The Pembroke County Guardian and Cardigan Reporter

SPECIAL ARTICLE. L ^'EXT WEEK we will give a 6pecial article on the new liability imposed on •householders by The Domestic Servants Compensation Act, 1907." The article is from the pen of a well-known Pembroke- shire solicitor.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Many people are familiar with the vivid description given of the distracting perplexities which "David CuppeTlielll" had to face whej he was acquiring the art of ttenogranlw The changes that vere iu-ift apon dot-, which i'l such a position meant such a thing, and t1 such another positirn something else, eitirel) differert, the wonderful vagaries that were Played by circles; the unaccountable conf- luences that resulted from n-iarks like fli.e.- kg?; thp. treme-idous effects of a eLty;(., i" a "Wrong place, not only troubled my waking hours, but reappeared before we in my sleep. I'Vh(Iii I had groped my way, blu-dly, thr igh tile6e difficulties, and had mastered the alpha het, which was an Egyptian Temple in itWi, ttiere then appeared a moi.v.ssio.-i of new horrors, called arbitrary chapters; the m- .1- u^spotic characters 1 have ever known; who insisted, for instance, that a thing like the beginning of a cobweb meant "expectation," and that a pen-and-ink sky-rocket stood for 'disadvantageous." When I had fixed these wretches in my mind, I found that they had 'driven everything else out of it; then, begin- tling again. I forgot them; while I was pickii. £ them up I dropped the other fragments of the system; in short, it was almost heart-break .ing." w < I refer to this because the other day I re ceived from the publishers, Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., a little shilling hand-book by Sir Edward Clarke, giving a system of Easy Shorthand," which requirel no teacher. It is a system invented by Samuel Taylor near the end of the eighteenth century, and has been amplified and simplified by Sir Edward Clarke in the course of his strenuous life. He says he acquired it easily, and found' it most useful. to take down the exact words used by a wit- ness or by an opposing counsel in his speech, Or by the judge in his summing-up or judgment, Or by a speaker to whom I had to reply in the Hous of Commons." I dare not enter into a critical examination of the system; that would require too much space. < Captain Marryatt in one of his inimitable sea novels-" Midshipman Easy," I believe-has an account of a very comical duel which sor..o mischievous midshipman engineered. Three "green horns were persuaded that they ought to fight a ouel, and' the young imps wh J incited th(..n-. on placed their men in a tiiangle. o, 1 shot at No. 2, he at No. 3, and he again at No 1. The funny part of the joka was that none of the three had a t-hot at his "treal or "irnaginary" enemy. I am reminded of this story by what has been happening this week in the Cardiff papers. The "Western Mail," which I may call No. 1, suddenly "potted" the nv. James Phillips, whom we may call No. 2; and he, seating his face towards the "Sour' ^ales Daily News," No 3, fire 1 off his shot :n that direction, apraiently in the hope thifc it might reach No 1. I hope my readers acpie ciat-e the points of resemblance between these two—f?hall I say hi stotj.c ?-tri angular duels. What a fertile source of gossip is closed to Ille because I have to adhere in this plane to What I recognise as a sound rule--thit no Opinion on controversial Fubjeots shall be e,- Iressed. You see, beyond a mil-i joke, I 3m debarred from discussing the chances, pro :t.j con, of the various candidates in the Cc.iiiiy Council tlection. "Sitting on a fence" orne one say? Well, of course, that is a veiy Excellent position from which to view the Saroe, and what is an election contest but a Saiae w w At Milford Havf n k is not yet decide i whether two representatives or one will '.OiH back to the County Council on March 5. If the local Government order is receiv id before February 23 then the district will be divided, and Milfcrd will probably be ideally •■ep:^ "ellted by Dr. Griffith and Colonel Roberts; while should no change be made before that date then it is probable that the doctor will be returned unopposed. Whenever the order came afterwards Dr. Griffith would have his choice fJf the two seats, and the second one would either go to Colonel Roberts or be fought for. I believe that is the correct state of affairs. w ri • Some people about the Docks are always grumbling about the petty thefts 4'rom the trawlers, but always the last to lend a helping hand to the dock police in their attempts to Put a stop to the evil. A case in point has happened within the last few days. A skipper saw, a youngster coming from his vessel with a bag which he searched while the boy ran away. Then up came the boy's father, and after seme threats he produced a knife and slashed the bag in two. The contents fell out and were kicked into the dock, thus removing, as he apparently thought, the whole of the in- criminating evidence. Will i+ be believed that the skipper has been reprimanded by those to whom he was responsible, people who certaifLv Onght to have knov n better than to compound a felony. In the face of such conduct how can the dock police maintain law and order? < • • I am glad to hear that the preparations fo- th,e public performance of "The Messiah" at Haverfordwest next month are well in hand. The rehearsals are in full swing, and are well attended, and the choir of 150 voices is one of which the old town may be proud. Hulley n ifnownfd Swansea Band will form the orchestra. It was intended to apply to the Wiltshire's, but the "slating" they got, in the Pres., when they farmed the band for "Judas Maccabreus" at Pembroke Dock led to a change of programme lJulhVs band i:? an acc^m -plished ore, and will do justice to the fine THE SAXON.

