Evening Express

THE CARDIFF INFIRMARY. Extra Provision for Open-air T reatment. Lord Tredegar's gift of £ 700, announced at the festival dinner on Thursday night, will be sufficient to cover the expenditure necessary for verandahs for the upper wards of the Cardiff Infirmary, so as to enable patients of all classes to obtain the benefit of the open-air treatment. Towards Mr. W. J. Tatem, anther gentleman who has rendered the institution noble support, the board of management also feel very grateful. When Mr. Thomas Andrews initiated his fund two and a half years ago Mr. Tatem set the ball rolling with the handsome donation of EZ50, and it, therefore, came as a very pleasant surprise when a wire was received at Thurs- day night's banquet intimating his intention to contribute another 100 guineas, it is felt that the influence exercised by Mr. Tatem's generosity conduced to the splendid financial result of the banquet.

PARLOURMAID'S BREACH OF PROMISE The under-sheriff of Surrey and a jury sat at the Public-hall, Epsom, yesterday to assess the amount of damages in a. local breach of promise case. The plaintiff was Ruby Evalina Teresa Goodwin, a parlourmaid, living at Epsom, and the defendant was Thomas Dun- ford.—The Plaintiff said she because engaged on July 19, 1902, and the defendant gave her an engagement ring. The defendant seduced her, and the wedding was fixed for March 25 last, and the banns were published on March 16. The defendant broke off the marriage, giving .ø his reason tb-t ho found she was in debt. She only owed for one dreg's, for which she waa about to pay. The defendant had told her that he had money in the bank. 'Ae plaintiff claimed L500 and £ 20 additional expenses to which she was put in preparing for the wedding.N-o evidence was called for the defendant, who was represented by counsel.—The jury awarded iLI20 damages.

GRANGETOWN MORALS I GRANGE TOWN M?RALS At Cardiff Police-court this morning Edward Macdonald, of 15, Cornwall^reet, Cardiff, was charged with living in part on the earnings of immoral women, and, further, with assault- ing Dolly Foster on June 4. The case had been adjourned, in order that prisoner might call witnesses. He had no witnesses, how- ever, and pleaded guilty-—^Dolly Foster said prisoner waS supported by her sister. On June 4 the couple quarrelled, and witness tried to stop the row. Prisoner knocked her down with a blow in the eyes and then kicked her.There was a. previous conviction for a similar offeuce a-gaanat the prisoner, who was committed for trial to the quarter sessions.

SUICIDE AT ILfRACOMBE I An Ilfracombe railway platelayer, named William Spinner, aged about eighteen years, has committed suicide under extraordinary circumstances. Leaving his lodgings in Station-road, he hired a bicycle for a few hours, but Proceeded to Bishopstawton, the other side of Barnstaple, where his parents resided. Staying there two days, he left presumably for Ilfracombe, but nothing more was heard of him until yesterday morning, when he was found hanging in some old farm buildings near his home. He was quite dead, and in bis Pocket was found a, note wishing h's friends good-bye, and saying that the bioycle would be found in the yard.

WELSH COAL TRADE We understand that the Darran, cern'l Brithdir, and Gilfach Pits, in the Rhymney Brithdirb, ?ongiug to the Rhymney Company. Valley, are to bfe started on Monday. These pits have been idic lor some time, and the inhabitants of the districts named will be pleased at the decision arrived at. When the pita are in full work they will give employment to a large number of hands.

BUSINESS ADDRESSES. T. C. PALMER, CASH TAILOR. 66, QUEEN-STREET, CARDIFF, nn 35, CASTLE-STREET, SWANSEA. DOWN AT THE DOCKS. 1st Man: PALMER'S Cutter Can Fit! 2nd Man: Yea, I know; he has made me a Suit. C11153 ROYAL FURNISHING STORES, 90, ST. MARY-STREET NEXT TO THE WAXWORKS. CARDIFF. Nat. Tel. 0716. HAVING PURCHASED FOR CASH A MANU- FACTURER'S BANKRUPT STOCK, WE ARE OFFERING FOR THIS MONTH ONLY, SPECIAL BARGAINS TO THOSE ABOUT TO FURNISH FOR CASH ONLY. 3ft. BEDROOM SUITE, COMPLETE (all bevel glass and marble top), 5 guineas. SADDLEBAG SUITE, COMPLETE (only 14 of these left). 5J gaineas. SOLID WALNUT BOW FRONT SIDEBOARD. £5 19B. 6d. BRASS AND IRON BEDSTEADS (200 to select from;, 10s. 6d. to 13 guineas. WOOL OVERLAYS (purified and washed wool), lis. 6d. WIRE MATTRESSES, from 8s. 9d. to 25s. Foil size and weight FEATHER BED (all puri- fied feathers;, 33s. lid. I Don't fail to call and inspect our Stock, and eompare our prices before going elsewhere. It will pay yon. YOU WILL NOT BE PRESSED TO BUY. Royal Furnishing Stores, 90, ST. IARY STREET, NEXT TO THE WAXWORKS. CARDIFF. TEETH. CAEEWS, LIMITED 8. QUEEN-STREET CARDIFF. BEST MATERIAL. LOWEST PRICES. el0933. P. E. GANE. MILES OF LINOLEUM JUST AltRI VED. 150 PATTERNS TO SELECT FROM. CARPETS. IMMENSE STOCK READY FOR DELIVERY. P. E. GANE (Late TRAPNELL and GANE), 38 AND 41, QUEEN-STREET, CARDIFF. 811251 Caution to Smokers. !n consequence of ciose and unscrupulous IMITATIONS, Smokers are earnestl) requested to see teat every packet and tic o ARCHER'S i GOLDEN RETURNS fcwrs the firms NAME and TRADF MARK. 1180 SrONATURE as without which none are genuine. Ts:Qfi;4j eWe make thie & 8pe;3iality- B 9j OASTLZ lei ing tools only. We. therefore, speud the whole H ARCADE 0 four time in improving OUT' B E ARCADE knowi?ds?e ?f tool*. ???? ?? N r We arc, there or: in a position B I 003L to (five oar C?Mtomers the H beri«rtit of this knowledge. W STORES May wa prove this to your M satisfaction by 8upplyiag you j £ j with thoao Tooli you are S KNOWN ~*an«inr. A.¥ THE R 1. E I TtEE Komember! very artIcle IN wBk „ WVra.a. and be ex S C.A.T.S. ctma?t<<M!ty. S J. T. AVERY&CO, I THE CASTLE ARCADE TOOL STOKES ■I 35. C4STU AMAOB, CASDIF?' (THTE Arcade fMin? the C?tle) 9 CtUTi?e LAId oa o,'drs of .Ms. to a?y addrs' 9 Send for Price List. ra Write for Catalogue Outdoor Sport#, Poet free. CRICKET BATS.—A Fail-size Seasoned Willow Blade. All Cane Handle, .&. She 4, 3'6. Size 5, i/- Size <5, 4/3. Frank Sugg's Cricket Annual, 200 pages, m 8 Ptootograpbs Yorkshire ond f.e-a<; iru; Plnyrs f •- n ■! i'l'-v $ Ion N.«tur^l,clnrS.I, ppnry £ 0 9*. Cash only. Carriage paid- (T'7»7j_\ tSttbefo? payment. FreeWheete. JF&t PhtedRinM. Rim Brakes. T?t«: jh^g*ttSjy E3»S§3l DmIO» and Clincher principle.— OpraH KSgWaEjal 'WWtt Frederick GEORGE ?POT. ??S?"?:?t?M<? n ?n?)' 1ft.. Cycle Merchant, Norwich. '-==" f M W OM BUSINESS ADDRESSES E. NELSON & CO., TOBACCO MANUFACTUBEBS 160, QUEEN-ST., ) 70, ST. MARY-ST., J-CARDIFF. 94, ST. MARY-ST., ) 9, HIGH-ST., PONTYPRIDD. 170, COMMERCIAL STREET, NEWPORT. THE LARGEST RETAIL TOBACCONISTS IN WALES.

