Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

ASERDULAIS. At the Baptist Hall, Aberdulais, on Boxing Day, Wednesday, and Thursday, itn historical cantata, entitled Norsemen ttnd Saxony" was performed by the Aber- rlulais Baptist Juvenile Choir (conductor, Mr. D. P. Richards). The cantata, which ? was performed in character, was a grea.t ..ucf?ss. and delighted the audiciMes which jI packed the hall on the three nights. The proceeds are for the local Patriotic Fund.

BRITONFERRY. The death took place on Sunday at 13ritonferry of Mr. John H. Jones, youngest f?on or the late Mr. Wm. Jones, Osterley-terrace. after a brief illness. I^eceased, who was well known in the town, was engaged as chief clerk at the Pontwalby Brickworks, Glyn-Neath, and his rather sudden death came as a great surprise to his many friends. The law}! r. H. I'Jenkins, whose death at Bristol has Iwn announced, for- merly lived at Baglan-hafi, Britonferry. Mr. Jenkins occupied an influential posi- tion in Glamorgan whilst he resided in the oountv, and for some years was deputy chairman ot the iihondda and Swansea Bay Railway. He was 75 years old. The funeral of Mr. J. H. Jones, Britonferry, took place at Ynysniawddy cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. J. Gwynne Thomas, pastor of the English Congregational Church officiat- ing. Tlie bearers were the employes of the Pontwalby Works. Glyn Neath, where deceased W36 employed as chief clerk.

I BIRCI-IGROVE. Under the auspices of the Birchgrove Soldiers* and Sailors' Ftind, a meeting was held at Nazareth Vestry on Tuesday evening to give a hearty send-off to Sergt. D. Williams and PIA" W. Evans to France, after being on a short leave. Mr. John Betes presided, and Mr. E. H. Thomas pre- sented both soldiers with a gift of money. The recipients warmly responded. A letter sent to the chairman by friends in America was read. These friends flent £ 3 towards the purpose of presenting and charing the soldiers and sailoro from Birchgrove.

GLYN-NEATH. On Wednesday evening, at the Addoldy ('Congregational) Schoolroom, a concert ?las given on behalf of the Addoldy Bible viaee. A goo'' and lengthy programme was rendered local artistes. On Monday, the annual united singing festival ot the various Nonconformist denominations of Glyn-Neath, Cwmgwrach and Pont-Noath-Vaughan was held. The conductor was Sir. W. J. Evans, Alier- dare. The presidents were:—Morning (children's meeting), at Adoldv, Council- lor E. J. Hopkins, the children being catechised by Mr. T. Williams; afternoon at Bethel, R-ev. T. C. Harries; evening at Both an ia, R-ev. D. G. Williams. The pinging throughout reached a high level. The an them was Efe a Ddaw (Tom Price). The local conductors wete:— Adults', Mr. Tom Price, M.I.M.E., Cwm- ?wrach; children, Mr. Dd. Barrett. Glyn- -eabh; and the s?cr?t?ry Mr Samuel Morgan. Acconuamsts: Mrs. Rd. Lloyd, Cwmgwrach, Messrs. W. J. Thomas and D. Parry Williams, Glyn-Neath. The Glyn-Neath Orchestra (conducted by Mr. W. J. Walters) was in attendance.

LLANSAMLET. At Ehenezer on Monday evening a ve]- home on a short leave was given to Privates Edward Abram Rees, William Brown, and Tommy Adams. The Rev. T. C. lowi-, presided. Mr. Phillip Ley sang a song, the verses having been com- posed by Mr. John Thomas, a nephew to Mr. A. H. Th omas, J.t\, who is in Egypt with the R.A.M.C. The. presentation was 4nade by Mr. Rees Llewelyn.

NEATH. i Watch-night services at M. Davids Church and the Weslevan Chapel, Neath, were well attended, and appropriate refer- ences to the soldiers and sailors were made. As is the usual custom, there was a large assembly in Station Square, and simultaneously with the peal oi bells and the shriek of distant sirens, ushered in the New Year in boisterous fashion. It is highly probable that the proclama- tion of the National Eisteddfod will take place in the romantic grounds and the iyy- clad ruins of Neath Cattle, and that the Eisteddiodic site will be the Gnoll Ath- letic Grounds. Two welMrnown and highlv respected tradespeople of Neath have passed away. "M r. eha,< Baker, draper, queen-strct, and v Mrs. David Williams, grocer, Windsor- road. Mr. Baker was a prominent Cbrista- j de 1 phia,n. The Neath Orpheus Male Voice Choir. | under the conductorship of Mr. Tom Dummer, visited the Cimla Sanatorium and the Red Cross Hospital on New Year's Eve to choer the patients. The choir ren- dered a selection of carols, and a number of prize test P;(Icplq. At Neath on Friday, Robert Davies (191, rtnoll Park-road.; Cecil Ketowskv (16), Bowen-street, and J. E. Hanford (16), London-road, were jointly charged with the theft 01 old iron, value S2, from Thos. Williams, metal merchant. Robert Reed, vatehman, said he eaw the boys in Mil- lard's Yard. loading a truck with the old iron, and he called P.C. Budge, who took the lade; in custody. Ketowskv, whose fat-her is an interned alien, denied the theft, but the theft was admitted by the others. They were each fined £ 2. A series of offences for Sunday trading -iinder the Defence of the Realm Act were down for hearing at Neath Police Court en Monday. Mr. Lewis (Pontypridd), re- presenting the defendants, contended that the Order was not proved. The Bench, up- held this technical objection, and the rases against Maria Francesca TJllo, and Pasquale Simeone, were dismissed. Chief Constable Higgins said he should consider the issue of fresh summonses, and the eases against the other defendants and ^Mtomere for aiding and abetting were Sdjourned for three weeke.

