Evening Express

A QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE I Principle alone was involved in the discussion at the Cardiff Board of Guar- dians on Saturday on the alteration made to a tender for building alterations at Ely. There was no question of dis- honesty, so dishonesty may be left out of it. But on the question of principle the guardians certainly took a right course in declining to alter a tender after it had been opened. If that sort of thing were permitted in public tendering, the system would be struck a staggering blow. The amount of tenders, as soon as they are opened, very quickly become known amongst the competitors for a job, and if these competitors were once permitted to alter a few figures in their tenders reliable contracts could not be made. Until the acceptance of a tender the figures of all should be absolutely secret, and it is surprising that the figures of the Ely tenders leaked out in the manner they did. It is certainly hard lines on a tradesman if he finds that he has made a serious clerical error in his tender that he should be made to suffer, but the objection to altering tenders after the amounts have been compared is so strong that we are afraid there is nothing for it but for the contractor to suffer or to decline to make a contract. In the case at Cardiff the lowest tender was originally £2,126 2s. 6d.; the highest was £3,777 16s. 8d. But the firm who tendered at the former figure wrote to ask that P,31 8s. lid. should be added to the tender on account of a clerical error. We do not question the error; but it is clear that if it were permissible to make alterations of this character the system would soon be the prey of dangerous abuse. If any air,eratio,n is required to be made in a tender it should be delivered before the appointed time for opening, just as the tenders themselves are delivered.

Pedestrianism is contagious. Our challenge on Saturday to the Cardiff docksmen to undertake a walking match such as has made the London Stock Ex- change a famous athletic organisation has been taken up, and the ambitious local stockbrokers are proposing, not a jaunt to Barry or Caerphilly, but a good solid walk to Tintern. This should provide very good sport for Whit Monday, and good prizes ought not to be lacking.

The fact that the board of guardians have conceded an advance of id. per hour in the wages of the painters must not be taken as an indication of the respective merits of the dispute which is now going on in Cardiff. It is a very easy matter 10r a public board to votd away money, specially in the pleasant way of increas- ing wages. The dispute appears to be going rather hard against the masters at present with 300 men out on strike and the terms half conceded by some em- ployers. By declining to refer the ques- tion to arbitration—as the chairman of the men's Union alleges—the employers have injured their case in the public esti- mation very considerably. If fifteen or twenty masters have already gone half- way to meet the men's demands, it seems a hopeless task for the remainder to hold out. <

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS I the following: are tikb readings since firo o'clock last evening 311 given by the barometer In the TftItlbllle of the Evening Express," St. Mary-street. Cardiff, which to 33ft. abovt, niaan sea level-

I Mainly About Peopte. It is 30 years since King George accepted the throne of Greece, and he has worked hard to make his country a "model kingdom." Even in winter he is to be found in his study at an early hour. Though himself no Greek, he has won the affections of hia people. His rooms at the Palace in Athens are decorated with pictures, bronzes, marbles, and costly works of art; but besides these, as a delicate compliment to those of his subjects who may be received by him. there are several por- traits of Hellenes who have helped to make modern Greece. King George is a very acces- sible monarch. In summer twice a week, independently of his Ministers, his Majesty receives all the persons who, passing through Athens, have asked for the favour of an audience. These visitors usually find the King in a room on the ground floor beside a table piled up with papers and documents, being one of the three rooms set aside for his own personal use. The King is frank and amiable in manner, and soon puts visitors at their ease. He loves discussion, and it is not forbidden to contra- dict him. Hence, he learns to look at various questions from every point of view. Perhaps he pleased the national sentiment best when, in 1867, he brought home as his bride the Grand Duchess Olga of Russia, who, of course, is a member of the Greek Church. Queen Olga has been a true helper to her husband and has won the regard even of those Greeks who are opposed to the monarchical form of Government. She. like the King. is always busy. Under her patronage are most of the charitable institutions, many of which she founded herself. She is fond of flower-paint- ing, and is no mean artist. The Archduchess Elizabeth Amalia, the Austrian Emperor's niece, who has married Prince Alois von und za Leichtenstein, is a great favourite with the Emperor, but his favourite niece was her sister, Princess Sophie of Wurtemberg, whose early death last year was such a blow to her family. This Archduchess excelled as an a.rtist and was a capital amateur actress. Like many Austrian ladies of noble birth, she was an abbess of the Foundation for Noble Ladies at Prague—which did not prevent her from marrying Duke Albrecht of Wurtemberg, the vows of such abbesses not including celibacy. The Emperor William is timed to arrive in Rome on May 2nd, and will be received with the same ceremony as our King. On the following day the Kaiser will be present at a religious service at the German Embassy, and will lunch there. The same evening there will be a State dinner and a- gala performance at the Argentine Theatre, and on the 4lh a military review and a military dinner. On the 5th the Emperor will visit the Covent of Monte Casino, and in the evening attend a reception at the Capitol, when the Palatine Hill will be illuminated. During the summer the little Princess Victoria-Louise of Prussia, the only daughter of the Kaiser, will pass several weeks at the Bornstedt estate, as she is to undergo the milk cure and live in the open air. Bornstedt was the favourite home of the late Emperor and Empress Frederick. Mohamed Ali, brother of the Khedive of Egypt, who will come to England in September, is now staying at Marseilles. He will spend several months in France, and intends to take the waters a.t Vichy. The Duchess Marie of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha will spend the next six weeks at the Schloss Rosenau, her lovely dower house in the Thuringen Forest, after which she will go to Eussia for some months. It is rumoured in Coburg that the Duchess intends to give up her residence in Germany next year, and make her permanent home in Russia, as she has always been devotedly attached to her own country and people. The condition of Cardinal Vanghan's health, we are informed on good authority, is really much more grave than the public have been led to believe. He must be kept free from all excitement. It is interesting to recall that the Cardinal's brother, Dr. Roger Vaughan, who was Archbishop of Sydney, and had a prolonged controversy with Sir Henry Parkes on the education question. was ordered away from the excitement by his doctors. He came to England for a. sea. trip, and went to stay with his relatives, the Weld- Blundells, in Lancashire, and was found dead in his bed the first morning after his arrival. Mr. David Devant, tho well-known conjurer, tells a good story of how he was once beaten at his own game—conjuring—and by one of his own pupils, too. He had been giving a finishing lesson to an enthusiastic amateur, and had impressed on his pupil the necessity of making all his movements as natural as possible. About an hour afterwards Mr. Devant was on his way to another engage- ment, when he put his fingers into his waist- coat pocket for a matchbox. He felt two coins, and knowing that they represented his fee—one guinea—for the lesson he had just given, he took them out so that he might put the sovereign in his sovereign-purse. To his surprise Mr. Devant found that the two coins were both shillings. His pnpil had taken Mr. Devant at his word, but of course Mr. Devant had not noticed the trick, simply because he had not expected anything of the kind. When Mr. Devant got home fie found a cheque from his pupil awaiting him, and a letter thanking him for his excellent tuition! Mr. Cyril Maude, actor and manager of the Haymarket Theatre, has just celebrated his 41st birthday. Educated at Charterhouse, some of his youth was spent in the North- West States. of America, and it was here that his first experience of stage life was gained. In 1884 he returned to England, where his time was spent for the most part with provincial touring companies. But his career ma.y scarcely be said to have commenced until the end of 1887, when he appeared at the Gaiety in Frankenstein." Since that day he has played many parts, and played them all well. His success is no mere question of chance; it is the result of hard, untiring work, keen observation, and the possession of that imagi- native sense so necessary to an actor. Mr. Maude often tells the story of the genesis of Lord Bapchild in The Manoeuvres of Jane.' After carefully studying the part, he saw that the idea. of the dramatist was that the man was an ass, the next step being to fix upon some concrete specimen of the same. In thinking over the many brainless people he had met, and adopting one characteristic from one and another from another, he was able to build up the character. His laugh, for in- stance, originally belonged to a curate, his walk to a young army man, his habit of hav- ing his handkerchief hanging out of his side pocket was an idea. culled from a relation, and 80 on. It is a strange thing to look back on the Income-tax of other days, and compare the amounts levied in the past with what we have to pay to-day. It is well within the memory of many of us when the Chancellor was contented with a modest contribution of 2d. in the pound. That was in 1874 and 4875, and the tax never rose above 6d. till ten years later, save in 1882, when it touched 6Jd.»To the oppressed taxpayer, who is, probably, at present being threatened with an execution in default of payment of a flfteenpenny tax, such sums seem almost ridiculously small. Lord Leven and Melville, who is the Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland General Assembly, has created some feeling in Edinburgh by declining to reside during the period of the Assembly, as former Lord High Commissioners have done, at Holyrood Palace, in consequence of sanitary defects. He was born in 1835, is now sixty-seven—hale, hearty, and popular exceedingly. In 1885 he married Hiss Emma Portman, eldest daughter of Lord Portman, a woman considerably younger than himself. Their marriage has been of the happiest; they have five children, and the eldest son, Lord Balgonie, is now seventeen years of age. Lord Leven's Scotch place is Glenferness, picturesqleiy sithated on the banks of the swift rolling Findhorn, near Duphail; but he also possesses a charm- ing abode on the river, Roehampton House, l Roehamptcn, where during the London season ilady Levea gives jdeagant garden partiet.

