Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

ABERAVON PROPERTY SALE. I At the Walnut Iree Hotel, Aberavon, on Monday night, Messrs. T. Elwood Deere and Co. conducted a sale of lease- hold property situated at Aberavon and Port Talbot. No. 14. Cambrian-place, Port Talbot, held on lease for 99 years from 1911 at £2 per annum, and let at a rental of 9s. a week.—Withdraws at £ 2tt(). It was announced that the other lot, No. 59, Victoria-road, Aberavon. held on lease for H9 years from 1911 at. S2 10s. a y ar. and let at a weekly rental of lis. (irl., was disposal of privately. Messrs. Deer and Deer, Port Talbot, were Uie solicitors for the vendors. j

DBSBARTH Y CLO CARREC ADHODDIAO SWYBDOGOl O'R CYFARF09 MISOL Cvnaliwyd v cyfarfod uohod yn y Dockers' Hall, Abertawe, dydd Sadwrn, Rhagfyr ISfed, 1915, o dan lywyddiaeth ddeheuig Mr. William Walters, atal- bwyswr, International, ac is-lywyddiaeth Mr. William Hughes, Cross Hands. Cafwyd cynrychiolaeth gref o'r glofeydd i'r cyfarfod, ac awd yrnluon a gwaith y dydd'yn y drefn ganlynol:— Pcnderfyniadau. 1. Derbyn adroddiad ein parchus oruch- wyliwr ar y trefniadau ynglyn a mater "pump y cant"; gwyliau Nadolig, yn eu perthvnas a gweithwyr y prydnawn, a'r nos yn arbenia Hefyd cafwyd adroddiad gauddo ar y cytundeb wnawd yn y Swyddfa Gartrefol a'r International. Wedi i'r cyfarfod glywed y cytundeb, pasiwyd ein bod yn derbyn y cytundeb, ac yn cymeradwryo ein s"wyddogion yn y dosbarth a'r aelodau o'r Cyngor Gwein- yddol yn eu hymdrechion, ac am eu llwyddiant yn y mater pwysig hwn. 2. Derbyn adroddiad ein is-oruchwvliwr ar bendcrfyniad y Cyngor Gweinyddol o berthvnas i hawlio blaendal ar weithwyr o Belgium. Cvnwys pa un na chaniateir codi blaendal aruynt, ac nad ydynt i gael caniatad i weithio odditan y ddaear, oddieithr eu bod yn abl deall a siarad Saesneg. Hefyd ein bod yn llawenhau fel cyfarfcd am benderfyniad y Cyngor Gweinyddol yn gwrthwynebu caniatal cyflogi y fr rhyw deg" o amgylch y glofeydd. Hefyd ein bod yn annog i bob gweithiwr ym mliob glofa i fynu gweled bod pob "decimal points" yn eu "pay ticket" yn cael eu cyfrif yn y dvfodol, er sicrhau iddyct swm eu hen ill ion yn gywir. 3. Dosbarth.-Bod y cyfarfod hwn yn cadarrihau penderfyniad y cyfarfod i.iisol blacnorol, sef ein bod yn disgwvl y bydd i'r oil o'r atalbwyswyr sydd yn v dos- I r sy(ld* vii y clos- barth gael en cyfrif yn starred men, a'u bod yn awdurdodi ein goriichwylwyr i vmweled a'r pwyllgorau sydd mewn awdnrdod c" sicrhau liyn. Os metliir llwyddo trwy wneud hyn, ein bod yn danfon y mater ymlaen i yegrifenydd cyffredinal yr Undeb :(r amcan o lwyddo yn y cais. 4. Pwllbach.—Ein bod yn annog swydd- ogion y dosbarth i osod a'clios o'r lofa hon yn y llys, er hawlio y symiau ddyledus i'r gweithwyr. 5.-Gilwen.-{a) Ein bod yn cymer- adwyo gwasanaeth goruchwylwyr y peir- ianwyr i weithwyr y lofa hon, er ceisio cytuno achos y tanwyr yn v lofa; (b) bod achos iawn-dal o'r lofa hon i'w gyflwyno i gyfreithiwr y dosbarth, er cymeryd y cwrs priodol tuag ato. G. Pantyffynor.—Gohiriwyd cais y lofa hon am fis ymhellach. • 7. Hendreladifi.—Ein bod yn cydsynio a' chais y gweithwyr yn y lofa hon i dalu v person au fydd yn gorfod colli dau (tdivrrnod am breseDoli eu hunain yn y live. 8. Caerbryn.—Bod y cyfarfod hwn o'r farn bod y lampm?n sydd yn gorfod gweithio yn H shift" y prytbiawn neu'r nos yn teilyngu ac yn hawlio y bonus turn." 9. I)ulais.-Ein bod yn vmddiriod mater y glo tan o'r lofa hon i ofal ein goruc-h- wyliwr. 10. Dosharth.—Bwl y?rii&nydd y doa? barth i ddanfon cylch-lythyr i'r glofeydd hvnny nac sydd wodi cydymffurfio i gyf-I ranu yn gyfartal i swllt yr aelod yr un: tuag at y milwyr a'r morwyr a'r milwyr deillion, etc. David Morgan.

