Evening Express

The Man in the Street. i There can be no mistaking the attitude of the Cardiff doctors towards the King Edward Memorial Fund. One of them —Dr. Robinson—-made the original suggestion, which I was only too glad to support at the time, and which has since been so enthusiastically taken up by the 0 entire- nation.. So one has been more zealous in pleading the cause of the consumptive than Dr. Smith, who is pro- bably the most popular man in Grange- town, one of The poorer districts of rich Cardiff, and where the white man's plague has called upon very many victims. So popular is the genial doctor from Cork that nobody dreams of opposing his return to the corporation, snd, if he liked, he could seek the comfort of his pipe and his easiest chair while reflecting on the goodness of the world generally and to himself particularly. Relieved of ( the necessity of electioneering, the senior member for Grange could have turned his attention to the pihng-up of a few more guineas, or he could have re-joined the Cardiff Parliament, of which he was such a shining light when this century dawned, by returning a welcomed recovered sheep to the fold. However, instead of using his time either for ease or self-enrich- < ment, he has nobly come forward in a public advocacy of the National Memorial, and it is to be hoped that his example of yesterday, when he lectured the workmen of the Windsor slipway, will be exten- sively followed by other public men. Bravo, doctor' And bravo, men! It is by no means rare to find people strongly advocating reforms for years amidst storms and much buffeting, and even some persecution—and at last, one day, without any warning, people wake up to find the thing done without warn- ing or noise, or any kind of fuss whatever. Women have been agitating for a vote these years past, they have shouted for it, bullied statesmen for it, and even hugged 1 polit )men-all -for nothing. But, when the D. A. Thomas Institute at Llanvrern was opened yesterday, it was discovered that the ladies had got that which they had been pleading for so strenuously yet ineffectually. In a few words, the ladies of Llanwern had got the much-wanted vote, and now it remains to be seen what they will do with it. True. it was not the Parliamentary franchise, and not even a vote for a district or parish councillor. But it was the vote all. the same. And what matters what it is for, so long as it really is the privilege so dear to the heart of the sex, that of being allowed to put a little cross against somebody's name and to leave the space against the j other body vacant ? That which has happened in one direction may well occur in another, and no one should be sur- prised to rise one fine morning to discover that women all over the country, with- out the shedding of a drop of blood or the lifting cf a little if-nger. bavealytained that for which martyrs have suffered. Scotland have not beaten Wales at Cardiff since 1890, and, therefore, some Caledonians do not regard the spot so convenient to the buffets (according to one Scotch critic) as quite ideal. That has been patent for some time—obviously so since the last tussle, when Wales got through in the same old, sweet style. But it came somewhat as a surprise yes- terday to learn that the president of the Scotch Union had stated in the most official way possible short of a conclave that the Cardiff Arms Park was not a ifrst-class ground. Obviously, there will be no peace in bonnie Scotland until the sons of Caledonia are allowed to romp home just as they like when the gather- ing of the clans takes place in the heart of the Welsh metropolis. If that much- desired event ever occurs, then Cardiff's ground may be fit for a better descrip- tion. However. Mr. Blair's attack has evidently surprised his fellow country- men as much as anywhere else, and there is little need to take much notice of it. In the meantime, we are more interested in the doings of our chief clubs. Few of us expect Cardiff to get much glory out of Swansea, but if the Metropolitans should be able to bring off a surprise victory—well, much will be forgiven them. In the other code, the table of the Southern League (Second Division) pre- sents a very interesting study. Croydon Common's defeat of Stoke the other day reduces the competition for promotion to a very open affair, and he is a very clever man who can predict the pair of clubs who are to be called up higher— unless he can foresee Merthyr continuing their victorious career and marching straight into the upper circle. Merthyr have performed admirably in winning all three of their games with not a goal against them, and it is decidedly the best showing of any club in the contest. The other two combinations who have not lost a game are Cardiff City and Croydon Common. The former won the first and drew the second game with a goal average of 4-1, while Croydon's oniy game was that in which they so cleverly licked the Potters. Treharris, Abcrdare. and Ton Pentre have already lost at least three games each, and their chances appear to be all up a tree. Apparently the fight will be between Merthyr, Stoke, Cardiff City, Reading, and Croydon, and we shall know a little more about it when the Christmas holidays are over. Cardiff have severely handicapped them- selves by arrarging to play Kettering, Reading, and Stoke in four days during the latter end of the year, and this may make all the difference to their chances, especially as all these matches are away from home. However, we can only wait and hope. There are few societies anyw here that work more harmoniously together than the Societe Franco-Anglaise, which began its winter session by a crowded gathering at headquarters, 31, Park-place, Cardiff, last night. The members comprise English-speaking French people and I Britishers who have learned (or are learn- ing) French, with others of less preten- sion. But all are held together by bonds of social esteem which always appeal when the autumn leaves begin to fall. The lecture by M. Le Bars, Swan- sea, was greatly enjoyed, and members renewed old acquaintanceship at the reception held by the president and Madame Wideman. Then followed a home-warming concert, and all left j highly pleased with the evening, and the prospects of the session and the attrac- tive programme, which includes the pro- d=tion of a French classical play on Otober 29? lectures, conferences? etc.

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. Final: Cardiff. 8pts.; Swansea, 3pts. Final: Merthyr, 5 goals; Chippenham. 2. Half-time. Moriiston, 3; Pon tarda we. 0. Half-time; Ton. 1 goal; Aberdare. nil. Half-time: Barry District, 2; Cardiff U. I I P