I HOTEL TRAGEDY. The Suicide in Central Hotel. I VERDICT OF TEMPORARY INSANITY. The inquest on the body of John Davies Lloyd, the young man who shot himself with a revolver on Friday morning at the Central Hotel, Cardiff, was held by the coroner (Mr. E. B. Reece) at the Town-hall on Saturday. Mr. William Jones, draper. of Aberavon, identified deceased as his nephew. He was 26 years of age, and was a draper's assistant. He last saw him on Easter Monday, when he was employed by Mr. T. Lewis, of Swansea. They spent the Easter holiday together at Aber- dare. He was not in good spirits. He said he was tired of his situation, and did not like the drapery business. He thought he should return to South Africa, where he had pre- viously managed a drapery business, and where in the Natal Mounted Rifles he served all through the war. A short time ago he received a telegram from the deceased asking for money. He forwarded some money, and on April 25 be received a letter card from his nephew acknowledging its receipt, and saying he had also received an order from the War Office for his arrears of pay, to be paid to him by the Army Paymaster. On Tuesday or Wednesday he received a telegram from Car- diff saying his nephew was going to Liverpool. He was a very excitable young man, and a small amount of stimulant easily affected him. So far as witness was aware the deceased had no trouble, but he believed his service during the war had unsettled him. He believed deceased had a revolver. Richard John Rees, a timekeeper employed by the corporation, of 148, Inverness-place, said he had known Lloyd for many years. He Anet him in Cardiff on Wednesday, and his tfriend said he had arrived in the town on the previous day. They spent the evening together. He seemed in good spirits, and mentioned his intention to go to Africa. On Thursday evening he saw deceased again, and returned with him to the Central Hotel, where he was staying, at eleven in the even- ing. Deceased was not exactly sober, but wit- ness did not consider him drunk. He was still in good spirits, and they had arranged to meet on the following morning at half-past eleven. Deceased had bought a bottle of brandy, which he took to the hotel with him. Witness went to meet Lloyd in the morning, and when he found he did not turn up went to the hotel, where he was told his friend had shot himself. Mark Hawkins. the head boots at the Cen- tral Hotel, who was the last person to see de- ceased before the tragedy, said that at about eight o'clock on Friday morning the chamber- maid told him to get a bottle of Bass for Mr. Lloyd. Witness took it to him and found him in bed. He noticed nothing strange in his manner, and saw nothing of the revolver or cartridges. Robert Saunders, the second boots, described Lloyd's condition when he came in on Thurs- day as "not exactly drunk, but under the influence of drink." He remained in the coffee-room with two men after having his supper, where he ordered lemonade, and presently became very noisy. Witness spoke to him about it. and he grew quieter. He went to bed about a quarter past twelve, and was then about "three parts drunk." Witness and the third boots assisted him to his room, and witness then noticed the brandy bottle, which then contained very litle spirit. In the morning about half-past ten, Culliford, the station porter, called to him to burst deceased's door open, as someone had shot himself. He opened the door and went in, and found Lloyd lying on his bed, with his feet hanging over the side and with a revolver in his hand. Deceased was bleeding from the right temple, and was unconscious. Inspector Burke described the position of the body on the bed, and said the bullet passed right through deceased's head, striking one wall and then rebounding to the opposite one. The bullet was found on the floor. In the deceased's portmanteau he found a box of cartridges, and twopence in his waistcoat pocket. Dr. Buist, who saw deceased about 10.45, said he was in. a dying state, and about 4.30 death resulted from the wound, which, from its position, was, no doubt, self-inflicted. He was of opinion that a heavy bout of drink- ing might have produced temporary insanity in deceased. The jury returned a verdict of "SMfcide during temporary insanity."

NEW CHURCH AT BURRY PORTI Consecration by the Bishop of St. David's. St. Mary's Church, Burry Port, was built by Messrs. Elkington, members of the well-known firm of Elkingtan and Co., of Birmingham, to the memory of their parents. The church was opened in 1877, and has proved a great boon to the inhabitants of the rapidly-growing town of Burry Port, for whose religious requirements it was intended to provide. It lies in the south-east part of the parish, in the hamlet of Pendryn, and replaces an ancient chapel one? there, long since extinct, called Capel Cynnor. The site for the church was presented by the late Mr. Mansel Rees, of Kilymaenllwyd, the late Mrs. J. K. Hand, of Glyn Ivor, and Mr. T. V. Colby, of Rhos-y- gilwen, Haverfordwest. The memorial window at the east end is a very handsome specimen of glass-painted work, depicting the scene of the Ascension of our Lord, and it bears the following inscription:—"To the Glory of God and in Memory of George Richard Elkington and of Mary Austen, his wife. This window was given and the church erected by their five sons, Frederick, James Bellamy, Alfred, Howard, and Hyla, 1877." The several fixtures in the church were also given by various members of the family. The church is a beautiful one built in the Gothic style, and has a peal of five bells. It possesses a. well- proportioned spire, and as the church is built on rising ground its spire forms a con- spicuous object for many miles around. The church has sitting accommodation for 500, and the patrons are the same as for the Parish Church. The vicar is the Rev. D. Jones, and the curate is the Rev. John Davies. The Elkington family, the donors of the church, have had a large interest in Burry Port for many years past, and were at one time the sole owners of the Pem-brey Copper Works. The last link is now, however, about to be severed, Mr. Gerard B. Elkington, J.P., the general manager, having sent in his resig- nation, and is leaving shortly for London. Bishop Owen attended service at St. Mary's on Sunday morning, when the church was formally handed over to the parishioners. Mr. Frederick Elkington, of Sion Hill, Kidder- minster, one of the five donors, was present tq hand over the deeds, and Mr. Barker. diocesan secretary, also attended. His Lord- ship, who preached an able and impressive sermon to a large congregation, took for ria text the first portion of the ninth verse nt the third chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Miss Sarah Lewis (Pwll) sang the solo, The Lord is my Shepherd," in splendid style. After the service the sidesmen met his lordship and sympathised with him in his recent trouble, which the bishop duly acknowledged. The donors of St. Mary's Church have also given a handsome donation towards extending the vestry for completing the organ. New Church for Swansea. St Augustine's Church, in the Rbyddings i district of western Swansea, is about to be replaced by a new edifice. Colonel W. L. Mor- gan and hie brother are giving the site and JE500 towards the scheme. The new church will face the Brynmill Park, and it is expected that it will be completed within the next year or ao. i

