Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

PREPARING TO STRIKE .1 Ainsterdani, U'hursday.-T'he Tele- graaf" learns from Belgium that the German military activity as regards troop movements has somewhat de- creased. It appears that the requisite transfer of troops has now been com- pleted, and further men will not be wi1 bdrawn from other fronts. So far as the layman can judge, says "The Journal," the Germans in the West have now a good force at their disposal, but their reserves are weak. With a view to throwing in reserves quickly at the critical moments, the Germans are care- fully keeping their lines of communica- tion intact. The transport of ammuni- tion continues. Depots are being regu- larly filled with supplies from Germany. The general feeling in Belgium is that a great offensive will he deferred for days, perhaps for weeks, as the Germans are not yet ready for general action. The German officers display a spirit of enthu- siasm, but with the men it is quite different.

CERMANS CLAIM RIDCE The German official communique of Thursday claims the recapture of the ridge of Hantmannsweilerkopf, recently won by the French, together with 30 officers and 1,330 men.

I EGYPT AÑO INDIA Rome, Wednesday.—InforirPation from neutral sources, says the Rome 'Tribune,' states that a Turco-German expedition from Constantinople to Egypt has al- ready been initiated, and vanguard actions have occurred. The operations are being directed from Constantinople, where the supreme command of the first army against Egypt is installed. Numerous German and Turkish Staff officers are working day and night. Con- siderable war material is being .sent daily towards Asia Minor, including German heavy artillery, with engineers and ar- tillerymen recently arrived from Ger- many and Austria. Optimistic news about the successful work of the Turkish emissaries sent to Arabia, Persia, and Africa to preach in- surrections against the enemies of Turkey is being purposely spread with the objt of keeping up public spirits. But it is an open secret that the fate of many of these emissaries is unknown. Those, sent to the Sudan and Egypt have been ar- rested- So far only small contingents of Gor- man troops have been sent to Syria, but nearly all tho officers and non-com- missioned ofifcers commanding Turkish troops are (Germans. India Next. Peking, Wednesday.—I learn on the highest authority that Germans are strenuously attempting to send arms to- wards India, using Shanghai as a base of operations. —Exchange. [Germany is undoubtedly spreading rumours of movements of troops in all parts of the world with the intention of creating uneasiness in the ranks of the Allies, and also with the object cf hiding her real intention. Up to the prnt rumour credits the Germans with having huge forces moving in Flanders, Russia, towards Egypt. Persia, and India, in addition to the Balkans. It is most improbable that they have even a part of the forces necessary for the purposes claimed.]

STRANGE STORY FROM MALTA Rome. Thursday.—A message from Malta to the Messagero announces that two submarines of the Allies have captured an Austrian submarine.—Exchange Special.

POWDER FACTORY WRECKED Rotterdam, Wednesday.—According to a message from Enechede, on the Dutch- German frontier, the powder factory and ammunition magar.ine at Munster, in Westphalia, exploded last evening. A great part of the town was destroyed, and there is considerable delay in the train service. Amsterdam, Wednesday.—Arrivals from Osnabruck at Oldenzaal state that there were three explosions in the munitions factory near Munster. They occfirred between 8 and 11 o'clock last night in a factory situated between Munster and Telgte. Of 600 women employed there 300 are reported to have been killed. Noth- ing is known regarding the cause of the explosion.— Reuter.

TURKISH OFFICIAL NEWS I Amsterdam, Thursday.—An official tele- gram from Constantinople says:—On the entire Northern front our troops are ap- proaching the barl>ed wire fortifications of the enemy trenches- On the Dardanelles front, near Seddul Bahr, there have been temporary artil- lery and bombing encounters. Our artil- lery on the Anatolian coast of the Straits successfully bombarded Mortoliman and the landing places at Tekke Burun. Near Mortoliman we sank two small boats, and near Tekke a small ammunition veasel.. In one sector clear of the enemy we found provisions of all kinds sufficient for an entire army corps for a long time. One million sandbags, some thousand tents, 500 blankets, <100 stretchers, one mortar, near Aghindero, and many mortar bombs hidden in the ground. On the Irak front, near Kut El Amara. our artillery sank two enemy monitors and caused an explosion on a third.

DERBY FICURES In the House of Commons on Wednes- day, Mr. Chaplin asked the Prime Minister if Ite- would be in a position to give the House any further information respecting the, recruiting returns before the House adjourned for Christmas. Mr. Asquith said the matter was under consideration at a Cabinet meeting that day, but they were not able to complete their deliberations, and he did not think he could hold out any hope that he would b3 able to make a statement to the House before the adjournment. Mr. Hodge (chairman of the Labour party) asked if it would not be possible to give the aggregate figures, because of the moral influence they would have among our allies, as well as in the minds of the enpin v- Mr. Asquith replied that the suggestion was tempting, but he feared that if the aggregate figures wore given without the details it might be said that they were misleading. Sir H. Dalzlel asked if the Prime Minister contemplated being able to give any information to the House or to the public before Parliament re-assembled. Mr. Aequith: I think it ought to be given In this House first. (Cheers). Captain Amery asked if the d-ecarioe of the Government on Lord Derby's scheme would be announced to the House in the first two or tlitve dayf, when business was resumed. Mr. Aequith replied that be did not wish to commit himself to a day—com- mitments were always dangerous—but, if possible, a decision would be given within that time.

