The Cambria Daily Leader

A N E. TH CASE. jit. Charles Duncan in the Hon of Commons ask the Secretary for the Home Department whether he can give the numbe- of charges proved agsinst Mr. R. C. Wallhend under the Defence of the Realm Act at Neath, the total fine en- forceable, and the total term of imprison- ment he will have to undergo: can he say whether Mr. Wallhead denied having made tbe statement alleged against him: is he aware that no shorthand notes were taken of the speech: and, under these cir- cumstances. will he reconsider the whole facts in connection with this prosecution, with a view to either his immediate rø. lease or a considerable reduction in the sentence. imposed.

fMPORTANT NOTICE. The shortage of paper com- pels the Publishing Department of "The Cambria Daily Leader" to limit its supplies to news- agents, who, in many cases, will get only just so many copies as their customers order. Readers should, therefore, place firm orders with their newsagents. j

-o¡.- I CASTLE CINEMA. V E Thursday, Friday, Saturday. ■ t WHERE ARE 0 f I MY CHILDREN M A Social Drama in Five Parts. Jj For Presentation to Adults J M Only. ik Showing 2.30, 4.5G, 7.10, 9.25. m

TtH t r  THE WESTERN FRONT. ♦ Alarmist & Other Views. I COL. REPINGTON'S FIGURES. In his first article on the military situa- tion contributed to the Morning Post," Lieutenant-Colonel it oping ton estimates that from 200 to 220 divisions may eventu- ally be thrown against the British front. This front, he asserts, has not been ade- quately maintained or reinforced since Lord Kitchener's doatiif and the proposals of Sir Auckland Geddes do not meet more than a traction of the needs. At least 870,000 men are needed, in his opinion, in addition to the 420,000 or 450,000 at present in view, and he advo- cate6 the recall of 100,000 men from distant expeditions and an increase in the comb- out by 320,000 men. Ireland thou Id be called on to furnish another 200,000, and as a speoial measure the 1918 class should be called out. Only by the adoption 01 these measures, he holds, will Field- Marshal Sir Douglas Haig be able to meet the deficits which the expected enemy offensive may entail. THE CASUALTIES. Col. Repington adds:— We cannot expect that either Belgium or Portugal can much increase their con- tingents with our Armies. Italy is rapidly recovering herself, and should be able to withstand a purely Austrian attack in May, when the Tyrol will be more acces- sible for Austrian ■oiumne. But the line on which the Italian Armies stand does not appeal to me. The American troops are not coming in as fast as some san- guine estimates foretold. The American Army oan only be a contingent during the next few months. The French Armies retain all their his- toric and martial qualities. They are now admirably commanded, and though they are eomewhat reduced from their old strengths, 1 want to tell the people of England, and particularly those Minister- ial poltroons who bleat about our loests, that our total casualties—killed, wounded and miSBingince the war began are but little higher than the number of the French dead. The only suitable recogni- tion that we can make of French heroism is to help them now in their hoilr of need. The German casualties on oIl fronts in 1S17, according to the be6t evidence that the nature of the case admits, were be- tween 1,800,000 and 2,200,000. Judging by the past, I should assume our losses in the West in 1917 to have therefore been between 700,000. and 800,000, and the French about the same. There are also casualties in distant theatres, for which I suggest another conj ectural figure of 100,000, making 900,000 for the past year. THE COMING OFFENSIVE. I Germans' Utmost Effort Cannot I Break Through. British Army, France, Wednesday.—Of war news on the Western front there con- tinues to be practically none. Of rumours there is a more than commonly abundant crop current just now. These almost en- tirely refer to that much-advertised Ger- man offensive, where it is likely to come, what the attempt will cost the Huns, and the like. It certainly appears to be taken for granted that the utmost the most violent German onslaught against any part of our front can hope to attain would be to push us back a little, and that any prospect of breaking through is so far a minus factor as to be scarcely worthseriotlsly discuss- ing. I believe that I am betraying no secret when I say that every moment of the enforced lull in the fighting imposed by the season is being devoted to prepar- ing a ghastly hospitality for the enemy if he Joes attempt to enter our terrai-n.- Reuter's Special Service. CAMBRAI BREAKDOWN. Attack on Sir Douglas Haig. The partial breakdown which followed tho British victory at Cambrni was do bated on the motion for the adjournment of the House of Commons on Wednesday. The subject was raised by Major David Davies, in a very thin House. Major Davies's demand was that the Govern- ment should take the House more fully into its confidence, and he put a number of questions to the Under Secretary for War. Then came a Pacifist attack on the Field-Marshal Comma.nding-in-Chief. ft proceeded from Mr. Joseph King, and was followed by a speech on similar lines from Mr. Kennedy J ones. The Ministerial reply was mide by Mr. Macpherson, Under Secretary for War. He protested against the charges, either expressed or implied, made against the Field-Marshal Commanding in Chief. "Nothing," he said, "could be more cruel than that an Attack of this sort should be made on one of the most distinguished Generals in the world when he has no opportunity of defending himself, and when he is at the present moment at the head of one of the greatest Armies in the world, ooping with one of the greatest difficulties in the world." And he denounced the onslaught as grossly unfair." His reply to a question put by Mr. Ken- nedy Jones was clear and emphatic: I say unhesitatingly that the Government is satisfied with Sir Douglas Haig." At no time, he said, since Sir Douglas Haig became the Field-Marshal Commanding- in-Chief had lie ever lost the confidence of the Army Council. He added: So far as we are concerned, and the Army as a whole is concerned, Sir Douglas Haig has, from the beginning till now, com- manded not only the ray wet but the en- tire confidence of the troops fighting under him." ATTACK FORESEEN. With regard to the breakdown Mr. Mac-I phereon said the General Staff knew that the attack w- coming, and the conclusion arrived at by the War Cabinet after a searching inquiry was that the breakdown ■was not due to the General Staff, and that Bo one in the higher command should be got rid of. The reinforcements were ready their dispositions were perfect, and there Slover were more gallant men than our eoldiers. but a break in the line might Tmt necessarily be due to mistakes on the Vftrt of fa* Higher Command. Tim discussion was brought to a close fcjy operation of the adjour»pa.oci rale, • •" J

