Evening Express

I I PRACTICAL PATTERN DESIGNS I CONDUCTED BY "EVE" Pretty, yet useful, smart, yet practical and becoming to wear. also quite simple to make. are the designs which appear in these coi umns. A Velveteen Coat. No. 14.025. This shape is specially suitable for veMeteen. The pattern is cut for 22. 24. and 28-inch waists, and requires 4i yards of 24-inch velveteen for making up. Flat pattern, 6-1d., post free from our :-)ffices. Address your request, with postal order, to "Patterns," Evening Erpress Office. Cardiff. I ——————————————

I For Women Folk i HOMELY HINTS AND DAINTY DISHES I A piece of yellow soap shredded among blankets stored away will effectually keep fhe moth out. Candles should be kept in a cool place and in a covered box. so that they may be free from dust and mr.y remain a good colour. as they are apt to turn Y21low when exposed to light. TL. Chestnut Pudding muter a piedian. Put lb. chestnuts (after •mttinK a small piece off the top of each one) •in a flat tin, balia 15 minutes; then remove the skins, and put the chestnuts in a stew- pan with teacipftii of water. cover with a ">utterea paper, put, ths lid on the pan. and i ook till the nuts are tender. Rub them through a sieve. Dissolve 2oz. choc^lats in half a pint of milk, and brillg to the boil. Fry together 2oz. butter and two of flour. Stir on to them the milk, and cook for five minutes. I'he!t add 2oz. of sponsre cake crumbs. Let -he mixture cool, then beat in two raw yolks ¡f egg and the chestnut puree, loz. of sugar, x few drops of vanilla, and the stiffly whipped whites of the eggs. Bake in a mode- rate over 50 minutes. Home-Made Bread lake one pennyworth of German yeast, 'j two quarter", ot flour, and one qnart of vatec. Put the flour into a good-sized pan, with a dessert-spoonful of salt. Make a hole at the bottom, then mix the yeast with warm water, and stir it into the flour till it is of a lice consistency. Work it about with the hands as much as possible, then put it on I the fender with a ciotli over the top for at least two hours—by that time it ought to nave risen to double the original size. Knead it well and put it in tins to bake in a moderate oven. Soda Crumpets Two a nd a half pounds of flour, one ounce of cream of tartar, two ounces of lard, three- quarters of an ounce of bicarbonate of soda, two ounces of sugar, one quart of skim milk, j Put the lard in a cup to melt. mix the powders well into the flour, put the milk. which should be lukewarm. into a large* bow!. ;tir in the sugar, add the melted lard, and mix in the flour to make a nice smooth batter, then grease some hoops, about four and a half inched in diameter and one inch deep. Put them on the hot girdle, and pour a little of the batter in them: in a few minutes the top will he full of holes: lift off the hoops, and with a fish-si icer turn the crumpets over to brown: in a. few minutes they will be done and ready for the table.

I MY LATER VIEW. I much admired her ready tongue. Her fluent conversation: Upon her words T breathless hung, She liked my admiration. I also praised her nimble wit. Her gibes were mighty clever; I used to think that I could sit And hear her talk for ever. Her arguments showed skill. indeed, Few people could refute her; I tried. but never could succeed, So seldom would dispute her. But then in sweet accord were we, Our views agreed precisely. And so. of course. I thought that we Would do together, nicely. But. now. of course, we're happy yet, Reposefulness she's lacking. She talks a heap too much, I bet Some folks would call it clacking* I don't enjoy our joint debates. She does, of course, I swear it! It's pretty toush. but still the fates Decree that I must bear it.

I Passing Pleasantries -Can I have some shooting on your farm?" aoked the visitor. "By all means," responded the farmer, heartily. "There are two tramps in the barn. a sewing-machine agent at the kitchen door. and the County Council candidate ringing the front-door bell at this moment. Please go and shoot them all." The authorship of "Little Breeches" was frequently incorrectly attributed to Bret Harte. A young woman once said to him. "I am highly pleased to meet you. Mr. Harte. I have read all your poems, but I have In 'Little Breeches' the most." "Pardon me, madam." replied Harte. "but you have I put the 'Little Breech' on the wrong man!" The company were lif-tening with strained ears to the beautiful rendering of Beethoven by a long-haired musician. They had appre- ciated it. but naturally on such a festive occasion they wanted something more lively. A youth stepped forward and touched the musician on the shoulder. That'F, very nice. old man." he said. with a smile of encouragement: "but let's have something dreamy and soothing—'Down the Strand' will do for a start." "T love you!" he breathed with all the passion of the hero of a first-class serial. "Oh, John." she murmured as she nestled closer to him. "Yes," he continued: "there is nothing in all this wide-world that I would not do for you. To be by your side I would swim the roughest sea, fight my way through the I raging flames, and walk a hundred miles through the dust and heat!" "No. no,. John!" she cried anxiously. I "Promise me you will never do such a thing." "But, dearest, why would you not allow me thus to prove my love and fidelity, should oc-easion arise?" "Just think." she sighed, "what a horrible fright you'd look with your clothes all wet and charred and dusty!"

