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THE DEAD CITIES.
THE DEAD CITIES. GIGANTIC DUST HEAP A Nation in Tears iURVIVORS' AWFUL NARRATIVES Fierce Fight for Food BLOOD-CURDLING HORRORS The latest reports from Sicily and Calabria describe the disaster as immense. The total number of victims at Messina and Reggio alone is calculated at 110,000. EVEffi the moat calm politicians and the coolest officers shrink affrighted from the horrifying spectacle presented at Messina. The want of food is now pressing. Cardinal Francisa Nava, Archbishop of Catania, has employed all the money at his disposal in providing bread for the refugees from Messina, as well as for his own citizens, who are also in great need, ordinary lire being entirely interrupted. The dead at Reggio are estimated at 40,000, while the whole population was only 44,000. The escape of am artillery soldier, named Gaspave Valenti, from Messina was most extraordinary. The waves swept him from inside the barracks into the sea, where a fishing boart miraculously rescued him and landed him near Messina, whence he ran for eleven hours without stopping, reaching Aciraete, 55 miles distant, so much did the terror nerve him to record such a feat of endu- rance. The town most affected is Catania, being the nearest large centre to the zone of the disaster. The continual arrival of fugitives, the sight of the wounded, and a repetition of real or imaginary slight shocks has no alarmed the population that 4 panic is becoming uncontrollable. The only comfort the lower classes have is to 1 carry in procession about the streets the Holy Veil otf Saint Agatha, protectress of the town. As the veil issues from the church door it attracts a large throng of men, women, and children, which increa.se.s aoing the route, all praying, crying, and imploring mercy and inter- cession of the saint. iSuoh simple, fervid favth in the face of tremendous misery afford a most touching spectacle. fierce Fight for Food I SURViVORS KNIFE EACH OTHER I A telegram from Naples to the Paris "Matin" gives a horrifying account of the ioniditiou of the refugees from Messina, who were brought there by the Ueixuan steamer I.Viiera,pia. borne of them had. their faces oriiSutd, others had bleeding wounds, hag- gard eyes, and horribly ooutrted moutiin. home maintained a stomy silence, while ofctaens in a haif-meaue condition raised ruoiwiiii ui criee. 4# in, ocuptrtiu of the steamer gave the .<>1- lowing accouut of the fcoenee witn-efsed at Medina. Mis anip was at Malta, ixjuunii for l Ocxiista.ji'UiKnne, wtieii he received orders to proceed to the Straits of Messina. W iien it arrintd in trout of the town it was aur- rouinutJ by a Ho-ulia of i>»a.ts loaded with men and women, w no demanded food and drink. On aa-riviiig at "H: harbour lie was met. by an inupeii^e clamour, from the sea he gawied tJie imprettbion tndt Messina was intact, lor the iarge pa^a-cas on the front were still et"nd.ixig, but bsdiind them a ill was emptiness and ruin. The beaoh wae furrowed with enormous clefts, into which the tiea rushed, and from which sulphurous vapours wer escaping. On the right in front of the fallen buildings was a heap of corpees. The sailors landed, and the work of rescue oogaal at onoe. The oliip was soon over- loaded with refugees., Some &0 Germans were saved, being all that rema,ined of the numer- ous German Colony. On the way to Naples it was observed that none of the Oaiabiian seaside villages remained. A doctor, who was among the refugees on board, related that as he was about to go on board a band of men armed with knives tried to prevent him, but allowed him to pass seeing he was escorting some ladies. fiGHT FUR HOOD I A Iteegrani to the "Matin" from Koine says that the Minister of Posts and Tele- graphs has received a direct telegram from Meosina, sent by two telegraphists, who suc- ceeded in repairing some of the apparatus of their wrecked office, and fixing it to the land lines, which had not been destroyed. A telegram to the "Matin" from Messina states that frightful scenes occurred yester- day among the ruins of the Customs Offices. A few dozen survivors fought with knives over the boxes of preserved fruit, cheeses, etc. The struggle was absolutely inhuman, and several fell with their throats cuts. One unhappy wretoh, who was lite- rally nailed to a plank by a knife, held a small ohild in his arms. The bravery of the Russian sailors is especially commended. A I couple of them rescued 110 persons. The Naples correspondent of the "New I York Herald" publishes an interview with Dr. Palermo, who has arrived there from Messina, having lost his two sons in the catastrophe. "I was sleeping, he said, "-when I wa.s thrown to the floor and my bed was overturned on top of me. the ceiling gave way, and I was precipitated from the first floor into the apartments of a lady, who wae looking for her sons. She found them dead. We remained there a day and a half without assistance, food, or drink, near the bodies of our children and in the beating rain constantly falling. Heartrend- ing cries were heard from those who were ouried beneath the ruins. The survivors at Messina (says a telegram to the "Petit Bepuhlique" from Milan) do I not exceed 15,000 in number, while the popu- lation waa 160,000. To these figures must be idded 40,000 victims in Calabria. The Rome' jorrespondont of the Paris "Journal" also lays that the dead axe now estimated at between 120,000 and 150,000. Yesterday at Palmi 3,000 bodies were buried in a common rraYe. Previous to the earthquake a bril- liant Aurora Borealis was seen on the Gala- )Man side, accompanied by dull, subter- ranean rumblings. Then the sea withdrew 500 yards from the ooaat and an enormous wave gathered in the middle of the straits. The make of water then rushed with a ter- rible noise on the two coasts, millions of tonrp of water sweeping the beach and over- throwing the houges.-Reuter. Pitiful Spectacles REFUGEES MUTILATED AND BURNED Rome. Wedneeday.-A doctor, named PaJermo, has arrived here in rags, with his wife wrapped in blankets, and accompanied by the widow of one of his friends, who was oruabed by the fall of his house, and by two little half-naked children, timidly hanging on to their garments. Their three other children perished. The doctor and his wife have come here to seek shelter with relatives. wz gestures of fatigue they waived asiae the reporters, the ladies hiding their faces, which were begrimed with dust. A gentleman of Breecia, who was staying at the Hotel Trinacria a.t Messina, was buried beneath the ruiM. He spenit five hours in calling for assistance, and found & sucill, which he waved desperately through a small spenimg. When at last several persons had noticed his signals and approached, a further tremor put them to fright. Eventually he was resuced by some sailors, and taken on board their ship in an unconscious condition. The evening before he had dined at the table d'hote with Germane, English, And French. The last named, five in number, all perished in the oata,=rtro>phe. A boy of twelve, named Gaby, son of a professor, rescued his father and mother, who were buried beneath the debris. When the Russian battleship Admiral Makaroff arrived at Naples yesterday with hundreds of refugees, the Duoheea of A09ta. went on board to thank the officers and crew. The captain declared that all the preceding day had been spent by his men m the work of rescue. Many of the refugees were hor- ribly mutilated, and on the way ten of them died and were buried at sea. The Russian sailors found the safes of the Bank of Sicily containing twenty million lire. The landing of the refugees pro- foondlf moved those present, and the Duchess of Aosta was unable to restrain her tears. An equally pitiful spectacle was witnessed on the arrival of the German steamer Therapia. Many of the refugees were not only mutilated, but horribly bufned. The Hotel de France and the Hotel Odntinenital, both of which were destroyed, were full of foreign visitors. The Straits of Messina are unrecognisable. Numbers of naikedoo.rp.ses are floating on .the surface and being carried by currents out to sea. In many oaees it was neoeseary to use force in order to make the injured enter the hos- pitals at Palermo. Madden by pa.nio, they seemed to think every house must collapse. In ruined Calabrian towns, the peasants are wandering about in groups in the rain and begging for shelter, but at the least sound they take to flig-ht with cries of terror. The newspapers report many cases of madness. An engineer, who was taken out from the debris, sang and danced, crying that Messina was not destroyed, and that only his own f amily had disappeared. Graves Open A journalist who had started for Taor- mina only a, few minutes before the disaster returned on foot as soon as it occurred. He was stopped by heaps of ruins, and met ter- rified refugees, who ran shouting "Help." The further he proceeded the more awe-in- spiring becam-e the scene. The railway station was in flames, and nude or semi-nude figures were everywhere seen running beneath torrential ra.in. He crossed the ceme- tery, where the graves were thrown up and tombstones overturned. When he reached his house he found it a heap of ruins and his young wife lying dead beneath I them. About fifteen other persons had been in the house. Some of them had jumped into the street, but aJI the rest had been crushed to death. Driven Mad by Ruin Captain Paiiomarez, commanding the RUB- gian battleohdp Admiral Makaroff, which arrived at Naples yesterda yfrom Messina, relates a graphic story of the visit of his vessel to the ruined to:w,n:- We wasted no time in getting ashore," said the oaptain in the course of an inter- view this morning, "and within a very short time after our landing we had succeeded in extricating a thousand persons from beneath the debris. We were also able to save the treasure chest of the Bank of Italy. In my opinion, the dead at Messina number fully 80,000, but it is, of course, very difficult to estimate with any real accuracy as yet. The scene of the disaster baffles description, 00 terribl is the havoc caused by the earth- quake and by the inundation 01 the sea. There were four distinct inundations during the space of half an hour. An extraordinary and harrowing feature of the scene following the disas-ter was the number of naked and starving persons whom we met, quite 10,000 of them I shonl dthink, many bearing images of the saints, and pray- ing and imploring help from all whom they saw. We did what we could to alleviate their distress, providing them with food, and where possible with clothing of a kind. The scenes were most heartrending. In the ruins of a la.rge six storey house we found the bodies of two little children, who seemed to have been playing with some toys at the moment when the house was destroyed, the toys still laying by the f-ide of the bodies just within reach of their hands. Our voyage to Neples was rendered particularly distressing by the presence of a number of persons on board who had been driven mad by the ruin that had overtaken them. The unfortunte victims wandered incessantly about the ship seeking everywhere for their dead friends and relatives, and calling upon them by name, evidently under the impression that they were still searching the ruins at Messina."