Evening Express

WANTED PRISON I A hundred and seventy-one passive resis- tance summonses were returnable at the Leicester Borough Bench yesterday. Mr. Albert Pickard, president of the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Citizens' League, said their grievances had been admitted by the house of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Bishops; yet the House of Lords refused to pass the Act remedying them. He wished it was in the power of the magis- trates to send them all to prison at once. The Chairman (Mr. T. Fielding Johnson): We must carry out the law as we find it. I am very gla-d I have not to send you all to prison. Orders were made for payment in each case.

DRUNKARD &THE ROADSIDE COTTAGE I Tom Hoskins. of no fixed abode, was I brought up at Lydney Police-court on Wed- nesday charged by Police-constable Banning 1 with the theft of a silver watch and five rabbit nets, of the value of 30s., the property l of John Price, a labourer, of Alvington, Chep- stow. Prisoner was sent to gaol a fortnight ago in default of paying a fine for drunken- ness, and the constable, noting the w atch in his possession, knew where to put his hand upon prisoner when, some days later, Price informed him of his loss. He was accordingly re-arrested on leaving Gloucester Gaol on the 18th inst. The Chairman, in sending prisoner back to Gloucester Gaol for three weeks, said it was unfortunate that country people's roadside cottages should be raided in this way by men of the prisoner's stamp, who went lazing, drunkenning about the country.

VACANT CARMARTHEN PULPITS The Rev. David Evans, who has held the pastorate of the Welsh Congregational Chapel, Lammas-street, Carmarthen, one of the largest Nonconformist Churches in West Wales, for close upon a quarter of a century, has intimated his intention of resigning his charge during the present year. This will make the fourth pulpit that is already vacant in the town, the others being Water-street (Calvinistic Methodist), Penuel (Baptist), and Zion (Presbyterian). The Rev. A. Fuller Mills, pastor of Lammas-street English Baptist Ohapel, also con templates retiring.

SWANSEA MAN'S SAD PRIVATIONS Ernest Forrest was charged at Swansea on Wednesday with neglecting his wife and chil- dren and leaving them chargeable to the I Swansea Union. The defendant made an extraordinary statement, to the effect that he had for years had a most precarious liveli- hood, had been out of work for long period?, had ev-en worked as a navvy, and declared he was unable to obtain, work to support his family.—The cafce was adjourned.

OYSTERMOUTH DISTRICT COUNCIL I ASSISTANT OVERSEER'S SALARY. I The sub-committee appointed to consider the present appointment and salary of the assistant-overseer recommended that the present appointment be revoked, and that Mr. W. C. G. Waring be re-appointed at an inclusive salary of JE45 net for the whole of the duties of the oMee.-This was agreed to.

FATALITY AT TREDEGAR I A collier named Silas Yandall, residing at Salisbury-street, Tredegar, was killed by the fall of a large stone at No. 1 Whitworth Col- liery, Tredegar, on Wednesday.

CARDIFF CITY OBSERVATORY I The Cardiff City Observatory was closed on Wednesday night, owing to the heavy easterly gale. S-averal enthusiasts were dis- appointed. Last Friday night 21 visitors used the telescope. This is a record for one night.

COLD WEATHER AT SWANSEA I The weather on Tuesday night and Wednes- day at Swansea was the coldest known for some years, and was intensified by the strong north-easterly wind which blew.

VESSEL GROUNDS NEAR SWANSEA I In leaving the port on Wednesday after- noon, the Norwegian steamer Hirundo, 1,563 tons register, lost her course owing- to the severity of the wind, and grounded on a c?j>idbcMik just beyond the west pier, Swan- sea. She was expected to be removable on next tide.

KETCH ASHORE AT THE MUMBLES I During a heavy grule on Wednesday the coasting ketch Little Jane, of Comb-martin, was blown. at«hore at the south end of the Mum^leis. The crew were not in danger, and the ketch will probably be got off.

ALLOTMENTS THAT FAILED I Allotments intended for the labouring i people at Yeovil Marsh (Somerset) are being cultivated by farmers, as the former, it is stated, could not be prevailed upon to take plots.

Royal Palace Thefts. 1 I QUEEN OLGA'S JEWELLERY MISSING I Chambermaid and Her Dishonest Sweetheart. Considerable stir has been caused in Court and official circles in Greece by the discovery that audacious robberies have been taking place in the King's Palace at Athens for some time past. According to an authoritative version of the affair, a chambermaid, in whose honesty such implicit reliance was felt that she was placed in charge of Queen Olga's jewellery, removed upon different occasions valuable medals and precious stones. She acted in collusion with a German goldsmith, who, it is alleged, made base imitations of everything stolen in order to delay discovery of the robberies. It was her Majesty herself who discovered quite by accident what was going on, and forthwith ordered the arrest of the chamber- maid. The woman, on being examined, con- fessed that she was the thief, and that her dishonest proceedings were due to the compul- sion of the German goldsmith, who was her sweetheart. This man disappeared from Athens six months ago. The value of the stolen articles is officially estimated at about £ 6,000.—Central News.

Mr. Stoll Interviewed I OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE Mr. Stall, interviewed last •night, said that as no action had been taken by the Variety Artists' Federation he preferred not to give j 'his opinions concerning the present dispute; but, he added, "I feel very confident on the subject as regards my own position. To-day I have simply been inundated with letters, cable- grams, and telegrams from America, Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburg, all parts of Eagland and Scotland, from artists who, when I say the word, will immedia-tely come to London to work for me, a,nd who will go wherever I send them. Many artists in their enthusiasm, and some with big names, too, haive even offered to work for me for nothing."

DENMARK ABOLISHES COAL TAX. At a meeting of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, the president (Mr. J. A. Jones) said he had, in accordance with the request of the chamber, sent in his proof of evidence in connection with the Bill for a.n eight hours working day for miners. The council had received the new Customs tariff from Denmark, from which it appeared that the duties on coal would be entirely atbolished. The Parliamentary Bills affeetilllg the district would be -considered and reported upon by the council to the next meeting of the chamber, with the subjects down for con- sideration at the" spring meeting of the chambers of commerce, to be held in London in March. Mr. H. Woodley reported to the chamber upon the result of the deputation to the President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lloyd- George) with reference to railway companies owners' risks and consignment notes, amd a vote of thanks to him was passed. The report of the proceedings has already been published.

TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE I MONMOUTHSHIRE FARMERS AND COMPENSATION. A meeting of the Newport and District Farmers and Graziers' Association was held at the Shaftesbury Cafe, Newport, on Wednes- day, Mr. S. L. Baker (Magor) in the chair. Communications were read from the local M.P.'s concerning the question of compensa- I tion to farmers who lost cattle suffering from tuberculosis under an order of the local authorities. Mr. Lewis Has lam, M.P., wrote stating that to him it did seem unfair that farmers should suffer the whole leas of the destruc- tion of the cattle. Colonel Herbert, M.P., said he fully appreciated the hardship of the farmers. The necessity for the destruction of the cattle in the interests of the herds and of the public generally was fully admitted. It was pointed out that the loss incurred should in justice be borne partly by the community. Mr. R M'Kenna, M.P., wrote stating that the Government had given the question consideration, but would take no action until they received the report of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis. For this reason the Bill had been dropped. A Member: They've been sitting long enough. It's time for them to hatch now. (Laughter.) Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., wrote that, although he considered it haTd on farmers when cattle were seized and destroyed, he would not advocate that they should be com- pensated out of public funds. The Chairman thought the loss should be made up from the general rates. It was decided on the motion of Mr. W. E. Baker, seconded by Mr. B. Howard, to dis- continue the scheme of insurance against tuberculosis with the auctioneers from April 1. A deputation waa appointed to wait on the 1 Monmouthshire Chamber of Agriculture with a view of taking joint action on the question of tuberculosis in cattle. A deputation was also appointed to wait on the local auctioneers asking them tomake better arrangements when selling a/t New- port Cattle Market.

TAXING FHENCH RENTES. I The "Matin" says it is in a position to declare that all statements made during the last few days on the subject of the inten- tion of M. Caillaux with regard to the taxa- tion of French rentes are inaccurate. The journal adds that for some weeks past the Minister has not received any bank manager or director.—Reuter.

CLERICAL TROUBLES IN I' FRANCE. I The newspapers state that M. Hennion, principal commissary of the detective force, and thirty officers left for Sainte Anne l d Auray to carry out the inventory of the local church. It is feared that the peasants will offer a vigorous resistance, and a strong force of troops is being held in readiness in the neighbourhood.—Reuter. The Gaulois announces that the Order of Missionary Fathers of the Holy Ghost, although it has received authorisation, is about to leave the country.-Reuter

SCENE AT AN ABERYSTWYTH SERVICE. ALDBGED INTERFERENCE WITH A PREACHER. Hector Waylen and Amy Waylen, husband I and wife, living in Greenfield-street, were charged at Aberystwyth on Wednesday by D. Ivor Jones, secretary of the New-street Unitarian Meeting-house, with disturbinK one George Eyre Evans while preaching at the said place on Sunday last. There was also a further charge against the two defen- dants of indecently behaving at a place of religious worship. Defendants did not appear, and a medical certificate was put in stating that both were unable to attend owing to illness. Mr. A. J. Hughes, for the prosecution, said that, inasmuch as the offence complained of i might be repeated next Sunday, he would apply that the case be adjourned till Friday. The Bench adjourned the case accordingly.

L.C.C. LIBEL ACTION. I TWELVE WRITS ISSUED AGAINST THE STANDARD." Twelve separ ate actions were commenced on Wednesday by Messrs. Lewis ard Lewis at the instance of the progressive members of the London County Council against the Sftainidia.rd" newspapers; and Messrs. Leww and Lewis, on behalf of the plaintiffs, have served the writs upon the defendants' solici- tors. Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., M.P., has been retained on behalf of the plaintiffs.

BANKRUPT THROUGH LOW I DEATH-RATE. At a meeting of the creditors of Allen Andrew Adams, undertaker, of Nuneaton, the debtor att-ribute dhis bankruptcy to the fall- ing mortality rate. Nuneaton had the lowest death-rate in Warwickshire for part of last year.

JUDGES AND MOTOR-CARRIAGE. I The High Sheriff of a Midland county recently made an application to the judges for leave to use a motor-carriage when con- veying his Majesty's judges about at the I assizes, instead of the usrual horse carriage. It is understood that the judges refused the application.

