Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

COUNTY DILUTION OFFICER. The Ministry of Munitions has ap- pointed Mr. W. J. Stephens, who has been dilution officer for the Swansea area since the creation of the office, to he dilution officer for the county of Glamorgan under the new scheme which comes into operu- tion on May 1st.

DONOR OF MOTOR CAR. We are asked by the Mayor (Aid. Dr\. Davies) to state that the recent drawn;? for a motor car, promoted in. the interests ür war and philanthropic funds, resulted in S:312 103. being obtained. At this state the Mayor thinks it ought to be know rl riiat the geneious donor of the motor car is Mr. Hugh V. Witts, iron and steel mer- chant, Swansea, and in company with Mr. C C. Vivian, the hon. treasurer of the fund, on Monday arranged for the follow- ing distribution ol Ili,- money:- For Red Crocs work at Swansea £ 75; Blind Soldiers'' Fund. £ 50; Disabled Sol- diers' and Sailors' Fjnd. £5û; for Swan- sea bed at Russian Hospital, Petrograd, £20; Y.M.C.A. Hut Fund. V-20; Church Army Hiii Fund, £ 20; Salvation Army Hut Fund, £21); Local Prisoners' of War Fund, £ 20; Swansea Hospital, 210; lior- ton Red Cross Fund. S5; Swansea Orphan Lome, £ 5 as.; Swansea Blind Institution, E-1 5s.; Swansea Missions to Seamen, £ 5; High-street Station Soldiers' and Sailor6 Buffet, £ 5. The expenses for printing, etc. it i-e 12.

AMMANFORD RATES. The Ammanford Council at a epeciak meeting on Wednesday night, considered estimates of receipts and experwuLrxe for the current half-year, and resolved to levy a general district rate of 2s. 6d. in the 2, alld a water rate of Id. in the 9. Com- pared with the last half-year the general d i)ut it s b ?)w, nG di-Jrict rate is up but it shows nc changB on the corresponding half-year. jThe respective committees had cut the | expenditure side down to the lowest pos- sible limits. Mr. J. C. Shaw, the newly-appointed chairman, was in the chair, and the fol- lowing chairmen of committees have been appointed: Health Committee, Mr. Win. Evans; Roads Committee, Mr. E. Evans; and Finance Committee, Mr. Dd. Jones (re-elected).

NATIONAL SERVICE SCH EM E, Speaking at Falkirk en Thursday. Vte. Neville Chamlierlain reafcred to a new scheme in connection with National Ser- vice, the main principle of wiiich was to replace men called up for the Army hy men from less essential tfi(les. The Central Committee would appoint local committees in every County Borough, Borough and Urban District, with reprt sentatives of the employed and employ- ing classes, and substitution officers would also lie appointed. No one would have to go to the Labour Exchange. The scheme wou ld incl ude Scot land.

VALLEY "SLACKERS." The Pontardawe tribunal has decided to E-end a deputation to Swansea to wait upon the recruiting authorities on He- count of the. number of men who have not yet been called up fur service, althoujii refused exemption.

Heart's Stands Pre-eminent FOR FIRST-CLASS FRUIT, VEGETABLES, and CONFECTIONERY. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. HEARD'S STORES, .17, Station Road, PORT TALBOT, 67, High Street, ABERAVON, 10, Parade, NEATH, 18. Windsor Road, NEATH.

Picture Palace, PcTrttyoerent I WEEK COMMENCING FEB. 26th. Usual EXCELLENT SHOW of PICTURES. POPULAR PRICES: 4d.. 6d., and 9d. Thursday, Doors Open at 6.45, to com- mence at 7. Saturday. Doors Open 6.30, to commence at 6.45 and 8.45. MATINEE Thursdays at 4 o'clock, Id.. 2d., and 3d.

LATEST WAR NEWS I THURSDAY'S BRITISH OFFICIAL. I General Headquarters, -France, Thursday, 11 a.m. Early last night the enemy again endeavoured to attack our new positions in the neighbourhood of Gavrelle. His advancing troops were caught by our artillery barrage and com- pletely repulsed. Elsewhere there L nothing of special interest to report.