I ASSETS—TWO RIFLES I In the Court of Bankruptcy on Monday a meeting was held of the creditors of the Hon. Rupert Craven, a son of the third Earl of Craven. The debtor, it was stated, had for some time been engaged in elephant hunting in the Congo Free State. In June last he went to Egypt with a view to obtaining a conces- sion for the purpose of establishing rubber plantations. He had obtained a promise for a concession, but it had not yet been ratified. I The debtor estimated his liabilities at about £ 1,000, and stated that his assets consisted of two sporting rifles, to which he attached no value. During the past three years his income had been about £500 per annum. He attributed his insolvency to heavy expenses in connection with divorce proceedings in 1899 and to loss on shares in South African companies in 1905. The case remained in the official receiver's hands.

DRY CLEAMSO.-l, MiBDy-street. Cathays.

I Narrow Escape Re-called I GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATIONS Mr. and Mrs. William Jones, of Laurel Cottace. Pontithel. near Three Cocks, cele- j brated their golden wedding on Sunday, and congratulations were sent to them from all quarters. The couple, who have lived happily together for 50 years, were married at St. Mary's Church, Broullys. on December 18, 1860. Mrs. Jones was a Miss Edwards, of Gwenddwr. and Mr. Jones then lived at Bryndu. Bronllys. The former is now 71 years of age and the latter 72. Both enjoy good health. Mr. Jones was engaged for 45 years-first as platelayer and afterwards as ganger—on the Cambrian Railways, and retired on April 6 lost. His hobby is heekeping and garden- ing. and he has taken many prizes in con- nection with the Gwernyfed horticultural competitions. He has devoted the whole of an industrious life to the careful discharge of his railway duties. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of St. Peter's Church, G lasbury-on-Wye. Mrs. Jones experienced a very narrow escape of losing her life 27 years ago..While cross- ing the line at Three Cocks on her way to Talgarth Market she was knocked down by an engine and carried six yards. Happily. she dropped in the four-foot, and the train passed over her. All the fing-ers of her left hand were cut off. and she was conveyed, in a critical state, to Brecon Infirmary. She suffered from the effects for fourteen years. MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM JONES. LPhoto-J. Clark. Brecon. THE PORTIICAWL LIGHTHOUSE. Which suffered great damage during the gale. In our photograph two men are to be faintly seen on the top of the tower. They are erecting a temporary .ht. I =

TRANSFORMED Oi-YMPIA Skating Rink to High-class Picture Palace Although the Olyuipia in Queen-street, Cardiff, remains open for another five days as a, skating rink. preparations are how practically complete for the establishment of the hall as an electric theatre. A magnificent series of animated pictures is being arranged for the inauguration on Boxing Day. when the theatre will remain open from eleven a.m. until eleven p.m., with a continuous programme for the benefit of the large holiday crowds who seek their pleasure at Cardiff. On subsequent days the theatre will be open from two to five in the afternoon, and from 6.50 until eleven at night. While all the pictures are guaranteed to he the latest and best, and. therefore, certain to retain the interest of the crowds who will throng this popular hall, liigh-class music and popular vocal items are to be rendered by artistes of capability and repute. Hence the' audience, while able to see the greatest pictures that cinematograph science has yet produced, will at the t'ame time Oc treated to a. variety entertainment, that has had few equals of its kind in Cardiff. The Olympia management have set themselves out to cater for the public, a. fact that the public themselves will realise era Boxing Day is river, and from that time onward the Queen-street house may be expected to become one of the most popular places of entertainment in the city. But while paying more than ordinary attention to the class of programme to be pro- vided. the comfort of the audience has not been overlook; in fact, this has been the subject of es. ee vial care, and the granJ circle has been elaborately furnished with tip-up chairs upholstered in plush. A revolution is taking place in the entertainment world, in which Cardiff's Olympia is going to take it,. fair share, and once the public have had an opportunity of seeing what is provided for their money they will not be found wanting in support.

