Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

GIVE AND RETAKE. Thursday's French official communique, issued through the War Office, was as follows:— In Champagne our fire of destruction de- molished a German trench for a length of alxmt 100 metres to the south-east of Talrure. On the left bank of the Meuse there was a rather active artillery duel in the region of Avocourt Wood. On the right bank a German attack, launched towards two o'clock in the morning against our position to the l west of Vaux pool was repulsed with bayonets and grenades. The night was relatively calm on the r,st of the front. Aviation.-In the night of May lOth-llth four of our bombarding aeroplanes dropped 26 shells on the railway stations of Damvilier and Etain and on a park near Foameix, where a lire broke out. Paris, Thursday.—The eemi-oiucial re- view of the fighting at Verdun, published last evening, say s:— From the slackening of the enemy's bombardment during Tuesday and the following night it might be supposed that the latest German renewal of the offenisve which began on May 4th was maring its climax as a crisis of such violence does not, as a rule, last more than a week. However, the Germans on Wednesday after noon renewed their effort against Hill oOL which they cer-I tainly hope to take from us at all CO(;s'l After the u"ul artillery preparation they launched against us on HIll 287, which ibnks the north-western position, an attack conducted by forces no less strong than in the preceding operations, the re-i suit was absolutely nil, for the enemy never succeeded in reaching any point I in our line. On the contrary, our counter-attack on the western slopes 01 Mort Homme en- abled us to dislodge some of the enemy from the trenches they had recently occu- pied. With its usual methods the French command thus strengthened the positiou opened up, and by even widening it ren- dered it less vulnerable.

-= GROUPS 42 TO 46. I Proclamations dated May 13 have been issued calling up the laqt groups under the Derby cclieme-49 to 46. The date on which men are required to commence to report is June 13. Another proclamation has been posted calling up men in Group 24 as they attain I the age of 19 years. Mr. Tennant. states that married Terri- torial officers and men now serving at home who have not undertaken the Im- perial Service obligation, and who are of military age. will come under the Compul- ) sion Bill I

CARMARTHEN APPEALS. In support of his appeal before the Car- marthen Rural District Tribunal on Wed- nesday, a Ferrvside contractor said he was the only undertaker in the district. There is not so much undertaking in the district as there used to be," reiii-arke-d Capt. Margrave. "There are not half; the people in the country that there used to be."—Exemption til! October 1st. The tribunal granted total exemption to a St. Clears appt-llenf because he had been certified by the Medical Board as fit to work as a labourer only.—Ca.pt.. Mar- grnve said the employmeent of a mnn on military labour would relieve another an for active service. He. would be. able to dig trenches in case of invasion.—Thv> Chairma.n (Mr. J. Jones^: In that c-a-w every man would be called up.—Rev. J, Herbert: The tribunal would go then. A farm labourer who had been rejected on medical grounds on two previous occa- sions was now passed by the Medical 1 Board as first-class—fit for active ser- vice."—Exemption till August 1st was granted

CYMRIC SURVIVORS. One hundred and seven members of the crew of the torpedoed liner Cymric arrived in Cork on Wednesday from Bantry, en route to Liverpool. Captain Bed well. the commander, said the first intimation be had that the ship was torpedoed was the noise of a. terrific explosion. He ordered the boats to be lowered. This was promptly effected. Thoy stood by the ship some houre until the arriva l of a warship which had answered their call for assistance, and were taken aboard. An attempt was made to tow the liner to Bantry, but she sank some hours later. Four men were killed by the explosion and one drowned. Those in the boats were much exhausted when they were rescued.

ST. THOMAS MANAGER'S DEATH. The death occurred on Thursday morning, of Mr. George Nicholls, who for some years has been manager of the Red House, St. Thomas, for Messrs. Bradford and Richardson. Mr. Nichols had been suffering from double pneumonia. He leaves a widow and two sons