— Central News. Weird Scenes in Ruined Towns In spite of the fatigue entailed by a long journey, followed by arduous labours, Kin? Victor a.nd Queem Helena worked on with the rescuers until a late hour la-st night at Palermo. The King seemed to be endowed with the endurance of half a dozen men. Up to t,hismorning it is stated that close upon 100,000 persons have been embarked by the warships and otiher vessels in the Straits. All the towns and along the shores of the Straits are being depopulated, as there are widespread fears of further convulsions. Scenes of the weirdeet nature are being enacted in Messina a.nd the other ruined towns. A g-riin message reached Palermo this morning to the effect that clouds of crows and ravens have descended in the striaken districts, having orossed the Mediterranean from Africa in response to some mysterious intuition of disaster. In Messina the res-cuers frequently encounter processions of naked persons, bearing images of the saints which have been broken and mutilated by the earthquake. Dealing1 with these frenzied sur- vivors is very difflouilt. According to reports brought by priests, the town of Scylla, neair the famous rook of the same name, has completely disappeared, and even its site, owing to topographical alterations, has vanished.—-Central News. The roads from Lazzaro to Reggio presents one long scene of desolation and horror. The peasant's humble cottage and the imposing residence of the land-owner alike have dis- i appeared, swallowed up by the seismic wave. Emmen orange groves have been destroyed, and many acres of land inundated. All along the road bands of survivors are to be met making their way to Lazzaro, the nearest point to which trains are able to approach. —Reuter. British Sailors' Rescue Work Rome, Wednesday.—The King and Queen of Italy, ministers, and public generally are much touched by the great work of th-b British sailors in succouring the victims of the earthquake. All the newspapers praise 1 them cordially and express their deep gratitude for the help rendered. Reggio in Ruins Honteleone, Calabria, Wedn"day.-Th-e sur- vivors from Reggio are beginning to arrive. They declare that the town is destroyed, and tha.t the quarter by the sea has disappeared. The mayor and Signer Tripepi (deputy), are among the dead, who are believed to number 10,000. Appeal for Help ,I Rome, Wednesday.—Signor Battisto Pelley- rind, formerly secre-tary to the ex-Premier Signer Zanardelli, and now editor of the "Review Italy," addresses the following appeal to his compatriots in foreign lands:— "Italians abroad, you who have always been first in will power, perseverance, charity, and loyal and fraternal goodness, our prayer goes forth to the living in remem- brance of the Mot-her Country in proof of the reality of the Italian grief. May the sorrow you feel be a flame of affectionate and beneficent patriotism and an example to the world of what human nature is capable in our race which alia,as ever stronger from the aches of misfortune. Weep not, Italians. Distant brothers, may the Angel of Pity beam on the desolation of the ruined city and country, and may the future shine on the indomitable people who have known how to draw from the terrible ruin new reasons for life and concord in future. Pour out immediately to OUT Consuls offerings that which the heart dictates. Men, as nations, are strengthened by sorrow. Your souls and your emotions are at one with those of your country, which in this terrible ending to the year blesses and recalls to you." The Royal Rescuer Reggie di Calabria, Wednesday.—The King, accompanied by Sign or Orlando, Minister of Justice, and Signor Bertolini, Minister of Public Works, arrived here this evening on board the torpedo cruiser Coatia. His Majesty visited many of the injured who were lying in the streets, and skirted the shore in a boat examining the damage that had been done. The inhabitants cheered his Majesty, who afterwards again went on board the battleship Vittario Emanuele TII. The battleship Mapoli has arrived with first aid. Food depots are guarded by troops to prevent pillage. The burying of the dead and the work of disinfection have begun. Other Towns Destroyed I Palmi, Wednesday .-Two-thirds of the town I have been dwtroyed, and it is impossible to reckon the number of victims, nearly all of whom are stiU beneath the ruins. Beminara ha? been destroyed, with th? loss of 1,5W killed and nearly as many injured. Sinopoli, Sam Procopio, and other small towns in the district are greatly damaged, with many killed and injured. The King has telegraphed to the Premier saying that he found at Reggio the same disastrous conditions as at Messina, and announcing that a Russian ship with 500 injured will arrive at Naples, where it will be necessary to arrange for the unload- I ing and transport of the injured to hospital. OVER 100,000 VICTIMS AT I I MESSINA I ROME, Wednesday. A later estimate from Palermo places the number of deaths at Messina at over 100,300. The Town-hall and Belvedere Hotel there are still burning. I The dead include many naval officers. More than 300 bodies have been recovered from the ruins of P?Imi and Bagnara. Two hundred and MTemty pupLIe of the Military Medical School at Florence parsed through Rome to-day on their way to Sicily. The stench at SfcBeina Is insufferable, and the air is filled with groans of unfortunate wretches pinned beneath the wreckage. When the Trinacria Hotel collapsed many women met their death by jumping from the windows. Palermo hotels are full of refugees in the most deplorable condition. The first refugees were in a lamentable state when they arrived at Naples. The injured were at once removed on stretchers, while others remained shiver- ing in the ice-cold rain. Steamers hired by the Government are pouring refugees into the town, and the municipality is trying to make arrangements for the housing of the thousands of people whotte arrival is expected. General Colli is stated to be killed. The Ministry of the Interior is without detailed news of the disaster at Reggio. The report of the prefect is awaited. The few fugitives from the stricken town are in such a sttLte of prostration that they can say nothing. It is feared, however, that the disaster at Reggi<f may turn out to be even more terrible than at Messina. The authorities are very reticent regarding the energetic steps taken to put down pil- lage at Messina. The town has been at the mercy of ruffians, who certainly had rich prey. The branoh of the Banlc of Italy had about ten million francs in its vaults, and private banks also contained large sums of money.-Reuter. I BRITISH CONSUL'S STORY PALERMO, Wednesday Evening. Mr. J. Ogwton, the British Vice-Consul at Messina, who arrived at Palermo in an injured condition to-day, accompanied by his little daughter, tells a heartrending story of the manner in which his wife was killed in Monday's appalling catastrophe and of the miraculous escape of himself and his daughter. He says:- "At the first shock I was thrown com- plet-oly out of bed My wife at once rushed to the cot where our little daughter lay asleep, and, snatching her in her arms, we descended to the door of our house, bit found it entirely blocked up with wreckage. Finding escape impossible that way, we clambered through a window, my wife all the time holding the little girl tightly in her arms. As we passed the front of the palace a balcony suddenly fell upon my poor wife, killing her instantly, but by a miracde the little girl was practically unhurt. Taking the ohild in my arms, I rushed towards the Municipal-square, where about 50 other per- sons ha-d gathered. We all quickly decided to flee together to the open country, and during our rush through the streets balconies, columns, and chimneys fell around and upon us in a most terrifying manner. Members of our fleeing party were struck down by falling wreckage, half-a-dozen at a time, and in a few minutes the party was reduced to twelve, then ten, then five, and when at last we reached the open country j only four of us remained, the other forty- six having undoubtedly been killed. It was a most terrible exi),erienoe.Peuter. REGIMENTS ANNIHILATED I ROME, Wednesday Night. Telegrams received in Rome this evening state that the fire is still raging furiously at Messina, the heat being so terrific that it is impossible in the absence of any proper fire fighting appliances to make any effort to extinguish the flames. According to information received by the military authorities, the two regiments of soldiers forming the garrison at Messina have been practically annihilated. The steamer Marco Polo, which entered the Straits of Messina to-day to carry succour to the sufferers, found the straitB literally strewn with the floating bodies of persons and animals, the screw of the steamer frequently coming into contact with corpses. The coasts of Oalabria and Sicily on both sides of the straits have been coanpletely altered by the earthquakes. The Calabrian coast has lost its angular character, and the hills near the coast have sunk considerably, whilst the Sicilian shore has assumed a most savage aspeot.-Central News. DESTRUCTION OF REGGIO I NAPLES. Wednesday. I The few refugees who have arrived here from Reggio, in Calabria, are almost too unnerved to speak of their terrible experi- ences, but one or two of them recount episodes which afford some indications of the wholesale havoc caused there. According to one refugee, an express train which had left Reggio for Naples was brought to a stop by the first terrible shock after having travelled eighteen miles. All the passengers demanded to be taken back to Reggio, and the train was, therefore, taken back. On arrival at Reggio the passengers, to their dismay, found the place half in ruins, and, frantic with terror, began to search for their relatives and friends. Whilst they were searching fresh shocks occurred, and, as far as can be ascertained, the whole of the passengers who returned to Reggio were killed. This story is told by a workman who left the train and did not return to the doomed town. Another refugee from Reggio states that just before the catastrophe fully 400 persons were gathered in the railway station. Most of these wtre people who had already taken their teats in a train which was about to leave for Naples, the remainder being rela- tives and friends who were there to see them off and railway servants. Whilst people were in the act of saying good-bye" a fright- ful earthquake shock oocurred, and imme- diately the whole station collapsed like a pack of cards, burying everybody beneath I ite ruins. Only two persons escaped.