CARDIFF COAL WASHERY I Mr. justice Darling and Mr. Justice Buck. nill in the Divisional Court on Monday had before them the case of Pago and Co. v. Meguin. a motion by the plaintiffs to set aside a judgment of the official referee. Mr. j Inskip appeared in support of the motion, t and Mr. Rawlinson, K.C., a.nd Mr. Newbold for the respondents, Mr. Inskip said the claim was for £ 752. or i 6s. per foot, for a number of concreate piles made by plaintiffs for defendants, who were engaged in erectinsr works for a coal washery i at Cardiff. Plaintiffs' case was that there j was a definite contract, and that they were entitled to be'paid 6s. on a quantum meruit. The sole question was whether there was a contract, cr, if not, that they should be paid a quantum meruit for that which they had done. The piles in question related to a briqueterie. which. however, was never erected, because of an objection taken by the Cardiff Bute Dock authorities, on the ground that the driving of the piles would damage existing buildings. Mr. Rawlinson said defendants stipulated they would only accept the agreement sub- ject to certain terms, but those terms were I never agreed to, and, therefore, there was no contract. Mr. Inskip replied that defendants knew they were making the piles all along, and said if plaintiffs agreed with the Cardiff Wash Coal Company then they could proceed. Plaintiffs did agree with the wash coal com- pany, and he argued that they were entitled to a quantum meruit. Mr. Rawlinson said the goods had never been delivered. I Mr. Inskip: The Cardiff Railway stopped the whol9 thing The Court dismissed the appeal, with costs, holding that the judgment of the official referee was right and that they agreed with it. The Court granted a stay pending an j appeal on certain terms as to costs. I

?L08T BY BETDNG.  "LOST BY BETTING." ¡ Count Bernard Francis Serath Gregory, j whose address wa.s given as Skindle's Hotel, Tajilow, was to have appeared at the Windsor Bait kru ptey-coi-irt recently for his public examination, but his counsel (Mr. P. Barrington Ward) put in a medical certificate stating that he was ill and unable I to attend. Mr. Thomas, solicitor, Maiden- head, said it must have been a very sudden illness, as he saw the count walking about f Maidenhead two days ago. Debtor's state- ment of affairs showed gross liabilities amounting to E2,418, and the assets zE7, leaving a deficiency of £ 2,411. The causes of failure were said to be "losses by betting and on purchase and sale of horses." According to the Official Receiver's statement debtor had lost £5,000 on horse racing in the last three years. The hearing was adjourned to January 14.

[ CAEPETS BEATE.N.-I, Minny-street, Cathara I

DR. D. R. THOMAS, Of Radyr, who has been appointed Medical Officer for the J'entyrch District of the Cardiff Union. [Photo-Donald Fraser.

ROLLER-SKATING I Patronage at Central Rink I The Central hoiler-skatmg Rink on Ihe Hayes continues to enjoy an ever-increasing patronage, which is a direct testimony of the height cf pleasure obtainable at this popular rink. Even with people busy preparing for the Christmastide. there is no falling off in the attendance at the three daily, sessions this week, and the management are looking forward to crowded gatherings over tile holidays. The floor has never been in a better condition than it is at present. Re-opening of American Rink I "io American Roi?r Link, in Westgate- i !tre,et,Car( iff, will he re-opened for skating on Thursday. Th? 91eat-.t precautions have I I been taken to protect the Hoor.

LOCAL BILLS IN PARLIAMENT I I The following private Bills are among those to he considered by Select Committees during I the coming session:- Barry Railway. Cardiff Railway. Great Western Railway. ] Perillwyn Railway. Rhymiiey Railway. I Aberdare Urban District Council. Afon Llwyd Valley Sewerage Board. Alexandra (Newport and South Wales) Docks and Railway- Margam Urball District. Council. Merthyr Tyllfil Corporation. Milford Docks. Oystermouth Urban District Council (Pur- chase of Waterworks). Rhondda Urban District Council. Rlios-on-Sea Pier. Rhymney' Urban District Council. Swansea Gas. Western Valleys (Mon.) Sewerage Board. Burry Port Urban District Council Electric Lighting. Hang-efni Gas. Pwllheli Gas. Rhondda Electric Lighting. Eastern Valleys of Monmouthshire Sewerage Board. Western Valleys (Mon.) Railless Electric Traction. Bedwellty Urban District Council.

[COUNCIL'S DILATORINESS" A letter being received from the clerk of the Liandaff and Dinas l'owis Rural District Council to the effect that that body was pre- pared to receive ^deputation on the matter, the St. Andrew's Major Parish Council again bad the ques-tion of the Dinas Powis water ■supply before them on Monday evening. Mr. E. H. Clothier proposed that the council. writo the district council that a deputation would wait upon that foody, j Mr. F. W. Dades: We have been playing with the matter for nearly a year People j have tOld me they have suffered in health. General Lee and Mr. D. R. Morgan (members of the district council) have not been doing their duty. M)" D. R. Morgan I have done all I can< I wish the council had accepted my advice j at the start and written to Mr. Oliver H. Jones. Mr. Davies moved an amendment that they write their two district councillors and ask them to report on what they had done in the matter. If this was not satisfactory a parish meeting should be called and a vote of censure passed on the councillors. The amendment was carried by the odd vote.

