Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

NO WOMEN POLICE. SWANSEA WATCH COMMITTEE DECLINE TO SANpJION SCHEME." A meeting of the Swansea Watch Com- mittee was held on Wednesday afternoon, the Mayor (Alderman Dan Jones) presid- i n In regard to contracts for new police uniform, a circular letter was received from the Home Office urging that so far as new contracts for police clothing were concerned, the Corporation should allow contractors a little latitude, as the Government had the first call upon cloth- ing contractors. The Mayor remarked that there was a big demand on the contractors for uni- forms for the new army, and he thought local authorities should be considerate on that account. The other members of the committee agreed. Women Police Patrol Question. Several letters were received from women's suffrage societies in Swansea. urgin gthe appointment of women police patrols for Swansea, but the committee decided to adhere to their original decision that such patrols were not necessary in the town. The New Fire Engine. On the suggestion of the Borough Treasurer, it was decided to raise a loan for tfie new fire engine which, it was stated, is nearly ready. Uplands Sergeant's Retirement. It was reported that Sergeant David F. Price, a well-known figure at the Lp- lunds, had retired from the force on a pension, after 27 years' service. He joined in 1887, and was promoted sergeant in 1909 Mr. Roger Beck's Gift. r Capt. Thomas reported that Mr. Roger Beck had kindly presented two Airedale dogs for the use of the force. The dogs had been properly trained under Major Richardson, the well-known pioneer of this innovation in police work. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Beck, the Mayor remarking that the dog-s would he of great service to the men in the outside districts. ¡

I A COUNCIL'S INCOME TAX. Replying to Mr. If. S. Ilolmes at the monthly meeting of the Carmarthen Town Council yesterday, the Town Clerk (Mr. H. B. White) stated that the Corpo- ration had had to pay £116 odd charged as income tax for the last year on the profit made on the waterworks. This was the first occasion that such a charge had been made on the waterworks by the Inland Revenue authorities, who held that for the purposes of Water the Cor- poration was a trading concern. Mr. Holmes said it would mean a penny fltte. r Favourable consideration was given to a letter asking for support to the national movement for a National Flag Day on March 1st for the purpose of securing comforts for the Welsh troops.

1 The Brighton Railway dividend for the I half-r on the undivided ordinary stock is S3 12s. 6d., and the balance for- ward is £ 39,994.

[ OMNIBUS NOTES. I ————.———— Major Walter Johnson, the well-knovq Middlcsbro' iron master. was found dead in his chair at his daughter's residence at Redear on Tuesday. At Gateshead, Tue»sday. Arthur Bevafl Oregan, brass moulder, was committed for trial charged with the wilful murde-r of his wife, Dinah Oregan, by cutting her throat; and attempted murder of hiat two children, and with attempting to commit suicide. The King has been pleased, on the recommendation of the President of the Board of Trade, to award the Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea to Jameel Stockley, Sergent of Police, Lyme Regis, in recognition of his services in rescuing three survivors of H.M.S. Formidable at Lyme Regis on January 1, 1915. Carried Into Sea by Umbrella. Walking on the pier at Row, Gare Loch, Dumbartonshire, a young woman named Dorothy Clarke was suddenly blown intq the water. Her companion stated that the wind filled Miss Clarke's umbrella and carried her over the end of the pier. Increased Revenues. The total revenue receipts for the period April 1-February 6 are C160,254,459,, an increase of S:9,120,479 over the corres* ponding period of the preceding year. In spite of the new beer duty excise in- come shows a falling off of over £ 1,100,000. Income-tax receipts, on the other hand, are £10,000,000 better than last year. Territorials Discharged. The Torquay magistrates on Monday; discharged Privates Harris and Pullman, Territorial cyclists, who were under ar- rest for causing the deaths of Lieut. Hart, R.N., and Lieut. Simpson, A.S.C., by shooting in Torbay-road on January, 24th. Harris and Pullman were on patrol duty at the time of the affair. Seat on Council Retained. Mr. Millbourne Williams, of Swansea, has joined the Oflfcers' Training Corps, and is in training at Lincoln's Inn prior: to being transferred to Beckampstead. At a meting of the Swansea Council in committee on Monday, it was decided that Mr. Williams be asked not to resign his seat on the Council, and that in the event of his being with the eooulrs it* inoveviber, the Council hoped that them would be no opposition to his re-election. Bombardment Victims. A child named Martha Wood died at Hartlepool from injuries sustained during the German bombardment. This makes the 118th death. An inquest, was held At Hartlepool on the body of a married woman named Lily Elizabeth Moore (31), who was found hanged. It was stated that deceased had been greatly affected by the bombardment. A verdict of suicide while in a state of insanity through ghock of the bom- bardment was returned Bride's Body Exhumed. The exhumation took place on Tuesday at Blackpool Cemetery of the body of Mrs. Alice Smith, the first wife of the man now under remand at Bow-street on a charge of having made a false entry on the occasion of his second marriage at Bath. This morning the body was examined by Dr. Bernard Spilsbury, representing the Home Office, and by Dr. J. II. Billing, the local doctor who made the post mcrtem fourteen months ago. Extreme Measures. The Swansea Branch of the Associated. Society of Locomotive Engineeris and Firemen, at a meeting yesterday, passed the following resolution..—" That in con- sequence of the unscrupulous and un- necessary rise in the price of food we. instruct our Executive Committee to end the truce, and to demand an immediate increase of wages per day all round, ami. eev, we inform the JJxecntho iisider the situation so urgent that we are prepared to use extreme measures iff obtain the increase." British General's Death. General Lord William Seymour, K.C.V.O., Colonel-in-Chief of the Cold- streanj Guards, died on Tuesday at Lythanger, near Lias, Hants. Deceased, who was a great uncle of the present Marquis of Hertford, was 76 years of age. He was a midshipman in the Navy, and served in the Baltic. In 1855 he entered the Coldstream Guards, and served in the Crimea and I the Egyptian Campaign of 1882. He re- tired from the Army in 1905. German's Crime Towards His Wife. A German subject, Frederic Kublum* living at 135, Manor-street, Clapham, who was charged before Mr, Lister* Drummond at the South-Westerrn Police Court on. Tuesday with white slave traffic, the victim being his wife, pleaded that in consequence of the war he was throwll out of employment. Mr. Drummond said the offence was at disgraceful and horrible one. However, he would take into consideration the man's previous good character and the circumstances that he had been driven to severe straits by losing his employ- ment through the outbreak of war. Ha would go to prison for two months, but withut hard labour.

