Evening Express

HE GAVE THEM MAN A Nigerian legend of the origin of man's subjection to woman was related to the Royal Geographical S-ociety last ni?iu by Mr. P. A. Talbot, who hae spent some time in Southern Nigeria. At the beginning of things, the legend runs, the world was peopled by women only. One day the earth-god, Awbassi Xai. happened by accident to kill a wo-man. On "hearing this the rest gathered together and prayed that, if he meant to slay them, he would bring destruction on all together rather than, kill them one by one. Abassi was sorry for the grief he had caused, and offered a5 compensation to give them anything they should choose out of all his possessions. They beg-sed him to mention what he had to give, and said that they would all cry "Yes" when he named the thing they wished to have. Awbassi mentioned one by one all his fruits, fowls, and beasts, .but at each they shouted "NQ." leua-th the list was nearly ended- only one thing remained to offer. j "Will you, then. take man?" asked Awba-sei at last. "Yes," they roared, in a great shout. and, catching hold of one another, danced for joy at the thought of the gilt Awbasai was n-ding. Thus men became the servants of women. and have to work for them to this day.

BRAVE BOY SCOUT A twelve-year-old Boy Scout, nazied Ernest Hill, effected a piuc.ky rÐ3Cl, in the Hamcaio at Devonport yesterday morning. Richard Beckwith, valet to Admiral Sir Wilinc-: Fftwkes, Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth, was bathing, when lie got into diffic-altiss. Hill, who v-as also bathing, noticed the man's piiarht and swam to his asaletance. Although the man was much bjsr and heavier tirui himsielf. the pluoky lad succeeded in keeping hm ahoat for several minutes until both were brought ashore. X.deutenant-geaera! Eaden-Poweli. ia reply to a correspondent, seaLts t !h) ocy can h.a.vJ;} hie its ä sicout, he is able to swim, and that the Poy Scout Bouglaa Smith was d.'owned j ia trying to cave a companion he has urgctl ail scoat.s who CAiin-ot tivviiii to lectin at oaL'e

KNOCKED DOWN ON RAILWAY KNOCKED DÛvVN ON Er.L'vVA Y A little girl, the daughter of Mu. Richard?, a wido-w. living in Gower-street, Cwm. Yon, was knocked down by the wcrkmtn's urain at the Tytnain Crossing on 'J";ay alter-i noon, receiving severe injuries to the head. She lies m a verv puftcarioua condition.

I understand the Fraoersj are having trouble." remarked the spins:e: .Some people take her pa-rt, and othet- side with j' him." "And I supp-c.-e." growled the bachelor, "there are a few eccentric people teho nwid iheor own baoines^?"

STOP PRESS »  .1 Latest Telegrams,, Ld?s? a c!c§rtmmo C \v.v. j, G.QleU'h C V. ocd 3 G r O r r 1 • LtC d. by ili a r 2 li F(-.l."iC3 i b:.r l:lL:g:0n-Dilldvlck Gurry i I- \:uA:: Tin (except-^evera tiili"). t. (;_ci_; 3 tl) ago 1ri- "1"4 *ir t í -i 'i T R :>I V X r, JJ -XX E ETIX rT. ? ^-TAjriYOKrif ri'.ATE R F'-T'. T H r 3 7; ■ .g i of Sen; rI. B.ir!:n; a j 3 SIXTEEN RAN. r EAi.T ITQUAXE IN ITALY, \:JB D KILLED, An r.x'ha.n-je Trlcsr:pa Company telegram that iOi people have fcten killer v i carttqaake "r \e:liE() Kt-nt jC3 ¿Ll (ji Warwick 71 af: out pi-ay hci.-re lunch in Han: v Jurrev ard Oxford v Gents V.- -shi e 3! í- nr wicket Lanch I^ticesrershire 33 three cLunc-i,' Ciicrd 42 icr 2 .Lunch; | MIDNIGHT AFFRAY. auoriiy a ia; miaaiaht O!1 lionday Richard r' -i' :ra'-L d r t^uao il- of 79, Strand, Swansea, was ad- |_iittfca to the Swansea Hospital suffering ¡frOill injar?? to '?e head and internal in- juries. He is not considered to be in a da-?- fc.„.Conditio^i. c- z n n e ha dep-L, at was arrested in I,. rvnection w ith the affair. Iris-aid that I.'aa h.iri been fiiiarreilm^ wi'Q a wornn the hctise, an-a that when Jone.s tha b,t??, a-;id tha,. ,hen I ,,n E- t -it struck Evans with his r: _h' u", L.A ,> cm:oh, he belll", a cripple. At the police-eour^ i-aay the deputy chief- c -able asked for a remand ,IC ilonday, t. prcaeoutc-i* v/as not iit to ? '1r. *:k. Strand, hat between ten and i en o'clock on Monday nigLlt defeii^int jartd Evans \fIc qL1arreling- in kitchen. f'; jeciwoi' struck defeudaut with his nst. Jones lilted bio crutch and struck Evans n' P—sua remaudtd till Monday, 1 I I

SPIDER BEAUTY SPOTS The spider beauty spot is the latest novelty offered to women. It is the culmination of the eccentric veiling which has now been the vogue for some time. Women have worn j veils that have obscured their eyes by black patches or given their faces a speckled appearn nee. Leaves, insects, birds, -i n (i aeroplanes have figured as part of the mesa oi these veilings. Now, however, an entirely new departure is shown in the spider beauty spot, for the spider is a copy of the insect- itself in black plush, and is posed outside the veil. The latter, on which it is worn, is a ia rare veil, with a mesh worked in a pattern of spiders' webs. Only one spider is appa- rently responsible for these trailing webo, I and this is about an" inch and a half in diameter, including its biaok piuah claws, The spider beauty spot was exhibited by a West End firm yetterday. and owes its origin to Paris.

VALUABLE NECKLACE STOLEN PARIS, Tuesday. A peari and diamond necklace, valued at £ 700, has been stolen from the Paris-Boulogne express. According to the "Jlatin," Mr. Her- bert Gav.den, an Englishman, who was travel- ling to London yesterday, at Paris entered a first-class carriage of the train. One other passenger was in the compartment, and Mr. Gawden after leaving his luggage in the rack went to lunch in the restaurant ear. On his return he noticed that his fellow passenger ha.d disappeared, and that a leather bag which contained the necklace had been out -lace b, d been out open, and the neckiace taken.Central New8.

RAILWAYMEN TO STRIKE ? PARIS, Tuesday. The executive committee of the Northern Railway Company n,c,t having accepted the demands c.¡ the enginemen and stokers, the latter met last evening to the number of 1.500 and voted for a strike. o definite date for the cessation of work was then fixed, but it is understood that the men intend organising a strike en masse cf all railway employes. A meeting of the national com- ui,I't" will be held to-day to decide the details of the strike.—Central News.

