Evening Express

Passin g Pleasantries. I QGlTE SUPERFLUOUS. A man w? about to !<?ve for America, And his fnr'Hb wen at I?iverpoo) to see biui off. When the time for good-byes came, an old chum -uook hL I and and hfarmy Wished him Bon voyage." Yea." said a young lady sweetly, "and 7tt,i.v T be pemitted to add, 'A pleaisarut journey also' A QUEST rONABLE TRIFM I'H. Acr-used of stealing three fowls, a labourer proterst-d his innocence, and cross-examined Irs accuser. You say you saw me there?" he asked indignantly. "Y 68, I did." "Who was with me. t-heii?" "I only saw yon." "Weil. then, I had a ring with me!" said the prisoner in a triumphant voice. SOAP AND SALAD. I tjae or tnose cnarmmg little wives who. I like David Cop-perfield's Dora, know very little about the culinary art w, i.~ desirous of impressing her husband with what she thought were her domestic abiLit-Las. Knowing be was fond of salad, she promised him a delicioue one when he came home to dinner, late, in the bpe of the willing but dila;tory servant, was the little wife's undoing. Tho cold meat appeared, but no salad. After waiting a few momenta she left the table and called from the open dining-room door to Mary in the kitchen. "Do be quick. Mary! What? Haven't v. ashed the lettuce yet? Well, never mind. I'H oome and do it. Where did you put the seap?" And now she wonder? why her husband laughed so immoderately, and why lie said "No thanks, darling!" to the salad she her- self prepared.

¡ When Baking at Home, Brow-n Poison's 1 raising powder < "Paisley flour" (Trade Mark) j will save you time and money. Quick and '| jj easy working; fewer eggs I and less butter required. Reslt.- Light, digestible dainties, that please the most critical palate. ]

STORY FOR TO-DAY.! Wanted: A House. I The Smiths had "found a house" at last. It was about a month ago that Mrs. Willie Smith and her mother, Mrs. Miranda Brown, made up their minds that the business por- tion of the city failed to furnish society select enough to suit their exalted tastes, and they informed Willie be must prepare to move to the East-end. Now, Willie is sup- posed to be at the head of the Smith house- hold, but he isn't by a Sixth Ward majority. When his Birdie and her maternal ancestor decide on any subject, Willie can generally be depended upon as sharing their views, no matter what his stand on the proposition may have been. So, in spite of the fact that Willie had always a deep aversion to the East End, he at onoe expressed a desire to become a. taxpayer, and the ladies were told to go ahead, but to avoid compelling Willie to borrow the money to pay the rent. It was one of the cold. raw days during the first week in March that Birdie Smith and her mother started house hunting. The day was enough to keep an inhabitant of British Columbia clj? to the fire, but the ladies pushed out in the storm and were full of enthusiasm when Willie went home to dinner. They had found "the dearest love of a. house" that mortal architect had ever con- ceived. It was on one ef the good streets of the East End surrounded by the palaces of iron, oil, and glass kings, and they had the refusal of the place until the next after- noon. They decided that Willie had better go up with them and yee it, so Willie agreed. although he thought it a mere formality, as such a little gem of a house would just suit him. "There. Willie, jnst look at that elegant little home," said Birdie, as the trio reached a little olive g-reen sha.nty, with pink case- ments and eolid black shutters hidden away between two immense castles until it looked like a, doll-house. "Isn't that a perfect dar- ling?" Willie's wife's judgment on houses fell down below zero at once, but he mumbled something about looking at it before decid- ing, and rang the bell. After looking at the three small rooms downstairs, they went above, and poked around the two small bed- rooms there. 'Of course," chirruped Birdie, "you'll have to get along without your den if we move here, but I knew you'd be willing to do that, as the house suits us in every other way." 'Oh, yæ." said Willi. "and I'd be per- fectly willing to sleep on the roof or under the hack steps whenever we have visitors. That s so," interrupted Birdie. "I never thought of that. When Violet and George come over to visit us next Sunday we wouldn't have room enough." laab ended the "dearest love of a home," and the next day Willie went down to the office, leaving Birdie and her mother reading their lists of houses to rent." When Willie came home that evening he found that both wife and mother-in-law had decided that trfev didn't want to move. They had tramped 29* miles through the streets, and their houæ-ohunting ardour was damped considerably. AS rsiraie was going to the stare next morn- ing to get seme milk, bread, and vinegar, one of the neighbour's children hit Birdie's best hat with a snowball, and knocked it out oi shape. That settled the question once m-ro. and Birdie decided that she would not live in such a horrid place any longer. WilHe a.te dinner alone that day. Birdie and iu r mother, so the hired girl told him. were house hunting, a,ud when he reached home 1a.te tllat night they were both waiting for him. ?'e found .iut what we want." p.i:d Birdie. "It'" a little large, and maybe the rent is more tha-n we can afford to I-iay- forty-five dollars a month, but there's another house next door that'll do! if we don't want that one." T think," said Birdie's mother, "that 45 dol.ars is more than we ought to pay. Tlio other house for 37 dollars 50 cents, is plenty large enough, and would suit us very well." But. oh, Wiilie! interrupted Birdie, "the etained-gla.se windows, and the lovely hall w th the hardwood finishing-I know you'd want the place. The bathroom hasn't any window in it at all, and the bedrooms and dining-room are very daiK, so you wouldn't like them, because you want plenty of light to work by. And, then, there's such a nice little room off the back parlour that would make just such a library ad you've always said you wanted. I know you won t be suited with the place at aP." 1. But. then, if we took it." the mother-in- Jaw broke in, you'd have to buy about 250 yards of carpet, and we'd have a bigbme oa our hands that we wouldn't have a, bit of ,.is-: and as for the bedrooms being dark, Birdie, you must remember that it was pretty late when we went there: and what doe-e. anyone want with a house with a window in the bathroom?" "I think that's the very piacd for us. Willie could use one of the upstairs rooma for a den. Of course, the hardwcod stairs and stained glass windows are very nice, but we could gft along without them." But you've forgotten about tho cimall kitchen and the basement that nobody oouid ever get the ccal into without carrying it half a mile. Why, you'll fall in love with it as soon you see it. And the electric bolls and stationary wash-tubs! I'd rather pay a few dollars more and have a home where we won t be ashamed to receive our friends when they call." Why. mother, just think of coming right into the sitting-room from the street, and going through the parlour every time you want to go upstairs. But that china closct is what I like most about the house. Its one of the nicest places in the city, and I believe ^say!" 'A illie at last managed to get in, if you II excuse me a moment rJI go out and bathe my aching brow. I haven't the faintest idea of what .volJ've been talking a'oout; I don't kti),w wbethor the forty-five dollar house has stained glass stairs and hardwood windows, or whether the thirty- five dollar 1, ,-w electr'c v/as'h-tubs and stationary bells, or anytihing about it at all." A rupture ttle,71 took place in the Smith famuly. and it was not. until the next nof-n that domestic peace again reigned. Willie then found that both the house,- talked of on the previous pveni-ng wer" rented, and that he was to blame because Birdie and h-r mother had not decided. which one they wanted to rent. The pair had put in, the entire day tramping around looking at houses, and they were both ready to go to bed. They were, in fact, "so tired." During the afternoon they bad consulted an agent who had just the house they wanted. Itha.d a fine location, all the modern convenience, and the rent was very rea^ouable: in short, it wa.4 iiist the house they had been looking for from the first. Birdie and Birdie's mother had not gone to look at the house, .as they proposed to wait and bare Willie go with them. When they reached the street in which the house was located, they found that the number given them did uot correspond with that of a, fine new dwelling that frowned down on the more humble houses in that neighbourhood. When they finally found the house, described by the agent as One of the best houses m the city." their ardour suddenly chilled and I then froze up completely. A strong odour of cabbage and codfish greeted them as they entered, and Willie startled all by falling over a roll of carpct lying just inside the front door. A hasty survey of the house was enough to convince t'hpm t-b-a tie agent's idea of a perfect house Was at variance with their own, and then they tramped wearily homeward, there to dream of mansions beyond the kies. Just a week after the Smiths decided to move, a day dawned clear a.nd cold. The breezy winds, direct from the North Pole, caught a strangling hold on one's ears and cose and held on until it had gained a fall. A.s Birdie Smith and her mother left the twenty-seventh house vis-ited that afternoon, tne tired young wife said "darn" three separate times, and the old lady threw up her hands in holy horror, fearing that the I just wrath of heaven should fall on them as they hurried over the icy side-walk to catch the car for home. Of course, they were jnst in time to miss it. and then !.r6. Miranda Brown gave vent to her pent-up feelings in shocking language. The old Jady had always been a I;od woman and a church member, but. there was a. limit to even her patience. Wheal Willie reached home the great., big tears were piayiug Ltg on little Birdie's frosted cheeks, and her mother looked fa.r too old for her year- Wiilie Smith is a most sympathetic man, but he has a sort of hysterical affliction that makes him laugh when b sees others in pain. Not that he enjoys the sufferings of his fellow-beings for he feefis jtuJt as badly as if he bad mingted bis tears with theirs. But nobody ever gives him any credit for this latter trait ¡ "Why-ha, ha. ha! My dear little^-ha, ha, ae!—Rmti«. wh-hat-be, he!-wha.t/ rou fwote. shAJt up," his little wife oried. n-no more gym-sym- pathy LhatL—boo-hoo-hoo-o-o-a* Willie ti-ied to put his P,.rm 41kound her aind -ipe awivy her tears, but siw; gave him a pivot swipe that made him t-hork he was theI Lick telescope out discovering? new D-laneia. Then he tried to console his mother-in-law, < but she coldly addressed him as "William," so he made a sneak to his den and consoled himself with sundry cigarettes. As he sa-t there, filling the air with smoke, Ac., Willie declared to himself that he would go out on the following day and find a house. but he knew not how little weight his words possessed on the gigantic size of his self- impcKed task. Willie was working in a. newspiaper office, but he managed to g,-t a vacation Lor one consecutive day only, and later had it 4:: x- tended to three. At t.he end of that time Willie Smith was a mere shadow of his former self, and there was a wild, hunted look in his eyes that filled Birdie and her mother with dark fore- boding*. Willie said nothing on returning from his last day's hunt, but it was easy for the tired women (who had been out house hunting themselves) to see that he thought a great deal. Next morning, as he v.as about to leave for the office of the Daily Sweeper." Birdie coyly put her arms around his neck and asked if ho had found a. house. Then it was that Willie Smith forgot that he had been brought up in the ways of righteousness. He swore a blue streak, and declared that he didn't want a house; that he wouldn't move into the blankest best bktnk house in Pittsburg, even if he were paid for it, and he never wanted the subject mentioned again in his hearing. A hard day's work, editing amateur stories, and poetry, cooled him off somewhat, how- ever, and that evening he agreed with the ladies that they had better take the house they had first looked at. He. for ope, was perfectly willing to put up with a few slight inconveniences, and a folding bed in the parlour would help out when Violet and George and others came to make a visit. Having decided the question, he went ont and informed his landlord of his intentions, and then went to secure' the little gem that had pleased Birdie and her mother so much. When he got there he found that the little gem had been rented about half an hour before. So Willie Smith cursed his luck all the way home, and tnen blasted his eye^ for not taking the house when he went to see it the first time. Now that it was out of reach he could see that it was the biggest bargain ever offered him. But his cnp of bitterness was not yet full and running over, for both Birdie and her mother were ready with their I told you EO." and after they bad declared once and for all that they wouldn't move, he hurried to his landlord only to find that the house in which he was living had beeu rented. I sincerely trust that you are supremely happy." sobbed Birdie, as they gathered around the fire that night, and all were shaking with the cold. "You'll probably laugh until your .sides will split when you see us all turned out in the street." And then Willie's mother-in-law shed a few tears and reminded him that he had never been able to let well enough alone. Thus the evening was spent in crimina- tions and recriminations, and after a night of dreaming the most horrible dreams about being fired out of his home, barefooted and forced to tramp through the snow and sleet, sans money, san3 friends, Willie arose pale and haggard. But ere the minute hand of the clock ha.d trotted round the regula,tion track three times he bad secured a home. It was not, it is true, large or as well furnished as the one they were to vacate, and the rent was ten dollars more a month, but what of that? Birdie and her mother were to have the fun of moving, and that was enough. He flattered himself tha.t he had reached that condition when any sane man knows when he has bad enough of anything, and a Birdie said she didn't like the new house, he politely, but firmly, informed her that he was going there to live, and if he didu t care to come she had his permission to remain with her mother. Birdie says that ever since Willie has had the grip he is not at all like what he used to b e.