—Cen- tral News DYING OF SLOW STARVATION I ROME, Wednesday. People are beginning to become restive because almost nothing is knowu about Reggio, all the attention having hitherto been centred on Messina. The state of things a.t Reggio must be all the more awful, as it is practicaJly isolated. The sea front has been completely swept away, while the water inshore is blocked with sunken debris, foundered vessels, and every imaginable sort of obstruction, so that access by sea is out of the question, while it is just as impossible to approach the town by land, as for a, radius of eleven miles the country has a torn and twisted appearance, roads, bridges, footpaths. a.nd railway lines being uprooted. The face of the country has changed, so that it is impossible to pass over it even in motor-cars owing to the big fissures in the land which have appeared. Italy has accordingly had to think of thousands of people dying, not from injuries, but from slow starvation, as there must be innumerable cases of people being pinned down and unable to move, though otherwise uninjured. Several people have gone crazy from being una.ble to go to the spot or gel news of their dear ones.Reuter. GRIEF AND SUICIDE I PALERMO, Wednesday. News is slowly coming through from Messina, but nothing diminishes the extent of the disaster. No word has been heard of the, missing deputies. Signori Fulci and Orioles, or of Signor Noe, the well-known ex-deputy. Survivors of the disaster recount a pathetic incident. A ni" named Fritz Roberts awoke to find himself the one member of his family who had escaped death. His sorrow was un- controllable, and in an outburst of passion- ate grief he committed suicide. Nearly all the prominent citizens of Messina appear to have perished, and of the munici- pal council only two have survived, the former mayor, iSignor Darrigo, and the deputy-mayor. The latest estimate is that about two-thirds of the population of Messina, which numbered about 160,000 persons. have fallen victims to the earthquake. Among the deaths which have now been confirmed are those of two members of an operatic company, Signor Gamba. (tenor) and Signor Aneeachi (bari- tone). The wife of the latter was also killed. Signor De Felice, one of the Sicilian deputies, has sent the following message from Messina to Catania:- Organise a force of volunteers and send us provisions. We are dying of hunger here. Many survivors are leaving for Catania. Receive them with brotherly affec- tion. If accommodation is lacking, lodge them with your families. Each family at Catania should give shelter to a family from Messina. The Treasury building and the Salesian College have collapsed, and of the pupils at the institution only eight are known to have escaped. They have been sent to Syracuse. It waa not many houxis after the disaster before British and Russian vessels landed parties of their crews to help in the work of rescue. They brought with them food and I clothing. and rendered most valuable assist- I ance. Three hundred injured were conveyed by the sailors to the public gardens, and there carefully tended by them. When the I fire broke out the sailors managed to bring away 200 of the injuxed.-Ilre,.ss Aseooiation I Foreign Speoial. ARRIVAL OF REFUGEES I NAPLES, Thursday. The tragedy in the South is now being brought materially before the eyes of the North by the arrival at Naples of refugees, both injured and unscathed, from Messina. The wounded were all in the cabins, covered with white or red wrappings. Some had their heads and limbs bandaged, while others had not yet been so fortunate as to receive any medical attendance at all. I noticed a.n old man holding a little girl in his arms covered with blood. Is it your child?" I asked. "No," was the answer. '1 found her yesterday on the pavement, and stayed with hear for half the day. She was unclaimed, and I could not abandon her. I have hod her in my arms ever since." Thereupon he relapsed into nr^lanoholy visions, oblivious of everything was going on around him.. Then a girl passed me with torn oiothes, carrying a canary. She was TinGo Marini, a music-hall singer, who bad sung to her; feathered pet through all those Boenes. The J bird was chirping merrily, and seemed tihel only happy thing on that terror-stricken vessel.-Press Association Foreign Special. I REMARKABLE STORY SALERMO, Wednesday. Signor Puloo, a Messina chemist, tells the following remarkable story of his adven- tures during the earthquake: — "When the catastrophe occurred I was on my way with others from Messina to Reggio, making the journey by the regular ferry- boat. We were about half-way across the straits, when the sea suddenly became frightfully agitated. It is impossible ade- quately to picture the scene. A great chasm appeared to open up in the water, and I verily believe we touched bottom. Then we were picked up by a hugh wave, and in its trough appeared again to strike the bottom, but by a miracle escaped, and eventually reached Reggio. The entire town seemed to have been destroyed, and a terrifying silence prevailed. On landing we encountered a group of persons who were almost naked, and appeared to have become insane. To all our questions they answered not a word. "I came across Signorina Tina Marini (a well-known singer). Poor thing. She seemed quite distracted. She was carrying in her hand a cage containing a number of live canaries, and though the birds were chirping and hopping about she said to me, 'They are all dead.' "We were able to save two people, but I should estimate the death-roll at Re-ggio at 50.000. We afterwards returned without inci- dent to Messina. Here we saw many evi denees of superstition, between which and fears of what might still come the people seemed to be crazy. Scores of persons were making provision against famine by pillag- ing the shops."—Central News. Famine and Lawlessness Until yesterday efforts to render assistance to sufferers by the earthquake, had been centred wholly in Messina-, and the victims at Reggio, living and dead, had heard nothing from the outer world. Now tha,t rescue parties are working in the Oalabrian town, however, hore stories cf horror are being received. Survivors arriving in Sicily state that for two days they signalled franti- caJly for help without getting any response. They suffered terribly from hunger, and it was not long before all the provision shops were pillaged.. The rector of the Reggio Institute himself went out in search off food for his famishing puipils, but the looters fired at him with revolvers and drove him away. On all sides armed orce was used in the quest for the wherewithal to stave off famine. The station.rmuster at Reggio states that, immediately after the shock of the earthquake, a chasm some -,it. wide opened in the earth, from which a flood of boiling water guialied forth, apart-ing in jets as high as a house. Many injured people who were unable to move were dreadfully scalded as the stream passed over them. One young lady underwent the terrible expe- rience off being penned up to a room. on tlhe fititili floor of a partially-wrecked house for two days. In the same apartment were a number of her relatives, all of whom had been killed, and she wa-s in momentary fear of the crazy bu'Lldiiinig toppling to the ground, but was un.3,ble to make her eecaipe. She screamed for assistance all through Mondiay and Tuesday, but was only rescued yester- day.—Central News. More Heip from Malta I His Majesty's ship Philomel left Malta at I eleven otlock this morning for Messina, oatrryirtig thirteen civil and seven naval doctors, besides a lairge quantity of hospital stores and provi-iioivs. A number of Sicilians sailed on the cruiser as passengers. The battleship Duncan is now inakimig ready to leave for Regigio. She is fully equipped, and will statrt daring the afternoon.—-Central News. Safety of the Four Torpedo-Boats I ROME, Wednesday. The Ministry of Marine denies the report which has been current that the four tor- pedo-boats which were anchored a.t Messina have disappeared. The Ministry has received tidings from all the vessels stationed near the coasts affected by the earthquake.—Cen- tral News. British Consul Injured I THe British Foreign Office has not yet received from its Consular agents in the afflicted districts any details of the calamity, but lias telegraphed asking for such official deta,ils as are available. The Foreign Office on Wednesday evening, however, received a communication from Palermo stating that the British Consul at Messina had arrived there. He is injured. His wife is missing, and has beyond doubt been killed in the earthquake. Mr. Ogston, who is the Bntish Vice-Consul at Messina, is a son of Professor Ogston. of Aberdeen. Professor Ogston left for Sicily on Wednesday afternoon. LADY HILL SAFE The anxiety as to the safety of Lady Hill and Mias Hill, of Rookwood, Llandaff, who ore wintering at their residence near Messina-, was dispelled last night. In reply to an inquiry from the "Evening Express," Lady Hdll telegraphed from Oatania, Taor- mina uninjured.