Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

DOCKS IMMORALITY. I SWANSEA COUNCILLOR ALLEGES I LUflIN-G AWAY OF GIRLS. At Swansea Watch Committee inching I on Tuesday, Ald. D. Davies in the chair, a krng discussion arose on itie serious allegations that have been m-i ie on the !lstioJ1 of immora?tv at the S 'ea ir k-s. T? Chief Constable (Capt. A. Thomas) had written to Inspector Parker, 'of the Docks Police, pointing cut that it had been alleged that the Swansea docks hadbeccme a hot-bed of immorality, and that young girls, 13 years of age, it was alleged, had been seen going on board the ships in company with sailors. Inspector .Parker had replied that he was very lcuch surprised at the state- ments that bad been made, and he was amazed to see what had transpired at a meeting of the Swansea Watch Commit- tee "regarding tlris matter. He had been a police officer ar Swansea for the last 40 years, and was fully acquainted with all tliert went on at tiftf docks, and he char- acterised the remarks that had been made ?s a gross exaggeration. The Norwegian missioner "?pporteft his view. The pOlie.al¡ jfficcrs had instructions to prevent young birls going on to the boats ii the circum- l stances were suspicious. Another letter was written by Colonel Edwards Vaughan. in charge of the Swan- sea Docks Defences, asking the Chief Constable w hether the allegations were well founded. and the Chief Constable had replied that the docks were policed by the Docks Police. lr. Win. Law, manager of the Harbour Trust, had also written pointing out that, special con- stables for Dtf docks were appointed by Act of Parliament, and detailing their duties, and this letter was forwarded to Colonel Edwards Vaughan by the Ohief Constable. who stated lie had personally patrolled the docks, and no complaints had been made to him. The Chief Constable also submitted two re- ports showing that the docks had been patrolled, and the officers saw no dis- orderly conduct. No women had been seen going aboard the boats accompanied by sailors or otherwise. Mr. J Powlesland: May I ask the Chief Constable how many times he has visited the docks, and what time ha was there. Captain Thomas replied that he had been all over the docks, and at all times. Mr. Powlesland said that neither the Chief Constable nor anybody else knew anything about it it they were prepared to deny what he had stated, and there was no itenr he spoke of that was exaggerated ip any way whatever. It was absolutpl" correct, and lie could confirm it up to the hilt. It a public inquiry was necessary In* would put 150 wit- nesses into the box to confirm every statemen t- he had made. There were members of his committee who had seen those tilings, and had told him they ought to be stopped. The thing had become so )ad !iat thev could not resist speaking about it, and those men did not pay visits to the docks once a month, or once or i-wiee in a given week, but they spent their lifetime on the docks. They went to work there at nights and they saw men I\n:l women going aboard the hoab, at nights, and they saw the women leave aginin in the mornings, and they were prepaid to give the names of the ships. It was a respectable class of girl that was being led astray at the pre- sent time, and tlnrre were one or two places within a pistol shot of that room that were the means of coercing and lead- ing these young girls astray. There were people who led these girls on to lead a bad life. and kept them at it continuously. TMAse were' actual facts that could be proved by evidence and sworn testimony, and he wa prepared to stand by what he had sai?. imatt h ews: ?T f wliat N fr. Pow l es. ":r. D. Matthews: If what Mr. Powles- land says is correct it is astounding. I had no idea things were so bad as that. i certainly think a committee ohould take the matter up and seriously consider it -with the Harbour Trust and the military a 11 horities. The Chairman pointed out that in war time no persons were supposed to enter the docks without a pass, lie asked if people were allowed to go over the docks at ordinary times. Mr. Powlesland: Yes, and nobody ques- tions them. Aid. Davies said that these girls could represent that they were relatives of the men on hoard the ships, and in such cases thev could obtain passes from the military authorities. The Chief Constable said that no doubt many things might happen which the police knew nothing about, and he aske 1 Mr. Powlesland as a favour to give tha police any information he had in his pos- session regarding the statements hb bad made. The Chairman: Have the Docks Police instructions to turn women v.way at night? Mr. Powlesland: They don't walk int. the de-k. They are 'conveyed mto the deck in taxi-cabs and all those kird "f things. Mr. Matthews said that one of the most serious remarks that Mr. Powlesland had made was that within a pistol shot of that room these girls were being lured into and detained at certain places, and taken from there to the docks. Surely this was a most serious statement. Mr. Powlesland asked Captain Thomas if he had had a letter from the Scandin- avian missionary. Captain Thomas replied that he had not. but he had had one from the Nor- wegian missionary. Mr. Powlesland: The letter from the Scandianavian missionary contradicts In- spector Par ker's statement entirely. Mr. J. Devonald proposed that a sub- committee 4, appointed to inquire whether there was anything in the state- ments Mr. Powlesland had made. Mr. Powlesland: I hope the committee won't say there is nothing in it. I say there is everything in it. If the docks are :iO per cent, worse than they were five or six years ago. when I worked there, I say the- must be abominable. Aid. B: Jones: And if they are 50 per cent, better they are still verv bad. Mr. J. Barclav OWf-n said lie had heard the docks had been very bad for a very long time, but he had not seen the evil himself. The Chairman said unless they got a regulation preventing girls from visiting the docks during certain hours they might (h an injustice to some girls by turning them away. They would have to be very caref u l. The following committee of enquiry was formed to act in conjunction with a similar number from the Harbour Trust: The Mayor, Mr. Perry Mol.vneux, Alder- man D. Davies, and Mr. J. Powlesland.

