Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

GUARDflAftgS' PROBLEM. t MARGARINE OR BUTTER? I Mr. A. Freedman presided at a special meeting of the House Committee of the Swaxieea Board- of Guardians on Wednes- day, when important discussions took place on the question of economy. The following were the members 'present.—Mr. A. Froedman (in the chair), Mrs. A. Hughes, liev. E. O. Evans, Messrs. H. C. Jeffries, Wm. Owen, T. A. George, G. S. Mitchell, J. Rundio and Abraham Bowen. Mr. William Owen, speaking gener- ally on the question, said that, taking the average dietary of the JLMise, he did not think they could very well reduce it more than at present, but eo far as the sick ward was concerned h-J was wondering whether they could do BC-mothing- with the numbersnine diet, in whidl medical extras were allowed. certain amount of waste was bound to arise in a big institution like theirs. C<"uM that waste be avoided? Personally he was net in a position to make a deli- mite statement on the question. At any rate every effort should be made to bring the expenditure down to the irreducible minimum. As far as the circular of the Local Government Board was concerned .he was not for a moment going to admit :t they had done anything in the past that they now wished to rectify. With regard to the question of administration perhaps they could find a loophole, and they might be able to make reductions and alterations which would have a material effect; but in regard to the general working of the Institution he did not think there was a member around the table who would say that they ought to lower the standard of living, or to de- crease the standard in any shape or form by giving the inmates less to eat. Of course, they could not prevent a certain -amount of waste in the house. For in- stance, the inmates might leave a piece of I bread behind. Another inmate could hardly be expected to cat that piece. At present each inmate was allowed 8oz. of bread. Instead of giving them large pieces ho would suggest that the bread would be cut up into smaller pore. tions, so that an inmate need not waste any. (Hear, hear). On the medical side be did not know what economy they could effect. The medical officers would be the expe-rt on the question. Yet there was a phase which required oonsidera- tion. He was referring to the isolation ward, which was full of people who did not belong to this district. The other day there was only one inmate of the district for whom tho Guardians were really re- sponsible. He would like to know whether the Board was bound to accept those people. Could they (the inmates) not at- tend to themselves outside with proper medical assistance? Mr. Owen went on to refer to the action 'taken by the Newport (Mon.) Board rf Guardians recently when, at a meeting (f that authority dealt particularly with ap- plication for increases of salary, and each of these applications was granted. Apparently they did not take the matter of economy as seriously as the Swansea authority did. With regard to the class of food provided, he did not think they could very well reduce that. Rev. O. E. Evans suggested that they might substitute certain items that had gone up in price. Could they not find some substitute in food which would be equally n u tri tiouliõ" It was suggested that some considera- tion be given to the claims of margarine ever butter. Mr. Wm. Owen expressed the hope that butter should not be done away with, and lie moved that no action be taken to thange the diet in that particular. He did not eat margarine himself, and he was not going to ask anyone else to eat it. He did cat butter, and had a certain amount of faith in it. Although they were work- house inmates they were still entitled to be fed with good food, and not filled with something else. Mr. H. C. Jeffries moved, as an amend- ment. that margarine be given to those who were not in the infirmary. Margarine contained 99 per cent. of butter fat, and experts could not detect the difference in taste between the best margarine and butter. If they bought margarine it would mean paying Is. a pound instead of Is. 6d. for butter. The Clerk said that if that were done it would effect a saving of S7 weekly. A local grocer had told him there was no difference in taste between the two com- modities. Mr. Wm. Owen: There must h" a dif- ference, and it must be as much as the difference in price. Some people, added Mr. Owen, would eat anything. Mr. H. (;. Jeffries hoped that Mr. Owen did not take it that he (Mr. Jeffries) would eat anything. Mr. Owen: Oh, no! Mr. Bowen seconded the amendment. Mrs. A. Hughes said she would prefer eating margarine herself to giving it to the inmates. The Clerk asked whether it would not %o -&dvisable to write to the Local Govern- xoant Board asking for the views of their medical experts as to the value of mar- garine. Mr. Owen expressed the hope the Board would decide to do nothing of the sort. If those experts were serious when titev wrote about economy, why did they not cut down half what they were getting in salary to-day. They appeared to take the view that everyone should effect econo- mies except themselves. Dr. Edwards said that if the inmates knew they were being given margarine they would not eat it, and a .great deal of waste would be effected in that way. The Rev. E. O. Evans, at this juncture. drew attention to the attendance, which he described as far from satisfactory. He did not think members were taking sum- ciemt interest in the question of economy. The Clerk said he had sent notices to 41 members and only nine were nrespnf Absent Members Indicted. Mr Owen agreed with 4,he Rev. E. 0. Evans, and eaid that there could not be a very great inclination on the part of the members to effect economy. Of course, if the meeting had been convened for the purpose of making an appointment there would have been a full atten- dance. If somebody wanted to pull the the strings for anyone else every single member would have been present. But to-day they were cowards enough to keep away, and leave the work for a few to do. Tlxen they would attend full Board meet- ings and try to give the public the im- pression that they were taking an enthus- iastic and great part in public work, and that they had the interest of the public P heart. There was some further discussion, and it was decided that the clerk should write to the Lancet" and various asylums and workhouses for opinions on the rela- tive values of margarine and butter, Mr. Owen's original motion being defeated by five votes to two. On the question of toljacco allowance, Mr. Wm. Owen expressed the hope that the Byrd would not interfere with the jmpply of tobacco to the inmates, and it was decided that: no action be taken to -vemove tobacco off the list. Aft Alien Problem. There was a long discussion on the question of the admission of aliens to the blockhouse at the institution, and Mr. Win. Owea said that a few men who acted as runnons, and who described themselves as brokers' clerks were in the habit of bringing seamen to the blockhouse, and teofoably ivere being paid by those men fen doing this. N' Dr. Edwiwds said that at present all the inmates, except, ono. were foreigners. It was deeid-ad not to adnfit any more mermen except on the demand of the consuls representing the countries of the A' Respective eeaicea.

