The Cambria Daily Leader

• i I FOR  Latest Reports I SEE THE  6.30 "Leader. 6.30 "Leader:' ¡

ECONOMY NEED NOT BE I IRKSOME. It all depends on how you try to save. It is no hardship, for example. to carry your old Umbrella AFTER it has been re-covered like new for a few shillings by KENDALLS, Umbrella Experts 26, Castle Buildings, Castle Street (opposite Woolworth's), Swansea.

WORRYING THE HUNS SPLENDID FRENCH mm -0 TONS OF BOMBS ON GERMAN CENTRES TO-DAY'S FBENCH OFFICIAL. In the course ot the night the enemy attempted various sur- prise attacks on our small posts in the region of Juvencourt with- out obtaining any result. In Champagne and the right bank or the Aleuse, to the east of Hill 344, the artillery duel was vio- lent at times. In Upper Alsace an attempted at- tack by the enemy opposite Atach completely failed. The Ger- mans, who sustained appreciable losses,1 eft some prisoners in our hands and one machine-gun. Aviation. During the daytime yesterday our pilots brought down a captive balloon. Six other enemy machines fell in their lines as a result of our aerial fighting. During the same day our air squadron bombarded the factories at Rosbaeh, and the railway stations at Metz, Salons, Confians, Arnavelie, etc. 7,500 kilogrammes of projectiles were dropped in the course of these raids. ——— a  <-———— GERMANY'S MIRACLE. I Escaped Belgian Aviator's I Opinion. PARIS. Friday. The Excelsior announces that Flight Sergt. Pilot Mox, soil of the Gorernor of the Invalided who has iiesn a prisoner of war in Germany for two years, has suc- ceeded in escaping, after five futile at- tempts. Sergt. Mox said: During my journeys across Germany I noticed ;t shortage of everything. Germany is holding out by a miraole of organisation. I also observed progress made by Socialists ideas among the peasants"

MAJORITY OF NOES." I A Melbourne message states that the tctal figures of all classes show a majority ? gainst conscription, are 170;000, Another message 'says that in consequence of the defeat of the Referendum proposals the Federal Government is expected to resign.

LLANELLY WEDDING. The marriage between Alfred Gordon Cox, Sherwood Foresters, only son of Canon and Mrs. Cox. Cheltenham, and Menna, adopted daughter and niece of Canon ard Mrs. Watcyn Morgan, I lan- elly, ?U take place on January 10, at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane-street, I?on- dr/n. 

A WISE EXPERIMENT. I 0 I Eisciiic Lighting of Tre- wyddfa Houses. At the Swansea E> >;i ricity Committer I on Thursday Colonel Sinclair presiding, inference was made to the electric light- ing recently installed in the dwellings on Tiewyddfa Common Councillor David Richards referred to the fact that when the installation of electric light in these houses was +1 r;;t suggested some doubt was expressed as to the advisabi-lity of that course. Events, L< wever, had proved that there [.ad been no necessity for thoee fears, and the oc- cupiers of the houses were in every way satisfied. As a matter of fact, now that they had had electric light they had de- clared emphatically that they would not •?o back to gas if that were offered to them for nothing. They were even talking of having electric cooking and heating ap- paratus installed. There had not been a single word of complaint from anyone, and it was worthy of note that the work of installation had been carried out by Mr. Davies and his staff to the complete satisfaction of all

LABOUR COMPANIES. Tribute Paid to Them by Major I Watts Morgan, D.S.O. The Stipendiary at Porth Police Court on Thulay congratulated Major Watts Morgan, J.P., on his award of the D.S.O. Mr. T. P. Jenkins (senior magistrate) and Mr. W. G. Spickcmell (for the legal pro- fession) ako spoke. Responding, Major Watts Morgan said he felt proud to bring this honour to the Rhondda. Re added that he could not tare wo.i it with 'ft t-He co-operation ot his men, who were the best in the world. There was an inclination to look down upon labour companies, and he wanted people to realise that labour units weri- often in greater danger than the men in the front trenches. He hoped that after the war all classes would be more closely united than in the past.

