Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

THE GENERAL SITUATION. As a matter of fact, the war news to hand since a week ago is rather tame. There have been no dramatic turns or advances, and neither of the belligerents has much to say. At the same time, there has been- a lot of steady work in each quarter, and time has not been wasted by either of the Allies. Probably most attention is being paid to the progress of Italy, who has two separate campaigns in hand. On the one hand, she is advancing into Austrian territory on the east. Having reached the lsonzo and captured several good posi- tions, the Italian Army is now face to face with the first real battle of its part of the war. As we have pointed out in pre- vious issues, the Austrian defences at the stage now reached are extremely strong, and the invading forces will find the task of making further progress against them macli haraer than anything en- countered as yet. Consequently, we iilust await events with patience, as the Italian commanders may await reinforcements— some of which may arrive from, an unex- pooted quarter. But of the final result there can be no doubt. On the other hand the action west of the Dolomites 'is de- veloping. It is possible that in this quar- ter Italy may act mostly on the defensive. To advance much farther against the German armies coming down from the direction of Munich to threaten Lom- bardy will be to enter upon a country where everything will be against the advancing legions. The Italians know the ground well, and may be depended upon ,to continue cautious tactics. RUBSia is getting a lot of hard knocks, but she is also giving some. In Galicia, the Tsar's generals seem to be following their own peculiar methods, and althougn for the moment it looks as it-The German and Austrian forces had now been able to puah their heavy artillery to the front again, we shall probably hear soon that the Russians nave lured them on until their lines have become thinned out, and thus form an eaey prey to a savage on- slaught. As to the Dardanelles, the British and French troops are tackling the hardest part of the campaign. The Turks have dug themselves into a series of trenches placed on high and advantageous posi- tions, which, if tiiey are to be taken, must be carried by superior artillery and a series of assaults with the bayonet, all assisted by counter-trenching. This will mean time and patience, as well as bravery on the part of the men engaged. But the position is not impossible, and we may expect news of success—perhaps before next week this time. In the western theatre the French and British are pegging away at the German trenches. The conditions are not favour- able yet for the long-expected general advance, but a lot of useful work is being done all along the line from the sea to Alsace. Teasing 'em seems to be the policy that the high command is follow- ing, and if gradual attrition is being done successfully anywhere it is in most of the points in France and Flanders. Some very tall figures about German and Austrian losses have been published during the last day or two. and all that need be said about them is that they are quite in accord with what the great British military authority—Colonel Maud —has been publishing for several weeks past. THE NEED OF ECONOMY. An impontant letter on the financial needs of the 13ritish Empire was pub- lished in one of the London papers a few days ago. The essential paragraphs are given in another column of this paper. We venture to refer to the letter here because there may be some people who Vave not read it. If we had the power we would command them to get a copy, and to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest it. Although the article is signed with a noni-do-plume, there was sufficient iniernal evidence to show who the author was, and we have no hesitation in saying that he is the chie.f of a well known bank that has many large branches in South Wales, and that he is the man recognised by all who have had the honour of his acquaintance as the greatest living authority upon irett-rnational finance. Drawing noon the Acres of his unique tmowiedt the subject, he massed to- gether -oug string of incontestable proofs .showing the people of the British Isles that they have a serious and im- perative duty to perform. The success of the group of nations known as the Allies in this war, depends upon the mainten- ance of British credit. That credit can be maintained only so long as England meets her obligations to the neutral countries upon whom she is dependent for eo much that is necessary for the ex- istence of the people. Large stores of food from across the seas are necessary to the physical existence and well-being of the people. Large supplies of raw material from other lands are necessary if our mills are to ma-intain The music of industry. Those imports must be paid for in exports, either in kind or in gold, and as gold is wanted for home reserves the stress of those payments must fall upon exports, or national ruin will soon be one of the pressing problems to be dealt with. Linked up with this proposition came the Prime Minister's statement as to what the war is costing us. The nation was asked for another vote of credit, to be followed before very lmg with the flotation of another loan. How is that call to be met ? A Hanker has told n1?. Every man and woman must reduce his or her expenditure to bare necessities, must save every pound sterling it can, must be ready to invest those savings in the war loan to be issued. Further, there must he an effort to use as little as possible in the shape of things that have to be imported, in order that the imports shall be paid for as much as pog.. «ihl»> by the exports. And there is this further point, of extreme importance to every householder in the land. So far British credit abroad has been good, and llw rates of exchange have ruled at a fairly reasonable level. But if the balance of imports over exports once passes the stage at which that credit becomes sliaken, then "The f-ost of living will go up to a standard undreamed of at pre- sent. The thanks of the whole com- munity are due to the banker who has I issued such a warning and such sound advice. It will 1)1' an advantage if the Government can induce him to go one step further. A list of articles with regard to which the m"t rigid economy must be pxercised should be published in every newspaper a.nd read from every pulpit in the land.