DUY CL BAY r.v-G.—1, Miany-street, Cathave. e3 She: Sometime? you appear really manly and sometimes you are absolutely effeminate. Ha-w do you account for it? He: I sup- pose it is hereditary. Half my ancestors l were males, aad titfe>- oiiteir femaleal

The Man in the Street. — v. j Playgoers at the New Theatre, Cardiff were unusually late in going home last night. They could nqt tear themselves away until they had had a speech from that most popular actor, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. As Shylock he had been speaking to them all v the evening in the wonderful Ian aua rye of one Will Shakspeare—a tongue that will never die—in whispers, in conversational tones, die-in w b isper6, c- in shouts, and even in shrieks. For more than three hours they had been listening to the subtle Jew of Venice, and at the end of it all they still said they had not had enough. Time and again Sir Herbert appeared to bow his apprecia- tion at the conclusion of each act. But the finale could no: be taken without the finale cou -i to-, that speech. Surely, our distinguished visitor did not want any further assu- rance as to the complete hold that he has got in every heart in South Wales. If he requires more evidence it will be forthcoming each night this week, for, after all, we don't have such a great actor in our midst every day-nor every three months. Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, actor and -pe,&chmaker--as both the house literally rose at him, and, if it had not been for the big drum, the trombone, and the other accessories of the orchestra, they would have been at him, taken him in their arms-and he wold have been returned to his hotel a figure of ragsil and ribbons, not so very much unlike the "Man Who Was," one of his greatest, individual creations on the stage. Painted, bearded, and wigged as "Shy- lock," Sir Herbert was the idol or the house. It mattered little or nothing that he had to give the living portrait of a most despicable character, with but a lovely spot or two in his blackened heart, that he even spat at the Christian "Antonio"—a perfectly simulated action, of extreme hatred and unadulterated spleen—all was received with acclama- tion. Across the footlights the audience saw the spoiled favourite of kin's and princes. On his previous visits he had been taken into their affections, and last night there was every evidence that he has been planted so deep down that nothing on earth can uproot the "Tree that grows in every South W -.vies play- goer's heart. It is too much like trying to add colour to a damask rose to refer to Sir Herbert's ability as an actor. All the world knows his reputation. Suffice it, then, to say that he played up to his great name, with the added inspiration of the encourage- ment given so enthusiastically by the delighted audience. Actors are not necessarily speech makers. Few of them are. Most of them are tolerated because of thir better aptitude for representing the prominent figures in history and literature. Sir Herbert is popular on his own account. As he stepped forward, stripped of his acting robes, with no blear-eyed make-up, no table knife with which to rip out a human heart, with no bags of ducats to greedily sift through his fingers, he was as well received in his plain evening dress as in the more fancifur garb or the play. Nay, his reception was infinitely more rapturous, and it was not very astonishing to hear him say that he found his best friends in Cardiff. We must make the most of him while he is here. Next week he will be gone. One advantage always held by a public authority is its ability to be funny with- out effort. Here is a little instance in connection with the Glamorgan County Council, which has already distinguished itself with regard to small holdings. In December last the agricultuial com- mittea recommended that the ra fares of farming students attending the courses at the University College, Car- courses at the  College, Car- diff, should be repaid. On February 1 this was adopted by the secondary educa- tion committee with the justifiable quali- fication that it should apply to those who made 80 per cent. of the possit^e attend- ances. On the same day the classes started, and by March 12 a dozen students had qualified for the repay- ment of railway fares. But at yester- day's meeeting of the Agricultural com- mittee it was officially stated that the resolution was not retrospective," and that those who had qualified six weeks j "after" the decision did not come within I the meaning of the resolution. Could anything be funnier ? t nless it was ves- terday's further piece of red tape, that the education committee be asked to decide thai# the aforesaid dozen students had qualified within the meaning of the resolution? The Dutch, Irish, and Belgian tours provided a little merri- ment, and the insects and pests indicated by the Board of Agriculture (with a picture of the county lecturer catching and identifying mischief-working insects by the official description) added to the fun. but this interpretation of the term retrospective" is almost too humorous for words. Though the students who were encouraged to make maximum attendances on the strength of piomises made may have different ideas. Fancy trying to improve beautiful Barry! It seems almost like adding a few feathers to a lovely bird. At the same time, there can be no doubt that a shelter on or near the sands will be very highly appreciated by the thousands of people who occasionally get caught by the showers in this fickle climate. Fail- j ing definite and permanent arrangements with the Clerk of the Weather (so far a failure), i the shelter is the one thing required to make the children's paradise. i by the sea complete. The proposed pro- menade is also likely to be appreciated, and Whitmcre Bay may be visited the more regularly by an extra few thou- sands in consequence. There is no ques- tioning the natural attractions of this lovely part cf the coast, and its con- venience to Cardiff and the hills is a great point in its favour. With these improve- merits, and others from time to time, the local authority will be wise in developing the natural resources of a pretty, healthy, and increasingly popular resort.

The advantage of buying branded hosiery is obvious to the man or woman who gives some thought to their footwear. "Jason" is a brand of hosiery that is rapidly coming into public favour. They claim all the good points that all-wool hosiery should have—durability, softnees, good style and shape, and the further advantage of being unshrinkable. Readers who are interested should write the Jason Hosiery Company, Jjeioeeter, for the "Jaeoa" booktet on hosiery.

The Cretan Crisis I CREEKS TO LEAVE TURKEY ? I BERLIN, Tuesday. According to a. Constantinople correspon- dent of t,he "Tageblatt," the Turkish Charge a'Affaires at Athens has telegraphed that Great Britain has definitely rejected the French suggestions regarding Crete. The statement has greatly augmented the amt-i- British fee.ling in Constantinople, and it is declared tha.t in the event of the definite annexation of Crete by Greece Turkey will not declare war, against the representations of the Powers, but all Greeks will he ordered to leave Turkey within a period of 24 hours.

