Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

Stands Pre-eminent PIBST-CLASS »FRdlT, VEGETABLES, «and CONFECTIONERY. .WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, ..(:ø'( 'i '— r HEARD'S STORES, (17, Station Road, PORT TALBOT, 67, High Street, ABERAVON, lei. Parade, NEATH, 18, Windsor. Road, NEATH.

zrON CHAPEL, QWMAVOJf. GRAND CEAIB, EISTEDDFOD, SATUEBAf- DEOEMBEH 8th. 1917. Adi dieators-Mll-ic- Messsr. T. Hopkin Evans HUB. Bac 'Oxon). Neath and D. Afan Thomas, Owmavon- Literature: Rev. Wm Evans B.A. f" Wii Ifa,n "). Cardiff. Chief choral (not under 5(i voices), own selection. 10 sruineas and Hand. some Chair. Children's Choir. I Sins Be- cause I Love to Sina" (Pinsuti). 3 cruineas and Silver Cup. Action Sodk for Children o-vn selection, 3 guineas and Sepia Photo Enlargement, framed complete Pryddest (heb fod dros 150 Ilinell). "Hunanabeith. piai a chadair. Solos. Recitations Duets. et. Prorammee Id. (by Dost lid.) from David T. Jenkins. 4. Victoria-terrace Cwm- avon. Proceeds for Corpl. Thomas Davies. a Disabled Soldier.

