Evening Express

BABES' EFFECT ON INEBRIATES Two ahdldreu having been born in the Lan- cashire Inebriates' Reformatory, at yeater-I day s meeting of the board at Preston Mr. Whittaker said that babies had such a htnmanising effect on women inmates that he would not Lave them removed. According to the Act, the board ought to send the ebil- dren to the workhouse when nine monlihs old. "I cam only tell you there would be a riot if we removed them," said Mr. Whit- taker. "They bring out what is best in the women.

EXPLOSIVES FOR AIRSHIPS General Crozier, of the United States Ordnance Department has admitted that Government experts h.ve invented the most powerful explosive known, and that it ba-a been designed especially far use" in the air- ebtips fór which the Governmenit is nego- tiating with the Wright Brothers, aeroplane makers, of Dayton, Ohio. The new explosive, taweror-could -baL usea, im omdku&=L baaiammm

GILBERTIAN SCOTS REFEREE GRIEVANCES. BY HARRY BOWEN I am in receipt of a letter from the Rhondda Valley re the referee note which appeared in last Saturday's "Evening Express." There is much sound sense in this letter, and for that reason, even though it knocks up against the Referee Society—of course, and myself as a part of it-yet it is fair criticism, and as such appears. The whole letter is too lengthy for insertion. The vitals only are here. 14 St. Vaughan writes — The question I ta.ke is the complaint of weak referees. In my opinion, we have a grand army of referees belonging to our union-the best in the United Kingdom. You might think I go a, bit before my time, but I do not, I assure you. I have seen most of our important matches, year after year, and I have failed to see any referees, from any country, bea.t cur own boys. But I think it hardly fair to co-ndemin our rerfereee, for most of them have no chance; others get an engagement once a month; some, again, go for five or six months with- out one. The same lot are out week after week, and this is not fair. Something should be done in this matter. I think there is too much favouritism shown, instead of talking a map on his merits. If a refp-ree ie no good it is the duty of our union to strike his name off the List altogether. If he is any good be should be given a charnoe. The referee who is out every Satur- day gets it coming quite natural to him- everything comes to help to make him a. good referee. In the letter sent to yon you ha.ve in about the union, not appoi-ntirng men with moral courage to send men off for dirty play. I know a case when men have been ordered off that that referee has not beem asked to referee on that ground again. This will not make good referees. St. Vaughan has touched on a few points which are helpful to last week's argument. That little point about removing names off the referee list when their owners are not considered capable of the work is one which should be acted upon. But, in order to be certain that no injustice be done, the incapable one should be seen refereeing, and this is the point that the society will do well to keep in mind. The examination of referees might be all that is desired as such, the hints given and points dis- cussed at referees' meetings quite intensely helpful; but, in spite of these, a man may be quite incapable of refereeing. The last and most vital stage, the report stage, is overlooked. Club complaints and black-listing bring it back to memory. "St. Vaughan," in making his com- plaint of non-appointment, forgets that where two clubs agree upon a referee he is sent by the society, whenever possible. In this way the society places a premium upon good refereeing, and rightly so. The surest way to get appointments then is to referee well-that IS to referee in such a manner that clubs have confidence in your straightforwardness and ability. Let clubs know by your refereeing actions that you whistle as you think, indepen- dent of anybody and everybody and let it be observed, there or thereafter, that your thinking is sound stuff, and youi friends those who expect no favours. Then you will not want for engagements. But, now that I am on it, avoid one action as you would the fever. "Nevei ask for an engagement from any club." This is fatal. If you do, you go on the field a fettered man, and may the Lord help you, for you'll- want it. With reference to sending off, I think the society is more likely to give engage- ments to a man who, by sending off, saves the fair name of the game than to him who. lets forgetful man uncivilise him- self and run footbally amuck. But, of course, there is sending off 11 and send- ing off." This punishment is the last to inflict. Great care is necessary. A man that thoroughly deserves it will be hurt by it just to the extent of the time of suspension, but a man, and a sensi- tive man, will be hurt far further than any suspension can touch him. Ho will regard it as a moral blot. How neces- sary, therefore, that the greatest care should be exercised. And I say that where ordering off has been well deserved no referee need fear failure of support from the Referee Society. There's a bit of gay Gilbertian about the manner in which the Edinburgh Wan- derers regard the keeping of fixtures. There is also a remarkable amount of the essence of indifference employed in the way they apologise for the same. The below from Tuesday's "Western Mail" is really de 1 icious The Cambridge oaPtaiInreooived a message from the Wanderers on Monday saying tha.t the Scotchmen could not turn up, and offered no further explanation. I seem to remember somewhat like scant courtesy being shown by the Edinburgh University towards Newport and Swansea a couple of seasons back, when they failed to keep their Boxing and other day fix- tures with the above clubs. These cases were, I think, guarantee matches. But home and home engagements have been broken with equal coolness by other clubs, and no action taken by parent bodies. In season 1886-7 Llanelly journeyed to Liverpool, met and beat the Liverpudlians, and were afterwards about a month afterwards-informed that Liverpool could not play the return, as the players could not get away from business. The coolest crying-off I ever knew. There was no redress then, and 1 question whether there is any redress now as between clubs of different Unions. It is about time that clubs were told definitely that fixtures made- must be kept under a penalty of any of these—a substantial fine, another date suitable to the inconvenienced club, or expulsion from the Union. I came across George Mercer's column on Saturday last. Not for the first time by a many. I I G. M." cannot understand my madness for Rugby, and thinks his own game far superior. And in the thinking he cannot avoid the un- pleasant remembrance that Aberdare is lost to his code. The natural Aber- darian is a Soccer man, George believes. And, believing so, he says that Rugby is a rude intruder therEr-has no sort of business there at all. So he would sink the goalposts, re-arrange their width, and adorn them with the net. Well, I think that George Mercer's wish will soon be realised. Rugby is in a mumpy state up Aberdare way, and the club's failure to keep last Saturday's fixture is a sign of present extremitis. Now, George, I should rather Rugby than Soccer. But, further, I should rather Soccer than no football at all. I wish you luck in your competition with other sport, such as hockey, lacrosse, and golf, but you must not expect me to die a-lanftuishina if -Soccer faiL