LlEUJ. C- J- C. WILSON There was an interesting ceremony at the Tenby Hotel, Swansea, on Wednesday evening, when Company Commandant and Adjutant C. J. C. Wilson (the Deputy County Coroner, and member of the firm of Messrs. Beor and Wilson, the well- known Swansea solicitors), was presented by his fellow oiffcers of the Swan&ea Bat- talion of the V.T.C. with a sword in re- cognition of his appointment as lieuten- aut in the King's Shropshire Light In- fantry. Major Bertie Perkins, the Officer Commanding the battalion, presided, and was well supported by the other officer6. Col. Wright. in a letter of apology for absence, paid a warm tribute to Mr. Wilson for the services he had rendered, from a purely patriotic spirit, to the battalion. It was well that the V.T.C., he observed, should supply oiffcers for the Reserve, and he wished Mr. Wilson a glorious career in the sphere he had chosen. In acknowledgment, Lieut- Wilson said he preferred to regard the gift as an act of good comradeship rather than an ac-knowledgment of what he had done for tfhe V.T.C. Be had not been able to join the Regular Forces until now, and the fact, of his having received a commission was due largely to his training in the V.T.C. For his training he had to thank the Battalion Commandant.

I AN ALL NICHT SITTING Tuesday night s sitting of the House of Commons lasted nearly 15 hours. The Jlouee did not rise till 5.30 Wednesday morning There were several demands for a count, but the needed quorum of 40 was found when the Chairman accepted the challenge. The Supplementary Army Vote was under discussion. Mr. Llewelyn Williams declared that the Prime Minister's pledge to married men ought not to have been given. It had brought about a change in favour of conscription. Towards 4 o'clock, when only about 20 members were present, a Nationalist member was called to order for saorzng. Sir Arthur Markham, who was speaking at the time, asked if tihe Irish member wae snoring at him. Sir Arthur said that Mr. Stanton had informed some of them that he told his constituents at the recent election that if the voluntary system failed he would vote for conscription. They elected him on that clear issue. Half an hour later another member soared. Qtfjgts 6Wt t.

FOOTBALL JSENSATION The F.S.A. inquiry into the match be- tween Liverpool and Manchester United, the Commissioner found it proved that sums of money changed hands by betting on the match, and that players forfeited thereby. Being satisfied that the allega- tions had been proved, the Commissioner permanently suspended the following players: J. Sheldon, R R Pursall, T. Miller, T. Fairfoul, A. Turnbull, A. Whalley, E. J. West (Manchester United), and L. Cook (Chester) from taking part in football cr football management, and they are not, to be allowed to enter any football ground in future. F. Howard (Manchester City) is suspended for 12 months, under the registration of players for the unsatisfactory way in wtich he gave evidence before the Commission.

I GOWERTON LAD KILLED. The parents of Private Trevor Lloyd. 16th Kineg Royal Rifles, have received a letter from Lieut. Lawrence F r a n c is that their son Trevor was killed in the trenches by a gren- ade. He died like a soldier fighting for his country," adds the officer. Private Lloyd volunteered for service in September. 1914, and prior to that had been a very active member with the St. John's Church Lad5' Brigade. He was employed at Messrs. Baldwin's steelworks, and was very popular among the young men. He was a staunch Rechi- bite. Great sympathy is felt for his parents and relatives.

I NEW COUNTY CORONER. I Glamorgan County Council on Thursday I appointed Mr. !is M. Thomas, solici- tor, Port Talbot, coroner for the Western District. He secured 47 votes, and Mr. L1ewlyn. Bridgend, 21 vote?. .ld. Hopin 'Morgan, Neath, was ap- 1poi" ?cbwm- QBDBESI

