Evening Express

HEIRESS SHOT I Miss Hannah Perkine, nineteen years of age, was found dead with a bullet wound in the head and a revolver by her side in a field near her residence at Gnosall, near Stafford. Miss Perkins, who is stated to have possessed independent means, was a well- e«faoabed and attractive girL It appears that shortly after one o'clock in the afternoon Miss Perkins went into the grounds, taking with her a small revolver with cartridges, and saying to her sister. I am going to have another try at those birds." As she did not return about tea time her sister went in search of her, and was horrified to find her lying full length on the ground, bleeding from a wound near the mouth. It is understood that Miss Perkins had been in the habit of shooting birds. A statement has been made to the police by the surviving sister. She and the deceased had been discussing the future, and the deceased had said. What a good time I shall have when I come of age." This remark is supposed to refer to money she was entitled to under her father's will.

PRICE OF BREAD RISING I Evidence is accumulating that the price of bread will shortly increase throughout the country, unless the corn supply and market reports steady a rising market. The Nor- wich Corn Market on Saturday was unusually active. The continuance of the boom waa evidenced by an advance of 3a. 6d. on wheat since last week. The farmers, however, are not getting much benefit, because meet of them have sold three-fourths of their wheat since last harvest. The Glasgow bakers on Saturday night agreed to raise the price of bread one half- penny on the 41b. loaf. It is feared tha.t a. further rise cannot be avoided. The stocks of flour at Glasgow are under requirements for three weeks' consumption.

EMULATING QUEEN ENA I It is underetood on the highest authority at Rome that the condition of Queen Elena is such as to warrant the expectation of a. ha.ppy event in tbe Italian Court about the middle of November. An official intimation to this effect will be issued next month.. Central News.

MR. KEIR HARDIE'S, ILLNESSI Mr. Keir Hardie, who was to have been present at Saturday evening's meeting of the Women's Labour League at Cart-on hall, sent a. letter regretting hia inability to I attend. and saying he would not be ready I for p-oblic life for another three weeks.

"AN EVENT IN LIFE OF NATIONS" The representatives of the F42glish and Scotch municipalities at present visiting France were given a gramd reception ait Lyons on Saturday, when the streets were bung with bunting. wherein fehe Union Jack and the Tricolour waved in bam7 harmony. President Failieree, who proceeded to Lyons for the purpose, held a reception in the afternoon, at which all the visitors who fait entitled so to do sported their ermine* bordered maoxtles or scarlet robes, as the case happened to be, and listened to the President's genial compliments, as translated by Sir Thomaas Barclay, the well-known peace advocate. Everybody in tie town, official and unoffi- cial, vied with everybody else ill. honouring the visitors. At the banquet in the evening the Presi-1 dent again spoke, ocmgratuilating himself on his extraordinary luck in meeting the repre- sentatives of the Scotch and English munici- palities, whose visit he referred to as "more than a, mere act 'of courtesy—an event in the I lire of nations."

BTET- BBFAJD- I O? =bd AIWU3 MMS& ?M -I EXCURSIONS. WIMSUI,M,DE HOLIDAYS. THE RED FUNNEL LINE (LTD.). SAILINGS FROM CARDIFF & PKNABTH. (Weather and circumstances permitting.) LEAVE CARDIFF < LEAVE WESTON. Whit-MQn.,20-12.0 ll-oon,-1.0, I .12.0 noon, -12.45, *1.45. 2.0, .2.50,7.50. 8.15 pm 6.40, 7.15, 8.40, 9.10 pm Tu-21-0.20, 10.15. 11.15, 12.15,1*10.5, 11.0, *12.0 noon,1.0. *1-15, 2.20, 3.15. 9.30 1 *2.0, 8.0, 8.15. 9.15, 10.20 Wed., 22—9.35, -10.15, 11.25. I "10.20, .11.5, 12-15, .LO, *12.15, 2.10, 2.30, 4.10, 5.0 pm -2.50, 3.20, 9.20, 9.30 pill Thurs. 23-10.55 am. -12.45, 11.45 am, 1-1.33, 3.20, 35, 4.30 pm 5.20 pm FrI., 24-12.10, 2.30, 5.0 pm 11.0, 3.20, 6.20 pm Sat., 25—7.35 am. 2.15, 4.15, 6.0 112.35, 3.0, .5.0, 7.10 pm Dees not call at Peiiaxtb- Day Excursion Tickets Cheddar and Wells; also Tourist and Cheap Week-end Tickets to Principal G.W.R. West of England Stations, via Weston (Whit- Monday excepted) LEAVE CARDIFF. I,BAVF, CLEVEDON. ]don., 20-.2.50 pm 5.45 pm TueF., 21—3.15 pm I 7.20 pm Wed.. 22—4.10, 5.0 pm I 8.30 pm Tburs.. 23-Ell.15 aun ) 4.30 pm LEAVE; CARDIFF. LEAVE MINEREAD. Hon., 20—P2.0 pm 7.15 pm Tues. 21—P2.20 pm 8.0 pm LEAVE CARDIFF! I LEAVE ILFRACOMBE. Tues., 21-P'3.30. R9.35 am +4.15 pm Wed., 22—R9.M &m I 14.15 pm Thurs., 2?—89.35 am ) tUS pm Fri., 24-R9.35 a-m t4.15 pm Sat., 25-89.35 am t4.15 pm WHIT-MON DAy7 29t h7-AFTERN(X)N TRIP MJNE- HEAD. Via, WJiSTON—•Cardiff PZ.O pm. Mjnabead. 7.15 Pin. Fare. 2s. 6d. AFTERNOON TRIP CLEVEDOIf, Via WESTON— Cardiff P2.50 pm, Clevedon 5.45 pm. Fare. la. 6d. WHIT-TUESDAY.—ILFRACOMBE and CRUISE LUXDY—Cardiff Pg.30, R9.35 am, Ilfracombe t4.15 pm. AFTERSOO^f TRIP JlINEHEAD, Via WESTON— Cardiff P2.20 pm, M-nehead 8.0 pm. Fare, 2s. AFTERNOON TRIP CLEVEDON, Via WESTON- Cardiff P3.15 pin, Cievedon 7.20 pm. Fare, Is. 6d. WEDNESDAY, ZI.d.-ILFR.&LOXBF-Caxdiff B9.35 Ilfracombe t4.15 pm. amA, FTERNOON TRIP CLEVEDON, Via WESTON— Girdiff P4.10 pm. Clevodon 8.30 pm. Fare, is. 6d. are, Is. 6d. EVENING TRIP CLEVEDON, Via WESTON—Cardiff P5.0 pm. Clevedon 8.30 pm. Fare. Is. THURSDAY, 23rd.-CLEVED-C).N and BRISTOL-C&r- diff EP11.15 am. Bristol 3.30, Clevedon 4.50 pm. Fare Return. Clevedon Is. ad., Bristol 23. Calls off Lyamouth to and fro except trips marked 1. Cheap route to Devon and Cornwall. + Via Barry Pier and Rail. P From Cardiff Pier-head. E Penarth 30 mmutee earlier. R Special Boa.t Train from Riversida Station, via Barry Pier, at 9.35 am Daily, at same fares aa trom Cardiff Pier-head. Daily Bookings from Newport G.W.R. to Lynmouth and Ilfracombe, via Cardiff (Riverside) aad Barry Pier, at a.50 a.m. Fare. 4s. 6d. Return. Through Bookings from aU Barry, Tag Vale, and Bhvmney Stations. Now on Issue—Season 'reket, at £ S 25,; Coupons, 20? worth for lOe. (Not Tran?er?tis). For Further Particulars apply Den and Dawson (Limited), 67, St. Mary-street; or the Bed Funnel Line (Limited), Merchants* Exchange, Cardiff. Telegrams, "DevOni-" Nat- Tel.. 21. a3869 PUBLIC NOTICES JJON'T FORGET THE BARGOED AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SHOW, SPORTS, AND DOG SHOW. Affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society and under Kennel Club and Welsh Kennel Club Rules. To be held on BANK HOLIDAY TUESDAY, AUGUST 6th, 1907. OPEN CLASSES. POPULAR JUDGES. VALUABLE PRIZES. For Particulars appiy Hon. General Secre- tary B. NEWTON, Junction Hotel, Bargoed. e3671 INSTRUCTIONS WITH REGARD TO INFANT FEEDING. An ORNAMENTAL CARD, containing valuable Rules for the Preservation of Infant Life. supplied FREE on Receipt cf Postcard. "EVENING EXPRESS," CARDIFF.