I A ROMANCE 0 INDUSTRY. Mr. Arthur Keen, chairman of Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds, l/imited, died on Monday at his residence in Edgbaston^ Birmingham. About fifty years ago Mr. Keen was < railway clerk in the London and North- Western goods office at Smethwick. Ha made the acquaintance of a Mr. Watkins, who had an American patent for making nuts and bolts by machinery. Mr. Keen exploited the process to such good pur- pose that soon he had outdistanced every rival in this line of manufacture. When the nut and bolt firm of Watkins and Keen commenced business at Smethwiclp the first week's wages amounted to « £ 13 10s. Mr. Watkins dropped out of the business, which was continued by Mr, Keen. In 1864 the firm of Weston and Gricfll was amalgamated with Mr. Keen's and the concern became the Patent Nut and Bolt Company with a capital of £ 100,000. Mr. Keen's success was continued in a. series of remarkable amalgamations. In 1900 he amalgamated the Patent Nut and Bolt Company with the Dowlais and Cy. farthfa Iron Works, with a capital ol something like three millions. Later he amalgamated with the great screw firm of Nettlefolds. Ltd., of Birmingham. The board of which Mr. Keen was chairman controlled a capital of C5,000,000 and directed 50,000 workpeople.

I SWANSEA WEDDING. I Great interest centred in the marriago which was solemnised at St. HelenVroa<J Congregational Chapel on Wednesday morning.. The bride, Miss Millicent I (Millie) Howells, is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howells, of the Grosvenor and Grand Hotels, the bridegroom being Mr. T. J. Sinclair Evans, only eon of the Rev., and Mrs. Sinclair Evans, Cwm- donkin-terrace. There was a largo congregation at the chapel, which had been prettily decorated with flowers for the occasion. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a beautiful robe of ivory mauresque lace over silk. The skirt was full, the draped corsage having a nest of folded chiffon, finished with a large cluster of chiffon flower6. Her bridal veil of Brussels net had each corner embroidered with spraya of lillies of the valley and orange-bloskqom and was caught on either side of the head with clusters of orange-blossom. The shower bouquet carried was composed of choice white flowers and, trailing ferns, tied with broad ivory ribbons.

Food Supply Problem. I So long ago as last October we made emphatic references to the p r obi cm oil food supplies as affoeted by the war. At that time we ventured to issue appeals and warnings that were based upon the expectation that during February and March people would be feeling the pinch of hard times in the shap o of high prices and curtailed supplies. Our re- ward at the time took the form of sevenlji attacks by contemporaries, who made merry at what they called our pessimism," and who wrote with a recblets disregard of facts and the general welfare. The justification of our attitude last October is found now in the remarkably high cost of living and in tho various measures being taken to in- duce the Government to take steps to compel redactions in prices. A Cardiff contemporary publishes a letter from Mr. Walter Scott, who takes up a line that is at once difficult and easy to answer. In it, Mr. Scott says;- The impression that the United King- dom is dependent upon foreign countri for food is erroneous, Scotland produces sufficient flOd for its people; Wales occu- pies a similar position, while Ireland is en extensive food-exporting country, England, with abundant foods available within her own doors, feeds her popu- lation on foreign. SUppliffi, thereby in- flicting permanent injury upon British and Irish stock breeders and feeders, neglecting her retail traders and the agricultural classes, with their affiliated irdustrit,s." The eose with which this may be answered is found in a reference to the market reports published day by day in our immediate contemporary, the "Cam- bria Daily Leader." So far as those re- ports may be taken as evidence, they do not give ar, much to prove that either Wales or Ireland—or Scotland, for that matter—is producing sufficient food for its people. If each of these portions of Great Britain could be self-contained to such an extent, then we should be able to laugh at the outside world, and the prices of food ii-clild be normal. As it is. everything necessary to human sus- tenance is gene up in cost, and many people are wishing now that they had practised a little more economy when they were advised to do so last October But the dfficulty of providing an answer is found when we turn to the task of carrying Mr. Scott's letter to its logical conclusion. There ought to be no difficulty in making both ends meet out of our home supplies for a much larger period of the year than is the case. Early la-st autumn the Board of Agriculture made seane attempts to make people realise both their danger and the retuedy for it. A number of recommendations to farmers and holders of small plots jf land were issued by the Board. But those recom- mendations, excellent in their way, were not followed up by either legislative or departmental action. We had neither laws and regulations enforcing the obvious obligations, nor were organised meetings and conferences held for the purpose of bringing home to people's minds the duty that unusual circumstances laid upon all. who had the cultivation of land in their care. The consequence is that land that might be put to uöe, if only to grow a few vegetables, is still lying waste and idle; there is no attempt to organise assistance where iit is required; ,so far as can be ascertained, many farmers are content with the plea that there is not enough labour for their requirements; few attempts to increase the acreage laid down for toodstuit's are being made; mewt supplies, so tar from being conserved, have been depleted by immature animals being sent to 'he butcher; and in several other ways th? possibilities oi economical tillage are be in;? ignored. Tl;ese> points have a serious aspect, and if the war lasts as long as those best able to judg-e anticipate, the, autumn of this year will find us much worse instead of better off than we are at present.