SERIOUS CHARGE. MUMBLES MEN WISH TO KEEP OUT I OF COURT. At Swansea Police Court on Wednesday the case was mentioned in which Arthur Deny or, licensed victualler, of the White Rose Hotel, Mumbles, was summoned by Wjii. Jones, mason, of Grenfell-terrace, Mumbles, tor grievous bodily harm. Mr. Dd. Clarke prosecuted, and Mr. Henry Thompson derended. Mr. Clarko at the outset asked permis- sion to withdraw the charge, as the caso had been settled out of court. Mr. Thompson said that the parties were neighbours, and both had excellent I characters. After a brief consultation with the < clerk, the Chairman (Mr. A. H. Thomas) announced that the ca6e must proceed. The charge was a very serious one, and it was one they had to have thrashed out. Mr. Thompson said he was sorry to hear that, because there had been some matrimonial re-union since the affair, and if the ease were heard in court there was nger that the family would be separated again. The Clerk pointed out that the case was one which they were bound -to hear. Mr. Thompson replied that Mr. Clark I and himself had considered the whole of the matter, and Mr. Clark was perfectly content to take the course of offering no evidence, and in that event he asked that the case be dismissed. The Clerk said that if that were done the Bench and himself would have no option but to send the depositions to the Public Prosecutor. In fact, they were liable to a penalty for not doing roO. Mr. Thompson said if that was the decision of the Bench he would ask for a further adjournment for 14 days. This was agreed to.

GUARDING AGAINST IMPOSITION. At a meeting of the Provision of Meals Committee at Swansea on Wednesday, a summary of the amount spent on free meals showed the expenditure for five weeks ended July, 1915, to be S36 16s. 7d. for 21 days' feeding. The cost of the pre- vious month for 20 days' feeding was £3J. 6s. 3d., and the cost the corresponding month last year for 22 days' feeding was £ 212 7s. 8d. The Chairman, in reply to Mri Powes- land, said there were no free meals during August. Mr. Powesland "id it seemed peculiar to him that these children should be re- ceiving meals through July, and then when the holiday month came they did not require them. It was stated by the chairman that now application had to be made for meals, and they had had no application. Mr. Powesland: 1 am going to wait with considerable curiosity to see how many applications will be made directly the schools re-open. The Chairman said he wanted the public to thoroughly understand that they did not want any child to be in need of food, but on the other hand no desire for any imposition. Mr. F. Parker said since they were pil- loried in the Council, every case in which a child was receiving free meals had to come up for review every four weeks. On the proposition of Mr. T. Howells, it was resolved that parents who desired free meals for their children should make personal application. The question. of re-opening centres was deferred until the committee have figures relating to the number of meals they will have to provide.

MORE DOCTORS WANTED. I The supply of doctors is gradually be- II coming insufficient to meet the increas- ing demand. The War Offico are asking I for more men to offer themselves for whole or part-time service for the troops, ahd those who are remaining at 'home to attend to the civil population are finding the strain quite exhausting. From every district in London many young doctors have gone, and as fast as the students qualify they enlist in the Army. The services of the woman doctor are receiving more appreciation, and avenues of employment have been opened to her which before the war were closed. There was always a certain prejudice against the lady doctor," but the admirable work she has been doing under war conditions has meant that much of this antipathy has disappeared. Women students are now accepted in many schools of medi- cine and in local universities, while the London School of Medicine for Women at Hunter-street is doing excellent train- ing work. The women die81sers already appointed to the military.spitals have served so well that the authorities are prepared to increase their number.

I GET YOLIR COAL IN NOW. I The Board of Trade advises all house- holders to fill their coal cellars as early as possible. Householders should make full use of all their available storage. In normal years the retail price of coal rises in the winter, and there is an in- ducement to buy in summer. This year conditions have been altered by the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. Those who can store ooal should do so now so that later available resources may be used to supply those with no storage space. The Board of Trade has pointed out to the London coal merchants the necessity of getting their maximum stocks early to reduce the demands on railway and tart- age facilities in the winter.