(NODiON AR BYNCIAU YR WYTHNOS. (GAN AWSTIN.) Llongyfa r ch iad a u calonog i Faer ■ jbewydd tref Abertawe, yr Henadur Ben VJono6, y Cymro sydd wedi cyfiawni dyled- :6wyddau pwysig prif ynad y fwrdeisdref Ijnor ddeheuig a dillin am fieoedd yn her- vydd afiechyd trwm yr Henadur David paries, y Maer etholedig im y flwyddyn iydd yn awr ar derfynu. Fel y teilypga, y mae yr Henadur Jones feisioes wedi derbyn datganiad o deimlad .,boddhaol mwy nag qn o Gynuleitkasau 'Cymreig y dref a'r cylch ar yr achlyeur, aymuniadau goreu am iddo gael jblwyddyn lwyddianns, rhwyddineb, iechyd, a phob cymortlx gyda'i orchwyl- ion, a thra thebyg y oeir eto longyfareh- iadau o wahanol gyfeiriadau, oblegid y mae ei gysylltiadau a eefydliadau a mudiadau Cymreig—yn gymdeithasol, yn grefyddol, yn genedlaethol, ac yn wleid- yddol—yn lluosog. Er cymaiiit ci chynnydd a?i thrafnid- 8eth, y mae trcf Aberta?c yn parhau i gadw ei chymen:ld fel v dref fwyaf Cymroaidd yn Nekeiidir Cymru, ac yn ngkysylltiadau ""ein kiaitli. ein gwlad a'n cenc-dl yn fwy nodweddol o brif- ddinas gwlad Gomer na Chaerdydd nac un (laer arall. Gwyddom yn eithaf da fod caniio-edd. os nad miloedd, o bobl o genedl- c,edd ereill yn trigo yn ein plith, ond y maent, gan mwyaf, wedi eu liysbrydoli »'u trwytho gan eu cymdogion a'r cyn- frodorion yn nghenedlaetholdeb y dref fechan sydd wedi tyfu yn ddinas fawr- f 0C ymfalcliiwn yn hyny. ) Mewn ymgom ddifyr a gefaie, ychydig I amser yn ol, gyda Mr. Williams, Y Wern, clywais a chefais brofion-fwy mewn awr aiag a ddatllenid nag a gesglid mewn haner blwyddyn, unrhyw ffordd arall—o rvfeddodau cynnydd masnach, trafnid- -seth. poblogaeth, llwydd a diwylliant v ref a'r cylch, a hyderaf gael cyfle, hob |^n dipyn, i roddi cipolwg ar rai agweddau (» hanes yr ardal. Wedi gwrando or pjr stori ddifyr, ni8 gallwn lai, ar f.v ffordd spar tref i YstumllWYllarUl, nag adrodd a I "Chaboli yn fy nghof yr englynion hyn:- sA oes enaid na synna—o'i hir daitb II Ddod i'r ardal yma? Trwy iae nyoh petruso wna J Ai 'r un un iw'r hon ynaP wel y fan! a goeliaf fi ?-.ai egwan [ Ydyw'm llygaid arni? I Y lanerch wedi'ivgorlenwi: Tai'n dref—'doedd ond dau neu dri. lEST lie hwn ceid am hell un oain—heddvw Cawn haeddolwyr mirain, t. Nerthol, rba4,rorol, gvwrain, Hyd y fro fel haid o frain. f fE ffy'r nos: o'i ffwrneiriau--v teimlir I A gwelir mellt golau; Y rawn oedd mewn mynyddau N baiarn poeth dry yn eu pau. Melinau ey'n chwyrnu; Rhyw emawg darth 0'1' mwg du Hyd y lan yn dolennu, ■ Ac er i linyn ty ymadroddicn gael ei jjiorri, weithiau, a,i blethu eilwaitb; tra yn cyfarch i hwn a'r llall, daeth awyr linel,tic, glan y mor, a'r olwg ar y torfeydd iolr yr hooI, rhwng chwyrngerbyd trydanol dref a clierbydj-es y Man Moel (ckwedl bonlad Mr. Morgan Hopkin ar lygriad ry ffugenw Mumbles) a'm meddyliau icrwydrol yn ol i'w lie, a ckan clwvyfio icadack gwyn tua cliyfeiriad tref boblog jAbertawo, slbrydwn yn nglihust ysbrydion 4Oew¡'i'1' ameer gynt. Newidiad cyflawn ydyw— Y rhif facli ddaeth yn dorf fyw! Neitkiwr bum yn gorffen y gorchwyl liddorol o ddarllen Myfyrion a Clian- uon Maes y Tan," gan Dytnallt, ac os pes modd yn y byd i (' larllenydd weied a chlywed a theimlo ei fed yn cael ei gario pan ei ddyckymyg i faes y gyflafan a ¡'ro'r g-.N-iilwydrl, llwybrau cul yr encilion gwledig, a fl'yrdd llydain, trystfawr, Ifwchog lIe chwyrliella cerbydau a pheir- lacnau rhyfelwyr y cenliedloedd vdynt yn fcrnrydro clroy ryddid gweriniaeili—dyma fo Fel y gwyr mwyafrif fy narllenwyr, treulicdd y Parcli Dyfnallt Owen. Caer- fvrddin, clri mis o'r haf diweddaTar faes i gad yn ngWëJJSanaeth y Y.M.C.A., a pkvnyrch niyfyrdod ac eliediadau awen J-mhlith digwy^diada-a rhyfedd ardaloedd y gyflafan grenlon ydyw y gyfrol a pyhoeddir yn awr am swift. Y mae y Cymro, fel pregethwr, gwladgarwr, dyn- I prwr, cyfaill, crwydryn, a gwelpdydcl, yn fyw rlrwy'i; llyfr ymliob agwedd deim- ladau, a'r "bardd yn ei awen, -eitliiati-n flrist ac weitliiau'n llawen. ambell adeg rn hiraethlawn, droarall yn caDU i'r antur," neu yn'taSu cipolwg dros "Y I Fir Di-Berchenog yn ymeon ar lan- Nmlla La Bassee neu yn gwrlio'n ffaru- tidd uwch fedd ar y maes :— Cbwib&nnodd bwled trwy V ddellt Ar ddigvfeiliern kynt, A ckwvmpodd .gwron yn y gWfllt- lId y gwynt." Dwg ni gydaf ef i'r o^dfa gvfrin, i gyn- feulliad dau neu dri," ac o blith y'cerf- iSdelwau yn yr Eglwys Gadeiriol i babell f epplan i!eu i blith milwyr Cymreig a |>f.vnent am oedfa neillduol "yn yr h4:0n laitk." Yn ei amrywiol ddoniau odla i'r Sdawns ar lawnt y plas, gwrendy ar gathl f fronfraith yn mkylgain y cyfddydd, jfee^ri5a mewn coetk ryddiaetk farddol y cyinun ar y glaswellt. yngwydd y prrthwynebwr," a thra yn Disgwyl, dis- rwyl. disgwyl yn Nghoed Annezin-, eeir tanddo lais uwcli adlais, a lId uwcn idlef, yn unlgrwydd y nos Gostega wynt, a'th hwyrol gri, Rhag cipio o honot gvda thi Y lief a ddel a'r 1hd i mi," Nid oes liinell ddifudd nac annifyr yn r gyfrol. ac i nil y Diae adolygu Myfyr- ion a Clianeuon jlae6 y Tan yn waith fhwydd, gan fod yr liyn a ddarllenais redi cyffwrdd tannau tynnion yn, fy ighalon.

Prinoe Christian was buried in the ] poyal vault, at Windsor on Thursday. Pte. Gwilyxa Thomas, of tlioo Gurnos post; Office. Ystalyfera, is awaiting his dis- tfjarge. Pte. Tliomas was aitacked to the Wolsli Gtiwrds, but was invJlidtd to l\ew- (etffclrf-on-Tyne Hospital, suffering severely from frost bite. The Mount Blim Baptist. Cha,pel, Pon- |$rd«iw«, was packed on Wodne^lay night ",hen GrnBor Da.no Thomas (James- ttrwt) '? pr???t?d p!-Myr to lea-vit^ "f°r !h« fro?i. Mian BIodw? JOMS (Ty?ba? cade ih* prosontation.

