Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

ABERDULAIS. The first annual eisteddfod was held at I Forest C.M. Chapel on Saturdaj7. The presidents were Mr. and Mrs. Howell, Sunny Bank; conductor, Mr. David Edwards, Tonna. The adjudicators were: I Essays, Rev. W. Jones, The Manse; reci- i tations, Mr. J-as. Clement (AlarCh Qgwy); music, Mr. Mathew Davies, B.A., Mils. 1 Bac., eath. The successful competitors were:-Pianofortc solo: Divided between the Misses Blodwen Price., Glvn-Neath, and Phyllis Codd, Neath. Girls' solo: 1, Miae Millie Roberts, St. Thomas, Swansea; 2, ilias DilYiJ Jones, Aberdulais. BoY5' solo: 1, Dewi Combes, Glyn-Noath; 2, Gor- onwy Jones, Aberdulais. Children's reci- tation: Miss Ethel Maud Francis, Llan- samlet. Soprano solo: Miss E. Jenkins, Rhos, Pontardawe. Contralto solo: Miss Ethel Toiies, Seven Sisters. Tenor solo: Divided between Messrs. Griff. Griffiths, Cilfrew. and T. H. John, Hirwain. Bass solo: Divided between Messrs. Lewis Davies, Skewen, and J. Hall, Neath. Adult recitation: Mr. T. John, Neath A-bbey. Essay: Mr. Richard Hawkins, Pontardawe. Prize-bag: Mrs. H. Jenkins, •Vberdnlais. Mixed choir: Resolven. Male foice, Little Church Neath Minstrels.

BRYNCOCH. I On Saturday sports were held on the Football Field, Bryncooh, under the auspices of the local Soldiers' and Sailors' Reception Fund. Mr. J. W. Jones (Neath) was handicapper, assisted by other gentle- wen, Mr. Thos. Howella acting as secretary. The results were as follow:—100 yards race: 1. W. Griffiths; 2, E. J. Youatt. Boys' race: 1, W. Jones; 2, D. J. Griffiths; 3, T. Youatt. dirts* race- i," E.;Davi«a; 2, A. Jones; 3, P. Harris. Potato-race: 1, W. Eady; 2, E. J. Youatt. Sack race; 1, E. J. Youatt (jun.); t. Thee. J. Youatt (senr.) Tug-of-war: rhree ttams entered. Winners: Mr. Griff Owen an i team.

BRITONFERRY. I Frank Pope. Ynysmaerdy-road, has been successful in obtaining an elementary oer- tificate for Pitman's shorthand. He is a enpil of Mr. W. H. Taylor, Neath. Eoonomy m war time has made Jersey Marine quite a popular seaside reeort. Within walking distance from Neath it is somewhat extraordinary that such a lovely sfcrefcch of sands, with nature untarnished by modernity, should have to wait a crisis before appreciated. Yet such is the case. burii.ig the present spell of eunshine Jersey Marine has been full of life and happiness; j I the joyous shouts and laughter of the chil- dren have mocked the sad murmiirings of the waves, and mothers hive looked on and wondered why they had been eo backward iu loc.al geography. To them Jersey Marihe is now a magnet. She had been reading of Zer. and air raids, and being a. rather nervous sort < f luly, allowed her imaginatiorl to run riot, much to the oonHternation of her neigh- bours. It was a calm and peaceful night, the moon waa partiaJly hidden by the clouds, when a cry of alarm pierced the stillness. A policeman hurried to the scenes there was a crowd in the street, and heads bobbed out of every window. All eyes were focused on the nervous lady, who w.as cry- ing out with great excitement that a Zep- pelin was hovering about overhead. "It's only a cloud, missus," shouted a man among the crowd, but the lady could not be con- vinced. Then the moon gave the cloud a silver lining, the windows banged, the people got back to bed. and peace reigned. There was a large and representative at- tenda.nce at the funeral of ex-Councillor j Wm. Phillips, which todk place at the Ynyema/erdy Cemetery on Moliday. Several members of the Council were present, in- eluding the officials. The family desire to express their gratitude to the public gener- ally for the many expressions of sympathy extended during the long illness and bereavement. The Britonferry and District Co-operative Society's half-yearly balance-sheet has just. been published, and shows an increase in the cash sale.3 of 91,486 4s. on the corres- ponding period of last year. Jt is stated, however, that this increase is accounted for by the enhanced prices on good.1:87 5s. has been written off for depreciation, and the profit for disposal amounting to X836 11", 9d., enabled the committee to pay the usual dividend of Is- 3d. in the £ to mem- I bCT. and 7d. to non-members.

COWBRIDGE. The wedding of Mr. H. C. R. Homfray, j Glamorgan Yeomanry, son of Colonel H. K. Homfray, Penllvn Castle, Cowbndge, to Miss Franklen, Clemenstone, will take place at Llandow. Church, Cowbridge, on September 15th.

