Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

LOCAL NOTES. ■ HSF1 — ABERYVCN & POnT TALBOT. During the past week the hand of Death has struck some severe blows in our imme- diate locality. There has to be recorded the death of Mr. W. Bendall, the Crimean hero, who had weathered the storms and battles ior the lengthy span of 88 years. The other demise is that of the veteran and beloved Town Clerk of Aberavon, Mr. Marmaduke Tennant., J.P., at the age of 79 years, who for 54 years carried out a professional and official life in the borough, and held the record of being the oldest town clerk in the Kingdom. Touching upon the life history of the Crimean hero, it may be truly said of him that he was a soldier and a man— valiant in warfare and kind in private lifa. The old hero retained his military bearing until recently. Though broken in physical strength, he retained until the last his indomitable spirit, which may be judged from the fact that when lying helplessly in bed at the outbreak of the present war, he insisted on a letter being sent to the local recruiting ofiieer asking ''Can I be of any ei-vice? What an example to thousands of young men in the country! After leaving the Army at the ciose of the Crimean War, Mr. Bendall devoted himself to religious and i work. In truth his was a soul of dutiful consistency, whether in peace or war. He was one of the founders and stalwarts of the Wesleyan cause at Tai- bach and Port Talbot, and the caude was justly preyed of their warrior mejnber. Up almost to the last he attended religious worship at the Wesleyan Churcn I at Port Talbot and *'aibach. His only support was a walking-stick, and hej scorned any other assistance when his peregrinations out of doors had become a danger through weakness and dizziness. His experience at Alma, Inkermi?n, Bala- clava, and Sebasopol—peculiarly, all names of streets at 'l'aibch, th town of his adoption—were given in an interview. He actually witnessed the historic charge of the Light Brigade, and heard the wrong order given by the aide-de-camp of the Commander-in-Chief to the officer in command of the Light Brigade. He ppokej of the great services rendered to the sick and woxtnded by this soldier's angel of mercy, whom he vowed was responsible 11 for savins hundreds of lives. Honoured in life, the old hero was also honoured in death, when his remains were laid to rest in the" Chapel-of-Ease Burial Ground, where his wife also lies, on Mon- day, the interment being carried out with impressive military honours, over 200 troops and officers mustering to do honour to his memory. Although not altogether unexpected in consequence of a protracted illness, the death of the venerable Town Clerk of Aberavon on Sunday cast quite a gloom over the town and district. Sentiments of profound regret and sorrow were ex- pressed on all hands by ,ll sections of the local public in the realisation of Mr. Teimant's passing away. He was a most distinguished and revered citizen, one who had been actively and honourably associ- ated with the public life of the town and district practically from his youth to manhood-a period extending to 56 years out of a lifetime of 79 year&the late Mr. Tennant was respected as one of the liio.st distinguished figures in Freemasonry in the United Kingdom, having held every position, and was recognised as one of the I greatest authorities on the ethics of the I Order in the country. He came to Aber- &von as a soliciter, with first honours at his final examination. At the early age of 23, he associated himself with public matters. The borough was then under tb.,6 regime of the old Portreeve and bur- gesses. He soon set on foot a propa- ganda for procuring a charter of incor- poration for the town, and so placed it under the rule of a properly constituted corporation. This led up to some lively scenes in the town, the burgesses strenu- oitaly opposing the idea. Persistency, how- ever, won the day, and the charter was granted in 1861. Mr. Tennant took part in the proclamation cf the new Charter from a platform erected outside the Wal- nut Tree Hotel. Tlie opposition camp erected a platform on the opposite side of the street, rujar the old Bear Hotel, and as the provisions >of the Charter were read !'U, the opposition shouted and ridiculed them. Partisan feeling ran high, and numerous conflicts took place in the streets. In this fierce turrioil, young t'enaant, at that period a powerful athlete, over six feet in height, was the central figure, and old inhabitants vow with admiration, He knew how to keep his end up and no llltak! Two years ,.JLr the granting of the Charter, Mr. rc-iinant was appointed Town Clerk. At this period the population of Aberavon was only 3,000, and its ratable value about =62,000. By the special guidance of the late Town Clerk the whole municipal con- ditions of the borough were reorganised, departments and officials established, and a lapid inarch made forward. To-day Aberavon has a population of 12,500, and til ratable value of £ 50,000. Immediately after being appointed Town Clerk, Mr. Teunant busied himself in getting a com- mission of peace granted for the borough, ajul on December ltith, 1866, he had the proud distinction of intimating to the town that this was granted. This com- mission was further increased in 1378, and to-day there are 14 magistrates. The first Mayor of Aberavon was the late Mr. Edward J ones. whù salary was Jc2, and the Town Clerk's salary £20. To-day the salaries stand respectively at 175 and X250. One of the first aldermen was the late Mr. Daniel Smith, who was also Mayor in lStn-8-9, and who was the father of the present senior alderman, Alderman J. M. Smith, J.P. These facts go to show that Mr. Tennant was busily engaged lay- ing the foundation of Aberavon's muni- cipal greatness, when. the oldest of the present members were either mere boys or unborn- Right through life to foster Aberavon's resources and safeguard its every interest was Mr. Tennant's cardinal principle, and many are the present-day privileges and rights-of-way which are due to his foresight and insistency. As a professional gentleman, a public