Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATH& I 81 RTH. DAVIM.On January 12th, 1917. at Castle View, Newton, Mumbles. to Mr, and Mrs, A. i. Davies (nee Mary Kroyle), a daughter. T.^l'LOK.—On January 13, at Felthorpe. &ketty, Swansea, to Mr. and Mrs. C Guy Godfrey Taylor, a 60U CARRIAGES. Si!ELTON—PHILLIP^.—On the 13th Janu- ary. at St. Alary a, Swansea, by tne lik v. tne Hon. Taluot iiiee, i,, a i-, Captain A. Is 6h.ei.ton. of JNoriu feuk'itts. TO Ada bllcn. third uauchter of the late John Phillips, of Eastbourne. DEATHS. GAKPENTF.B.—On January 15th, Joseph Carpenter, CcnieLticner, Morrisfcon. GiiTiilis.—On Jauutti-y Utii. AiatucU Uetuin. widow oi tne late jotyi »jcuun. ar,d aearly-beioned mother of Airs. Cotbias, .W. Oxford-street. ws. 12th irift.. at 7, Highland eit&ouit, Ski vven. an 'ihom;iit» the be- loved son of Robert Isaac. itie l'h:r lii.Ti., at'the Swansea Hospital, Aldin Junes, son of r. anlars. Ji'.jn~y Jones. Alanre-piace, Upper Loughor. LEW Ll-Ozi January 12th. at 29, Slate-street, -M.orrist.on, John Lewis, jn nis 80th year. l'\lL'lLL,-At tn residence cf his son, 6. J/ar k-plaee, BrynmiU. William Michell, | aired 77. 'I'l;;¡.11A6,JanUllry 12, at Highland Farm. Neath Abbey, David Thomas, late of Gvrt-y-01oldy Farm, Skewen, aged 77 years. W Ak H.-jOn the 11th instant, suddenly. John Walsh, Scrap Iron Merchant, Swan- sea. WARDLE.—On the 15th inst. at the resH- ence of his son-in-law Mr. Thomas Dixon, Alltycham, Pon tarda, we. George, beloved husband of Margaret Wardle. and formerly of Hijjh Hev orth, Pontyberem. KILLED IN ACTION. MURPHY.—Killed in action on December 27th. Oswald Murphy, only son of jJaurice Murphy, Cwmbwrla Ion Swansea. -0.,0.

MONEY. THE SWANSEA MERCANTILE CO. (Ltd.) I 18, PARK STREET, SWAN SEA, i Make Cash Advances Daily, from i 10 to f, 1 000. No Charge unless Business done. Strictly Private and Confidential. For further particulars, apply H. B. JONES, Manager. SAILINGS. AUSTRALIA I BY TIDI ORIENT LINE. VIA CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. Under Contract to carry His Majesty's Mails to FREMANTLE, ADELAIDE. MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, BRISBANE, Through booking to AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA, NEW ZEALAND. Saloon Tickets Interchangeable with P. and O. Line. Managers—F. Green & Co., & Anderson, Anderson & Cb. For passage apply to latter firm at 5. Fenchurch Avenue, London, E.C., or to Bertie Perkins and Co., 11, Somerset Place, and T. R. W. If aeon and Co.. 2, Mount-it., Swansea !!M!?M South & East Africa. UNION. ROYAL MAIL ROUTE. CASTL E The Cape, Natal, Transvaal, Rhodesia, fWF East African Ports, fi LiiiL Mauritius, &c. For Sailings and Other Information, apply to the Head Office, 3, Fenchurch Street, London; or in Swansea to T. R. W. i Mason & Co., or Bertie Perkins & Co. VJHITE STAR LINE. Liverpool to Australia. Fares: To Australia, £21 to £32; to Cape to £ 24 3s. These steamers are twin screw, fitted with bilge keels, and have been specially j constructed for the Colonial trade. The accommodation comprises "Smoking, Read-: ing, and Dirring Rooms. Surgeon and Stewardesses carried. For further particulars apply to the! Local Agents: WHITE STAR LINE Liverpool; 1. Cockspur-street, S.W.; and 38, Leadenhall-street, E.C., London. SITUATIONS VACANT. '??ANTED. an Experienced General; good gl,6.-Applv Mr? Frank Smith, Poplars, Baglan-roacl, Aberavon. C'l-20 ( iHEMlST Apprentice.—Wanted, an educa- j ted Young Man as Apprentice to the Dmg Business.—II M. Morris, Chemist, Brynamman. MISCELLANEOUS. ■i /? HEN6 p?id one user's ,ent after 16 adopting K2L?"wmd Meal (Sn??x Ground;, ijlb. bag lod., aJMi Karewood Spice (containing ground insects): 2d.. 6d. Is.— Levi James, Hong Kong Stores. Neath 176iul-20 207th YEAR OF THE 1 i M FIRE ? i? OFFICE OLDEST INSURANCE OFFICE IH '7'HF 0 4 T) MtaUaMA IoauraJioea «ffect*?u ou the following risks: FIRE DAMAGE, Itaaoltant Low of Rent and Profits. EMPLOYEES' LIABILITY. PERSONAL ACCIDENT. SICKNESS AND DISEASE. FIDELITY OUABANTHE. BUEGLABI, PLATB OLAdS- Swansea Office.— VICTORIA CHAMBERS. TOM A. j)A VIES. District Inspector. PUBLIC NOTICES. TO BUTCHEES. POULTRY DEALERS, JL BUTTER A-N;.) EGG MERCHANTS, HUCKSTERS. Etc.. Etc. BPITISH FARMERS RED CROSS FUND. A HUGE JUMBLE SALE AT SENNY- BRIDGE, ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31st, 1917, at 12.30 p.m. Last year when we had a larg.3 Jumble Sals at Sennybridpe. about X400 worth of | all kind of Prime Farm Produce were sold at lœ per cent. below value: hence we only realised £ 250. If you want Real Bargains, attend the above Sals at Sennybridge on the 316t inst. For any further particulars, write r:, neral fiecretary. W. Williams, -&ccount-, ant. Estate, House. Insurance, and. General Agent. Bryncelyn. Sennybridge. KILL THAT INSECT, TOMMY Send your pais "out yonder" some tins of HARRISON'S NURSERY POMADE: —they'll be very acceptable. When you haven't time to wash there's a big ohance you'll have companions." A little HAll- RJSON'S POMADE KILLS EVERY 1-NSECT on hair and body. Insist on havinj HAR. RlSU-S'S POMADE. "Tina of CJinfort," at 4Jd. and 9d. Sold by all Chemists—or by poet from HARIIISO-N. Chemist. Reading. PULLETS, LAYING, MARCH HATCH, 3s. 6d. Each, .iOs. Doz.; Six and Cock, 2As, List Free. HUMMELL, STRATFORD, ESSEX.