I LANGLAND THEFT CHARGE. At Swansea Police Court on Wednes- day, Arthur Wesley was brought up on remand on a charge of stealing certain money and articles from the clothing of a bather at Langland Bay. Superintendent Lethecren said the police had not yet completed their enquiries, and he asked for a further remand for a week. 1 xThis was granted, and prisoner's appli- cation for bail was refused. j

LIQUID FIRE. DESCRIPTION OF FIENDISH GERMAN DEVICE. British Headquarters, Tuesday.—I was shown to-day the first complete flame projector" which we have captured from the Germans. This particular apparatus was taken at Hoogo on August 9, on the occasion of our recent success there, and was, no doubt, one of those employed against our men on July 30. The complete apparatus may be said roughly to consist of three main parts. In the first place there is a reservoir cylinder for storing the nitrogen by which is obtained the pressure for forcing out tho liquid oil from tho main body of the instrument. The cylinder, which is about 3ft. 6in. high, is capable of holding 14.4 litres and weighs 23 kilos when empty. It has, apparently, been tested to 190 atmospheres, but the normal pressure in it when full is 125 atmospheres. Each one of these nitrogen cylinders is capable of supplying enough nitrogen for four or five of the actual flame projectors." The specimen I saw was manufactured by the Fiodler Company, of Berlin. The flame projector itself, as already mentioned by Eye-Witness," consists of two principal parts. The first part is the portable reservoir into which the nitrogen is pumped from the cylinder I have just described and into which also is pumped the liquid oil. There was some of the liquid still remaining in the reservoir when the instrument was captured, and it appears to be a. form of oil gas tar. When the machine, is going to be used a valve is opened and the pressure of nitrogen (which has been pumped in to a pressuro of 23 kilos) forces the liquid along a hose some 9ft. or 10ft. long ending in a nozzle about 4ft long. The contriv- ance for igniting the liquid at the instant of emission may be described generally as igniting the liquid automatically, much on the same principle that any charge is fired. The assumption is that each flame projector" is worked by two men, one of whom carries the portable reservoir of oil and liquid strapped on to his back, while the other directs the nozzle of the hose. It may be that the reservoir is sometimes rested upon a step in the trench and that the single man in charge of each machine then directed his aim through loopholes in the parapet. The range of the ap- paratus appears to bo upwards of 25 yards. The jet at its extremity is said to spray over about 6ft., and the operation is accompanied by dense clouds of black smoke.—" Times."

PROTECTING THE HELPLESS. The annual meeting of the West Glam- organ Branch of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was held on Tuesday afternoon (by permission of Mrs. and Miss Richards) at West Cross House, Mumbles. The chair was taken by Co. J. Roper Wright, supported by Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., and Mr. Joseph Hall. Amongst those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Eden, Rev. and Mrs. Harold Williams, Rev. and Mrs. D. Leigh, Mrs. and Miss J. Aeron Thomas, Mrs. Roper Wright, Mrs. Young, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, M. Richards, Mrs. and Miss Richards, Miss Dulcie Vivian, Miss Lindsay, Miss A. Dillwyn, Lady Llewelyn, Mrs. M. B. Williams (Killay), Mrs. and Miss Jenkin Jones, the Misses Williams '(Baglan Hall), the Misses Lucas (West Cross), Mra. John Glasbrook, Mrs. J. Rees, Mrs. Chas. Peel and Capt. Alfred Thomas (Chief Constable). Letters of apology were received from Sir Alfred Mond, Bart., M.P., Sir Griffith Thomas, Mr. Roger Beck, Mr. Theodore Gibbin-s, Mrs. Odo Vivian, Mrs. Elsworth and others. Miss Richards, in presenting the re- port, said that considering the great crisis in national affairs, the Society has had a fairly successful year. The sub- scriptions amounted to £90 10s. lid., as against 9101 7s. 4d., showing a decrease of S13 16s. 5d. Excellent work had been done by Inspector Lindsay. The Inspector's report stated that the convictions showed a decrease of nine. Fifty-six complaints were investigated and 48 verbal cautions given for minor acts of cruelty; nine animals that were the subject of proceedings were destroyed, and four defendants were committed in default of fines. The amount of fines and costs inflicted was £60, no portion of which was received by the society. He desired to thank the Chief Constable, superintendents, and police generally for their valuable assistance and co-opera- tion; also the local Press for publicity given to cases. Colonel J. Roper Wright moved the adoption of the reports. Sir John Llewelyn, in seconding, said he considered the reports were quite satisfactory. In an interesting speech Sir John said that the aim of everyone should be not to punish, but to prevent, if pos- sible. Cruelty was an awful sin. There was a good deal of cruelty to animals, etc., owing to ignorance, *&nd sometimes carelessness, but much less than there used to be years ago. During the afternoon, Mrs. Morgan B. Williams (Killay), Miss Dillwyn, Mrs.1 Arthur Eden, Mrs. Aeron Thomas, Rev. Harold Williams, Mr. Joseph Hall,, Mr. Arthur Eden, and Mr. Lewis M. Richards also spoke. The retiring officers were re-elected, and it was announced that Mrs. Furneaux had kindly consented to act as joint secretary with Miss Marten, Langland. After the meeting those present sat down to tea, kindly provided by Miss Richards.