CWMAVON. Summer Drinks. — Soda Water in Syphons, Lemon Squash, Lime Juice, Lime Juice Cordial, Health Salts, Lemonade Crystals, Citrate of Magnesia, I Montserrat Fruit Salts, Aquaperi a, &c., &c.—H. S. Arnold, Pharmacist, Cwmavon. Juvenile Cwmavon and district have leen disporting themselves at the seaside during the last two weeks. All the trains running from the direction of tho Kbondda have been filled in a manner never previously re- membered by those who have travelled on that railway for some years past. The favourite resorts are Aberavon Hands 'md Jersey Marine, large parties of children with their parents spending daily an en- joyable and beautiful eight or ten hours at the seaside, and returning in the evening to their homes up in the mountains, much benefitted by their fill, of ozone, and their little visages made as brown as nuts by the effects of the brilliant sunshine. It is regrettable, however, that better pro- vision is not made by the Rhondda Rail- way Company for the conveyance of their little travellers, who were debarred from viewing from the carriage windows some of the pleasant pictures which are left in- delibly imprinted on the memory, and usually associated with the juveniles' initial railway journey. Through lack (f accommodation, both old and young tra- vellers have been packed into closed lug- gage compartment, an experience far from being either desirable or pleasant in these sweltering days of rapidly closing August. No doubt, for the remaining portion of the holiday period better accommodation will be forthcoming to those using that railway system to gain either of the two seaside lesorts mentioned. Some little while back. a complaint was made regarding the state of Cwmavon Cemetery-a by no means pleasantly situated "Haven of Best." Passing along there the other afternoon, however, one could not help being struck with the re- markable improvement that had been wrought. Evidently the suggestion thrown out by the worthy Vicar (the Rev. D. Bankes-Williama) has borne fruit, and those who have some dear departed relatives and friends resting there, are now interesting themselves more keenly in the upkeep of the place than they did formerly. How- ever, there is little or nothing to complain about with its present clean and orderly appearance. The huge slag tip which has occupied a central position for so many years is at last being turned to good account. The Cwmavon Slag Tar Macadam Co. have turned out their filli-, consignment of tar macadam, which is for use by the Swan- sea Corporation. There will be no shortage of material, as there is little doubt that this one tip contains upwards of one million tons. jjp-to-dato machinery has been installed to crush and treat th slag, and there should be a steady market for such material, which is extensively used in the district.

DYFFRYN. I The sports conducted on 'the local foot- ball ground on Saturday, was in aid of the Bryncoch Soldiers and Sailors' Keception and Medal Fund, and proved in every way successful, tho proceeds ralisinga sub- stantial amount. The winners in the (various competitions Tivce: Misses Aemlia, Jones, Tliorne and Edith Harris. Boys' race: Willie Jones. Boy Scout ambulance competition: Neath De- (tachment. 103 gval,ds open: Messrs. J. Griffiths and E. J. Hewitt. 100 yards sack race: Messrs. T. J. and E. J. Hewitt. Potato race: Mr. Addie (Tonna). Tug-of- war: Bryncoch team. Judging weight of sheep: Mr. Thomas Jones. The Baglan and Britonferry Boy Soouts were at the last moment prevented from entering the Ambulance competition, but the CommandantA-the Misse., Dorothy and Vera Williams (Baglan House)—kindly sent a donation to the fund. Splendid service was rendered by the following :-Ioe.cream stall, Miss. May Witts; fruit, Mrs. J. Howells, Mrs. Jas. Gosling and M rs. Millett; flowers, Mrs. Horry Gosling and Mrs. Tom Thomas; bran tub, Mrs. W. Tremaine, Mrs. T. Thomas, and Mrs. Treble; flags, Misses Evelyn Evans, May Bo wen and Gertie Lewis; plants and ferns. Miss Mary Samuel; cake competition, Misses Iftted. The committee, of which the officers are: Mr. G. H. Rutter (chairman), 'Mr. Tom Howell (hon. sec.), end Mr. David Thomas (hon. treasurer), can be congratulated upon the encouraging reault of their com- mendable enterprise to honour the brave sons now serving their King and country from this parish, several of whom are now in othe fighting line, including Messrs. C. Burton, R. Ball, Thos. Jones, Victor Bii li, Benj. Harris, EmlYn Harding, J. Hughes. Joe Ijwwis, Victor Thomas, John Bowen, Willie Powia, Sidney Samuel, Willie Jones, (Albert Evane, II. HlOrthing-, W. Vtedt^ Arthur Witts, Ernest Brooke. Ebenezer Davieg (1), Ebenezer Davjes (2). Ronald Bickle, Alfred Lewis and his brother, David John Lew if* (promoted to the rank of ser- gcant in the Welsh Guards before leaving England)-in France; and Messrs Oyril Rees, David Phillips, Richard John, Alfred Sair, Da.vid Goodwin Evanet, and Charles Prout— at the Dard?.nelles. Mr. David Edwards is serving on H.M.8. Andes, and Lieut. Geoffrey Whittington (son of Dr. T. D. Whittington), is doing his part in West Africa. Captain Howel Moore-Gwyn, who has hap- pily made a good recovery from his recent illness, will, it is expected, be returning to the trenches at aji early date. Another native of Bryncoch, Mr. Arthur Thomas, son of Mr. Jowech Thorny, who holds an importaut scholastic appointment in London, hoe for some time Doen acting as adjutant to the 1st Croydon Battalion of "Volunteers, and, conjoillitly with the senior commanding officer, has been responsible for the training of over 1.000 men for mili- tary service. He yolunteered for the front, but his physique wi.s not considered suffi- ciently robilStto warrant acceptance of the offer. His brother, Mr. Bertie Thomas, re- cently left Bryncoch for Greenock, where he is engaged on munition work.