NATION TO BENEFITI "Mail" Memorial Fund I THE POSITION UP TO DATE I He that is net sensible of another's I unhapplnoss is a living: atone, To-day's subscriptions to the National! Memorial Fund to deal with eonsump- j tion include a hundred guineas from Mr. j Sydney Byass. of Port Talbot, and twenty pounds from Mr. J-. I. D. Nicholl, of Merthyr Mawr—t>vo uames always found among, the supporters of good causes. Micawber-like, we are waiting for more generous persons to come forward. "Western Mail" National Fundi Already acknowledged £18,581 10 3; To-day's Subscriptions 171 2 0 i LIS,752 12 31 Mayor of Swansea's Fund (new subscriptions) 49 18 0 "North Wales Chronicle" Fund 331 10 0 E 19, 134 0 3 Grand Total of Fund to date £1.55,G34 0 31 New Subscriptions I S, s. d. Mr. Sydney H. Byass, Port Talbot 105 0 0 j Mr. J. I D. lCholl, Merthyr M TY a, wjr'. IR r i (I''g e n d. zo 0 0 Dr. and Mrs. Eobinson, 2A, Albany-road. Cardiff 5 5 0 Mr. A. T. Williams, Baglan House, Briton Ferry 5 5 0 Mr. Morgan Crowther, Cardiff 5 5 0 Mr. Alfred Pell, Newport 5 5 0 Mr. G. Percy Thomas, 170, New- port-road, Cardiff 5 5 0 Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sheen. 2. St. Andrew'5-c:'e3cent, Cardie 5 5 0 Carmarthen Police Force (includ- ing £ 1 la. from Head-constable Smith) 2 2 0' Mrs. Spencer, The Old House. Llandaff 2 2 0 Mr. B. W. Todd, 148. Newport- road, Cardiff 2 2 0' Mr. Herbert Mitchell, Brynheifl, Llandyssul 2 2 0 Mrs. if. Wells Jones, Penarth 110 1 Mr3. D. Rowlands. Penygraig 110" Mr. W. McNeil, 17th Lancer3 110 M r. Ihfil W. Valentin, The Mount. Langland Bay. 1 1 0 Mis? Wa.yne. Gontnie. Rocham-p. ton. 100J Miss Amy F. Wayne, Gonville, Eoehampton 1 0 0 i 171 2 0 Mayor of Swansea's Fund:— Mrs. Ed. Richarcls, West Cross Ho;,l 10 .0 Miss Edith M. C. Richards, West Crc-ss House. 10 10 0 Mr. L. M. Richards. West Cross House 10 10 0 Mr. Thomas Jones, The Woodlands, Gowerton. 5 5 0 Miss M. E. Brock 5 0 0 Mr Ben Davies. Frondeg, Heathfk-ld 5 0 0 Mr. E. PaimerBowen. 2 2 0 Mr. and Mrs. F Wad- 110 aington 110 ———— 49 18 0 "North Wales Chronicle Fund:- Lord Penrhyn .£250 0 0 Colonel Platti C.B. 50 0 0 The Mayor of Bangor 10 10 0 Coun. Vincent 10 10 0 Sir Harry Reichel. 10 10 0 ———— 331 10 0 Tota.! £ 552 0 0 TotaL. £552 0 0 Generosity of Grange j A meeting cf Grange United Choral Society and representative ratepooers wa-,q Iheld in Cardiff last evening, Mr. J. H. Hurlow presiding, and being supported by Councillor Sydney Jenkins and Mr. A. Barton (Labourers' Union). The proceedings were I most enthusiastic, and Mr. Philip Rogers, 34, P«,gct-«treet-, was appointed hon. secreta,ry of the movement. It was resolved to ask for the use of Wood-street Chapel, in which to hold a benefit concert. and voluntaers to sell tickets should apply to Mr. Rogers. The Cardiff Board of Guardians this after- noon appointed Alderman F. J. Beavan as their representative on the general committee < of the King Edward National Memorial Fund. Action of Barry Council A b-tter from the chairman (Mr. W. R. See, J.P. who was unable to be present at a meeting of the Barry District Council, was (read urging co-operatiov in the movement of the establishment of aWelsh National Memorial to his late Mjesty King Edward. s.nd recommending that a town's meeting be called to consider the matter Mr. J. A. Manaton said that most of the town's were taking action through their maycrs. and i'.e vas glad to see 'heir chair- man taking it up- Personally, he thought it most fitting that a memorial to King Edward should follc, these lines. He pro- posed that the council take the matter up. and appoint a committee. This was heartily, agreed to. Merthyr's Representative In response to a circular-letter from the Lord Mayor of Cardiff. the Merthyr Board of Guardians to-day appointed Mr. John Prowle, charman of the sa-natorium com-! raittee, to represent them at the county; meeting to be held in connection with the National Memorial to the late King Edward. Subscriptions should be sent to the EDITOR, Western Man," Cardiff. Or to the Hon. Treaeurer. Mr. DAVID DAVIES, M.P., Llantiinam, North Wales,

AIR RECORD BREAKING j WASHINGTON. Saturday. I After his flight over the city Mr. Grahame White returned to the race track, where he broke both wings of his aeroplane. He. therefore, announces that he has abandoned his flight here. in which he intended to attempt to break the record for a sustained flight.

POLITICAL BOMB — i Chancellor and Veto] MOUNTAIN ASH VISIT PUT OFF It was officially announced on Friday night that the demonstration organised by the Welsh Liberal Council at Mountain Ash next Thursday, at which the Chancellor of the Exchequer was expected to make an impor- tant pronouncement, had been indefinitely postponed. This decision was conveyed in the following telegram sent by Lord St. Davids, president of the Welsh National Liberal Council, to Mr. Walter H. Hughes, of Pontypool, the secretary of the council:- Please postpone at once Thursday's demonstration for a, short time. The Chief Whip considers it difficult and undesirable for the Chancellor to speak at this moment. Ample notice will be given as to when meetings can be held. In accordance with the desire of Lord St. Davids Mr. Hughes issued a notice that the annual meeting had been postponed. As the arrangements for the demonstration referred to were well forward, it is possible that some delicate political situation may have induced the Chief Whip to suggest the postponement. Tha.t it should be difficult and undesirable" for Mr. Lloyd George to address a gathering of his countrymen at this moment points to the existence of a state of affairs which was not contemplated when that engagement was made. and the fact that the Constitutional Conference has met on four successive days this week seems to suggest that the matters under considera- tion may constitute the reason for it being "difficult and undesirable" for the Chancellor to make his promised public utterance. There is some ground for believing that the members of the Conference thought it might be possible to dispose of the question (for the present 'at all events) by the end of this week, hence the day-by-day sittings. In that event the political truce would have been at an end. and members on both sides would have been free to make public reference to the question of the relations of tne two Houses of Parliament, but as it is practically certain that the sittings of the Conference will be resumed at an early date, probably to-day. the subject of its delibera- tions could not be discussed publicly by members of the body. No official information on the subject is available, and whether Mr. Lloyd George's silence is or is not due to the. reasons sug- gested there is reason to believe that the veto negotiations, though in a delicatte posi- tion, are by no means hopeless. The Evening Express is authorised to state that the Chief Whip will bear the expense necessita,ted by the postponement of the Mountain Ash demonstration. Ten thousand people were to be present at the evening meeting, at which the Chancellor of the Exchequer a.nd the Chief Whip were announced to speak, as well as at the general council meeting of the organisation. Lord St. Davids was to be present as chair- man of the Welsh Nationai Liberal Council. A number of Welsh Liberal members had signified their intention of attending. Chancellor Explains The Chancellor of the Exchequer has issued the following telegram:— Deeply regret that in present circum- stances I have found it advisable to- poet- pone my visit to Mountain Ash. I shall look forward to an early oppor- tunity of addressing a meeting there, but I think the council meeting and demon- stration will serve a more useful purpose if held after the conference on the Consti- tutional question is decided one way or the other. Shall be then in a better posi- tion to review the whole situation and take counsel with my political friends on Liberal ^t;on jn, Vales accordingly.— LLOYD GEORGE. LONG SERVICE REWARD I The "London Gazette" states that the King has been pleased to grant to the following retired members of his Majesty's Civil Service (not belonging to the administrative or clerical branches) the Imperial Service Medal, which was instituted by his late Majesty for the recognition of long and meritorious service:— Robert Aveston, shipwright, Pembroke ■ Dockyard; Charles W. Bullock. overseer, Post-office, Cardiff; Maurice Evans. postman, Neyland, Pem- broke; William James, hammerman, Pembroke Dockyard: Henry Jones, principal coast officer, his Majesty's Custom. Portmadoc; George Lewis, skilled labourer, Pembroke Dockyard. James Morgan, shipwright, Pembroke Dockyard; Samuel Parry, postman. St. Asaph. Rhyl; Richard Scurlock, shipwright, Pembroke; and Thomas Williams, inspector. Mercantile 1 Marine Office. Cardiff. s — =?