official, a private citizen, and an ardent Church worker, Mr. Tennant lent tone to every- thing he associated himself tin- swervin.g honesty of purpose, faultless in- tegrity, and unfailing courtesy established for him in the town and district the deepest respect. As a public speaker he eorajaaanded grace and polish, his sage remarks being always listened to with respect. Aberavon owes Mr. Marmaduke Twfmamt a great debt of 'gratitude. Of him it may truly be said in the words of Shakespeare:— His life was noble, And the elements so mixed up in him That Nature might indeed stand up Amd proclaim to all the world- He was a MaD Recruiting continues in the district, and each day brings a fair number of young, promising and useful young moo. to the cors. Up to the time of writing the district lias contributed the splendid total err -325, including National Be- serves. and there is every indication that this total will eontinaie to increase. ibersvon and Port Talbot have been given their phocks lately by a of rumours of invasion by warships. Zep- pelins and etopianes, alleged to have been espied along the Aberavon, Port Talbot and Margam coast. The climax came on Friday night when a War Office  "order came that all public and arc lights had to be extinguished, ar.d that the military stations in the town, and the local police were I to be mobilised to meet some expected emergency. When these facts became known and the streets of the town shrouded in darkn, the inhabitants became seriously perturbed, not a few through fear, declining to retire that vnigl'it. However, nothing happened, and the morning brought i eassurancfe that any imagined danger had passed. Still the authorities continue on the qui vive. When the order came to "down lights, it was acted upon with splendid promp- titude. Letters of thanks from local 'Tommies' serving at the front and various con-1 centration camps continue to pour in i acknowledging Christmas and New j Year's parcels of comforts sent them. The parcels sent away at the i instigation of Mrs. Angus Thomas, 41, Abbey-road, Port Talbot, and Mrs. Morgan, to the local boys serving with the 7th Welsh (Cyclist) Battalion at Berwick-on-Twced, received a general acknowledgment of gratitude from Colour-Sprgt. J. R. G. Morgan, of "H" Company. He says:—"We are deeply in- debted to you for the box of very nice and useful articles you so kindly sent us, and we very heartily appreciate your kind efforts to make our time as ei joy- able as possible. Many thanks to all assisted in the moycment." Last week reference was made in these columns to the misunderstanding which had arisen over the distribution of the proceeds of the Christmas night Patriotic Concert held at the New Theatre. It was contended that the understanding was that the proceeds should be equally divided between the War Funds of both districts, but instead of this the whole amount of £ 17 9s. id. was sent to the Aberavon Mayor's Fund. It may be remarked that this sum has now in- creased to £ 51 13s. 4d. by subscriptions of £ 1 Is. each from Sir A. Pendervis Vivian, K.C.B.. Mr. E. N. David, Mrs. C. J. David (Mumbles), and Mr. Fred E. Jacob. Mr. E. Marchant Jenkins, secretary of the Concert Committee, says that the s money has not been given to any existing fund, but placed with-the Mayor to form the nucleas of a separate soldiers' and sailors' fund to meet cases of future | emergency such as privation amongst soldiers' and (sailors' dependents. This 1 ? fund will be administered by the Hospital Committee. That definitely clears the air. and should more prove more satis- factory all round. [ More men are required to make up the -Iio necessary for the formation of a reserve battery of the Glamorganshire I Royal Horse Artillery. So far, there has been a fairly good response. Anyone t desiring to fall in should apply at the j Drill Hall, Port Talbot. ■ Coim. T. S. Goslin, at the last monthly meeting of the Aberavon Town Council, drew the attention of the War Office ? aiikl officers commanding the Swansea D- fence, Cardiff S8vern Defence, unà the Western and Welsh command to the facilities for training troops at the Aber- avon beach, and urged that a large number Should be sent there for that purpose. There are no two questions .bout it. The beautiful beach in close proximity of tfhc railway station would make one of the finest training grounds, either for infantry, cavalry or artillery unite. As Aid. D. J. Jones pointed out that Sir. A. Pendarvis Vivian, K.C.B., with his wide experience declared in the old Volunteer days that the Aberavon Beach was the finest of camping and training grounds for troops. The fault is that we do not advertise the advantages of car town enough," re- marked Aid. D. J. Jones, and immediate- ly came a report from the Borough Ac- countant depreciating the advertising of the Christmas Markets as having beon a loss. The Borough Accountant could have arrived at such a decision it is im- possible to say whether far more people visited the Christmas Market and far more business was done than in any pre- ?vions ye?r. Doubtless the AccouBtant based his conclusion merely on the Toll lie venue and expenses accou-nt and did not take into consideration the revenue which was brought into the Market and into the town by the extra influx of people. Councillor T. S. Goslin and the Mayor are to be commanded for vigorously upholding the efficiency of advertising. There can be no doubt that the most pronounced advancement in public favour during the last week has been made by Mr. Dan Thomas in his claim for the Swansea District seat, and this is especially the case in Aberavon, where he topped the pull by 124, as against Mr. T. J. Williams's S-t, and Mr. Arthur Thomas's 14. Profound regret was felt in Aberavon and Port Talbot on learning of the sud- den and unexpected death of Miss Morris, headmistress of the, Cwmavon Girls' School. The late Miss Morris com- manded ft wide circle of friends in Aber- ncvon and Port Talbot, to whom her kindly and genial disposition, together with her ever enthusiastic readiness to assist in any good cause, made her ex- tremely popular. Lucifer.