LLANELLY'S SURVEYOR. Mr. William Vivian moved at a meeting of the Llaneily Urban District Council on Monday that the existing arrangement by which the surveyor iMr. Watkeys) is to be paid £ 400 per annum for three years in con- nection with the filtering beds be rescinded and the council pay direct for any addi- tional assistance necessary. Mr. Willis Jones said the council was in a similar logical dilemma when the question of extra remuneration for the staff was dis- cussed. Complaint was now made that the surveyor was not appointed on business lines. Mr. W. H. Samuel: On sweated lines. Mr. Jones: A charge of blacklegging is made against our surveyor for carrying out the work economically. There has been no violation of moral law or the principle of equity in his undertaking to do the work. Mr. W. H. Samuel: Then why has there been a check upon the reporting to-night? There was something behind it, and as a Tra.des Unionist he must protest. Mr. Vivian said they had been told that the surveyor had been inspecting similar work in other towns, and the council was encouraging the picking of other men's brains. He (Mr. Vivian) maintained there had been shuffling on the part of the waterworks committee. The Chairman: There has been no shuffling here, and as long as you are a member of the council you should use Parliamentary language. Do not make charges broadcast, but against some particular member. Mr. Vivian said the surveyor had stated that he had saved £ 1,500 on the Forge drain- age scheme, but perhaps it might have been taken from another account. The Surveyor: That is an accusation against myself. Mr. Vivian: I said "perhaps." You might have saved on one side and lost on another. It was decided to refer the matter to a, committee of the whole council in order that the charges made might be investigated.

I CHASED BY A FISH Two Irish fishermen, Francis and Philip j M'Donag*h,. had. so the Irish papers report, the entirely novel experience of being chased by a huge fish, when angling from a small boat on the River Finn, in County C'a.van. The monster—it was ten feet long, and had a large head, and raised great waves as it ploughed along, so the affrighted fishers declared—approached from the lough, and wisely they decided to concede it a free parage. But, though they made no attempt to hook it, the monster made an utterly un- provoked attack on them. It chased them, plunging at a "furious mte," and soon was alongside. They rowed their boat into a reedy .place, and the fLsih, giving up the pursuit, dashed up the river to a small and deep lake. Crowds have since been watching on the banks for its re-appearance-so far in vain.

SUICIDE AND MURDER." Messrs. the Glanmor Foundry Company (Limited) applied at Llaneily County-court on Monday for a review of the compensation of 10s. a week paid to David Mathiae, 19, St. David's-street, Llanefc'. Mr. T. R. Iiudford, whq appeared for t applicants, said the respondent, who was 74 years of age, had been Offfred the work of a watchman. His Honour Judge Bishop: You should pay the compensation, because it is unreasonable to expect an old man of defendant's age to re-coumnenoe work. In reply to his honour, respoodent said he had applied for a pension, which was declined on account of the fact that he was in receipt of compensation. Mr. W. J. Rees, managing director, said that when he offered the respondent the work of a watchman he said, "It would amount to suicide if I returned to work at this age, and it would be murder if you compelled me to do so." (Laughter.) His Honour refused the application, with C03tS. ————————

A CHARGE OF BIGAMY A young man named Percy Leicester Haggard (26), an engineer, formerly of Bath, now living at Olive House, Chegeel Row, .Essex, was charged yesterday with disobeying an order of the justices made on March 24, 1909, to pay his wife, Gertrude Haggard, per week a sum of 308., and being in arrears to the amount of C94 16s. 6d. He was subse- quently charged with marrying, on May 4 last, at Holy Trinity Church, Paddington, rary Cole Maidment, his wife, Gertrude Geraldine Haggard, whom he married on August 20, 1904, being then alive. Both ladies were in court; but, on the application of Mr. A. f. Withey, who appeared for the prosecu- tion, prisoner was remanded for a week.

THE IRISH FACTION FIGHT After several days' hearing, the inquest on Cornelius Regan, who was shot during the faction fight at the village of Newmarket, County Cork, was concluded yesterday. The coroner submitted the following questions to the jury:- What was the cause of death? Was the wound inflicted by the police? If M, were the police justified in discharg- ing arms into the crowd? The jury found that the cause of death was a bullet wound, but they did not know by whom that bullet was fired. By seven to six they were in favour of leaving the conduct of the police in the hands of the authorities.

BURGLING A BURGLAR Before sentence of nine months' ha.rd lebour was passed on William Sharkey for warehouse-breaking, at the Old Bailey yes-; teTday, he declared the proceeds of t'1.o robbery had been stolen from his house by a "thoroughbred convie.t." Addressing Judge i Rentoul, Sharkey added, axlid laughter, "He gave the police information on which I was arretted. Can I have him charged with burglary, my lord?" Sharkey plea,ded guilty to biea-king into the Black Bull Works at Islington, from where property worth £ 100 i was stolen.

— REWARD FOR SALVAGE WORK I The Dominion liners Englishman and Hominiûll were awarded by the Admiralty Court yesterday £ 6,000 and C200 respectively f, salva-ge services given to the Ley WLnd liner Anglian in mid-Atlantic last April. Observing the signals of the Anglian for assistance, the Englishman towed her toward? Queens town for a distance of 415 males. The value of the salved vessel, her cargo and freight a-mcauited to £118,640. Of the sum awarded the Englishman the owners ta.ke Z4,100, the master £ 600, and £1,300 goes to the crew.

DECLINED THE HONOUR I At Monday s meeting of tho Go-ernors of the Aberdaxe County School Mir. Walter LAoyd was chosen chairman for the ensuing- year. Mrs. Lloyd, however, gT- &telbW],I, doolinei the honour, with the result that Alderman David j Hughes was elected for the tihard; tmne in euo- cesisim.

Pluviose Disaster I JAPANESE EXPERT'S VIEWS I PARIS, Tuesday. The Eclair" publishes an interview with Lieutenant Matsuanata, the -Na-val Attache to the Japanese Embassy in Paris, who has been engaged in making technical investiga- tions at Calais regarding the disaster to the submersible Pluvioee. While the lieutenant declared that no one could be blamed for the accident, he drew attention to the important lesson which was to be learned from the catastrophe, he insuflicience of the periscope, and the necessity of supplementing this in some way. Lieutenant Matswmata said that he under- stood experiments were in progress in more than one navy which, if they proved success- ful, would aid largely in preventing the recurrence of such a disaster as that to the Pluviose. The possibility cf installing apper ratus for &ound signalling was being care- fully studied, the suggestion being that a receiving and transmitting apparatus should be affixed- beneath the keels of battleships, cruisers, and other vessels, by means of which signals could be transmitted or received in cc-nneetion with what might be called a periphone installed on all sub- marines and submersibles. Such a system, he contended, would do much to aid rescue work. end even to prevent accidents.