PRIVY COONCIUORS- DECISION I Considered judgment was given in the case of Sir E. Speyer and Sir E. Cassel, in which the question was raised as to their Privy Councillorship. The Ijord Chief Justice staled the, case of the relator had failed, and the rules bo disrbarged, without costs n= regarded Sir E. Speyer, and with costs ab regarded Sir E. CasseL

I ANZAG WITHDRAWAL I TURKS UNAWARE OF THE BRITISH feiyVEMENT The following announcement was made by the War Olace on Monday:— Some further details of the evacuation of Aazac and Suvla have been received. Without the Turks being aware of tho movement, "a great army has been with- drawn from one of the areas occupied on the Gallipoli Peninsula, although in closest contact with the enemy. By this contraction of front operations at other points of, the line will be more effectively carried out. Sir Charles Monro gives great credit for this skilfully-conducted transfer of forces to the generals commanding and the Royal Navy. STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. Rising at the end of question time in the House of Commons on Monday, Mr. Asquith said:— I think it would he interesting to the Hoiiee to know that all the troops at Suvia Bay and Anzac, together with their guns and stores, have been successfully transferred, with insignificant casualties, to another sphere of operations, in pur- suance of the decision come to some time ago by the Cabinet. (Cheers.) The operation which has been so suc- cessfully carried out reflects the utmost credit upon the generals on the 6pot, the admiral, and the staff and all ranks of the Navy and Army. I may have occasion to refer to the matter to-morrow. I FRENCH DESCRIBE OUR WITH- DRAWAL. Paris, Monday, 11 p.m.—To-night's offi- cial communique etiys:- The day of the 19th our artillery sup- ported an attack conducted with success by the British troops against the Turkish trenches on the western extremity of the Gallipoli Peninsula. In conformity with the concerted plans of the Allies' Headquarters Staffs the British commander decided to bring to another theatre.of operations the portions of troops who had landed at Suyla and occupied the northern portion of the Peninsula of Gallipoli, a position the value of which was found to be diminished by reason of the developments of the operations in the East. The embarking of the troops with their material was carried out under the best conditions without being disturbed by the Turks. NOT ONE GUN LOST. It should be said that the statement that there were few casualties is literally tfrue, and in fa-ce of the dangers it was a brilliant feat. it involved the shipping of many guns, and not even a machine- gun was lost. Hie Government are anxious fhat the storv should be told in detail, and ar- iraii,f-?nients are being made for this. I I Dardanelles Losses. The last official return of our casual- ( ties at the Dardanelles was issued on the I 2nd inst. It gave the total up to Nov. 9 I I -,I 106,610. The details were: Dead. Wounded. Miesiug. Officers 1,504 2,860 356 Other ranks 21,531 70,118 10,211 23,005 73,008 10,567 Full total. 106,610 On November 15 Mr. Tennant stated in the Commons that from May to October our hick in Gallipoli numbered a bout 90,000. Of thœe, he said, they might ex- pect 80 per cent. to return to the lighting itne.