THE BRITISH ARMY I BERLIN, Friday. Colonel Gaedke. who attended the British Army manoeuvres in September, in the Ber- liner Tageblatt expresses the conviction that if the British Army be compared with the French, German, Austrian, or Japanese armies, the verdict can only be that as at present constituted, and with its present training, it is not fit for a conflict with a Continental army, and is in general, quite apart from the smallness of its numbers, not qualified to play a role worth mention- ing in war. As a land Power Colonel Gaedke declares Great Britain has no place among the first-class military Powers.—Reuter.

UNEQUAL LOADS. A farm servant had been carting hay all dny. and at night he and his perspiring steed arrived home. His master, who was a per- fest skinflint. and did not pay his employes anything like the average wage, was stand- ing at the stable door, and on his appear- ance said "John. how comes it that my horse is sweating so much and you so little?" "Weal, I dinna ken richt," replied the ser- vant. unless it's because the horse draws the hay an' me the pay."

MOTOR-CYCLE V. DRAY A Talgarth motor-cyclist met with a nasty accident when crossing the bridge a,t Llan- grwyney, between Abergavenny and Crick- howell. He was attempting to pass a dray, but was forced too near to the side, with the result that the cycle skidded and collided with the dray. The front portion of the I cycle was smashed, and the rider badly bruised and shaken.

Force of the Gale at Cardiff I During the gale on Thursday a tree in CatbaYB Park was blown doam.  [Photo. Stagey Nuttal!.

AN EATING MATCH A short time ago there was a famous eating match at a village in Yorkshire be- tween two men named Gubbins and Muggins. which caused a great deal of interest in the neighbourhood. A countryiflan, leaving the place a little before the match was decided, was stopped by almost everyone on the road with Who beats? How does the match get on?" &c.. to which he answered. Why, I doan't exactly knaw-they say Gubbins'll get it; but I think Muggins '11 beat un yet. for when I left he was only two geese and a turkey behind him."

Mrs. Bingo: "Bobbie, wil you promise me not to fight any more after this?" Bobbie (firfimly): "I will. mamma.. This was the only boy in the neighbourhood I hadn't licked."

ELECTION AND CORONATION The idea that a general election is to take j place ih January seems to be prevalent (writes a club member in the "Liverpool Post"). It is a, case of the back benches of both parties forcing the two front benches. The notion that the Conference could defer the conflict of parties until after the Coronation is now said to be hopeelss. Of course, it will make a big difference to the next London season, for if there be a general election before it there is bound to be far less entertaining. In fact, it must cast a financial cloud over the glories of the Coronation; itself. People who i have spent hundreds in constituencies will economise by keeping out of the costly turmoil of the J Metropolis next June.

'Most Inhuman Woman' WIDOW CENSURED AT EôBW VALE Sensational evidence was given at the inquest at Ebbw Vale yesterday concerning the death of Thomas King, who was the centra,] figure in the train mystery some morxtho ago, when he sustained serious injury. The widow, in her evidence, admitted that she had taken deceased from the hospital, although he was stated to be in a dangerous condition, and that she did not call in a doctor for about a week. Medi- cal evidence showed that death was due to bronchitis, brought on by the accident. The mystery of the train accident was not cleared up, though it was stated that deceased was put into the carriage drunk. Dr. J. D Evans, of Ebbw Vale Hospital, stated that King was pulling round, but they were pestered by Mrs. King. She would CODe to <?)e hospital at all ho?rs. and use most disgraceful language to the nurses. She wantec1 her husband out, while the man was in a terrible stats and wanted peace. She came there one day and said she was going to take him cut, and bought a. cab to fetch him. The old man cried when he heard of it. and did not want to go. She told him that if he did not go that day he i should not come home at all. The doctor added that he believed she was the most inhuman woman he had ever met. The Coroner (Mr. W. R. Dauncey): Do you think he would have recovered if you had kept him in the hospital ?—Yes, I believe he would have been alive to-day. The Coroner said that the actions of the wife had been disgraceful and most inhuman. The jury returned a verdict of Death from misadventure." and censured the woman.