A LOST OPPORTUNITY. If the Mayor of Bath had presented the Miners' Federation with that peculiar species of bun which has usurped the name of his city instead of giving a recep- tion he would have placed upon the records of the conference the only sub- stantial result. His worship has lost a great opportunity. Mr. Pickard and his friends deserved a Bath bun after their sorry failure to pick holes in the new Welsh coal trade agreement and to stir up unnecessary strife in this coalfield. The Welsh miners, confident in their own leaders, have viewed the proceedings of the parent organisation with feelings approaching disgust. Why should these persistent attacks be made upon the agreement, and the leaders called here and there at the instance of the Federa- tion to be cross-examined and insulted as if they had acted in flat defiance of the mandates of the Federation ? The Welsh miners have a greater respect for their leaders, and their respect has been entirely justified in the terms of the new agreement they have secured with the coalowners. Moreover, they are begin- ning to look upon the overbearing atti- tude of the parent Federation with some resentment and a great deal of weariness. All the Federation fuss is because the South Wales agreement did not conform to the rule for a general movement for a wage board for the whole country. The South Wales miners stated distinctly that they were in sympathy with the ideal, although they could do no more; but everything that has happened since has been calcu- lated to estrange the Welsh miners from that ideal. The Bath Conference was a part of the policy of pinpricks, and the wonder is that there was not much harder speaking there—that one of the Welsh delegates did not get up and tell the.con- ference exactly what the Welsh miners thought about it for its meddlesomeness. It will not be the fault of the Welsh miners if the Federation's dream of unity receives a rude awakening.

AERIAL MUDDLEMENT. I The extraordinary incident which has occurred at the Royal Institution intro- duces some serio-comic reflections in regard to aerial telegraphy. It seems pretty clear that those who communicate after that fashion will at any time be liable to be upset in their correspondence, and it is quite on the cards that the inter- ference might take a form of a very un- pleasant character. Thus, if Jones were fixing a time of meeting with his young lady, it would be very awkward to have her father chipping in with some personal reflections about Jones, ending up with a pointed allusion to a boot. Unless there are improvements there will be no secrecy about the new system, and it will be always liable to engender personal, family, business, political, and even international complications. It will be like calling up spirits from the vasty deep and getting flabbergasted in the process.

Servia made haste to bury her unspeak- able crime. The murdered Monarch and his Consort were hurried away from their death-palace and buried with ignominy. Before their bodies were cold the new Government, which came into mysterious being, proclaimed the new Constitution, and the Army the new King; and in the streets were cheers, as if an heroic deed had been done, and not an act of despic- able cowardice, for which there was no necessity and will be no palliation. The assassins are glorying in their work. It is hard to believe that Servia is one of the nationalities which prayed piteously to be freed from the Turk. Constantinople could not conceive a tithe of the horrors of Belgrade, and when Macedonia hears of it. hears, too, that the liberty-loving people of Servia have accepted this revo- lution with callous nonchalance and even delight, even Macedonia will be thankful that she is a part of Turkey rather than an appanage of Servia.

HOUSING QUESTION IN THE RHONODA I A deputation representing a number of the clubs in the Rhondda. waited upon the urban council on Friday, and asked that body to put the Housing Act into operation in the dis- trict. The reasons given for making the appli- cation were the scarcity of houses, overcrowd- ing, Ac.—The Chairman of the council men- tioned that aince January, 1902. piaas for 50 houses per month had been passed, and it was decided to take no notice of the deputa- tion's requisition.

AMERICAN SHIPBUILDING TRUST I In the court at Trenton, New Jersey, an application was made on behalf of the ship- building trust bondholders for the appoint- ment of a receive: The bondholders make i charges of fraud, and accuse Messrs. Nixon and Schwab of mismana.?em?nt.—Central News..

| BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS I The followinc7 are the readings since flye o'clock last evening, as ^iTen by the barometer in the vestibule of the Bvaning Exprees," St. Mary-etieet, Caridff, which to Sift, above mean sea level:-