YSTRADGYNLAIS NEW POLICE COURT. The new Police Station and Police Court at Ystradgynlai* were opened for business on Tuesday in the presence of a number of magistrates and others. Amongst those present were Messrs. J. E. Moore-Gwyn (chairman), Baron Cederstrom, G. H. Strick, M. W. Morgan, E. G. Benthall, David Wil- liitms, Dr. Richards, Thomas Williams, Best (county architect), Hon. O.E. Hore Ruihen (acting chief constable), Jectyzi Jeffreys (clerk), etc. At the outset the Chair- man moved a vote of condolence with Lord Glanusk in the loss he had sustained by the death of his son, the Hon. Ger. L. Bailey, who had laid down his life for his King at d country. References wero then made to the Lew station and court, Mr. Moore-Gwyn stated that they were the most up-to-date in the County of Brecon. and ho was sure they would prove a boon to the district. Every- thing had been built to meet the require- ment of the Home Office. The cost of tie building was about £ 5,000. Mr. Jones Williams (solicitor) congratu- la,ted the Standing: Joint Committee i von the erection of guch fine buildings, and he hoped that the magistrates would live long to administer justice there, ae they had in the old premises.

MILK PRICES IN WALES. Commenting on the proposed increase in the price of milk, referred to in the "Cambria Daily Leader" last week, the "Daily Telegraph" says"There are those to be found who contend that lOd. to is. a gallon wholesale would fully cover the farmer's additional outlay for labour and fodder, and the plain person to whorh these various points are ex- plained does not get any very satisfactory reply to the question, why, if the South West Wales farmers fixed Is. should others be talking of Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. a gallon? It is to be hoped, therefore, that the point may be raised when it comes to the lixing of the general wisftr rate.

It is authoritative!}' stated that books on the war already total upwards of 6,500. k

I RUSSIA'S FIMAMCES. I 1 DUMA'S RESOLVE TO WAGE WAR. r Petrograd, Wednesday.—Tho Duma ye.s- terday discussed the Bill' extending the right of the issue of paper money by the State Bank. The reporter, M. Chingareff (Constitutional Democrat) 6hd that according to official returns in 1!)I_ i, the expenses of the war were 7,242,000,000 roubles, making, with 2,847,000,000 roubles on ordinary and extraordinary expendi- ture, 10,000,000,000 roubles. Suice January 1915, the credit operations had given 4,181,000,000 roubles. The revenue ex- pected from ordinary receipts was esti- mated at 2,796,000,000 roubles. Thus they had to provide still for 3.200,000,000 roubles. According to Ministerial calculations, there would be a deficit in ordinary revenue of about 346,000.000 roubles. The State had ilready borrowed more than 6,000,000,000 roubles, and in the com- ing period of the war would perhaps bor- row a larger sum, but it would continue the war to a victorious end without fear of the enormous expense. (Cheers through- out the House). Russia was sufficiently industrious and sufficiently rich in I | natxral gifts to ensure the payment of her debts. They were proud to proclaim aloud that in the whole financial history of I Russia there was not a moment when she had delayed in paving her creditors. Since taxation did not now provide suffi- cient funds, it was necessary to appeal to the public credit. Quoting figures to indicate that credit operations on the internal market might affect the comparatively large sums of savings available, M. Chingareff said that the Government must prepare the ground for concluding an important loan on the foreign markets. He continued: We have obtained) abroad a fairly large sum by an appeal to public credit. Nevertheless, the sum pro- duced on thj internal market was three times greater. In addition to long-term credit operations, it is possible ultimately to make larger use of the right of issue which is held in reserve. The situation of Russia is not excep- tional, compared with France and Ger- many, since at this moment Russia holds the greatest cover in gold for her paper money with the exception, perhaps, of Groat Britain, where a free exchange has never ceased. Pointing out that Russia's reserve of gold was the greatest in the all world, M. Chingareff expressed the opinion that this reserve must nevertheless be maintained at the same level in the future. The great quantity of useless gold circulating in the country must also be extracted. The Minister, of Finance, supporting the views of the Finance Committee on the need for drawing up a financial plan, said that in spite of the exploitation of internal credit to a degree hitherto unheard of, amounting to 3,000,000 roubles, the nation possessed immense savings, of which the Government intended shortly to make use: As for the foreign market." the Minister said, there is no doubt, in view of the coming agreement between the Govern- ments of the Allies, that we shall succeed in assuring all our future foreign pay- ments. In view of the world of super- fluous surplus of paper money, the Govern- ment was increasing the number of sav- ings banks and the facility of their opera- tions."