I NEATH ABBEY. A meeting of the Joint Committee of the Federated Lodges of Skewen and Neath Abbey was held last week at the Sion Vestry. Mr. W. Piekrell, check-weigher, pre- sided. 'The chief business was the considera- tion. of the appeal of the bwaIlsea Hospital Committee for an increased contribution M the funds of that institution. After a dis- cussion, in which several of the members took part, it was reaolved to recommend 10 .t,he various lb(Iges to agree to a contribu- tion of 2d. per month, and that meetings of the colliery workmen should bo held at the earliest moment., and the results of same to be forwarded to the joint secretary. In the event of any unsatisfactory replies, powor was ghen to the chairman and eecretary to coll a further meeting of the Joint Com- mittee.—The matter of the South Wales new wage agreement was discussed, and the feel- ing of the meeting was in accord with the resolutions passed at the meetings held in .the Valleys the previous Sunday, protesting against the action of the coal-owners in their unnecessary delay in coming to terms with the men's representatives.

I NEATH. With the view of providing comforts for the wound ed wldiers who are expected shortly to arrive at the new Neath War Hospital at Penrhiwtyn, Miss Evans, of Kaglesbush House, is making collections of old walking-sticks, pipes, gramophones, novels, and magazines, or any articles which will contribute to the amusement and ease of the soldiers. Any gifts can be left with Councillor Tom Jones, at the Cambrian Hotel, Neath, or may be sent direct to Miss Evans, who will be grateful for their acceptance. At Neath on Monday, Richard Lewis (43), of Walters-road, was fined 15s. for being drunk on licensed premises. -P.8. W. Morgan proved the case; he visited the Rock Hotel on Saturday night, and saw defendant in the bar very drunk, and his clothes covered with dust. At Aberdulais Eisteddfod on Saturday the Neath Minstrels won the male voice com- petition. Mr. Joe Pickerel wielded tbe baton. Over this success the old hands are chuckling. They had to sing with but a skeleton of last year's choir, because' the young bloods were too patriotic to stay at home, and are now shouldering tho And young singers, as a rule, consider themselves indispensable. But the old bands" must not chuckle too loud; the other competitive choirs suffered likewise. A!t. the san» eisteddfod Mr. Jim Hall, eath, shared the baritone solo prize with Mr. Davi-es, Skewen, for a fine rendition of Arm, Arm, ye Brave." Mr. Matthew Davies B.A. JIUS. Bac., Neath, was the adjudicator of music, and his awards gave general satisfaction. The bowling green at Mounit Pleasant has been fairly well patronised during the summer, and Jupiter Tluvius has not suc- ceeded in damping the enthusiasm of local woodrollens. The attraction last week was the Melyn Club's handicap championship, and the final round took place on Saturday between Mr. Jim Dummer and Mr. Lime- bear. The former won, and was presented with a handsome pair of woods," value. ?5s., as a moinento of te victory, whilst the runner-up ai6o had a pair of woods, value ZOO. The tournament was splendidly con- ducted, and interest worked up to a demon- strative climax. » Anniverary services in connection with Orchard-plaoo Baptist Church was cele- brated on Sunday, when the Rcv. T. Phil- lips, Bloomsbury, occupied the pulpit, and preached a series of able and eloquent ser- mons to large and appreciative congrega- tions. The popular pastor, Rev. W. Degwell Thomas, assisted in the service, and in the evening Mr. Bell Davies, Skewen, proved a delightful soloist. Boys will be boys," quoth the poet. In Nea.th Lhey are termed young hooligans. Were it not for their persistent pranks, the police, both in the borough and the county, would be enjoying a camparatively easy Üme. Perhaps its holiday-month, but that bump of dcstructiveness must not be al- lowed to develop. It'n & veritable fever. A. week ago a portable engine was l?eft7.. a building plot oft Gnoll Park-road. Next morning the wteam pressure indicator was smashed in, a glasa cylind-er broken, and damage to tiie extent of several pounds done to the engine. This is but an isolated case. At Neath County Sessions half-a-dozen collier boys, all old enough to know better, were ordered to pay 5s. each and severely rebuked by the presiding magistrate, for stealing two bunches of growing grapes from a vinery at Ffrwydd Vale, Keath. They wore caught in the act by the gar- dener, arid P.O. Phillips, ÙädoXllou, wae n I on their track. Oongratulatioia to William Powell, eon of Mr. John Powell, ol the Talbot Arms. Neath, who, as the result of competitive examina- tion, is now a leading seaman in Lord Tre- degar's Battalion of the Boyal Naval Divi- sion at the Crystal Palace. He is also one of the Naval giants, for he is over 6ft. high, and only 20 yearo of age. Powell was. born at Skewen, and before the war was a col- lier at the Main Pits. He ia oue of eight oouisins with the colours. Lost week's note on. garden cultivation, which embodied a suggestion that allot- ments should be secured, has developed into a healthy discussion. Without, the ^lightest. exaggeration, it may be said that, hundreds of inhabitants would be only too eager to cultivate a plot of land, and all that seems necessary -to make the suggestion a factor is organisation. According to a special leaflet issued by the Board of Trade, the most sucoe-mful plan to adopt would be to form a society which might be brought About by the Mayor or Town Olerk. Its object. would be to. asoertain the position of vacant building plots, uncultivated areas, and even some common land; discover the owners—which is not a difficult master in Neath-and secure permission to cultivate such laud; arrange either for co-operation and mutual cultivation of the land secured and ownership of the produce, or parcel it out, to the members to cultivate for them- selves individually. Who will be the leader ? In his annual report of the noble work performed at the Cymla Sani-torium, Dr. Norman Tattereall, who is now serving with the Forces of the Crown, states that tuber- culosis appears to be particularly rife in the Garw Valley, which is crowded and narrow and has a heavy rainfall. Future developments will probably include fresh visiting stations at Moesteg and in the Garw Valley. The total number of new patient« examined during the year was 583, an increase on the previous twelve months of approximately 10 per oent. Immediately on the outbreak of the war there was very great falling off in the number of new patients coming for examination, but the previous level was gradually resumed and even increased of late. He had been greatly impressed with the way in. which many jj-Ue, nnhealtny-looking youths (potential subjects of tuberculosis) had blossomed into vigorous manhood on leaving unhealthy surroundinga for the open-air life of the soldier. During the year 175 patients had been discharged from the Cymla and Og- mope Hospitals, 31 died, and 115 totally Im- proved. I GIPSY'S UNEDUCATED CHILDREN. At Neath on Friday, Frank Hearn, a j gipsy, was fined 20s. for failing to provide his four children with an elementary edu- catio.n by wandering from place to place. 1 f The case was proved by P.S. Quarterly, Neath Abbey. The children, the eldest of whom was 12 years of age, could neither i read or write. t I WIFE'S MAINTENANCE IN WAR II TIME. At Aberavon Borough Police Court. u Thursday, Elicabeth Chariest, Owmavon- road. applied for an increase on a main- tenance order of6.. made ngainst lier hus- hand, Walter Charles,, a coal tipper, 16, Con- n aught-street, Pore Talbot, in February, 1911. Mr. Dan Perkins,$or the wife, explained that the application fbr an increase of the maintenance order made- on the grounds of the higher cost -of living. It was utterly impossible to keep herself and one child on &s. per week. The husband's earn- ings as a coal tipper at the docks for the last four years averaged E2 10s. weekly. The Bench increased the order to 17s. 6d. per week aiid allowed advocate's fee. I ——