A BIG DAY ON THE FRONT. Sir Douglas Haig's evening com- munique is the most encouraging news received from France since the men of the Naval Division rushed Beaumont Hamel. It re- veals the cheerful fact that we are able to go on, weather permitting, m the same style as we did in Sep- i tember and early October. On a front of 600 yards, south of Beau- court-Sur-Ancre, a line of enemy poets has been occupied-an achievement of more considerable magnitude than the few lines in the official report indicates. Higher oil I the line also there have been suc- cesses, notably before Leils, which is some fifteen miles north of Arras. The Admiralty announcement re- garding the work of a German raider is serious, in view of the daily toll exacted by the U boats, but; there is this consolation: the life of a raider is not a long one. Let us hope that the unnamed raider willi meet with the fate of the Grief. At home, principal importance attaches to the statement, in reference to i drink control, that a prompt de- cision is expected shortly. It is said that total prohibition is ruled out in advance, and discussion turns at the moment mainly on the prac- ticability or otherwise of State pur chase. There appears an air of finality about the message received from Athens regarding the submission: of the Council of the Crown to the Allies' ultimatum, but; there will be a more comfortable i feeling abroad when we hear the voice of Paris—always more sen- sitive to diplomatic tremors than; London—saying that the situation is now clear. Our Ambassador in Greece definitely announces that the Crown Government has accep- ted the demands in their entirety, with all that they entail in the way of atonement for the insult offered i the Allies when landing parbies, arriving in Athens on November 18- 19, were treacherously attacked, and their requests as to the disposi- tions of the Greek Army and repa- ration to the prosecuted members of M. Venizoloe' Government. The King has earned the reputation of being more shifty than King Fox of Bulgaria. His career will serve those who in later years will have to read the signs of our times for clues as.ix) the development of certain ideas the war has furthered. They will note how the pretensions of a pair of royal brothers-in-law weakened (and shall we predict, and say destroyed?) the doctrine of monarchy by divine right. The principal of kingship was never more firmly established in the world than it is to-day. The throne of our beloved monarch is broad-based upon the people's will; it derives its strength from its rigid adherence to constitutional practice. Not so in Germany nor, as we now see, in Greece. The Kaiser was no sooner crowned, we are told in a new book of memoirs, than he began to orate mightily about his army. The Hohenzollerns regarded themselves as the very ohoeen of God. The nation existed for them. The idea of the King as servant of his people was far from them. Of King Constantine it may also be said that the doctrine of king- ship by divine right has proved his undQiAg, A ?tef trou&t o" o £ Athens states that the whole con- spiracy has been planned to crush, the Liberal Party which includes! almost the entire intellectual and enlightened section of the com- munity, as well as the labouring and manufacturing classes. But its ulterior object, as a corollary to this immediate one, is to suppress Con- stitutional government in Greece and to establish a military auto- cracy headed by the King. Arld i is well known that the. lyng has an inordinate sense of his own "Divine rights," and entered upon the un- constitutional path in February, 1915, with the declaration to M. Venizelos that for the country's foreign policy he considered himself "responsible to God" alone, and not to his people. In these mediaeval delusions he is, of course, en- couraged actively by the flatterers and schemers who surround him, who have their own encis to further. It is therefore quite possible ac- cording to the view formed by this writer, who has lived many years in Greece, that this cabal, for whose cleverness his moderate intellectual equipment is absolutely no match, has already got the reins firmly in hand, and that he is by this time under their control, though he is not allowed to perceive it. This, how- ever, abates not one jot of his own personal responsibility; for he has always been ready for such uncon- stitutional courses. For a free Press he has ever had, and expressed, the greatest aversion. All men who disagree with his own preconcep- tionshe hates withm perfect hatred. As he hates M. Venizelos, he. hated Greece's other great states- man, M. Tricoupis, in his day. Tricoupis fell from power because of his interference, and died in exile cf a broken heart. M. Delyannis, though M. Tricoupis's life-long rival, once said of Constantine that he would one day drench Greece in blood." The Military League of 1909 drove him from Greece, as the cause of the country's military dis- organisation. M. Tlieotokis, M. Rallis, M. Gounaris, and other poli- ticians, who are to-day flattering I-laiis, w h o are t el him. criticised M. Venizelos sharply for his reinstatement in the Army. And only M. Venizelos, in the teeth of the universal prejudice against the exiled Crown Prince, brought him and his brothers back from exile, and his political genius opened the road to rehabilitation and re- nown for him and his family. And now this is M. Venizelos's reward! The other day we referred to the admirable spirit animating the pub-, lie of Neath and district which en- abled the local Voluntary Aid De- I tachment to obtain by generous gifts and subscriptions a fleet of six motor ambulances. To-day the War j Office, thanks to the initiative in- ] terest taken by Mr. T. J: Williams, i M.P., and Mr. Matthew Morgan, have added another two cars and drivers. With eight motor ambu- lances in the garage, the members of the V.A.D. will be able to over- come all obstacles, and speed the, transfer of wounded soldiers in coi-a- fort from the station to the hospital. It has frequently happened of late that soldiers arriving home on furlough too late to catch the con- nections for the valleys, have had to encounter numerous difficulties, whilst some have had to pad the hoof home a distance of many miles, rather than submit to delay. This having been brought to the: notice of the officers connected with: the V.A.D., we may venture to pre- ] diet that if the Commandant is ad- vised of the late arrival of soldiers and sailors, motor cars will be at the railway station, meeting the 10.20 p.m. train, to convey them to their distant homes. We raise our hats again to N, eafh 1 Dr. D. Ll. Davies, the medical officer connected with the Cottage Homes, Brynccch, reports a won- derful record. Hundreds of childreni, have passed in and out of the Homes since they were established by. the Neath Board of Guardians nearly half a century ago, and during that long period only two deaths have occurred. It is a re- markable record, and those who know the doctor will readily ap- preciate his happy way of emphasis- ing it. They come in, he says, "skin and bones. First day I have got to give them medicine to make them eat, and next. day I have got to give them medicine to stop them eating too much!" That is the doctor's way of putting it., but he is nQt unmindful of the extreme care and devotion exercised by the Master and Matron (Mr. and Mrs. Norris Sair) to* whom this wonder- ful record is chiefly due. At pre- sent there are 106 children at the Homes; the picture of health and happiness is stamped on every feature, and the schoolmaster re- ports that the progress and disci- pline of the children in school during the year have never been equalled.