STIFF RESISTANCE. The Expert French Commentator, writing last night, says: — The battle which was resumed on Mon- day conHitues on the British front. The enemy a particularly fltiff rc- sistance to our Allies, which, however, does not check their courage. Their gains have been organised, and to-day fresh pro- gress was realised between* the Scarpe and Cojt-ul brook, to the south. Several thou- sands of enemy dead fovnd on the con- quered ground bear witness to the fierce- ness of the struggle, and the value which the German commanders attach to hold- ing the Douai read. The number of Ger- man prisoners captured exceeds 3,000, and the British booty has been increased by two field guns. Contrary to the claims of the enemy, in all these operations there has been no attempt at a break through, but only a steady and methodical pushing back of the German front by the fall of its successive- points d'appui. Further south both forces lmve also advanced in the direction of Mareoing, capturing the hamlet of Be-I- hem, east of the ITnvrineourt Wood. British aviator.s continue to display most fruitful activity, boldly penetrating the German lines, bombing all sorts of objec- tives, engaging the enemy, and enjoying an evident superiority. Five enemy machines were again put out of action, as well as two observation balloons. On the French front the bombardment is still general arid continuous. The enemy this morning attempted a violent return to the offensive on the Craonne Plateau, at the Hurtebise Farm, but the attempt was abortive, and only cost the enemy sevoi e On the other hand, we made progress in the Laonnais and Moronvi!- liers Massifs, where we captured some pri- soners and another gun.—Press Associa- tion War Special.

THURSDAY'S FRENCH OFFICIAL. There was an intermittent artillery duel in the various sectors. On the bank of the Aisne a German reconnaissance which attempted to reach our trenches near Moy, was easily repulsed. To the north of the Aisne the enemy renewed in' vain, his efforts to drive us oft from the plateau of the Chemins-des-Dames. After a violent bombardment last night, the enemy twice launched without success, on a front of about two kilometres to the west of Cerny, powerful attacks which were broken on our lines with heavy losses. Another attempt in the J region of Hurtebise Farm was equally un- succssful." In the region of Juvincourt, our ar- tillery caught, under its fire enemy working parties and dispersed them. In Champagne, in the region of La [ Pompeille, as well as on the Nav- | rin-Tahure front, the enemy it- tempted several surprise attacks which had no other result than to yield us prisoners.

DUNKIRK BOMBARDED. PARIS, Thursday. The Minister of Marine states that a squadron of German destroyers bom- barded Dunkirk in the early hours be- tween 2Ab and 2.25. The short batteries replied, a.nd French and British patrol vessels engaged the enemy, who with- drew at full spead towards Gstend. In this brief engagement one of the French boats was sunk. The losses of the enemy are at present unknown. —————

ZEPPELIN SMASHED. AMSTERDAM, Thursday. According to a frontier correspondent, German deserters arriving at Maastricht say that on Monday one of the newest Zeppelins was destroyed in a trial trip between Fredriekshaven and Wilhelms- haven in a gale which overtook the air- ship east of Duisbourg. An explosion en- sued. The wreckage fell in a wood, and the crew, including tivo under managers of the Zeppelin works, were destroyed.

GERMAN STRIKE THREAT. I An Exchange message from Amsterdam says the Berlin munition workers have expressed their intention to strike again on May 1st -Is a protest against the short- age of food. The Government Press has warned the strikers that in the event of a strike they would be traitors, and would be treated as such without consideration: It is believed that the threatened strike will affect nearly a million workers of both sexes.

