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- - - - DEATH CF WELL-KNOWN…
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DEATH CF WELL-KNOWN SWANSEA MINING ENGINEER. We have to record the death of Mr. David William Alban Saunders. civil and i, mining engineer, which took place at his residence, .Fernbank, Eaton-crescent, at 12.15 this morning. Mr. Sahnders had been ill with a com- plication of diseases for over twelve months. lIe had undergone two opera- tions, and about two months ago was examined by a specialist from London. A Successful Engineer. Mr. Saunders, who was 42 years of age, came to Swansea several years ago, and took over the business of the late Mr. j John Howells, in Worcester-place. As a mining engineer, Mr. Saunders was held in great repute, and his know- ledge was extremely valuable in regard to the Cameron, Sir Kobert Morris's, and other large estates. He frequently acted for the Swansea Cor- poration, Swansea Rural District Council, Pontardawe District Council, and other public bodies and was much in demand as an expert witness in local colliery actions. His knowledge of local collieries and mining matters was frequenty re- quisitioned in the House of Comaiins when local Bills were being promoted. Mr. Saunders was a Conservative, a churchman, and a freemason, having passed the chair at Dr. Kriffith's Hall's Lodge, Swansea. The Old Temple Bar. His father, Af r. E. G. Saunders, who kept the old "Temple Bar," at the corner of Oxford-street for many years, still lives in Swansea. He leaves a widow and two daughters, The funeral will take plaoe on Saturday, leaving the residence at 2» £ 0. The arrange- ments are in the hands of Messrs. D. C. Jones and Son, Castle-equare, Swansea.
I SWANSEA SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS.…
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SWANSEA SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS. At a meeting of the Swansea Education Committee on Thursday 53 applications were received for the appointment -4 chemical master at the Municipal Secon- dary School, and t.he following were elected I to appear before the committee:- A. C. Dtinninaham, Northwich; V. Edge. Bradford: and K. H VaIIancr. EirmtnphJ-Bi For the appointment of assistant roaster at the Industrial School. Messrs. E. Jones, Llanarthnex Griffiths, LLi-nelly and Saus- rieTh, Cross, were instructed lo appear i before the committee.
LOCAL AMUSEMENTS, !
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LOCAL AMUSEMENTS, Grand Theatre. Swansea. Xext week Mr. f'itt-flardacre and his company will pay a return visit with the favourite drama, East Lynnp." Aberavon Picturedromc. ] Lnder the able management of Mr. C, r McMullins, tho new Picturedrome in High-street continues to attract large audience* with its irrepproaehablp course; of star film productions. Nothing finer or more beautiful lias been shown than the touching dramatic production At the Convent Gate," which for acting and scenic effect is a masterpiece, The management is sparing no pains to pro- j cure the very best lilms in the cinema world. The patent spray disseminator adds greatly to the cool ness of this hall, and the orchestra, under the cond uctor- I ship of Mr. Jules Franscatti. is all that could be desired. There is a children's matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Port Talbot Elcctric Theatre. The commodious and comfortable Llec- trie Theatre Ï11 Forge-road, which gives a continuous performance from ti p.m. to 11 p.m., is showing a very choice selec- J tion of films to appreciative audiences. The star pictures this week have been a fine production by the Nordisk Co. in four parts, entitled and A Woman's Devotion." Other good films were Detective Stratagem,' Momentous Decision," Window Wash-j ington Park," Seventh Son," All tor a Woman," Thelrna," The Water Nymph," Witch," etc. There will be another fine array of pictures next week, There is a children's matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Port Talbot New Theatre. Rarely, if ever, has there been pre- sented to the public of Port, Talht and Aberavon a richer theatrical treat. than tlw production of A J'lace in the Sun. which is performed at the tine Ac v. Theatre this week. The play came direct from the Comedy Theatre, London, with a full Wesf-end company. The staging and acting were superb. The theatre was packed each night, and the various strik- ing phases of the play applauded to the echo. The audiences intruded a number of clergy and ministers of the town and district. All the characters were per- fectlv sustained, and were called before the curtain at the conclusion of each act. At each performance the pretty little j curtain-raiser, The Wedding Mom, j was produced. The Cinema, Aberavon. The popularity of this well-kiio- cinema continues, and