LOCAL MOTES. "*■ ABERAVON & PORT TALBOT. During the last, few weeks recruiting for Aberavon, Port Talbot, and district has averaged 24 per week. \Jp-todale the re- cruits from this neighbourhood exceed 2,000. During the week two more of the local police have joineù-P.C.3 Ewner and Stephens—bringing the totr.1 up to 20 who ve joined the colours. Tins is about hali the strength of the force oi Tue Port Talbot Police Division. In addition to those members of local families, already mentioned, who are doing service at the front may be added the five eons of Mr. William Gibbon, Aberavon— three in the Army, one with the New Zea- land contingent, and one with the Navy. Mr. Sam Staton, a ganger on the Port Talbot Railway, has also uYvsons with the colours; Mr. Elias iioutliff, of Sindiielde, Aberavon, has four sons on active service, and also a nephew and sonia-law; and Mr. atnd Mrs. Jones, Sandiields, Aberavon, have aiso four sons serving their country Mr. Bert Jone3, -of Aberavon, who came over with the Canadian contingent three weeks ago, has been home on a short visit. He is looking particularly fit and well. He saya the New Canadian contingents are a very fine sample of soldiers. Mr. Jian Her- bert, of Taibach, is home invalided after many months in the trenches. Another local hero who will shoiTSty materialise in our midst is Private Tim Erode rick, who is lying wounded in a hospital in London. He haa had some thrilling experiences, and is certain of a great welcome. The local Voluntary Tra.ining Oorps has so far done fairly well, aver forty members being enrolled. The parades of the Reserve Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery have become an in- teresting daily feautre. The men are splen- didly mounted and present a picture of smartness The 200 soldiers who have for some time past been biiieting --it the Jersey Beacn Hotel, Aberavon, will shortly go under canvas. The camp preparations near the Seaside Station of the Eliondda and Swan- sea Bay Railway are well in hand. With the existing drought and a prospect of its continuance, special notices have been issued by the Aberavon Corporation and the Margam Council to curtail the use of water as much as possible. The necessity of this cannot be too strongly impressed, as there is a tendency to regard a water supply as inexhaustible. The reservoirs of both districts are down a considerable dis- tance from the bye-waffi at present, and a continuance of dry weather is boiJnd to make the water problem r. serious one. The duty of con8CrvatiGIl should therefore be rigidly .applied and care taken that taps are not allowed to run to waste—sometimes all night, as is often the ease. Aberavon has had previous experience of the inconve- nience of a water famine with its dreadful consequences. That experience should be sufficient to make them use every endeavour to .i&sist the public authorities. Notices of warning have been issued to householders as to th disposal of refuse, re- questing them not to allow it to accumulate an 1 thus act as hotbeds of disease germs. Frequently in these columns the necessity of having a dust destructor has been advo- cated, and resolutions in favour of the sug- gestion have been moved in both the Aber- avon and Margam Councils, but the idea has been allowed to lapse. This year agiain the necessity has been forcibly brougt for- ward by suggestions in a Local Government Board circular and the medical officer of th.1 district (Dr. J. H. Davies) further em- phasised it in his report at the Last meeting of ths Margam District Council. Aberavon and Margnm being in the same plight, would it not be an economic act to purchase jointly a destructor for both districts, and place it in some central position convenient t) both disljficts? In connection with the collection and re- moval of street refute, there is a bye-law (which, by the way, is never enforced), that no householder must sweep out refuse or beat mate in the front street after 2 a.m. in the morning. Still, in face of th- the public street sweepers may be recn any day, either in the main or side streets, sweeping up voluminous clouda of dust up to 12 and 1 o'clock in the day. Once the Aberavon Corporation definitely makes up its mind to do a thing ey ;„o about it with commendable promptitude. SUrch is the case with the extension of a sewerage system to the beach. The r, k here has progressed (admirably, and ie now almost completed. It will be a icrcat boon and a blessing. Once the scheme i6, completed there is nothing to hamper the Corporation in carrying out their iJea of providing a shelter, with the reqaiiue rooms, wash-ups, and so forth. Lucifer. j < ————— o ————

AMMANFORD. There can li)-o no mistake about it, the storm which 'broke out over the Amman Valley on Thursday night, last week, was such as to give rise to days of talk and gossip and comment and of comparison with other storms of the past 3.5 to 50 years. It came over Ammanford with a rush and a roar, preceded only by a rolling flood in the river, indicating that the Gar- nant people had had the first flush. There was, subsequently, torrential rain, and an accompaniment of thunder and lightning which, it is said, will be remembered for many a day and night by those who were at home or in the vicinity. I left Swan- sea for Ammanford by the 9.20 p.m. train, and saw nothing of the storm except the after-effects, in streets which had been swept by flooding rain, and in shop cellaa-s which had been inundated. It wis only natural that the news should become more startling as it tra- velled, ard no wonder the Cardiff papers contained emotional accounts of the bridges carried away and other strange doing's on the part of the Hood. Cardiff is such a long way off, and being a big city, all the items of news reaching ;t must be big," for it follows the style of the American story about everything being big in America, fro in a nut-meg to a Niagara. When I reached Cardiff, on Tuesday, for the miners' conference, some of tho natives" looked at me with astonishment depicted in their eyes, owing to the fact that I had come from Amman- ford, the deluged centre of the Anthracite coalfield. And when it was discovered that I had travelled with Mr. John Harries, Mr. and Mrs. E. Evans, and Mr. D. Davies, in Mr. George's motor car, from Atamanford to Cardiff, the innocents of the city imagined that the flood had carried away the whole of the railways in Carmarthenshire and the Ipwcr part of Glamorganshire. It is true that the railway service might be improved, so that people could come home at a reasonable hour without walk- ing or motoring from Swansea, but the railways were as safe as the bridges, which remain intact. And the Cardiffians seemed disappointed because we had not been sxept away. But, then, it was in Cardiff that a newspaper contents bill came out, a little while ago, with flare- lines announcing "Calamity at, Sea; Lusitania Torpedoed; D.A. Saved." Let us change the subject to something more cheerful, and, mention of Õ, labour reminds me of the sarcastic remark of Mr. Joshua, the well-known watering con- tracto-r. lis had just received a notice from the Clerk of the Urban District Council (Mr. T. M. Evans, M.A.) directing him to see that the sprinkling of water aJong the main roads of Ammanford should be completed by 7 a.m. That meant beginning the work about five, and the contractor did not like it, at first.  