MINERS' WAGES. ] Conciliation Board Meeting. (By our Mining Correspondent). An important mvuiiny of tho Coal Gon- ciliation Huard f<"t South Wales and Mon- mouthshire was held on Thursday at the 1,1<)Iitii,iiire ,va, lit,ifi or, Thiir-edav tiie Davis presided on the owners' side, and. Mr. Ja.me6 Winswme on the workmen's side. Mr. A. Ofiious presented the cast- for the workmen, and Mr. Evan Williams that lor the coaiowners. Others present included Messrs. J. D. Morgan and J. James (agents Anthracite l>i>r net j, Mr. John Williams. M.P. (Western District), and Mr. W. Jenkins (Alid-Glamorgan Dis- trict). It will be remembered tha,' notices had been given on this occasion to demand on behalf of the woikmen an advance of 15 per cent., and on behalf of the owners a reduction of 7.1 per cent, in the wage rate. There is therefore a difference of 22\ per com. in the calculations of what ought to b, paid as a wage rate in the immediate tutnre-al1 unprecedented position itt the annals of the South Walas coal trade. The difficulty arises partly owing to the want of a fixed equivalent to the miDimuni wage. and there seems to be at present no doubt that during the afternoon the dis- cussion will enter a good deal into t1.. relative differences in selling prices, cost of production, There is no likelihood at all that tho two sides can come to terms, and there- fore an independent chairman will have to be called up. There has been no reply from Lord Muir Mackenzi e as to whether he continues to occupy the position of independent chairman in view of the ob- jection raised by the workmen to hi* recent decision— and, it is stated, the dis-. satisfaction of the owners over the Same de,eir,ion. The probability therefore is that another independent chairman will havf- to be looked for, and this wiH necessarily take some time. At the Miners' Federation Conference in London, on Thursday, the discussion concluded on the Military Service Act, and a resolution was agreed to. on a card vote of 583.000 against 135,000, express- ing opposition to the spirit of conscrip- tion, tho Conference being determined to continue to exercise a vigilant scrutiny of any proiwsed extension to the Military Service Act. The Conference also passed unanimously a resolution protesting against boys of eighteen being automatically drafted Into the army. The resolution also objected to the pro- posed alteration of sub-section three of the principal Act from two months to two weeks. The committee were instructed to seek amendinc-nts to the Bill.

LORD WifVSBORNE RESIGNS. The Marquis of Crewe announced in the House of Lords on Wednesday that the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Wimborne, had resigned, in addition to Mr. Birrell ø.ad Sir Matthew Nathan.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. -C"- Iii the House of Commons on Thursday, Dr. Macnamara stated that: 37 unarmed British vesseAs and 22 neutral vessels had i been torjvedoed without wariiiiig since May 7ih. 1915, when the Lusitania was i bulk. Mr. Pike Pease stated that telegraphic communication with Ireland was re- opened on Wednesday, but messages were subject to some necessary delay. Mr. Tennant stated that two battalions of Sherwood Foresters were engaged in the fighting in Ireland. Their casualties were: Officers—killed 6, wounded 15; other 1 ranks—killed 24, wounded HO, missig 9. Mr. Tennant. answering Mr. Byrne, said he had no reason to believe that some hundreds of persons who had no connec- tion with the recent rising in Ireland had been arretted. The course to be taken in reference to the prisoners was receiving careful consideration. Mr. King asked whether, in justice to j other officers who might be suspected in connection with the shooting of Mr. Skef- fington, the House might have the name 1 of the officer who was under arrest. ] s Mr. Herbert Samuel, to whom the ques- tion was addressed, said he was pot! av.&re of Ins name. No doubt it would appear in duo course. Mr. Tennant informed Mr. Ginnell that the number of persons executed, :JU- i j prisoned and departed respectively in !connection with the rebellion were as: follows:—Executed. H; sentenced to I death, but not. executed, 2^ penal eervi-1 o tude, 73; imprisonment with hard labour, 6; deported, 1,706. Lists giving names of; all persons in custody were being pre- pa-red by the General Officer Command- iilb in Ireland for communication to i | relatives. j Mr. Morrell: Does list of those executed (include the name of Mr. Skeffington? Mr. Tennant: -No, sir. Mr. Ginnell: Are those deported still !in the United Kin-doin Mr. Tennant: Ye:. S.lr. Mr. Asquith stated that on Empire Day, May 24th, the Union Jack will be r'owi: in ell public buildings under Government control, and he hoped the example would bt generally followed. On Tuesday the discussion on the air service wouid be taken. Mr/ Asquith said the civilian casual-1 ties in Ireland up to May 9th were «Ap- proximately—killed 180, wounded 614. The Premier hoped to take the report stage a ad the third reading of the Mili- ] tarv Service Bill 011 Monday. I Mr. Ranciman, answering Mr. George Lambert, said he was not in a position to i state the MKIber of race meetings held 1 in Great Britain last year. There was a distinct understanding that racing should | only take place this year at a small number of specified places, including Newmarket, which was always exempt from the restrictions. j Replying to Sir E. Carson, the right bon. gentleman said so far as he knew 'there was no restriction in Ireland. M r. Lambert: Will he take the sense of the House as to the continuance of | these race meetings!' (Hear, hear). Mr. Runciman said he was afraid he j could not au-'wer that question. ]

WHISKY MAKING. The following are the more important of a number of amendments to the Defence of the Realm Act mad e by the Privy Council yesterday — I If, after the authorities have notified their intention to take pc«?session of any movable property, war material, food, forage, etc.. any Ir60n having control of such removes or secrets it without consent he will be guilty of an offence. Any person who has found a bomb or projectile, or any fragment which he be- lieves to have been dropped from enemy aircraft will be guilty of an offeDce if I-ie neglects to inform the military or police, 1 and to deliver up the article when re- quired. j A British subject must not embark at ariy port of the United Kingdom or at- 1 tempt to leave the country as a of the crew of an outward bound neutral ship unless he came here as a member of ithat crew, or has obtained written per- mission. After May 28 no person shall without a permit use or permit to be used any grain, eitiier malted or unmalted. rice, ] sugar, or molasses, or any- other material, in or for the manufacture of whisky or any other alcoholic spirits. Any person acting in contravention of this provision shall be guiJy of an offence, and if saeli person is a company every director, manager and com uany "ba II be guilty of an offence unless he proves that the contravention or failure took place without his knowledge or con- ]6ont. |

