Evening Express

A SPORTS COMBINE. I It would appear that the amalgamation of the Cardiff Cricket and Football Clubs is not far-off. The combine has been mooted and advocated for upwards of a dozen years, and, although during the whole of that time not a single weighty argument was produced against it, it has failed to come about. So far from object- ing to it, indeed, prominent members of both clubs have been known to be favourable to amalgamation. There are unquestionably great benefits to bo derived. In Swansea and Newport the summer and winter pastimes are amal- gamated with admirable results, and there is no ea-thly reason why the amalgamation in Cardiff should not result in benefit all round. The matter is not merely one of money, although the cricket club stands to gain by the alliance in this respect of oourse. It is rather a matter of sport, and by means of amalgamation a better spirit will be generated all round, the two games will receive tetter encouragement, and the players will be able to keep in touch year in and year out without, as now happen, the complete scattering of the footballers at the close of each season, and the consequent difficulty of finding proper touch with them at the commence- ment of the next. The movement towards amalgamation has been brought- about as the result of the decision of the cricket tdub to build a new pavilion and the desire of the football club to provide their players with adequate training quarters. Good progress has been made in drafting the joint scheme, and now that the sub- stantial beginning has been made, amal- gamation will, it is to be hoped, Be com- pleted without undue delay.

In deciding to destroy the old Army 'blankets which have found their way into Cardiff the health committee are acting for the best. Fortunately, the local discoveries have not been found to contain any bacilli such as caused the outbreak of enteric on the Cornwall; but Cardiff, in eommon with every other town in the country, has had a narrow escape. Thanks to the prompt measures which have fol- lowed the discovery of the blanket scandal, it is now pretty evident that comparatively little damage will be done to the health of the country by the blankets which have been distributed; but. the danger was a very real one, and everything should be I done to bring those iAIio are i-espoiisible for a very grave scandal to justice.

It is pleasant to note that a spoke was I thrust into the ultra-humanitarian wheel Newport yesterday. Complaint was l made of t?e intermediate headmaster because he "publicly caned" a boy. The I lad had damaged a hedge, and the master bad beaten him for it. What else was the master to do? Was it expected he should publicly embrace the boy or award him a medal P Out on such nonsense

[MF. Brace states in the Western Mail" that he has seen coalpits in Ger- many provided with baths, so that the miners after work may have a thorough swill before he leaves the premises.] A capital idea for Wales. And one that we should emulate, And though from Germany it hail, 'Tis like the Germans-practical, I In fact. it's great! When every mine bag got its bath. What glorious swima when work is o'er. I And Christy Minstrel figures will Be aaen on every vaJe and hill- Thank heaven, no more! For now, when Shoni Collier bathes, I The household stand admiring round. "ris Eden in a sense. but, oh. Such thifcgB aje not for UlI. you know- On Kymric ground! gome eay the miner dirty ia. The statement is a,-well, a fake. Considering all, he's wondrous clean, His betters might full oft, I ween, Example take!. TDRIS. I i

Mainly About People Supremely interesting as the Derby always is to all classes, there is a piquancy added to to-day's race by the international flavour of the contest, and also through the fact that the much-fancied candidate Mead is the property of the King. Of the four other horses whom the prophett deemed to possess reasonable chance of winning, two, Rock Sand and Rabelais, are English, Vinicius is French bred and trained, and Aceful was the best three-year-old in America, and wa-s brought over here with a special eye to the great Epsom prize. Curiously enough, in the whole history of the Derby only onoe has the race been won by an American horse. This was Iroquois, who in 1881 credited the Tobacco King, Mr. Lorillard, with the prize. Nor has a French horse won since 1865, when the mighty Gladiateur ran away with the race. Sir James Miller, owner of the favourite, Rock Sand, is an accomplished all-round sportsman. He was a crack polo player when in the 14th Hussars. Now he hunts the Ber- wick Hounds, and keeps a big racing stable at Newmarket. Like so many other sports- men, he went to South Africa with the Yeomanry, and was several times mentioned in dispatches. His greatest achievement so far has been winning the 1890 Derby with Sainfoin. One day at Sandown he took a fancy to the horse, and there and then became his owner for £ 5,000. Nor had be long to await his reward, for two months after Sainfoin cantered away with the Derby, and placed to his youthful owner's oredit the prize which many men spend a fortune and a lifetime in trying to win. Next to a speedy horse Sir James Miller loves a fast motor; indeed, he rarsly travels by rail now- adays, but does all his journeys, long and short, in a magnificent 40-horse power Pan- hard. Mr. Arthur James, the owner of Rabelais, is the newly-elected member of the Jockey Club, that autocratic and exclusive body before whose frown (says "Men and Women") the Turf world trembles. He is one of the King's personal friends, and his horses are trained in the same stable. Mr. James is an American by birth. Along with his brothers Frank and "Willie," he burst on London some years ago., They travelled, raced, shot, and entertained on the most lavish scale, and speedily won for themselves a place in the smartest society. Mr. Frank James was killed while big game shooting in Africa, and his enormous fortune was inherited by his brothers, making them amongst the very richest young men of the day. Mr. James married Miss Caveudish-llentinok, and though she is perhaps not quite so well known as her fcister-in-law, Mrs. "Willie" James, she is nevertheless extremely popul-ar in society. No English King has ever won a Derby. Of coarse, King Edward has won the Derby twice as Prince of Wales-in 1895 with his particular favourite Persimmon, and again in 1900 with Diamond Jubilee. Of all his Majesty's pete, for non has he such an affec- tion as for Persimmon. This equine giant ia now at the stud at Sandringham, where he is achieving as big a success as he formerly did on the racecourse. Every time he goes to Sandringharn the King visits Persimmon's box, never forgetting a pi-ace of alignr for his pet, who, unlike most horses at the stud, has the sweetest of tempers and a sweet tooth" also. "Truth waxed very funny laat week over th1? "little Brodricks. A representative of that journal, who has soeu these interesting creatures in their hunt3, namely, at a depot near London, describes them as "propping themselves up against the walls, or playing marbles or peg-top. He describes them as tiM most weedy, undersized, and underfed lot of boys he evex- set eyes upon. As evidence of their boyishness, he was told that, when sharply reprimanded for any fault, the 'Brod- ricks' not infrequently burst into tears, and as soon as they draw their pay they rush off to spend it on toffee or hardbake." Reference is also made to a case at London- derry, whero some of the "Brodricks," not having had their morning coffee, had to be carried off the parade. As they had appa- rently had nothing to eat (unless it was hard- bake or toffee) since four o'clock the previous afternoon, this (adds our contemporary) is not surpriaing. If the little "Brodricks" are treated in this way, I shall expect to hear soon that the National Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children is taking pro. ceeddngs against the big Brodrick. The Count: Eet ees trua zat money talks I The Baron: Mais, cui, mon ami; but so frequently it say no! M. Auguste Rodin, the famous French sculp- tor in whose honour the art students of Lon- don are giving a dinner, has all his life had to struggle against official discouragement and the prejudices of conservative critics and artists. For Rodin's creed is that beauty abounds everywhere in Nature. "It has been my life-long endeavour," he once told an in terviewer, "to discover these beauties, which prejudice and convention condemn." Small wonder that such a creed met with a good deal of opposition even in a country where artistic prejudices are as a rule less strong than in ours. The event, however, which caused Rodin's name to be on everybody's lips was the storm of discussion four years ago, created by his celebrated statue of Balzac, and the refusal of the committee who had ordered it to accept it. A deluge of printers' ink was spilt in the controversy, but Rodin would not allow the matter to reach the law courts. Had he done so, no less a personage than M. Waldeck- Rousseau was ready to espouse his cause. It is interesting to remember that English art, critics and artists first acknowledged that "Balzac" was a masterpiece. Rodin is over sixty years of age now; but up to the exhibi- tion year his existence was of the hand-to- mouth order. Mr. F. W. Webb. the retiring chief mechani- cal engineer to the London and North- Western Railway Company, who has just given £5,000 to the endowment fund of the Crewe Cottage Hospital, has had not a little to do with the prosperity of Crewe itself since he attained his present position in 1871. Since then he has been mayor of the town, which has grown enormously during his tenure of office under the company owing to his enter- prise in manufacture having led to the neces- sity for a, largely-increasecfstaff of workmen, until now the town has a population of over 42,000 souls. The town of Crewe about 75 ycrys ago had no existence. About that time a Nantwich solicitor bought a holding called Oak Farm of some 6a acres at £35 an acre near Coppen- hall, Cheshire. The soil was poor and marshy, the society practically nil, and the nearest market town was four miles away, so that the solicitor seemed to have made a bad bargain; but stiil he went on buying land until ho held 20-3 acres—Cheshire acres, which were nearly double the statute measure. Y/hen the Grand Junction and two other railways met on the spot, however, people began to see what the solicitor had seen long before, and when the Grand June. tion (now the London and North-Western Railway) began to build its works there the value of the adjacent property went up by leaps and bounds. Such was the beginning of Crewe.