I LOCAL AMUSEMENTS. I THE EMPIRES. I CARDIFF. I A great magician arrives at the Cardiff I' Empire next week from the London Coliseum. He is Chung [,:Ln,- He, of the Onu Button iR4D.v,ii Chinese Sorcerer." Chung Ling Soo is I a ta.U and powerfully-built man, with most ¡ extraordinary hands. He is the possessor of a gorgeous palanquin, whioh cost the Chinese equivalent of 1.000 guineas. It was presented to him by the late Dowager-Empress of China, and is constructed of solid ebony, inlaid with gold and precious stones. The panels have thousands of solid gold sequins, and the carved roof is lined with beaten copper polished to mirror brightness. The robes of Soo's ancestors, which he always carries with bim, consist of forty or more separate objects and fifteen cases of similar exhibits. The robes are wonderful garments, none of which cost less than £4D. The whole collection is insured for £ 4,000. Other popular artistes will be found in the same programme, including Carrie Lawrie's Kindergarten, with its juvenile geniuses; the O'Letvrys, Oriental acrobats, who come straight from the London Coliseum; the Pax- ton Trio, skilled exponents of high-class gym- nastics; the Maria-no Sisters, in an exhibition on the breakaway trapeze; Terry and Lam- bert, in scenes taken from real life; the Dumond Minstrels, Parisian street singers and instrumentalists; and the Edgar Forrest Sketch Combination in a merry trifle. NEWPORT. One of the most important items on next week's bill at the Newport Empire is a humo- rous fantasia thrown on the screen by the bioscope. This represents a. motoring tour of King Leopold of Belgium from Paris to Monte Carlo, and depicts the ups and downs that Monarch had to encounter before he reached his destination. On the same bill are Amann and Hartley in their comedy sketch, The Naughty Pio- fes.or Mr. and Mrs. Harold Finden, in "A Husband's Revenge"; Stewart and Mor- gan, who introduce Irish melodies; Fyne and Hurley, in "The Coster and the Dude": Drawee, Frieco, and Hambo, a "trio" of comedy jugglers; the Bohemians, musical 1 comedians; W. H. Downs, the coloured singer; a,nd the Sisters Bellatzer, five beautiful women, in a unique act on the trapeze. LYCEUM THEATRE, NEWPORT, Next week will be noteworthy because -of! the first visit to Newport, of Mr. Bourchier's company in Mr. Alfred Sutro's successful play. "The Walls of Jericho," under the direc- tion of Mr. Stilva.nus Dauncey and Mr. M. V. Leveaax, and crowded houses should be the rule throughout the engagement. The Walls of Jericho." produced in Ociober, 1904, ran successfully for 423 performances at tho Garriek and Shaftesbury Theatres, which is i sufficient proof of its drawing power. It 19 a fascinating production, appealing to all who appreciate pungent satire, delightful humour, and touching pathos. Mr. Bourcbier has an exceptionally powerful company, who render full justice to the merits of the piece. Mist, Florence Jackson, who appeared at the Garrick wit.ii Mr. Bourchier in Brother Officers. sustains the leading part of "lady Alethea Probisher"; Mr. George A. Bran dram, son of the celebrated Shakspearian reciter, plays "Hankey Bannister." and Mr. Arthur Bourchier s part of Jack Frobisher" is played by Mr. Herbert Buneton. GRAND THEATRE. SWANSEA. The playgoers of Swansea will again welcome these two famous players at the Grand Theatre next week. The repertoire will consist of three plays—" Dick Hope," "The Housekeeper," and "The Ironmaster." The latter play. it will be remembered, is Mr. Arthur IVing Pinero's adaptation of "Le Maitre des Forges," M. Georges Ohnet's dramatic masterpiece. Mr. Brooks has secured an equally brilliant attraction for the three remaining nights of next week. via., the great oomedian. Weedon Grossmith, and his full West End London company, who will produce "My Cousin Marco" at Swansea pre- paratory to opening in Ixmdon for a Reason in the West End with the same piece and the same company. The appeal the manager ma,l;es in our advertising columns with regard to his endeavours to bring the standard of dramatic art in Swansea up to a high pitch should not be disregarded.