I MAN POWER PROBLEMS THAT MUST BE fACED LASOUR PARTY AND ALLIED SOCIALIST The gigantic task of re-establishing in- dustry after the war is engaging the active attention of the Board of Trade, and an announcement regarding the re- organisation of that Department, with the object of meeting the increased demands which must fall upon it is foreshadowed by Sir Albert Stanley. Labour, too, is considering how its in- terests can best be secured under the new conditions, which will operate, and an in- teresting programme has been prepared for discussion this month at the Notting- ham Conference. TO-DAY'S CONFERENCE. I The conference on the Man Power Bill was resumed at Westminster on Friday between Sir Auckland Geddes, National Service Minister, and other representa- tives of the Government, and delegates from the Trades Unions. Mr. G. N. Barnes, M.P., again presided. At the outset Sir Auckland Geddes addre&sed the conference. THURSDAY'S MEETING. I PRESS BUREAU. The first meeting of representatives of the Government and of the trade unions who were parties to the arrangements made in connection with recruiting under the foSchedule of Protected Occupations, was held at the Central Hall, West- minster, on Thursday afternoon. Sir Auckland Geddes, on behalf of the Government, made a full statement on the man-power position and the Govern- ment proposals. The War Cabinet had considered in great detail the man-power resources of this country and her Allies, and also of the Central Powers. The posi- tion in the last six months had been com- pletely altered by the Russian situation. Ultimately the balance would be more than redressed by the American armies; and the speed with which those armies could be put in the field was almost en- tirely a question of tonnage. During the intervening period a great strain would be thrown on the resources of this coun- try- To secure victory three tilings were j necessary; to increase the output of shipping; to eave tonnage; and to main- tain our armies in the field. The time had now come, as fore- shadowed by Mr. Arthur Henderson, when the changing circumstances of the war necessitated a departure from exist- ing i aTraaffcments. After the closest scrutiny of the whole position the Gov- ernment wem convinced that it would he ipossibit to maintain the armies in the field unless a large number of men were recruited from munitions not merely for technical units, but also for service in ttio fighting units. ALLIED SOCIALIST CONFERENCE. I The Labour party (eaye thft "Daily Chronicle" Parliamentary representa- tive) js in communication with the Socia- lists in Allied countries with the view to the summoning of an Allied Socialist Conference on war and peace, preparatory to the convocation of am Internationa l Congress in which the Socialists of belli- gerent and neutral countries will be re- presented. A leading memiar of the French Socialist party reached London on Friday to confer with the Executive of the British Labour P61. It is s^fnifi- cant that Mr. Camilla Hnyemans, secre- tary of the International Socialisb Bur- eau, who has beeig in Stockholm for some fciroi co-operating- with Mr. Branting in the effort to revive the International, will bto present at the Labour Party's annual oonlerenoe in Nottingham on Jannaty 24

OFFICER DECORATED. I In the list of names appearing in Thurs- day night's Gazette for decoration with the Military Cross, is that of Captain and Adjutant Eric-Ford Jones, eldest son of the late Mr. Matt Jones, shipowner, and son-in- law of Mr. E. V. PhUlipe. formerly of Swansea.

LAND WORKERS' DUTIES. I The Prime Minister, in a message to agricultural labourers, points out how land workers can help to ensure viotory. More food is hi6 demand, every extra hour put in meaning the shortening of the war. H That is the way in which you can beet the Germans." he says.

TO BUTCHERS AND GROCERS. I As two orders ve been lost, the hon. secretary of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund (Swansea) will be grateful if any butcher who gets order No. 487 presented and ,Aviv grocer who gets order No. 486 pre- sented, will communicate before honour- ing the order. Duplicates have been issued to the proper person.

LOCAL JURYMEN FINED. I At Swansea (Quarter Sessions on J-1 iday, Wm. Radford and George Brown, absen- tee jurymen, were fined 40s. each. The Recorder aid that if a satisfactory ex- planation for this absence was forth- coming the ifnes would be remitted.