ALLEGED THEFT AT CARDIFF Before the Cardiff Stipendiary this morning Sophia Edwards. 40, was charged with steal- ing a silver lever watch and chain and a coat and vest, of the value of R6. the property of David Davies, from 16. Coburn-street, Oathays, on the 23rd inst. It was alleged that the goods were pawned hy the defendant, who formerly lived with prosecutor in Coburn-street.- Prisoner said the articles were given her by the prosecutor.-She was committed for trial to the quarter sessions and allowed ball.

THE LONDON PRESS. Examples of Their Views To-day. I BRIEF EXTRACTS FROM LEADING ARTICLES. London Education Bill The public will learn with a sense of relief that the London Education Bill passed through Committee last night. The parents of that unfortunate and badly-managed measure must find some difficulty in recog- nising the altered features of their offspring, although they have had the painful experience of watching, and indeed assisting, the successive stages of its transformation.— "Times." Smashed The London Education Bill has disappeared. That is the summary of last night's events in the House of Commons. There is not a single detail of the elaborate machinery i which the Government devised for the admini- stration of London education under the new order which has not been destroyed by the House of Commons.—"Daily News." Trades Union Law The Royal Commission report should bte of real assistance towards putting the law of Trades Unions upon a satisfactory baois.- "Daily Chronicle." International Telegraph Conference That Governments are gainers in the end by a generous policy as to telegraphs there can be no doubt, and the absence of any grave international dispute at the present moment affords ground for hope that the Powers may be able to give effect to the recommendations of the Conference.— i "Standard. Lord Hugh Cecil I As he cannot defeat this simple reform (Deceased's Wife's Sister Bill) by fair means, he is determined to do it by means of the ether kind. This obstruction in Grand Com- mittee is of a piece with his shabby trick of loitering in the Division Lobby on a previous occasion.—"Daily News." Educational Quicksands I It is becoming daily more evident that the ill-conceived, ill-drawn, and badly-piloted Education Bill for London has grounded among the quicksands, and placed the Govern- ment in a perilous position.-HDaily Mail." Great Gunns I It is matches such as that between Leiceater- ahire and Notts, on days like yesterday, which give a certain plausibility to the cry of the distressed bowler for wider wickets. These colossal scores made by first-class batsmen against third-class bowling are indeed apt to pall even on the most enthusiastic spectator. Moreover, the result of a stand like that of the two Guuns is to break the bowling to such an extent that their successors have every opportunity of following their exaniple.- "Morning Leader."

GOLF. I Parliamentary Tournament I Several matches in the Parliamentary Goli Tournament were decided yesterday. Mr. A. J. Robertson, Press Gallery (scratch), and Sir Henry Seton Karr, M.P. (handicap 3), who contested the final three years ago, met in the third round on the Prince's Club links, at Mitcham, Mr. Robertson having to concede two strokes. Sir Henry Seton Karr, playing an excellent game, became dormy at the fifteenth, and eventually won the match by 4 up and 2 to play. Mr. II. W. Forster, M.P. (scratch), the hon. secretary of the tourna- ment, met Sir Edgar Vincent, M.P. (handicap 10), also in the third round, at Mitcham. A few days ago they halved, but Mr. Forster proved to lie in splendid form on the occasion under notice, and, going out in 38 strokes, he won by 7 and 6. He had to concede 8 strokes. Mr. James Bell, Press Gallery (13), giving 2 strokes, has beaten Mr. W. Hayes Fisher, M.P. (16), by 2 and 1 in the third round, at Tooting Bee. In the fourth round, at Mitcham, yea- terday, Sir Henry Meysey-Tliompson, M.P. (16). receiving 6 strokes, beat Mr. R. F. Caven- dish, M.P. (8), by 5 and 3. IRISH CHAMPIONSHIP. I Play in the Irish championship meeting wag continued yesterday at Portrush, when ths final ties of the cup tournament were decided, in foggy weather. Royal Portrush secured the senior trophy by beating Portmarnock by 12 holes to 3. They won four, halved one, and lost one. of the individual Tounds. The junior cup fell to the North-West Club, Lon- donderry, who beat Fos-al Dublin by 12 holes to 7.

