Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

MOTHER, THE CHILD IS I BILIOUS! Don't Hesitate! A Laxative is Necessary if Tongue is Coated, Breath Bad, or Stomach out of Order. Give California Syrup of }.ti" at I often saves a child from being ill to-morrow. I If your little one is out of sonts, irin't resting, eating and acting naturally— look. Mother! See-if its tongue is coat ed. This is a sure sign that its little stomsich, liver and bowels are clogged with bile and .indicted food. When c!'os, irritable, feverish, wi? ?i"<f? bn.ath and npT'h-0 stom?ch-nc?? or diarrhœa; when the childj has a sore, 1hroat or a chill, give a tea- spoonful of California Syrup of Figs," and in a few hours all the poisonous, con- stipating undigested food and bile will gently move out of its little bowels out griping, and you have a healthy, play- ful child again. Mothers can rest easy after giving this harmless U froit laxative," because it never fails to cleanse the little one's liver and bowels and cleanse the fvtoraaeh, and they dearly love its pleasant taste. Full directions for babies, children of all ages, I.,id for grown-ups printed on each bottle. Beware of counterfeit tig syrupy. Ask your chemist for a bottle of H California Syrup of Figs," an4 see that it is made by the California Fig Syrup Company." Of all leading chemists, 1/1 i and ]/9 per bottle. Avoid substitutes.

THE WELSH "GURKHAS." I Tho first half of the Iftå Battalion Welsh Regiment, the Gla- morgan "Gurkhas," arrived at Colwyn Bay for training on Saturday and were accorded a welcome which perhaps ek- ceedoo in cordiality the hearty reception previously given to the Cardiff City and Gwent battalions. General Ivor Philipps and the leading public men were at the 1 railway station, and the official welcome was extended by Mr. W. Horton, J.P., chairman of the District 'Council. Much amusement was occasioned by the contrast in stature between the Gurkhaa and some officers of the Gwent Battalion, one of whom is 6ft. 6in. high.

Queen Alexandra has sent £2i) for the assistance of members of the Society of Women Journalists whp are suffering I .from imemnlaKDient through the war.

 M!M:MUM ACT. SWANSEA DISTRICT AND MAXIMUM As considerable misapprehension ex- ists as to the date when the Coal Mineti (Minimum Wage) Act of 1912 expires, it; is expedient to give a brief survey of the 1 position so that the matter may be fully understood not only by the miners tleul- selves, but by the general public. It will he remembered that the Mini- mum Wage Act was passed in the early part of 1912, in order to effect" a settle- ment of the national coal strike, and as a tentative measure it was enacted that the new law should expire on March 28, 1D15, when the whole question might be reconsidered. Owing to the outbreak of war, however, a short Act was passed on August 7 la-st, entitled The Expired Laws Continuance Act," under the pro- visions of which it has been decided that the Minimum Wage Act t'hall continue in operation until December 31, 1915. The various agreement between the coalowners and tho miners which define the terms of employment in the various districts subject, of course, to the pro- visions of the Minimum Wage Act, can expire on the earliest date on June 30 by three months' notice being given on April 1. For some time there 'has been a general agitation amongst tho men for a re- vision of the rates of pay, but it is be- lieved that the whole question will be deterred until after the war, and this is the course which is being recommended by the miners' leaders. As a matter of fact the South Wales Miners' Federation have asked the National Federation to take the question into consideration with the view of a uniform procedure being adopted in all districts, and the execu- tive will meet at an early date to discuss the subject. There is paid to be a strong feeling amongst both employers and men that the matter should be postponed for the pre- sent, in view of national emergencies, but, of course, without prejudice to the right of the men to resume their agita- tion at the earliest possible date con- sistent with national interests. Economy in Lancashire. Mr. Gillnall, president of the. Lan- cashire Miners' Federation, reviewing the past year's work at Bolton on Satur- day, said there was a saving of £ 35,000. He hoped this was the beginning of changed ideas of members and officials. With regard to building up a large fight- ing fund for the future, he complained that one or two employers, were not ob- serving arrangements to prevent disrup- tion, and ir was their intention to bring the matter before the Lancashire and Cheshire employers. Maximum Objected To. Mr. John Williams, M.P., attended the monthly meeting of the Western District of Miners held at Swansea on Saturday, and delivered an address on mining topics. Alluding to the minimuiia wage, he said he believed it to be the best piece of indus- trial legislation yet achieved, and it ought to be perpetuated. He personally would vote for its extension. He was not pre- pared, however, to say that he would be a party to the perpetuation of the general agreement under all circumstances, but believed a large number of grievances could easily be remedied. There was no truce on this subject, as stated, between employers and employed. He believed that the maximum under the agreement should' be done away with. This would give them. 10 to 20 per cent. more on the general per. centage. A conference of delegates for the i whole coalfield had been called on this and other subjects on February 6.. It was reported that the South Wales coalfield had contributed nearly 1:15,000 to the Prince of Wales' Fund. Afan Valley District. The monthly meeting of the Afan Valley Miners' Association was held at Port Talbot on Saturday, when Mr. Tom John, who presided, introduced the presi- dent-elect for the ensuing year (Mr. Wm. Davie.9, Cwmavon), and expressed his gratitude for the kindness and courtesy extended to him during his two years' tenure of office.—Mr. Davies, in taking the chair, paid a tribute to the qualities and excellent leadership of his pre- decessor. A discussion ensued all to the adminis- tration of the Prince of Wales's Fund, and complaints were made by delegates from within the area of the Neath Rural and Urban District Council Relief Com- mittees. where miners' representati were in the minority, failed to obtain the necessary relief.—Mr. William Jenkins, J.P. (miners' agent) replied, and explained that these complaints wete due to the defective arrangements' of local organisa- tions.—A resolution was then submitted and carried that the Federation should urge forward all claims arising out of un. employment for any number of days as a result of the war.—Mr. John Thomas was unanimously re-elected treasurer.