SMALLER CROPS. I In a return issued on Tuesday by the Board of Agriculture for the year 1916, returns are given of the acreage of crops and the number of live stocks on agricul- tural holdings. Wheat growing showed a decrease of 257,962 acres, or 12 per cent. decrease as compared with. 1915. Tha aroa under barley in 1916 showed an increase of 100,354 acre6, or 8 per cent. over that of last year, the lowest I acreage recorded. The area under potato cultivation was 35,451 acres loee than in 1915, and nearly 7,000 acres less than the ten years' average. There was a considerable decrease in pips as compared with 1915, Llie total in 191G being 2,167,941, a decline of 252,086, or nearly 101 per cent. Only in the Eastern and South-Eastern divisions vraa there an increase.

CWMLLYNFELL PIT BOY KILLED. A collier boy nam."<i ben Hughr,c;,]5 years of ago, of Cwmllynfeil, was killed at Gkiskm Colliery, Godre'rgraig, Swansea FaUex* on Weslneadaj, bj a fall of cool. J

SWANSEA TOWN COUNCIL GERMAN LABOUd AD UNO PROBLEMS beveral important municipal matters, including the town's contribution to the War the employment of German prisoners for work on the land, were in- cluded in the agenda of the Swansea Borough Council at .their monthly meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The Mayor (Aid. David Davies) presided, and there were present: Aldermen Ben Jones (deputy- mayor), Evan Evans (who has recovered from his recent indisposition), W. H. utiles, T. Merrells, J. Hillard, J. Devona.ld, M. Tui-ton; Messrs. W. W. Holmes, D. J. Davie-s, G. Hammings, F. J. Parker, D. Griffiths, H. Macdonnell, G. Hill, P. Molyneux, Dd. Williams, D. Richards, W. Owen, W. Morris. T. W. I-lowell,3, T. Sheehan, D. Matthews, D. J, Bassett, W. Laughame Morgan, Evan Jones, John Lewis, Barclay Owen, W. G. Lloyd, and Ald. Dan Jones. At the outset the meeting unanimously passed, on the motion of the Mayor, .seconded by Ald. MerrelLs. a resolution of sympathy with Mrs. Berry, in the death of her husband. Mr. T. Berry, Merthyr, who was a member of the Swansea and Merthyr Asylum Committee, and who was described by the Mayor as a most estim- able gentleman. The Council expressed the hope for the recovery of Mr. Dan Thomas (also a I memoor of the Asylums Committee), who v7-i= ínr'Ji!"po-N1. Moved by Councillor Molyneux, and se- conded by Ald. Merrells, resolutions of congratulation were unanimously passed with the Mayor. Colonel Sinclair, and Mr. E. G. Protheroe in the honour brought to them by their sons, Captain Percy Davies. Captain Sinclair, and Captain Lyndon Protheroe, who had been mentioned in dispatches. A similar expression was ac- corded Captain Gladstone Davies, an em- ploye of the Corporation, who had gained a like honour. The Mayor, in acknowledging, remarket: that the Itoys of the natioti had come out magnificently, and they should not forget the lads who, though they had done similarly well, had not been mentioned in dispatches. Mr G. Gunning, of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union, was nominated to fill the vacancy on the Soldiers and Sailors' Families' Association oonsequent upon the resignation of Mr. T. Ivor Jones. Councillor Ivor Gwynne was re-ap- pointed the Corporation representative on the Welsh University Court of Governors. The Swansea School Teachers' Associa- tion wrote expressing their appreciation of the response made by the Council to their application for a war bonus, and stated that A considerable number of cer- tificated teacherf; would receive no im- mediate benefit by the proposed war bonus. They suggested that the griev- ance should be' remedied by advancing them one year in the scale of salaries. The Mayor intimated that he believed the Council had now arrived at a scheme which would give entire satisfaction, and suggested that the minute be left as at present, but that a.ny case of especial hard- ship should be referred to a sub-committee. Th is course was adopted. Ald. Tutton moved the adoption of the Estates Committee minutes, with the deletion of the minute with regard to the Borough Estate Agent's expenses with regard to the motor car used in mattera connected with the Allot- ments Order meeting and affairs and it was left to the Allotment Com- mittee. On the Health Committee's report, Councillor David Williams mentioned the minutes with regard to the Board of Agriculture's letter on pig keeping, which suggested the relaxing of the Borough bye-laws, to give general dis- pensation from such restrictions. The Medical Oflioer of Health suggested that any people who desired to keep pigs should make application to him for per- mission, and the application would be considered on its merits. It was resolved that the suggestion of the Medical Officer be adopted, and it was also urged that the Borough Surveyor request the public to arrange for the separation of the feeding material from the house refuse. Mr. W. Owen seconded, and the minutes were carried. It was also resolved that the Chair- man of the Health Committee be co- opted on the Allotments Committee so that the question of the health stand- point of pig keeping should be kept in view. The Mayor here intimated that Aid. Merrells had had a conversation with Mr Ley, fruiterer, who had offered 500 tons of seed potatoes to the Corporation at a price substantially below market rate, and Aid. Merrells further said that ?g, Ley wFt6 willing to guarantee the pro- ductivity of the potatoes. The Mayor moved a resolution showing the appreciation of the Council of Mr. Fred Ley's public-spirited offer, and the Council carried this unanimously, the seconder being Ald. Merrells. Aldermen J. Devonald,1 M. Tutton. J. Hillaml, and Mr. E. G. Protherae were elected, Corporation members on the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee. The Mayor, on behalf of the Corpora- tion, extended a warm welcome to Ald. Evan Evans, who was present for the first time since his recent severe indisposi- Lion.-Ald. Evans returned thanks. Standing in the name of Councillor Laugharne Morgan was the following notice of motion:— That in the opinion of this Council, a considerable number of Germ-an pri- sonaro could be usefully employed in draining and reclaiming parts of the common lands near Swansea, and we suggest that the Chairman and vice- chairman of the Allotments Committee and the Town Clerk take step-s to put those proposals before the Secretary of State for War. Ald. Ben Jones said he did not think there should Y>e> any Germans on the Gower coast, and that it would be a great mistake if they were brought there. The Mayor pointed out that Swansea was more than a prohibited area,; it was an important sea-port open to foreign sea- men. Aid. Tutton asked how the expense would be borne in case prisoners of war were allowed to come down. They would come to drain and till land outside the area of the borough, and he though-t the ratepayers would object to it. The rates were not heavy now, but they were going to be by and bye. The motion proposed expense to the borough, for which it would derive no benefit. The Mayor considered that the motion was only for an inquiry. The commons were not at the disposal of the Council yet, and prisoners were only for the period of war, and would cease to be labour after. Aid. Merrells "hoped the Council would adopt the resolution if only to show that some attempt was being made to use this labour. It was scandalous to look upon them-big hulking fellow-s-in the intern- ment camn living well and with nothing do do. By ten votes to six the resolution was carried.

