Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

CURRENT COMMENTS. The Russian news is distinctly good. In the soutiL-eastern war theatre, Petro- grad announces, our Allies hare won a gieat success, taking eight thousand prisoners and thirty guns. The German communique contains a denial of this, but we have learned the relative truth-' teiling values 01 reports from Berlin and 1'etrogTad. The Russians have never, spared themselves when unpleasant facts have to be given the world. The whole tenour of the coiumuniau-e sent out from th capital is cheerful, and, although we cannot yet say that the tide has turned, it is plain that the enemy is finding his I advance growing more difficult. The de- cision of the Tsar to take supreme com- mand of his armies is an event of vast importance. In this land the monarchy I is well-loved; in Russia, the Tsar is re- garded with a passionate attachment which has in it something of oriental abandon. He is, as the "Chronicle" Bays to-day, the father of his people in a sense difficult for us Westerners to comprehend. Ho is both the ->nritual ( and the secular head of the State. About the Tsardom there is something at once mystic and paternal that makes a powerfv.- j.ppeal to the Russian mind." Incendiary and explosive bombs were: dropped in the Eastern Counties and tho London district on Wednesday night. Our information, at the hour of writing, as vague, but we may take comfort from th-3 i'ress Bureau message reporting a few casualties, and some hræ." We shall probably hear, later in the day, the exact number of these casualties—murders is a more accurate description. For Ger- man irightf illness by Zeppelin raids, een?less be?aueo they have no military value, and criminal in their wanton dis- regard of civilian and child ine, Lave earned the detestation of the civilised world. Germany is making the bill she will have to pay larger every day; she will have to pay it to the entry I against her. There were three Zeppelin raids in England during August, and at the end of the month appeared Mr. Balfour's letter, killing a thousand wild conjec- tures spread abroad by the uninformed who delight to appear possessed of special and private knowledge. The Zeppelins have brought suffering to a number of British homes; they have not inilicted damage of the smallest military inipoii- ance. Fifteen small dwelling-houses were I demolished as a consequence -of 1 uesda.) evening's raid. Five children were killed. It is a terrible record against the spirit ot Kultur." We do not lose sight of the fact that a development in building may yet mako the Zeppelin a military arm to be re- spected in this country. When such an Mr- CIQ 'irhr White warns us that It would be injudicious, at present, to form definite conclusions even as to the use of a machine that has so far disappointed her supporters as has the Zeppelin," it is well for the layman to keep from dogmatic assertions. Re- garded purely as dying cftft, and neglect- ing for the moment such defensive mea- sures as have negated so much of their work in war, Mr. Graham-White holds that the Zeppelins have done exceedingly well, flying repeatedly lor distances, and under conditions of navigation, that would have been pract?ally impossible with any other type of machine. But their size, though it has given them these powers, ha". brought also drawbacks. In war, unless she can fly faster and higher, and arm herself more adequately, the Zeppelin labours under disadvantages which, in regard to operations of military value over a hos- tile territory, reduce her nearly to im- potence. It will be impossible, probably, before the end of the campaign to secure accu- rate data as to the losses of Zeppelins that took place during the early stages of the ■wnr. Reports that are untrue have been j cir ulated freely; while intermittent I official statements, neglecting sometimes a peri-od of air work, or mentioning one incident and om-itting another, have left I in doubt many vital points. But Mr. Grahame-White, in the course of an article in the Fortnightly Review (in which he had the collaboration of Mr. Harry Harper) says he thinks it is reason- ably certain that on the western front, within only a short period of the out- break of hostilities, four Zeppelins had met their fate—throe having been brought down by gunfire, and one wrecked by a gale; while on the eastern front, though reports were very confusing, it is clear that several other Zeppelins wore lost either through weather or artillery fire. Among naval Zeppelins, exposed often to Vigli winds while on coastal or over-seas patrol, there were serious casualties also, Naval Zeppelins'No. 3 and 4 both being lost in gales during the early period of the war. In the first five months of the campaign, from August to December, MM, it was estimated by experts in J^natCB, and with a reasonable show of accuracy, that 10 Zeppelins, brojugihlt down by artillery or cgmght in gales, had met with total destruction. The that ;)Lfdl one after an- other of the Seppelins during the first period of the campaign are held J, have compelled the Germans to arrange for these craft, in the subsequent stages of the war, a far less ambitious programme. They were forced by bitter experience to recognise that, whenever such a craft flew by day over hostile country, even at her best altitude, she ran a constant and leavy risk of being destroyed. This risk she could not minimise by avoiding de- fended positions or the localites held by armes, but if she did this her value as a scout, was impaired. And there was, be- sides, a ceaseless risk to be run from the fire of hidden gnas. It is impossible for aviators, when flying from point to point across country either in airships or aero- planes, to detect when they may be pass- ing over concealed artillery—assuming that the work of conncealment has been skilfully done. With the Zeppelin, too, when she flew by day over an enemy's land, there was another serious risk apart from the fire of guns, and this was from the attack of hostile aeroplanes, whose pilots, in all the patrol flights they made, were constantly on the look-out for enemy airships, and were prepared to it. tack them without hesitation immedi- ately they came in sight. What hap- pened when those in control of the Ger- man air service realised the vulnerability of their Zeppelins was that these machines vanished from the air almost entirely daring the hours of daylight. Mr. Graham-White believes that the darkening of cities and stretches of coast- line, as a precaution against Zeppelin attack, has more than justified any incon- venience it may have caused. Aerial navigation by night, ave-n