 i  HELPS CAREFUL MOTHERS To keep her children free from c-olds and I fit for school. &mear "Nostroline'' in their nostrils before they go out. "Nostroline" protects fropi the infection of itththeria, Scarlet Fever, and Measles, as well a9 colds. Catarrh and Influenza. Don't let your child run any riskii that "Nostroline" will guard against. A doctor writes:—"For months 1 have been using" 'Süstr'olinp' with success-as a pro- tection agr.inst colds, to which 1 am a martyr." Do not dally with danger. Get "Nostroline" tc-<!ay. Tubes, Is. Hd. and 2s. 9d. most Oheaiista. or post free from makers. Harold E. Matthews and Co., Chemists. Clifton. Bristol.

COMPARISONS. I ——— ——— j u EYE-WITNESS REVIEWS RIVAL! ARMIES. The Press Bureau Monday published a. further narrative by an Eye-Witnesc present with General Headquarters. He, kiays.- On Tuesday, the 12th, the observation post west of Cuinchy, which had been cap- Lured by us oil the 10th, was evacuated owing to its being rendered untenable by the enemy's artillery and mortars. We were able, however, to deny its possession i to the Germans, our guns in this area having done much execution. j Our guns have also been successful in demolishing an important bridge at Fre- linghein, below Arnientieres; on Thurs- day, the 1-ith, further damage was done to Frelinghicn by destroying the brewery and the neighbouring houses. The news published in some of the Eng- lisli papers of to-day's date (January Ibth) that we captured a German position utar, La Hassee in the 11th is incorrect. No at- t tack was attempted. On Friday, the 15th, the increase in the hostile artillery all along our front was maintained. During these four days there has been less rain, and the floods have subsided slightly. Speaking of the enemy's physical and! mental condition, Eye-Witness says there does not seem to be a difference in the state of feeling of the German ranis and file from that which existed some weeks ago. Some of our prisoners now realise that I a victorious advance is out of the ques- j tion, and that their duty is merely to! held their ground, though the idea that Germany is going to i gain any advantage commensurate with the sacrifices she has incurred appears to a great extent to have disappeared. There are, at the same time, few who I contemplate the possibility of defeat and; invasion. As regards physical wcll-bping, it is doubtful if the German troops are 8() I fRvourahly situated as our own. Thay are not so warmly clad, and though there j appears to be sufficient food, hot meals are not always forthcoming Their medical arrangements also are inferior to ours. Many civilian. i physicians without surgical knowledge; are being employed; the work having be- i come altogether beyond the powers of the establishment of the army surgeons. These points of inferiority are more; than set off by the general efficiency of the fighting machine; the excellence of the staff, the work, high discipline, and thoroughness with which nearly every I Inlhtary requirement has been prov iji'inl for. On Tuesday, the 12th, the observation post west of Cuinchy which had been cap- tured by us on the 10th was evacuated owing to its being rendered untenable by ¡ the enemy's artillery and mortars. We i were able, however, to deny its possession f to the Germans, who near here, in the railway triangle," are entrenched be-1 hind heaps ot sleepers, ballast, and other railway material—cover of a nature which is susceptible to much damage from artil- j lery tire. In this area our guns have done much execution. On one occasion a sleeper was hurled by the explosion of one of our shells into our trenches. There Was a decided increase in tho hostile artillery fire on this day at dif- ferent points of our line. On Wednesday the weather, which had shown some improvement, again took a change for the worse, and it rained heavily all day. Successful sniping at different points of our line and consider- J able shelling were alone reported. Our guns have been successful in demolishing the important bridge at), Frelinghien, below Armentieres. Fire was directed upon it some time ago, and j though it was reported to have been damaged, doubts existed as to the exact: extent of the harm done. It is now stated by our aviators to be completely I ruined. On Thursday, the 11th, the enemy showed more activity on the right in the neighbourhood of the railway triangle, and the shelling along the whole of our right and right centre was more severe. Our guns succeeded in doing further damage to Frelinghien by destroying the brewery and neighbouring houses. The news published in some of the Eng- lish papers of to-day's date that we cap- tured a German position near La Bascce on the 14th is incorrect. No attack was attempted. all action being confined to that specified above. On Friday, the 15th, the increase in the hostile artillery fire all along our front was maintained, During these four* days there has been less rain and the floods have subsided slightly. The enemy's physical and mental con- dition is a point of interest and import- ance, but in attempting to study it it fJ necessary to guard against the tempta- tion to jump to conclusions or to form hasty opinions based on the statements of men who probably sometimes repre- sent the inferior elements in the hostile forces. tMch as prisoners. Making due allowance for this, however, there does seem to be a difference in tho stato of feeling of the German rank and file from that which existed some weeks ago. Some of our prisoners now realize that a victorious advance ia out of the question, and that their duty is merely to hold their ground. Though the idea that Germany is going to gain any advantage commensurate with the sacrifices she. has incurred appears to a great extent to have disappeared, there are at the same time few who contemplate the pos- sibility of ^lefeat and invasion. As regards physical well-being, it is doubtful if the German troops are so favourably si-tuajted as our own. They are not so warmly clad, and though there ap- pears to be a sufficiency of food, hot meals are not always forthcoming. Their medi- cal arrarigeweiim. also, are inferior to our, and to judge from the medical pan- niers which have been captured thedr appliances are antiquated. Mary civilian physicians