CRICKET. MEETING OF THE BAEGOED CLUB. At the annual meeting of the Bargoed Cricket Clui) Mr. J. D. Jones was appointed captain, Mr. Percy Howard vice-cap- tain. Mr. Fred Morgan treasurer, and Mr. James Tyrer secretary. Several good fixtures have been arranged. The Thursday club also have some good fixtures, and have appointed Mr. D. Da vies (Aberbargoedl cap- tain and Mr. Arthur Wearer secretary. a BLACKWOOD CLUB. At the annual meeting tne chair was taken by Mr. John Coleman. The balance-sheet wad presemted by Messrs. L. Lewis and H. Tucker, secretary and t-retbtlrer. The receipts amounted to £ 64 1ft?., and the expenditure to .£1 more. The account was accepted as satis- factory. Mr. Sidney Godwin was re-elated president, and Mtj=srs. L. Levis' ♦>:d H. Tucker were re-elected secretary and trea- surer respectively. M.C.C. TEAM IN SOUTH AFRICA. The M.C.C. team began a match against Fifteen of Port Elizabeth on Friday. The weather was hot, the attendance large, and the pitch 6i"endid. The home team were dis- missed for 72, Kaigh taking eight wickets for 14 runs. The M.C.C. had lost one wicket for 42 runs when stumps were drawn.—Press Asso- oiation foreign Special.

"BKTTKR BE SURE THAN SOllBY." When you ask for England's Glory Matches be sum you get thnm. They are the bert-made matchea la the world. Chmp and nMty" fOrOigm-modo matob" Me but I I., ."iT}' IUbsUh1.Ø; murh more 8IQ8Gâq, to?. I [ Baxlaad't G.KaS.ch WMit?-GteMMt?. ?nn t

LATE TOM STEPHENS! HIS ORPHAN CHILDREN, Pressing Appeal for Funds. A meeting called for the purpose of raising funds towards the support of the family of the late Mr. Tom Stephens was held at, Pontypridd or Friday. There was a repre- sentative attendance. On the motion of his Honour Judge Gwilym I Williams. Alderman E. H. Da-vies, J.P., Pentre, was voted to the chair. The attend- ance also included the Rev. J. Jenkins tricar of Llantwit); Messrs. D. Evans (Eos Dar), Alardy; T. R.. Gr;Mtli4 Mardy; T. R. Griffiths. Capital and Counties* Bank. Pontypridd; J. James, Aberdare; and Percie G. Smith (sub-conductor of the Rhondda Royal Glee Society). On the motion of Alderman E. H. Davies, Judge Gwilym Williams was appointed presi- dent.—fli-i Honour, in accepting the post, remarked that he had so many duties to per- form that it would be well to have a workintt chairman—Upon Judge Williams's motion Aldermaji E. H. Davies was appointed as his deputy.—The Rev. J. Jenkins, who had acted as treasurer of the fund raised for the pur- pose of presenting a testimonial to the late musical conductor, was appointed treasurer, and Mr. D. Evans (Eos Dar) secretary. An influential general committee was appointed of prominent people from all parts of the Rhondda, Aberdare, and Merihyr I Valleys, Pontypridd, Caerphilly, Ac., it being understood that this committee would DC convened at an early date to elect a work- ing sub-committee. Local committees were also appointed for Pontypridd. Ynys.ybwl, Car- diff, Aberdare. Merthyr, Mountain Ash, Ystrad, Tylorstown, Trealaw, Cymmer, Porth, Treorky, Ton Pentre, Ferndale. Mardy, Llan- twit Fardre, Llantrisant, Aberrynon, Caer- philly. Ac. In reply to the judge, it was stated that the deceased's family oonsisted of five chil- dren—three daughters, aged 23, 20, and 6, and two boys, aged 16 and 10. It wa.s fur- ther stated that the second daughter was in very delicate health. Judge William., who spoke with consider- able emotion, made a pressing appeal that interest in the matter should not be allowed to languish. It was, he said, characteristic of the Welsh that they always took up matters entbusiasticaJly at the start, but subsequently the enthusiasm was allowed to evaporate. let it not, however, be said of them, now that a sacred duty devolved upon them to look after the family of Tom Stephens, that tacy had been guilty of apathy or neglect. This was a matter of great urgency, and, in order to save the home, immediate and effective action should be taken. At his honour's suggestion an emergency committee, consisting of -Air. Jamas (solici- tor, Cardiff), Mr. E. T. Davies, and himself, was appointed to act with the treasurer. The Rev. J. Jenkins reported that there was at present a balance in hand of L14 1s. 6d.