SENT TO BORSTAL. I There was only one case for trial at the Quarter Sessions at Carmarthen on Fri- day—Thomas Ry Millard (16). tarm ser- vant near Llandovery, who was sent for three years Borstal treatment for steal- ing a mare and bridle from his employer. Llew. Thomas. There were previous convictions for stealing money from his mother at Bristol

SAVING IN BEER. I Mr. Lloyd G'corge, acknowledging reso- lutions from 'temperance meetings, says i-he Government must as far as possible act by consent. Drinking had been reduced to an ex- tent that would have been incredible before tbe war. "nip proposal for ration- ing sections of the people had been fre- j quently considered, but was more com- plicated in execution than the beer saved would justify. l I <

LOCAL FOOD CONTROL. At conference of Food Coatrol Coaimittees of tlio Swansea Borough., Swanoea Rural, Oystermouth. and Gower. held at Swansea on Friday, Co i. SiL(;i¿¡,ir (presiding) said he Jx&ci submitted to tee As^Ltaat Officer a scheme forestalling that of Birmingham. The Town èi("'Ià: ad- vised confining the discussion to flie distribution of tea, butter, and mar- garine. In evolving a scheme tkov would have to ass.me eu fficleni. sup- plies, the distribution of which was the e.6m, consideration. Deta.i'.s should be left to the rhaiimen olEcors of committees. AGENCY CLOSED. Petrograd, Thursday (received Fri. fey).—The Smolny I n-? titrate has ordered tho closing of the Gosmoea Telegraph Agency, which is owned by an Englbh company. Tlia Red Guards have occupied tlu premises. NEATH POLICE COURT. At. Neath to-day Arthur Colling* .as ordered to pay 4s.. tM. a week wards the maintenance of the illegiti- mate M Japst Hopkins Glyc- Ntoth; aad Erasst Le-ris (married' vaj ordered to pay weekly tewurda the maintenance (If the fli^itimate child of Bronwen Mary Jones (single) —Richard Richards was fined 30s. for riding on a train of tubs + EmpSrf Colh, V i i iiKTAI. M it >■ J\ London, FrMay.—Conner. 110 to Hi cash and three months. Tin 2794 to 280 cash: 274 three months Foreign lead 29i-28. Spel- ter. 54-50.

UNFIT FOR WORK. o Munition Worker's Couple of Pints." At the West Wales Munitions Court, I held in the Guildhall, Swansea, before Mr Vaughan Edwards, a munition worker was charged with having been drun.k. In a letter he indignantly denied the charge, saying he had run from the train, and therefore the pint of beer he had drunk smelt fresh, and deceived the con- stable. If he had money, he said. he could get 30 or 40 witnesses to testify that he had been sober. The police inspector said he was sent for, and he found defendant under the influence of drink. Defendant said: I've had a couple of pints, but if I am stopped it means starvation for my wife and family." Witness advised him to go home. The Chairman said they were satisfied that defendant was not in a fit state to enter a controlled establishment, es- pecially on the class of work on which he was engaged. They thought that a fine of JU. wouU meet the effife

TO-DAYS WAR RESUME *»■ Leader Office, 4.50 p.m« The British have advanced their lines slightly south of Lens. Activity is also noted in the Ypres and Bullecourt- sectors and on the Cambrai front. Man-power problems are being dealt with by Labour and Government repre- sentatives. It is indicated that the Allies may recog- nise the Lenin Government. The Ger- man demands have led to the sus- pension of peace negotiations, and may ultimately result in their break- down. Lord llhondda utters a warning of the nearness of compulsory rationing. Meat. less days for the provinces have beeil fixed for Wednesday of each week.