THE PINSEN LIGHT CURE I Already the Finsen lamps have been used with success for cancer in its small service form IF;pitheliouas cutaneum), the records of twenty-two such cases showing ten cures, four still under treatment, and eight where the treatment wa-s discontinued. Also, obsti- nate eases of acne have been cured, as well as the kind of bacterial baldess (Alopecia areata). I'iceLent results have been obtained in erysi- pelas and minor eruptions, and .tilare is open- ing a wide and promising field of investiga- tion as to the benefits of (lays the "Windsor Magazine") electric-light baths and sun-baths in various nervous diseases and in insanity. At. the Finsen Institute there is a large room where naked patients walk about for a pre- scribect length of time under a powerful elec- tric light. And the roof is built flat, with rows of little dressing-houses for sun-bath patients. Of precise results here, however, it is still too soon to speak—Finsen's attitude towards possibilities of the future being al- ways to say nothing until he is sure. But the work of phototherapy is marching on in many laboratories. Soon there will be light institntea like Finsen's in all large cities, and any day there may be given to the world some other discovery, perhaps a far greater one, in this wonderful new field of the uses of light in medicine.

ALLEGED INGENIOUS THEFT At Liverpool yesterday Francis John Bradley was charged with forging a telegram purport- ing to have been sent to Mr. John Laing Miller. a South African merchant, and with stealing diamond jewellery, valued at 1910, the property of Oldfields (Limited), Liverpool. The prisoner, having met Mr. Miller in Cape- town, returned to England in December last year. Knowing that some friends of Mr. Miller, named Broeklebank, were in London. he is alleged to have telegraphed to their Liverpool residence in Mr. Miller's name, statfng that a parcel would arrive there for Mrs. Brocklebank. and to have simultaneously wired to Messrs. Oldfields requesting them to forward jewellery for Mrs. Brocklebank's approval. Jewellery to the value of jE910 was sent, and on the next day the prisoner is stated to have called at Mrs. Brocklebank's house and to have represented that he was Mr. Miller, and that he would take the parcel to Mrs. Brocklebank in London. Having obtained the parcel he disappeared, and was arrested near Winchester on April 19. A por- tion of the jewellery was found to have been pawned in London and Southampton. The prisoner was committed for trial at the assizes.

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS Th, following are the readings since five o'clock laat ertning. ft3 given by the barometer In the vestibule of thq Evening Exprew," St. Mary-stroat, Caridff, which U 33ft. above mean sea love!

1 BALL ROOM FIRE. Wedding Guests Burnt to Death. TERRIBLE SCENES OF PANIC AND MADNESS. A Paris telegram to the "Daily Express" states that four ladies were burnt to death and twenty people terribly injured on Monday night at Arras, by a fire breaking out in a ballroom. where a wedding party was cele- brating the marriage of M. Courot, a Govern- ment official, and Mdlle. Salome, daughter of a French milita-ry officer. Towards nine o'clock in the evening a Venetian lantern fell from the roof on a curtain. Immediately the curtain was in flames, and before the dancers could realise the situation, the whole room was ablaze. The guests were panic- stricken, and several in their fright threw themselves out of the windows into the court- yard below. The bridegroom, tearing off his coa.t. wrapped it round his bride, whose mar- riage veil and light flimsy dress were on fire. Then, taking her in his arms, and maddened by the situation, he hurled himself again and again against a wooden partition, which at last gave way. By this means he was able to gain access to another part of the building. Mme. Courot, the bride, was terribly burnt, and will be disfigured for life. Many of the guests were rescued by soldiers and firemen. Four ladies with their dresses ablase rushed into the court-yard and threw themselves into a fountain. Another lady, driven mad by the scene, refused to move, and stood clutching the blazing window-sill. She was told to jump, but refused to do so. She wae eventu- ally saved by firemen, who dragged her to a place of safety. Two of the ladies who were burnt to death were wives of officers, while the third was a younger sister of the bride. It is expected that at least three more ladies will die from their injuries.

THE POULETT PEERAGE I It was yesterday officially notified that the petition of Rosa Countess Poulett, the widow of William Henry, sixth Earl Poulett, as ttstajnentary guardian of her son William John Lydston (who does not come of age until September, 1904), claiming for him the titles, honours, and dignities of Viscount Hinton and seventh Ea.rl Poulett, has been referred to the Committee for Privileges of the House of Lords to consider and report.

SUPPOSED MURDER BY A BLIND MAN I At Dublin Police-court yesterday, Patrick Mulligan, a blind man, Patrick Keogh and Maria Keogh, his wife, were committed for trial at the City Commission, charged with the murder of Charles Duffy, on the 16th inst. The prisoners and Duffy lived in a tenement house in Great Strand-street, and on the date mentioned they qutrrellod, and according to the evidence Keogh and his wife held Duffy down, while he was being fatally stabbed by Mulligan.

A LADY IN TROUBLE I Mrs. Pyne Hamilton, said to be the daughter of a general, was charged at Kensington yes- terday with attempting suicide under a train at Kingston Station early that morning. The train she got in front of was switched on to another line, but later, whilst a constable was being fetch&d, she made another daah for the metals. In court she said, "I was tired of suffering." It was stated by an old nurtte of tne family that accused had been in bad health, and had suffered from pains'in the head and sleeplessness. She had been deserted by her husband.—Accused, who was of prepossessing appearance and attractively attired, was committed for trial.

ARTISTE S WiFt'8 STORY OF ASSAULT I At West London yesterday Harry Easter- brook, 3z, coachman, of Moreton Mews, Ken- sington, was charged with criminally aosault- ing Helen Leith, the wife of an artist, living at Wallsgrave-road, KensingWu.-Prosecatrix, who said her btuband was in South Africa, said she was going home in the evening, when the prisoner accosted her. Thinking he might know her, she replied to his Good- night." Then he seized her by the arm, dragged her into the atable above which he lived, struck her several times in the face, and threw her down. She was praying all the time for deliverance, and at length she managed to escape. She ran up the street and spoke to a policeman, who returned and took her assailant into custody.—Inspector Caley said the prisoner when arrested was under the influence of drink.—Committed for trial.