LOCAL SERGEANT'S DEATH. The mother of Sergt. Frederick Law- rence Butt, of No. 15, Fleet..street, Swan- sea, has been officially notified of his death in Mesopotamia from enteric fever. The deceased, who was only 24 years of age, and single, passed away on the 9th inst. He had seen more than two years* service with the Welsh Regiment, having fought in Gallipoli and Mesopotamia. Prior to enlisting he worked at the I Swuiaea Oid Brewerjy j

I BULLET IN THE ARM. 1 I Sensational Affair in a Port Taibot Lane. At Port Talbot, on Tuesday, Griffith Howell, of 52, Manael-street, Port Talbot, a copper worker, was arrested in connec- tion with a shooting incident which took j place in a lane near the Grand Hotel about ten o'clock that night, when Frank Bendle, of Penrhiwtvn, Noath. was wounded in the arm by a revolver shot.; It is alleged that Bendle's wife was in company with Howell, and was proceeding to the railway station at the time. Bendle was able to walk home. Howell was brought before the magis- trates on Wednesday morning on a charge of shooting with intent to murder, and re*- manded till Monday. The prisoner, a man of 53, who had worked for 35 years at the Rio Tinto I Copper Works, felt his position keenly. Supt. Ben Evans told the magistrates that the prisoner was a widower, his wife having died on the 14th of last month. It, j appears that d aring the latter part of Mrs. Howell's illness Bendle (the injured man), and his wife occnpied apartments ILl the house, but in consequence, it is alleged, of attention paid by prisoner toj Mrs. Bendle, her husband thought it ad- ,i6ahle to ekat" out. and they went to live at Mdy:nerythan. This arrangement did not improve masters, hecauæ Bendle's wife frequently visited Howells. On Sun- day she was away from her husband and children all day, and again on Monday. iO-u Monday evening Bendle came down to Port Talbot, and called on the police. In- spector Rees advised him to see Inspector Best., of the N.S.P .C.C. Instead of that Bendle went to Mansel-street, where Howells lived, and saw the latter by the door, but not his wife. On going to the railway station about ten o'clock he met prisoner and his wife walking arm in arm towards the station. It appears that Bendle said something, and the prisoner rushed at him, pointing a revolver and shouting. He fired a shot, striking Bendle on the right arm. Bend Ie ran to the police, and P.C. Williams came on the scene. Later pri- ieoner was arrested. Medical aid was pro-, cured, but the bullet was still in his arm. Supt. Evans asked for a remand in cus- i tody till Monday. The revolver (pro- i dueed), was found to contain three live cartridges and a spent one. Inspector Rees gave evidence of arrest, i and said that at first defendant denied that he had a revolver. He accompanied Howells to the house where the latter; made a statement, which was as followsj I may as well tell you the truth. I did; have a revolver, and was taking Mrg. Bendle to the Station, and when passing the Grand Hotel, her husband came on the scene and struck me a blow on the back of the neck. I drew the revolver, and told him to srtand back, but it went off. j I told the police I did not have a revol- ver; now I wish to correct that state-1 ment." Prisoner said he reserved his defence. Supt. Evans said a serious operation was necessary to extract the bullet, and he opposed bail. Mr. Lewis M. Thomas appeared for prisoner, who was remanded in custody till Monday. Bendle was in court.

SIR J. BEECHAM'S ESTATE. For the purpose of probate, the estate' is sworn at £ 1,000,000 of Sir Joseph Beecham, Bart., ot St. Helens and Hington^ Lanes. j