Mainly About People. The occupants of thrones stand in the forefront of danger. Facts and figures amply bear out this assertion, showing as they do a large number of determined attempts to slay emperors and kings, about one out of ten of such attempts being successful. The nearest approach to the Servian tragedy was the murder of the Emperor Paul of Russia. who was done to death by his nobles on March 24, 1801. He had gone to bed in his accustomed manner, wearing his uniform, as well as being booted and spurred. He was awakened in the night by hearing the struggle between the sentry and the nobles, who, after despatching the soldier, burst into the Emperor's room. Paul begged for his life, but all in vain; he then tried to escape by the window, cutting himself badly in the attempt. He was dragged back, and for a time kept his nine assailants bay by striking out with a chair. Then, after a terrible struggle, they seized him and strangled him with his own sash. Czar Alexander II. escaped from the hand of the assassin five times, but the sixth attempt, on March 13, 1881, was successful. Sudden death in numerous aad divers fashions has visited the family of the genial Emperor of Austria, culminating, in 1898, with the murder of his wife. He himself has on three occasions been within an ace of death from the assassin, the last being in 1882. All attempts against Frencl%rulers, except in the case of President Carnot. have failed, but if success had crowned one such an attempt how different history would have been! The case in question was the attack of St. Regent on Napoleon r. in 1800. The weapon used was an explosive, but the fuse was wrongly timed, and the future Emperor, scourge of Europe, and prisoner of St. Helena, escaped without a scratch. It was, however, a most disastrous occurrence, for no fewer than twenty people were killed outright, forty-two injured, and forty houses wrecked. A mot of Mrs. Craigie (John Oliver Hobbes): London people spend half their lives in getting into Society, and the rest in trying to get out of it." Alexandre Dumas pere, when he gave a dinner party to commercial notabilities, had a somewhat singular method of deciding the time for the inferior wine to be produced. He enjoined his servants to put the best wine on the table at the beginning of the meal, while the guests' heads were clear; "then," said he, watch the conversation, and directly you hear any single one of the company say, r, who am an honest man; you may be quite sure that all their heads have gone astray, and you can serve up any rubbish you choose." The court-martial of to-day has inhe- rited some of the powers of the old Court of Chivalry, consisting of a single marshal and at one time the High Constable. The more modern form of court-martial dates from the reign of Charles r., and was first recognised by Parliament in the Mutiny Act of William and Mary. The old drum- head court-martial, which is now fortu- nately done away with, was a short and I sharp affair, no notice of proceedings being given to the accused, no oath administered, and no written record kept of the evidence adduced. It was, of course, a rough-and- ready method of dealing with offenders in time of war, and was not by any means infallible; indeed, it was its liability to err that finally led to its abolition.. The oath taken by members of a court- martial not only covers the juror's declara- tion that he will well and truly try," but further binds its members to secrecy as to the verdict and sentence until the latter is approved, and also as to the votes and opinions of particular members. The prosecutor is a. staff officer or the prisoner's commanding officer, or a staff officer of the regiment of an adjutant, while the formal charges in the indictment are framed and sanctioned by the Judge Advocate-General, who is a Parliamentary officer holding his position under the Government of the day and retiring with them when they go out of office. He is also a member of the Privy Council. The president holder of the office is Sir Francis Jeune, the President of the Divorce Court, while his assistants are Sir J. Scott and Colonel St. Clair. The founder of the firm of Truman, Han- bury, and Buxton was rare old Sir Benjamin Truman, who was well known in London in the middle of the eighteenth century. His wealth passed to his daughter. She invited two practical brewers, by name Mr. Hanbury and Mr. Buxton, to join in the management of the brewery. She soon afterwards married her French dancing master, Mons. Villebois, and became mother of a famous race of fox hunters, game preservers, and brewers, says the East London Observer." Lady Glent- worth, who haa just celebrated her 100th birthday, is the last survivor of the race. Poor Dan Leno's breakdown is more serious than was at first anticipated, and it has been found necessary to place him in a well-known maison de sante in the South of London. He is under the delusion, says To- Day," that he has become possessed of several palatial mansions, and had placed large orders of furniture with leading firms. He is a comparatively young man yet. and complete rest and quiet may do a great deal for him; but he has been working at far too high a. pressure for years, and in an interview I had with him soon after he had removed to Atkins-road I plainly foresaw that he couldn't last much longer under the excessive strain. He talked disconnectedly and a little wildly, as one whose brain was in a bit of a whirl. Last year he had to knock off public work for na time, but his brain got no rest, for he was thinking out new parts, and the Drury Lane pantomime was a bit of a nightmare to him. When he wnt back to the stage it was with the promise to his medical adviser that he would run slow, but he couldn't do it, and in a. week or two was working as hard as ever. His removal from the scene has caused universal regret, for he was as popular with the members of his profession as with the public. His phenomenal success never ga.ve him a tete montee; he has always been un- assuming. genial, and accessible to friends, old and new. One day he recognised an old professional acquaintance in the Strand, and accosted him. "You haven't forgotten me, then, Mr. Leno," was the other's gratified remark. No. but I jolly well shall if you Mr. Leno me, dear boy; I'm Dan "—and the remark was characteristic of the man. He had the income of a Prime Minister, but he gave liberally, though unostentatiously, to all sorts of objects, and he would rarely decline to give his personal assistance to a benefit performance. His letter-box used to be crowded with charitable appeals, and he was even asked to lend his garden in Atkins-road for a local church or chapel fete. I suppose," he said to me, as he read the note, they'll be wanting my drawing-room for a. mothers' meeting. And," he added they shall have it, too, and I'll conduct it." When Sir George FaudeKt -illips was Lord Mayor the year he got his Jubilee baronetcy, he made quite a reputation for eloquence, wit, hospitality, and horseman- ship. A cheery, erect alderman is Sir George Faudel-Phillips, with a merry eye. a hearty laugh a.nd a turn for after-dinner ora- tory. A Lord Mayor and the son of a Lord Mayor, he has great business capacity, and is a. born organiser. At one time he had political aspirations, but was beaten at Watford, and hae since contented himself with patriotic speeches outside the House. Sir George is a bookish publicist, who makes good use of his fine library and can always cap an argument with an apt quotation. But he not neglect the physical man. He is an enthusiastic golfer, though riding is his pet hobby. Nobody who saw him escort Queen Victoria from Temple Bar to St. Paul's on Diamond Jubilee day can forget how Euccofc-sinlly he posed as the perfect cavalier. The Queen was delighted with "the dear little man," a-3 she called him. and if it had not already been decided to give him hia barorfetcy he would have received it that day m » rewMd far Miwnnal merit.

THE LONDON PRESS.! Examples of Their Views To-day. BRIEF EXTRACTS FROM LEADING ARTICLES. To Unite the Empire If Mr. Chamberlain has not found the right remedy, then Imperialists and patriots have acme thing more urgent to do than to emit negative criticisms. It behoves them to direct all their energies to the discovery of abetter way.—"The Times." Lord Resebery and Mr Chamberlain It is not by such criticisms as Lord Rosebery can advance that the proposals of the Colonial Secretary will be defeated. If the chairman of the Liberal League knows his own mind, he. is singularly incompetent in expressing his thoughts.—"Standard." rree Ira ae Free Trade would, we firmly believe, benefit the whole world, but for England it is a neces- sity above all argument and inquiry.—"Daily j News. Cost of the Royal Navy Nobody on this side of the Channel likes the enormous naval expenditure which is forced upon us by the naval expenditure of some of our rivals on the Continent. If they are willing to cry halt we shall be delighted. -"Daily Graphic." I Belgrade Butchery We can only repeat what we said yesterday, that we trust the European Powers will be in no haste to ratify the Sovereign and Government that issue from this monstrous butchery.—"Daily Chronicle." Servian Tragedy It was said of Alexander of Russia when he mounted the throne after the assassination of Paul that he "waJked preceded by the muT- derers of his grandfather, followed by the murderers of his father, and surrounded by his own assassins," and the same figure of speech might be applied to the new Kara- george with little exaggeration and with every probability that its prophecy will be fulfilled. Daily Mail." Imperialism and Economy Imperialism—of Mr. Chamberlain's type- cannot subsist with economy. Sooner or later, the nation must choose between them. —"Morning Leader." Lord Rosebery's Imperialism When the war in South Africa broke out his sympathies were obviously with the Imperial policy of the Government. He gave utterance to his patriotic views, and, finding them unpalatable to the bulk of the rank and file of Radicalism, he retired to his eulky tent, and only emerged when victory was assured to the side he wanted to espouse and dared not.—"Daily Telegraph." Mr Chamberlain's Scheme Whether his conclusions do or do not com- mend themselves for final acceptance, it may at least be admitted that they are entitled to that respectful consideration which must always be given to honest critic i sin. Morn- ing Post."