— LOCAL TIDE TBLE I g ? ? I g 5' 3 i i s s 1 § DAY, E. j :¡ I 9 TUES- i M.I 8 ?6j_9 15f 8 46 18 57! 9 45: 9 47 I r:a.. I r..) I Z 10 DAY. -'Ej9 10 9 58! 9 1C! 9 20.10 810 9 'cht.13_112-1 !.6,32 ;l 10 !w?U'I(M;;9"33)io0.9 3?9 42)10 .'ollo?l DAY, E. i 9 5510 2? 9 55?10 5,10 51110 52 Dao. 2) ht. ?! .C?t 1C36_(_!30 6?0 6?29 9 TnuR.s- ?. iY-.n?'?" 4'.? iu is! i.'o ? ir? ,?r?.'5 DAY, ?E. iO C, I 10110 43ll0 -Si111 35 11 35 Dp. 'ht.?9 io7 i to 4 43?1-0 9 l|i8 6:27 7 D e 22 ),t. 1,?9 ll,,o 51, FK1- 7 M."|ir"lO|u""3-!U- iuiii 'H —  DAY, E. 11 38 11 57 11 38111 33 0 0 10 ] Dec. 23 ht.b8 11 t9 íIJ3U lO'Û 96 8 | I — f 0" 27 j 0 60 y? M; 0 6 0 21 j 0 6 0 ,O 57i 1 0 De,? 24 (ht. 28 8\i9 0?2_926 1026 6,25 8 8 'N fM.?0 ?)'04?jb 31 0 3ll129i132 DAY. E.|l 6i-i 16 1 5? 0 5? 2 2! 2 5 Dec. 25_i_t_.29 01 i3 126 -?26 3i25 5 E. Sill Hmth BitaLn. ? Alexandra Docx.

CLARKES BLOOD MIXTURE. THIS famous mertlclo* vml tlemse the blood from all Impu- rities from whatever cause aris- ing. A safe remedy for Ecrema, poison, Sores of all kinds, Bolls, Bad Legs. Scrofula, Blood Eruptions, Ulcers, Glandular Swellings, &c. Of all stores, &o. Forty Years' success. Bawars of imitation. A dispatch received at Tangier from Fez states that the German Post-office there has been broken into by brigands, who made good their escape, after secunng all the money they could lay their hands ou.

I Signalman's Error VERDICT IN TRAIN SMASH INQUEST j At St. Pancras on Monday the inquest was resumed on the five men who succumbed to injuries received in the railway collision at Willesden Junction. Mr. Turnbull, superintendent of the line, said the second train should not have been admitted to the section. The state of the line was clearly recorded on the indicators in the signal-boxes. Signalfnan Blundell gave evidence admit- ting that he pulled the wrong lever, i and expressing his regret for the mistake and his sorrow for the relatives and friends of the deceased and injured. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," adding that they considered the acci- dent was due to Signalman Blundell inadver- tently pulling lever Xo. 55 in mistake for lever No. 53. They asked the railway com- pany to consider whether, as the bridge obscured the signalman's view of the plat, form, it would not be possible to devise some means whereby the signalman could see whether the lines were clear. I I

BARRELS OF PETROL The action of the Fargrove Steam Naviga- tion Company (Limited) v. the Great Western Railway Company was tried on Monday before Mr. Justice Scrutton in the Commer- cial Court of the King's Bench. Plaintiffs claimed 14.151 damages from the defendants, alleging that defendants had been guilty of negligence as carriers in delivering on board the plaintiff's ship Start at Newport, among other stores, four barrels of petrol without giving plaintiffs proper notice of the dangerous character of the goods. The result was that on March 2 lat. as the contents, which were supposed to be paraffin oil, were being run off into the engine-room tank, an explosion and tire occurred, damaging the hull and engines of the ehip. Among the damages claimed were £ 10 2s. paid to the Newport Fire Brjgade, 125 to the Newport Screw Towing Company. X70 to the Alexandra Docks and Railway Company, £5 for workmen's damage claims, zES2 15s. to the Salvage Association, S,2,626 paid to the Cardiff Channel Dry Docks Company for repairs to hull and engine, £ 766 damages for nineteen days' detention of the ship, f295 for replacement of stores destroyed and £5 paid to Happertield and Williams for damage done to a wharf to which the chip was taken when on fire and from there cast off. Defendants denied all plaintiffs' allegations as to breach of duty on their part, and said the barrels, if delivered to plaintiffs, were not sent on board, but were left on the quay. and were distinctly marked with the words "Taxibue spirits" and Highly inflammable." A [tentatively, defendants said the damages claimed were too remote, and pleaded that plaintiffs had been guilty of contributory negligence, inasmuch as they took the petrol on board without examination, and ran it off into the engine-room tank, although the barrels were plainly marked, whereas by the exercise of a little care they could have discovered the barrels contained petrol. Mr. Bailhache. K.C., and Mr. D. C. Leek appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. J. R. Atkin, K.C., and Mr. Schiller represented the defendants. Mr. Ba-ilhache contended that there was an aœolute duty on the defendants to -ive notice to the plaintiffs of the dangerous character of the good delivered. I Mr. Atkin contended there was nothing to justify the plaintiffs' engineer receiving these four barrels of petrol and treating them as containing paraffin. The engineer was expecting casks of paraffin, and these four casks were of an entirely different description. On both ends they had labels descriptive of the contents. Hie Lordship eventually reserved judgment I until Wednesdav.