I Fall of Masonry I CANTON WORKMAN INJURED I Frederick Arrand, labourer, of 6, Turner- road, Canton, was passing through Tyndall- street this morning on his way to work at Mesrs. Robinson and David's timber yards, when a large quantity of maso-nry from two unoocupied houses (Nos. 17 and 18) fell upon him, having evidently been dislodged by the wind. Arrand, who was rather badly hurt about the body, was conveyed to the Cardiff Infirmary, where, after receiving attention, he was able to proceed home.

I Loss of the Ss. Grayfield I DISAPPEARANCE OF SECOND MATE I Thomas M'Nee, the second officer of the Cardiff steamer Grayfield, which was lost over a week ago ou the Robin Rigg Sand- bank, in the Solway Firth, whilst on a voyage from Poti to Mary port, and who was one of the crew of 21 men so gallantly rescued by the Maryport iifeboat, has not been heard of since Thursday of last week. A letter sent to M'Nee's address at Lenzie, j Glasgow, has not yet been replied to, but information has been received from the local post-office to the effect that the house has been shut up. It is feared that M'Nee has fallen into one or other of the docks or harbour and been drowned. The missing man is about 30 years of age, about 5ft. 5in. in height, of stout built, with florid oomplexion, and with reddish hair and moustache.

I BANK CASHIER ABSCONDS I With 175,000 Roubles Advices from Tashkena, the capital of Russian Turkestan, report a robbery of no less than 175.000 roubles ( £ 17,500) from the State Treasury there by an assistant cashier, who absconded with the money after receiv- ing it from a bank. Up to the present the police have not suc- ceeded in tracing his movements.

TO BE MARRIED AT CHRISTMAS I Florence Dearn, sixteen, was charged at Birmingham yesterday with theft. She went to a residence, and by falsely representing herself to be the messenger of a Mrs. Sarah Lucas, a former lodger, obtained possession of a tin trunk, containing clothing and other articles. The lady did not wish to press the case. Upon the girl consenting to go into a home, the case was adjourned for a month. As she wa.s about to leave the dock, in charge of one of the lady visitors, a, young man came forward and objeoted to the method of procedure. He said he was the girl's sweetheart, and intended marrying her at Christmas. The Stipendiary thereupon ordered the girl to come up again on Tuesday,

BELATED CRIMEAN REWARD The King has approved the grant by the War Office to Colour-sergeant James Gar- lyne, late. Scots Guards, of aID annuity of £ 10, together with a silver medal, as a, reward for his long and highly meritorious servioe. Gardyne served throughout the Crimean campaign, and was wounded at Inkerman. He was one of the four non-commissioned officers whose gallantry at Alma in assisting the officers to rally the Scots Guards at a critical moment converted a repulse into a success, with the capture of a Russian battery.

POISON BY POST I The Ayrshire police are working energeti- cally to solve the. mystery of the poisoned package of Bhortcake which :was sent by post to a. family in Ayr. and which caused the death of Miss McKerrow. The package was posted at Kilmarnock, and the police have made a, canvass Off the schools there in the hope of discovering some- thing from the children. It is stated that they have found a boy who played truant on the day the package was posted, and who says he received twopence from a man for taking to the post office a, package which answered the general description of the one containing the poisoned cake.