I PORT TALBOT. A stock taker, named Frederick Bell, George-street,, Port Talbot, employed at the Port. Talbot Steelworks, was on Tlinreday night admitted into the Port Talbot Cot- tage Hospital suffering from a badly, frac- tured ekull. 11, appears that, the man was engaged <*& the floor of the big plate mill, when a plate, carried by a large magnet crane and weighing 6 cwt., fell on the un- fortunate man. who received the injury mentioned. He woe conveyed to/the hos- pital by ambulance. » Port Talbot's shipping trade was again very brik during the past week. The total tonnage dealt with amounted to 57,057 tons, made up of 48,843 tons exports, and 8,214 tons, imports. Compared with the corresponding week of last Year, which suffered greatly in consequence of the war, a substantial increase <;? 44,327 tons was shown. The de- tails of the week's trade are as follow:— Exports—Coal (foreign ports), 42,980 tons; coke tforeiyn ports), 693 tons; patent fuel ¡ (foreign ports), 3,785 tons; coal (coastwise), 1.241 tons; tinplates, 173 tons; angles, 171 tons. Imports-Copper ore, 1.194 tons; loam, 133 tons; scrap iron, 222 tons: pitch, :71 tons; iron pyrites, 4,185 tons; iron ore, 2,209 tons; total, 8,214 tons. Total shipments, 57,057 tons. Vessels in dock on Saturday— 12 steam, 5 sail. At St. Theodore's Church, Port Talbot, on Thursday morning, a quiet marriage was solemnised, the contracting parties being Mr. William Randall Evans, Aberavon, and Mis, Cissie Lander, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs. Alfred Landor, Caldeira House, Rice-street, Port Talbot, both of whom are well-known in the district. The bride was given away by her father, the duties of been. man being performed by Mr: Fred Lander (brother of the bride;. The cere- mony was performed by the vicar, the Bev. D. J. Jones, :M.A. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who were the recipients of numerous presents, left with a mid-day train for Southport, where the honeymoon will be spent. Excellent fare-is provided by the enter- prising management of the New Theatre, Port Talbot, this week. Two successful re- vues are presented by 'lessrs, Welmen's first-class London company of selected London artistea. For the first three nights large audiences were delig-hted with the excellent production of "Mind the Paint," which can aptly be described as the limit in up-to-date musical hustle, produced in two parts and eight magnificent scenea. The chorus is a, powerful one, end tIV dances- and costumes worn are really gor- geous. The company includes such first-, cla-ss artistes Mr. Tom Tutty, the Aus- tralian comedian; Mr. Dana. Royal, Mr. Ernie Bruce, and 5fr. Bert Vernon, come- dians; Mr Eric Wingfield, light comedian, Apache and expert Tango dancer; Mdlle. Vivi, in classic dances; the Barbette Quar- tet of dancers, Miss Nini Pasionc'k, and the Biarritz Girls. Charlie Chaplin, the cinema star, is wonderfully well impersonated by one of the comedians. During the. lattor portion of the week "What Ho! Tango" is presented, ir. which the grand corset parade is given. This is a revue which on no ac- count should be missed.—Next week Mr. Ed- week .W r. Ed- win T. Ileys' company presents "Hindle! Wakes" by Stanley Houghton. This great play is breaking records all over the coun- try, and is in its third year of tour.