TO-DAY'S NEWS IN BRIEF Dover College grounds have been one-red as food plots. Eastbourne residents have given < £ 1041 as a New Year's gift to their policemen. Latest reports place the total dead ia the Guatemala earthquake disaster af 2,500. It is understood the Government wiU issue a supply of chilled beef to-day for sale to-morrow. The Food Controller oontemplate8 fixing maximum prices for fish, and thna reducing prevailing prices. < You can take people to funerals but j not to weddings," said the clerk at Weetf Ham Police Court to a man summoned for using motor spirit for a wedding party, i The Co-operative Wholesale Society, have bought estate of 1,800 acres in Cheshire, including the village of War- burton, 31 farms, and a long frontage to; the Manchester Ship Canal. Corfu, Thursday.—M. Pasitch, the 1 Serbian Premier, in the oouree of a tele- gram to the Entente Powers, says it is hsr firm hope the New Year will bring to our nations th well deserved reward of their efforts. The second report of Sir Wm. Plender' to the Chancellor of the Exchequer cover- ing the operations of the London branches of th# German and Austrian banks fo the period October lASt, 1916, to Septem-; ber 30th, 1917, was issued on Friday. In the Central Glamorgan (Bridgend) branch of the N.S.P.C.C. during Novem-, ber, seven cases were dealt with affecting 39 children. In the West Glamorgan branch in the same period 14 cases affecting 38 children were dealt with. Amsterdam, Thursday. A telegram from Berlin states that Djavid Bey, Turkish Minister of Finance, has in-. formed the Vienna correspondent of tfce Berliner Tageblatt" that National Debt has risen during the war' from about three to nearly eight milliard marks. Smithfield Meat Market was agyiin visited at a very early hour on Friday morning by nearly 600 butchers, w 110 hned up, not to purchase betl, but. if possible, to get a bit of mlltton or lamb. Every member of the long queue had joined the Retail Association, and so lift- come possessed of a ticket permitting him to make a purchase if supplies held out. Mr. Quick, who was for many years superintendent of the Brunswick Wes- leyan Sunday School, and is now with the churoh of the same denomination at St. Alban's-road, has several sons on activa service. Capt. H. E. Quick, E.A.M.C. (eye specialist), Eng -Lieut. H. Lt. Quick* Lce.-cpl. N. D. Quick, Bucks Batt., and Pioneer K. R. Quick, R.E.; and he haa also a son in the Customs service. Official intimation has been received. from the, Office of Works by the autiho-: rities of the Natural History Mu-- «tj South Kensington that the Yœeum buildij ings will be required immediately for the purposes of housing the EftistrY on National Friendly Societiœ. It is estM mated that the movel of the Mu8eum' priceless ooUeodooe will take 12 montha? Protest against the action of the GoV6 ment, it is statM, has been received from many natural history societies.

SAND-GRAVEL EMBARGO.^ Amsterdam, Jan. 3.—In am article on t4 aand and gravel question, the tr T. expreeMs the belief that the Britaah Go?< srnment is inclined to remove ib embarow on commercial tel?ra-ms as a token Cj6 friendliness and oonei,"toziness toward™ the Dutch Government, m so= U Gea?j many ready for arbitration on the g?a and gravel questioii.—Renter. < ¡..¡

PONTARDAWE PROTEST. At Pontardawe Council on Thursday, Mr. D. Jones, J.P., presiding, communicant tions were read from the RuraJ District Councils Association aeking for support mil protesting against the creation of a new, Ministry which would mean he break-up of the Local Government Board. The Clerk explained that under the Ministry, of Health Bill which was proposed to be introduced, was an attempt to abolish, oertain powers of the District Councilo. I and also the abolition of the Board ot Guardians. It wa6 unanimously decided to protest against the Bill.

I TAWE LODGE CONCERT, I Baptist Well Schoolchildren Entertain Inmates. On Thursday evening, the scholars of Baptist Well School (by permission of Mr. R. J. Jones, headmaster) gave an enter- tainment to the inmates of Tawe Lodge. The concert hall was packed with visitors. ¡"lr. Bundle presiding. The children per- formed a number of action songs admir- ably, whil the se-niors rendered choruses which we-,c-. highly appreciated by the audience. Miss Queenie Goaman was a general favourite, and the pleasing man- ner in which she rendered The Rosary," It's Up to You," and Land of Hope iiirl Glory" thoroughly deserved thoo encores demanded. In the operetta A Christmas Dream the juiors scored heavily, and Winnie Richards, Enid Mogridee. Gladys Thomas. by Williams, Phyllis Heath, Vera Thomas, Brenda Morgan, Rosy Codd and Lena Heath, must be complimented on thecr OTcoees. Queenie Goaman, as Fairy Queen was in fine form, while Edith Roberts (H Sleepina- Beauty"), Doris Rees (" Cinderella "), Norman Ridd (" Father Christmas ") and George Williams ("Robin Rood") added to the success of the per- formance. The 'tit-bit" of the evening was the operetta H Ooonø at Play," 5n which the seniors were given full scope. Willie Thomas ("Old Man") and Edith Hoberts Old Woman") evoked roars of laughter, an Queenie Goaman, Harold Thomas. Walter Trott, Brinley Smitham. Lerfe Heath and Doris R-ees sang 80 well that encores were frequent.