HERMIT OF THE FOREST DEAD After more than twenty years of a nomad's life in Epping Forest, William Burke, the Hermit of the Forest," has died in the Epping Union at the age of 72. Only a few days ago he was discovered in his hut by one of tke keepers suffering from a severe attack of bronchitis, and a doctor ordered his removal to the workhouse. Burke was a well-known fignre to visitors to Epping Forest. During the long period that he lived in its cool depths he frequently changed the location of his hut. He had occupied the one from which he was removed for three years. The floor consisted of sacks and leaves, which were damp and mouldy, and the only other contents of this singular dwelling-place were a store of old pipes and empty wine bottles.

CARDIFF GUARDIANS AND THEIR DISPENSERS As a result of certain statements made at the recent Local Government inquiry into the dismissal of one of the dispensers employed by the Cardiff Board of Guardians, the dis- pensary committee met on the 11th. inst. and forwarded to to-day's meeting of the board, presided over by the Rev. J. R. Buckley deputy-chairman) certain recommendations fo* its consideration. The number of- pre- scriptions made up for the patients in each of the medical relief districts during the past month amounted to a. total of 2,447, and the committee recommended that the dispenser should be required to write the name of the patient on ea,ch bottle of medicine or other package dispensed. As requested by the board, the committee re-considered the ques- tion of giving out medicines containing poisons to children, and repeated their recom- mendation of the 13th of March, 1952:—"That the dispenser be directed not to supply medi- cines or liniment containing poisons in dan- gerous quantities to children under ten years of age, and when supplying such articles to children over that age to caution them as to the con t-ents. "-Fat her Van de Heuvel moved as an amendment that the age limit be elimina.ted, because there were many poor people who could only get children to fetch their medicine for them. If any poisonous medicine were served to a child the dispenser could seal up the bottle.—This was seconded, but on being put to the meeting the com- mittee's recommendation was adopted.

DEATH OF SIR CHIH CHEN LOFENGLUH Sir Chih Chen Lofengluh, K.C.V.O., who was formerly Chinese Minister at the Court of St. James, is stated to have died at Fu-chau, South China, at the age of fifty-three. He was the seventh son of Lo Shao Tsung. a, dis- tinguished scholar of Fu-chau and officer in the Chinese Army, and was educated privatc-ly by -is father and at the Chinese Imperial1 Naval College at the Pagoda AHchorage in the River Min. He passed1 out as the most successful student at the Fu-chau College in 1872, and obtained an appointment as Attache to the first permanent Chinese Legation in London in 1877. While residing as a young man in London he attended the lectures at King's College, and, having a great gift for acquiring languages, obtained a fluent know. ledge of English, as well as other European languages. Transferred to Berlin fro", London in 1879, he remained in the German capital for some two years, when that astute diplomatist Li Hung Chang appointed him his secretary, and he also for some time htld the position of the Sub-Governor of Pe-chi-ii. He afterwards became his First Secretary, and accompanied the Chinese negotiator on several important missions, including the dis- cussion of the terms of peace between China and Japan at Shimonoseki in 1895. He became well known in this country by accompanying Li Hung Chang to England in 1896 when he made his European and American tour, and he was subsequently appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in London. Queen Victoria conferred on him the Knighthood of the Royal Victorian Order.

ELECTRIC CARS DOWN AN EMBANKMENT An electric trolley car on the Orange Moun- tains, New Jersey, twenty miles from New York, ran away on Saturday. The car jumped the track, plunged down an embank- ment and overturned, landing at the bottom smashed to pieces. The trolley contained twenty passengers, fourteen of whom were severely injured. The accident occurred at a lonely spot where the track winds through the -woods, and where the gradients are the steepest.

I FROST IN NORFOLK I This morning there was a sharp frost in Norfolk and serious damage is reported to strawberry and PoDtatoo crops. Ice was seen Ullftm at GoriMtaa.

ONE HUNDRED SOVS .—— ———- FOR A PARAGRAPH. An Easy Competition Open to All. Two of the most interesting features in the Evening Express" are the" Mainly About People" column on page 2 and the column For Women Folk on page 4. The proprietors of the "Evening Express" invite its readers to carefully read those columns during the months of July, August, and September, 1903. To the reader who sends to this office, on or before October 7, 1903, the most interesting para- graph which appears in either of those columns during the period named, together with sixty of the daily coupons which appear in the Evening Express" during the three months, the proprietors will give a cash prize of zElOO. During the three months 79 coupons will appear, but it will oldy be necessary that readers should send in 60 (of different dates) with each paragraph they select for the competition. With the paragraph and the coupons, competitors will, of course, send their names and addresses clearly written. The prize of JE100 will be awarded by the Editor, whose decision shall be final. If two or more competitors select the paragraph which is adjudged the most intoresting the prize will be equally divided.

SHOWMAN'S SUICIDE How He Prepared for Death. "CLOUD-KEEPER ABOVE OR "CHIEF-FIREMAN" BELOW. Vienna's greatest showman character has just committed suicide in a, rather singular fashion. He was Franz Trocker, "travelling showman," as he styled himself, and he was 64 years of age. Trocker was a picturesque personality. His herculean figure, well- oiled hair, and snow-white Imperial had been familiar in cafes for decades. Unfortu- nately, he fell on evil days. The times were so bad that he thought the best thing he could do was to slip out of life. He prepared for death in a most punctilious manner. Upon every object in his dwelling he stuck a piece of paper which bore the name of the person to whom the article had to be given. He also left behind him an open will leaving little souvenirs to his friends. He wrote six letters to friends, and stuck on his window a sheet of paper containing the following words :If I am not aeen by Thursday, then I beg you to open the door, and you will find something." The door was opened, and the old showman waa found, dressed in his familiar black coat, hanging to the kitchen door. One of the letters he had sent to his friends contained the following:—"I depart to-day. The theatre is out, and I am going home. Let nobody deplore my going; it is not necessary. The world will not miss me, and certainly I shall not miss this hypocri- tical world. We must all go-some sooner, others later. I go joyfully from this vale of tears. I may be cloud keeper in heaven or chief fireman in hell, and' I would have my friends to know that I may yet be able to render them good service. "I must hasten, for at 9.57 my death-knell strikes. Do not be hard on me, I will say a good word for you to the Heavenly Father. I do not fear death. Greetings to my friends."