TROTSKY DETECTS I THE TRICK SERLirS DOUBTS I UKRAINE FcACt NOT YET I SEiTLED Trotsky, who has returned to Petro- I grad to consult on the peace negotia- tions, has evidently made up his mind that these must be brokeil otf. A semi- official statement, obviously prepared by him, says in effect that the German art- nexationist aims have been fully ex- posed, and that nothing more can be ex- pected irom the pourparlers. The German claim that Ukraine has agreed to peace was premature. An Aus- rrian report makes it clear that this step has not been reached. Meantime there is a split in Ukraine, where the Soviets are strongly opposing a separate peace. BERLIN UNEASY. I Amsterdam, Wednesday.—According to a Berlin telegram, the Lokalanzeiger reports that Parliamentary circles regard the Russian situation as very critical. The latest news from Petrograd, it is ex- plained, shows clearly that Bolshevist supremacy is seriously menaced. The question arises whether it is wise to negotiate further with men whom an- archy may at any moment sweep away. Political circles are taking into account the possible influence of events in Petro- grad upon the negotationa at Brest- Litovsk. INCALCULABLE REACTION." I The Dutch Catholic organ Tyd" pub- lishes an article received from Germany, indicating that the tension there is such that tiie falure of the separate lce negotiations with Russia would be the signal for an incalculable reaction on the strength of the nation, which is at present living on ite last nerves."

ANOTHER SPY AFFAIR. French Prison Cells Prepared I for Occupants. Paris, Wednesday.—There are rumours to-night of the discovery by the military police of another espionage affair, in con- nection with which two arrests—'those of a man and a woman, whose names are kept secrot-have been effected. This morning Captain Bouchardon, the exarooning magistrate, issued to M. Prioiet, the Police Commissary, who arrested M. Cail- laux and others, several warrants. At the Palais do Justice the imminence of important police operations is discussed, and it is no secret that during the last few days cells have been prepared for new occupants in that part of the Sa-nte Gaol reserved for prisoners subjected to special surveillance. The Temps" confirms the reports that other arrests are imminent.

V.C.'s DYiNG MESSAGE. Pigeon Post Which Saved I His Crew. Farmers who organise wood pigeon shoots must be careful in future not to shoot homing pigeons in error. An official notice issued on Wednesday re- iterates the warning conveyed a few days ago, and points out that heavy penalties will be inflicted if careless gunners de- stroy message-carrying birds. His Majesty's homing pigeons, says the notice, are soldiers and sailors too, and are rated as such like other members of the King's naval and military forces. Their work is a matter of life and death to our fighting men, and many & man owes his life to the speed of the homing pigeon. Skipper Thomas Crisp, V.C., who died at the wheel under fire from a German submarine, lived long enough to despatch a message by pigeon. The bird eped away with his last request for help for his crew, and they were raved-but only through the timely arrival of their pigeon messenger.