I THURSDAY'S BRITISH OFFICIAL, France, 10.9 a.m. During the night hostile artillery has been active east and north- east of Ypres. A hostile concentration in the neigh- bourhood of Passehaendagle was dispersed by our fire.

THURSDAY'S FRENCH OFFICIAL. There was rather a lively artillery duel on our new positions in Belgium and on the front to the north.of the Aisne. The enemy unsuccessfully attemp- ted a surprise attack on our small posts north of Loire, north- west of Eheims. On our side we made various suc- cessful raids into the German lines near Berniecourt, south- east of St. Quentin, in Cham- pagne, in the sector of Souain, in the region of Bolande and in Woevre to the north of Fliery. We brought back about 40 pri- soners, and inflicted serious losses upon the adversary.

BEER-SHEBA TAKEN. LONDON, Thursday. The following message was issued on Th ul'sclay Operations in Egypt. General Allenby report.s that, after a night marc our troops attacked Beer- sheba on the morning of October 31st. Whilst the infantry attacked the de- fences covering the town from the west and south-west-, mounted troops made a wide turning movoment through the desert and aproached the town from the east. Beersheba was occupied in the evening, in spite of a de termined resistance by the enemy. Beersheba is, of course, a place of ancient renown, and figures often in the narrative of Holy Writ. ON PALESTINE FRONTIER. [ Beersheba lies near, but within, the frontier of Palestine. When the opeta- ticxfce against Gaza were conducted, cur troops ftiso attacked in that direction, but D-o gre at success. Since the opera- tions <3jutsid& Gasa, when we attempted to a-ke the cr town by a coup da maine. v ery little A io^ee. if dimerous qu&Kdoas have been aS'ksdi^arliaiaont with regard to the unpublished dispatch and the position of the general commanding ait that time, who is now in the Alder shot command. The Government refused to publish the dispatch, stating that it contained in- formation that it was not desirablo the enemy should know. To-day's news is highly gratifying in that it shows that our position in this area is not one of stale- mate.

A WEEKS PIRACY. PRESS BUREAU, Wednesday. 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., October 28th:— Arrivals and sailings of merchant ves- sels of all nationalities over 100 tons net at and from United Kingdgm ports (ex- clusive of fishing and local craft):— Arrivals. 2,285 Sailings 2,321 British merchant vessels sunk by mine or submarine (1,600 tons gross or over). 14* Ditto (under 1,600 tons) 4 British merchant vessels un- successfully attacked by submarines 1 British fishing vessel? t'unk 0 the Admiralty adds the fallowing note: I This return invariably includes all mer- I cantile tonnage known to have been sunk by mine or submarine, whether employed on Government srivice or otherwise. ♦Includes one sunk during week end- ing 21st October. I THE FRENCH REPORT. PARIS, Wednesday (Received Thursday). The Freaich weekly shipping return is I as follows:— Entered French ports 838 Cleared 795 Sunk (over 1,600 tons) 2 Sunk (under 1,600 tollS)- 1 Unsuccessfully attacked 4 Fishing vessels sunk 0 —Press Association War Special. -aSfc.

I U-BOAT WAR. I Sir A. Geddejs, making his statement on Admiralty policy, said work was growing to such an extent that it would be neces- sary to appoint an additional Civil Lord. As to the tonnage of ships lost, it would be impossible to find a form that would not give informatiop. to the enemy. Since the war began 40 to 50 per cent. of the U-boate had been sunk. During the last quarter the enemy lost as many as in the whole of 1916- Our October losses were elightly worse than September. The net lose was 500,000 tons. U-boats were being e-unk to aa increas- ing exteait, but building was faster. Ger- many had done less damage than she had hoped. Fifty per cent, of Germany's mer- chant shipping had been sunk. He saw no signs of a short, war. Four new national shipbuilding yards had been decided on. Our programme was greater than ever. As to the Scandinavian convoy loss, the wireless installation on the escort was destroyed. The only message received was from the eurvivoirs.

I NORWAY'S WARNING. I CHRISTIANIA, Thursday. The Norwegian Minister at Berlin has handed to the German Minister of Foreign Affairs a Norwegian Govern- ment Note stating that according'to in- formation so far received it must be re- garded as authenticated that certain ships of the German Navy in the North Sea on October 17th, 1917, after having fionk escorting British vessels, sank also a number of neutral merchant ships, among which were several Norwegian 6hips, without taking any steps either to attempt to save the crews or to give them time to save themselves. This conduct on the part of the Ger- man warships was the cause of a great number of Norwegian sailors being killed and wounded by shell fire, or losing their lives by drowning. The Norwegian Government will not again state its views, as it has already done 60 on several occasions, as to the violation of the principle of the freedom of the high seas, incurred by proclama- tion of large tracts of ocean as a H war zone," and by the sinking of neutral ships not carying contraband. It is owing- iiwiwHjiw *yf this kind that Norwegian ohips, as well as those of other neutral countries, have bepn compelled, in order to procure for Norway her essential imports, to seek protection in the past, as they will in the future, by allowing themselves to be convoyed by warships belonging to Ger- many's enemies. The Note adds: "It has made a pron found impression on the Norwegian people, that not only have German sub- marines continued to sink peacable neutral merchant ships, paying no at- tention to the fate of their crews, but that now even German warships have adopted the same tactics."—Press Asso- ciation War Special.