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE CHARtE I WOMANS REMARKABLE EVIDENCE. Richard King, seaman, was charged at Swansea on Thursday with attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a razor, at Swansea, on Monday, October 11th. Mr. Henry Thompson was for the defence. Mrs. Martha Chancy said she was the wife of James William Chaney, and had resided with Mrs. Richards, at 41, Delhi- street. St. Thomas. Three years ago she lived with her hu&band in apartments in the house of defendant's mother at Mil- ford Haven. An intimacy arose between her and defendant, and her husband left her. She then lived with defendant as man and wife at Cardiff for about twelve months. Later she rejoined her husband for a little while. About October 23rd last year her husband was appointed on a mine sweeper and since then had been home only occasionally. Defendant came to her house in September and asked her to live with him again. She refused, and defendant struck her several times. Mr. Hy. Thompson intimated the line of his defence at Quarter Sesions. Alter some cross-examination, witness broke into tears, and Mr. Thompson reserved further cross-examination. Mrs. Lucy Richards. 41, Delhi-street, St. Thomas, told of the quarrel in her house between defendant and Mrs. Chaney. and how she had ordered de- fendant out. On October 11th defendant came to the house and asked for Mrs. Chaney. She told him she had gone away. Defendant tried to force his way in, witness called for help, and her father came and pushed defendant into the street. J'redk. George Davies. engine fitter, De lhi-street, father of last witno. said he heard a call for help, found defendant struggling witil hi*, daughter in the pas- sage, and put him out. He followed the defendant, and all at oncc- miw something glitter in his hand. and put it across his neck. Oh. my God" said he. "the man has cut his throat I" Defendant, ran towards a wall, and witness, going to him, found he had cut his throat. Som" neigh- bours fe^died the police, and defendant was taken to the hospital. Dr. Louden, Swansea Hospital, said de- fendant was brought to the hospital suffering from a deep cut in the throat, extending from the angle of the jaw on the right side nearly to the other :ide. i Defendant was kept in the hospital for a week. Detective Barry saw defendant at the jj Swansea institution, after havi::? been discharged from the h.?pih<i- When j !?)Id he would no taken into custody on a j charge of attempted suicide, defendant re-i plied, "All right." When charged, de- j fendant said I don't know about attempt- j ing; I don't know ?hat I wa^ do: ng: I wa. under the inuu?ncc of drink." The blood-stained razor, now produced by tlicl ofifcer, had been found in defendant's rooms. Thomas Beit. Gelly-strcet, Swansea, a ship's cook, said he saw defendant, on the South Dock bridge about 5 p.m. on the: evening of 1.11C offence. He was then very drunk. Defence wa.c; reserved, and defendant was cdhimitted to take his trial at the! Quarter Sessions, bail being allowed, cle-j fendant hinvself is £ 50, and another in £ 30.

I HEED FOR THRIFT I I A number of leading bankers and financiers have is-suc^ a manifesto on the nation's financial position in face of the task of meeting the cost, of the war. After reviewing various aspects of the case, the manifesto sa i-s The task of finding the greater pan of the immense sums of munev needed by the Allies is the special duty of the British people, for they in particular pos- sess the necessary financial resources. Their manufacturing power has not been reduced by invasion, their ci tie. have not been destroyed; their ports have not been I shut off from thj; rest of the world: and their income has not heen diminished by the absence of tourist and by other eir- cumstanccs. Indeed, the inc-ume o.f the British people has been maintained at a very high level. Their exports, though not as great as before the war. are greater than they were ab recently as JiKW. The work that the British people are called upon to jjerform is to provide out of all their financial resources a sum of nearly £ 1,600,000,000 in the current fiscal year, and over £ 1,800,000,000 in the next fiscal year. In the current, calendar year (1915) the British people will spend about £ 1.300.000,000 upon war and government, and nexl year (1016) will need to spend about £] ,,¡}()ü.O()O in place ot a sum of about £ 200,000,000 a year before the war. No one can realise the vastne§s of the task before tlje natjon without becoming keenly conscious that it dcmands the strenuous co-operation of every man and woman, J'outh and maiden in the country; that the nation's energies must be completely concenerated upon the production of really essential things; and that the production of all non- essentials must be wholly stopped. Moreover, not only must the naiion avoid the consumption of all non-essen- tials, but must even restrict the con- sumption of essentials to the limits of efficiency. Individuals possessing securities mar- ketable abroad must sell them in order to pay for goods and munitions purchased abroad for which no other means of pay- ment can be provided. The credit of the nation and of in- dividuals must be employed in order to pay for goods and munitions purchased abroad for which payment cannot be made in goods, services, or securities. Only by all classes, employers and em- ployed alike, adding to, and most care- fully husbanding, income, by selling foreign securities and by creating foreign credits will it be possible to provide the vast sum needed by the nation and the nation's Allies. The work of mobilising the whole of the nation's financial resources must now be undertaken with oourage and with vigour. With everyone anxious to do his bit," the great task of financing the war can and will be accomplished, and ultimate victory assured.

CONCILIATION BOARD I A fcpecially-convened meting of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Coal Conciliation Board was held on Thursday at the Engineers' Institute, Cardiff, for the purpose of making arrangements for the appointment of an independent chair- man to preside over the proceedings wh/n matters cannot be amicably settled tween the representatives of the cl)gt- owners and the representatives of the workmen. This step had been rendered necessary by the resignation of Lord St. Aldwyn, who had occupied the position for a num- ber of years. Mr. F. L. Davis presided on the em- ployers' side, and Mr. Winstone on the owners' side.