MUNICIPAL CONTESTS An enthusiastic meeting of Riverside electors, held at the Lewis-street-hall. Cardiff, on Friday night, unanimously approved of the candidature of Mr. F. J. Veall, J.P.. at the forthcoming municipal election. Mr. C. W. Melhuish presided, and was supported by a number of prominent residents, including Alderman Illtyd Thomas, Councillor J. Stanfield, J.P., Mr. George Chamberlain, and Mr. R. O. Sanderson. Alderman Trounce and Roath Ward Alderman W. J. Trounce, the Conservative candidate for the Roath Ward, is drawing around him a band of enthusiastic and ex- perienced workers. A large number of these gentlemen met on Friday night and organised a strenuous campaign, after being addressed by Alderman Trounce and Coun- cillor J. A. Lovat-Fraser. Committee-rooms, will be opened at 35. Broadway, to-day (Saturday), and every assistance will be wel- corned by the staff in attendance. Mr. F. W. Blower's Candidature Mr. Fred W. Blower, the Conservative can- didate for Cathays, is not letting the grass grow under his feet. On Friday night he addressed a splendid open-air meeting out- side the Crwys Hotel, and deepened the splendid impression which he had already made as an excellent candidate and a vigorous campaigner. Crangetown Ward The Conservative Association for the Grangetown Ward at its meeting on Friday night. on the proposition of Mr. W. R. Smith (chairman), seconded by Mr. Sam Longville, and supported by Mr. D. J. Jenkins- and others, adopted the sitting member (Dr. Smith) as its candidate at the ensuing elec- tion.-Coiincillor John Mander eulogised the services rendered by Dr. Smith, who, in reply. stated that the three members of the I ward worked harmoniously and with great activity for the welfare of Grangetown. Labour Candidate for Canton I Mr. A. J. Attwell, secretary of the Cardiff Tramwavmen's Union, has decided to contest Cantcn Ward in the Labour interest, with the approval of his Union. There will, there- fore. be a three-cornered fight in this ward, the other candidates being Mr. J. T. Ri,?=, (L.). the retiring member, and Mr. W. B. Francis (C.).

DROWNED AI PLAY An inquest was held at Penoelly, near Brecon. on Friday touching the death of Willie LewjB, the ti.ree-yea.r-oId son of Mr. Lewis. Royal Ook lnn. Penoelly. Deceased, with two' other children, was on the bank of the Brecon and Newport Canal, which runs through the village, a.nd in throwing a stick into the water overbalanced a.nd fell in. The screams of the children attracted the atten- tion of a man named Evans, who immediately went to the rescue and brought the child out. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but without avail. A verdict of Accidentally drowned" was returned, and the Coroner (Dr. W. R. Jones) complimented Evans on the I offorta. he had made to save the child's life.

LORD LOVAT WEDDED I The wedding took place to-day at Brompton Oratory of Lord Lovat and the Hon. Laura Lister, daughter of Lord and Lady Ribbles- dale. Among the guests present were the Premier and Mrs. Asquith (aunt of the bride), the Master of Elibank, Lord Wolver- ton. Lady Elcho. and Lord Strathcona. The bridegroom and best man wore kilts. The Bishop of Aberdeen officiated, and a recep- tion was subsequently held at 10, Downing- street. The Queen sent the bridegroom a pair of jewelled sleeve links.

MAYORAL ROBE AND HAT Sir Griffith Thomas, the ex-mayor of Neath, ¡. presented yesterday a gorgeous and elabo- rate mayoral robe and hat to the corpora- tion of Neath. The mayor (Councillor David Davies) presided, supported by Aldermen ¡ H. B. Charles. Hopkin Morgan. E. S. Phillips, and Davies. Sir Griffith Thomas, and most of the members of the town council, and a good number of prominent ladies and gentle- men in the town.

From All Quarters Police-constable J. Osborne fell dead while on duty at the Royal Mint yesterday. Mr. John Wye. Leicester's oldest citizen, will celebrate his hundredth birthday to- morrow. The Danish magistrate who arrived at Hull on the trawler Chieftain will. it is expected. leave Grimsby for Iceland early next week. The hat worn by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo is now on view at the Oxford- street shop of Messrs. Henry Heath, Limited. Mrs. Hamilton, widow of the Rev. George Hamilton, died at Kirkcudbright yesterday at the age of 106. She had been a widow for over 70 years. A Brighton pork butcher named Thomas Frost was fined £15 and costs, with the alter- native of one month's imprisonment, for sell- ing unsound pork. Major Sykes, M.P. for the Knutsford I Division of Cheshire, has accepted the mayoralty of Stockport by cable. He is at present in America. A youth named Blake, who is said to be wanted by the Liverpool police on a charge of forgery, was arrested at New York yester- day on board the Lusitania. "Widows are always capable of taking I their own part. Men are clumsy, and they tell the truth by accident, said Judge Bacon I at Whitechapel County-court yesterday. For carrying 172 more passengers than the authorised number on August 14. James Trenance, master of the pleasure steamer Worthing Belle, was fined LZO at Brighton yesterday. I "You can dodge death on 23. 6d. a week but you can't liTe on it," said Canon Talbot, speaking in condemnation of the practice of .j giving 2s. 6d. as out relief, at Bristol diocesan conference yesterday. There is a record number of Scottish fish- ing boats at Yarmouth this year. The num- ber of girls who have arrived at Yaripouth, Lowestoft, and Southwold from Aberdeen and the North British coast is about 10,000. Oy" 9,300 tons of nickel was produced dur- ing the last seven months in Canada, and the market value of the production is about £ 200.000 per month, according to an official cablfgram received by Lord Strathcona yes- terday. "Thank you. air. Thank you very much." said Thomas Wilson, Edward Johnson, and James Scott in chorus when at Marlborough- street Police-court yesterday they were sen- tenced to six months' imprisonment as sus- pects. Remarking that if the prisoner had been convicted of robbery before he would cer- tainly bave ordered him to be flogged, the Common Serjeant yesterday sentenced Wil- liam Cannell, aged thirty-four, a cab-washer, to five years' penal servitude for robbery with violence from Mrs. Harley. an aged ex-actre-JS, at Jordan-place, Fulham, S.W.