as usual the pro- grammes arc admirable, and are changed every two nights. Some of this week's best features are: The clue of the Wax Vesta." a thrilling drama: t the Water WTar," The Dance of Death, The Cowboy Magnate." "As late Decrees," Treasures on Earth," and it host of interesting subjects. Next week's programme wilt be an exceptionally strong one. Aberavon Dramatic Palacc. I The dramatic productions at the Aber- avon Palacc Theatre cct tinue to maintain their liith standard of excellence and tu draw an ever increasing patronage. This week Mr. Edward Furneau's excellent coirs pan1* has for its leading iad.v Miss Nellie Bilhe. and the play during the early portion of the week was" Unctpr Two Flags," in which the leading char- acters 'were taken by Mr. lurneau ami j Miss Bilbe, and the other characters b} Mis* Ev.i Russell. Miss I.avolt, Miss Bessie Chetwyn, Messrs. 1 rank Russell, K. V. Wyndliam, Wm. Bennett, J. Har- court, Day, Dan O'Magh, and F. 0. Bates. The play was excellently staged. On Thursday night the I'altee with an appreciative audience, when a benefit- performance was given to Mr. Edward Futapan. "The Bells was pro- duced. h. Furneau appearing itS "Mathias." a character he has sustained f<r* upwards of a hundred times. lor the last two 'lights of the week the gneat mili- -) I t h c,, w c.. tary drama, Current Cash," was staged with admirable success, the main char- acters being; finely sustained by Jlr, Frank Russell. Mr. Wm. Bennett, and Miss Bilbe. Poole's, Ammanford. This week again Poole's live up to their high tradition as amusement caterers, and the programme is brimful of ,ntcrest. i The pourtrayal on the canvas of the sen- ")I 'X n -A I h'h.t for the heavy-weight championship of the British Empire he twcpn Bombardier Wells and Colin B.,]l was the feature of the performance for the lirst three nights. Other star pic- j hires are Aiilfl Lang: Syne," Whim- sical Threads of Destiny," Misplaced Foot." and "Revolutionary Romance." The variety turns arc neither lacking in novelty nor ingenuity. The Kieards pre- vent a mos* pleasing performance, in which mirth and melody are well blended; while the Wat Xots comedy quartette are a lively lot. I'afrons arc looking forward to week with avidity, lor oil J bur*- day, Friday, and Saturday that fine pic- ture of the historic tight tor the world's i light-weight championship between Welsh and Ritchie will be shewn. The expense which the management have incurred in seeming this film is considerable, and it is to be hopr-d that the Ammanford public will rally round so that the enterprise displayed in this instance be justiiied to nt.bs full. And then patrons can antici- pate further developments. j The Grand Theatre, Aberavon. j A really choice programme was pre- sented at the Grand Theatre this week, bot1. the variety turns and pictures being most popular. Miss Jean Sankey, a Welsh singer of rare ability, won rapturous flV- plause. Another excellent turn was the- Four Bon Tons, in an oxtiemely tine act. These clever artistes rendered some good vocal iteiii,, and danced with eonsum- mate grace. A special featurp ,f tl)p pi, lures a fines production entitled J The Forest J tellers." At the latter end of the week "Cynthia 's Agreement" is the star film. Xext week's programme in- eludes Alice Hughesv Frank Lurid aurI Company, comedy artistes, and two special feature t'lms, Arson at Sea and The Feadifcts."
, TAXATION Of LAND VALUES.…
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TAXATION Of LAND VALUES. The annual meeting of the English League for the Taxation of Land Values was' held on Wednesday at Essex Hall, London, Mr. Francis Neilson, M.F. (president), in the chair. The annual report, which was adopted, stated that during the year 14 meetings had been held in Wales, and the League was represented at the conference organ- ised by the United Committee and the Wj-lsh League at Cardiff in October last year. Aid. P. W -Raffan, M.P., was elected vice-president. The meeting reaffirmed its opinion that there could be no beneficial adjustment of the relations between local and imperial I taxation except by way of a national tax on land values.
I "SPOOKS" IN A CHAPEL.[
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I "SPOOKS" IN A CHAPEL. [ I An original ghost story could be based upon an incident which occurred at the New Rhvddings Chapel on Wednesday night. YVeird knocking sounds were heard from the interior of the building at about nine o'clock. Several braves" from the crowd that gathered were prevailed on to iii (,,ti- gate, a?id they cantious!y entered the building, utilising all kicetvieri-, lamp to break up the darkness. But they found no gpook. only a defect in the hot water pipes, which permitted the water to drip steadily on-to the floor, thus causing i the knocking eounds..