HONOUR AMONG THIEVES." I At the West London Police-court yesterday Thomas Handley, 31, a dealer, Edward Welsh, Z9. a ticket-of-leave man, and Frank Conway, 30. a labourer, all living at Notting-dale, were charged,on remand with stealing a till con- taining E4 from the Dolphin beerhouse, Sirdar-road, Notting-dalc. The robbery wae committed on Whit-Monday, and two women swore that they saw Handley leave the house with the till under his arm, being followed by a man whom they somewhat hesi- tatingly identified as Welsh. After these two were arrested, Conway (who bore a remark- able resemblance to Handley) went to the station, and declared that he was the thief. Seeing Welsh in the charge-room, he approached him and said, "I am giving myself up for the till robbery as a man should." Hlandley, who was standing by, exclaimed, "What is this all about?" to which Conway rejoined "It's not for you I am doing it-it's to save Welsh's ticket." The magistrate dis- charged Welsh, and committed Handley and Conway for trial, observing that the case was a curious one, demanding a, jury's investiga- tion.

The Great B.-P. Postcard. TRICE ONE PENNY. Interesting Rentiniscence of Major- general Baden-Powell's Visit to Cardiff. For Friends in every clime. The Postcard contains a Cartoon by the famous General, showing his arrival at and departure from the great Welsh capital. To be obtained of all Newsagents and Stationers1, and at the Western Mail" Ofices, St Mary-street, Cardiff; Castle- street, Swansea; High-street, Newport; Victoria-street, Merthyr The Bul- wark, Brecon, c., etc. Price Id each, or in packets of 12 10d., post free. a17149

CHILD'S MILITARY FUNERAL I Nellie Read. aged five years, was awarded a military funeral this week at Colchester. The child was killed by some runaway horses connected with the garrison, and a company of the Royal Engineers, in full uniform followed the coffin to the grave. Numerous wreaths were also sent by mem- bers of the regiment.

BRAVERY REWARDED I The magistrate at Iarlborough-street Police-court, London, yesterday presented awards for saving life at fires to Constables Mead 55 C and Jackson 402 C, Mead receiving the bronze medal of the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire and Jackson the certificate of that- eociety and the sum of L2 2s. A certificate and an award of zCZ 2s. were also awaiting a young man named Ellement, who rendered aid at one of the i Atu. but ba in" m* )a sb"UdMft.

CYCLINGS MOTORING I Llanelly, as far as cycle racing is concerned, has fallen on evil days. Great was the expec- tations a few seasons ago when the well-con- structed track at Half Way was opened. The track and the first-class sports for which the town became famous are now merely memories of the past. Carmarthen pluckily went one better, and, needless to say, the county town is now the Mecca of all local racing men. At Carmarthen each Thursday some rare contests take place between local cyclists, and lately some excellent latent talent has been discovered. It is a good idea to hold, as Car- marthen does, a free, impromptu "race meet- ing" on the weekly half-holiday. Already there are several warm novices in the town, who are likely to be heard of at future sports. Cardiff, Abergavenny, Bridgend, and Barry are a few of the Welsh towns that have ambi- tions to possess up-to-date cycle tracks, but so far have not succeeded in obtaining their desire. Barry stands a chance, however, of being provided with a municipal path at an early date. Abergavenny has a fine site at the Bailey Park for a track. Bridgend has plenty of room at the Quarella Ground. At Cardiff the only difficulty is to find suitable land for the purpose. Cannot Mr. Wheatley hurry up matters at Abergavenny, and Mr. T. D. Scho- field do ditto at Bridgend? The Tredegar F.C. has a really excellent ground, well situated, which I have often thought would make an ideal site for a racing track, and would not in the least interfere with the Rugby patch. Were the track con- structed I am certain it would very soon prove a source of revenue to the club. Several Newport and Cardiff cyclists spent Whit-week touring round Abelystwith, and, judging by letters to hand, they all had a splendid time of it. Roads and weather were favourable. One of my correspondents describes a run through the Rheidol Valley, "amid sylvan scenery, tangled glens, and grand mountains." All, of course, visited the famous Devil's Bridge, with which the usual more or less true legend is associated. One of the riders aaks if any reader of this column can give a version of the legend. At the risk of raising the ire of "Coehfarf" I give the following, which, I believe (open to correction), is the most common one of some three or four mytho:- Old Megan Llandunach, Of Pont-y-Mynach, Had lost her only cow; Across the ravine The cow was seen, But to get at it she could not tell how. His Satanic Majesty tumbled up just then, and in the most gallant style offered