LOCAL NOTES. I ABERAVON & PORT TALBOT. I The Aberavon Town Clerkship hag been filled, and Mr. Moses Thomas, J.P., soli- citor, has been appointed by practically the unanimous voice of the Council. An extra element of interest was added to the event by the fact that it was over half-a-century sines a Town Clerk had been appointed before, the lata Mr. Ten- nan t having held the office for a period of 52 years-in fact- practically from the time that the Charter of Incorporation was granted to the ancient borough. The appointment was therefore invested with a somewhat archaic significance. To succeed to such a position would have been a distinct compliment to anyone, and Mr. Moses Thomas may justly feel proud of having been chosen to wear the honoured garb of such a worthy and dis- tinguished predecessor. Indeed, the honour is further extended in being the second Town Clerk of the borough. What-j ever sentiment may suggest, and it cer- tainly has a gitsit deal of potency, there can be no shadow of doubt that Mr. Thomas is adequately qualified to fulfil the important functions of the office, and to tne important destinies of the town with his practical skill gained from many years' e.-qierience as a town coun- cillor, an alderman and ex-Mayor of the town. Tbo new Town Clerk's record as a professional and public man will be 0 found published in another column, as also the tributes paid to him on the occasion of his appointment. Mr. Thomas has our congratulations and our wish for a long, prosperous, and successful reign of office. Recruiting in the district has not been so brisk during the past week. Still re- cruits continue to dribble in quietly. the total for the town and district in- cluding reservists and the Reserve Bat- tery uf the Royal Horse Artillery amounting to about 1,400—not by any means a bad total. In regard to the Royal Horse Artillery, the appeal for ;200 men to form a Reserve Battery has so far brought in some tiO recruits. Con- sidering that this is the only battery of the Royal Horse Artillery in the county, and that the headquarters are at the Drill Hall, Port Talbot, patriotism should especially appeal to young men of the district. There appears to exist a totally erroneous idea amongst a number of eligible young men that to be able to ride is a necessary qualification of enlist- ment. This is not so, us after enlistment recruits are taken in hand by expert horsemen and carefully trained into the art of riding. If any one needs any ocu- lar demonstration they have only to visit Fort Talbot any day to see rawest recruits who never before had been on horseback quickly trained, and become creditable horsemen. In their training great care is taken by the officers, the reciuits being first drilled into the neces- sary equinine movements on a comfort- ably padded rocking-horse. In this, as in other matters, the nicii are given every assistance and encouragement to acquire their duties. Those who have already joined are delighted with their invigorating experience, and are becom- ing quite adepts. An effort is being made to establish in the district still another war fund branch of the National Relief Committee for providing additional comforts for the Welsh troops serving abroad and at home. The new committee has for its president the Earl of Plymouth, and has its head- quarters nt 11, Downing-street, London. Both tho Margam and Aberavon Coun- cils have received circulars asking them to form local branches The new com- mittee appears to be a day after the fair, as already very successful funds for this specific purpose have been established in both districts, from which all the local men serving with the colours have been supplied with parcels of comforts, many hundreds having been sent from both Aberavon and Port Talbot, at a cost of over £ 350. The idea of joining in with another centralised fund was not favour- ably considered, and the matter was re- ferred to the local Joint War Committee for consideration. Probably those re- sponsible for the issuing of the circular in London are unaware what has been done in the district, and, further, that in addition there has been inaugurated in the district a fund—already over £100 strong—for meeting any future emergency of ditress or soldiers coming home tem- porarily or permanently maimed. 'This latter fund, under joint local administra- tion. should appeal far more strongly to local sentiment for support. The chairman of the Margam District Council (Mr. Rees Llewellyn) voiced his condemnation of the unnecessary inflated cost of foodstuffs inflicted upon the people of the country. He declared em- phatically that those responsible for this advance in the cost of living and the making of the lives of the people at home harder are greater traitors to the country than spies and enemies." On Monday last a very happy nuptial coincidence occurred at the Neath Registry Office, when an Army and Navy man appeared on the scene at the same time with their brides. Both the bride- grooms were in uniform, and with that quick aptitude characteristic of "Jack" and Tommy a compact was ei, tered into that Tommy should act as ".lack's" best man, and vice-versa. This was agreed to amidst the hilarity of principals and officials, and the compact carried out. The parties concerned were Sorgt. W. E. Gough (R.H.A.), Aberavon, whose bride was Miss Florence He-yck. Peuycae, Port Talbot, and A.B. Fred Ashman, of Britonferry, on leave from H.M.S. Isis, whose bride was Miss Mary Jane Rees, of Swansea, who for some time had been employed at Dr. Davies', Neath. The parties after the ceremonies left in taxis, and breakfasted together at 22, I r Oakwood-street, Fort Talbot. Through the altered conditions of the Aberavon official staff by the change of town clerkship there is one point which should commend itself to the Mayor and Corporation, and that is some adequate recognition of the splendid services for many years rendered to the Corporation and the town genera-lly by Mr. J. Gifford, the assistant and chief clerk of the late town clerk. Mr. Gifford, through the great stress of Parliamentary war funds, and general public work which ha.s been abnormal, has exhibited ability and energy which ha.8 placed him on a high pedestal of admiration by all connected with both the municipal and private life of the town. With unfailing courtesy Mr. Gifford has proved himself an exemplary public official, and has been ever ready to give his valuable services to every member of the Corporation from the successive mayors down. He has always been ready and willing to give his clerical and i organising assistance to every good object promoted in the town. There has been aroused much curiosity in the town as to who will be appointed the borough magistrates' clerk hi succes- sion to the late Mr. Tennant, by whoce efforts some fifty years ago a magistracy was established in the borough. This ap- pointment was to have been made on Wednesday, bu( although the justices met for this purpose, the appointment was deferred until Saturdavi. This judicial matter of the borough churns up in one's memory some interest- ing data relative to the local administra- tion of justice prior to tho establishment of a magisterial bench in Aberavon. At that time "justice" was administered by I the ancient Portreeve, the head of the old burgesses, who hold sway over the des- tinies of the town. The old portreeve con- stituted the only tribunal before which depredators and offenders generally were brought for trial. This court of justice was of a very rugged description, and was entirely devoid of forensic ethics. At that distant period the borough boasted but one police offic-or-a sergeant. It is a matter of authentic history that prior to each court the old portreeve and the police sergeant were wont to assemble in the little room of the old Ship Inn, now de- molished, to discuss the charge-sheet over a pot of ale, and decide the penalties be- fore any evidence was heard. These penalties, generally decided by the ser- geant, were always religiously carried out. The feudal system between Aberavon and the sisfer town of Port 'Talbot was then 7-ery pronounced, and woe beti<le the tlU- fortunate Port Talbotite or Margamite who came into the clutches of the port- reeve. This was the kind of procedure:— "Bad case, sergeant?" a Yes, surr!"| "Native or foreigner, sergeant?" U Foreigner (indicating a native of Port Talbot). We cannot have the respecta- bility of the town upset by drunken foreigners—seven days' hard labf)-iir! Similar offence. Native or foreigner, sergeant?" "Native, surr!" "Not a very bad case*, sergeant?" No. surr. Discharged: be more careful in future." In -discussing a chargp-sheet on one occa- ion in the hostel's back room, the follow- ing dialogue took place.An *v serious chargfe to-day, sergeant?" Yo,. surr; one of lareeny Dear., dear, ser- geant Heavy penalty there, sergeant. The morality' of the town must be looked after." The little lock-up" of that period. where people were lodged for any trivial offence, and kept overnight manacled to huge iron rings, still exists in Cwmavon- road, next door to Mr. Walsh's iron- mongery shop. The iron rings a-tid arch- 'way of the cells stiil remain. With the present magisterial bench of a mayor and 14 j'ts'icp?, and the fine new police court and 11IHniejpal buildings, the change of personnel and method has indeed been great. The Taihach Carnegie Library is now nearing completion, and a very fine and imposing structure it looks-a distinct architectural credit to the district. The surveyor has been instructed to prepare a scheme for furnishing the building, and Miss Talbot is to be approached to assist in providing the library with books a,nd pictures. Undoubtedly the Lady of Mar- game, with her kindliness, -ill re that the institution will provide the highest utility in this respect for the inhabitants of Taibach and the district. It is gratifying to record that the con- duct of the licensed houses both in the Aberavon County Petty Sessional Division and the Aberavon Borough during the past year has been of a highly satisfactory character. This fact was borne out in the police superintendent's annual reports to the county and borough licensing justices at their annual session. Mr. Edward Furneau's enterprise in bringing the best possible productions to the town is meeting with the appreciation and patronage deserved. Another treat will be staged at the New Theatre next I week. Lucifer. I