1- VETERAN POLICE OFFICER I The death occurred at a quarter past eight o'clock on Wednesday evening of Supt. Piercy, of the Swansea Borough Police Force. The deceased was a highly respected member of the force with which he bad been connected for a period of 30 years. He was a bachelor, and re- sided with his niece and nephew at Ma nor-road, )Aanselion. He bad been suffering for a long time from asthffta, and passed awaj ia his cfrair. v

I THE CHRISTMAS BEER SWANSEA BENCH REFUSE TO CRANT EXTtnSIOif OF HUURS At Swansea Police Court on Thursday, Mr. N ewcombe, on behalf of the licensed j victuallers of Swansea, applied for per- ( mission to continue business on Christ' nitis Eve from 9 p.m. to 10.30 pjn., and on Boxing night from 9 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. He pointed out that on previous veara such applications had been granted. The magistrates were in the act of die- cussing the matter, when Mr. JSewoomba said: Of course, your worships, I have some- thing further to say on this application." The Chairman to Head Constable) i (' Captain Thomas, have'you anything to eav ? Head Constable: Yes; I don't approve of the application. Mr..Newcombe (to the magistrates): I should like to address a few remarks before you come to a decision. The Chairman: Under these c-onditions the Bench cannot grant the application. Mr. Newcombe: Without hearing what I have to say? What I have to say is that on suc h occasions as Christmas Eve and Boxing Day there are a great many coming 1,) Swansea from surrounding dis- tricts. They stay till late at night; the Market is open till 11 pan.; shops keep ope-n very late. People are coming in from districts where there are no re- strictions, and jbuch persons expect to have reasonable refreshment; and if the licensed houses are not permitted to carry on business it must be u serious inconve- nience. Mr. Newcombe further pointed out that I people in this neighbourhood had been very orderly since, the begiuning of the. i war. and the licensed victuallers had cc-n- 1 ducted their business in a way which had commended itself to the police and tho military authorities. They had done all thy could to comply not only with the orders, but vrith the wishes of the police and the military authorities. He did not think there was any ground of complaint. In Neath and in Caer- philly orders for extension hud been grc.ntcd. The Control Board had made orders relaxing their rules at this time, not only on Christmas Eve. but for the most'part of this week. He therefore suggested it waf' proper that the application should he granted, if not for both evenings, at ]past for Christ- mas Eve. It they thought proper, he would call oTi" Mr. Rogers, the president of the Licensed Victuallers' Association. The Chairman: After what the Head Constable h: said we refuse to grant it. Mr. E. G. Protheroe (one of the magis- trates) remarked he ia-zis not in agreement with the decision. a —-

PERMISSION TO SPEND A deputation j'rom the Glamorgan Joint Toor Law Esiabiishment Committee waited on Wednesday upon the Local Government Board with a view to getting permission to spend a sum of money on "he Drumma Estate Mansion House, near Neath, for the reception 01 a num- ber of feeble-minded patients, thorefora relieving other Poor Law institutions, particularly in Swansea. The deputation was received ly Mr. Hayes Fisher, MJP. (Parliamentary Secretary to the Board), and Mr. A. Simmons iAssistant Secre- tary). and was introduced by the Right Hon. Sir Alfred Mond, Bart.. M.P., Mr. T. J. Williams. M.P.. and Mr. C. B. Stanton, M.P. Others who attended were Mr. John Pro well, Merthyr. chairman of the com- mittee; Mr. William Owen, member on the Board for Swansea; Mr. Frank Thomas. Pontypridd; and Mr. W. Spic- kett, Pontypridd (secretary). Mr. Hugh Edwards. M.P., assisted in procuring the interview with the department. It appears that the Local Government Board has already issued an order sanc- tioning tiie purchase of the property, and Sir Alfred Mond, M.P. tor the deputa- tion) explained that the committee re- quired permission to spend a little over £ 2,000 in completing it, and so be able to accommodate 60 or 70 feeble-minded patients, thereby relieving other Poor Law institutions in tlw district who had been asked to house a nun] her of wounded soldiers. The committee were even agree- able to allow the military authorities to have possession of the Mansion House for that purple. Mr. Prowell and Mr. Wm. Owen also spoke, and pointed out that the Mansion House was already run at a loss, as the committee had to pay interest on the loan already affected. Mr. H a v,s to he very syn^ithetic to the wishes of the depu- tation, and promised to fay the matter before Mr. IV-alier Long (the President) and communicate with them again.

RACLAN WORKS ACQUIRED The Bagian Engineering Oo., Ltd., who*# works i,4 situated at BasiaJi, Britonierry, and employ between 40 and 50 men, have ju-t been «c<iui;td through Mr. Eccles by the Bi itonferrv St-eel C\)., Ltd. The new oonipany. it is understood, will take over the works early in the -New Year. It was buiif. gome 20 years. airo, and has a lartPO business in steel and tin-wcrk casting and engineering work. It will no doubt prove a big boon to the Steel Company, who will now be able to get all their casting direct from the new works. The chairman of directors of the Bogian Engineering Go. is Dr. W. B. Harry, the manager Mr. D. Mor- gan, and secretary Mr. E. O. Daniel, whose services will be retained by the new com- pany. It -IS only six months aw that Mr. Ecelee bought and took over the Albion Steel Works, Britonferry, end this is now working full time.