FOOT AMPUTATED. I Mr. Asqnith left for France on Wednes- day to visit his eon, Brigadier-General Arthur Asquith, D.S.O., who is in hos- pital. Brigadier-General Asquith, who was recently severely wounded, has not made the satisfactory progress that was hoped for. and it has been found neces- sary to amputate his foot.

LIEUT. AUGHUET. f The trial of Lieut. Aughuet on a charge of wounding Pte. De Dryver, both of the Belgian Arm 5", concluded at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. The jury found the prisoner guilty, but recommended him to mercy on the ground that he did the deed in a fit of passion. The judge sentenced him to five months' imprisonment in the second division.

WELSH MOULDERS' WAGES. The Committee on Production on Wed- nesday, at Old Palace Yard, London, had before them a deputation from the Asso- ciated Society of Moulden on behalf of that class of workmen 4uployed at the Dowlai-s works of Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold. Messrs. Wm. Jones (Britonferry) and Griffith Lloyd (Dow- lais), on behalf of their colleagues, ap- plied for a modification of their overtime conditions and for the 5s. war bonus cently granted to be merged into a flat rate. The committee reserved their award.

ABOLITION OF WORKHOUSES I Poor Law Methods to be Reformed. I Very drastic and far-reaching proposals are contained in the report of the Local Government Committee, appointed by the Minister of Reconstruction in July last. to consider and report upon the steps to be taken to secure the better co- ordination of public assistance in Eng- land and Wales and upon such other matters affecting the system of local governmeiit.. This report was on Wednesday issued as a White Paper. The most impo-wat recommendation is the abolition of boards 0" Guardians and the Poor Law Union, and the transference of the fiin i(, ir, of these bodies to the County Councils and the County Borough Councils. The gen- eral mixed worlzlioiise., the Committee state, would under their scheme cease to exist as an institution. Very radical re- forms are also suggested for giving "home assistance," for dealing with the sic? and infirm, the mentally deficient, the able- bodied, unemployed, etc. 1

BRILLIANT RAins i FRENCH AND BRITISH GAIN GOOD RESULIS TO-DAY'S BRITISH OFFICIAL. France, Thursday, 10.2 is nothing of special interest to report. (From the Press Association's Special Correspondent j. French Army Headquarters, France, Wednesday (received Thursday). The French on Monday oxecu tcd a bril- liant raid into the G-erman lines east of the Vienna La Chateau, near Four De Paris, reaching a depth of 500 yards along a front of 3.000 yards. The most intense artillery preparation had made the pro- gress of troops easy. They were able to destroy all the enemy's works, shelters, and mine galleries, before returning to own lines with 15 prisoners and three machine-guns. The French suffered a few casualties, none being killed. Those who took part in the raid declared the gunners' work was magnificent, not only ais regards des- truction, but for complete silencing the enemy's artillery. RAIDERS DISPERSED. The British official report' issued on Wednesday night was as follows:— A small party of the enemy which en- J deavoured to approach our positions early this morning west of Villiers Guislain was dispersed by, our fir: Another hostile party succeeded in en- tering our trenches north-west of La Baasee, but was ejected, leaving prisoners in oar hands. Later in the morning the enemy raided one of our saps west of La Bassee. Three of our men are missing. Hostile Artillery has shown some acti- vity during the day at different points between St. Quentin and the Scarpe River, and also south-east of Messines and in the neighbourhood of Zonnebeke. 400 BOMBS DROPPED. On the 22nd inet. there was a gre-t im- provement im the weather, visibility being excellent after the rains. A great many hostile batteries were engaged by our ar- tillery, with aeroplane observation, and numerous photographs were taken. Nearly 400 bombs were dropped by us on the enemy billets at Routers and Menin, on a large ammunitioh dump near Cour- trai, and on other targets in the enemy's forward areaa. Several thousand rounds also were fired from our aeroplanes at different ground targets, including hostile troops and tran- ij>ort on roads, and active hostile batteries and mntfhine-guns. Seven of the enemy's machine* were brought down in air fighting, and two others were driven down out of control. A hostile observation balloon was brought down in fame-m. Two of our machines are missing.