AMATEUR THEATRICALS. CARDIFF OPERATIC SOCIETY'S REHEARSALS. FINE PERFORMANCES EXPECTED NEXT WEEK. The annual performances of the Cardiff Operatic Society at the Theatre Royal are always most interesting. During its career the society has done much for charitable objects in the town, but this year it departs from charity. in the word's ordinary sense, and will devote the proceeds cf the three per- formances on Monday, Tuesday, and Wed- nesday next to the Welfh War Memorial Fund. This is certain to be one of the most attractive entertainments organised for this object, and it will, no doubt, result in a very appreciable augmentation of the grow- ing sum which is eventually to be expended in this worthy cause. The opera which has been selected for presentation this year is The Mikado," and playgoers will have pleasant, recollections of the excellent per- formance of this piece which the society gave two years ago. The fact that the male portion of the cast is identical with that which then appeared will to a very large degTee ensure the success of this revival, for while the players have gained valuable experience in the intervening time their familiarity with their parts will enable them to devote so much more attention to those finishing touches to their performances which mean so much to the quality of the production. It is to the credit of the society that during the five years of its existence no less tha.n five of its lakly members have obtained positions in Mr. George Edwardes" and other companies, and this fact neoessi- tates changes in the cost of two years ago. Further. Miss Alma Griffiths is prevented from appearing by the recent bereavement in her family, and her absence will be much regretted by the Theatre Royal audience, with whom she has always been a favourite. Miss Maya, Finucane, who last year played "Tessa" in "The Gondoliers," will succeed Miss Jeanuie Ellis as "Yum-Yum." This young artiste has shown a. remarkable improvement since then, both in singing and acting, and her performance this year is likely to be a very a-greeable surprise to many who have interested themselves in the doing-s of the society. Miss Sallie Work will follow Miss Isabel Powell as "Pitti Sing," and Miss Irene Rees. who is well-known as a member of Mr. Harry Q.iinuingborongh's concert party, will take Miss Alma Griffith^ role of Peep-bo." Instead of Aiss Mary Poweli we shall see Mrs. T. Snead Davies, who last year played the "Duchess of Plazza- taro," appearing as "Katisha." Mr. E. H. Davies will be "The Mikado," Mr. Fred Jones II "Nanki-poo." Mr. Trefor D,,ivi,s "K<)-Ko," Mr. W. Kittow Pooh Bah," Mr. Tom PTichard "Pish-Tu?h," and Mr. Harrv Williams "Go- To." Another successful full ba.nd rehearsal was held at the Theatre Royal on Friday after- noon. when the performance gave promise of a most remarkable success. The choral work was capital, both 'n point of singing and training. Tho chorus entered into their business with that degree of verve of entbu- siasm which wp have been accustomed to associate with the performances of the Car- d'ff Operatic Society, and the freshness of the voices forms not the least attractive part of a splendid production. The princi- pa.Is work with a swing and to perfection, and when it is considered tYÍat there are still several rehearsals to be held we may confidently predict, a most successful perfor- mance. Mr. A. E. I.iedtke, the stage manager, and the coiKluctor, Mr. J. H. Deacon, are thoroughly satisfied with the progress made with the opera, and are confident that the results will be most, gratifying. The bookings are going very well, and intending patrons are f.dvised to book their fleats as early a6 jvossib'e. A plan may be seen and tickets obtained at the box office at the Theatre Royal, and tickets may also I be obtained from Mr. Harry Williams, the secretary, and Mr. Fred Jones, the business manager.

MR. DANIEL EVANS' AFFAIRS I HIS BANKRUPTCY EXAMINATIONI CLOSED. The adjourned public examination of Mr. Daniel Evans, soliokor, Brecon, was held on Friday ibefore Mr. Registrar Lewis) at Mer. thyr Bankruptcy-court. There were present Mr. W. L. Daniel, official receiver; Mr. R. T. Leyson. solicitor to Mr. J. Plews, barrister- at-la.w, the trustee of the estate, who was also in attendance; and Mr. W. W. Meredith solicitor to the debtor. Mr. Leyson examined the debtor first of all with reference to his dealings with Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Evans declared that. although a certain deed dated the 11th of June, 1901, purported to show that he received from Mr. Rogers £ 1,300. he did not. as a matter of fact, receive a penny. He was also questioned upon a deed relating to an annuity to Miss Morgan, of Brecon, and was' afterwards oalied upon to explain certain items which he returned in his statement of affairs as due on taxation of costs. Mr. Meredith took the debtor through a brief examination to clear up various points, and the examination was then closed.

CAERPHILLY ANNUAL EISTEDDFOD The programme has now been published of the annual eisteddfod to be held at Caer- philly Castle next Whit-Monday, June 4. The subject of the poem is "Ivor Ha-el, the patron of Dafydd ap Gwilym," aud of the englyn, "Y Ddraig Croch" ("The Red Dragon"). Fifty pounds is offered to the victorious choir H the chief competition, the test piece being, "H,til, Bright Abode" (Wagner); £ 30 to the best male voice party, the test piece being, "On the Ramparts"; and £ 15 to the best juvenile choir, the test piece being. "Come away, elves." The progra,mme consists of a large number of solos, vocal and instrumen- tal. t brass btind competition, and recita- tions. in Welsh and English. The president will be the Lord Mayor of Cardiff; the adju- dicators-poetry, Mr. Eilir Evans; music, Mr. David Evans, Mus.Bax> Cardiff, and Mr. Hadley Watkins, Brecon; brass bands, Mr. Tom Morgan, London; and recitations, 8i1iT and Mr. J. F. Morris, Higher Grade School, Cardiff; and the cooduotor. Mr. Edward Both, OMorpbillv. i i

THE SIRHOWY COAL. RAILWAY COMPETITION. Statement by Chairman of L. & N.W.R. The half-yearly ordinary meeting of the London and North Western Railway Com- pany was held at En.-ton Station on Friday, Lord Stalbridge presiding. In their report the directors stated that the receipts amounted to L7,816,352 for the half-year, and the working expenses to £ 4,824,161. The amount available for dividend was £ 2,463,862, and the dividends recom- mended were at the rate of 4 per cent. on all stock except the consolidated, upon which the rate was 71 per cent. (against 6,11 per cent. for the corresponding half of last year). The company was applying to Parliament for power to make new lines in Flintshire, Den- bighshire. Monmouthshire, and Glamorgan, and were applying to the Light Railway Commissioners for power to make a light railway from Dyserth to Newmarket, in Flintshire. During the past half-year an addition of 45 chains had been made in the length of the company's lines at Brynmawr and the Western Valleys. The engineer's report showed that the branch railway at Brynmawr (constructed jointly with the Great Western Company) was brought into use for goods and coal trains on the 1st of August la.-yt, and would be opened for pas- senger traffic upon the completion of addi- tions now in hand at Nantyglo Station. In moving the adoption of the report, the Chairman ¿'l that an increase of £ 243,225 in the receipts and of only £70,934 in the working expenses was a matter upon which they might feel satisfied. There had been a great increasa again in the amount paid for local taxes, due entirely to increased poundage. The company paid the huge total of £ 599,722, all of which was borne by the holders of the consolidated stock, and meant a difference in their dividend of 4s. 6Jd. in the £ against 2s. 6d. ten years ago, and Is. 9d. twenty years ago. Referring to the new Bills to be promoted by the company, the chair- man sail that the company already owned the only railway which runs down the Sirhowy Valley, in which considerable developments in the working of coal a,re taking place. This has led to considerable activity in the promotion of "tines for affording additional communication between the Sirhowy Valley and the seaboard and the improvement of the communications within the valley itself. There were r.o leea than three sets of pro- moters who will compete with this company for the privilege of assisting in the develop- ment of the mineral resources of the valley, which shows that there are good grounds for the belief that the valley is well worth the proposed expenditure for better railway facilities. Although their determination was as strong as ever to confine further capital expenditure within the strictest limits, th2 directors were satisfied that in this case the company's interests could only be effectually safeguarded by themselves pro- viding the further railways required by the developmeont8 be had mentioned, and as they were already in the valley they were the natural people to be allowed to do so. He added in connection with this part of the system that there was not th,e slightest foundation for the statements which had appeared in the press that the company l were ooueidering with the Great Western Company the acquisition of the Rhymney Railway. The suggestions which had been made in the district that the London and North Western Company did not intend to construct the new railways if they succeeded i.n obtaining powers were also without foun- dation. The report was adopted, and the dividends recommended agreed to. Lord Stalbridge, Sir Thomas Brooke, Bart., Mr. Alfred Fletcher, and Colonel the Hon. A. R. M. Lockwood, C.V.O., M.P., were re- elected as directors.