when there are lights to steer by, is sufficiently difficult; but when a track of land lies in dark- ness, and an airship pilot dare not—for fear of hidden guns—descend close to the earth in order to fix his position by any specific mark, and if in addition he is fly- ing above a foreign and unfamiliar country, then his difficulties in mere navigation come to be very great, apart altogether from any question, when he I has found his way to a city, of discover- ing some specific building or districts I upon which it might be advantageous to drop his bombs. In one instance, which does not stand alone, a Zeppelin pilot in fair weather conditions, steering to reach one section of our coast—which would have been discernible probably with ease had its lighting been normal—tailed alto- gether to find the target he sought, and groped here and there in the darkness, dropping his bombs eventually in dis- tricts which had no significance. Military authorities have given us a convincing explanation of the strategy by which Joffre, having formed his plans a week in advance, stayed the German advance on Paris, and drove the enemy back from the Matne to the Aisne. A more poetical and mystical explanation is given by a number of soldiers who took part in tie retreat from Mons, and the return. They declare that angels stood between them and the Germans; one is said to have seen an apparition of St. George; another, clouds of celestial horsemen hovering over the British lines"; another, the form of an angel with outstretched wings like a luminous cloud, between the advancing Germans and the British. The Germans are said to have abandoned their positions in precipitate terror." The latter statement we can well believe. As a matter of fact, it is established that the Germans did Tr.TI. But as the result of supernatural intervention? Whilst we bear in mind the tag from "Hamlet" which is always for quotation against the materialist, we make bald enough to say that the accounts of angelic help must be relegated to the sphere of things fictional. But we have been sent a publication, written by the editor of the Occult Review," dealing with The Angel Warriors at Mons," and this is claimed to include numerous confirmatory testi- monies and evidence of the wounded." It does not help to convince us, even when it sets out to prove that the accounts of angelic assistance v-ere current in France nearly a month before a certain tale written by Mr. Arthur Alachen-and, according to him, with no foundation out- side his own fancy—had appeared in a Loudon evening newspaper. We can understand the mood of apirii-utl fvsalta- i tion in which soldiers would with the eyes of the mind, such aight8. Indeed, the writer of the little book himself notes that it is only natrral that, long forced marches without adequate food, under a condition of intense strain and anxietv. should produce a condition of the ;-o-rves which is far from normal. The a-bnormal conditions induced by the intense strain of the long marches enforced by the rear- guard fighting is made evident by a curious passage which appears in a recently published work entitled The Crucible," by Mabel Coiling, She here cites a letter from a young officer who was killed immediately afterwards, who says, I had the most amazing hallucinations I marching at night, so I was fast asleep, I think. Every one was reeling about the road and seeing things." And again, of the following night, he adds, HI saw all «*vrt.s of things, enormous men walking towards me and lights and chairs and things in the road." The-re is orate a literature dealing with these alleged psychic manifestations. Stories have been widely current in the r Prussian army that many Russian iiènkinels have seen the famous ghost of General Skobeleff in white uniform and riding his white charger. Of the Battle of Augustovo, in October, 1914, when the Russians were successful, a Russian general tells a tale of the appear- ance of the Virgin attd Babe in the sky. And, to go back to early times, we have to recall many Biblical references (notably that of Eiisha) and the legend utilised by j Lord Macaulay in his ballad entitled The Battle of Lake Regillus," where two mysterious horsemen appear, who lead the Roman army to victory and are subsequently averred to have been the great Twin Brethren of Roman Mythology, Castor and Pollux. It appears that in some peculiar way," says the editor of the Occult Review," great wars open up fresh channels for the phychic senses, ari-I the physical striTple ">t great a-rmic- appears ever to have its counterpart <>o 'be spiritual plane, by the bringing inL, action of psychic forces working f c good or evil, on the side of Light of Darkness— I pr*n, cipalities and powers mustering their unseen array '—upon whose efforts no less than upon the efforts of those now living on the physical plane the great and final issues of this va.s.t. world-conflict ulti- mately depend." Well, as we we remember the tag in U Hamlet, but remain sceptical. The affidavit of a private is instanced -by believers; "Truth" this week says that a subsequent state- ment from the Record Office of the Cheshire Regiment ghows that the private who swore that he was personally at Mons and saw the vision with his own yes was, in fact, in England when the battle was fought. On the whole, we axute with the correspondent who says tnat concerning this myth, the best and tersest comment yet heard was made by an officer who hadn't seen any angels, but who had witnessed some uncommonly severe fighting. He said, If the angels were on our side at Mons, I hope to good- ness they may be on the other side in future." In connection with the suggested abo- lition of the half-sovereign, it is recalled that \IlÐ introduction of a gold coinage was successfully established by Edward III., after an abortive attempt to do so had been made by an earlier King, Henry III. The gold florin appeared in 1343, and the gold noble in 13±4. The sove- reign of twenty shillings was uist known in the time of Henry VII. Edward IV. added the rose noble and the angel to the then existing coins. The angel was so called from its representation of the arch- angel slaying the dragon, a device similar to the figure of St. George on horseback slaying another dragon-on our sovereigns and half-sovereigns. In the days of the Commonwealth English inscriptions were used instead of Latin. The visit of General Joffre to the Italian front is a military event of first importance. Some of the Italian journals appear to expect that it will have far- reaching political and military results. We sincerely hope that it will, but the probability is that the visit is to be