MAGISTRATE SETTLE DISPUTE I At Ammanforcl Volico Court on Monday application was made by Evan Bevan and Evan Morgan, trustees of Thomas Hughes, deceased, for the ejectment of Mrs. Sarah Hughes from the Cwmffaldau holding, Dyffryn-road, Aulmaiiford. Mr. T. M. Evans represented plaintiffs and Mr. Ify. Noyes the respondent. The question iuvoh-ed was of the nature of the tenancy, which Mr. Evans sub- mitted was a tenancy at will, the re- spondent having gone to Cwmifaldau to attend to her mother-in-law, who was ailing and alone. The terms were that in lieu of that attendance she was to receive any benefit that could be derived from the farm. The mother-in-law died in Novem- ber last year, and in March the trustees, through their solicitor, served a six months' notice to quit upon the respon- dent. However, she would not give up possession. The defence was that the tenancy was from year to year, necessitating a twelve months' notice, to expire in September. The Chairman (Aid. W. N. Jones) ex- pressed a desire to confer in private with' the parties. Later ho anounced that the dispute had been settled amicably. Re- spondent undertook to go out in Septem- ber next, and the trustees were agreeable to let her remain till then.

u < SCHOOL CIEAKER'S FAILURE. I Attiibuting her failure to a family dis- pute, Joyce Davies. school cleaner, of Or- chard Cottage, Trebanos, Pontardawe, ap- peared before Registrar Mr. H. P. Charles, at Neat/i Bankruptcy Court, on Tuesday. Her unsecured liabilities amounted to JB202 12s., asset', 5s., leaving a deficiency of £ 202 7s. Dobtor said her present, earnings as cleaner at Trebanos Council School was 146 a year In 1889 her mother and Jate brother built a freehold house, and in 1910 'her brother, Morgan Ijavipg, Gydach, com- menced 30.1 action against her for the re- covery of the property as heir-at-law. The case came before the late Judge Bishop, and she won the action, but at the appeal be- fore Judge; Lloyd Jiorgan she loi-t. Debtor said she defended the action, but had not paid -any costs of the proceedings. The dis- puted house was now the Trelnanos Police Station. The examination was adjourned.

BRYHAMMAH'S LOST HALL. I The history of Brynamman was marled on Monday evening by one of the most enthusiastic meetings ever hold within its confines. The public had been called to- gether to consider matters respecting lie destruction of the Public Hall 31 d Library by fire. The meeting was held at the Upper Council Schools, which prov,d quite inadequate to c.mpe with the gr°at assembly which came together. Mr. Phillip H. Cowling, whose residence burnt down by the fire, and a trustee of the institution, was elected to the chair, and dealt with the circumstances in feel- ing terms. Mr. W. J. Walters (C.M ), secretary of the Hall and Library, assisted the proceedings. The Chairman explained the object of the gathering, which was to all a most appealing one. (Cheers.) He put for dis- cussion to the meeting whether they were prepared to re-erect the Hall and Library, which were now in ruins. Mr Jenkin Jones (headmaster) proposed that the Hall and Library should be re- constructed at once. Steps had already been taken to provide temporary premises for the Library at Gibe-a Chapel.. and even now 80 volumes were on the shelves. Ald. W. Williams seconded, and hoped Brynamman would go in for the re-erec- tion of the institution as one hand. The proposition was carried unani- mously. ¡ It was agreed that the present commit- tee, along with the trustees, should re- main in office until the work of re-con- struction be completed. The be-st means of raising funds were considered, and Mr. G. Vaughan, C.C., suggested deductions at various works offices. Mr. J. Ellis pro- posed that a subscription list be opened. This was done on the spot, and a sum of L150 18s. was there and then su Described, as well as books to the value of S22 18s. Messrs. Richards Bros. are giving a benefit night for the cause; and Gibea Eis- teddfod Committee had decided to give ¡ the proceeds of their coming eisteddfod towards getting books. Councillor J. P. Thomas remarked that there was absolutely no heed to assist the present committee. He was prepared to do all in .his power to get the Hall and Library back even for the sake of his children. The Hall and Library had been insured for tl,500, and with £ 200 mortgage there was a probability of tl.,260 being obtained for a nucleus of the fund. Mr. John Walters explained that the deeds de- manded,a hall and library be built on the old site, and therefore the offer of the New Cinema Company to negotiate with a view to taking over their building could not be entertained. A vote of thanks with the chairman and a vote of sympathy were passed.

MINER LEADER'S DEATH I The death of Mr. Albert Stanley, M.P., l t.ook place at Northampton on Friday afternoon. He had been M.P. for West". ¡ Staffs since 1907, and r as one of the ablesf j and most popular of miners' leaders. He became agent of Cannock Chase Midland Miners' Federation nearly 30 years ago, and rendered the highest wrviee during critical periods. ) Born in )M3. Mf. Stanley was succes- sively pH boy. boy preacher, minors' f?fnt. local p)fnch?'. Miners' F?doration secretary, and m?mbar of Parhan?-.?ut?