AMMANFORD. In very few places has the introduction: of an early shop-closing order been more sincerely welcomed by the tradesmen, as well as their assistants, than in Amman- ford. Consequently, the fixed hours are adhered to with a promptitude which is I very satisfactoq from an official point; of view, but which is apt to be somewhat disconcerting to some customers who etc in the J tab it of leaving their shoppjug until the last moment. With a watchful shop assistant at the door, to let out those who were already in the shop, and to keep outside thoso who would come to the counter after the hour has been, struck (in some cases they even resort to tipepieces that strike the half-hour tor use on certain evenings), it is no use for a laggard to attempt to argue for ad- missiun. Like the criminal law, the Clos- ing Order is now regarded as a piece of legislation which everybody must know, and remember. There is no probability of any need at all for a prosecution for breach of the order, in a town where all are agreed that shop early ami shop often is I being adopted as the motto by the sellers, and where the late buyers are vigorously practising foot-racing as an aid to reach- I ing the shop doors just before the fate- ful last minute. One of theee last, who had lost in the race against time, maliciousl y declared that the particular tradesman who had, at the moment, rou?d his ire by keeping the door shut, wa, evidently only too glad to save the co&t of lighting, owing to the fact that I so many of the young men of the town have joined the colours, and that there were consequently few customers about except on Friday and Saturday nights, j And, after all, take the caustic spirit of the declaration out, there is a substratum of truth in the allegation as regards some of the tradespeople who, like every one else, aro suffering and sacrificing for their country during this time of war. 1 am told that the Cham ber of Trade still has the County Corurt agitation in hand," and that developments may lie expected—some day. Of course, the State departments, so generally governed by the rules of red tape, are proverbially slow to move, and the war is, no doubt, res- ponsible for the delay in dealing with Ammanford's undonbted claim for a County Court. But Ammanford is a go ahead place. Its leading people are never i tired of asserting that fact, and they are I looking ^wjra.rd to the day when they may call their town a city. When they suc- ceed, they can never be more proud of their attainment, or more insistent upon the title, than the leading men of Cardiff are—I beg pardon, the City of Car- diff." In the Metropolis of Wales"- Cosmopolitan Cardiff" has in recent years completely outshone the little "City of Llandaff," under the shadow of the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, by mere pertinacity. That pertinacity must be commended to the people of Amman- ford in respect to their claim for the next recognition of its central posi- tion and business importance—the demand for a County Court. They must keep "pegging" away, and they will secure it, as they already have secured so many other responses to their claims and demands. Mention of local public matters naturally leads one to think uf Mr. T. M. Evans, M.A., who has proved a tower of Strength to the little town in securing recognition and in helping it forward from a municipal point of view. My sympathy, and that of a large circle of friends, is extended to him in his present illness, which, I trust, will be of short duration, for his genial personality is soon missed in connection with local public affairs. If he recovers before these notes appear in print, so much the better. In any event, the sooner the better. Awstin.