:SHIPPING CASUALTIES I LL]cly(l*s Tele-,rams.'j -Nfo I Monday. I Alexandra, Woermann. German steamer, in I port at Hamburg, on fire: every means being taken to extinguish it; part 01'n- ward cargo on board; expect heavy damage to hull and car?o; cause of fire l unknown/ Ceres. Russian steamer. Granton for 8eill, with col, put into the Tyne with machi- nery out of order. Walcheren, Dutch steamer, put back to Rot- terdam, in tow; high-pressure cynnder el-acked or oiit of order. Athitiaia.-Galatz telegraphs: Greek steamer Athinaia, before reported, re-floated. Ariel.-C,efle telegraphs: Swedish steamer Ariel. Hull for Gefle, with coal ashore at Eggersund; full of water; salvage entirely dependent upon weather. Lamia L.—Odessa telegraphs: Italian steamer Lamia. L.. before reported re-floated. Swakopmund, German steamer, Hamburg for West Africa, arrived Plymouth to-day, in tow of German steamer Wismar; I dama-ged steering gear. Verona. German steamer, New 1 ork lor Philippines, arrived Malta; one boat carried away; slightly damaged about decks: heavy weather experienced 011 voyage. Lord. — Greenock telegraphs Norwegian steamer Lorad, here, from Burriana. reports experienced heavy weather: part of bulwarks were damaged; lifeboat smashed. Tugela.-HuIl telegraphs: Trawler Yukon reports having spoken trawler Tugela on December 14 in Onunderfjord, West Coast of Iceland; report telegraphed from Ice- land on December 14 that Tugela was ashore on south coast must. therefore, have been erroneous. Anneley. Wexford telegraphs: British barque Anneslay, Melbourne and Queens- town 101 Belfast, sank about two miles north-east of Tuskar Rock; crew picked up by tug Wexford. Lota.—St. Michael's telegraphs: British barque Lota, Lobos d'Afuera for Antwerp, has deck swept, bulwarks stove, and boats smashed, leaky; jettisoned cargo; leaky in upper works; cargo shifted; cargo damaged by sea water. Vaar. Norwegian barque, Puerto Borghi, via Bahia. for Windau. arrived Falmouth; lost boats, sails, bulwarks. and stanchions from fore to main rigging on starboard nide. main hatch stove, and other deck damages; was taken in tow yesterday morning about 60 miles south-south-west of the Longships by steamer Dunsley. of Cardiff, and afterwards transferred, from off the Manacles, to tug Victor, of Fal- mouth, and towed into port. Alexandra Woermann.—Hamburg telegraphs: Fire aboard German steamer Alexandra Woermann. before reported, has been extinguished; steamer badlv damaged; no cargo on board at time of fire. Germania. Yap (Caroline Islands) .tele- graphs: German steamer Germania is overdue. Lincairn.—Porto Vecchio telegraphs: Steamer Lincarrn, previously reported ashore at Piombmo, floated this morning, after towmg all night. Cornucopia,—Lisbon telegraphs: Telegram from Sag res states Norwegian steamer Rask Picked up, in lat. 45 N., long. 8 W., crew of British steamer Cornucopia, foundered at sea on December 15; Rask calling at Gibraltar to land crew. Raven. Southampton telegraphs: Steamer Raven has arnvednere in distress. Camargo. Corcubion telegraphs: Spanish steamer Camargo arrived, damaged a good deal about the deck. Nord America.—1 angler telegraphs: Italian steamer Nord America, which went ashore near Arzela. has broken her back: has! been surveyed and condemned; salvage recoverable will be small. St. Croix.—Barbados telegraphs: British barquentine St. Croix, Buenos Ayre3 for Philadelphia, put in here, leaky; captain sick. Annesley. Queenstown telegraphs: British barque Annesley, Melbourne and Queens- town for Belfast, foundered two miles north-west of luscar Lighthouse; crew saved; vessel considered dangerous to navigation; masts showing above water. Ingbert.—Las Palmas telegraphs: German steamer, apparently Ingbert, showing signals of distress; North German Lloyd steamer Sigmaringen has gone to her assistance; very bad weather prevails here. Amie. British steamer. Constantinople for Antwerp, passed Flushing with deck damages and two boats carried away. Pegu.—Sabang telegraphs: British steamer Pegu, of Penang, ashore at Diamond Po int: Dutch Government vessel left to assist. Preuesen.—Dover telegraphs: German ship Preussen, Hamburg for Valparaiso, before reported ashore near Dover, salvage con- tractors consider vessel total wreck, and abandon operations. Cheruskia, German steamer, which put back to Bermuda, in tow of tug Rescue, for coals, sailed on December 18. Elsie.-Steamer Clan Mackinnon passed east of Dungeness and signalled saved hands of the schooner Elsie, of Mandal, New- foundland for Gibraltar, in North Atlantic.