o h P So he went to the house of the Chairman of the Council. Mr. John Harries, J.P., and, after showing the letter io the chair- man's sister, thus delivered his opinion of the chairman and his colleagues: And they call themselves labour mem- bers! Labour members, mind you! Labour members! and be lurncd on his heeL sadlx. and with a final parting shot Iabout- members, indeed! "-he left, and then went and, like a man, saw that the work was properly done. Th-e cart has visited even Bettws since then. And talking about Bettws, we must not forget to note that the long-look ed-for park railings are being erected on one aide of Pentwvn-road. All I complain of is, that the work was not begun at the other end, where the bank is steeper and more dangerous. Besides, the railing would improve the outlook of the houses at the lower end, where important people, like Mr. David George, Mr. Wm. Evans, Mr. John Griffiths, and your humble eer- vant happen to live. The Council offered us a cemetery, and then ordered iron railing to be put up opposite the residence of our Welsh coirespondent Amanwy" and his respected father. Such is life! As to the cemetery, it will doubtless go to the neighbourhood of the residence of Mr. W. N. Jones, Duffryn. Not because Mr. Jones lives there, but because that is the best spot. The ground has been tested and found satisfactory, and, after efforts have been made to secure a site elsewhere, the Council have once more been obliged to turn pack to the Duffryn site. Mr. William Evans, the builder, tells me he has no doubt about it. I am delighted to find that in the com- petitive examinations for mining scholar- ships, open to the students of Carmarthen- shire, the results show that four have been won by Ammanford and district boys. Congratulation s, therefore, to Owen )1. Hughes, Wernoleu-road, and William Edwards, Penybank-road, who have won South Wales Tour scholarships, which will entitle them to accompany the lecturer and students whose tour, this year, will be to visit the collieries of the Pontypridd district. It may be added that felicitations should also be accorded to David Morgan, Margaret-street, and J. H. Davies, Maesygwred, upon their success in winning the summer school scholarships, so that they will go to the summer school at Cardiff. Thomas. J. Evans, of Wind-street, would have been awarded a continental scholarship, but, owing to the war, those scholarships have been discontinued. Credit is due for the success of the students and the classes to Mr. W. H. Bellin, M.E., the mining lecturer, whose acquaintance I had the pleasure of making before he entered upon his duties in Carmarthenshire, several years ago, and to Mr. John Lewis. J.P., of the Am- manford Schools, whom we all know as a teacher and a public man. Without entering into details con- cerning the miners' delegate conference held at Cardiff, on Tuesday, inasmuch as a full report appears in another column, I may just point out here that there has since been no visible change in the situa- tion. The employers met on Wednesdiy to consider, among other matters, the in- I vitation extended to tharn to help in stamping out the non-unionist difficulty. The result, if any, will be made officially known on Monday next, at a meeting of the South Wales Conciliation Board, which is being convened to-day. Awstin. I

LLANDILO ENTERTAINMENT I COMMITTEE. Councilor D. Morgan, White Horse, pre- sided over a meeting of the entertainment committee held during the week. The other members of the committee present were:-Councillors Claud R. Davies, John Stephens, and J. R. Evans, Mr. George Jen- kins and Mr. John Evans (County School). Mr. Highiaan, the Cardiff representative of the Y.M.C.A., was also in attendance at the request of the commiltee, who felt that they were faced with difficulties in refer- ence to. the continuance of their entertain- ments during the summer for the troops billeted in the town. They thought that if the Y.M.C.A. loaned them a tent for Penlan Park it would be of great assistance. in ¡ carrying out their summer {programme. But upon consultation with Mr. Highman, he pointed out to the committee that a tent wouxd be of little use, although he ex- pressed his readiness to meet them if they thought a tent was reaiy necessary. He advised the committee to hold their con- certs in the open air, and if an evening turned out wet to adjourn to the Drill Hall. Mr. Highman then outlined the work of the Y.M.C.A. was doing for the British Army encampments not only in England, Scot- land, Ireland and Wales, but also in France and Egypt and the Dardanellœ. Mr. Moyd George, he said, had paid the Association the greatest compliment it had received since its initiation. He had sent for one of their representatives, and stated that inas- much as the Drink Bill had fallen through, the Cabinet had come to the conclusion that the object they had in view in bring- ing forward the Bill could to a great ex- tent be met through the organisation of the Y.M.C.A., by the employment of Its agency among ammunition workers in the same way as waa done in the case of our soldiers, by the establishment of tents at the works. They had already erected 15 tents. In the previous week three tents had been introduced at Armstrong's works alone. They were carrying on these tents and treating the ammunition workers in the same way as they did the soldiers in the various camps scattered all over the country. Touching on what had been done at Llandilo for the soldiers, he expressed his thankfulness to the local entertainment committee. Some six or eight weeks ago he paid a visit to the town, and after making diligent inquiries amongst the troopers, he informed their worthy bbn. secretary (Mr. Downing Williams), that the committee had done everything that pos- sibly could be done, even had a tent in connection with the Y.M.C.A. been estab- lished when the soldiers first entered the town. On his second visit he had instituted further inquiries amongst the soldiers with equally happy results. He paid a further compliment to the committee by saying that Llandilo was the only town in the whole of Wales which had fully appre- ciated the responsibility attaching -to in- viting troops to their town, by doing their duty immediately by looking to the com- forts of the men bileted there from the moment they first arrived, without any as- sistance from the Y.M.C.A. He recommended the committee to approach the Llandilo Urban District Council, and try to induce them to purchase 6ome metal folding chair. for the park, whioh could be stored in the band stand when not required, aud would not be affected by the weather. He gave the committee suggestions as to where such seats could be obtained at very reasonable prices. They would be able soon to get sufficient revenue for them. If he could at any time be of help to them, such as by sending singing parties to assist, he would be only too ready and willing to make re- commendations to headquarters in virtue of the splendid wq'k they had done in Llandilo since the entry of troops into the town.