LICENSING LEVY. I Decision to Dsfo? t Rt CarpMa?t?ensh?e. JOB behalf of Messrs. liucklevo Pnll j oJltên interested in the Licensing Com- pensation Fund, Messrs. Roderick and Richards, solicitors, Llanelly, wrote to the Carmarthenshire Licensing Commit- tee on Friday urging that, in view of the existing restrictions on the tra<le, the* i compensation levy should not he tixed until next year, or at any rate till the summer; A letter wa's also read from the Licensed Victuallers' Licensing League, advocating postponement of the levy till after the war, Mr. Blagdon Richards ,<aid the compen- ration fund last year was exhausted, wild the Licensing Committee were only able to deal with seven out of fourteen re- ferred to them. It was decided to defer the fixing of the levy until the Juiv session.

vLLANELLY TRIBUNAL. -c.- 1 Single SteeSworker Who Has Been Combed Out. A meeting of tlu Lianellv Borough Tri. bunal was held cn Thursday evening. 1 1 en the Mayor (Aid. D. James I a vies) l tesided dn(I tlie National Servicp was represented by Lieut Ingrams, Mr. D. Jennings and Aid Nathan Griffiths. A single man 2), employed at ibe l lai elly Steelworks, who had been combed out. appealed or, domestic grounds, and .¡'¡rl his father had not worl for the LUit :5even ,cars {)win:: to an :le:cdcnt. R(>- plying to Mr. W. Davies. who represented him. appellant eaid he earned from 24 to ► 10s. a week.—The case was adjourned for a month I A dental pupil (18) was appealed for by Itis father, who asked that the youth should be allowed time to complete thd lirst course of his apprenticeship.—Dis- missed. the man not to be called l'p for six months subject to his joining section B of the V.B. A discharged soldier, in appealing, said !e assisted his father, who was a grocer, xav and corn merchant. Sinc? his dis- dwrgc he had been classed C2. but btill si'?ered great pain.—Adjourned for a n.cnth for re-examination by the Medical I Hoard.

THE KILTED AVIATOR. I Wearing his taffron-coioured Irish kilt and costume, Lord Ashbourne on Thurs- day flew over Dublin with a pilot of the L .F.C. and dropped leaflets advertising an airoraft exhibition in that city, promoted by the Countess of Drogheda.

A CHRISTMAS SPREE. I At Rooss (Haverfordwest) Police Court on Thursday, Frederick Jolley, 84, High- street, Neyland, a dockyard employe, was charged with bedng drunk and disorderly and with assaulting P.C. Williams on Boxing Day. The evidence showed that Jolley was fighting with soldiers and civilians, and when the constable inter- vened he dealt him several violent bloir,. Defendant did not appear, and a friend on his behalf said that it was a Christ- mas spree/' For the first offence defen- dant was fined 85.. and for aSsaulting th-s constable X2.

HUSBAND'S REGRETS. At Swansea on Friday, John Daley. who admitted having assaulted his wife, Mary, on December 29th, saying he did it in a hasty temper and was very sorry, was bound over to keep the peace