CHOSEN BY CPMRADES, I Of the four new awards of the Victoria Cross announced on Tuesday night, three were won by meinljers of one regiment- the Lancashire Fusiliers—while forcing a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula. They have. been selected by their comrades as having performed the most signal acts of bravery and devotion to duty. The awards are :— Captain Richard Raymond Willis, 1st Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers. Sergeant Alfred Richards, No. 1293, 1st Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers. Private William Ken?ally, N o. 1809, 1st Battalion, the Lancashire Fusiliers. Captain Lanoe George Hawker, D.S.O., Royal Engineers and Royal Flying Corps.

Major nn-d Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel I •- JCdgar H. Braf.sey h. ;« been gazetted lieu- tenant-colonel in the 1st Life Guards. Local authorities which have prepared boi,3ir,r scheme* are S^KED by the Local U-< ?pment Board W yoHpon# them till after the war,

Y.M.C.A. WORK. VALUE OF THE HUT TO THE TROOPS. A special correspondent who has been making a tour of camps in Wales, con- tinues his account of Y.M.C.A. work in Pembrokeshire. He writes: Arriving at my destination. for another period of service in connec- tion with the Y.M.C.A., at one of the largest of our camps in Pembrokeshire. one was impressed more than ever, with the grim earnestness of our military authorities in the pursuance of this stupendous conflict. It was khaki here. tnd khaki there, and khaki everywhere. No regimental band comes to escort the Y.M." worker to the local headquarters of the Association, although he has to submit to army regulations in many re- spects. Yet. if he does not come with any flourish of trumpets, he is given a leal hearty welcome by the reader i-s well as the other workers at the hut. The tine and capacious building, in this instance providM at the. expense of the Pembrokeshire Committee, who set such high store upon the soldiers' welfare, is situated on a convenient spot in the centre of the encampment. It commands a fine view of Milford Haven, and is all that can be desired in the matter of equipment, for its especial purpose. The most pleasing feature of this par- ticular camp was the way the mail had transformed the exterior of their tempo- rary place of abode into beauty spots, by flowering beds of French marigold and nasturtiums, and of sweet scented migno- nette, that flourished in profusion. A or had the doctrine of utility been ignored, since potatoes and parsnips were in evi- dence, and pretty mounds bore evidence of the careful training ot vegetable mar- rowte. Had there not been ever present tho khaki-clad man, the. frequent, bugle calls, and the practice of arms," it would not be an impossible stretch of the imagination to regard certain corners of the camp, bordered as they were by pretty woodland scenery, as a collection of some experimental garden plots, the gardeners being temporarily housed in the contiguous huts. One wonders what is the reader's idea of the work going on in a Y.M.C.A. Hut at such an important centre. Into that sleeping-room, fitted with its camp-beds, five worn-onL workers retire after a hard day's toil. Though the doors had actu- ally closed at 9.30, some time elapses ere the day is over, and the place of rest can ho conscientiously claimed. But 515 the next morning is a fateful time for two of us, who are on the rota for duty—the I alarum goes, with a persistent whirl, Many gallons of water must be boiled, the tea-urns must be got ready, and the. tea actually on the counter, at the stroke of six. Even before that hour, several members of His Majesty's Army are on the quivive for the door opening. Had they only the chance, some would rush in with scant ceremony. When the door does open, there is an actual run for the counter, as if the order charg e had been given, and the a.Li a.m.-itcs hear a persistent call. t. Coop of tay and a boon," with the I inevitable addition, packet of wood- bine," often with the humorous emphasis the best woodbine." This seemed tn lessen any undue familiarity with the call for these cigs." What fellows for tay these were, for certain. Later in the day calls for "hart beer" or "spruce" brought in some variation. Much as the Y.M.C.A. Hut provides ltuge facilities for refreshments and re- crtation, the wet-canteen system within the camp is far too dangerous, a^d many young men will be drawn in. The start is given, and afterwards, the downward road is made the easier. It is gratifying to find though, that occasionally some who have strayed, seek to return. On :1 rccent Saturday evening, a gallant young fellow, who during many months at the float" had experienced some of the sternest of the fighting, approached the Y.M." counter, and asked to be al- lowed to sign the pledge. Wounded three times, he expressed eagerness to do something more for his country, and in a repentant mood he desired to &et down his name, and that, not only for his own sake, but for his mother's sake, still at the old home, in the north country. The great appreciation for the enter- tainments provided at the Hut is evi- denced by the crowded audiences. It is with gratitude and pride one refers to the readiness with which soloists, elocu- tionists, instrumentalists, and accom- panists come from Pembroke Dock (the, neighbouring town) with unfailing courtesy tt-d regularity to provide enter- tainment for these brave men. The songs and recitations are always in good taste. When at the Soldiers' Popular" on Sunday evenings, soloists are in demand. the same willing ones respond, and de- light those present with music appro- priate to a more solemn occasion. Here we have the grave and the gay, the minor and the major, illustrative of life in its light-hearted joys, as well as in its deeper and profounder needs and meanings. As evidence that the Sabbath evening's ser- vice does touch the spot, this testimony of one must suffice: I am a Roman Catholic myself, but I do like these meeting. We are making for the same place after all." It is remarkable how far-reaching is the great, call for recruits. The love of homeland, and the great cause at stake, impelled one to leave a comfortable berth in the United States, nnd to travel all the way to enlist. There he stood before the Y.M.'s" counter, his eyes flashing with patriotism, and his lips set with the purpose true," which will stand him in good stead when the opportune time arrives for him to. do his bit against the foe. Said another: "Thirty-nine years ago T joined this regiment., and now I've come again. Several swarthy faces also testified to the cosmopolitan character of the King's Army. All met in the bonds of a happy I brotherhood, under the accommodating roof of the Y.M.C.A. Hut. It was a joy and a privilege to do some little to cheer and hearten them on the way. For some time the Y.M.C.A.'? Leonard Llewelyn Ford car (named after the kind donor) is a splendid medium of communication be- twean the different camps in that wide "Little England Beyond Wales" area. Workers and stores can be conveyed to and from the depot to the Y.M-C.A.'s Huts, the work on behalf of the troops being thus greatly helped and facilitated. J. Evans Jones. I