SPLIT IN LABOUR RANKS I A conference was held at Brynmawr on Monday among representatives of the various Trades Unions in the Western Division of Monmouthshire. The conference was con- vened at the instance of Mr. W. Harris (the organising secretary under the Miners' Fede- ration) with the object of uniting the Labour forces of West Monmouthshire, and thereby making the Parliamentary seat a safe Labour stronghold. The meeting, we understand, was of a private nature. Mr. Barker (Abertillery) was in the chair, and the member for the division, Mr. Thomas Richards, M.P., was also present. Early in the proceedings there was conclu- sive evidence that there was a serious differ- ence between sections of the Ebbw Vale dele- gates. At the outset a telegram was received j from Mr. Llew Carter, Ebbw Vale (secretary of the Ebbw Vale Trades Council and district secretary of the Bla.st Furnacemen's Union). intimating that the delegates appointed by the Ebbw Vale Trades Council did not intend taking any part in the proceedings of the conference, so that, so far as Ebbw Vale is conioerned, the only Trades Union represented would be the Miners' Federation. The action of the representatives of the Ebbw Vale Trades Council is attributable to a serious split that has existed between the Ebbw Vale branch of the Miners' Federation and the Trades Unions that are embrazod i by the trades council. It arose, in the first instance, through the miners' representatives on the district council and the guardians refusing to carry out certain mandates laid down by the trades council, by whom they were paid. In consequence of this refusal their allowa.nce for attending to their public duties was stopped. This led to the miners withdrawing from the trades council, and forming a committee of their own, termed an advisory committee. The trades council and the advisory committee are now at bitter antagonism. Mr. Harris hoped to heal the breach by drawing the representatives to a round-table conference, of which the Bryn- mawr conference would provide the first step to reconciliation. The trades council agreed, and accepted Mr. Harris's sugges- tions, and appointed delegates to attend the conference, and, further, offered no objection to the round-table conference, in order to bring about a more united Labour party. The advisory committee met &nd agreed to send delegates to the Brynmawr conference, but understood that it would have to deal with Parliamentary matters only. Anything out- side that would not be recognised by them, as the split was a local one, and could o.nly be dealt with by the local organisations. The speeches of the members of the advisory committee were anything but conciliatory, with the result that the tradtee co-uncil took exception to the attitude taken up by the miners, and withdrew from the conference. The situation is a delicate one. The trend of the whole movement is towards retaining West Monmouth for Labour. But already there is a strong feeling existing in the con- stituency that immediate steps should be taken to resuscitate the old Liberal Associa- tion. Politically, Liberalism is entirely ignored in the division, and Labour is the one and only consideration. It was decided that :I Labour Representation Committee be formed for Monmouthshire on La.bour party principles. A draft scheme of constitution was submitted to the confer- ence. and it was decided to refer the matter to the various branches, any alteration to be in by July 4, after which another confer- ence will be held. I

GREAT ACTOR'S VISIT Probably there is not a better known play J in the English tongue than Shakspeare's Merchant of Venice, and, as the visit of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to South ■ Wales is always one of the events of the season, it was not surprising to see the New Theatre at Cardiff on Monday night filled to the doors with an enthusiastic audience. There were repeated de.mand3 for air Her- bert's presence at the conclusion of each act, and a,t the last there was a memora.bieisceiie. The whole house rose to pay their tribute to greatness. Half a dozen times Sir Herbert appeared and bowed his thanks, but above all rose the demand for a speech. In at last granting this request, Sir Herbert expressed hie appreciation of the enthusiasm with which he had been received, and added that nowhere did he receive a better welcome than at Cardiff. He hoped that The O'Fiynn," received so well at Dublin, would also meet with their appreciation on Wednesday and Thursday; also "Trilby," which he proposed giving on Friday and Saturday. He assailed them he would be in his place punctually. Next to Sir Herbert the honours went to Miss Evelyn D'Alroy, who was a pretty, clever, and most attractive "Portd-a." She shared in the most enthusiastic of the plaudits which were so liberally bestowed during the evening. She was gracefully supported by Miss Gladys Harvey (" erissa "J, Miss Hilda Moore was a handsome Jewess. Mr. J. W. nraithwaite's "Tubal" was too puny to be effective. Mr. Arthur Wortner was a bold "Antonio," and a model lover; Mr. Henry Morrell was capital as the sombre Antonio." Mr. Henry C. Hewitt's gay "Gratiano" was received with unbounded delight. As Lorenzo" Mr. Shiel Barry acquitted himself splendidly. Mr. Edward Gumey and Mr. W. E. Creighton as the atnees of Morocco and Arragon." and the renrainder o.f the exceptionally strong oast,, were more than exceedingly good. As in all Sir Herbert's productions, each scene was magnificently staged, and the effects produced were attractive to a degree. Nothing wanting for the success of the play was omitted, and the dresses were all that could be desired.

THREE LITTLE ORPHANS A curious difficulty under the Workmen's Compensation Act was decided in Bristol County-court yest-arday. A sum of £ fc0 had been paid into court as full compensation for the (lea-th of -1 waitress at the Royal Bri- tannia. Hotel, Ufracombp, througll her dreas catching ure. There were three illegitimate children, and the question wag ra-Wed whether, ?nder the special circumstanMa of thi? case, they were entitled to benefit as persons vdlOlly or in part dependent on the earnings of the worker at the time of death. The youngest, a hoy, aged four. had been put cut to nurse at 5s. per week. The second, a girl. had lived with her grandparents for eight years; the mother had agreed to pa,y In. 6d. a weak; they had not seen her for live years. The third, a boy, had i.-e-en left with the Taunton Guardians, who had been unable to trance the mother. His Honour sa id he was sorry to have to come to the deaisiou that only the you-ngefrt could be considered a dependant, and he order- the fund to he for the benefit of that boy.

Doctor (chearfuIly): You'll be glad to know it "a twins. Mr. Qntverful (owroame with I gladness): I know it. It's always toeeei on idea of rr.- witea thrit two eooid iww am cihea&ix -aeone!"

Pithead Fire EIGHT HONORED LIVES IN DANCER Some eight Jrtnrcired men were imprisoned for several hours on Monday at Birch Coppice Colliery, near Tamworth, by a fire which destroyed the headgear of the upcast shaft. The outbreak, which occurred in the afternoon, is supposed to have been due to friction and the heat of the sun acting upon some grease. Great alarm prevailed in tihe pit, especially when the gear of the downcast shaft also became alight. This shaft was, however, saved by the Tamworth and Polesworth Fire Brigades, and by it the men were gradually brought to the surface from a depth of 275 yards. The population of the district crowded to the scene, and there was a good deal of excitement manifested until the fire brigades arrived and the fire in the downcast head- gear was got under. Cheers were raised when at length the pulley wheels began to work and the imprisoned miners were brought to the surface. Owing to the damage done hI: the fire the pit will be idle for three weeks.