DUNCLEDDY PETTY SESSIONS. These sessions were held at Clarbeston Road on Friday, February 8, before Dr. Henry Owen' (chairman), Colonel Edwardes, Mr. Thomas Llewellin, Mr. R. P. L. Penn, and Major 0. H. S. Williams. This was the annual licensing sessions. Supt. J:,mes had no report to present. Tbeve had been no convictions, there were no objec- tions, and all the licenses were renewed. Three hundred and sixty exemptions from dog licenses were granted, and 143 objections were adjourned until the next sitting of the petty sessions.

LIST OF CANDIDATES. The following is a complete list of candidates for the County Council elections as far as they are known at present:— UNCONTESTED. There will probably be uncontested returns in:- Amroth.J. C. S. Gianville (C.). Begelly.—*H. Seymour Allen (L.). Burton.Sir Owen Scourfield (C.). Cainrose.—*W. J. Canton (L.). Care.v.F. Lort Phillips (C.) Cast.Iemartin.—*Lord Cawdor (C.). Clyd.ey.Evan Thomas (L.). Eglwyswrw.E. Robinson (L.). Haverfordwest (Pl'éndelgast).W. T. Davies (L.). H->:iry' M(,It -*J S. Evans (L.). Lampeter Vdfl'ey.-¥.U. Rees (L.). Llanfyrnach.- Llanstadwell.—*Rev. W. Powell (L.). Llanwnda.Dr. Williams (L.). Llawhaden.—*J. M. Evans (L.). Maenelochog.— Milford.—*Dr. G. Griffith (L.). Milford. Possibly a new second seat, for which Colonel W. R. Roberts (C.), would most likely be retuined unopposed. Monkton—*Colonel Mirehonse (C.). Nevern.—*D. G. Griffiths (L.). Newport.—^Captain Thomas James (L.), Giant eg, Din as. Pembroke (Division 30).Dan Davies (I..). Pembroke (Division 31).—*Benj. Powell (L.). Pembroke Dock (Division 32).—*W. Grieve (L). Pembroke Dock IDivifion ?3).S. B. Sketch <r.) Pembroke Dock (Division 34).—*W. Robinson (L) Pembroke Dock (Division 35).—*James Hut- ehings (C). Pembroke Dock (Division 36).8. R. Allen (C.) St. David's.J. Howard Griffith (L.). St. Dogmaels's.— St. Ishmaels. -*James Thomas (L.). Slebech.Sir Chailes Philipps, Bart. (C.). Walwyn's Castle.—*W. H. Walters (C.). Whitchurch.—*John Thomas (L.). 'Vjton.TlOma.s Llewellin (C.). CONTESTS May be looked for in the following divisions:- Ambleston.—*James Harries (L.)., and Victor Higg( n (C.). Fishguard.—*W. L. Williams (L.), J. C. (I ) Haverfordwest (St. Mary and St. Martin).— *Rev. James Phillips (L.), Hugh Saunder (C). Haverfordwest (St. Thomas).Isaiah Rey- nolds (L.), Archdeaccn Hilbers (C.). Haverfordwest (St. Martin's, Hamlets).—E. White (C.), J. Lewis, Hanton (L.). Cilgerran.—*J onathan George (L.), J. V Colby (C.). Manorbie,r.T. Llewhellin (L.), W. G. Pa.rcell (C-i l\Iathry.T. E. Thomas (L.), H. M. Harrier (C k l'regwynt Nai!berth.W. Palmer Morgan fL.), D. J. Lewis (C.), solicitor. St. Isc-ells.tW. Lawrence (L.), C. H. R. ickerman (C.). Steynton.—*R. Cole (L.), J. T. Fisher (C.). Tenby (Division 44).-G. Thomas (C.), George Childs (C.). Tenby (Division 45).—*C. W. R. Stokes (C.), C. F. Egerton Allen (L.). Llangwm.—Rev. J. Evans (C.). 'Denotes old member.