re- garded as proof of the close co-ordination of purpose which exists between the armies of the Quadruple Entente. In this war the Allies are not fighting each for its own selfish ends, but in pursuance of a united purpose, and it is gratifying to have this revelation of the close co-opera- tion which exists between Joffre and Cadorna; we believe it exists also between all the commanders of the Allied armies. The Board of Trade report for August cozHains figures ov§r vihi4 the public- should reflect. Although there was a somewhat disappointing check in the steady rise in exports which has been going on month by month since the be- ginning of the y-t-ar, this was much more than offset by a big decline in imports as compared with the July figures. The ex- cess of imports over exports for the past eight months amounts to 239.0,000,000. And a remarkable fact set forth in the Board of Trade returns is that food and drink are chiefly rasponsible for this excess of impor-s compared with the period January to August 1914. The increase in the value of the grain and ilour imported was £ 28,349,000, and in that of meat 218,000,000. Dutiable and non-dutiable food and drink showed an increase of £ 23,800,000. I Too old at forty, or at fifty either, has, as a rule, no meaning in connection with the higher commands in the German army. Haeseler and von der Goltz are 79 and 72 years of age respectively; von Hindenburg and von Mackensen are 68 and 66; von Kluck is 69, and of the same age are Prince Leopold of Bavaria and the Generals von Bulow and von Hausen. Von Biasing and von Falkenhausen are each 71. Wtoyrscb, Eichhorn, Emmich, Moltke are 67, and the following have the number of years stated after them: Lin- singen, 65; Heeringen, 65; Scholtz, 64; Gallwitz, 63; Below, 62; Einem, 62; Falk- enhayn, Chief of General Staff, 54. The Crown Princes of Wurtemberg, Bavaria and Prussia, commanding armies, are respectively 50, 46, and 33 years of age. The latter would seem to be quite an ex- ception.

LOCAL NOTES. I ABERAVON & PORT TALBOT. I Of considerable interest was the aiu.'ial conference of the Sanitary Inspectors' Asscciation of South Wales and Mon- mouthshire centre, which was held at Port Talbot on Saturday. Practical and instructive adresses were delivered by Mr. J. P. Humphrey, of Reigate, chair- uiui of the general council; Mr. Charles Hockley, Barry, chairman of the confer- ence. But the chef-de-ceuvre was the masterlv paper read by Dr. Hubert E. M. Philli, M.A., B.Sc., Oxon, of Port Tal- bot. The subject was "Dampness and Disease." Dr. Phillips made a number of star' Unr- revelations as to the various kine'. of dampness and their relation to disease. The paper was highly eulogised by medical gentlemen and members of the Association, and it was decided to have it published- After a delay of several months, the joint committee of the various local Councils met, and by mutual agreement decided to adopt the Shop Hours Act, which will be put into force at the earliest possible moment. They also in- tiend to appoint an inspector at once. The many hundreds of shop assistants and tradesmen in the district will be pleased to learn that this question, which has io long deprived them of favours under the provisions of the Act, has now been settled. It once again illustrates the efficacy of a joint committee to deal with matters of mutual interest. DuriT, the past week then has been home on leave to Taibach Private Dan Gubb. of the 1st Welfli, He has been in numerous engagements, including the I aromd Hill 60. In one of these terrrffic conflicts Gubb received no less than 11 shrapnel wounds. When he was being removed from the trenches the stretcher-bearer was killed, and Gubb had another two bullet wounds in. bis thigh, making a total of 13 wounds. He was for some time in a critical condition at the base hospital, and has been under treat- ment for 16 weeks in a London hospital. After all this he is quite cheerful. Pri- vate Gubb rejoins his regiment on Mon- day next. Lieutenant Rupert Hallows, who has been awarded tho Military Cross for con- spicuous bravery in action on the western field of action. is a local gentleman, and trob-mannger of the Port Talbot Mancel Tinplate Works, and brother to Coun- cillor W. B. Hallows, manager of the works. All at the Mansel. and indeed, throughout the district, were extremely proud to hear of the heroic conduct, and its recognition, of Lieut. Hallows. When in Port Talbot before the war Lieut. Hal- lows took a keen interest in the Boy Scouts and Red Cross movements, and was an ardent worker in the interest of any good cauge. Lieut. Ralph Jones, son of Mr. D. E. Jones, of the' "id Battery, of the Royal Horse Artillery, stationed at Colchester, has been home during the week for a few days' leave. He is looking very fit. Private Matthews, of the 8th Welsh, the pioneer company, which, while serving in the Dardanelles had such a terrific, time of it in landing, is officially repo rod wounded, and is in hospital in Egypt. He is the son of Councillor Capt. Jas. Taibach. Mr. Ernie Nicholas (son of Mr. Thos. Nicholas, Victoria Buildings, Port Tal- bot), who some time ago qualified in the London School of Wireless Telegraphy, has for some time been serving in that capacity in the Dardanelles. He has I.L-f-n in several engagements, in one of which the boat got struck with a shelL He re- turns home on leave next week. The following letter has been reived from Corporal T. T. Morris, 1st troop, Glamorgan Imperial Yeomanry" On behalf of myeelf and other local boys, now serving with the Glamorgan 1m. perial Yeomanry, I wish to make tn ap- peal through your valuable and ever welcome paper, to the inhabitants of Aberavon, Port Talbot and district, for fiiCkething in the way of amusements, as we are stationed 36 miles from any t(wn, and we find the evenings very lot), and tedious. A Rugby football woiiii Le most acceptable, as we are very I\:eíl on the game. Trusting this appeal y meet with the approval of );),1.:1' rea iers, and best wi-she-s to all ."