HERTLING ACCEPTS. I [ Paris, Thursday.—The "Matin" pub- lishes from the Zurich correspondent of the Berlin semi-official "De Neue Vodische Handip Zeitung," the following telegram: We learn at the last moment' that Count Von Hertling has not only accepted the post of Imperial Chancellor, but also that of Prussian Premier. He has also undertaken to defend the proposal in favour of electoral reform in the Prursian Diet.—Exchange Special.

FATHER OF EIGHT. I At Swansea on Friday, Daniel Morgan (H), carpenter, was charged with failing to report for military service. According P. S Eii.- to P.S. Fnglish the defendant said he was a conscientious objector. The chairman (Mr. Gwilym Morgan) said the man had not complied with the regulations. He had allowed his original exemption to lapee without appealing again. Mr Morgan made a strong protest, against sending to the colours a man of i) years with eight children. He said there were plenty of young fellows walking the streets of Swansea The Bench decided to adjourn the matter for a week for Corpl. Pea to put the matter befora the military authorities.

CWMAVON YOUTH'S DEATH. Mr. T~iuroai held at Cwioavon, 6S. Tuesday, un tV, Leonard Jones (lb), of 5, Aelirvii -terra- Cwmavon, who was killed on Friday nisht while at work as a labourer at Tory- mynydd Colliery. Drl- Irwin said ceatn. was due to dislocation of the leek. )t appears that thè boy wa.s assisti ig Ed- ward Edwards, {1 haulier, to put a tram on the line. The journey trd the boy was found underneath tne tri^n, the front wheel having passed .er his neck. No explanation was forthcoming as to how the trams moved, and a verdict of accidental death was passed.

Much sympathy will be extended to Mr. T. W. Lewis, M.E., manager of the Tirydail Colliery, Ammanford, in -the sudden death of his wife, Mrs. Lewis, who died on Tuesday night as the result of heart failure. The deceased lady :s 55 years of age. Described as a fpecial constable, of Swansea, Charles E. M. Day was ordered to pay the costs at Cardiff on Wednesday for driving a motqr-car with no side-lights ¡ in Newport-road on October 13th. At Liverpool on Wednesday fines amounting to C-200 were imposed on 13 shopkeepers. for selling butter at prices ex- ceeding the sum fixed by the Food Con- troller. Considerable damage was done on Wed- nesday night by a tfre which occurred at Messrs. Thomas West and Co.'s mill, Tod- morden, and as a result hundreds cf work- people will be temporarily thrown out of employment.