BURRYPORT LAWLESSNESS. John Harrighan, a Pembrey labourer, was charged at LlaneJIy Wednesday with wounding G. P. Williams, landlord of the Railway Hotel, Burryport. Evidence wa given to the effect that defendant, after having been ordered ont of the Railway Hotel, struck Mr. Williams with a bottle of lemonade on the forehead, causing a wound 1 i inches long on the temple. Asking the Bench to commit defendant for trial, Mr. T. R.. Ltidford, for the "pro- secution, said there had been such a stato of lawlessness in Burryport since the advent of a crowd of navvies that it was imperative that the Bench should make an example of defendant. It was not safe now for a policeman to go about aloue, and the superintendent would state that the officers were bound to go alxmfc in pairs. Defendant was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions,

I IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT House of Commons, Wednesday. Mr. Anderson asked whether Mr. Zangwill's play "The Melting Pot" had been withdrawn from performance at Edinburgh, owing to the intervention of the Foreign Office. Lord Robert Cecil said the performance of the play in question was not pro- hibited, but at the request of the Foreign Office it was suggested informally through the Scottish Office, to the producers of the play, that under the presem circum- stances they should replace it by an- other play. This they were good enough to do. Mr. King: Is he aware this play has been witnessed by a member of the Cabinet, who expressed his approval of it. (Cries of "Name? ") Lord Robert Cecil: I am not responsible for the literary taste of the whole of the Cabinet. Release of Reprisal Prisoners. Lord Robert Cecil, having answered a question by Mr. Eugene Wason, concern- ing the 39 British officers interned in Germany, the conditions of whose deten- tion have been modified as a result of the treatment of the German submarine prisoners in this country, being placed on a level with that of other prisoners, Mr. Kellaway asked if it was not an unfortu- nate precedent to allow this country to be blackmailed by Germany. Lord Robert Cecil: I do not consider that we have been blackmailed. (Hear, hear) Asphyxiating Gas. Sir Wm. Byl-es asked what the Govern- ment were doing to combat the as- phyxiating gas employed by the enemy. Mr. Tennant said effective measures to protect our men against these attacks had been and were being taken. The assistance of scientific- men had not only been freely offered, but was also being freely utilised. Replying to a further Question by Sir Wm. Byles, the right hon. gentleman said he was unable to say whether the proposals entertained by the Government would entail cruelty or not. The Ulster Arms. Mr. Ginnell asked the Under-Secretary for War what quantity of arms and ammunition privately imported into Ulster in 1913 and 1914 had been placed at the disposal of the Government for the purposes of the war, and by whose authority and for what purpose stores of arms and ammunition were kept in the mansions of certain landlords in Ulster? Mr. Tennant .said no arms and am- munition purporting to have been im- ported into Ulster during the period mentioned had been placed at the dis- posal of the War Offioe. He had no in- formation as to the second part of the question. Lusitania Crime. Mr. Ginnell asked the President of the Board of Trade w hether it was pos- sible to locate the wrecked Lusitania? If so, seeing how much the present in- quiry would be assisted by ascertaining impartially what arms and ammunition were on board that ship, whether he would have the wreck examined by divers from a neutral country not financially interested in the ship? Mr. Runciman said he doubted whether it was practicable to have such an ex- amination made as was suggested in the question. lie hoped the Court which, was inquiring into the loss of the Lusi-I tania would find no difficulty in ascer- taining all the material facts by other means. Inducements to Inventors. Sir John Lonsdale asked the Ministr I of Munitions if it was intended to offer inducements to inventors to devise new and improved methods of offence and de- fence, and to set up an advisory com- mittee of exports to test and report upon inventions ? Dr. Addison, replying in the absence of Mr. Lloyd George, said his right hon. friend could not at present say mo-re than that the question of the encouraegment of investors was receiving careful oon-I side-ration by the Minister of Munitions, War Office, and the Admiralty. Insurance Against Air Raids. Mr. Asquith, answering a question asked on behalf of Captain Earl Winter- ton, who wanted to know if it was in contemplation to introduce a system of volun.t.ary i8ta.te insurance against air raids, said the Board of Trade were con- sidering the possibility of such a scheme. Meanwhile each case as it arose would be considered on its merits. The War Vote. On the report of the vote of credit of < £ 250,000,000 for war purposes, Mr. Joyn- son Hicks called attention to Germany's strength in Zeppelins, and aeroplanes, and urged that our own air service should be extended. We wanted larger machines and larger bombs, and there ought to be a raid on German towns every week. House of Commons, Thursday. Mr. Ronald McNeill asked the Minister of Munitions if he would appoint an ad- visory body consisting of the most eminent scientists obtainable to advise the Gov- ernment during the continuance of the war as to the fullest employment of all the resources of chemical and mechanical science and invention in aid of military operations. Mr. Lloyd George, who waa greeted with loud general cheers in making his first appearance in the House in his new capacity, said he was fully aware of the importance of the matter, and was in con- sultation with the Secretary for War on the subject. Canadian Munitions Contracts. Mr. Lloyd George informed Mr. Ronald MacNeill that he was arranging for an expert to discuss the whole position of the Canadian and American Munitions