BOMBS ON DESTROYERS. PRESS BUREAU, Tuesday, 9.38 p.m. The Secretary of the Admiralty an- nounces :— The Vice-Admiral at Dover states that he has received a report from Dunkerq ue to the effect tllit on the afternoon of the 23rd April (Monday) reconnaissance machines reported the presence of hostile destroyers, and three British naval machines were despatched to attack them. Five enemy destroyers were seen a.t I.Iti p.m. steaming between Blanckenberg and Zecbnigge in a north-easterly direction live miles cS the coast. The leading machine attackc-d, dropping 16 bombs, one of which was seen to ob- tain a direct hit. The remaining four destroyers scattered and were attacked by the two remaining machines, 32 lionibs being dropped. The leading destroyer waif"observed to take a list to port, and remained stationary after all the bombt had been dropped. The four destroyers closed on the dis- abled craft. A hostile aeroplane attacked our machines, but was easily driven off. At 6.10 p.m. the four destroyers were re- ported by reconnaissance machines enter- ing Zeebrugge Harbour. It is considered most probable that one destroyer was sunk.

A WEEK'S PIRACY. I PRESS BUIIEAU, Wednesday Night. I The Secretary of the Admiralty makes the following announcement:— Weekly return of arrivals, sailings, war losses, and unsuccessful attacks for the week ending 3 p.m. April 22nd:- Arrivals and sailings of merchant ves- sels of all nationalities (over 100 tons net) at and from L'nited Kingdom ports (ex- clusive of fishing and local craft):— Arrivals  2,585 Pai]in?s 2,621 British merchant vessels sunk by mine or submarine (1,600 tons gross or over) .m- Do. (under 1,600 tons) 15f British merchant vessels unsuc- cessfully attacked by sub- marines 27Z British fishing vessels sunk 9§ Including two sunk week ended 15th April. t Including one sunk week ended 8th April. Including one attacked during week ended 8th April. § Including one sunk during week ended 8th April.

GERMAN PEACE DESIRE. AMSTERDAM, Thursday. A Berlin semi-official telegram confir the appointment as Governor-General of Belgium of General Baron Von Falken- hausen, hitherto Commander of the Sixth Army Corps. The Frankfurter Zeitung announces that the Imperial Chancellor and the For"a Minister returned to Berlin from Main Headquarters on Tuesday. The" Vorwaerts." criticising the semi- official statement recently published of the Government's refusal to state German war aims, describes it as nonsense, and adds, H Whoever wishes may read be- tween the lines that the Government is prepared to conclude peace without an- nexations and indemnities, and that it would even be glad to get it. but that it dare not say as mueh.Reuter.

HOW LONG? Enemy Exhaustion Within Sight. WAR CORRESPONDENTS' HEAD- QUARTERS, France, Thursday. The main fighting up the valley of the Scarpe has not been quite so intense dur- ing the night, although the enemy is still hurrying up his reserves, and throwing these into the line, presumably with the idea of continuing to preas his counter- attacks. It is pretty clear that the Ger- mans intend to make every sacrifice to fighting a great delaying battle, as they are now standing upon any well-prepared system of defences, such as their old trench lines. They can only hope to check our advance by using up great masses of troops. For this purpose they are employing some of their best divisions. Hence the extreme bitterness of the fighting since Monday last. But the policy is one which must result in greatly accelerating the pro- cess of exhaustion, and if continued the situation would resolve itself into the simple problem of which side can longest maintain the deadly pace. Since there is no question as to the answer, the only other points is: How Long? German prisoners say the Ger- man Army is being drained at a rate which brings a collapse of effective re- sistance within measurable distance. The scene of the battle-ground around Monchy is hideous with German corpses, blending into the sparse verdure, and somehow finding ghastly accentuation from contrast to a void patch of blue colour in the direction of Fortune des Chins.