WAR SUMMARY FRIDAY. The British and French forces have to-day launched a new assault in the Ypres region. Our troops are reported to be making satisfactory progress. Rain fell heavily on tin Western front during the latter part m the night, and at the time of the dispatch of Haig's message was still contin ling. A Rome report states that Signor Bosselli will announce to-day that the Ministry has resigned owing to the rejection of the first portion of the Order of the Day in the Italian Chamber yesterday, which the Government made a question of con- fidence. The Italian forces in the Upper Isonzo have been heavily attacked on a 20 mile front by the Austro-German troops. In connection with the fighting the Ger- mans make big claims. The Brazilian President asks Congress for authority for war reprisals following the sinking of a Brazilian ship off the Spanish coast and the seizure of her captain. The Italians say they are providing for the evacuation of the Bainsizza Plateau. The French are consolidating their Oise- Aisne Canal gains. The enenmy in his retreat blew up bridges. SATURDAY. In spite of the fact that the Germans claim to have gained a striking victory over the Italians, there is a prospect that things are not so bad as they have been painted. The Italians admit that the situation is grave, but they say that their Head- quarters Staff has taken the necessary stops to cope with the offencive., To-day's Italian Official records an in- crease of enemy effort on the Carso. Strong offensives have been repulsed by Italian tioop*. A message from Toulon says that tne.eep- pelin which was chased across the Lower Alps in the Upper Verrand to the shores of the Mediterranean, near Hyeres Island and Frejus, has been, lost at sea. The Turks are retreating before our forces on the Tigris. Counter-attacks have been made against the British eouth-we-st of Passchendaele. Our troops made further im%-rew.in the course of which they took 18 machine- gun*. Brazil has decided for war against Ger- many by an overwhelming majority. The French to-day report more progress, despite the difficulties of the ground. More prisoners and trenches have been taken. Bombs have again beendrop1 on Dun kirk, and thirty victims are reported -among tre civilian population Russia to-day reports that ten enemy cruisers and destroyers early in the morning bombarded Hinaghi sector, fol- lowed later by a bombardment at an- other point by a second squadron. Rus- sian patrols did not encounter the enemy at Allenhoe- MONOAY. Gwrnatiy^s-latest .claim m the offensive against Italy is 100,000 prisoners and 700 guns. Gorizia has been retaken by the enemy and Cividale has been, captured, and 16 in flames. Confidence in General Cadorna is un. shaken, and it is possible that material support may be priven him by the Allies. When Brazilian bluejackets were about to board an interned German gun-boar, the vessel was set on fire and sunk by her crew. British and French destroyers were in- strumental in breaking up a German aerial formation on its way to raid Eng- land United States soldiers are now in the trenches, side by side with seasoned French troops. Important successes have been won in Belgium 'during the week-end. The French have won a number of villages, and French and Belgian troops har" occupied the Merckam peninsula, in the inumlated region TUESDAY. Another attack was launched by us north of the Ypres-Rojlers rail t',i, morn ing. Our troops are making ,;étod pro- gress. Late last night hostile aeroplanes attempted to Laid the south-e ern counties. Not one was able to pass the outer defences, and Lord French's report states that no casi or damage was caused. The first German prisoner taken by the United &tp.tes troops on the Western Front has (lied i hospital from v nnds sustained in Lo-man's land." Though! the Italian position is carious neither Italy nor her Allies to be entirely discou rag-ed, The"" -'1 not see Italy fall. Cadorna's last report of the It alian treat indicates i full recovery "f < ntrol over the armies by the High r ">nd. The Germans, this afternoon, claim to have captured Udine To-day's Italian Official savs that the des- truction of the bridges over the Isonzo has heen effected. The French have re-captuxed some new trench elementp on rhe Cogrrieros cret-t„ £ mmy aeroitf<tA«» 'fkwb-u.k- ?-Nincy. One person was injured, and ifikignificart damage done. The Russian report to-day states that enemy attacks on the northern front failed. There Is no change on the other fronts WEDNESDAY. The United States have decided to make a substantial loan to Italy, and have also promised 100,000 tons of ship"ping. To-dav's British official says that hostile artillery showed some activity during the night on the battle front against the positions taken by us yesterday. No counter-attacks were made. A hostile aeroplane crossed the Kentish coast early this morning. The machine did not penetrate inland, and on being engaged by our anti-aircraft guns, drop lied its bombs and made off to sea. No casualties were caused. To-day is the anniversary of the first battle of Ypres. News from the Italian front nay), that more British and French guns have been saved, though the men suffered severely from cold, rain, and hunger. A French message, dated to-day, says that a.11 the Paris newspapers expect the situation on the Italian front will be restored, and that the Italians will have time to organise their defence lines, to •strengthen them, and to receive all the help necessary. There is no change in the Russian situa- tion in the Baltic Sea. On the/northern and western fronts enemy efforts to fra- ♦ernise have been stopped by Russian, fire. Russian aviators have dropped

I SUGAR SUPPLIES ALLEGATION ACAINST LOCAL FIRM The Swansea Food Control Committee met on Wednesday, Col. Sinclair presid- ing. The clerk (Mr. Victor Evans), re- ported that a certain bakery firm in Swansea had applied for 17 tons, 12 cwts., 0. sugar, and in their applicatiop they bad given the names of certain firms from which they had received sugar in 1915. The form which the nrm had signed stated ex- plicitly that any person wilfully making a false statement in respect of any matter specified on the form, was liable on con- viction to a fine of £100 or six months' im- prisonment, or both. The Food Control Office had made inquiries with regard to this particular case in the usual way, and the result was that it was found that the firm received 8i tons only in 1915. The effect was that a false statement of re- turn had been made by this firm for the purpose of obtaining a double amount of sugar. Alderman Hmard; We want to treat this case most drastically. (Hear, hear). Mr. David Griffiths: Have you a list of all the wholesale dealers this firm dealt with? Suppose she (a lady is the head of the firm) did not give them all? The clerk explained that the form signed made it clear that the applicant should give full details of supplies re- ceived in 1915. There were absolutely no mitigating circumstances in this case. It was unanimously decided to prose- cute. The clerk said that certain firms had large quantities of sugar on their premises and refused to sell sugar except to those who had given in sugar cards to them. As the result many small shop-keepers, some of them widows or WIVes who bad their husbands at the front, were losing their customers. The chairman asked the Press to make it clear that a person handing in a sugar card to a firm was not bound to buy a single halfpenny worth of other commodities with that particular firm. A deputation was received from the Master Butchers' Association to discuss the price list for November already de- cided upon by the Committee. The deputation was introduced by the secretary, Mr. A. B. Davies, who, after accepting the list as a whole, proceeded to criticise the prices fixed in respect of ) certain classes of meat. Aid. Hillard: You are not compelled to have so much profit unless you wish it! (Laughter.) Mr. A. B. Davies: I appreciate that. (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Davies, in reply to Ald. Miles, said it was impossible to agree to a reduction in any one, item. Oil Tuesday night a meeting of the trade was held, and the whole matter was thoroughly discussed. The Pesult was that'they decided to apply for increases in prices in certain cases, and he hoped the committee would meet them fairly on the matter. After the deputation* had withdrawn. Aid. ]:bhard.. IllvVI.m Hm,t œ tn-j-.a Hu-, already decidcd upon for beef remain un- changed. (This list has been published in ex ten so). He had spoken to at least eight butchers on the point, and they had said that they had never made such profit in their lives. In fact, they said that had they had these profits in the past, they would have made their fortunes. Mr. Sheehan seconded. This was unanimously agreed to, and with regard to the other objections it was decided not to change the decisions already arrived at, except to agree that legs of pork should be charged for at 1& 6d. per lb.