RECOGNISING ■ LENIN ALLIES' ATTITUDE RUSSIAN BREACH WITH GERMANY WIDENING In view of developments in the peace negotiations between Russia and the Central Powers, which appear to have ..ju d that at broken down, it is now uuderstcod that at least de facto recognition may be given by the Western Powers to the Lenin Government. As a consequence, and also on the same presumption regarding the course of events, Mr. Litvinoif, who has been ap- pointd Bolshevik Ambassador in Lon- may also receive de facto recognition and occupy the Russian Embassy in Lon- don. Sir George Buchanan, who is to retire shortly under the age limit, will also be replaced by a diplomat in marked sym- pathy with the ideas of Revolutionary Russia." Sir George is leaving Petro- grad for London immediately, having ob- tained Trotsky's permission to depart along with a number of military and civil ofifcers. RUSSIA'S REPRESENTATIVE. I Citizen Litvinoff, the newly nominated Russian People's Ambassador in London, has decided to remain in this country. Until the courier arrives I cannot say whether I shall accept the appointment or not. My inclination is to go back to Russia and work for the people there, but the new developments may make it more important that I should represent Mie Government here." The- Russian Embassy staff in London has been ordered by Trotsky to hand over on the first demand of Citizen Litvinoff all documents and moneys." If ho comes," said an official, the staff will not admit him, as we do not recognise his Government." GOING HOME. I M. George Tchicherin, the Bolshevik Ambassador,* who has been succeeded by M. Maxim Litvinoff, left St. Pancras OIl Thursday night on his way back to Russia. He was accompanied by M. Petroff and his wife, who, much to the surprise of the Russian colony in Lon- don, were both released from their in- ternment at practically the same time. A REBUFF FOR FOE. A Petrograd correspondent reports th;1.t I fresh -Rusuinn proposals have been mild. which are to G. rliscuscsed at Brest Litovsk. whither KulilmanD has gone after a coun- cil with the ivniser, the Chancellor, Hin- (lenburg, and Ludendorff. German at- tempts at rpt'rograd to hasten the reopening of railway communication with Russia m order to fetcji food have betm met by a re- fusal to discuss any matters not embodied :n the armistice agreement CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY. PET KiifAD, Th ursday. The Bolshevik Telegraph Agency States: 11K; Constituent Assembly will ]»<•■ opened on January 18th (new etylel- provided there is a quorum of mem- bers. The Council ol Commissaries has decided to propose to the HadR pour- parlers with a view to arriving at an agreement. BOLSWEVfK DEMANDS. Petrograd, Thursday.—The Bolshevik Petrourad Ncws Agency announces that the Russian Delegation claims the right to send any journal? despatched bY the Russian Govtnmiciit to prisoners of war in Germany, and to send publications frOlll Eussí3 to the iocialjtB of the Central Powers, it also demands the 1m- restricted telegraphic com in unicai iojt with the representatives of the Socialist parties in the Central Empires. The Ger- mans decline to consider these matters. In view of the attitude of the German Delegation, the Russian Delegation has askN1 for f?rth?r instructions from f(i I- f ,I r insti-i?'t; WiDENING THE BREACH. German Peace Prcposats German Pea.ce PrGpnsals Denounced. T;iG breach between !i-si;?and Ger- many is widening. Berlin's bad faith '.ver the proposal to allow Poland, Lithuania, and Courland to determine thei own desth?y has incensed the B01-1 sheviks. In a speech to the Central Commit ?ce ?f the Soviets M. Trotsky (as already re- ported in the Cambria Daily Leader ") pointd out that unless the Wiihclm- IOtrasse adopted a more reasonable atti- tude it would be necessary courageously to defend the Russian Revolution. Fol- lowing the speech, a joint meeting was held of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviets, the Workmen's, Soldiers', and Peasants' Delegates, the Petrograd Soviet, and the Congress" of the Whole Army. A strong resolution was adopted, in which German efforts to stultify Rus- sia's idea of a just peace were de- nounced, and a declaration was made that the Russian Revolution remained faith- ful to the policy of internationalism." The peoples of Germany, Austria-Hun- gary, and Bulgaria were urged to support the Russian peace ideals, and the resolu- tion added: "AU the peoples of Europe look to you. exhausted and bled by a war aueh as there has never been before. You will not permit the German and Austrian Imperialists to make war against Revolu- tionary Russia for the subjection of PolaAd. Lithuania. Courland. and Armenia.

M."P.s WAR ROMANCE. I The marriage took plaoe at Holy Trinity Trinity Church, Uandudno. on Thursdey morning of SLr William Barton, M.P. for Oldham, to Mi«s Olive Bryoon, matron of the Balmoral Hospital for Wounded Sol- diers, Llandudno. The nurses off the hos- pital acted as a choir in the church, and the wounded aolddere formed a guard of honour. Miss Bryyon has been matron of the hos- pital for about two yparp. She belongs to County Donegal, and has lived in LIan- dudno focooveTal years

ADMIRAL STURDEE. I Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee, the vi-tor of the Falkland Islands battle, is shortly (it is stated) to be promoted to an im- portant post.