-_u_d_ STOKER'S REVOLVER. At Aboravon on Thursday Alfred Jones, I stoker. Forge-road, Veliudre, was charged with being drunk while in the possession :<)I, fil-e-armz;. P.O. Vernon found on the doorstep of his house quarrelling with I hIS daughter. Witness advised him to behave himself, hut Jones went into the house and reappeared with a revolver, ■shouting. « J'11 blow your —- hrains out," Defendant's wife advi^d witness to be careful, as he always kept the re- volver loaded. Latnr witness was in- i formed that defendant had discharged a 1 revolver in the street. Defendant was fined

I RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION I Prominent local tradesmen formed a Swansea Ratepayers' Association at a 1 meeting at the Central Hotel, Swansea, :on Wed nesday evening. They contended j that such an organisation ha.s become an immediate and imperative necessity, and that the apathy of the ratepayers gener- ally was to a great extent responsible for the ever increasing expenditure of the Town Council."

I A CHINAMAN'S DEATH. I An open verdict was returned at the inquest, conducted by the deputy borouoh coroner (Mr. Glynn Morri«), at. Swansea, on Thursday, upon (he body of Hong Lak, a Chinaman, employed as a fireman aboard the s.s- Polyhemus, now at the ■King's Dock, Swansea. Deceased met his death on Wednesdaj-.

j GUARDiANS' FINANCES. IA meeting of the Swansea Guardians Finance Committee was held at the Union offices on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Run- dell presiding. Councillor J. Parker was ejected vice-chairman.

ftfR. SKEFFINGTON, I. h "P,¡' "Ç,- Irish Pacifist Who h: S10t. According to sr. Exeb .?r'f To es-r^pu Company r-?.-c?'.i?itivf, 1I;; )' .TC<r; i;- Skei.:ii\-fCiP.. who. it ■•:as stated in parlia- m?nr )n Y?? dnesday, had been shot with- out )hp kno\d,l' oi the military auth'lriry, '1'1; 1<'k;1 prisoner while p" ing thronxh Stephen's Green. He was e-e crted ;<> the i onobello Barracks, where, it is slated, he was ordered to be shot ■ forth v. ilk. Mv. Sh?f!'<n £ ton's house in Northumber- land-road had been taken possession of by [the Sinn Feiners. and was severely darn- The lower parts of he* winiows bad removed by the rebels, rnd bed mattresses fixed up as harri'-ade- The wills of the hous^ showed. many of machine-gun and rifle fire. Af<f?r hi' f-x?nM<'m M r.- Sh effing ton V> bed'- T:? Juried nt )h? Portobello Bar- racks, but it was disinterred on Monday, and convevc-.l to the Glasnevm Cemetery for reirfcrm'nt. t i tit,- fc-) the ?.!r. Vr. JL Xevia?n, writing to tbe •" Manchester Guardian," quotes th> fol- lowing letter received by him from the widow of m. friend -NTr. Sheeby Skeffing- ton, who has been shot in Dublin My husband was arrested on April 25 when returning homp the second d?y of the rising, traed (charge unknown^ and shot forthwith. He was unarmed and a non-combatant, being well known as an earnest pacifist, but also as an Irish Nation ah' st. I have these facts on the most reliabte source, hut have had yøt no official intima- tion, and have not been allowed even to see my husbin d receive bis message, or take away his bodv for Imrial." Mr. Sbechv SkefEngton was the son of Mr. Sheffingtoii, a learned Inspector of School under tho National Edi: cation Board of Ireland. With a good University education, he was a journalistic writer in Dublin, and nublished a life of thp late Mr. Michael Daviti. With his -wdfe. the daughter of Mr. David Sheehv, who sits as Nationalist member for South Meath, he took an active part in the female suffrage movement in Dublin, and served a term in prison, being released after a hunger strike."