MIDLAND RAILWAY. WORKING ARRANGEMENT TO AVOID COMPETITION. The half-yearly meeting of the Midland Railway Company was held at Derby on Fri- day. Sir Ernfvst Paget, who presided, said the Charing Cross accident had created some- thing of a scare. St. Pancras was their only station with a roof of great magnitude, of which they were proud a.s a triumph of engineering skiil, but as a. railway station from an eoonomical point of view it was an utter abomination, and incapable of lateral extension. The pattern was to be avoided, but its stability was all that could be desired. There was one structure in steel in which th-ey were greatly interested, viz., the Forth Bridge, and the recent report of Sir Benjamin Baker was perfectly satisfactory. He was glad to say they had come to a satisfactory arrangement with the London and North Western Company with a view to more econo- mical working among competing companiee. which would be mutually advantageous. He had noticed that the Stock Exchange were disappointed that the dividend was only in- creased i per cent., but they had followed their custom of equalising the dividends as much as possible, and he regarded this report as the best he had ever presented.

TAFF VALE ASESMENT. THE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS IN LONDON. Proceedings in the arbitration court appointed to deal with the Tag Vale Rail- way Company's appeal against the assees- meoit of their property by the assessment committee of the Cardiff Union were con- tinued on Friday, before Mr. Walter C. Ryde, K.C. Evidence for the respondents was continued by Mr. Lionel D. Wells, civil consulting engi- neer, of Manchester, who spoke of the main- tenance, renewal, and repair of main lines and sidings and the apportionment of these matters on the company's lines at Radyr. Mr. Allison Smith, ruilway mechanical engineer, of London, gave the results of his inspection of locomotives belonging to the •talf Vale Railway and his valuation of them. The inspection in question was made on Thursday. Mr. Allison StnifTt was under cross-examination when the court again adjourned till to-day (Saturday). It was stated that the arbitration would probably finish on Monday, on which day the case respecting the Pen art h Dock would be gone into. Up to the present the arbitra- I tor has dealt with the Radyr sidings.

MARRIED LIFE'S EXPENSES. I JUDGE OWEN AND A DEBTOR AT EWPORT. Judge Owen. presiding at Newport County- court on Friday, proceeded to examine the pofsibilities of about 50 judgment debtors to pay on the orders made against them. The! examination was all the more critical and searching because there was ten days, eus- pended for fourteen" in terrorem. The earliest case was one in which a judg- ment creditor, represented by Mr. Lyndon Moore, wanted to recover on an amount which had present limitations of 8s., but which was understood to be more substantial. The mother of the debtor appeared, and told the court that her son was newly J married, had a baby ill, and wa? at great expenses. eX:B:nour: The expenses of new-married men arc not so great as those of old mar- ried men, as some of us (with a meaning smile) find out. The Mother: He has been married two years. His Honour: He earns 50s. a week. I must have regard to what the man is earning. Ten days, suspended for fourteen.

MR. W. WILKINS LEAVES FOR LONDON. The town of Llanelly is the loser by the departure of Mr. W. Wilkins, who this week takes up his residence in London. Mr. Wilkitfl is a native of the town, and during recent years h.al> oooupied a prominent position in its public life. He has filled the chair of the urban council and harbour trust, &nd is at present chairman of the main road8 committee of the c&unty c? cu. He was one of the pioneers of football in South Wales, and for ye?rs acted as trea?urea" of the Wel?h Football Union. Upon his retäre-I mcnt from tha? position he was preserited with a, testimonial valued at £ 150. In his professional capacity Mr. Wilkins has been closely connected with the anthracite coal trade, and up to within the Last few months I' he was the suoce^ful manager of the Pont- henry Colliery. H's numerous friends in South Wales will wish Mr. Wilkins every success in the Metropolis.

BARRY EVENING CLASSES. At a meeting of the Barry Evening Classes Committee on Friday evening, the Rev. Ben. Evans (chairman) presiding, it was reported by the Clerk (Mr. R. T. Rees) that there was a falling off in the attendance at the even- ing continuation classes, w.bicb was attri- buted hy the teachers to the general election. The average attendance at the technical classes in January was 559, whilst at the I continuation classes It was 290.

At Cardiff Workhouse on Friday night an I enjoyable entertainment was given, organised by the Rev. D. Marks, Ohuroh of England ohaplaini and Mr. 3totran, organist.

CARMARTHEN POLICE I SUGGESTED AMALGAMATION WITH COUNTY. Remarkable Allegations. I The Carmarthen Town Council held a special meeting on Friday to consider the proposal made to amalgamate the borough and the county police forces. The Town-clerk (Mr. R. M. Thomas) now presented an exhaustive statement. He sug- gested that, if the town council thought amalgamation desirable, the terms for which they should stipulate were M folIow:- (1) An annual contribution to the county of £40:1, (2) Transfer to the county the capital of the Borough Pension Fund, the County Pension Fund to bear all existing and future pensions with the exception of those named in the next article. (3) The superintendent, the senior ser- geant, and one constable to be pensioned at the expense of the borough. (4) The rest of the borough police force to be taken over by the county at rates of pay not lower than they receive at present, (5) The county to undertake to assign a force of not less than eight for duty in the borough, and to be stationed therein. (6) This force to undertake fire brigade I duty, and one of their officers to be captain of the brigade, all expenses connected with such duties to be borne by the borough. I Mr. Walter Lloyd stated that in the face of the town-clerk's statement they had better let well alone and look after their own police. j If they amalgamated the cost to the borough under the Weights and Measures Act might be from £ 25 to £ 50 a year, instead of £ 5 at present; and the management of the fire brigade, which cost very little now, would make a, difference. He, therefore, moved that for the present they should not amalga- mate. Mr. H. Brunei White, in seconding, stated that the amalgamation might be merely the thin edge of the wedge. It might lead to the transference of the assizes to Llanelly, which Llanelly much desired. Mr. Treharne, in supporting, said that, according to what the county authorities had stated, it was evident tha.t the borough could maintain their police at L150 less than the county could. Mr. Joseph Harry asked whether amal- gamation would effect the borough bench of magistrates. The Town-clerk gave a negative reply. Mr. Harry asked whether the council had any power to reduce the numerical strength of their local police force. The Town-clerk again replied in the nega- tive, and added that if the reduction were made they would not get their certificate of efficiency. The amalgamation would not affect the holding of the borough quarter sessions. Mr. Harry said amalgamation would, doubt- loss, rosult sooner or later in a decrease of expense, and he contended that it would result in an increase of efficiency of the policing of the town. He was not satisfied with the watch committe as a controlling force, because it was subject to a variable composition, and it changed annually. In years gone by the members were gentlemen interested to a great extent in the liquor traffic. In years gone by its composition had been such as to render the administration of the licensing laws absolutely impossible. On the watch committee they had licence- holders. orewery agents, generous patrons of the liquor traffic, and even proprietors of licensed houses. Local influences would be, to some extent. eliminated by amalgama- tion; the personnel of the force would be periodically changed, and the morale of the police considerably improved. Instances had been known in that town when a new member entered the force of efforts being put forth to degrade that individual to the same level of uselessness as other members of the police. Instances, too, had been known when all the forces of local liquordom had beeu directed upon a fresh member of the force so as to dvench him through and through, body and soul, with objectionable stuffs. But he was very glad to say that, in very recent years matters had very consider- ably improved. He considered amalgamation would result in the total immunity of the police from petty persecutions. Instances had been known when family feuds between mem- bers of the watch committee and members of tbe police had reached the point of a family vendetta. Mr. Harry, proceeding, said that one of the greatest defects in the present system was the proverbial iner-tia of their borough bench, but the mayor (Mr. H. E. Blagdon Richards) and other members of the council interposed with strong remarks as to the matter being irregular. Mr. Harry, however, would contend that such inertia was discouragement to the police, and eventually the mayor ruled him out of order and con.fined him to the main issue. He then moved that the matter be made the subject of a referendum. Mr. Thomas Thomas agreed that the final decision should be left to the ratepayers, and he favoured the idea of a referendum. Mr. L. D. Thomas said he had come to the meeting prepared to vote agadnst %milg,%ma? tion, but he wa? now disposed to eeoond the amendment in favour of a referendum. Mr. David Samuel: In that case, we had better dissolve Parliament and all go before the ratepayers. (" Hear, hear," and laugh- ter.) The amendment in favour of a referendum was lost by fourteen votes to three, the motion against amalgamation being carried by fifteen votes to two.