LESS FOOD. In the House of Lords on Wednesday, Lord Devonport, the Food Controller, uttered a grave warning to the public which indicates the serious shortage of food in the country and the absolute necessity for drastic economy oil the part of every individual. Lord Devonport a.id: Food in this war is destined to be one of -the supremely decisive factors. Shipping is being depleted every day, and, although our existence depends upon it. it is at the moment of the nature of a wasting security. If we de not exercise a sufficiency of self-denial in our bread consumption—I tell you the blunt truth—we shall not get through to the next harvest without severe privation and all that it involves. ( have decided to set up forthwith the necessary machinery for rationing, in order to oe prepared to deal with the con- trol and distribution of supplies of bread, sugar, and any other food at short notice, if and when necessary. Army authorities are doing all in their power to economise in food, short of re- ducing the rations of fighting men-a wicked thing to do Voluntary sugar ration per head is re- duced from fib. to ilb. If voluntary retrenchment is not made by the public, within the next six or eight weeks, there will be no alternative but to apply compulsion in regard to bread and other foodstuffs. Answering questions, Lord Devonport said there had been hoarding and he was dfraid everybody took advantage of the opportunity to make as much profit as he could. They intended to fix a uniform price for flour as distributed to the baker. Then they would overhaul the baker and ascertain v what the loaf ought to cost. Then instead of the loaf costing tOld. or Hid. oj Is. it would be a definite price. it is understood that the local authori- ties who will be asked to work the compul- sory rationing scheme are the county councils, borough councils, and urban and rural district councils. These bodies will recei ve their instructions for the possible emergency next week. Sir 0 William Robertson, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, referring to the proposed National League of Food Patriots, says.—" The need for economy in food is unquestionable, and everything tending to ensure it is to be commended, both as a national duty and as a proof of our readiness to share in the sacrifices made daily by our sailors and soldiers at i the front."

WAR SUMMARY FRIDAY. The French have gained ground east of the Oivry as a result of well executed operations, and have also taken 2501 prisoners. | Three strong counter-attacks, preceded by ) a bombardment, in the region of Moron vi llers, have been reduced toj nought by the French barrage and machine gun lire. An Amsterdam message, dated Friday, I says the President of the Reichstag has made a bitter attack on President Wil- son who, he said, showed himself a masked enemy at aarly period. SATURDAY. Maintaining their progress, the British have captured another village. Artillery activity continued on both sides at a large number of places. A relief ship with 8.000 tons of wheat for stricken Belgium has been either tor- pedoed or mined. M3NDAY. A now British attack, on a wide front, began at dawn to-day. The venue is on both sides of the Scarpe. Fighting in tne new effort is proceeding satisfactorily. We have taken the whole of Tresc&ult a.nd the greater part of Havrincourt Wood. Two more hospital ships have been tor- pedoed by the enemy. On board one wa-s a number of German wounded, whose cowardly conduct was in marked con- trast to the behaviour of the British. Two British vessels encountered five Ger- man destroyers off Dover. Two were sunk and others badly mauled. Ou;, ships escaped TUESDAY. Success attends Sir Douglas Haig's new offensi, e. More *dllagete have been won, enemy attacks repelled, and 1,500 pri- soners pad on to the collecting sta- tions. Many more captives have still to come in, and we have maintained all our posi- tions in the face of reckless attacks. Mr. Balfour is to address the United States Senate—a remarkable compliment to our Foreign Secretary. The loss of a, British airship ig admitted by the Admiralty Our forces in Mesopotamia have forced the Turt.- from Samarra after a severe fight. Our captures include much roll-; ing stock. Though no new great infantry attack has vet developed on the French front, con- siderable successes have been gained by our Allies. WEDNESDAY. Further progress has been made by the I British, who have captured the hamlet of Bilheu in the area east of Havrin- court. Fighting took place this morning along the front between the Cojeul and Scarpa rivers. The ground gained by us has been secured. Since the morning of the 23rd, 3,029 pri- soiers have been captured, including 56 officers Wonderful work has been done by British airmen, who have brought down 4f) enemy aeroplanes in one day. A Washington message says that the United States Gorerarrent will arrange [ UP loan to Great Britain of 200,000,000 dollars, probably to-day. This amount is not ilieii-it to form Great Britain's full share of the five billion dollars in- tended for the Albes, but is designed to meet immediate and pressing needs. THURSDAY. The feature of the French communique. is a eeries of desperate but ineffectual German counter-attacks, which brought the enemy nothing but heavy losses. A Press correspondent with the British Army declares that the enemy attacks in force bring his exhaustion within iiieasurible distance. An attack made by the Germans last night on our new positions in the neigh- bourhood of Gavrelle, was completely repulsed, the advancing troops being caught by our artillery barrage. A tip-and-riin fleet of German de- stroyers bombarded Dunkirk early this morning. The shore batteries replied. and French and British vessels engaged the foe, who withdrew at full speed. One French boat was sunk. I' The German desire for peace is said to be growing.