RECORD PROSPERITY I PARIS, Monday. The annual general meeting of the Suez Canal Company was held here this afternoon, and the report adopted. The report states that the t-raffio of the oana-1, which in 1903, owing to general depres- sion and shortage in Indian crops, had shown a considerable falling off, resumed in 1909 the progress which for a long period had been almost unint-errupted. The optimistic expec- tations of the previous report were revived beyond the hopes of the directors, and the financial year was the most prosperous the company had ever known. For the first time transit dues exceeded £ 4,800,000. Tneae brilliant results are due to the general recovery of trade in different parts of the world, and to improyemeut in the agricultural situation in India. The stability of the increase is confirmed remarkably by the returns for the first few months of the present year. Ample reserves provide solid guarantees for the future, and in these cir- cumstances the directors have no hesitation in proposing an increase of 9f. in the dividend, bringing it up to P,6, they being convinced that it will not fall below that figure in future years. On the other hand. faithful to the policy of associating in the prosperity of the enter- prise the ship-ping interest, which is the source of that prosperity, they propose to reduce the transit dues by 5d. from January 1 next. This liberal policy is in the interest of the shareholders, since it encourages the development of maritime commerce, by which they will be the first to profit. In the course of the .yar 4,239 vessels passed through the canal.-Reuter.

= i "DEAD" MAN IN COURT ——— Three well-known public men-Lewis Davies, formerly assistant-superintendent of the Pru- dential Assurance Company; Robert Henry Jones, agent, both of Pwllheli; and William Owen Jones, formerly relieving officer a-nd registrar of deaths at Nevin-were at Pwll- he Li on Monday committed for trial on charges of forgery. Mr. Pratt. assistant solicitor for the company, prosecuted. The allegations against Davies were that he uttered certain documents purporting to be a claim for insurance on the death of a man named Griffith Davies. and signed the receipt in respect of the amount claimed, while Griffith Davies appeared in oourt testifying that he was alive. William Owen Jones was charged with issuing t-he alleged forged certificate. The allegation against Robert Henry Jones was that he issued certain documents pur- port.ing to be a claim in respect of the life cf Mary Jones, Tynion, Nevin, signing a receipt for an amount payable on the claim, while Wiliiajn Owen Jones was further charged with iss-uing the certificate of the death of Mary Jones in the name of Dr. Hughes, Nevin. Dr. Hughes denied certifying the deatli of the woman. whom he declared he saw "wo daye ago. She was alive, and was 82 years of age. (Laughter.; Bail was allowed. Similar charges were also preferred against the three defendants.

REWARD OF A FREE HOLIDAY! How oa,n I improve my position in the Western Mail' free holiday competition?" i is a question which is being freely asked. As the summer advances the desire for a holiday gro-ivs, and there is a willingness to expend a great deal of energy in the fascinating work of oouponcollecÜng when the reward of a free holiday with 25 golden sovereigns to s-pend stares the collector in the face. The channels in which coupons may be collected are almost inexhaustible. How many have, for instance, thought of the scores of coupons whioh could be gathered every day at the mere asking on the numerous pleasure bo-ats which are run.ning in the Bristol Channel. A little organisa- tion in this direction would go a long way towards getting a competitor into the premier list. Then, again, the railway train opens out facilities for coupon gathering' at this season of the year, the old saying Little drops of water," &c., being particu- larly true in these two respects.

SOLDIERS' WIDOWS SOLDIERS' WIDOWS The Duke of Oon.naught presided on Monday at the annual meeting of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation, held at the Royal United Service Institution, among others present being the Duke of Devonshire and Lord Rothschild. His Royal Highness, referring sympathe- tically to the death of King Edward, who had always taken so great an interest in their work, said his late Majesty's death had been felt by no public body more than by that corporation. Continuing, the Presi- dent said it wad proposed to extend the con- ditions of the general fund to include those widows married just after the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. There were 203 widows on the general funds whose allow- ances were discontinued on their being granted old-age pensions, but they had now been granted allowances of from 2e. to 4s. per week, according to age, supplementary to their old-age pensions, while another 240 widows had had allowances raised to the same level.

BIG LONDON FIRE I In the heart of the City "fire-danger zone" a fire broke out on Monday afternoon in a six-storeyed warehouse, and in an hour l damage estimatcd at £ 20,CQ0 was done. The' warehouse attacked was a new building in 1 Fore-street, Cripplegate, jointly rented by several firms. It was stored with goods of a highly combustible character, and within i a few minutes of the outbreak thrC-e upper floors were involved. The hundred firemen who answered a district call suc- ceeded in pre-venting the flames spreading to I the adjoining premises, but the four a-pper floors were burned out before the fire was extinguished. The cause of the fire is un- known, and particulars as to insurance are at present lacking.

THE BYE-ELECTIONS I A\ a meeting of East Dorset Conservative Association de-legates held at .Pocle on Mon- day it was decided to contest the seat at the forthcoming bye-election, and Colonel J. S. Nicholson was unanimously adop-ted as the Unionist candidate. He was unsuccessful at the general election. Sir George Doughty has sent the following telegram to the Unionist committee at West Hartlefpool The Hartlepools have a grand opportunity to strike a deadly blow at this shameful. truculent, and cloven-footed Government. Convey my best wishes to Mr. Gritten.

EXPLOSION ON STEAMER I The Board of Trade inquiry into the less of the steamship Selworthy, of Cardiff, will be held on Friday next at ten a.m. in the Wreck Inquiry-caurt, Law Courts, Cardiff, before Major A. Ooaper Key, bis Majesty's chief inspector of explosives. It will be remembered that the steamship Selworthy fotradered after &n explosion on board on Maroh 17 last, while on a voyage from Las Pa-lmas to Seville in ballast. No lives were lost. The vessel was owned by Messrs. Jredeoci C3xiid*«aad«Oo., of Cardiff.

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DaughtersofMedic&IMen FUND TO ENABLE THEM TO EARN LIVING Miss Ceoile James, of 7. Pembroke Vale, Clifton, Bristol, who died on April 4, aged 81 years, daughter of the late Mr. Job James, surgeon, of Merthyr Tydfil, left estate of the gross va,lue of £12,817, of which £ 12,150 is net personalty, and probate, dated March 14, 1909, has been granted to her nephew, Mr. Frank Treharne James, of Merthyr Tydfil, the sur- viving executor, to whom she bequeathed £ 50. She bequeathed £ 40 per annum to her niece Margaret Parsons, E80 per annum to her niece Mary Helena James, 120 per annum each to her nieces Gertrude James and Con- stance Vosper, and L50 each to the daughters of her brother John. If the trustees of the Unitarian Chapel at Merthyr Tydfil will con- sent, she desired that a mernoral window (in memory of her father) shall be placed therein at a cost of not more than 2130. She desired that her funeral shall be simple and without flowers, and she desired that her nieces should not deny themselves any pleasures respecting her memory, as she wished them to enjoy themselves. Testatrix left £ 10 to Mrs., Hodgson, of Witton-le-Wear, Durham, and on the deatli of the survivor of the annuitants mentioned in her will she left the residue of her estate upon trust to accumulate the same for a period of twenty years, and thereafter the trustees of her will are to found a fund to he known as the "Job" Fund, in memory of her father, for the benefit of daughters of medical men, to be appdied in grants of £ 20 and upwards, but not more than zE40 each, to enable them to learn tc earn their own living or assist them if broken in health. Miss Emma Meredith, of 183, Caerleon-road, Newport, who died on May 17, left estate valued at L795 gross, with net personalty L777. Probate alf her will has been granted to her niece, Mrs. Julia Henrietta Parker, of Pont Farm. near Pontypool, wife of Mr. Edward Parker, farmer. Mr. John Edwards, of Maesmafon Farm, Llanfabon, farmer, who died on the 19th of September, 1909, left estate of the gross value of £ 1.331, of which £ 1,287 is net personalty, and probate of his will, dated January 8, 1889, has been granted to his son, Mr. Thomas FJdwards, of 5, Beechfield-terrace, Nelson, col- lector of rates. The testator left his estate upon trust for his children—Thomas, Annie, William, Margaret, and Mary Jaiat-in equal shares. Mr. Alfred Shipley, of Elmfield, Westbury- on-Trym, Bristol, who died cn April 6, left I £ 174,057. The deceased left a number of bequests to Bristol charities, including £ 1,000 to the University and L-1,500 to the General Hospital. Mr. Johann Friedrich Gerlach, of Hanger Vale House, Ealing, who died recently, left £7,351.