without surgical knowledge are being employed, the work having become altogether beyond the powers of the estab- lishment of army surgeons. Two such doctors were reeenitly allowed to operate on their own wounded in one of our hos- pitals. Since they were without the neces- sary instruments, these were lent to them; but they showed a. surprising ignorance of their use and ruined several intended for dirtiubting Finews and ligaments by Attempting to cut through bones wiith them;, After this they were not permitted to operate. These points of inferiority are more than set off by the general efficiency of the fighting machine, the excellence of 1 the staff work, tlis high discipline, and the thoroughness with which nearly every military requirement has been thought out and provided for. Orders l have been captured giving minute in- structions as to the care of clothing and equipment, sanitary arrangements, and other details, whicly show great fore-j thought and a high standard as regards interior economy. This minute care for tho wetl-being of the living soldier, so long as he can fight, however, is com- bined with a callousness to losses, when the sacrihce of life is thought necessary, which points to formidable powers of re- sistance. It is a truism to say that the introduc- tion of aviation has had a profound effect upon the whole character of mili- tary operations. And in no way has it modified war more than by greatly eli- minating the clement of surprise, for so long as the weather permits of the em- ployment Of aerial reconnaissance, it is impossible for any great concentration or movement of troops to be carried out by Kday within a certain radius without *• being discovered. Especially in tho form! of warfare in which both Sides are at j present engaged is the former function 1 of cavalry as regards reconnaissance usurped by the Flying Corps. ¡ There arç, generally speaking, two forms of reconnaissance, whether exe- cuted by aviators or cavalry—tactical and strategical. It is difficult to draw a hard and fast line between them, or to define exactly where one begins and the other ends; but the former may be said to be undertaken exclusively for the purpose of ascertaining the strength and disposi-j tious of the enemy in a strictly limited area along a battle front, by locating and examining his trenches, gun emplace- ments, headquarters, reserves, supply, parks, and railheads. Its sphere ceases, at a comparatively short: distance from the front of the opposing forces. All that; is going on in the area fur behind the; enemy's lines comes within the sphere of strategical reconnaissance, which is; undertaken with the object of obtaining information about the enemy in a par- ticular part of the theatre of war and so enabling a commander to form an idea as. to his opponent's designs.. While tactical reconnaissance is chiefly j of value to corps or divisional com- manders, to enable them to know what is' in their immediate front and to r.ake their local dispositions accordingly, the higher leading and direction of the large massed-in a word, the plan of campaign framed by a Commander-in-Chief and his; General btaff—depend upon the results oi srtra-tegical reconnaissance. The intelligence upon which such plans will be based is that referring to the amount of transport and rolling stock on road8 and railw?y?, the s'treug?h o? i columns of troops, the size and situation of bivouacs, p?rks, and supply depots, nt'cond lines of defence, and any other fac? which may afford a clue to the strength and disposition or movements of an enemy's masses and to his intentions. To gather information of this nature by aerial reconnaissance the observer either travels above a previously selected line of country or passes to fro over a cer- tain definite area, noting and recording everything of value that he sees. This latter method is the slower and is lifed only when very detailed information M. required. This is not work which can be carried out by every one. The really first-rate observer must possess extensive military knowledge in order to know what objects, to look for and where to look for them; he must have very good eyesight in order to pick them up; and he must have II the knack of reading a map quickly, both in order to mark correctly their positions and to find his way. To reconnoitre is not easy even in fine weather; but in driving rain or snow, in a temperature perhaps several degrees bel<)w zero, or in a gale, when an aeroplane travelling with the wind rocks and ctvays like a t'hip in a heavy sea and may attain a speed of 150 mile* an hour, the difficul- ties are iiproense. In these circum- stances, and from the altitude at which it is necessary to fly in order to escape the projectiles of anti-aircraft guns, columns of transport or of men are easily missed. Indeed, at a first at- tempt an observer will 600 nothing which is of military value, for it is only at, considerable practice that the eye be- comes accustomed to scouring a great stretch of country from above and acquires the power of distinguishing ob jects upon it. Psychology also comes in, and the temperament of an observer is of the greatest importance. He must be cool and capable of great concentration in order to keep his attention fixed upon his objective in spite of all distractions such as, for I instance, the bursts of shell close to him, or the noise of rifle bullets passing through the planes of his machine. He must withstand the temptation to make conjectures or to think that he has seen something when he is not absolutely cer- tain" of the fact, since an error in observing or an inaccuracy in reporting may lead to false conclusions and cause infinite harm. Many men are absolutely unfitted for such duty, and oven trained observers vary in their powers of reconnaissance. Some have a special aptitude for strategical work, the wide field of action ,tnd the chance of gaining an insight, as it were, into the workings of the enemy's j mind appealing to their imagination andi to their taste for discovery. The spirit of adventure also enters, for long recon- naissances are hazardous; and before the minds of those carrying them out the prospect of being forced by engine trouble to descend in the enemy's lines Cannot but frequently be present.