Executors Ordered to Pay 1 CARMARTHENSHIRE WILL CLAIM I DECIDED At Carmarthenshire Winter Assizes on Wednesday (before Mr. Justice Bray and a special jury) the hearing was resumed of the action brought by George Evans, farmer, of Penllwyn-gwydr Farm, Llannon, against Mrs. Ann Thomas, widow, of the Red Cow, Hendy, Pontardulais; Ellen Jane Thomas, spinster; and the Rev. H. Baton Thomas, vicar of Os- westry (executors of the will of the late Henry Thomas, Brynheulog Farm, Hendy, Pontar- dulais, and uncle of the plaintiff), to recover a sum of JM83 15s. 8d. for board and lodgings afforded by the plaintiff to the said Henry Thomas, deceased, and his wife (one of the defendants in the action), for a period of three years; for trap hire and work done at Tyissa Farm and the Red Cow, Pontardulais, and also for feeding pigs and fowls which the Thomases kept while in residence at Pen- llwyn-gwydr Farm. Mr. J. Lloyd Morgan, K.C., M.P., and Mr. Llewelyn Williams, M.P. (instructed by Mr. David Jennings, solicitor, Llanelly), appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. B. Francis-Williams, K.C., and Mr. Villiers Meager (instructed by Mr. Dahne, Swansea) appeared for the defence. The case for the plaintiff closed on the pre- vious day, when the plaintiff and a number of witnesses gave evidence in support of the claim. Ann Thomas, a lady of 76, one of the defen- dants in the action, was now called, and in reply to Mr. Francis-Williams she stated that during their residence at plaintiff's farm she, her late husband, and her niece (Miss Thomas) practically kept themselves in food. Her hus- band never went for drives except when he accompanied the plaintiff on business. Plaintiff, however, did drive them to church on Sundays. It was untrue that they kept between 30 and 40 fowls at the farm. They never had more than ten fowls on an average, and one pig. After her husband's death in April last plaintiff, upon her request, re-paid her a sum of X27, which her husband had previously lent him to pay the farm rent. At that time plaintiff never even hinted that he had a claim against the estate. Asked why she was so eager for the re- payment of the money lent, witness said she wanted money to defray the burial expenses. Mr. Lloyd Morgan: Who suggested to you that you should give your nephew (the plain- tiff) notice to quit Penllwyn-gwydr Farm after your husband died?—We could not get quiot with him. That does not answer my question. Some- one advised you to give your nephew notice to quit. Who was it?-The agent. Did anybody else before you went to the agent?—No, sir. What did you mean just now when you said you could not get quiet with your nephew? Do you mean this dispute?—Yes, sir. What had the agent to do with this dis- pute?—He had nothing to do with it. Can you suggest why the plaintiff Should have done all the hauling for the re-building of the Red Cow for nothing?—No, sir. Or Tyissa Farm?—No, sir. Mr. Francis- Williams, in re-examination, elicited from witness that no hauling was done for the re-building of the Red Cow except for a cow-house which was built adjoining the public-house. Elizabeth Thomas, licensee of the Red Cow, and niece of the deceased gentleman, stated that she frequently supplied her uncle and aunt with butter, groceries, and meat, and they used to bring her poultry and eggs in returr. She also used to sell any surplus stock in the way of bacon, Ac., for her aunt. David White, farmer, Glyncaerau, Pontar- dulais, one of the valuers, also gave evidence. Mr. Francis-Williams, K.C., for the defence, after first pointing to the significance of the fact that, although the deceased gentleman died in April, no solicitor was instructed to force a claim until August, observed that his learned friend must have been very hard driven when he asked one witness whether it was not a fact that notice had been given to the plaintiff to leave the farm. Supposing notice had been given, Was that any reason why this action had been brought? Did that prove that Thomas kept five pigs? How did that prove that the hens laid sixteen eggs a week? (Laughter.) It was a mere topic of prejudice. His learned friend had no substance to deal with. It happened sometimes that an advocate became imbued with the spirit of his claim. Fifteen shillings a week each for these old people was a monstrous olaian, even if the plaintiff supplied them with food. Nothing would have been heard of the claim had the plaintiff benefited by his late uncle's will, as expected. Mr. Lloyd Morgan asked why should the plaintiff, who was paying R,60 per annum rental for the farm, give these old people their board and lodging for nothing? Plain- tiff had not been paid a single sixpence for the whole time they were at the farm. It had been suggested by his learned friend that the plaintiff would never have brought this action had he got something under the will of his late uncle. The plaintiff denied that. His Lordship, in summing-up, observed that the first thing which naturally struck one was the enormous size of the claim. It was plaintiff s own fault that he did not make this claim before, and if he had been grossly exaggerating the amounts claimed they would have to make a point of it. His lord- ship held up the book in which some entries were supposed to have been made, and called attention to its clean condition. If it had been brought out 215 times, and 216 separate entries had been made, did they not think there would be a good number of thumb marks on it and some little variation in the pencil writing? The Foreman of the Jury (Mr. Lewie, J.P., Trimsaran House, Burry Port) said a verdict was found on each separate item, viz.: For board and lodging of Henry Thomas and Ann Thomas between November 15, 1902, and March 13, 1906 (claim of £ £ »8), verdict in favour of defendants; attendance and hire and loan of horse and trap (claim of £ 107 10s.), for the defendants; keep of pigs and fowls (£43 claimed), for plaintiff for £ 30; haulage on Tyissa Farm and labour and looking after timber (£53 claimed), for plain- tiff for 140; hauling stones to and from Hendy, Pontardulais, and quarrying (£19 claimed), for plaintiff for £1,) 6s.; four journeys to Llanelly for timber and slates (£3 claimed), for plaintiff for L3. Mr. Lloyd Morgan: That means £ 86 6s. in favour of the plaintiff? His Lordship: Just so. Mr. Francis-Williams: And judgment for the defendants? Hie Lordship: Yes. Mr. Lloyd Morgan submitted that the plaintiff was entitled to all the costs up to the time of the payment into court and to the costs on the issues on which the jury had found in plaintiff's favour. Mr. Francis-Williams: That would be the court costs. His Lordship Of course it will. Mr. Francis-W illiams: And we are entitled to the costs on the issues on which we have succeeded? His Lordship: Yes. Mr. Francis Williams The difference between the £ 86 and the £100 paid into court should be paid out to the defendants. His Lordship intimated that the question of balance of costs would be settled after taxation, the money meanwhile to be kept in court. He held that it was a right action to bring in a high court, but it was not a right action to bring for 1483. Had it been brought for £86 it would have been different. The Foreman asked for double foes for him- self and colleagues on the special jury. These, however, were not allowed, but the jury were exempted from serving as jurors for three years. SPARKS FROM TRACTION ENGINE. I An action was brought by Mr. John Francis, Myrtle Hill, Carmarthen, against the Carmarthen Brickworks Company, to recover JE120, damage done to Pantycelyn Cottage, through sparks from the defendant company's traction engine. Mr. Meager (instructed by Mr. T. Walters, Carmarthen) appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Benson (instructed by Mr. James John) for the defendant company. Several witnesses were called to prove that sparks had been seen issuing from the engine of what was called a heavy motor-car, but no one saw the sparks from the engine which were supposed to have set fire to the thatched cottage in which an old lady resided. Evidence for the defence went to show that sparks did not come from the motor- car, and had not been seen by the users except on one occasion last year, when the valve was out of order. It appeared that, the house had been considerably repaired, i and his lordship found for the plaintiff, and I, ga.ve judgment for JE.50, with county-court costs. This concluded the business of the assizes.

POLITICAL SCANDAL IN I HUNGARY. DELICATE POSITION OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE. Speaking on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Independence Party at Buda-Pesth on the political situation arising out of the charges against M. Polonyi, M. Koesuth alluded to the services rendered by M. Polonyi, who, he urged, should be supported by the party with all the means at its disposal, as the attack on the Minister was indirectly levelled against it and the coalition. A number of members of the party have issued a statement, in which they declare that, although they have every confidence in M. Polonyi, they feel obliged to call upon him to take legal proceedings to clear him. Renter.