•SKEWEN"■ ,S "I On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held at the Boys' School. Mr. Henry Reason presidiug, to discuss the means to bo taken to honour thoso from Skewen and Neath Abbey who aw serving their country, either at the front or on sea, in the present war. A scheme was de- cided upon and a small committee selected. Mr. Tom Lloyd was elected from Skewen, as crotary with Mr. David Abraham. Neath Abbey. The trea- surer reported that the sum of £45 is at present in hand. The Jocal section of the Volunteer Train- ing Corps promises well. Up to the present 74 members have been enrolled. This num. ■ ber includes several of the moat prominent public men of the place. Three of the Dia-' trict Oouncillor., are in training, the Clerk" of the Parish Council, and • some of the eounciliom. Amongst that number is a Congregational minister. The instructor is Mr. Moses Oole, and. under his efficient direction, good pj.-og?-oss has been made with the drill. Some of tlie old volunteers .who.have .-joined are a. 'great help.to those who have never previously had any expo- rienw f imuitary drill. Apropos of the correspondence now run- ning in a contemporary in reference to ministers under 40 joining the colours, under one or the other form 01 service, it Is interesting to find that the Rev. David G. Morgan (son of the Rev. Thomas Morgan, Horeb), who has been in charge of the Driffield and Granswick Baptist Churches, Yorks, for the last six months, has joined the BA.M.C., and is at present in training at Dover. Oil Saturday morning a. pretty wedding ceremony was performed at Horeb Baptist Chapel, the pastor, the Rev. Thos. Morgan, offi-eliting, when Mr. William Morgan, of Tycroes, Oarmafthenshire, was united to Miss Maggie Davies, of London, sister to Mr J. T. a deacon at Horeb. and who gave her awa.y. Mr. Wm. Thomas, of Tyeroes, was beet man. The happy pair spent their honeymoon in Gower. The corn lvi-rvest is at present in full swing in the sirrrounding farms. Given a few. days of favourable weather, r-11 the crops will soon be garnered. More land than usual has been allotted to the grain, as well as to potatoes, and in spite of the wet period just poised,, there seems to be a, 1 fairly good yield.

FROM BUTCHER'S BOY TO MAYOR. -1 The dearth occurred on Thursday of Alderman George Ha31, J.P., one of Hull's mosrt prominent public men. Alderman Hall, who was 73, was an ex-Mayor. He started life as a butcher's boy. and at the time of his death he was the owner of several gteam trawlers, being one 1 of the leading members of Hull's great fishing industry.

TOBACCO FACTORY FIRE. i A big fire, broke out yesterday evening at "B.D.V." Building, Hanbury-street, at B. D V Spitfields. the prelniees of Messrs. God-. frey iPhillips, Ltd. The fire threatened to reach such proportipns that a district call was circulated. The fire must have been smouldering for gome time.

Lloyds reported on Wednesday that the Lowestoft trawlers Integrity and Young Frank have been sunk. The crews have been landed. A sixty-one-year-old man named James Fraser, who wanted to go to the front, but was too old, and who refnaed to accept home service, has been sentenced to four- j teen days' imprisonment by the South Shields magistrates for falsely -reprwnt- ing himself to be a deserter.

THE COAL AWARD. WORKMEN'S REQUEST ON VEXED POINTS AND OWNERS' REPtY. (By our Mining Correspondent). The joint meeting ol' the owners' and workmen's representatives forming tho South Wakvs Coal Conciliation Board, was held at Cardiff on Wednesday, Mr. F. L. Lavis presiding on the. owners'$ide, and Mr. J"ames Wiiiaton^ on. the. workmen's Preliminary iiieq t:* iiik gs- been held by both-soles, earlier in the day. The matters on, the agenda of the joint meeting for discussion were the figning •ox the new agreement and the workmen's application for an immediate advance m wages. The Workmen's Request. At the commencement of the proceed- ings Mr. WilMtone, on behalf of the, work- men's side,. i nformed the owners that the workmen were unable to finally, agr- upon the new terms, and in. consequence desired to see the Cabinet. Ministers again in order to refer the, matter to them for decision, the principal question being the exclusion,, by Mr Runciiuadi.oi a certain class of workman from the benefit of tho six turns for five provision in the original Government terms. He, however, acked that, subject to leaving this matter to be further discussed, the agreement might be put into operation, and that the appli- cation of the workmen for an immediate advance in wages should be takfn into consideration, and also that any advance be retrospective to the dates, of the return to work of the workmen under the agree- ment of July 20th. The Ow'ner-s'' Rtpiy. Mr. F. L. Davis, on behalf of the owners, informed the workmen that they were prepared io accept the whole of the terms .of Mr. liunciman's award and to sign an agreement to-day, but they could not accede to the request of the work- men to leave the one clause in abeyance, neither could they consider the applica- tion for an advance in wages until the agreement had been signed, but they were issuing instructions to the members of the Coalowners' Association to pay the advance to the surface workmen, and the money due under the six turns for five provision as from the 20th of July. In the course of the discussion which followed, Mr. Winstone urged upon the employers to waive their right to having the agreement signed before considering the application for an increase. I- A Significant Remark. Mr. F. L. Davis, in reply, declined to entertain the suggestion; but made a very significant statement. He said that once the agreement was signed, whether it took place this week or next week, the owners would not stand on any technicalities whiol* would prevent the workmen from putting forward their application. The importance of this remark lies .n th fact that under a new agropment it might be held that the workmen's repre- sentatives would have no right to bring up their application for an increase for another three months, as the time had elapsed for putting in the application. It is now clear that the owners will take no euch chance, and that once the agreement is signed the consideration of the increase will be gone into. It was then decided that the meetings of the Conciliation Board stand adjourned and that the two secretaries—Mr. Dal- ziel for the owners, and Mr. Richards for the workmen-are to decide the date of the next meeting. Deputation to Ministers. In the meantime the workmen s repre- sentatives are applying to Mr. Runciman for a further interview. It is understood that they desire to have counsel, hot only from Mr. Runciman, but also from Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. A. Henderson, who were parties to the original Government settlement.. The exemption of the engine- men and stokers in Mr. RuncimarL6 award applies only to the provision for paying six turns for five for afternoon and night shifts. The men will be entitled, even under Mr. Rnnciman's- award, to any ad- vance in wages secured outside that pro- vision. The following gentlemen were appointed a deputation: Messrs. Winstone, Richards, Onions, Hartshorn, Barker, .and the. solicitor, Mr. W. P. N