REMITTED TO COUNTY COURT. I In the Chancery Division Friday, be- fore Mr. Justice Astbury, Mr. Rowlands mentioned a motion by the plaintiff in the case of Davies v Rees and Williams for n injunction to restrain the defen-j dants from dealing with certain farm a took at Bridgend. Mr. Tyldesley Jcmee, who appeared for the defendants, agreed with him that there should be an undertaking in the terms of the motion. Until the trial of j the action Mr. Jones had a croes motion, and he (Mr. Rowlands) would give him a similar undertaking. With regard to that both of them were willing that the matter which came from South Wales should be remitted to the local County Court. Mr. Tyldesley Jones agreed, and his Lordship made an order in the terms of the undertaking, and remitted the case to the County Court.

NO APPEARANCE IN PANTY- FFYNON COLLIERY CASES. At the Ammanford Police Court on Monday there were several oolliery sum- monses for hearing. Th Blaina Colliery Company, Ltd., took proceedings against Morgan Davies and eleven other colliers for having wrongfully' absented them-j selves from the servicc of the plaintiffs at Pantyffynon Colliery on the 15th ult. Damages amounting to 10s. were claimed in respect of each man. However, it transpired that on Saturday a settlement was arrived at, and at the court there was no appearance on either side, with the result that the cases were struck off the list.

THICK, GLOSSY HAIR I FREE FROM DANDRUFF I Girls Try it Your hair gets soft, I fluffy and luxuriant at once. If you care for heavy hair, that glistens with beauty and is radiant with life; has an incomparable softness and is rluify and lustrous, try Danderine. Just one application doubles the beauty of your hair, besides it immediately dis- solve8 every particle of dandruff; you cannot have nice, heavy, healthy hair if you have dandruff. This destructive scurf robs the hair of its lustre, its strength and its very life, and if not over- come it produces a feverishness and itchiag of the scalp; the hair roots fanxish, loosen and die; then the hair talis out fast. I If your hait has been neglected and is thin, faded, dry, scraggy, or too oily, get a Is. lid. bottle of Knowlton's Danderine of any ,chemist; apply a little as directed and ten minutes after you will say this was the best investment you ever made. We sincerely believe, regardless of everything else advertised, that if you desire soft, lustrous, beautiful hair ami lots of -it--no dandruff—no itching scalp and 110 more falling hair—you must use I Knowlton's Danderine. If evcntua"v— why not now it

