mrs. Lewisshon, receives the sum of 925,000 under her husband's will and a life in- come on an estate valued at 91,200,000. The personal property amounts to some £ 2,000. The will, which is a short one, explains that all gifts and bequests to his wife are in lieu of dower. There is no mention of the estate in England, which the testator was planning shortly before his sudden death to place at the disposal of the United States Government for the aid and comfort of American soldiers fighting in France.

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING. Something that will help you to save money, to save food, to help the hoys at the front, to defeat the Hun, and to do yourself a bit of good. Expert advice put into popular pamphlet form which every housewife can under- stand free for the asking. All About Soups' No. F.E. 37. How to Use Potatoes" No. F.E. 36. "34 Ways of Cooking Potatoes" No. F.E. 40. "Vegetables; How to Cook Them" No. F.E. 28. "Delicious Stewr," N. M.F. 39. Stock vour Larder from your Garden No. M.F. 39. All these are well worth writing for and arc posted free on application to The Director of Food Economy, Grosvenor House, London, Wl. v J

AIR COUNCIL. Personael of the New ¡ Ministry. i By an Order in Council made on Wed- nesday, en Air Council has been estab- lished as from January 3rd. The Council is constituted as follows:— Lord Botbermere, Secretary of State and President of the Council. Major-General SIT H. Trenchard, Chief of Air Staff. Rear-Admiral Mark Kerr, Deputy <ttif>,f of Air Staff. Commodore Godfrey Paine, Master- General of Personnel. Major-General W. S. Brancker. Comp- troller-General of Equipment. Sir William Weir, Director-General of Aircraft Production in the Ministry of Munitions. Sir John Hunter, Administrator of Works and Buildings. Major J. L. Baird, M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. Lieut.-General Sir David Henderson, Additional Member of Council and Vice- president,

CRUSHED BY A "FALL. I Morgan Jones (37), Ystalyfera, a collier at the Gleison Colliery, was admitted to the Swansea Hospital on Wednesday with a crushed arm and injuries to his face caused by a fall of coal at the I on Wednesday morning. t I

RACING CALENDAR. The Facing Calender omtaims ,ths following fistaree-, February 6th, GaV-wick (bro daye); February IStli, ransfield (t-o days) FurtkfT fix- rill announced in eoTirio RATIONING. srr Arthur Yapp oh its Efffect. Sir A. Yapp appeared on Totrer Hill on Thtrrstiay said rationing weald not end profiteering, nor -iro-iw it"bectfill, the poor. A proper 6j"&tJèm of distribu- tion was being irocrbsd out on isnag which he bfclienad wild pro^a A facfcMry. i ■" — T V- COMMERCE OF THE DAY. CATTLE MARKET. Bristol. Thtirsday,-Beef in small supply, which sold at Government prices, best mak- ing 75s. cwt. Sheep limited, trade firm; bt. wethers, 17d. to 18d ewes 16d. Ib. Short supply of pigs at Government prices, 18s. a score. 600 store cattle made about late rates: milch cows, L29 to 940 a.nd up to 4?3 for exceptional Qualities. Metropolitan Market. Thursday.-Entries comprised 25 beasts and 244 sheep, which. were offered from the lairs and cleated wtth a good demand at recent prices. BUTTER MARKET., Cork. Thursday.—No official prices. MEAT MARKET. Central Market. Thursday.—BeefBnglish, 8s. 4d.; Irish, including Birkenhead killed. 8s. 4d.: Argentine chilled hind quarters, 7s. 8d.: fore quarters. 6s. 4d. Mutton—English wethers and ewes. B3 8d. Veal—English. 8s. -Pork-English. 9s. 6d.. Supplies very abort with a brisk demand at maximum prices. METAL MARKET. London. Thursday.—Copper. 110 to 110i cash and three months. Tin. 278 to 272J cash: 263 to 265HS three months. Fereign lead. 2Si -28i. Spelter, 54-50.

UNDER PROTEST. Spelterworkers Accept the 5/- Award. \n important. meeting was held by spelterworkers at Hermon Chapel School- room, Plasmarl, on Wednesday evening. Mr. W. Summers presided, and was sup- ported by Mr. Eran James (organiser of the Workers' Union). Mr. Brown, a re- presentative of the Committee on Produc- tion. was also present. After hearing the views of the varkras works committees regarding their inter- views with managers earlier in the week, with regard to the .)5, award granted them bv the Committee on Production, the eec- retary reed the correspondence. Several members spoke very strongly and with warmth against the award. Eventually the following resolution was passed unanimously:—" That the organi- ser. Mr. E. Jam, inform the masters OT. Thursday morning that we accept the award under protest, and give 28 davs'. notice (to terminate at the end of this month), and that the 5s. be retrospective horn the date of claim, namely, October 8th. 1917, and an agreement come to in regard to the 12i per cent.; and that a conciliation board should be arranged for, and that unless a satisfactory arrange- ment be come to we down tools."