CUT OFF BY THE TIDE. I Mr. George Long. a member of the Cambria Daily Leader literary staff was instrumental in rescuing four young persons from an awkward predicament, if not indeed a dangerous situation, in the Three Cliffs valley on Tuesday after- noon. The tide was an exceptionally high one, and the river overflowed its banks, flooding the valley. While walking just below Pennard Castle, Mr. Long's attention was attracted by a small crowd, consisting of women and children and a few young men. On investigation, he found that the centre of attraction was a small island, surrounded by deep water and nearly submerged, on which stood three girls and a small boy. He found they had been there for at least half an hour, having been surprised by the rising water. Hearing that none of the men could swim, he swam out and brought the four young people, one by one, safely to bank.

j Employes in the Midland engineering trade, have been awarded an advance of :G5. a ,("me rm. time rates and 1.nt koo jgiecework. Y

SHARES IN MONEY SOCIETY. IMPORTANT QUESTION RAISED ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS. The Swansea Permanent Money Society were the defendants in an important ac- tion. brought before his Honour Judge Bryn Roberts, at the Swansea County Court on Tuesday. The plaintiffs were D. Samuel, E. Shefton, T. itces, P. Shep- herd, R. Fcner, Lebe Foner, A. Foner, S. L. Foner, and one or two others who were investing members; of the society, and they claimed their paid-up share money amounting in the aggregate to about £530. The stand taken by the society was that there was a dispute which, under the rules of the society, must be dealt with by arbitration, the decision to be final. Mr. Villiers Meager (instructed by Mr. Edward Harris and Mr. Stanley Owen) appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr. Trevor i Hunter (instructed by Mr. C. H. New- combe) was for the respondent society. Mr. Meager, in opening, said plaintiffs weekly subscriptions were paid up under the rules, and they became paid-up mem- bers on May 25th. They now brought an action for their money. His learned friend said he was entitled under one of the rules to arbitration. Mr. Hunter: That is not the only an- swer to the case, but it is the one for the present. Mr. Meager said defendants had put in an application to stay. Reading the rules of the society, counsel said investing members paid Is. 2d. a week for a share of £ 10, the subscription being increased a shilling a week for every additional £10. The twopence was carried to the manage- ment account. Rule 19. which bore on the termination of membership, provided that when by contributions, dividends, and bonus the shares of a member who had not borrowed were paid up, his mem- bership should cease and the full amount of his shares should be paid out. That was the positi. with regard to plaintiffs. Mr. Trevor Hunter, in support of an application to stay pending arbitration under the rules of the society, read an affidavit in which it was pointed out that the management and duty of considering all claims was vested in the committee of the society, that owing to the war it was unanimously resolved to postpone pay- ments till January, 1916, and that plaintiffs' shares were not fully paid, as anticipated dvidends had been credited, 1 ut were not due. The society, he went on to explain, carried on a big business, the assets amounting to .MO.tMO. There were investing and non-investing members, and the modus operandi of the society was that if a member borrowed, say, £ 30, he repaid £50. Owing to the i).ar there had been some difficulty in getting borrowing members to repay their ii.stalments txactly at the proper time, and the society had to face this position. As a result the committee decided in I January that they must delay certain re- payments of money, so as not to treat some members better than others. The question arose'whether the committee had power to arrive at that decision, and the next question was whether or not these anticipated dividends should have been declared before they were actually earned. and whether, as they were declared before they were earned, plaintiffs were entitle! to them. Samuel Jones, secretary of the Society, said there were 3,000 members at present. His Honour said there was evidence of a dispute between plaintiffs and the society, and it was not for him to de- cide. His Honour granted the application of respondents for a stay of proceedings.