B.P.'S CARDIFF ANCESTORS I To the Editor of the Evening Express." Sir.-It was with deep interest I read the remarks in OoehfarFs" Comments re B. P.'e Cardiff ancestox-s. I believe there are some "old Cardiffians living in Cardiff to-day that could point oat the identical resi- dence of Admiral Smith, the grandfather of Baden-Powell. Of course, Admiral Smith lived in Cardiff during the time of the making of the West Dock. He was the first dock- master at Cardiff, and his residence was in Crockherbtown. For my part, I believe Admiral Smith lived next door to Miss Blosse. The two houses are now thrown into one, and occupied by Messrs. Stranaghan and Stephen3, Queen-street, or it may be in the hoase that the late Mr. John Bird, solicitor, lived in, on the same side as Ma-tthews's nursery garden, or better known now as Dum- fries-pla-oe. However, let that matter rest. What we want to know ie. What share had the eminent grandfather of General Baden-Powell in making Cardiff a, Greater Cardiff? In July, 1230, Lord Bute set about construct- ing Cardiff Docka. Among his advisers as to the engineering details of the scheme were Captain Beaufort. Mr. Telford, Mr. Green, and Sir William Cubitt. But Admiral (then cap- tain) W. H. Smyth. R.N., appears to have been the genius to whom was entrusted the chief direction of the works, he being appointed manager of the dock, and subse- quently holding the position of first dock- master. In a very interesting work by Captain Smith entitled, "Naatical Observations on the Port and Maritime Vicinity of Cardiff," he states that, after frequent communications with his lordehip respecting the floating harbours and their details. "In June, 1333,1 received a kind invitation from the marquess saying that, as he was about to attend a quarter-sessions of Glamorganshire, he would be happy to carry me through a line of country which he oon- sidered was somewhat new to me, the route* being through Oxford and Cheltenham, across the Severn to Gloucester, and over the Wye at Chepstow. It was during this visit that I examined into the question which had been mooted, namely, as to the preferable oite for a new port—the Cardiff moors to the east or the Ccgan Pill to the west of the estuajy formed by the Rivers Taff and Ely. I, there- fore, made numerous inquiries, consulted various plans, and clpeely examined the locality. The opinion I arrived at waa totally unbiassed and disinterested, for, as the whole or both aitca were shown to me as the property of the marquess, or such as an Act of Parliament would give him power over, I naturrully considered it quite a matter of indifference which site might be adopted, and. even though hia lordship, from a kindly feeling towarda the town of Cardiff, had got his engineer to draw up a plan for the east side. I could easily infer that, from the representations which others had made, he was somewhat inclined to regard the Ely as the more eligible place. On going over to Cogan Pill I saw at once that it was no place of refuge for a vessel of any magnitude to run in for in bad weather, as had been erroneously represented to me. Accordingly, the Cardiff side of the River Taff was selected ae the sito of the new doclM. "The actual coat of the work was £ 350,000, viz.. £ 220,000 in bard cash and the remainder in limestone and timber obtained from Lord Bute's estates. On the 9th of October, 1839, the new dock was opened, amidst general aud enthusiastic manifestations of joy on the pa.1"t of the inhabitants." My own late uncie, Thomas Davis, late ser- geant-at-maco, Cardiff Corporation, was one o! the first dock gatemen, and my late uncle, John Davis, was seventh branch pilot of the Port of Cardiff. I have every reason to believe that Captain Smith was a regular attendant of St. John's Pariah Church under the ministry of the late Rev. Thomas Stacey, resident curate for many years. I hold two rare specimens of photographs of the rev. gentleman in two positions, and I respectfully challenge "Ooch- far" to produce the third.—I am. Ac., Cardiff. WILLIAM DAVIS. I

AltS YOU KATIXG STZVE.1518 BREAD? If .t, I tiy it. Aid) tfigtsttoa sad la »pp«U»ii»g. *1127!

I A WIFE'S LOVERS, I Remarkable Divorce I Case. CHARGES AND COUNTER- CHARGES. In the Divorce Division yesterday the Presi- dent and a common jury resumed the hearing of the case of Derry v. Derry and Le Kauf. The petition was that of Mr. Albert Derry, a j papcrhanger and pointer, of Hollybank House Cannock, for a dissolution of hi, marriage with his wife, Mrs. KMio?h Holland Derry (nee Snape). The co-respondent was Mr. John Lt I Kauf, stated to be engaged in the foreign paper trade at Moseley, against whom damages were claimed. Answers were filed Mr. DERBY. I denying the charge. The respondent alleged cruelty and misconduct on the put of her husband. and she also sought a divorce. The respondent, in further cross-examina- tion, said that in March, 1897, she had lived with Mr. Arnall, pacing as "Mrs. Arnall." She alleged that her husband knew of this, and that he continued to pay her the allowance. Arnall left her in November, 1901, and then Mr. Le Kauf came upon the scene. She was now keeping a millinery business in Birmingham, and Mr. Le Kauf took it for her. He had visited her there. Mrs. Miriam Snape, mother of the respon- dent, corroborated her daughter as to the allegations of cruelty during the married life. She knew from her daughter's letters that she lived at va.1"ioulS places in Birmingham, and always addressed the answers to "Mrs. Arnall." She kn4w from the petitioner that her daughter Wit living with Mr. Arnall. William Snape, a brother of the respondent, eaid that on one occasion the petitioner knocked his sister about in the presence of witness. A witness named Brooks, who had been a servant to Mrs. Snape, deposed to misconduct by the petitioner. Mr. Francis Arnall said that he made the acquaintance of Mrs. Derry at 56, Bath-row. Birmingham, in December, 1898. at which time he presumed she was performing in the pan- tcmime. He was then introduced to her as Mrs. DERRY. I "Madge Snape," and he lived with her down till November; 1901, when he heard that she was not a single woman. In 1899 he first saw Mr. Derry at 174, Bath-row, at which time his wife was passing as "Mrs. Arnall." Witness had mentioned that he was living with the respondent, and told petitioner not to blame him. Later on petitioner called on him, stayed at the house all night, and all throe of them breakfasted together in the morning- Mr. Barnard said he appeared for the co- respondent, and be did not intend U) call his client. Mr. Deane then addressed the jury on behalf of the respondent, and Mr. 'Hammond Chambers followed and replied on the whole case. His Lordship will sum up the case to-day. To-day's Proceedings. I In the Divorce Court to-day Mr. Derry was granted a decree nisi because of the miscon. duct of his wife, Hannah Holland Derry, with Mr. John le Kauf. The cross petition by the wife, who some time after the marriage went on the stage, and was known theatrically as Madge Snape, was dismissed.—The jury assessed the damages against the co-respon- dent at £150.