-J LATE MR. T. WOODWARD. The funeral took place at the Mumbles Cemetery this afternoon of Mr. T. Wood- ward, the well-known pork butcljer, of I I igh-street, Swansea. Among the mourners wero Messrs. Harold William- son Woodward (son), W. Woodward (brother) Wrexham, W. W. Woodward (nephew) Wrexham, Ralph Williamson, Wrexham; Robert Griffiths, Ruabon: Allan Williamson, Bristol (brothers-in- law), and the following of the staff: Messrs. H. Birchcnough, T. Daniels, Stan- ley Guy. Amongst the personal friends present were Messrs. G. Bevan (Uplands)-. W. T. Kent, A. Gambold, A. B. Dayies, M. Hopkins, Matt Stevens, Alabaster, Auckland, J Webbern, J. Mabe, E. Par- sons, A- Webbern, T. Evans, E. H. Griffiths (Llanelly), A. L. Morgan dad others. Rev. T. Morris (Vicar of Clydach) offi- ciated. The Salisbury Club Bent a beauti- ful wreath. Mr. D. G. Phillips had the arrange- ments in hand

YSTALYFERA ACCOUNTANT'S DEATH. Tbe death took place at Alltygrug, Ystalyfera, on Thursday morning, of Mr J W. Evans, accountant, Glyneinival. The deceased was 45 years of age, and had been in poor health for several months past. For the last 12 years be had acted as clerk to the \7stalyftera County School Governors. He wias in- terested in several business enterprises in the Y. 6talyfera district.

I HOPE-FULL? At the Aberavon Borough Police Court on Thursday Edwin Hope, chimney sweep, Aberavon, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. P.S. Swaffield said that defendant was drunk, shouting and using bad language. When asked, ho refused to go away.— Fined 5e. and costs. Mr. Charles Jones (chairman): When asked by a police offi(1' to gn away '-?uin, 1- '1li;ible and take his advica-

PIGS IN KITCHEN? I CARMARTHENSHIRE ALLEGATIONS 1. OF VERY MIXED FAMILIES. At a meeting of the Carmarthenshire County Council at Carmarthen, on Wed- nesday, Mr. David Evans (Whitland) presiding, it was reported that in reply to applications made for grants in re- spect of tho cost of road improvements in the county the Road Board wrote that they could not detract from their de- cision to refuse the grant for Tro Der- lwyn, Brynamman, because the work was commenced prior to the application for a grant. As to other schemes they would consider the applications when the necessity of providing employment arose, for so far they had no advice from the Local Government 'Board of unem- ployment in any part of Carmarthen- shire. Mr. W. N. Jones (Tirydail): I move that a deputation wait upon the Board. Mr. Alfred Stephens (Kidwelly): At tho time when that work was done at Tro'r Derlwyn there was unemployment. A Member: There still is unemploy- ment. Mr. John Lloyd (Abergwili): This ought to be a lesson for us not to spend money without first getting permission. A deputation was appointed. The minutes of the Loug-hor Bridge Joint Committee showed that the com- mittee had accepted the tender of the. Midland Counties Reinforced Concrete; Co. for the erection of the new bridge, the amount being 217,73,6. A letter was read from a man in one of the country districts complaining that he had been, turned out of his house be- cause of its state of repair, and asking whether the council intended building cottages for poor people. Mr. Wm. Thomas (Whitland) said the family had to bo cleared out. Dogs, goats and pigs," he said were living with them in the house. Mr. Nathan Griffith?; -(Llanelly) said he knew of farmhouses even in a certain district where "the cocks roosted on the bedstead, and the pigs made habitation in the kitchen." (Laughter). Mr. Wm. Thomas denied that any- thing of the kind existed in his district. Mr. Griffiths: I refer to the parish of Trelech. The Chairman ruled the discussion out of order. In reference to a claim from Mr. Thos. Williams. New-road, Dafen, Wwho is known as the Defen recluse for £100! in respect of damages to his property, alleged to have been caused by stone- throwing, and which had been referred b the police at the last meeting, the Clerk read a letter from Snpt. Jories, Llanelly, stating he had never had any complaint from Williams as to damages or annoyance. He was informed that the condition of the house was the same now as it had been for the past ten years. There were no panes in the windows, and the holes were filled up with papers and rags. Tho Clerk: We cannot do any more in the matter. Four applications wrre received for the appointment of a County Returning Officer in the place of the late Mr. Wm. Howell, Llanelly. The voting resulted in the selection of Mr. J. R. Williams, solicitor, Llandilo, who is at the present time a major in the 4th (Reserve) Bat- talion Welsh Regiment, who received 32 votes, as against 16 for Mr. C. B. V. Morris, Carmarthen: 6 for Mr. D. H. Powell, Llandilo, and 1 for Mr. J. Lewis Phillips, Llanelly. The recommendation of a sub-commit- tee to accede to the application of Ponty- berem to be formed into a separate civil