TAIBACH BREAD. ——— In reply to the question in the House of Commons regarding the flour supply of the Taibach Co-operative Society, Captain Bathurst: The attention of the Food Controller has been called to this matter, and it is being investigated. He has recently investigated a similar com- plaint arising in another district in South Wales. In that case the local Master Bakers' Association expressly repudiated 'any, boycott or threat 1mt admitted that they had endeavoured, with the aid of the local millers' association, to induce the firm alleged to be underselling to oome into line. The control by the Gov- ernment of the larger mills under the recent Flour Mills Order will, it is hoped.. put a stop to controversies of this char-I acter.

I CAPT. HAROLD WILLIAMS. Mr. Marlay Samson's appreciation of the hard work put in by Capt. itarold I Williams as military representative for eight courts, was timely and thoroughly deserved, said Mr. W. J. Crocker, and 11 would like to pay tribute to the captain' for his ready and capable assistance llnl behalf of the National Service cainl,.i,? I m Swansea. During the past fortnight he has cheerfully undertaken the task of I addressing the audiences at the picture houses of the town, and two shows a I night. Whatever success Mr. Chambei- lain's scheme has had. or will have, ii Swansea, the larger part of the credi. must be given Capt. Williams for hi; lucid expositions and appeals to the pat- riotism of his audiences.

TEA SCALDS OAUSE DEATH. t An inquiry was held at Pcnllergaer on Catherine Mary Johns. Cartretle House Gorseinon-road, Penllergaer, (2), who as a result of scalds on Sunday last. '1'hl" mother stated that on Thursday last ¡;¡ha! left a tea-pot of hot tea on the table while! she went to the scullery. Upon her arrival back in the kitchen she found that the de- j ceased had upset the contents and had; scalded her left arm. She did on Sunday last. The doctor attributed death I to septic pneumonia caused by scalds.— i Verdict accordingly.

COLLIERY COMB-OUT I Miners' Council Reverse Former Recommendation. (By Our Mining Correspondent). Important resolutions. some of which will have a far reaching effect, were passed at a meeting of the executive council of the South Wales Miners' Federation, at'j Cardiff, on ty ednesday. The principal item of general interest was the indication that the Council (by a majority, no doubt) is now prepared to reverse its former re- commendation to a delegate conference, re- garding combing out," and to recom- mend the acceptance of the decision of the M.F.G.B to co-operate with the Government on the question. And "'the next-and of direct importance and in- terest to the port of Swaneea and to the anthracite miners of the surrounding dM-, trict, was the appointment of deputation! to wait upon the Controller of Mines to urge the need of arrangements for alloca- ting tonnage to that area, so as to keep the collieries going Mr. J. Wiastone presided, and among thost present were:—Messrs. J, D. Mor- gan and J. J. James (Anthracite), W. Jenkins (Port Talbot), D. R. Grenfell (Wcc-tern), W. Davies (Enginemen's sec- tion), and others. It was agreed to receive, at the next meeting of the council, a deputation from the Taxation of Land Values Associa- tion. Complaints having been received from several districts regarding the lack of medical officers, in view of the calling up of doctors foi the Army, It was re- solved That the council are of the opinion that, in the calling up of doctors, sufficient attention is not given to the hazardous nature of the miners' employ- nlcnt, and that we urge that more care shall be exercised, either in leaving a sufficient number of doctors, or by effi- cient substitution, vto attend to the enor- mous number of casualties and cases of sickness among workmen employed in the mining industry." A report of the proceedings of th.) M.F.G.B. conference, held in London last jweek, was given by the general secretary | (Mr. Richards), which led to a lengthy discussion on the military "comb out" or the collieries. It was, ultimately, de-J cided that a discussion upon this tULttcrl take place at Monday's annaul conference, with a view to a further conference being called to consider a recommendation by the council that the decision of the M.F.G.B. (in favour of co-operating with the Mines Controller and the Govern- ment) be accepted, thus reversing the council's previous recommendation, upon which the South Wales delegates, at their last meeting, acten. It was resolved that the annual confer- ence of delegates, on Monday next, be asked to authorise the Council to request the M.F.G.B. to make an application for a'1 advance in the general wage rate, con- sequent upon the further continued in- I crease in the cost of living.