I 8,000 BEGGING LETTERS. Mr. Yates, the Shepperton philanthropist who made London ring with the stories of his chanty, the benefactor of Mullins and other Covent Garden porters, who paid sovereigns for evening newspapers and flung gold to flower-girls, has left England. He has been so worried and annoyed by thousands of callers, and by daily showers of begging letters, that he has had to leave the country altogether, and will not return for some time. In all Mr. Yates has had over 8,000 appeals to his charity, among them one from a girl of eleven, who wanted zElOO to buy a horse and take riding lessons, and another from a man who wanted XI,000 to see the world.

RELICS OF THE ROMANS I Workman engaged in diverting a, roadwav at Welwyn, Herta, yesterday u?artib?de?e'n Roman urns in a good state of preservation a, Roman spur, two drinking bowls six inches high, one smaller cup, a bowl, some bronze plate, an iron standard, and a small urn six vnchiee high.

I WOMAN TOSSED BY A COW A cow which -L-ed its -,If. which had beam hidden by a passing cart, rushed at Mrs. C. Bollamd, near Fotteroe (Wilts),?, knocked her down, and th0a lifted her on I iots home and threw her over the hedge. She I escaped with bruises.

I CHILDREN NOT SOLD j The reports published in the newspapers to the effoot that peasants in Kasan, Russia, are selling their children to obtain food are denied by the authorities, who state that while starving parents are sending their off- spring out to work, there have'been no cases where children have actually been sold.

I THE GERMAN MEAT FAMINE The Imperial authorities have opened an inquiry at Hamburg as to the conditions under which American cattle and American frozen meat might be admitted into German territory, so as to modify the scarcity of meat.

DISTINGUISHED INVALIDS I The Archbishop of Canterbury had a good night, and his progress continues satisfactory To-day's bulletin states that Lord Dudley is almost convalescent.

CLARKE'S BLOOD MIXTURE This famous Medicine wlil cleanse the blood from all impu- rities from whatever cauee arlitug. A gate remedy for Eczema, Bad Lege, Scrofula, Blood tolsom, Sores of all kinds, Bella, Erup tlons, Uleem, Glandular Svolr lings, Sec. Of all StOriN, RIAIL Forty yeaw ROOM, Bowan ed tmttttUM. (

I The New Welsh Cap t ——————— '———' I J. L, WILLIAMS, CARDIFF. Although Cardiffia;ns are sorry that an un- fortunate accident has deprived the Swansea captain, W. Trew, of the honour of playing against the Springbokken, they are naturally gratified that the breach is to be filled by the popular J. L. Williams. By his modesty, his capacity as a player, and his conspicuous pluck, the Whitchurch man has earned for himself a warm place in the hearts of habitues of the Cardiff Arms Park. In the early days of his career Williams was by no means a success, and it has only J. L. WILLIAMS (Cardiff). I been by rare grit and determination that he has won his way to the very front rank. It was the Soccer code that Williams first took to, when a stuaent at Cow bridge Grammar School, where he played at half- back. Subsequently he played with the Whitchurch Village Rugby Team, and five years ago was given a trial by Newport. After playing about half-a-dozen games, he was thought to be hardly class enough, and was not further selected. Then he came to Cardiff Reserves, and quickly got a trial with the premiers. His main fault at this period was a pronounced hesitancy in doubling, with the result that he was often tackled or opportunities were lost. Pre- sently he was dropped in favour of Arthur Williams, of Penygraig, but by "sticking at it" with the Reserves he regained his place in the premiers, and for three seasons has held his place'unchallenged; in fact, he is now one of the most brilliant wing three- quarters in the four countries. This is proved by his 35 tries for Cardiff last season. Williams has a good turn of speed, dodges cleverly, and goes for the line most determinedly. He is 24 years of age, stands 5ft. 81in., weighs list., and is a son of Mr. Edward Williams, assistant-overseer, Whit- church "Johnny" has a big heart, and noth- ing would please his great body of admirers more than if he scored a couple of characteristic tries this afternoon.

Welsh Sold iers'M emorial X2,200 IN HAND A meeting of the committee to select the design and sculptor and to make the neces. I eary arrangements for putting up a. memo- rial 1f the Welsh soldiers who fell in South Afr;/a was held at the Town-hall, Cardiff, to-day. The Earl of Plymouth (chairman of the committee) presided, and the other members present were Colonel Ivor Herbert, M.P., Mr. DalVÍd Davies, M.P., Alderman Robert Hughes, J.P., and Mr. J. L. Wheatley. The committee inspected the site of the memorial in Ca,thays Park, and ma-do arrangements for a fature meeting. The total sum in hand is E2,200, and there are 400 names to go on the memorial, represent- ing not only the officers and men of Welsh regiments who fell in South Africa, but Welshmen in all the other units of the Army, both British and Colonial.