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NEW THEATRE, PORT TALBOT. MONDAY, July 27th, and during the Week. 6,50 TWICE NIGHTLY 9*0 At enormous expense the Management have secured for the entire week the GREAT FIGHT FILM, GEORGES CARPENTIEK G E ^u TK'% G E fbN C A 'UN ITV7, j]R GUliB "wO Aw ,f SMITH. Come and judge for yourself upon this much debated FOlil- BLOW. There will be the usual Variety and Selected Pictures. PRICES: Is., 9d., 6d. and 3d. Children Half-price execpt to 1d. Seats.  ABEBAVWS NEW PtCTUREDRONE The Halt of Safety, Comfort and Beauty. WEEK COMMENCING JULY 27th, 1914. All Star Pictures. Continuous Show, 0.30 to 11.0. All Star Pictures. CREAM OF THE PICTURE WORLD. FIRST-CLASS ORCHESTRA, UNDER CONDUCTORSHIP OF MR. JULES FRASCATTI. Popular Prices: 3d., 6d. Reserved Seats, 9d. The CINEMA, Aberavon. Commencing MONDAY,, JULY 27th, 1914. THREE CHANGES WEEKLY- MONDAY, TUESDAY— A Blance Detective Story, Written by Wm. Doughty, in Three Parts, HOOK AND HAND. And a Two-Reel Gold Seal Photoplay, ONE OF THE BRAVEST. WEDNESDAY, THCH:)- DAY- A Thrilling Three-Reel Production, A WOMAN WHO DARED. Also a nreat Two-Part Feature, THE HARP OF TARA. j i'KIDAY, SATUBDAY— A Novel Feature by the I Popular Nordisk t o., THE FATAL THREE. And a Sensational Detec- tive Drama in Two Parts, THE IRON MAN. Popular Prices 3d. and 6d. SEATS BOOKED FREE OF CHARGE. -'1" ABERAVON-PORT TALBOT ? W A A LIFEBOAT DAY. THE THE ?r??nr??DO SALE OF CORNFLOWERS Will take place in aid of the Royal Lifeboat Institution, in Aberavon- Fort Talbot and District, on Friday, July 31st; Saturday, August 1st; and Bank Holiday, August 3rd. GWLADYS JONES (Local Hon. Sec. and Treasurer). NOTICE to the BUILDING TRADE. TN order to cope with the increasing trade, and also to *■ meet the convenience of our growing circle of cus- tomers, we have Opened New Premises at Quay Parade and Bath Lane (near North Dock Drawbridge), Swansea, I where we shall carry a full stock of B U I L DIN G MATERIALS of every description. We hope to merit an even larger share of your patronage by our prompt service and low prices. DAYIES BROS. ?LJ?jF?. W mjE??? j&M????'?J??  ?? Telephone 640 Cen-tr1. (Newport), Ltd. Quay Parade & Bath Lane, SWANSEA. Specia lities .—DTK OltWIC (YELHSHELI) SLAT ft S, J. B. WHITE & BROS.' LONDON PORT LAM) CEMENT. I Head Office, NEWPORT. Branches also at BARRY & LLANELLY. J
METHODIST CIRCUIT. I METHODIST…
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METHODIST CIRCUIT. I METHODIST CIRCUIT. I The United Methodist Church Confer- ence gives authority for the issue ot the final draft of stations uf ministers and I probationers tcT?hRya'-I?H. We give the section for the Bristol and South Wa!p:? district, namely: Bristol, .North.—*(ieorge Graves: J- King. supernumerary. Bristol, South — T J. Cox, J. T. Mildon. John Thomas I (lledcliffe-creacent), Herbert Marsden, M, W au.e (Knowle); J. Beudle, super-. numerary. Bristol. East—W. Tremberth, J F. Reed (Eastville), E. Jenkins; J. T.; Hodge, J. K. Jackling, supernumeraries, j Bristol, West—F. J. Ellis: J E, Hacking. supernumerarv. Bristcd, Bishopston j *G. 11. Kennedy, Bristol Sixth-John Moore (Home Mission secretary) and the district officers. Aberavon, Port Talbot—A. C. Phillips. J. Adie. Barry-J, Luke (president), one wanted. Bath—* Richard Wilton (Bwci?u CLin; A. Leach, supernumerary. Blaenavou—*S. Eva. Bridgwater—J. S. Treweeke. Cardiff. ew port-road-"Cha d,.s Pye, F. Collins; T. B. ?aul. supprnuD?rary. I Cardiff. Diamond-street—W. Rhodda, F. J. Highley Coles. W. E. Chivers. Cheltenham—E- Marshall Moyle; J. Jonefc, supernumerary. GIoupester—")'. W. Madgp; W. H. James, supernumerary. Kingswood-S. L. Warns (Ziou). 11- KeUptt ?Staple Hill), "A. Tattcr?n. (Bethesda), *G. M. Beawl (Cockrcad ?nd il a' Hanham), .?U. L. eUli ?\Vc&lgy Memorial, Llantrisant —*T. Dodgeon. Neath—J. O. Keen, U.U., *(-. Taylor. Newport, Commercial-road. James Seldon, L. WTestlabe. W. Hall Wttllis. J. P. Oliver. Itadstock—W. H. May, P. G. Clements (Frome). Henierton—J., IL Herron. Swansea—F. Sparrow, G. W. Hicks. Taunton—A. Ralph. Y\e:iro—W. H. Webber, Walter Brown, supernumerary. Weston-super-Mare—W. F. Newnham, C. H. Goodman J. Finch, H. Crisp, supernumeraries. Worle—T. J. T. Chapman; W. Dawson, su pern umera rv. ChaiAuan, Rev. F. J. Ellis. Treasurer, Aid. M. Mordev, Jesmond. Stow Park, Newport, Mun. Secretary, Rev. W. Rodda. The asterisk denotes that the minister is changing circuit.