GOSSIP ON WHITSUNI The Cuckoo Call. I BY LLOYD MEYRICK I I sincerely hope it will be a fine day to-day. Whit-Monday is such a full day for school children, sportsmen, and .the great public bent on enjoyment. No holiday in the year is so crammed with events and anticipations, and a whole host are praying for clement skies. It brings with it the fulfilment of Spring and the rich early promises of Summer. It comes on varying dates, ranging from May 10 to June 13, but it has always in its lap the lusty youth of the earth. The fields and hedgerows have all their tender graces, and the birds are like an orchestra testing their instruments before the curtain rises. Speaking of birds reminds me that the cuckoo has not been much beard this year. This bird arrives in North Europe in April or May, and leaves again in August or September. Its cheerful call ceases to be heard about the middle of June. It is an arboreal bird, and ie rare in treeless districts. When the meadows are alive with May-flower the cry of the cuckoo comes up from the woods. Our cuckoo is a solitary, un- social bird, and is mobbed by a screech- ing throng immediately it makes its appearance. Even to most oountry people the cuckoo is but a wandering voice, and is rarely Seen. It seldom arrives before April 15, and then takes about ten days to travel up the country. Upon its first arrival it has a call quite distinct from the well-known "cuckoo" which it gives out later in the season. This is frequently heard very early in the morning and when the birds are pairing. The number of males seems greatly to preponderate over that of the females, and frequently may be seen one of the latter chased by six or seven of the former, these flying and calling together. This pairing cry may be represented by a succession of the initial syllables, "Cuck-cuck-cuck," dying away in a pro- longed "oo-o-o-o." In districts sparsely covered with trees the nest of the meadow-pit is the one oftenest chosen by the bird in which to deposit its egg. Of these it lays a series, though never more than one in the same nest, or, at least, at the same time. It is now well known that the cuckoo does not actually lay its eggs in the nests of other birds, but conveys them thither in its bill. Last year a cuckoo was observed to deposit an egg in the nest of a meadow lark on a heather brae. Besides this the nest contained four eggs of its rightful owner. All hatched simultaneously. Upon the third day after this the four young pipits were literally shouldered out of the nest, but by a quite uncon- scious movement on the part of the yellow-billed usurper. In my cruel boyhood I did a lot of bird-nesting in the district of Cowbridge, Lla.nblethian, and Llandough, and I more than once 6aW a cuckoo peering round for a suitable nest into which to drop its egg. It seemed to me to have some pre-natal regard for its offspring, because the foster-parents were selected with some discrimination. When the bird first begins to sing the notes are full and clear, but towards the end ,of the season they beoome hesitating, hoarse, and broken like the breaking voice of a young lad. This peculiarity was noticed long ago by observant persons, and many are the country- rhymes which bear allusion to the voice and the sojourn of the cuckoot In April Come he will; In May He sings all day; In June He alters his tune; In July He prepares to fly; In August Go he must. I am much interested in the subject of migration of bÙÙSr. but there seems to be- I still a good deal of darkness surrounding I the matter. In May the large black swift makes its appearance. Our knowledge can- cerning these birds has much advanced of late years. We know now more accurately the lines and the times of migration, and as to the manner in which this is performed. When in autumn the migratory instinct comes strong upon the hirundines, they do not, as was once supposed, tower straight up and then start in direct flight for their winter quarters, so that the birds which in the morning might be seen hawking for insects in the Cathays Park and the same even- ing catching flies over the mosques of Jerusalem are now looked upon by ornithologists as myths. Swallows, like aJl migratory birds, stick close to land, never leaving it for any distance unless compelled. It is noticeable that they do not cross straits always at the narrowest parts, but probably by a route which dimly indicates some long lost land-line, that is, they cross now where their ancestors crossed centuries ago. Swallows have alighted upon vessels four hundred miles from nearest land, but from their exhausted state would seem to have been blown out of their course, and to have suffered great fatigue. The food of swallows is takeft exclusively from the air, and they drink whilst flying. This, so far as is known, cannot be said of any other bird. However, to leave birds for the affairs of men and women. Whitsuntide used to be the great season for the old club feasts. Perhaps, it is no bad thing that the old small clubs are largely broken up, and the great orders of the Oddfellows, Foresters, and the like have taken their place. Around the village club and its festivals many an ancient custom has clung- There used to be' morris dancers, and they danced and sang to many an old forgotten tune. As usual love, laughter, and the maid forlorn form the staple of their composi- mono For ins-tance:- Third dance, to the tune of "The Willow Tree. On op they said my lips were red, Now they're sca.rlet pale, When I, like a. silly girl, Believ d his flattering tale. But he vow'd he'd never deceive me, And so fondly I Mievd he, While the stairs and the moon So sweetly shone Over the willow-tree. The Irish peasants believe that on a particular day at Whitsuntide all those who have been drowned in the sea come up and ride over the waves on white horses and hold strange revels. It is a gruesome idea, and has more than a touch of the unrestrained Celtic imagination. However, the tales that surround Whit- sun are of little moment to those who want a happy day. If the weather only prove fair the programme for the whole district is large and varied. The man, woman, or child who wilfully knows dis- content to-day will incur the heaviest dis- pleasure of that most geDial of saints—St. Lubbock!