YEOMANRY BALL. PLEASANT FUNCTION HELD AT CARDIFF. Following up the precedent of last year, the C (Monmouthshire) Squadron of the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, Imperial Yeomanry, held their annual ball at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday night, when there was an attendance of about 100. The room was tasre- fully draped for the occasion, and a banner prominently displayed called to mind the excellent pervice which the regiment rendered in the South African War. The richly- braided uniforms of the Hussars, the smart, grey dress of the Glamorgan Im- perial Yeomanry, and the bright costumes of the ladies, presented a charming picture The mosic was supplied by the regimental band, under the leadership of Mr. J. P. Hatton. of Cheltenham, and was thoroughly] appreciated by the dancers. Light refresh- ments were provided by the manager of the hotel Ofr. T. E. Smith) in an anti-chamber adjoining the assembly-room in which the ball was held. The stewards, nearly all of whom attended, were Major C. G. M. Adam (who comtuands the squadron). Lieutenant A. J. Palmer, Squadron-sergeant-major G. D. Thomas, Sergeants R. T. Duncan and J. E. Bowden, Corporals H. T. Armstrong and G. S. Hopkins. Lance-corporals J. h C. de Rees and A. J. R. Hooper, and Troopers F. G. Webb, J. Templet on, and A. W. Young. Among others present were Squadron-sergeant-major Whitehead, Sergeant-farrier J. H. Phillips, and a number of other non-commissioned officers of the squadron,. The Glamorgan Imperial Yeomanry were represented by Ser- geant Barge (Aberdare), Corporal Evans and Corporal Quinlan (C&rdifr), and others. Among the ge?neml pu.blic who accepted invi- tations were Colonel Henry Lewia (Green- meadow), Captain Lindsay, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Culley. Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Brook.?, Mr. and I Mrs. F. J. Oakley, and Mr. D. and ,,r Robertson. Although the .number was n?i quite so large a? last year, the ball was in other respects quite a success, and the hon. 'I secretaries, Squadronr-sergeamt-major White- head and Sergeant J. E. Bowden, deserve credit for the arrangements.

CWMPARC COLLIER'S RUSE. I PROMISED TO PAY WHEN HE I BECAME RICH. I'll pay you Christmas," and I'll pay you when I got rich," were the remarks made by Charles Taylor, collier, Cwmparc, to Mrs. Evans, greengrocer, Ton, from whom he received a loaf of bread, tomatoes. and corned beef; and to Mr. J. C. Jones, tobacconist, Ystmd, from whom he procured two ounces of toooo on Thursday night. The circumstances of the ruse adopted by Taylor to obtain the goods were detailed to the Pcntypridd justices on Friday. Enter- ing Mrs. Evans's shop he asked for the goods named. and when asked for payment. walked out hurriedly with the above-mentioned remarks. In the second case he did a similar thing. Taylor now wanted to say that he was in drink, and "that no man in his proper senses would do such a thing." Police-sergeant Baker was Responsible for the man's arrest, and sentence of six weeks' imprisonment was passed.

FOUR MONTHS ON HIS BACK. Mr. A Newton. of Foltham, writbs: Your pills have completely cured me, after four months on my back. HOLDROYD'S GRAVEL PILL8, a positive Cure for Gravel, Lumbago, Pains in the Bask, Dropey, Willd, Water Complaints, Kseaseo of the Kidneys, Gout. Sciatica, and Rheumatism. 1,. lid.. aU ebamisti. Poet free, 12 ttamp*, Boidtcyi'i iieileti «"U.~ClMklMton, Tecki. 8U87.

CARDIFF RATES. I AN INCREASE, IJ ESTIMATES ANTICIPATED. As the Corporation of Newport have seen I their, way to reduce the rates 5d. in the L, an Evening Express reporter sought an inter- view on Wednesday with Mr. F. J. Beavan, chairman of the Cardiff Corporation Finance Committee, and asked him whether he could see any prospect of Cardiff following suit. I cauuot see any such prospect," said Mr. Beavaai. All the estimates I have seen up to the present time are slightly in excess of those of twelve months ago. We shall have i to find money for the principal and interest Ion account Of the new loan. Of course, the interast paid to the bank for overdrafts has ceased. We shall get 2J per cent, on the money invested in Consols, and we are try- ing to get a little more from the bank in respect of money on deposit. This, however, will be much less than the amount we have to provide by way of sinking fund and inte- rest in respect of the new loan, which I cal- culate will be about 5J per cent. "The fact is to be noted, too, that we, unlike Newport, have no loans about maturing. The first loan which will mature in Cardiff will be cleared off in 1935, so that until then we can get no relief in that direc- tion. Newport, so I read in the papers, appear to work on the principle of keeping no balance in hand, whereas at Cardiff we make provision in advance to some extent. When the last rate was made we had something like £12,000 in hand—equal to M. in the C- but we thought it advisable to set that aside towards meeting the charges on the new loan, which would be due before the Septem- ber rate could be collected." In what way do you anticipate increased estimates?" There arc many small things which when added together amount to a considerable sum. The education authority is responsible for additions to salaries, some according to scale, and these cannot, of course, be repu- diated, but they amount to a respectable sum in the course of the year. There appears to be a disposition to increase what may be denominated large and important salaries. For instance, one sub-education committee has suggested the increase of the maximum of head teachers' salaries from L300 to E330, and if this be carried it must make a con- siderable difference between the new esti- ma.te and those of previous years. In my opinion all these matters should be more closely watched, or we shall have an addi- tional penny, twopenny, or threepenny rate before we dream that we have incurred half of it." "Docen't it strike you that high rates keep away important industries from towns?" "Yes, that may be so, but the rates in New- port are higher than in Cardiff, and Newport hae secured certain industries in recent years. It may be that their ratable value has increased, and that this has assisted them in making a reduction in the rates. Car- diff has had no such increase in assessments, and everybody must see that it is material that the rates should be kept as low as possible with the view of encouraging indus- trial undertakings to the town, because they will always settle down, other things being equal, in a place where land and rates are low. I am of opinion that our lighting oould be more cheaply done if we used incandes- cent gas-lamps or some ether system, and the money laid out in extensions at the elec- tric lighting works could then be saved." "Oannot you, as chairman of the finance committee, do something more to restrict the unnecessary expenditure of public money, such, for instance, as the appointment of a veterinary surgeon to devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office, when vets. in the town were prepared to discharge the duties for .£100 a year?" "I have said as much as I can eay against unnecessary expenditure. Whenever there has been a reasonable opportunity at the various council meetings I have brought these matters forward, and urged as Btrongly as I could that great care should be prac- tised by each committee in relation to its expenditure. I feel strongly that the com- mittees are much too independent of each other in this matter, and, as a whole, inde- pendent of the council, in the sense that the council pass their recommendations without sufficient consideration. I do not know what more I can do. Of course, it is too early yet to say what the estimates for the year ending March 31, 1907, will be, but I cannot think there will be any reduction in the rate."