MINERS AND SENQHEHVDO.
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MINERS AND SENQHEHVDO. The .Miiiers' Federation Executive at Southport considered the magisterial decision in the Sengkenydd prosecution, and passed a resolution expressing n" dignation al the failure to hold the colliery company responsible and at tbe trivi:il firies imposed on the manager, and decided that the Executive should approach, t he HojnM Secretary with the \iew of securing legislation having its objeci that prosecutions of this nature should be taken betore a Countf lud.p.4 i
.-:-'I C.W.B. OFFICIALS. !
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I C.W.B. OFFICIALS. CHARGES OF EMBEZZLEMENT HEARD AT ASSIZES. At the Glamorgan Assizes on Monday, Before Mr. Justice Atkin, Charles Wta. Seymour (45), clerk; William Crynant j Griffiths (33), clerk; and David Williams j (49), clerk, were charged on a number ot j indictments with the embezzlement ot' certain sums or money and conspiring to tsteal such money, at Cardiff whilst in the employ of the Offatral Welsh Board. The total amount involved is < £ 078 2s. 7d. All the prisoners pleaded not guilty. It will be remembered that the* case created a sensation when in the initial Stages at the police court, and it was anticipated that the trial would last several days. All the parties are ex- tremely well known in Cardiff, and the ourt was full when the judge took his teat. Mr. Roland Yaughan Williams, K.C., with Mr. Wilfred Lewis (instructed by Mcssrs. George David and Evans, Cardiff), on behalf of the Director of Public Prose- cutions) appeared for the Crown; Mr. W. Llewelyn Williams, K.C., M.P., with Mr. St. John Williams (instructed by Messrs. J. T. Richards and Morris, Cardiff) de- fended Wm. Crynant Griffiths; Mr. Trevor Hunter (instructed by Messrs. Lewis and Llewellyn, Bridgend) defended Chas. Wm. Seymour, and the Hon. H. C. Bailey (instructed by Messrs. Harold Lloyd and Cross, Cardiff) defended David Williams. The prisoners having all pleaded, Mr. Vaughan Williams intimated that he would first proceed against Seymour and Griffiths for felony on charges of embezzle- ment of sums of £10, £2 10s.. and £3 12s. i Bd. on various dates between Feb. 10th. 1911, and June llth, 1912. C.W.B. Certificates. Mr. Yaughan Williams, in opening, out- lined the history of the Central Welsh Board and its functions, and said that each year certain examinations were held, and certificates of various kinds granted at different prices, and it was the custom for the headmasters of the schools to send up each year lump sums for these certifi- cates. Crynant Griffiths, who had licen since 1901 clerk to the Board, assist- ant to the chief inspector (Mr. Owen Owen), and secretary for inspection. He had previously for a number of years been an assistant, and in that pose he was suc- ceeded by Chas. Wm. Seymour. One of the most important parts of Griffiths' duty was to be responsible for the finances of the Board, and to receive the fees for l the certificates. When he received the money it was his duty to pay it into the account of the Board at the Pontypridd branch of Lloyds Bank. The only person who could draw on that account wz the chairman of the Board at the instance of Mr. Owen Owen. There was also an ac- count in the name of Mr. Owen Owen at the Cardiff branch of Lloyds Bank which was used for paying salaries, etc. Seymour's Duty. Seymour was assistant to Griffiths, and it was his duty to keep the various books, including the miscellaneous receipt book," in which were entered all receipts of the Board. Until March 31st, 1912, this book was kept in Seymour's handwriting. Counsel produced books showing the one j that of giving receipts for the fees re- ceived, and counsel proceeded to deal with specific amounts. Two amounts of £10 and 1:2 10s. balance on fees from a Mon- ] moutkshire headmaster were sent down in Griffiths' favour aDd endorsed by him, and it was his duty to pay that sum iuto the bank, but, it was alleged, Seymour paid the money into Griffiths' own account at the London and Provincial Bank, Car Iliff, There was no trace of either amounts in the Board's books. Another sum of £ 3 12s. tid. was also dealt with. For a long time. said Counsel, no notice seemed to have been taken of the discre- pancies, but on Jan. 28th of this year, the prisoners' attention was drawn to the matter, and they made certain statements and were suspended from further duty. The Evidence. b l' e f The first witness, Mr. Owen Owen. Chief Inspector to tho Central WTelsh Board, is an elderly gentleman who is so infirm and in such bad health that he i,c.i 1c be assisted into the witness box, and re- mained seated whilst giving his evidence. Examined by Mr. Wilfred Lewis, h-3 paid that for tour or five months in the year he was a-way from Cardiff on inspec. tion; he had two months holiday, ;ir<d whilst at Cardiff he was engaged on el- iminations and inspections. An interesting fact mentioned by the I witness in connection with the Board was that since its inception to the present day Sir Edward Anwyl has been one of the Members- r Witness, in answer to the Judge, said that Griffiths started at a salary of n30, and in 1913 he was getting £ 250. He was then raised to t275, which amount lie was getting at the time of his suspension. Sey- mour started at 4;80, and at the time of his suspension he was in receipt of £ 150 per annum. Witness