RECRUITING FOR SIXTH WELSH. I A meking of tho sub-committee who ba.ve ■the arrarigements in hand for pair&deo and recruiting meetings in connection with the 6th (Reserve) Battalion of the Welsh Regi- ment, took place at the Guild-hall yesterday, tlie 27th instant, the Mayor (Aid. Daniel Jones) in the chair, snp-pwted by Colonel J. E. Thomas, Councillor J. Barclay Owen, and Mr. W. C. Jenkins. It was reeolved as a preliminary that a parade should take place on Monday night nest, the 1st, February, with the Police Ba<nd heading the same. Fall in Got the Drill ILall at 7 o'clock, and proceed via Eichard- eon-street, Oxford-Street. Templo-street, Castlec-rtreet, High-street, to the Square of the Great Western Eailway, where one or two short speeches will be made with a view to fostering recruiting. The parade will then continue via, Alexandra-road, De-la- Beche-atreet, Mansel-street, Walter-road, Dnke-street and Phillips-parade to the Hos- pital Square, where similar proceedings will take plaoe. after which the troops will march back via St. Helen's-road and Riebwdeon-etTeet, to tbe Drill Hall.

SWANSEA'S RECORD. £2,144 Profit on Bath and West Show. Satisfaction at the result of the show it Swansea, was expressed at a Council meet- ing of the Bath and West and Southor-a Counties Society at Bristol, Mr. C. L. F. EriWiirda in the chair. The expenses connected with the Swarned. Show amounted to C9,066, whilst the re- receipts were zEll,177, -which showed a balance on the right side of LZ,144 The oommittee, however, have to regret that the depreciation in the value of Consols and other high-class eecruities which has been manifested during the past few years was further emphasised in 1S14, with the result that the society's etock investment have suifered a lose in value of L268 within the last twelve months. In the last four years the loss by depreciation ham amounted to over £ 2,000. 'Ihe Chairman said that the Principality, and Swansea especially, had once more shown its kindly feeling towards the society by it3 practical and enthusiastic support of tho show came at a most opportune moment, for it enabled the Council to ac- cept, in the interests both of agriculture and the nation at large, the financial re- sponsibility of holding an exhibition this yaw under such abnormal conditions as had never previously existed in the society's history. The adoption of the report was agreed to.

ILLANGENNECH MAN'S ROMANCE. A cablegram has been received by Alder-, man T. Thomas, Llaugentiech, announ- cing the death of his brother in New York. The deceased, who was in his 60th year, emigrated from Llangennech over 30 years ago, and soon became a prominent official in the Pullman Car Co. Afterwards he engaged in the tobacco business, and laid the foundations of the biggest tobacco concern in the world. He was for a long time vice-president of the American Trust, and the great British- American Tobacco Company owed its in- ception to him. He acted as chairman of the directors until his enforced retirement through ill-health three years ago.

IPONTARDAWE TROOPER BEREAVED The death took place on Thursday ait Railway Bank. Alitwen. Pontardawe, of Miss "Nan" Phillips, the ten-year-old daugh- ter of Mr. and Urs. George Phillipe. The do- ceased was a good elocutionist and soioist, and last Sunday week she recited at Da.ny- graig quarterly meetings, Alltwen, "Rhowch 1 mi docyn ir Nefoedd" ("Give Me a Ticket to Heaven"). The rendition was so touching that most of the congregation were in tea m. On the following day she was taken ill. Pneumonia aet in, and although attended by Dre. John Jones (Clydach) and Dahne tPontardwe) she pa-ssed away as stated. Deceased's father is a trooper with tfle Welsh Horse in Norfolk, but was able to be home prior to his little girl's death.

ARTHURIAN LEGENDS IN FRANCE. A very interesting and instructive lec- ture (under the auspices of the Swansea Cymrodorion) was delivered last Tues- day evening to a representative audience at the Public Library by Miss Magdalen Morgan, M.A., of the Training College. Alderman John Jordan presided. The lecturer said that after the Chauson de geste" and the Epic of Antiquity, the French people adopted the Celtic cycle of Legend. Before this period, very little attention was paid to anything but war- like spirit, but now a new element arose which was to influence the whol e of Europe in the Middle Ages. This spirit of chivalry was depicted in France by means of the Arthurian legend which had become extremely popular after the appearance of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Brut. The legends may be divided into three main classes:— (1) Lais" and poems referring to Tristram. "fhe.se are permeated with the mystic melanelk-oly usually associated with the Celtic temperament. Each little song pourtrays an incident in the love story. of the hero. (2) Stories concerning King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. These stories lack the true Celtic spirit. The old simplicity has departed, and tourna- ments, pogrants, feasts—all that would please the feudal aristocracy of France- form the favourite subjects. Here the conventional amours of the typical Lance- lot take the place of the deep and tender love of Tristram. 3. The history of Percival and th9 search for the Holy Grail. The influence of the monastic austerity of the early thirteenth century is evident in these stories. Lancelot and Gawin have no place in the new scheme, but Pereival is the embodiment of all that is good and. true. Later, oven he is not allowed to behold the Holy Grail, and the honour is reserved fo'r the perfect Galahad. The origin of these stories is'certainly Celtic, and they wore disseminated by means of story tellers and minstrels from Britain and Britanny, who invariably found a hearty welcome in the Courts of Normandy and Champapaque. The Chairman expressed most heartily the gratitude of the society to Mis,3 Mor- gan for her services.

