Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

BRITONFERRY. I At Neath on Friday Esther Davies (15), domestic servant, Park-street, Briton- ferry, was placed on probation on a charge of stealing a purse containing £2 Ss. belonging to Charles Fish, Glanmor- etreet, Britonferry. After the money was missed it was found in an outhouse. Relative to the arbitration as regards the wages at Giant's Wharf ship-breaking yard, Britonferry, Mr. Charles Doughty, who was appointed arbitrator to deter- mine an application for an advance of wages niade by the Dock, Wharf, River- side and General Workers' Union, on. be- half of their members in Messrs. Thos. W. Ward, Ltd/s employ at Britonferry, granted, an increase of 2d. per hour to men and Id. per hour for boys, in addi- ction to the war bonus now being paid, and fixed the rates to be paid for special grades of labour. -————— —————

BIRCH GROVE. I Mr. E. Oswald Davies, Brynheulog, Birch- grove, and a reoent student at the Memo- rial College. Brecon, was ordained the pastor of Moriah Congregational Church, Yh trad ray nach, on Thursday. Mr." John Rees, on behalf of Saron Church, Birch- grove, presented Mr. Davies with a cheque, ■and Mr. IERA,, Richards, on behalf of the Sunday echool presented him with valuable books. Gwilym Beda" read verses com- tpoeed by himself and Eilir Mai." Tb jebairman of the meeting was ttic- Itev. H. A. Davies, Cwmavon. Rev. J. H.vwel Parry, Uansamlec, gave the charge." Others Who took part were Reva. B. P. Davies ji(BirpliSP'ove) and J. Davies (Llandilo). Anniversary meetings were held at non Baptist Chapel, lleol Las. on Suit- day and Monday evening. The Rev. Wm. Morris, D.D., F.R.G.S., Treorci, officiated. MI. Dd. Bees, L.T.S.C., conducted the linging, and Mr. Richard Rees was the .rganist. The pastor. Rev. J. E. Griffiths. presided. At Saron Vestry, under the auspices the Birchgrove and District Cottage Hardeners' Society, Messrs. W. J. Percy layer (Clydachn-Tawe), R. C. Phelps [Whitchurch), and J. W. Watson (Pon- rdawe) addressed a meeting on The Advantages of Affiliating Cottage Garden ind Allotments Society with the Agricul- tural Organisation Society." Ald. Jordan (resided. Mr. Percy Player gave a gift f money toward sthe Birchgrove Society."

BRiDGEND. I I On Monday, in a Divisional Court of the King's Bench Division, before Justice Coleridge and Rowlett, the case of Jones tnd another and the Ffaldau Colliery Co. was heard. This was plaintiff's appeal from a decision of Judge Bryn Roberts it the Bridgend County Court. Mr. Greer, K.C., and Mr. Meager appeared for the appellants, and Mr. Distrunal, K.C., }or the Colliery Co. Mr. Meager said the plaintiffs in this fcase were Griffith Jones and James Prior, tf Pontycymmer. They claimed from the defendant company £14 4s. 6d. balance fcf wages due to them as colliers for work to defendants* colliery for a certain riod in 1916. The County Court Judge bound for the defendants, and plaintiffs fcow appealed on the ground that the de- cision was wrong in law. The appeal raised a somewhat import- ant question as to the construction of a colliers' price list, fixing wages in the oft. seam in the defendants' colliery. This was a new seam, and the men having frorked at. it for some time, it was agreed that a price list should come into force tn April let, 1916. There were two prices. for cutting clean large coal 2s. 6.9d. per as, and for cutting clean through coal Is. 8.6d. per ton. This was coal as it tame from the pit. It was taken from the colliery, and screened, and then be- came large and small. The collier claimed frat he had the right before the coal left its hands to say under what head the witting should be paid for, and the de- fendants claimed the same right. The Sountv Court Judge had decided that W-h parties were wrong. Mr. Disturnal, for the defendant com- pany, eaid the case must be decided by lie facts, whether it was small or large )oal. Mr. Meager repeated that the Judge be- pw did not accept the contention of tither plaintiffs or defendants, but de- eded the question on the basis of what plaintiffs deserved. That was a decision tot asked for. The Judge said the sum Jaid was a ood round figure, but e thought' His Honour has forgotten here were two plaintiffs. There was no liapute as to the facts, and he (counsel) bid the workman was entitled to select thich of the two alternatives in the trice liat he should be paid under. Mr. Disturoail, for the respondents, said lie plaintiffs had sought to prove a con- tract and they failed to do so. and what Be judge below ought to have done was 4 non-suit them. Large coal was more i&lusble in South Wales than mixed, and P.l1t! the higher rate of 2s. 6.9d. over Is. ltd. was ixed for it. Their Lordships reserved judgment.

I GLYNCORRWG. At the monthly meeting of the Glyn- e.orrwg Council, Mr. J no. Jones presiding, the Clerk (Mr. Edward Powell) said he had been informed that the committee dealing with the re-arrangement of the County Court districts proposed trans- ferring the Glyncorrwg district from the Neath and A be-rayon Division to Eridgend. The suggestion naei with strong protest, and the Clerk was instructed to take every legitimate measure to prevent the change.

I LLANSMLET. I Mr. Alf Thomas and his concert party gave an interesting programme. The fol- lowing tOOK part:—Madam Edith Jones, Thomas Ub" Ida Thomas, Mr. Dd. Evans, Miss Iris Thomas, and Messrs. Ea.st and Murton. Tae pianist was Mr. Ivor Thomas. The proceeds are in aid of the local heroes' I fund.