COUGHS and COLDS Cured like Magic by HAY- MAN'S BALSAM. Perfectly safe for Children. Cash prices. 1/- an,l 216d. A Scotch teetotal society has been formed among farmers. There is a clause in one of the rules that permits the use of whisky at sheep-dipping time. One worthy member keeps a sheep which he dips every day.- Globe.

Queen Mary's Health I OFFICIAL DENIAL OF RUMOUR r A statement was made on Monday by a London contemporary, under the heading of "The Queen's Health," to the effect that an interesting domestic event was anticipated at Buckingham Palace in March, and that, in view of her approaching accouchement, her Majesty would return to London in January. and would remain at the palace until after the happy occurrence. The Evening E,rl)i-e.-s is authorised to state that the announcement referred to is.entirely without foundation.

CHARACTERS FROM DICKENS Mr. Bransby Williams is a,n artiste who charms wherever he perforais. He is the star turn at the Cardiff Empire this week, and his character sketches from bookland and stagefand are as entertaining, as educa- ting. and as pleasing as ever they were. Mr. Bransby Williams is, of course, par excellence r in Dickensian characters. First of all lie gave Montague Tick." from Martin Chuzzlewit," a ne'er-do-well sort of charac- ter, with a not very fine sense of honour. Sidney Carton." from A Tale of Two Cities," of course, went remarkably well, but, probably, Mr. Williams was best of all in Bob Cratchet." from Christmas Carols." As a variation Mr. Williams evidenced his versatility by giving a portrayal of an old- time actor at a country fair. This was a delightful piece of characterisation, and captivated the audience; indeed, their laughter was unrestrained and hearty. Mr. J. B. Barton and Miss Annie Ashley gave their sketch, Adam the Second." This is a pretty playlet. The scene represents a i lone castio on the Andes Mountains in South America, where Anita, a. dainty maiden who has never seen a man, resides with her mother and agad nurse. Suddenly Adam descends from a balloon, and his antics with the innocent maiden are provocative of end- less merriment. The Quaint Q's. four har- monious comedians. appear in a mixed medley of song a.nd dance, interspersed with many queer quips and cranks. It is a melodious and also a. humorous contribution to the programme. Franco Piper, the maestro of the hanjo. gives a number of selections upon his favourite instrument, whereon lie can play tunes whilst spinning and tossing it in all sorts of quaint ways. The Hadj-Moliammed Troupe of Arabs are wonderful acrobats, and their human pyra- mids are marvellous formations. Johnson Clark is one of the cleverest ventriloquists ever seen at the Cardiff Empire, and Leo Stormont. London's popular baritone, sings a, good military iwng. Tom Parker, the happy comedian, and the bioscope complete an entertaining programme.

NEW PLAYHOUSE BESIEGED Remarkable scenes were witnessed in Queen-street on the occasion of the first public performance at the luxurious new picture playhouse which has just been opened opposite Park-place. Crowds com- menced to assemble Quite an hour before the time of opening, and the services of the police were necessary to regulate the throngs which besieged the entrance of the theatre. As soon as the theatre gates were opened the hall, in spite of its record seating accommo- dation. was filled to overflowing. Open sur- prise was expressed at the wonderful trans- formation which has been made ou these premises, the beauty and size of the hall, with its wide sloping floor (giving a perfect view of the proscenium from every seat), causing expressions of admiration on all sides. The gorgeous decorative work. the elegance of the electrical fittings, and the fine upholstering of the tip-up seats provide a, treat for the eye. especially as the colour scheme throughout has had special attention. The Bluo Viennese String Orchestra (under the able leadership of Herr Bela Rancher) proved exceed mely popular with the audience, and although a number of violin solos were given by special request by Herr Rancher, the$yjjt.a-ined. applause demanded fre(itielit. The". programme of cnimated bioscope pictures included iilins to I suit ail tastes and proved much to the liking of the patrons, whilst the films were quite free from flicker." A well-known Cardiffian summarised the general verdict of the audience by stating that it was more like visiting one of the theatres in London or on the Continent. Crowds visited the theatre all day, and the sign of House full was constantly displayed. It may be safely said that the opening of the new theatre opposite Park-place has begun under auspicious c ir cunwt a nce»s, and everything points to a successful future for Cardiff s new picture playhouse.