LAND AND PEOPLE. Nationalisation Society's Swansea Conference. At a time when no proposals are re- garded as too drastic, and when sugges- tions for the greatest reforms are in the air, and especially having regard to the present shortage in food supply, the con- ference of the Land Nationalisation Society in the Central Hall, Orchard- street, Swansea, on Saturday afternoon, should attwet some attention. A considerable number of delegates have beex spppointed, one by Swansea Guardians, and a good representative attendance is expected. The secretary, Mr. Joseph Hyder, hopes the conference will impress tho "supremo importance of getting rid of every oljstacle that now prevents the best use boing made of our national land resources. ¥

MOTHER OF TWENTY-FIVE. When Rosina Flatter, married, aged 45, and the mother of 25 children, including five pairs of twins, summoned Thomas Rigby, a munition worker, for alleged as- sault at Clierteey, on Wednesday, she ad- mitted that sht had an infatuation for Rigby, and had sent him letters, which she now described as a let of rubbish." She Said she had received a solicitor's letter askinr her to cease her unwelcome attention. Both partii" were bound over.

FALKENHAYN WITHDRAWS. Washington, Wednesday.-Officiil dii*- pat.ches state that 160,000 Turks in Gen Falkenhayn's reorganised Turkish army deserted during the recent journey from Constantinople to Palestine in less than tlire4 days. General Falkenliayn abandoned tbe Palestine sector, and returned in his dis- gust to Constantinople. The internal situation in Turkey is most acute, typhus claiming 140 victims daly.—Exchange.

NEW WELSH MEMBERS. j In the consideration of the Representa- tion of twe People Bifl in the House of Lords on Wednesday evening. Lord St. Davids proposed that the University of Wales should have a member. He eaid Wales had 35 mem- bers, and on the basis of population the Principality was entitled-to 37. Viscount Pt-el eaid the circumstances in this case were eo unique that on be- half of the Government he would ag-ree to the proposal. (Cheers). Tke Bill was pad through Commit- tee, and wits reported to the House.

ELY BROOK MYSTERY. No further light was thrown at the in que6t at Llandaff on Wednesday on the mystery surrounding the death of Claire Darras, whore body was found in the Caefau brook, noar Ely Racecourse, on Monday. The coroner was Mr. David Rees, Pontypridd, and the jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of Found drowned." At the close of the inquest the French Vice-Consul at Cardiff informed the coroner that he had been told the deceased woman had been seen in the company of a wireless operator.

COKE OVEN WORKERS. I Sir George Askwitli presided at the Central Hall, Westminster, over a joint conference of, workmen and employers to consider the question of the payment of a time and a half to coke oven and bye- product workers throughout the country for week-nd work commencing at 2 o'clock Saturday to 6 o'clock Monday morning, and also for holidays. The South Wales Miners* Federation and the Blaenavon Co., Ltd., were among those represented. It was decided to refer the matter to the committee on Production as a national question.