AMMANFORD. I Some surprise was expressed in the Am- manford district, as elsewhere, on Satur- day night, when it was found that the delegates in conference at Cardiff had de- cided, without referring the matter to a ballot, to call upon every member of the South Wales Miners' Federation to in- crease his subscription from 3d. to 6d. per week. But it is now becoming clear to the active and intelligent workers of the anthracite district that it was a case of sheer necessIty, tl ad they are watching with interest the lively discussion which is going on in the columns of the "Cam- bria Daily Leader" upon the question. The point of the whole matter lies in the fact that the subscription paid was smaller in South Wales than in any other district connected with the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, and the re- port submitted to the delegates, together with the letter read from the general secretary of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, made it absolutely clear to the conference that it was practically a case of "out you go" or "pay up like men." Therefore, to avoid any compli- cations and misunderstandings winch might arise from resorting to a ballot, they took the commonsense view of the situation and definitely fixed the 1st of March as the date on and from which the increased subscriptions should be col- lected. What is said is that so many people who take part in the ballot are influenced by reactionaries, or follow like a flock of sheep in a vote against an in- crease upon the old-fashioned theory that nobody wants to pay more than he can help. Therefore, those who knew the position, and realised the consequences of a refusal, and who had been constitu- tionally elected to represent the workmen at the conference, took the responsibility upon themselves. In view of the demand put forward by the central executive for new conditions of labour and payment—a demand ex- plained in another column of the Herald —the importance of keeping their ranks intact and active will be obvious to all who follow the movements of the Federation. Whether the claims will be pressed for an immediate settle- ment or not, is a matter which will become clearer when the notices to ter- minate the existing Conciliation Board agreements have been given and the negotiations for a now agreement entered upon. Pantyffynon miners held their meeting on Wednesday evening, when Irlwyn explained to them the situation, the demand and the reasons both for making the demand and for increasing the sub- scriptions. And they understand. To come to local government subjects once more, however, let me point out that in the House of Commons on Wed- nesday afternoon the Ammanford Urban District Council Bill was read a second time. So far, good; but what I fore- shadowed in these notes last week is going to happen. The Bill is going to be opposed, in Committee, by the Education Committee of the Carmarthenshire County Council, simply because a. most important and much-needed public im- provement scbtkluled in the Bill will touch the wall of the Ammanford School buildings! And the ratepayers of Ammauford will be put to great expense to, defend their Bill because the school, which occupies a site in the centre of the town, is controlled by people who prefer to put up with a scandalous nuisance, on and about thoso premises rather than permit the Urban District Council to' touch their ugly wall in order to benefit the school and the town at the same time. Could prejudice further go? If the opposition is persisted in, the public of the town and of the whole sur- rounding district will discover the real instigators of the opposition to the Bill, and be able to judge them according to their de-merits—whether those arise from sins of commission or sins of omission— from actual instigation or merely sub- mitting, like tame parrots, to the dictum of auvone who may set himself up as a "Pooh-Bah!" if there be such a person at the root of this latest attempt at preventing the improvement of Amman- ford—and its schools. Time will ten. Coming to more personal matters, I am sorry to learn that Corporal Johnson, whose illness as a result of a severe chill caught in camp I have previously had occasion to refer to, has now been declared permanently disabled -from the soldiering duties which he had taken up so vigorously, and is discharged from the Army on that account. Another invalid to whose painful accident reference was made a little while ago, Mr. D. R. Griffiths, is improving. He is not a man of war, but a soldier of in- dustry and a bard. In following hie daily avocation at the colliery he lost the use of his left thumb, which had to be ampu- tated, and he has suffered considerable pain since. He is now very much better, and seems likely to be as active and cheer- ful as ever very soon. The high standard of the papers and lectures delivered before the Ebenezer Mutual Improvement Society is admirably kept up. Mr. John Lewis, J.P., the head- master of the Ammanford Schools, on Tuesday evening, gave the members an important and interesting lecture on The Banners of the Empire." Afr. J. Harries Thomas, headmaster of tho Parcyrynn (not Parc-vr-hun, please, Mr. Printer, for that is absurd) Schools, occupied the chair—need I say with his customary ability? Some amusement has been caused locally by the scare heading Ammanford in darkness .A-;i.ich certain papers in the Welsh Antipodes published a few days ago. The electric light works have been extended, lately, and a new engine is apt to have a fit of temper occasionally. So, for half-an-hour, the light failed, and, as practically everybody in Ammanford pre- electricity for lighting to any other method, there was some temporary incon- venience. But, bless you, there was no panic, as the Ammaniord people know that, in large towns and citie.s-even bigger places than Amman'ford—sueh acci- dents sometimes happen. You are freelv i forgiven, Mr. Preston. May your shadow I never grow less, or your light less lustrous. Awstin. I