1 MINING MATTERS HAN if MEN IDLE THROUGHOUT THE WEST WALES COALFIELD (By Our Mining Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of delegates repre- senting the Anthracite Miners' District of the South Wales Miners' Federation was held on Saturday at the Dockers' Hall, Swansea, when there were present 52 delegates rep resenting 15,000 ininers- Mr. W. Waiters, International Colliery, occupied the chiur, and Mr. W. Hughes, Cross Hands, the vice-chair; and the fol- lowiiig, officials were present: Mr. J. D. Morgan and Mr. J. J. James (agents); Mr. D. Morgan, secretary; and Mr. J. D. Mor- gan. Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, treasurer. Mr. J. D. Morgan; agent, in the course of his monthly report, dealt with the arrangements which had been made for the sittings of the Court of inquiry ordered by the Government into tho claim of the workmen of the district for the restoration of their 'tost five per cent. The details of those arrangements have been already given in theso columns. Ho also entered at some length into the steps taken to soe that the 5-6th wage shall be properly paid to those who are entitled to it, the day-wage men especially. Upon tho question of the Christmas holidays, fixod for Saturday and Monday, Mr. Mor- gan explained that men working after- noon and night shifts were to be allowed to lose Friday afternoon or night, and to lose Monday afternoon or night in such a manner as to give all sections of the work- men two clear days' holidays. The ques- tion of the employment of foreigners at Abercrave was reported to have been satis- factorily settled; and the settlement had been endorsed by the workmen at a mass meeting on Friday night. Confirming the action of the Central I Council at Cardiff, the delegates passed a resolution of protest against the employ- ment of women in any capacity in or about the collieries. In reference to a matter which Mr. J. J. Jameø has taken up with great vigour, viz., the counting of the decimal points in adding up the miners' wages, regarding which great complaints are made by the men at some collieries, it was decided to II approach the management at such col- lieries forthwith, in the hope that the difficulty can be overcome without trouble. Inasmuch as colliers are starred under the Derby scheme, and efforts are being made by some people to keep the check- weighers oufside that category, it was re- solved to ask the district agents to wait upon the various tribunals to get the checkweighers starred. It was pointed out that coalowners are doing all they can to "keep the essential men of their staff at work. and, as the checkweighers were quite as essential to the workmen as any clerks are to the coal-owners, the present action was necessary. Legal steps to obtain the proper wage due for through coal at Pwllbach Colliery were adhered to be taken, in the absence of a settlement. Owing to the death of a brother of the secretary of the Poiityft'ynon Lodge (Mr. J. Harries) the notice of motion from that lodge upon the question of a protest against the Chancellor's taxation of work- men's wages, the matter was postponed for a month.

FOREIGNERS IN THE PITS. Messrs. James Winstone and Alfred Onions attended- a largely attended meet- ing at Abercrave School on Friday night to present the agreement arranged at the Home Office on the previous Friday in re- gard to the employment of aliens at the Abercrave and International Collieries. The matter has been under consideration for a couple of years. Mr. J. D. Morgan, J.P., miners' agent, Ystradgynlais, pre- sided. Others present were Messrs. Wm. Walters (checkweigher), John S. Morgan, T. E. Ijewis, etc. Mr. Onions explained that the deputa- tion to the llome Office consisted of Messrs..1. D. Morgan, William Walters, John S. Morgan, James Winstone, and = -JIrl, himself, for the workmen;, whilst Mr. Morgan V. Morgan and Mr. D. J. Davies (manager) represented the employers. They were received by Mr. W<ni. Brace, j M.P., and Mr. Walker, deputy chief in- spector of mines. Mr. Onions explained that the decision arrived at was as follows:— "Ultimately it was agreed by Messrs. Morgan and Davies, on behalf of the owners, that no more alien workmen should be employed at either the Interna- tional or the Abercrave Collieries; that any alien working at the International and Abercrave Collieries who is unable to acderstand the English language should he employed with a workman from his own country who can understand the lan- guage, so that he may interpret to him the rules and any orders which may lie given to him by the officials of the col- liery; and in case an alien should be em- ployed on any work where a fellow- countryman of his own. would not be in attendance to interpret, the rules and the instructiones of the officials, that an interpreter must be engaged by the com- pany for this purpose. Mr. Brace stated that an instruction will be given to the Divisional Mines Inspector to arrange that the latter instruction shall be eatis- faetorily carried out." Mr. Brace signed the document ae a witness. Mr. Onions expressed the hope that the agreement would be satisfactory to the people of Abercrave. It was the best ar- rangement that could be obtained, and the employers' representatives were most reluctant to sign the document. Qne or two men in the meeting did not believe the document went far enough. They contended that the aliens had been long enough in the district, and should now be stent away. Mr. Onions said the question they had considered at the Home Office was on the point of safety. It was alleged that the aliens received preferential treatment at the collieries, inasmuch as when a fall occurred the aliens were sent to work in normal places, whilst the Welsh colliers had to clear the falls after the aliens. Mr. Onions and Mr. Winstone said that was a matter for the district meeting to consider. After further consideration the agree- ment was approved of unanimously. Mr. Winstone then delivered a short address dealing upon matters in the coal- field.