HAVERFORDWEST. THE LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR ST. THOMAS. Mr. Isaiah Reynolds, the Liberal candidate for the St. Thomas Division, presided last night (Thursday) over a meeting held in the Temperance Hall, and addressed by Mr. John Ward, M.P. In the course of his opening remarks as chairman Mr. Reynolds said he wished to point out one or two things it was important to bear in mind during the forthcoming County Council election. They were all anxious that education should be within the reach of the poorest child in the land. That was the policy of the Liberal party as well as the Labour party. They wanted men returned to the County Council who would De pledged to popular control, and the abolition of tests for teachers. (Applause.) He hoped they would return men who would safeguard the interests of all classes, irrespective of what denomina- tion they belonged to, and not the selfish interests of one sect, as they were trying to do now. They had candidates coming forward to srpport one school, one sect, and one denomi- nation but he trusted the electors would not accept that narrow view, but treat this as a citizens question. He hoped thsy would seri- ously consider this matter; it was not one to be treated lightly. They had seen several attacks made on the Rev. James' Phmips- (applause)—through the Press. Mr. Phillips was well able to look after himself—(applause) —and would be able to prove that thes3 stories were pure indentions, and the figures giHn were most inaccurate. If these were the sort of tactics their opponents were going to try on, he believed the people of Haverfordwest would resent them as being unworthy. The correct figures could have been obtained by going to the education officts and fishing them o-it. (Applause.) Other information concerning the election will be found on page 6.

CAMROSE. The natives of this parish were pleased and delighted with two. concerts given by the Boys' Military Band connected with the "Homes for Little Boys" at Famiugham and Swanley, Kent. The concerts commenced at five and tight o'clock p m. The band, composed of lads from eleven to fifteen years of age, acquitted themselves right well. The piece called "Trafalgar," descriptive of that battle, really electrified the audience, and would, if per- formed so well by more experienced musicians, have been no disgrace to them. The object, t-f course, was chairity, and if the matter had been more widely known the response to the appeal for fund, would have been greater. The LJle difficulty was the board and lodging of ti twenty boys for the night. But as soon as the Camios* people, who are always renowned for their gerercsity, knew what was wanted, plenty of homes and to spai-e were opened fraaly and generously to house and feed the young peop'e. The ladies who accommodated the juven les were: Mrs. J. V. S. Bennett, Wolfsdale House; Mrs. George, CamTose Home Farm; Mrs. Hancock,. Robl-'ston, Mrs. Marr, Robleston; Mrs. Mathias, East Dudvveil; M-8. Lloyd, Old Inn; Mrs. Senecal, New Inn; Miss Warlow, Haysford; and Mrs Young, The Folly. Mrs. W. War low, Wolfsdale, gave some of the boys tea, and one of the ladies actually stayed up all night to house two. of them. Mr. G. H. Barker, the deputation, thanked the managers for letting them have the room free of charge, and also all those who in any way had so kindly come forward in their difficulty to help and assist them. He said that the Homes for Little Boys at Farringham and Swanley had been established for forty years, and the com- mittee had sent out thousands into the world well equipped for the battle of life. One of the boys then present was going out to Canada in May next. The HOp.1e were in the focm of cottages, holding about thirty boy each, and in authority at each cottage were a foster father and mother. There'were 300 boys at Farningham and 200 at Swa.iley, within easy distance of each othex. The boys were admitted from th age of two up to ten year3. The boys, to the writer's eye, appeared well set up, well behaved, properly disciplined, sturdy set of \oungsters, and were a credit- to the hOit n?. who are doing titch good wock among ouf less fortunate brethren. May o ir philanthropists evi-r get wearv if giving their sup. Yliuo,.x; cash to such grand institutions )