4 VALLEY HOOLSGANS. I COWARDLY ATTEMPT TO ATTACKI TERRITORIAL. At PontarJawe Police Court on Friday L fivi- young men from Glais. named Wm. Williams, Joseph Hopkins, Aaron Rees, Rosser Thomas, and Idris Beynon, were fummoaed for being drunk and dis- orderly at CJydach, on December sth. I Ser?t. Davies said that on the night in question he saw defendants in High- I street, Clydaeh. They were drunk, curs- ing and swearing, and creating a dis- turbance. They were also trying to quarrel with a soldier who was home on furlough. They called the soldier bad j names, and said he was a sample of l English soldier. Witness told defendants that the Territorial had more courage I than they had, as he had volunteered to ¡ serve the King, and he was not such a coward as they were. After some time defendants went away. Witness was told: however, that defendants had arranged l to wait for the Territorial on the wtty home, so witneNs and another officer also kept watch. When witness was near the Mond office he saw two ot the defendants standing in the road, and the others hiding on the canal bank. As the Terri-j torial approached defendants made a, rush at him, and when witness inter-1 fered, they made off. The defendants, added witness, belonged to a gang of hooligans, who gave a lot of trouble bD the police. Four of the defendants pleaded guiltyj to being disorderly, but not drunk. Mr. H. N. Miers (chairman) said the conduct of defendants was a disgrace to the country. It was laggards like them that ou?ht to enlist instead of marrii? men. There was too much of such con- duct going on in Clydach and Glais. Defendants were fined 20s. each and costs.

MESSRS. RNES, LTD. The 21st annual general meeting of R. E. Jones, Ltd., wat; h<ld at the Mack- worth Hotel, Swansea, on Friday, Jan. 15th: Mr. R. E. J/mes (chairman) presided. and in the course of his speech stated that it was the coming of age of the company, and in the whole of the fl yeart; thoy had never had a poor balance sheet to submit to the shareholders. Speaking of the present year, lie re- marked that it had turned out better than could have been anticipated' under the circumstances. It will be observed that Mr. Stanley Jones has been ap- pointed managing director, a position he has actually, but not nominally, occu- ¡ pied for some years. lie was called u.p on active service before he had fully re- covered from an operation for appendi- citis, but owing to getting abort too soon he was rejected by the military authori- ties, and again returned to join the board. Nearly 60 oi our staff have joined His Majesties Forces, and all their places will be kept open for them. Considering the number of females on the staff, this proportion is extremely gratifying. Whilst speaking about the war, he wished to throw out a suggestion that the company should contribute £ 500 for various relief funds, S250 in cash to be handed over to the Mayor, and 1250 to be given at the discretion of the direc- tors during the ensuing year, a proposi- tion to which the shareholders present unanimously assented. A dividend at the rate of 12 per cent. on the ordinary and 6 per cent. on the preference shares less tax for the 6 months ending October 31st., 1914, was proposed by Mr. Howell, seconded by Mr. Bar 11ctt, and carried unanimously. Mr. Parry Jones (director) stated that the business in Cardiff was increasing day by day in spite of the war, and that two of their hotels, the Carlton aiid Saudringham, were the only licensed; houses allowed to., keep open until 11 i /clock. This was very gratifying, and proved the popularity of their Cardiff I undertakings.. It was proposed by Mr. Howell, and seconded by Mr. Mar tell, that the retir- ing director, Mr. Stanley Jones, be re- elected. Mr. Stanley Jones, in returning thanks for his re-election, mentioned that owing to .rumours that had been circulated, he would like to eay a few words about the Carlton, Swansea. It was the most popular house that the firm had yet opened, the receipts at this branch ex- ceeding those of the Carlton, Cardiff, for the same period subsequent to opening, and at the present time it had overtaken the Castle Restaurant, the firm's best Swansea house. Further details of the progress of the Carlton, Swansea, were given by Mr. Leigh Jones (director). Messrs. John F. Harvey and Sons were re-elected auditors, and a vote of thanks to the chairman brought a successful meeting to a close.