STIRRING MILITARY PICTURES Varied and attractive, blending tragedy and pathos with humour, this week's pro- gramme presented to patrons by the manage- ment of the Panopticon, St. Mary-street, is sure of gaining popular favour. Heading the bill is The Taking of Saragossa," a stirring military film in twelve tableaux, depicting an incident of the French invasion of Spain in 1809. Juana is forced by her cruel uncle to make her way into the Frerch lines and act the part of spy. She is captured, and taken before an officer, who is attracted by the pretty Spanish maiden, and the feeling is reciprocated by Juana. The order to attack the convent of Saragossa comes from the general, and to Juana s lover tails the honour of leading the charge. Juana has been re-captured by her uncle, who forms a plot for the destruction of the French soldiers by milling the convent. The attackers gain the convent, but are told of the plot by Juana, who, in making her I escape with her lover, is shot down. Another fine military series of films is The Three Cherry Pits," a dramatic story of French history. Daisies is a refined love story. The Black Gondola illustrates an unfaith- ful wife and a husband's revenge, while "The Gamekeeper's Daughter" is a pre-ttify-acted story. Football at Home" proved a rare mirth provdkei*. "The Men Haters' Clubs' and *'The Rival 'Tecs were also mirthful. Mr. Harry Coombs, in his illustrated songs, and Mr. Bert Williams, elocutionist, were as popular as ever. There will be matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30.

I AFTER A FOOTBALL MATCH I At a coroner's inquiry on Monday at Cardiff a verdict of Death from heart failure" waa returned in the case of Idris Llewellyn Thomas (10), of 15, Llantrisant-street, a young Cathays schoolboy, who died suddenly while returning from witnessing a football match on Saturday. Harold Dix, a schoolmate. said the deceased and witness helped to carry away the goal-posts. After they had gone deceased complained of stitch," and almost immediately fell and died before medical assistance arrived. Daniel Thomas, a, brother, stated that the ) deceased was medically examined last year, when it was found he had a weak heart. The lad since had been free from any drill or physical exertion during school hours. Mother's Story at Newport The deputy-coroner (Mr. Lyndon Cooper) held an inquest at Newport on Monday on the body of Richard Lockley, aged nine weeks, whose parents lived in Oakley-street. The mother said she had given birth to twelve children, and this was the seventh which had died under the age of two years. The child was found dead in bed on Sunday morning, and the jury returned a verdict of Death from convulsions." Surprised That He Walked I An inquiry was also held by the Newport deputy-coroner concerning the death of Antonio Agus (71), a shipbroker's clerk, of Ruperra-street. He had, according to the evidence of his widow, been ailing for twelve months, and died suddenly in bed early on Sunday morning. Last summer he was attended at the Newport Hospital for lung trouble, and the house surgeon at that time expressed surprise that he was able to walk I about.—A verdict of Heart failure" was returned. Failing Roof at Merthyr I William Parry, collier, aged 24. of 7, South- view, Cefn Coed, died at the Merthyr General Hospital on Monday from injuries sus- tained through a fall of roof at Cwm Pit on the 6th inst.

KNOCKED DOWN BY MOTOR-CAR. PARIS, Monday. The "Journal" says that at midnight Colonel Tinoff, attached to the Russian Embassy, was knocked down by a motor-car while alighting from a tram-car. His con- dition causes great anxiety.-Reuter.