LONDON BY NIGHT 'Tecs in Evening Suits 'WOMEN'S LOWCUTCOSTUMES' Remarkable statements as to alleged hap- penings in a West-end restaurant were made at Bow-street upon the hearing of a summons against Richard Ba.ker, licensee of the Globe Restaurant. Coventry-street, charging him with knowingly permitting his premises to be the habitual resort of women, and allow- ing them to remain thereon longer than necessary ior the purpose of obtaining reasonable refreshment. Mr. Muskett. in opening the case on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, described it as one of both public and private import- ance, in which serious financial interests were involved. The defendant had held the licence of the Globe Eestaurant practically since 1891. and there had been no complaint as to the general conduct of the premises during that time. Recently, however, owing to complaints directed to the police of the district, observation had been kept by two officers, who visited the premises between half-past nine o'clock and closing time or: certain evenings in August and September. The officers went there separately, and they were usually in evening dress. "Serviette Money." Proceeding to describe the state of affairs that existed. Mr Muskett said it could hardly be denied that this restaurant was almost entirelv used by women of loose character. They went there in their dozens nightly, and were fashionably dressed, usually in low-cut costumes. The place was also frequented by large numbers of gentlemen, and open and flagrant conduct went on unchecked by the persons who were supposed to be in charge of the premises. The defendant himself was not seen during the periods of observation. but there was a, manager and a large staff of waiters. The conduct of the women was of such a character that. if they were guilty of it in the street, they would be arrested. There were one or two special features in the case. It appeared that when a woman entered the restaurant and took her seat she was charged Is., which was known as "serviette money." It seemed to be a rent for the right to sit in the room. Each woman was also handed the menu card of the table d'hote supper, the charge for which meal C4s.i had to be paid. whether she bad any food or not. Shortly before closing-time, when some of the lights were extinguished, gross scenes took place, and it was hoped that the magistrate would be able to see his way to second the efforts of the police to cleanse this Augean stable, a.nd wipe away a place wnich had become a, moral plague spot in the heart of the metropolis. Chief-inspector Stiles stated that he visited the restaurant one night and had an inter- i view with Mr. Baker, who said:- Never Had a Complaint, No women come in here alone without having supper. Of course, if they come in with gentlemen it is different. If you define the law to me and say how long these women are to stay, I will see that they don't remain one moment longer. I have had the best advice about it. What length of time can they stop? Tell me if they can come in at all. If you say they are not to come in they shan't come in. My men on the door have instructions to keep out any woman they know. I am very strict. If a woman once misconducts herself she is barred for ever. It is not the women who give the trouble; it is the men. I have been the licensee here for twenty years, and have never had a com- plaint by the police, and I think it an extreme measure to summon me. Several women who were present were identified by the officers who had been keep-! ing observation, and the defendant re- marked :— I don't deny that they come here. It is a difficult matter to discriminate between these women. I could take you to the Savoy, the Piccadilly Hotel, or Romance. a.nd point out a couple of dozen women like those we ha.ve here. When witness told the defendant that he understood women were allowed to sit at the tables on payment of Is. to the waiters, he replied that he could prove by the books that they had supper. Sir Frederick Low (for the defence) inti- mated that he would reserve his cross-exami- nation. Police-sergeant Woof, one of the officers engaged on observation duty, gave some evidence, and the hearing was adjourned.

IS BELLE ELMORE ALIVE" I am told that the real reason why Mr. Marshall Hall, K.C.. had to decline to defend Dr. Crippen was because he is engaged on a. big arbitration case (says Club Member in the "Liverpool Post"). Even to-day one meets people who are sure poor BeUe Elmore is still alive. Miss Le Neve's Counsel Mr. F E. Smith's shining forensV quality —fearlessness—will, no doubt, be strongly in evidence during the Crippen trial, in which the young hopb of the Tory party is to figure as counsel for Miss le Neve. Mr. Smith, of course, is well known and respected at the Central Criminal Court. As far as the general public is concerned, it was there that he first made his mark. He defended Goudie. the Liverpool bank forger, at the Old Bailey, and his brilliant speech excited one of the most blase criminal courfs in England to surprised applause. That moment marked the real beginning of Mr. Smith's career; indeed. it is said that a cele- brity in court was moved to explain that one day he would either be Lord Chief Justice or Prime Minister—a prophecy which hardly seems so startling now as it did then.

INKS AND FORGERY If it is shown that the ink on a document purporting to be drawn up. say, ten years ago, is really quite fresh. then there is every chance that the writing has been forged. Blue-black ink may be recognised as fresh (says Mr. Ainsworth in "Knowledge") up to the sixth day, and in after years its age may be told when the blue provisional pig- ment has faded and left only the black. The blue colouring as time goes on is hardly acted upon by re-agents, but for a year or two it is. In fact. writing done within that time will at once diffuse if treated with a 50 per cent. solution of acetic acid. whereas when it is five or six years old, diffusion, if it takes place at all. is very slow and limited in extent. A still more useful re- agent is a saturated solution of oxalic acid which causes the pigment of relatively fresh writing to give an immediate smudge, but has very little if any effect on writing six or eight years old.

I ENOUGH OXYGEN It is not the greater amount of oxygen (a professor explains) which makes the air on the moor or at the seaside seem fresher than that in the towns. The reason is found in the absence of carbonic acid gas. Discuss- ing the theory that the supply of oxygen is diminishing, the same authority said:— "Some years ago Lwo distinguished French chemists made calculations as to how long the earth's supply of oxygen could last, and they decided that under the very worst conditions it would last 800,000 years!"

POPULAR WELSH NAME I Avon as a name for a river is popular. There are two streams of the name in Wales, one being in Glamorgan and the other in Monmouth. There are five in England, three in Scotland. and one each in Novo Scotia. Ontario, and Victoria. It need hardly be said that Afon is the Welsh for river. There I are four rivers called Thames in various parts of the world.

RAILWAY TRAGEDY Last night two boys, named Leonard Ernest ¡ La.pworth. aged fifteen, and Arthur Herbert Burford, aged ten. were found terribly mutilated on the railway near Brighton-road Station, a suburban station near Birming- ham. The younger lad was still alive when found. but death took place soon afterwards. The body of Burford was found by the aid of a lamp lying a short distance away.

PRISONER'S PATHETIC APPEAL Thomas Burns, who was charged with William Body with bicycle thefts, made a pathetic appeal to the Westminster magis- trate yesterday for release on bail on the ground that his young wife had died only a few hours before he was arrested. The police said that the statement was true, and the 1 magistrate released him on his own bail of LIO. The other prisoner was remanded.

I "Well. Pat, bave you learned to ride your bicycle yet?" "Sorra a. bit, sor, sure Oi can't even balance mesilf standin, still. let I alone roidin'

Smashed Safety Lamp I FOUND IN THE WELLINGTON PIT A party, consisting of four Government inspectors and a number of colliery officials and others, exploded yesterday No. 3 District of the Wellington Pit, and found three bodies. The victims had apparently run out a few yards, as though they had been alarmed, and were covered with dust and much burnt. Near one of the bodies lay a lamp. No. 329, belonging to William John Dunn. a trailer. It wa.s lying flat. and on examina- tion one of the uprights was found to be indented, and the gasg was literally smashed all round. It is impossible to say how this was caused. out some of the members of the pary attached great impor- tance to its condition. The opinion "as held that the explosion originated somewhere near No. 1 brake, close to whe-e the lamp was found. Although no definite opinion was formed as to whether the broken lamp was the cause of the explosion, it. is held by some to be probable that the lamp set fire to the gas in the goaf. It is inferred that the lighting of the gas by this broken la,mp was the cause of the j alarm of the men. T-Iis, of course, is all ] supposition, but has much to support it. Mr. Atkinson, one of the Government inspectors. said the lamp might have been broken by the explosion. An inriuest was held on the bodies of eighteen of the victims yesterday and adjourned. I —

I DOCTOR HONOURED At a cost of 350 guineas a handsome memo- rial fountain, which will be unveiled to-day by Sir Arthur P. Vivian. K.C.B., has been erected in Taibach, Port Talbot, by the inhabitants as a tribute to the great pro- fessional and social work carried out by Dr. John Hopkin Davies, M.D.. J.P., of Tir DR. JOHN HOPKIN DAVIES, J.P. [Photo, Moody, Aberavon. Cradock, Taibach, during his 37 years' con- nection with the district. In addition to his great work in Aberavon. Port Talbot. and many miles outside the district. Dr. Davies has had a distinguished record both as a medical gentleman and as a citizen.