I NEATH. Lieut.-Colone! Payne, of the Western Command inspected the Mid-Glamorgan Volunteer Battalion at Neath, on Saturday afternoon. Headed by the battalion band, the Volunteers marched to the Gnoll Ath- letic Ground: where they were inspected in army drill, musketry, and tjayonet fight- ing. Major W. B. Trick was in command. The patients and staff of the Neath and District War Hospital had A musical treat on Thursday evening, an excellent concert being arranged by a committee of ladies from the district styled "The Wounded Tommies' Friends," the hon. secretary of whom is Miss Pollie Evans, and the hon. treasurer Mrs. Corby. The following took part,AlLs-s DayinorO,, Miss Jewell, Miss Moxley, Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Harris, Miss Jones, Miss Creeke, Messrs. J. Gwyn, A. Salter, Will Thomas, and Killic. Lance-Co rpl. F. Doyle gave a humorous turn. Miss Corby was the accompanist, and Lance-Corpl. A. Ross presided. The Neath Orpheus Male Voice Party were successful at Blaengwynfi Eisteddfod ?n Saturday, carrying off the first pj'ize of XS and a beautiful oak chair value 3gns, Five choirs competed, the test piece bcin? The Hallelujah Chorus." Tre- hcrrt Choir came second. Miss Winnie Richards was the accompanist.

I PORT TALBOT. Mr. Llewelyn H. Nicholas (chairman of the Urbai Council) on Friday presided at a meeting of representatives from churches and chapeia to ccneidcr the best method oi arranging flai,- daYB. Aberavon and Margnm, Councils have al] along -co-operated, but most of ttft organising work fell to the Aberavon committee, with Mr. Marchant Jenkins as secretary. Mr. Ed. Lowther (ex- chairman felt that Margam had uot done its sharu. It was decided to form a com- rnitt,ee for Margam, with three or four re- presentatives of each church, which will be responsible for the organisation on the Margam side, and will work in conjunction with Aberavon. A performance of the cantata The Good Shepherd was given by Grove- place Welsh C.M. Band of Hope on Thurs- day night. The choir was conducted by Mr. G. T. Llewellyn, L.R.A.M. Solos were given by Misses Florrie~Pu#h, Alice Stephens, Katie Llewellyn, M. M. Rees (Taibach). Louise Llewellyn, Messrs. Lslwyn Morgan (recitations), Rees Ed- wards (Aberavon), G. T. Llewellyn and Haydn Griffiths (violinist). Miss Katie Lewis accompanied, and Mr. T. Williams presided. Whitsun treats arc to be held by most of the Sunday Schools, but we understand that instructions have been received that no cake can be supplied, only bread and buns. An exhibition in war-time cookery was given at the Higher Elementary School, Port Talbot, on Tuesday, by Miss Stephens, a cookery inspector, when a large number of parents attended. The exhibition, conducted at the instance of the Food Controller, was intended to show chiefly how wheat flour can be sub- stituted. The funeral of Mr. Howell Lewis, Hills- boro, Port Talbot, took place on Tuesday Pyle, where he formerly resided. The chief mourners were Messrs. L. U. Lewis and Howell Lewis (sons), Port Talbot; T. Lewis (brother), Landilo; T. R. Davies and Charles E. Davies, Llanelly; L. R. Davies, London; and E. E. Davies, Gilfach (brothers-in-law). The churchwardens and sidesmen of St. Agnes' acted as teurers. Traffic at Port Talbot Docks last week was thus: Exports—coal aiitl coke 38,083, patent fuel 2,612, angles 1,001, ballast 503, a total of 42,179. Imports were 3,107, being iron ore 2,000, stones 307. and pitwood 800. The total tonnage was 45,286, com- pared with 65,990 last j-ear. j

PONTRHYDYFEN. I On Friday night, at Sardis Chapel, Pont- lhydyfeu, the Rev. W. Richards presiding, Siloh Choir, under the leadership of Mr. W. J. Llewely-i Efailfach, rendered the sacred canta-ta Joseph (H. Davies) in fine style.

RESOLVEN. I At Neath c-day Albert Headley, collier, John-street. Resolven, summoned Mar- garet Elias, married, Resolven, for an alleged assault. Defendant, who denied the offence, was ordered to pay the costs.

SKEWEN. I On Wednesday evening, at Moriah Chapel, Neath Abbey, a well-attended meeting was held under the auspices of i the Skewen and Neath Abbey Sailors' and Soldiers' Reception Committee, to wel- come home Driver Fred H. Fowler, A.S.C., Mr. Wm. Pickerell presiding. Solos were rendered by Mr. Richard Davies and Master Lewis Jones; recitations by Misses Olwen Thomas and Annie Mainwaring. Mr. Thomas Davies and Master Giyndwr Hoskins. Mr. Tom Lloyd, on behalf of the Committee, presented Driver Fowler with a silver-mounted walking stick. Ad- dresses were given by the chairman and Mr. David Abraham. On Fridav the scholars of the Lower Girls' Councit School gave a concert at the Neath War Hospital, Penrhiewtyn, Capt. Ulidic Morris (medioa; superintendent) presiding. The accompanist was Miss Annie Westma- cott. I The monthly meeting of P^k Coun- cillors was held at Skewen Free Library on Tuesday evening. The annual finan- cial report showed a marked improvement — £ 6 17s. 9d.; exrenditure, 94 17s; balance, j56 10s. 9d. Chairmen were selected ior various committees as nee Committee, Councillor H. Kelson; loot- paths, Councillor T. Joshua; Sanitary and Lighting, Councillor R. Jones; Halls Com- mittee, Councillor Jus. Lloyd. Various complaints Vere brought to notice, and it was resolved that the Sanitary Inspector be asked to visit the various places with the commtrbee and report to the medical authority. On Sunday evening the pulpit of Taber- nacle Welsh Congregational Church Skewen was occupied by Adjutant A. W. Robinson, of the Salvation Army. He gave an interesting review of the social operations carried on bv the army throughout the whole world, the addreffl being illustrated with striking examples.