GLASGOW SOCIALISTS. The three G lasgow Socialist6 whose cases under-the Deience of the Realm Act were remitted for trial to the High Court of Justiciary, came beiore the Lord Justice General at Edinburgh on Thurs- day morning James Alaxton and James Dunlop Mac- dougall were alleged to have attempted to impede, delay ard restrict the prod no tion of munitions by advising the worki-rs to down tools. Defendants pleaded gv.>7, and expressed regret through counsel, and were sentenced to twelve months' im- prisonment. Counsel jor defence said Maxtor a teacher, and Maodougall, though oniy had been for some time a member t- the School Board. At the time they s^oke news had arrived of the deportation of five Glasgow iabear lpader, and this fact roused the meeting and led them to say things they would not otherwise have said. Lord Stra-thclvde, in pagsing sentence, said in view of the crisis he could not ade- quately express the gravity of the offence. The flower of British manhood had gene fl^^rfnlly and willregSjf to fidIt the •Sdatry's battles, and defend-aat» a^rised ttoe workers to deprive them of the means h ,o w of winning the war or of defending them- selves from the murderous attacks of a rothless foe. He found it diffiemlt to be. lieve they realised fully the da»sta.rdLineaC and cowardliness of the offence which, if they bad been in the ranks, would ha.114 entailed the extreme penalty. Any repe- tition would brimig a kmg term of penal servitude. kd Smith, a toolmaker, pleaded srniity to a ihr charge. Alleging that he urged fif meeting of munition workers to support by force the strikers in another works, the Lord Advocate said fuat accord- ing to the Crown's information the pris- oner was associated with a well-known London anarchist.. Anarclnst papers found on him advocated an "International Stop-the-W ar Co remittee, which sbcnild the revolutionary principle of com- Tv.uni^m, and prepare the workers to assert in their revolutionary power and purpose. The p't.oer added: "We hold it wrong to trpb old the m-onarc-bv. Honour God or serve the State, the national war engine of the capitaliclass" nn prisoner were formd eoywea nf the Dublin uaper Workers' Rppublic." dated 1st. which referred to Casement as Ireland's Ambassador in Berlin." aiM urged the Irish In stnke a blow at the British Emnire. The paper also referred to the Countess MaT-kiviecz and others prominent in the rebellion. Sentence of eighteen months' imprison- ment was passed.

■ I —— THE GROUND SUBSIDED. In the King's Bench Division on Thursday, before Mr. Justice Scrutton, the action of Jones v. The Consolidated Anthracite Collieries and another came up for judgment upon the referee's find- ings. The case was one in which Mr. Walter Jones, of Corporation-road. G-ar- nnut, claimed dam ages from the colliery company and Lord Dynevor for the sub- sidence of a house. lie purchased tin- land on which the house stood from Lord Dynevor, who was the ground landlord. His lordship had granted to the coxliory company tlie right to work the mincr^ beneath, and as this was done the plain- tiff,& house began to subside. lie claimcV. compensation from both defendauis The action was tried before Mr. Justice Scrutton in November last, and his iord- ship dismissed the colliery company from the action but found in favour of plain- tiff as against Lord Dynevor, and ordered "a reference for the purpose of ascertain- ing the damages Mr. Warner, for the plaintiff, now stated that the reference had been held, and that Mr. Hallirlay. the referee, liad found there was nothing due as arising from defective building, and he awarded <€550 damages for the subsidence, with costs, including the cost of the reference, i t> be paid by Lord Dynevor. Coun&el asked for judgment in accord. anco with this decision. Mr. Clive Lawrence, for the defendant. assented to this. His Lordship entered judgment acrd- 1 ingly, upon the referee's Rnding? with t costs.

I ) Heard's Stands Pre-emmerit FOR FIRST <LASS FRUIT, VEGETABLES, and CONFECTIONERY. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. HEARD'S STORES, 17, Station Road, PORT TALBOT, C7, High Street, ABERAVON, 10, Parade, NEATH, 18, Windsor Road, NEATH.

Picture Palace, pontybsrem. WEEK COMMENCING MAY 15th, 1916. EXCELLENT SHOW of PICTURES. POPULAR PRICES: id.. 6Q., and 9d. Thursday, Doors Open at 6.4..5, to com- mence at 7. Saturday, Dcors Open 6.30, tc commence at (i.45 and 8.45. MATINEE Thursdays at 4 o'clock, Id., and 3d.

