Evening Express

COCHFARFON STONES Pickwick Club. I SPIRIT OF BLOTTON. BY LLOYD MEYRICK I I wonder if the Pickwick Club still exists ? Dickens tells us that the immortal club was dissolved to the satis- faction of everybody, but I aip bold enough to doubt his word. The last we hear of Pickwick is that every year he repairs to a large family merry-making at Mr. Wardle's. On this, as on all other occasions, he is invariably attended by the faithful Sam, between whom and his master there exists a steady and reciprocal attachment which nothing but death will terminate. Somehow I like to think, in spite of this definite announcement, that there may be found wandering on our roads the whole gay company, headed by the little fat humorist and the faithful Sam. I really think I occasionally do catch sight of Pickwick in out-of-the-way places, and to this day he wears the chastened look of the widow haunted. But if it is, indeed, true, and Dickens spoke the final word, it is pleasant to reflect that the innocent, guileless spirit of Pickwick still flourishes in our midst, and that, too, among the aldermen. Behind the burly form of Cochfarf we find the same trusting faith, the same high enthu- siasm, and the same natural aptitude for antiquarian research. Pickwick had no logic, and was ignorant of what we these days call "the historic sense," but for all these sad deficiencies he made up in a wealth of lovable qualities and eccen- tricities. I In reading the speech of Mr. Alder- man Edward Thomas delivered on Wed- nesday I detect the very atmosphere of Pickwick. I could recall the very tones of one of the brightest ornaments of fiction when he read his profound paper on "Speculations on the Source of the Hampstead Ponds, with Some Observa- tions on the Theory of Tittlebats." I have nothing to do with the martyr or the alleged martyrdom, except to say that it is a pity that Lord Mayor ( rosis- man, who is winning such golden opinions for the manner in which he fills his high office, should countenance proceedings which can only tend to per- petuate ugly theological memories. It is, however, the humorous side of the proceedings that irresistibly appeals to me. Humour shook its sides on Wed- nesday, and the finest Pickwickian touch was given by Cochfarf in the folljwing words: Alderman Thomas said that a neighbour of the Rev. J. Morgan Jones remembered a stone, with the letter "W" inscribed on it, fixed outside the Brecon Old Bank, on the site now occupied by Lloyds Bank, marking the spot where it was said the burning actually took piace. This statement breathes the very soul of Pickwick, and my readers, to judge for themselves, must read the following extract from the masterpiece of Dickens: It was at thiB moment that Mr. Pickwiok made that immortal discovery, whioh has been the pride and boast of his friends, and the envy of every ant iqua roan in this or any other country. Mr. Pickwick's eye fell upon a small broken stone, partially boned in the ground, in front of a cottage door. He paused. This is very strange," said Mr. Pickwick, and in his enthusiasm for dis- covery feU on his knees before the little stone amd commenced wiping the dust off it with his pockc^handkerrcftief. I cam discern," oootimied Mr. Pfcfcwiak, rafafaixv away with all his might and gazing intently through his spectacles, I can discern a. cross, and a B, amd then a T. This is impor- tant. This is some very old inscription, exist- ing, perhaps, long before the ancient alms- houses in this place. It must not be lost." He tapped at tho cottage door. A labouring man opened it, who was asked if he knew how the stone came there.No, I doan't, sir," replied the man civilly. It was here long afor I wor born, or any of us." Mr. Pickwick glanoed triumphantly at his oom- panion, and promptly gave ten shillings fit the stone. The astonishment of th3 village may be easily imaigined when (the little stone having been raised with one wrench of a spade) Mr. Pickwick, by dint of great per- sonal exertion, bore it with his own hands to the inn, and, after having carefully washed it, deposited it on the table. The stone was uneven and broken, and the letters were straggling and irregular, but the following fragment of an inscription was clearly to be deciphered: f B 1 4 S T U M P S H I S M ARK My readers will remember the joy of Pickwick at this discovery in a country known to abound in remains of the early ages, and how he appeared in person with the precious stone before the assembled club. Mr. Pickwick himself wrote a pamphlet, containing 96 pages of very small print, and 27 different readings of the inscription. Is Coch- farf going to do likewise? He has not, it is true, the same scope as Pickwick, being confined to the letter W," but it might have been a "U," or, with the stone turned upside down, it might have been an "M." But I forget the stone dcx*3 not even exist, so that the learned alderman will have ample opportunity to fit his conclusion to the premises. For Cochfarf there can exist no Mr. Blotton, who interviewed the labouring man, and found he had carved on the stone himself the inscription, "Bill Stumps, his mark," using only one 1" to his Christian name. The Pickwick Club scorned the base Blotton, and rightly, too. The same magnificent faith was displayed last Wednesday. Was not the evidence clear? Can the respectable neighbour of an esteemed minister lie? The stone might have been taken from the wall of a hotel, and the "W" stood for waiter. But was there not a Rawlins White? Why should he not have been burned; he as well as another? Sceptical shade of Blotton we will have none of thee! Faith works miracles, and from a mythical stone and one uncer- tain letter of the alphabet grave elders construct history and erect tablets. We are told that we may find "sermons in stones," but it is left for Cardiff to find martyrs. Mr. Pickwick was elected an honorary member of seventeen native and foreign societies for making the dis- covery none of the seventeen oould make anything of it, but all the seven- teen agreed it was very extraordinary. Will similar honour be conferred on Cochfarf? There is no stone, but there is the neighbour of the Rev. J. Morgan Jones? Does he still exist? Is he tangible, and can he be dealt with by subpotna to tell a waiting world that he saw the stone in the wall with a "W" on it, and, therefore, Fisherman White was a martyr? I am not a Blotton, but I do want something I can clutch-just a little of the stone, one of the limbs of the "W"! But I must stop. Oh immortal Pickwick I have long tracked you. In the corridors of old inns I have seen your shadow, and the dust of high roads has not obscured thy rounded benevolence from the eyes of ardent wor- ship; but little did I expect to see thy spectacles and witching smile behind the sombre dress of ministers, and the very echo of thy speech in a dignified alder- man on history.