—Lady Hill." Taormina is a small place where an old convent, Santa Oaterina, has been converted into a resi- dence where Lady Hill spends the winter. It is situated between Cat-ania and Messina, and is, therefore, in the heart of the affected area. Taormina, however, is between 700ft. and 800ft. above the level of the sea, and Santa Oaterina hae withstood many an earth- quake shock during the hundreds of years it has overlooked the sea. Swansea Gentleman's Anxiety Mr Thomas Elford, of Swainaea, has cabled to Catania for news as to his brotheT and sister-in-law, Mr. amd Mrs. Frank Elford, and two other members of his family, who reside at Catania. Mx Walter H. Harris, on holiday tour in Italy, has telegraphed from Taormina that he and Mrs Harris are sa-fe and well. Mrs. Haynes, a well-known Hampshire lady, as well as her husband and two children, who arrived at Messina from England on Saturday, are safe. Great anxiety is felt in the family of Lord Airedale as to the safety of Mr. Robert T. Kiteon. residing in Taormina, Sicily. Cardiff Fund Opened A meeting of the council of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce was held to-day, at which it wa? decided to hold a big meeting at the Exchange to-morrow at noon, with the object of raising1 a fund to assist the suf- ferers by the earthquake in Sicily and neighbourhood. The Ita-lian Consul at Cardiff has received a subscription of 1Q)gs. from M. Wat?to Watts towards the r?hef of the auffem-s by the d'i saster. The Mansion House Fund, for the relief of; the victims of tiie Italian earthquake, this morning amounted to over £ 5,000. The American Ambassador, Mr. Grisoom, has informed the Italian Government that MT. J. P. Morgan has sent L600 towards the relief of the victims.' Warning to Captains The Admiralty, at the request of Lloyd's. have asked the Commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fl?et to warn merchant vessels making for Messina that the earth- quake may have caused new m&ks to naviga- tion, and, consequently, gre?t care must be exercised in approaching the Straits of Messina. Millionaire's Grief The family of a millionaire named Roberto was lulled at Messina, and on finding the bodies of his wife and son the father shot himself with a revolver. Melb&nrn?, Thursday.—Th? seismograph a.t Perth Observatory recorded the Italian I earthquakes, showing vibration, a-ppaj?nMy at two perms, of maximum intensity. Public relief funds have been opened throughout Australia. Cardiff Vessel's Adventures Messrs. W. and C. T. Jones, shipowners, Cardiff, have received a telegram from the master of the steamship Afonwen to the effect that t'he vessel had arrived at Naples, having on board a number of refugees, as well as Mr. Constantino Doreea and Mr. Caiger, whose fate had given rise to consider- able anxiety a.t Cardiff. A fireman belong- ing to the veseel w missing. His name is Alihassen, an Arab. The vessel is slightly dalno.ged, having been driven ashore. A report i,3 ourrent at the Docks to the effect that the tidal wave carried the steamer ashore and then carned her off a?ain, and I that she bumped several times. She will discharge at Naples and then return to na-rdlff. -Relief for Earthquake Victims I New York, Thursday—A most generous response is being made to the appeal for subscriptions in aid of the Italian sufferers, 3Ind the amount received by the committee last evening totalled 104,000 dollars. lit is now certain that a large number of Ameri- cans are victims of the earthquake, and some of the newspapers place the number of killed and missing as high as three or four hundred. The Foreign Office is besieged by relaitivee, and hundreds of cablegrams of inquiry have been despatched to Italy. A fund for the benefit of the sufferers by the Italian earthquake has been opened at Vienna, a relief committee having been formed under the presidency of Baron Von Aehremthal. The Emperor has contributed 50,000 kronen. Question of Insurance. Inquiries in the City to-day sihow that the British Insurance companies are practically unaffected by the disaster a.t Messina. The insurance business, if any, was carried on by Italian, French, and! Austrian companies j
ILost on Mountain
I Lost on Mountain I MISSING GARNDIFFAITH WOMAN The relatives of Mrs. Redwood, wife of Mr. Joseph Redwood, High-street. Garndiffaith, who wae reported yesterday as lost on Blaen- avon Mountain, fear that she is dead. She left them on Ohirstmas Eve at Blaenavon, where she had made her purchases, and was anxious to return home early. The deep snow upon the mountain prevented a search, but steps in this direction are to be taken at once. Mrs. Redwood is about five feet higih, dark complexion, aged 29 years.
I! iDoom of the Foghorn i
Doom of the Foghorn SUBMARINE BELL SIGNALLING The doom of the foghorn is only a matter of time. This statemeaut is the result of inquiries which have been made, sihowing the success attending the installation of the submarine bell apparatus for signalling at sea. The character of the apparatris is deter- mined by the use to whhh it is applied, the three varieties consisting of those installed on lightships, buoys, and shore stations. In the first case the submarine bell is operated by the machinery at present providing power for the foghorn; in the case of the bell-buoy frho motion of the buoy on the waves moves the mechanism which couees the bell to rmg, and with submarine bells for shore stations the bell is pla-ced on. a tripod on the bed of the sea, and is worked by means of a ca-ble from the shore. The apparatus for receiving the bell sounds which is fixed on the ship fe composed of two tanks in the bows of the vessel and two immense microphones, from whioh the bell sounds axe transmitted to the bridge, a.nd the navigator is enabled to direct his course accordingly. Sound travels 4i times as fa6t and 2.3 times as far under water as above, and a vessel has been known to receive a sound from a distance of 24 miles. This system of submarine signalling will, undoubtedly, supersede the foghorn, over which it has obvious advantages. Several chambers of commerce connected with coast towns have complained that the noise of foghorns has driven residents from the district, but with the bells the sound is only audible to those ships possessing receivers.
COAL TRADE DEPRESSIONI
COAL TRADE DEPRESSION 2,500 Men Receive Notice The depression in th-e cool trade has reached an acute stage at Potrth, where 2,000 men employed at Mesars. Insoles' (Limited) steamier collieries, Oj-mnneir, have been given notices, which will expire at the end of January. Tradesmen view the position with grave Y. A month ago 520 men were given notices by the sanae firm, and cease work to-night. Consequently, unless a. new understanding is arrived aot, over 2,500 men will be out of woric in the next four weeks.
"TOO LAVISH A SCALE"i
"TOO LAVISH A SCALE" i At a meeting of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians held on Wednesday, Mr. Godfrey L. Clark presiding, a letter was read from the Local Government Boaird stating that the plans submitted in connection with the proposed new offices had been before the authorities, and the decision had been come to that the accommodation was on too lavish a scale and considerably in excess of what oould be sanctioned. I Mr. Noah Tromans said that he could not see how the cost could be reduced, and moved a resolution expressing the opinion that it was not excessive. Mr. F. Hill seconded, remarking that the guardians only asked for what they con- sidered was absolutely necessary. The motion was agreed nem con., and it was further agreed that the clerk (ldr. W. Spickett), the chairman (Mr. Godfrey L. Clark), and the architect be deputed to meet [ the Local Government Board officials. i
IEISTEDDFOD AT RHAYADER :
EISTEDDFOD AT RHAYADER The annual eisteddfod was held under the auspices of the Gaivinistic Methodist Church at the Bethany-hall, Rhayader The preei- dent was Mr. B. P. Lewis, Noyadd. The con- ductor was the Rev. J. J. Thomas, B.A. Adjudicatom: -Music, Mr. R. Evans (Eos Ceredigion), Newtown; literature, the Rev. Own Thomas, Dolau, and Mr. R. M. Morgan, B.A.; accompanist, Mise Effle M<}trgan! A.L.C.M., Rhayader; secretary, Mr. E. J. Worthing; treasurer, Mr. John Jones, Cadwgau House. Chief awards :— Essay: Mr. David Morgan, Llangurig. Children s choir: Mr. J.\Jonee's party. Soprano eolo: Miss Dorothy Jones. Hymn-tune solo: Miss Hanier, Lla-nwrthwl. Adult recitation: Miss D. Hughes, London House. Tenor solo: Mr. Rhys Thomas. Hymn tune (eight Toioee): Mr. Philip Jones's party. Reading musio at sight: Mr. Rhys Thomas Male voioe parly: Mr. Philip Jones's party Challenge solo: Mr. Rhys Thomas. Mixed voice competition: Mr. Philip Jones's choar.
I LOSSES ON CONTRACTS
LOSSES ON CONTRACTS The first meeting of creditors of the estate of David John Vaughan, a well-known builder and contractor, of Dromore, Trede- gar, wa.8 held to-day at the office of the Official Receiver, Newport Gross liabilities amounting to £ 25,887 78. Id. were returned; £ 8,230 18s. lid. expected to rank for dividend, and asset si,4,603 6d. The cause of failure alleged by the debtor was losses on con- tracts. The dowtor commenced business on the dea-th of his father in 1898. In conjunction with his two brothers he opened a shop as an undertaker at New Tredegar about two and a half years ago. During his trading he has built about 120 houses and shops at Tredegar and Abertysswg. Some of these he has sold, but he has now on hand (on mortgage) about 92 houses and shops. He estimates that £3,WO would be forthcoming on nine of the uncompleted contracts if he were allowed to complete them, but several of the proprietors have given notice to ter- minate the contracts. With regard to the tenth contract, the debtor included in his nummary statement of affairs a claim as a contingent liability for £ 1,200. Mr. C. E. Dovey, Of Cardiff, was appointed trustee, with a committee of inspection.
IDEFENCE MOBILISATIONI
DEFENCE MOBILISATION Mobilisation regulations have just been issued from the War Office in connection with the Territorial For-, showing the pro- cedure to be adopted. It is pointed out that while the term "mobilisation" is sometimes used in a much wider ænee, as faa- as County Associations are concerned, it should be interpreted in the strictly limited sense of completing uliits for war. The process governing the actual mobilisa- tion of a Wrrit-oria, lunit, it is observed, is simple. At ite headquarters it receives every- thing required to enable it to full the role allotted it undft the general scheme of home defence. If it is to form part of a division in the field army, it will require horses, transport, ammunition, equipment, and supplies of Various kirde to emable it to take the field. If allotted to coast defenoe duties, it will I take with it little more in the way of arms, equipment, and cl-othitig than it actually has in use in 'Pe(we. and in the latter case lcca-1 arrangements for accommodation, transport, and Supply for such units are made at the respective coast defences. The vaet number of animals and vehicles required for the lige of the military forces in the United kingdom will be obtained under the powers of impressment contained in the Army Act. County Associations will be required to co-operate with general officers commanding an4i with the police authori- ties of the country in giving effect to these powers. Remount and transport regulations will be shortly issued showing how such co- operation is to be effected. Other detailed information as to war establishment and impedimenta of each Territorial unit is being published.