IN AN IRON GRIP. 1 All Europe Frost-bound MANY PERSONS FROZEN TO DEATH I The sudden fall in the temperature which was noticed on Tuesday continued, in an intensified form, on Wednesday. The cold wave was first noticed on Sunday, when temperatures ranging from 4Meg. to 90deg. of frost were reported from Central Russia- Since then the steady progress of th3 cold wave towards this country has been well marked. In the early hours of Tuesday between 20deg. and 50deg. of frost was reported from various parte of Austria, i Berlin next succumbed, a drop of 30deg. taking plaoe between midnight and daylight. During the morning Holland and Belgium were reached, the temperature falling 20deg. and 15deg. in each country. France fell under the spell in the afternoon, and in the evening the cold was reported to be intense in Paris. As the cold wave moved on towards Great Britain the mercury slowly began to feel its effects. On Tuesday night the temperature over the whole country fell below freezing point, and the mercury went steadily down during Wednesday. RECORD COLD IN GERMANY. BERLIN, Wednesday. The thermometer here this morning regis- tered nine degrees (Fa-hr.) below zero. The barometer has Teached a height unsurpaissed since meteorological observations were first made in Berlin, and is still rising. Traffic on the Metropolitan Railway is most irregular owing to the effect of frost on the ironwork of engines and to the delay in shunting off carriages the heating apparatus of whioh has become frozen. Tram drivers are being relieved after each journey owing to the demands made on their endurance by driving in the teeth of a bitter east wind. The Spree and canals running through the city are frozen over. Further cases of death by freezing are reported. Continental expresses are arriving covered with ice, and are many hours overdue. Owing to the intense cold the daily ceremony of relieving the guard at the castle with a band has been abandoned.—Reuter. SUFFERING AND DEATHS IN BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, Wednesday Evening. Arctic weather prevails throughout Bel- gium. Early this morning the thermometer fell in Brussels to 14deg. below zero (Centi- grade), which is the lowest temp-orature recorded since the year 1881, when it was 20deg. below zero. The temperature in Northern Belgium this evening is 17deg. below zero The terrible cold has already caused wide- spread suffering among the poorer classes, and several deaths from exposure have taken Pla,c,e.Central News. TRAINS BLOCKED BY I ITALY ROME, Wednesday Evening. Another day baa pas.sed without any improvement in the terribly severe weather. Snow has fallen heavily in various parts of the country, adding further to the general distress and inconvenience of the people. On the main railway line between Rome and Naples no fewer than five trains are this evening blocked by great snowdrifts. One of them is the famous train-de-luxe which run-! from Naples to Berlin. Trains are also blocked on other lines. Numerous deaths from the cold are reported. At the moment of telegraphing the frost is increas- ing.—Central News. NAVIGATION ALMOST SUSPENDED IN TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Wednesday. The blizzard continues without interrup- tion, and snow is already lying several feet dopep. Intense cold prevails both here a.nd in the provinces. Navigation in the Bos- phorus and the Black Sea, is carried on with the greatest difficulty, and, indeed, is prac- tioally suspended. Numerous small shipping casualties are reported, and trains from Europe are arriving much behind time. Such weather has not been experienced here for many a year. The bringin.g of sheep from the provinces for tbe Festival of Kurban Bairam, which begins to-morrow and lasts four days, has L,ocm much impeded, and, in consequence, prices have risen con,i-dera-bly.-R eu ter. FOURTEEN DEGREES OF FROST AT CARDIFF. Tuesday night was a bitterly oold night at Cardiff. The lowest temperature registered by Mr. Pettigrew in Roath Park during the 24 hours ending at nine o'clock on Wednesday morning waa 20deg. Fahrenheit, which is 12deg. of frost. The actual amount of frost on the grass must have been nearer 14 or *16 degrees. The lowest temperature regis- tered previous to Tuesday night at Roath Park this season was 24deg. Fahrenheit, on the night of December 29. During the dinner hour at Cardiff on Wed- nesday the driver of a Cathedral-road tram- car, named Mends, while approaching the Clarence-road Bridge was so affected by the cold that he fell in a heap to the floor of the oar, and became unconscious. He was con- veyed home, where, after medical attention, he revived. As a result of the severe frost some of the hydrants in the Roath Park district were frozen, and the curious sight was witnessed of a fire "devil" being carried round to thaw some of the hydrants before water could be obtained. LONDON TRAINS DELAYED. Several of the London trains on the South Eastern Railway were delayed on Wednesday owing to the engine pipes becoming frosted. The nine o'clock train had to stop at Staple- hurst in order to t,haw the pipes, thus caus- ing a delay of half an hour. Many up-trains experienced a similar difficulty.

LIFE UNDER A MOTOR-CAR The Mammoth Fun City at Olympia has added an original item to the programme. "Gadbin" is a remarkahle man who allows a 40-h.p. motor-car to lX;tE over liia prostrate body. He does not officially appear on the programme until Monday, but to a privileged audience yesterday he gave an exhibition of lliis powers. His motor-oar had not arrived, but a hansom cab into which seven men squeezed themselves was utilised. "Gadbin" did not come out of the ordeal entirely unscathed, for just at the crucial moment, when the left wheel of the cab was pas;iing over the email of his back, he gave vent to a howl of pa,in, which rather (it art led the onilookers. He explained that the cab had not been driven fast enough, and had consequently squeezed the fleshy part of his body before paeerng over the ribs.

A REMARKABLE TRAMP' Crediton is famous in history as being the ancient bishop's seat of Devonshire which gave a Pope—Boniface—to Rome. It is famous to-day for having harboured a rema-rkable tramp. The local builder recognised a man whom it was safe to help, and gave him a square meal and a few coppers t-o help him on his way. Ia half an hour the man was back again. He banded his benefactor's wife hajf- a^crown which (he had discovered among the pence, and which he did not think the master hadintended to give him. The cur- tain falls upon a noW of interrogation.

THE TRAMP'S DEFIANCE Addressing the bench at Newton Police- court, Ha.rry Churchill, who was committed to take his trial at the assizes for wilfully setting fire to a. rick, eaid, "I have only got to die once. I went to South Africa, and fought, too, and this is what I came home foT. It will be a, long time before I go again, you bet. If I do I'll butcher a few of you."

SUICIDE'S LETTER TO HIMSELF On the body of a Kingston housekeeper named Marshall, who swallowed carbolic acid, was found a letter addressed to him- self, in which he said, I am ashamed of;, what I am doing, but I can stand it no longer. I have been straight in all my dealings. My troubles I shall tell to no one; they may be found out."

QUITE AN IRISHISM One of the best opening sentenoes we have me with in a long experience of reading other people's leading articles occurs in The Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Trades' Journal." It begins: "Empties are full of interest to the trader."

BOXING. The well-know Cardiff boxer Boyo" Drisooll, is engaged in a twenty round con- test wiith Chris. Clarke at Liverpool to-night. The men are evenly matched, though Driswll will have to give away Wlb. in weight. Betting has been brisk, and the Cardiff man's backers are pretty confident. Jimmy Drdseoll will be Boyo's second. Jimmy Driscoll, of Cardiff, having failed to arrange any match in London this season has decided to mwke a trip to America, Oardiffians (hope thrie popular and gentlemanly young boxer will meet with the success he I daaaoweg. 4

THE 'QUAKE VICTIMSI Supplies Arrive in Nick of Time MORE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE) ——— Will It Be Accepted? A telegram from Kingston, dated yester- day, tays that his Majesty's oruieer Brilliant arrived at Kingston this morning from Ber- muda with medical supplies on board. These came in the niok of time, as the local e-upplies were runnirn.g short, amd the Governor refused to accept any from the American warships. The Frenoh cruiser Kleber, from Fore de France, and the Haytian cruiser Nord Alexia have also arrived, the laJtter bringing a large consignment of supplies and a sum of 5,000 dollars as gifts from the Haytian President. The steamer Advance, from Colon, and the Otteri, from Cuba, brought additional sup- plies yesterday. In view, however, of the Governor's action in refusing American ,2tssigta,nce and gifts, the fate of the latest ■consignments is uncertain. Occasional earthquake shocks still con- tinue to be felt. Two occurred in rapid suo- ceasion this afternoon. The people are apprehensive, amd are lalbouring under great excitement. The situation otherwise remains practically unaltered. Most of the streets have been cleared for traffic, and the work of demolishing dan- gerous walls is proceeding vigorously. Several m-archam;ta have already resumed business in temporary premises. The statement cabled out here that the English insurance companies repudiate all liability under the earthquake clause has crea,t,oo intense consternation. Many of the burnt edifices, it is claimed, have not been sufficiently damaged by the earthquake to render repairs and restoration impossible, and all the stock in hand, it is further declared, could be saved. Leading merchants say that they are faced with absolute ruin if their losses by fire axe not made good.