Defending Ratepayers. LLANELLY GUARDIANS SPURN A MENDICANT'S PLEA An application we to the Uanelly Board of Quardi=a on Thursday by a man described as a chimney-sweep for assistance to bury his child, who had just died. The applicant appeared before the board and stated tha;t he came lrom Swansea last Saturday, and now rwslded at a lodging- house. Mr. W. B. Jones: What have you been doing daring the last few days? Applicant: I have been clog-dancing about the streets, with two others, one of whom played a concertina, and the other with the bone clappers The Chairman (Mr. Thomas Seymour): Where-are your tools ? Applicant: I don't know where they are now. The Chairman: You ought to be ashamed of yourself, a young man like you, to come to the guardians. Do you think the rate- payers have sufficient money to support such as you? Mr. W. B. Jones said that wJ!e man had earned sufficient money on Good Friday and Easter Monday to live for a few weeks. The Chairman (addressing the applicant): Go and work honestly, man! I suppose you have pawned your tools, and the best thing for you to do is to clog-dance aga4n to get a coffin to bury your child. Mr. Thomas Jones said that the public should not support such men. The Chairman: It is nothing but begging. Applicant: I am not begging. The Chairman: What do you call clog- dancing about the streets but begging. It is a wonder to me that the police don't apprehend you. The board unanimously decided to refuse assistance. The Clerk referred to the death of Mr. J. Beaven Phillips, J.P., who was their treasurer, and Mr. Arthur Evans, of Lloyds Bank, was appointed treasurer pro. tem.

GLANAMMAN DISPUTE The secretary of the Welsh Artisans' Union (Mr. John Hopkin John) has written to the maimager of the Raven Works, Glanamman, where a strike is proceeding, asking that the matters in dispute be referred to settlement by arbitration, and further intimating that oa this being agreed to by the management the artisans would resume work forthwith. The points on which it is suggested that arbi- tration should be invoked are the Iollowimg: (1) Thaot there should be a driver in charge of each of the miU engines and paid at the rate of 32s. per week and 3d. per cwt. over total "make"; (2) that there should be two boiler firemen in each shift of twelve hours, and paid at the rate of 56. per day each; (3) that the piokler be paid the trade rate of 4d per ton; and (4) that extra payment be made bar-cutters when discharging bars by order to release trucks. The manager is willing to refer to arbitra- tion only the stokers' question, and that only as it stood last week, when Mr. John, who did not then suggest arbitration, inter- viewed him. The increase then asked for the stokers was 10 per cent., but Mr. John's piesent demand is an increase of 331 per cent. Asked why the other matters would not also be referred to arbitration, Mr. H. Folland the manager) replied that the bar- cutters' and engine-drivers' questions were issues that had only been raised that day, whilst the picklers' question was amicably disposed of last week.

THE PNEUMONIA SEASON The springtide, with its sunshine, its flowers, its poets, and its thoughts of love, i is 31180 the "harvest-time of pneumonia. Sunny days induoe people to prematurely "cast clouts," and thus expose themselves to dan- I gerous chills. East winds stay with us till June in most years, and winter precautions should 26bide till May be out," even though they mean a little discomfort.

A RUSSIAN ACQUITTAL I Kimkom Saharug, a Korean subject, who was charged with attempting to mccrder the ex- Korean Minister at the Hotel de Prance, in St. Peteraborg, in 1906, has been tried by jury in fit. Petersburg and acqu-Ltted.-Reu-ter.

 = arKVMS'BNm?D—  I& gn" r*Quelm6 I

NO CLAIM ON ME." Chepstow Licensee and Cardiff I Woman, NOT "PROPERLY MARRIED." I Dramatic Scene in Police-Court, Before Mr. C. W. Whalley (in the chair) and Mr. T. V. Ellis at Chepstow on Thursday Mary Jane Waters, of Cardiff, who recently publicly made a statement to the effect that she is the wife of Stephen Waters, landlord of the Queen's Head, Chepstow, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and also with doing malicious damage at the Queen's Head, Chepstow, on Wednesday, April 3. Inspector Bullock stated that about two p.m. Mrs. Waters, wife of the landlord of the Queen's Head, rang at the police-station bell, and complained that a woman was smashing fnrniture in her house. He went in, and saw a table overturned and partly broken. The landlord put the prisoner into the street, and witness advised her to go away quietly. She wa.s drunk, and refused to go, saying she would be locked up. Even- tually witness locked her up. Prisoner: When I was at this court before I declared I was his wife. Since then Cardiff People have Sneered at Me otopiieii Watena said he was nerver mar- nod to me. that he was never in a church with me, that he was not properly married to me, and only lived with me for four or five years. He was fined at Ca.rdiff for ill-using me. The Magistrates' -clerk in-timated that pri- soner had not yet paid the previous fine. Prisoner produced a copy of her marriage certificate, and the Chairman asked Stephen Waters if he had seen it. Witness replied that he did not wisfh to see it. The Chairman; It is wise for you to see it and know it. The Magistrates'-clesrk: You are giving evidence, you know. Witness: All I wish to say is that this woman has no claim on me at all. As regards this (meaning the marriage oertificate), I never considered I had anything to do with it. The Chairman: Have you any answer to my question? Waters made no reply, and the Magistrates'- clerk asked him if he admitted marrying- the prisoner. Waters: Not properly. Mr. Ellis: Why do you say that? Waters: It was by force and influence by men she had on her side that I did these things. She was a bad character at the time, and I was young and misled. The Chairman (reading from the certificate) According to this you were 25, and the woman 22. You were not quite a youth even then. Prisoner: I have had several separations, and the la&t time the stipendiary eadd if I was foolish enough to live with Waters again he would not grant another. Waters: I have given this -woman a lot of money Not to Molest Me Prisoner: Yes. because you were afraid to go to a police-court. The Magistrates' -clerk: When was the last separation? Prisoner: Four years ago last September. Have you lived with him odnoo?-Ye& The M.a.gietra.Wó'J.erk: Then the order has gone. After deliberating in private, the Cha.i rm^r, asked Waters if it was true he was leaving the Queen's Head Ian. Waters: Yes. The Chairman: Because, in the opinion of I the bench, you are not a fit and proper per- son to be in possession of a licence. How- ever, as you are leaving our course is very cample. Waters: Yes; I a.m leaving the Queen's Head in three weeks. Addressing the prisoner, the Chairman said the magistrates were in a dilemma. witE regard to her. They did not want to appear hard upon her, but the coarse she had been adopting must cease. She would be given another chance, and they hoped she would take advantage of it. If she had any claim upon Waters, let her make it in the proper way, and not create a disturbance. She would be bound over in the sum of L5 to keep the peace towards her husband for three months, and pay the costs. j Defendant was allowed a week in which to pay the costs and the previous fine, in all £1 17s. 2d., and in 'handing her her marriage1 certificate the Chairman told her to take care of it, as it might be useful to her.