LLANGWM OCTOGENARIAN I ATTEMPTS SUICIDE. A determined attempt to commit suicide ie reported from Liangwm, Pembrokeshire. William Evans, a man over 80 years of age, had been in a. depressed state for some time owing to failing health and blindness coming on. In hi 6 wife's absence, shopping, he made a determined attempt to cut hia throat, and mrmaged to sever the windpipe. When his wife returned he told her what he ha.d done, and asked her to let him die m peace. Assistance, however, was obtained, and the services of Dr. Harrison, of Haver- fordwest, were obtained. It took six men to hold down the old man, who is yet a powerful man, while the doctor put in half a. dozen stitches in the victim's tfaroait. He was so violent that the Rector of Lla-ngwm (the Rev. H. Evans) sot across the old man's feet to aid in stopping his struggles. He is still in a precarious oondition.

( OLD OFFENDER'S POEMS I It was with a plausible etioary that Arthur Owen Jones, an ex-oooivict, appeared before Mr. d Eynoourt at Oterkettwell on Saturday, charged under the Prevention of Grimes Act. He had no need to steal now, he observed to the magistrate, as he made a good living by writing poems and ballads and eelling them in the street. Several samples of Jones's litesrary work, including An Ode on the Lpss of Lord Eoberts s Son at Ooleneo," were hatnded to the magistrate. Whether Mr. d'Eynoourt had doubts as to the rn&xlet value of the poems or was dubious as to Jones's talent was not made clear. The magistrate's ptractioal comment on the whole case was to send Jones back to prison for twelve months.

PRESENTATION AT DOWLAIS I There was a large gathering of the frater- nity in the Dowlais district at a special meet- ing of the Loyal Thomas Merthyr Lodge of the Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, held in the Mount Pleasant Inn, Dowlais, to do honour to several of their officers. N.G. William J. Davies occupied the chair. The three trustees of the lodge, viz., P.P.G.M. John Williams, P.P.G.M. John B. Jones, and P G. John Daviee, each received a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles in recognition of their services, and P.G. George M. Owen was decorated with the first P.G. Jewel, the gift of Bro. Benjamin Jones. Another tribute of appreciation was paid by P.G. Thomas Davies on behalf of the lodge, in the presentation of a hand- somely framed illuminated address to P.G. David Thomas, the host and treasurer for the past 40 years. The address, which recounted the long service rendered by the recipient, and bore a life-like portrait of P.G. David Thomas wearing his chain of office, was designed and executed by the Western Mail Limited, Cardiff.

ABERCANAID BOY DROWNED I Mr. F. P. Charles held an inquest on Satur- day at Abercanaid touching the death of James Peter Williams, a child of three, who was diown-d on the previous Thursday in the Plymouth fee-der at Taibaoh. It appeared that the little boy left his parent's house, at 23, Hamilton-street. Pentrebach, to meet his father coming from work, and how he got into the watear there was no evidence to show. —Dr. Mordaant declared death to be due to drowning, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly. I

BURGLARY AT LLANSAMLET f A few days ago a house near Velinfran Col- liery, Llansamlet, was entered in the absence of the inmates, and some valuable articles Btolen. Police-sergeant Evans, of Llansamlet, who had been investigating the affair, has captured men who are alleged to be the thieves, and has lecovered the missing goods. The accused are understood to be respectably connected people living at Cwmfelinfach, Morriston. They will be brought before the county justices on Wednesday.

FUNERAL OF MR. HOPKINS, NEATH I The remains of the late Mr. Joeh. Hopkins, of the King's Head Hotel, Neath, were in- terred in Llantwit Old Cemetery on Sunday. The obsequies were attended by the Artillery band, under the conductorship of Mr. Wilde, Briton Ferry, the local Volunteers, and a large number of townsmen. The funeral ser- vice was read by the Rev. William Jenkins.