AUSTRALIA'S LAND SCHEME The Government of Victoria, Australia, will shortly put into operation a scheme for settling some thousands of British families on homestea-ds in Victoria. Sir John W. Taverner, Agent-General of Victoria in Lon- don, has just begun a series of visits to im- portant centres in the United Kingdom with a view to conferring with some of the prin- cipal emigration agents. Sir John Taverner told a press representa- tive that the ohjeot of the Government is to place information before those desiring freeihold homes on liberal terms in a sub division of 130,000 acres of good agricultural land. The land will be sold on terms running over 31J years, and the successful applicants will have 80 per cent. of their passage money advanced by the Government, repayable in five years. This land is all in old-settled districts within 150 miles of the port of Mel- bourne, end is land upon which there is no pioneer work to be done, being ready for the plough and the erection of houses and im- provements. in conjunction with these agri- cultural colonies the Government propose to establish agricultural farm labourers' homes on areas of land, with a maximlllil extent of ten acres. "The advantages of the settlements," Sir John continued, are that the people will be. as it were, under the care of the Govern- ment, and we are rather catering for those who have not had much experience of land and who are desirous of building up a home for themselves and families by allowing the experts of the Agricultural Department to give them advice without any charge. We propose also to deal with another section of the community, whic.h I have proved by expe- rience exists in this country, that is the sec- tion who cannot get. right away. In this case the Gov-ernment will be prepared, with- out losing any time, to carry cut for the successful applicants whatever improvements they decide upon, so that when they are able to come out in twelve or eighteen months they will be able to walk into their improved •holding." Asked if the Victorian Government would advance the money necessary for building the houses, Sir John Taverner replied: Tihe erec- tion of the houses will be quite distinct, but in cases where they require nnancial assist- ance, if they demonstrate themselves to be good settlers desirous of building a home, they will have the assistance." We feel very strongly," Sir John pro- ceeded, tha-t the time has arrived when we should realise what a large number of people are leaving this country and going to foreign countries..Last year over ICO,000 people left the United Kingdom, and have gone under a foreign flag. Now, we have the empty spaces and you have the congested population—two big problems that will solve themselves by Imperial co-operation; and in helping us to solve our empty-space problem you are deal- ing with your congested population problem, and you are also helping us to carry out the responsibilities wet have taken upon our shoulders in connection with Imperial defence. I think that, while we are showing our loyalty, the people of this country should help us as far as possible in trying to keep our people under their own flag." Sir John added that it was hoped to settle 30,000 British people in Victoria.

"PECKING DOVES." Some amusing evidence was given at Bloomebury County-court on Monday in an action brought by Councillor Hisoock, a journalist, against Councillor James, both Progressive members of St. Pancras Borough Council. The claim was for £ 5 18s„ a sixth share of a bill of election expenses incurred by six Progressive candidates. The plaintiff's solicitor was reading some correspondence when Judge Bacon interposed with the query: "Doe, correspondence ever advance matters, especially when these doves begin to peck each other? In reply to the defendant's counsel (Mr. Garnett), the plaintiff said tnat he was not aware that the Labour orga.nisation was run- ning Mr. James. Mr. Garnett: Mr. James has beeiKmaking Tariff Reform speeches in connection with the Parliamentary election. Was this before 'I you wrote and asked him f-or his expenses?— Tha.t has nothing to do' with it. Mr. Garnett: But for Mr. James's little indiscretion, would he have ever been called upon to pay?—Yes, certainly. The defendant entered the witness-box, and said he expected the Labour Representation Committee to pay the expenses, and he never gave a guarantee that he would pay them himself. Mr Garnett: A Labour man must be a Free Trader, must he not?—Quite correct. Judgment was given for the plaintiff, with costs.

CATTLE ON QUAKER OATS I For salvage services rendered to the Ley- land liner Anglian in mid-Atlantic in April last the Dominion liners Englignm,an and Dominion were on Monday awarded, the former £ 6,000 and the latter L200. The An-glian had broken her tail-end shaft, and the Dominion, observing her signals, stood by her till the Englishman, proceeding in the same direction, came tip and took tha Anglian to Queenstown. a distanoe of 415 miles. The fodder for the 557 head of cabtle which the Englishman ha.d on board ran short, and a substitute was provided in the shape of Quaker oats, which the liner carried as part of her cargo. The award to the Englishman was appor- tioned £ 4,100 to t.be owners, 4600 to the master, and P-1,330 to the crew. The court also allowed C500 for expenses.

HERR DERNBURG'S RESIGNATION I RERUN, Monday. Tbe Gferman Ookm iai f-vecrretary, Herr Dem- bupg, has tendered his resignation, and I understand that, although the formal annoTinoemeeit is wi t-nxield, it has been aooepted by tbe Emperor WiBwj.nfc— Ttmee" (per Pieas AegocHatSoa4.