KRUGER'S LOST GOLD The search for Kruger's gold lost in the Dorothea off the coast of Zuiuland begiins again in earnest on Sajturelay, when the Alfred Noble, owned by the S. A. Salvage Cormpaaiy (Limited), steams out of the East India Dock. Eight futile attempts have already been made, but this time the search party are oon- fident of success. If modem appliances and enthusiasm will aid us in our venture, we are certain of success," Mr. PaLmer, the chief diver, confi- dently told a press representative yesterday. In former expeditions only small hand appliances were available," he said, but we a,re now fitted out with all that modern motor science can produce." "Are the men paid bag mlaries?" "Well, just a trifle better than ordinary seamen, with the addition of a small share in the salvage." Captain Gardiner, who takes charge of the expedition, claims to have been on the Doro- thea, and to know exactly where to find the wrecked ship. After calling at Graveeend for coal, the Alfred Noble will proceed on Sunday for St. Vincent. Then she will steam direct for Cape Town, and at once begin the search for Kruger's lost treasure.

SCHOOLBOY MOTORIST' A summons to enforce payment for damages done by a motor cycle was answered at Laonbeth County-court yester- day by a smartly attired youth who said he had no money. Plaintiff's Solicitor: What isyo=buednem? —Nothing. (Laughter.) A gentleman of leisure?—No. What then?—A schoolboy. How old is the schoolboy ?—Seventeen. His Honour: There is a doubt about that. Defendant: I am on my oath, your honour. I will be eighteen in August. Did your oounsel say you were only seven- teen when the case was heard?—No, I do not think he did. lie spoilt my case altogether. What do you get for pocket money?—Oh, that is very uncertain; sometimes 5s., some- tim-es more. An order for defendant to pay £1 a month was made.

FLOWERS FROM SCILLY The quantity of cut flowers sent to our markets from the Scilly Islands this year has been the largest on record. The brilliant March sun has to be thanked for this floral invasion. Narcisoms, sadd one dealer yester- day, ba3 been sent to londoa in enormous consignments, and last Saturday exceeded the demand to sruch an extent that some of dt had to bo sacrificed. It is caJculated that over 50C tons of flowers were sent to different markets in the United Kingdom Last month, which represents a great advance on tho figure of March last year.

A 21,600 BURGLARY Gold and diamond rings, gold watches, and other valuable jewellery to the value of bet-ween £ 1,000 and £ 1,500 were stolen on Thursday from the shop of E. F. Macaulay, at Perth. Entrance was gained to the pro. mises by means of false keys. )

I A "Utilitarian Age." l e 11 I DECAY OF OLD SEA CEREMONIES i The Nautical Magazine is bewailing in the current issue the death of a lot of old sea lore; old customs that, ajthoigh now ,ery dead indeed, a,nd some of them :e: forgotten (until this reminder), were hal I and hearty 60 years ago. One thing mentioned as gone is to be greatly regretted—'the distinctive garb affected by the mariner (and, by the way, maj-iner" is used indiscrimina.tely for any blue-water man to-day, whereas once it denoted a cut above" a seaman). But Jack's original dress has really gone. Here is one fashion of it, recorded by Dana: "A well-varnished tarpaulin hat stuck upon the back of his head, long locks coming down almost into his eyes, white duck trousers and shirt, blue jacket, and black 'kerchief tied loosely round the neck." Now it requires an expert to find a sailor, even in the Victoria Dock-road; unless he bought a new suit last voyage, and then you can tell him by its criss-cross creases. At sea any old thing does, and he is often a laughable guy. But it is too much to expect him to keep a tromer press and curling irons on XZ 10s. monthly. He takes the cash, and lets the curly locks go. Yet even the fisherman affects soimo sort of distinctive dress; but, then, so does the long- 6horeman, whom Jack, even to-day, heartily despises. Crossing the line" is remembered only on passenger ships, where it is expected. Whistling for a wind has gone; and it is no good whistling to mend a, frajctured propeller shaft. At one time, too, when Great Britain was mistress of the seas, no "Dutchman" dared to help himself out of a mess-kid before the English and Yanks had "had their whack." Tlrst come, first" served, today; and the Englishman is lucky if he is there at all. Saluting by lowering tops'ls is also gono. A short-handed crew in 1907 would call that muokin' abahi." Van Tromp thought so, too, and that was why we fired at him, and wished we hadn't. But it is a mistake to attribute the decay of old ceremonies to a uituitaa-ian age," for, no doubt, since ceremonies and men began they were always a-dying. And can it be said that the present age of steam is more strenuous than that of the age of clippers, when (at that time) the skipper in a tearing hurry used to rush down the Thames with his hatches off, and carrying the stevedores below with him? Did not the last famous 1'3100 of the tea packets find the two leading vessels in the Thomas only half-an-hour apart, though they commenced the race at Poo-chow. China?