LLANGIBBY HOUNDS. I A MEMORIAL TO THE POISONED DOGS. The hounds of the Llaugibby Hunt which were poisoned in the Brickyard Wood, Obrist- chureh, in November lost have not been allowed to go down unhonoured and unsung. They have been buried together in a common grave in a field occupied by Mr. Adams at the back of the Royal Oak Hotel, near Newport, and a day or two ago a simple, but eloquent, memorial to them was unveiled, in the presenoe of quite a large company. Appended is a re-production of the design:-

0: v1) 5 U1 II (ii Of l THE HOUNDS THAT WERE POISONED IN THE BRICKYARD WOOD CHRISTCHURCH N0V. 15" 1905 JK UNDER THE NOBLE ? MASTER. HOPTON WllLIAMSESQ M. F. H. II P WHOSt NAMES WBRC „ /j TlfAE.LV.' | ?? CRAFTY, m ?jM? O?tNTY. ? Mi 50NCSTRESS. 'ffi JNM ffl ?!? ????- !f ?f? W?TCH?AN. ?'? .\??  SE.fJ J I¡  v I I I ? \?(.?

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. FOXHOUNDS. MR. SEYMOUR ALLEN'S. Tuesday, Feb. 20, Coedcaailas 11. 0 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Amroth 11. 0 a.m. MR. CURRE'S. Monday. Feb. 19, Vedw Vawr 11. 0 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Model Farm 11. 6 a.m. CARMARTHENSHIRE. Tuesday, Feb. 20, Llanboidy, for Vron It. 0 am. Friday, Feb. 23, Green Castle 11. 0 a.m. GLAMORGAN. Monday. Feb. 19, St. Mary HiH. 11. 0 a.mm.' Wednesday, Feb. 21. Pendoylan. 11. 0 a..m? Friday. Feb. 23, Porthkerry Lodge. 11. 0 a.m. LLANGIBBY. Tuesday, Feb. 20. Sandiford, Usk. 11. 0 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Cat6ash 11. 0 a.m. LLANGEINOR. Tuesday, Feb. 20, Blackmill 10.30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Werntarw 10.30 a.m. MONMOUTHSHIRE. Monday, Feb. 19, Pandy 11. o a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, Raglwn 11. o a.m. PEMBROKESHIRE. Monday, Feb. 19, Rosepool 10.45 a.m Thursday, Feb. 22, Mote 10.45 am. PANTGLAS. Monday, Feb. 19, Llanfynydd 10.45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Glanniorlais Cross Roads 10.45 a.m. LORD TREDEGAR'S, Monday, Feb. 19, Henllys Court 11. 0 a.m. TIVY-SIDE. Monday, Feb. 19, Aberceri 10.45 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, Llandyssil Race- course 11.15 a.m. YSTRAD AND PENTYRCH. Tuesday, Feb. 20, Wain Miski.n. 11. 0 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, Black Cock. 11. 0 a.m. HARRIERS. BRECONSIIIRE. Wednesday, Feb. 21, Lkindefaelog Village 10.45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Upper Chapel 10.45 am Saturday, 08ICKHOWELI. 10.45 a. m Wednesday, Feb. 21. Llangymdr 11. 0 am Saturday, Feb. 24, Ownnnawr 11, 0 aim!

BILLIARDS." Closing sc()reb:- Stevenson. 7,501. Dawson. 7,355. Roberts, 7,501; Diggle, 5,726 Harverson, 7,834; Weiss. 6,725. Aiken, 6.834; Mitchell. 5 527

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A DEBTOR AND HIS WIFE. STATEMENTS BY A MUMBLES BUILDER. HOW A YOUNG MAN LOST HIS CAPITAL. Tlle monthly sitting of Swansea Bank- ruptcy-court took place on Friday (before Mr, Registrar Home). Re Richard W. Brayley, Mumbles, builder.— The debtor in this case had unsecured creditors for £1,001 5s. 9d., but claimed that the value of his securities over the claims of four secured creditors was S;2,612 10s., and that there was a surplus on his estate of £ 1,554 4s. 3d. An act of bankruptcy alleged was that he within three months before filing he conveyed to his wife a sum of LZOO or thereabouts. He alleged that he was solvent. but brought into court through the pressure of creditors, and if he had had time he could have realised his mortgaged property and paid everyone in full. He commenced business in the spring of 1903 with L500 in cash and £ 300 or £ 400 in property at Mumbles and Swansea. He had previously been a foreman mason" at Swansea. The greater portion of his stock was sold under a sheriff's execution. The liabilities included J6218 18s. moneys borrowed. The secured creditors held mortgages on ten freehold houses and two partly-built, a building plot, and a freehold field, and a mortgage on four houses in Princess-street and Madoc-street. Swansea. The furniture was claimed by the wife, who also owned the house debtor resided in and the one next to it. The debtor was closely examined by Mr. Treharne (who appeared for the trustee. Mr. I Hood) as to his payment to his wife of certain moneys. He alleged that he had received moneys from his wife, and she had endorsed bills for him, and he had re-paid her altogether about £ 300. In reply to the official receiver, the debtor admitted paying his wife £ 200 when he knew that others were petitioning against him. He was served with a bankruptcy notice on the day he paid his wife. He could not say what she did with the money. He believed his wife refused to say. He denied that he had arranged with her to keep it secret. His wife pressed him for the money and he paid her. The examination was adjourned. Mr. LI.. Howell appeared for the debtor. YOUNG MAN S LOST CAPITAL. > Re Robert Edward Stevens and Frederiok i S. Garland, carrying on business at 195, High- street, Swansea., as hatters, hosiers, and hair- dressers. The unsecured debts amounted to £ 583 2s. 8d., and assets LIB-3 19s. 3d., Leaving a deficiency of £;)99 3s. 5d. The causes of failure assigned were "high rent, rates, and bad trade." They commenced business on the 5th of May, ,1904, paying JE315 to Mrs. Lewis for! her business. This sum was provided by j Stevens. Garland put no capital in. The rent was L120 a year. They admitted thati the business never paid. Their takings' amounted to about C21 per week, and their trade expenses to £ 8 8s. per week. R. E. Stevens was 22 years of age, and in order to obtain the money he sunk in this business he! sold certain shares and mortgaged his mer- sionary interest in a house in Page-street, the mortgagee now being scheduled as an I unsecured creditor, as bankrupt considered; the reversionary interest to bei. of no value.— Mr. W. E. Harris appeared for the debtor. The examination was adjourned. PLEADED IGNORANCE. The examination was adjourned of Richard Davies, grocer's packer, Tower-lane (for! whom Mr. W. A. Thomas appeared). His I deficiency was E306, and he admitted he bad divested hjmself of nearly all his assets before he filed. He had assigned book-debts, given a wagon, and assigned the whole of his I stock and fixtures to different persons. He I pleaded ignorance.—Mr. Gee appeared, for a. creditor.