LAND CULTIVATION More Sites Offered for Local Allotment Schemes. SKEWEN. On Tuesday evening, at the Central Hall, Skewen, a well-attended meeting was held with the object of discussing tile question of seed potatoes and allotments- Couiicillor- Tom Lloyd (chairman of the Parish Council) having been voted to the chair, explained that his council had thought it advisable to a<'quaint the public generally with the contents of a letter received from the County Council containing an offer to supply seed immune from wart disease. The Parish Clerk (Mr. W. P. Jenkins) having read the letter, Mr. Samuel Jones pointed out that no information was given as to the price. The Chairman was of the opinion that that would depend to some extent upon the quantity required. Mr. R. Wyn Jones adding that they would probably be obtained at cost price.* On the motion of District Councillor Ben Davies, seconded by Mr. W. R. Lloyd, a committee was appointed to canvas the whole area as to the quantity. Twenty, representing Skewen and Jersey Marine, were thereupon selected. On the motion of Mr. Samuel Jones, it was decided to ask the Parish Council to undertake the distribution of the -eedi The Clnrk read replies which had been received from prominent landlords to in- quiries as to the amount of land available for allotments. Mr. Vaughan Price, general manager Main Colliery Co., pointed out that the company had already laid out allotments, and was prepared to do more this year, but for its own workmen only. Mr. G. T. Sims, agent to the Neath Abbey estate, wrote that Lord Dynevor was quite willing to give land. Mr. Tennant said he was anxious to give every facility on the Tennant estate, in order to assist in carrying out the scheme for increased food production, and pointed out available plots on Wern-road, and adjacent to the tramway. The Chairman was glad the landlords were prepared to meet their wishes. It was a surprising fact, he said, that so many gardens were untilled in Skewen, and it was time to face the question. It was time to tell every man his garden should be tilled this year, for shame's sake. Mr. T. Jones thought that the question of the price of the land should be thrashed out. It was hardly right it should be 6d. per perch one year, and after all the labour bestowed upon it, that it should be increa,sed to a shilling the following year. Applications for plots were invited and the response of those present totalled 200 perches. A. small committee was delegated to in terveiw the various landlords, in order t, ascertain the terms, etc., of the allot- ments available. GOWERTON. A special meeting of the parishioners of Gowerton was held on Monday evening, to consider the recommendation of the Board of Agriculture for increasing the supply of potatoes, and to take up allot- ments. Mr. J. C. Davies (Mount,) oc- cupied the chair, and made an earnest appeal to the meeting to take up the movement. He also stated that Meesxs. Baldwins were prepared to give all their spare land, of about two acres, free of charge, for allotments.—It was decided to adopt the allotment scheme, and a com- mittee, consisting of the following was chosen to put the scheme into operation:- Mr. D. Ward, Mr. Griff Rees, Mr. D. M. Williams, Mr. W. Jones, Mr. JfV. De- ment, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Hill. About 25 persons gave in their names as willing to take up allotments. NEATH. A meeting was held at Clyne, Neath, on Tuesday evening, to take advantage of the Land Cultivation Order. It was decided to put about five acres under the plough. Mr. W. B. Trick, J.P., who presided, offered to present a silver cup for the best re- sults- LLANDILO-TALYBONT. Mr. Alfred Morgan, Gorseinon, presided over the monthly meeting of the Llandilo- Talybont Council at Pontardulais. A long discussion took place on the circular of the Board of Agriculture re extension of area for cultivation of potatoes. The councillors were placed in a quandary, as the Department had not stipulated mini- mum and maximum prices of seed pota- toes. It was subsequently decided to cir- cularise all householders, employers