PROGRESS OF CARDIFF. Unparalleled Rapidity of Its Growth. An article <Ai The Town and Port of Cardiff," contributed by S. M. appears in this month'a Magazine of Commerce." In the opening passages the writer states that the story of the growth of Cardiff is one of the most stimulating chapters in the history of the expansion of British commerce. The rapidity of its growth is unparalleled by that of any other town in Europe, and is equalled only by Chicago and a few others of the mush- room cities of America. The share which the second Marquess of Bute and his successors in the title have taken in the development of the port is fully acknowledged, but it is admitted that at present Cardiff has rather too many eggs in one basket—the coal baaketo be able to face with equanimity the recurring contingency of a strike in the coal districts." The writer states that the total capital invested in the Bute, Penarth, and Barry Dmko. all of which are included in the port of Cardiff, is about R,10,000,000 sterling. Reference is also made to the good government of the town, the large parks and open spaces, and the low death fate consequent upon an enlightened sanitary policy. The article it illustrated with views of Cardiff and its docks and portraits of the Marquess of Bute, Lord Windsor, Sir W. T. Lewis, Sir E. J. Reed, K.C.B., M.P., and the Mayor of Cardiff (Alder- man E. Thomas. "Coeblact").

MRS. G. LLEWELLYN Death of a Munificent Benefactress. LIFETIME SPENT IN NOBLE DEEDS. We regret to announce the death of Mrs. Llewellyn, of Baglan Hall, the most bene- volent lady in the county of Glamorgan. Mrs. Llewellyn had been ill for a very long time, but of late her condition had shown some im- provement. On Tuesday last, however, she had a relapse, and remained in an uncon- scious condition up to her death, which oocurred about 8.30 on Saturday evening. Mrs. Llewellyn passed away surrounded by memr bers of her family. Her brother, General Lord Grenfell, of Kilvey, who had visited Baglan at Easter, arrived at the hall on Saturday morning. The deceased's sister, Mrs. Trotter, wife of Canon Trotter, had been down since the early part of the week, and her other sister, Mrs. Thornton, wife of Mr. Thornton, of Nottingham, arrived by the early mail on Saturday morning. There were also at the bedside when Mrs. Llewellyn breathed her last Canon Trotter, Miss Grenfell, of Maesteg House, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Llewellyn, and all the servants, together with Dr. Charles Pegge, of Baglan House, who had been in attendance for several months past, and who had nightly slept at the hall. It is needless to say that the news was received with the profoundest regret in the district. The church bells of St. Catherine's tolled solemnly on Sunday morning, and reference to the pad event was made at the different places of worship at both morning and evening service. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. By the death of Mrs. Llewellyn the district is deprived of a lady whose liberality and munificence were of no common order. Mrs. Llewellyn, who was fast approaching four- score years, was the widow of the late Mr. Griffith Llewellyn, J.P., D.L., high-sheriff of the county of Glamorgan, who died December 9, 1888, leaving personalty to the amount of over £ 350,000. Their marriage took place in 1860. Mrs. Llewellyn's relatives include many distinguished narres. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Pascoe St. Ledger Grenfell, J.P., D.L., and sister to General Lord Grenfell, until recently Governor and Commander of Malta. One of her sisters was the late Miss Mary Grenfell, the railwayman's friend. She was also cousin to the Hon. Carr Glyn, the present Bishop of Peterborough, the youngest son of the first Lord Wolverton. The Grenfells originally caime from Cornwall, their seat being at Penzance. Norman ai cestry has been claimed for them, and also a connection with Richard de Granville, one of the knights who came over with Fitz- hamon. Fifty years have passed since the subject of this notice began her connection with Baglan Hall and her long career of benevolence and charity. The task of recounting her good deeds is rendered all the more difficult by reason of her extreme unestentationaneiis, her nervous anxiety lest her goodness should receive any public recognition whatsoever. Never was the adage, Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth," so whole-heartedly exemplified as in the caee of this large-hearted and most generous of women. Of the Church of England she was from first to last a warm, loyal, and munificent supporter, and only a very few instances of her generosity can be recounted here. Many a struggling Welsh Church had cause to thank her. She built a church in the Rhondda; she completed the building and furnishing of St. Peter's, Pehtre, begun by her husband, the total cost being £ 25,000; she gave the site of St. Catherine's, Melincrythan, L750 towards the building fund. She also subscribed handsomely to Church restoration at Aberavon, Neath, Swan- sea, and many other places. She was instru- mental in inducing the Ecclesiastical Commis- sioners to make Baglan a vicarage to itself, and the resultant outlay cost her £ 10,000. To the Metropolis as well she was very generous Approached by London Welsh- men on the subject of a church at Paddington, she gave a large sum in furtherance of the movement. Various Church societies found in her pue of their warmest and most sympathetic supporters. Mrs. Llewellyn's works of charity extended even beyond the Church. She took a deep interest in many philanthropic institutions. She built and endowed the Neath Almhouses, opened in 1897. These dwellings are substan- tially constructed and furnished throughout in oak, and they afford accommodation for nine aged women who, in addition to a good home, each receive 6s. weekly. These almhouses were erected and endowed in memory of her late husband, Mr. Griffith Llewellyn. To Swansea Hospital she was a munificent bene- factor. On one occasion alone she enriched its fund by some E5,000, and also founded and endowed a bed in memory of her sister. The Porthcawl Rest also benefited largely by her generous donations, as did various similar institutions in London, at Bath, and else- where. She provided the Swansea Young Women's Christian Association with their present home. At the Neath Workhouse she was for half a century an assiduous and ever welcome visitor, reading and praying with the sick and the afflicted. To working people in trouble she proved time and again a valued helper. Unfortunate young women found in her a. staunch and never-failing friend. In Neath alone ahe gave over £200 a year to deserving widows, and she not only gave money but made herself personally acquainted with the poor folk and their indi- vidual needs. At Briton Ferry she main- ,ta,ined a distriot nurse. In 1899 she established a clothing guild; but it would be impossible to enumerate a tithe of her charities and noble deeds, proceeding as they did from a large and tender heart. In addition to her numberless philanthropies, Mrs. Llewellyn found time to devote herself to literary work. She rendered powerful aid to the Church in Wales by a tract against Disestablishment, and other of her booklets have enjoyed con- siderable vogue. By the death of this gifted and generous lady the Baglan Hall property passes to Mr. R. W. Llewellyn, who-like her-is well known for his large-hearted and philanthropic nature. Our Aberavon correspondent writes:—To- wards the parish of Aberavon Mrs. Llewellyn's gifts were boundless.. Only a few years ago the parishes of Aberavon and Baglan were joined together, but about ten years; ago ehe made the handsome gift of 13,000 to augment the living of Aberavon, in order that the division of the parishes might take place. In addition to this, she endowed the living of the parish of Baglan, and it was her choice that the Rev. E. G. E. Richardson should be appointed the first vicar of Baglan. To Aberavon Parish Church she presented a stained glass window and marble reredoe with figures of the four apostles, at a cost of several thousand pounds. In addition she gave liberally towards the cost of a new wing a,nd organ chamber to the same church and also built the present St. Teilo Church (Welsh) at Aberavon. To the Aberavon National Schools she was a continual subscriber, and also to the parochial funds of that parish. In the Rhondda Valley, where the late Mr. Griffith Llewellyn had an estate, she built and endowed two churches at a cost of at least £ 80,000. At Swansea her charity was bestowed most freely, and one incident is worth noting. The present Dean of St. David's was anxious to clear off the debt on St. Mary's Church, and asked Mrs. Llewellyn if she would become a guarantor for £ 1,000. The wish was only to be expressed to be granted, and in twelve months' time Dean (then Canon) Smith returned her the ohéQúe for that amount, and thanked her for her kindness. To his surprise, however, the cheque was sent back t3 him, with a reply that Mrs. Llewellyn pre- sented the amount, in addition to a £1.000 cheque she bad previously sent. I THE FUNERAL. I The funeral will take place on Thursday next at Baglan, and the deceased lady will be interred in the same grave as her late husband.

HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTRICAL CURE I In tkis week's Lancet" are to be found a description and sketch of a high-frequency electrical apparatus, the invention of Dr. Bowie, of Cardiff. The instrument is designed to vary the frequency within the wide range of from 3,000 a minute to 80,000 a second. Dr. Bowie claims that in consumption he has already achieved very satisfactory results with electrical treatment, together with intra- laryngeal injections.

I MR CHAMBERLAIN AND MR SEDDON An enthusiastic Liberal demonstration was held at Wellington, New Zealand, on Sunday, to celebrate Mr. Seddon'e tenth year of office. The Premier announced a surplus for the year of £ 303,905. Mr. Seddon has received a cable- gram from Mr. Chamberlain, saying: Best wishes aud many years of life and happiness for yourself, and continued prosperity for New Zealand."—Beuter.

IMERTHYR CHARTER. I Privy Council Inquiry Continued. THE PROPOSED SEPARATION OF MERTHYR VALE. As reported in the Extra Special and later editions of Saturday's "Evening Express": — The fifth day's proceedings in connection with the Privy Council inquiry into the appli- cation for a charter of incorporation for the parish of Merthyr were presided over on Satur- day by the Hon. Everard Feilding at the Town-hall, Merthyr. Counsel appeared in the various interests as on the previous four days, and the body of the hall was filled by the general public. Mr.. V. A. Wills, a member of the district council and of other public bodies, and an ex-high constable, was examined as to the relationship between the urban and county councils. He referred to the matter of the Cefn Bridge, and gave it. as his opinion that the county council had very much neglected its duty in this direction. The Merthyr Police-court was a miserable place, and in reference to the tramway, the county council, after the order had been obtained, had with- drawn their contribution to that part of the main road over which the lines were to be laid. Witness's view with regard to the pro- posal for increased representation on the urban council was that eighteen members were insufficient to discharge the whole of the work. In reply to Mr. B. Francis-Williams, witness said Treharris should not be separated from Merthyr whatever happened. He regarded such a separation as disastrous both for Mer- thyr and for Treharris. As to the suggestion that the Town-hall should be used as the police-court, Mr. Wills thought the urban council should not relieve the county council of its responsibility. Mr. Francis-Williams: The convenience of the public would be in favour of holding the police-court at the Town-hall, but principle is against it?-The convenience of the public would be better suited if we had a corporation. Mr. F. T. James, clerk to the guardians, said he was high-constable when the last inquiry took place. He believed incorpora- tion would be absolutely the right thing for the parish of Merthyr, for which the municipal form of local government would, undoubtedly, be the best. He thought it was high time the parish should stand on its own, and manage its affairs without any interven- tion from the county authorities. The parish had a large population and ratable value. With reference to the working of the new Education Act, witness certainly believed it would be a very great advantage to have the whole of the education of the parish con- ducted from beginning to end by the one authority. The effect of incorporation in regard to the housing of the poor would be that the town council, with its thirty or forty members, would deal with the question of insanitary dwellings in a much more drastic way than the urban council had done. There was still a large number of dwellings in an insanitary state, and it was a shame that people should be expected to live in them. With regard to Merthyr Vale and Treharris, these places, he thought, would be no worse off if they were incorporated. Mr. Southey, newspaper editor and proprie- tor, thought the arguments in favour of incorporation were stronger now than at the last inquiry. It was desirable that no part of the district should be lopped off. Mr. S. T. Evans intimated that this was all the evidence to be called in support of the application on the general question of incor- poration, and the evidence of persons oppo- sing the application was then taken. Mr. B. Francis-Williams called Mr. W. Evans, general manager of Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds and of the Cyfarthfa Company. Witness gave some statistics showing that for the two companies the ratable value waa £ 43,641; rates paid last year, £ 14,602; number of persons employed, 11,804; estimated popu- lation dependent on persons employed, 35,000; total amount paid annually in wages, £ 915,000. Mr. Evans was of opinion that the coalfield in the immediate neighbourhood of the town of Merthyr was becoming exhausted, for which reason he had extended mining operations in Gelligaer. The tendency, too, of the work was towards the seacoast, so that the cost of carriage might be less. The chief reason why the companies he represented objected to the granting of a charter was that there would be a large increase in the rates. Since the last inquiry the rates had gone up Is. 2d. in the £ and incorporation would add to the difficulties with which the company had to fight. The condition of matters might lead to the removal of part or the whole of their undertakings elsewhere. Whatever the form of local government, he would regard any lopping off of a part of the district as a very serious matter. By Mr. Lawrance: Witness had nothing against incorporation if tttey could get it without additional cost to the ratepayers. Mr. Abel Thomas: Do you really think the rates of Merthyr are to be increased beyond 8s. in the £ ?—I fear it. What are the rates in Oardiff ?-I don't know. Mr. Francis-Williams: Cardiff is a very well managed borough, you know. (Laughter.) Witness further said he feared a great many undertakings that would be termed improve- ments would really be extravagances. As regards the mayor's salary, he thought there were a good many people in the district who would not accept the office without payment. At Dowlais the company were fighting hard, and in consequence of keen competition they were substituting machinery for manual labour. Mr. Norman Hankey, member of the district council and managing director of Hill's Ply- mouth Company, was also called by Mr. Francis-Williams to oppose the application. He said the villages of Pentrebach and Aber- canaid depended almost entirely on the Ply- mouth Works, and so did the lower part of the town, only to a lesser extent. Mr. Francis-Williams referred to the allega- tions made on Thursday as to corrupt prac- tices, and asked the witness if they were true. Witness: Not at all. The Commissioner remarked that the allega- tions had been most improperly made, and were not made in reply to any questions. Mr. Law, a representative of A London firm of accountants, submitted figures dealing with the probable financial result of incorporation. The Commissioner pointed out that, what- ever the result, any loss or gain would be remedied by financial adjustment. The ques- tion of the accuracy of the details was not, therefore, of importance. Mr. Lawrance called Mr. Bell, a civil engineer, formerly of Merthyr Vale, who objected to the inclusion of that place in the scheme. If Merthyr were made a corporate borough it should be limited to the Parlia- mentary boundary, and Merthyr Vale should itself form an urban district. It was not to the interest of the ward to be governed, from Merthyr. Evidence to the same effect was given by Mr. Gomer Price, a farmer and stone mer- chant, of Quakers' Yard. He said he would like to see Merthyr Vale separated from Mer- thyr, although his business took him to the latter town two or three times weekly.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST MISS I GRACE* HAWTHORN Miss Grace Hawthorne, the well-known actress, was charged at Cape Town recently with a serious offence against the Morality Law of Cape Colony.. The precise charge against her was that of contravening Section 22 of Act 36, of 1902, by keeping a disorderly house at Hawarden Villas, Rhine-road, Sea Point.—A Special-constable deposed that he watched the house between eight and twelve o'clock at night on two occasions. On the first night six men entered the house; five went in the second night. At times Miss Hawthorne stood on the stoep of the house, and went inside with the men who called while she was standing there.-Mise Hawthorne gave evi- dence on her own behalf denying the charge.—The Magistrate said the evidence for the prosecution was not very strong. Though it raised many suspicions, he was of opinion that Miss Hawthorne's explanation did away with most of them. On the whole, he was not prepared to convict, and accused would, therefore, be discharged.

TYPOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION I The fifth annual conference of the South Wales branches of the Typographical vAssocia- tion was held at Barry's Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday, and was followed by a dinner in the evening, over which his worship the mayor (Mr. Edward Thomas. "Cochfarf") presided. There was a large attendance, the guests including several local Labour leaders.—"The Town and Trade of Cardiff" wawpropoø-ed by Mr. W. S. Grossman, and was responded to by the Mayor.—Mr. John Jenkins submitted "The Typographical Association," Mr. H. Ma-tthewman (president of the association), replying.—Other speakers were, Messrs. J. Chappell, P. A. Lawrence, W. H. Harris (Ponty- pridd), W. Cadogan (Newport), J. W. F. Browne, T. J. Chamberlain, and G. H. Pettitt. An excellent programme of music was gone through, Mr. Shad Jenkins very ably accom- panying at the pianoforte.

Food and Cooking Exhibition, Albert-hall, London, I April 21st, 1103.-Another success. Highest Honour. Gold Medal for Pastry; Silver Medal for Cakes In Open Competition to all England to Mosrs. Stevens, Confee- I Oardiir. aJXtU J

HAMADRYAD SHIP. Death of the MediCal Superintendent. DR. HUGHES'S LONG* USEFUL LIFE. Widespread regret will be expressed in Cardiff when it becomes generally known that Dr. Hughes, medical superintendent of the Hamadryad Seamen's Hospital Ship, was on Sunday morning removed by sudden death from the useful work in which for a period of nearly 30 years he has taken such an absorbing interest. He had not been looking so robust as usual for some time past, but he did not complain of any ailment. On Satur- day evening he was in town, and on his return to the ship he was in the best of spirits, not one of the family suspecting that his life would be so suddenly cut short a few hours later. Even at eight o'clock on Sunday morning, when Mr. George H. T. Sale, his son- in-law and chief officer of the ship, spoke to him he appeared to be in his usual health. He then got up and went across to his dress- ing-room. Subsequently he aeked the maia to bring a cup of tea, which was supplied to him. A few minutes later the maid returned and found Dr. Hughes sitting in a chair with his head hanging over on one side. Alarmed at his appearance she communicated with the deceased's son (Mr. W. Ernest Picton Hughes) and Mr. Sale, who at once went to the room and came to the conclusion that life was extinct. Their fears were shortly after confirmed by Dr. Anstey-Chave, James-street, who was promptly sent for. A medical certificate had not been given when our reporter called at the ship on Sunday afternoon, but there is no reason to doubt that death was caused by heart failure. Dr. Hughes had throughout life enjoyed exceptionally good health. Appar- ently, the only ailment from which he ever suffered was an attack of influenza in the early part of 1901. On recovering he went away for a holiday, the first he had enjoyed in a period of 25 years—convincing evidence of his devotion to the duties which, as medi- cal superintendent of the hospital, he had to perform. BIOGRAPHICAL PARTICULARS. Dr. William Picton Hughes was born at Eglwyswrw about 68 years ago, and was a brother to Professor Hughes, of Lampeter, who subsequently became Rector of Cwmdu, Breconshire, and died in 1897. He was also related to the late Bishop Hughes, of St. Asaph, and claimed connection with the Picton family, from whom he took his second baptismal name. Another relative is Mr. Hughes, of Rhosygader, Cardiganshire. It is difficult to obtain many particulars of the late doctor's early days. It is known, however, that he went to school at Haverfordwest, and passed his course at Middlesex Hospital. He was a mem- ber of the Boyal College of Physicians (Ire- land) and of the Royal College of Surgeoiis (England), and also a licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries. It will be seen that he was, therefore, eminently qualified for the position, which he had so long and honourably filled at Cardiff. After leaving hospital he acted as locum tenens to doctors in various parts of the country. IDs came to Cardiff as assistant to Dr. Dixon, who was then medical superin- tendent of the Hamadryad. Dr. Dixon died a few months later, and Dr. Hughes, who sue ceeded him (in 1875), married his widow. Mr. Dixon had three children, two girls and a boy. One of the daughters is dead, another is married to Mr. Sale, the chief officer of the Hamadryad, while the son is a chief marine engineer. Mr. Hughes leaves a widow and one son, Mr. E. P. Hughes, already mentioned. Dr. Hughes's work had not always been con- fined to the seamen's hospital. Previous to the establishment of the sanatorium fever cases from all parts of the town were sent to a temporary structure situated near the Hamadryad, aitd the patients came under the charge of the deceased officer, who also in cholera cases paid visits to the Flat Holmes. The improved arrange- ments made by the Cardiff Health and Port Sanitary Committee have altered all this, add of late years Dr. Hughes had been able to devote his sole attention to his patients inside and outside of the seamen's hospital. That this work was sufficient to occupy his attention may be gathered from a few figures we are able to give. On the ship there are 40 beds, and frequently in the winter months the number of patients exceeds the accommo- dation, but the deceased never sent away those who were brought to him for treatment. He always managed to find room for those who through accident or severe illness were brought to the door of the old man-of-war. During his thirty years' service 13,799 in- patients and 207,216 out-patients passed through his hands, making a total of 221.015 In that long period there has never been an outbreak of fever or a case of fire on board the old wooden hulk what has too long served as a hospital. The late doctor was possessed of a person- ality that will keep his memory fresh in the minds of the people of Cardiff for many years to come. Of a genial and kindly disposition, he made friends wherever he went, irrespec- tive of class distinctions or religious and political creeds. He treated his patients, of whatever nationality they might happen to be, with fatherly care as well as medical and surgical skill. His name is known and respected, and, what is more, is honoured in all parts of the world to which the com- merce of Cardiff extends. Not only the sea- men who came under his charge, but those engaged in and about the Docks will remem- ber him with affection, and his successor, whoever he may be, will have a difficult task before him to (secure that unbounded confi- dence and love with which Dr. Hughes was regarded. Some years ago he was presented by the French Government, through the Minister of Marine, with a large gold medai, in recognition of his services to six sailors on board a French ship, who were stricken down at Cardiff either by disease or accident, and another gift he valued highly was a breast- pin received from a member of the English Royal household in acknowledgment of his treatment of a relative who came under his charge. The pin consists of a large and valuable stone set in a bird's claws of gold. During the last few years Dr. Hughes took great interest in the new Seamen's Hospital which is now being erected near the Hama- dryad, and it will be regretted on all hands that he did not live to see the completion of the work, and occupy the comfortable house which had been planned for him and hia suc- cessors. Dr. Hughes was a Churchman and Con- servative, but took no active part in any public matters. The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been decided upon. The flags at the Hamadryad, the Seamen's Church and Institute, and on board many of the vessels in the docks were lowered to half- mast on Sunday