COFFIN ON FIRE A remarkable incident is reported to have taken place during a small fire which occurred in a cottage in Llangy- felach-street, Swansea, on Wednesday afternoon. There happened to be a coffin containing a corpse in the room whera < the tire occurred, ana the coffin caught ifre. The body was at once removed from the coffin and carried into the passage whilst the flame* were being e*. tinguifched.

MINERS' zgl 8,000 COT The King inspected in the grounds af Buckingham Palace on Thursday moraiirp twenty-five motor ambulances, one-half of a convoy of fifty presented to the British Red Cross Society. Half have been given by the coalowners of Lancashire and Cheshire, and the twenty-five now in- spected by his Majesty were provided by the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners* Federation at a cost of about 918.0%. The King was most, pleased with the complete- ness of the ambulances and their suit- ability for foreign service, and spoke in warm terms of the generosity and kindli- ness which had prompted the miners of Lancashire and CheeJiise ta provide them. Among those present were the Earl of Derby.

DYNAMITE'S SUDQEI1 EXPlDSIOI Amsterdam. Thursday.—An official tele* gram from Constantinople, dated 21st, states that at an explosives depot at Haskoef a quantity of dynamite, which, had been rendered melees by becoming wet, soddenly exploded, killing five sol- diers and t en civilians and wounding & number of other civilians. Following the explosion, a Lixe-bpokooa jrhicikdeisLro;^

LATEST WAR NEWS: -0 THE KAISER'S THROAT TROUBLE WESTERN TOUR ABANDONED. FRENCH ARMY PROGRESS PARIS, Thursday. The following fommunique was issued this afternoon: The night was comparatively calm on the whole of the front. South of Arras, in the region of Bean- rain, our artillery continued its destruc- tive fire on the enemy's works. In Champagne there was grenade fight- ing to the south of Navarin farm and in the. sector of Hill 193. In the osges the situation at the Hart- mannsweilerkopf remained unchanged on &ur left. where the enemy delivered counter-attacks, while on our right we continued to progress in the course of yesterday.

SPECIALISTS SUMMONED I Amsterdam, Wednesday.—An official telegram from Berlin states that the Lmperor has postponed his journey to the Western theatre of war owing to a slight inflammation of the cellular tissue (zellgewebentzuendung), which confines him to his room.—Press Association War Special. Amsterdam, Wednesday.—A telegram from Berlin states that the Kaiser is un- well, and has returned from the Russian front on the advice of his doctors. The Kaiser is forced to remain indoors. He is suffering from a had cold. and has given up his journey to the Western front which had been planned to take place at Christmas. The Kaiser's throat specialists have been called in consultation. He is said to be greatly fatigued by his strenu- ous. travelling during the war, and has to take special precautious. The Crown Prince is expected on a short visit to his Father during the holidays.—Exchange. A Manchester speualisf. asked to en- cieavour to throw some light on the nature of the Kaiser's illness, said the particulars were too vague, as the cellular tissues extend all over the body. Inflammation of the cellular dssues is what is usually referred to by medical men as cellulitis. Such a condition arises ,when a person is suffering from local blood poisoning. A poisoned wound on tll(. hand call the hand causes the hand to swell and produce a condition of cellulitis. or, as it is the custom in this country to describe it, blood poisoning. A similar condition WftV I*4 set up by a bad tooth. The whole thing simply means a local inflammation of the tissue directly be- IIPath the skin. What is probable is that the Kaiser has had some form of local blood poison- ing, which has caused pain and possibly stiffness. The usual treatment is perfect rest and fomentations of some antiseptic material. If necessary the inflamed part is incised and the. inflammatory matter allowed to exude. It generally takes from a week to ten days to reduce the inflamma- tion."