ODiON AR BYNGIAU YR WYTHNOS- (Gan "AWSTlN.") Fel y gellid disgwyl, aeth y gadlef allan < furiau hen Gasteil Conwy, dyad Sadwrn, gyda nerth a ddug y genadwri dros fryn a bro ac a ddylanwada ar wleflydd ereill ydynt yn gwylio, o'r ddwy ochr, symud- iadau Prydain yn y rhyfel fawr yn erbyn Ellmyniaeth. I siaradwr Ml Mr. D. Lloyd George, yr oedd, nid yn unig yr amgylch- iadau, ond yr awyrgylch a'r golygfeydd. yn symbyliatl i hyawdledd eoin a datgan- iad di-droi'nol ar bwnc y dydd, ac erbyn iheddyw y mae Germani, ac Awstria, yn deall fed Prydain, nid yn unig yn cyn- orthwyo Ffraine a Rwsi: ac Jtali gyd.L bvriedi arian." end yn 11 uv: gwr i sicrhau buddugoliaeth ar filwriaetli, draliaus a chreul-on y Prwsiaid diegwyddor, oblegid yr oedd llais y wlad yn eeinio'n groew yng ngeiriau Gweinidog y Cad- nwyddau. Eithaf priodol ydoedd gwahodd Mr. W. M. Hughes, Prif Weinidog Awstralia, i sefyll ar lwyfan inor amlwg yn ymyl y man He dechreuodd ei yrfa, a bydd oof am y cyfarfod rhvfedd hwn yn sic-r o liawlio tudaleunau pwysig yn hanes pin gw lad a'n ccnedl am ganrifoedd, gan fod y ddau bregethwr Cvmreig a annerchasant y cwrdd mawr" eisoes wedi cerfio eu hen- wau, me-wn gair a gweithred, ar femrwn cof a chadw bywgrafryddol prif enwogion gwleidyeldol gwledydd cred. Rhywle yn FfrziLine ydyw y llinnell barod ac adnabyddus a ffurfia benawd dernyn o farddoniaeth swynol o waith Crymlyn yn Ty wysydd y Plant/' am fis JIaj, a chan mai cyhoeddiad a chanddo gysylltiadau lleol ydyw'r Tywysydd," ac fod pawb o Abertawe i Gaerdydd, ac oddi- yno yn ol i waelod Sir Gaerfyrddin, yn adnabod Crymlyn," teimlaf fed yn rhaid i mi dorn tros y terfynau, a gosod y deth- oliad calon-dredddiol gerbron fy narllen- wyr:- Yn wvIo dwr heli mae'th fam a dy dad, Am danat fy machgen sy' mhell o dy wlad; Mae pryder yn difa ein cysur a'n hedd, Mae hiraeth yn gorifwys yn drwm ar ein gwedd: O! Arglwydd fy Nnw O! cadw fy machgen anwylaf vn fyw. Yn vmladd yn Rhywle yn Ffraine yr wyt ti Dros lawnder a Rhyddid, gwyn rodelion eon Rhi; u 01 lesu n'ad gam waith Bendithia yn awr Ymdrechion ein milwyr, a'n gwlad—Pryd- ain Fawr! Mor felus y gainc, Pan ddvchwel ein bechgyn o Rywle yn Ffraine! Mae gweddi bob bore, a gweddi bob hwy r, A gweddi yn araal, yr Arglwydd a'i gwyr, Yn capl ei bofFryimi s-pn i a dy fam. Ar Dduw i dy gad\v fy mab yn ddinam! Mor felus y gainc, Pan ddychwel ein bechgyn o Rywl'e yn Ffraine. Pan fyddost yn gwylio ar waelod y ffos 'R'vm ninnau'n dy wylio trwy gydol y nos; Yn gwmni mae gennyt ar adeg mor drist, Dy fam a fine, a'th ffrynd lesu Grist. Mor felus y gainc, Pan ddychwel ein bechgyn o Rywle yn Ffrainc. Nid oes angen dweyd fod darnau ereill, barddonol a rhyddieithol, yn U Xhywys- :rdd" Mai, Qud-gofod a balla—am mai" hon yw fy wythnos at v cofjiotlolioii. I mi, óc Enaid Ijvdaw a Poland hath not perished" vdvw gemau y mis yn y "Welsh Outlook," ond rhydd i bob meddwl ei fani, wrth gwrs, ac i bob barn ei Ibfar. Teimlo'r wyf fod mivy o'r t. Oiitlook" nag o'r W el.h" yn v cy, ho?ddiad, OR na edrycha y golygydd a T- bethau fel Wesley, gynt-" y byd yw fy mhlv/yf." Rhifyn llawn a rhifyn yn llawn amryw- iaeth ydyw Cymru Mai. a maddeued yr awduron a'r darlionydd i nii am eyf- yngu fy nodiadau i ddau zyfan?oddiad (si. ffurfiani bont gysylltol CI'U gilydd ac a I fy adgofion innau. Y^rif ar Caled-! fryn" yw un, a phenillion genhinol a chenedlgarol Tawelfryn," gweinidog y Groeswen, ydy w'r Hall. I ddilyn y diddor- deb, rhaid darllpn y ddau, ond y mae enw Caledfryn yn cysylltu y gorffennol a/r presennol a'r dyfodol i fy meddwl i wrth fmslufiio a dethol, fel hyn; 0 oreuon v cybowldiadau. Yn y Groeswen y gweini- dogaetiiai Caled; ryn; yn y Groeswen y bugeilia Tawelfryn: ym mynwont y Groes- wen y gorwedd nid yn unig Caledfryn, ond enwofjion ereill—ac yn eu plith William Edwards, ad-eiladydd pont fwaog fawr Pontypridd. Mangre gysegredi^ i lawer yw mynwent y Groeswen; ac y mae cohort cynnes yn fy nghalon am ymwel- iadaij tuag ardal dawel r meini cofFa fi chroesaw gwresog Tawelfryn a'r diweddar Mr. T. Thomas, Tynywern, ac ereill. Fedra'i yn fy myw, ys dvwed y Gogle<»d- -yr, beidio eodi adgofion boreu oe« i fyny. pan fyddo dolell gydiol fel hvn yn dod i law, Pan yngrot.rn, cb wedl givyr Cwm Fhondda, byddwn yn fynych iawn yn syllu fn ar englyn o waith Caledfryn o«td wedi ei .(}s.od ar flwoh casglu v-n mhorth y Tabernacl, Pontypridd, i vmbil ar ymwftlydd am » gvnmrth at vr achos Gwyliaf y ddor-gwel fi ddvn-yn ddiau Dros Dduw wyf gardotyn; Dyro aed i dy lor gwyn, Hyn wyf o hyd yn ofyn:" Tr wyf yn meddwl fy mod wedi ei ia.wn k-.irio--os na.d brvchieuvn yn v CTajr cyreh." Flynydrtau wedi hynny, cyflwVn- wyd i mi, gan y diweddar fardd, Dewi Haran. gasgliad o ysfrifau^ eisteddfodol, ac yn eu plith gopi WTelddlOl o gyfansodd- iad "Oalpdtryn" fol buddugwr ar englyn i'w osod ar flwch casglu y Taher- nacl Npwydd," mewn eisteddfod a gyn- haliAvyd ym Mhontypridd yn 1,S61. Nid oes a fyno hyn a Chymru Ifai, 1916, ond fod darlien y darnau a nodais wedi peri i mi roddi'r ffrwyn yn rhydd-ar J'sgwydd fy ngheffyl gwyn. Buaswn yn hoffi ymhelaethu qr 11 Y Gen in en," y tm hwn, ond rhaid somedd, hyd yr wythnoR -npsif, vyd-).'r eithriad ° prteirio at y ffnjth fod orthvgl ynddi « v-aith Mr. J. Williams, Aberta-we, ar Y di'PPdaa.r Bareh. Evan Evans. Dengys Jjlefhiad, llawn swyn, o edmygedd caruaidd oyiaill calon yn cael oi dvmhern gan dr"iddgrarweh beirniadol a grea ddiddordeb tle111tllol yrahlith A nghydffmfwyT gor- (1ra'r Tawe, ac yn enwedig ym mysg Trefny^dio Calfinaidd y dref. rFe welir adroddiad swyddogol Cyfar- fod Doebarth y Glo Carreg ar Tudalen 5.]