NOTABLE WILLS. I Estate of Suffragan 6ishop of Swansea. t The Right Rev. Dr. John Lloyd, D.D., of Cantreff Rectory. Brecon. Bishop Suffragan of Swansea since 1890, formerly vicar of Llanfiliacgel, Aberbythych, Car- marthen, of Penboyr, Carmarthen, and of St Peter's, Carmarthen, of Jenreyston, Pembroke, and of Lampeter and Car- digan, a canon of St. David's-18HO.1907- who died on June 10th last, aged 68 years, left unsettled property of the gross value of £3,958 16s. 10d., with net personalty £ 3,737 10s. 8d. Probate bf his will dated May 1st, 1905, has been granted to his widow, Mrs. Harriet Susan Lloyd. The testator left all of his property to his wife, but ye quested her to' give £100 and his personal effects to his son, Charles Geoffrey, and to each of his throe daneV>i«rs, Constance, Meva and Olwen, ?1,000, either on the marriage of such daughter, or on his wife's remarriage, should she marry again. f Baron Herbert de Reuter. The late Baron Herbert do Reuter, managing director of Renter's Telegram Co., left unsettled property of the gross value of £ 39,442, with net personalty of £ 33,371.

RUINED BY THE WAR. I In the Manx Tynwald Court on Tuesday I Lord Raglan (Governor) read leplies from the Home Office to proposals to carry for- I ward the deficit of £ 25,000 on the island's Budget and advance sums, totalling £50,000 to boarding-house keepers ruined by the war. The Home Offico disapproved of carry- ing forward the deficit, considering that tho island should raise more revenue They defe-ved consideration of the board- ing-bouse loan scheme until the general question of the island's revenue was settled. The court appointed a com- mittee to consider methods of raising revenue, and in the meantimo decided to I represent, to the Home Office the urgent need of putting into operation a scheme to relieve persons affected by the war. It is rumoured that Sir John Simon. the }iomc Secretary, is to visit the island to hold an inquiry into its financial position, but no confirmation of this can so far be obtained.

I WELSH NATIONAL MUSEUM. I On Tuesday, in London, the annual meeting of the Finance Committee of the National Museum of Wales was held. Sir E. Vincent Evans presided, and there were also present General Sir Ivor Her- bert, M.P., Aldermen Illtyd Thomas and Ren wick, and Dr. Hayle. Estimates for the extension of the buildings beyond the present contract I (which amount* to XR-0,000) were dis- cussed and agreed to for presentation to the next annual meeting, when the matter will be finally decided.

I COST OF WELSH ARMY CORPS. The Welsh Army Corps Committee m now winding up its affairs, the corps ] having been handed over to the War Office. The cost of raising the corps has been some one and a half million pounds sterling, but there are still a few thou- sands necessary to make everything :n the way of requirements complete, and Mr. Owen Owen, secretary of the corps, Victoria-street, S.W., will be glad to re- ceive donations towards this completion fund.

I PIPE IN THE PIT, At Swansea Police- Court on Wednes- day, Wjn. Phillips, collier, was summoned for having a pipe in his possession at the Swansea Navigation Colliery, Gorseinon —Mr. Henry Thompson who prosecuted, pointed out the seriousness of cases of this kind. Defendant who admitted the offence, expressed re#M.-A fine of 40s. was im- posed.

I WOUNDED IN THE THIGH. Mrs. Watson, Lammas-street. Carmar- then has received <• letter from her sod, Sapper Willies Walton, of the Welsh Field Co., Royal Engineers, saying that he has been shot in the thigh by a st'ray ehot.

ABERAVON. I Monday.—Before Mr. Charles Jones, I chairman. Aid. J. M. Smith, and Mr. Iiichard Evans. Win. Rees, collier, Cy miner, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in High-street, Cymmer, on the evening of the 22nd.—Defendant, who had pre- vious convictions, was fined 40s. Maria Shannon, married, Cymmer, was I charged with being drunk and disorderly in Lloyd-terrace, Cynuner, on the night lof the 21st iilt.-Fin.,ed 10s. George Clarke, Talbot Garage, Port Talbot, was summoned for driving a motor without a rear light on the 18th ult.—Dismissed on payment of costs. I Joseph Berrie, Port Talbot, was sum- moned for riding a bicycle without a I liccnse.—Fined 10s.

AMMANFORD, I Monday.—Before Messrs. Wm. Llewellyn (in the chair) and Thomas Morris. On the application of Mr. Samuel Grif- fiths, solicitor, the license of the Tregeyb Arms, Brynamman, was transferred from the late Mr. Lewis to his wife, Mrs. Esther Lewis. Offences of drunkenness were proved by P.C. David Thomas against Martin Wil- son, Llandilo-road, Brynamman, and J en kin Jones, Station-road, Brynamman, who were each fined 9s., while IIy-. Smith, Doctor's-road, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, for drunkenness and disorderly conduct, had to pay 12s. Summoned hy the same police officer for being drunk, Lewis Davies, Glyn-road, Lower Brynamman, against whom a previous conviction was proved, was fined 12s.