Should Police be ArmedPl I I THE EMPLOYMENT OF DOGS I Should policemen carry arms? This is I a question which has been suggested by the Houndsditch tragedy. It is argued by some people that at any rate police-officers whilst on night beat, and par- ticularty in notorious districts, should be armed with revolvers. Another suggestion vhich is again being brought forward is the employment of dogs. Writing to the "Times," Major E. H. | Richardson says I wish to point out that it is doubtful whether this terrible affair could have happened, or, at all events, it could hardly have been so serious, had the police been prodded with dogs to help them in catching the miscreants. "When the police were drawn up around the house, had they been provided with one or two dogs. it would have been almost im- possible for these men to have got clear away, It may be argued that the men would have shot the dogs, but it is not at all an easy thing for 'them to take such steady aim while they were being attacked by dogs, and, even so. it were better that a dog should be i killed than a man. and it would have given the police a, chance to tackle them whii3t. the men were wrestling with the dogs. The mur- derous assault on the police by the Totten- ham burglars some time ago was another case in point. I have agitated for three years now, and the London police in the City and suburbs should be provided with dog scouts of this type at night. If public opinion still requires convincing as to the necessity and humanity of these dogs. I should think that the thought of these injured and murdered policemen, not to mention the assaults constantly made on the police, would serve sufficiently. "I n that case, perhaps the authorities will move in the matter and will do as is being done in other great towns in England and Scotland—that is. provide the police on night beats with dogs which are able to attack and hold a burglar. I Glamorgan's Police Dog "The chief-constable of Glamorgan writes to me that one of his constables was recent! v attacked, and was sa.ved by the dog I had j sent to their police force. He also states that the constables felt greater confidence when going through lonely places, knowing they I cannot be attacked unawares." i Revolver as Deterrent I With regard to firearms, a well-known I South Wales official, with over forty years' experience in the police force,, on Monday said:—"I have a great deal of faith in I arming the police, because I think it would be a great deterrent to law-breakers, who, the moment they realised that the police I whom they encountered at night-time were armed, would be afraid to fire. "Of course, I don't suggest that the police should be generally armed with revolvers, but simply those more particularly engaged at night-time in the detection and not the prevention of crime, who would be carefully selected. I I- The Alien Laws I But J have a still greater faith in making I it a great deal more difficult for aliens to be landed in this country. That is the crux of the whole matter. Our shores are open for all in common, and to my mind this is a matter, having regard to what has happened in London, which should receive the first attention of our legislators. At present it is far too easy for aliens to come into this country, and some check should be placed upon this invasion of our shores. Even assuming that these police officers at Hounds- ditch were fired at from premises which were in darkness, I think that if the police were properly armed and carried electric bulls'- eye lamps. which are fast superseding the old-fashioned lamps, the police would have I been able to cope with them."

i c ALADDIN" AT-NEW THEATRE I The annual pantomime to be produced at the New Theatre, Cardiff, this year, is written around the popular hero of Eastern fairy lore, "Aladdin." In a pantomime success depends upon the artistes, and that being so there is every reason to prophesy a capital run for "Aladdin," for the promoters have got together a com- pany which will provide excellent enter- tainment. The title-role will be filled by Miss Clara Beck, one of the brightest of principal boys"; the Princess will have a most charming ex^ouent in Miss Dollis Brook, and the parts of "Abanaza,r. the wicked uncle, and the widow "Twankey" will be in the hands of Messrs. Austin Rudd and Harry Conlin. The cast will also, include Miss May Hart, Miss Florence Thur- ston. Miss Gertie Murray. Nl r. Charles Grantley, Mr. J. R. Val, Mr. Hayden Arm- strong. and those two inimitable drolls. Barney Armstrong and Kelly. 1\ (kl to this strong cast a bevy of remarkably pretty girls, gorgeous dresses, magnificent scenery, i and one is apt to predict that this year's j pantomime will easily beat all records.

ACROBATS & MUSICAL TALENT It -.vas a case of look and laugh when Harry Ford appeared as the star turn at the Charles-street hall on Monday night. His get up was entertaining, but his running fire of wit was charming. The Grassis displayed acrobatic excellence and musical talent. Carrie Laurie's kindergarten has not lost any of its favour with a Newport audience. The mannerisms and chatter of Dick Tubb proved him a veritable comedian. An insight into East End, London, life was given by Harry Shirley and May Ransome in their skit. "Jim's Pal." Jessie Buckle, vocal come- dienne, and the Sisters Jerome, duettists and dancers, added to a delightful programme.

"THE DRAMA OF LIFE." I The Drama of Life, a great human play, presented by Messrs. Sydney Cranston am; Arthur Helsby's London company, occupios the boards of the Theatre Royal this week. There was a large audience on Monday even- ing. The lole of the hero, Harry Beech, was admirably sustained by Mr. Graham Wood, and Mr. Sydney Cranston, in the part of the harmless aristocrat, Sir Donald Wilde, was well supported by the other principals- Miss Pattie Hastings as Sylvia Beech, the erring wjfe. and Mr. Archie Helsby. whose pourtrayal of Walter Beech showed marked ability..

PRINCE HUNTS CHEETAH I I HAIDERABAD, Sunday. The German Crown Prince to-day hunted cheetah, and his Imperial Highness took a snapshot photograph of the kill. Dr. Wagener, the German explorer, who is attached to the Crown Prince, was thrown from his horse and rendered unconscious, but rapidly recovered, and is none the worse for the mishap. The Prince afterwards took part in a black buck shoot, and then motored to Golconda, where he visited the tombs.— Reuter.

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