I Bitlis Earthquake. I CITY AS IF IN THE JAWS OF SOME I MONSFER. The following telegram was received at Con- stantinople on Thursday from a missionary (Mr. Cole), dated Bitlis, 5.0 p.m., April 3.—" At ten o'clock in the forenoon of Friday, the 29th of March, there burst upon us unannounced the worst earthquake I have ever witnessed in these and the Erzerum regions for 40 years. Of such force was the shock that our city seemed to be in the jaws of some monster, who would shake us to pieces as a mastiff shakes his game. "Down came the plastering, things were overturned, and liquids spilt; cracks opened in strong walls; roofa were shattered, and slush and rain poured in. On the first day there were fourteen shocks, and the total number registered up till now amounts to 28. "Out of 4,000 houses over 300 have fallen, and half the remainder are so seriously damagec that from ten to 100 Turkish pounds are needed for repairs to each house. "The oflcials report that eight persons were killed by falling stones, but all of these are unknown in Bitlis. There are many injured. Many churches and mosques and the Govern- ment buildings were damaged. In the villages in the neighbourhood which have been heard from heavy shocks occurred by day, so that there was not a great loss of life."—Eeuter.

I OBSTINATE BURGHERS I In an interview with Reuter's correspon- dent, Mi. Smuts, Transvaal Colonial Secre- tary, said that there was a number of ex- burghers stranded in different parts of the world who were anxious to return to the Transvaal. Some had hitherto declined to take the oath of allegiance. The Govern- ment was prepared to repatriate them, but would insist on the oath or a declaration of allegiance. With reference to the labour question, the Government was doing its utmost to promote the recruitment of natives. It was making inquiries everywhere, and hoped soon to arrive at a tangible result. The most press- ing problem was that of the unemployed, numbers of whom were engaged in road- making in the Rustenburg district only as a temporary measure. Mr. Smuts expressed the hope that they would eventually solve the problem by the establishment of labour colonies. With reference to the natives, Mr. Smuts I deprecated the tendency which existed to over-educate them intellectually without teaching them the dignity of labour.

I NEW G.W.R. SLEEPING-CARS I What are described by, the "Great Western Railway Magazine" as "absolutely unique" new sleeping-cars are now being built at Swindon. The most important deviation from standard practice lies in the under-frames— wood, instead of steel, being employed for the solebars and head-stocks, and the bogies being also mainly framed in wood. The great value of this change is that it will facilitate the passengers' sleep as the trains speed on their way. With the view of reducing the noise to a minimum a double floor is being provided, the intervening space being filled with hard-rammed sawdust. A large number of minor improvements which will conduce to the comfort of the passengers have also been introduced. The interior of the cars is finished in walnut and sycamore, with moquet tapestry of handsome design.

j HOW TO PAY BETS I Application was made at North London yest,erday to allow some seized betting slips to be inspected by a. bookmaker named Edgar, on whom they were found, and who wished to pay out what was due from him. The Magistrate (Mr. Fordham): I believe he has every desire to do what is honourable and right. Bu.t this Act of Parliament has been passed to make it incoTivenient for both pa,rt,ie&-t,he bookmaker and his client. They have both been doing an illegal act, and must both suffer. Counsel: My client would not suffer to a-ny great extent, but he wants to be fair. Mr. Fordham: Let him pay out at 5 to 1 instead of at 5 to 2. If the press take notice of this he will be able to buy numerous copies of tho papers to show that he has spent money in trying to induce the magis- trate to depart irom a good law.

A JOCKEY'S OUTING I Brought before Mr. Plowden a/t Marylebone yesterday on a charge of being drunk out- side the Lancaster-gate station of the Cen- tral London Railway, Harry Day, a. jockey, denied the allegation. Mr. Plowden; But the doctor who saw you says you were drunk. Day: I was perfectly oonvinced last night' that I satisfied him I was sober. We will see if you satianed him. He 89-Y., I find that he was undoubtedly recovering from alcoholic excess." Day (surprised): Well, I suppose I must adhere to the doctor's remark. Mr. Plowden: Then, if you did not satisfy him, he has satisfied you. That is satisfac. tory to me. ,You must pay 10s., or one day.

STEVENS* BRBAD— I In gnat reqqeg6 iM •

I CONSCRIPTION! I I Territorial Army. COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING AS A NATIONAL DUTY A manifesto has been issued by the National Service Leag-ue and signed by Lord Boberts, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Milner, and, Lord Meath, in which Mr. Haldane's proposals for a National or Territorial Army are criti- cised, and an alternative scheme is offered- namely, compulsory training. After paying a tribute to Mr. Haldane's painstaking efforts, backed by the be&t mili- tary advice obtainable under the voluntary system, the manifesto stgtw:- "What will there be behind the Begular Forces under Mr. Haldane's scheme? When these have gone abroad there will be nothing behind them except the so-called training battalions, which are simply enlarged depots, and a mass of men who are the Volunteers under a new name. The Militia, which, not- withstanding its shortcomings, was of great value in the South African War, will be gone. The proposed National Army' will be neither national nor an a.,rmy It is to be trained on a Volunteer basis; and this training, it is now universally admitted, will not produce forces capable of meeting Highly Trained Troops in the field, the only troops, be it remem- bered, which a Home Defence Army would be called upon to encounter. Under Mr. Haldane's scheme the six months' training, which would go far towards fitting the Territorial troops for this duty, is to be given after the crisis is on us, not in antici- pation of it. Can this be called in any sense an a.rmy? An army which requires six months before it can act is not an army, it is simply an armed crowd. It is impossible not to see that under Mr. Haldane's proposals, as indeed under any that rest on voluntary engagement to per- form a mational duty, the one class that is favoured is that of the pleasure-seeking and the self-indulgent. The man who will go free is the loafer and shirker." Admitting that destructive criticism is easy, the manifesto proceeds to develop an alter- native plan, as follows: — "W hat we ask is that the six months' train- ing laid down by Mr. HaJdane as necessary to make the Territorial Forces fit for the field should precede the crisis, and that it Should be Made Compulsory I on all able-bodied ma.les of the military age. For the three years subsequent to that in which this training takes place, the men should come up for repetition courses of a fortnight in each year, and during the four years covering the initial training and the repetition courses they should be liable for service for home defence. At the end of these four years all liability to Bervice should cease. "In the case of the Begular Army —or expeditionary force of 160,000 men, to use Mr. Haldane's ph ra-zi,-boim g sent abroad for a great oversea. war, the Territorial Force should be embodied, a.nd the reinforcements and expansion re- quired by taeregulars provided by voluntary engagement from it. We have no fear but that the national spirit would, in time of war, provide all the reinforcements required. What the national spirit cann-ot do is to improvise trained soldiers, or to turn raw levies into efficient troops at short notice." In conclusion, an appeal is made to Mr. Haldane, who has gone so far in the direc- tion in which the national safety lies, to graft on his scheme the one thing requisite to make it a reality "—complusory training as a national duty. Meanwhile, the prin- ciple involved is left to public opinion.