RECREATION GROUND FOR I GRANGETOWN I To the Editor of the Evenlfcg Expreee." Sir,—It was reported at a meeting of the Cardiff Parks Committee on Monday that the town-clerk had written Sir W. T. Lewis with regard to a piece of land off Avondale-road as a recreation ground for Grangetown. I am sure the people of the Docks would be very pleased if something were applied for for the children of the Docks, as they now have for their recreation groun only the canal or the mud. Those Esplanade Gardens are an eye- sore to every parent with a family of small children-to keep them only to look at. Why not have a proper person to look after them and throw the gates open to the public P There would, no doubt, be less children drowned than there are at present. If a peti. tion is desirable to open it I. mysely, will canvass with a good heart and get several helpers in the same mind. There was some talk of swimming baths before the loet municipal electron. Where are they? In the sill of the canal.—I am, &c.. A MOTHER AT THE DOOKS. Cardiff, May 26.

CROQUET CHAMFDNSHIPS I The second day's play of the croquet cham- pionships took place yesterday at Wimbledon, in delightful weather. A large and represen- tative company visited the courts as the diffe- rent games were In progress. Miss Gower's piay was again the centre of attraction. Show- ing exceptional form, she won her game in the open championship, in which she is the only lady competitor, and also, in conjunction with Mr. C. Corba-lly, gained an opening heat in the Mixed Doubles Championship. The other winners in the Open Singles were Messrs. W. B. Jesaopp, M. Barry, R. C. J. Beaton, J. E. Austin, C. Corbally, W. W. Davidson, H. H. Minton, and C. Heneage. In the Ladies' Championship Mrs. Whitaker, Mrs. Frango- polo, Miss Preston, Miss Pares. Mrs. Talbot, Mra. Spong, Miss C. Mason, Miss Bramwell, Mr. L. Griffith, Miss Cowie, and Miss Bryan all won their heats in preliminary rounds. The other successful pairs in the Mixed Doubles were Mr. Trevor Williams and Miss Howell, Mr. C. H. O. Du Cane and Mrs. P. Bull, and Mr. C. E. Willis and Miss Coote.

UNGIANDIS GLORY MATCHES are made entirely by BRITISH LABOUR. Send for particular* of compe. tlUoos. Baglan&o Glory Mateh Works, Gloucester.

CARDIFF'S MORALS. An Evil which is on the Increase. ALLEGED IMPROPRIETY IN CABS, The subject of perambulating impropriety in local cabs was a^ain discussed at the meeting of the Cardiff Cabs Committee this morning, Mr. S. O. Williams in the chair. Alderman E. Beavan said the matter had become so serious that he had scarcely been able to sleep since it had been reported to the committee that between 30 and 40 cases had occurred in which it could be proved that cabs had been used for improper purposes. It was a villainous thing, and he for one would go for an Act of Parliament if neces- sary in order to suppress it. They must deal with it and stamp it out completely. Mr. J. T. Richards felt it would be a sort of hardship to penalise the owners of cabs through no fault of their own because of the misconduct of the drivers. Alderman Beavan said the parties who engaged the cabs for these purposes as a rule gave no instruction to drive to a definite desti- nation. He suggested that they arrange a conference with the proprietors, and ask the latter to tell the committee freely and frankly what they intended to do with a view to exer- cising better supervision over their men. The Chairman remarked that the committee had no power to refuse licences to proprietors provided the horse, vehicle, and harness were in good condition. Still, it would be in the interest of the owners if they would co- operate with the committee with the object of stamping out the evil. Something had been said by the men that they had been so hard hit by the electric cars that this was the only way left them of making a. living. Of course, it was a terrible answer to make. Mr. Sessions: Are there any owners whose cabs are reported to have been more largely used than others. The Chairman: There is one owner against whose drivers there are nine reports. Mr. Yorath: Then we still don't know that the owners are aware of what has been done. Four proprietors in waiting outside the council chamber were asked to appear before the committee. In all a dozen members had been invited to atterd. The Head-constable said that the evil was on the increase. The Chairman impressed upon the owners present that they could do more than the committee to eradicate the evil. One of the owners said that if the matter were followed up it would be found that the men chiefly responsible were those drivers who drove their own cabs. On the motion of Mr. Yorath, it was de- cided to invite the owners of the oabs con- cerned to attend before the committee when reports were presented against drivers, and that it should then be left to the good sense of the owners whether they should retain those drivers in their service after bearing the reports and the defence of the drivers. It was afterwards agreed that the licences to owners and drivers should in future be issued at the same time, viz., in May of each year. The committee declined to issue a. licence to one driver, who was alleged to have twicej offended.

BODIE V. HOW AND OTHERS CONTROVERSY To the Editor of the Evening Express." Sir,—I have read with interest the reports, letters, and challenges, Ac., which have appeared during the past week in the local press re above. I must say that some people are unreasonable and, at the same time I may add, ungrateful. Why denounce our friend and benefactor, or his interesting per- formance? When the writer first saw Dr. Bodie, in July of last year at Aberdeen (when, by the way, he was plain Dr. Bodie, without any X.D., D.D.S., F.S.pure and undiluted Dr. B.), and witnessed his exhibition of hypnotising, elec- trocution, Ac., I voted him a ifrst-class variety artiste aud nothing more—not a miracle- worker. We have run out of them a long while since; in fact, they are prehistoric. Dr. Bodis. I don't for one minute believe, expects I really intelligent people to think he has deal- ing with anyone who is not of this world. Why, his clever skit of Monday evening with J. Abel," and his suggestion of the latter's connection with Mr. How, and also that he (Abel) was a medical sttldent, all tend to prove what I have already stated, that Dr. Bodie is a first-class artiste. In conclusion, I may add, I have personally nothing against Dr. Bodie, nor do I issue any challenae to him. for he clinched the matter by his quotation the other evening, vis., Veni, vedi, vici." Did he? Weel weel, wha wud hae thoct it?"—I am, Ao., thoct it?"—I am, Ac., J. R. K. Penarth, May 26.

A CLUB OF" INCOMPLETES." A new olub has recently been established in Paris. It is called the Olub of "Incom- pletes." A condition of membership is that every person who seeks admission must be "incomplete"; that is to say, must be minus a limb. One of the members is at least minus two legs and an arm. Another has only one ear, the other having been cut away while fighting a. duel.

A CHILD BURNT TO DEATH A little girl, named Jane Lillie, was playing in the schoolground at Berwick yesterday, when some lighted paper thrown over the wall act fire to her dress. The child was so badly burned. that she afterwards died.