AILOCMC OUR SOFPLIES. u?frHLu. I SWANEA PLANS. I I LORD RHODDA'S LATEST GOMFUSiOH HINT Lord PJtoncIdctold a conference of Local Trade Committees in Lon- don to dav, :liat he wanted them to corn mono rationing on Feb. 2th with lot only butter and margarine, 3ut meat also. Tiiert would oe i great scarcity of meit. for the njxt few months. Compulsory rationing in fats and meats and clifr articles was bourd to ecire, anci the sooner the bttcr. The Swansea Fod Control Committee met on Tiursday attenioon to receive the report of the deputation that had waited u)on Led Rhondda, and to further consider the position. Col. A. Sinclair pnsided. The Comnittee considered the minutes of Wednesdiy's meeting, and agreed to add the nane of Messrs. Tunbridge and Burr to the liienbers to administer the dump supplies. Mr. David iatthews asked if there was any possibility of allocation of margarine supplies. Mr. Victor irans said -he understood the Maypole apply was being sent on, and gave indiutiol)5 as to the supply that was in )tyid i or expected. It was then decided feat the Committee should meet at noon Friday in order to de- cide what anuuiit should be allocated per head. to irilik, arrangements for its despatch to t he reta lers, and to make a statement as tc thus, quantity, etc., to the public tliroigh the Press in time for the 2.30 p.m. ts ilth) edition of thQ papers. In view of the njn-arrlvel of the May- pole supplies, a wi'e was sent to the rail- way authorifies, punting cut the urgency of prompt ddive-y. I SALE OF MARGARINE. I Mr. Victor 5vsns reported that it bad ¡ come to his knwledgo that a certain firm had been selliiy margarine up to Wed- nesday. He hIlt spoken to the manager. who admitted lie saie. He (Mr. Evans) had aeked the manager if he was not clear as to the instruction that all sup- plies were sent to the dump. The man- ager pleaded th<t it was margarine due to their customers last week, and which had arrived last and they felt they were entitled to jive those who had not had their supply last week tho proportion that would have been theirs had the sup- plies come through in proper time. Mr. David Matrhews suggested that those deodcrs wh< had dealt in this way should be put lust on the list for dump supplies. If there vas sufficient to give all tho proportion decided upon he had no objection to then having their quota, but if there wixc, ary shortage those who had not loyally observed the dump in- structions should have to wait a few days. The Chairman and other members agreed that this was an excellent suggestion, and it was decided to ac' upon it. DEPUTATICNIS REPORT. I The Town Clerk tien reported upon thk, i visit oi the deputation to Lord Rhondda, and said a great d<nl of what transpired had ali-cacly been reported in the "Cambria Daily Leader." All the points with which he dealt have been already given in our columns. Lord .ihondda thought it better to allow higl rates rather than have supplies c': t off, to toa. he was trying to arrange ouo gra< £ of tea, at one price, and said that that, too, could be rationed. The Town Clerk slid it was for the oom- mitte to dedde xietliL-r they would go in for the London scheme, with a limited number of articles, or go in for a more- ambitious scheme, including all the articles. If the JJndon scheme were adopted, every effoit would be made to utilise &U the work already done in con- nection with the sugar cards, which would save much time. But which- ever scheme was adopted, it was goina to be very, difficult, especially with regard to meat. Thy would have to con- sider whether they ivould deal with it on a uniform visit, or take into considera- tion age, sex, and excupation. Personally he thought the uniform scheme would be the easier to get goJKi- Mr. Dd. MattJww-s thought the commit- too should this week proceed with the butter and margrriie scheme, and next week take up tea and meat. Other things could be added a fortnight later. Ald. Hillard asktd if there was a shortage of tea. Ald. Miles: It ioocs like it by the queues. The Town Clerk said the committee had not yet dealt with butter and nnr- marine, It orV & temporary ex- ¡J\c"dien t. Mr. David Matthcfssaid he took it to be the committee's so leme to deal with all commodities, and h-f agreed with the j Town Clerk that -.he best way would be to deal with them ore after another Aid. Miles said saine of the biggest queues were for jjuru, It was decided to tdopt the suggestion of Mr. David Matthews. RHONDDA'S RESOLVE. I Determined to Effect Fair Distribution. Lord Rhondda, speaking in London on Thursday afternoon, said he proposed forthwith to fix for every district in the country their fair share of meat, tea and margarine. He would not rest until he was able to send every district their fair share of food to which it was entitled. In the rationing scheme it would be the duty of every local committee to dis- tribute within the district when they had the food. He was still waiting for a large number of tradespeople to supply him with thr.i. returns giving the amount of meat sold 'o purchasers at the market. When he received that information the scheme of distribution between consumer and other persons interested would completed.

MR. G. H. ROBERTS, M.P. It transpired in the course of discus- sion at the Labour Party conference at Nottingham on Wednesday that Mr. G. 11. Roberts (Minister of Labour) had re- signed his position as member of the executive. Mr. Witard (Norwich) urged that Mr. Roberts had not been loyal to the Labour I'arty, and should be treated as one of i I the wor&t reacûonariœ. L