FRENCH ADVANCE I Paris, Wednesday.—Thfe Bueeees,of the French troops at the Hartmannsweilerkopf is considered here as not only a brilliant but a most useful and effective operation. For months the situation has been most difficult, the French and German troops being separated by a few yards only. The summit of the hill has been taken and lost several times by both French and Ger- mans, and the result has been that tor the past three months the losses have been very heavy. The French attack- was well prepared by fceavy artillery. The preparation was en- tiffaly successful, and the Germane were Mpnked and driven from the summit of the hill to some distance down the other side.—Exchange. Tie following dispatch has been re- ceived from the British Headquarters in France, dated Wednesday. During the last 2i hours there has been artillery activity on many portions of the front, principally at Fricourt, on both sidas of th4" La Bassee Canal, and at Yprea Our artillery hm replied effectively. Friconft is east of Albei t. Paris, Wednesday, 11 p.m.—To-night's official communique says: y. 'In Belgium the artillery showed activity in the region of Het Sas and Boeaiaghe. To tile south of Arras some successful ehotg ground Beauvrainas enabled as to explode a mine, which seriously damaged an enemy trench near the Lille road.. I& Lmut of D&uoourt, in the regkm -,I Roye. a strong German patrol nas caught under our fire and fled, abandoning several wounded. On the heights of the Meuse, in the sector of Boi6 Bouchet, our batteries violently bombarded the hostile trenches and caused an explosion of a munitions depot. In the Vosges, at Hartmannsweilerkoff, following upon a series of local engage- ments, the enemy regained a footing in portions of the trenches we captured yes- terday, and which were held by our ad- vance posts. The number of German prisoners taken a,t. this place exceeds 1,300. Amsterdam Wednesday. To-day's official telegram from the German Main ¡ Headquarters says:— Western Theatre.—During the afternoon the French attacked our positions on the Hartmannsweilerkopf and on the Hirx- stein, north of the Wattweiler, with con- siderable forces. They succeeded in capturing a ridge of the Hartmannsweilerkopf, which, accord- ing to official French reports, was alleged to have been in French possession since the end of April, and also a small piece of trench on the Hilsenfirst. A portion of the lost position on the Hartriiannsweilerkopf was re-captured this forenoon. A French attack near Metaeral collapsed before our position. On the remainder of the front, in unclear weather and driving snow, there was little battle activity.

40. EXPLOSIOILIN HOLLAND Amsterdam, Thursday. It is an- nounced that a fire occurred in a section of Oldenzaal Artillery Depot, causing shell explosions for several hours. In tho town windows were shattered and build- ings slightly damaged. No lives were lost. [Oldenzaal is a Dutch town near t.he eastern frontier, and therefore not far from Prussia.]

AMERICA'S LAST WORD SPOKEN New York, Thursday.—Commenting on the text of the second Note to Austria- Hungary, the morning newspapers to-day are unanimous in declaring that the American Government has spoken the last word to Austria, and upon the latter's compliance with the American demands and disavowal of the Ancona. incident now rests the maintenance of friendly rela- tion&-Reuter.

CEHEBALS LATEST DEATH I Amsterdam, Wednesday.—According to a Berlin telegram, General von Emmich, the victor of Liege, died this morning at Hanover.-Routsr. This is the latest of several reports of General Otto von Emmich's death. During -the siege of Liege he was reported to have died, and later to have committed suicide. Still later it was stated that he was fatally wounded. Von Emmich fought in the war of 1870 and won distinction at Metz and Grave- J, Jotte.

I WAR SUMMARY SATURDAY. Giocps 2, 3, 4, and 5 under the Derby scheme will be called up on and after January 20th. The enemy is stated to have begun a new general offensive on the Riga-Dvinsk front. It is stated that a new American Note to Austria practically amounts to an ultimatum. MONDAY. The Press Bureau announce that. the troops have been transferred from Suvla and Anzac, with guns and stores, to another sphere 6t operations. Germany admits that the small cruiser Bremen and a torpedo boat have been sunk by a submarine in the Baltic. In his farewell message to the troops, Sir John French alludes to the undomitable spirit of the troops, and expaxwses his good wishes for the glorious future he feels to bo assured. It is reported that the Germans nave in- voked the aid of the Turks in Macedonia, to the disquietude of the Greeks, who are alarmed at the prospect of Ottoman troops crossing the frontier, although an undertaken to withdraw after the Allies have been defeated will probably be made. The German naval authorities claim that a portion of their fleet searched the North Sea and failed to sight British naval forces. TUESDAY The Premier, moving the Vote for an additional million men for the Army, said the fundamental fact was that in the long run matters were steadily growing on our side. According to an Exchange message, Rus- sian transports have appeared off Varna, on the Bulgarian coast, the town being shelled by accompanying warships. Mr. Lloyd George in a speech on muni- tion supplies warned the nation of the spectre of too late." The German superiority in the production of shells was being gradually overtaken, and the shortage in machine guns was being made np. But more skilled men were urgently needed. De Wet and 118 prisoners convicted of high trea.son in South Africa have been released. De Wet hopes Dutch and British will live together in peace and amity. Mr. James O'Grady, M.P., estimates the number of recruits under the Derby Scheme as two and a-half millions. During nine weeks 270,000 direct enlist- ments were made. Not one gun was lost during the with- drawal of troops from the Anzac region of Gallipoli. WEDNESDAY. From enemy sources come rumours of a hew Turkish offensive led by German officers. r The British losses since the return of General Townsend's force to Kut-el- Amara is 1,127. The French official report records the capture of 1.200 prisoners east ot Hart- manns-Weilerkopf. Positions lost by the Italians in the Plexxo Basin were promptly recovered by a surprise attack. The members of the 3rd Welsh Field Ambulance R.A.M.C. (a Swansea bat- talion) have been praised by the King for their courageous conduct. The German offensive on the lliga-Dvinsk front has completely failed, and the enemy has retired after burying some guns and abandoning materials. The fall of the Bulgarian seaport town of Varna is unofficially reported after being bombarded by a Russian squad- ron. Troops were also landed by our Ally. Bomb fighting is reported on tho British front in France, the enemy losing heavily. It is unofficially stated that a heavy cannonade continues in Flanders, where much German activity is noted. THURSDAY. The French have maintained their Hart- mannsweilerkopf success, resisting counter-attacks on the left and iiialiing, further progress on the right. South of Arras the destructive fire against enemy positions was continued. Our total casualties in the Dardanells up to December 11 are 112,921, in addi- tion to which 96,683 men have been admitted to hospital sick. Latest reports show that 1,300 prisoners were taken by the French in the Hart- man nsweilerkopf success. The German official report admits the loss of a ridge. Huge German forces have already been alleged to be moving towards Egypt, the Western front, Russia, and India. The latest news is that a big force is advancing on Salonika.