of labour, ministers of religion, in order to enlist their sympathy with the important scheme. It is essential that all applica- tioiio for seed should be made within the next few days. On the motion of Mr. David Bonnell, it was resolved to take the necessary pre- liminary action towards gettiiig Grove Park ploughed up ready for the setting of potatoes. GWAUN-CAE-GURWEN. Lord Rhondda's patriotism and gener- osity have been clearly shown to the in- habitants of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen during the course of this week, for lie has offered! to fence and plough the unused land be- longing to the Gwaun-Gae-Gurwen Col- liery Co., at Tairgwaith, so that potatoes and other vegetables can be sown during the coming spring. Jt is to bofcoped that the citizens of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen will readily accept this offer. YSTRADQYNLAIS. At a meeting of the Dictrict Council a i, circular was read dealing with the neetl of increasing the production of food sup- plies in the district.—It was agreed to communicate with the Board of Agricul- ture in the matter, as it was pointed out that the District Council had no powers at present. CLYDACH. 1 At a meeting of the Parish Council held at the Twynybedw School, on Thurs- day evening (Councillor Dd. G. Thomas. presiding), applications for allotment land were considered. The provision of suitable land to meet the rapidly increas- ing number of applications made by en. thusiastic people desirous of becoming cultivators of the soil has developed into a big and difficult question for the local council. About 50 people attended the meeting, with a view to making a per-, eonal application for allotment land. A long discussion ensued, and eventu- ally, on the motion of Mr. Lilley, which was seconded by Mr. T. Roberts, J. W. Sykes, Jas Mulchay, Joseph Davies, and Evan Lloyd were appointed to constitute a committee, with power to negotiate with Mr. Studts and other landowners for suitable allotment land. J Ja HENDY. I The tentative orier of allotments on I the Forest estate by Mr. D. W. Drum- mond, agent to Earl Cawdor, has given much satisfaction to the local community I of the cottager class. I GLYN-NEATH. i At a meeting of the Parish Council, the result of the canvas of the parish in the matter of the supply of seed potatoes was given. The totaii amount ordered for the parish is 10 toad. A reply from the Clerk of the Cconty Council was read granting the use of nearly an acre of land, which is leased for the site of an infanta' school, for cultiva- tion during the war. Favourable reporte have also been re- ceived from other sources. It ie likely that P"Lrechl"der will h«*e «U»tmeaite.

I POTATO PLOTS. I Sheep Trespass on Resolven Allotments. I The Resolven Allotments and Small holders' Association, at a public meetini held on Monday evening', invited applies I tions for allotments of 10-perch plots. ThJ chairm.an (Mr. John Jones, check weight*;) explained the steps ta ken by the Pari$1 Council, who had :1$k-Ni for an interview with Mr. Colrille, Colonel Edwards Yanghan's agent with a view to satisfyii'j the requirements of tbost. applying t-.i allotments. He emphasised the necessirj of putting forth every effort to cultivaM and produce as much' as possible. Each localih- shonlcl strive to do their 11t,1L0,1 to grow as much produce on the land ai possible. Each -one could help in rrt-.v, n ing shortage and consequent high priory and they would be doing national work. Over 100 applicants for allotments vpM received. The Association, through tin Parish Council, already have 40 allotment, holders. Strong comment was made ('11 the question of sheep trespass on allot, ments and gardens, and consequent loseoi produce. It was resolved to notify t.frp farmers who were the owners of the sh«=pp, and to .take such steps as would nullify fliq evil. One speaker said it was no good planting allotments if sheep were allow- to clear the whole lot in one night, and if: wa-s incumbent on the authorities to tako effective steps to prevent the waste of labour and produce caused by trespass.