BUREAU VERITAS Mr. Edward Nicholl, managing owner of the Cardiff HaJl line of steamers, has been appointed a member of the British Committee of the Bureau Veritas, the great international register of shipping. Mr. Nicholl fills the position formerly occupied by the late Sir Thomas Morel, to whom he is a very worthy successor. Mr. Nicholl is to be congratulated upon this recognition of his abilities, while the Bureau Veritas could not have selected a more useful and capable member. It will be remembered that Cardiff is represented on I Lloyd's Register by Sir John Gunn.

LLANDOVERY MAGISTRATES* CLERK I A special meeting of the magistrates in the Llandovery Division was held on Thursday to appoint a clerk in tJhe place of the late Mr. John Thomas. Applications for the posi- tion were received from Mr. H. Alfred Thomas and Mr. Thomas Phillips, both solicitors, Llandovery. By a majority of one vote the appointment was secured by Mr. Phillips. The stipend is £100 per annum. Mr. Thomas Phillips is the son of the late Mr. Thomas Phillips, formerly of Derwen- fach, Llandilo, apd a grandson of the late Mr. Thomas Phillips, Penybank, Llandovery. He received his early education at Llan- gadock and Cowbridge School, and served his articles with Mr. Lewis Bishop, at Llandilo, and Mir. S. B. Somerville, at 48, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, being admitted in 1880. Mr. Phillips is agent to the Tonn Estate, member of the Llandingat Without Parish Council, and Llandovery Board of Guardians and Town Council, and was mayor of the borough in 11..

IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION I The great Irish International Exhibition, to be opened by the Lord-Lieutenant of Ire- land at Herbert Park, Dublin, on May 4, will to many prove an irresistible addition to Ireland's undoubted natural attractions. The exhibition, which is to cover 52 acres of grounds, will be devoted to the entire range of art and commerce, giving, of course, special prominen-ce to features of a purely Irish character. An endless round of music, concerts, and novel amusements of nearly every kind will be the fare provided for those on pleasure bent. It may be noted that there are several distinot routes from England to Ireland, and that the railway companies concerned are arranging for special excursions at reduced fares.

EDUCATION RATE AT BARRY Mr. J. A- Mamatan (chairman) presided at a meeting of the Barry Education Committee on Thursday, wihen the half-yearly estimate was discussed. The amount required was reduced to £ 11,728 (equal to a shilling rate), the accountant stating that if the full grants were allowed the rate would probably be reduoed to 1.. the same as the last half- year. It was decided to discontinue the tree meals to school children when the voluntary ooartributions had been absorbed.

FIRE IN ST. MARY'S CHURCHYARD I A fire broke out on Thursday evening in ¡ a shed belonging to Mr. Dunn, contractor, in the churchyard of St. Mary's, Bute-street! Cardiff, where some additions to the edifice are being carried out. The tender, in charge of Superinteffsdenit Geen, proceeded to the spot, but on arrival it was found that the Bute-street reel had been brooighit by Fire- man Price a.nd the fire extinguished. Little damage was done. The place was looked up when the fire broke out.

INQUEST ON A NARBERTH INNKEEPER An inquest was held on Wednesday on the body of David Williams, the landlord of the Ivy Bush Inn, Narberth, by Mr. John Roberta, deputy-coroner.—Dr. Ernest Price stated that death was due to hemorrhage on the brain, the result of an accidental fMi.- The jury brought in a verdict according to the medical testimony.

LATE MR. BOYLE & MR. BATCHELOR In reference to à statement recently published oanoerndng Mitigation between Mr. John Batahelor amd Mr. Boyle, we are informed that the former was gramited a perpetual injunction, with ooets, to restrain the estate authorities from encroaching on land.

GTXVZNW BPORAD- I OBOO oaed tlw»ra vA **um I

Police Again at Fault. PICCADILLY INCIDENT. I RESPECTABLE LADY ARRESTED I There was a remarkable ending to a Picca- dilly police prosecution at Miarlborough-street yesterday. Police-constable Newton Smith had sworn that he saw Mrs. lily Ives, 30, annoying gentlemen on three different occasions at Piccadilly-circus yesterday morning. He took her in charge. She resisted, and he had to get another constable. Witness told the accused's solicitor that he did not know Mrs. Ives was a respectable married woman. At the station she told him she was mar. ried, but he did not say he should like to know the sort of husband she ha.d. He made no remark of the kind. When she asked for bail he did not ridicule the idea of her having a husband. He did not hear her mention her husband's name. Defendant went into the witness-box, and on oath stated that she was waiting at Picca. dilly-circus for her husband, whom she had missed at Charing-cross. She went into the Cafe Monico, where she expected to find him, and then crossed again and waited outside the draper's shop at Piccadilly-circus "Quite Enough of Air-street" I She felt someone mtch hold of her arm, and, turning, saw Polioe?onata-ble Newton. Smith, who ea?d. "Come along, yon have had quite enough of Air-street to-night." She said, "I don't know Air-street," and added that he had made a gTeat mistake. He then asked her, "Where is your paJ?" She replied, "I have not got a pal." He sadd, "Yes, you have," and added that he had had quite enough of her about there. She was then taken to the station by him amd another officer, though she was not violent in any way, and did not struggle. At the station she denied the charge and said she was a married woman. They seemed to laugh at her, and the inspector said he should like to know where her husband was, and instructed the constable to give her a seat. Detained for an Hour I After she had been detained about an hour her husband arrived and bailed her out. In reply to questions from the magistrate, Mrs. Ives said that while waiting about two intoxicated men pushed against her, but she did not hear them address her. She WaB walking up and down at the time. Mr. Sidney Pare Ives said he was an elec- trioaj engineer, employed by the Woolwich Borou,gh Council. He had arranged to meet his wife, the defendant. at Charing-cross Station, or at the Monico, but missed her. When a friend of his called and told him that his wife was in custody he whs astounded. He went to Vine-street, and bailed her out as soon as possible. Mr. Kennedy: I think this is quite sunl- cient. Mrs. Ives is only charged with beha- ving in a disorderly manner. I do not see that there was much disorder. She is a respectable lady, and possibly there has been a mistaken opinion here. She is discharged. I am very sorry she has had the trouble of appearing here. "L -—— —— L B