LATE SIR HECTOR MACDONALD Sheriff Guthrie, of Boss, Cromarty, and Sutherland, has addressed a letter to Soots- men appealing for support for a memorial to the late Sir ytor Macdonald which shall be for the benefit of his widow and only son, aged 15. Its primary purpose will be young Hector Macdonald's education and start in life. Sheriff Guthrie adds that the War Office have given the maximum allowance possible for the widow and son of an officer of the late general's rank. I

MASSACRE OF JEWS ] I Detailed accounts which are now to hand from Kishineff, Russia, give a terrible picture of the events of Easter Sunday and Monday, during the whole of which the Jewish popula- tion was at the mercy of the fanatical mob. Certain parts of the town are described as wearing at the present moment the aspect of a place which has been stormed by barbarians. Whole streets of shops and warehouses are stripped and bare. During the riots, when the Jewish quarters were being sacked and pillaged, men were seen in the streets divest- ing themselves of their ragged clothing and putting on new garments which they had stolen from the Jews. Great quantities 'of goods were carried away by hardy robbers; and what could not be removed was destroyed. A strange feature of the riot was the behaviour of the better class of the popula- tion, who drove about in carriages watching with the interest which they would devote to a curious spectacle the acts of savagery which were being perpetrated by the mob. It is estimated that during the two days 37 Jews were killed, 62 were dangerously injured, and about 240 sustained less serious hurts.—Reuter.

ENGLAND'S GLORY MATCHES are made entirely by BRITISH LABOUR. Send for particulars of compe- titions. England's Glory Vatcb Works. Gloucester. Food and Cooking Exhibition, Albert-hall, London, April 21st. 1903.-Another success. Highest Honour. Gold Medal for Pastry; Silver Medal for Cakes in Open Competition to all England to Mews. Stevens, Confec- tioners. Cardiff. 611272

MINERS SUMMONED. Alleged Breach of Contract at Abertillery DEFENDANTS & THE SUPPLY OF TIMBER. The Abertillery magistrates resumed on Saturday the hearing of summonses for breach of contract against 102 miners em- ployed by the Lancaster Steam Colliery Com- pany (Limited). The summonses were divided into three groups. Thomas Fleming and 33 workmen employed at No. 1 Pit, Abertillery, were summoned for wrongfully absenting themselves from work on the 21st, 23rd, and 24th of March, 11 damages being claimed by the company in each case. A similar claim was entered against George Meek and 33 other workmen from No. 2, Cwmtillery, Pit for absenting themselves on the same date, while David Powell and 33 workmen who absented themselves selves from work at the Rose Hey- worth Colliery on the 23rd and 24th of March were sued for 14s. damages. Counter-claims of similar amounts were entered by all the men, who contended that the colliery com- pany did not supply them with suitable timber, under Rule 22. Mr. C. Kenshole, Aberdare, appeared for the. company, while Mr. Clement Edwards, Lon- don (instructed by Mr. T. S. Edwards, New- port) represented the men. The case of Fleming, which was partly heard at the last court, was first dealt with. Mr. Wm. Thomas, agent, Aberdare, was cross- examined at considerable length by Mr. Edwards in regard to the timber used at the colliery, the mode of its distribution, and also the prices paid for fixing. In answer to the Chairman, Mr. Thomas said that certain flat timber had been put up in the roadway of No. 1 Pit in substitution for round posts, and this work had, consequently, not been paid for. Rees Parry, an overman at No. 1 Pit, Cwm- tillery, said that no complaint was made to him on the day previous to the stoppage that timber was required. In cross-examination, witness admitted that a complaint of faulty timber was entered by the men on the 18th of March. A new system of distributing timber was arranged on the 25th of March, and since then there had been no complaints by the workmen. He did not agree with counsel that a large proportion of round timber had been sent down the pit since the 21st of March. I Benjamin Batten, Wm. Townsend, George Gulliford, and Wm. Watkins, firemen, were called, and stated that there was an adequate supply of round and sawn timber in the pit on the night preceding the stoppage. They all agreed that if circumstances arose whereby it Would become necessary to put up sawn timber payment would be made, provided official sanction had been given. David Smith, under-manager at No. 1 Pit, Cwmtillery, stated that the men held a meet- ign in the Hall field on the morning of the 21st of March, and instead of descending the pit in the usual course they took their lamps back to the lamp-room and proceeded home. Mr. J. T. Williams, assistant agent at the colliery, said that as a result of the stoppage the company had suffered a loso of L-270 17s. 9d. Mr. Clement Edwards, for the defence, sug- gested that he had no case to answer, as the plaintiffs had committed a breach of contract under the Mines Regulation Act in not supply- ing the men with suitable timber for trapping purposes. The fact that Mr. Martin, the in- spector of mines, had not found fault with the timber did not affect the case in the least, as if there had been a contravention of the Mines Act in this respect the company would have been liable to a criminal prosecution. The fact that a better system of distributing timber had been introduced since the men had returned to work proved conolusively that a very defective system was in vogue before. In this case the employers and prevented the men from performing their contract by not supplying them with proper and suitable timber, so that there was reasonable excuse for the miners refusing to work on the days mentioned. The Bench rnled that there was a case to answer, and Dr. Lloyd, Thomas Williams, H. Hoskins, Edward Gurner, Edward Jones, and Bert Halford, colliers, working at No. 1 Pit, were called, and said that they had been paid from time to time for fixing up sawn timber, when round timber was not available. At this stage the Chairman intimated that the Bench had heard sufficient evidence for the defence. In the end the Bench unanimously dismissed the summonses. The hearing of the other summonses was postponed until Saturday next.

TRADES DISPUTES BILL. I Opposition by the Mining I Association. Mr. T. Ratcliffe Ellis, the law clerk and sec- retary of the Mining Association of Great Britain, has issued a circular letter on behalf of the association on the subject of the Bills now before Parliament in order to "legalise the peaceful conduct of trades disputes and to "alter the law affecting the liability of Trades Union funds." He points out that the Bill proposes an important alteration in the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875, and in the general law. So long as a trade dispute is peacefully conducted no legis- lation is necessary to legalise it, for it is now distinctly legal. At first eight, he says, the amendment to the law of picketing proposed by Mr. Shackleton's Bill to Legalise the Peace- ful Conduct of Trades Disputes would seem merely to exclude from the operation of the section of the Act of 1875 cases where the watching and besetting is for the purpose of "peaceably persuading any person to work or abstain from working." He suggests, how- ever, that it goes much further. Under the existing law persons may be peaceably per- suaded, provided the method employed to per- suade does not constitute a nuisance to other people. Clause 1 of the Bill would not only expressly legalise a method by which men and women desiring to work might be terrorised into abstention, but whereby great incon- venience and damage might result to per- sons who had nothing whatever to do with the dispute. At a time of great excitement it would legalise the assembling of a crowd of persons at or near the house of a workman and the premises of an employer, and, how- ever serious, the inconvenience, ao long as there was no actual breach of the peace the police would be powerless to remove them. On Clause 2 of Mr. Shackleton's Bill, propos- ing to legalise the act of a combination of two or more persons, provided the act is legal for one, Mr. Ellis says the effect would be to relieve the funds of Trades Unions from pecuniary liability for the consequences of injury inflicted upon others by their autho- rised agents who transgressed the law. By removing this liability, it is contended, one of the strongest inducements to the peaceful conduct of trades disputes will be taken away.