A MILLION MINERS. Withdrawals for Army to be Con- sidered. Mr. Roberts, for the Board of Trade, states in the Parliamentary Papers, that the number of persons .at present em- ployed underground and above ground &t mines is as follows .— England (including N. Wales) 656,300 Scotland 127,600 South Waleb and Monmouth. 217,100 Total 1,001,300 In considering the number who can be spared for the Army. Mr. Roberts adds, regard must be had to the extent to v-llicb any further withdrawal of men would re- duce the production of coal, and to the effect on the essential industries of the country and the requirements of our Allies.

DYFFRYN WEDDING. At St. Matthew's Church, Dyih-yu, Neath, on Wednesday, the marriage took place of Josephine, only daughter of the Rev. J. C. Thomas, Vicar of Dyvfryn, and Mrs. Thomas, with Wilfred, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Watson Baker, of High Barnet. The officiating clergy were the bride's father, the Rev. Canon Wateyn Morgan (Vicar cf Llaneliy), and the Rev. A R. Davies (Dyffryn). In the unavoid- able absence through illness of her brother. Mr. Gilbert M. Thomas, the brick; was given away by her god-father, .Mr. Moore-Gwyn (Ilyffryn). She wore a simple frock of white charmant. over- vest and sleeves of ninon. with touches of silver and orange blossoms; her veil (which was the one worn by her mother at. her wedding) was secured by bands of silver and orange blossom; her only orna- ment was a pearl brooch, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Nettie Watson Baker, sister of the bride- groom, and Miss Betty Lewis, cousin of the bride. Lieut. A. Frewin was the best man. Mr. Rosser Howell presided at the organ, and appropriate hymns were sung by the robed choristers. By special re- quest, Mr. H. L. Thomas, elder brother of the bride, played the Wedding March and other selections during the signing of t I IL, register. Both the bride and the bridegroom received a large number of handsome presents, including a beautiful rose bowl on stand, with appropriate in- scription, from the choristers and bell- ringers of St. Matthew's Church. i The bride carried a beautiful bouquet of choice flowers, made by Mr, Bradley, head gardener of Baglan, who also taste- fully decorated the church.

SIDE-STEPPING THE ARMY. Neath Tribunal and Tinplaters. The Neath Rural District Tribunal (Mr. W. B. Trick J.P., presiding), on Thurs- dav w'opted the following resolution, i c-apies of which are to be sent to the; Director-General of Recruiting, Sir Wm. | Robertson, th" Prime Minister, Lord Derby, and Mr. Bonar Law:— I "The jnemtx?rs of this Tribunal desire to call attention of the it,,tljo'ritieG to the! [existing legulations in the tinplate trude as regards recruiting. At present, meii i in the trade, wlien called to the colours, are given the option of jcining up or en- rolling as Army Reserve muniticn workers. Practically every man availed himself of this opportunity to evade his military responsibilities, and this Tribu-j nal considers that in t he interests of the nation this regulation should be im- mediately revised." Mr. D. Villiers Meager (representing the military authorities) concurred with the terms and the spirit of the resolution. ■