ASSESSOR APPOINTED. In the King's Bench Division on Tues- day, before Mr Justice Scrutton, mention was made of the case of Jones v. the Con- solidated Anthracite Collieries, Ltd., and Lord Dynevor, which was before the Court on the 2nd of this month. The case, regarded as a test on some legal points, concerned the question of sub- sidence resulting, it was alleged, from the working of the collieries. The sub- sidence, it was stated, had damaged two houses owned by Walter Jones, of Coro- nation-road, Amman Valley. The Court held that Lord Dynevor was liable, dis- missed the .Colliery Co. from the case, and mad e an order for the appointment of a surveyor to assess damages. Mr. Pearce, counsel for plaintiff, now informed the Court that the parties had' agreed to the appointment of Mr. G. E. Haliday, of Cardiff, and the Judge agreed to insert his name in the order previously made.

MR. JOHN WILLIAMS, M.P. The hon. member for the Gower Divfg sion, Mr. John Williams, who has foi eeveral days past been indisposed, and conlined to his room at Sketty, is some* what better, and was able to attend to a few matters in connection with the ooaJ trade at Swansea on Tuesday.

I I As a warmth giving food, Allil160n I Bread is more than ever important in the Winter months. Supremely nourishing, perfectly d^pptible, and health promoting. See the band on every .loaf. Allinson Breii8 baMd_ by The Avan Vale HygfenicBakery Co., j$ l Abergwynfi. g

NAYAL MEN ENTERTAINED TO DINNER. There was a joyous event at the Castle Cafe. Swansea, on Monday evening—one of thoije functions bubbling over with life and enjoyment. When J aek" is ashore, he wants a merry time to make up for his vigil at sea. Forty-five of our naval guardians made right merry on Monday, evening, when they were enter- tained to a dinner and concert. The Rev. Percy Moss Westcn presided, and he was 6iipported by the Rev. and Hon. W. Talbot Rice (Vicar of Swansea) and Mrs. Hice. His Worship the Mayor (Aid. T. Merrells) and the Mayoress, Mrs. Leigh Jones, Mrs. P. M. Weston, Mr. J. D. Williams (editor of the "Cambria Daily Leader"), Mr. and Mrs. Dorrell. The toaot of The King" having been honoured, the Vicar was called on to propose the toast of The Skippers and Their Men." He said it was difficult to express whati seme of them thought and felt about i what they owed to the Navy. They recognised, as they slept comfortably sit home, that it was due to the Navy. Not single German flag was on the sea the world over; if he were a German, he thought he would feel most sick at that! lie wished the men success and pros- perity. It had been said that the greatest! eecular blessing the world ever knew was i the British Empire. That was something! to feel gratified and thankful about. A.B. Seaman Thurgo responded, ex- pressing the gratitude of tho men to Rev. I P. M. Weston and the Vicar. Victory, he held, was just as eure as that daylight folla'w? dark. (Applause.) Their arms would not be laid down until the Ger- mans gave in* and begged for peace, which they all hoped for. (-kp'ol?lau-e.) Mr. Dorrell, introduced as a gentleman who had done a great deal for the Army, especially in regard to Lord Derby's scheme, and whose wife had also done excellent work, proposed thanks to the Ladies' Committee and staff. A concert was held later. Introducing 1 the Mayor, Rev. P. M. Wenton said he. ww certain Mr. MerTens would do credit! to the town that had chosen him as its Chief Magistrate. The Mayor fenred the public in general j did not fully appreciate the work which [ thr British Navy had done right fron. the commencement of the war. That was due to the fact that H had not been i done in the limelight. I he work could j not be chronicled in the Press as the gallant work done by the Army had been But he felt sure that. when the history of the war comes to be written, the Navy would have a full share of appreciation. He always had an admiration for the Navy, probably because he came of a sailor stock; he had now a son .in the Navy, and two in the Army. (Applause.) They did realise that had it not been for the Navy, thi4 country would have suf- fered in the same way as Belgium and Serbia. They also realised that the British Navy was playing a great part, and that victory would be won by them. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed to an excellent entertainment: Miss Kate Kolinsky (elocutionist), Mrs. Goodman, Neath (elocutionist), Misses Cole, May Price, and Mrs Morgan, Red Cross Duree (sopranos), Miss Lillian Ed- wards (contralto), Mr. E. S. Evans (tenor), Rev. P. M. Weston (baritone), and Mr. Joe Dennis (bass), who was accompanied on the piano by Mr. W. D. Charles. Miss Lillian Stratton not only acted as accompanist, but also introduced the concert with a beautiful pianoforte solo. Late in the evening, Commander and Mrs. Brown entered the room, and were greeted with hearty cheers.