NO PRECIPITATE ACTI-ON.ill '1 Mr. Winstone's Hopes. Mr. James Winstone. e.fen by our mining correspondent, regretted that tho coalowners had not seen their way clear to accept his suggestion to waive the signing of, the agreement and proceeding-with tho wage increase application. He felt that a, -pii-it of mutual trust would be to the interest of both sides. He'knew the de- lay was disappointing, but he was not without hops that. when they met the Cabinet Ministers a satisfactory way out might be found. He knew it Was annoy- ing to the men that negotiations should be protracted, but the negotiations had bpen most difficult. Mr. Winstone ex- pressed the hope that no precipitate action would he taken by the workmen until the deputation had met the Cabi- net Ministers and the whole facts had been clearly laid before them and con- sidered by the workmen. At a meeting of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday reference -was ir.ade in some of the speeches to the hitch which has occurred in the negotiations for the settlement of the coal strike dispute; and one speaker stated that South Wales was renowned for two things—its sport and its coal. But it was not sport, he said, for the miners to reject the decisions of the umpire. In conversation with some miners' leaders on this matter on Wednesday, I was asked to point out that it was not a question of rejecting the decision of the umpire on the matters submitted to him, bulc P- protest against the action of the umpire in going outside the agreed terms of reference. When Mr. Runciman undertook to act as independent chairman of the South Wales Conciliation Board for the settle- ment of the iaew agreement, he stipulated that the points at issue should be defi- nitely agreed upon by the two sides, and submitted to him in writing. That stipu- lation was strictly complied with, and the points submitted did not contain any re- j ference whatever to the bonus turn of the enfr'le1nn' and st?kers. ',Î

(YWNERS, VIEWS, The following official report of He Con- ci.liation Board meeting was supplied to the Press by Mr. W. Gascoyne Dalziel, secretary to the owners' representatives:— A meeting of the members of the late Conciliation B-oard- was held at Cardiff tay (Wednesday), Mr. Fi-e.d- 11. Davis presiding over the owners' section, and Mr. Winstone oyer the workmen 's Section. The object of the meeting was to receive tho-deeisions of Mr.' Rllnciman the Presi- 'dent-of the Board of Trade, upon points submitted to him for interpretations arising upon the decisions of the Govern- ment in July last wjth regard to certain points to be introduced into a new Con- ciliation Board agreement, together with his decisions" upon certain new proposals submitted to' him by the Svorkmen's re- pieeentatives, Mr. Runciman's decisions and interpretations having been conveyed to the owners' and work fen 's representa- tives respectively. 'Mr. Runciman having pointed out the urgent -importance of arriving at a new agreement embodying his decisions, the meeting was held to-d-ay (Wednesday) for the purpose of signing a new agreement- which had been prepared by the solicitors] for the respective parties, Mr. Charles Kenshole for the owners and Mr. W. P. Nicholas for the workmen. > M«ditcfa*ipo, atA.Mir«doil/* .i "Mr. Winstone, at the opening of the proceedings, intimated that the work- men's representatives regretted their in- ability to sign the new agreement. as there were two questions upon which they desire a modification of Mr. Runciman's I decisions, lil,Afz to the exclusion of certain classes of workmen from the bene- fj Is of the bonus turn, and also a pro- posal to ante-datp the operation of any I new advance in wages that might bo awarded under the new agreement to ithe 22nd July last instead of the custom- ary date for such a change, viz., 1st Sep- j temhr. The workmen's representatives urged the employers to make a voluntary eoneeion of the principle involved in their proposals with regard to these two clauses. I Mr. Fred Davis, on behalf of the i owners' representatives, pointed out that they had attended the meeting at the suggestion of the workmen's representa- | I tive<Sj and in accordance with Mr. Runci- man 's desire for an early settlement, and in view of the assurances which had been given to Mr. Runciman on the 17th Aug. at the hearing before him by both sides that his decision upon the points referred to him would be accepted by both sides, and would be final and binding, they were t-urprised to learn that the workmen's re- presentatives were not .prepared to sign the new agreement. The owners' repre- I sentatives were prepared to attach their signatures to the new agreement, and carry out their to Mr. Runciman, but were not prepaffcd to reopen either the two points mentioned or any other points, and urged that tXo only course open to the two sides was to give imme- diate effect to the Government decisions. I A Formal Notice. I VJith regard to the date of the opera- tion for any change in wages, the owners pointed cut that by the delay caused by the workmen's representatives in adopt- ing the previous decisions of the Govern- ment, the workmen's representatives had themselves delayed a settlement of the question of an advance in wages, and the owners' representatives were in no way responsible for such delay. They were not prepared to depart from the usual date for the operation of any change, viz., 1st September. The owners were, and are, quite wilt- ing to waive the question of a formal notice of a change in wages not having been given by the workmen's representa- tives on the 1st August, and will accept a. notice when the workmensJ representa- fives are prepared to present such notice, and the owners would then consider any [ claim the workmen might put forward I for an advance.of wages. As, however, sucn a change in wages would be part of the operation of the new agreement it was obviously' necessary that the new agree- ment should be signed as a preliminary to the consideration of any application. The refusal of the workmen'. repre- cc-ntatives to sign the new agreement therefore precluded the consideration of any such advance. The owners* repre- sentatives, however, intimated that they have decided to instruct the associated coalowners to pay the workmen as soon as possible in accordance with the decisions of the Government, including such ad- vances in wages as may be due to certain classes of workmen under those decisions, his carrying paymen of arrears from the date of the resumption of work after the 21st July. The consideration of a genferal advance in wages must consequently re- main in abeyance until the workmen's representatives have signed the new agree- ment."