A SLUMBERING VOLCANO. LABOUR CONFERENCE UPiiOAR. DECISION TO SUPPORT THE UuVtiifMHT NOTTINGHAM, Thursday The Labour Party Conference was re- sumed to-day, and on the President taking the ch.ir, the discussion was resumed oai a paragraph in the report relr.b'nji to the British Workers' League which iiad been introduced late in the sitting on Wednes- day. .Air. George D. Hardy, Glasgow, now de- clared that a statement of Mr. George Barnes, M.P., that the Independent Labour Party were poisoning the minds of his constituents against him was ial?e_. lie commented on Mr. Barnes* speech to the Glasgow Rotary Club, and character- ised it as ili-advided. Mr. James Maxton, alluding to charges which he alleged Mr. Barnes made against the workers, paid they had nothing against that gentleman for joining the Capitalists, but he had departed absolutely from the xl).it-it of Socialism and of the Labour movement. A slumbering volcano mfght by the end of next week become active. Mr. Barnes and others who were trying to destroy the Labour movement, would Lave to give up their sense of Governmental ret;¡>ons;bility." (Hear, hear.) SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT. On tho i'?solut:on demanding tie with- drawal of the Labour members of the Gov- ernment, the subject was shelved, the pre- vious question being moved and carried on a card vote by 1,885.000 against 722,000. Mr. Henderson a-ppealed to the confer- ence not to pairs the resolution calling upon the Labour members to withdraw from the Coalition Government, because i t, would break up the Government, and delay the securing of peace at the earliest possible moment. AN UPROARIOUS SCENE. An uproarious feme accompanies! the discussion on the motion which, moved by the Manchester and Sal?out Labour Party, waa as follows: "That this conference condemns the action of lrs. Barnes, Brace, Hodge, Parker, and Roberts, in voting against the party's amendment to the Corn Production Bill, moved by Mr. R. J. Wardle, M.P., fixing the minimum for agricultural labourers at 3. per week. Mr. W. C. Anderson, reminded the conference that 30s. was Hie official amendment of the party. If it was impos- sible to pay it, what about the profit of the farmers. (Cheers.) Mr. W. Thome, M.P., added to the pre- vailing noise by declaring that there were some of their numbers who voted our way and then entered into collision with others outside. This accusation brought up Mr. W. C. Anderson with a distinct challenge to Mr. Thorne to prove that he had ever given a voto against the workers. Mr. Thorne, continuing hits observations amidst inneh disorder, appealed for a clear understanding." Mr. Stephen Walsh, M.P., said Mr. Arthur Hendergon was as much?espcii- sible for the 25s. minimum as an;Can. PLAYING HEROICS. This statement was resented by certain delegates, add ressing whom Mr. Walsh exclaimed: U Theffl is no place where heroics can be so easily indulged in as in a conference. You cannot play heroics in Parliament; you must bring there sense of responsibility. You cannot be always shouting at the top of your voice and making a bear garden." A Voice: "Lord Northcliffe." Mr. Henderson: I was responsible for 25s. because I oould not get a higher figure in the Cabinet. Mr. Walsh: You aeked everyone of us to support it. Amidst continued disordep, the Presi- dent put the resolution, and it was de- clared carried. As the decision was being announced, Mr. J. Sexton (Liverpool Dockere), who had exchanged one or two passages with the President, rose from his eeat exclaim- ing: "Henderson may steal a donkey, but we cannot look over a hedge. You are asking for H, by God you are." With this remark addreef>ed to the occupants of the platform, Mr. Sexton passed out.

"VORWAERTS" SUPPRESSED Amsterdam, Wednesday.—The Tele- graaf says that the Vorwaerts has again been suppressed by the military J authorities.—Renter.

ITALIAN PREMIER'S VISIT. Senor Orlando, the Italian Prime Tlini- riter, arrived in London from Paris last night, and wae met at Victoria Station by Mr. Lloyd George, the Italian Am- bassador, and a large number of Italian officers.—Exchange.

CHILD'S FATAL BURNS. The jury returned a verdict of D-, th from shock aocellerated by burns," at sr. inquest at Swansea on Wednesday on Phillis Thomas (2 £ >, oonghtpr of Mr. Lewis Thomns, 27. Seyborfnch-street, Swansea, I who died on Monday last.

GERMAN LINER DAMAGED. Amsterdam, Tiief dkv.-TI-ft- Ham- burger Nachrichten," in an article ob the shipbuilding activity at Danzig, states that the great Transatlantic Lloyd lineT Hindenburg, which was being built there, was partly destroyed by fire some I time ago, and has not yet been repaired. The damage is estimated at a million marie.-Iteuter.