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The Great Godiva Puzzle WITH OR WITHOUT FRIPPERIES ? Coventry is, for the time being, agitated to its vory roots over the Great Godiva Problem. The puzzle for the instant is not so much what the lady is or is not to wear, as who she is to be; and grave worry and perturbation are being caused to his worship the mayor and his civic advisers in the matter of deciding upon the merits of the numerous claimants for the airy, but onerous, task. score of ladies have applied to be allowed to play the part. The highest figure which has been asked is £100, and the value set <m the service varies from that to a very small sum indeed. On past occasions sometimes twenty guineas have been paid, sometimes half as much. Many of the applicants are associated with the stage in one way or another: some have no experi- ence of the kind, but, at any rate, are horse- women. No Coventry Ladies Have Applied They write from London and numerous other parts of the country, but no Coventry lady has had the temerity to offer to appear before her fallow-townspeople in the required capacity. The committee's choice seems, however, likely to be narrowed down to Miss Vera GaecLes, who officiated cp the occasion of the last pageant in Coronation year, and La Milo, well known as the inaugurat-or of the recent "living statue" craze. It has generally been made a condition of the agreement that the Lady" shall not enter Coventry till a few hours before she is xequired to take her place in the procession nor remain after eventide on the show day. The struggle in committee during the week has been between a Godiva. dressed as a, Saxon countess and a. Godiva sans fripperies, and for the moment the party which would save money in costumes has won. In past years Godiva has appeared dressed in both the ways mentioned. During the actual ride the minimum olotliing has been an elastic silk drees of pinky-white colour, close fitting from neck to foot, except that the arms have been bare, with a. simple white satin tunic for a riding habit. The hair flows down over back and shoulders. Then, as a coarnte63, appearintg after her lord's hard condition has been fulfilled, Godiva has on occasions, but only once or twice, been dressed in a, robe of creamy white cashmere trimmed with embroidery and cloak of velvet with lace and gold.

I CLUMSY POLICE METHODS IGirl Driven to Gaol in an Open Cart Antiquated police methods employed by the authorities at Winsley, Wiltshire, have caused much indignation among the inhabi- tants of the village, who at a public meet- ing decided to send the following protest to the Home Se-cretary:- This meeting deplores the fact that on May 12 and 13 an unconvicted girl was con- veyed from Murhill to Bradfoid-on-.ivon (a distance of three miles) in an open vehicle, accompanied by police officers in uniform, the result being that she became an object of curiosity to the public, and, feeling that such action is oalculatoo to cast a stigma on the girl's life, respectfully suggests that in future a closed conveyance shall be used for the purpose. The charge against the girl is a sad one. Last week the body of a child was found in a wood at Murhill, and the young woman is alleged to have admitted to the police that, stealing out at night, she climbed over a wall six feet hig-h, and laid the child under the trees. She was charged with conceal- ing the birth, and last Tuesday was con- mitited for trial. It is against the maamer of her removal from Murhill to the police- court at Bradford that complaint is made. The vicar, the Rev. Angel Smith, presided at the protest meeting, and nearly every adult resident in the village was present. One speaker said he bad recently returned from abroad, where he witnessed the arrest of a notorious brigand, who was conveyed to giaol in a closed conveyance.

PARAFFIN LAMP AS WEAPON A Mother's Accusation. I A grave charge of using a lighted paraffin lamp as a weapon and causing his aged mother grievous injuries was made at the Stratford Police-court on Saturday against George William Cook, a carpenter. The old lady was reported to be in a precarious condition, and a remand was granted after police evidence, in which it was stated that an offioer called at Cook's house amd found the injured woman lying on a. bed suffering from extensive burns all over the 'body. She was in a terrible condition," said the witness, who asked in the presence of the prisorerbow she came by the burns. She pointed to the prisoner, and said, I" My son George William threw a; paraffin lamp at me, which caught me in flames." When arrested prisoner said: I know nothing about it. She must have set her- self on fire. She must have upset the lamp herself." In the passage of the house a lamp with a glass reservoir was found. The Qoor- clothe in the passage amd in the room were charred.

WINE-GROWERS AGITATE I A dispatch from Perpi^naiB, in the Languedoo country, states that since seven o'clock on Sunday morning the place has been the scene of extraordinary oonunotion and excitement. Wine-growers are pouring into the town from all directions in special trains and aJI manner of vehicles, and are taking their meale in the open air. The rail- way servants and police are overwhelmed by the unusual demajid trpon their resources. There were 150,000 people parading the streets at noon, but so far no trouble of a serious nature has been reported. Some 7,000 men came from Rezieres in special trains, which they virtually comman- deered, and for which they purchased no tioketB. The demonstra/tion is in connection with the workers' grievances against the owners of the vineyards.

SIR BENJAMIN BAKER DEAD I The death of Sir Benjamin Baker, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., F.R.S., the eminent engineer, is announced by the Times." He died suddenly on Sunday from syncope at his residence, Pang-bourne, in his sixty-seventh year. Sir Benjamin, was joint ongineeir of the Forth Bridge. a.nd consulting engineer of the Nile reservoirs. He was created knight in 1902. and also held the Turkish Order First-class Medjidie.

I FACILITIES AT SWANSEA DOCKS It is ata,ted that the North Dock, Swansea, is being fonnd insufficient for the trade there, and that Messrs. Weaver and Co. have had to sell a cargo of grain intended for Swansea owing to insufficient depth of water ait this dock. whilst another vessel laden with wheat will have to be partly discharged I before coming to the dock to be unloadvd,

CONFIRMATION AT MERTHYR I The Eisbop of Llandaff paid his annual confirmation visit to Merthyr, and adminis- tered the riW to 102 camdift" in St. David's Church. Prior to the 8ervice in the church his lordship, accompanied by the rector, we?t a.nd ooaRrmed a dyin? ootUi?r, 21 years of a?c, who was very wishful to make his Srst communion on Whit-Sunday. I

PEMBROKESHIRE BARD'S SUCCESS I Mr. D. Emlyn Evam presided at the Vale of i Dovey Eisteddfod on Saturday, when, out of ten competitors, the Rev. William Rees j (Arianglawdd), Pembrokeshire. was awarded the bardic chair for aa ode on "The I zviva.? J90M.