SWANSEA MYSTERY I —— ——— Strange Story of Brynmin Lady Death. A strange narrative connected with the discovery in a dying condition at No. 4 Oak wood-road, iirynmili, of a spinster named Miss Sarah Jane Thomas (45) on the previous Tuesday, wag told to Mr. J. C. Morris, the borough coroner, at the inquest at the work house on Thursday. Mr.. Gee (of Messrs. G;e and Edwards) represented the relatives 01 the deceased. Daniel Harries Thomas, a miner, of Clvdach. a brother of the deceased, re- lated that his sister was of a very re- | served disposition, and he had not seen her for the past 14 months, when eha at- tended the funeral of witness's Two months ago his both sons called at her house in oakiN-ofid-road, but failed to ob- tain an answer, and the Coroner produced several unopened letters dated March 23rd, March 30tli, and April 14th last, which were round in the house. Witness added that the deceased bad iIlde- pendent means, owned several houses, and also had an account with the bank, in which, there was, according to her bank book, about SHO to her credit. He considered that she was so reserved on account of the fact that she spoke Eng- lish so indistinctly, and he knew she was suffering from chest trouble. A neighbour, Mr. S. R. II. Rickards, assistant manager of the Swansea Em- pire, and a special constable, observed that during the thFe years he had lived next door to the deceased he nor his wife had never spoken to her. Miss Thomas was of a very eccentric disposition; in fact, when she saw anyone whilst in the back yard she would rush into tlw hou:ie and close the door. He added that when the deceased first came to Jive in O. U- v, ood-road s he whitewashed the bedroom windows and gave every indication that the house was not inhabited. The last" be saw of her was about two months ago. and in the meantime his suspicions were nrounsed that he did not bear the tire being stirred in her house during he recent cold weather, and h-c communi- cated with the police. P.C. J Muliins reported the circum- stances under which he found the deceased in her bouse on the previous T uesday morning. All of tire doors and windows of tiie building were, he said, fastened, and the blinds were drawn. When he entered a bedroom he found Mis<? Thomas lyings Oil the floor with her head and shoulders under the bc-d She was partially clothed and there was no indication that she had scuffled with anyone. She was in a very weak state, and witness sent for medical assistance. The house, added witness, was la a very disarranged condition. Every- thing was disturbed, and the dwelling ap- peared to have been ransacked. Orna- ments and toilet sets were found in a heap in the lavatory. The only food discovered m the house were two small, hard pieces) of bread and a piece of bacon. There was no coal, but a gas jet r. a-s in the b droom in whieii she was Somuh Dr. R. Ed-wards remarked that the cur- tains of the bedroom in which the de- ceased was discovered had been on tire, and had been extinguished by someone. Her face presented a ghastly appearance, Her eyes were sunken, the lips were covered with blood, and she was in a dying condition. Sl", continued to mutter. "You have been very unkind to me." and there were indications that she was suffering Irom consumption and pneumonia. Then deceased was conveyed to the Workhouse j'iifiriiiarv, aetl f-hedijd several hours later. A post mortem examination rc- vealed bruises on the left side of the iedy, and that she Lad s,Ï1Tcr(VJ from consump- tion in both lungs. Death was due to in- anition, accelerated by a tumour, and possibly the lunga. Answering the coroner, witness said he saw no proof that the were caused h.y foul play. The stage of starvation, he considered, was a gradual one. The. coroner submitted that on the evi- dence there was uothing to indicate that the deceased met her death through vio- lence. A verdict in accordance with the msdi- cal evidence was returned, and the jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

MOND NiCKEL WORKS. Sir Alfred bond's Position. It having come to Sir Alfred Mond s knowledge that ceriaui rumours are being I' clrnlated which cndp?vour to make h?? iu ome way responsible for scmp recent labour troubk" that have.occurred at the Mond Nickel Works at C'lydaeh, which is a controlled establishment under the Min- istry of Munitions, Sir A. Mond requests ns to say that en assuming office ii) Government in December last, he resigned all his directorship in public companies, j mclnding that of the Mond Nickel Co.. Ltd., and consequently he is in no way cognisant or concerned with the opera- tions of the company at Clvdach.