con- tracts on the spot. I Park Royal Fire. Sir J. Simon, replying to Sir E. Corn- wall, said inquiry had been made as to the case of the fire at Park Royal, in which a number of ambulance cars were destroyed or damaged, and the police were satisfied from the evidence available that it was purely accidental. Preiudicina Recruitina. Sir Edward Carson, answering Mr. Kellaway, said in the Metropolis no proceedings had been instituted for mak- ing statements calculated to prejudice recruiting. Official representations had, however, been made from time to time to certain newspapers. Mr. Kellaway: Have any representa- tions been made to Lord Nortlicliffe? Sir E. Carson: I cannot say. Darlington's Ex-Member. Sir Edward Cornwall asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been drawn to the statements made by an ex- member of the House to the effect that he had been actjng as a German spy in this country, and whether, irrespective of the truth or falsity of the statements, he would introduce legislation making it im- possible in the future for a person of such alien antecedents to become a can- didate for Parliament? Mr. Asquith: This is a matter which must be left not to legislation, but to the discrimination of the electors. (Laugh- ter). Mr. Butcher: Will he consider the de- sirability of preventing recently natur- alised aliens, and especially alien enemies, from becoming members of this House? No reply was mado Mr. Hodge: Why was the gentleman referred to in this question allowed to es- cape after the Government had been warned he was a spy. Mr. Asquith: How can I answer that without notice? Sir E. Cornwall: Will the right hon. gentleman use his influence with the Wiliips' Office to prevent them foiling such people on to constituencies? (Oppo- f I sition cheers and general laughter). Welsh Church Question. I Mr. Joynson Hicks asked the Prime Minister when he proposed to proceed with the Welsh Suspensory Bill. Mr. Asquith: I cannot name a date at present. Mr. Joynson Hicks: Will the Bill be taken before the House adjourns? Mr. Asquith: I cannot name a date. A Voice: Kever 1" Mr. Churchill and the Navy. Mr. Ginnell asked the Prime Minister! if, in view of the statement made at Dundee by Mr. Churchill, he would say if in 1911 he laid on the right hon. gentle- man the duty of putting the Fleet in a state of instant and constant readiness for war with Germany, and, if so, how that fact could be reconciled with the state- ments of himself, and other members of Government, that they neither expected this war, nor did anything to bring it about ? Mr. Asquith said it was the duty of every First Lord^of tho Admiralty to maintain the Fleet at all times in a state of instant and cobaiant readiness for war. (Hear, hear). That did not, however, imply any expectation of war, much less a desire for war. Rffyal Naval Division Casualties. Mr. Asquith informed Mr. Gretton that the total Losses of the Royal Naval Di"i? sion, up to the end of May, were as fol- lows :— Officers.-50 killed; 85 wounded; 49 missing; total, 184. Men.—438 killed; 1,862 wounded; 2,512 missing; total, 4,812.

PROTECTING THE SOLDIERS. A special meeting of the Carmarthen Borough Magist rates was held on Wed- nesday to consider the question of re- stricting the hours for the sale of drink in the town. In a report, Head Constable Mayall said that in view of the number of sol- liers stationed at Carmarthen, and the number of wounded at the local Red Cross Hospitals, and with a view to mini- mising the dangers likely to arise from the consumption of intoxicating liquor, he applied that an order be made sus- pending the sale, supply, and consump- tion of intoxicants within the borough between the hours of 9.30 pjn. and 8 a.m. on licensed premises. He made a similar application in regard to the clubs in the town—the County Club and the Masonic Hall. He considered the restriction of hours desirable for the maintenance of good order and the suppression of drunkenness. The local military authori- ties, whom he had consulted, approved of his action. Mr. Walter Lloyd asked if it would not be well to make some modification in the order in regard to Saturday mornings, as farmers came into the town early for the market. The Head Constable: No. Principal W. J. Evans: No one will want drink before breakfast. On the motion of Mr. Thomas Thomas, seconded by Principal W. J. Evans, the magistrates made an order for the closing of public-houses from 9.30 p.m. to 8 a.m., to come into force from 11 p.m. on the 23rd in sit. The Mayer (Mr. J. Lewis) said the order was for the protection of soldiers, especially wounded soldiers, more than anything else. Whilst walking through the town the magistrates had seen cases which they would rather not see. The Head Constable remarked that he had also applied to the military authorities for a more drastic order restricting the sale of drink to soldiers, J-

GHASTLY DISCOVERY IN LONDON. A great sensation has been caused among the assistants of Messrs. Whiteley by a startling discovery which has been made at No. (i, Westbourne Grove-ter- race, one of the houses used as a resi- dence by the women employed by the firm. On the landing of the second floor the housekeeper found a trunk, which contained two mummified bodies of chil- dren. The bodies were buried in lime and enclosed in a wicker basket, and sur- rounding the basket wex-e various articles of wearing apparel which had evidently been partially consumed by the action of the lime. It may at once be stated that no one employed by the great Westbourne-grove firm now or at any time is .suspected of having placed the bodies there, and this of course, deepens the mystery. The condition of the two bodies was such that it is impossible to determine either the age or the sex of the children. Detective officers from New Scotland- yard were yesterday inquiring into the circumstances of this extraordinary dis- covery, but so far as can be ascertained no light has been thrown on the strange mystery.