CARDIFF LADIES' CHOIR I
CARDIFF LADIES' CHOIR I The ladies' choir organised by Madame Hughes-Thomas, of Cardiff, which has just made a very successful concert tour in America, will, it is expected, land at South- ampton from the liner Teutonic to-day. Mr. Edward Thomae (Oochfarf), J.P who accom- panied the party as business manager, is returning with them. A telegraphic message received by the "Evening Express" from Mr. jl Thomas on board the liner yesterday oon- taiued the welcome phiraee, "All" well."
-... - - --I'MOANING WITH…
I'MOANING WITH COLD '-I I MARGAM COUNCIL SANATORIUM I I IS IT UNSUITABLE IN WINTER P I Oomplaints are made that the Marglam I Council Sanatorium is not suited for winter use. A correspondent writes that for some time past the conditions have caus&d anxiety I to parents who have ohUdre?n isolated t= Situat-ed as it is on the top of a bleak moun- tain. a mile and a half from the town, aOO approached by an extremely steep and angular Toad, the greatest inconvenience is caused in the conveya-nee of patients and visitors. As a summer sanatorium the strue- tur? may be aœeptable. bat in tihe keen months of winter, open to the biting hurn-I canes from all quarters, it beoomee an abode of shivering misery to patients and staff. The isolation portion of the structure is faced with corrugated sbpetng. which, by many years exposure on a bleak aolivity, 600ft. above sea level, has become loosened and draughty. During the past week, ipot, withetan ding every effort by the excellent and capable staff, the conditions have been most painful. The snowstorm added to the diiSoOOmflt Hire. foT snow and water forced through the roofs a.nd fell on the beds of the patients. 11 NING WITH C O I D "MOANING WITH COLD." A recent visitor to the institution re- marked to our colteispondeiit: "I have never seen more abjeot misery with the staff benumbed and the patients moaning with the cold. Had a child of mine been an inmate I should have instantly carried it away, whatever the consequence. ¡ The structure a.nd the general appliances are totallyinadequate for the requirements. There %r,? numerous other good sites where a proper institution oould be erected, and if some immediate stew are not 1 the members of the Margam Council will be guilty of neglect." Other Christmas visitors spoke in a similar |j strain. I
Snow Vanishing I
Snow Vanishing I RAPID THAW IN SOUTH WALES The mantle of snow which enveloped South Wales the last couple of days is now rapidly disappearing, a sudden thaw being ex^jetriemced. Fog and fine rain enveloped Cardiff during tthe morning. A complete thaw set in just after two o'clock this morning at Porthoawl. Rain was falling fast 311 the morning, a-wl the snow commenced sliding off the roofs, fa?a. ?., with great thuds on the pavements and streets. Mamy water pipes burst, and plumbers were in much demand. With the rain came a thick fog. The ice was about holding on the meadows last evening, and some of the moire venturesome boys got into the water where the ice was thin and treacherous. A ra-prid thaw set in during last might in the "Eastern Valleys, and in many places almost dispersed the snow before mid-day to-dap. The roads, however, a-re very treacherous and slippery. Postal Notice Cancelled The Poe-tal and telegraphic authorities cancel yesterday's notice of delay, except as regards the North of Ireland. Although it is thawing at Scarborough, no train had arrived up to eleven this mornin/g. Engines and men hame been sent to tihe snowed-up trains. Accidents in South Wales The frost and snow were responsible for more than one minor accident at Swansea. Police-constable Ford slipped down in the street, injuring his ankle. Albert Westwood. of St. Thomas, slipped off a boiler at Cory s Fuel Works and fractured his leg. Several motor-cars got into snowdrifts on the Gower road and had to be dug out. During Wednesday the falls of snow from the roofs proved dangerous in many cases. At the Hotel Metropole, Swansea, a fall on the winter garden roof penetrated it. and the ioe cut through a mat on the floor. No one wa-s near a.t the time. Two men, named Hill and Francis, were on Wednesday knocked down and almost buried in a quantity of snow which descended on them as they were talking in Woodfield-street, Morriston. OardifTGirl Injured Whilst walking along South Church-street. Docks, Cardiff, on Wednesday a girl named Hilda Lang, of 19, South Church-street, was injured by some iron piping which fell from the roof of a house with a quantity of snow. She was taken to the infirmary and detained suffering from a cut head. Found Dead in a Field Mr. Robert Barroll, aged 60, a well-known local butcher and farmer, was found dead in a field at Crickhowell on Wednesday after- noon. Deceased appeared to have been in his usual health when he went to feed his sheep. and spoke to a friend at the gate of the field in which he was afterwards found dead. Embedded Trains Dug Out The Scotch express was dug out near Drunvlithie early on Wednesday morning, after being embodied for 28 hoars in the snow. and the passengers were released from their terrible position. A special train with 70 workmen axrived at the imprisoned train midnight, M?d continued their efforts &H night, the food supplies of the passengers running out when they were rescued. The midnight mail enowed up near Fordour since Tuesday morning was enabled to proceed on Wednesday morn- ing. The passeng>vs were got out of the train on Tuesday, and were boarded out at houses in the neighbourhood. The Tues- day night mail train from Ijondon is at present lying at Bridge of Dun The Aber- deen South-going line is still blocked, but the up line is expected soon to be cleared. London is still held in the grip ? frost, i'lth?ug?h no enow has fallen sinœ late on Tuesday .night. On the heights surrounding the Metropolis twenty degrees of frost have been registered. In Finsbury Market on Wednesday morning a policeman dis- covered a man frozen to death beneath & heap of snow. The deceased, whose na.me, it is believed, was Dickson, was in a very ema-ciated condition. Inquiries show that he was homeless, friendless, and penniless. In Soiiui Linovlnshire on Wednesday there were over twenty degrees of frost, and but for the snow skating would have been general throughout the whole of the Fen Country. The Fen. watercourses are covered with ice of g!-eat thickness, but the deep covering of snow prevents &kating. The Stour from Sandwich to the mouth of the river, a dis- ta,noe of ten miles, is frozen over, in some places to the depth of four inches Skating and eurirng were in full swing at Berwick, no further enow having fallen, but the country roa4f are still blocked, and post- men have had to abandon their journeys. In the Orkney& A eouth-er>.Kterly gale. wliich attained the force of a hurricane, accompanied by driving snow, was experienced in the Orkneys yester- day. Huge- snowdrifts have been formed, one I near KirkwatT being over twenty feet deep. Communication with the mainland was inter- rupted. During Tuesday's snowstorm the schooner Janet, of Carnarvon, from Gothenburg to Pwllheli, whilst sheltering off Stromness, dragged hei a-nchor and went ashore. The crew of five landed in their own boat. The Aberdeen trawler Cairntoul drove ashore in Inganese, but got off undaTO.ed with the loss of the anchors. The Hull trawler Etna is ashore on Brood Ebb, Skerry. Two trawlers are standing by, but unable to assist. Snowed Up The severe weather in North-east Yorkshire has resulted in a completa disorganisation of the railway traffic between Malton and Soar- borough. Two trains 1"8tn into snowdrifts, and are unable to proceed further. Steamer in a Blizzard The Clyde Shipping Company's e.t?aamo' Tuakar, reported overdue yesterday, arrived a.t Watarford this morning thirty hours late- She encountered terrible weather from Glas- gow, aDd was compelled to heave-to off Lough Ryan in a dense snowstorm. ELDER-DEMPSTER LINER ASHORE New York, Thureday.—A cablegram received from Nassau, Providence Island, in the Bahamas, states that the Elder-Dempsteu liner Dahomey, a vessel of 2,000 tons. is ashore on the small island of Elbow Gay. She is reported to be badly damaged, and had too ),-e beached in order to prevent her sinking. The crew are safe.
======| DIED IN HIS CHAIRI
====== DIED IN HIS CHAIR Mr. R J. Rhys, coroner, held an inquest at the Park View Inn, Merthyr, on Thursday upon the body of Mr. D. T. Morgan, aged 66, registrar of births and deaths, who died on Monday at his residence, 3, The Walk. The widow deposed that upon arriving at the house deceased complained of shortness of. breath. As she was preparing tea for him at about half-past foui his head dropped on one side, and he went off quite suddenly. Dr. Biddle, who was called in, attributed death W heart trouble, and said that the deceased had walked home from the railway sta-tion by way of the steep path from the Glebelond. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.