PARLIAMENT. I 1- l O- HOUSE OF COMMONS, Thursday. Mr. Jo we ft asked whether, with a view to putting an end to the terrible loss of life in the European War the British Government would be prepared to declare publicly the basis upon which Great Britain and her Allies are willing to discuss terms of peace with Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey? Sir Edward (hey said from recent public utterances in Germany there was no reason to suppose the object his hon. friend had in view would be promoted by adopting the oourse suggested by him. (Cheers) German Spy Masters. The Earl of Ronaldgay asked how many of the twenty ringleaders of the German spy organisation who were taken up at or about the beginning of the war had been tried, and what sentences had been passed. Mr. McKenna said one of them, who claimed to be a British subject, was tried for an offence under the Official Scents Act, and sentenced to seven years' penal i servitude. The others were being held in prison. They could not be tried by court- martial as their offences were committed in time of peace. More British Communiques Wanted. Lord Robert Cecil asked the Prime Minister whether he would consider the possibility of issuing daily, or at other suitable intervals, a communication as to the doings of the British Expeditionary Force, similar to the French communique with regard to the whole of the Allied Forces in the West. Mr. Asquith said arrangements had been made, and would be put into force shortly, whereby a communication would be sent twice a week by Sir John French. (Hear, hear.) It would be submitted to the Press immediately on its receipt by the War Office. (Cheers). German Piracy. Lord Charles Beresford askpd the Primp Minister, having regard to the fact that the German authorities had wantonly broken the naval code of warfare con- tained in the Declaration of Paris, the Hague Convention, and the Declaration of London, and in other ways had broken, the laws and customs of war, whether the British Government would now place all food and raw material used to foster Ger- man industries on the list of absolute contraband of war tmmediately. Mr. Asquith said the Government were considering the question of adopting more stringent measures against German trade —(cheers)—in view of the violation by the enemy of the rules of war. He hoped shortly to be able to make an announce- ment on the subject. Lord Charles Beresford asked the Prime Minister whether the Government would, for the future, treat German raiders from the air and tlsjp sea, when captured, as pirates and publicly hang them for the murder of women and children in un- defended places, when proved guilty of that crime after trial by court-martial, instead of treating them as honourable foes. Mr. Asquith said he was not prepared to make any geneflnl statement. Each case, as it arose, would have to be decided on its own merits. British Casualties. Sir G. Scott Robertffcn asked how many out of the 104,000 casualties in the Expe- ditionary Force had now returned to duty. Mr. Asquith: I do not think it would be in the public interest to give the exact figures, bpt my hon. friend and the House will be glad to know that about 60 per cent. of the wounded have returned to service. (Loud cheers). Baron Von Bissing. Sir John Lonsdale asked the Under- Secretary for War if he was aware that Baron Von Biseing, brother of a general holding a high command in Belgium, was permitted to reside at Rove in a housfc directly overlooking the sea from which signalling operations might easily be carried on, and that this person since the outbreak of the war had openly expressed German sympathies, and his presence in the district was generally regarded by the inhabitants as a source of danger Mr. Tennant said tho gentleman re- ferred to was believed to be a half brother of a German general, and he was a naturalised British subject. FOOD PRICES. In the course of the discussion arising out of the motion on food prices, Mr. Asquith said there was no evidence of any unusual shortage with regard to the supply of meat. The rise in the price of meat was due to increased con- sumption by the Army. No Army in the world had been fed so well. In reaard to sugar, Mr. Asquith said so far as any change was likely in the price in this country in tlie future, it would be a "downward and not an up- ward change. The Prime Minister said there was good reason to believe that after June wheat would be available in sufficient quanti- ties. i