I TAWE LODGE. At the Tawe Lodge House Committee on Wednesday, Mr. A. Bowen presiding, thanks were given to the Fabian's Bay Choir, to the Bonymaen Boys' School. and, to the Gorseinon Maile Voice Party for concerts given. The Master announced a gift from the committee of the Mission to Tramps of two Bibles, two Testaments, and a specially marked Testament, also several other booke, magazines, and pamphlets. The Rev. E. 0. Evans said that at the Dryinma Institution, which was recently destroyed by fire, they were now able to take about 20 men or boys over 12 years of age, and they might select a number of cases. The Master reported that there were now 530 in the house, and that there had been three deathe (luring fchp week.

SWANSEA FOOD COMMITTEE. BUTTER SUPPLIES, The Swareea Food O-titrol Cc-rjii- [tee tat a ,¡ Irangemo-nts t h T 'ho; xndp > V. will be enfficient c-r l-r.-i.-r arailsbls this week to .ano+ threa ounces per hoad for retail on f-V.-ar- clay, providing tha guwlits ac'<' on rail arrive by flto stipulated tim*. There will therefore now be no eity Icr queues for or Mars-ar- ino. 315 each porson m have- hie her fair gbarc on the protection the sugar card. No raar^i.H.n« -riT} R> eold t-xoept migar card tv. pTOdcwl at tbe:; O'p where thv i* red. GATWICK MEETING, T t-l vl1; Ophkm 3.—12 ra-Q, I TO DAY'S FRENCH OFFICIAL, There waf. nothing to report in tha c-oun:f> of the night booynd a surprise attack which enabled ns to tak eom e prisoners east of Auberive. TO-DAY'S ITALIAN OFFICIAL. t Relative calm prevailalcais the in-hol* of the front, broken by lively )artillery action in the moTintain area, astride of Chiede, And Adi, and on thft skrpe of Mount Calo, Along" the T"ia"CB ar.d towards the ooast thsra v-er,, patrol ens'asememw. On tihe eastern edg of t.he Asiagc platean an cn^my petition was occupied by ns, and si so a. quantity of amrts alDd afflsmrmitioiii wa s raptrired.

t ■ ■— ■ 1 11 '-U ITHREE U-BOATS SUNK?] I Story of Fight With British Destroyer. Madrid, Wednesday.—Telegrams have been received here reporting an encounter between a British warship, apparently K destroyer, and German submarines off the Canarie". A dispatch from the Spanish Governor of the Camxrios says that on the 17th an action was fought oiT Nao, on the Island of Ferro, between two submarines and a British war vec-sel. On the follow- ing day the Spanish gendarmes found two German sailors, who stated that they be- longed to the submarines No. 294 and 295. j but they would give no account of what had happened to their vessels. An unofficial telegram from Teneriffe!j says that a British destroyer attacked j three submarines, and that two Germans Vho have been landed declared that they belonged to the crew of U 126. which was sunk by British gunfire. They kaow J nothing as to the fate of the other tv,& submai-intf.-Reutt-r. I

T?. 7 16 PILOTS DROWNED. I As to the loss of a steamer at the month of the Mersey on December 28, Dr. Macnainara, replying to Mr. Houston in the House of Commons, on Wednesday, said lie regretted to state that the vessel struck a mine, which was no doubt laid the night before. Two lives were saved out of a total of 43, including 16 pilots. The veesel lost off the Mersey Bar on December 28 was a pilot boat in the ser- vice of the Mereey Docks and Harbour Board. She was struck in the early hours of the morning, when most of the crew were in their bunks. and sank in two minutes.

MUMBLES MARKSMEN. I The Mumbles Miniature Pift-o Clill)'s knock-out competition was won by Mr. H. G. Bailey on Wednesday nigbt at the Norton Range, his score being 92. Mr. II. Hales was the runner-up. Lieut. Andrew (musketry officer for the 3rd G.V.R.) gave a prize for com"tition by his platoon, No. 7 (B Company). This was won by Sergt. M. H. Clarke.