SWANSEA VOCALIST MARRIED. I A wedding of considerable local interest took place at Mount Pleasant Baptist Chapel. Swansea, on Thursday morning, the contracting parties being Miss Gertie Reynolds, youngest daughter of Mr. W. H. Reynolds, colliery proprietor, of Am- bleside, Uplands-terrace, and Mr. Leslie J. Davies, BOn of Mr. J. R. Davies, man- ager of Cwmfelin Steel and Tinplate Works. Miss Reynolds has a big reputation locally, and in a wide sphere as a vocalist and elocutionist, and the bridegroom has taken an active interest in the work at Pell-street Primitive Methodist Church. The wedding was of a quiet character, the Rev. H. C. Mander (pastor) officiat- ing. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Sydney D. Reynolds, Miss Hetty Davies (sister of the bridegroom) attended as bridsemaid, and Mr. Percy J. Davies (brother of the bridegroom) dis- charged the duties of best man." The bridal party proceeded to the church in taxi-cabs, and, after the ceremony, were accorded a warm send-off from a host of friends.

BRYNHYFRYD FUNERAL. I The funeral of Mr. George John, 103, Penfilia-road, Brynhyfryd, took place at Cwmgelly Cemetery, amidst many mani- festations of respect. The mourners were Mr. D. F. John (son), Mr. Williams (Mrs. D. P. John's father), Messrs. J. Hopkin John, David John (Clydach), Daniel John (Clydach), William John, Daniel John (Morrigton), D. F. John, William George John, David John (Llangennech), Ebenezer John, Boaz John, Walter Wil. liams, John Powell, Willian, Lewis (nephews). Among a largo number of friends were Messrs. W. Williams, J.P. (Wern), William Thomas, Evan John, William Lee, officers and members of the 1.ova1 Daniel Edwards Lodge, Morriston < district, M. n., were the bearers. The Rev. S. Williams (Siloh), was the officiat- ing minister.

ST. TEILO'S CHURCH, PONTARDTJLAIS. St. Te:lo's Church, Pontardulais, is to undergo repairs and alterations, and for some months to come the Vicar is ar- ranging to hold services at the non- provided schools and at the historic Old Church." It is'due to the energy and enthusiasm of the present vicar, who wajs nobly helped by Mr. J. Howell Wil- liams, Gwenlais Fawr (churchwarden) that the latter grand old building was AAvNI from utter decay 6o=e years ago. There are records of a church at lann tthau tal y pent as far Lack w 516 A.D. t

ALLEGED PERJURY, j MR. TRUEMAN'S ACTION. I At Neath County Sessions on Wednes-j day, before Mr. E. L. Evan Thomas (in j the chair), and Mr. William Davies, Clement R. Trueman preferred a charge I of perjury against Brinley Richards, draper, Neath. There was a small attendance of the general public when the court opened. Mr. Trueman conducted his own case, and Mr. Trevor Hunter (instructed by Mr. Jeslyn Jeffries) appeared for defen- dant. Addressing Mr. Trueman at the outset, the Chairman said the court was exactly the same as when the ex-parte applica- tion was made, consequently it was not necessary for him to open again, and asked him to save the time of the court by con- fining himself to fresh evidence and wit- nesses. Mr. Trueman agreed, but asked to be allowed to address the court at a later stage. The Chairman: That will be considered later. A general excursion into the whole thing is quite unnecessary. The Alleged Act of Perjury. Mr. Trueman, after apologising for the absence of his counsel, Mr Gerald Dobson, baid the alleged act of perjury was com- mitted in the evidence on oath which de- fendant gave before the Registrar of tho Neath County Court at his bankruptcy examination. It was a judicial proceed- ing, and defendant., he alleged, took the oath and swore falsely and corruptly on a matter material to the iuc. The nrst witness called was Mr. TL P. Charles, Registrar of the Neath County Court, who produced the file of the de- fendant's bankruptcy examinations on the 17th March, 19th May, and the 15th June. Mr. Trevor Hunter objected to the; office file being handed in, and Gilbert Scales Venables, an official of the County Court, was called to prove that he witnessed the signing of his public examination on June 15th. Mr. Hunter gain objected on the ground that so far as the proceedings of June 15th were concerned there was no evidence, and argued that anything that took place in the presence of Mr. Ven- ables was not a judicial procedure. Summons Amended. Mr. Trueman then asked for an amen- ded summons to read that on the 15th June defendant committed perjury in an affidavit in bankruptcy, sworn before a clerk of the County Court. Mr. Hunter continued his objection, contending that it was a fresh offence. After further argument the Bench al- lowed the prosecutor to amend the sum- mons, and continuing, Mr. Venables said h? administered the oath to defendant and witnessed his signature to the notice. Mr. Trueman then handed in a copy of the office file. Mr. Henry Rees, official receiver, Swan- sea, was then examined as to questions and answers given by defendant at his preliminary examination in bankruptcy. Mr. Trueman: Did you ask him whether he carried on business in his own name; when did he commence such busi- ness; and with what capital, if any, had lie at such time after providing for any debts that he had; and of what did such capital consist?—Yes. And what did he eay?