NEATH ABBEY. I At Moriah Independent Chapel. Neath iVbbev, on Wednesday evening, the Rev: E. R. Phillips (pastor) presided over a meeting in honour of Sapper David Wm. Hopkins. In the unavoidable absence of Sapper Hopkins, who had returned to hos- pital, the presentation on behalf of the Reception Committee was handed to his wire by )4r. Henry Reason.

OGMORE VALE. At the Workmen's Hall a benefit concert was given in aid of Mr. Jos. Brooks, who has met wit'H several misfortunes recently. There was a good attendance and a pleas- ing programme.

r PORT TALBOT. Trade at th port during Christmas weak was as follows:—Exports: Coal and coke, 22,651; patent fuel, 3.651.; angles, 281. mnideg a total of 26,583. Imports were 3,645 tons, comprising: Pre iron, 2,909; scrap, 13*5; and pit 600. The total tonnage wals 30,228, couapQrQ with -SQuS&i last -veaju

RESOLVEN. Over 300 oases of measles have been re- ported in Iiesolven during the past week, j The schools have been closed for the last six weeks.

SKEWED. The report of the Skewen and Neath Abbey District Nursing Association for i Iemher, 1916, is as follows: General j cases on books December let, 9; general cases on books December 31st, 8; taken off books during month, 12; results—con- valescent or improved. 9; deaths, 3; new general cases nursed. 14; visits paid, 305. Midwifery branch: Confinements booked during month, li); attended, 7; still on books, IS; visits paid, 134; midwifery fees, £ 3 Ü6. Old linen and garments were kindly g iven by Mrs. Moore-Gwyn, DufTryn. There was a larye gathering on Monday evening a.t the entertainment held at the' Burrows Road English Presbyterian Chapel, the proceeds of which go towards providing parcels for the lads who are serving their country. The Rev. F. Marchant Lewis presided. There was an excellent programme, to which the jvs- j lowing contributed: Vocal solos, Miss Mary Owen, Miss Nellie Jenkins. mitis .Tenner Grey, Miss Winnie D. Bowen, Mr R. Taylor, and Mr. Ben Davies; instru- mental solos, piano, Miss W. D. Bowen, Mr. Geo. Taylor (accompanist); 'cello, Mr. Reuben Taylor; violin, Mr. Brynmor Francis; gramophone selections by Mr. [Richards (Francis-street); recitations,! MLso Hcttie Tossel, Mr. T. J. Lewis. At Gorphwvsfa Vestry on Thursday, Corporal Gwilvm Elias, R.A .M.C., was accorded a walcome home. Mr. R. Wyn Jones presided. The following contri- buted to an entertaining programme:— Musical items from Misses S. Morgan, M. H. Stephens, L. H. Davies, Elsie Davies, Morfydd Thomas, Mt.-srs. W. J. Stephens t and H. Davies, Master Morlais Davies; recitations, Miss Bessie Price, Mr. Ivor Thomas; 'cellist, Mr. R. Taylor; accom- panist, Mr. Arthur Owen. Mr. T. Stephens -made a presentation on behalf of the committee, the recipient respond- ing in a neat screech, in the course of which he paid a warm tribute to the Y.M.C.A. There were also addresses from the Rev. J. Evans Jones, Mr. H. Reason, Mr. W. Pickerell and Mr. Tom Lloyd. Live other men, who were unable to be present, received gifts: Loe.-cpl. Tom Wil- liams. Aline Sweeper Wm. Hacker, Ptes. Arthur Evans, Tom Beynon and D. Thos. Jones The Calfaria Welsh Baptist, Skewen, held a successful social tea on Saturday, the proceeds going towards the fund for providing parcels for those from the church who are on active service. The Sunday school quarterly meetings were held on Sunday, Mr. Wm. Rees pre- siding at the morning meeting, and Mr. Evan Davies in the evening. There were intere-sting programmes of music and re- citations. The accompanist was Mr. T. Baggridge, organist of the church. On New Year's Eve a watchnight ser- vice was held at Tabernacle Chapel, Skewen, the pastor presiding. Mr. W. D. Davie;, opened with prayer. Solos were rendered by Miss D. Evans Jones and Mr. Ivor Francis, and a recitation by Mrs. P. Williams. Mr. Tom Lloyd, precentor, was in charge of the singing, Mr. John Davies being at the organ. On Thursday evening a large and repre- sentative gathering of officials and work- men of the Main Colliery Co. was present at the Skewen office, to do honour to Mr. L. C. Boyoe (who for years has been assis- tant to Mr. R. Yaughan Priofe, the general manager), on his departure to take up an important position iu Aberdare. Mr. W. Howell, foreman at the Main wharves, who presided, paid him a high tribute of respecJ. Mr. Yaughan Price, on behalf I of the company and the workmen gener- ally. P, re-se11t*'<i. him with a set of drawing I instruments in an oak ca.3?. and Mr. Pickerell handed him an inlaid mahogany clock, fitted with St. Paul's and We.:si;min- Rter chimes, both testifying to Mr. Boyce's popularity with the company and men generally. Others who spoke included Mr. ] G. H. Ruiter (electrician), Mr. W. H. Walbridge, Mr. Fred Curtis, Mr. William Williams and Mr. D. Abraham. The members of the Mutual Improve- j ment Class attached to Bethania Indepen- dent Church, Skewen. had an enjoyable; social tea on Wednesday evening, followed by a programme of music, etc. The Rev. S. Evans Gealy (pastor) presided.

TITHE RENT CHARGES. I The editor of Willick's Tithe Com- mutation Tables," writing to the Daily Mail," says :-As a result of the corn; averages for the seven years to Christmas, 11916. which wcr") published in the "Tondon Gazette," viz.: Wheat, 4.8. lid. per ini- perial bushel; barley, 4s. Old. per im- j perial bushel; oats, 2s. 10^d. per imperial 1 bushel. I beg to state that facli 'ttol) of tithe rent charge for the year 1917 will amount to 02 Is. uid" being A;8 18s. 5 £ d.. more than 1?1 y<?'r and exceeding tlw value for any year sid(?c 1885. The follow- inK statement shows the worth of ?100 of tithe rent char? for th? lest eov?n y?ars: 1910 .£70 7 8 1914 t75 16 4 191 1 £ 71 '1 11 1915 .£77 1 4i, 1912 £ 72 14 2j 1916 .£83 2 G-J: 1913 .£7i 14 9-2 1917 £ 92 1 0^ j The average value of £ 100 tithe rent charge for the 81 years since the pais-ing of tho Tithe Commutation Act of 1836 is f,91 116. 31d.