QUEER STORY OF A FORGOTTEN I ACT OF HEROISM. Here is one of the queerest stories from the front. It was told by an officer home on leave. A private whom his pals call Billings- gate—because of his language—was swearing roundly about the flies. In the group listening was one poor fellow lately out of hospital. He had, as a matter of fact, had a piece of skin grafted into his face—a piece of skin given him by one of our good nurses. I was listening, too. You all be thankful/ said the man called Billings- gate. as the tlies are on your live car- case. Just then a rifle grenade burst near by. Stretcher-bearers came along, and as they passed by an opening in the trench three German snipers, in different posi- tions. fired on them. Now, the man just out of hospital had listened eagerly to what Billingsgate was saying, and just before the grenade burst he began to laugh. It was like a madman's laugh. The next thing I saw was this fellow peeping through a periscope. Before any- one could stop him he was out of the trench. He scampered wildly across the open ground in front. A storm of shots came. He went on towards an old outhouse, where one of the snipers was. His escape was a miracle. Soon he disappeared, and the firing stopped. Two hours later that man tumbled tjack into the trench head first. He lay for a few minutes. At last he said, I killed all three of those snipers. I faced a thou- sand bullets. The skunks. to fire on those Red Cross men after what they did for me. There was silence for a moment. Then he gave a great yell of meaningless laugh- ter. What a. silly ass you are. Billings- gate," he said suddenly. You can never be thankful for flies, whether they are on you while alive or dead.' Go's torking abalit flies?* asked Bil- lingsgate. You arf>: was the reply. You've just said we ought to be thankful they're on our live carcases.* And when questioned about his ex- ploits amongst the enemy, andohis killing the snipers, the hero thought the men were pulling his leg. From the time he first laughed, just before the explosion of the rifle grenade, to the time he laughed again, after his two hours of absence, his mind was a perfect blank." A salmon, weighing 171b.. was caught by Mr. R. Morgan, of Monmouth, whilst fishing with a man claret fly in the waters of Mr. J. H. Mullins. Llanishen, in the River Wv. near Monmouth, on Tues- day. The salmon, which was in fine con- dition, was 4ft. 4in. long. To catch a salmon of this weight with the- fly is believed to be a record for ths famous River Wye. A fish of 501b. has been taken with the minnow.

SUNDAY NEWSPAPERS. Ratepayers Complain to Watch I Committee. At Tuesday's meeting of The Swansea Watch Committee a letter was read from the secretary of the Sketty Ratepayers' A- sociation (Mr. Squires) complaining of the nuisance caused at Sketty by the crying of newspapers on Sundays Mr. E. G. Protheroo said as long as they did not call out during cTiurch and chapel hours they could do what they liked ct other times. The Chief Constable faid he had taken steps in accordance. with the instructions oi the Committee some months ago. Pro- ceedings were not to be taken except in cases whera the youngsters were under 16 years oi age, and these were to be proceeded against for street trading on Sunday. They were sorry sometimes to take proceedings because the parents bad to suffer. Mr. D. Matthews: The police have instruc- tions to prevent boys shouting in front of churches and chapels. The Chief Constable: Yes. I -fhft.Cl.srk was, instructed to t that teiffact to Mr. Squires' letter, '.1 (,f(..o3f'.I .t.ipM—i rn<