I DEPUTATION SUGGESTED. I The Government letter to the Welsh I miners was addressed from the President of the Board of Trade, on behalf of him- self, Mr. Lloyd George, and Mr. Hender- son. Our London representative was informed that it would be unwise to disclose its proposals. Some communications are still proceeding with the miners. He also learnt that a meeting in London with the Ministers is not probable at pre- sent. The text of the letter, however, may be issued later. Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. Runciman, and Mr. Henderson have all three replied in a joint letter to the South Wales miners' teqtfest to receive a deputation, respecting Mr. Runciman's award, and the dispute concerning it. The letter, which was de- spatched on Wednesday night and re- ceived on Thursday, gives the views of the three Ministers named on the award, and the questions that have arisen re- garding it. The letter will probably obviate a depu- tation coming to London.

MILK CASE PROSECUTION. An Extraordinary Ptnt. The adjourned case again6t. John I Harris Evans, dairyman, Skewen, for selling alleged defective milk, was again before, the Neath county justices on Fri- day. At the previous hearing Mr. Evan Rowlands, Swansea, who defended, ap- plied with success that the tried portion of the sample should be sent to the Government Laboratory for analysis. Supt. Evans gave evidence as to the purchase, and the certificate of analysis showed the milk to contain eight parts of added water. He had the tried portion of the sample carefully packed and sealed by a chemist and forwarded to Somerset House, London. The Magistratee Clerk (Mr. L. Kemp- thorne), read the reply from Somerset House, which stated that the bottle con- taining the sample (If milk had been broken in transit. Mr. Rowlands submitted that he had no case to answer. The Bench held that it was a case to i be decided on facts, and Mr. Rowlands based his defence on warranty. Giving evidence, defendant -said he never purchased milk without a warranty. He produced warranty and label, and swore that he had not tampered with the milk in any way. The police station at Skewen overlooked his dairy, and it was too dangerous to experiment with water (Laughter.) The Bench decided to suspend decision for a fortnight. A similar case was preferred against John Henry Davieos, dairyman, Skewen. The sample purchased by Supt. Ben Evans was-said to have showed an analy- sis 3', per cent. of added water. Here also the third bottle burst on being- sent to Government analyst. • Mrv-Rowlands offered the same defence, and defendant said the milk Was sold as purchased under a warranty. The Bench in this ca?e al?o reserved ei6ion.

SWANSEA BAY MYSTERY. -1 An inquest WaG held at Swansea Police Buildings oil Thursday morning, on the body which was picked up in the bay on ?.'AN'e.dnesday. Captain Antony Ragiohe, of the stlUtUg Usk, gave evidence jf having steen the body when passing tho raimal, Making it fast to a rol)- he towed it to the South Dock jetty. The body was-about six feet in height, and was clothed in a serge coat and vest, -dungaree trousers, flannel shirt, and a white band around the waist, black lace- ui) boots and brown socks. The clothes i had been partially eaten away, and the features were absolutely unrecognisable. A watch, gold-plated chain, with a centre- piece, and a oomb were found in the clothing.—The jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned."

Over 250" maimed or crippled British soldiers wfao have been prisoners in Ger- many "for varying periods were landed at Tilbury on Widn-esday by the Princee.s Juliana from Flushing. Mr. B. J. Squires this week won the Colonel LI. Morgan Trophy," presented l to the St. Gabriel's Bowling Club for the third year in succession. He was recently the.,runner up in the SvrarLsaa, League's eirgk-handed tournament.