00 SILLY FiLMS PAY? Cinema shows arc the greatest possible influence in the wrong direction at tlw present time, «iid the Rev. E. Lyttelton, lato headmaster of Eton, on Tuesday, at the annual conference of educational associations, held at the Imperial In- stitute. ■ Did they really believe that these shows played an important part in the acquisi- tion of knowledge? With regard to his- torical plays, what could they know of Oliver Cromwell when they eaw the shape of his nose? (Laughter.) "The picture shows cannot be made pro- fitable unless they produce silly pictures. It is the silly things in the shows that are having the bad efioct on the present generation. It we are satisfied let us leave matters alone; if not there is a great deal to be done.

THE B I R C-HA-f CARMARTHEN. The Carmarthen magistrates on Tues- day ordered two boys-cha.rged with being on en closed premises for an unlawful pur- pose— to be whipped and to receive three f.trokes. Head Constable Mayall said mere binding over did not seem to have the desirod effect in some cases. Corporal punishment was seldom administered in that court. The Chairman said the Bench were going to try something different this time. Otheir ways of dealing with boys did not eeem to answer the purpose. -n

LLANDILG ROADS. At a meeting of the Llandilo Urban Council on Wednesday, Mr. Pritchard Davies presiding, attention was drawn to the fact that only CSO had been paid by the County Council towards the mainten- ance of the roads, in spite of the immen- sely increased price for labour, material, etc. It was decided to communicate with that body in connection with the matter.

l .?n article ba? b?en inser?j?d in the Orders 4 the Control (Liquor) Bo?rd en- fci-cm? t?e dilution of spints to 30 degrM? underproof. It does not apply to &piTitp bottled before the 1st January, 1917.

POLICE OF THE SEAS. DEEP SEA FiSHERS WHO HUNT THE ENEMY There is an enormous proportion of the population of the British isles— and of the Colonies,, too, tor that matter—who have not the faintest idea of the great part that is being played by the Royal Navy in the mighty conflict that is being waged on land and sea to determine not only the mastery of Europe, but of the world. Since the Battle Fleet of Britain, with squadrons of cruisers, flotillas of destroyers, and I?.ts .auxiliary vastsels took up their war stations just before the outbreak oi hostilities, the general public have been left to imagine a great deal of the doings of the unconquerable Navy. While the Royal Navy has kept our shores immune from invasion it has also opcued to the Allies the gates of ultimate vietroy, for under its sure shield have urieen giant armies undreamt of a few years ago, while tct Fiance and Russia the Fleet, has rendered services, that can never be exaggerated, in the direction of keeping open direct communication with the forces in the held. To ail intents and purposes the merchant of the enemy dis- wit 11 in a very few days of the outbreak of war, but, with the exception oi submarine piratical atta-cks, which are directed at neutrals as well as belligerents, the French, the Italian, the Japanese, and the Portuguese, as well as our own, commerce goes on un- disturbed, a great and mighty tribute to the secret and silent Navy, the Unseen Hand that to-day protects not only the Empire but the whole world from spolia- tion. A a prisoners confined behind the bars of a gaol occasionally rail at their gaolers, so the German Fleet has similarly Uemon- strated its feeling of bitterness against the overwhelming might 01 Britain, but, fume and frot w, it may, it has had to be con- tent -to remain within the limits of its own waters, where it is sLil 1 impriftoned. The object of this particular article, written after a visit to one of the busied patrol stations around the British coast, Dover, is to direct attention to the won- derful organisation tha.t has been called into existence since the outbreak of war Away amid the mists of the North Sea the Battle Fleet keeps its incessant vigil, but around the ociastline of the British Isles there are thousands of small vessels of all types and descriptions improvised for the purposes of war, and manned by tnen of experience who have won from the very outset the confidence of their officers. Stern and never-ending as is the task of the great ships and the brave hearts that are under the command of Admiral Sn David Beatty. it would be a physical im- possibility for the homeland to be securely guarded without the loyal co-operation of the thousands of stalwart and zealous men. drawn chiefly from the class of deep-sea fisher men, who constitute the complement of the crews of the ships that patrol day and night the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. How well they have done and are doing their work can be learnt by the simple record of facts. Two or three years ago many of them knew little or oared nothing for war, and what was more, had not the slightettt experience of modern guns or warfare. A,t the country's c&l1. they came from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Hull, Grimsby. Lowestoft, Fleetwood, Milford, Plymouth, and many other ports where pfteam trawlers were employed, and it i safe to say that to-dav the Royal Navy i t- self is proud of the devotion to duty, the spirit of confidence and the deter mi nation to achieve success that have characterised theso men, who, so long employed in the avocations of peace. have taken to war a,- if it had been the one ultimate eairse of their existence. Many have fallen in the great fight that the Empire may endure, but there are no craven spirits among these men of the sea; they are sailors worthy of the best traditions of the race, and armed as many of their craft a.re now fhev care not when or how they meet the Hun. These trawler men and the crews of the plucky little steam drifters are modest enough about their performances in the war, but many of them have a thrilling story to relate, and it would he exceed- ingly difficult to attempt to enumerate the list of skippers, mates, men, and boys who have won decorations for exploits of daring, cither in the North Sea. the Channel, the Mediterranean, Gallipoli, or other scenes of activity. Unless there was a constant vigil main- tained it would not be a very difficult matter for the Hun with his policy of frightfulaess to raid or bombard some un- protected seaside resort or another. The measure of his success in this direction in the past has been small indeed, but the fact that his activity has been so far re- stricted is due entirely to the system of patrol. favoured by the Royal Navy. So thorough have been the steps taken to deal wilSi the submarine menace that the pirate can no longer operate with any degree of safety on the highways (f com- merce. Perforce he has to venture further afield, and there sometimes rnanv hun- dreds of miles away from his own base lie preys on the shipping of the world. It is true that despite the fact that a vast flefct, of steam trawlers, drifters, and motor-boats are employed as auxiliaries to the torpedo-boat destroyers and the sub- marines who are engaged in coast protec- tion. an occasional raider or two may ven- ture on a hazardous trip towards the British coast. It must !>e rememl>ered however, that all the odds are in his favour, and he knows full well that every- thing he encounters in the course of his adventure Îà, of necessity, an enemy that he can destroy and sink at sight. On the other hand, the patrol is confronted with a task of a fir more difficult character, as everything seen must be regarded as a j potential friend until the contrary is proved.