I A DASTARDLY DEED. I DESTRUCTION OF THE E 13. The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement:— A report has now been received from Lieut.-Commander Layton, commanding E13, whose grounding on the Danisii island of Suhholm was made public yes- terday. Lieut.-Commander Layton re- ports that the submarine under his com- mand grounded in the early morning of ll'tli August, and all efforts failed to re- float her. At 5 a.m. a Danish torpedo boat appeared on the scene and com- municated to E13 that she would be al- lowed 24 hours to try to get off. At the same time a German torpedo boat destroyer arrived and remained close to the submarine until two more Danish torpedo boats came up, when she with- drew. At 3 a.m., while the Danish torpedo boats were anchored close to the sub- marine, two German torpedo boat de- stroyers approached from the south. When about haif-a-mile away one of these destroyers hoisted a commercial flagignal, hnt lwfore the commanding officer of E13 had time to read it the Ger- man destroyer fired a torpedo at her "roID a disknce of ahout 300 yards, which ex- ploded on hitting the boitom close towr. At the same moment the German de- Istroyel' hred with all her guns. and Lif-ut,-Commander Layton, seeing that his submarine was on fire fore and aft, and unable to defend herself owing to being aground, gave orders for the crew to abandon her. While the in-n were in the water they were fired on by machine-guns and with shrapnel. One of the Danish torpedo-boats immedi- ately lowered her boats and steamed be- tween the submarine and the German de- stroyers. who, therefore, bad to cease fire and withdraw. Copenhagen, Saturday.—The Danish Government has offered to send the bodies of the men who perished in the sinking of the British submarine E13 to England on board a Danish ship. The survivors will be interned in the naval barracks at Copenhagen.—Press Association.

DEATH OF A WELL KNOWN VALLEY I COALOWNER. The death took place at his residence at The Darren. Trebanos, on Tuesday, of Mr. William Bowen, colliery proprietor, of the firm of Messrs. Bowen and Bevan. The deceased who was 7t; years of age, was a popular figure in Swansea and the Valley, where he had a host of friends, and was better known as "Captain" Bowen. He had been in poor health for I some months past, but paralysis even- tually set in. Mr. William Bowen. I A few years ag.) he celebrated his golden wedding. Deceased commenced life in most humble surroundings, but through his shrewdness and perseverance he succeeded in working his way on to the position of colliery proprietor. He was a keen sportsman, and was a faithful member of the Gellionen Sheep Dog Trials Committee, of which he had acted as chairman. The funeral takes place on Saturday at 3.30 p.m. for Gellionen.

A WORKERS' PARADISE. I Model Garden Village in Rhymney Valley The garden village scheme started at Pengam, in the Rhymney Valley, i6 now nearing completion. Over 100 houses are already finished and another 100 will be completed very shortly. It is one of the largest schemes attempted in South Wales, or, in fact. in the country. It is situated on a slight eminence near to Pengam and Blackwood railway stations. The houses are built in various designs and sizes. They are all semi-detached, have baths, and a hot and cold water ser- vice. Gas is laid on to each house, and everything done to make the house con- venient and up to date. Also, what is very important, a good stretch of ground is provided at the rear, and a small flower garden plot in the front of each house. It is undoubtedly one of the cleanest and b,t laid out villages in the country. The rents of the houses vary from 6s. Rd. to 8s. fid. per week. Iri addition to the erection of the houses a new school for fiOO children has just been erected in the centre of the village by the Monmouthshire County Council, and will bo opened in two or three weeks' time. Near the school, also in the centre of the village, is a shopping ceutre. where a number of shops are near- ing completion. These are now for sale, or will he let to suitable tenants. The scheme is an object lesson to housing, reformers, and marks a big step forward j in the laying of mining villages.

THE MONS ANGELS. I Mr. George S. Hazlehurst, a J.P. for Flintshire, of ISeaeonsfield, Devonshire- place. Birkenhead, writes to say that Pte. Robert Cleaver, of the let Cheshire Regiment. has sworn the following state- ment before him:— That I personally was at Mons and saw the vision of angels with my own eyes. Pte Clearer was frequently in Bir. kenhead some months ago, but I did not hear of him until near the end of his stay, and failed to meet him," writes Mr. Hazlehurst. He frequently spoke to his friends in the canteen of what he had seen at Mons. If this meets the eye of any soldier who saw the angels. 1 hope he will sign an affidavit and send it to the Press."