An Actress's Death POISONED BY GAS FROM A STOVE Dr. Danford Thomas held an inquest at Marylebone on Wednesday on the body of Florence Emily Howard, 34, an actress at the Comedy Theatre, who died under pecu- liar circumstances at her flat in New Caven- dish-street, Portman-place, W. Mrs. Annie Dolan, a servant employed by the deceased, said that the lady enjoyed good health, and was of a cheerful temperament. She dined out on Sunday night, returning about midnight. When witness entered deceased's room on the following morning for the purpose of cleaning it she found the deceased seated in a chair by a gas stove. She was partly dressed, and apparently un- conscious. There seemed to be a great deal of gas in the room, and witness at once opened, the windows. Examining the deceased, she found that she was dead. After sum- moning assistance, witness found that the screw tap of the gas 6tove had not been properly tightened, and gas had escaped. The tap of the stove was very loose, and it was possible that in screwing it up one might not do it properly. A year ago witness found her mistress in an insensible condition, and on that occasion the gas stove, which had been turned on, had not been lighted. When witness asked her mistress on that occasion about the gas stove deceased admitted that she had turned the gas on herself. Replying to the coroner, witness said deceased at times became depressed owing to the death of a close friend, which occurred about twelve months ago, but her tempera- ment was, as a. rule, cheerful. Another servant corroborated the statement of the last witness.—Evidence having been given by a friend with whom deceased dined on Sunday night that she was then very cheerful, Mr. Clifford Brooke, stage manager at the Comedy Theatre, said deceased, whom he had known for some years, acted at that theatre on Saturday. She was usually bright and cheerful, and he had never noticed that she was subject to fits of depression. Medical testimony as to the cause of death, and other evidence being adduced, The witness Dolan, re-called, said it was the practice of deceased to light the gas stove on her return home for the purpose of warm- ing the room. Mr. F. Collins Richardson, Who also gave evidence, deposed to escorting deceased home on Sunday night, and said that she was then in high spirits. It was highly improbable, he thought, tha,t the lady could have taken her own life. She was a most brilliant con- versationalist and companion. The jury, after deliberating in private, returned a verdict of Death by misadven- ture."

JUDGE TESTS MOTOR CAR In adjudicating upon a case at Brompton County-court yesterday concerning a dis- puted claim for building a motor-car body, Judge Sir William Selfe paid a visit of inspection to the car, the body of which had been produced aind fitted to defendant's chassis on the spot. Defendant's counsel took his place by his honour's side, and then, to the amusement of the bystanders, both took off their wigs and tried on a top hat borrowed for the occasion to teet the height of the carriage. His honour afterwards climbed into the chauffeur s seat and made a wry face when he found that there was very little space between himself and the driving wheel. Judgment was entered for the plaintiffs.

COMMEIiCOLARSHIP I The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce stated yesterday that they were founding a. soholajrtfhip in the fa-culty of commerce at I Birmingha,m University. £2,000 were required, and £ 6C0 had a.Iready been promised.

DIVIDING THE BALANCE. EISTEDDFOD ASSOCIATION AND THE lEMLYN EVANS GRANT. The question of the National Eisteddfod surplus as between the Carnarvon local com- mittee and the National Eisteddfod Associa- tion has been finally and satisfactorily adjusted. A letter was received on Wednes- day from the secretary of the National Eis- teddfod Association stating that the execu- tive of that body took no exception to the additional honoraria voted out of the gross surplus to the committee's officials, but pointing out that the grant of E25 to the Emlyn Evans Fund had obviously been drawn equally from the moiety due to the association and that due to the local com- mittee. Having regard, however, to the national character of the vote, the associa- tion agreed to the deduction, and accepted the remaining moiety in full settlement of the committee's obligations to the aeeocia- tion.

CARDIFF COUNCIL AND THE TEACHING OF WELSH. There is no likelihood of the special meet- ing of the Cardiff City Council convened for Tuesday next being further postponed, as desired by Aldermaa Robert Hughes a.nd several other members of the corporation. The meeting has been called for the express purpose of considering the question of com- pulsory teaching of Welsh in the Cardiff schools, in regard to which a motion will be brought forward by Mr. F. J. Veall, the chairman of the British League of Cardiff. Mr. Yeall is opposed to postponement, and the Lord Mayor informed one of our rep re- j eentatives on Wednesday that he had not been formally memorialised to postpone the meet- ing, and that h.e was bound by resolution of the council to convene the meeting for Tues- day.

A WEIGHTY POST. Messrs. James Carter and Co., the well- known seedsmen, of High Holborn, London, inform us that they are posting no fewer than 137,000 catalogues this season, the total weight of which is over 65 tons. The paper alone costs f,2,000, and the printing more thousands, while the postage, zPl.700 6s. 8d., is an item which almost represents the annual profit of some houses, and this, more- over, does not include the thousands of periodicals, such as "Carter's Practical Gardener," "Carter's Pamphlet on Ijawns," and many other small publications that the firm issue from spring to autumn, making in all a grand total of over a quarter of a million works of instruction from one firm iao-.

British Force Attacked WELSH OFFICER SEVERELY WOUNDED An official telegram has been received announcing that a British force has been attacked near a place called Walade, in Libe- rian territory, near Sierra Leone (Liberian frontier), and that Captain Norman, RoyaJ Welsh Fusiliers, was severely wounded in five places. A further telegram states that a force of Liberian troops has been despatched to the disturbed region. No details are given of the fighting or of the circumstances under which it took place. The whole affair is an outcome of the anomalous position which has existed for some time on the British-Liberian frontier, by which it becomes necessary for British Colonial troops to police Liberian territory. In 1905, owing to continued raids over the British frontier on the part of Liberian natives, it became necessary to despatch a strong British force to the neighbourhood of the boundary, and, further, to ask permis- sion of President Barclay of Liberia to send forces into the territory of his Republic in order to ensure the safety of Sierre Leone. Since that period there has from time to time been a recurrence of this violation of terriltory by natives, and it has been necei?- eary, at considerable expenditure on the part of the British Colony, to maintain a force of 300 West African Frontier Force to do the work which properly belongs to the Liberian Government. This is the first sign within, recent years that Liberia intends to fulfil its obligations, and it is hoped that it is the beginning of better things. A later telegram announces that Captain Norman is convalescent.