I Wallabies Depart I
I Wallabies Depart I FUTURE MOVEMENTS OF THE TEAM A great pile of linggoge was stacked im the vestibule of the Queen's Hotel, Cardiff, this morning, preliminary to the departure off the Australian Ringby aanateur footballers by the 1.25 p.m. express for Liondoo. At the Cardiff Station they were given a beany send-off by a numerous body of enthusiasts. Amontg those assembled on the pla-Uorm were Mir. Waiter llees, secretary of the Welsh Union; Mr. W. T. Morgan, president of the; Cardiff club, and Messrs. E. Gwyn Niobolls, P?rey Bush, W. D. Phillips, A. 'f. DartnaJl, J. L. Williams. C. S. Arthur, D. L. Fvam I J. Powell, J. Gibson, and H. B. Win??d. 'liflere were hundmads off people on the platform, and just before the train stea-moo out the crowd sang, "For he's a jolly good fellow" with great jmsw. It was a scene of considerable enthusiasm, and there was much hearty handshaking'. At the moment of leaving CAspt-ai n iW'Ma.hoii, manager of the Austi _lians. struck with the kindliness of the feeling displayed, remarked to Mr. Walter Rees, "I wish we were going straight to the ship." As the train left the station loud cheers were raised, a.nd the Australians responded with right goodwill from their reserved car- riage. The Walla.bies have made many friends during' their stay in South Wales, and, in spite of the unfortunate incidents on the of play at Swansea and Cardiff, the Ooionists leave fragrant meon-o-ries behind; them. Future Movements The Australians will spend to-night in Lon- don. and to-morrow (Friday, will cross over to France, and on Saturday in Paris they meet' tiie French national team. On the following Tuesday they return to London to prepare for their match with England at Black- heath on Saturday in next week. They have arranged at least two further fixtures after that, for they play Bristol on Wednesday, January 13, and Plymouth on Saturday. January 16. Part of the Australians' pro- ceeds of the latter match will be given to charity, because of the kindness of PSymouth people to Peter Flanagan and Peter Burge, who were laid up there so long with broken j legs. I May Play Monmouthshire I All the members of the party will not go I to Plymouth, for some will come on *,c: "togrlo diff to witness the game between England and Wales on January 16, and it is quite pos- sible t.hat during the following week the twice-postponed match with Monmouthshire wiill be played. The Wallabies will sail from Liverpool for their home at the Antipodes on I Januiury 22 or S3. Welsh Trip Enjoyed. In the Queen's Hoteil this morniing, Pcn- dragon ascertained the foregoing facts from Captain M'Mahon, and subsequently anked him if he would like to pay anything about their experiences in Wales. "We have had a very pleasant and enjoy- able time in Wales," said Oaptain M'Mahon, "in fact, so pleasant a time that it has far exceeded our expectations. I am sure the tJnve epent in Wales will be looked upon by; our boys as the most pleasant part of the I very loag journey they have had, and I am sure it will never be forgotten byl them. They have ieit they were among people of their own aamtimeate, who spared no time, paiins, or trouble to contribute to their enjoyment. We feel in lebving that something more than ordi- nary football sentiment has been conveyed into our association. There seems to me to have been an affinity of disposition, which conveyed to me the idea that Welshmen looked upon us more as kinsmen than as sportsmen. "We wish Wales and its people a happy and prosperous New Year, and if any of them should ever come to Sydney 1 allould be very pleased if they would call upon me. Let me add this, that we are all very Eorry to leave the Queen's Hotel, which we have all coone to look upo nas a second home, and we shall not forget the kindness of Mr. Dart- nell and his wife as long as the memory of the tour lajst-s." Quality of Welsh Football I then asked Owptain M Mahon for his views on Welsh football. "I do not hesitate to say," responded Oaptain M Mahon, "that Welsh footbail is the best we have seen in thie country. From what we had read in the pa;pers we felt we would be up against the hardest matches of the tour when we came to Wales, and we • were not mistaken." "WouJd you care to compare Weigh foot- baM with New Zeoland football?" asked "Pendira.gon," who recollected that H. Laxon, tbe English half-back, writing from the antipodes durin,g the recent tour of the Anglo-Wel&h team, said that "Welshmen might say what they liked, but theiir football was not in it with New Zealand of ot ball. "There is no reason why I shouldn't," readily responded Captain M'Mathon. "Welsh football is just as good as New- Zealand foot- ball. I have no doubt about it whatever. There may be a difference in tactics and con- ditions, but the quality is just as good."
I CARDIFF V GLAMORGAN LEAGUE…
I CARDIFF V GLAMORGAN LEAGUE I I Fixture Postponed I A special meeting of the Cardiff Football i Club Committee was held in the pavilion on the Cardiff Anns Park this morning to om- I sider tile advisability of bringing off the fixture with Gla.morg.an Lea.gue to-morrow I (Friday). After examining the ooad-ition of the ground, it was decided that it would be unwise to play the match, and t?e fxture was poe*oned till la?er in the &ea&on, when it will probably be played on the evening of a day in mid-week. As to the fixture with Penarth on Saturday, a meeting of the oommittc? will be hcM on the momij)? of that day to deciM whether that match ah?JI 00 played or poetp.:?fr The ground to-dy w" in & terrible state. I ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS I "T. H." T. Gabe. I
IBOXING I
BOXING I Joe White Prepared te Meet T. Thomas ( Joe White, of Caa-diiff, has been given to understand that Toon Thomas, of Penygraig, tiie middle-weight champion of England, is prepared to meet h?im and to put him out in iiit?en rounds. White is willing to entesr the I nag on those terms, and will meet 9a: for the biggest purse that may be offered.
AIR RIFLE SHOOTING______I
AIR RIFLE SHOOTING I CARDIFF ÂD I>ISTJJICT LEAGUE. I •Splott Co:Jserytiv&-W. A. Smwt, 32; A. Tarnplin, 27; A. Dix, 26; C. Parsons, 28; Hugh Davies, 32; T. Parfltt, 33; F. Hooper, 32; K. Orawyer, 29: J. 0 Bnen. 29; A. Tipper, 28; C. Sargeant, 2S; E. Evajis, 30- total, 355. 'Cardiff City-W. Green, 21; J. Mugfoid, 26; E. Jenkins, 350; J. Morgan, 27; E. Miiford, 26; W. Center, 26; S. Brrbvn, 28; A. Moss, 2S; S. Sheppard, I Z8: J. M Gill, 52; J. O'Xeill, 28; B. Wilson, 2!i- total, 328.
i NEATH SHOP FIRE I
NEATH SHOP FIRE I A fire occurred in a draper's SDOoP kept by Miss M. Red. Briton Perry-road, Helin- crythan, on Wednesday evening. The flames were confined to the front part of the shop, and the goods in the window were con- sumed. Mr. John Reed, father of the pro- prietress, an old gentleman, who was lying ill inside the house, ha-d to be carried to a place of safety. The fire wae extinguished by means of buckets of water and a large quantity of snow which was thrown on to the flames. A considerable part of the stock was damaged.
HEREFORDSHIRE J.P.'S DEATH…
HEREFORDSHIRE J.P.'S DEATH I The death of Mr. Edwin Lewis Gavin Eobin- I flotn, of Postcm, Vow oh arch, Herefordshire, oocurred suddenly om Wednesday at the agrj of 71 years. Mr. Robinson im 1872 married I his oouain, Harriet E. L. Harrieon, great grand-daughter aond co-heiress of Sir George Oharlea B natih waite Boughton, Bart., of Poeton. Formerly he was a solicitor in i London. When oounty councile were formed he was returned as the representative for! the Vowohurch Division. He was chairman of the Golden Valley liailway Company unti1 it was a<t!d to the Great Western Railway Company, and ig the making and carrying on of the line for some years he, with others, lost a great deal of money. He was a staunch Churchman, a deputy-lieuteaiant, and a magistrate for the oounty of Here- ford. Among minor offices, he vnu; a member of the old highway botax-d at Dore. manager of Vowohurch School, a.nd a trustee of Clifford's Charity. The death taking place suddenly, the coroner has been informed, and an inqueet will be held. I
I WESTERN VALLEYS SEWER I
WESTERN VALLEYS SEWER I The- Western Yalleye' (Monmouthshire) I main trunk sewer, from the tope of tbe; vsulleyB to St. Brides, having been completed, it is proposed to have an opening ceremony om Wednesday, January 13, at Bt. Brides, where the sewer hoe it's owtfall into the Bristol Channel.
!DINNERS THROWN TO PIGS !
DINNERS THROWN TO PIGS At the meetijig of the Chelmsford Guardians yesterday it wae reported that the tailed beef served an Christmas Day in the infirm- ary wae not eatem, and was thrown to the pigs. H
- - - -WEATHER FORECAST. -...—-—-
WEATHER FORECAST. .—-—- The British Mefearbafgieel Office ibis morn.ing issued the follcwmg forecast of the weather likely in South Wa-les from 10.30 a.m. to-day till 10.30 a.m. to- morrow Southerly and south-westerly winds, moderate; mostly overcast; rain &nd miai; moderate or mild teenpera-ture.
Sporting Intelligence.
Sporting Intelligence. MANCHESTER MEETING. Friday's Racing Postponed. Although Fd-in feii heavily in Manchester this moriiirag, aaid a thaw set in, the atuwiaxrdis of tihe apw-e meeting This after- noon decided that racing ou fi-iday wat out of tiie ciueetion. It -xao arranged to carry out Friday 's programme on Saturcay, if sport was pasoible, and to abandon isatarday s pro- gramme.
OFFICIAL 3CRATCHINGS.
OFFICIAL 3CRATCHINGS. Tiie "Sportsman" has bee..1 ofiicioliy in- formed by Messe-rfc. Weatherby of the follow- ing b'OnH.ching.> di engageiuente—Detonator and Bedgown dyrn). Trafford Handicap Hurdle Race, M&n- cheater—iUo&iee Seuie. lioouon l'äorJ.. Hurdle Iffaoe of 1.000 sov&- Pntor.