LLANDOVERY. f-riday.-Before Mr. David Jones Lewis, Aldermen C. P. Lewis and T. Watkins, and Mr. T. Roberts. Drunk and Disorderly. Mr. Lewis Price Lewis, a- gentleman farmer, residing at Llettyfandde, near Llandovery, charged John Evans, Tircoed, with being drunk and disorderly. Mr. Rhys W. Piiiee, Llandovery, appeared for defendant.omplainant said that on the 11th of August he was driving home in his car from town, accompanied by his wife, daughter, and another lady. They overtook defendant, who was walking on the footpath, near Maesycoed. Defendant on seeing the car approach stepped into the middle of the road, brandishing a stick at witness, cursing and swearing, and calling his wife and himself abusive names. Witness had to pull the cob in to prevent it going over defendant, who shouted that lie was a stronger man than him, aftd could give him a thrashing. He continued the whilo to brandish his stick. Seeing the predicament witness was in, his wife intervened on hjbehalf, and asked defendant to behave himself. He became very abusive and threatening to her, and said that he had been able to thrash her brother Jack. Witness swore that he never addressed a syllable to de- fendant, who was within strfkiftg dis- tance of him. Defendant was mad in drink. Witness had seen defendant pre- viously about two o'clock, when he was quite quiet.—Cross-examined Witness said lie had been at the mart which was held on the day in question, and had also called at places of refreshment, but lie denied emphatically that he was himself "market fresh." He was perfectly sober. —Mrs. Price Lewis, wife of complainant, corroborated. Her husband never ad- dressed a word to defendant, and she had to intervene on account of his conduct towards both herself and her husband. He was staggering drunk.—Corroborative evidence was also given by complainant's daughter. Miss Mapirie Price Lewis.—De- fendant said that the row commenced through hit asking complainant for the money he owed him for work. The latter told him lie lvad no business to ask him for money on the road. Witness told him then that he would not allow him to treat him in the same way as he did Rosser, Peny- rhock. Complainant's wife then said she would fight him, and put up her fists, and he said he would not fight a woman. He swore that he wa.s perfectly sober. He al- leged that it was complainant and his wife started the row. He had had four or five glasses that day. It was an umbrella and not a stick he bad in hia 11-ind--Complain- ant: Surely, no sane being would carry an umbrella thi« warm weather.—Defendant said it was raining iti the morning.—The Chairman said the Bench had decided to convict defendant, and they wanted him to take this as a. lesion. He must not get drunk and he must not be disorderly. This was not the first time he had been before them. If he came there again he would iun the risk of being sent down to Carmarthen Jail. He muat clearly understand that people must be allowed to go along the mid without being molested by drunken people.