FAMOUS PLAY COMING TO PORT i TALBOT. For six nights only, commencing on Monday, February 8th, that famous play, Grumpy," will be staged at the New Theatre, Port 1\albot, by Mr. Charles Windermere and his own selected com- pany, of which the cast includes Mr. Charles Windermere as Grumpy, by ar- rangement with Mr. Cyril Maude. It is a play in four acts, by Horace Hodges and T. W. Percyval, and in addition to being a thrilling drama, it is full of laughter. Scene follow scene of strenuous (Irama, en- livened byhnmour and comicality. 'The cast also includes Edward Bonfield, Lux- moore IIockia, tia-rold Wilkinson, Walter Pemberton, Robei-fcson Hare, R. Bertram Fryer, Miss Pauline Hugen, Miss Gladys Rose-Jones, Miss Reni Vivian--allof theni well-known artistes.

RAILWAY STATION SCENES. The hearing of the cases in which Jas. Bernard Allen (29), a haker, summoned Alfred "Darrall, a detective-sergeant in the employ of the L.N.W.R. for alleged assault on January 5th; and James Ber- nard Allen, was summoned for wilfully obstructing one Arthur Bond, and Detec- tive-Sergt. Darrall whilst in the execu- tion of his duty on tho L.N.W .R. Station on the same date, were resumed before the Swansea Bench on Thursday. Mr. Henry Thompson appeared for Allen, and Mr. Rupert Lewis appeared for the company. After a lengthy hearing the Bench de- rided to dismiss* the case of assault, and to convict Allen for obstruction.—A fine of 40s. was then imposed.

PONTARDAWE DOCTOR'S WIDOW. The death took place on Wednesday night of Mrs. Elizabeth Griffiths, widow of the late 1. r. Griffith Griffiths, J.P., Bryntelvn, Pontardawe. The deceased was in her 75th year, and had been in delicate health for some time past. She was a native of Neath, and was a sister or Mr. Whittington, the present post- master of Neath, and the mother-in-law of Dr. W. Owen Evans, Pontardawe. The funeral will take place on Saturday afternoon.

THE DISTRICT SEAT. THE RETURNS AT WARD MEETINGS.; ThA voting at district meetings of the Swansea Parliamentary District up to Wednesday evening was as follows:- PORT TALBOT. (First Vote.) T. J. Williams 79 Dan Thomas 61 A. A. Thomas 57 (Second Vote). Dan Thomas 111 T. J. Williams 87 i ABERAVON. (First Vote). Dan Thomas 124. T. J. Williams 84 A. A. Thomas 14 (Second Vote). Dan Thomas 134 T. J. Williams 88 MORRISTON. (First Vote). T. J. Williams 164 Dau Thomas 117 A. A. Thomas 19 (Second Vote). T. J. Williams 167 Dan Thomas 126 PENTRECHWYTH. (First Vote). Dan Thomas 47 T. J. Williams 35 A. A. Thomas 9 (Second Vote). Dan Thomas 53 T. J. Williams 37 LANDORE. (First Vote). T. J. Williams 67 Dan Thomas 63 A. A. Thomas 26 (Second Vote). Dan Thomas 76 T. J. Williams 71 MORRISTON. First vote: T. J. Williams, 164; Dan Thomas, 117; JÍ. A. Thomas, 19. Second vote: T. J. Williams, 167; Dan Thomas. 126. LANDORE. The first voting gave Mr. A. Thomas 2G, Mr. Dan Thomas (M, and Mr. T. J. Williams 67. The second choice gave Mr. Dan Thomas 76 votes and Mr.. T. J. Williams 71 votes. During the proceed- ings Mr. A. A. Thomas visited the place, but did not speak. PORT TALBOT. It was resolved to proceed with the voting by ballot on the principle of first and second preference. The voting resulted as follows: T. J. Williams, 7i); Dan Thomas, 61; A. A. Thomas, 57. Second vote: Dan Thomas, 111; T. J. Williams, 87. ABERAVON AND CWMAVON. A meeting was held of the Liberals of the Aberavon area, which commands 17 delegates, and after spirited proceedings tho voting resulted as follows: Dan Thomas, 129; T. J. Williams, 84; A. A. Thomas, 14. Second vote: Dan Thomas, 134; T. J. Williams, 87. The first vote at the Cwmavon meeting was as follows: T. J. Williams, 73; Dan Thomas, 4.; A. A. Thomas, 8. NEATH. FIRST VOTE. T. J. Williams 209 Dan Thomas 98 A. A. Thomas 49 SECOND VOTE. T. J. Williams 213 Dan Thomas 121 ST. JOHN'S. FIRST VOTE. Dan Thomas 1-18 T. J. Williams 115 A. A. Thomas. 12 SECOND VOTE. Dan Thomas 152 T. J. Williams 121 FOXHOLE. FIRST VOTE. T. J. Williams 13 Dan Thomas 9 A. A. Thomas. 1 SECOND VOTE. T. J. Williams 13 Dan Thomas 10 LOUGHOR. T. J. Williams 76 Dan Thomas 39 A. A. Thomas 6 (Second vote not announced.) PENTRE. First vote: Dan Thomas, 148; T. J. Williams, 115; A. A. Thomas, 12. Sec«nd: Dan Thomas, 152; T. J. Wil- liams, 121. ;—