LLANTARNAM SCHOOL BOARD MEETING At the meeting of the Llantarnam School Board, hsld at Cwmbran last night, the clerk (Mr. T. Baker Jones) reported that there was a balance of R59 lis. 8d. in hand on the loan account, and, having regard to this fact, it was decided to write to the Board of Educa- tion asking them whether they would approve of the appropriation of a part of this amount in relaying the boys' playground. The labour examination report showed that only twelve boys and eight girls had paswd.-It was de- cided to uloee the schools from Frida-y to Monday week.

VIOLENT ABERDARE HAWKER. I At Aberdare Police-court yesterday William Bush, hawker, was charged with being drunk and disorderly while in charge of 4 horse and cart on the 23rd inst. On being approached by Police-constable Llewellyn Evans, the defen- dant became very violent, with the result that the assistance of Police-oonstable Pittoway was resorted to in order to convey him to the lock-up, whither he was'finally removed, but not before he had assaulted the omeers.- Defendant was ordered to pay 20s. and costs for being drunk, while a penalty of 45 was imposed for assaulting the police.—Arising out of the case was a charge against Daniel Moran, who was summoned for resisting the police while in the discharge of their duty.-A ane of ZO. and costs was Imposed.

THE PORTHCAWL CAMP I The arrangements for next week's pro- visional camp at Porthcawl assumed definite shape yesterday. The baggage was conveyed to the site selected, the water mains were being laid, and other preparations were in hand. In the evening, however, some officers visited the site, which is situate just beneath the old Porthcawl College, and condemned it because, it is said, it is too close to the houses. A hurried search was then made for a new site, and eventually Lock's Common was chosen. The changing of the venue so late will undoubtedly cause a. great deal of inconvenience to the contractors, who, by this time, are fairly forward with the work they have to carry out.

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I MODERN APOLLOS.1 Competition for Male Beauty. MUCH MUSCLE BUT LITTLE GRACE. A telegram from Vienna to the Daily Express" states that the much-discussed beauty competition for men, arranged by the Vienna athletic societies, took place in a cafe off the Ring-strasse. There was a very fair sprinkling of the fair sex, who took the greatest interest in the proceedings, care- fully examining each competitor through opera-glasses. The president of the com- mittee remarked that for many years past people had been trying to improve the breed of cattle, horses, and even pigs-now it was the turn of the human race. He said that perhaps the ladies among the audience would not agree with the award when finally made, aa the jury would not take into account a well-turned moustache or good eyes, features which were dear to the opposite sex. The competitors were led out in three batches of thirty. They were scantily clad in bathing drawers, and each one, on his number being called out, stepped to the front and exhibited his muscles. Few of the would-be Apolios that were exhibited could be called beautiful, for there was a singular lack of grace. There was plenty of muscle, but very few of the competitors were symmetrically built. The winner of the first prize for beauty of form was a young athlete from the Vienna Club.

VARIETY ARTISTE'S DIVORCE. I Husband Off With Another I Woman. In the Divorce Division yesterday the Pre- sident had before him the petition of Mrs. Beesie Henbach for a divorce by reason of the desertion and misconduct of her husband, Mr. Rudolph Henbach. There was no defence. —Mr. H. B. Deane, K.C. (with whom wae Mr. Newson), who represented the petitioner, ex- plained that the parties were married at the registry office, Birmingham, on the 14th of January, 1896, and they lived for some time afterwards in Birmingham. At the time of the marriage the petitioner, who waa only seventeen years of age, wae on the variety stage, but she gave up the theatrical life, and she and her husband travelled abroad together. In July, 1896, there were quarrels between them, and he commenced to be cruel towards her. In January, 1897, he made her life miserable, and turned her out of the house. The following June she went to his house and begged him to take her back, which he refused to do, using at the time some very strong language. He allowed her through his bankers £ 30 a month, and sub- sequently he stopped the order. In 1902 she consulted her solicitor, who employed a pri- vate inquiry agent. The respondent was traced to a hotel at Brighton, where he was found to be living with another woman. In the course of her evidence, the petitioner eaid that she had supported herself by per- forming on the stage.—His lordship granted a decree nisi, with costs.

GREAT FIRE IN AMERICA. I 100 Buildings Destroyed and 350 People Homeless. New York, Wednesday.—Great damage was done at the town of Laconia, New Hampshire, by a. fire which broke out there last evening. A hundred buildings were destroyed, and 350 people are home lees. The damage is esti- mated at a hundred thousand pounds.- Central News.

ALLEGED BURGLARS CAUGHT I At West Ham yesterday Frederick Mills, terming his address, was charged with being concerned with George Elliott and George Beaumont (now awaiting trial) in breaking and entering 47, Latimer-road, Forest-gate, an 4 stealing therefrom some jewellery, the I vrcpirty of Annie Elisa Sidall, a widow. On the night of the 16th a. Miss Pizzey, pass- ing 47, Latimer-road, heard a noise and saw Elliott and Beaumont enter the house. She spoke to her brother-in-law, who returned to the house with her, and as soon as they got ther Elliott and Beaumont came out. They were chased and caught, and a "jemmy" Beaumont had thrown away was found to fit in marks on. the door. The house was in oon- fusion, and some earrings and a pair of brace- lets were missed, the bracelets next morning being found in a front garden, past which the two men ran. On the point of identification Cockcroft, one of the witnesses, said he did not notice as a rule what clothes people wore. Mr. Cowl: What do you look at, boots or noses? The Witness: Yes, I should recognise you moetly by your nose. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Gowl, for the defence, said the most against the prisoner was the suggestion that he was an outpost, and asked for his dis- charge. I Mr. Gillespie, however, sent the prisoner for trial.

ALLEGED FRAUDULENT HALL MARKS At North London Police-court yesterday Solomon Solomons, 36; Daniel Curtis, 22; Alfred Gould, 23; Frank Phillips, 26; and Robert Peachey, 24, were charged on remand with knowingly uttering base metal goods with imitation hall marks thereon. The evi- dence in the case of Phillips and Peaohey was inconclusive, and they were discharged. Mr. Bodkin, in his opening statement, un- folded an ingenious scheme of fraud, the allegations being that the men had good gold jewellery in one pocket and spurious imitations in the other, and then that they went to probable customers, displayed the good jewellery, and eventually, when the bar- gain was struck, passed over the spurious artioles. But 't was not with the fraud on the purchaser that the prosecution was deal- ing; it wae with the fraudulent hall marks that had been placed on the chains and rings found on the prisoners. After hearing evi- dence Mi Fordham asked Mr. Bodkin what were the charges he was asked to commit the prisoners on. Mr. Bodkin replied: Con- spiracy to cheat and defraud several persons; for obtaining money by false pretences; con- spiracy to utter base metal articles bearing imitations of the goldsmiths' xarks, and for uttering the same. The prisoners were re- manded.