A BAD BELGIAN Jean Bergs, a Belgian refugee, was charged at Swansea on Thursday, with failing to give the Registration Officer the date of his change of residence and his intended place of residence, contrary to the rules of the Aliens* Restriction Act. Detective Francis said that defendant hal left Pentremalwed-road, Morrieton, and when spoken to he only laughed. The officer produced a bludgeon made of thick rope with a stone hammer on the end, which he said defendant was in the habit of carrying about with him. The Chief Constable asked that an order might be made for defendant's deporta- tion. lie is evidently a very bad lot," said the oiffcer. Defendant was sent to prison for three months, and the chairman said the magis- trates would recommend to the Govern- ment that at the expiration of that period defendant should be sent back to his own ooiwtrj. A

MILLION CIGARETTES SENT OUT I SWANSEA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S NEW SCHEME Tinder the auspices of the Swansea I Chamber of Commerce a meeting was held at the Exchange Buildings on Thurs- day afternoon for the purpo&e of forming a committee to receive subscriptions for the H(l Cross Hospitals in Swansea and to arrange for the distribution of fruit and vegetables. Mr. Paul Cocks presided, supported by Mr. Stanley Cook, Mr. C. Cleeves, Mr. Arthur Andrews, and others. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting was to discuss the position of the Exchange Fund, which was originally formed for the purpose of sending cigar- ettes to tho troops at the front. It had been suggested that the objects of that fund should bo extended to include fruit and vegetables for the Red Cross Hos- pitals of the district. Mr. A. Andrews referred to the need that was felt some time ago for fruit and vegetables at the Red Cross Hospitals. The matter was taken up by Mr. Cook, who suggested that a small committee should be appointed to work up a fund and keep it going for the benefit of the hospitals. The fund need not be confined to the docks, but could he extended to the town. They wanted to have one comprehensive scheme, which would in- elude articles other than cigarettes, and it was a question of utilising the existing machinery for the extension of the fund. Mr. Stanley Cook said he understood there were one or two cigarette funds run- ning at the present time. and their object was to relieve some of the gentlemen at the docks of their work. By appointing a committee they would be able to see that the hospitals had their supply of fruit and vegetables regularly. Under present conditions it was intermittent. Mr. C. Cleeves spoke of the advisability of the hospitals having a committee to which they could inako known their re- quirements. They Hi ad only to make their wants known and they would be supplied, The Chairman was averse to the original cigarette fund being merged into another fund. During the last H months they bad collected £ 333. They had £4 198, 8d. in hand after having sent one million cigarettes to the front. He re- marked that on 'Change they collected Æ5 or = £ (> every week for soldiers at the front. Mr. Stanley Cook said it was not his intention that the fruit, and vegetable fund should interfere with the cigarette fund. 11 On the motion of Mr. C. Cleeves, a committee was appointed, consisting of i Messrs. Stanley Cook, Paul Cocks, R. C. Wilkie, R. C. M. Ingram, and F. A. Rees, with power to add to their number, i I to be called the Swansea District Hos- pitals Provision Committee. The com- u mittee will receive donations and regu- late the supply of fruit and vogeta-bleh. to the hospitals. Mr. Cook was elected j; secretary and treasurer. 1 It was stated that tlif, numi-wr patients at. the hospitals was as follows:— ■ Pare Wern 61, Y.M..C.A. 30, Danycoed 61, Mumbles 16.