AMMANFORD BUTTER. I 1 At a meeting of the Ammanford Cham- ber of Trade on Wednesday evening, Mr. A. Preston presiding, the butter question was discussed, and a resolution was passed asking the secretary, Mr. W. Wells Smith, to confer with the local Food Control Committee, urging them to secure uniform prices for butter so as to prevent consignments of that commodity being sent to Llanelly and other towns where higher prices than at Ammanford prevail. It was decided that shops be closed for three days at Christmas—Tuesday, Wed- nesday, and Thursday.

NEATH'S NEW MAYOR. I At a private meeting of the Neath Town Council on Thursday, Aid, Hopkin Mor- gan, J.P., was chosen Mayor of the borough for the coming year, by eight votes to six. The alderman has twice been Mayor of Neath, is Chairman of the County Coun- cil, J.P. for the County, Chairman of the local Education Committee, and has spent practically all his life in the ser- vices of the public:, He is a staunch Liberal and Nonconformist. An application from members of the Borough Constabulary for war bonuses was considered, and the Council decided to give an all round bonus of 12s. per week, making it retrospective—9s. from .Tunc 1st. and 12s. from September 1st.

I NOVEL PIT STRIKE SOUTH WALES FIREMEN THIS TIME 1 (By Our Mining Correspondent.) For the first time in the history of the South Wales coalfield, thousands of I miners are idle owing to a strike of colliery officials. I ien belsaging to the Colliery Exam- Association—they are known- as ri romen who go round the workings to examine the condition of things under- ground before colliers and others are permitted to begin operations (as required by the Mines' Regulation Acts)—have for some time been negotiating with the coalowners for better wages and certain improvements in conditions, and, having rejected the last offer made by the em- ployers, they struck work on Wednesday night, Consequently, wherever* the strike is on, tile colliers and all other under- ground workmen are unable to work. It is estimated that about one-half the firemen throughout South. Wales are out- side that orgaiiisation. The position in the Amman Valley is as followc, --Anamfinford 500 men; j Pantyffynon, 300; Gwaun cae-Gurwen, 1,400; Gelliceidryn, and others in the Amman and surrounding valleyer In the Swansea Valley the following pits are idle: Pwllbach, Tirbach, Gilwen, Tarenni, and Gleision. In the Neath and Afan Valley areas the pits idle on account of the dispute are as follows (the figures in parenthesis in- dicating the number of men affected:— Aberpergwm (.600), Empire, Glyn-Neath (300), Main, Skewen, Nor,. 1 and 6 pits (550), Glyncorrwg, Blaengwynfi (550), Glyn, Cymmer 085), Corrwgvale, Aber- crugan (199), Dulfryn Rhondda, Cymmer (900), Glyncorrwg (460), Nantowlawleth Glyncorrwg (250), Seven Sisters (190), North Rhondda, Glyncorrwg (130), Blaen- corrwg, Glyncorrwg (80). 1 There are only three collieries working in the Afon Valley district, viz.: Cribbwr Fawr (Pyle), Blkenavon (Cym- mer), and%the Ocean (Blaengwynfi). — — —

LLANDEBIE STRIKE. I Messrs. Frank Hodges and Tom Smith, attended at the Hotel Metropole, Swan sea, on Thursday, to endeavour to bring about a settlement of the strike at Llan- debie Colliery, which has now lasted over a monfbl and succeeded in bringing about a meeting between representatives of the employers and of the workmen. Mr. Chas. Cleeves and Mr. Davies, Cross Hands, represented the employers; Mr. J. D. Morga and Mr. T. James, the agents of the Anthracite miners, repre- sented the workmen, and a deputation from the Llpndebie colliery workmen. Statements on both sides were heard and, ultimately, it is believed a "way out" was foimd, which will be submit- ted to a mass meeting of the workmen at Llandebie on Friday, when Mr. Frank Hodges and Mr. Smith will attend to plaoe a Jreport on Tliuwlnv V prnr#f*3ivr* ??"<s.tma nec'uig. ,j

COPPER PIT DISPUTE. Î The.inquiry conducted by Mr. F. E. Armstrong on behalf of the Coal Con- troller at Swansea, into the dispute of the Copper Pit, Morriston, regarding the checkweigher, was concluded on Wednes- day evening. The Commissioner will re- port to the Coal Controller, and the re- suIt, be made known in due course. Meanwhile, the proceedings taken by the colliery company against the check- weigher have been postponed for a fort- night.