A REMOTE IRISH CAMP. The Glamorgan Yeomanry are in train- ing in a very remote and inaccessible part of the United Kingdom, as may be gathered from the fact that the nearest town is 32 miles distant. Evenings are therefore long and inclined to be tedious in the Kildare Camp. Trooper R. M. Vaughan, an old Swansea boy, therefore makes an appeal on behalf of himself and comrades for a gramophone and records, which would materially help to while away the hours. Trooper Vaughan's ad- dress is Reg. No. 2308, D18 Hut, Glam. Yeomanry, Kildare Camp, Ireland.

oJ The British Farmeiw* Bed Cross Fund now totals t54,993 12s. 5d. At a jumble sale at Athprstone for this fund a kitten was sold for S35 5s., whilst at another sale a bottle of oefsmpagne realised Z72. to » ')('Í\ -Y. ;t:j.-iA"Y '.(.1'\

IAN ATTACK AT DAWN. 0 I A VIVID SKETCH. • I had not been sleeping long when I was awakened by a fbol gently feeling the small of my back. Looking up, I saw Evans standing over me. Matley wants you," he said, he is just down there." Evans pointed to a dark corner of the ditch in which the Company was spending the night. I got up from the pile of straw on which I was sleeping and followed him. Matley was squatting on the ground with a map and an electric torch which lie was shading under his greatcoat. He liadl just come back from Battalion Healt- quartera, where he had been to receive orders. We are going to attack at dawn," he began, as soon as his four platoon com- manders were settled round him. We are to gain the line -— he indicated the points on the map which marked the position we were to capture. "The Dor- chesters have orders to take ville "— he pointed to a village on our left—" and the —th Brigade are to take "—he pointed to another village marked on the riglit. The attack begins as soon as it is light, which will he 5 a.m. I want you to see now that the platoons return their tools" (we. had lwen digging earlier in the night). that each man has his rations, and that twenty-five bandoliers of spare ammunition are carried per platoon. The mist will cover, the first part ot our ad- vance, and there must be no firing until the order is given by me." We went off to carry out the instruc- tions given, and then lay down to. wait for the dawn. Mat.ley caught my arm. Low on the horizon the crest of a yel- low ball just, showed above the trees. The sun," he said. Crash! bang! Crash! bang! bang! bang! We listened as our guns behind opened the ceremony with a salvo. They fired fast for five or ten minutes. The Dorchesters are advancing on our left, sir "—the message was passed down to Matley. He signed for the company to advance. The men crawled up out of the ditch and pushed over the country in a thin line. Evans was on my left, with Edwards and No. 8 platoon commander on the right. We advanced very slowly, with long pauses, lying flat on the ground waiting for orders to continue. Now the officer commanding the company on the right would send word to say he bad reached such a point, and would C Company come up in line with him? Now Evans passed along that we were getting ahead of the Dorchesters. The attack is a very slow and ticklish business in these days of modern firearms. All this while steady firing could be heard on the right as the —th Brigade, swung round, and for about an hour there was sharp firing on the left, but in front of us not a shot was heard. r At last we gained a group of cottages on a road which marked the point we had been told to reach. There was still no sign of the enemy. A road ran through the group of houses and beyond a ploughed field. At the end of the ploughed field there was a hedge and ditch, which formed a natural trench facing the enemy. In spite of the ap- parent absence of the enemy Matley re- fused to allow the men to loiter about along the road or in the farms and cot- tages, but ordered the company to line this ditch. As it turned out later it was well he did so. As soon as I had seen my platoon lined along their section of the ditch I went back to a farm behind to explore. I found Jenkins my soldier servant, there before me, busy searching the farm for break- fast. He had found half a dozen new-laid eggs in an outhouse, kindled a small fire in the farmyard, and v as boiling the eggs in his canteen. He was not, strictly speak- ing, supposed to be doing this, but soldier servants are a privileged class, and Jen- kins was the most tactful of servants. On my going up to him to see what he was doing he pointed to the eggs triumphantly and said they were for me. So instead of telling him to join the company at once in the ditch I stayed with him to watch them boil. I had not been in the farm- yard two minutes when suddenly sharp firing broke out from the ditch. So we had found something in front of us at last. I dashed across the plough to my platoon, leaving Jenkins, quite un- perturbed, still watching the eggs. Reach- ing the ditch I flunr myself down beside Evans, who wis lying against the bank peering to the front through the hedge. We could see nothing; however, our fel- lows continued to fire furiously. For the first minute or two the firing was so hot that both Evans and I thought there must bi something ahead of us. As it con- tinued, though we could still see nothing. we crept along behind the men to try to find out what they were firing at. My platoon sergeant informed me that i.e thought the enemy were lining the corner of a wood 400 yards away. He had seen one or two dodging in and out among the trees. However, as no reply was made to our fire, I ordered that no man was to fire unless he saw something, and gradually the line grew quiet again. Suddenly there was a dully report from a distant point in front, and a shell whistled overhead. Looking back. I saw it strike the roof of the farm where I had left Jenkins. Poor Jenkins! I wondered if he was still cooking those eggs! How- ver, I had no time to speculate on bis fate, for the enemiy, having located our position owing to our own rather un- necessarily aggressive outburst of rifle fire. began to shell us. Round after round they sent crashing into the cot- tages and farms, and then shortening their range, began to put shots just over our diteh. Well it was that Matley had made all the men get into the ditch from the beginning. It was a fine deep ditch, and few of the; many thousands of shrap- nel bullets found their mark. Soon after the shelling started it began to rain heavily. It was a weird experience lying there in the ditch with the rain pouring down on us from above and the shrapnel bullets crashing sideways like a leaden hail storm through the hedge. The men pulled their waterproof sheets from their packs, and, spreading these over them- selves. lay down in the ditch, smoking unconcernedly. Now and again a wounded man whose cover had not heen sufficient would crawl by. One very fdt lance-corporal I remember, puffing along on his hands and knees as fast as his rifle and pack would let him. He kept slipping, catching his pack in the branches, and swearing profusely. He had been caught in the most fleshy part of his body. and evidently was of the opinion that there was no place like home for from time to time he grunted, "Stretcher hearer! Stretcher bearer! 'Ere I've been it I-" He was a most comic sight, and I couldn't help laughing as he passed The firing went on intermittently throughout the day. At dusk we were withdrawn, another company taking our place in the ditch. We were formed up behind the shelter of a farm wall on the road behind, and told we were going to be taken back into reserve for the night. By the farm I found Mulligan, a brother subaltern. Taking me gently by the elbow he led me into the farm kitchen, through a door beyond and down some cellar steps. I lit my torch to look around. The cellar floor was heaped with broken and empty bottles and corks. On a shelf were half- finished glasses of wine. A party- of Ger- man soldiers had evidently been in before us and helped themselves, breaking what they could not drink. However, they had left one ■ ■■■ A debris, from which Mulligan and I each had a good glass of red wine, for which I hope the owner, if he ever returns to his battered home, will forgive us. Coming out of the farm, much to my delight, I met Jenkins still alive, in spite of the shell-fire. He pressed two cold, hara objects into my hancj. How did you get these? I asked. They were them eggs I wa.s cooking this morning," he replied; I had to quit when the first shell eame-neady went up. eggs and all, with it. But I went back afterwards. The fire was out—but they was boiled alright, if you don't mind 'em bard. Platoon Commander in the Westminster Gazette."