to provide a bridge for the lady, on condition that he should have for eternity the first living thing that passed over it. Megan made the bargain, and immediately the present Devil's Bridge arose. Megan was expected to avail herself of it. But in her pocket she fumbled, A crust out she humbled, And called her little black cur; The crust over she threw, The dog after it flew. Says she, "the dog's yours. crafty sir." A fortnight to-day—June 27-the first batch of the N.C.U. Championships of England will be decided at the Canning Town Track. Two events are down for decision—the one and five miles amateur. It is not likely that many Welsh riders will compete in these two events. Benyon, of Wrexham, and Baker, of Car- marthen, are the two who are likely to render the beat account if they enter. On Saturday, July 25, at Wakefield, the quarter-mile and 25 miles amateur will be held. Bert Andrews, of Carmarthen, the pre- sent holder, is likely to defend his title in the 25 miles, and Charlie Baker, also of Car- marthen, should stand a. good chance if he maintains his form, of carrying off the quarter. At the same meeting the one and five miles professional championships will also be decided. Tom James, Bert Howard, Tom Williams, and a number of Welsh profes- sionals are almost certain of being among the competitors. It is also hoped that by that date Syd Jenkins (Cardiff), the present holder of the mile championship, will be racing once more. There is a good prospect of more than one of the 1903 championships coming to Wales again. The Abertillery track is not so good as it might be. One of the corners at the last sports brought down M'Bean, Price, and Gardner. A little attention to this particular corner would render the track a good one. Father B. A. Beauvoisin, of Brynmawr, is an athletic and muscular Christian of the right kind. The reverend gentleman is not only a strong supporter of all athletic sports, including boxing, wrestling, running, cycling, &c., but he is a great advocate for the clergy and ministers of Wales to come down from their lofty pedestials and take an active and practical interest in our national games and sports. He very rightly contends that if the wearers of the broad cloth would only take a real and thorough interest in athletics of every kind, instead of, as is often the case, in Wale3 especially, of finding nothing but fault with sport and its votaries, that they would greatly increase their power of doing good and would rapidly remove any objectionable features that may have found their way into any of our sports. I am reminded of Father Beauvoisin by the fact that he is the hon. secretary of the Bryn- mawr Town Sports, arranged to be held on Monday. June 29. The sports are in aid of the Lrynmawr* Reading-room and Library Fund. As will be seen from ouf advertisement columns, the events are open to amateurs, and some z675 will be expended in prizes. NEXT WEEK'S CLUB RUNS. I WEDNESDAY. I Barry Unionist A. and C.C., from the Unionist Institute, 6.30 p.m., to Sully and Penarth. Barry Jockey C.C., from the Castle Hotel, 6.30 p.m., to Dmty Forge. Cardiff Jockey C.C.. from the Splotlands Hotel, 7 p.m., to Deri Mill. Cardiff 100 Miles C.C., from Duke-street, 2.45 p.m., to Foxwood. Cardiff St. Anne's C.C., from the Moira Hotel, 7 p.m., to Bonvilstone. Cardiff St. James's C.C., 2.30 p.m., to Swan- bridge. THURSDAY. I Newport 100 Miles C.C., from the William IV. Hotel, 3 p.m., to Usk and Pontypool. Newport 100 Miles C.C., from the William IV. Hotel, 6.30 p.m. (evening section), to Ponty- pool Road. Pontypridd A. and C.C., from the Qreyhound Hotel, 4 p.m., to Ferndale. SATURDAY. I Cardiff St. Jamea's C.C., 2.45 p.m., to Font-y. gary. Cardiff St. Anne's C.C., from the Moira Hotel, 3 p.m., to Barry Island. Newport 1CO Miles C.C., from the William IV. Hotel, 2.30 p.m., to Foxwood. Newport 100 Miles C.C., from the William IV. Hotel (evening section), 6.30 p.m., to Draithen and St. Mellon's. Cardiff 100 Miles C.C., from Duke-etreet, 2.45 p.m., to Foxwood. Cardiff Jockey C.C., from the Splotl&nds Hotel, 3 p.m., to Usk. Pontypridd A. and C.C., from the Greyhound Hotel. 4 p.m., to Bridgend. Barry Jockey C.C., from the Castle Hotel, 2.30 p.m., to Taff's Well. Barry Unionist A. and C.C., from the Unionist Institute, 2.30 p.m., to Cross Vane. Newport Liberal C.C., from Newport, 3 pjn., to Roath Park lake. Newport Liberal C.C., from Newport (evening section), 6.30 p.m., to St. Mellon's. LIGHT LAMPS. I Saturday (to-day). 9.15 p.m. Sunday 9.15 Monday. 9.16 „ Tuesday 9.16 Wednesday 9.17 „ Thursday 9.17 1. Friday 9.18 Saturday 9.18 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I H. Edwards (Bridgend).-I have no knowledge of the machine or its maker, and, therefore, cannot recommend you to purchase. The mount may be all right, but I cannot assure you that it is. J. S." (Pont.-ypridd).-Several of the tyre patents expire in 1904. There are many reliable tyres on the market at a small cost now.