MUMBLES N -UPSE'S DEATH. The death took place on Wednesday at 'I her residence. Park-street, Mumbles, oi Mrs. Annie Morgan. The deceased, who was a member of one of the oldest Mum- bles families, had been a maternity nurse for a considerable number of years. Nurse Morgan, who was about 56 years of age, was highly esteemed in the district. I

A. new work announced by Messrs. Mac- millan and Co. on "Christianity "n His- tory," V-v !)r. J. Vernon Bartlet and Dr. A. J. Carlisle, is described as a study of religious development." It is an attempt to fiet forth the genesis and growth. of certain of the more typical forms and phases which Christianity has assumed in the opm of its history. ■ "NI> ,I..i: C'

I3-D&YS WAR RESUME Leader Office, 4.50 P.tn, Fourteen peace meetings were held in Vienna on Monday, where demons:ra- tions favouring the end of the war arc taking place. Three U bouts are believed to have been sunk a& a result of an encounter wiifc British destroyers off the Canaries. Six big ships and two small ships we" sunk by German submarines last wepk. Frequent trench raids are reported trom the Western front. Much aerial activity by the Allies haf resulted in great damage to i-neinf centres. Trotslij is said to have decided to breatf off pr-ace negotiations with the Gej* mans.

GOEBEil TWICE HIT. Aircraft Attacks Still Continuing. Press Ad mirait;. announces:— Royal Naval Air Service machines hant made fcvcrai <i.;> and night attacks ;>n tbe Goeben. and have secured bits with heavy in>ji!i)s. They have also bcnibtd ,me of Ute lU68 which wa^ secured alongside the Goc'irn. In every ease heavy anti-airerat >. gun- fire was encountered, but all our machines have returned safely. These attacks are continuing.

HIDING THE TRUTH, Russian Protest Sent to Kuhlmann. (Russian Poiiticnlv In a to Von Kuhimann Count < zernin. M..loa^e. PiC'sident of the. Russian Delegation, that matters published by the Gevmr.n newspapers i dearly demonstrate thrt the keeping back of important declarations i6 mislead- ing public opinion. We consider it our duty once more t* protest energetically against such pro- ceedings and to publish our protest in lie Ru^P'nn nr> well as the foreign press. Admiralty, per Wireless PrefS. MURDERED EX-M i N I STE RS. One Arrest: Another Imminent. Petrograd, Wednesday (.received l'iiursn (Jay).—One cd the murderers ci the tWG ex-Ministers has been arrested. The identity of the remainder is known, and an arrest is expected immediately.

f PROHIBITION. Mr. Henderson CamJemrss Present Attitude. Mr. Arthur Henderson, M.P., presided on Thursday morning at a breakfrvsi in Nottingham given to the delegates to the Labour party Conference by the -c'-ui- lufrte-e. of The Strength of Britain movement, to secure the <*ar-tinie pro- hibition uf the liquor traffic. Mr. Henderson said that during hia public life lie had shown uncompromis- ing hostility to a traffic which had & perniciou influence on the life of the nation. The statement had been repeat- edly made that if any attempts were made to establish prohihition during the war the working classes would rebel against it. Those who said so ought to have the courage to test the opinion of the working classes on eound dcmocratie lines. He believe(I that had the proposal 1n made in the first three months of the war it would have been almost unani- mously accepted. He was prepared to admit that- the work done by the Central Control Hoard had exceeded the most eanguine expecta- tions even of strong temperance advo- cates. lIe gave the Board full credit for what it had done, but from almost every standpoint, if we could have had pro- hibition during the whole period of tJ*<» war, it wat not going too far to ssy IT might; have had a wonderful influence in bringing about the shortening of hostilities. A letter was read from Admiral Sir W. King Hall, in which the writer said .t was necessary to have prohibition if we were to win through."

ARRESTED AT PONTARDAWE. Thomas R, a discharged soldier, of Fontardawe. was committed for trial at the Assizes on Wednesday at Aberde.ro on a charge of bigamoftsly marrying Eliza- beth Gor.ld, his wife, Margaret Rees, being alfve. Mr. Wm. Thomas appeared for the defence. Mrs. Margaret Reea gave evidence of marrying defendant in dune. 190G, at St. Luke's Church, Pontar- dawe. Elizabeth Gould, now residing at Aber- dare, said she went through a form of marriage with defendant in April, 1914. When Sergt. Owen Thomas arrested de- fendant at Pontardawe he replied: The less said the better, I suppose. It was done; that is all I have to say." Bail wu allowed.

TO-NIGHT'S CHURCH CONFERENCE. The Swansea English Free Church Coua, cil holds a special meeting this evening. at Panhgwydr Baptist Church, at 7.30 n.m. There is to be a conference on th* importance of organising special Sunday services for the young. It is hoped that the discussion will he opened by Mr. A. G. Packer and -Ifr. G. W. Dorrel. Both these gentlemen are specially qualified to dtti with the subject.