—Subscripi-'ons to- wards sending a couple of footbvlls to the boys, will be acknowledged in this column. Councillor W,m. Jackscn, Aberavon, is one of the delegates to the Trades Union Congress at Bristol, being one If tl e selected of the Iron and Steel Workers' Fden tio:a. A goodly number of the inliabilt-i its of this district have had an extreoa"iy pn- joyable camping time on the »utsiiirts < f Kenfig and Maudlim, and the silvery beach of Sker. The surroundings are very picturosque, and are made famous by Blackmore's novel, Maid of Sker." On Saturday the' employes of the Mar- gam District Council held their annual outing, and spent an extremely enjoyable day at the Mumbles. A number of Aberavon tradesmen are deploring the fact that they are greatly inconvenienced by the duet mnsance in High-street, and no watering cart sent out. The garden fete held at Graagafon. by kind permission of Councillor and Mrs. W. B. Hallows, in aid of the local N.S-P.C.C., proved a great success, and reflects every credit upon the organising committee. A substantial sum was real- ised. Doos a woman's stern loyalty to a prin- ciple justify her in inflicting suffering not alone on herself, but on those she loves? That is the question raised in Bought and Paid For," one of the most powerful and interesting plays London has seen for many a long day. It is full of the strong stuff inherent to drama. Yet it is far more than an exhibition of emotion at full stretch, for the kindly light of humour radiates all through ffce piece; fun and pathos are held in such admir- able poise that laughter and the lump-in- the-throat feeling are for ever chasing each •other," and there is a sfjirif delightful humanity which makes a quick oonquest of the audience. Thisa-dmirnble play will vmit the New Theatre, Port Talbot, on ilonda^ Tuesday, and Wedneetla-y next, and will be presented by a c*ml*uy of i &rst-<dass a.rtia?&s apeciaBy selected, I Lucifer. I

-0 I AMMANFORD. I The discussion vliicli arose at the I Ammanford Council last ,;(.k over the recommended cancellation of the agree- ment with the house reiuse contractor presented many ix--nia,rkable features, and several outspoken and emphatic remarks were uttered. Probably many of the things said would have been left unsaid if the members had been unanimous. But there were four members who were not disposed to deal so drastically with the contractor, and this divided the house. Without entering into the questions of merits or demerits, it may, however, be stated that the shortcomings alleged were rather serious, and, a&suming the allega- j tions to be well founded, the council's decision is not wholly unjustifiable. But there are threats of legal proceedings in the air, and the least said on the matter the better. The intimation from the Local Govern- ment Board of the postponement of elec- tions for one year, and the extension of the term of office of members accordingly, wrought a magic effect in the council chamber, and the ratepayers will not be- grudge their hard-worked and much- maligned representatives any consolation they may extract out of the deferment of the trying ordeal of an eleeedton. It is not suggested that the councillors are afraid to meet the ra.tepaye.rs and electors, merely that elections are never relished by the candidates, that is, before the declaration of the poll, and is is only the first five that speak enthusiastically of the affair after. To serve the public is an undoubted honour, but the men who receive the honour pay a high price in patience and endurance (often under gross misrepresen- tation) and unselfish zeal. Several of the big schemes which the council in pre-war days had on hand have now been hung up, but this does not imply that there is no scope for activity. There are preparations to be made in readiness for the launching of big pro- jects and minor matters of every-day oc- currence that need attending to. Realis- ing this, Councillor T. Fletcher, at the last meetings raised the question of the cemeteay site, which was in danger of lapsing int oobsreurity for a time, and also the unsatisfactory supply of water at Hop- kinstown. These matters have been left in the hands of the Health Committee, and we have the assurance of Ald. W. N. Jones that they will be duly considered during the next few weeks. The arrival of soldiers home from the front, some wounded, and others for a short period of rest, has brought to view the need of equal treatment in the way of a public reception. I 'have now in mind quite a number who have been home, and have been allowed to return without any mark of public appreciation of their ser- vice. to the country. Concerts have been held in honour of others, and interesting presentations made. While readily ad- mitting that there was no invidious dis- tinction consciously made or intended, it is yetn, pity that this unequal treatment should continue, as it is apt to wound the I feelings -of parents and relatives, and even some of the brave soldiers themselves. The only effective method of preventing the recurrence is t ohave a general coiamittee aptwinted, whose business alone it would hA to see that all soldiers who return are gjvf-n "> right royal public reception, and thus tit-a. éenoo to their grim work by the consciousness of the town's well-wishes behind them. The chairman of the coun- cil, Mr. J. Harries, J.P. (Irlwyn), has already shown much practical interest in the matter, and any step which he may be prepared to take in the way indicated would meet with general approval. A Volunteer Training Corps for Amman- ford will have been an accomplished fact ere these notes appear in print. A meet- ing for the purpose of formation has been called for Thursday night by Ald. W. N. Jones, and indications are nmwanting of an enthusiastic decision in favour of the formation of a corps in Ammanford. Many of the old veterans ,have already declared their intention of failing. in," and a great patriotic rally should be witnessed. The corps at Llantdilo has already ex- ceeded the strength of a p latoon, and Ammajiford, with many times the popu- lation, should do oomomensurately better. It should be borne in mind that not only men above military age are accepted, but those of military age provided they ha.ve a genuine reason," physically or profes- sionally, for not enlisting with the colours. There is some speculation as to upon Whom the duties of commander will de- volve. In this connection, past military experience is not an absolute necessity, and suffice it to say that there will be no need to search for an able commander. Interest has been aroused in local musi- cal circles this week by the publication of a aong, suitable for soprano or tenor voice, entitled "Cartrefi Gwynion Cym-ra," composed by Mr. G. 1. Thomas, L.L.C.M., the young Bettws musician, of whom high expectations are held. The words are by Anthropos," the well-known Welsh lit- terateur. This is Mr. Thomas's maiden eflort, but it bears the impress of great: musical talents, and the song cannot fail to ea.rn widespread popularity, which it richly deserves. It is eminently suitable as a test piece in eisteddfodic competi- tions, and vocalists who aspire to the plaudits of the concert crowds should not consider their repertoire complete until this eong is included. Awstin.