TAIBACH. Mr. Lewis M. Thomas conducted an in- quest at Taibach on Saturday on John Williams (54), 9, Balaclava, Taibach, a labourer at the Copper Works, who was found dead in a shed at the works.—Dr. Hubert Phillips, who had been attending deceased for heart trouble. said death 1 was due to syncope.—Verdict accord- I ingly. I

DOGS BITE PRISONERS I HORRORS OF CAPTillTV IN CERMAN KANDS The use of police dogs in prisoners' I camps in Germany is dealt with 1$. a Par- liamentary Paper issued to-day. Evi- i douce is given by a score of British officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who were in eight German cajnps, all testifying to the lact that these dogs, I described by some as half-bred wolves, were set upon the prisoners. A half-witted Belgian was taken into I the fields at' Halle, dressed in sacks, and baited by the dogs to train them. At tlameln the German sentries laughed as I these wolf-dogs were let off the leash and set on the prisoners. Eight British soldiers were bitten. At Senuelager, a German lieutenant set a hound on a man named Howard, who had committed no offence, and he was badly bitten on the leg. At Stendal this was the experience of Private Richard Marsh, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, on December 26, 1915: Three shots were fired as a signal for -.11 the prisoners to get into their huts, but we had never been warned about it and did not know what it meant. The sergeant-major came through the wm- pouud in winch 1 was anu. set xiie (logs which he had with him-big half-bred wolf-hounds-on those who had not gone in. I had the misfortune to be bitten in five places, and finally the dog flew at my throat, and had it not been for a thick muffler I was wearing I feel sure I should have been killed. As it was, I carried the dog some 20 yards holding on to my chest with his teeth. When I complained to the sergeant-major he threatened me with his sword. As a result of the dog's attack 1 was unable either to eit down or lie down properly for a couple of weeks." Marsh bears the scars caused by the bitco. This evidence wag sent to Mr. Gerard, Chen American Ambassador at Berlin, and the German Foreign Office replied: The dog broke loose in consequence of the behaviour of the prisoners. He gripped the prisoner Marsh for a moment, but was at once fetched back by the German sentries. Tho scars said to have been found by a British doctor on Marsh can, if they were caused at all by the bite of a dog, n9 only of a slight nature." Another case reported is that of Corporal Edwin A, Hall, South Wales Borderers, Wittenberg, January 15, 1915- November j9, 1915:— | "This man complains that from the beginning of his imprisonment the Ger- man guards took savage dogs into the huts "t night and frequfwtly Get them to attack British prisoners. He also states that men were often beaten by bath alttendants, etc., apparently for no reason except sheer brutality.- The British Foreign Office pointed cut that there was no such practice at in- ternment camps in this country and asked that the use of the German police dogs should be stopped. Through the American Ambassador the German Foreign Office replied on December 18 that the use of the dogs is a military necessity," and added: "It is not the case that these animals arc particularly savage," and It is impossible to regard this measure as a breach of the principles of humane and reasonable treatment of prisoners."

MONEY SOCIETY CASE. I At Swansea County Court on Monday— before Judge Bryn Roberts—Benjamin Davies, Trewyddfa-road, Graig, Morriston, sued the Glantawe Permanent Money Society. Mr. Marlav Samson, who appeared to prosecute, said the real purpose of the action was to get a receiver appointed. Tw- judgments were already outstanding, ar-d, in respect of these, Mr. Vaughan Ed- wa.iT1-- represented the plaintiffs. Asked on what ground they wi-sheel to have a receiver appointed. Mr. Samson said they had been unable to got into touch in any way with those who had control of the funds, and because of outstanding judgments which had not bee-n satisfied. Plaintiff said that a sum of X50 had become due last August, and he had made application for the money. Mr. Samson remarked it would be a good thing if these societies would pro- vide for the appointment of a receiver at an earlier stage- Mr. Ernest Jonos, clerk to Mr. Edward Harris, gave evidence. of having obtained judgment in three other caees against the defendant society. In respect of these, nothing had yet been paid. 1)(1. Williams, Woodfield-street, Mor- rieton, said that at a meeting of deposi- tors and borrowers on Auril 3rd he had been appointed secretary, but he was not able to obtain possession of books and papers, for the reason that the late sec- retary, D. W. Roberts, was preparing for an audit. The last audit of the Society took place in 1915. Questioned as to proof of his appoint- ment, witness said he was now the person who receives money on behalf of the society at the Dora Cafe. Woodfield-street, Morristoui, on Tuesday evenings. The application was adjourned in order that proper notices might be served on the society.