206th YEAR OF THE SUNFIRE OFFICE TfJe Oldest Insurance Office in the World. cis Coittad r, Poke* <UU4 L7?fc Insurances Effected en the Following Risks:— FIRE DAMAGE. liesuitant Loss or Rent and Profits, EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY", PERSONAL ACCIDENT, SICKNESS AND DISEASE. FIDELITY GUARANTEE, BURGLARY, PLATE GLASS. Swansea Office: — VICTORIA CHAMBERS, TOM A. DAViLS. ili-trict Inspector. 7 and 8, OXFORD STREfT."

I APPEALS TO THE TRIBUNALS I WHAT THE RECRUITS MUST DO TO BE PUT iN LATER GROUPS The forms are now ready on which a man in the four groups called up-ofiiá- ally under to-day's date—may apply to be put in a later group for reasons of His work, or His home ties. December 30th is the last day on which they can be received, so far as thpeo four groul)6 of single men are concerned. The procedure to be followed by a man who thinks he ha^ good reasons for being put in a later group is this:— 1. He must make a personal application for a claim form at the office of the Local Tribunal. (The office is at the Town Hall of the borough in which he lives). The form contains eleven questions, in four sections. Those he must carefully answer. They are:— 1. Name 1. Address Occupation (if an employed person) Business of profession (if not an employed person) Where attested Number of Group 2. If an employed person, state— Name of employer. Address of employer Business of em])Ioy-er 3. To what group postponement is re- quested. 4. Grounds on which the application is made. (These shoald bo clearly stated), Each form in duplicate. That is, two similar forms must be filled up. When one is returned to rille Local Tribunal, the other will be sent to the recruiting officer of .the district If that officer reports that the reasons ginm by the applicant are in his opinion I sufficient, the man will be put back. ) f not, the man will be asked to appear before the Local Tribunal. There he must state his casfe before the members and the recruiting officer. His employer may also be present. If the decision is against the claimant, lie may appeal to the Central Appeal Tribunal. It should be remembered that no II tribunal has power to put a claimant back more than ten groups. But when'his new group is called up the man may make another claim. An employer who desires to retain an attested man in his occupation must also fill up a form supplied by the Local Tribunal. He has to give pretty well the same particulars as the attested man, but there are two additional questions he must J answer. These are:— Whether the man is willing to remain in the employer's service if the claim is allowed. (The form must contain a definite statement that he is willing. He may signify his willingness by a signed statement in this space or personally tti the committee when the case is heard. If one or other of these is not done the claim cannot be entertained.) Grounds on which the application is made. (Tho grounds must be clearly stated. It should be shown (a) not only that the man is individually in- dispensable, but also (b) that it is in the national interest that the em- ployer's business should be main- tained because it ministers to war re- quirements, to essential domestic needs, or to the export trade; (c) the ¡ employer must also show that he lias given reasonable facilities to other employes, if any, to enlist.) Confidential instructions have been I, issued from headquarters to the local tri- bunals and recruiting officers as to the main grounds on which appeals should be allowed or disallowed. The notices to be posted to the men— the first one on January 4—calling them to the colours will contain full informa- tion as to what they must do. The recruits will go, in the first in- stance to the recruiting stations where they will be posted to different depots for training. As far as possible, the men will be allowed to join the regiments in which they prefer to sorve.