TINPLATERS' QUARREL. Dispute Arises at Glarrrhyd Works. It appears that the Glanrhyd Works, Pontardawe, is the arena, in which the two unions, with which local tinplate mill- men are connected, will fight out their differences. Four years ago a dispute arose as to membership, between the Steelsmelters' Union and the Tin and Sheet Mailmen's Union, whose members were 'employed at Glanrhyd, but after a period of idleness, extending over three weekfij the executives of both societies met. came to an agreement, and the works restarted. I A few months ago, however, difficulties again arose owing to a desire of a num- ber of men to transfer from one society to the other. The question in dispute was referred to the Joint Board to decide, and it will be remembered that Messrs. Seddon, Bowerman, and O'Grady, M.P.'s, attended at the Hotel Metropole, Swan- sea, to receive evidence. Their verdict went in favour of the Steesmelters, as far as the case in dispute in Glanrhyd was concerned, but the Joint Committee added that if either Society felt that the agreement between the two Societies governing transfers dealt harshly" with them, they were at liberty to give notioe to terminate same. This course was taken by the officials of the Tin and Sheet Millmen's Associa- tion, and the agreement terminated at the end of July. On the first available day for presenting notices, August 2nd, the Steel Smelters members employed at Glanrhyd handed in noticce to the man- agement protesting against working with men who had left their society. But these were withdrawn, on condition that the management gavo. notice to the men who had Jaft. On Monday last, 22 or 23 members of the Tin and Sheet Millmen's Union received notices. The cold roll girls and ann^alers also, on Monday last, handed in notices at Glanrhyd.

In zddTt:. contributing over £ 3,000 towards .raking the 14th (Swansea) Welsh Regiment,, the people of Swansea have now I subscribed S,370 to the Regimental Fund of the Welsh Army Corps.

WHERE VSCTORY RESTS I LLOYD GEORGE'S APPEAL TO I LABOUR. BRISTOL, Thursday. The Trades3 Congress resumed its sit- tings to-day. Mr. A. G. Walkden (Railway Clerks), introduced the second resolution on the agenda relating to the war. It was as fol- lows "That this Congress being con- vinced that the issues involved in the present European war are of transcennt importance to the democracies of this and all other countries,, hereby records its en- tire approval of the Parliamentary Labour Party in co-operating with the I other political parties in the national re- cruiting campaign." Mr. C. T. Cramp (Railwayman), in se- conding, said he had not been taught in any exposition of Socialism that it was men's duty to turn their checks to he smiter. If when "Dear brother Fritz" in- vaded Belgium our Government had not decided to resist the aggression, the men and women of Britain would have forced them to do so. Mr. H. H. Elvin (Clerks' Union), moved an amendment, for the reason that he and others felt the action of the Labour Party, in appearing on recruiting I platforms, had caused a division in the ranks, as far as party representatives were concerned. I Mr. A. Shaw (Bleachers and Dyers), held that the amendment cut out the sub- stance of the resolution, but supporters of the amendment carefully refrained from saying that the Government was wrong. At this stage in the discussion, the Standing Orders Committee brought up a report with reference to the course of public business, and the announcement was made that Mr. Lloyd George would attend the afternoon sitting. On the debate being resumed, Mr. G. H. Roberts, M.P., revwed thcourse of events from the time the Premier in- vited the Labour Party to associate them- selves with the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee The majority decided to ac- cept; the minority were asked to declare their alternative. There was only one alternative, and that was Conscription. One or two of their pacifist friends there and then declared a preference for Con- scription, as against tlfp invitation they were considering. (Hisses). On a division, seventeen supported the amendment and 371 voted for the original jesolution. The amendment was accord- ingly negatived, and the resolution was adopted with two dissentients. The president announced that the Prime Minister, Sir E. Grey, and Mr. Bonar Law had acknowledged receipt of the Congress resolution on Conscription adopted by th" Congress. The Premier's communication was that the views of the Congress would receive his most careful consideration. A delegate: Have you sent a wire to Sir Edward Caraon, and have you re- ceived his reply ? (Voices: Go on with the business.") The Ili-csident: I have announced all telegrams to hand. A resolution was introduced on accept- ing members from other unions, and re- affirming resolutions of former Congresses that any method of organisation, that seeks to divide workmen from their fel- lows in the same occupation, is detri- mental. Mr. A. Bellamy (President of the National Union of Railwaymen), said it was necessary that the workers should organise on a basis which would enable them to meet employers on something like conditions of equality. His society intended to organise every unorganised man at present employed on the railways.' He opposed the resolution. Alderman