PITWOODFOR WALES. i The future supply of pitwood for South Wales collieri-es continues to cause con- siderable apprehension. On Tuesday Mr. Willoughby Hawkins, on behalf of the Bristol Channel Pitwood Importers' As- sociation, sent a telegram to Mr. Finlay A Gibson, the secretary of the Mon- mouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association, stating that the Importers' Association viewed with alarm the pre- sent refusal of the Government to grant licenses to import pitwood. They antici- pated serious effect to collieries in a few weeks' titae., and urgently suggested that the Coalowners' Association should lay tho case before the Prime Minister. It was of vital neoessity to remove the res- triction on imports until home supplies came up to repuirements. It was impor- tant to draw the Prime Minister's atten- tion to the present anomaly, whereby the French Government insisted on French steamers and savors discharging coal at L'Orient and other similar ports taking pitwod on return voyages, whereas our Government refused pitwood imports. This tonnage is not loaded with pitwood would return in ballast. This telegram, it is understood, was placed before a committee of coalowners at their meeting at Cardiff, aad that a telegram has been sent to the Prime Mini- ster on the general question of the supply of pitwood to the collierias-

PLAYING AT WAR. Aberavon Boys Who Broke Many I Windows. At Aberavon. Police Court on Tuesday, fourteen boys from Marsh-street and Corn- wall-street, o '.ndfields, wtsre charged with damaging the foundry of Messrs. lowio and David to the extent of Y,5 9s. 6d. Mr. Lewis M. Thomas, prosecuting, said the boys were playing at war and throw- ing stones and brieks at one another, and 128 panes of glass were smashed during the engagement. They were fined 13s. each.

It is officially announced that an ex- plosion took place last night in a small factory in Kent engaged on work for an Allied Government. The explosion was due to the fact that one of the buildings was struck by lightning. Three men were slightly burnt. The damage to the xac- j tory was considerable.

KILLED IN A WOOD. J Murderer of Miss Oven Still I at Large. An inquest was held on Wednesday at St. Albans concerning the death of Miss Janet Oven, daughter of an ex-officer of tho Metropolitan Police, whose body wa.s discovered in Brickett Wood under cir- cumstances already reported. Deceased, who was an assistant in a. draper's shop at Watford, last Friday left her home at Waterdell, a small hamlet, to proceed to business, and soon afterwards her body was found in a ditch, near Brickett Wood, death having been caused bv a shot from a revolver. No traoe has yet been ob- tained of the murderer. John Oven, deceased's father, who said ho was now an attendant at a lunatic I asylum, gave evidence of identification. f She had, he said, been about seven years with a firm of drapers in Hull, and came home in May lastl She had no male friends, to his knowledge. She left home on Friday morning about 8.10 to cateh a train for Watford, and would pass Bric- kett Wood. Mr. George Tliain Davidson, White House, near Bricket Wood. said he and hij wife left home about 8.30. The wife heard a shot, and going up the hill saw a man cross the road and enter the wood on the top of the hill. They 8aW a mil- liner's box and book, beside which was a pool of blood. Deceased was lying in a ditch. The body appeared to have been dragged across the road. There was no sign of a struggle. Another witn.s said she heard the double report of a gun. Witness, some pre- vious mornings, had seen a man pass along the road, but not that morning. A woodman said he heard two shots fired. A police officer said there were no signs of any struggle. The clothing was undis- turbed. The police had not yet obtained any clue to the murderer. Dr. Bates said the deceased had sus- tained two wounds in the head. The wea- pon was evidently fired at close quarters, and the wound was not self-inflicted. The jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against some person, unknown.

CHARGES WITHDRAWN Thomas Walter Dingley, mechanic, S Stoke-on-Trent; Neal Cassidy, mechanic. Coventry; Stanley Burgess, turner. < Sheffield; Walter Hill, Sheffield; Arthur MacManus, engineer, Liverpool; Patrick Henry, metal turner, Manchester; George j Peet, fitter, Gorton; and William Foster Watson, mechanic, Acton Green, London, the eight defendants arrested last week for offending against the Defence of the Realm regulations by promoting, or en- deavouring to promote, strikes and the continuation of strikes, thereby attempt- ing to impede, delay, or restrict the pro- duction, repair, or transport of war material, etc., surrendered to their bail at Bow-street Police Court on Wednesday morning. The Attorney-General said the eight de- fendants had signed an undertaking to abide by the agreement entered into on Saturday last. The Attorney-General aeked permission to withdraw tho charges. This was granted.

MURDERED AT SEA. I Thirteen survivors of the Norwegian ship Madura, 1,023 tons, have been landed, their vessel having been shelled and sunk by a German submarine. Seven of the thirteen men were hospital cases, and two men were killed by shell fire. The sur- vivors were loud in their denunciation of the brutality of the Germans who, in ad- dition to not giving them any warning, continued shelling the unfortunate piem- bers of the crew while engaged in lowering their boats, the shells striking the masts, which fell on deck. The bursting of shells scattered shrap- nel which killed two men and severely wounded seven others. One man had half his foot blown away, another had part of his scalp torn off, and a third had his neck lacerated. The unfortunate sur- vivors, when they landed, were served with tea and cigarettes. Twenty-three survivors, including the captain's wife, of the Russian four-masted ship Lynton, have also been landed. Their ship, which was a vessel of 2,324 tons, was shelled by a German submarine immedi- ately after the Madura ,had been sunk. No warning was given. Shells were rained on the hapless crew and the captain's wife as they were getting into the boats. The crew state that the yards and topmasts were shattered bv shell fire, and heavy spars came tumbling down on the deck. The escape of the crew from being killed was truly remarkable. Tl:3 Russians were very angry at their treatment, and state that the savagery of the Germans was beyond expression, es- pecially as they saw the captain's wife on the poop. The Norwegian and Russian survivors, and especially the wounded Norwegians, spoke in the highest terms of praise of the kind treatment they received on board the destroyer.