bore out counsel's opening statement as to Griffiths' finan- cial responsibility and his duty to pay all j moneys received into the account at P01). typridd. In further answers to the Judge, witness In fiirther an.ers I said that the keeping of the account n,t Pontypridd dated almost from the be- ginning of the scheme. The Judge: It seems an odd preceeding. How was the money sent, by post or mes- senger, or how? Witness: I can't speak from my personal knowledge. The Judge: How often was the money sent to Pontypridd, daily? Witness: At intervals, I think. Witness further said that the treasurer of the Board was Mr. R. A. Lewis, the manager of the Pontypridd branch of Lloyds Bank. I n Change of Books. Witness was questioned as to details in onnection with the books, and said that as he was not in charge of them he could not be expected to answer the questions. The Judge: We have been told you were in charge of the books. Witness: I was the chief executive officer of the Board. The Judge: Would not that make it part of your duty to see how the receipts and expenditures were administered? Witness: No. that was not part of my duty. The Judge: Wh-ose was it? Witness: The clerk's. He was an inde- pendent officer of the Board, and respon- sible to the Board for the finances. Witness described a conversation with Griffiths in December as to certain alleged irregularities in which he said that he did not want to interfere but he had a perfect right to certain information, and Griffiths said he should have it. In Janu- ary he ordered Seymour to open the safe and therein found no cash but only a postal order for 2s. Witness and Mr. Griffiths as clerk would have to attend the half-yearly meetings of the Board and the Executive Committee, which were held usually on Friday, so that on those occa- sions, the meetings being perepatetic, Mr. Griffiths would often have to be away on the Saturday. Mr. Williams: We all know, and we re- joice to know that the Intermediate Act has been a success in Walee? Witness: Yes. May I take it that the number in schools has largely increased during the last tan years? Witness: Yes. from 96 to a hundred. Witness further said that as the scholars increased. Mr. Grinffiths' work and that of the staff increased. Broak-down in Health. Mr Llewelyn Viilliams: I suggest to jgon that sine* 1907 Mr. Grifiitiis has been, constantly overworking himself owing to the institution in 1907 of the Welsh De- partment of the Board of Education- During recent years Mr. Griffiths has suffered a great deal from indifferent health, and it was not possible for him to work such long hours as if his health was good. Witness, continuing, said that; weekly requisition forms were made out for what money was wanted, and were supposed to be initialled by Griffiths be- fore being passed by witness. When Grif- i fiths was not there, Seymour initialled them. Witness assumed that Griffiths, as the responsible officer, would satisfy him- self that he was accurately seived by his subordinates. Counsel: Is there anything to show in these books except the words certified by W. Crynant Griffiths that Mr.. Grif- tiths was responsible to the Board for their accuracy?—I assumed that he would r.ot certify the book as being proper not having gone into the matter. At the Glamorgan Assizes at Swansea, on Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Atkin, The hearing was resumed of the indict- ments against Scymorr and Griffiths for the embezzlement of £ 10. 4:2 lOs" and C3 12s. t>d. between March 10th, 1911, and June llth, 1912. given T)y Mr. 1'rancis Lowther, headmaster of the Milford Haven County School, of having sent a cheque for fees to Cardiff. He admitted receiving a receipt for it. Bank Cashier's Evidence. Mr. Thomas Sleed Davies, cashier of the High-street branch, Cardiff, of Lloyds Bank, spoke to cashing a cheque for Sey- mour on June 11th. Cross-examined by Mr. Llew. Williams: There was an account at Lloyds Bank in the name of the C.W. Board, which was drawn on by Mr. Owen Owen. The cheques had been drawn on that account by Griffiths. 'The Judge: It would be no good drawing on that? Witness: No, it would not be paid. Wit- j ness said he only remembered seeing Cry- nant Griffiths at the bank on one occasion some time ago. Examination of Books. Mr. Ernest Edward Hill, an account- ant of the firm of Messrs. Clarke, Dovey, i chartered accountants, of Cardiff. deposed to examining the accounts of the C.W. Board at Pontypridd and at the Cardiff office of the Board. He saw no trace of the payment of the amounts of £1(1 or £ 2 10s. into the bank either by cheque or cash. Cross-examined by Mr. Llewelyn Wil- liams: Witness had examined all the financial books of the Board for the past four years. He had found no entry in the handwriting of Mr. Crynant Griffiths except his signature. Up to January, 1913, all the books were kept in the hand- writing of Mr. Seymour. In reply to the Judge, witness agreed that it was part of the ordinary business of an audit to check the receipt entries in the cash book with the bank pass- j book, and the totals should coincide if the accounts were properly kept. In this case the totals did not coincide. Mr. Llew. Williams: The fact that al- j though they did not coincide they were certified by Mr. Dovey shows that Mr. Dovey was satisfied that the accounts were all right? Witness: I suppose so. Witness, proceeding, said