SWANSEA. Friday.—Before Messrs. H. A. Chapman I (in the chair), John Rees, J. Devouald, and Dr. Nelson Jones. Oiaf Dahl Stefanson, a Norwegian sea- man, was charged with, he being an alien, being in a prohibited area without the permission of the alien's ofifcer.-A fine of s., with 5s. costs, was imposed. Allen Bergman (27), a Swedish seaman, was similarly charged.-A fine of 20s: was imposed. Saturday.—Before Messrs. A. H. Thomas (in the chair), J. H. Rosser, and Major Morris. Annie Lewis admitted having been drunk in the Strand. the previous night. Fined 10s., or seven days. David White, labourer, similarly charged, was ordered to pay 5s. Catherine Fury, who denied having been riotous in her conduct, made her 23rd bow to the Bench. She plaintively pleaded for another chance, and said she would go to a shelter or to her brother's house. The Bench, however, had heard that story be- fore, and Fury was ordered to spend six weeks at the Oystermouth-road shelter." Robert Young admitted having been drunk in High-street, Gorseinon on the previous night. Supt. Letheren said that the man was a perfect nuisance about the district.—Fined 10s. or seven days. John Morris expressed regret for having been drunk and disorderly at Grovesend on the 13th of this month.—He was ordered to pay the costs. Monday.—Before Messrs R. W. Jones ((in the chair). William Williams, and 11 yam Goldberg. Elizabeth Hughes, a married woman, was charged with being drunk and dis- orderly in Nelson-street. She said she tame to Swansea from Neath on Thurs- day. Her husband nad left her to change his work, and she could not find him. Nothing was known of her by the police, and as she had been locked up since Saturday night she was discharged. John R. Jones, a tinworker, was charged with beina; drunk and incapable in Phillips parade.-p.c. (120) Tovey said he had to eject Jones from the ho&pital, but he was too drunk to go away.—Fined 5e. or seven days. Janet Webley, married was charged with a similar offence in Harbour-road. She pleaded that she was cot well, and she met a friend she had not seen for 17 years, ami the subsoquent drop )f brandy" she had with that friend overcame her.—She was cautioned and was allowed to go. Cornelius Sullivan, a labourer, made h's 61st appearance before the Court oil a charge of being drunk and disorderly. I've been on the steady for five months, sir," he said.- The Bench, however, thought that as he had had several opportunities, tho best thing they could do in his own interests would bo to send Lim down ior 4 month.—Cornelius: Thank you, sir. I'll have another try after that." Minnie Jones was sent down for six weeks for being riotous in her conduct in the Strand. An old man of 70 named William Witchell was charged with indecency in Argel-etrix-,t.-He was fined 40s. or one month. Jeremiah Sullivan, labourer, was charged with being drunk and indecent in his behaviour.—He was fined 15s. or seven days. Arthur Watkins, a clerk, was sum- moned for throwing into the road in Gower-street some chip potatoes in a paper.—Fined 10s. or seven days. The Bench remarked that it was very dangerous to throw such things on the road, as anyone might slip over them. Margaret Jenkins summoned Frederick Dalling for assault.—The case was dis- m ssed. Tuesday.—Before Messrs. J. Devonald (in the chair), David Meager, T. P. Cook and John Thomas. Susannah Murphy, a widow, as the guardian of Daniel Davies, was charged with allowing the boy to street trade after 9 p.m., and with not appearing to a summons. She 'pleaded that she could not control the boy, whom she had not seen for days. The Bench adjourned the case for a week to allow for the atten- dance of the boy. George Haymore was summoned for al- lowing his son Albert to enter the Bank Hotel, Wind-otreet for the purpose of trading. He was fined 58. Wednesday.—Before Messrs. A. H. Thomas (in the chair), J. H. Rosser, J. Cumming Evans, and Major J. G. Morris. I Harry Richards (33), coal-tipper, who said his earnings had not averaged 6s. a week for the last month, was brought rp oa a warrant charged with failing to maintain his wife in respect of whose maintenance a sum of £ 4 14s. was owing. -He was ordered to pay forthwith or o, down for a month. Mary Gore was summoned for having been, drunk at Ynysforjran on August j 20th.—She was ordered to pay costs. Thursday.—Before Dr. J. A. Rawlings (in the chair), Messrs. Roger Thomas, Ben Jon. and J. Lovat Owen. Charles Ilirris. a labourer. was brought U") in respect of El. as. arrears in the maintenance of his wife. Eliabeth Harris, who said an order of 5s. per week was made in June, 1914, since which date he had paid no money at all.—Defendant pleaded that he had not been working owing to rheumatism.—He wae ordered to pay or go to prison for one month. Lewis Calow, horse dealer, was sum- moned for allowing two horses to strny in Quarry-road, Treboeth. on August 17th and on August 21st.—He was fined 5s. Li respect of each of the horses. Richard Walters was summoned for a similar offence in regard to two honww.- He was fined 5s A voung woman named Hannah Aspil was charged with stealing a quantity of wood, value 6d., from an unoccupied house in Baker-street, Strand, the pro- perty of Mr. Shimmell Andrews.—She was fined 5s. or 7 days. Emilv Tustian, a widow, fummoned Edward Walden. a gunner of the R.F.A., to show cause, etc.—An order of 4e. per week was made.

c h il dren's spoons busy with BIRD'S Custar d an d stewe d Plums ? !?y They ought to be, you know? at this season! ?J? y Stewed Plums with BIRD'S Custard make, just ?j? ?? now, the most enjoyable of dishes easy and quick W W to prepare, and most economical..6? use only V Birds « the Nutritious Ik Custard m\ In I d P.7cts., 4d & 71d roxes.

The pauperism returns continue to show a decline in the number of persons relieved. The total indoor and outdoor paupers in receipt of rlief, on Saturday, July 31st, says a White Paper issued on Wednesday, was 576,106, as compared with 618,685 on the corresponding Saturday last year. Mrs. Catherine, Jones, wife of Mr David Jones, postmaster of Ynismeudw, died on Monday at the age of 68 years. She acted as postmistress of Ynysmeud"- for many years. She was taken ill about two days prior to her death. Much sympathy .s felt for the husband Lnd five grown up children in their bereavement. The funeral will take place on Thursday at 4 o'clock for St. Peter's Parish Church- yard.

206th YEAR OF THE SUN FIRE OFFICE The Oldest Insurance Office in the World. t t—————  ?ftca  ?  Insurances Effected on the Following Risks:— FIRE DAMAGE. Resultant Loss of Rent and Profits, EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY. PERSONAL ACCIDENT, SICKNESS AND DISEASE. FIDELITY GUARANTEE, BURGLARY. PLATE GLASS. Swansea Office:- VICTORIA CHAMBERS, TOM A. DAVIES, Dis trict Inspector. 7 and 8, OXFORD STREET.