HOME UNIVERSITY LIBRARY. Among the new batch of volumes in the Home University Library to be published shortiy, the volume on Belgium by R. C. K. Ensor, leader writer of the Daily Chronicle," and late member of the L.C.C., it; of particular topical interest. It will be accompanied with maps, and will fill the demand for a handy, cheap, historical and fully descriptive volume. The press rings for serious books; the answer is forcibly given in the announce- ment of the History of Philosophy by Clement C. J. Webb. This entirely new work by the writer, who is Fellow of St. Mary Magdalen at Oxford, forms a mas- terly exposition, lucidly written, of the whole philosophic outlook. Mr. John Bailey, who is the chairman of the English Association, and author of H Dr. Johnson and His Circle," in/ the Library has prepared a notable volume on Milton, who is treated alke as man, poli- tician, essayist, and poet. The last volume in this batch is Polftical Thought in England from Spencer to the Present Day, by Ernest Barker. No volume could be more preg- nant or valuable to-day Ibhan this noble analysis by such a prominent Oxford authority.

HENDY EISTEDDFOD. Another successful eisteddfod was held an Hendy, Pontaardulaoe, on Saturday. Dr. G. J. Williams, M.B., Pontardulais, was presi- dent. and the other officiate were Mr. Tom John Forest (hon. treasurer) and Mr. Dd. Jo4n F-dwa,-xls (t/tin. secretary). The adjudi- cators were Me^fcrs. E. P. Richards. Eryr Dutaia" (muaic) and Dan Mathews (miscel- laneous). Mr. a?&s Evans, Hcndy, a?t?d u aooompanist. Full Jim of Chief choral: P-oT?tHiw (Mr. Jno. G??nter). Octette: ?r. Ll?w. Evans, Ll.annneoh, aJtd friends. Soprano solo: Mias Blod-WNWI I. Jones, Tynybona-u, OorrtlraJto: Miss Lizzie J. Bees, FontJliw. Alto: Master D. J. WaJters, PontJJiw. 'lienor: Mr. ,Win. John, Llangennech. Bass: Mr. Tom Petere, Llang««neoh. Solo for girle: 1, Elma Rassett, Hendy; 2, Arianwen Lewis, Ltangenniech. Solo for juveniles: 1. Nancy Evians, Hendy; 2, Oissie Walters end Fkxrrie Walters, Heady. Open recitation: Mr. John Thomas, Site. Junior recitation: Willie Walters and D. J. Walters, Pontlliw. Beet story: 1, Mr. Ben Heyoock, Hendy; 2, Haydn Be van, Pontlliw. Essay: 1, Mr. Tom Edwards, Hendy; Z. Mr. Hugh Jones, Poivtardulais. Letter: Mr. Wm Edivarde, Hendy.