MR. NELSON MARKS I Presentation by Corporation Employes I In the Lord Mayor's parlour at the Cardiff City-hall on Thursday Mr. Nelson D. Marks was presented with a silver salver on behalf of the corporation employes as a token of their esteem on the occasion of his retire- ment from the office of water rent collector. The Lord Mayor (Mr. W. S. Crossman) pre- sided, and there was a large company of the members and officials and employes of the corporation. The Town-clerk (Mr. J. L. Wheatley), who acted as chairman of the presentation com- mittee, said that Mr. Nelson Marks had spent more than fifty years in the employ of the old Cardiff Waterworks Company and the Cardiff Corporwtion as water-rent collector. That was saying a great deal for an official, considering that be was 77 years of age. Bwt their old friend Mr. Marks was still hale and heajty, amd full of energy. The one aim which Mr. Marks had always kept to the front was to do has duty to his em- ployers. He had always looked upon Mr. Marks as a valuable asset of the corporation owing to the w-ay he always did his work. Alderman David Jones, chairman of the waterworks committee, referred to the excep- tional success of Mr. Marks as a collector, not a single question having arisen between the corporation and its tenants in which he was not found to be in the right. As to integrity, Mr. Marks's character was unim- peachable. The Lord Mayor then presented Mr. Marks with the silver salver, remarking that the respect and love of one's fellows could not be bought for money, and could only be earned by deserving it. (Hear, hear.) On the reverse side of the salver were inscribed the words:— Presented to Mr. Nelson Davki Marks, upon the occasion of his retirement from the appointment of waterworks collector, after 28 years' service, by the officials of the Cardiff Corporation, as a slight token of their great regard and esteem—J. L. Wheatley, town-clerk; C. H. Priestley, hon. treasurer; Thos. J. Lewis, hon. secretary." Mr. Marks, in acknowledgment, said that the words of Alderman David Jones, who had known him since his boyhood days, were peculiarly valuable and comforting to him. The one leading object of his life had been ta do his duty, and in doing that duty he had looked for no reward, but the approval of his own conscience. He should always cherish the kindly expressions addressed to him, and they would be infinitely more valuable to him than even the beautiful salver they had so generously presented to him. (Hear, hear.) Expressions of regret at their inability to be present had been received from the city treasurer, the deputy-city treasurer, the late borough treasurer (Mr. Greenhill), and the head-constable.

CHIMNEY-SWEEP'S DANCE I His Child Found Dead in a Llanelly I Lodging-House Mr. W. Buckley Roderick conducted am inquest at Llanelly on Thni-oday respecting the death of William Edward Hope, the nine-weeks'-old child of William Hope, who was found dead in bed at Price's Lodging- house, Water-street. William Hope, a chimney-sweep, with no permanent place of residence, said that on Saturday last he, his wife, and deceased came to Llanelly. They were also accom- panied by John, Elizabeth, and Nipton Griffiths, and the six of them occupied the same bedroom at Price's Lodgiing-house. On Tuesday night they returned to the house about 10.30 to eleven o'clook from the Square amd Oomipiass Inn, where they had been dancing and singing. The Coroner: Is that how you earn your Irvelihood?—Yes, sir, because I have no tools to follow my trade. It was stated that there was some fighting in the bedroom, Mrs. Griffiths calling out Murder." The child was found dead next morning. Dr. Evan Evans stated he was of opinion that the cause of death was inflammation in I; the region of the heart. It might have been due to rhoumatdsm. Verdict accordingly.

WHEN ONE CAN HISS I Mr. O. Hanson, solicitor, applied at Brent- ford yesterday for a summons for assault against an attendant at the Hippodrome, Ealing, and for one against the manager for aiding and abetting. Mr. Hanson said his client was an EaJing gentleman. With his wife, he saw at the muMo-hall a biograph representation of the skinning of a dead ,hippopotamus, According to his client, it was a most revolting sight, and the gentleman expressed his disapproval by hissing. A few minutes I a-fter an attendant came and requested his l client to leave the theatre, but he refused. Then the manager came to his client, who said he had done nothing to justify his rejec- tion, but the attendant was ordered to put him out. In full view of the audience this man put his hand on the applicant and showed him to the door. This was the assault complained of. The Magistrate (Mir. Montague Sharpe) granted the summons, remarking that "a spectator in a theatre has the right to dis- sent, so long as he does not interfere with the comfort of the audience." I