I Political Law Suit. I ATTEMPT TO PROVE A PREMIER TO BE A LUNATIC I An extraordinary trial was held at Lisbon on Saturday, the accused being the editor of the Republican newspaper "El Mundo." The prosecution was brought under the new Press Law, the offence being a. statement to the effect that the Prime Minister is insane. The circumstances need some little explana- tion. The Press Law has been provoking uni- versal mirth. Its terms are extremely liarsih, and a committee of public prosecutors is entrnstad with arbitrary powers of censor- ship, being condemned at the same time to read every newspaper published in Portugal. In memory of the Inquisition, this committee has been nicknamed the Black Cabinet. The Black Cabinet administers the law and prosecutes the numerous offenders with punctillious severity. The newspapers, bent on showing the absurdity of the law and | getting it revoked, play into the Black Cabinet's hands by publishing inflammatory articles, and when proceeded against engag- ing the most famous ba.rristers to defend them. "El Majordo" out-distanced all rivals by solemnly declaring that the Premier is insane, and producing much alleged proof of its charge. The journal was, of oourse, prosecuted. Undaunted, it engaged the best- known mental specialists, who were to give evidence yesterday. It was confidently expected that the Opposition leaders would also give evidence as to their conclusions in regard to the Premier's mental condition. The case was, therefore, awaited with the liveliest interest. At the outset the Crown Prosecutor made a request that any discussion of the mental capacity of the Premier should be dis- allowed. Amid sighs of disa-ppointme-nt the court granted the request. The advocate for the defence asked permission for the accused to speak on his own behalf, but this the court refused. Uultimate (says the Daily Mail") the editor was fined £z.2 and costs. Public opinion, h#\vever, is greatly excited, and the newspaper has gained its real end. A second case, to be tried on May 24, when some of the most eminent- men in the country will be witnesses for the defence on behalf of the same newspaper, is awaited with much curiosity.

GIANTESS IN CARDIFF. Some Interesting Details The arrival on Sunday afternoon ot Mariedl, the giantess, created a sensation art, Cardiff Great Western Railway Station, througih the streets, and at the rdiff Empire. where the lady is appearing this week. She was accompanied by her sister Boselle—a pleasant, smiling girl of normal gtze--e-nd Mr. Jack Morris (manager). The party was met at the station by Mr. C. H. S. Dring (manager, Cardiff Empire) and Mr. W. R Gillander (press representative of Moss-Sitoll Empires, London). So large .was the crowd that the station entrances had to be closed, amd when Maricdl made her appearance many were the exclamations of wonder. Of pleasant features and properly proportioned, Mariedl beamed with smiles. With the gentlemen mentioned for her escort, the MARIEDL. THE GIANTESS (At the Empire, Cardiff, this week), and her sister. visitors were driven to the Empire in an open landau drawn by a pair of greys. The streets were crowded all the way, and admis- sion to the Empire was effected with diffi- culty. The father of the colossal lady is a. well- to-do farmer in the Austrian Tyrol, and there are three sisters and two brothers, all of normal build. Mariedl was very useful on the farm, and with her strong feet (size 24) and hands (size of gloves 16) could do the work of four average men. At ploughing and haymaking she is an adept. Of milking she is passionately fond. I am going a milking, sir. she said," and so Mr. Dring proposes to make arrangements for her to lend a hand at one of the local dairies. She was hungry, and the follow- ing were the principal items in the menu of her first little meal at the Empire:- Eighteen eggs, half-a-dozen rashers of bacon, a dozen rolls, plate of cakes, pot of jam, three pints of tea, and dish of fruit. Her chief meals are breakfast, dinner, and supper, besides which she partakes of a comparatively light luncheon, and sips a. little coffee in the afternoon. She is a devout Roman Catholic, very punctilious in the dis- charge of her religious duties, a.nd probably she will attend mass at one of the Cardiff churches. As soon as she was settled in her apart- ments at the Empire she looked out of the window and asked for a church to be pointed out to her. She loves children and animals, is agreeable and docile, and desires to be a sister of mercy. Her height is nearly 9ft.. her weight nearly 3601b. She had attained her present elevation at nineteen or twenty years of age. The lady was reading a Prayer Book on Sunday night when one of our representa- tives was ushered into her presence. Yes, she intimated, she was pleased with her recep- tion, and she likes Cardiff, and she appre- ciated her treatment in this country. She was gracefully attired in picturesque Tyrolese costume, and wore a Tyrolean that that added a foot and more to her stature. When the lady has a new costume the artistes have to mount a pair of steps to take the measurements.

BUTTERFLY MILLINERY i Artificial flowers and fruit as adornment for millinery are as popular this year as last, but to these have been added, imita- tion flies and butterflies of brilliant hues, arranged t-o appear as though they had alighted among the flowers of their own accord. Tremendous hat-pins with fluffy-haired dogs' heads for ornament enhance the in- 4oongrnous effect. This season's sunshades and umbrellas for ladies' use have handles in the shapes of birds' and dogs' heads.

RUN OVER BY A CYCLIST AT BARRY I A six-year-old lad named Leonard John Bolt. living at 33, Richard-street, Barry Dock, was admitted into the town accident hospital on Saturday suffering from a fractured leg, having been run over by a cyclist in Hblton- road. The boy was attended by Drs. Powell and W. Lloyd Edwards, and detained.

DIED IN HIS SLEEP I Henry King, a signalman, employed by the Taff Vale Railway, residing at Cambrian- place, Treforest, died suddenly on Sunday. On Saturday he was, apparently, in his usual health, but next morning was found dead by his wife. Heart failure is supposed I to have been the cause of death.