SUNDAY THEATRE Speaking at Liverpool yesterday. Mr. H. B. Irving said:—"I cannot for the life of me see why the theatre should not be open on Sunday for the production of some great tragedy of Shakespeare. (Applause.) We allow Beethoven apd Tchaikowsky in the concert room on a Sunday. Why not Shak- speare in the theatre? I feel that worse means might be found of filling the vacant hours of idleness of which one sees so much evidence on an English Sunday—hours too often devoted to loafing and drinking. the inevitable outcome of mutual vacuity and dismal surroundings. I can never. believe that the contemplation of what is noble or inspiring in music or the drama can be inconsistent with deep religious feeling, or unworthy to be compared even with a sermon for the value of its teaching." (Ap- plause.)

ccMANAGERITIS." There must be a, virulently contagious disease known as manageritis or something, for every second actor or actress you meet nowadays tells you that he or she. is look- ing for a theatre at which to set up in busi- ness on his or her own account. The craving for control mostly arises from a desire to pick and choose the parts they fancy they will shine in. One clever lady who for years has had her £50, £60, or C70 a week went into management, and judged each Pltty solely upon the quality of the part she fancied for herself. The rest of the tale is one of sheer financial disaster.—"London Opinion."

MONEY UNDER A PILLOW I Daniel Sullivan (22) was charged at Cardiff to-day with stealing 3s. in silver and a pocket handkerchief, value 3s. 2d., from Wilfred Farrell at 10. Bute-terrace between 11.30 p.m. on the 14th inst. and 6 a.m. on the 15th. On Friday night Farrell stayed at a lodging- house in Bute-terrace, and ir. the morning he missed 3s. he had put under his pillow. In answer to the bench, prisoner admitted the theft, and said it was his first offence for stealing. That being so. he was bound over [for six months, and was put under the 3ur- veillance of the probation officer. I ii in I ■

SEAMAN'S "MISADVENTURE.' Before the Cardiff magistrates to-day William Jenkins (51) was charged on a war- iant for that he on March 24. having been engaged as a seaman on board the sailing ship Imberhome, negotiated an advance note for Z3 10s., and then deserted from his ship I before the note beeftme payable. Prisoner admitted failing to go to sea without reason- able excuse, and said his belongings were taken in the ship. He. had intended to go; I it was a misadventure, and he had no busi- ness to have slept ashore." All he had was I 15s. He was committed for fourteen days.

HE MEANT "TATERS." ——_ Scene: Soldiers' barrack-room at dinner time. Orderly officer (inspecting men's dinner) asks:- "Any complaints, men?" Voice from the end of the table: "Yes, sir." Officer: "Well, what is it?" Voice: "Spuds is bad, sir." Officer: "Spuds -.s bad? Haw-er" (turning to sergeant), "Spuds is bad. Haw! What does he mean by spuds, Sergeant Murphy?" Sergeant (glaring at culprit): "The man is higgerunt. sir. He means taters."

UNCONSCIOUS HUMOUR Of the German Emperor, stories are as plentiful as blackberries. The latest comes from a county council school. The lesson was on the historic traditions of the Father- land. "And now," said the teacher, "we come to Germany, which is governed by the Kaiser. Tommy Janes, what is a Kaiser?" "Please, sir, I know," answered the alert scolar (confusing it with geyser). "It's a stream of hot water springing up and dis- turbing the earth.M.A.P."

FASHION IN GIRLS The latest and most tip-to-date fashion in girls (says The World ") is the droop. It is a pathetic drop of the lower lip and jaw, a' carefully studied look of innocence and belp-j lessness in the eyes. The lovely ladies who make picture postcards so beautiful are abandoning their dentifrice grin in favour. of an expression such as little children wear when they have been frightened by black- beetles. There is no doubt about it, the pose is quite effective.

GIFT TO WELSH UNIVERSITY At the half-yearly meeting of the governors of the University College of Wales. at Aber- ystwyth, yesterday. Principal Roberts announced amidst applause that Lord Rendel. with his u?ual generosity, had sent a. cheque for 11:000 to Sir John Williams.I The gift was the eleventh of its kind sent l annually by his lórdship.

CLARKE'S BLOOD MIXTURE. This famous dleln-P wftl -I- the blood from all impu- rities from whatever cause aris- flig. A sate remedy for Eczema, Poison, Sores of all kinds. Bolls, Bad UGa, Scrofula, Blood Kruptions, Ulcers. Glandular Swelling*. Ac. Of ail sure*. 4c. Forty year*' cucceta. Be war* of imitation A somewhat formal visitor asked a little girl: "How are you, my dear?" "Very weel, thank you," said the little girl. "Now," continued the visitor, "you should ask me I how I am." "But I don't want to know," was the unexpected reply

I Ely Pit's Seam Problem —— -0 —— I MR F. L. DAVIS AND MABON TO SOLVE IT I A meeting was held this morning at the offies of the Cambrian Combine. Llwynypia. between Mr. Leonard Llewelyn, general manager, with other officials. and Mr. D. Watts Morgan (miners' agent). Mr. Noah Morgan, and a, deputation of the Navai workmen to continue negotia- tions regarding the settlement of a price list at the Ely Pit for cutting a certain seam of The proceedings were private, but a report was supplied to the press as follows:— At a protracted meeting relative to the | | dispute at the Ely Pit all the matters relative to the price list were thrashed out. after which it was felt that difficulties presented themselves in respect to two or three points, a.nd that it would be inadvisable as there was no possibility of coming to a final settle- ment to continue without those points being outlined and agreed upon. Consequently it was felt by both sides, in the interests of peace, that it would be advisable to call in Mr. P. L. Davis and Mr. William Abraham (Ma.bon), the respective chairmen of the Conciliation Board, with a view to their discussing the disputed points, the case of both parties to be placed before them It was thereupon decided tha.t negotia- tions should be suspended until Thursday or Saturday next. A meeting of the Conciliation Board is to be held on Friday, and a hope was expressed that the day before or after that meeting would be convenient for the two chairmen to meet and discuss the case to be put before them." Brief Cynon Pit Strike | This morning, in consequence of a. dispute among some of the hauliers, the whole of the workmen employed at the Cynon Col- liery. Afon Valley, numbering about 400, came out on strike. We understand that a settlement has been arrived at, and the men will resume work on Monday.