I' lr l I-t RCHED NORTH SEA," Many people were puzzled by the Ger- man official statement that a squadron of their fleet had come out. and sa rdwd the North Sea for enemies during the last week." and everyone was curious to know why the German Staff j hought it worth while issuing this story. The message was so phrased as to convey the idea, that the squadron had issued from behind Heligoland, searched the North Sea and the Skagerack, and that dnring the entire period the English fighting forces were nowhere to be seen. j Now, however incredible the German Naval reports have been, they are rarely without a little nucleus of truth. The truth in this case, was (the Manchester Guardian London correspondent learns), in responsible quarters, that a German squadron was active in the Baltic, and probably came round as far as the Skagerack, whence a view of the North Sea can be obtained. Their cruise cost them the cruiser Bremen and a torpedo- boat, and there is good reason for believ- ing a further considerable loss of power, although the ship attacked and damaged managed to limp to port. If we were to believe that a German squadron reached the North Sea and not the Baltic some explanation would be re- quired-indee.d, the boast was given away by their report that M steamers were in- spected and one steamer loaded with con- traband was seized. To whom did the 50 innocent steamers belong? They could hardly be English or neutral steamers bound for England, for the gallant squad- ron would have made short work of the first, and would have brought the neutrals into German ports if it did not treat them as German submarines have often treated neutrals. The English Admiralty do not irsue reports about the doings of their submarines in the Bailtic. and it usually fakes some days before the Russian Ad- miralty are able to give full naval reports.

ABSENT- MUNITION MEN MR. VICTOR MORGAN APPEARS FOR TWO LOCAL WOiiKERS A sitting of the Swansea Munitions j Court was held on Thursday. Mr. J. Vaughan Edwards (chairman) presided, and the assessors were Mr. F. R. Neville, Llanelly (employers), and Mr. Nicholas, Pembroke (workmen). A firm having a large controlled estab- lishment complained that two of their men absented t.hemwlves from the night shift on December 10th. The wor ks overseer of the department said both maiv were engaged on a process called pickling, and worked together. By absenting themselves they upset the work of ] 5 or 16 other men. The Chairman: Did it cause a 6erious disorganisation ? Witness: Yes. Mr. Victor Morgan, of the Coworkers' Union, who appeared for the men, said as far as the offence of these two men was concerned, there was nothing to do hut to plead guilty. There was a stand- ing rule at the works that if a man ab- sented himself from work for two days, and two days only, he was not called upon for an explanation. There was also a con- ciliation board, regulating wages and con- ditions at the works. These "picklers" had one of the worst jobt; in the works. being exposed to water and acids, and they suffered from rheumatism and colds. Replying to Mr. Morgan, the overseer said there had been an improvement in the timekeeping of this department of late. Mr. Morgan said he thought the machinery which existed in the. works for settling these matters should be brought into force before appealing to that tribunal. The Chairman But the rule you men- tion might result in restricting output. Do you think it advisable to make that applicable in war time? I Mr. Morgan: I don't, think it would be. We are endeavouring to get every man to I attend work as much as possible. Con- tinuing, he aJIe?ed that at. one period on Wednesday men were Kitting down in this department becau&e of the slackness of work. The over denied the truth of this. and explained that one of the turbines broke down, which stopped the works for four hours. Jenkins said there wa? an arrangement with the foreman that when work was slack the men could take time off them- selves. The foreman, called, said there was no suc h arrangement. When thing. were slack the men might get time off after consulting him. One of the men said he was ill that day, Rn(I as there was not much work to do he thought he Taight as well stay away. After the usual retirement, the Chair- man said the Court had unanimously Found tllle men guilry of the dfenc-e, and they would he fined il inctTieive, to be deducted from their wages at the rate of }s. a week. He hoped this case would act is a warning to other "munition workers.

I n WONDERFUL CANADIAN CROPS The Alherta Department, of Agriculture1 ill September estimated the average yield of wheat at. 18 bushels; "hat." say" a correspondent, "it will likely turn out to be more nearly 25 bushels. The threshing returns are astonishing. I will give you one incident told says. by a prominent, official in Chicago of one of the large agricultural implement, manu- facturing companies, who had just re- turned tiom a Western Canadian trip. He told me of one farmer who expected to be able to ship 7,000 bushels of wheat. He was at this man's farm when the man had half finished 'his threshing, and lie had already shipped 7,000 bushels. This man positively assured me that he knew of yields as high as 70 bushels, and eaid that; yields of 50, 55 and 60 bushels were quite numerous. Another man from Regina has just told me of a. remarkable experience. lie is now farming down on the Soo Line. A neighbour farmer was badly hailed in July and the insurance adjuster awarded him full compensation. Last week this crop threshed out 47 buslfcels per acre. It is a fine thing," lie adds, that the heaviest crops are in the areas which in 1911 suffered loss through drought. The settlers out there this year have what amounts to a 'double crop. Owing to the splendid crops the feeling in business circles is now very much better." The Three Hills district of Saskatchewan points to a record of 63 2-3 bushels of Marquis wheat to the acre, off a field threshed last month. The crop was grown on the farm of Mr. L. Carpenter. The yield was shown by actual weight, and the field mcaeirt-e d to ensure an accurate esti- mate. This is said to be the largest crop to the acre for that part of tiie country. The wonderful nature of these crops, wri tee OUT agricultural expert, may bo gathered from the fact that the average yield in Great Britain (tho highest aver- age in the world) is about 30 bushels. The Canadian average—though steadily rising every year-is somewhere about 18 or 19 bushels to the acre. That of Ger- many is under 11 bushels.