REPLACING LOST TONNAGE. The effort which the world is making to replace lost tonnage is shown by the latest list of additions to Lloyd's Register of Shipping." Tjctween November 15 and November 29 the world's shipyards produced forty-three completed ships of all sizes from fishing smacks to veGs?rs of 7,000 ton: The number of ships delivered by British yards in the fortnight was twenty-four. German submarines sank thirty-eight British ships of all sizps in the correspond- ing fortnight acoording to the .official tables.

iHAIG & NEW YEAR WISHES. I Sir Douglas Haig. acknowledging the lord Mayor of London's New Year messawp, says:— We fully appreciate what London is doing to help the Allied forces in the field to bring about a la&ti^p: peace. We wish you all success and g4od fortune." The President of the Municipal Coun- cil in Paris expresses the hope that the year 191S will witness the triumph of the Franco-British Armies.

FOR Latest Reports SEE THE 6.30 "Leader."

DARK BEFORE DAWN. War to be Over in Six Months." New York, Jan. 2.-M. Tardien. the French High Commissioner, has returned to the United States. In an interview ho LFai(i We are entering upon the war's darkest period, but in six months the victory will be decided.

DRIVEN OFF -0 GERMAN RAID NEAR OPPY AIRMEN STRIKE HOME TO-DAY'S BRITISH OFFICIAL. France, 9.55 a.m. Hostile raiding parties were re- pulsed last night south and south- west of La Bassee, leaving a few prisoners in our hands. The enemy's artillery showed con- siderable activity during the night east of Epehy. TO-DAY'S FRENCH OFFICIAL. There was rather lively artillery action notably on the Aisne front, in the region of Langicourt, and on the Cavabers de Courcy, as well as in the sector of Ma-ison de Champagne and on the fight bank of the Meuse. Two enemy surprise attacks, one to the south otf the Aisne and the other at Cornillet, completely failed. do LAST NIGHT'S BRITISH OFFICIAL. Wednesday, 9.30 p.m. In addition to the raids reported in this morning's communique, the enemy at- tempted last night to raid one of our posts in the neighbourhood of Oppy, but was driven off before reaching our trenches. This afternoon the enemy's artillery has shown increased activity in the neighbour- hood of the Ypres—Comines Canal. On tho remainder of the front there is nothing of special interest to report. On the 1st inst. our aeroplanes were very active*. Mueh registration work was car- ried out with the artillery, and many photographs were taken of the enemy's front linee and back arc-as. Over 200 bombs were dropped by us on various targets, including a large ammuni- tion depot near Courtraa, and Inglemun- ster Aerodrome* In air fighting two hostile machines were brought down and two others driven down out of control. Another hostile machine was shot down in our lines by our anti-aircraft guns. One of our aeroplanes is missing. LAST NIGHT'S' FRENCH OFFICIAL. Wednesday 11.0 p.m.—There is nothing. If) report, on the front to-day except con- s iderable artillery activity in the sector of Beaunwrnt and the Gfcrrierfts Wood.

SOLDIER'S PLIGHT. Sleeping in Pontardawe Hay Loft. At Pontardawe Council ce Thursday, Mr. A. E. Edwards, Sanitary Inspector, reported he had received- a complaint re- garding a soldier working on substitution employment on a farm known a* Penvr- alltwen, Pontardawe, owned by Mr. Llew. B. Williams. Upon visiting the farm on January 1st, he found that the soldier was f>lecpin'j in a hay loft over the 6table, which was quite unfit for human habita- tion. A big ovcrooat was shown to him, and he found it to be damp. The bed- two broken straw mattresses, and all the clothing—was in a dirty condition. The soldier informed him that he was at pre- sent under medical treatment, suffering from rheumat'sm. Several member"! of the Council referred to thh tah of affairs as scandalous. The inspector added that the soldier was a rntrird man, with two children, and, bc- ir-re joining the Army, had been etoployed at Burryport. It was decided to report the matter to the Commanding Officer and the 1.00.1 Government Board.