BREAD- I Pemdsfl more than er«b f £ 9S8~ 1

I Woolwich Discharges. I I King's Reply to Workmen's Petition. i. LOUD CRIES OF "LIAR." I i. The reply of his Majesty the King to the petition of the Woolwich Arsenal workers was read on Saturday evening at the demon- stration of the men that was held in Tra- falgar-square. It was from the Home Office, but was written at the express command of his Majesty. It was notable th-at one pas- sage in this epistle from the Throne was greeted -.vith loud cries of Liar." The letter, which was read by Mr. Will Crooks, M.P., statoo. I have duly laid before his Majesty the King the petition from the Woolwich work- men which was handed to me on Wednes- day. His Majesty commands me to say that lie is grieved to hear of the distress and want of employment which the peti- tion brings to his notice. He understands that it has not been found possible in the altered conditions of peace-time to avoid reducing the number of men em- ployed at Woolwich Arsenal, but he is con- fident that no man will be discharged whose labour at the arsenal can be profit- ably utilised in the public service. Loud cries of Liar" from the crowd greeted this statement, and Mr. Crooks paused in reading the letter to remark, We say it can be properly utilised in the public service." Resuming the letter, Mr. Crooks read: And that everything will be done to miti- gate the hardships of such discharges as prove to be inevitable. (A Voice: "And that's a lie again!") He has referred the petition to the Secretary dt State for War —(cries of "Booh !")-a.nd he has sent to the Secretary of State for War an expression of his personal wishes to this effect. Message from Mr. Keir Hardie I Mr. Jenkin Jones, who acted as chairman of one section of the meeting, read a tele- gram from Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., which was as follows: Wish gathering success. Government treats Woolwich workers scon- dalously. Officials and machinery to be kept intact; we workers have to go. We shall change all that one day." Mr. Jones moved the following resolution, which was simultaneously moved from the other platforms:- That this mass meeting of the arsenal workmen and citizens of London here assembled calls on his Majesty's Govern- ment to stop the discharges of workmen from Woolwich Arsenal by utilising the nation's workshops and valuable plant for work required by all the Government departments; and further urges his Majesty's Government to realise that by the discharge of over 10,000 men the arsenal has already been reduced considerably below its normal peace strength, and that further discharges constitute a serious menace to the well-being of the State. Want a Change of Government. I Colonel Lockwood, M.P., said that not only Woolwich, but the English nation, was con- cerned. Should war arise to-morrow—and one never knew how quickly it came—those men who had been discharged to starve on the streets or emigra/te were the men whom they would want and not be able to get. Was it possible that at a time when the Eng- lish nation had most want of bone and sinew these men had been handed a paper telling them how to get their living in a, foreign country? Other speakers said if the Government could not be prevailed upon to stop the dis- charges the Government would have to go— a statement which was met with loud cheers and several cries of Out with them."

I PROPOSED SCHOOL OF MINES I At the monthly meeting of the Garw Dis- trict of the South Wales Miners' Federation on Saturday a letter was read from Princi- pal E. H. Griffiths ttn the subject of the proposed school of mines. He expressed regret that the district had allowed a letteiv from the secretary of the council to lie on the table, "as the proposed school of mines would be of no use to the children of work- men unless they could use some backstair influence, and the children who would most benefit would be those of colliery managers and owners." He could understand that a statement of this kind would prejudice the minds of those present, but it was abso- lutely without foundation. "The history of the department of mining already estab- lished in the college," the letter proceeded, "is in itself sufficient refutation. During the past few years some scores of men have passed through that department, nearly all of whom have now obtained good positions, and 90 per cent. of these students have been the sons of working colliers." I In face of the letter the district meeting decided to re-consider the question, and it was eventually resolved to arrange for three meetings in the district.

A ROADWAY OF BEER. I There was the unusual sight of a runaway traction-engine at Weston-auper-Maro cm Saturday. The engine, with which was con- nected a large trolly laden with casks of beer and a heavily hooded van, was going down a steep incline in Bristol -road when one of the rear wheels skidded, and the engine and trucks got out of control. The engine was going full tilt into some business premises, but luckily the driver succeeded in partly steering the engine from its course, and then jumped clear as the rear van crashed into the pavement, tearing up the kerbing amd uprooting trees. The van was completely overturned, and, the casks being smashed, a river of beer flooded the roadway. Luckily no one was hurt.

TEN STITCHES IN THE FACEI A shocking accident occurred at Gelligaer on Saturday evening, a little boy, named Rowland Nicholas, being lunocked down by a cart owned by a brewery compa,ny. The wheel passed over the child's face lengthways, inflicting ghastly wounds and destroying an eye. William Price, of Springfield-terrace, Nelson, happened to be near the scene, and he cut up an apron and bandaged the little one's injuries with considerable skill ere he was taken to the surgery of Dr. Cecil, Hen- goed. two and a half miles away. Ten stitches were put in the face. The first-aid has probably saved the sufferer's life. The boy lives at Gelligaer village, by the church.

BURIAL OF A CYFARTHFA WORKMAN The funeral of the late Mr. Thomas, who was fatally burned at the Oyfarthfa Works, a.nd touching whose death a-a inquest was held at the Merthyr General Hospital on Thursday last, took place on Saturday. A large number of workmen from Cyfarthfa and Dowlais followed the remains to Oetfn. Cemetery, as well as representatives of the local branch of the Tariff Reform League, of which the deceased was a member. Mr. Harris was for some years on the Sliding-scale Committee, being a man of great intelligence who took a studious ¡ interest in various questions affecting trade and wages. I

THE ZANCIGS IN CARDIFF "The Zancigs," the celebrated telepathiete, whose powers a.nd manifestations have caused so great a sensation, are in Cardiff this week. They appear at the Park-hall to-day (Monday), to-morrow (Tuesday;, and Wednesday, at three and eight, supported by a complete concert party of first-class artistes.

MR. ADNEY PAYNE'S FUNERALI The funeral of Mr. Adney Payne, the well- known music-hall proprietor, wfho died at Tunbridge Wells, took place at St. Piancras Cemetery OIl Saturday, and was very largely attended by representatives of the pro- fession, who also sent an enormous number I of beautiful floral tributes.

DROWNED IN A SQUALL I Mr. John Byford, of Walton-on-Naze, took out Mr. H. Turnpenny and another young man from Walthamstow for a sail on Sun- day. The boat capsized in a squall. Mr. Byford managed to swim ashore, but bis two companions were drowned.

&TEVENS' BDR&D- j Ooawoera •»; U jwfaetloa. 0

Mountain Ash Wanderer I GIRL DISCOVERED IN A CARDIFF I COFFEE-HOUSE A pretty young girl named Sarah Margaret Davies, who has for some time past resided with her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mra. John Evans, at 49, Woodland-street, Mountain Ash, was reported on Saturday as having been missing from her home since Tuesday even- ing. There was reason to believe she had gone to Cardiff, and, the city police being advised, inquiries were set afoot. On Sunday the girl was found to be staying at a Cardiff coffee-house, and waa in a few hours restored to her relatives.