U BOAT BASES TAKEN. Rome, Thursday.—It is semi-officially announced that after suitable preparations the Italian troops occupied, on May 5th, from the Sea, Marsa Moresa, on the coast of Cvrenaica, near the Egyptian frontier, and next day, advancing by land, the port ,of,Bardial,,iii, Tlio.e two places have been centres of supply for hostile submarines.

AIR RAID ON SMYRNA. Paris. Thursday.—The Journal re- ports from Athens that a squadron of Allipd aeroplanes from Mytilene ha.s made a raid on the environs of Smyrna.

No.- GERMAN LOSSES. Press Bureau, Wednesday, 1.54 D.m.- The German casualties reported in the official lists during the month of April, 191ti. are as follows: Killed and died of wounds 17.455 Died of sickness 2,935 Prisoneis 1,221 Missing 6,217 Severely wounded 14,556 Wounded 4,001 Slightly wounded 39,679 Wounded, but remaining with units. 5.637 Total 91,162 Lne above casualties, aricien TO RNOSE re- ported in previous months, and including the corrections reported in April, 1916, bring the totals reported in the Germa.n official lists since the beginning the war to- Killed and died of wounds 604,552 Died of sickness 41,325 Prisoners 337 ~gg Missing 197,094 Severely wounded 385 515 Wounded 254,627 Sh?htty wouDded 1,023,212 Wounded, but. remaining with units 117,956 Total 2,822,079 The atoyp tigur-Gs incnicls all German nationalities, Prussians, Bavarians, l Saxons, and Wurtembergers. They do not include naval casualties or casualties of [ COICMAI troops.