I NO FRESH LOAN LIKELY.' j I Government Commands an Ample Supply of Money. Presiding m London Wednesday over half-yearly general meeting of the pro- prietors of. the UlllQn of London and Smith's Bunk, Ltd., Sir Felix Schuster (governor) said the circumstances under which they met were indeed unprece- dented, and gratified as they had every I reason to be with the maintenance of the nation's commerce, and the strength of the financial position, they must never lose sight of the momentous character of the struggle now in progress, ,on the issue of which the destinies, political and economic, of the nation depended. The strength of the nation's financial position must be maintained to assist the Govern- ment in the prosecution of the war to a successful issue, and to assist, when necessary, the commerce of the country, and with it the employment of the people. For the present the money at the ccfcn- mand of the Government appeared ample, and fresh loan operations during the com- ing months seemed hardly to be probable, but should new demands have to be made in any form, there could be no doubt that the respouse would be ready. The abundance of money on the mar- ket; the eagerness with which approved bills were taken, and the large amount of banking deposits all over the country afforded ample proof, if such proof were needed, of the ability and confidence of our traders to continue the nation's com- merce freely, both at home and abroad, and to maintain, and even improve, our commercial relations with the Colonies and other over-sea countries, and he looked to an increase rather than to a decrease of both our exports and imports, reduced for the time being by the war. Until peace was once more with us, all our efforts must bEl directed to one end only. The whole resource of the nation must be freely placed at the Govern- ment's disposal to bring the war to a successful conclusion, and to prevent a I( recurrence of such a calamity for gener- ations to come. To this end no sacrifice could be too great. Our commerce was pre-eminent now. It would be, he was confident, even more so when the war was over. Mr. Mellor Wilkinson remarked that the present Chancellor of the Exchequer had, during the cirsis, out-Heroded Herod, and had given satisfaction to the staunchest Conservative.