RAILWAYMEN'S DEMANDS I The dispute between labour and capital in the railway vorld—a dispute which concerns some 23,030 miles of track and over 12,280,000,000 of invested capital—is expected to reach a critical point towards the end of June or the beginning of July. The impor- tant conference of the men is to be held about that reriod somewhere in the Mid lands as being the most central position. It will be attended by about 6CO delegates According to a statement made by Mr. James Williams, the assistant secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Ser- vants, the officials of the society have no idea what will bo done at the conference. You must remember," he told an inter- viewer. that this is entirely a men's move- ment, and we only have to carry out the behests ,f' the men. Consequently, we can- not predict what their decisions will be. "But we do not anticipate any serious development. The conference will consider the reports of the recent demonstratioms in favour of our demands for the recognition of our TJnion, increased wages, and fewer hours of duty for the skilled branches. So far as the companies themselves are concerned, the matter has not advanced any further. Instructions to approach the com- panies again must come, first, from the dele- gates at the conference, and the replies which are received will determine our course of action. It all depends upon whether the companies will take the decisions of the con- ference as important or not. The decisions of the railway companies are respected by us," added Mr. Williams, and we ask only that they recognise the saxae principles so far as we are concerned. The personnel which constitutes the railway directorate of this country is largely the per- sonnel which constitutes the directorate of our industrial concerns, and in those indus- trial businesses the same personnel recognises the rights of the Trades Unions, and why should railwaymen stajad on a different basis? But if the railway companies are reasonable and amenable in the matter there ought to be nothing serious." A

CHILD FED ON RAW SAUSAGE I Remarkable evidence was given at an inquest at Hackney on Saturday on the three-year-old daughter of a pianoforte action m-aker named Albert Walker, of Homerton. The mother stated that the child had always been delicate, and the doctor had advised her to feed her on milk and rice. On Tuesday, however, she cried for a piece of raw sausage, so witness gave her half a one. The Coroner: Are you in the habit of giving your children raw sausage? Witness: I have given them some when they cried for it. The Coroner: Do you eat. raw sausage yourself ?-No, sir. Did you give her any beer?—No. Another witness said she also had given her children raw sausage occasionally, but would not do so again. They seemed to like it better raw than cooked, a<nd so she did herself. Dr. Bloomenthal said that death was due to pneumonia, although it was impossible t-o say whether the sausage had anything to do with it. He added that raw sausage was a frequent diet for children in his district. It was, of course, a dangerous food for then The jury returned a verdict of "Natural death."

MADMAN'S MASTERPIECE I The Mattino," Rome, states that Signer Vinoenzo Gemito, at one time a very well- known sculptor, was somemyearis ago sent to a. lunatic asylum, having become incurably insane. All artistic Italy mourned what was supposed to be the definite close to a career which had given every promise of being exceptionally brilliant. Now, according to the same journal, Signor Gemito hae produced, amidst his ead surroundings, a piece of sculpture—" The Water Seller "-which all who have had the privilege of seeing it describe as a veritable masterpiece of art. It is hoped that the asylum authorities will allow the statue to be transferred to a public gallery in order that it may be protected against harm by its creator, for the unfortunate sculptor has occasional attacks of frenzy, and it is feared that during some such paroxysm he may destroy his beautiful work.—Central News.

I IAN MACLAREN. I I The remains of the Rev. Dr. John Watson (" Ian Maclaren") arrived in Liverpool on Sunday by the Cunarder Umbria, and were conveyed to his former church at Sefton Pa.rk, where they will lie until the funeral. The embalmed body is attired in clerical gajrib, and the cas<ket has a glass lid. The shell bore the faded wreath and other flowers placed thereon in America. The removal of the body from the ship to the church was private.

I THE KING AND WALES I Our Wrexham correspondent has been desired by Lord Kenyon, president of the University College of North Wales, to con- tra.diet the statement that the King has graciously consented to visit Bangor in July for the purpose of laying the foundation- stone of the new college building. Lord Kenyon informs our correspondent that there is no authority whatever for the statement.

BRITAIN AND THE CONGO Several Belgian newspapers on Sunday I expressed themselves dumbfounded by Sir Edward Grey's suggestion to convene a con- ference for the purpose of increasing the Congo tariff, whereas, they say, the British I Government have rendered their own Colonies discontented rather than yield one inch of the Free Trade principle. The papers I declare that such self-contradiction must conceal some trap laid to obtain British interest ia the Congo.

i. REVENGING SAINT'S ASHES I Through a fire at the Parish Church of I Popoli, near fiaalmoaia (Italy), a massive urn, supposed to contain the bones of St. Bomifaoe, patron of the district, w" utterly consumed. The townspeople were so exasperated that, they stormed the residence of the parish priest and beat him mercilessly with sticks, believing him to be responsible for the acci- dent. Reinforcements of carabinieri had to be sent for to calm the populace. The pastor ¡ has fled the district.

I INCREASING OUTPUT I Messrs. Cammell, Laird, and Co. are increasing the daily output of their Clyne Valley Colltery, at Swansea. Two deeps have been extended through the coal, and two cross-measure drifts are to be carried to the Pour-foot Seam, increasing the output from 2.50 tons to 400 tons a day. The 260 men now at the colliery are working under their notices, but it is expected that a settlement will be come to before they expire.