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. TO THE ELECTORS OF THE FISHGUARD DIVISION. Ladies and Gentlemen,— At the request of many friends and sup- porters I have decided to again contest the seat on the County Council for the above division. I am told that on the- last occasion I lost the seat I had held for six years solely because of my at,titude on the Education question. I wish to make my position on that. point perfectly clear. I desire that all schools receiving aid from the State or from rates shall be subject to the same official examinations and inspections so that theor efficiency in respect to secular education, to staff, to sanitation, and to con- venience for teaching shall be equally guaran- teed before they receive any public money. But I hold that a great majority of the electors, and almost all the parents of children in Pem- brokeshire desire to have religious instruction given in such schools even more earnestly than they desire secular instruction to be given. I think such religious instruction should be given by persons qualified, by faith and train- ing, to give it; preferably by the teachers if they are both willing and qualified to do so. Of course, to be efficient, such religious teach- ing must be given during compulsory school hours. In Pembrokeshire these are, as a rule, only the children otf parents belonging to the Church of England and to Nonconformists for whom religious teaching, in State schools is required. I hold that each denomination should pay for such religious instruction as the parents belonging to such denomination desire. Seeing that in Pembrokeshire there are now hardly, if any, schools with only one teacher, and that even m English Church schools the assistant teachers are commonly Nonconformists, L believe that the above method of dealing with the difficulty would be fa-r all round, and could (almost without exception) be easily carried into practice. I may add that a system almost identical with the above has been tried, and has been for years successfully carried out in Switzerland, where I think the sectarian differences among the people are unfortunately more clearly defined, and more1 sharply accentuated than in any part of Wales. I have had some years 01 practical experience of a system of State educa- tion of an almost purely secular character. I am convinced that it is harmful to the char- acter of the children; that it tends to foster the material at the expense of the moral sense of those who are to be the citizens and matrons of the country in the course of a few years. But I believe that the abov3 is a form f compromise which is fair and just to all ts; that such difficulties as there are can be easily overcome by those who, like myself, desire not only to see the education question dealt with in the true interests of the children alone, but according to the wishes of their parents, and freed from the animus and draw- backs attaching to party politics, which are out of place in any County Council. I am, your obedient servant, J. C. YORKE. Langton, Dwrbach, Feb. 13, 1907.

ETHOLlAD CYNCOR SIROL. AT ETHOI.WYR DOSBARTH ABERGWAUISi. Boneddigesau a Boneddigion,- Ar gais llawer o gyfeillion a chefnogwyr yr wyf wedi penderfynu unwaith eto i fod yn ymgeisydd am y sedd ar v Cynghor Sirol am y dosbaith uchod. Dywecur i mi golii sedd (yr hoi. a ddeliais am chwech mlynedd) ar yr achlysur diweddaf yn unig dm fy agwedd ar y pwng o Addysg. Am hyny, yr wyf am lwyx eglurhau fy sefyllfa ar y cwestiwn hwn. Credaf y dylai pog ysgol a dderbynia gynnorthwy, pa un a'i oddiwrth y Llywodreath neu oddiwrth dreth, i fod yn rhwymedig i'r un arholiadau, fel y byddont, yn eu heffedthioldeb mewn perthynas i addysg secularaidd (secular education), athrawon, amgylchiadau iachus, a chyfle i addysgu yn cael eu sicrhau cyn dierbyn un hatling o arian y cyhoedd Ond yr wyf yn dal fod mwyafrif- o'r etholwyr, a bron pob un o rhieni plant yn yr ysgolion yn fwy o lawer nad ydynt yn deisyf addysg secularaidd. Tybiaf y dylai y fath addysg grefyddol gael ei rhoddi gan athrawon crefyddol, y rhai sydd yn gymhwys trwy eu ffydd a'u haefdysgiad i'w roddi, ond, fwy dewisol, gan athrawon yr ysgolion os ydynt yn foddlawn ac yn gymhwys i'r gwaith. Wrth gwrs, i fod yn effeithiol, rhaid i'r addysg grefyddol gael ed rhoddi yn ystod oriau gorfodol yr ysgoL Nid oes yn Sir Benfro, fel rheol, neb ond plant Eglwyswyr ac Ymneillduwyr yn oeisio addysg grefyddol yn ysgolion y Llywodraeth, a chredaf y dylai y gwahanol enwadau i ba rai y perthyn rhieni y plant i dalu am yr addysg grefyddol a ddewisant i'w plant i dderbyn; a chan fod ond ychydig ysgolion yn y sir gyda un athraw yn unig, a chan fod yr athrawon cynnorthwyol yn ysgolion yr Eglwys, yn gyffre- din, yn Ymneillduwyr, credaf fod y modd uchod o drin yr anhawsder yn deg i bawb, bron heb eithriad, ac y gellir yn hawdd ei gario 1 arferi,ad. Yn mhellach, y mae cyfundrefn yn gyfatebol i'r uchod o dan brawf ac yn dra llwyddianus, er ys blynddau lawer, yn Switzer- land, lie y tybiaf, y mae gwahaniaethau sec- tyddol yn mysg y bobl, gwaethaf y modd, yn fwy amlwg ac yn fwy pigog ei acen nac yn unrhyw barth o Gymru. Yr wyf wedi cael profiad ymarferol o gyfun- drefn addysg Lywodraethol, o gymeriad bron yn hollol secularaidd, ac yr wyf yn sicr ei fod yn niweidiol i gymeriad y plant; ei fod yn deuddol i feithrin y synwyr materol ar goot y moesol, yn y rhai a. fyddant yn ddinasyddion a mammau y wlad mewn ychydig flynyddau; ond credaf fod y cynllun uchod yn un hollol deg a chyfiawn i'r holl sectau, a chredaf nad anmhosibl gorchfygu pob inhawsder syrld yn bodoli dim ond i etholwyr bleidlesio dros ymgeiswyr y rhai sydd, fel fy hun, yn awyddus i drin y pwnge yn unig er budd y plant nc yn ol deisyfiadiau y rhieni a'r rhai yn rhydd oddiwrth y digasedd a'r anfanteision a berthyn i wleidiadaeth bleidiol (party politics), yr hyn sydd yn hollol allan o le ar unrhyw Gynghor Sirol. Yr wyf, eich ufudd was, J. C. YORKE Langton, Dwrbach, Chwef. 13, 1907.