TREDEGAR CEMETERY. I Consecrated by the Bishop of Llandaff. I The Bishop of Llandaff attended at Trede- gar on Saturday, and consecrated two acres of the new cemetery provided by the district council. The bishop, attended by the Rev. T. Theophilus, R.D., who acted as bishop's chaplain, and Mr. F. J. Smith, registrar of the diocese, was received at the station by the chairman and members of the distriot council, and escorted to Bedwellty House, where his lordship was entertained to luncheon.—In response to the toast of his health, submitted by Alderman H. Bowen, his Lordship thanked the members of the council for the kind manner in which they had received him. During the twenty years he had been in the diocese a great work had been done for the communion to which he belonged, and the newspapers referred to the great work the bishop had done. That was an error. The only one contribution he had given to that work was sympathy., With refer- ence to the action of the council regarding the consecration question, his lordship said this was what was commonly called a burn- ing question. But they had dealt with it in a broad-minded way, and they had allowed the Churchpeople to enjoy their whims and fancies, if they liked to call them so, and the Churchpeople were equally as ready to accord the same perfect liberty to those of different persuasions. There were district councils in the diocese who did not take that sober, sensible view of this question.—After other toasts, the company repaired to the new cemetery at Cefn Goleu, and the conse- cration ceremony was conducted by the bishop in the presence of a large assembly. At

— « Food and Cooking Exhibition, Albert-hall, London, April 21st, 1903.—Another success. Highest Honour. Gold Medal for Pastry; Silver Medal for Cakes In Open 1 Competition to all England to Meens. Stavens, Confee- ttonaak Cardiff. 4U272

Coalowners Demand a Reduction. THE ENGLISH AWARD BY LORD JAMES. As reported in Saturday's editions of the Evening Express," A meeting of the South Wales Conciliation Board was held at Cardiff on Saturday, when Mr. Edward Jones presided over the em- ployers' section, and Mr. W. Abraham ("Mabon"), M.P., over that of the workmen. The following offioial report was supplied to the prem:- "The first subject considered was the ques- tion of the appointment of an independent chairman of the board, as to which a sub- committee had been appointed, and a report was received that negotiations were in progress with certain gentlemen, which, it was hoped, would result in the sub-committee being able to state shortly that an arrangement had been made for the appointment of a suitable person. "The meeting next considered the proposal which had been placed upon the agenda by the owners' representatives that there should be a reduction in the general rate of wages. The owners suggested that if the proposal be approved the amount of such reduction might be decided by the meeting. The chairman of the owners' section explained that the object of the suggestion was to avoid, if pos- sible, the necessity for giving the formal ten (lays' notice for a change of wages which would otherwise be required by Clause 6 of the rules of procedure. It was suggested that possibly an arrangement might be made with- out resorting to a formal demand. Mr. Abraham replied that the workmen's repre- sentatives had considered the subject, but, in view of the fact that the decision of Lord James of Hereford in regard to the proposed change in wages in the Midlands district had not yet been received (and it was thought that his report might have a bearing upon the question of wages in South Wales), the workmen's representatives were unable to discuss the question, and, therefore, any proposal for an alteration in wages must proceed in the formal manner required by the agreement. "Accepting this reply, the owners' repre- sentatives intimated that they would make a formal request in accordance with the agreement, and accordingly later in the day Mr Dalziel handed to Mr. Thomas Richards (the workmen's secretary) a letter with a Bpecific demand for a reduction in wages and a proposal that the matter be considered on the date laid down in the agreement, namely, the 14th inst. "Subsequently a telegram was received by Mr. Dalziel to the effect that Lord James of Hereford's decision in regard to the Midland wages question was to the effect that there shall be no change in the wages now paid. On this being intimated to the workmen's representatives Mr. Abraham replied that they (the workmen's representatives) must adhere to their previous answer. "A communication was received from Sir David Dale to the effect that he would be pleased to meet the members of the board on Saturday, the 23rd inst., to hear the views of both sides on the subject of fixing the selling price which shall be equivalent to a minimum of 30 per cent. in the wages. "Several colliery disputes were dealt with by the board, and in some instances referred to representatives of both sides. They in- cluded the long-standing dispute in the Rhym- ney house ooal collieries, which was referred t3 Mr. Fred L. Davis and Mr. William Brace." THE REDUCTION DEMANDED. We understand that the reduction which the ma-sters demand is 5 per cent. The wages now paid are 483 per cent. above the standard of 1879.

LORD JAMES'S AWARD. I Wages of English Miners to Remain Unaltered. The award of Lord James of Hereford on the m iners' wages question was received by the joint secretaries to the conciliation board on Saturday morning. Lord James gives his decision both aeainst the 10 per cent, advance asked for by the men and the 5 per cent. reduction proposed by the masters. Wages, therefore, remain unaltered. Our English mining correspondent writø- The decision will not occasion any surprise to either the coalowners' or the miners' section of the conciliation board. The figures presented by the accountants of selling prices showed a substantial fall from the prices obtained during the boom, but those prices would have justified even a higher wage than was paid if there had been no maximum rule in existence. Writing immediately after the sitting of the board, I stated that, wliile both parties were hopeful respecting their application, outside opinion was that there would be no change in wages— a prediction which has been justified. As the present agreement ends on December 31, nego- tiations are likely to be presently opened for a renewal of the board for a further period. The miners' preference will be for a period of two years, to terminate the agreement simultaneously with that in South Wales.

CARDIFF SAFE ROBBERY On Saturday night meeting were held in Oardiff of the three local branches of the Amalgamated Labourers' Union to consider the position of Mr. C. M. Stenner, president of the organisation and local treasurer, from a safe in whose house in Grangetown a sum of £ 230, the funds of the society, was recently stolen. A ballot was taken at the three centres to consider the acceptance or other- wise of Mr. Stenner's resignation, and the results will be communicated to the general offices at Swansea, where a meeting of the executive will be held to-day (Monday) to receive the votes from the Cardiff and Barry districts.

CARDINAL VAUGHAN AND HIS WORK I The report that Cardinal Vaughan, who has so long been incapacitated by ill-health, is not likely to resume the active supervision of the Archdiocese of Westminster will, doubtless, give rise to many conjectures as to his pro- bable successor. His own recent selection of the Right Rev. the Hon. A. C. Stanley, a connection of the Earl of Derby and syn ex- clergyman of the Church of England, as his assistant bishop may be taken, perhaps, as an indication of his personal preference in the matter. If one of the present provincial bishops should be chosen for promotion to London, the choice," suggests the West- minster Gazette, would most likely fall on Dr. J. C. Hedley, Bishop of Newport. He was born in 1837, consecrated by Cardinal Manning in 1873, and appointed assistant at the Pontifical Throne by Pope Leo in 1891. He is a member of the Benedictine Order, which was attached to Westminster Abbey for centuries before the Reformation, and he is an author and scholar of considerable repute."