House (Miners' Federation) appealed to the Congress not to approve a. motion which was likely to occasion division and turmoil, especially at a time of national crisis. Other speakers contended that; a further application of the railwaymen's policy would mean the end of separate craft organisation. Tha- Prerident sai(I this was an issue which involved grave consequences, and he suggested, on behalf of the Parlia- mentary Committee that the question be referred to a committee. Mr. J. Havelook Wilson moved a com- mittee of 10, and later in the debate there was an amendment in favour of re- mitting the question to the Joint Board. The President then asked for a refer- ence back to the Standing Orders Com- mittee, but this was negatived. Finally, on a card vote, the original resolution was carried Sufficient Material Means Victory. The Minister of Munitions reached the Congress Hall at half-past two o'clock, and was warmly greeted by the delegates on accompanying the president to the plat- form. The building was thronged. A delegate rose and asked if Mr. Lloyd George was prepared to answer a ques- tion. There was at once a cry of Sit down." The president at once introduced the right hon. gentleman. An uproarious incident followed, a dele- gate persisting in shouting, "I want to ask Mr. Lloyd George a question." Further intervention by the president restored order, Mr. Lloyd George, in his opening, said: With you victory is assured; without you our force is lost. I am one of the greatest employers of labour in the coun- try. I am also a Trade Unionist. I belong to the narrowest and the most suspicious Trade Union in the country- the legal profession. I understand the most subtle principles of Trades Union- ism. I belong to the narrowest sect. (A Voice: The devil"? own.) They are a very formidable brigade. (" ot the first time you have discussed that; it is better to have them on your side.") The Congress, he proceeded, passed an epoch-making resolution on Wednesday. He was there to take them at their word. The Government could lose the war with- out ,the workers, but they could not win without them. The Russians had been driven back by the Germans. It was a war of material. Inadequate material meant defeat; sufficient material meant victory. A few days ago, our Com- mander-in-Chief told him he had never witnessed troops more contemptuous of death. He was to ask Trade Unionists to back them up. We were making prodigious efforts to increase our war material. We had set up 16 national arsenals, and were con- structing 11 more. We required 80,000 more skilled men,1 and in addition 200.000 unskilled men and women. The country was not doing its best. It was not doing its utmost, It was almost entirely a labour problem, and the trades unionists alone could assist. An interrup- tion: "And th-e employers." Oh, I am not going to spare them, don't you make any mistake about that. (Laughter and cheers) Our machinery was not working night and day, and only fifteen per cent. of the machines for cannon and shells were working night and day. It was not a question of destroying; it was a question of saving life. If we employed every skilled worker, we should not have enough labour. The right hon. gentleman exhibited a 4.5in. shell, observing: I have brought it here, for Mr. Ramsay Macdonald thought I should not come here un- armed." (Loud Laughter). Organised labour must assist in the di- rection of suspending restrictions as to the employment of unskilled labour. It must suspend practices and customs which would have the effect of turning out the required wofk". reports showed that if they had such suspension they could increase the output, in some places thirty per cent., and in other places by 200. pgK cent. 'D?4 v?s the difference between victory and defeat. Another requirement was that there should be no stoppages of work during the war. At the conference which was held with the leaders of the Labour Party, a patriotic and business-like bargain was made. They had declared 7L5!>-hop.<; pro- ducing munitions of war to be controlled scops. Much had been heard of the nationalisa- tion of industries. We have done it. (A Voice: You don't own them). It is the greatest step ever taken in that direction. Do Bixxjurage us. (Cheers). A question had been asked about employers. The Government had taken their works. There was compulsory service for employers, but he had not yet received a resolution of protest from trades unionists on the in- fringement of liberty on the subject. (Loud laughter.) If they could give him a case of cutting down of piece rates, he would put it right in twenty-lour hours. A delegate: I have pleasure in sending fchem. Mr. Lloyd George: And I shall have great pleasure in dealing with them. In many cases the bargain arrived at has been adhered to; in far too many cases not. Continuing his speech, Mr. Lloyd George said he had received a protest against the introduction of semi-skilled men. If this sort of protest was adhered to throughout tho country it would be im- possible to carry out the Government's programme. There was also a protest from South Wales against putting un- skilled labour on lathes, but if the Government acted on such protests they might as well abandon their programme. The preservation of the liberties of Europe rested with Britain.