JOURNALIST CHARGED. Anthony Thomas Spalding (48). journa- i list, surrendered to his bail before Mr. j j Justice Low at the Old Bailey on Thurs- day morning on an indictment charging him with communicating in calculated to he of use to the enemy con-! trary to the Defence of the Realm Act. Accused pleaded guilty. Sir Archibald Bodkin, for the prosecution, asked that the case should be heard in camera, anfl, the Judge having assented, the court wa" i cleared. j

FELL FROM Wi N DOW. Accident to a Gorseinc-n Infant, About 12 o ciock on lliursday morning Muriel Malliphant, the two-year-old daughter of Mr and Mrs. Clias. Malli- phant, of Brookfield fioic-e. Kingshridge, Gorseinon, fell from the bedroom window and sustained a broken thigh. Mr. A. Davies lent his motor car, which con- veyed the unfortunate infant to the Swan- sea Hospital.

LAM D FOR ALLOTMENTS. „ At a meeting of the Llanguieke Parish i Council it was stated that Mr. Daniel Williams, of the Farm, Pontardawe, had j given an acre of land to be let out as al- lotments free of charge. It tias decided to thank Mr. Williams for his generous offer. <

0001 OR D.8.0. Lieut.-Col. Chiies-Evans Dbs eh Action. Official intimation was received in Swansea on Wednesday nig lit of the death in action oi Lieut.-Col. D. B. Chiles-Evans, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. Lieut.-Col. Dr. Brynmor Chiles-Evana was the "on of the late Rev. David Evans, Congregational minister, Burryport, and Mrs. Evans (nee Chiles). Though resid- ing at Burryport at the time of his birth, in lS'S, they were members of well-known Swansea families. Dr. Chiles-Evans was educated in the rudiments by his father, arter which he went to the Caterhain chool.The lads at the school are all sons or Congregational ministers, and it was on the famous Surrey playing fields that Dr. Evans cultivated his love for sport. Later he won a scholarship to Aberystwyth College, from where he went to t lie Cardiff University as a medical student, and finally Gny's Hospital, Lon- don His studies were ten porarily in- terrupted during his enlistment in the forces during the Boer war, though sooim after his return he quarried. One of his first appointments was wt Fforestfr.ch, and he became well-known as the medical man of the Swansea Work- house, which he resigned in favour of his large practice at Landore. With the outbreak of war, the latent sporting spirit was aroused, and he isaid to be the first R.A.M.C. man to lLnd in France. There are many stories about YLi- career on the plains of France and Flanders, where he so distinguished himself, which cannot yet be published, and may never be, but those who have heard him will say. In the face of death he was a sportsman beloved by 'Tommies' and officers alike. Councillor Ed. Evans, Walter-road, Swansea, and Rev. W. Evans, who is a missionary on leave from Madagascar, are uncles of the deceased hero, and the sympathy of all goes forth to the be- reaved relatives and to his betrothed. Dr. David Brynmor Chiles-Evans was a man in a thousand. He easily gained friendships, and rarely lost them. Debon- air in manner, with a round, pleasant, fresh-coloured face, and a well-built vigorous figure, he was the born doctor. lie had tact and an understanding of 1 u- ILan nature to a remarkable degree, and he quickly won and maintained the con- fidence of patients. His period of 6ervi(,,a as resident medical officer at the Swansea Workhouse was marked by the most grati- fying relations between himself and the Guardians, and the utmost popularity among the patients, and his departure to take up a practice at Landoro was re- garded as a personal loss.

SUMMONED FOR SPITTING. An unusual summons, the first local prosecution since its institution, was heard by the Swansea borough magistrates en Thursday, Dr. Rawlings in the chair. It <t))h for spitting in a public conveyance, an iThe delinquent was Rees Daley. Chief Sanitary Inspector Llewelyn Davies said he was travelling in a Sketty r tr when defendant spat on the floor. Wit- ness drew his attention to the notice (pro- duced.) prohibiting the practice. Daley contended that the order did not apply to him. Defendant was represented by liii wife. Dr. Rawlings said the Bench had de- cided to dismiss the summons on payment of costs, but Daley was liable to a fine of order had been in force for A long time. and similar proceedings should have been taken long before.