1918 POTATOES CONTROLLER'S TERMS FOR FARMERS To encourage farmers to break up more ground for potatoes this year the Food Controller announces the following prices per ton for potatoes grown ta acreage in excess of that of 1916:— Delivery. Eng. & Wales. Scotland Nov.-Jan. £ 6 0. t50 Feb .-Mar £ 6 10 .n. £6 0 May-end season £ 7 0 96-10 The prices are free on rail or on board and are conditional on the 1918 acreage being not less- than last year's and that all directions for spraying, harvesting, and pitting are carried out. On NovWnber 1 the Food Controller will purchase all the rest of the crop of Great Britain except where there is less than one acre. The prices, to b-a fixed later on the size and quality of the crop, will not be less than: Delivery. Eng. & Wales. Scotland Nov.-Dee. £ 5 0 94 10 Jan.-Feb., 1919 £ 5 10 £5 0 Mar.-April £ 6 0 95 10 May 1:6 10 9,6 0 It is not proposed to fix prices of pota- toes sold before November, but if through partial failure of the crop or general shortage of foodstuffs" it becomes necessary to fix maximum prices they will not be less than: July 1-15 914 August £81 July 16-23 £ 12 Sept.-Oct £ 7 July 24-31 £10 The November price for new acreage I potatoes is athe same as the minimum guaranteed fixed price last yeaer. Owing to I the prolific crop this was dropped re- cently and farmers allowed to sell at a less price, the State making up the dif- ference. POTATO BREAD. I It is understood that Lord Rhondcla's object is to obtain sufficient supplies to i enable a general use of potatoes in bread- making, and it is not improbable that as soon as adequate transport facilities can be assured the potato loaf will become compulsory. The Ministry have just succeeded in get- ting priority for the manufacture of machinery for the production" of potato flour, such as peelers and boilers.

SWANSEA'S TRADE. I SatisfactoryWith I Regard to Shipping. The annual report of the shipping sec- tion ef the Swansea Chamber of Com- merce, which is to be submitted to the Chamber, has been compiled and shows the year's working has been increasingly important. The membership has been increased, and it is felt that the coal ex- porters' section could be strengthened on similar lines as the two sections working together; would. hav«!jj^ii1 Jkis&J&ageftu,, The Coal Trimawing Dispute* Board have dealt with 56 claims through the Cham- ber, and this section has been in close touch with many Imperial matters, and also agitated strongly and cuccegsfully for the appointment of a naval transport officer to eave the loss of time involved through captains having to go to Cardiff for navigation orders. With reference to the question, of ex- eess profits, the action of ttw Government in breaking their pledges received the at- tention of the eection, and the support < the- Chamber of Commerce w&<? cordially rendered im protesting against any dii. entiation between the class of trade. was felt that Swansea was not getting a fair share of business, and the represen- tations made were satisfactory. Mr. Alex. Moffatt woo cordially thanked for his services as acting secretary

DOUBLY HONOURED. I D.C.M. and M.M. For I Swansea Sergeant. A double honour has just been con- ferred upon Sergt. T. C. M. Phipper. of the Grenadier Guards, for singular bravery and devotion to duty on the battlefield. Sergt. Phipper is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Phipper, of 34, Fleet-street, Swansea, and t-ome years ago was a member of the Swansea Police Force, subsequently receiving an ap- pointment at Portland Prison. I The double honour consisted.of the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. The official report of the deed for which he won the D.C.M. states that at Pilkem Ridge, on July 31st, 1917, it was almost entirely due to Sergt. Phipper that battalion communication was kept up. During the attack he sent I messages by flag and pigeon, whilst re- pairing the telephone wires, and it was owing to his courage and energy during the whole attack, which lasted three days with the exception of one hour, communi- cation was established the whole time. He received the Military Medal for gallantry on successive dates from Octo- ber. 1914, to October, 1916. The fact was roted that Sergt. Phipper was repeatedly mentioned" for general good service.

TO-DAYS wan RESUME Leader Office, 4.50 p.tn„• The German peace proposals to P-Lussis been condemned by Trotsky whe refers to them as being hypocritical. It is announced that the British Mission headed by Sir George Buchanan, hal left Petrograd. Last night British troops repulsed hostile raiding parties south and south-west of La Bi-.fsee, leaving a few prisoners in our hands. Our troops in Italy have impressed by their unconquerable cheerfulness. They are wearing down the enemy's nerves.