THE DOVER PATROL. Playful Porpoises. A special correspondent of the Press Association has been given an opportunity of inspecting the work of the Dover Patrol. It. was, he says, an experience calculated to bring home to the uninitiated the hazards and the terrible monotony that the men of the Navy have bad to face- especially the men of the light ships— during nearly 30 months of war. Those of the Dover Patrol have had one of the most arduous and exacting jobs of the war; they have cari-ipxi ii-I out under the most difficult conditions with such success that their very existence has been unknown to thp great majority of English people until recently. Navigating in the Straits of Dover must be one of the moat unpleasant of tasks. Bad seas, bad f, bad cur- rents, the deadly Goodwins, and a tricky coast line all combine to render it a dan- gerous locality even in peace time. In war, with the familiar lights no longer available it calls for the steadiest of heads and the clearest of eyes, and that there are such few mishaps in that region is a testimony to the wonderful sagacity of the Navy in its choice of officers. The recent accident to two destroyers in the North Sea is a reminder. of the perils faced by our hardy destroyer officers and crews under war conditions. The metliodof the German has been to bring his ships out after a period of in- activity. It is not all monotony of course, for the Commander of our ship told me of an exciting moment when n chasing submarine fired two torpedoes at lim. Devilish fine shots they were too," n-as his testimonial to the enemy's prc- fp-;orfi! skill. The officer had another tale of two torpedoes illustrating how easily the most expert eye can be deceived at sea. We were discussing the energetic village constable at a certain part of the coast-lincwhouned to see submarines fiom a certain spot on his beat regularly once a fortnight. That village constable, if he only knew it, is to my knowledge a. famous perw?nilit among the Grand Fleet itself. He is probably sublimely oblivious of it all; his reports, whether they were due to delusion, honest belief or nerves, came to be a habit, and a very bad habit. I am assured, in the Yiew of those small crnft who had the job of try- ing to investigate and trace the appear- ances of this mysterious submarine. At one time," said the commander, everything that stuck out of the Pea, six inches was a submarine if it were seen from the coast and even aboard ship. But I have been mistaken myself. I remember once the look-out reported, "Torpedo on the s'tarboard quarter, sir," and it looked all up with us. I picked up the trail, with its phosphorescents gleam and, as it was too late to do anythiug, j held on to the rail and waited to go. up. The torpedo" sped up tol the ship, disappeared, and re-appeared the other side. A huge slice of luck, thought I. Jusf then I sighted another and thought, The beggar has got in two." The second "torpedo" re- peated the first's performance, and I could scarcely believe our good fortune. I ran to the other side, and to my consternation beheld both "torpedoes" turn inwards and start sporting with one another! Then I realised that a couple of porpoises had given us the fright of our lives. I think, however, they would have taken in anyone. Having seen the work of the patrol on the t,ea and underneath, I was taken to see its aerial arm, for the Dover Command embraces all three of these essential means of defence. It has a very fine aerodrome and an efficient school of instruction. The excellence of its machines are well-known, and from what one saw of it? airmen the R.N.A.S. is likely in the near future to make fresh hi?ory for the combination of the human and the mechanical qualities displayed there should be irresistible.

HEALTH COMMITTEE. Common Lodging-Houses in Swansea. To the Swansea Health Committee, on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. W. A. Davies (solicitor) applied for a common lodging- house licence in respect of premises on the Strand, the applicant being a Portu- i guese named J. N. Alves. It Wat; pointed j out that there were 46 beds on the pre- mises, and. testifying to the applicant's character, a number of testimonials were handed, one being; from Mr. John Owen. Mr. W. Owen: Mr. Owen is my uncle, and he caniiot read or write. Mr. W. A. Davies: Probably someone. Wrote it for him at his request. The Chairman remarked that the Chief Constable objected, not as to character in any way, but to an alien holding such a licence. Mr. Davies added that the applicant. war. one of our Allies, and that ci-nee the previous application he had married an Irish girl. Mr. W. Owen did not think it was the best thing to give licences for common lodging-houses—he did not object to them lodging ,eamen-ard he thought there were sufficient lodging-houses under the management of Britishers to meet the wants of the people at the present time. Answering Mr. Owen. the chief sanitary inspector pointed out that the lodging- houses were not now full. They were. however, fully occupied before the war. Subject to the approval of the chief constable, it was decided to grant the ap- plication. Mr. F. E. Tunbridge (borough estate agent) reported that he and Mr. W. James had inspected Cwmllwydd Farm the previous day, and the suggestion as the outcome was that the tenancy, if any. should be surrendered, and that the Cor- poration should commence immediately to cultivate the farm. Mr. Tunbridge pointed out, too, that it was suggested that tlie present farm bailiff should 1 ? appointed under the scheme at a salary of S2 a week with house. The Medical Officer of Health reported that for the fiv. weeks 235 births were registered and 154 deaths, equal to a per- centage of 20.43 and 14.4 per 1,000 re- spectively, which compared with 20.4 and 15.1 per 1,000 in the corresponding period of last year. Twenty-two deaths of chil- dren under one year were recorded, which was a lesser number than last year. Of the deaths seven were due to zymotic dis- eases. The Health Inspector reported having prepared the way for the joining up of r Hopkins-terrace with the public sewer, and the Water and Sewers Committee had agreed to make the extension through Brvn-road. The occupant of one house had granted permission, but later asked for compensation- for the cutting up of I the garden. Compensation was agreed to.