THE HIGHER CLEANLINESS It is a mere" truism to state that the domes- tic and the surgical conceptions of cleanliness are leagues asunder. Yet, little by little remarks the British Medical Journal"), the higher ideal which we owe to the researches i of Pasteur and Lister may confidently be expected to permeate society until a time may come when our descendants may look back upon us with something of the.? incredulity, not to say horror, provoked in us by the records of unwashed mediævalism. IIn those days all barbers will sterilise their implements as a matter of course. The humble necessary loaf. exempt from the con- I tamination of promiscuous handling, will no longer be carried in dirty baskets, taking its chance of a roll in the mud or of contact with an errand boy's jacket of uncertain I age but'uncronraoie griminess. Freshly cooled from the cleansing oven. it will be enclosed in a sealed paper nag, and lovers of crust, will partake thereof without dread of enteric or diphtheria. ———-—  = I. I

STUDENT BEER DRINKERS At a banquet at Berlin Palace, to which several university students were invited, the! Kaiser gave five selected from the number a sound lecture on the dangers of alcohol, ,and he told them that so much bee?r4lyk. ing undermined their health, and diminished, their usefulness in later life as citizens. jI This excessive beer-drinking must stop. You should take up outdoor sports as is done in England and America. Field sports and beer drinking do not go together." The Kaiser's well-meant advice may have been .called forth by the statistics that have been published of the enormous quantities of beer consumed during a beer evening organised the previous night by the university autho- rities. Although the beer was calculated to last till one a.m., there was not a drop to be obtained at midnight. Four thousand gallons were drunk in three hours.

A TIGER STORY. I An officer of the Bengal La.nce! s who was seized by a tigress owed his escape to a curious accident. The tigress seized him by the breast of his coat and shook him until ho became unconscious- On recovering, he heard a strange noise at a little distance as if some one was sneezing violently. It was the tigress herself. He slowly turned round and gave a furtive glance in that direction. He could hardly believe his eyes, There was the tigress Slinking off with her tail very much between her legs, and sneezing violently and making the most piteous grimaces. The truth dawned upon him like a flash of lightning-in the operation of shaking his snuff box had flown open from his waistcoat pocket, and the tigress had received the, contents in her face.

KING'S ATTENDANT KILLED I A verdict of "Not guilty" was returned at Reading Assizes yesterday in a case in which Albert Rogers, a young London chauffeur, was charged with the manslaughter of Albert Horatio Chandler, a personal atten- dant on King Edward. Mr. Chandler was knocked down on the Bath-road by a motor- car while cycling, and he was run over almost immediately by a second car, of which Rogers was the chauffeur, and killed. In summing up. Mr. Justice Lawrence told the jury that there might have beelit suiffcient, negligence for an action in the. «iv„il courts, but there was no culpable criminal negli- gence.

THE GROCER'S ORDER Shopkeepers engaged in all branches of business occasionally receive from their customers strange- and surprising orders, and sometimes orders, which are very exact- ing; A; Leeds grocer received a written order from a customer a few days ago which read as followsKindly send half-pounl Irish roll bacon, if it is nice. cut thin. modreately lean, not all fat. Be sure to cut thin and even." It was shortly after eight o'clock in the morning when the bacon was handed to the messenger, who a.sked: "Is it fresh this morning?"

THE CZARITZA'S HEALTH 1 Reports from Friedberg. where the Russian Imperial Family is still in residence, again contain alarmist runiours regarding the Gza.ritsa's health. According to the "Berliner Tageblatt," the Empress has now given up walking altogether, and is pushed in an invalid chair even during shopping excur- sions. Her brother, the Granll Duke of Hesse, pushed the bath chair up fo the castle after a short outdoor expedition on Thursday. He refused to allow the attendants to help. Yes- terday the Czaritsa did not accompany the party from the castle.

SINGERS AND SCENT I I According to a well-known Viennese doctor, perfumes have a great effect on the voice. In this connection he le-calls the experience of a celebrated singer who had received from a friend a large bouquet of Parma violets. i Before appearing in her scene she took a deep breath of the fragrant scent, and to her surprise upon going on to the stage found I herself unable to sing a. note. This authority is of the opinion that all strong scents should be avoided by singers, as they exercise influence on the vocal chords more or less marked a,ecordina to the subject.

I THE SAFEST PLACE. I General Lee used to tell a tale of an old negro who fought through the war. The General asked him where he had seen the ?'oest time during the whole of his campaign. "At Chickamauga: because I found the safest place on the field as soon as the firing began." "How did you manage that?" "I knowed I'd be safe. 'cause I shipped for the place whar de ginirils was."

OMNIBUS IN AN AREA I The steering-gear of a motor-omnibus became deranged in Fulham-road last night, and the vehicle mounted the footway, dashed 'into some iron railings, demolished a wall. and finally fell down an area. The passen- gers and the driver and conductor escaped serious injury. =====

THE LION SERMON I The Lion Sermon, founded by the will of Sir John Gayer, Lord Mayor of London in 1646, to commemorate his escape from a, lion in Arabia. will be preached to-morrow in the Church of St. Kitherine Cree. Leadenhall- street.

WOMEN AT THE PLOUGH There was a class for women at the Bright-I, lingsea ploughing matches yesterday. The first prize was won by Mrs. F. Cracknell, of I Brightlingsea. and the second by Miss Dorothy Martin, of Newmarket.

Singapore. Saturday—The Freight and' Steamship Bill has passed the third reading I in the Legislative Council, with one dissen- I tient,

Neck Deep in Water STOKER'S TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE An extraordinary shipping accident, fol- lowed by a thrilling rescue, occurred in tha Admiralty Harbour. Dover, yesterday. The large dredger St. Andrew turned turtle, and one of the stokers, named Michael Kane. was imprisoned in the upturned hull. Four other men managed to crawl over her side. and they, clung to the keel till rescued. Knocks were presently heard coming from the inside of the dredger, and it was realised that Kane was still alive, and that he was signalling for hetJ. For two hours the knock- I íng continued, and meanwhile frantic efforts were being made to effect a rescue. It was decided to cut through a part of the steel hull. The work was exceedingly difficult, and occupied considerable time, but, eventually the plates were cut through, and Kane was rescued in a state of absolute collapse. Buck Up, Mike" Botn his legs had been broken, and tha water had risen up to his neck. If he had been imprisoned a short time longer be must have succumbed from suffocation. He was brought out by a shipmate, named W. Taylor, who had escaped when the vessel turned turtle. Taylor had answered Kane'3 knocks by encouraging shouts, crying, "All right, Mike; buck up; we'll be there soon." When the hole bad been cut Taylor was lowered through it. He found Kiane jammed between a part of the boiler and the ship's side. He was only just managing to keep his head above water.