STATE CONTROL. I The Daily Express understands that the Government are considering the suggestion to make their first experi- ment in State regulation of the liquor tr&de by assuming control of the manu- facture and supply of intoxicating liquors in Scotland. On the success or otherwise of this test would depend its extension to Eng- land, Wales, and Ireland.

DIVORCE RESCINDED. I In the Divorce Court on Thursday, Mr. Justice Hill gave judgment in favour of the King's Proctor in the case in which Mrs. Eliza Holland had obatined a decree nisi against her husband, Mr. Percy Holland, and this was rescinded. The d€-cree wpronounced on Jutie 6th, but it was now,said, on the King's Proctor's behalf, that on that day Mrs. Holland gave, birth to a child after leaving the court.

CAPTAIN BOSTOCK. I Surgeon Captain Robert Ashton Bostock, J.P., of Cefn Mor7 Penmaen, Glamorgan, and the Army and Navy Club, formerly regimental surgeon to the Scots Guards, who died August 7th of illness contracted on active service, has left estate of the gross value of L71,363, the net personalty being £ 59,066. The will is proved by Mrs. Caroline Mary Bostock, the widow, and Richard Vincent Perry, of Cottehliam PaYk-road, Wimbledon, and' the Rev. Frederick Wm. Haden, of All Souls Vicarage,-Chariton, Folkestone, brothers- in-law. The testator gives the house- hold effects, and during widowhood S800 a year and the use of his residence, or an annuity of £ 100, should she again marry, to his wife. these benefits to\ be in addi- tion to what she will receive under the marriage settlement, £ 10,000; and subject to the interest of his wife Cefn Mor and family pictures and plate to his eldest son, £-1-UO to R. V. Perry. il1,0 to Rev. Fredk. W. Haden, and the residue of his property to his children, the share of a son to be I one and a half times the share of a I daughter.

A PATRIOTIC YOUNG SWANSEAITE. Among the visitors to Swansea at present is Mr. Reg. Weston, son of Mr. G. J. Weston, late chief clerk at the G.W.R. manager's office, Burrows Lodge, now living in retirement at Reading. Mr. Reg. Weston was ranching in Sas- katchewan, Canada, and immediately he heard thst war had broken out in August, 1914, left his ranch, and within a fort- night had joined the Navy, where he has served ever since. He has been granted a month's leave, and came home to the Old Country and to Swansea to visit his numerous friends. Before emigrating to Canada eight years 1 ago Mr. Weston was engaged in an oV ial capacity at the High-street goods office. His old friends there-as many as are left —were delighted to see him looking so fit. and to mark the occasion presented him with a cigarette case and a parcel of smokes.

I 30 RAIDERS I ATTEMPT TO REACH LONDOri THURSDAY, 12. 15 p.m. Lord French reports as follows:— Determined and repeated attacks were made upon London last night by groups of hostile aircraft. The first group of raiders crossed the Kentish coast about 110.45 p.m. and proceeded over Kent to- wards London. They did not penetrate far inland, however. but turned eastward i and dropped bombs at various places on and near the coast. Meanwhile, two more groups of raiderc were steering towards London along the south bank of the Thames. The sky was half to three parts covered with low- thin clouds, which ren- dered observation of the enemy machines extremely difficult. Nevertheless, their altitude was correctly calculated, and they were broken up by the barrage fire on the south-east outskirts of the Metropolitan arm. About 11.50 p.m. eorne bombs were dropped. The fourth group of machines that oame along the Thames Estuary waa turned back about half way to London. Meanwhile a fifth group crossed the; Bases coast about 12 15 a.m. and steered" towards London by way ef the nortvj bank of the Thames, Two of thaaejaidera were driven back by the outer defetneea. One or more pmetrated into south-east Lond<m, where bombs were dropped. A sixth group followed along the same oouvee a quarter of an hour later. Some of theea machines penetrated into the eouth-eaafc outskirts of London, where bombs were dropped- Meanwhile one or more enemy,, machines dropped bombs in the south. west outskirts of London. The seventh group, which appeared on the sorrtti bank of the Thames, was dispersed by gunfire before reaching the outer London defences. In addition individual readers attacked the Kentish coast between midnight and 1.30 aJn. Reports indicate that eaoh group con- Slated of three or four machines, the total number of raiders engaged being about 30. Of this total only about three machines ha-ve succeeded in actually penetrating into the heart of London. The raiders were harassed by gunfire during the whole of their fight, and were also attacked by our own aircraft. The facility with which they were able €0 escape observation waa by taking adva-ntage of the clouds, pre- venting any decisive engagement. Full reports have not yet been received, but those already furnished point authorita- tively to light casualties and damage^ considering the number of machines and the determined nature of the attack. Lord French reports: The latest police report states that the total caual; les caused in last night's air raid, in all ■: i-s- tricits, were: Killed, 8; injured, 21. The material damage was very slight, and illi injury was done to Army, naval, militar? or munition establishments. A large num- ber of our machines went tLp. .an:tl .u1 1->t.{