I THE OLD MASTER. I I I DEATH OF FORMER HEAD OF I I MUNICIPAL SECONDARY SCHOOL. I We regret to announce the d.eath of Mi* Samuel Roberts, B.A., at Trowbridge, for- merly headmaster of iSwaneea Municipal I Secondary School. Mr. Roberts is affec- tionately remembered by all old boys of the school. After 27 years of faithful and intelli- gent service as head- master, in the summer of 1910 he became iLL What at first seemed to be a pacing ail- ment ooca.me a com- plete breakdown, and resignation followed. It was not a mere change in headmaster- ship that the lade of the school experienced; what moved them was the thought that a personal friend-true to all, always consult- ing other people's interests before his own, warm-hearted, end above any form of raeann,er,f,-had been Temoved from them. Till that moment, Mr, Roberts was for. tunate. He had till then never lost a single half-day's service through illness. With his whole soul in the work, he devoted untir- ing energy to the fulfilment of his arduous duties. Those who knew him best oould testify to his conscientiousness in doing thoroughly whatever he took in hand. Any- thing which he considered beneficial rto his school always claimed his first attention, and it is probable that the nervous col- lapse of 1910 was due to the continuous strain of school work. I SMALL BEGINNIJSGS I Five thousand Sw&naa? boys had the benefit of his energy and anthTt6iaA:to When, rl 1885, the Higher Grade School be- gan in TrihTT-y-place, the state of education was low. especially in science, which was j not taught even in the Grammar School until ten years later; end children of the I middle classes usually attended private schools. Mr. Eoberts began in 1884 with 150 boys. He soon showed that he wa-80 a man of high educational attainment, a thorough schoolmaster, remarkable for organisation, able to control and obtain the highest re- sults from the boys. The building became too email, and in 1891 the Swansea School Board erected the larger and more suitable premisee in Dynevor- place, and this in 1906 became the Municipal Secondary School. Our photograph wae; taken by Mr. J. Burne, science master, many years ago. Mr. Roberts is to be buried at Trowbridge on Saturday. AN ASSISTANT MASTER. I The death has also occurred of Mr. W. D. Lewis, formerly an ec-sistant master at the Municipal Secondary School. Some years ago Mr. Lewis's health broke down, and he I was unable to resume duties at the school. Well-known as a deacon of Ebeneger Welsh Congregational Church, he was actively interested in mission work and worked strenuously for years on behalf of Ebenezer English Mission. Mr. Lewis leaves a widow. The funeral will be at Llandilo on Saturday.

I JEWISH NEW YEAR. I Celebration at Local Synagogues. I The Jewish New Year began on Wednes- day evening at 6.30, and its celebration will be continued till 5.0 p.m. on Friday. Services were conducted at the Goat- street Synagogue, Swansea, on Wednes- day evening, and on Thursday morning from 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. At the latter service a sermon was preached by the Rev. J. Goldstein, of Plymouth, a candidate for the vacant position of Swansea minister. He alluded sympathetically to the pri- vations endured by Jewish people in differ- ent parts of the world, particularly in Poland. Tliftse who were fortunate to be living under fairly normal conditions should, he said, do all in their power to help the others. The Shofar, in accord with ancient j custom, was blown both before and after the service. I The first Jewish service ever held in Ammanford-probably the first in the Amman Valley—was held on Thursday— the Jewish New Year's Day-at the resid- ence of Mr. C. M. Cohen, Quay-street, Ammanford, who kindly placed his rooms at the disposal of the Jewish com- munity. Hitherto, on the festivals of the faith, members of the community in the district have been in the habit of going to Llanelly or Swansea to attend. On this occasion the services were or- ganised by Mr. Cohen, Mr. Levison, Mr. M Solomon, and Mr. E. Solomon. The officiatIng minsters were Mr. Freed, Aberavon, and Mr. Rutter, Cardiff. Fur- ther services will be held next week, in oormection with heLay of Atonement.

DEATH OF A SWANSEA FRUITERER. I The death has taken place of Miss Elizabeth Walters, who for many years carried on the business of fruiterer in Castle-street, Swansea. The deceased was a lady of most genial disposition, and will be sadly missed by a wide circle of friends. Miss Walters had been ill for less than a week, trouble with one of her feet de- veloping into blood-poisoning. She underwent an operation at a private nursing home, but never rallied from the shock and died on Wednesday. She leaves five brothers and five sisters. Miss Walters came from an old Lalosamlet family, and it was forty years ago sinoe she commenced business with the late Mr. Eastman in Castle-street. She succeeded to this business, and later on opened another by the Old Cameron Hotel, and later still in College-street, over which premises she lived. The funeral will take place at Llausamlet on Friday.