that in 1913, the assets showed sundry debtors, £1,81]. and that corresponded with the total j figures in the ledger. £ 1,588 was put down as due by Mr. Griffiths, tlll cash in hand) was large, and he considered 1:50 an exces- j sive sum. In answer to the Judge, witness said that he had not audited the accounts since 1D06. In March, 1912, Mr. Dovey i signed the accounts, which were gone through by a Mr. Ford and another-clerk from witness's firm. Judge's Questions. The Judge remarked that he knew the auditor could not go into all the details, but he was supposed to make himself re- j sponsible for the summary and to verify the large figures, and his Lordship asked, Did he do any work for the Board- for his money himself?" Witness: 1 don't think so, my lord. Witness further said that Mr. Ford ceased to he employad by his firm about nine months ago. The Judge took witness over an entry in the miscellaneous book for March 31st. 1912. for a certain amount of L:435i1 Is. 6d. marked cash in hand. His Lordship: Is it the duty of the auditor to verify that the cash is in, hand?—It is. It is his first duty, is it not?—It must be. And if it is passed by the auditor, is it a representation by the auditor that the C431 Is. 7d. is in hand?—It i&. As cash?—As cash. And is the same thing true of the £ tiS 2s. 7d. in 1913. Well, now, if you look at the entry of £43.j Is. 6d. as cash in hand. is it entered in the ledger as debitted to GriffithÛ-lt is. Is that a proper entry if it were cash in hand?—No Well, I am obliged to ask you, Mr. Hill, does not that s i doe uot that signify very careless auditing?—It does. It is an entry merely made to balance the cash book?—It is. The Judge elicited that a further amount of £ 896 odd in 1912 was also merely entered to balance. The Judge: And if in fact all the re- ceipts ought to have been paid into the bank, that denotes some irregularity?— It does. And in fact denotes a deficiency ?—It does. And is it the duty of the auditor to call the attention of the principals for whom he is auditing to the deficiency in the cash?—It is. And does that also signify very careless j auditin ;-It must do. The J udgo: Very well, you are so in- genuous that. I really cannot ask you any more. (.Laughter). Your Blackmail." Mr. Mervyn Evans, an examination clerk to the Central Welsh Board, spoke to a conversation with Seymour about the; time of the dismissals. Seymour ee- I nounced Griffiths, and said. I under- stand now why Griffiths was so keen on my being written down on tho minutes as ifnancial clerk without a minute ot the committee. He wanted to shirk his responsibility, and I always considered him a pal." About the same time, said witness, Griffiths spoke to witness, and said that he felt quite relieved in a sense because the matter had been hanging over his head for years, and that it had im- paired his health and affected his sleep. immediately after the notices of dis- missal had been served, Griffiths said to Seymour, in witness's hearing, Thank God. Seymour, your blackmail is over at last." Seymour replied, You shall hear more of this," and left the room. Witness further said that certain certi- ficates were not sent to Mr. Williams, of Pantywaun, as the fees had not been paid, but, owing to a private communica- tion from Mr. Williams, witness in- structed Seymour to cause the certificates to be sent, and gave Seymour his personal cheque for the amount (£12 10s.) of the fees Answering the Judge, witness said he naid the cheque to Seymour because he was the person who dealt with the money. Witness agreed that it was Seymour's duty to pay all monies into the banking account of the Board. The Judge: Did you communicate the fact that the fees had been paid to Mr Williams, .Pantywaun -I don't know that I actually told him in so many words, but I certainly sent him a private note on the same day that the certificates were sent him. telling him that they could not be issued until the fees had been received, and. as far as I remember. I told him that I had Il able to mmbke arrangements for, the certiifcates to be dispatched. In Jan T il)12 Mr. Williams sent a cheque for and this was paid into witness's privato account at the London and Provincial i Bank, as he regarded it as a set-off against the cheque which he had given for the certificates. Answering the Judge, witness said that it was not until late in March, 1912, that lie worried that his cheque to Seymour bad not gone through the bank. He did not know it when he paid the cheque for £ H» into his own account. The hearing was resumed at Swansea Assizes on Wednesday, before Mr. Justice Atkin, The first indictments proceeded on were those against Griffiths and Seymour for embezzlement. Mr. Rowland Vaughan Williams, K.C., and Mr. Wilfred Lewis (instructed by Messrs. Geo. David and Evans, Cardiff), prosecuted; Mr. W. Llewelyn Williams, K.C., M.P., and Mr. toiL John Williams (instructed by Messrs. J. T. Richards and Morris, Cardiff) defended Griffiths; Mr. Trevor Hunter (instructed by Messrs. Lewis and Llewelyn, Bridgend), defended Seymour and the Hon. H. C. Bailey (in- structed by M essrs. LloHl and Cross, Cardiff) defended Williams. Griffiths, in re-examination by Mr. W. Llewelyn Williams, said that the rubber stamp bearing witness's name was kept by Seymour. Witness declared he had nothing to do with the keeping of the accounts. He simply transmitted to