OUR DAILY BREAD! COMPULSORY RATIONING TO COME MEATLESS DAYS FIXED At a conference at the Ministry of Food on Thursday Mr. F. D. Boys, Director of Meat Supplies, announced that Tuesday will be the weekly meatlcfS day in London, Wednesday in the provinces. Restriction of butchers to 75 per cent, of their October supplies is probable from the middle of this month. J COMPULSORY RATIONI,.G. I Lord Rhondda, at Silvertown on Thurs- day, expressing disappointment at the progress made in the establishment of communal kitchens, said he was afraid compulsory rationing had got to come. The scheme was nearly ready, and would be put into operation as soon after the Cabinet had sanctioned it as possible. By next June the output of margarine would be incras-ed fou, and the tea supplies would be improved. Meat would be scarce for the next few weeks, but the supply would then, he hoped, be greater. The cost of es&ential foodstuffs had not increased by more than 60 per cent., and during the past six months had actually decreased by 10 per cent. AMERICA'S PLAN. I The official report of the work of the United States Mission to Europe states that in order to permit the United States to gain a clear perception of the problem of food control in North America plans were worked out whereby the Govern- ments of Great Britain, France, and Italy agreed to put into effect a legalised and compulsory control of foodstuffs in those countries. THEIR RATIONS. I Miners locked up for being drunk, says the" Nottingham Guardian," had break- fast taken to them ia the cells." it con- sisted of beef steak with an egg on it, three slices of ham, and a kidney, with bread and tea' PONTARDAWE MARGARINE I SUPPL I ES. Mr. Victor Evans Answers Mr. Morgan I Davies. On Page 3 appears the report of an in- terview with Mr. Morgan Davies, execu- tive officer of Poritardawe, who says that he never suggested to Mr. Victor Evans, of Swansea, that the Maypole Co. should supply the retailers of Pontardawe, neither did he state that 40 per cent, of the margarine should have been supplied to the people of Pontardawe. A "Leader" representative drew Mr. Evens' atten- tion to the point and the Swansea, officer's reply wac, I naturally assumed that the 10 per cent, applied to Pontardawe alone. I have no doubt that as Swansea is the dis- tributing centra fur a radius averaging at | least 15 miles, that 40 per cent. of what arrives in Swansea goes out again to the cciitiguoufi areas. The complaints of Pontardawe and Mumbles only em- phasises the wisdom of Swansea marking tim? for a week or so, 60 that a scheme can be framed to comprise greater Swan- sea. To this end the conference is being held this afternoon^' At Merthyr on Friday Will Harris, •Lgh-street, charged on four counts with •i-xcfeding the maximum prices of butter, was Unfd SM on each, a total oi £ 2ft0. The charge against the Lakeland Co., Ltd.. Cork, wholesalers, of exceeding the maximum prices for butter, was adjourned to Tuesday. MEAT SUPPLIES AT SWANSEA. The Executive Officer of the Swansea :oúrl Control Committee hae requested the wholesale butchers, if supplies are short.'not to give the whole to a few, but to spread supplies out among the many. COM TROLLED FISH. Prices to be Within Reach of the Poorer Classes. The Preisa Association understands thai the Food Controller intends in the near future to issue an order controlling the price of fish. Details of the scheme have not yet been given, but it is Ijelievod that Lord I Rhondda is arranging that th' prices of (isli. eenecially certain kinds, shall be brought within reach of the poorer classes. MARGARINE SUPPLIES. Attention is drawn to an advertisement elsewhere in this issue giving a list of names of persons to. w Lam margarine has been apportioned. This is a step taken by the Food Control Committee to avoid the necessity of queues. The sale will not take place before ]0 a.m. on Saturday, and the price is fi xe.r! at Is. lr lb.

EAST AFRICA, 1913-14. I I am told, says The Clubman," in the "Pall Mall Gazette," that at last a medal is to be awarded for the campaigns in British East Africa and Uganda of 1913-14. It will be the East African General Service Medal, and the clasps will be East Africa, 1913," and East Africa, 1914." It will be remembered that the campaigns in question were those against the Dodinga tribe in 1913, and the Turkanas in 1914. i.