WESTERN DISIRi&T MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Western District of the Miners' Federation was held at the Elysium, Swansea, on Satur- day, Mr. David Lloyd presiding. 'J'here were present about 31 delegates, represent- ing 5,000 members. The Chairman reported that the Clydach Merthyr Colliery had closed down on Friday night owing to depression of trade. This affected about 700 men. Besides this, 16 other collieries were partly affected. Mr. W. E. Morgan (agent) was unable to be present at the meeting owing to illness, and Mr. John Williams, M.P. (chief agent, was absent, being at the meeting of the Council at Cardiff. >

SOUTH WALES EXECITIVE. I A meeting of the Executive Council of the South Wales Miners' Federation was held at Cardiff, on Saturday, Mr. James Winstone presiding. The attendance in- cluded Mr. T. Richards, M.P. (general secretary), Mr. A. Onions (general secre- tary), and the Right Hon. W. Abraham (" Mabon "), M.P.' It was decided that the following mem- bers be appointed to act on the Engine- men's Joint Committee:—Messrs. Vertion Hartshorn, Geo. Edwards, John Williams, M.P., Noah Roys, G. Daggar, and the offi- cials. A resolution was passed appealing to the M.F.G.B. to take steps with a view of increasing the allowances payable to old age pensioners. The Chairman and Mr. Onions reporte8 on the settlement that had been arrived at on the questions of foreigners at Aber- crave. It was decided that the workmen of the Talbot Merthyr Colliery be paid two weeks' out-of-work pay in consequftice of their being idle through the colliery be- ing inundated. It was resolved that a special confer- ence of the coalfield be held on January 24th. A vote of condolence was passed with the wife and family of Mr. Arthur Stan- lev, M.P., hiiners' leader for Cannock Chase, who had acted ns deputy general secretary to the M.F.G.B.

41-I MINERS' HOLIDAYS FIXED. I A meeting of the Coal Conciliation Board of South Wales and Monmouth- shire wal held on Friday at the En- gineers' Institute, Cardiff, Mr. F. L. Davis presiding on the owners' side and Mr. James Winstone on the workmen's side. Mr. Dalziel and Mr. T. Richards, M.P., the respective secretaries, were also present. A communication wa5 read from :01'.1 St. Aldwyn. the independent chairman, resigning that position, which it was understood he had only consented to con- tinue pending settlement of the list agreement. A vote of thanks for his ser- vices was unanimously passed. It was announced that Mr. W. Gas- coyne Dalziel, secretary of the coal- owners' side, had resigned. Mr. Finlay Gibson. who has for many years acted as Mr Dalziel's assistant, has been appointed his successor, the workmen's side cordially agreeing. A vote of thanks to Mr. Dalziel, proposed by the workmen's side, was passed. It was decided that only Saturday and Monday be observed as Christmas holi- days in the collieries.

NO SOUTfl WALES DIRECTOR. Mr. R. W. Kennard (chairman), pre- siding over the annual general meeting of the Blaenavon Company, Ltd., on Friday, at the Cannon-street Hotel, London, said that the directors had passed through a year of considerable anxiety and difficul- ties. The collieries had not come quite up to the expectations of the directors. During the year they had been stopped for want of ships, but one satisfactory item was that the Admiralty had now found out the excellent quality of their coal and had given them largo orders. Mr. Ritchie seconded. Some discussion arose, and two Cardiff shareholders commented adversely on the result of the year's working and the fact that the board had no director residing in South Wales. In the end the report was agreed to.