MARKETS.  BUTTER. I Cork, Thursday. First, 132; second. 124; third, (I; fourth 0; superfine, 0; mild, 0; choicest boxes, ft choioe, 0; fresh butter from 133. METAL. 'London. Thursday. Copper firm, turnover 1,400 tons, 70 t* j 7l £ cash, 72 to 72? three moBtghe. Tii irregular, 151 to 151? cash, ]56? to 15? thr?e months. English lead, 23; foreign, 221" to 22 1-3. Spelter, 68 to 61. Middies bro' iron, 65s. 5d. caeli, 65s. 10d. mont h. MEAT. London, Thursday. Beef: Scotch long sides, 6s. to 6s. Sd. i short, (is. 8d .to 6s. 10d.; extreme, 78.; li-isli, including Birkenhead killed, 6s. t6 6s. 2d.; chilled hind quarters, 5s. lOd. to 6s. 6d.; fore. Js. 6d. to 408. lOde Mutton: Scotch wethers, tie. 2d. to tis. Gd. ewes, 4s. lOd. to 5s. 2d.; English wethers, 5s. Sd. to 6s. 2d. ewes, 4s. lOd. to 58. 2d.; New Zealand, 4s. 6d. to is. lod.; Sydney, 4s. Id. to 4s. M. Lamb: tis. to (is. tid. Veal; English, 6s. 8d. to 7s. Sd. CATTLE. London, Thursday. Arrivals of both beasts and isheep were of small extent, and passed off slowly. prices being largely nominal. Total sup- plies 60 beasts, 50 sheep and lambs, and 5 cows. Bristol, Thursday. Beef in moderate supply, trade quiet; best lOGs.secondary 93s. cwt., fair supiply. Sheep, best Downs, JOid.; light vetiiera 10i;d., heavy lOd.; ewes, lid. to Is. per lb.. 6bort supply. Pigs—baconers and porkers 14e. 6d. score. Six hundred store cattle sold late rates. Milch cows, CI7 up to £25. • CORN. Bristol, Thursday. New English wheat was more freely offered to-day, and the condition showed improvement; foreign, slow trade and tid. to 16. cheaper. Grinding barley, quiet with reduction of 6d. to Is. in value. Maize quiet, all prices favouring buyers, Oats, dull trade and about 6d. down.

WEEKLY REVIEW OF THE GRAIN AND FLOUR TRADES. By J. K. CARTHEW, Grain Expert. During the past week or ten days to tho time of drafting this the weather has been fine, dry, and seasonable—very favourable for harvesting cereals, which has made good progress in the Southern and Midland countiefs and extenalng To the north..Man- gjolds, turnips, and potatoes, green vege- tables ai-d .after grass continue to make rapid growth, and all kinds of live stock are doing well. The fat stock markets keep very brisk* and prices are fully maintained. Beef, gid. to Is.; mutton, 9d. to Is. Id.; pork, 7id. to 9d. per lb., The wool trade is dull, and prices rathtir4, against sellers. Washed, In. 4id. to Is. ML, unwashed, Is. Id. to la. Zd. per lb. Threshing winter wheat in North America i3 making rapid progress, and the yield is quite up to expectation. The spring wbeab harvest in Canada and the United States is • onward in the earlier provincea, and wiit soon be general in both fsountries. So far the crop has escaped damaga by black rust. and frost.. If climatic conditions continue fairly favourable for another month it will be a bumper yield of excellent quality grain. The larger portion of the cereal cro in Europe is now safely under .cover, and in spite of ths war the result, both in quantity and quality, is quite up to the average of former years. Wheat in Argentina and Australia continue to make steady growth, but more rain is required in India to put the land in condition for working for the next crop. Weekly shipments of foreign wheat to Europe ar, very small, and much below the consumption. Old English ia nearly riiii out. but supplies of new grain are oomilig forward, and will increase. Warehouse stocks ara barely maintained. FLOUR. J With fine weather. potatoes, green viea-e- tables And fruit in large supply, the con- sumption of bread is far from brisk, and the flour tnade dull. Prices as follows—Town Whites, 47s.; Households, 45ø.; Coturtrr Patents, 45s.; White, 43s.; American Spiring Patents, 44s., 468.; Manitoba/ Patents, 42s., 44s.; Hard Kansas Patents, 44s.; Sp-ring Bakers, 56s., 38s.; Hungarian Patent* nominal. WHEAT FORECAST. Crop prospects throughout the world con- tinue very good; the North American and European harvests are in full awing. the result being a reoord yield, but as yet weekly shipments of foreign grain to: Europe are very small. They will, however, probably increase in the near future. If ail goes well with the North American spring crop prices will tend easier I con- sider. At the time of drafting this the war out. look is not quite so favourable, but the de- pression is only temporary. A turn for Urn better will eoon be m evidence and good news forthcoming.

A distressing case of murder occurred at Bristol on Wednesday morning. Ar police officer was called just after, six o clock to a house in Beaufort-road, St. George, where a married woman informed him that she had killed one of her three children. Proceeding to the kitchen, tlia vcman showed the officer a blood-stained nightdress which she was washing. Her daughter, Florence Agnes (aged 12), was found dead in bed with seventeen stabs in her back, apparently inflicted with a dagger. The woman was brought up at the police court on Wednesday morning, and formally remanded.

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