RUB WEAK, ACHING I BACK, STOPS LUMBAGO I Rub backache away with small bottle of old, honest St. Jacob's Oil." I Does your back hurt? Can you not I straighten yourself up without feeling I sudden pains, sharp aches 'and twinges? Now listen! That's lumbago, sciatica, or perhaps a strain; but whichever it is, instant relief is obtained the moment you rub your back with soothing, penetrating '• St. Jacob's Oil." Nothing else fta-kes out that aching pai a and stiffness so quifkly. You simply rub it on your fcack and out comes the palin. It is perfectly harmless and does not burn the skin. no nck sulTerl Get a small bottle from 1 ftnv chemist, and after usinf if r" yon will forget that you ever had back- ache inmbago or sciatica, because juut back will cease to hurt or cause any more misery. St. Jacob' Oil" never dis- appoints, and has been recommended for I 60 years.

BURRYPORT URBAN COUNCIL. I At the monthly meeting of the Burry- port "Grban Council, Mr. F. J. Morgan ] presided. The Chairman seated that Colonel t'rpnch and other officers had come to Burryport on Tuesday last with a view of getting 61.7 soldiers and 45 ofifcers billeted there to undergo a course of train- ing with field artillery on the Pembrey Burrows. Proposed Isolation Hospital. J The question of the Joint Isolation Hospital was also discussed, and it was decided that as many of the Councillors aft-could go should visit the selected spot next Tuesday. The Clerk explained that the cost to Burryport would be based on ratable values and not on population. Electric Cars. ) The Clerk submitted his report on his interview with the manager of the South Wales Motor Company, Mr. David James. Swansea, in which Mr. James said that several of their cars had been taken possession of by the War Office, and that owing to the war they could not get new ones built, but they were con- sidering the question of running a steam 'bus from Swansea to Llanelly and Burry- port. The matter was deferred. Representation. Dr. J. H. Williams was elected the re- presentative 01 the Burryport Urban Council on the Cardiff University Board of Governors. Sewerage. The question of the new sewerage scheme was discussed at Aength, and the; Surveyor stated that he would be able to invite tenders for the work in abo-ut,a month,

"liZ" Gladdens Sore, Tired Feet. TIZ cured my tender, aching, puSed-up, perspiring feet and corns. O, Joy I" TIZ makes sore, burning, tired feet fairly dance with delight. Away go the aches and pains, the corns, hard skin, blisters, bunions, and chilblains. TIZ draws out the acids and poisons that puff up your feet. No matter how bard you work, how long you dance, how far you walk, or how long you remain on your feet, TIZ hriugs restful foot com- fort. TIZ is magical. grand, wonderful for tired, aching, swollen, smarting feet. Ah! how comfortable, how happy you feel. Your feet just tingle for joy; shoes never hurt or seem tight. Get a 11J1 box of TIZ now from any chemist's or stores. End foot torture for ever—wear smaller shoes, keep your feet fresh, sweet and happy. Just think I a whole year's foot comfort for only 11 i.

GAS COMPANY FINED. At Pontardawe Police Court on Fri- day the Tawe Valley Gas Company were summoned for failing to supply gas at Pontardawe and Ystalyfera of the proper illuminating power on December Hth.' The proceedings were taken by the Pont- ardawe District XJouncil, and Mr. C. B. Jenkins prosecuted. Mr. Arthur Hopkin defended- Mr. C. A. Seyler gave evidence of making tests at Ystalyfera and Pontar- dawe. The a verage it Ystalyfera was 11.92 candle power and lO.6fj candle power at Pontardawe. Mr. Hopkin pleaded guilty for defend- ants, and said that the company had ex. perienced considerable difficulty at that period on account of the coal being not sheet ed. The sheets had been com- mandeered by the Government. The magistrates imposed a n:-8 of « £ 10 and costs.

SACRILEGIOUS ACT. Windows of Wesley Chapel, Swansea, Shattered. An outrage has been perpetrated at Wesley Chapel, Swansea, either late 011 Saturday night or very early on Sunday morning. The caretaker, Mr. Mortou. made his rounds late on Saturday night, and everything seemed to be in order. On Sunday morning, however, when he was examining the chapel, oD turning to the windows facing towards St. Thomas he discovered two large holes in two win- dows, and the other windows were split in several places. On looking about him, Mr. Morton discovered on the floor two bricks, each weighing about two pounds. Many theories have been advanced as to the motives which actuated the deed, but the most probable is that advanced" by Mr. Murton himself. He thinks that tramps were in the habit of sleeping inside the building, but finding no means of entering they had smashed the win. uows. (.1 ?['lie chapel had just been &,coratod- The damage is estimated at aboujj £ 6, and the matter is now in the hands of the police.