BAGDAD DASH. I General Nixon's Account of Expedition. j Much interesting liglit upon the opera-1 tions of General Townshend in Mesopo- tamia during the two months (October and November last) that preceded his withdrawal to Kut, and during the first three weeks of the memorable 143 days' siege at. that place, is provided by a dis- patch from General Sir John Nixon, K.C.B., issued on Wednesday by the War Office as v t-pecial supplement to thb London Gazette." Before dealing with General Towns- hend's advance to. and victory at. Ctesiphon (18 miles from Bagdad), and ii-ithdi-aittal to Kut. G- ^ral Nixon, who was in command in MsS-^otamia 101' nine month*, states that, the enemy forces at Ctesiphon were esti- mated at 13,000 men, with 38 guns. He adds that there were reports of the eaxlv arrival of further Turkish reinforcements, though information on this point was in- I definite and lacked confirmation. The writer pays a sincere tribute to General Townshend, imperturbable under the heaviest tire, and even more cheerful as the outlook grew darker The fine exploit of a brigade that, in three days, marched 80 miles, fought a battle, and did not lose a single prisoner, is also described, as well as a number of: heroic naval adventures 011 the Tigris. After outlining the battle at Stesiphon General Nixon relates: On November 24th wounded and prisoners were evacuated from Ctesiphon to LaJj. During the afternoon of Novem- ber 25th large cokimns were seen ad- vancing down the left bank and also in- land. as if to turn our right flank; while hostile cavalry threatened our rear. General Townshend was nine miles from his shipping and source of supplies at Lajj, faced by superior forces of fresh 11 oops. He decided to avoid an engage- ment, and, under cover of night, withdrew U Lajj. Here he remained durixtg the 26th. The troops had to remain at Umm Al-; Tubal, aE, the ships were in difficulties in shoal water in this vicinity and the enemy's whole force came up during the Eight. They attacked in great strength at daylight on December 1st. A fierce fight ensued, the Turks losing hcavilv from our artillery lire at a range oi 2,500 yards. General Townshend took ad- vantage of a successful counter-attacK made by the Cavalry Brigade against i column which attempted to envelop hi = right flank to break off the fight, and re- tire by echelons of brigades. This was carried out in perfect order under a heavy shell fire, and by mid-day the enemy ha? sll(-Il fii-e, ui(i oy inid-day the crienl On December 3rd General Townshend was installed at Xut-el-Aniara, where, it was decided. his retirement should end.

ALL NIGHT SITTING. Tl*e bl ouse of Commons sat up till a quarter to four o'clock on Thursday morning considering the Military Service [ Bill in committee. One question arising out of the debate 011 the Bill was the calling-up of men who have already served their time. Mr. Long j promised that men with twelve years' ser- j vice and over forty-one should not be called up. In any case time-expired offi- j cers and men have the right to appeal, and if they rejoin will get their old rank, j Mr. Hegge said he knew of a V.C. who would be conscripted. Extra pensions will be given to men serving beyond the time tor which they enlisted. The Army Council propose during the next three months, through their Anni, St aft, to establish communication with the medically rejected men in each re- cruiting area, and an opportunity will be anordedforsuchmento present their cwn case. The machinery proposed, Mr. j Long believes, will provide a means by which all those who are legitimately j exempt by virtue of a medicnl certificate will not only escape service but also will not be harassed by the work of enlistment. No man rejected since August 14th is to be compelled to come up again unless thd Army Council tell him he is required to come forward.

FIGHT WITH A WOLF. The sheep and lambs grazing oil the slopes of Snowdonia have recently been harassed by fofxes to such an extent that local farmers seldom go out without being armed. A Cwm, Penmachno farmer, whilst inspecting his stock, detected a large animal lurking behind some boul ders, and its presence creating a panic amongst the flock. After some manoeuvring (writes a cor-1 respondent), the farmer fired at the ani- mal and wounded it so badly that it lurched in the direction of a narrow; gorge, where it stood at bay. As the man approached the animal sprang at him, but fell short of its mark. and was shot dead. On examining it the farmer became convinced that it was a wolf of a huge size, and other persons who. have viewed the carcass share his opinion. A number] of local farmers have searched the adjoin- ing mountains, but found no traces of any other wolves, so it is thought possible that the animal escaped from a travelling men- agerie, and took to the mountains, whw-- it £ rew fat on mutton and lamb. J

GERMAN YOUTHS CALLED UP. Amsterdam, lhursday.—The Tele- graaf" learns in a dispatch from the I Dutch frontier that all Landsturmers who have reached +116 age of seventeen in April I must report themselves for military ser-I vice.

PEACE RIOTS. I Geneva, Wednesday, May IO.-Sever-al Swiss newspapers, including the Gazette de Lausanne," publish news from Basie of serious riots recently in Strasburg and Mannheim in favour of peace. The military authorities intervened, and troops charged the crowds. Three hundred civilians were killed and wounded.