YOUNG CONSTABLES. At a meeting of the Swansea Watch Committee on Wednesday, Alderman Dd. Davies raised a question which, he said, was one of national interest. At a time when responsible Ministers of the Crown were stating that every man was wanted for the Army. Because of Home Office instructions, he believed the committee were filling vacancies in the force with young men who ought to be soldiers in- stead of putting on men who were beyond the military age. He understood they were taking on young men of 25 instead of mon above military age. "I think it is most inconsistent," he averred, "for the Home Office to insist on us doing that which, if the private employer did, they would be the first to condemn." Captain Thomas promised Alderman Davies some private information on the pcint. Alderman Davies: I don't want to see anything private. The Home Office are setting a very bad example in insisting on us employing men of military age instead of disposing of them. We are assisting these men not to volunteer by providing them with situations. Alderman Davies suggested that the older men could be em- ployed temporarily. Alderman Davies then moved the fol- lowing resolutionThat in tho opinion of the Watch Committee the action of the Home Office in insisting upon men of military age being employed to fill vacancies in the police force caused by reservists and others serving the colours is greatly to be deplored, as not only con- trary to the appeals made by tho respon- sible Ministers of the Crown for men, but also a direct incitement to other em- ployers to give encouragement to other men shirking their national duty." Mr. D. J. Davies: Do you think a resolution like that ought to go out? Aid. Davies; I certainly think so. Mr. E. G. Protheroe seconded. "I think we should not employ eligible men for the Army in our force," he said, be- cause the older men would be quite good enough at times like these." The resolution was adopted without dissent.

I SWANSEA GAMING" CURSE," At Swansea Police Court on Thursday, Francesca Dimarco was summoned that being tlr- occupier of No. ],169, Neatn- road, Swansea, did use a room for the purpose of gaming on January 19th. Mr. Laurence Richards appeared to prose- cute. Detective Barry said that defend- ant had been in Swansea to his know- ledge for over ten years. He and Detec- tive Tucker went to the shop and eaw six boys there. Two boys put a half- penny each in a slot machine. The coins first of all came back, and then were lost. One of the magistrates supplied a half- penny, and Detective Barry gave a demonstration in the witness-box with the machine. Continuing with his evidence, Detective Barry stated that Detective Tucker "had a try," and lost a half-penny. Supt. Roberts said that the Chief Con- stable had warned people to do away with these slots. "There is no doubt that the m.achinee. are a curse to the younger generation. Sunday nights es- pecially." The Bench imposed a fine of £10, and ordered the forfeiture of the machine.

j GUN PRACTICE MISHAP. What might have been a serious acci- dent occurred at Godror'graig, Swansea Valley, on Wednesday evening. It appears that as Mr. Thomas Parkin- son, an insurance inspector, of Cardiff, was travelling in the direction of Pontar- dawe on the top of, a 'bus, he was struck on the chin with what was at iirst thought to be a shot from a gun. The car was immediately pulled up, and P.C. Jones was sent for. He found there was a small mark upon Mr. Parkinson's cheek, and on proceed- ing to investigate the cause of this strange mishap, ascertained that two young men were practising with a double-barrelled gun on a plot of land about one hundred yards away. One of them wa3 throwing a stone up in the air for the other to shoot at, and the theory was advanced that, the marksman, getting home his shot a splinter from the stcne struck Mr. Parkinson.

I SWANSEA MILK DEALER FINED. I At Swansea, on Thursday, William Spiller P on la, a Farm, Brynhyfryd and his two daughters, Ji'lOTeil¡£e Spiller and Emily Stil- ler, were summoned for selling milk alleged to be adulterated on December 24th. Mr. iiield, of the Town Clerk's office, who appeared to prosecute, explained tha.t on December 24th he waa at the top of Bryn- Jiyfryd-street when he saw Florence Spiller who was soiling milk which she slid war, from their own cows. It proved to contain five per cent. of added water. Just then Emily Spiller, with other cans, caime up and Florence Spiller said that her sister was selling milk which they had bought from another person the night before. The Inspector bought milk from Emily Spiller and this proved to contain 35 per cent. of added water. Mr. Spiller declared that they fiacl sold the milk as they received it. William Sruller was fined 2Ds. in the first case, and £5 in the second case. The cases against the ffirls were withdrawn.