—Do you want me to read all this. Mr. Trueman: I am entirely in the hands of the Court. I am quite happy, and quite willing to go on for a week. Mr. Hunter objected to abstracts, and Mr. II. B. Charles pointed out with emphasis that the file would not be put in, adding: I shall decline to part with it." The Bench ruled that the answers to the question should be read over, and any material portion be recorded at prosecu- tor's request. Mr. Rees then read over the answers, and Mr. Trueman asked that the follow- ing should be recorded:— In February, 190S, I, with nine other persons, promoted a limited company known as Brinley's Ltd. at 57, High- street, Harlesden, London, to carry on the business of fancy draper. I am the managing director- Mr. Hunter at this stage objected, con- tending that it was not material to the charge. He was over-ruled, however, by the Bench, and Mr. Rees, continuing, read: I am managing director, and I am paid no salary. My interest in the Company is 63 shares of 2,5, of which I have paid £160, The nominal capital is £ 3,000. I am also secretary of the company, and I employ another man- Mr. Thomas, Coronation-road, Neath— to do the work. The nine other per60n. interested in the company are: Dr. J. Evans, Neath; Messrs. W. B. Trick, Neath; Duncan Thomas, Penarth; G. Moore, Cardiff; J. Thomas, Bargoed; T. Jones, Colwyn Bay; Harry Beard, Cardiff; and Mrs. Catherine Richards (my wife). I han no 'script for these shares, as they are not fully paid. In July, 1912, I, with about six others, promoted a limited company known as the Neath and County Standard," to carry on the business of newspaper pro- prietors, etc. The capital was £ 2,000. My interest in this company is ten shares of J05, and a debenture share of £ 50. The other promoters were Mr. W. B. Trick, Mr. Walter A. Trick, Mr. Levi James (all of Neath), Mr. Grosser (Seven Sisters), and Mr. Roberts (Skewen). About five years ago, I, Mr. Howel Jenkins, and Mr. W. B.-Triel- entered into a partnership for the pur- pose of carrying on a debt collecting business into which we each put X50. There was a deed of partnership, and iny copy, which is a copy of one I lent to Mr. Howel Jenkins, which is now with Messrs. Viner Price and Goodyear, was with my principal creditors. The copy which I lent to Mr. Howell Jen- kins he lent to Mr. Edmund Law (Neath), and the copy which I now have is a substitute made out by Mr. Edmund Law. Some time after the partnership was formed, Mr. Howell J'enkins registered himself as a money lender, and money lending transactions I were done in the name of Howell Jen- kins, but in consequence of the partner- ship deed Mr. Trick and I were liable and we paid a lot of damages to avoid proceedings. I estimate my loss in con- nection with this matter at about „C400." In answer to the question, "Have yoti been in partnership with anyone during the last six years? Mr. Rees said the I debtor replied, U Only the one already referred to—Mr. Trick and Mr. Howell Jenkins." Answering questions in connection with the dissolution of the partnership, wit- ness said debtor replied that the dissolu- tion was gazetted, and that Messrs. Cutbbertson and Powell acted in connec- tion with the dissolution. When the court assembled after the luncheon hour, Mr. W. B. Trick asked the Bench to relieve him, adding that he had to attend an important sale on Thursday, and had to prepare for it. He promised to return on the Friday. Mr. Trueman: Mr. Trick is my prin- cipal witness against the defendant. Mr. Trick, however, convinced the Bench that his absence was necessary, and his application was granted. The application, however, opened out a series. Mr. Edward Powell said be a.nd his partner, Mr. Howel Cuthbertson had been subpoanaed The latter attended the court in the morning, hut, he was sorry to say, uu- well. It was impossible for him to re- main all the day as lie. had nothing to say. He asked to be excused until Thurs- day afternoon. This was also granted. Mr. Jestyn Jeffries, solicitor, said he had been subpoenaed to produce docu- ments in the case of Vizzard v. Jenkins l and Law v. Vizzard, but he was going to plead privilege as a solicitor. Mr. Stewart Thomson, manager of the London City Bank, Neath, also claimed privilege. A legal argument followed, and Mr. Jeffries, who had gone into the witness box, remarked: "I wish to be perfectly frank about it. I am not going to pro- duce the books or anything else." The Chairman: I had better not hear the remark. (Laughter). Mr. Jeffries: I wish to save the time 01 the Court by my frankll. The Chairman, after listening to the argument of Mr. Trueman that no pri- vilege could be claimed where fraud was alleged, said that the Bench was of the opinion that privilege was covered. Mr. Jeffries then left the box, and Mr. Trueman asked the Bench to state case. Mr. Jeffries: I claim privileges as a solicitor, and on that ground alone. The Clerk's Expenses. Mr. Stewart Thomson then went into the box with a bundle of documents which he said he had been asked to pre- pare, but some of them did not belong to the parties concerned. He claimed privilege under Section 6 of the Bankers' Evidence Act, 1879. The Chairman: I am afraid we cannot let you off. We have the power of a judge in these matters. Mr. Thomson: Very well, sir. I am instructed to ask for two guineas ex- penses for the preparation of these ac- counts. It has been hard work for my clerks. The Chairman: That can be dealt with later. Mr. Dan Perkins, solicitor, Aberavon, said he had been subpoenaed, but for what specific purpose he did not know. The Chairman: Then you had better wait until you are called. The examination of Mr. Henry Rees. official receiver, was then continued. The hearing was adjourned until Thursday morning. The