WAR SUMMARY I SATURDAY. The German reply to the U.S.A. Note is regarded in American circles in a pessi- mistic light. Germany expects America to stop tne British blockade if the sub- marine concessions asked for are to be made. Another Irish rebel has been shot, and several others sent to prison for varying terms. The destruction of the Zeppelin, partly compassed by H.M.S. Galatea and Phaeton, was completed by a British submarine. The French hold on to their recent gain at Morte Homme, despite violent enemy attacks. Rumania and Bulgaria are reported to be on the verge of war. Thtf British on the West are actively en- gaging the enemy, and are holding the ad¥antag A new German offensive on the Russian front is expected. Vast quantities of heavy artillery and ammunition are being sent up to the fighting line. MONDAY. A number of French captive balloons were blown away by the gale. Several fell in the enemy's lines. A new battle of unequalled ferocity has been started by the German High Com- mand for V erdun. They have secured no ma ten »1 advantage. Mr. Gerard, U-S. Minister in Berlin, com- plains of the insults levelled at him by the German people. The American answer to the German Note is not ex- pected for a few days. It is believed that Germany is seeking peace. The Russians have made fresh progress towards Bagdad, the Turks being forced to retire. The third batch of exchanged wounded prisoners from Kut have reached General Lake's forces in Mesopotamia. TUESDAY. U.S.A. Government has accepted Ger- many's declaration of 'the abandon- ment of the submarine policy, but declines to attempt to negotiate with tho belligerent Powers. The Bresiau has. shelled the Black Sea health resort Eupaioria without doing much damage. The French are expecting a German offensive on a greater scale than ever. and it is anticipated that a decisive phase will bo reached. The French have repulsed all German efforts up to date. The White Stor liner Cymric has been torpedoed and sunk 011 a voyage from America. There. were 110 passengers 45,1 board, and the crew were saved. The Italians, after conveying artillery to the top of Lohbia AHa (10,50i> feet), destroyed the enemy's works of the Col Topete. Food riots are again reported from Berlin, the police bavins? had 10 inter* veil 1* to protest tho siiop owners. WEDNESDAY. The review of British Colonial troops in Marseilles created the greatest enthu- siasm among French people. The Turks treated General Townshend generously after the surrender of Kut, supplying the garrison with food. The new battle for Verdun, in which the Germans have made use of great rein- forcements, has now lasted six days. The enemy has failed to gain any material advantage. It is reported that pr.^chers in the mosques of Constantinople are urging the people to prepare for liberation. A Grand Council has been held in the Sultan's Palace to consider terms- of peace. THURSDAY. The Lor J Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord W i in ljf>rne, has resigned. The Russians, after defeating the Turks, have occupied the town of Kasr-i-Sherin, on the Turco-Persian frontier. The French tactics of giving ground only to re-take it after the ferocity of the German bombardments has subsided, is having the effect of immediately nemtralLjing the slight gains of the enemy. German youths of seventeen have been ordered to report for military service. It is reported that as a result of the British blockade, a serious shortage of food is being experienced in Germany.

I BRiTONFERRY'S D.C.M. Biitonferry was en fets on Wednesday when a public presentation was made to SeTgt. Elias Evans, who has received the D.C.M. and is now home on leave. Pre- vious to the presentation to Strgt. Evans at the Public Hail, a procession paraded the town headed by the police, followed by the Town Silver Band, who played en route, Lient, S. Harris and soldiers home on furlough, V.T.C., Ambulance Brigade, Boy Scouts, Fire Brigade and general j public, followed by a motor which con- tained Sergt. Evans, D.C.M.. his mother and sister, and Mr. Herbert Eccles, J.P., president of the fund. At the hall, Councillor James Thomas, J.P., chairman of the District Council, presided, and referred to the honour con- ferred on a Britonferry boy. which was not only a honour to the recipient., but also to the town. He hoped that the fund which they now opened would admit of their doing something for a-11 "Ferry boys on active service and especially those w ho 6ad lost a limb. Mr. H. Eccles, who made fhe presenta- tion of a gold watch suitably inscribed, on bolialf of the inhabitants, said he was proud of the henour conferred upon Sergt. Evans, especially as he had joined the colours from the Old Steel Works. You can take it from me." said the speaker, that this D.C.M. was not got for noth- ing; it is something to be proud of." He was sure that everyone was pleased be- cause it had been bestowed on a Terry boy. Mr. W. F. Thomas having given an account of how Sergi. Evans won the D.C.M., cheers were raised when Sergt Evans rose to speak. I am a man of few words," he said- (A woman's voice: But von are a man of action."—(Cheers.) —" and I would rather kill a German than speak." He was pleased with 'their reception and the presentation. His heart was too full for word s. He hoped the young men would join up. Some said they could not kill a German; well. they ought to go out then, and they would tell a diffexewt tale.

DRANK-AND D'ED. On Wednesday, Evan Morgan. Carno, was found dead from poisoning at the Aleppo Inn. clcse to his home. He went to the inn, had a glass of soda watpr, and died soon afterwards. In March, 11914, Morgan was one of the principal wit- nesses at a second inquest held on Thomas Roberts, farmer Carno, after the. body had been exhumed by order of the Home Office. Death by poisoning was then proved, but the jury, after a seven days' sitting, failed to find how tho poison was administered. The ease excited intense public interest, as Evan Morgan was a beneficiary under the will of Thomas Roberts, but the poison mystery, after re- freshments of which Roberts had par- taken. remained a mystery after a most exhaustive inquiry.

I ANOTHER REBEL SHOT. Dublin. Wednesday Night.—The follow- ing results of the field-general court- martial are announced:— Thomas Kent, of Coole. near Termory, was sentenced to death, and the sentence was duly confirmed by the (general Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Ireland. The sentence was carried out yesterday morn- ing. William Kent, of Coole, near Termory, was acquitted.