NEW TIRDONKIN SEAM. At the annual general meeting of the shareholders of Tirdonkin Collieries, Ltd., held on Thursday, on the proposal of -Mr. j W. G. Foy, seconded by Captain Watkins, who both referred to the late Lord Glan- tawe irt most appreciative terms, a vote, of condolence with the family was unani- mously pushed by the shareholders. In moving the adoption of the directors' report and balance-sheet, the Chairman, Mr. Daniell, said Reference has al- ready been made in the directors' report to the very great ioss which has been sus- tained by the cohipany by the death of our late chairman, Lord Glantawe. At our last annual meeting, which took place about this time last year, he occupied the chair, although his health was far from good. It is with great diffidence and still greater regret and sorrow that I am pre- siding here to-day in his place. I had hoped that, notwithstanding advancing years and failing health, he might have been spared to us for a. long time to come, to help us with his advice, cheerfulness, unbounded courage, and tenacity. Notwithstanding the very great diffi- culties which were continually presenting themselves, although frequently disap- pointed, he never really lost heart or oourage, and persevered until incapaci- tated by illness. His death is an irre- parable loss to the company, and he will lv sadly missed for many years to come, not only by the directors, officials, and staff, but also by the employes, who all looked up to him with great respect for his upright character, and with sincere affection which his charm of manner and genial personality inspired. This com- pany's indebtedness to him is very great, and it is sad to think that now that the outlook is brighter and more settled, he should not be with us to participate in our satisfaction and hopefulness. The directors' report which has been submitted to you deals with the trading for the year 1911.a year which witnessed the inauguration of the great and terrible war which is devastating the whole Con- tinent of Europe as well as other parts of the world, and which the brutal aggres- sion and ambition of Germany launched on an unsuspecting world. ?, Business generaUy was grea t1y dis- organised during the first few months which followed the outbreak of hostilities, I and it naturally took some time to get accustomed to the new conditions prevail- ing. The early part of the year how- 'ever, saw a great improvement in the coal and other staple trades of the country, and owing to the great demand for fuel caused by the industrial boom and the requirements of Allied and neutral coun- tries, coal fetched high prices for several months. This company has been able to participate to a certain extent in this im- provement, but not to the full extent of the rise, as in accordance with the custom prevailing in the trade forward contracts for a certain proportion of the output had beer entered into before, the rise took place. On the other hand the cost of labour and the cost of materials have in- creased very considerably since the be- ginning of the war. For instance the higher wages paid to the miners since last- May have increased our pay by £ 200 a week, or about £ 10,000 a year, whilst the, cost of materials generally has risen any- thing fr6m 2.; to 50 per cent., if not more. In the case of pitwood, prices are now A more than double what they were before I the war. "Notwithstanding the outcry in thel country against colliery owners,-ihey have not participated in the rise in prices td anything like the extent imagined by their critics, who have evidently quit a overlooked the important fact that prices of commodities and products are governed by the laws of political economy, the ques- tion of supply and demand, the cost of labour, and the cost of raw materials. In conclusion, I am glad to be abla to inform you that the new seam of coal, which is now being opened up in the areal lying to the west of Tirdonkin Fault, gives an excellent and clean section of gootj steam coal, the thickness being from 5ft. 6in. to 5ft. 9in.

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SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS. The stoppage and threatened stoppage, as well as irregular working of several collierias, especially in the western di&- trict, has aroused considerable interest, aud although the general term slackness of trade" is used in accounting for the strange state of things, the South Wal,a Miners' Council have put it down to dearth of shipping. The Council decided to take steps to brin., Ue matter to the attention of the Government from that point of view, and it is expected that Mr. T. Richards, M.P., will follow up tl)q complaint in Parliament. Meanwhile, Mr. J. Hugh Edwards, M.P., has given notice of a question to the President of the Board of Trade, as to whether, iq view of the fact that several collieries in South Wales are partially closed down on account of slackness of tonnage, he will take immediate stops to remedy a griev- ance which is affecting the interests of hundreds of Welsh colliers? It will be eeen that in this question there is no reference to shipping, and the jm plication that the dislocation of trade is due to absence of tonnage brings the matter well within the purview of the Board of Trade now that the railway systems of the country are under the con; trol of the Government. In this qiie& tion, coal wagons, and not ships diverted t() foreign trade, are evidently intended to be dealt with, and Welsh colliers will certainly be pleased if the Board of Trade can facilitate the release and return to thfl collieries of empty trucks. ————- -————

CLYNE PIT CLOSED. Upon inquiring at the offices of tnlt Civile Valley Colliery Company, oui representative was informed that there was absolutely no prospect of the pit- which was closed a few days ago—being re-opened.