WHIZZ-BANG CORNER. LLANDOVERY SOLDIER'S LETTER ON TRENCH LIFE. (Passed by Censor.) Another interesting letter has been iW ceived from Pte Evan Jriraea, Llandovery, olk the 2nd Weleh Regt., from "Somewhere irt4. France" He says that the weather has' been wretched lately, the trenches as a re-' suit being very uncomfortable. His duties^ he save, are varied. Mining under tho-i enemy's trenches, one had to work very quietly or oounier-work would be com-, menced by the enemy with disastrous re.j 6ulte. Another risky job was putting upM barbed wire in from of the firing-line at.( night, when one was liable to get "Winged. by your own meti. "I was out the otheI.1f night near the Germen linœ be eays^ and they seemed very happy. They we singing 'The Watch on the Rhine.' Per—j haps they had heard of anwher G«rmai*( 'victory.' It is getting very cold at night. j I dread to do another winter out here, butof if it has got to be done, I will do it with a* good heart. I have seen and heard enonghC of the Huns' brutality in Belgium andf Northern France, and 1 am glad to be ftble* to do my bit, for I shudder to think whatg they would have done had they got to Mg-I land or little Wales. I haven't oome acrosai any Llandovery boys here yet. At the. time of writing I hear of a Boesiaa vietorr, at sea. The French are still pegging awayfl ad I am writing. Their guns are making a1 fearful noiee, for they are only a few milea j away. Th-eir "75" guns are beauties. Some J few days ago I waa walking round a ruinedij farmhouse, and at. the back of the hou_i was a yard with a most lovely grave. lb-4 was covered with a profusion of sweet-j scented flowers and surmounted by a* wooden cross which bore the following scription In loving memory of an un-a known French soldier.' On th. side of the i grave was a board inscribed with the fol-j lowing Will English Tommies passing i here gse that this grave is all right andj i the flowers watered: Wasn't that all right¡.1 1 could not help feeling that 'one totteh of! nature makes the whole world kin.' Another incident which happened a little whplw, back: In a small village where we had betel*/ resung for a, few days, and were &bon going back to the 'trenhes, I wag ap? proached by a. little French girl—a tiny; mite—who eaid to me, Sol da t Anglais? I replied, Wee, madamoeelle.' She then- said, in broken English, Me pray for you j to-night.' The tears oame to my eyes, andr- 1 often think of that dear little girl. Howl different in Germany, where they are teach- ing the little children to say in their prayers. 'Gott etrefe England. Pte, James says that the health of the troopa is excellent. Indeed, one would be surpri to see how free they are from fever, etc. The trenches are now made a little more comfortable and attractive than they need: to be. Saps or trenches leading to various places each bear a name. Harley-etreet-"1 will lead you to the dressing etation or firab; aid. You go another yard or two and como to Whiz Bang Corncr: with a notice re- questing you 'to keep your head clown. Pass along and you come to some stores, with the following notioe: 'On gaJe, bally beef, Huntley and Palmer e biscuits, apricofe jam, plum and apple jam, Keating's Flea Powder and Harrison's Pomade. Quarter- master-eergt. Murphy, proprietor.' Yotl; then turn to the left, taking great care to still keep your head down, when you oomei to a dug-out with the following noti-eiz, '.R.ecruiting Office. Young Men Wanted fo*: Kitchener's Army. Apply between 9 a.nrf and 3 p.m. without your mothers.' The dug- outs have very flash names. I quote a very few: Bosches View, Hotel de Ville: 'Miners' Hom: &nd 'Villa de Scratch.' You turn to the right and you see a notice: 'This way to Berlin.' You about-turn and you eee, This way to Brighty Tommy.' which is equivalent to England. Give my kind regards to all Llandovery fritndis." Pte. Jameo is a brother-in-law of Mr. Johuson, painter and decorator. High-street, Llandovery. He has been in France einoe August of last year.

AMMANFORD CHOIR'S WAR WORK. At the annual meeting of the Amman- ford Y.M.C.A. Male Voice Party twhosa* conductor is Mr. Gwilym R. Jones) held on Tuesday night, Mr. Job Thomaa pre- siding, an excellent war time record was disclosed. Naturally, there were no eis- teddvodie victories to report, owing to the suspension of most of the competitive meetings, but the party's activities in aid of local charities had been praiseworthy. The Chairman said they. had beenXho means of substantially assisting good causes, having given during the year four concerts in aid of charitable objects, namely the Belgian Relief and Red Cross Funds, the Y.M.C.A., and the soldiers at Llandilo. I The financial statement read by Mr. Jwikin Matthews, showed the takings at the concerts to be LIIS, which, deducting ext»ex»es, had been handed over to the various causes. There was a small deficit in the party's own finance*. It was decided that a concert be given at Bryn&mman in aid of a wounded soldier, and that the proffered payment be ac- cepted, but handed back to the soldier as. a donation from the party. Officers were elected as follows: Presi- dent, Mr. T. M. Evans, M.A.; secretary, Mr. G. Bowen Jones; assistant secretary, Mr. JW. Jones; and treasurer, Mr. Jen- kin Matthews. A committee of 20 (1" from the party and t-ix outside) were elected.

I Lieut. Seed, R.N., who has just re-, turned to his home in Preston on con- valescent leave, has been in no fewer tluufc thirty-eight naval engagements. j