Bars Sawn Through. RUFFIANS AND BURGLARS ESCAPE FROM GAOL Ten desperate ruffians, burglars and high- waymen, and suspected of being murderers, escaped from Queen's County Gaol, Long Island City, yesterday morning, and, despite pursuit, they still remain uncaptured. Natu- rally, the people of Long Island, which con- tains many suburban villas, are thoroughly alarmed, and some of the residents are join- ing the polioo in the hue-and-cry Four of the men got away at 2.30 a.m., and the six others walked out more than three hours later. The men were confined in adjoining cells on the gronnd floor of the gaol. With three saws they had cut away the bars of two of the cells leading into the corridor, and had then gone to the window, and sawed away a bar. They jumped down into th? gaol-yard, a distanoe of about 10ft., and then climbed an 8ft. wooden paling, enclosing the gaol-yard. The ihree saiws with which the men Cut Their Way to Freedom were found on the ledge of a window open- ing on to the yard of the gaol. Two keepers, during whose turn of duty the escapes were effected, have been suspended. The bars of the window through which the men made their final dash are of soft iron, and, accord- ing to the sheriff, were sawed through in about ten minutes. Those of the cell are of chilled steel, and took about half a day to get through. Tha bars of the cell and the window are each about an inch thick. The prison rules provide for an inspection of the cells every two hours, but nobody discovered the escape until six o'clock yesterday morn- ing. It is believed that the saws were smuggled into the gaol by the wife of one of the prisoners, who wrapped them up in her baby's clothes. Investigation shows that if t'he contract, which demanded chilled steel bars to the window, and not soft had been fulfilled, the men's escape would have been impossible.

WYNDHAM COLLIERY SOLD I The Wyndham House Colliery, Ogmore Vale, whioh has been the property of North's Navigation Colliery, has been purchased by Messrs. Cory Bros., of OaTdi. The new owners will take control at the end of the present year, and, although it has been suggested that at leaet temporarily there will be a con- siderable redurtion in the number of hands employed, we have every reason to believe that this is incorrect. We are assured that there is no intention to reduce the output. The new proprietors are owners of the adjoining Aber olliery, and have, it is re- ported, purchased the Wyndibam in connec- tion with their contemplat-ed developments of the coal measures on the opposite side of I the vailley. The Wyndham Colliery ennployg about 1,000 men.

HOUNDS OVER A OLIFF I The Western Foxhounds of Penzance met a. short distance to the west of the town yes- terday, and started off across country towards Land's End. Here the hoiunda got close to a fox, whioh made for the cliffs and disappeared. A nrumber of hounds sprang after him, and went over the cliff. It was impossible to got them up again, and a member of the hunt climbed down amd tried to induce the animals to swim round to a more accessible I spot, but he was furiously attacked by them and severely bitten.

GOES OUT AT 52 1 About ten p.m. yesterday a man, named Rosser Davies, aged about 52, and lodging at 38, Ranks, Abercarn, committed suicide by hanging himself in an outhouse. The body was cut down by a fellow-lodger, named Richard Gould ing. Police-constable Creek used artifi- cial reNpiration for about twenty minutes, but without success. Dr. Smith pronounced life extinct.

"PUT MONEY IN THY PURSE," says Shakespeare, and you do this, and more, by using ENGLAND'S GLOBY MATCHES. They are the Best, most Sell- able, and Economical matches made, and you put money In the purse" e? British artisans, too* and that, surely, should coant. M?de at Zla?d's Olory" Match Works, Glouoeeter. &2249-5

I Koepenick on Trial.. I HE LOOKS OLD AND CAREWORN The trial of William Voigt, the perpetrator of the Koepenick raid, opened at Berlin to- day. Considerable public interest is being taken in the case, the court being crowded. Voigiht was handcuffed when brought into the dock, and was guarded on each side by two stalwart policemen. He appeared old and careworn. he witnesses to be examined include Dr. Lanagerhaus, the Burgomaster of Koepenick, the chief victim of the hoax, and the soldiers who (under Voigt's orders) took part in the raid. Great crowds gathered outeide the court, where a strong foroo of police were stationed to keetp order. Public sympathy is unmistakably with the prisoner.

I "ON THE KNEE" ORDER I Lieutenant Collard Court- I martial led An Admiralty order was received at Ports- mouth to-day directing that a court-martial on Lieutenant Sit. George Oollard should open on board the Victory at ten o'clock on Mon- day morning. The court-martial will be presided over by Rear-admiral Gamble, commanding the Devomport Reserve Fleet, who arrived at Portsmouth to-day in :his flagship Empress of India, which was accompanied by the cruisers Talbot, Donegal, and Niobe, whose officers, it is understood, will be officers of th:) court, it apparently baing the desire of the Admiralty to secure an independent tri- bunal. The .announcement of tfhe oourt-m a rtial, though only received by the commander-in- chief at Portsmouth this morning, was not unexpected, as Lieutenant Collard's refusal under legal advice to oaswer certain ques- tions ait the court-martial on the stokers was generally considered as implying that pro- ceedings other than those connected with the court of inquiry were practically certain to follow. The nature of tihe tiharge to be brought against Lieutenant Collard is not stated, but it is understood that it will be one in con- nection with the orders given to the men.