THE PLOT THICKENS. WEST HAM GUARDIANS BAIL DOUBLED. CHANGING ENGLISH COAL INTO WELSH. The recent remarkable development.; in the | West Ham Poor-law scandals case have awakened fresh interest in the proceedings, and when on Wednesday the accused were before the magistrates at Strat- ford for the twelfth time the police- court was crowded with eager listen- ers. There are now ten defendants, six of whem are West Ham guardians and four I officials of the workhouse and infirmary. The names of the guardians ar :-John Ander- son, George Arthur Crump, Richard Philip Tarrant, Frank William Hill, Tom Watts, and Alfred Skinner. The last two were arrested on Monday. The officials accused are: -Lewis George Hill, Alfred Riches, John Baird, and Edward John Hodgkin. All the defendants are charged with conspiracy to defraud. Watts and Crump, who were unable to find t-he bail required by the bench, had been in custody since the last hearing. ANDERSON'S BAIL DOUBLED. I The opening of the adjourned hearing was marked by another somewhat sensational incident. Upon the magistrates taking their seats, the Chairman (Mr. Carter) said that, in consequence of the evidence given last Mon- day, the bench proposed to increase the bail of Anderson from 15DD and two sureties in £2.30 to a personal surety of £1.000 and two in £ 500 each. Mr. Mansfield submitted that there was no evidence against Anderson to necessitate this increase of bail. It was to be expected that the Treasury would produce some evidence before they asked the magistrates to commit, and there was absolutely no evidence against Anderson, except that given on Monday. Bond's (the late coal oanitractor's) evidence certainly called for corroboration, and the evidence of Mrs. Bond was entirely consis- tent with Anderson 's innocence. The Chairman: I'm sorry I cannot agree I with you. The bail must be of the amount I have stated. BrIDOS OF WORKHOUSE TENDERS. The witness, Stephen Ayles, who lives at Wallington, Surrey, who was assistant to Madden, the meat contractor, in his business at Westminster, was re-called for re-examina- tion. The testimony of the witness on the I last occasion was to the effect that Madden and he went to the workhouse on the 13th of September, 1905 (twelve hours after oti-.er tenders had been sent in) for the pur- pose of receiving information as to the contract. For convenience he filled up the contract at Madden's dictation, and left it th,-re. In cross-examination by Mr. Frampton (for Lewis Hill), witness denied that they were at the workhouse for an improper purpose. If there had been any desire to keep the visit to the workhouse a secret, they might have dated the tenders for the 12th of Sep- tember, which would have been within the proper time. He was formerly master of the Lambeth Workhouse. In that union tenders were often accepted late. The Chairman: in Lambeth was it the invariable practice to accept tenders after the date?—Yes. Was it also the custom to fill them in in the presence of the master?—No, sir. Mr. Connolly Carroll, a relieving officer of West Ham, who on Monday gave evidence as to a sensational conversation he had with Crump, again entered the witness-box. Cross-examined by Mr. Cowl, the witness said he was approached by a member of the guardians to give evidence, and he subse- quently was communicated with by the Trea- sury. He applied for the job of steward. He resented the suggestion that he should pay for the appointment, but eventually he agreed. He aid not know that such consent might have placed him in the dock instead of in the witness-box. I A SPAT WITH COUNSELL Mr. Cowl: You failed to get the appoint- ment?—Yes; and I am very thankful. (Laughter.) If you had got the appointment I Suppose you would have kept your mouth shut. Yes or no? Witness (with emphasis): You must not try to browbeat me. The Chairman: You need not answer the question. Further interrogated by Mr. Cowl, Carroll said the fact that he had not got the berth had not influenced his conduct in regard to these proceedings. Evidence was given by officials of the board and others completing the story as to appointments which had been paid for, and for which the defendant had voted. Stephen Ayles was re-ca!led, and questioned by Mr. Bodkin as to whether he did not sign tenders for his employer (Madden) in a number of fictitious names, witness denied that he did. Mr. in, for the Treasury, was pressing the poiiir, when Mr. Frampton objected. The Bench over-ruled the objection. Mr. Frampton (with some asperity): Even the bench is not allowed to have a roving commission to go into things which are not before them. TRANSMUTATION OF ENGLISH OOAL. Bond, the coal contractor, again stepped into the witness-box to give evidence. He was, he said, taken to, the residence of Madden, at Buckingham Palace-gardens, by Lewis Hill, who desired to introduce him to Madden, to secure other contracts, through his influence, with the masters of other work- houses. Mr. George Augustus Paul, chairman of the West Ham Board of Guardians for the la-st three years, said early in 1906 there was a question of the board entering imto a con- tract with' the Ronez Quarry Company, Guernsey. Their tender was the lowest on two occasions. The first tender was spoken against at the board meeting by Ander- son, and rejected, but the next tender by the same firm was recommended by Anderson, and accepted. The witness said that the plan adopted was to spread the Welsh coal over the English coal at the workhouse, with, the view to make it all appear tha-t it wae all Welsh coal. He told the officials Hill and B?ird that he had made so many complaints without result t,hU he Mould make it a board mat.ter. At this stage the case was adjourned till Monday. Before the court rose the magistrates erpressed their willingness to admit Ander- sofn to bail in a personal surety of zel,ooo amd one surety of £1,000, instead of two of j■ 1£500. j

M.C.C. IN NEW ZEALAND. The M.C.C. cricket team have defeated a Manawatee thirteen by an innings and 35 runis.-Reuter. I

BILLIARDS. I Stevenson (best breaks 295, 260, and 328), 4,500; Dawson, 3.386. lurnaJi, 5,385; Harverson, 5,340.

HOCKEY. Final score: Cardiff Whartons (ladies), 0; I The Hayes (ladies), 0. I Final score: Ohepstow 4; Cardiff City, 0.

NOTORIOUS BRIGAND TAKEN. The notorious brigand, Antomdo Falconi, who for years has terrorised the whole of Sardinia by his murders and robberies, has been cap- tured at Founi (says an Exchange message from. Naples), and. taken undwr a. Btran* eacort to the prison of Nocro.

Racing Intelligence. -0 CARMARTHEN MEETING HOFF" It was decided this morning to robandon I to-day's racing at Carmarthen.

LITTLE PROSPECT OF PLAY NEXT SATURDAY Jack Frost has stolen a march on most football clubs throughout the country, the precaution of covering the grountl in good time having been taken in very few places. The Cardiff Arms Park is as hard as adamant, and, in the absenoe of any sign of a break in the present severe weather, it is the good fortune of the Cardiff Club that next Saturday's fixture is at Blackheath. But the luck of Cardiff is the misfortune of the 'Heathens, especially as the dates originally arranged for the two annual home and home matches were reversed, so that the first game should be played at Cardiff instead of Blackheath. There is no ground in England which lies in a more exposed position than the Rectory Ground at Blackheath, and those who have knowledge of it can well imagine how firmly it is held in the grip of a hard, black frost by this time. All the present indications point to Cardiff being spared a journey to town at the end of the week, but everybody will regret the loss of such an important fixture to Blackheath. And what applies to Blackheath is also applicable to nearly all clubs with home matches, and the only hope is that a genuine through thaw will set in just in time to extract the bone from the ground. But the prospective thayv will have to be as severe as the present frost, or Saturday will be practically a blank day in football. GLAMORGAN V. SOMERSET MATCH ABANDONED. Mr. A-ck Llewellin, the horn, secretary of the Gla.morga,n County Club, received a wire from the Somerset County Club secretary tha.t the match arranged between Glamorgan ii-nd Somerset at Bath to-day (Thursday) would have to be abandoned on account of the ground being frost-bound.