GRAIN AND FLOUR TRADES. WEEKLY REVIEW BY J. K. CARTHEW (Grain Expert.). L- Since posting my last report M. int aaae of drafting this the weather has been changeable, mainly cold. raw. and wmtry. ? ?? mild intervals, and la,bour beine ?rce. there is not much doing on the land. Vegetables are not very plentiful, but the young wheat, plants are making steady growth, and live stock continue healthv The fa't stock markets are a little quieter since Christmas, but prices are fully main- taipcd-becf, lOd. to Is. Hd.: mutton, lOd. to is. 3d.: pork. lO-d. to Hid. per lb. The wool trade has been rather restricted by Gov- ernment regulations, but nrices have keu. firm. Reports of the autumn-sown wheat, in the United States oontinue favourable, and the acreage planted is unusually lanre. In suite of the war the agrkûltural outlook in Europe i?. on the whole, favourable; winter wheat ia lookina well, live stock are ahk ealthv and Quotations of farm producti, abnormally hich. The harvest in the Soutbern Hennapuere is nearin:: completion under fairly satis- factory climatic conditions; in Austraila the crop is a large and C'ood one, but tho yield in Argentina will be verv small and considerabiv under an average. Reports from India of the wheat crop now being planted are most glowing, the weather be- ing very favourable, and it is estimated that the acreage laid down will be the lsrpest on record. Shipments of foreign wheat to Europe are more liberal, and de- liveries by farmers up to the average: ware- house stocks show little changra THE FLOATING GRAIN CARGO TRADE. Wheat quietly steady; Russian, nil; Cali- fornian, Indian, and Australian easier: Amerkan spring. BZs.-BB.; winter 798-85a. Maize Quiet; American nominal; D_ate. 65?. 6d.-663 Barley firm American. 6k.-70s.; Persian. — 69fi.; Indian, 73e.—76s.. Oats steady; Russian, nil; American, 49s. -52E -cat)ll PRTCES AT MAltK JjA-NW. I Wb;tQuie.tlY-f,tëi¡; Russian, nil; Call- fornian and Australian easier; Indian un- r jianged: American spring, 88e.—90s.; win. tc". 86s.-88s.; English white and red, up to 82;. Maize quiet; Amcricau nominal; Plate, 65-. 6d.—66s. 6d Barley Arm; A ica-i and Persian. 64s 70s. • Indian, 73s—77. malting, 743.-79.. Oats firm; Englisli, 49s.—52s.; toreign, 50s. —52a. Feeding Oakes—Demand fair FLOUJi There ia no abet ?)I t in the msumptjon cf 'brpad. it bein? distinctly good, and there ia a very fair demand for flour, but of a I band-to-mouth character Port mill war r?eutationa ?onr. 5&s to 608.: country ditto. to 58e.: American spring pa,t€n?. o2s 63s Manitoba patents 6)s.; Kansas patents ???—?9.; Hungarian patent, nil. -1, .rn WlTKAT FORECAST. Winter wheat in North America and Europe is looking well; reports from India. are very optimistic and a large Crop is being garnered in Australia, but the yield 1 in Argentina, is distinctly poor. The wheat markets keep firm in prico, but business is limited owing to the high quotations now ruling, it being confined almost entirely to spot transactions; there is little or no speculation. Regulate purchases by re- quirements is the course to pursue. Speaking generally, the war outlook i8 ver., cneonragÏng to the Allies; there can ho Virt fVmht to t1." 111ti1.te result. FEEDING STUFF FORECAST l The consumption of dry food na8 papers a little since Christmas, but prices of feeding stuff keep fairly steady. They arn. how- ever. too hich for speculation; btin trom hand to mouth is the policy.