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"HAMLET" AT THE FRONT! I Hamlet" has been performed by soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force within a few hours' distance of the firing line. An officer of high standing who saw the play hit off the situation: Our men do not live by bully beef alone; they need some food for the mind, and there is nothing better for them than the great thoughts of our great writers." The play was performed in costume, with scenery painted in camp, and with not a word misplaced or forgotten in the render- ing. Four scenes were chosen-the ghost scene; tha room in the castle where Hamlet decides on revenge; the great soliloquy and the graveyard. The caste I was chosen on tthe spot, neighbouring I towns and libraries were scoured for copies of the play. as there was no time to send to England. Luck turned our way, says a correspondent of the Times," copies were secured, and in a town close by was a branch of a Paris'-theàhica:I. costumier. Horatio looked more like Henry VIII. on the Field of Cloth of Gold than the friend of Hamlet; while Hamlet's costume reminded one more of Madame Tussaud's than of Sir J. Forbes- Robertson; but on active service one can- not be particular., The company got itself together in an hour; it learnt its parts from two books in the spare time allowed in three days; it painted and erected its scenery in less than twelve hours and acted, in a wav that baffled the keenest critics, to an audience whose vociferous approval would make any actor-Shakespearian or variety —green with envy. Hamlet will long be remembered; a 6ft. 2in. Horatio and limping with a con- valescent ankle could not, through physical disparity, keep himself within his shadcyv; the Ghost wore a fine suit of old French armour shrouded in white muslin.

COLONEL OF SIXTH WELSH PR0.UD I OF HIS MEN. Lord Ninian Stuart, commander of the 6th Welsh, passed through London on Tuesday on his way to Scotland, where he proposes to stay for a few days before re- turning to his regiment. It had been expected that Lord Ninian would have been able to reach London on Monday and remain for a day or two at his residence in Bryanston-square before proceeding to Scotland, but circumstances arose which made it impossible for his lordship to reach LOIVIOD before Tuesday. His friends in Cardiff and South Wales generally will be interested to know that, in sptie of the pressure of his military duties, he is en- joying good health. He was only able to see a few of his acquaintances in London before leaving with Lady Ninian for Scotland in the evening. The men under his lordship's command are in splendid spirits, and in all the work which has been entrusted to them they have acted splendidly. During his few hours' stay in town Lord Ninian was able to tell his friends of the commendable conduct of the men, and the undaunted courage which they have at all times displayed. He is very proud of them, and when the full account of what they have done is available South Wales, and Swansea in particular, will have every reason to be proud of the 6th W»rlsh. His lordship will probably leave Scotland on Sunday, and will re-join his regiment im- mediately on his return.