CRICKET MATCH SEQUEL An Oxford cricket team visited Cambridge for a match, and afterwards the teams darned together. Later a number of the diners patraided the rtrecta, ringing bed Is and smash- ing lamps. This frivolity ended in James Harlich, an Oxford nndergrad, and Jeffory Aspdnall, an old Cambridge undergrad, being heavily fined at Canibridge on Saturday. They both showed signs of their festivities, ==============

?BTBVMTS'BREAD— I StcMmthena.Mtditttnxariooat tSMt I

I -{ HIS DOUBLE LIFE. Wife Wounded, Grieved, and Broken-Hearted. HUSBAND CONFESSES ALL. Evidence was heard at Edinburgh on Saturday in a case of divorce brought at the instance of Mrs. Anne Jane Alexander Catrine, Ayrshire, who charged her husband with misconduct with a woman unknown. Petitioner, in her evidence, said that all the time of the marriage, in June, 1892, her husband was an insurance superintendent. A year later her husbaind was appointed to an important post in Belfast, but he became irregular in his habits there and stayed out late at night. He also became short of money. The bailiff's were seldom out of their house, and while she was in Scotland in 1902, staying with her father for a brief holiday, she received a telegram from her husband beseeching her to return imme- diately, as he was in dire trouble. It appeared that two gentlemen had come down from London to investigate the insu- rance company's affairs, and they discovered that her husband had been using the com* pany's money. It was necessary to sell the furniture, and as this belonged.to her under the marriage contract her presence wag required. Immediately this matter had been settled the parties returned to Scotland and resided for some time at Prestwick, from which place her father took her home. Later she received word as to her hus- band's conduct, and wrote, I am wounded, grieved, and broken-hearted after the hun. dred and one things I have suffered for your sake. I will not, however, believe in you? unfaithfulness until I get word irom. you." In reply her husband said that he had in- tended to confess all, but that she could not imajgine what it would cost him In September, 1906, she sa/w a, report in Iha papers to the effect that her husband had been convicted in Glasgow of fraud, and sen- tenoed to six months' imprisonment. Tho reports further stated that the respondent when arrested was living in a Glasgow hotel with his wife. In consequence of this ighe, had brought the present action. The proprietor of the hotel in question identified the respondent from a photo. graph as being the man who ha<1 resided for a week with hnn. The woman who respon* dent had said was his wife was not the peti. tioner. A Glasgow landlady spoke to the, respondent, having lived along with another woman for some time in her house. Decree of divorce was granted with ZSQJ aliment to be paid quarterly.

"BAD BOY'S" CANDOUR. Bound sleeping in the open air. a welt4 educated boy named Frank Mann, seventeen* told a constable that he had been sleeping out for a month and been to the relieving) officer, but could get no assistance. Have you a father?" asked Mr. Mead at the North London Police-court on Saturdays Yes," replied the boy, "-and a stepmother.^ Why did you leave your home and sleerp oq the pavement instead of being in a bed? t was a bad boy, and my father turned me uot. Who was the relieving officer that refuse(I you assistance? The Police-constable: He doesn't know, a.net there are several relieving officers living iii. that road. The prisoner said he would be glad if h& could be sent to a. home. Mr. Mead: I will remand yon for inquiries, and direct the police to find out who the, relieving officer was.

MOTOR-CAR FATALITIES. Mr. Joseph Nicholls, a traveller in lotion and oils. died at Newark on Sunday from a fracture of the skull sustained in a cycling accident near Grantham on Friday after- noon. It is thought that deceased, who belonged to Newark, was knocked down by a motor-car. Deceased was 52 years of age, and was a careful cyclist. He sustained fearful injuries to the left eye and the side of the head. more serious than would b& accounted for by an ordinary fall. Did Not Know there was an Accident On Friday night a farm labourer named John Vairey was run down and killed by a nuotor-car at Asihton-cmi-Mtersey, Cfoeeihire. The car continued on its journey without stopping, but the police have succeeded in tracing it. It is stated that the occupants* two ladies and two gentlemen, were unaware of an accident having occurred.

MID-RHONDDA HORSE SHOW A noteworthy attraction in the Rhonddat Valley to..morrow (Tuesday) will be the horse show promoted by the Mid-Rhondda District Chamber of Trade, whioh will take place on the new recreation grounds, De IV-in. ton FieM, Tonypandy. The president is Mr, L. W. Llewelyn, Clydacto. Vale. This is th< third show, and the entries number over 40Q while in the trotting classes a record entrl for any horse racing events in South Walo has been received. The prize list includ eight challenge cups and 21 medals, with £ 30f in money. The gates will be opened at nimn a.m., aind a carnival win start at the sam.q time.

A RAPID COLLECTION At a meeting of the Pontypridd Committee in connection with the memorial to the late Judge Gwilym Williams held on Saturday, Mr. J. Colenso Jones, the secretary, reported that since the previous week no less than £30 had been received towards the fund, and this, in addition to the amount alrea-dy sub. scribed, made a total of over 9100 from the Pontypridd district. The secretary was instructed to make inquiries as to what wag proposed to be done with any surplus tha-t might be available after defraying the cost of the proposed statue.

BULL'S FROLICS IN CARDIFF In Queen-street, Cardiff, on Sunday morn- ing, the vagaries of a young bull caused a diversion which was not without some clemonu of danger. The lad in charge was tixkinrg the bull in the direction of Charles- street. In order to ensure good behaviour the bull's head was swathed in a sack, but the bull struggled for all he was worth with the boy pulling him by the cord. The police. came to the rescue, followed by a crowd of pedestrians, and several times the animal charged the people and the police (Inspector I Burke, Police-oonstable Chedzey, amd others). The sack fell off, and after many struggles was put on again and the animal quietened.

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET. Noble and Tmmper, the Australian cricketers, both deny they have even hinted they would stand out of matches against the English team which is to visit Australia, in the latter part of the year, if the appli. cation of players for representation on the board of control were refused. The Victorian members of the board of ?contr,ol are emphatically hostile to any alteration in the present constitution.

DUMONT'S NEW AIRSHIP. The Paris newapapcre anaionnoe thtat M. Saaitos Dtnnont will ttfis week make experi- menta with a very small motor balloon of .99 cubic metres capacity. He has aJao altered his aeroplanes, making the support- ing beams of mahogany.

FRANCES SMALLEST CONSCRIPT The smallert conscript in Prance is pro- bably Leon Leglise, of Arras. This diminu- tive soldier weighs just under 4st. His height As just 4ft., and his chest measurement is 27in. His voice is that of a girl, and he looks about ten years of age. It is not stated whether the Council <4 Revision has accepted him.

MAN WITH BLUE COMPLEXION As a result of noxious fumes inhaled while experimenting with aniline dyes, Mr. Frank Powell, a chemist, of Detroit, U.S., is stated to have a blue complexion.

STEVENS' BKBAD— Once uaed alwo" oaed. aMU