ABERAVON. -11 I hursday.Be;I,t)re the Mayor (Councillor; T. S. lioslin), Messrs. Moses Thomas and Oliver Ada me. Thomas Williams, labourer, Water- street, was lined 20s. for being drunk and disorderly in Water-etreet, on t'riday night. I'.S. Daniel Jonee gave evidence. Monday.—Before Messrs. Wm. Jenkins, Charles Jones, Ed. Lowther, T. S. Gos- lin, and George Lipeconib. Lewis E. Jones, Cwmavon. charged with failing to report himself under the Military Service Act replied: "I have. nothng to say." Sergt. Evans said that when arrested Jones said he was a conscientious ob- jeetor. Fined 406, and remanded to await an escort. Ebenezer Morris, Pontrhydyfen, a farmer, was similarly charged. He said: I have blien bad." Lieut. W. E. fiees said be had refused to go before the Medical Board or to do anything. Fined 40s., and rpmanded to await an escort. The Oakwood Colliei-Y Co. summoned Reul>en Davies, Ivor Davies, Ambrose Williams, and Lewis Lewis, hauliers, for riding on trams at the colliery and leav- ing their horses unattended.—Mr. Dan Perkins, for the company, said that after consultation with Mr. Ed. Powell, Neath, for the men. and with the colliery man- ager, he had decided to withdraw the summons upon the men apologising. Yee Gow, better known as Harry Sing, a Chinese laundryman, of Neath, Aber- avon, etc., was again charged with travel- ling on the G.W.R. Co. without paying his fare. Mr. Deer, for the company, said that when the case came before the Bench a I fortnight ago the magistrates decided that it should be tried at Neath where the man was stopped. On investigation I he found that the company could try the case at any point between Cardiff and Neath. Mr. Shipton, for the defendant, pleaded guilty, adding that Sing did not commit the offence deliberately. He was a very respectable man. Fined lOe. I Benjamin Stone, Graig, Cwmavon, was charged with assaulting Richard Trevor l Davies (17), Graig, Cwmavon, on the 16th ¡ December. Mr. Lewie M. Thomas was for the complainant. Fined 408, Thomas Jenkins, Cwmavon, for a breach of the Lighting Order, was fined 10s. Mary Morgan, Cwmavon, was charged with stealing coal from the Torymynydd Colliery Co. T.C. Cole said that while in plain clothes on 21st December he saw the defendant in a colliery truck. She had 56 lbs. of coal. Fined 5s. Dd. Evans, Pontrhydyfen, was charged with stealing 56 lbs. of coal, the property of the Graig Glyn Colliery Co. Mr. Lewis M. Thomas appeared for the oompany. Supt. Ben Evans said that the defendant was a bachelor, who lived in his own house and had means. Fined 40s. Private W. E. Cry than Jones, of a Welsh regiment, was charged with obtain- ing by false pretences boote valued at 13is-, the property of Alfred West, boot dealer, Taibach. Defendant told the court he was muddled I with drink at the time, and had been in hospital six months suffering from tuber- culosis in the throat and lung. I Supt. Ben Evans said defendant was one of the most worthless characters Wales had ever produced. He went about from place to place doing that sort of thing. A long list of convictions was produced. The Ohairman, in sentencing defendant to 28 days' hard labour, said the defendant had disgraced his family and the uniform. Monday.—Before the Mayor (Councillor T. S. Goslin) and Mr. Charles ,lone>s. A ten-year-old boy was charged at a juvenile court with stealing a parcel of books and stationery, value 15s. 9d., the propertyv of Mr. Edward E. Day, book- seller, from Port Talbot Railway Station on Saturday. It appears that the boy sold the papers to a Greek, Nicholas Zap pettis, as waste paper. When Zapettis examined the parcel on Sunday he found they were this week's papers and informed the police. P.S. Daniel Jones said that when arrested the boy said, I found them in the bin under the bridge at lie '-ta",Ion. I took one parcel on Saturday and one 01.. Snnday. There was a lot in th • bin." — He wa, placed on probation for 12 months, and 'his father was ordered to pay 12s. 6d. costs.

CARMARTHEN. I T. J. Towe (29), and two boys were charged with stealing a quantity of apples aDd grapes value He. Kid., the property of the L. and N.W.R. Co. Mr. Hurley, solicitor, Llandilo, who prosecuted, said that on Sunday, the 26th November, the three defendants were seen pushing a rail- way waggon over sonic of the points near the station. The following morning fruit box?s in the waggon were found broken open. The caae against OÐeooy was dismissed; the other was bound over and his father ? ordered to pay a fine of 20e. Lowe was i sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. The chairman (Mr. W. Spurrell), said Lowe had aggravated his ofience. In allowing the boys to commit this offence he 'had, perhaps, started them on a career of crime. Edwin Jones, Rose Cottage, Carmarthen, and Hubert Jenkins, Greenway-«treet, Llanelly, on a charge of stealing a ferret, the property of Wm. Barker, were fined 30s. each Mary Lewis, a young woman, of TahN- nacle-row, pleaded guilty on Tnesday to procuring brandy for a soldier undei-i hospital treatment, and was fined I 10s.

frONTARPAWE. Friday.—Before Messrs. E. G. BenthaH, S. Jenkins, F. R. Phillips, D. T. Wil-I lia.ms. H. J. Powell, and J. G. Harries. Thomas Thomas (14), of Graigcefnparc, Clydach, was charged with stealing a! purse containing 5s. 9d. from Beatrioo Maxwell, of Sunny Bank, Clydach, on December 2nd. It was alleged that the purse was taken from the pocket of proee-, cutrix, whilst she was being served with; fish and chins at a shop in Clydach. W lien accused of the theft the defen-. dant said U I did take it. I spent most of the money in an ice cream shop on the Clown aDd Ball machines. Defendant and his mother were bound over in the sum of £ 5 for 12 months. Samuel H. Shuger, Capel Buildings, Cly- dach, was summoned at the instigation of the Pontardawe District Council for al- lowing a nuisance to exist on his pre- mises. Mr. Wyndham Lewis prosecuted for the Council. Mr. A. E. Edmunds, 6alli- tary inspector, gave evidence of visiting defendant's yard in the early part of Dec- ember to find a quantity of vegetable matter lying abour, together with rabbits' feet. The stench from the number of fish boxes was very bad. Defendant presented a petition signed by a number of perron" in his locality to prove that the place was clean. The Clerk (Mr. Thorps), said the peti- tion was of no use unless the people were there to certify. Defendant: That would be rather an ex- pensive undertaking. (Laughter.) The Ben Hi made an order that the nui- sance be abated in 48 houre. David Morgan Davies, f^-roer, Rhiw- fawr, was summoned for being drunk at the Royal Oak, Rhydyfro, on Saturday night lallt Mr. Morgan Davies defended. The defence was that defendant had only been supplied with two Pum-itots Ixifore eight o'clock on the .night in ques- tion. Defendant, then left the house and I returned just before the constable arrin,L After a long hearing a fine of 10s. was imposed. Edwin Meredith, son-in-law of the last defendan t, was also fined 10s. for being drunk and disorderly.