Mr. D. W. Lewis, Berry-square, Dowlais, who is leaving for Canada to take up a position at the Dominion Iron and Steel Works, [ Sydney. Nova Sootia, was entertained at a farewell gathering at Dowlais, and presented by his friends with a dressing case. Mr. Tom George, Caeracoa (presided). Remarkable Disappearance of all prime, mud, and dirt.—A fact The washerwomen in Glasgow say that Foamo is a splendid powder. Foatno ia a pure special soap for very heavy washing. Powerful. EaiIY and Safe. Leaves no snseli. A&k your grocer for a penny picket-three for twopence half- Penny. 01942 Printed by tlie Proprietors, Western Mail Limited, and published by them at their offices, St. Mary-street, In the City of Cardiff; Castle Bailcy-street, Swansea; Gleheland-street, Merthyr Tydvil; at the shop of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend—all in the county of Gla- morgan at their offices, 22, High-street, Newport; at I the shop of Mr. J. P. CafTrey, Monmouth—both in the county of Monmouth; at the shop of Mr. David John, IJaneHy, In the county of Carmarthen; and at their offices. The Bulwark, Brecon, in the county l of Brecknock. OATVEDAY, FEBRUARY 17. 1906.

COURSING. i WATERLOO CUP. r I WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, AND I" FOLLOWING DAYS. PROBABLE REPRESENTATIVES. ) Mr F Alexander's Aged Beau. by Coxcomb—< J Pic-nic II. Mr H Bednal's r d Boadheath, by Black- he,tt-h-Debounaire. Mr J H Bibby ns Mr G F Fawoett's bd p (I IVxrtsteps 6 ???' by Father F1int-Fœrlesc Footsteps. Mr H Birkbeck's bd d p Baikal Ferry, b* Farndon Ferry-Hat-tou Beauty. Sir T Brooklebank's bk d p Briudim, by, Bridge of Arta-Brokerage. Brock lebank's r b p Birkdaralt, by, Cleughbrae-Birks Bridge. Mr A Brown ns Mr H Hardy's bd d p Hot* tensma, by Father Plin,t-HeirloorA. Colonel Bruce'a bd b Ballyfay, by Grafter- Rallylin. Mr H Charles Tioi Sir R H B Jardine's bd d Benedict, by Father Flint—My Lady. Mr J Cake's w f d C-ampsie Glen, by Gleii- asbie—Miss Meekly. Mr E M Crosse's (F, Hu-Iton's) bd d p Heel and roe ( Willans Moss), by Father Flint-Quad-rille. Mr J C Dak on's bk d p Dooley, by Under the Globe-Dowry. Mr G Darlinscn's (Messrs Coulthard and; Delta. bk b p Cost Price, by Brave Badell- Det,ta.. Mr S S Death's w bk d Dividend Deferred, by Grampus—Dark Dame. Mr J E Dennis's r d p Dashing Hero, by Fiery Furnace-Fast Elaine. Mr A Dunmore ns Mr G F Fawcett's bd w d Firth of Forth, by Fiery Furnace—Fair Florence. MT J H Fullerton ns Mr A Mann's bk d Black Earl, by Blackhoo.th-(;Qunteæ. Uckton. Mr A D Giauisen's bd w d p Grande Doyle, by Ispytfontein—Get Along. Mr R F Gladstone's bl d p GarMon Ferry, by rarudon F'errY-.l<'orrf'J"ter's Favour. Mr E W Gooch's bk d p Meniscus, by Melart- V" ute—Kaffir Queen. Mr T Graham's bd d Brier's Hey. by Ga.Ila.,nti J I -Grah. Mr G Hale's (T Crook's) w bk d p Coady. by Farndon Ferry-Midvitte Maid. Mr R J Hannam ns Mr A Forster's f b Formula, by Pate Icy Bridge—Foresrt Fairy. Mr H Hardy's f d Hoprend, by Forgotten Fa<sh ion—Heirloom. Mr W M Hoy wood's r d Racster, by Ruloot- High Feather. Mr M L Hearn ns Mr Angue Bell's w bk b White Collar II., by Sir Geoffrey-Favour- ite V. Mr E Rerbert,, w Mr H BirKbeok's bd d p Buckenh,am Ferry, by Faradon FeaTy-Walton Beauty. Oclonel Holme's bd d Handsome Cup by Loving CtM-Morrymaki,ilg. Mr A J'HttmtfhJ'eyV bd b p Hackney Wiok, by Hot BIt-Hampton Wick, Sir W Ingram's bd d p Ipswich, by Ha-ppy Mistake—Italia. Mr J Bell Irving's bk d p Newcaetlerton, b) Farndon Ferry—Forrester's Favour. Sir R W B Jardine's bd p b Ladv Adamant, by Father Flint—My Lady. Mr 0 H Jones's Lucretia Borgia, by Fi€>ry Furnace-Lavishly Clothed, or The Tarkesta-d. or Tempered Well. The Duke of Leeds's Love's Reward, by ) Loving Cup—Luck's Reward. Mr J R Marshall n».Jtfx W H PawsocL'g bkd '.Pratol-Hv by Fighting Firo^liieeealy. Mr R V Mather ns Mr T Graham's bk b n Glengroudle, by Under the Globe-Ieonata. Mr H T Michels's bk b p, Mirko. by Melan. i-te-Ka,Tir Queen. Mr G Maya-IFa bk d Such a Morning by Farndon Ferry—Paleolithic. Mr A T N-djvhold's (Mr L NichoLls's) f d Forest Tiger, by Pately Rridge-Foregt iUiry Mr P J O'Donmell's b w d Otto, by Farndon Ferry—Wanton Belle. Mr W Patterson ns Sir It W B Jardi.ne's bd w b Pin Carl,, by Mtlier Flint-Mv Ladv' Mr L Pilkington's r d Prince Plausible, by Bos well—Thoughtless Beauty. Mr A Pope ns Mr R Pilki.ngton's r d Per.ten*. ville, by Under the Globe—Pretty Penitent. Mr T B Rixon's bk d Racing Rhyme, b* Cleugh brae—Joyous Gift. Mr E Roger's bd d by Gallant— Gladiole. Mr C D Rosey's w bk d First Hold, by Fai-a. doT! FeTTy-Forrf'by-ter's Favour. CovBitees of Sefton's w r b Submarine by Under the Globe—Theasaly. Earl of Sefton ns Lady Sefton's fwd Soean Bridge, by Fa-rndon Ferry—Moi-air. Mr E Smith's r d Staff Surgeon, by Farndon Ferry—Glernitefc-set. '.Ntr 'W H Ftrry-GlemSlem,lri-teh t. (I?) ns R. Dnnn't? f d Clock- line by Blackheath—Countess Udaton Mr W H ??'s (S-?rpcy) bk d Soortim* K?. by Hampton Court-S?et rSS Mr R N S?tolleU' s bd d p Stalwart, by Faro- brance. N  bd d p St?Iwa.rt. by F.-u? don. Ferry-Meg of the Park, or Banker-ge Boy.. Boy.StS bk b MinChmUir by Wet Dwr L -Kaffir Queo. I Mr T ?'???Mr W H Pa-wami's bd w 4 Pioneer, by t?mdon  Mr W Ward ns Mr T G.raJro.m's bd b p G -.eer Ward ur, Mr T Grajutm's bd p a&=* 'Un, by T2,ra-Glanver, M,r AV Dqld'],-Y Ward -ns Miss 17,uth Pa.w.? cet,t's bd b D 11.1)ythmic4l pootst4", by lpatber Mr G W Vhite'g f d p White Anarchist by Fighting Fue—White P'? ? ???-  ?"?? WMtworth ns Mr H Da^'s bd d ø ?H<y?.?by Father Ftii?—Heirtoom H M^. w "UJg's w bd d p Wrecked, by Fa,m. i d? Ferr?)'?''?'y Night. or William. 1f Mrs^nr 8 bk d M??. by G<?? —Kaffir Que

M.DuhMt has been elected Preakkmt of SP the French by 241 vo" out ot M& hMb >!oeu-