8TEVBNS' BEBAD- I One* uaed omO. I

SUICIDE IN A CELL Man Who Got Through zC6,000 in Two Years "THIS WRETCHED AFFAIR" The tragedy at Barnes Police-station was investigated by the coroner and a. jury yes- terday. Deceased was Arthur Ernest Mott, 33, a. clerk, who was arrested with another man on suspicion of being concerned in a burglary at Sheen-gsute-mansions, on Satur- day evening. Mott was visited in his cell at frequent intervals until the following afternoon, when he was found unconscious on the floor, a leather strap being wound tightly round his neck. Artificial respiration was tried with- out avail. The deceased's brother said Mott latterly had no occupation, but at one time was managing clerk to a firm of timber merchants. He had been living in lodgings in Cam den-town. The Coroner: He came into some money ? —Yes, in July, 1902, I Paid Him About £ 6.000 as an executor. As to his habits?—Well, he was very excitable. In my opinion, he took more in- toxicants than were good for him. How long do you think the money lasted? -He soon got through it. He got through the last in November, 1904. He has since a,pplied to me for money. Witness added that his brother went into partnership with a Mr. Foster at Sheen, gate-mansions. The business was a motor agency, and he was to pay £000 into it. Station-sergeant Stokes stated he visited the deceased's cell four times between two p.m- and a quarter past four on Sunday. When I visited Mott shortly before three o'clock," said witness, he asked for eome paper for the purpose of writing to a friend. I supplied him with it, and about ten or fifteen minutes afterwards Police-constable Roed brought the note to me. In conse- quence of the contents I was unable to for- ward it, as it would have been irregular. It was asking for something to which I c-auld not be a party. He was asking Mr. Forster to Withdraw the Charge. I which was compounding a felony. I took the note back to him and told him this. He replied, I won't trouble any more about it. I will see Mr. Forster at the court in the morning.' The Coroner: Did your refusal to forward it seem to upset him?—No, he seemed quite unconcerned. The note written by deceased was as follows :— Dear Florstex,-Will you please convey to Mrs. Forster my humble apologies for being mixed up in this wretched affair? You know me well enough to know that I would not rob anyone of a pennypiece. You can withdraw the charge if you like; anvhow, I hope you will. You knew what thra means to me. I should be disgraced, espooially as I have promised Stewart to be a teetotaler. He haa given me a thirteen years' reference. The jury returned a verdict of Suicide during temporary insanity," and added, "In our opinion no blame is attached to the police."

ARCHBISHOP DAVIDSON'S VISIT I The Archbishop of Canterbury, with Sir John Llewelyn and some friends, drove from Penllergaer to Langland Bay on Thursday, and lunched at the Langland Bay Hotel. The trip and the scenery of the bay were much enjoyed by his grace, who appears to be profiting in health by his quiet holiday. A dinner party took place at Penllergaer on Thursday evening, at which there were the following guests, in addition to the house- party:—The Rev. the Hon. W. Talbot Rice (vicar of Swansea), Mr. Arthur Eden (Swan- sea), the Rev. H. Morgan (Penllergaer), and the Rev. W. Poole Hughes (warden of Llan- dovery). The Archbishop and Mrs. Davidson leave soon after noon to-day (Friday) for Aber- gwili. It was announced at the St. Peter's (Carmar- then) vestry on Thursda.y that on the occa- sion of the archbishop's visit on Sunday all comers would be admitted except young 6hildren, and that arrangements would be made to. retain as far as possible the usual seats for regular attendants.

"THE END OF THE WORLD" I The Rev. R. J. Campbell preached at the City Temple on Thursday from the text Lo, I am with yon aiway, even unto the end of the world." He said most people seemed to take it for granted that the reference to the end of the world meant the winding-up of human affairs and the institution of a general judgment ia the world unseen. If, said Mr. Campbell, his hearers thought the text referred to the actual end of the world and a general judgment in the world unseen, they were mist aken. People generally were not 14ookimg now for the visible coming of Jesus on the clouds. Some people did, no doubt, but it did not influence daily conduct in arby way.

SIDESMEN'S WHISKERS I At Todmordem Church vestry meeting, Mr. George Peel, sohoolmaster, took objection to the re-election of the sidesmen. The quali- fication for office, judging from the holders, appeared to be the possession of a long bea.rd. (Laughter ) The way people coming to church were pitchforked mto pews, some on the "Go to heaven" side--(Ioughter)-aind some on the other was shameful. But the poor had no friends.

ON THE WAY TO ENGLAND Countese Grey, the Countess of Morfey, Sir Wilfred and Lady Laurier, Mr. Bradner (Minister of Marine) and Madame Bradner, and Sir H, Borden (Minister of Militia) left Ottawa by special train on Thursday for St. John, to take the steamer Empress of Britain for Li;verpool.-Reuter.

BOYS CHARGED WITH BURGLARY Edgar Jones, aged sixteen, 19, Brookdale, and William Williams, aged fourteen, 18, Brookdale, were charged at Neath on Thurs- day with breaking and entering the bake- house at the back of Briton Ferry-road, Melincrythan, on the 23rd ult., aand stealing about 2s., the property of George Thomas. Head-constable Jones asked for a remand until to-morrow (Saturday) morning.-Polioo.. sergeant Michael said that on the 24th ult. he received information with reference to the burglary. He examined the bakehouse, and found that a window had been forced, and an entry effected. The till of the gas- meter had been forced, and was empty. Together with Police-constable Griffiths he apprehended the two lads on Wednesday night at 11.20. When charged, Jones said: "We did it"; and Williams: "Yes, sir, we did." The boys were remanded on bail until thi9 (Friday) mermiing. Other arrests are pending.

NEWPORT MUNICIPAL TRADING I The Newport Corporation has received the sanction of the Local Government Board to the borrowing of £10,000 for the purpose of providing and supplying electrical fittings, motors, &c. It is understood, however, that security will be taken for wiring or fittings paid for out of the loan, the re-payment of which is spread over fourteen years. It has been decided to take up half of the amount I' ( £ 5,000) this year and the other half next year.

N.T.C. MANAGEH VISITS SWANSEA I Mr. Gaine, general manager of the National T'elophone Company, visited Swansea on Thursday and inspected the municipaJ telephone exchange and switch- boa,rds. Afterwa.rds he met the town-clerk with reference to the agreement fm r:Tk Apparently, nothing which will prevent the sale going through arose.

"VOTERS WITH NO VOTES" I An indignation meeting has been called at Bargoed for Tuesday evening next to con- sider what proce.edings should be taken against the responsible persons who dis- enfranchised a great portion of the com- munity."

John Norman, labourer, Foxhole-road, was on Thursday sent to prison by the Swansea magistrates for a month for disorderly conduct and assaulting Polioe-constable Wil- liams.