I LLOYDS BANK LIMITED. I I SPLENDID PROGRESS REPORTED. j At the fifty-seventh ordinary general I meeting or the shareholders of this bank, held at Birmingham, the chairman (.Mr. H. Vassar-Smith), in moving the adoption of the report, said:—Ladies and gentlemen, I have to apologise for the absence of more directors than usual. Five of them are away, not exactly at the front, but they arc doing service for their country. (Hear, hear.) The five absent are Capt.,Gartoii, the Hon. M. H. liicks-Beach, Capt. George Lloyd, ILr. Moreom, and Mr. oble. When I had the honour of addressing you a year ago, 1 ventured to say, in alluding- to future prospects, that there were signa that the extraordinary activity of trade was lessen- ing, but I did not anticipate any prolonged depression, and, with peace and freedom trom political and labour troubles, it seemed probable that great and legitimate developments, colonial and foreign, as well as at home, would revive prosperity. I still think this was a correct conclusion, and the first six months of the year were fairly, successful, but trouble began in the last weeks of July. This was a period of great tension. The money market was in a state of temporary paralysis, heavy sales of securities demoralised the Stock Exchange markets, the Paris Bourse collapsed, and our Stock Exchange was closed on the 31st July. On Thursday, the 30th, the Bank Rate was raised to 4 per cent., the follow- ing day to 8 per cent., and on Saturday to 10 per cent. War was declared by Germany against Russia on the 1st August, against France on the 3rd. and on the 4th a state of war was proclaimed between Great Britain and Germany, causing an upheaval of trade and finance unequalled in the his- tory of the world. After referring to the general conditions, of trade, the Chairma.n said .-During the past six months the safety and the administration of the bank have been the constant thought and care tf everyone connected with it. There has not oijl, been the anxiety associated with this tim. of stress, but in the administration there were constant difficulties raised hy novel points of procedure, and the carx-y- ing on ci tue ordinary business of the bank owing to the shortage of staff, nearly 1,000 members, over 20 per cent., being away in the service of the country. (Applause.) All have worked willingly, and deserve, and I am sure will receive, your appreciation and warm thanks. (Hear, hear.) The board have tried to recognise the debt due to those who are risking their Uvea in our defence by giving them full 8alaries for three months, and afterwards making up the difference between their service pay and their salaries; to those who have had to devote longer hours to the work of the hank by a payment for overtime. (Hear, hear.) As I have said, all have worked assiduously, and it would be invidious to mention any names. Turning to the report, I would like to call your attention to the third paragraph, which mentions that a sum of ZZ50,000 has been added to a special account for meet- ing, if necessary, future depreciation of in- vestments. As no one can foretell the dura- tion of the war, so it is impossible to fore- cast the possibilities of the future. If the war continues for a long time, there will be in all probability a large depreciation in investments, and also, perhaps, a loss in some of or advances, owing to the want of margin in the securities. As no doubt you •have noticed there has been a divergence of opinion between the boards of different banks as to the prudent course to pursue, and some have reduced their dividends. We have given great care to the consideration of this question, and decided that, as we have made such a provision for possible de- preciation in the future, we were justified in paying our ordinary dividend. (Hear, hear.) The acquisition of the Wilts and Dorset Banking Company has worked quite satisfactorily. We had last year, i.e., 1913, a record time as regards profits, but 1 fancy you will not need much explanation from us why they are not so large this year as might perhaps have been expected. If ary be needed, I shall be very pleaded to give it. We consider the returns to be quite good. You will remember that 'h& figures now presented are for the combined banks, and render-difficult a comparison with our figures alone for 1913. Our auxiliary bank in France has gained much renown. Dur- ing the troublous times before and after the commencement of the war it remained open to meet the requirements of its cus- tomers, and I may add those of other binka in addition. When the Government left for Bordeaux, the management, was removed, first to Bayonne, but almost directly to Bor- deaux. We also opened at Biarritz, as so many residents in Paris left for this place. The headquarters have since been resumed at Paris, and we have every reason to be gratified with the progress made, and the estimation in which the bank is now held. Before concluding, I must call your atten- tion to the fact that this is the jubilee year of our existance as a joint stock bank. It was founded in the early part of 1865., At the end of that year the number of share- holders was 807, now it is about 28.000; the capital paid up L143,415, now 95,008,672; the reserve fund £ 17,750- now £ 3,600,000; the divi- dend a.t the rate of £ 13,500 a year, now 9837,843; the number of offices 14, now 880; the number of staff 51. now about 4,600. (Ap- plause.) I now beg to move:—" That the le- port just taken as read be received and adopted, and that, in accordance witail the recommendation of the director's therein, a dividend for the half-year ended the 31st December last ci 14s. 6d. per share, being at the rate of 1% per cent, per annum en the paid-up capital of the company, be de- clared, such dividend to be payable on and after the 2nd February, less income tax." The deputy-chairman, in seconding the adoption of the report, referred to the very remarkable growth of this bank during the last 50 years, the greater portion of which was due to amalgamation with other banks, in pursuance of a policy in which Lloyds Bank was a pioneer, a policy which recent events had fully justified. The report hav- ing been unanimously adopted, the retiring directors reelected, the auditors re-ap- pointed, and the usual votes of thanks given to the chairman and the staff, the proceed- ings terminated.

1 7 I WELSH FLAG DAY. Mrs. Lloyd George has established a fund for the purpose of supplying Welsh regiments on service with necessary com- forts. This is intended to benefit all tho men from Wales who have joined the colours. It seems that while obtain of our men are well provided for by the towns and villages from which tITey come, there are yet a large number who receive nothing in the shape of special comforts. These are men chiefly drawn from small villages and rural districts. Recently the Mayor of Swansea and Mr. Ivor Gwynne (Chairman of the Edu- cation Committee) had an interview with Mrs. Lloyd George and her secretary, Mr. Lewis.