QUARTER SESSIONS RECORDER'S SYMPATHY WITH MR. ABRAHAM UiOMAS The Quarter Sessions for the Borough of Swansea opened cn Friday before the Recorder, Mr. Ivo; Bowen, K.C. At the outset, the Recorder said that in these difficult times everybody had suffered. SoIllP had suffered the loss of dear ones, and thkre was one gentleman, Yr. Abraham Thomas, J.P., who was asso- ciated with the court in ail official capacity. Mr. Thomas had through his family contributed to the defence of his country, and had lost two very gallant and brave sens. It was only right that he (the Recorder) should t xprees on behalf of the Court and of the inhabitants of the County Borougji, and he was sure the Mayor of the town would support him in extending their de?p sympathy to him and their pride that men like his ?oe had stood between ns and fie eneim:, The Mayor (Aid. Ben Jones) on beh-alf of the town, asfwc tted himself with every word that had bec a said.

SWANSEA'S TANK. I Corporation to Inyest I 9259000. The Swansea Corporation ara giving an excellent lead to the Tank Week at Swana, which (9.ens on Monday next, having decided to invest about £ 25,000. As was exclusively announced by us a few dlay3 ago, th; Prudential Assurance Co. will invest < £ lr,006. Now then, Swan- sea G.V.R. AND THE TANK. I Memoers of t. Companyt 3rd Gl-am. Volunteer Regt. i>re requested to call at their company orocrly room on Friday to receive their uniform.great coats, between 7 and 9 p.m. T'h same will be required for duty in connec ion with the Tank next week.

RUMANIA DEFIANT. I Gallant Allies to Hold Out to I th 3 End. Nice, Thursdju'.—The Eclaireur publishes a lettei received from a Ru- manian journalist at the front, in which luj says: What we have suffered this winter 8 terrible. The regiment has had 1.500 dead frYIl e-.anthematic typl vs, and w« are still losing an enormous number of r (ii. Ws are con* dering the question ,Jf evacuation. We hal 1 gc to Vladivostock ic it is necessary. We are prepared to be fine&tcd in Siber i, but we shal'. neither af<ept peace nor aniiulition, evsr. if the Russians make p- ice we shall net do so but will fight to t in-, end The attitude dopted in September by the Ra-naniaa G vernmtnt is absolutely i.t hanged, despiM all tht' gravity of the iduation in Moldavia.'

A NEATH WILL. I Mr. David Herry Lewis, of Clynycoed, Nrsth, rotired diuper, who died Oct. 1st lust, aged 67 year:, left estate of the gross value of £ 13,874 >2s. tJd., of which 27,105 4r. Od. is net per-onalty. Probate of his will, dated 14th April, 1910, has been granted to his brother, Mr. Richard Lewis, Swanffea, and Mr. Thomas May. berry Williams, of 83, Merthyr-road, Pontypridd, df3rr. The testator, left £ lftfl to his wife, £ 400 to his sister Iaiia, S:Ioo to his niece Eleanor Jenkins, and the residue of his estate, including his residence, he left to his wife for life, with remainder to his children, David. nwyn, Edith and Gordon.

SMASHED HOTEL WINDOWS. Married Woman's Destructive I Work in College-street. At Swansea on Friday Louisa Brouck- nn, married, tva charged with damaging th« windows of the Victoria Hotel. Col- h 2e-~treet, to the amount of JC8 10s. on ihursdav. Mrs. Newman pad defendant came to the house and <cnashed the windows. She said she rang th- bell six times and could no answer, fo she smashed the win- dows in. SI)A ea'd her husband was in the kitchen. That Was not so, Dd, Pi ice, foreman for Messrs. Pugsley and Son, said that one of the pane-s broken was 3ft. Gins, by 3ft. 3ins. Defendant was fined 40s. and ordered fb pay for the na mage.

MARGAM TRIBUNAL. Married Men in Essential Trades. A large batch of married men came be- fore Margam Tribunal on Thursday. Eight men engaged in essential trades were given six mouths' exemption, and a number of one-man business cases were adjourned for a month pending a report upon each individual case by a sub-com- mittee. The Chairman (Mr. Ed. Lowther) said most of the men had been given exemp- tion conditionally on joining the V.T.C., hut some had not joined and others at- tended very irregularly. The tribunal would take a very serious view if their instructions were ignored. Mr. F. B Smith (National Service repre- sentative) said that if they did not make satisfactory attendances the cases would be reviewed. A Bl tailor who is a. Russian subject with six children was given a month in which to register for work of national importance.

BRITONFERRY MAN'S POST. Mr. David Lewis A.M.I.M.E., of Briton- ferry, has been appointed mathematical I and chemistry master at the Bala County School. North Wales. V