I Swansea v. Cardiff I —— —— OFFICES OF CENTRAL WELSH BOARD A monthly meeting of the Swansea Educa- tion Committee was held on Monday, Mr. Ivor Gwynne presiding. Mr. Miles drew attention to a proposal by the Central Welsh Board to spend from .£6.,000 to ElO,M on permanent offices. It was sug- gested that they should be at Cardiff, and as Cardiff had offered a site it might be advisable for Swansea, to offer one also. Mr. D. Davies said he hoped the Swansea representatives would Dot only oppose Car- diff, but any other place as central offices for the board. It would be a sheer waste of public money. The Central Welsh Board should remain a peripatetic body, as it was at present. He hoped their representativea would resist any attempt to have a perma- nent building. Mr. Miles said the principle had been adopted. Mr. Livingstone Will the expenditure devolve upon us in any way? Mr. Davies; Certainly. Mr. Livingstone: Then I shall object to it, that's all. The Chairman: We may let the matter drop there. The sub-committee appointed to deal with the Aber Estate matter reported the correspondence between Mr. Treharne Rees and Messrs. Cory Brothers and Co. (Limited) with regard to a renewal of the lease of the estate, and it was agreed to inform Messrs. Cory Brothers that the com- mittee "are only prepared to re-open negotia- tions for a new lease upon the terms sub- mitted by them on the 13th of May to Sir Clifford Cory. Subsequently the sub-com- mittee visited the estate with their officials, and met the chief engineer of Messrs. Cory Bros., who explained the intended future operations of his firm in the development of the mineral workings. A discussion followed, in which the in- creasing value of the estate (which returned £ 1,757 in royalties from April to June) was pointed out. It was further stated that terms submitted to Sir C. Cory were regarded as the irreducible minimum for a new lease. —Mr. D. Davies objected to the form of the minute, and moved, in order not to shut out negotiations, that the word "only" be omitted from the minute, and that the new negotiations be on the basis of the terms submitted.—This wa-s agreed to. The question of the examination reports of London University was referred to Q com- mittee. In reply to Mr. Davies, the Clerk gave an assurance that no letters or com- munications of any kind on this and other subjects were being kept- back from the members. A letter was read from the Board of Educa- tion respecting the proposed new training college, asking if the site proposed formed part of the area referred to in the Provi- sional Order of 1908, and intimating that before sanction would be given to any loan it would be required that tenders should be obtained for the work in order that the board should be satisfied that it could be carried out for the cost estimated. It was proposed by Mr. Oolwill that draw- ings and plaiis should be got out and tenders should be obtained for the work, which is estimated to cost £ 40,000. Mr. D. Davies raised the question of the architect's fees, and it was stated that Mr. Lawrence had been engaged, and his plans had been considered, and that his terms were 4 per cent. inclusive. Mr. D. Davies stated that there had been no formal resolution to that effect, and thought money could be saved. Several members stated that an arrange- ment had been already come to with Mr. The resolution of Mr. Colwill was put, and carried by five votes to four.

-=- MONMOUTH UNIONIST CAUSE Mr. C. P. Hargreaves& the Candidature At a meeting of the council of *e Newport and Monmouth Boroughs Conservative Asso- ciation, held at Newport on Monday after- noon, Mr. John Moxon, the chairman, pre- siding, it was decided to recommend that Mr. Gerald Da la Pryme Hargreaves, barrister, of London, be invited to address a series of meetings in the constituency with a view to hia adoption as Conservative and Tariff Reform candidate at the next election. Mr. Hargreaves has accepted the invitation to address a series of meetings. He visited the Pill Conservative Club on Monday even- ing, and met a large number of the mem- bers. Almost immediately a campaign in Newport, Monmouth, and Usk will be arranged, and negotiations are on foot for a local residence. Mr. Hargraaves, who was born in October, 1S81, is a bachelor. He is a North Countnr- man, his father being a Lancastrian and his another from Yorkshire. He was educated at Eton and Magdalen College, Ox- ford. taking the honours degree in history. He was called to the Bar in 1905 At the last general election he stood as Con- servative and Tariff Reform candidate for the Osgol-d-cross Division of Yorkshire, which has always been a Liberal stronghold. As a barrister he has practised in the chambers of Mr C. M Bailhache, K.C., the leader of the Commercial Bar.

PERVADING INFLUENCE Dr. W. Lloyd Edwards, L.R.C.P., M.R.G.S., D.P.H. fLond.), has just issued his annual report for 1939 as school medical officer to the Barry Education Authority. In enumerating his duties, Dr. Edwards says that he has to be a pervading influence" to help the tea-cher and benefit the child. His report is thoroughly comprehensive in its treatine-ut of 'the physical and ment,al care of the child while at school, and deals exhaustively with recent Acts of Parliament and the syllabuses and memoranda of the B-oard of Education appertaining to school-children. Before enter- ing upon technicalities and general statistics —and the latter are exceedingly interesting— Dr. Edwards points out that about 21.6 per oent. of the estima;ted popula-tion of Barry are on the primary school registers, ajid m his long experience he has not failed to recog- nise the beneficial effects which the natural environments of Barry have had upon ohil- dren who have gone to live there from densely pop-u 1 ated towns. In addition to the 23 departments of primry schools, there is a special school for mentally defective children. The report deals at length with the steps that are taken to secure sanitation and ventila- tdon, prevent infection, and the direction in which parents may lend valuable assistance to the medical officer and nurse in checking contagious disease and establishing a higher degree of physical fitness amongst the chil- dren attending the schools.

MILL GIRLS STRIKE A Paisley telegram states that a general strike of mill girls at the thread mills of A I s I-, Alexander and Co., Neil- ston, was declared on Monday after- noon. The main body of workers, numbering over 1,000, threw in their lot with the cop-winders, who have been on strike for three weeks. In the forenoon the Trades union officials representing the cop- windeiB interviewed the manager, but were informed the directors had decided to refuse the girls' demands, and would not counenance negotiations with the Trades Union officials. The girls held a mass meeting outside the works at the clinner-hour, and resolved to stop work in sympathy with the original strikers. The mills are now practically at a, standstill. Messrs. Alexander consider the giris have not given the disputed rates a fair trial. Police reinforcements are to be drafted into the town.

HOMELESS IN LONDON London's homeless are to be numoored in thousands. According to a report to be pre- sented to the lxmdon County Council to-day, compiled from a census taken on February 18 last, when the night was fine and not very cold, 2,510 men, 220 women, and seventeen children spent the night in the streets, on titaircases, a,nd under arches- Other figures aTe, given which sh-ow that 5,742 men. 860 women, and 42 young persons were '? 42 yo?un,f- p,,rs4DnL- wem provided for by various agerK-,ies: 'and it is pointed out that there was that nig-ht vacant accommodation for 7,680 persons in common lodging-houses and for 680 persons in casual words.

GERMAN SENSATION BERLIN, Monday. A report has been current in well-informed politic: circles to-day that Herr Dernburg, the Colonial Secretary, ha-9 requested t he Emperor to accept his resignation. Sc far there is no official confirmation, but the report appears credible, and finds general acceptance, it being assumed that Herr Dern- burg's action is the sequel to his duel with the Centre in the Reichstag on the question of Ook«iial expenditure.—Central News.