AFFRAYAT THE DOCKS. At Swansea, Borough Police Court oh Wednesaay, Jrernanflo Mentero. graasetr, a Spaniard. was charged on PL-IUanti w wounding Dimas Montmale with intent to ao giifvonxxuiy na-mi on Uo",Iti t-j-L.p at Swiuisea on Christmas Day. Mr. Hare„d King prosecuted, and. Mr. David Ciarls defended- Prosecutor said he was an Italian. Being still" weak, he was allowed to dit uown. lie said at thetllne of the etfaii he was do ship's fireman. Accused was one of c-lie crew. and they slept together m the ioic- castie. At, .x;i0 p.m. on Christmas Day they were together, and prisoner &aid 11d had lost some money, and called witness aarnes. About 10.30 on the same night, prosecutor, who admitted he was sligntiy under the influence of drink, said accnstx i into the forecastle, and he asked mm if he had found his money. I'll get some more money when I work for it," said prisoner. Prosecutor then prepared to g;a to bed. Prisoner took a razor out of his pocket, and he (prosecutor) went towarus his bunk. In doing eo, he had to pasa accused. Mr. King: As you were passing, did do. fondant do anything to you ? Witness: Struck me with a razor. Where did he strike you-e--On the left I side. Did he make a large gash ?—Yes. Did you struggle with prisoner at all ?—i No, sir. Dr. J. Graham Longden said that pro- secutor was admitted to the hospital about 11 pjn., suffering from a deep cut in the left side, 7iin. long, which went right through to the bone. It had to ho eewn up in three layers. The wound was one that must have been made with a sharp instrument, and was consistent with the evidence of prosecutor. Detective Inspector Johnson said that in consequence of complaints enquiries were made. Prisoner came to the office with an interpreter, and said he Wanted to explain how Montemale was cut. lio made a statement which was now handed in. It was to the effect that there had been a struggle for the razor, and that while trying to get it away from him. prosecutor drew it across his own side. Then two other men came in to separate them. When formally charged, prisoner, through the interpreter replied, If ho hadn't come against me, nothing would haw* happened." The Magistrates decided to commit prisoner for trial at the next Assizes bail being allowed, defendant in M. two sureties of £10 each.

I LONDON CITY AND MIDLAND BANK. Satisfactory Annual Report. me annual meeting of the London City and Midland Bank (of which Mr. John Glasbrook, Swansea, is a director), will he held in London next week. In their report to the (Shareholders tha directors says:- The directors have to report that tha net profits for the year ending 31st Dec- ember, 1916, after payment of all expenses and making provision for all "bad aiul doubtful debts, amount to 6d., to which has to-te added the balance of £ 113,597 15s. 2d. brought forward from last account, making together a total 6lliii Of £1,750.566 10s. 8d., which has been ai- propriated as follows :-Interim divide,ncl at the rate of 18 per cent. per annum fir the half-year ending 30th June, 1910, le-s ineorue tax, £ 34i,217 16. 3d.; dividend at the rate of 18 per cent. per annum for Lm half-year ending 31st December, 1916, pay- able 1st February, 1.917, less income tax, S:322,703 9s. lid.; investment accouur, £ 632,501 0s. 6d.; payment of salaries ta > members of the staff serving with h is Majesty's Foroea and bonus to- othc: £ 207,606 13s. 2d.; balance- to he cariied xor. ward to next as. 10d.; total, £ 1,750,566 10s. 8d. H The directors announce with deep re- gret the death of their esteemed colleague, Sir George Franklin- The directors re- tiring from office a/e the Right Hon. Lord Airedale, Mr. Frank Dudley Docker, C.H., and the Right Hon. Lord Rotherham. Lord Airedale and Mr. Docker, being eli- gible, offer themselves for re-election. Tho Right Hon- Lord Carnock, G.C.B., has boon elected to a seat on the board."

MUSICAL SUCCESSES. The following pupils of Mr. George T. IJewellyn, A.R.O.M., L. T.S.O., of Bryncerdd, Beverley-street, Port Talbot, who himseit has just gained his L.RA.M.. have been hkv ces6tui at recent eisteddfodau:—Sandfield?- Soprano eolo: 1, Miss Jennie Thomai?i; lisa. M-iv. Potts. Girls' solo. Equal 1st, Alice Stephens. She also took 1st at Tabor- 4 nacie Eisteddfod. Grove-place.—Baritori* Folo. 1st, Andrew Allen. Girls' solo: 1ft, 1 Kitty Llewelyn; 2. Olwen Jones. (,Iwm,v,)ii —Baritone aolo: 1, W. Jones (lOi^Bipetitors), | Bridgend Eisteddfod.—Soprano soloi.;t, Mr:, Hold (6 competitors). Seven Sisters Eisteddfod.—Champion solo: Mrs. Jevmio Ellis At the performance of Elij. ah at Maeteg, on Christmas Night, Mr. D. J. Davies sang the teror solos.