STREET FATALITY, -0. MAN KILLED BY ELECTRIC CAR AT SWANSEA. The circumstances attending the shocks ing death of Mr. James Row lee, tohaceov nist and hairdresser, of Castle-street, who was run over aDd killed by a tram oar in Oxford-street on Wednesday, were in.. quired into by the Swansea Borough Coroner (Mr. J. C. Morris) on Thursday, afternoon. Mr. W. A. Thomas appeared, for the deceased's relatives, and Chief Inspector Maimone was present on behalf of the Swansea Improvements and Tram- ways Co.. Isaac James Rowles, 2, Cromwell- street, a private, in the A.S.C. (M.T.), said the deceased was a relative of his, and resided with witness at 2, Cromwell- street. His age was 39. He last saw de- ccuvied alive -on Wednesday morning, when he had a conversation with hinc and others about business. They after- wards made arrangements to go to the Mumbles in the afternoon. Decease d was quite rational, but he was never of a cheerful disposition- Deceased and wit. ness left the house together, and they ha< a conversation with Mr. Jack Lewis. Deceased was a bachelor, and had no worries, either domestic or financially. He was perfectly solvent. On Wednesday morning deceased took witness up a cup of tea, and he then complained of feeling giddy. He had spent some years abroad, and witness suggested that it was a touch of ague. Deceased made very little fuss when anything was the matter with him. Property in Africa. The Coroner: Had he any transactions in Africa? Witness: Yes, but that was between himself aud his solicitor and his bank manager. That would not be of a nature to worry him ? I should think not. He had property there worth about £ 800.. By Mr. W. A. Thomas: Deceased had spent 12 years in Africa, and had con- tracted malaria, and he was subject to fits and giddiness. David Roberts, 21, Rose-hill, a hair- dresser, who bad been in the employ of deceased since October, said deceased was of a quiet disposition, but appeared to bt all right regarding his manner. He was a good, sensible business man. On Mon- day when deceased came to the shop he was later than usual, and on Tuesday he complained of not feeling well. On Wed nesday deceased came to the shop between eleven and half-past, and was shaved by one of the assistants. He still complained of feeling unwell, and witness advised him to go to the Mumbles. Deceased made no reply to the suggestion. More of a Dive." Charles Habberfield, 33, Waterloo-place, Brynmill, a motor man, wh-o had been employed 21 years by the Swansea Im- provements and Tramways Co., stated that at 12.20 noon on Wednesday he was driving a Port Tennant car from the Empire. All the cars stop at the corner1 of Waterloo-street. He left that stopping- place and proceeded as far as Sevan's furniture shop, a distance of about two lengths of the car. He had been ringing the bell all the time, and the car was going about two miles an hour. There were not many people about at the time,! and there was no hustling on the pave- ment. He did not notice the deceased be- fore the accident happened. When he got to Sevan's shop he saw deceasea come from behind four gentlemen who were talking. It seemed to me," said wit- ness, that he seemed to dart from be- hind these four gentlemen." The Coroner: Did he seem to walk, or run on to the road? Witness: Well, it was more of a. diva than anything. He rushed off tie kerb with outstretched hands, and let himself go. Wib>ftss added that he applied both brakes and .stopped the oar within yards. Deceased fell in such a way as not, to release the life gsuard,-one of his hands going UDderjMath. He was lying between the block which held the guard and the axle of the two front wheels. His head was outside the track. By Mr. Thomas: AtbeT deceased came from behind the four gentlemen one step would bring him on to the rails. Joshua Owoan, 38, Fabian-street, St. Thomas, an undertaker, aa-id thcat on too morning of the accident he saw deceased talking to himself and looking towards tha tram lines. Witness asked deceased if h* was speaking to him, and deceased mur- mured something which was unintelli- gible. He looked ill and staggered, but seemed to revive, and recovered himself. Later witness boarded the ear, and while doing so he saw deceased fall in front of it. He afterwards saw the body, which had passed the cowcatcher aDd got right underneath the car. The head appeared to be in the trackway between the two wheels. The car was pulled up promptly. The driver could not possibly have avoided the accident. In reply to Mr. Thomas, witness said deceased did not slip on the granite setts and fall unoor the car. He dived under it. The Coroner: You don't know whether that dive was in consequence of a faiut, or a slip, or a deliberate dive? Witness: No, I don't. I was speaking to the man that morning at 11 o'clock, and he said he was ill. Appeared Absent-minded." Harry Thcmas, of Lynn-street, Cwm- bwrla, stated that as the car was proceed- ing towards Temple-street, and he was talking to a friend, deceased came from behind them and walked in the way of the, car. He must have seen the car coming, or have heard the bell, but he might have been absorbed in something else and did not notice it. Witness did not agree with the last witness that deceased dived under the car His arms were not outstretched. Private Edward John Jenkins, of Dany- graig, a passenger, said deceased was standing on the kerb, and facing the shops, and s-uddenly h eturned sideways and walked off the kerb into the car. He had the appearance of a person who was absent minded. The Coroner said that it was clear from the evidence that the driver was not to blame, and the o-n-ly question they had to decide was whether it was a case it sufcide or accident. There did not seem to him to be much evidence of suicide, but there seemed to be a great deal of evidence of accidental death. The jury returned a verdict of -Aeri- dental, Death," and expressed svmpathy with deceased's relatives. They attachoil no blame to anyone. Chief Inspector Maimone. on behalf of tlu Tramway Company, expressed sym, pathy with deceased's relatives. Private Rowles said he wished to sym-* pathise with the driver. In reply to Mr. Harry Thomas, Chief Inspector Maimone said the company had jacks distributed over different parts of the town, and each, conductor and driver was in possession of a card stating whera they were kept. The jury expressed the opinion that a jack should be carried on each car and Chief Inspector Maimone said he would cmmunicate with the company on the sub- ject.

LICENCE TRANSFERS. Several license transfers w-ere brought before the justices at Swansea on Thurs- day. The following temporary transfers were, made permanent t-- Jersey Arms, Bonyma-en; "Whyndhanv Hotel, College-street; Plough Inn, Yorwo. riston;'Rutland Arms, Rutland-street; and Three Compasses, Pentrev A further temporary transfer was. granted in the case of the Mill House, Morriston. and the cinema license of the, Shaftesbury Hall was transferred froeo, M.r. Wm. Coutte to Mf M. A. ThomasJ J