I FACE BLOWN AWAY I I Mother Accidentally Shot I A shocking accident occurred at the village I of Kingsbury Episoopi, Somerset, yesterday. A gun hod been left at the cottage in charge of a lad named Ell Alfred Mounter, living at Crooked Way. The boy showed the ?un to his mother and si6ter, and a few minutes after the latter had k?t the room she heard a report, and, rush- ing back, was horrified to find her mother I lying dead on the floor in a pool of blood with her face entirely blown away. It is presumed the boy did not know the gun was loaded, and accidentally discharged it, with the result that nia mother was instantly killed. The lad. who is aged sixteen, was so terri- fied that lie has since been unable to speak.

PRI NCECONSORT'S WORKSHOPS Destroyed by Fi re The Prince Consort's Worksfhfopa, which, are sdtuated 'in Windsor Great Park, were praoti- cally destroyed .by fire this morning. The outbreak o-ccurred about five o'clock, and 'before 'the Windsor fire -brigades arrived on the scene the buildings were well alight. Despite the efforts of the firemen nearly I the whole of the structure was burnt out. The cause of the outbreak is unknown.

I STEWARD SENTENCED I I For Shooting Office Clerk William SLvnday (twcnty), who had described "him.se1 f as steward on the Oceanic, 1 was sentenced at Nottingham Assizes to-day to fourteen years' penal servitude for the manslaughter of Albert James Smith, Messrs. Thomas Cook's booking-clerk, whom he shot with a revolver. It was shown that tho prisoner, who was a son of a deceased engine-driver on the Mid- Land Railway, had been in the Yorkshire Reformatory for tiheft, and was suspected of stealing £60 from an ice-cream vendor with I whom he recently lodged at Sheffield

POLICE INSPECTOR'S PLUCK I Like the policeman, the lot of the inspector is not always a happy one. A desperate affray in Bayswater was described by Inspec- tor Collins at West London yesterday, the prisoner, a ship's fireman, named Sidney Hamilton, being accused of burglary. Oollins said he was in plain clothes on his way to the station, when he heard faint sounds of a police whistle coming from the direction of Notting Hill-gate. He hid in a front garden, and presently prisoner and another man came along hurriedly. He heard Hamilton say to his companion, Ease u.p, Bill, or we'll give the game away!" Witness stepped from his hiding-place, and, confronting them, asked them whither they were hastening. The prisoner replied, "We're hurrying after a chum." He told them he was not satisfied, and that they must return with him to Notting Hill-gate. Thereupon they tried to bolt. He deized prisoner by the collar, and both fell to the ground. While he was there the other man hit at him several times, and tried to kick him on the head. Seeing, however, that he could not make him release his hold of the prisoner, the other man ran away. Hamilton still struggled violently, and even- tually nan off. Witness pursued him, and, a constable taking up the case, prisoner was re-arrested. Hamilton was remanded.

GIRL LEFT TO DROWN I I Many fashionable women were present yesterday at New York at the trial of Chester Gillette, the university student, who is accused of murdering Grace Brown, a pretty I seamstress, by throwing her into Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks, last summer. Gillette, who desired to give evidence in his own baalf, underwent a. searching tross- exaimination, and contradicted himself in a number of statements. He declared iha-t while he and the girl were paddling in a canoe on Big Moose Lake she suddenly jum-pod overboard. He admitted that he did not make the slightest attempt to save her, although be is am expert swimmer. The prosecution maintain that he stamoed the girl with a tennis racquet amd tbou threw her iuto the lake. I

MAN WHO SAVED 175 LIVES. I A remarkable record of life-saving is that of William Jamoes Oob-b, a waterman, Who gave evidence at the South-Western (London) Police-court yesterday in a oaee in which a cooper, named Stanghun, was charged with attempting suicide. Stamghan (who was now discharged) threw himself in the Thames at Putney, Vut was pulled out of the water in an unconscious state by Cobb. The waterman, giv-ing evidence, said he bad in a similar way saved 175 lives of men found tn the Thames. The Magistrate complimented Oobb for his praiseworthy conduct, and awarded him a suin of money (from the poor-hox.

GUARDIANS "PALACE" Mr. A. J. Harris, clerk to the Cardiff Gu&r. lians, at their meeting to-day read a letter from the Cardiff Property Owners' Associa- tion, enclosing 54 additional signatures to the memrial presented last week by Mr. Beasley and Mr. J. H. Westyr Evans, pro- testing against the expenditure in provid- ing palatial offices in Cathays Park.

THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY Queen Alexandra's birthday is being cele- brated at Windsor to-day. The hells of Curfew Tower, Windsor Castle, and the Parisih Ckurdh. are being1 rung ait intervals, and flags are displayed over public buildings.

I WANT HOLDROYD'S, PLEASB. JAMES SWIKT, Attereiiflo, Sheffield, says: JU Arat dose gave ma great relief. I can confidently 1tJ;¡ that one box of these fills has done me Bioce good than all tlle medicine I have taken." BuSerers from Gravel, Lumbago, Patns in the Back, DroDsy. niseaaes of the Kidneye, Sciatica, Rheumatism, and Gout will find a positive cure tn Holdroyd's Gravel PIUa. Try Small Box. it not matisded. money returned, Is. lid., all Cham lata. Post free, twelve H0LDB0YC8 ICEDIOAL BALL. aim-ik

WALES I LOSES c- THE GREAT "TEST" 'BOKS AT SWANSEA Visitors Open Scoring NICHOllS LAID OUT Dicky Owen Carried Off the Field I BUT GALLANTLY RETURNS I Saturday opened showery at Swansea. A considerable quantity of rain fell at intervals daring the morning. From ten o'clock up to the time of wiring the enn has been shining quite brilliantly. A visit to the field of play by our represen- tative showed that the very recent rain had made the ground very wet, and it was decidedly soft for a long patch in front of the grand-stand. The sub-soil, however, is sandy and very porous, and those who know the ground say that, with a few hours' sun- shine, the ground will be in excellent condi- tion. The interest taken in the match is enor- Tmoue, and at 10.30 there were a large crowd outside the ground determined to wait until the getes were opened. Tke St. Helen's Field is rather soft, Dot, nevertheless, in good condition. Teams will play as published. Weather fine. Telephoning at one o'clock this afternoon, our representative says:—At noon to-day the Swansea streets were absolutely crowded with visitors. Excursions were arriving from six a.m., and up to eleven a.m. there were from 6,000 to 8,000 persons brought in by the Great Western Railway Company, who were running altogether eighteen excursions. The chief portion of these came into High-street Station. Eleven tra-ins from the eastern and western valleys and Newport were brought into the East Dock Low Level. Unprece- dented arrangements were made by all the railway companies serving Swansea. Seventy or eighty special trains were running alto- gether. It is stated that Krige was especially anxious for Gwyn Nicholls to play in this match, although he was not opposing Nicholls himself. The following is a Taal message from the South African headquarters at Swansea, written by one of their famous backs:— Ons wil graag die Welsh team speel en wehsch maar dat die deste team zal win. Translation.—We are very pleaeed to be able to meet the Welsh team, and we hope that the best team will win. Mr. A. O. Jones, to-day's referee, is the Notts cricketer and ex-Leicester centre three- quarter and full-back. Mr. Jones was the referee in the Glamorgan match v. the South Africans. By Forward." After the bright, promising morning it was a sore disappointment to the thousands of people who crowded into Sweunseeu just a,bout noon to find the clouds gathering over- head and rain falling heavily in vicious showers. Disappointment, however, was only short-lived, as soon after one o'clock the heavens cleared again and a bright sua shone on what was even at this early hour a tremendous throng at St. Helen's. The gates were opened at 11.30, and within half an hour all the beet positions in the spacious field had been taken up by enthu. siasts, many of whom bad brought their lunch, with them. As the people poured in at the various entrances it seemed impossible tbat room could be found for all. ) Before going further, let a waurtn tribute be paid to the Admirable Arrangements which had been made under the experienced supervision of Mr. Walter Reee, the Welsh Union secretary. Extra stamds had been erected across the cricket ground, these pro- viding acoommodattion for several additional thousands. The "tanner" bank, as it is popularly known, although to-day access to it meant a shilling, was soon filled up by a swaying multitude, which found vent for its enthusiasm by singing a varied repertoire, in which hymns and ballads were included. Judging from appearances, the crowd was of such dimensions as to establish a record for international marches in Wales. One felt that the atmosphere was charged with that electricity which is only in evidence on such occasions as this. During the morning the Welsh players assembled at their headquarters, the Itoyal Hotel, and the re-undon of tho old oaan-I paigners was made all the more pleasant by the presence of the Welsh skipper, Gwyn Nicholls, who was in excellent humour and brimful of hope, having all confidence that Wales would add to her laurels. There was, it must be added, a general feeling of regret that it had been thought advisable to re- arrange the position of the Welsh wings. It was felt that Gabe and Teddy Morgan had done such brilliant work together in previous matches that it was ai mistake