PICTURE PUZZLES. X20,000 to be Won by Competitors. SOLUTIONS SUGGESTED BY AN OXFORD M.A. This week we give more solutions of the picture puzzles which are attracting so much attention:- THE ENCORE. 25, The Gothams; 26, Early Birds. FORGET-ME-NOT. First Prize £ 500 and S130 in Other Awards. 109, Alastair; 110, Fawley; 111, Maxwell; 112, Hugh; 113, Mark; 114, Cecil. THE LADY'S GAZETTE. 73, Hitching's Mail Carts; 74, Fox's Plasters; 75, Needham's Polishing Paste. HOME CHAT. First Prize £ 500; CI10 in Other Awards. 119, Elstead; 120. Drum; 121, Iwade; 122, Georgeham; 123, Whitsable; 124, Huyton. WEEKLY TELEGRAPH. 49, Coleraine; 50, Barnstaple; 51, Bath; 52, Cambridge; 53, Carmarthen; 54, Portobello. PEARSON'S WEEKLY. -25 a week for Life and ClOOO Cash down. 121. Newseat; 122, Deansgate; 123, Lode; 124, Barber's Bridge; 125, Hyde; 126, King Edward. ANSWERS. First Prize of £1000 and X520 in Other Awards. 149, J eyes; 150. Dodd; 151, Ooverdale; 152,1 Rimmel; 153. Back; 154, Riddell; 155. Bailey; 156, Rayeon. CHIC. May 30.—Telma Breakfa Food. j. 6.-Jugla and Co. June 13.-Sunlight Soap. GOLDEN PENNY. Fifth eet.-l, King of Denmark; 2, Lord Wolseley; 3, Lord Charles Beresford; 4, Sir William Harcourt. LEEDS MERCURY. 31. Manton; 32, Gates; 33, Penfold; 34, Bel- I chamber; 35, Mappin; 36, Spiers. 37, Pears; 38, Carton; 39, Waldegrave; 40. Cookson; 41. Drummond; 42, Buckstone. COUNTY MONTHLY. 37, Holmes; 38, Perth; 39, Redca.r; 40, Aintree; 41, St. Andrew's; 42, Monkseaton; 43, Crook; 44, Lomond; 45, Consett; 46, Cock- field; 47, Potto; 48, Hutton Gate. THE GLEAM. 1, Brooksbank; 2, Sharp; 3, Barclay; 4, Warner; 5, Pears; 6, Denton; 7, Wiseman; 8, Lyne-Skinner; 9, Turnbull; 10, Barray; 11, King; 12, Groves. HOME CiiiCLE & HEARTSEASE. First Prize £ 300; XI 30 in Other Awards. 103, Martin; 104, Andover; 105, Pye Bank; 106, Harpenden; 107, Nuneaton; 108, Busby. 109, Pipe Gate: 110, South Shields; 111. Pres- tonpans; 112, Featherstone; 113, Jarrow; 114, Wa,lk Mill. SHORT STORIES. 67, Par, LOGe, Wick, Quy, Ferry, Awre, Richmond, Quy, Banks. 68, Biggar, Rye, Tain, Theale, Kinsale, Ewell, Knowle, Eassie, Awre. 69, Vancy, Rayne, Torre, Settle, Wetherby, Slough, Bridge, Dover. 70, Stow, Kearsley, Ardleigh, Peel, Poole, Reddish. Hove, Elie, Cole, Aby, Notton. 71, Farcet, Bray, Earley, Knowle, Ennis, Lydd, Tresmeer, Leigh, Awre. 72, Ayr, Wreay, Awre, Lynn, Holme, Ayr, Thurso, Ongar, Tain, Rye, Rye. PICTORIAL MAGAZINE. First Prize E200 Cash; Second Prize JE25 Cash; Consolation Prize C25. COMPLETE AND REVISED LIST. 1, Kite; 2, Kingfisher; 3, Lark; 4, Swallow; 5, Tea.1; 6, Crane; 7, Bullfinch; 8, Bunting; 9, Spoonbill; 10, Crake; 11. Nutcracker; 12, Razorbill; 13, Sparrow; 14, Turkey; 15, Wood- cDck; 16, Flycatcher; 17, Mallard; 18, Linnet; 19, Crow; 20, Redpole; 21, Ibis; 22, Roller; 23 Jay; 24, Qu-il; 25, Lapwing; 26, Sandpiper; Z7, Blackcap; 23, Plover; 29, Gannet; 30, i Pelican; 31, Yellowhammer; 32, Magpie; 33, Curlew; 34, Woodpecker; 35, Cockatoo; 36, Fieldfare; 37, Shoveller; 38, Nuthatch; 39, Whooper; 40, Petrel; 41, Canary; 42. Bittern; 43, Pintail; 44, Starling; 45, Stork; 46, Jack- daw; 47, Stonechat; 48. Ortolan; 49, Thrush; 50, Bustard; 51, Nightingale; 52, Goldcrest; 53, Wliitchat; 54, Scoter; 55, Pheasant; 56, Creeper; 57, Knot; 58, Martin; 59. Snipe; 60, Nightjar; 61, Puffin; 62, Dipper; 63, Turn- stone; 64, Rook; 65, Condor; 66, Toucan; 67, Wryneck: 68, Duck; 69, Darter; 70, Fla- mingo; 71. Cassowary; 72, Sheldrake; 73, Lorrikeet; 74, Bapbet; 75, Penguin; 76, Alba- tross; 77, Pigeon; 78, Osprey; 79. Great Auk; 80. Honey Guide; 81, Hoopoe; 82, Quail; 83, Waxwing; 84, Weaver; 85, Oriole; 86, Hawk; 87. Lyre Bird; 88, Emu; 89, Butcher Bird; 90, Grouse; 91, Jungle Fowl; 92. Colin; 93, Hooter; 94, Peacock; 95, Maccaw; 96, Ruff;' 97, Merlin; 98, Dodo; 99, Owl; 100, Hobby; 101, Shearweater; 102, Bee-eater; 103, Blueback; 104, Harpy; 105, Skua; 106. Brambling; 107, Wagtail; 108, Wheatear; 109, Shag 110. Screamer; 111, Tern; 112, Flusher; 113, Capmore; 114, Peewit; 115, Ostrich; 116, Popinjay; 117. Falcon. Back numbers of the "Evening Express" can always be obtained by post from the pub- lisher. In answer to very many correspondents, we regret that, owing to exigencies of space, we are quite unable to enter into detailed expla- nation of the above solutions. Each solution is most carefully considered and re-considered before insertion, and no haphazard solutions are allowed to be published. The LONDON MAGAZINE. First Prize of JE500 and 1250 in Other Awards. 37. A Christmas Carol; 38, Million-pound Bank Note; 39, The House on the Marsh; 40, Samuel Lover; 41. The Three Musketeers; 42, Ships that pizs in the night; 43, Cameos; 44, The Old Curiosity Shop. LARKS. 57, Tubber; 58, Ladybank; 59, Lass wade; 60, Sunbury; 61, Keele; 62, Steps Road; 63, Ware; 64, Banstead. W60, are; 64, NEW COMPETITION. 1, Ivy Bridge; 2, Sandy; 3, Sevenoaks. CHRISTIAN HERALD. Part 2.—The daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash at the river. She saw the ark among the flags. She opened it and saw the child. The babe wept, and she had compas- sion, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children." His sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, "Shall I call a nurse of the Hebrew women to nurse it for thee?' PENNY ILLUSTRATED PAPER 25.—"Ho do you do? Charming evening, isn't it?" 6.-Impote!1tly wriggling and writhing in the grip of "Mr. Fairfax." 27.—"I decline to be definite; I decline to be cross-examined." 28.—Their shadows lengthened along the red tan, as they walked their horses side by side. HORNER'S PENNY STORIES. THE STORY OF JONAH. Chapter 2.-Intent on escaping from the duty, placed before him, Jonah made up his mind that he would go to Tarshieh. Accord- ingly he turned his steps towards Joppa. When he-reached there, he found a ship going to Tarshish, in which he took passage, never thinking that God was watching him all the time, and that for this flagrant disobedience he would be called to account. But soon God's wrath was greatly manifested. HOME COMPANION. THIRD WEEK.-Dear Bella,—Auntie and I had such a treat to-day. We visited West- minster Abbey, that inspiring palace where so many of our kings have been crowned, and great men buried. We saw the Coronation chair. Poets' corner, etc., then we crossed to the Houses of Parliament and met Sir John Baker, our member, who kindly conducted' us round. On the terrace we had tea. More next time.—Beatrice. The SUNDAY CIRCLE. First Prize X500 and C50 in Other Awards. Chapter 5.—Soon after a plot of the Jews to kill Paul was discovered, and the oaptain of the guard decided to despatch the Apostle to be tried before Felix. His accusers described him as a pestilent fellow. But Paul made an earnest defence, with the result that a centurion was instructed to keep Paul, and forbid none of liis acquaintance to minister unto him.