ENGLISH REPRICSALS. PRESS BUREAU, Thursday. The Admiralty announces:— During October 31st a bombing raid was carried out by our naval aircraft on Stara- ppelhoek Aerodrome. Targets were par- tially obscured by clouds, making results difficult to observe. Many offensive patrols have been carried out, in which one hostile machine was shot down out of control. All our machines returned safely. < STEEL WORKS AND TRAIN HIT. General Headquarters, France, Wednes- day, 9-29 p.m.-On the 30th inst. a strong gele, with driving rain, prevented much flying being done, though our aeroplanes co-operated with the attacking troops on the battlefront throughout the greater part of the day and accomplished much successful artillery work. After midnight, when the wea/fcher eud- denly cleared up, bombing wquadron* dropped two tons of explosives on Roulem and Ingelmunster stations, as well as on, moving trains and hostile billets. One German machine was brought down in combat, tod one of our machines i8 missing. Following on those of the night of the 29th-30th inet. and of yesterday morning, another raid into Germany W88 carried out by our machines laet nieht. On this occasion the steel works and station of Volklingen were attacked with excellent results. Direct hits were ob- served on the furnaces and power houboa and on a train. The weather, which was brilliantly Mm during the early part of the raid, turned later to rain and snow. In spite of all this our raiding machines returned safely except one. Volklingen is on the Saar, five Miles west of Saarbrucken.

TRAGEDY OF WORRY. At a Builth Wehs inquest on Mrs. Mary Ann Worthing, 1, Gleaicoe, Brecon-road* who died from the effects of gas poisoning, it was shown that since her husband joined the Army she had been, worrying a 2<>od » A neighbour found that gas was escap- ing through the wall to her house, and tJpon Mrs. Worthing's house being entered both Mrs. Worthing and a little daughter were seen to be lying unconscious close to a cooking stove with the -as turned on. It appeared that the mothT and the child had been in the kitchen for nearly 34 hours -i ith 26 jets of the stove turned on and .with the cliinnc- v stopped to prevent any escape of gas. The bahy is recovering at the Builth Wells v Cottr, go Hospital. A verdict of "Suicide with r:13 poisoning, whilst of unsound mind," was returned.

PONTARDAWE ACCIDENT. John Rogers (HI), of Trambordside, Poutardawe, was admitted to the Swan- sea Hospital on Wednesday evening suf- fering from severe injuries to his leg and arm which necessitated immediate ampu- tation. Whilst he was working at Messrs. Gilbertson's Works. Pontardawe, a roll fell on him.

« IT CAN T BE DONE." i At Neath Borough Tribunal on Wednes- day, before the Mayor (Aid. H. P. Charles). a contractor applied for the re- tention of bis carpenter. Before the ar they employed O\'c:r"lOO men, now tbe .aff was reduced to five, Mr. Villiers Meager (smiling): You have lost so many I was going to suggest -it would be no loss to misc, Appelg. lant: It can't be done, sir.Jrhree m j tba.

Jvunbs on enemv stores in the Waski I Wo Ike—Tarnopol region. "I Tho French report to-day that enemy de- tachments which attempted to capture email posts to the north of Loiye, were remilsed. Enemy aeroplanes have dropped about 30 bomhs on Dunkirk. No important damage or victims are so far reported. THURSDAY. British troops yesterday occupied Beer- sheba, in l^alestine. Thirty Genuan aeroplanes attacked Eng- land in relays during the early hours of the morning. They came in seven groups. Three machines penetrated into the heart of London. The casual- ties are comparatively slight. The Norwegian Minister at Berlin has handed a Note to the German Foreign I Minister in connection with the attack on a convoy in the North Sea on Oct. 17th. This week's statement with regard to losses of British 6hips through U-boat action says that 14 vessels of over 1,600 tons were lost. The Germans claim to have taken 1120,001) prisoners on the Italian front. Our airmen have made another raid into Germany, a steelworks and train being hit. The latest French offensive has yielded 11,157 prisoners. To-day's British official says that enemy artillery has been active east and north- east of Y pres. A German concentration in the neigh- bourhood of Passehaendaele has been ¡ dispersed h., our fire.