A VARIETY ARTISTE'S EARNING8 At Bloomsbury County-court yesterday (be- fore Judge Bacon), Messrs, Nathan and Soiners, musio-hall agents, Ac., sought the committal of Miss Florence Baines, a well- known music-hall artiste, for non-complianee with an order made by the court. Mr. Nfcthan stated that Miss Baine's average earnings were at least £30 a. week. Judge Bacon: How do you know that? The Witness: Because I nave made her con. tra-etti for her. Since December last she has been appearing constantly at different halls in London and the suburbs, and she was earn. ing up to laat week £ &> to Judge Bacon: Has she got anybody to keep? Has she a mother? Where does she live? The Witness: I don't think so; she lives in the Brixton-road. She recently swore in a case in conrt that her earnings were £60 a week. Judge Bacon: Very well. Ten days.

THE ALLEGED ROBBERY AT I BRYNMtNIN STATION, Thomas Bumna*, porter, waa yesterday morning charged with breaJting into the office of the Brynmenin Railway Station on Sunday night and stealing from a drawer the stun of lie. gd.-Evidenoo of arrest was given by Police-constable Shillum, and prisoner waa remanded in custody until Saturday.

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INFIRMARY FUND, The Race for the Top in Stamp Sales, PRESENT POSITION OF THE LEADING COMPETITORS. We are now about 30 days from the close of the "Evening Express" Penny Stamp Fund. which is being raised on behalf of the Cardiff Infirmary. A glance at the present position of collectors who are in the running for the three prizes described below will be of inte- rest. The seven named occupy the chief places, so far as present returns show: — Mr. J. M. Day, Crumlin, 913 8s. 4d. Mr. G. C. Clarke, Constitutional Club, Ponty- cymmer, L7 5s. lOd. Mr. A. Anthers, Constitutional Club, Tre- herbert, E3 2a. 6d. Mr. John Bodger, Police-station, Hopkins- town, £2 10s. 6d. Mr. F. W. John, 16, North Clive-street, Car- diff, jB2 10s. Mr. E. J. Phillips, 41, Maerdy-road, Maerdy, £2 14s. 4d. Mr. L. M. Evmis, Post-offioe, Penygraig, £ 2 is. 8d. Miss Lena Samuel, Cathedral-road, Cardiff, £ 2 is. 8d. Prizes Offered to Express" Stamp Sellers. A. Century Model Pianoforte (cash price of which is JE25), given by Messrs. THOMPSON and SHACKELL (Limited),. is offered to the collector for the Evening Express" Penny Fund for Oardiff Infirmary who does best in the first six months of 1903. This piano is on view at the OentraJ Music Warehouse, 24, Queen-street, Cardiff. A three-guinea Mandoline, with a term of free tuition on tha.t instrument, is offered by Miss MILDRED WATERS, of Fernleigh, 105, Albany-road, Oardiff, to the collector for the Evening Express" fund who does second beet in the six months. A Gentleman's Holiday Suit, or a Lady's Costume, made to order, and of the value of three guineas, is offered by Mr. HERBERT GIBBS, of Gower House, 41, Tudor-road, Oar- diff, to the person who makes the third best collection for the Infirmary in the six months. The prizes described above will be given to the oolleotors for the "Evening Express" Fund for Cardiff Infirmary who, between January 1 and June .30, 1903, pay to Mr. LEONARD D. REA the three highest amounts collected on "Evening Express" Penny Infir- mary Stamps. Members of both sexes and of all ages may compete, and the books of stamps may be obtained, free of oharge, from Mr. Rea. or the "Evening Express" Office, Cardiff. Please note that unscrupulous persons have from time to time endeavoured to collect the money from holders of the stamp books. You are, therefore, requested to SEND THE MONEY DIRECT* TO MR. REA, secretary to Cardiff Infirmary, Newport-road, Cardiff. To-day's List. The following additional amounts, collected by means of the Evening Express penny stamp books towards the Cardiff Infirmary funds, have been received by Mr. Leonard D. Rea, the secretary of the institution:— Miss Gladys Thomas, Old Arcade Hotel, Cardiff, 88. 4d.. Pontygwaith and Wattstown Working Men's Club and Institute (sweeping ceiling), 91 is. Total up to date, X253 7s. 6d.

THE TROUBLES OF A SWANSEA WIFE At Swansea Polioe-court yesterday, Frede- rick Herepath, a labourer, living at 133, Rodney-street, Swansea, was charged with wilfully neglecting his three children on May 12th and other dates. Mr. Viner Leader appeared for the National Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Children. Inspector Pearse testified to the facts Which appeared to be that the defendant. was discharged from his employment through his drinking habits. and since then he nvver came home sober, and had never civen anything beyond 5s. to hie family, one of whom waa suffering from scarlet fever. There was no food in the house. The Bench said that no man appeared to have been blessed with a better wife, but his conduct had been disgraceful. Defendant promised to reform, and the bench adjourned the ease for a month to see if he would keep his promise.

WHITCHURCH PARISH COUNCIL At the monthly meeting of the Whitchurch Parish Council held last night, Mr. E. Lewis in the chair, a communication was read from the district council statin* that the estimate of the surveyor for water the roads for the present season wae CI50. This outlay means more than a rate of lid. in the £ A deputa- tion was appointed to wait upon the clerk to the district council on the subject. The depu- tation appointed to wait upon Mr. Goodyer with respect to the discontinuance of the 'bus service around the Birchgrove gave their report. It was stated that the "bu. company had stopped the service becauae the receipts did not justify the wear and tear to the 'buses and horses. However, the company had arranged to run one 'bus every hour via the Birchgrove on Saturdays only, commencing at twelve o'clock. The question of extending the twopenny fare to the Cross Inn New Hotel was under the consideration of the company.

CANADIAN LEGISLATIVE SCANDAL Victoria (British Columbia), Wednesday.— Mr. Oberts, the Attorney-General, and Mf. Wells, the Commissioner of Lands, British Columbia, have been requested to resign by Colonel Prior, the Premier. Their resigna- tiona will probably be tendered to-morrow morning. The Premier's action is the outcome of the inquiry by a Committee of the Legis- lative Assembly into the statement made by Mr. Dunsmir, the ex-Premier, that Mr. Wells had been offered 30,000 acres of land if he would issue grants of land to the Columbia and Western Railway. Nothing, however, was definitely proved as the result of this inquiry. The Legislative Assembly will meet to-morrow afternoon, when the Committee's report will be presented.—Reuter.