A RECTOR AS CO-RESPONDENT I A Daily Express telegram from New York says:—Mr. Archibald Watt, a. miHionaire pro- perty owner in New York, has brought suit against his wife for divorce, naming as co- respondent the Rev. Dr. George R. Van De Water, rector of the fashionable St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Upper New York.

THE KEY TO HEALTH. I Sufferers can have their money returned if not satisfied with Holaroyd's Gravel PilIT. Guaranteed a positive Cure for Gravel, Lumbago, Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Wind, Water Complaints, Disease4 of the Kidneys, Bladder, Urinary Organs, Stone 1 Go?t, Sciatica, and Eheumatlsm. Is. lid., a? Chem?ta: Poet free, 12 xtamps.-HOLDROYI),g1 umuo4 UM4 CUWLb-ta. Yaks. *UK-1

ABERTILLERY COLLIERY IDLE The Vivian Colliery, Abertillery (Messrs. The Powell, Tillery Co.), is idle to-day owing to powaelclc, ident which happened last night. It an appears that a loaded tram was being wound up the shaft when by some means it got loose in the bond and fell down the shaft, causing 80 much damage that it was found impossible to work the pit to-day. A re-start will probably be made on Monday.

TWO SEAMEN KILLED .1 i i Two weuuao. firemen, oeionging- to Ameri- can lilier, Philadelphia, which jailed at noon to-day for New York, were last night return- ing to their ship when they were knocked down by the goodlt train at Southampton Docks and killed.

SAFETY OF A fRANSPORT Lloyd's Manila. agent reports that the jjnitea States transport Samahui, which was thottght to have been wrecked during the la,te hurricane in the Philippines, has arrjved safely in port.

GREAT HOTEL STRIKE (jbicagO. Saturday Morning.—A strike of 4.000 ernPloyeei at the hotels and restaurants of this city is causing the greatest embar- raSsrncnt to the various caterers. Seventeen re6taurant« have already been compelled to cloSe their doors.Central News.

..?n the organism of man, M in that of all the '"Sher animals, the materials for the nutptlOn of every portIOn "Of the structure are au?P?d by the blood. If the Blood is diseased suP ^b:o1 dj y is diseased." "Clarke's World-famed BlOod Mixture" is a. guaranteed cure for all p?od and Skin Diseases. It is the most ee?.?? blood cleanser ever discovered, and it ?"' free tke system from all impurities ?m whatever cause arising. For Scrofula, Sc?'?' .T?ema. Bad Legs. Pimples, and Sores of 1111 ?ds, its effects are marvellous. Thou. saf of wonderful cures have been effected of .f °S| old everywhere at 2a. 9d. per bottle. p?are of worthleag imitations and substi. 8181-1 I

"Gochfarf's" I Comments. I The gathering at the banquet to Sir John Williams last night was more eloquent of the genuine esteem in which the guest is generally held—not in the Principality alone—than anything a pen- man can place upon paper. Patriots, scientists, scholars, and the average citizen vied with each other in bidding the dis- tinguished physician a welcome home. Sir John, it is true, did not disclose in his speeches any of his intentions regarding his future plans in life, but it is easy to read between the lines of his programme since his retirement from professional duties that it is to be an active one in the furtherance of scientific education in TV ales, and that such work will be augmented by bringing together the fugitive literature of the Principality to one or two places, where less favoured I readers than himself can enjoy a know- ledge of books that are now inaccessible excepting to those who can afford to undertake bibliographical pilgrimages to every part of our lands. Sir John subscribes to Dr. Samuel Johnson's fondness for a good hater, but not in a personal sense. He hatea indolence and indifference to pass- ing social and national movements; It is customary for professional men to excuse themselves for a lack of interest in literature or organisation^ other than those associated with their pr fession on the ground of pressure of engagements 'and the pressing nature of their duties. It cannot be said of Cardiff's guest last night that he has been professionally unsuccessful or inattentive to his duties. The honours he has receive d from his Sovereign and the eminence he has attained as a physician would be 4 complete answer to such a suspicion were it breathed by anyone. Half a hour's conversation with him will con- vince any man that nothing of interest to a lover of his country is unknown to hitni just as if he had enjoyed the completest freedom from exacting duties all his life- time. In his speech in proposing the toast of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire he proved that hot does not believe in using honeyed wordil only when speaking of national charac- teristics and national institutions. He; believes in the Carlylian doctrine that work is worship. His quotations from) the writings of a vernacular writer of the comparative shortcomings of hlw fellow-countrymen in the pursuit of studies were severe and excessive; but such extremes have their uses in the estimation of a certain class of critics, although I have never been convinced of it. Some of the greatest geniuses have been discouraged hopelessly by verbal lashing of that kind, and there is not a nation that cannot account for such an undesirable result of applying the verbal cat-o'-nine-tails, whilst the naturally indo- lent will scarcely be stimulated by the same treatment. Be that as it may, a record of last night's speeches will be a historic landmark in Welsh national pro- gress, and a guidance to the generation before which dawns a condition of things educationally that must work an intel- lectual revolution among Welshmen and Welshwomen. The Cardiff Corporation administrative departments are in great need of a system of co-ordination. Duties in one depart- ment that are in every respect similar to those performed in other departments are carried out under entirely different con- ditions of employment and payment. An attempt to amend these matters was made some time ago, when the council asked the finance committee to undertake the consideration of all applications for increase of salaries, and that such a con- sideration should only be undertaken once a year. This annual arrangement was, unfortunately, interpreted by every employe, almost as an invitation to make an annual application for an advance of salary, and the finance committee became so alarmed at such a result that it beat an ignominious retreat, or rather declared a plague upon its new duties and refused every application. Some committee must undertake a conr sideration of a classification scheme, how- ever, and the tramways committee, having charge of the larger number of employes, must now obtain a definite declaration from the town council as to what the final conditions of employment under the cor- poration must be. This, no doubt, will be partly, if not wholly, brought about ty a meeting of representatives of every wage and salary paying committee, and after a conference they will be prepared with a recommendation for the July meet- ing of the council. Each committee cannot be a miniature council, and there must be less assumption of independence on the part of committees than is often the case when large interests are under consideration, otherwise the system of asking the council to review and confirm the work of committees may as well be entirely abandoned. I see that the lecturer upon bee- keeping of the Glamorgan Technical In- struction Committee has had a crowded audience at Blackmill-a small village at the junction of the greater and lesser Ogmore rivers. In spite of the great, number of collieries established in these two valleys, this village has preserved its rural character to this day, where every cottager has his plot of garden and every garden its beehive. Well do I remember the old come to the battle" sound of bee-owners when the time for slaughter- ing the busy hafeey-gatherers came. The hills around literally resounded with the noises made by beating frying-pans with, say, a large gravy spoon, and the chal- lenge was never shirked by the hive- dwellers. Fortunately, such obsolete methods are now superseded. The honey "gathered every day from every open flower" can be extracted from the hives without injuring one of their industrious inhabitants. It was at the honey harvest time I have just described the old Welsh drink "mead" was prepared, when every bee-owner invited his neighbours to make merry with him, every guest, how- ever, paying for his own "meud" or "mead." Occasionally, however, drinks more spirituous than mead came to be distributed at these one-time innocent gatherings, so that the attention of the Inland Revenue authorities was attracted to them, and mead parties had to be abandoned through heavy fines being imposed by unpoetic magistrates, who loved foreign wines rather than the homely mead.