THE PICTURE CASE. A dramatic conclusion was reached in the old master picture case in Mr. Justice Darling's court Mr. Leslie Scott, K.C.. who appeared for Messrs. Lewis and Simmonds, art dealers, of New Bond-street, in the Law Courts, on Wednesday morning, stated a discovery had been made which proved conclusively that the disputed picture was painted by Osra Humphreys and not by Romney, therefore defendants would take the painting back from Mr. Huntingdon, the plaintiff, and return to him the £20,000 that he paid for it. with interest, and also pay the costs. They offer it to the National Portrait Gallery or the Met- ropolitan Museum, New York.

TINPLATERS' BONUS. I In connection with the recent tinplate award there is a very strong feeling, we understand, among all the trade unions concerned, that only those in complianse should participate in the new war bonus, and those out of compliance should be asked to pay up their arrears before the bonus is paid.

SUN INSURANCE CO. The annual report and balance-sheet of the Sun Insurance Office, which will be sub- mitted to the shareholders' meeting on June 6th, contains figures showing a satis- factory year's working, an interim dividend of 7s. per share. less income tax. being paid in January, and the directors recommend a further dividend of 7s. per share, less in- come tax. which together absorb £ 130,200. The balance brought forward last year amounted to £ 480,^71 14s. 8d., when divi dends amounting to £ 145.600. leaving a. credit balance of £ 315,271 14s. fid. This, by the operations of the year, has been in- creafed to X652,174 13s. 9d., which. after car- rying £ 20.000 to the Pension Fund, R5,000 to the War Contingency Fund, anrl C70,000 by writ ing down sundry investments leaves a credit balance of £ 557,174 19s 4d.. from whica must be deducted dividends paid and recomnended. £ 150,200, leaving unappro- priated £ 426.974 19s. 9d. The total funds of -the oiflcj as at present shown amount to £ 3,515,092 7". 8d. The income from invest- ments for the year was verv satisfactory, an-.ounting to P125,703 10s. 9d. Mr Frank Chaplin, the Hon A. H. Mills, and Lord Herbert Scott C.M.G.. D.S.O.. re- tire by rotation. and being eligible, offer themselves for re-election, and the auditors, Messrs. Spain Brothers and Co., retire, but1 offer themselves for re-election.

The marriage of Miss Olwen Lloyd George, daughter of the Prime Minister, to Captain Thomas J. Carey Evans, M.C., Iridian Medical Service, will teke place in Londm towards the end of June, in- stead of at Criccieth, 2\.6 originally ar- ranged. Captain Carey Evans is expected to arrive in England early in June.

-'I LOCAL POLICE COURTS.! ABERAVON. Monday—Before Messrg. Wm. Jenkins, I Charles Jones, Major Gray and LI. H. Nicholas. David Rees. 2, Yellow-row, Mynydd- bychan, was charged with stealing six corrugated iron sheets, value 30s., the property of the Graiglyii Colliery Co., Poi-'trliydyfen. Defendant pleaded guilty, saying that he thought the sheets were old and of no value. Thomas Hhomas, Mynyddbychan, a dis- charged soldier, was charged with receiv- ing the sheets. Rees was fined 40s., the case against Thomas being dismissed on payment of costs. Richard Morgan, Park View, Pontrhy- dyfen; Charles Lewis, 14, Blodwen-street, Aberavon; W. Jones, Cwmavon; R. Tuck- field, Aberavon; and Charles Jones, Port: falbot, were charged with stealing coal the property of the Cynon Colliery Co. Mr. Dan. Perkins prosecuted. All were 1; lied] 58. The Bench announced that heavier fines would be inflicted in future. Thomas Richards, Tonmawr, collier, was charged with stealing coal from the Merthyr-Llantwit Colliery Co., value 6d. Mr. Lewis Thomas, who defended, said Richards, who had worked" at the colliery 3) years, had the privilege of taking coal from the tip, but in this case took it from near the boilers. Defendant was let off under the First Offender's Act.

AMMANFORD. I Monday.—Before Messrs. Dd. Richards (in the chair), in(I Robert Mattnewb. I Mrs. Sarah Parry, licensee of the Tele- graph Hotel, Amlllaniord. was charged with permitting the consumption of in- toxicating liquor after hours; Dd John Richards, 21, Wind-street, was charged as II Il agent with allowing sam; and Jo.s&ph Morris, Tycroeg, was charged with con- sumin? the liquor. Deputy Chief Con- &t.aMe J. EvanB procut{>d, and Mr. Le?Me Williams, Llanelly, represented the licensee. Richards said he never saw the gia. of beer with Morris prior to the entry of the police, and Morris stated that although served with the beer before nine he forgot all about it until twenty to ten. Chairman: So you were not thirsty. (Laughter.) The Bench found it had net been proved that the beer was supplied after hours, but there was no doubt it was consumed after nine o'clock, and they fined the licensee tl inclusive, but desired thnt it should not interfere with the license. The case against Richards was dismissed, and Morris was fined .£1 inclusive.