EX-MAYOR ARRESTED. Head of Grimsby Trawling Company Remanded on Bail. Acting upon instructions from White-hall, the Grimsby police haVe arrested Councillor Frank Barrett, J.P., managing director of "iPe Orient Steam Fishing Company (LuLi. (Irimsby, and Mayor of Grimsby in 1908, aoid tis outdoor manager, Mr. George William argason. They were brought before nbe trimsby magistrates on Saturday, when the hief Constable (Mr. John Sterling) stated that the arrests were made at the instance of the War Office under the Defence of the Realm Act for an alleged breach of naval regulations, but the presice nature of the charge had not been received. The magistrates ordered a remand until Friday next, and allowed bail. each defend- ant in a personal surety of £1.000 aud (-Ynq surety of £500 each. The securities were forthcoming, and the accused were liber- ated.

SIR STAFFORD HOWARO. Probable Candidate for County Council Seat. An influential deputation has waited upon Sir Stafford Howard, the Mayor of LianeUy, for the purpose of inviting him to offer him- eelf for the Viuoancy on the Carmarthen- shire County Council caused by the eleva- tjon of Mr. Wm. Griffiths, Falcon Chamber*, Llanelly, to an aldermanic seat. Mr. Grif- titht; had represented Division 1. for many yeM-e. and the desire now prvailnot only in th-e division but throughout the borough that Llanelly's Mayor should be his suc- cessor, it being feA that Sir Stafford's in- fluence would go a long way towards creat- ing gocd fueling between the County Coun- cil and Llanelly- We understand that Sir Stafford expressed his readiness to place himself in the hands cf the ratepayers, and promised that although his time Wad already pretty well cecupried he would if it was their wish serve them on the Cornnty Conncil to the beet of his ability.

D7E KiN9sS atarrest the Course of the S ^di'sseeaasM e aafnid d «'u.?a7rd ri against all ill effects. It B  ?ti? l???' °'? heating an d tonic prop. g  ,u)tyoT Br ath in etc. ttisverwB   nroved for mMy ??Y N beneficial. 5 .0 ?"g,. o/I REME.MF,ERID?a'd SB 1 COlds bquently turn to Bronchitis. gA-th,i, I S^l^?.n are often the forerunner of that ■ drea'd?ful j  "? ?' Chem?s ??Pd Store!. B Mof:e?o:n tb( sole proprtetorsandim?tCM M! G. DEAKIN & HUGHES. B THE CO., B ILLAENAVON, MON. 'i' 'f'" DEAK?'S xsrz. '???ar?B? ? FEVKR and INFLAMMATION REMEDIES AND PILLS and 2'3'of aH Chemists and Stores. rHE GREAT PAIN & DtSEASB KILLERS 1/3 AND 2/6 DIRECT FROM:— G. DEAKIIM & HUGHES, The Inflammation Remedies Co., BLAENAVQt