the Board's committee the accounts compiled in the office. He admitted that in the office had been found 79 of his cheques drawn in favour of Seymour totolling £ 123, and covering a period of five years. He had never given an I.O.U. for more than M, and the I.O.U. was replaced as soon as possible with a cheque. He had never taken a single penny of the Board's money without giving an ack- nowledgment either by I.O.U. or cheque, Witness admitted that he had tendered through his solicitor £ 250 in settlement and what he owed the Board, but he cer- tailly did not owe more than that, and that would include the amount of the uncashed cheques. Mr. Hunter said he would not call Seymour. Intolerable System." Mr. W. Llewelyn Williams, for! Griffiths, said that the whole system con- nected with the Central Welsh Board j was intolerable, and certain irregulari- ties as to finances and administration were inevitable. Therefore he asked the. jury not to blame any man simply be- cause things in his office were not ordered as they would be in a well ap- plied business office. Dealing with the constitution of the Board, counsel said that it was composed of 82 members from all over Wales, antl was called the Central Welsh Board because it had no centre, no fixed place of Abode or meet-1 ing. It was a peripatetic body, meeting in different parts of Wales, never twice in the same place. No one, not even the chairman seemed to take the slightest trouble to investigate the affairs ollt? tteill'.1 Board. Counsel then proceeded to argue that since the formation of the Welsh Department of the Board of Education in 1909, the whole position of Griffiths as clerk had altered owing to the increase of work his signature was recognised as being purely formal, and that he was not really responsible for the finances, Eighteen Indictments. Proceeding, Mr. Llewelyn Williams alluded to the fact that 18 indictments had been presented against the tliree prisoners, but yet the prosecution had only elected to go on three simple facts. He mentioned that they had been inun- dated with books and vapors-the ex- hibits had reached 119 or 120-until they had nearly -been submerged. He sub- mitted that whatever irregularities there might have been, the prisoner Griffiths j was not a thief. Counsel alluded to the fact that in December, 1912, and Septem- ber, 1913, the accounts of the Board were certified by Air. l'rohert, thfc Govern- ment auditor, and while counsel agreed that the prosecution had dealt with the case very iiarly, he complained that neither Mr. Dovey or Mr. Probert had been called. j
SENT TO PRISON. !
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SENT TO PRISON. At Glamorgan Assizes on Thursdar, before Mr. Justice Atkin, David Wil- j liams (49), clerk, was indicted for the falsification of accounts of the Central Welsh Board in H'sped of sums of 3s. 9d.  and 46. d.. It will he remembered that on the previous day, after three days' trial. Chas, Wm. Seymour and Wn? Cn-nant Cntnt!?. who had al-o been employed hy the Central Welsh Board were found guilty of embezzlement, sentence being deferred. Case Outlined. Mr. aughan Williams, in opening the case, said that since 1903 prisoner had been caretaker and general clerk ot the Cardiff offices oi the Central Welsh Board. ai)d in that capacity it was his duty to keep the postage book and send out receipts lor money received. In 1913, Messrs. Arnold and Sons, Leeds, sent the Board 3s. 9d. for some papers, and prisoner, whose duty it was to send ,-tie receipt, sent one for the amount in his own handwriting, numbered 2,193, but. it was alleged, instead of filling in the pro?r corresponding eouDtenoil he filled in a counterfoil dated October 12th, 1912. On May 19tli, 1913, prisoner received an amount of 4s. 2d., and sent a receipt in his own handwriting, but the counterfoil showed a sum of 6d., and counsel said that referred to a turn sent by a Miss Abrahams, of Aber- dare, in September, 1912. Counsel suggested that people who sent such a small sum as (id. would not trouble about a receipt, and that would leave a blank receipt form in the book which was used for the acknowledgment of the Is. 2d., and counsel asked "the jury to say that there had been intentional defrauding by the prisoner of his employers. At Sixes and Sevens. Evidence as to prisoner's appointment and duties was given by Mr. Owen Owen, chief inspector to the Board. Cross-ex- j amined by Mr. Bailfey, witness agreed that prisoner had a great deal of work to do. Counsel suggested that everything was at sixes and sevens in the ofhce, and that there was terrible slackness. Witness replied that as far as the exam- ination and inspection was concerned, which was practically nineteen-twentieths of the work, that was thoroughly organ- ised, but witness's recent discoveries would lead him to confirm counsel's sugg- that there was slackness in the financial j department. Witness would not say that Williams invariably opened the letters; he thought they would be opened by the first man at the office of a morning. In 1912 prisoner's total salary came to about £122, The Judge pointed out that the receipts and counterfoils were of different colour, and that apparently they were made of different paper. Evidence having been given for the Crown, the defence did not offer any evi- dence, and counsel addressed the jury. Mr. Bailey for the defence suggested that the