VOTING FOR THREE-QUARTERS IN IDEAL WELSH TEAM. As the vote for the three-quarters in the Ideal neish Team competition of the "Even- ing Express progresses, the number of natmes increases. Wednesday's position in the order of the vote, highest numbers being on top, was as follow:— RIGHT WING— R. A. Gibbs (Cardiff). W. Trew (Swansea). J. L. Williams (Cardiff). Teddy Morgan (London Welsh). H. T. Maddocks (London Welsh). Cecil Biggs (Cardiff). D. P. JoneF (Pontypool). Phil Hopkins (Swansea). LEFT WING— J. L. Williams (Cardiff). W. Trew (Swansea.). R. T. Gaibe (Cardiff). Teddy Morgan (London Welsh). Willie Arnold (Swansea). RIGHT CENTRE— Gwyn Nicholls (Cardiff). J. H. Evans (Pontypool). W. Trew (Swansea). R. T. Gabe (Cardiff). R. A. Gibbs (Cardiff). Edgar Jones (Tredegar). J. P. Jones (Pontypool). LEFT CENTRE— R. T. Ga.be (Cardiff). J. H. Evans (Pontypool). J. L. Williams (Cardiff). L. Davies (Swansea).

H. B. WINFIELD'S INJURY. H. B. Winfield. the Cardiff full-back, whose knee was slightly injured in the match at Bristol last Saturday, was able to attend the usual training on Tuesday night, and in a chat with Forward" said the injury wa.s so slight that it had com- pletely passed away. At their meeting on Monday evening the Wel&h Union Selection Committee, in making their cthoice of the Welsh team to play Scotland, kept open the full-back position on account of this injury to Winfield's knee, there being a doubt at the time as to whether he would be fit to go to Scotland next SatuTday week. There is no longer any cause for doubt on that score, and Winfield is practically certain of his place in the team. OAJilllFF PLAYER GOES NORTH. A player named W. Walton, said to be a member of the Cardiff Romilly Club, has signed on for Batley. UNLUCKY GEORGE ROMANS. George Romans, the Gloucester full-back, whose resignation, we recently announced, is probably the most uuhwky player who eYt?r failed to get his inter- national cap. It was unfortunate for him that he should have been contemporary with H. T. Gajnii?, undoubtedly the finest full-back that EnFland ha? had during th? last ten years. Alth?u?h e?leotpd on several occasions as "reserve," Romans never became an actual member of the English team, and in this he is to be commiserated with. for if he had been born five years later he would j be at his best just now, and without a serious opponent for his cap. OAR.DlF'F'. LOST JERSEYS." I An amusing incident is reported m con- nection with last Saturday's m.a.tch between Cardiff and Bristol, when the Cardiff players lost their jerseys en route to Bristol, and the Bristol ba.nd had a terrible time whiling away the extra hour of wa.iting. Two or three of them who had to blow into the big instruments were showing signs of exhaus- tion, and the volume 01 sound became laanter and fainter as time went on. The tromhone I man surrendered at last, and stood aside to watch the valiant struggles of his comrades. Others dropped out of the ring one by one until the POOT cornet-player realised the futility of playing solos all on his cAm," and he. too, retired to the touch-line. I BRISTOL CROWD S CONDUCT. I am afraid (says South Waiian" in the "Sportsman") a little feeling is slowly but surely arising between th-e Bristol spectators and the Welsh crowds. It Wais pretty sharply defined on the occasion of the Aberavon game, the local crowd choosing, for some reason or other, to rejoice over the downfall of Wales at Swansea. On Saturday the strong Cardiff contingent that went-over t.) Bristol started chipping from the Welsh point of view, which, after all, was only nahra.I. At the same time this sort of thing is deplor- able, because if carried too far they are apt to get a ground closed. We used to be suoh good friends with the West of England people, too, and what has caused the present strain I cannot think. Surely, with the pro- minence that is being given Association foot- ball in Bristol just now, Rugby people do I not want to bioker with their friends. [ WOODWARD WON'T RETIRE. ine sportsman is in receipt of a message from Mr. V. J. Woodward contra- dicting the statement that it is his intention to retire from playing first-class football after this season. WELSH AMATEUR CUP. The draw for the fourth round of the Welsh Amateur Cup conip-etit-ion was made on Wed- nesday at Wrexham, as follows:— Escluaham White Stars v. Ruabon, at m. Portma.doc v. Aberystwyth, at Portmadoc. Llanfyllin v. Holyhead or Llanrwst, at Llianr fyllin. Llandrindod Wells v. Buckley Engineers, at Llandrindod Wells. Ties have to be played on February 23. Cardiff Whartons, 2 tries; Cardiff Ivy, 1 try. Cardiff Thistles, 4 goals Masters' Juniors, 1. Surrey, 4 goals; Berks and Bucks, 2 goals. Devon, 6 points; Cornwall, nil. Halifax, 12 points; Broughton Rangers, 8 points.

Treforest Bugby F.C. require Away Match Saturday, Jan. 26th.-Horton. Cardiff-road, Treforest. eJ955123 CHEPSTOW V. CARDIFF SECODS. Cardiff Arms Park, January 26th, 1907. Kick-off, 3 o'clock. e2719

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADEI RECORD OUTPUT FROM RHYMNEY VALLEY HOUSE COAL PITS. The Rhymney Iron Company last week achieved success in the output from the house coal pits of Cefn-Brithdir, Dswran, and Gilfach-Bargoed. The quantity of coal raised was over 7,000 tons, and it was a record week for the company. Success has also attended the efforts of the same company with their sinking ventures at Groeswen and Pengarreg, as no fewer than seven seams of coal have been strrck, and the arches are now being pushed I forward to enable the full complement of I labour being put on. DOWLAIS COLLIERS' DISABLEMENT I FUND WOUND UP. During its sixteen years' existence the I Dowlais Colliers' Sick and Disablement Fund has rendered excellent service in relieving the aged, infirm, and distressed miners in the Dowlais district, no less a sum than £ 1,600, voluntarily subscribed, having been dispensed in deserving cases. The original purpose of the fund is now being largely served from other sources, amd on Tuesday evening the organisation was formally dis- banded. A handsome gold chain, with pen- dant (suitably inscribed), was presented to Mr. W. Morgan Da vies in appreciation of his services as hcai. treasurer. It was resolved to band ov-ar the wrplus of the fund to the Merthyr and Domlais General. HorbtsrI. I

I BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS AND IN MIMORMM. Charps for inserting advertisements under this head- ingis. for 30 ords Iilld la. for Every Two Extra V ords. No notice of this description will be Inserted unless authenticated by the name and :u\dr6.% of the sender. Telegrams and telephonic messages cantot be acted oil until connrmed in writing. Dol In H. -NEVIN.On the 21st illksl., to Mr. and Mrs, Jamm Ncvin, Aberdare, a SQn.