to separate them on this occasion, and this Feeling of Disappointment I was intensified by the knowledge tbaA amy wing mmn, however moderate his abilities, can play safely without losing his reputa- tion with & great centre like Gwyn Nicholls. Still, there was one underlying impression that Nioholls's judgment oould be relied upon, and that he was to be trusted to do the right thing in the interests of Wales.! All the Welsh players reported themselves particularly fit and sound, and it did one's heart good to see the firmness of expression, which reminded one of that heroio spirit which carried the "Ddraig Goch to victory in the same month of last year against Now Zealand. The South African players kept very quiet all the morning. Very few of them left the Hotel Metropole, which was crowded by visitors, mostiy anxious to see the great MarBbaTg and the little African wonder, Joubert, who was playing his first match on Welsh soil to-day. SCENE ON THE FIELD I The scene on the ground at two o'clock was very typi-I of a Welsh international day, the crowd being in the best of good temper and joyful in the hope of a Cymric triumph. One saw the same old faces of waxtiors of other days, and one heard the same old song from the crowd as we heard before, end which we only hear when Welsh national credit is at stake .in the football field. Scores of photographers were flitting around and dodging for favourable positions, and formed one of the principal div-ersione of the crowd in the long period of waiting. The ground had recovered splendidly from the effects of the drenching rain of the week, and it would be safe to say that no other ground in Wales would be in such good condition after such a week of rain. The turf was certainly soft in some parts, but not enough to materially affect the character of the glame. One rather Unpleasant Incident occurred at the Bryn-road side of the field, where the gardens of several private resi- dents overlook the ground. Some eager enthusiasts, anxious to improve their point of vantage, climbed over the boundary wall into one of the gardens, until, meeting witah resistance from the householder and his friends, they tried to force their way, and wordy altercations led to blows. The be- siegers, however, were not to be denied, and eventually the defenders of their own private property fell back upon stone-tiuowi n g. Matters looked ugly for a time, but in the end peace was restored. At 2.15- such was the vr-m-or.-tbe-mo-- modaAio-n iliaa scane adventurous spirlu climbed a telegrajah pole, and thus enjoyed a, fine bird's-eye view of the enclosure. The Welsh players walked on to the field a. quarter of an hour before the kick-off, headed by Ni-choils, to submit to the ortho- dox photographing process. They were greeted with a. mighty shout from the crowd, and simultaneously with their appearance the Welsh dragon flag at the town end of the field, which had been drooping lazily, flut- tered gaily before a gust of wind. This was A Good Omen and it was not lost upon the spectators. A few minutes later the Springboks, in their green jerseys, made their appearance, and ,went throught the eame preliminaries. GWYN NICHOLLS j (The Welsh Captain). 1 The teams then lined out as under:— i The Game. f The South Africans were the first to take ( the field at 2.25, they being accorded asplen- j did cheer. Immediately following came the men in red, the red and green jerseys stand- < ing out in bold contrast. Bill Joseph placed the i ball for the kick-off from the town end, and Krige returned to J. L. Williams, who found touch with a short punt near the centre, where the first scrum was formed. The ball came out on the South African side, and Krige, breaking through, (kicked to Nicholls, ] who made his mark on his own 25 line. He gave the ball to Bush, who ptrntsd into | touch at the centre. From the second scrum j the ball again owitie out to Dobbin, who I punted up to Dicky Owen, and he found f touch again at the centre. From the ensuing scrum the ball was heeled out to Dobbin, who pas&ed to Krige, who fell before he oould make a istart, and tihe Welsh, forwards, pouno i ing upon (bim, dribbled down to the South African line, getting past the full-back. It i> looked I Like a Certain Try for Walest but Mokolls, in his endeavour to pick up, knocked forward slightly, and a scrum war. ordered five yards out. The African forwarde broke through the scrum and dribbled to th< centre, where Teddy Morgan turned the balj into touoh. Play was carried to the Welsh 25 line. and the Cymric forwards, for the fire* time, hegled out to Owen, who passed to I Bush, and he to Nicholls, the last-named kicking into touoh well over the centre. Prom a sorvan just outside the African 25 line Owen had the ball and passed to Bush, but the ball was intercepted by Krige, who 'I' kicked to Ga.be, the latter making his mairk, and Bush, taking the kick, sent the ball over the line, for Maxsb-urg to touch down. Mars- burg, it should be rioted, was playing full- I back. After the kick-out the South Africans attacked, and a dangerous bout of passing '< by the Bouth Afvio?na saw the ball going to | the left wing, but Morgan Tackled Joubert in grand style just when he looked like getting clear. For off-side play by Dai Jones in the Welsh 25 a free-kick was given against Wales, and the ball was placed for Joubert by Boos. The shot was a poor one, and Gwyn Nichollff- touched down. Percy Bush kicked out, and Majsburg returned with a high punt to the centre. From the next scrum Wales showed their metal by carrying Ii the serum over the centre line. Play was I very tame for a, time, but eventually Owen | t his three-quartoM going, amd NiahoU? r-eivi?ng from Bush, tried bard to b?. L through, but ehp?ped and fell with the H?OIL t Gwyn Nicholls Laid Out. I One of the African forwards kicked him on the ground, and the was laid out for a minute but resumed his place in a. dazed condition l and from the following scrimmage the Wolsh forwards broke away grandly and dribbl, over the centre line. Bush picked up in a loose soru- end passed to Gabe, who threw, to Morgan, and the ?t?r put in a grand run ?n??etc-a?Une and looked like ging itae^e s5w,t £ ^S- ?U taok1^ by Marsburg ? lu ?he&wMi j?nM?ns' 25. HeM a .free-M? Itafh SL 09,?inst Uhe I&pringboks, andI Bu8h gained 9TOU-nd wit-11 a good kick ivto Sh baH was heeled OLt to D?bbn, I lhl kicked up to Dyk,e. &nd he replied into J| wtouucchn ^with a anice punt. t 6r2^Se £ e°Were ?? d?ng aJI aggres. I   but i ?nt?uod to he t?e and uninterestinrg From h nexfc ??m on the jf ?T?kto?r??? Ow?npa?d to Bush, who fSm shot ? go?..but the baU rebounded' |f from one  (¡he African forwards, and wenfc | to Gabe, who ?ki. cked into touch under di&- t culties, being held by one arm, and thus I prevented from passMig. A low pass from [ Bush to Teddy Morgan resulted in the I Springboks Invading the Welsh Territory but Bash a monient latter with a well-judgedi kick into touch changed the venue to the centre. Smart kicking by the Springboks < took play well inside the Welsh 25, ajid- the iborne li'llla WIaØ in r. A bout of pacing i by the South African backs threatened Wales, but Gabe, by a spdendid tackle of Krige, averted all danger. The next scrum was rormied on the home 25 line, and the ball was Passed out to Jackson, who, threrw forward, and another aoram waa ordered in the same place. The Springboks continued to be aggressive, but a. smart punt by Bush drove them back to the centre. Bush, again receiv- ing from Owen, kicked, to the open, but Mara- t burg returned to Owen, who found touch neaf the centre line. From the succeeding scrum tha ball was heeled to Dobbins, who kicked to Dyke, and he found touch with a lovely kick. So far there bad been practioally no back play of any user it, both sides appearing i to be afraid to let themselves go. Judicious [ kicking by the Afxikanders sent play once more into the Welsh 25, and Dobbin sending out smartly to Krige, the lartter passed to Do Villiers, who transferred to Joubert, and the last-named Went Over Like a Shot i and scored a very frretty try. The Welsh I were off their guard at the omement, and the visitors were quick to take advantage of the opporunity, but the kick for goal was a failure. Bush resumed for Wales, and De Villiers returning with a high punt followed up the kick, but Bush picked up and kicked into touch at the centre. For a foul by, Loub&er a free kick was given to Wales, t but nothing -at-W came from the k?k The Welshmen now played with a little ) more spirit, and reached the South. Africans' 25. They were soon rushed back, however, and it was only a timely kick by Nicholls, after a smart pick up, that saved the situa- tion. A high kick by Krige and smart fol- lowing-up by the African, forwards resulted i in another invasion of Welsh territory, and f from a loose scramble the ball was passed out to Loubaer, who ran over in the comer with t Another Pretty Try I which Jackson failed to oonv?Tt. After the } kick-<?? a penalty was given against the T Springboks for deliberate off-side play by Jackson, a-nd this was vfollowed a minute later by another, the ball going over the line and out of bounds The interval was then announced. Half-time score, G. T. P'M. SOUTH AFRICANS 0 2 6 WALES 0 OP i

I COUNTING-HOUSE ROBBED I Clerks Bound and Gagged. Yesterday afternoon eight unknown men, a.rmed with revolvers, entered the counting- house of the Marsohda. Carrying Company at Tula (Russia), and after gagging and binding the clerks made off with a sum of 4,000 roubles.

POISONED AT SEA, I I Three mysterious deaths at sea were re- ported yesterday at New York by the Hamburg-American liner Moltke, which arrived there from Genoa. Au Italian lad, named Bernarinuuci, died in great pain on November 19, and his friend Farina, expired a few days later. The day after Bernardinucci's death a little boy named Mario Avolo, aged four, became ill, and also died. All succumbed to ptomaine poisoning, the result, it is alleged, of eating canned deli- cacies brought by Farina from Italy. No fault is found with the ship's provisions, I which were partaken of by 1,288 passengers. The three victims were burned at sea.