CARMARTHEN. Mr. Reec. licencee of the Pelican Inn, Ferryside, was fined £2 for selling beer during pet-tricted hours; Agnes Rees, his supplying, and Peter Hansiey and Thos. R G. Clarke, of Burryport, il each for aiding and abetting. The defence was that th. drink had been paid for be- forti 2.30 p.m. David Thomas Davies, Ulanwrwrug, Llan- gennech, was fined 40s. for being drunk and disorderly ar the railway station. The rclice evidence was that when informed that he was 0,1 the wrong train for Llan- elly defendant became very violent. Margaret A. Evans, Pontyberem, ap- plied for a'separation order against r husband, Wm. E^ans, collier, Als Hill, j Pontyberciu, on the grounds of persistent cruelty. Mr. T. Howell Davies (solicitor for complainant), said that defendant bru- tally attacked his wife and struck her a violent blow, with the Jesuit that she fell against the door and hurt herself.—Defen- dant denied ever striking his wife, but the Bench granted a separation order of 30s. a week to the wife with the custody of the three children. Evan Jones, 3, Palmer-terrace, Ponty- berem, a collier at Glynliebcg Colliery, was proceeded against on four charges of stealing three mandrils, the prolierty of three other colliers, and a quantity of ar- ticles including a shovel and two bars, the property of the colliery company. Mr. H. R White defended. The defence was that only an iron bar, which defendant in- tended returning, belonged to the com- pany, and that he had bought the tools, some of them from a collier-cousin, when tho latter enlisted. The Bench found defendant guilty of stealing only one mandril, but dis- charged him under the probationers' Act. On the other charges he was given the benefit of the doubt, the chairman re- marking: The cases are rather suspici- cus. and the Bench compliment the police ou the able way they have have conducted tliesp- difficult cases." At Carmarthen County Police Court on Wednesday, John Watts, collier, Zion- street, Pontypridd, was sentenced to one month's imprisonment for not complying with a maintenance order of 15s. per week granted to his wife Elizabeth Jane Watts. Gosport-street, Laugharne. The wife said lie had paid her only 10s. during the last three years.

PORT TALBOT. I David Samuel, colliery repairer, 2, Brown-street, Maesteg, was charged with obtaining a load of coal by false pretences from the Bryn Colliery Co.—Mr. Lewis M. Thomas prosecuting, said defendant was a widower living with a 6ister, but had represented himself as a house- holder. On March 6th he obtained a ton of coal from the colliery, and he sold it at a profit to a person in Coronation- road, Maeeteg. A colliery clerk 6aid de- fendant had had three or four loads. De- fendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 506.

PONTARDAWE. Friday.—LB»fore Messrs. E. G. Benthall, J. H. P. Llovd, S. Jenkins, F. R. Phil- lips. H. J. Powell, D. T. Williams, and D. T. Jonee. Thomas S. Edmunds, a Socialist, of Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, Waf; charged with being an al),seiitee under the Military er. vice Act. Captain P. Harold Williams prosecuted. Defendant said he was a con- scientious objector. and he could not kill or murder a fellow worker not even in Germany or elsewhere.—Fined 40s. and handed over. Two brothers, al&o from Gwaun-cae- Gurwen. named John and David Roberts, blacksmiths, were similarly charged.— They were ordered to pay 40s. each and handed over, Thomas Morgan, Ynisygeinon, Tst&ly- fera, was summoned for allowing live cattle to stri'-y on the highway. Mr. Morgan Davies pleaded guilty for the de- fendant.-A fine of 5s. for each animal was imposed. Thomas Jones, labourer, Rhos, pleaded guilty to working a horse in all unfit ta tk- state, whilst John Lewis, the owner of the horse, pleaded guilty to allowing the liorse to be "-ork(-d.-Fines of £2 were im- posed in each case. Edward James Thomas, a doubler, of Clydach. agreed to a separation order being made against him of 17s. 6d. per week in respect of his wife, Catherine Jane Thomas. Margaret. Thomas, Curwen street, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, pleaded guilty to allowing a nuisance to exist on her pre- ruises. Mr. A. E. Edmunds said the de- felldaat was the wife of a soldier, and had three children. When he visited the house on April 20th he found the rooms in a filthy state. Defendant now said that the house had been thoroughly cleaned since the visit by the inspector. The Bench made an order that the nuisance abated. George Higley, Clydach, pleaded guilty to stealing a can containing paraffin from the Mond Nickel Works, Clydach, valued at Is.—Fined 91. A similar fine was imposed upon Ree* Jones. Clydach. for the theit of three- pennyworth of lime trom the same, works. Mr. Henry Thompson prosecuted in both cases. For stealing coal valued at 2s. from the South Wales Primrose Colliery Co., Clifford Hodge and Henry Butler, two collier boys, were fined £ 1 each. Their parents were ordered to pay the money.

? ??r ??'  ?  A< s ??ma?mw*L ??j? ¡;u:IiJMixed dried ?ruxf I» and BIRD'S Custard HOT. At all grocers, a mixture of dried apricots, prunes apples, etc., is now on sale. It is inexpensive, and requires very little or no sugar. DIRECTIONS: Soak, rinse and stew the fruit tiU tender. | Make the Bird's Custard in the usual way, and pour over J ) the fruit Hot, or serve a lial? of both on ewh plate. j|jj I The fruit is naturally wholesome; Bird's Custard adds the ¡; If all-important nutriment. Together they make a dish that is |i| 11 always very delicious, very satisfying, and a real money saver.  jl BIRD'S—the A??ous Custard ) & jc? M M?., &7?-? o? ?t?< Tins. C262 s'