SKEWEN TEACHER'S FUNERAL. L Amid signs of deep regret, tne remain* of Mr. E. T. Lsaac, of Hig.hland-cru'nt, Skewem, certificated assistant at the Skewen Council Schools, were oonveyed to Cadoxfcon Churchyard to be laid to rest, on Wednesday afternoon. In the proces- sion were the boys.of his class, and a largd number of other children from the se-hools; akP tho Gorphwysfa C.M. Church, Sunday School and Band of RoOpe (of which he was treasurer) were largely represented. There on behalf of the Mid-Glamorgan branch of the N.U.T., Mr. Herbert H. Phillios and Mr. T. Morgan Davies. The Rev. J. R. Evans (a ronper pastor of C^-phwysfa) officiated at house, ?amst'? by t? Rev. J; Ev&na JoMs. the Rev. 11 R. Phil- lips, Neath Abbey, bcing also present. The service at the ehurch and at the graveside was taken by the RØt". J. D. James, M.A., Vicar of Cedoxton. mourners pt included Mr. Rob?t. mou-,O-- P- t inrltmied .N,fr. and Katie Isaac (sisters) Messrs. Edgar. Idris and Elvet Isaac (brothers). Among- the floral tributes was one from the Mid- Glamorgan teachers and from the Goxp&- wysfa Band of Hopo,

I A SWANSEA WEDDSNG. I In the presence of a large congregation, j Miss Muryell Gladys Rice, fourth daughter of Canon the Hon. W. Talbot Rice and Mrs. Rice, The Vicarage, Swan- sea, was married on Tuesday to Mr. Patrick A. Buxton, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, son of Mr. Alfred F. Buxton, Fairhill, Tonbridge, at the Parish Church, Swansea. It was an im- posing and interesting function, per- formed by the Lord Bishop of St. David's, the Rev. H. Vaughan Johnson (Rector of St. Michael's, Winchester), and the Rev. L. R. Hancock (Vicar of Holy Trinity, Riohmond, Surrey), the two latter uncles of the bride, who was given away by her father. Mr. Denis Buxton, brother of the bride- groom, was best man, and the bride wore a charming dress of ivory-corded brocade, trimmed with old Spanish lace, the gift of her mother. She carried as a bouquet a sheaf of Madonna lilies. The brides- maids, the Misses Katheryn, Victoria and Lettice Rice (sisters of the bride), and Miss Elizabeth Buxton (sister of the bridegroom), wore dresses of nattier blue georgette over white silk with ivory net ifchus, veils of blue tulle, with wreaths of gold leaves. They carried white prayer books, and wore gold and pearl safety-pin broochea, the gift of the bridegroom. The first hymn of the service, Lord, we tbank Thee." was written by the bride- groom's grandfather, the late Dr. T. W. Fox-Blake, headmaster of Rugby and Dean of Walls, and as the bride and bridegroom left the church they passed under a guard of honour of the Swansea Girl Guides, of which the bride was dis- trict captain. The honeymoon is being spent in Corn- wall, and the bride's travelling dress was of dull Saxe blue ooat and skirt, with ni-,zer brown silk hat, and skunk furs. The wedding scene was an animated and picturesque one, and the thorough- fares leading to St. Mary's Church were literally thronged with people, particu-! larly the fairer sex, who came to xtend to the newly-wedded couple their best wishes. The nuptial ceremony was a dis-1 tinctly impressive one, and as the bride an-d bridegroom left the church the wed- ding march was played on the grand organ.

CORRESPONDENCE. I (Letters to the Editor should be brief, to th 3 Doint. and about something. Got reepoudents should send their names and addresses, not neceesarily for publication.] LLANDILO BOYS AT THE FRONT. To the Editor. Sir.-I have read the account of the meeting held at Llandilo of the Reception Committee, in your paper dated Decern-1 her 9th, which I receive weekly, and I j have been asked by some of the local hoys to answer same. I shall be pleased if you will kindly spare me a little space, and insert the following. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, youTS, etc.,—391? Sergt. T. Lewis, 14th Battalion The Welsh Regiment, E.E.F. January 1, 1917. To Capt. Roberts. Sir,—I have been asked by some of the local boys to thank you most heartily for the kind suggestion and support you ten- dered on our behalf to the members of the Llandilo Reception Committee; but, unfortunately, without success, which I read in the. Herald of Wales." It iB evident that the remainder of the Com- mittee have not the slightest idea with re- gard to the needs and comfort of the local boys who are keeping the home fires burning." A man arriving home on leave does not require support then; he receives all that from his parents and friends, but when he is from home he requires it—1 where money cannot buy. We spent a: very decent Christmas here. I sincerely hope that the matter will be given consideration at the next meeting, I and that the local boys will not be for- gotten. I conclude with best wishes frojo. all the I boys. f I I I am, sir, yours, etc., 3917 Sergt. T. Lewis, l-4th Batt., the Welsh Rgt., E.E.F.