AUGUSTINE J. fe'iCNE FUNERAL FURNISHES & FUNERAL DIRECTOR. Personal Supervision to All Orders. Nat. Tel.: Cardiff, No. 784; Post Office Tel., No. 612, Cardiff. Telegrams: AUGUsTLtiB STONE, GA-BDIFF; A L'<jUfcTLJ.il STONK. BARBY DOCKS. C? WORKIN:T., QAEDIFF, 101. HOLTON-BO-Apf BARHY DOCKS. 101, HOLTON-OOAD, BARRY DOMS.

IMOHE OUTLAY ON CARDIFF PUBLIC OFFICES. ARCHITECTS' COMMISSION AND EXTRA FURNISHING. ORNAMENTAL CUPBOARDS AND CRACKING CHAIRS. There were more complaints at the meeting of the C.,d iff Town-mili Committee on Wed- nesday of the costliness of the furniture of the new building. Alderman P. W. Carey was in the chair, and in the chair, a-,nd it was stated in a letter from the head- constable that the work of completing the Daw-courts would have to be considerably expedited if they were to be ready for the winter assizer on March 9. It was reported that the £ 25,000 allotted by the commit,t.ee for the furnishing of the City-hall a.nd Law-courts had been spent, with the exception of about £ 60. Now the head- cynftable and the ole-k of the works found that a long 1 i- of art.icl<is W,'1, still necessary. Mr. VeaU said this requisition was one prac- tically for the furnishing of the police quarters. PTe did not think that it was ever contemplated that the Town-hall committee should provide furniture for the police quarters, and that furniture was not iu. cluded in the architects' original schedule. It should be provided by the watch com- mittee. He propd that they should instruct the city engineer's staff to obtain this furniture. There was no reason why they should pay architects' commission on it, and t.he architects would probably want thi.nge which would cost twice ae much aø the committee would be satisfied to obtain. Mr. Morgan Thomas seconded, and it waa carried. Alderman David Jones complained of the delay occasioned in the architects offices by waiting for designs in so many small matters. The other day he told the architect that there was not a hat-stand or umbrella-stand in the place. The architect said, I think we had better get designs." If they were going to wait for the a re h: t rvt to get designs for suoh things as that they might wait until the Greek Kalends, and they would not get I finished then. Mr. Stanfield complained that if they were going to put up curtains in all the private offices in the buildings it would be a scan- dalous waste of money. The meeting was in the members'-room, and Mr. Ohappell, pointing to two ornamental cupboards, asked. "Are those things for keep- ing china or wax dolls?" (T..a.ughtT.) Alderman David Jones: That is what they are for. They are ornamental, but they are absolutely useless. Mr. Chappell having demonstrated that the cupboards would not hold a minute-book or volume of t.hat kind, Mr. St an field paid some of the ornamental chairs in the building were already beg-inning to crap-k and to display broken backs. He did not know wh-ier they were there to bo looked at or to be used. (Daughter.) RENT FOR GUARDIANS' OFFICES. The application of the board of guardians for a suite of eleven ToomlS for offices at the north end of the City-hall was again con- sidered, and a sub-committee was appointed to consider what rent should be asked, I

PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE SANATORIUM. CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNCIL TAKE INITIAL STEPS. At a meeting of the Carmarthenshire County Council held at Llanelly on Wednesday the question of forming the three counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke into an isolation district with regard to the Alltymynydd Sanatorium, and grant a rate for its support, was discussed. The Clerk (Mr. J. W. Nicholas) explained that the procedure was regulated by the Isolation Hospital Act of 1893. According to the Act a committee could be appointed, who would report to the county council, and they should call a public meeting. lie had received petitions from Carmarthen District Council, Llanelly District Council, Llany- byther, Kidwelly Borough Council, Amman- ford Urban Council, and Newcastle Emlyn Urban Council. Mr. Jones-Davies proposed, and Mr. D. Stephens (Kidwelly) seconded, that a com- mittee be appointed. Mr. John John (Parceithyn): Is tuberculo- sis an infectious disease within the meaning of the Act? The Clerk: Not at present. Mr. John: Then how can it be an isolation hospital ? The Clerk: That will be one of the 6tope for this committee to take. If a prl'»?a laeie case is made out a public meeting can be called. Sir James Drummond said that the only objection he had to referring the matter to a comittse was that thev were on the eve of an election, and he was afraid that some of them—although he hoped all of them would be present-mig)it be absent. He must remind them that two years ago, when they decided upon this matter, it was by a sub- stantial majority, and he hoped they would hold good to their word and pasis it again. Mr. R. A. Nevill said that he would like to know whether it was possible to pass it that day. He could St>e the necessity of appointing a committee, but they should bear in mind that the working classes of the county were looking forward to the opening of the sana, torium. The Clerk said that it was abrwJutely im- possible to finish the matter that day. A public meeting would have to be held. In reply to a question, the Clerk stated that it was open for any district council which had not petitioned to obj<t. The county council would then oonsider that objection, and then decide whether or not it should be included in the hospital district. A committee was then appointed to go into th* matter.

FRENCH CASINOS ALARMED. At a meeting of the French Cabinet the gambling places were the subject of discus- sion. The Minister of Justice read the circu- lar which later in the day he addressed to the Procurators of all the Departments, directing them to take immediate steps for closure, and for the prosecution of proprietors attempting to evade the law. Last week the Minister of the Interior issued a similar notification to the Prelects. This unexpected display of energy has alarmed the proprietors and managors of the casinos at the seaside towns and wate-- ing-plaees in the interior of the oouutry, where facilities for gambling are supposed to attract crowds of foreigners. The Parliamentary representatives of divi- sions in which these towns are situated have been memorialised by the owners of caiiiloj and clubs, and they have met at the l'alait. Bourbon to take steps for the protection of the threatened interests." They will receive no sympathy from the Minister of the Interior. M. Clemenoeau has no intention of interfering with strictly private elubs, or of revising the law (1901 u;ndw which they exist: clubs, that is to me*, where betting is only a pastime, from whioh landlords or managers "derive no profit." But every oasino where gambling goes kn must be shut up. The betting in these estab- hshments is a publio vice, which the public authority in each looa-lity is now instructed to suppress.

CLOSING FRENCH GAMBLING CLUBS. According to the "Matin" a Spaniard, an Austrian, and four Belgians employed in different gaming clubs in Paris were ordered on Tuesday evening to leave the country. The "Libre Parole" states that six clubs were to be closed on Wednesday and their proprietors expelled.-Reuter.

Cots tatt for Claspifirattott SEE SOL. PHILLIPS' WINDOWS FOR JEWELLERY AND BARGAINS, 41. ST. MARY-STREET, AND 43. CABOLINE-OTRfim. CARJMJOU