WELSH HOME RULE. PROVJSIONS OF PROPOSED LEGIS- LATION FOR PRINCIPALITY. Copies of the Government of Wales Bill (1914) have been distributed throughout the Principality in order to obtain repre- sentat-ive views upon its provisions. The Bill has been printed by order of the House of Commons, and is in the form adopted by the Welsh Parliamentary Party last session. Those who have received copies are asked to communicate their comments to Mr. Edward T. John, M.P?, the member in charge of the Bill, or to Mr. John Hinds, M.P. In the memorandum of the provisions for Welsh Home Rule it is stated that the Bill. in accordance with the policy of devolution initiated by the Government of Ireland Bill, establishes in Wales a single-chamber Parliament for the trans- action of the affairs of Wales (including the county of MOlllWmth), to consist of 95 members, returned by the constituencies as follows:— « Anglesey 3 GLofnorgiut: Carnarvon: Cardiff 6 Arvxra 4. Merthyr & Eifion 5 Swaneea Town Denbigh: and District 5 4 South 5 W-eat 3 East 5 Flint 4 Mid 4 MerMmt?h 3 Ehondda 4 Montgomery 5 Gower 5 Brecon and Dad nor 4 Monmouth-. Cardigan 3 North 3 Carmarthen: Wœt 4 Wast 3 South & Boroughs 6 East 4 Pembroke 4 I 95 lhe right of voting at Parliamentary elections is accorded to all adult citizens, without sex disqualification, and it is proposed that the elections shall be by ballot. The only disq ualifi cations are those existing under the present law, with the exception of the one relating to adult women. The represontation of Wales in the House of Commons will be 34, this arrangement being regarded as temporary until English affairs are dealt with by an English Legislature. Included in the powers of the Welsh Parliament are all those conferred, on tho Irish Parliament except the control of the Post Office, but with the addition of the control over the Old-age Pensions, National Insurance, and Labour Ex- changes. With the exception of Customs, the Welsh Parliament will have the exclusive power of levying, varying, and collecting all taxes within the Principality of Wales and the county of Monmouth, all revenues thus contributed, including Cus- toms, to be devoted exclusively to Welsh services, subject to a contribution based upon the proportion the aggregate assess- ment to income-tax in Wales bears to the aggregate of the United Kingdom.. The executive power will continue vested in his Majesty the King, who will bo represented in Wales by a Lord Presi- dent, who will receive from the Parlia- ment of the United Kingdom a salary of 1;5,04)0 per annum, and will carry oa the administration advised by an executive committee of a Welsh Privy Council. Until the Welsh Parliament shall otherwise determine, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Judicature, the county courts, and all existing courts is maintained, but power is taken to create a Welsh division of the Hign j Court of Justice by order in llt8 Majesty's Council; and it is proposed that after the passing of the Bill judges of county courts having jurisdiction in Wales, recorders of boroughs in Wales and Monmouthshire, justices of the peace, including stipendiaries for the counties, county boroughs, and boroughs in Wales and Monmouthshire, and re-1 gistrars of the district registries of the High Court of Justice ill Wales and' Monmouthshire shall be appointed by tho Lord President on the advice of the executive committee. It is proposed that the life of each Welsh Parliament shall be no longer than four years, and peers are qualified for election. Power may bo given to declare that the holders of offices in the Welsh executive shall not be disqualified by reason of holding office" under the Crown. A contribution of 3 per cent. per annum is to be made from the Welsh Consoli- dated Fund to ths Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom for five years from the appointed day towards the expen- diture on the Army, Navy, and the in- terest and management of the .National Debt, and after the expiration of five years this contribution shall be subject to revision on a quinquennial basis. Judges of Welsh County Courts and justices of the peace shall be appointed by the Lord President, and not by the Lord High Chancellor of England. Clause 20 is as follows The term of office of the Lord President shall be six years, without prejudice to the power of his Majesty at any time to revoke the ap- pointment, and with the intent that the continuance in office of the Lord Presi- dent shall not be affected by any change of Ministry. « No existing Welsh officers in the civil service of the Crown shall be prejudiced as to salary or tenure of office, and the Superannuation Acts shall continue to apply to them. The appointed day for the purposes of the Act shall be January 1, 1916, and the Welsh Parliament shall be summoned to meet not later than two months from that date."

OLD MYNYDDBACH PLAYER. Sad Death of Mr. David Davies, Treboeth. The death has occurred under sad cir- cumstances of a well-known Treboeth athlete in the person of Mr. David Davies, of Moriah-road. Davies was a mainstay of tho now defunct Mynyddbach Rug'by team, which for so long held a local league championship, and for a considerable time had an unbroken ground rocord. Right up to the time the club became extinct he played at centre three-quarter for them, and it was largely due to his efforts that the club achieved its great successes. It appears that Davies received a blow ,-on t??-, head about a fortnight ago, of which he took little notice at the time On Tuesday, however, he was taken seriously ill, and he died on Wednesday night. Davies was about 35 years of age, and was generally liked and re- spected in the district.

I FIREMEN REFUSED TO WORK. John Richardson (34), a fireman, was charged at Swansea with wilfully disobeying the lawful command of the master, Henry Holmes, whilst engaged on the fishing trawler, Carew Castle, on January 14th. Richardson denied the offence. Mr. Phillips (of Messrs. Ingledew and Co.) who prosecuted, said that Richard- son was employed as a fireman at 25s. a week. He was called at 7 o'clock on the morning of January 14th. The chief engineer told him to start work, but he refused, saying that he would not work for 25s. a day, let alone 25s. a week. He persistently refused to work, with the result that a complaint was made to the captain. Richardson again refused to work. As a result, the engineer had to work as a fireman, and the ship had to put back to Swansea after "being out six days, thus causing a big loss to the com- pany. Evidence was called. The Bench sent Richardson down for four weeks, and ordered that lie forfeit his wajges of.£7 10s.