NEWPORT AND SUNDAY TRAMS. The Newport Tramways Committee have decided to take a. poll of the town on the question of Sunday service of the cars.

NEATH CDTTAGE HOSPITAL SCHEME I The finanoial result of the collection on Saturday in aid of the W. B. Trick scheme for the establishment of a cottage hospital for Neath and district was £40 19s. 6d., which sum has been deposited by the ladieg, com- mittee in the Metropolitan Bank. The sum named, together with 99 48. 8d., the proceeds of a sacred concert, makes the credit total X50 4s. 2d.

LATE CHANCELLOR EVANS I The following resolution has been passed by the University of Wales in connection with the death of the late Rev. Chancellor D. Sil- van Evans, and forwarded to his son, Mr. H. Silvan Evans :Tho Court of the University of Wales desires to record its profound grief at the death of one of its distingushed gradu- ates, honoris causa, the Rev. Chancellor Evans, D.D., the patriarch of Welsh Scholarship, whose devotion to the study of our national language and literature has evoked the ad- miration of three generations of Welshmen, and whose death, even at a ripe old age, can only be regarded as an untimely one for his native land."

15 Buns for id. You can reake 15 large, light, delicious, and wholesome bans from Id. tmeket of ISilfcl Tower Bun Fkmr for a total cost of 314. It is ae easy to dm that a child ou make delinious boss with esrtai* sucoom, 4 i

"Cochfarfs" Comments. No sooner has the Cardiff old inhabi- tant unburdened himself of his recollec- tions of Admiral Smyth's residence in the town than a goodly number of old Char- terhouse scholars come along with their reminiscences of General Baden-Powell's schooldays at that famous institution. The general often relates that in what- ever quarter of the world he is called upon to act his eye is sure to meet the peculiar Carthusian necktie, and no further intro- duction is necessary between him and the greatest stranger. At Denbigh on Mon- day B.-P." heartily joined in the songs of the school children, and then begged a holiday for them. What a pity that his visit to Cardiff is not so timed as to enable him to confer a similar favour upon the children here! It is said of him that when in India, where European children have few pleasures, he would take out of his pocket an ocarina and amuse his juvenile admirer by the hour. The Departmental Committees on the Mercantile Marine has found that the decrease in the number of British sailora is of a serious character, and there is an undoubted increase in the number of foreign sailors engaged on British ships. The recommendations of the Committee as to the manner in which the trouble can be decreased are such as everyone who has any knowledge of sailors could tell of without waiting for the report that is now ready for publication. The employment of a certificated cook on every foreign ves- sel of 1,000 tons register and over is cer- tainly much needed. But how are rlinh cooks to be obtained? At one time the Cardiff Technical Committee essayed to provide instruction for seagoing cooks, but no practical result followed. The same answer comes from other towns. We may call for certificated cooks, but, unless the teaching of cookery at our public schools takes a more practical form than any I have seen, the Departmental Committee's report will only add to the printing bill of Parliament without aiding in the least degree the fast-disappearing British sailor. Unless there is some reason for the action of the chairman of the Bridgend District Council not apparent to news- paper readers, there was no cause of < £ >mplaint against his council when he decided that the framing of the new stand- ing orders was of the nature of an offence against himself. When a council is ruled by standing orders agreed to by the members, they have no right to complain of their application if during a debate they prove inconvenient to the speakers; whereas, while a chairman may be as well versed as a Speaker of the House of Commons in the rules of debate, much time may be wasted by an obstreperous speaker by challenging a ruling which is unwritten, and as to the unusual rule of suspending the standing orders too fre- quently, it is, unquestionably, a very unsafe proceeding. It encourages a fast j and loose method of conducting business, and should not be resorted to except when there is absolute unanimity among the members of a council that the ordinary rules should be supended to deal with a pressing matter that cannot be dealt with at any other meeting of a public body. The continuous baiting of Jews in Russia has stirred the feelings of their co-religionists in England very much—as may well be imagined—and in South Wales there is a movement on foot to take common action to devise means of helping the sufferers, and, if possible, to bring influence to bear upon the Russian Government to abate the persistent cruelties, which have become of daily occurrence recently. There are indica- tions that the Czar is anxious to put down the action of his less humane rulers. In Cardiff a meeting is being promoted with the intention of seeking the sympathy of every lover of religious liberty, and of ask- ing the Government to convey a suitable representation to the Czar setting forth the desires of the Jewish residents of this kingdom. This may be the opportunity of the Zionist leaders. The sufferings of the ancient race in Russia should accele. rate the plans for a return to Palestine, and probably thousands of non-Jewish people would help to swell a fund estab. lished for that purpose. Wise citizens prophesied that South Wales would enjoy a very quiet summer this year. The threat of an industrial rupture kept the promoters of great assemblages of people very quiet, but, now that the commercial horizon is clear again, programme-makers have become exceedingly busy. No sooner will General Baden-Powell have turned his back on Cardiff than the Postmen's Federation will assemble there. This will be followed by the meeting of the Building Federation of Great Britain, which will give room to the Wild West Show. Thera will be a Sunday School Union centenary celebration in mid-July, and the cry is that other important functions are to follow. A public man's diary just now is decidedly crowded, and it causes a sigh for the quiet hillside, or the far from the madding crowd seat on the deck of an ocean-bound steamer. It is an old regulation of the Cardiff Free Libraries Committee to hand over to the medical officer of health ill books belonging to that committee that come from infected houses. Furthermore, th4 health inspectors are authorised W inquire for such books where they know there is an infection, and to treat their, in the way their special training for their duties best suggests. If the infection is of a virulent kind the books are destroyed without more ado, and, as was paid by Mr. Ballinger last night, hundreds of books are so destroyed every year. These are precautions which could be well fol- lowed by other library authorities with much benefit to their borrowers. There is a disappointing ring in the pro- ceedings of the Cardiff Sunday School teachers where the forthcoming celebra- tion of the Sunday School Union Cente- nary have been discussed. Larger demonstrations of children are organised every year in many towns that the Cardiff teachers are called upon to take charge of, and, as to the provision of refresh- ments, in the summer time hot drinks can be entirely dispensed with, an d a plain bun with such temperance drinks as har- vesters affect would meet all require- ments. Indeed, it would be a blessing jif the children were spared the decoction of tea leaves which is too often dispensed at children's pic-nics. Wise parents have long ago ceased to give tea in any form to children, and Sunday School raanagwa can safely follow their example.