A GREAT INSTITUTION. A Year's Work. During the year which saw the death, on the battlefields of so many heroic men, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has had tjje satisfaction of granting re- war for the saving of 1,112 lives, mostly those of men in the full rigor of man- hood. Of these lives 266 were saved since tho outbreak of war from His Majesty's ships or sea-planes, the most notable (-v,ait, being the rescues from the w-reck of the hospital ship Rohilla. The strenuous work of the year cul minated in December, when the lifeboats were launched 126 times, and 239 lives were saved, this splendid result being clouded, however, by the wreck of the Peterhead motor life-boat, with the loss of three brave men. Altogether, the liftboats were launched 425, times in 1914, and crews assembled in readiness on 50 othas occasions. Since its establishment in 1S2?, up- wards of 52,000 lives have been saved from shipwreck on the coast of the Unit<? Kingdom. The wider adoption of the motor-boat, with its greater range, and power of working against wind and tide, will add much to the annual expendi- ture. There are now 18 of these boats on the coast, and 12 more are being con- structed. The number of lives saved in 1911 was exceptionally high-a record for recent years, if we except 1907, when 456 persons were rescued from the Suevic. The ab- sorption of public interest in the war has caused a heavy,loe8 of revenue. I An earnest appeal is made, therefore, for adequate financial support for a work of national importance, dependent entirely on voluntary contributions, with splendid traditions of heroism, purely humane in character, and fostering, by its nature and organisation, the maintenance among our maritime population of those qualities which have so largely contributed to build up our Empire and which have stood us in such good stead at this time of national crisis.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. I A. meeting of the Rural District Coun- cil was held afterwards. The chairman, Mr. Evan Davies, J.P., Pistillgwyn, pre- I f "sided. Plans Committee. I Mr. Matthews said the committee had under their consideration that day one plan from Mr. Thomas Thomas, Bryn- amman. As it was in order, it was passed. The committee afterwards sat for sanitary work. The Inspector laid before them his work for the last fortnight. The only matter oi importance was that in con- nection with sewerage at Brynamman, viz., the making of a junction there with the grand trunk which was going through the Amman Valley. According to their sanitary inspector, it was necessary to ("nable them to do this to get a concession from the joint board, and it was only fair that this concession should be made I to this Council. It would be of great value. As the committee had uothad the plans before them he proposed that a meeting of the committee be convened, and the next meeting of the board to report on the subject. Another thing the committee had before them was the Guiding of a Imngalow in Brynaxyman without the plan being submitted to fllel Council. He proposed that the clerki write to the owwr and the builder giving them notice to cease building. ,inco the meeting had be?an a telegram had been received that the plan was on the way. Or course, they could not con- sider it now on so' short a notice.—Mr. I Gomer Harries seconded the adoption (ii the report, and urged that they should hold a meeting for the consideration of the concession referred to by Mr. j Matthews. As Mr. Matthews had poirted out, they had already agreed to the other concessions. He thought it was only right that they should get what they were asking for. With regard to the house under construction, he was sorry to find that the architects were so obstinate in not complying with. the Council's rules. It was a great pity to punish the builders, who were trying to improve property, and that they should be attached instead of flee architects. He was of opinion that they should repri- mand those architects who were defying L (,ir position as a sanitary authority.— Thf Building Inspector, replying to the chairman, said this was not thQ first time this builder had r if ended.—1Tho Chairman: You don't, put the blame on the architect?—The Building Inspector: I blame the architect. The builder does not start until the plans are passed. He suggested that the clerk should write to stop the erection of the building.—Mr. Matthews said that if one part was with- out a damp course they might as well have no damp course under any wall at all.—Mr. Evan Jones: Exactly. I called their attention to it when up there last week. He added" in answer to further questions, that a portion was built on the j boundary wall. It was not a question of an old building at alL-The Chairman When building on an old foundation you can't ask them.—The Building Inspector Raid that it was quite a difficult matter in the case of an old building.—The matter w;i,- referred to the Sanitary Com- mittee and the surveyor.—Mr. Griffiths, surveyor, in his report, recommended that they should invite tenders for stone crushing by that day tortnight for his ¡ district.—Tbe Chairman said with respoet to tenders that all should be sent to the clerk of the Council, and opened by him at the meetings of the Council, and not in committee, in future.—Mr. Gomer Harries said that was one of their regu- lations.-Tlic Chairman: It is, but it has been the custom lately to open tenders at committpes. It is not regular, and I insist on all tenders being sent sealed toi the ijlerk and opened by the clerk only 1 here at this very table, and If the Coun-j cil wishes to refer any to committee it will be at the Council's wish—A Member: Is that a proposal P—Tlie Chairman: It is the law. Rhydymerdy Bridge. On the motion of Mr. Matthews, se- conded bv Mr. Gomer Harries, it was resolved to seal agreements as to the erection of Rhydymerdy Bridge with the County Council and the Swansea and Pontardawe Rural District Councils.— The Surveyor reported that he had re- ceived instructions to prepare plans to supply Milo, Llanfihangel, Aberbythick with wat-T from a spring on Tyiry Farm, the property of Mr. Thomas Thomas, Golden Grove, Llandebie. So far as he was concerned, he was prepared for the Council to have the water at 308. a year, which, in his (the surveyor's) opinion, was a very fair charge. The water, it was further explained, ran down to supply Glynmoch Farm, and the agent to the Stepney Estate wrote stating that he had been informed that the Council proposed to utilise the spring on the Tyfry Farm to supply certain dwelling- houses. In the summer time this spring was not sufficient for the farm. There- fore before any steps were taken he wished to know what jfhey proposed doing. The Surveyor said there was an ample supply, about S,000 allong a day. It was only a question or letting Mr. Jones, the agent., understand the position, and he did not think there would I)P. any objection at all. He would ritlipr like to see Mr. Jones with reference to the or- rangement for supplying the farm. At present tfcere was an open drain to Glyn- moch Farm. He may take into con- sideration the question of cirain pipes to the farm. 'I here was a very good supply, and the property on the Stepney Estate Q-1 uired !t quite as badly as tne cottages. Member: And the sohool.-Jt was agreed that the surveyor should see the agent and bring in a report-The ques- tion of the erection of a bridge jointly with other councils at Rhydcymerau was under conédéramon. The matter was re- ferred to a committee. The of Cwnktwrch drainage WM alFiO referred to the commi-ttee.-With reference to the Ffairfach drainage, a lHter was received from the G.W.R. asking for certain detail* in connection with the laving of the pipes qt the level crossing. The matter was referred to the surveyor.