DOMESTIC TRAGEDY AT YORK I Mary Ann Barker, of Wellington-row, York, was found dead with her throat cut on Satur- day evening, and her husband, John Barker, late Royal Garrison Regiment, and who served in South Africa, is detained by the police in connection with the death. Barker is alleged to have accused his. wife of infidelity.

CARDIGAN RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL The annual meeting was held on Saturday, Mr. W. Picton Evans (the retiring chairman) presiding.—Mr. James Evans (Verwig) pro- posed that Mr. W. Picton Evans be re-elected. Mr. Evan Williams (Blaenporth) moved that Mr. Thomas Evans (Llandugwydd) be chair- man, on the grounds that Mr. Picton Evans had been chairman for three years already. He thought it was time a farmer should be appointed their chairman, and hold a posi- tion on the county bench of magistrates in the farmers' interest. Mr. Thomas Hughes seconded. Only the proposer and seconder %oted for the amendment, Mr. W. Picton Evans being re-elected.—Mr. Jas. Evans (Mount) was unanimously re-elected vice-chairman.—The general business concluded with an invitation by the chairman to the members and officials to meet him ",t dinner at the Black Lion Hotel, Cardigan, on any Saturday that would suit them. ——————

f — LORD LLANGATTOCK AND THE BERMONDSEY POOR Lady Llangattock was to have presided at the May celebrations of the Guild of Brave Poor Things at Bermondsey Town-hall 'on Saturday afternoon.' There was much dis- appointment among the children when it was announced that neither her ladyship nor Lord Llangattock would be present, owing to the funeral of a connection of the family. The Duchess of St. Albans was kind enough to take Lady Llanoattook's place. I

Cochfaifs" Comments. ——— The significance of the King's address to the British Chamber of Commerce at Paris seems to have been entirely over- looked by the British press. It will be remembered that this important body has fathered the movement for a commercial. arbitration treaty between England and France, and it is notable that the King should have consented to pay a visit to the members immediately after such a striking pageant as that which welcomed him to the French capital; but it is still more notable that he should deliver quite a set oration upon the desirability of cultivating a cordial relationship between the French and British people. I am well aware of the importance of the inte- rests which you represent," were his words, "interests which, I am glad to think, increase every year, and whicht tend to draw closer the ties of friendship and mutual respect which have charac- terised the relations which have so happilyi existed between this country and my own for nearly a century. The days of conflict between the two countries are, I trust, happily over, and I hope that future historians, in alluding to Anglo-French relations in the present century, may be able to record only a friendly rivalry in the fielda of commercial and industrial develops ments, and that in the future, as in the past, England and France may be regarded as the champions; and the pioneers of peaceful progress and. civilisation, and as the homes 01 all that is best and noblest in literature, art, and science. A Divine Providence has designed that France should be our near neighbourp and, I hope, always a dear friend. There are no two countries in the world whose mutual prosperity is more dependent upon, each other. At the close of his speech his Majesty expressed a hope that theo friendship of the two nations should develop into a sentiment of the warmest affection and attachment. It is sin- gular that the extreme importance ofthia Jtioyal pronouncement has been almost overlooked, but its cordiality is bound to be recognised when its full significance ia thoroughly understood. The value of improved Sunday School buildings is being slowly recognised, an<t it is pretty certain that one of the imme- diate results of the many denominational twentieth century funds will be a stimu- lation to improving our Sunday School accommodation. Notwithstanding thet disabilities of the past, it is compara- tively few of those who are responsible; for the style and character of new build- ings who have awakened to the enormous advance that has taken place in secular school architecture. Schoolrooms are erected amidst the dreariest surroundings. The favourite places, owing to limited space and finances, have been the base- ments of chapels. But how can class- rooms easy of access, and with adequate* ventilation and light, be constructed in the basement of another superstructure? Modem schools are about the best- planned public buildings of the day, but many rooms in which Sunday Schools are held would on sanitary grounds be unhesi- tatingly condemned by a Board of Educa- tion inspector. In connection with 80me of the May meetings held in London this year this question has been raised, and one denominational authority has decided to issue plans of school buildings of the most approved kind, including hints of an important nature to trustees and building committees. I know it is said that the success of Sunday Schools is dependent upon latent causes, but, true as that contention is, it is equally true that a reluctance to attend our schools arises largely from the uninviting sur 4 roundings of the buildings in which they are held. Dear Sir,—During the next four weeks the school children and teachers of Cardiff and district will be making an effort to aid the children's ward of the Cardiff: Infirmary. There are two main features embodied in the scheme. The good work? done at the infirmary in relieving the- pain and the suffering of the little onea demands all the assistance that we as scholars and teachers are able to render. Apart from this, however, an excellent opportunity is afforded of inculcating at an early and receptive age proper ideas of the responsibility of the strong and? healthy to their less fortunate companions and school-fellows. Moreover, the chil- dren, if they are to become good citizens, cannot be taught too early the principlea that underlie true citizenship, and their duty to the town and its institutions. By means of the scheme they will be encouraged to put these principles into practice and to make some sacrifice in the cause of humanity. In the majority of the schools every child will receive a cir- cular asking for the co-operation of the parents. Efforts of a similar nature have been successful in many towns, notably at West Ham and Bristol. In the case of the latter, in addition to the financial aid given to the children's hospital, two beds are always open at a convalescent home for children from the schools of the city. Practically the whole of the teachers of Cardiff and district have promised their: support to this scheme, and I aaa; instructed by my committee to respect- fully ask you to aid us in your comments, as a start is being made on Monday* Ma,y 4 (to-day).—I am, &c., LL. E. BURGESS (Hon. Sec). "Higher Grade School, Cardiff, May. 1903. The Fates are at last upon the traclo of the reckless motorists in Monmouth- shire. By evidence which cannot be questioned, it has been proved that motor cars are run at more than twice the statutory speed—or nearly that of; the average branch passenger train-and OJ]) roads where pedestrians are pretty numerous too. It is all very well to plead that the Act under which a fine was inflicted upon the offenders is grand motherly, absurd, and out of date. It will not be out of date until motorists have a road all to themselves and a well- protected footpath is provided for ordi- nary pedestrians. A few crashes_between fast-driven motor cars, such ae was only escaped by almost a miracle in Queen- street, Cardiff, yesterday morning, may modify the celerity of these machines. It is pretty certain that a great change in the form of our main roads will be brought about by the great increase in the use of motor cars. Mr. Moncur, the chief surveyor of roads to the Stafford- shire County Council, in his evidence before the Departmental Committee on: Highways, described a plan for a model motor track, by which, on a 91ft. road, two carriage ways for ordinary traffic, two footways, two motor tracks with bays. for passing, and one bicycle track could be accommodated. As the average road- wav is not more than 30ft. in width, it. will be seen that Mr. Moncur's model' road will be three times the width of our present roads, and portions of it will appear very much like the toy steam rail- ways we see in modern bazaars. Pre- sumably, crossing-places will be under the roadtracks, and thus the roadway of the future will be but a little less expensive to construct than our present railways. The members of the Swansea County Council should have shown more strength of purpose than to shelve their difficulties over the Cray Waterworks by calling in the aid of a contractor in an intermediate stage' of a large public undertaking, though it crept out during Fri- day's discussion that the inviting of tenders would not necessarily mean the letting of the work on contract if the figures of the tenders were not satisfac- tory, and were found to be much higher than the estimate for completing the work by direct administration. No con- tractor who knows his business will allow himself to be made a gratuitous hack for pricing work in that way, for he will take care that the corporation shall pay for their own bills of quantities and every other knowledge they may be in need of as direct employers of labour,