MULLAH HARD PRESSED I ADEN, Monday. It is ■rurmyared that the Mullah is fleeing I with only 400 followers, and that he is being-pnrsrued by 11,000 frteadBeo.—•Beater,

Mixed Dancing Danger I PASTOR'S OUTSPOKEN CONDEMNATION Mixed dancing came in for severe denaaoift- tdon from the Rev. Join Wilson, pastor at Lune-etreet Weeleyaa Chapel, Preston, .1148 ha gave his views on the subject of daasiaf to a. pres,, re-pre.sen:ve Dealing with the question of dancisg top mill girls, the rev. gentleman expresse d the opinion that from a hygienio standpoint indoar dancing was a wretched, failure, and altogether detrimental to health. "When a girl has been in the mill all day," he said, "what she wants is fresh air, and not to spend the night in a hot room. Lan- cashire mill girls have little need to do any- thing to deteriorate their physique. I have been twelve years in Lancashire and three in West Riding-praotically Rfteen years in the mill districts—'a-nd as a result I say that un- questionably the physique of the mill girls M bad enough as it is. Mill life does not tend to make bone, blood, and muscle, and fine women; the nature of the life forbids it. I am absolutely against mixed dancing in a hot room. There is nothing to be said for it either on the score of health of morals. It is detrimental physically for any- one whose occupation is indoors to go inside again at night. There is the hot room and late hours, and, therefore, they are rendered unfit for the next day's work. "Mixoo dancing is unquestionably a, moral danger. How do these girls know the character of the fellows they are daflcing with?"

PUBLICAN'S PETITION In the Divorce Court 0:1 Monday (before the President, Sir Samuel Evans) the pending divorce case of Jamej v. James, Morria, and Cpombes was mentioned. Mr. Le Bas, counsel for the respondent, asked the court to attach the petitioner, whom he described as an hotel manager, of the Bridgend Hotel, Tylorstown. The peti. tion, he said, was dated March 29, 1909. There were answers by the respondent and co-respondents denying the allegations in the petition, A petition was first filed against Mr. Morris, who. he thought, was a medical man. Then, on the &th of July a supple- mental petition was filed against a man named Coombes, who was an agricultural labourer. Not satisfied with the charge against Mr. Morris and Mr. Coombea, the petitioner also alleged misconduct with ei/ine- one unknown The wife, in her reply, alleged that her husband had committed miseondact with &3rah Ann Williams, and she prayed for a judicial separation. The husband veplied denying the allegation. Au order had been made for alimony at 15s. a week. Petitioner admitted that he was in Teceijt of L4 10s. a week as manager of the hotel. An order had also been made for the pay- ment of certain sums as security for the wife's costs, and it was for non-compliance with that order that the attachment was asked. The husband had pleaded that his salary was subject to certain deductions, and when they were made he said he had not sufficient money to enable him to com- ply with the order to pay the alimony or the wife's costs. Mr. Willis (who appeared for the husband) contended that there was no evidence on which his lordship could commit the petitioner. He said he had no means to find the security. The President said that an hotel manager had lots of friends to enable him to find security. He should order the attachment to issue in respect of not finding the security, but he would direct that the attachment should not issue for ten days. to enable the petitioner to comply with the order.

ROLLER-SKATING AT CARDIFF The only skating rink which remains on in Cardiff for the summer season is the Olympia. Queen-street, where the pastime ia pursued with -L-iiiabated popularity under excellent conditions, the manag^-m^nt having1 effected an adequate scheme of ventilation. The excellence of the skating surface, to which improvements are carried out when- ever necessary, has materially contributed to the popularity of the Olympia, and the well- con ducted cafe is a distinct boon. Mr. A. Tetlow is assisted in the management by Mr. O'Keefe, who spares no effort to promote the comfort of the patrons, in which he is seconded by a courteous staff. Even those who have given up regular skating during' the warm weather are certain to visit this rink when the weather is uninviting for out- door exercise.

WAITED FOR DEATH The inquest on Stephen Johnson, rescued Ifroun a submerged era-ne after the tide had flowed over his head in Workin.gton Harbour. but who afterwards died from pneumonia, was held on Monday. Evidence was given that the crane was being moved along the rails when it went over, falling 28ft. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and recommended that repairs to cranes should not be carried out at the har- bour side. The Coroner complimented Thomas Quayle and the cr&neman, Whittaker, upon their courageous oonduct in attempting to rescue Johnson.

SERIES OF FARM FIRES The village of Alccmbm-y. Hunts, has been in a state of alai-m for some time over a. series of fires. The burning of a stack and a. barn on the premises of Mr. W. Mitchell makes the sixth outbreak wit,iiin a year. All the fires have broken out at farms, and are suppcced to be the work of an incendiary- The first was also a,t Mr. Mitchell's farm, and serious damage was then done. At the Hunts Assizes a few days ago a man was sent to prison for sending a letter to a local land agent, threatening to burn out the property af Mir. Mitchell.

KNOCKED DOWN BY CYCLIST A serious cycling accident occurred at Llanhara-n on Monday night. A labourer, named John Howe, aged 50, was talking to someone on the roadway and failed to notice the approaoh of a cyclist. The rid-er, a young man named Henry Vernon, collided with the pedestrian, knocking him down. Howe was picked up unconscious, with a. fracture at the base of the skull. After being attended by Dr. Tucker, he was taken to the workhouse infirmary at Bridgend, hi9 condition being critical.

"SACRED CLASS WAR." Speaking at Barry on Monday Mr. ToIØ Mann, ex-president of the Dock, Wharf, River- side, and General Workers' Union, said there would have to be fighting and more organisa- tion in order to obtain at least the neces- saries of life. There were 1.100 different Unions in the country, and many were stulti- fying each other. There wa-s nothing so sacred in life as engaging in the class war that existed with the view of overthrowing the capitalist, an-d the man was a criminal who entered into a long agreement with his employer.

BLAENAVON IRONWORKS Alterations and extensions have recently been carried out by the management of the Blaenavon Company í Limited) in portions 01 their works, and a nsw rolling mill com* menced working on Monday. It is quite sible that a second mill will be started the expiration of the present week, and it is expected that a considerable number oi ne,41 hands will be found employment in Dther departments of the works before many weeka have elapsed.

LORD GREY'S SUCCESSOR TORONTO, Monday- A report now comes from a- semi-olffclil source that Lord Grey's term as Governo Gral of Oaivada may be extended f<?' few months. There is a i?txjTt, not base^ on any oHi??l authority, that the idea o appointing the Duke of Connaught lia.r been abandoned.—" Times" (per Press ciation).

BIG STEAMSHIP COMBINE It is understood that the Royal Mail S??? P"k.et Company have agreed to Purc~f .? the whole of the Pacific Steam Navi?^'11 nfll,< Company's sfoare capital :No par, viz., ?? p ahare.

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