SWANSEA. Friday-Belore Ald. Jos. Devonald (chair- man), Dr. Nelson Jones, Messrs. Thos. Jones, J. H. Ro-;ser, and Dd. Griffiths. Frederick Charles Diment was charged with stealing and receiving three Welsh flannel shirts, value liis., from the goods shed at Victoria Station, the property of of the L. and N.W.R. Company. Supt. Roberts a-sked for a remand for one week, which was granted. Prisoner was allowed bail. Alfred Dean, an employe of the Edieon Steam Rolling Company, Dorchester, was fined 20s. for leaving a steam-roller, living van and watering cart on the Bush-road. Morriston, without attached lights, from 11.50 p.m. during the night of December 7th. Alfred Michael was crderred to await an escort. He had been absent from his regi- ment since December 18th. Looncio Sanchey Gonrolez (20), a fire- man, was charged with unlawfully wound- ing C. Chrstiaiisen, with a knife on Dec. 28th, at Swansea. C. Christiansen said the defendant came up to him, and after a short con- J versation the witness felt somethipg strike him in the back. and later felt it bleeding. At the Hospital a wound was seen in the left aide. The companion sand that the defendant I came to them at St. Thomas. Wituc- saw a knife, but did not see the blow struck P.S. Evans said complaints were made to him, in consequence of which he ar- reart-ed and charged the defendant, who in reply said, Me no knife." Consistently denying the possession of a knife, the defendant was SCD-too prison for one month, the charge being reduced to one of assault. Saturday.—Before Messrs. A. H. Thomas J. H. Rosser, and Thomas Jones. On the application of Deputy Chief Constable Roberts. John Powell and Wm. John Owen, goods porters, charged with stealing and receiving three shirts, value 15s., the property of the L. and N.W.R., at Swansea, were remanded till next Thursday, no evidence being given. Bail was allowed. Evidence harmg been given by P.C. Bennett, Benjamin Ford was fined 15s. for having been drunk and disorderly at Dun- van t. Monday—Before Messrs. Richard Martin, J. Wignall, H. Goldberg and T. Wil- liams. Samuel McGibbon, labour, was charged with drunkenness. This being the first case of the New Year, he was dismissed. Daniel Davies and Dd. Daniel Williams, privates, charged with being absentees from the Welsh Regiment, were remanded to await an escort. Arthur Edward p, butcher, was charged with stealing and receiving a brush, five dusters, and a. box of polish, value 2s. (kl., from the Elysium Picture House, the property of the Anima Com- pany, TAd., on December 30th On the application of Deputy Chief Con- stable Roberts, defendant was remanded for a medical examination. Charles Dixon White, seaman, was charged with stealing and receiving hemp and wire rope, value 20s., from a schooner. Christian Olsen, another seaman, was charged with stealing and receiving two tarpaulins, value JdS, from the same boat. Both defendant s pleaded guilty. White was fined X3 or one month's imprison- ment, and Olsen < £ 6 or two months. The Chief Constable asked that a recom- mendation be sent forward for the depor- tation of these men, one of whom is an American, and one a Norwegian. The Chairman said that the evidence before them did not justify that. Brdnley J. H. Griffiths, a naval absentee, was remanded to await an escort. The license of the Manselton Hotel, was, on the application of Mr. W. A.. Thomat;, transferred from the late Mr. Grey Wai- ters to Mrs. Walters. John Retton, mason, admitted the paternity of Ilariet Dealey's child. Mr. Thompson, who represented applicant, said defendant was complainant's uncle by marriage. Defendant had made an agreement in 1913 to pay a certain sum per week, but had not kept up the pay- ments. Defendant said this was, because he bad met with an accident. He was ordered to pay 3s. 6d. a week, and solicitor's fee. Tuesday.—Before Messrs. J. W. Jones, I David Meager, J. Devonald, W. Lewis, xnd Oakley W alters. James Dollard, labourer, charged with being drunk and disorderJy, in WTaterloo- street, pleaded that he had been enjoying himself, on account of hie brother being home on leave from the Army.—Fined of- James Stanley Saunders, shoeing smith, was 6ued for £39 te. arrears on a main- tenance order due to his wife Ruth. He said lie had been ill, and promised to pay. The case was adjourned for a month to give defendant an opportunity to settle up Wm. Riley, a driver in the Royal Ar- tillery. charged with being an absentee w.-ta remanded to await an escort. For selling cigarettes and matches on Sunday, Samuel Crawcour was fined 56. Elijah Max Freedman, tobacconist, similarly charged, and Albert Harold, labourer, with aiding and 6De.tting. Each was lined f* Benjamin Brown, hawker, was charged with cruelly over-loading a horse in Car- marthen-road. Inspector Lindsay said the horse was unable to get up the hill with a load of &and, and defendant thrashed it. I-I, pony was all of a tremble, and unable to proceed. He told the man the load was too great, but he refused to take any ofl. A woman bought 13 buckets of sand from defendant for the purpose of relieving the horse. Your's is a very bad case," the chair man told defendant. If you turned the whip on yourself it would be a good thing. You are fined Sa or one month1* imprisonment." Defendant: I'll take the month. An eleven year old boy was charged with stealing coal value 4d. from th<? L. and N. W. Hallway .-P.C. Grory saw him picking up coal on the railway DepU? Chief Constable Roberta said P,,i.:iway C?. had brought the eae to ? couurt more on account <M ? danger tc? which lads were exposed by these act* than for theft. The boy was bound over for 12 months. Wednesday—Before Meeere. A. H. Thomas J. H. Rosser, and Dr. Joseph Davies. Term an do Montero, greaser, wai charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Dimas Montemaie, with intehi to do bodily harm, on board a ship in the Swansea docks on Christmas night. Deputy Chief Constable Roberts asked for a remand for a week, prosecutor being unable to attend. Mr. Clarke, who appeared for the do- fence, agreed. Charlotte Green, a young woman, 17 years of age. was charged with stealing and receiving ten £1 Treasury notes from 1, Rutland-place, the property of Looni. das Lundario, on Jan. 2. Deputy Chief Constable Roberts, in ask- ing for a remand, said the application was made in the prisoner's own interest. She was ill. The application was granted. Gummar A. E. Lehurberg, a Swede, and Albert Annary, a Frenchman, were each finfxi X2 for being ashore after 9.0 p.m. without the permission of the Ahene Officer. Catherine Jones summoned her husband Thomas for arrears (£5) on a maintenance order of Xi per week secured by her QØ. August 16th. Defendant said he had sent money regu- larly every week as muc-h as he could. The case was adjourned for a. month, tt enable him to catch up with his liabili- ties. Thursday.—Before Mr. William Thomas (chairman), Dr. Rawlings, Ald. Ben Jones, Mr. Frederick Edwards, and Jfr. J. W. Jones. Mary Davies (37), married, was charged with being drunk and incapable in, Walters-road on January 3rd.—She woo fined 10s. or seven days. Petter R. Petterson (22), fireman, aDtf Edin A. Frydenburg. aliens, were chargad1 with being ashore after the expiration o £ | permit.—Fined 20s. each and 5s. inter- preter's fee. John McNamee (47), labourer, WIIIfi charged with attempting to commit snie>d«i by throwing himself into the North, Dock* Swansea, on December 14. 1916. Wm. Richard, a foreman on the d-k-W said about 4 p.m. on the day in questions the defendant came on the quay from the direction of the Strand. When witness walked towards defendant he threw Insn self into the dock. Assistance was and he was kept above the water, defeat dant meanwhile shouting -let me got* Defendant was got to the qnay well evesM tually against his will. The defendant bft*' came very violent, and it took four mentor hold him until the police came. V.S.C. Rich gave evidence of arrest in company with V.S-C. Bees. At the poiica station a card was found on him which, read: Dear J.S.,—I hope I have not djs.J graced you. You can find out all abouf4 me in Ty- Detective Eynon said on the 20th Dec. he visited the workhouse infirmary when he found defendant about to be dis- charged. Defendant was arrested and charged. In reply he said: I didn'tt know what I was doing. I lost my head,, being worried a little. I 6UPpose you have got the cards which I wrote home." Later defendant answered Yes to the charge. In answer to the Chairman, prisoner said: I have been driven to do it by my fellow employees' on the job. They put me down as a police 6py on the job and in the streets. My bed has been tossed about two or three times in the lodgings, and I was nervous." Prisoner was committed to the Quarter Sessions. Sidney Williams; farmer and milk seller, summoned David Bevan, a farmer, for alleged assault. Mr. Hy. Thompson prosecuted, and said that an agreed sum was to have been paid for a trespass by defendant's horse. Complainant said he met the defendant in the street and asked him what lie would do about the money. Defendant, after some discussion, struck the com- plainant in th race twice. Defendant was fined 20s. William Dennis was summoned for al- lowing his eon to street trade in Oxford- street insufficiently clothed. P.C. Francis said the boy was not wear- ing boots or stockings. The mother. waa in possession of boots but the boy wouldn't wear them. Defendant was fined 3s. 6d. Thomas Goss, a dock labourer, waa charged with having stolen a quantity of ekal value 2s., the property of the Glen- avon Garw Colliery Co., Ltd. P.C. McQueen said on December 21st tat saw defendant carrying a bulky bag. De- fendant said it contained coal, which he had got from a truck on the Docks. He was taking it home to the people he was lodging with. Defendant pleaded guilty and was fine4 20s. Fred Diment, John Powell, &nd Wm. J. Owen, were charged with stealing audi receiving 5 shirts, value 20s., the property?,. of the L. and N.W.R. Co.. between Oct. 1st. and Dec. 28th, 1916. Mr. Rupert Lewja prosecuted. Inspector Darrall said he saw a parcel of shirts secreted in the Company's yard, and on the 28th December he saw Diment taking it away. He then had two other parcels under his arm. Witness went to defendants house, when he was told he would find many other things there. Two, shirts were found in a bedroom. Defen- dant said he took them from a parcel at the station some time ago. Powell was arrested on another charge, and when his room was searched two shirts similarly- marked were found. Owen was later ar- rested, and he asked witness to his house when he would gfve up all he had. Wit- ness found a shirj- similarly marked to those found in the possession of the other defendants. Owen admitted that the shirt was from the parcel taken from the sta. tion. In answer to the Chairman defendants paid they were sorry they had yielded to temptation. They were fined 40s. each, or 21 days' imprisonment in default. Other charges were preferred against defendants were taken into consideration, and were not in- dividually entered into.