hearing of a charge of allegtd per- jury against Brinley Richards, draper, Neath, brought by Clement R. Trueman, the well-known litigant, was resumed on Thursday before Mr. E. L. Evan Thomas (in the chair) and Mr. W. Davies, at the Neath County Police Court. The attend- ance was practically confined to the wit- nesses subpoenaed by the prosecutor, and the officials of the court. Mr. Trueman conducted his own case, and Mr. Trevor Hunter (instructed by Mr. Jestyn Jeffreys) appeared for the defendant. Addressing the Bench at the outset, Mr. Trueman said he had a suggestion to make which would release the witnesses from attendance for some considerable time. He asked the Bench to adjourn the further hearing until the judgment of a superior court was obtained wi the ques- tion of privilege. By the ruling of the court the previous day, all his witnesse3 who were solicitors would be excluded on the plea of privilege, and it would be a sheer waste of time to take down further evidence. He intended to call Mr. Edward Harries (Swansea), Mr. Edward Powell, Mr. Dan Perkins, Mr. Howel Cuthbertson, solicitors, who would be ex- cluded by yesterday's ruling of the Bench in the case of Mr. Jestyn Jeffreys. Continuing, Mr. Trueman said he had aent a short case to London the previous night for counsel's opinion, but he waa quite aware that the result of that would not bind the Court in any way. The Chairm-n: As a matter of fact, Mr. Jeffreys will have to go into the b03 again and be sworn before we can rule in the matt- Mr. Trueman: I am glad to hear you say that. The Chairman: You must go on with the case now absolutely, and when w4 come to Mr. Jeffreys you can make anj observations you desire. Mr. Trueman: I do not know whether I can induce my counsel, Mr. Gerald Dob- son, to continue the case. I am making an effort, but I would ask your Worships to kindly consider the question raised about the law of privilege where there is an allegation of fraud. I did not havo the pleasure of addretttog you yesterday, but the whole case as regards the money- lending business was, I allege, a fraud in its inception. Mr. Trevor Hunter (interposing): Yon arc not entitled to make that observation. The Chairman: If the law of privilege has broken down, you may consider that again on a matter of fact. But you must prove it before you can examine lawyers and fish about. We cannot lend ourselves to a turning of that sort. We are not going to start 59 hare6 and run after them all over the field. You must confine yonr. self to the jerjury which you allege against Mr. Brinley Richards. The examination of Mr. Henry Rees, the Official Receiver, was then continued. The case was adjourned.

MR. T. RICHARDS, M.P. Committee's Splendid Tribute. In the various quotations from. an< comments upon, the report issued laa week by the Departmental Committer appointed to inquire into the conditioiti prevailing in the coal mining industrj due to the war," there are some elauea specially dealing with South Wales tI which I have seen no reference made it the public press. Incidentally, in refer ring to the patriotism oj. miners and th< question of holidays, a tribute paid tt the attitude and action of Mr. T Richards, M.P., tht general secretary OJ the South Wales Miners' Federation, J worthy of note, and the acknowledg ment of the miners themselves towardi their country and the war, will be dul; appreciated, coming, as these points do from a committee appointed by the Hoii-o Office to inquire into matters of vital im jportance at such a crisis. Upon page 17 of the White Pape issued by the Government, I find: The miners of Great Britain hail already demonstrated that they are ani mated by a spirit of patriotism, so manj of them having (frequently at eonsidej able sacrifice to themselves) left thi mines to serve with the colours; maiq more will follow their noble example am swell the ranks of the Empire's great armies which are fighting for the sake d a righteous cause and the establishmeal of an enduring peace. Coal, next to food, ie one at the mod necessary articles obtained by the worl of man, and we cannot do better than rf peat the eloquent words appearing in notice, issued above the signature of M. Thomas Richards, M.P., by the Souti Wales Miners' Federation to all collier, workmen in that field, appealing to thejq to curtail their Easter and Whitsuntidl holidayi. "-Mie supply of ammunition « our heroic soldiers on the continent, th efficiency and sucoea6 of the naval opera tions in the North Sea and the Dardi nelles, the home comforts of the poor <! this country, are all dependent in a rer' large degree upon the extent and regu larity of the supply of coal. or The appeal is to every work-man. to work as regularly as possible with th assurance that his work in a mine is 3 necessary as the operations in the trench a in this great national crisie." The miners of this country are hard working and industrious, and their hoW days are well-earned, and we would h the last to urge a curtailment in thej occasional well-earned rest, but in a tim like the presort—a time of great nation3 stress—we feel sure that we will not 301 peal in vain to them to work every d4 they can. We are confident, and our coURdeb4 is strengthened by the knowledge that i is shared by the representatives of th miners who have gil1 evidence befoi us, that were the Miners' Federation 4 Great Britain to issue an appeal to th miners, supported by personal addressi in the mining districts, it would bp frui) ful of the best reviult&" <