SWANSEA. u I Friday-Hefore Messrs. (jwilym Morgan (in the chair), Councillor Dd. Griffiths, I Ald. Joseph Devonald, and Dr. Nelson Jones. A fine of J;5 or one month was inflicted on Thomas Griffin Deakin, athlete, for assaulting the police and being drunk and disorderly in Oxford-street on Thursday night. 1'.C. (107) Tovey said he saw defendant at 11.15. He was drunk and was using very bad language. When warned, he pushed the constable and began fighting and kicking the officer so violently that he had to get the assistance of J no. Thomas, a tram driver. The Chairman said it was a pity to see a young man on the downward path, and he ought to Ipull up. Saturday—Before Messrs. J. H. Rosser, Thos. Jones, Dr. Joseph Davies, C. R. Peacock, and Albert Harding. "About halt-past seven a.m. I w.rtched him in Union-sireet and saw him pick up a can of milk and drink part of it. After drinking, he replaced the can and walked away, and at 7.50 a.m. he went to Walter- road, picked up another bottle from a doorway, and walked down Henrietta- stre^ Thus spoke Detective Eynon of David John Richards, a labourer, cin. 0ed with stealing a pint bottle of milk belong- ing to Edward Daniels from a doorway in Walter-road. Continuing, the officer said numerous complaints had been received, so he visited the prisoner's abode. There he found 14 milk cans and a number of bottles. I Prisoner was sent down for three months. I Monday.—Before Messrs. Richard Martin (in the chair), J. W. Wignall, Hyam Goldberg, and Fred Rocke. Florence Winston, an unfortunate, and James Giltinan, munition worker, were charged with a certain offence on the Strand on Saturday.—Supt. Roberts said it was the woman's 103rd appearance. She was sent down for three months. Giltinan was fined 20s. or 14: days. He had already knocked two men I dowii, and said he would kill me when he came out," said Inspector Williams, of 1 John Joseph Jon&s, a one-legged labourer, charged with drunken and disorderly con- duct in Baker-6treet, Swansea.—Jones said he was annoyed because a woman ) threw some dirty water ever him. He I would sign the pledge and go to work.— Case adjourned. Being found within the area at the, North Dock, Swansea, without a pass on I Saturday, resulted in Mary Ann Davies' ",Sth appearance in court.—She was sent down for one month. I was in bed at the time, and the noise woke me, and I came down," said P.C. (62) Mullins about Thomas George Davies and Charles Lonsdale, hawkers, who were summoned for causing annoyance by blowing a noisy instrument in St. Helen's- avenue. Of Frederick Arthurs, similarly sum- moned, P.C. (9S) Francis said he was making a "hiùeous row."—Davies was fined 5s., and Lonsdale and Arthurs 2s. tid. Mr. Henry Thompson represented Mary Ann Turner, who applied for a separation order against her nusband, Richard Hy. Turner, a fuel worker, on the ground of his persistent cruelty.—Defendant said he was an old soldier, having served 17 years in the Army. He had fought throughout the South African campaign, on the In- dian frontier, and through this present war, having been gassed and subsequently discharged. His mother-in-law was the root of all the trouble, as when he was sober he was a good husband. When he was in the Army, his wife (then his fiancee) was kindness itself, and regularly sent him parcels. He came home and married her, and but for family interfer- ence would have lived quite happily. Chairman: Are you willing to sign the pledge ? Defendant: I'll do anything. I'm willing to die for her (his wife). The case was adjourned for a fortnight to ena ble the couple to come together if possible, Mr. Thompson being asked to exert his influence in that direction. Tuesday.-Before Messrs. J. W. Jones. Ald. J. Devonald, Wm. Edwards, and Dd. Meager. Ernest Lewis Michael (17), labourer, and a 14 year old boy were charged on remand with the theft of a lady's satchel containing 13s., a Primrose League badge, a Red, White, and Blue badge, a gun sight, and a pocket diary, valued at n 2-s. 6d., from the American Tent in Vic- toria Park, the property of Gladys Mary Cromley. Mrs. Cromley said she was the wife of a captain in the Army, and working for the Mayor's Comforts Fund at the carni- val in the park. She went into the tent and left the articles named there. After- wards she missed them. Detective Constable Richard Tucker said he arrested the I)-ov-s. He visited a lane off St Helen's-road an found the satchel buried in the ground. Afichael told the officer lie and the other hov shared the money and buried the other things with the exception of a "tiiiiig to look through (the gun sight), which he put under a tram car. The other boy said Michael crawled under the canvas and took the things. It was Michael's fault, as he askrl me to go with him," added the other boy. Michael was ordered to stand down for a week, and the father of the other lad was fined 40s. The boy was counseled to mind his own business in the future. Wednesday.—Before Messrs. A. H. Thomas, J. H. Rosser. Major Morris, Dr. Joseph Davies and C. R. Peacock. The case against Alice Reed, charged with being found within the area of the South Dock without being in possession of a valid pass, was adjourned for a month. Defendant pleaded guilty. P.C. Hancock said he discovered the girl aboard a schooner. It was her first offence, and the adjournment was granted to enable her to reform. Enrique Martinez charged Joseph Buck- lev and James Walton, seaman and fire- man respectively, with the theft from him n" a note cafe containing X7 10s. in Trea- 6ury notes whilst at a house on the Strand. Through an interpreter prosecutor said lie had altogether i:7 16s. 2d. on his per- son, including £5 126. wages, the rest debts which he had collected. Buckley, who al- ready owed him 20 francs, asked him for some money to go home to Manchester, and Martinez said he could keep the money and give it to his mother at Man- chester. They later went to the house on the Strand where complainant treated the other two to some food. Afterwards Walton put his arms round prosecutor's neck, and Buckley also caught hold of him. Shortly alter they went out, and Martinez, missing the money, complained to the police. Buckley said he stole the money and threw the case in the road on the way to the station. Both defendants now pleaded guilty. They were each sent to prison for six weeks. Charged with being an absentee under the Military Service Act, 191b, Caradoc Lee, a gipsy, was handed over to the military authorities. P.S. (20) Taylor eaid lie saw the man making across thii Garngotli Common. He overtook him, and defendant said: "It's all right; 1 won't run away. I'll come with you." .It's a very serious thing for the ia-i-ms," said Supt. Let heren with regard to asummons against John L. Griffiths, lor allowing a dog to stray on the high- way at Newton, the animal not being under proper control. The Superintendent said a tremendoua amount of sheep-worrying was going on, and litimetoiis complaints had been re- ceived. Defendant said he usied to keep the dog st home; this wa-s purely an oversight.— Costs imposed. "I kept him at home to help me plant the potatoes" was the excuse offered by one p.i rent summoned for the irregular attendance of her child. An attendance order' wa-s made. For selling milk certified to contain 18 parts of added water, Thomas Sam brook, milk vendor, Killay, was prosecuted. Mr. Henry Thompson defended, and pleaded g-Liiliv. He submitted that the milk had been tampered with. His client. had car- ried on business for 30 years and this was the first off en-e, although innumerable samples had been taken. Of two samples taken on this occasion, one was perfectly satisfactory. Mr. Thompson also represented Henry H. Eaton, Killay, similarly summoned, for milk containing 12 parts added water. The evidence for the defence was precisely similar. P.S. Thomas (Food and Drugs Act) proved the cases. In imposing a fine of £3 in paeh case, the Chairman said they must do their bounden duty in these days of stress to prot.t. the public. Infant life also was of such to-day that they were bound to fee that they got the proper food. De- fendants had a remedy if they bought the milk from someone else, but that step was not taken.