FOOD PRODUCTION. I understand (;;ays our London corre- spondent) on excellent authority that those in control of readily cultivable land belonging to the Crown and available tor food production, h:JYC decided to start til- lage at once, and that the first grounjia to be turned to practical purposes will be those of Osborne- House, the late Queen Victoria's Isle of Wight residence, left by her to Princess Henry of Batten berg. and handed over by the Utter to the nation. The land is suitable for the cultivation -of potatoes, and these are to be planted there forthwith. Sir Alfred Mond, H.M. First Commissioner of Work s, is Tiavin? an ex- pert report made on the suitability for food production of the Royal parks in and near London. The report will be thorough and exhaustive, and will be acted upon to the fullest extent. Whet.he; the parttl within the London area, such as Hv(% Park, the Green Park and. Kensington ardens can be used for food purposes if doubtful.

THOMAS AND EVANS AND JOHN DYES, LTD. The dividend warrants for Ule 6 per cent, p-rference shr.res for the hau-year endinsr Duc-cmber 31st, 1916, were posted on 8ator- day,

AMMANFORD. I Monday—Bofore Messrs. A. E. Du Buisson (in the chair), H. Herbert, J. Lewis and Wm. Williams Monday, February 12th, was fixed for the annual licensing session. Several parents were fined for not send- ing their children to school regularly. The Chairman said that in future heavier fines would be imposed in these cases. Three juveniles of from 12 to 13 years of age were charged with breaking into the G.W.R. goods shed at Ammanford, on Sunday afternoon, and taking chocolates of the value of 16s. 6d.. P.S. Britten said a hole was made in a window, 10ft. from the ground, and the fastener pressed sidewise, allowing the lower part of the window to be raised up. In the case of one of the boys, who had previously been before the court, a line of £1 10s. fid. was inflicted, and the two others were fined ti 5s. each. The parents were urged to closely watoh their future conduct. ————— —————

RTJO'NDDA ÅD SWANSEA BAT RAILWAY. Warrants for tlia half-year s iEterest on the above company's four per cent. deben- ture stock were posted on December 30th