MUSICAL POLICEMAN The following story is neat. All amateurs are familiar with the musical term "syncopa- tion" but for the benefit of the non-musical it may be said that it is a word relating to time or rhythm, the precise meaning of which will be sufficiently indicated by the story. A celebrated conductor was conducting a long series of concerts, and he had observed that it was always the same policeman who was stationed to the nearest door to the orchestra. Remarking upon this, he was informed that the officer in question was becoming quite an expert in musical terms, &c., for so long had he been on duty inside the hall. However, one evening he was missing, and, meeting him accidentally in the corridor next night. the great conductor accosted him thus: "Now, Roberts," he said, "where were you last night?" "Last night, doctor?" replied Roberts. "Oh. I was in syncopation." "In WHAT!" gasped the conductor. "In syncopation—off the beat, sir," replied the officer.

THE CORONATION GUESTS There is a movement in high circles to arrange as far as is possible that the chief colonial and foreign guests at the Corona- tion shall be housed and entertained by private folk in their own houses rather than at hotels. A certain number will. (f course. have to be put up at the larger hotels, but many of the owners of big town houses ha.ve expressed their willingness to entertain our chief visitors. Among these hosts are to be the Duke of Devonshire in Piccadilly, the Duke of Westminster at Grosvenor House, Lord Rosebery in Berkeley-square, Lord Lansdowne in the same square, and Lord -JjOndonderry at Londonderry House, Park- lane. This list will be considerably enlarged before the time comes for entertaining, and it is generally felt that the guests will appreciate this attention more than if they were merely officially entertained at hired hotels.

EMBANKMENT LITERATURE A correspondent of the "Liverpool Post" has been inquiring into the literature favoured by the "submerged tenth" of the Thames Embankment. If (he says) they are like the picturesque ragamuffins of Ouida's imagina- tion, and possess an Aldine or an Elzevir. they keep these precious volumes in their pockets. A few have out-of-date newspapers, others have back numbers of the "comics." or weeklies of the domestic type. But what astonished me the other morning was to see a man reading a grimy volume entitled "The New Bankruptcy Act." More curious, still. on the next seat another man was reading a copy of the "Penny Poets" edition of Morris's "Earthly Paradise." Let us hope he found it in his surroundings, for he looked as if he bad not tasted Paradise for many a long day.

VICAR AND HIS FEE The action of the Vicar of Littleport. in refusing to grant a birth certificate to an old man 78 years of age unless the maximum fee of 3s. 7d. was paid. was discussed at a meeting of the Ely Guardians. It was ex- plained that the old man. who wanted the certificate in order to obtain an old-age pen- sion, was in receipt of 2a. a week and half a stone of flour from the pariah. He had no other means, and had offered to pay the vicar 2s. on account and the balance the next week. but this was refused. On the incident becoming known to tue public the money was subscribed. Much surprise was expressed by several of the guardians at the vicar demanding the whole fee in such a case.

DOCTORS AND DUSTBINS Dr. W. ø., Willoughby, medical officer of health for Eastbourne, in his presidential address to the Society of Medical Officers of Health at Bloomsbury yesterday, said the matters which were occasionally brought before them and the expectations that the public had of them were sometimes absurd. Among the lists of duties given by school children in reply to a question asking them what the duties of a medical officer were. were "to empty the dustbins" and "to look after the doctors of a town." He knew of a case. however, where a supply of new dust- bins by order of a medical officer resulted in reducing by 70 per cent. the death-rate in a poor district.

HOW TO BAKE BANANAS An American contemporary gives the fol- lowing recipe:—Pull down a section of banana skin and loosen the pulp from the rest of the skin; remove all coarse threads and replace the fruit in its original position in the skin; bake half a dozen bananas, so prepared, in a hot oven, until the skin is blackened and the pulp is softened. Take the pulp from the skint, without injury to shape, and dispose on a serving-dish in half-circles; brush over with half-meited currant jelly, or hot sauce, and sprinkle with fine-chopped pistachio nuts. Serve with a bowl of sauce apart. Lemon or wine sauce is appropriate with this dish.

DREAM FULFILLED An extraordinary instance of a, dream coming true has occurred under distressing circumstances at Moffat. Intelligence has been received by cable of the death by drown- ing of Mr. Bruce Sinclair, merchant, Calcutta, whose wife is at present home from India. and residing at Moffat. where she gave birth to a daughter on Sunday last, the day on. which her husband was drowned. Mrs. Sin- clair, on being told the news yesterday, said she had dreamed her husband was drowned.

THE KING AND QUEEN'S PLANS After next Thursday London will see very little of the King and Queen till the new year. His Majesty will make occasional short visits to the capital, and the Queen will be returning on the 30th for a brief stay. After that Marlborough House will be dismantled for renovation and re-decoration in prepara- tion for the residence of Queen Alexandra. As the work at Buckingham Palace will still be in hand, the Court will be in residence for some months at Windsor and Sandringham.

ASPIRANTS AT TAE BAR I hear that something like eighty names of juniors who are desirous of taking silk have been submitted to the Lord Chancellor (writes the London correspondent of the "Da,ily Dispatch"), but that only about a fourth of these will be selected to write K.C. after their names. One gentleman sent in his name and then withdrew it. He thought it was better to leave well alone, for he is said to be making L7,000 a year as a junior.

WHAT THE LADY SAID When Kendall Russell Carter, of Kensing. ton. was summoned at Willesden yesterday for exceeding the speed limit, the constable stated that he said whsn stopped.' "How ridiculous! I come along at this pace every night." What did the lady who was in the car say?" asked Mr. Caister. She said a lot of things," replied the policeman.

Thrown from his horse while cubbing on Thursday, Frederick Bebbington, second Norseman to Lord Charles Cavendish-Ben- tinck died in Tewkesbury Hospital. Glou- cester, yesterday from a fractured skull, ib .vim..stated, at the inauest.