letters containing the money in ques- tion were opened by either Griffiths or Seymour, and that prisoner being called upon to send off receipts had, being busy answering the telephone or attending the door, omitted to write the counterfoils, and when doing so later on, had made a mistake in the amounts. Counsel sub- mitted that there was no evidence of in- tent to steal, and no evidence that Wil- liams had touched the postal orders. Found Guilty. The Judge, in suhiming up. said that prisoner was not charged with stealing these monies, but with making- false en- trips with intent to defraud. Williams was found guilty, and tho j Judge eliciteo. the fact that the charges were not solitary one, and therefore the court did not proceed on the other in- dictments. Total "Amount Involved. Mr. I'Ull, tj'ie au d ilo. Mr. Hill, the auditor, recalled, said that the total amount involved was £1,934 3s. yd. This extended since 1906. Answering Mr. Llewelyn Williams, witness said that in 1906 Griffiths was in-, debted to the Board to the extent of t-54), and at witness's instance Gritiitii3 paid the amount. In reply to Mr. Bailey, witness said; that Williams' deficiency was tIOS. Some Laxity. Mr. Llewelyn Williams, addressing the Judge for Griffiths, said that his client j wished to make a clean breast, and to cx-j pros; his extreme regret. Unfortunately there had been some laxity from the !jr"r in the administration of the Cenral Welsh Board, and said prisoner had had no training in accountancy. Counsel said that some years ago he obtained from a friend £ 50 to cover a previous deficiency, and he had received from his friend a letter relating to that. Unfortu- nately he had not destroyed tuft letter with the result that it fell into Seymour's hand, and whe?i in 1907 he found that Seymour had a deficiency of to llim about it, Griffiths was confronted with the letter. There was no(ioubt. that Urifhths had allowed Seymour to go on taking the money, and had himself some part of the proceeds. Griffiths' share had appsft-ently been small, but he quite realised tuat lie had acted a wrong part whether his share was large or small, and lhlt he had done what he ought not to d.), Th:" had weighed on his mind for a long time. His health had broken down, and he had not been able to sleep for months." Counsel asked the. Judge to give prisoner such a sentence as would enable him— he was a young man—to come out of prison and to repair his character. Mr. Trevor Hunter, for Seymour, said that he was a married man with fh e children, four of whom were girls, while his grown-up son helped to keel) tile home going. Much of his punishment must fall on the family. He bad been in prison for four months .nwait ing trial, and counsel asked the Judge to take that- into account. Mr. Bailey, for Williams, said that he wam a widower with four children de- pendent. upon him, and he wished to ex- press his sincerest regret for what he had done. The Judge, in passing sentence, Raid that, unfortunately, that did not con- stitute the only crime which they had committed because it was plain that 1)('y bad not merely betrayed the trust that was put in them by their employers, but they had also brought disgrace on mi institution in which the Welsh people were interested and of which they iidj been proud. Addressing Griffiths, the Judge said that it was sad to hear- of a career as promising as his being blighted as his had been, but his offence hild been a vorv serious one, and it h;:d been a matter of serious consideration to the iudgej whether it was not his duty to send him for a term of penal servitude. But there i were mitigating circumstances which had been referred to by prisoner's counsel, who had rendered him such loyal service throughout the case. Tho judgH was taking into consideration prisoner's youth and that there had been no prior charge against him, and he was entitled tc take into consideration that there had been admitted laxity of supervision, which is necessary when considerable sums of money were left under the control of a man like prisoner in a city like Cardiff. Taking that into account, the' least sentence lie could pass on him and he thought it was a lenient sentence was that of twelve months in the second division. Addressing Seymour, the Judge said that ho was ignoring for purposes of punish- ment any statement made by Griffiths Whatever truth there might be in it, his lordship (lid not know, and did not seek to know. Prisoner was in the office in a subordinate position to Griffiths, and the Judge also took into account the fact that he had been in prison tor four l?i.11t.?lil, and lie thought justice would be satisfied if he vent to prison for eight months in the second division. As for Williams, 'the said that lie had undouhtedVy been a party to the de- predations made on the funds of the Board over a number of years. The Judge took into account prisoner's subordinate position, the fact that there was no super-! vision and control over him and that 1is superiors hpd just been sentenced for similar offences. It was a serious offence. but in view of what the judge had said and the fact that prisoner hod been in prison for four months, he sent him to prison for four months in the second division. The sentences thus were: William Crynant Griffiths, 12 months; Charles; William Seymour, 8 months; and David Williams, 4 months, all in the second division.