Advertising
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COAL AND CULTURE
COAL AND CULTURE Inspiring Address at Penrhiwceiber Mr. Thomas Jones. M.A., of Giaegow University, gave one of a series of lectures at the Workmen's-ha i, Penrhiwceiber, on Wednesday. Mr. A. 11.. Jones, chemist, pre- sided. Ta-king ae his wibject Coal, Colliers, and Oitizens," the lecturer said that in South Wales silent forces through countless ogee had stored up enormous maeeeti vf latent energy for oar use. Coal was the foundation of the i--Inst-rial prosperity of the whole kingdom, and in the transformed gohapes of steel and motive power it had penetrated all production and made our urban cii-ilitation possible. Improvements in mining coal, in carrying it, and in using it had increased the output vastly, and had altered the channels of trade and the occu- pations of the people in a thousand subtle ways. Despite the emergence of new com- petitors, we still exported 50 million tone per annum, or about 70 per cent, of the world's export. Foux-ftfths of the weight of the cargoes we sent abroad consisted of ooal. This outward cargo helped to oheapen return freights, and thue lowered the price to the home consumer. But this state of thinge would not go on for ever. Oompe- tent mining authorities had prophesied that the cream of the South Wales coalfield will have been eki4imed in another fifty years." If the annual rate of increase in recent years were maintained—say 2 per oent.-then it could be shown that the out- put. which wag 214 million tons in 1904. would be 567 million tons in 1954, and 1.500 million tons a oent-ury hence. At these rates the total output in the century would be over 70,000 mil. ions tone, out of an estimated etock of 14C,0(X) million tons at depths down to 4,am. Aftetr referring to the probable changes in the quality and distribution of the wheat lands of the world, the lecturer asked what wae the mferexioe to be drawn from these grave figures. Now, he replied, was the day of our economic salvation, and we should try to oement it into our social salvation by transmuting the free gifts of Nature into skill, intelligence, a.nd character. As we exhausted the mines we should enrich the miners. This meant not simply obtaining so much per cent. above the standard rate, or lowering the ooet of production per ton, but the wise spending- of wages and profitas in finer social institutions, in levelling up the lower ranks of labour, in preparing the way for a ooming generation equipped with power to feoe changing conditions of inter- national trade. To retain the industrial leadership of the world might be impossible, but to do much of the besVpaid work of the world might still remain to us if we had brain6 enough to put muoh value into little bulk. The opportunity which South Wales had to-day had rarely been enjoyed in the his- tory of nations, and would not recur to us. Sir CJharles M'Laren said the other day there was no finer, braver, or mare intelli- gent man than the Welsh miner. It would ill become him ithe lecturer) to deny that among the Welsh miners many men could be found of whom these words were true, but he was also certain th&t the most urgent need in the Welsh coalfield was the diffusion of social intelligence among officials, public administrators, and educationists, and the miners themselves, so that the great oppor- tunity might be seized. Courage in explo- sions was fine, but moral courage was greatly needed to wo-nk the democratic institutions of the country honestly, to rid them of nepotism and weakly sentiment, and to take long views of the nation's need. There was always a danger to democracy from the newly and slightly educated. The remedy was not less education, but more, and different. The problem confronting them was this: How could they nourish their finer spiritual aspirations, express them in noble institutions, and develop their techni- oal skill workers in the midst of a.n unparalleled industrial opportunity? Were directors and miners fine and brave and intelligent enough to tax profits and wages more than they had done for these high co-operative ends? Were they willing to join, as Germany and Scotland had done, to go in for compulsory continued education for their sons and daughters during the critical years of adolescence? Were they willing, as Oxford apparently was, to make serious attempts to bring the university to the workmen and the workmen to the univer- sity? He wished it were poseibie to make all their councillors and directors. check- weighers and clergymen, sit an examination in the new edition of Jevon'e Coal Ques- tion." Mr. D. A. Thomas's address to the Statistical Society, Marshall's Fiscal Memo- randum," and the recent report on "Oxford University and the Education of Working Men." They light thed hope to see a stronger belief in politics as morality on the greatest skill," and a concentrated effort -o train servants, representatives, and voters in the exa-ited privileges of citizenship. The crude Socialism now so earnestly preaofced would then give way to a fairer and fuller ideal, to which all good mem might give allegiance. I
WRECKS IN THE GALE I
WRECKS IN THE GALE I J The schooner Jane, of Belfast, sank off; Campbeltown on Wednesday, while bound froan Greenock to La4me with coal. The master was drowned, but the remainder of the crew were s"I>ed. Several fishing staacks hane also sunk off Campbeltown, and the ketch Margaret Wotiherspoon has gone ashore. The Totland (Isle of Wight) lifeboat was out five hours during the night in search of a barge in distress off the west coarrt of the island. The lifeboatmen suffered terribly from the severe oold, the snow fallirlr he-avily all the time. No trace of the vessel could be found, and she is believed to have been lot with her orew. MAIL BOATS DELAYED BY THE J GALE. Keen anxiety prevailed in Belfast a.t the non-arrival of the Hejreham and Fleet- wood steamers, and friend6 of the pas&engere thronged the docks, waiting for news. Tele- graphic communication was eugpended with England. The Hey sham steamer reached her be-rth late on Tuesday night, and the Fleet- wood boat arrived at midnight. Both eticiameTis were dite on Tuesday morning, but experienced weather of tiie severest deacrip tion on leaving England. Such was t.he force of the gale and tbe density of the blizzard that tbey were coinpelled to alter their course, passing the Bahama lightships, to turn round and f?team hea-d on to the south- easterly hurricane. None of the passengers I were any the worse.
JEALOUS CHINAMAN I
JEALOUS CHINAMAN I A verdict of Wilful murder against See Lee, a Chinese sailor, was returned yester- day by a coroner's jusry at Liverpool in connection with the death of Yun Yap, a Ohineæ fireman. Wben arrested the prisoner said the deoeaeed was jealous of him and It.r6. Yap, wrho is an Englishwoman. The prisoner aad deceased met in a boarding-house. The latter, he said, palled a. revolver tram hiE, pocket and pointed it 8J\ the prisoner, who I took it from him and aihAt him. Before he died the dmwaoed said that the prisoner never apoike, Jwft simply pulled out tike revolver &nd shot ha in the side.
Family Notices
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES* lEA THI AltD IM MM0MAM. Charge tor aiaertkAg adrarttwmeote ute tOIl MO& Ingt.—ie. lor iii Wank awl Id. tor ¡;.8IT Two Extra Words. 4 No notice of tijn dwerlpttoo wlTI 8e iaaerted unlon j tutbectictttd by the nam* &W addnw ? _tW. *?te){Ttm< aud tel?be&ic m- _AoL ? tet« { j on ufltll cOE.lira>e4 it.in? BIRTHS. GBoYE^.—an the 28th iust., at the KaviJatKou a- Mountain Ash, the wife o: George H. Groves, of a 30Q. DEATHS. "EL?H.—On December 2Wl, at 7, ytnd&ylan-etre^, Cardiff. Mary, the ielo,ed -2e of Timothy W?*? Funeral Taureday, 2 ia
Advertising
AUGUSTINE J. feTOKE rtrXE&AL DISBCTOB. hreonal &upervtalon to AU Kat. T»t Oardiff, Noe. 74K and 590. I Pm>«Om Tel; JIG fcl2, Cardlfl. Totograuas: AUCCSTLKF. STOSK, 0II.n0 ,5, YY O RKING^ST., IFF. TJLK CAPITAL&LAP- OU HOLDS A EEPTJTATION FOB FAMILY MOURNING. An Immense stock ior Immediate Wear. DIT8 TO KEAJSUSE ° IN U HOUSL THE <. AL LABOI H I 69 a-nd 61. ^i: £ EJX-S-T2^kr. C^PITF. PUBLIC NOTICES. CARDIFF EDUCATION COMMUTES WANTED, on the F h Ja-nutlory, 1909.. GJlRETAKEE for SCHOOL. Applicants muet reside in the City of Cardiff, and not be more than 45 yeans 018 ag-e. Scale of Payment and Form of Appaoauo^ which must be returned by the ilth Jazaary, 1909, cgai be obtained from the Director at Education, City-hall. Cardiff. 50th December, 1908. en
To-day's Finance
To-day's Finance Bank rate, 26 per oenl no change. LONDON, Thursday, 2.0 pnL Call Money 24, three months' bills 2i to 2 Mh Holiday Bombay and Caicinta, Bio 15 7-32d, Valpar- aiso, 12 19-320, Buenos Ay res 4Bgd. In view of the Stock Bxehajige holiday te-monmv business was further checked to-day, and mi6rkA* generally axe very quiet. The tendency under Va circumstances is accordingly not unfavourable. Consols are 4 up at 83i for Money, and 83 16-16 As the Account. Home Rails are better, a number of stocks maefcteg a riee of I to 4. Americans idle, businees affected by to-mormws holiday in New York. Chajigee on the day an irreg-uiar, not exceeding J. Canadian Pacifice ± 1Ip. TTW1 kos j to i down. Foreigru Raile i to 4 better In many instances. Foreigners irrr-gular, but there u little doing. gooft Africans ha-ve been well supported, and all aotiwt tock6 axe high??; F?bod-ia?? ai&c nrm. Tin" 2* CARDIFF. Thursday, 1.0 p.1II. Tbe 100&1 '-Wck M&rkt this morning WU extremar sq"t in iew of the New lear holiday to-morrow. Kills were fairly steady, and showed little chanj^ except that some of the preference issues were fUme. In other directions there was no new fe-ture. BAXK RETURN. Increase in other departments £ 11,041,000, othmt seourites in Baniin? Department £ 10,935,000. D80 creases—circulation active £8E4.00c. public depasMc £-3&,000, coin bulliou in both departments £ 210,0M Government securities no chsMge. TotaJ raaerM increase LIS,OOC. The proportion of reserw to liability is 31.6C per cent., against 38.30 last week London P-ankers Ci-aaring-houae return bow a decrees of £25,170,000, compared with the correepcnding werf of last year. CAMBRIAN OOLMERIES DEBRjmTOES. The Cambijan Collieries Company to-day postal the usua:i dividend warrants for the half year 1% tiJelI 5 per cent, debentures.