TO-DAY'S NEWS IN BRIEF. A choir of special constables will sing alt a service in the Chiswick Empire Theatre on Sun/iay. Captain William Edwards, of Belfast; the Kugby and swimming international. Las been killed in action. Lieut.-Colonel Dacies William Wise^ late of the Bengal Cavalry, has died at Loddisv.ell, Devon, aged 87. » Capt. D. Davies took over the dnties of Swansea Deputy Harbour Master at thar commencement of the New Year. Tawe Lodge Viaiting Committee on Wecg nay passed votes of thanks to those wb4 had assisted to make Christmas enjoyable at No. 15." t The Bishop of Bath and Wells (Dr* Kennon). who recently underwent af serious operation, is slowly regaining; strength. During 26 years 3,802,933 slum children have had day outiaigs through the Frœ.h:' Air Fund, of which Sir Arthur Pnl. is president. f Mr. A. Bellamy, who has retir ed from the presidency of the National Union of, Rail waymen, has been succeeded by Mr. C. T. Cramp, of Sheffield. During the Immmghaan case hearing ooT Thursday, one of the defendants, Tour Fleming, was discharged. He asterwardq gave evidence for the prosecution. Mr. G. J. Wardle hats tendered his resign nation of the Parliamentary Secretaryship of the Board of Trade, and that his resD.e< nation has been accented. A Lady Pound, widow of Sir John Pound. Lord Mayor of London in 1904-5, died on Thursday at her residence, Stanmore, Higliblury, New Park, in her 85th year. An instruction issued by the ArmJt Council states that old targets are nk future to be collected in miniature rangeai and elsewhere, and to be disposed of fíoa re-manufacture. Two Belgiajis, summoned at Hitchin. for income tax, said they had paid it at the post office, and produced receipts, which turned out to bo money orders for the amounts due. Tea, coffee, chocolate, candles, soap, matches, and cotton were found concealed in a ship at Liverpool, and six Swedish, seamen were each fined £ 3 and 12s. costs on Wednesday for being concerned in the export of prohibited goods. Captain Vine, Great Western Railway, croes-Channel master, who has retirod. aged 66, has not lost one life during 26 years' service between Weymouth and Jersey and Guernsey. Mr. Clemenson, general manager of the Chamber of Shipping, will visit Swansea next week to inspect shipping matters generally in the port. He has already visited Cardiff. f Mr. P. H. gulbert, of Birmingham; commenced a series of prophetic ad. dreesft at the Gospel Hall, Mumbles, on Wednesday, the subject being: The risflfr and fall of Gentile Power." In a review of the year's work of tbe.' National Amalgamated Union of Shop; Assistants, Warehousemen, and Clerks, iti is stated that about 40,000 members of the Union have now joined the Forces. The body of a soldier^ widow, Mrs. Emily Phillips (34), of Richmond Park* load, Kingston, was found in the Thamas on Wednesday at Teddington Lock. MTS. I hillips had been missing since December, c- t. 4 Ernest E. Sharp and Thomas v.* Magiiire, Australian soldiers, and Joseph." Jones, labourer, charged with the murder, of Oliver G. Imlay, a Canadian eoldier.; were at Tower Bridge on Wednesday comJ mitted for trial. —— ""h

j FIGHT FOR A RIFLE. I Cowardly Attack o* Soldier's Aged Parents. j At Dolla, near Nenagli, on Wednesday night, whilst a young soldier from the front was out with some friends, three., men with blackened faces entered hi*i home and demanded his rifie, which his father and mother, both over 70, refused.] The men then smarhed the lamp, an{l ] while two of them tackled the old nialil the other held the old woman. The old man fell and was pinned to the floor by one assailant, and in this position he was, it is alleged, fired at three times with im, revolver by the other assailant- Medicals assistance was toon forthcoming, but little hope is entertained of his recovery.' No arrests have yet been made.

PORTUGUESE OFFICIAL. WEDNESDAY (received Thursday). Information regarding the Portuguese front during last week: Some- artillery activity, our artillery being always superior. We repelled an ene= attempt' on our first line. Small lo. A. sociation War Special.

NEWFOUNDLAND GOVT. Premier Resigns to Give Opposition a Chance. Sir Edward Morris, Premier of New- foundland, in reply to an inquiry on Thursday morning, confirmed Reuter's announcement that he had tendered his resignation. He explained that the Op- position have a majority of votes in the Colony, and he thought it only fair to give their Parliamentary repreeentatives the opportunity of carrying on the Gov- ernment.