9TEVENS BREAD- I Demanded own than orw.- -M I

I Lady's Body in a Well RELIGIOUS MANIA LEADS TO SUICIDE A pathetic picture postcard was read yes- terday at the inquest on the lady who (as briefly reported yesterday) was found dea-c in a well at Wood-green. Her name was Bessie James, and she wag the niece of Mr. Evan Evans, of Nightingale road. Wood-green, with whom. she had been staying. Last September, it was stated yesterday, the deceased went to Devonshire, where sna beca.me moody. She went to a harvest thanks- giving service at the Bible Christian Chapel, where she collapsed, and created a scene. After this she was eent to an asylum, suf- fering from religions mania. On Easter Monday she was discharged as cured, and reiturn-ed to Wood-green. On Tuesday she was found at the bottom of a 12ft. well. In the bedroom of the deceased was found a picture postcard, 011 which was written the following:— Dear Friends,—As I am tired of my life, I am going to do away with myself, so please do not mind, any of you. Give my love to George, and do not blame him or anyone else for what I am about to do, as all has been kindness itself to me. We shall all meet in Heaven. I have only gone out of the world a little the first. The deceased was engaged to be married, but there was no trouble in that direction, She had once expressed her horror of suicide. A Cup of Tea Mr. Evan Bvans, deceased's cousin, said at 7.3) on Tuesday morning he took a cap of tea to her. He said, "Here is a cup of tea. Bessie," and she replied, "All right." On coming out again he saw Miss James stand) ing at her door fully dressed. Shortly afterwards he found the scullery door partly open, and on going into the garden he saw the lid of the well was taken off. He rushed up, and saw a heap of clothes in the water. He got deceased out, but she was quite dead, A verdict of "Rudcdde whilst ot unsound mind" was returned.

SHOCKING CONDUCT OF A MOTHER Margaret Newcombe, of 3, Upper Vincent, street, Swansea, was charged at the local police-oourt on Thursday with wilfully uegl,ecting her six children, ra-aging fron fourteen to three years of age. Mr. Vinei Leeder prosecuted on behalf of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Inspector Arnold testified to a sad state of the defendant's household through drink. She had pawned everything she could, and the children were in an awful state. Dr. Leonard Iaa £ uc said the children were all filthy and verminous, and some had bruises on them. The rooms were ill- smelling and dirty. Arthur Newcombe, the husband, said that owing to his wife's conduct he had had to stay in and do all the housework. His wife had even sold the children's food. She would do anything for a. penn'orth of beer. Defenda-nt was sent to prison for two months.

"IT WAS THE OSS, YER WORSHIP" A cabby named George Smith, charged at ClerkenweU yesterday with being drunk in charge of hds horse, laid the blame on tto animaL You see, your worship," he said. he was a, bit of a shier, and went sideways. It waa all through tha-t that I was tfakan. And you can't help a thing like that, can you?" Mr. d'Eyncourt: No, I suppose not. The constable doesn't charge your horse with being unsteady. (Laughter.) It appeared that the man's licence had been granted with a caution. Defendant: Yes, that was through my horse —the very same thing, Mr. d'Eyncourt fined him 408.. and directed that his licence should be taken away.

SMART NEWPORT DETECTIVES Two Newport detectives have just been specially commended for their smartness. Police-sergeant Tanner. im addition to arresting a man who had been "wanted" in Cardiff, Swansea, and London sinoe last November, did a smart thing in capturing at Cardiff three sailors from a Swedish ship, and replacing them on board at Newport just ten minutes before the vessel sailed. The detective found these men at Cardiff signing on for another ship. Tbo captain gave him £1 for his expenses and trouble, and the watch oommittee, having had the matter reported to them. approved of the gratuity being retaAned. and complimented the officer. Detective Caldioott having had repeated commendations of local magistrates upon his conduct, the watch oommittee has decided that he be asked to attend their next meet- ing to receive their appreciation.

PEARY TO TRY AGAIN America will send out two rival expedi. tions to the North Pole this year. Com mander Peary has raised the X40,000 required for his next attempt, and will leave New York before July 1, the repairs to hia Vessel, the Roosevelt, being near completion. Mr. Peary is confident of success, provided the summer of 1908 is normal. Mr. Anthony Fiale, who conducted one of the expeditions financed by the late Mr. William Ziegler, is orgailising another. No announcement concerning this expedition has yet been made, neither is there any information regarding Mr. Fiele's financial backing.

NEWPORT LADY WINS FIFTY GUINEA PIANO At Bristol Eisteddfod on Thursday the prize of a fifty-guinea pianoiorte offered in the pianoforte playing competition was won by Miss Grace Morgan, of Newport, the test piece being Paderewski's Theme Varie. John Parry Morris, of Newport, gained a certificate for the baritone solo, and Miss Gladys M. Jones, of Newport, certificates for soprano solo and pianoforte accompanying. Miss Grace Morgan was aJso awarded a certificate for pianoforte accompanying. Marianne," of Cardiff, was awarded a certificate for the soprano solo.

INSPECTOR'S PLUCKY ACT Mr. Griffiths, waterworks inspector, Cal" diff, performed a plucky act on Thurs- day. A horse ran away in Helen. street, Cardiff, and two children narrowly escaped being knocked down by it. Mr. Griffiths saw the danger the children were in, and, running across the road, pushed them aside, and at the moment he did so the cart to which the horse was attached knocked him down, and the wheel passed over his legs. Mr. Griffiths sustained severe bruises, but was able to proceed home.

WOOLLEN UNDERCLOTHING Woollen underclothing should always 1M worn by everybody. It is not unnecessary to tell you this. You would be surprised to know (writes Sir Dyoe Duckworth in H The Roe pitaJ") how many persons, apparently intelli gent, neglect this simple preventive of pul monary and abdominal disorders. In n4 part of the world may this simple precau- tion be neglected, and it is as necessary in the tropics as in higher latitudes.

Brown II Poison's raising powder (ff "Paisley Flour" \| is a time saver when bat- ) ing at home-quick and easy work and a money saver-no loss, and fewer eggs and less butter required. izesull-Light,digesdble • dainties, that please the most critical palate.