A SOLDIER'S MARRIAGE
A SOLDIER'S MARRIAGE A sad tragedy occurred on Wednesday mA Ooldhester, where a young Manchester soJ- q;er, Jamefc Thomas Glare, late of the King's Own Lancashire Regiment, wae found dead at the re&idenoe of his fiancee's parents. with a revolver t)y his side. Glare was to be married on January 14 to Miss Ranee, ot Kendall-road, and having epent Ohri £ tma» at Colchester, had arranged to take Min Kance and her mother on Wednesday to Manchester to prepare the home.
Advertising
too Lac Ist &U»friluaiift!t N E WY EA R S GIFTS. LADY'S AND GENTS JEWELLERY, THE VERY BEST AT LOWEST PRICES. SEE WINDOWS. IT WILL PAY YOU. SOL. PI-IILLIPS; "Tiie Old Firm." Estob. I860.  MARY-ST., CARDIFF. 'TAN'l'ED-ca.piWe -cOOj¡;-Geiierä.- at 0ID0e; a:RQ¡1I8I' nlaid kept.-St. Mack's Yic?r?e, Gold Tece Newport. -4 PfGi thrive and fatten r-Pidl,, on Gip Jt- A&'eli Moon, W&ttM, Corn M?ohaatt. emois tunm T-r.'Pl.ÁTË Bo¡;en;WanUJd, oapbk a? exp.A- A ?tcod Forlman at anœSt.&ie expece onciose copy of references, Z 69, Evening .Express, Oot- <!Hf- 873 GE?K'RAL, wporienced, S-&Li f&nuiy; bed ai?dbo&rd.-Apply Westhoime, N-roa<l, LLkreiiy. c380 S .Ú, Gr?d &dger Tamer Bitch; 11' ?non?. ? hcide, kiU aU vermm. wed.-?Ut; ?p?M?M F?rd: L??L aerveo by gw? AijMi?ie dog: b-h or exc?MiM fowh..—Muii.iaer. Rh?&?tove, nw Ca?te.'  PEN'ARrH.—Select Board-r?idMtoe for Gentleman** J. near I'tl ion. be-h, ?ntl hD?- late din?m'* The_ M, ?chej-toa<i. ??** irT?R Sa?e, il, Pure-Dog- faWT1 aDd -f white; 11 months: qu?t w?h cb?ren ? trea De.' S- -Ie,l I moiitlls: qu?et wi'.h ?,hildren and tree Kcoee, Aberla.1-. ''——-  F??' e  ieixa-rtf soJd.-i\.l;piy ? Ludio ^tr* -VX/?'fKn? sm.utrSMums Business, whHaa w n'a"?? by a Lady; pnoe *bout ?C goad  or ?'? to?.-Z 0, ?e.ine ?- m C¡"roff. t?? Vr.I'¡;U "inïllit.elY;- experieD08d-G;¡"&1 V !\ra.nt; Sn)":lJl family; -f,?r??xms requ^ £ MV ÀUlm_ i?tr,? e  Stt w ?kN TEY), Jtunn?y 12th, L7(?d (jtVanU; abi« do Pia-m ?o?k"ng, wash W'd iron wdJ. ? to ?. reter?nces.—Apply Mrs. Treh?ne, Dan-y-lan, pacty ?"?_?_ WUS)6 A J?T??' "?-? ?. B<qN?;lMC?kH?.—a. ?-? l.! C?-diC. e!Mt3<2 ~E> ECTOB of Sully c¿n -iV-ÏneDd 1? P?ftd,, CK g?,at exper?Dce: supene ??q -u,,d. e)< HOUSE to Let. food con-fin ion, 56, Adeiaide-ytreet, l>ocks; rent IÚE. 6d. cleur to good tenant.-Apply Docton, 54, UUam-aes-ttrtet, Graogetown. ei0Bo:2 flTft O Unfurnished Front Rooms to Let; suit married oouple without children or vouuig l-adiet:; no att(?a<tee ?t?n.?M, UogtieM-?treet. 0".b&yw <MM? TITiAM'-eD, earlj" in Januarv aïi experienced Hu- W, AM-D 3- in Januz,- anexpe.9-oedH. Parlourmaid.—Apply M? Mvtln, Bella VIt&. Pemtrt?. ig:k WA N TTED.reiiabieTet aid aeOeo«aJto w<J< on smoke room; evenfhgs.—Apply Mechanic'* Arms, Commercial. root Net,)I. e5«Mt6 W. EU;FUrniBbØdBoomøt.# Let; suit two Gumt? W mcn; MM- Ca,¡,. tttt-—?. iki"in-gardea% eJQ06i6 W- Ã1\"TED:SÎwaiion ae C!?oe?' AasWtant or a.n-" '? PIke. of Tnttt; security g-4 reference -0. U., E,.enmg :Expr_, Newport. eMNM
I Trade and Shipping.
I Trade and Shipping. I TO-DAYS CHARTEftiNCS. LONDON, TMixwtay. TbMe is UtU? doing in the chartenw Itue on tb( I'differ=t marl?et?. R1ver Plates keep nræ for p:ro ibo. imiinns aOO Biok Sa,6 are St-dy. Outwan i <X>A. tonnage and coastinps are in moderate demon* aX ourr<.n*. rat«s. Easterns, Americans, nd an fre,ght,? remain featureless. The market? priœll1 clœe t.. -atij Mor/dav nein. ]tLough Oe?y Vit be open for a short "me an .s&twday. Fbamno NicoiaW to Hamburg, 4,?W WDS, 6,? A prompt. LOCAL OVERNIGHT CHARTERMWG*. OUTWA&D—STEAMEBJS. > Cardiff to:- j Genoa, S&vo-na, Catania, or Ifessdno, 6s 3d. 500 toUt; delivery, 6jd discharge; 400tons delivery 10d. 2,600 tons (Italian gtgae lUilwajcsi Ghamteiiay, 4f 50c, Throstlegarth, 2,000 torna \.1, V. ValleUe axud Co.) Messina, Gatanda, Palermo, or Brindilli. 6s od, 5,000 tone, ready January 4 (Italian State Railways) Marseilles, 7f 50c, L«la naisheal, 5,900 tooa, ready next week (Transatlantique) Marseilles, 7f 50c. Donsborg. 3,200 tone, spot, option Newport loading (Cory Bros. and Co., Limited) St. Kozaire, 4f izir-, 2,800 tons fWafcte, Wotfe* and Oo.) Brest, Ss 6d, Automast, 1.500 tone (L. Guaro limited) Dieppe, 3s 10^d. Eomup, 1,400 tons, maximum (feociete Commerciale) Swansea to:— Greiioa, 6s 6d, 3,000 tons, ready Jan-oary 18 (Hugo fet-inoee) Venice/A Doema-, 7s 9d coal, 8e 6d fuel, Henrik Bk, 2.000 tons (Jannes German and Oo.) Bouon. 4e 9d, Edward Williams, 1,150 tons (Depea-ut) Ca-en, 4e 6d Burton, 750 tons (Depeani) Cherbon-rg, 4s 9d. Taycnaijr, 440 tone (P. H. Ooowar-d and Sonf) Dieppe. 48 4jd, Start, 850 tons (E. W. Cook and Co.) Chantenay. 4gf, 1,700 tons • CB. W. Oook sad Co.) I/eghom, 6s 5d coal, 7s fuel, 2,600 tone (Clecre? and Oo.) Port Talbot to:- Kantes. 4f 76c, CaeUefcrcL 2,400 tone (T. P. Boee Richards)
fA COLLIER'S LOSS
f A COLLIER'S LOSS John Jenkins, 34, wtM5 charged at Cardiff to-day wrt'ii stealing a gold chain and gold pendant, value L5, from tihe person of Thocmas Thomas, at 3, Hoanfnay-street, on December 30. Thomas is a collier at fenwialc, and om tihe previous day he came to Cardiff and JIld. the ptrisoner, wihoim he knew by sight, and after drinking togetiher t'hey repaired to the house in liomiray-street. Prosecutor slept on a sofa, and on awaking missed the chain and pendant. They were otiier men sleeping in tihe house, aawl after hea-ring evidence, tiie magistrates dismissed the case, believing tihot the prisoner's object was wolly to take oare of his friend's property.