LOSSES OF LIPTON'S (LIMITED). I Somewhat stormy scenes took place at the annual meeting of Liptons (Limited), held at Winchester House on Tuesday. A letter was read from Sir Thomas Lip- ton expressing regret at his inability to be present owing to indisposition, and stat- ing that he believed the appointment of new directors and other changes would lead to improved results in the future. Mr. Robertson Lawson, who presided, said serious discrepancies had been dis- covered in the stocks, and there was a substantial deficiency of capital owing to speculations which had been largely con- ducted by the late manager without pro- per sanction. The cost of several legal actions had also fallen on the company, and the result was that, from the point of view of actual working capital, they found the position short by nearly £ 250,000. This statement was greeted with cries of Sliauic and other pro- tests, followed, however, by cheers when it was announer" that Sir Thomas Lipton had expressed his determination to make good these losses himself. The chairman further said that the war had had a bad effect on the company, and the profit on trading was t79,489 less than in the previous year. The report and accounts were eventu- ally adopted unanimously.

UNDESIRABLE VISITORS. Mumbles Police Force have the dis- tinction of holding a remarkably fine patriotic record, 16 of the men having from time to time joined the Army since the commencement of the war. At pres- ent, Inspector Davies has only 'one ser- geant and four officers with him, and when one bears in mind the compre- hensiveness of the district under his control, the popular Inspector deserves great credit for the manner in which he keeps the Mumbles immune from re- grettable happenings. What Inspector Davies complains of. so he told the Bench at the Swansea Police Court on Wednesday is the behaviour of some of the crowds that visit Mumbles on Sundays. This was well illustrated in the case in which Christopher Furlong was charged with having been drunk and disorderly on Sunday last. Sergeant Williams, in his evidence, said that Furlong was creating a disturbance which attracted the attention of a large number of pedestrians. In another case, in which Evan Davies, Morriston, was similarly charged, P.C. Potter said the language used was moat disgusting. Inspector Davies, in the box, said that Davies was very drunk, and it was es- sential for the maintenance of opder that he should be locked up. The Bench, whilst sympathising with the Inspector, inflicted a fine of 20s. in each case.

UNCOMPROMISING ANTAGONISM. Trade Union Congress and Conscription. The Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union Congress %nd the Labour Party are to consider" National Service" at an early date. The former body is to rafee the whole matter at the Trada Union Congress, which begins at Bristol on September 6, in the form of a. special reso- lution It 18 understood that the resolution ""II be one of uncompromising antagonism to National Service. Mr. John Hodge, M.P., chairman of the Labour Party, is calling a speciaj meeting of the party for September 13, the day prior to the opening of Parliament. Mr. Hodge ..old a Press representative on Tuesday that the subject would be thoroughly discussed. He explained that at the request of the National Service League he recently sought the opinion of practically all members of the Labour Party regarding their attitude towards conscription. Mr. Hodge declared that every member was strongly and de- cidedly opposed to any form of compulsory service. N I Many trade union organisers stated yes- terday that the demand for National Ser- vice was being actively discussed in trade union branches and trade oouracils. Ac- cording to their information, emphatic reso- lutions of opposition to conscription are being carried wherever the subject bae been considered.

LAST OF A FAMOUS YACHT. A Philadelphia message says that the yacht Columbia, which twice successfully defended the America Cup, has been con- signed to the scrap-heap in that city, and the steel frame, leaden keel, and brass fittings will be converted into war material for the Allies. The keel alone weighs a hundred tons. The Columbia, which lowered the colours of Sir Thomas Lipton's Shamrock 1. and Shamrock II. in 1899 and 1901 respectively, was recently dismantled at City Island L.I., and shipped to a manu- facturing concern in Philadelphia. The boat is said to have cost the New York Yacht Club, its original owners, more than 300,000 dollars.

A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. Five horses were burnt to death in a fire which broke out at the warehouse of Messrs. R. Davie, Senior, Ltd., bag and sack merchants, Leeds-street, Liverpool, early on Tuesday morning. The ware- house and two "others adjoining were practically gutted, the buildings and their contents turning with great intensity nearly three hours. The fiT3 originated near the basement, and, rapidly spread, soon involving the ertire building of five storeys. The damage is estimated at a very considerable sum.

PURCHASE OF A BUSINESS. Before hi? Honour Judge Bryn Roberts, at Swansea County Court on Monday the South Wales Debt Recovery Co.. as assignee of the dplit of Mr. George Stephens, of 121, High-street, Swansea, sued for the balance of purchase money for a business carried on at 8, St. Helen's-road. the defendant, being Morgan Walters, fruiterer. College-street. His Honour found for plaintiffei for iS34 and costs

Sir John Fuller, who in 1913 resigned the Governorship of Victoria, Australia, because of ill-health, has undergone an operation in a nursing home at Clifton. He is progressing favourably, but is obliged to cancel all engagements.