YSTRADGVNLAIS. Tuesdsv.—Before Messrs. E. G. Benthall, Morgan Price, David Williams, Rhys Davies, and Colonel Gough. Brinley Davies, Tontardawe, was sum- moned for drivinar a motor car to the danger of the public at A berexave. and also with failing to produce his license. Mr. Morgan Davies defended. Senrt Edwards declared that when the defendant was driving through AhAr- crave on April 23rd he was going at the rate of 25 to 30 miles an hour. The car ran over a dog belonging to witness and killed it on the spot. Several witnesses corro borated. The defence was that the dog had been, chasint: the car. It was also snaid that the car could not possibly do more than 12 miles an hour on that road on account of the dnnirerous corneTs.-Bogbh summonses were dismissed. A young man named Evan Jen kins was ordered to pay 10s. for trespassing on 1he Midland Railway at Cwmtwrch.

GRAIN AND FLOUR TRADES. (By J. K. Carthew, Grain Expert.) 8inc posting my last review to the date of drafting this the weather has been changeable. Fottunately. ocpious rains have been general nearly everywhere, thereby greatly benefitting the spring crops vegetables, grass, etc. Winter wheat is making steady growth, but it is rather chilly for the season; a higher temperature would just set things right. Live stock continue healthy Trade in fat stock has continued good and prices strong. Beef, Is to Is. 4id.; mutton. Is. Id. to Is. 6d.: pork Is. 1;d. to Is 3id. Bueinee-s in wool is impeded by Government restrictions, hut. on the whole, prices are well maintained. Th? United States Bureau report to May lrTlJOlii an isY:nrroQdi; of winter wheat though much has beeu winter killed. The area tilled to spring wheat is very large and the young plants' are looking well. Agricultural prospects in Europe are, on the whole, good, being helped bv the abnormally high prices ruling for farm products. Planting wheat in Argen- tIlla. is practically finished under favour- able conditions, and reports from Australia. aro better. Ift both countries an increased area has been laid down. Indian shipments are cow on a large scale Exports of foreign wheat to Europe arp increasing; farmers' r'eliverien small. THE FLOATING GRAIN CARGO TRADE. ?Vhe?t very firm; few oS'er&. and pricee d?Ricult to Quote. Maize very nr?; in te. 73s to 76s American. 71s. to 75s. Barley very firm: Indian, 72s. to and American, 71s. to 73s. 6d. Oats very flrnt American and Plate. 65a. to 668, SPOT PElCE AT MARK LANB. Wheat firm; foreign scarce and prices iiott,.ina 1; Kngiish offering at tho Govern- ment regulation prices. Maize firm; Piste. 77. 6d to 79s. 6d.: American. 72s to 73s 6d. Parlev firm; Indian. 73e. to 78s.- American aId Persian, 72=. to 74s.; malting. 82s. to 85Oats firm; English a.nd foreign. 64s 6d. tc, 67s. Feeding- cakes firm; demand moder- ate, FLOUR. Warmer weather an increased supply of vegetables and voluntary f rationing hava cheeked thi: consumption of bread, but cw- ing to tho .caizuitv of American grades there has beeu a steady demand for English at firm pricet. Regulation flour, 62s. to 65s.; American spring. Manitoba, and Kansas patents 85s upwards: bakers. 80s. upwards. WHEAT FORECAST. The outlook for winter wheat in th,- United States show a further improvement from th' worst, and spring wheat in Xorth America is coming up and looking well. the prospects being. so far, exceedingly good. Reports from Australia are more favour- able, and from Argentina satisfactory. Al- IQrtíi from Indi^ increasing. Markets in this department keep very steady, but busi- ness is rectrictcd by short supplies and quite of a hand-tc-mouth character. As regards the war. it Î3 going distinctly in favour of the Entente and will continue to do >o. FEEDING STUFF FORECAST Ak usual at this eeason. the consumption of dry food is not so brisk, but prices 01 t?")!)? "tuffs keep very firm; Transactions. howpver are confined bu piteent require- UlCULk.