A CONTRACTOR'S AFFAIRS- At the Pembroke Dock Bankruptcy Court on Friday (before the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Bryant), Joseph Williams, contractor and builder, of Trapps, Roch, again appeared for his adjourned public examination. MT. Proseer, of Carmarthen appeared for debtor, and Mr. H. A. Jones Lloyd, of Pembroke Dock, for the trustee.—In reply to the Official Receiver (Mr. Thomas Thomas), bankrupt said that he had furnished the particulars he was ordered to at the last court, though he must admit that his deficiency account was still unsatisfactory.- Mr Proz-ser applifd fc.r the examination to N? closed.—Mr. Jones Lloyd said that he was in- structed by the trustee to oppose the closing of the examination, and he ask=d that it should be adjourned sine die. Then if -iny point arose upon which they might wish to examine bank- rupt they could do so.—The Official Receiver remarked that the only ground on which the closing of the examination ';ould be opposed was that the debtor had not given a full and truthful disclosure, of his affairs. He did not think the debtor had kept anything backi though it was true some of his answers were unsatisfactory.—After some discussion the case was adjourned for two months, debtor to have notice if his attendance was then required.

WANTED, at the Royal Oak, Fishguard, a sober man and willing to driva a horse and cart. fel5—

Great Revival of Trade. The New Company's Contemplation* Sinoe these works were purchased by the Forest of Dean Company rapid progress has been made, and during the next few months the works will probably develop into a very large concern, judging by the bright prospects now in view. Our represent.itive paid a vi- si. to the place last week, and was shown over the works by the manager, Mr. Smith, and on all hands could be seen much activity, both in the granite and brick departments. The company is supplying granite all over the kingdom, with satisfactory results, inasmuch as repeat orders are daily flowing in. They have already secured contracts to supply eight corporations with crushed granite, and on order now are 10,000 tons to be supplied as soon as possible. The company is to a certain extent handi- capped in not having sufficient vessels to cope with the demand, and the directors are contem- plating purchasing two new steimers to ply regularly between Porthgain and the Bristol Channel ports. Wrhen this has been acquired, thy will be in a position to have an output of jver 6,003 tons a month from the harbour. Apart from the brick and granita trade, the company propose having a laxge coal business, and to open up an inland trade, which they will be in a position to do shortly. There are already about sixty hands employed, and it is hoped to double that number in the immediate future in order to cope with the demand. The Forest of Dean Company are well known throughout the country, and we have no doubt in time a bright future will be in store for the works at Porthgain. The company has m Mr. Smith an excellent manager, and one whc thoroughly understands his woiJc,, and is im mensely popular with the men. We hope to publish further information shortly.

NEW INDUSTRY AT ST. DA¥1BS. COPPER MINS RESTARTED Work has been commenced in earnest in con- nection with this industry at Lower Treginnis Farm, St. David's, several workmen, already being engaged, and we understand many more will be required verv soon. The ^n^ne^r ot the woTk is expected down daily. We hope to publish further particulars shortly.

KILCERKAN A PRETTY WEDDING. A pretty and irterestinv wedding toøk place at St. Llawddog's Church, Kilgerranj. on Sun- day, February 10. The Rev. T. Parry, rector of the parish, officiated. The contracting parties were Mr B. T. Jones, Gwynfryn, High street, and Miss J. M. A. Parry, youngest daughter of Mrs. Parry, High-street. The bride was given away by Mr. J. Williams, and was accompanied by three' b-ridesmaid;s-Misg- Parry, Miss Edith Parry. (sisters), and Miss L. E. Williamsv The bride was becomingly attired in a cream cos- tume with hat to match The service was fully choral, and at the conclusion of the ceremony a wedding march was played by, Mr. Evans, the organist. In the owning the, ne arrij pair left for Newcastle Errilyn en route for Maesteg. where the 1 oneymoon will be spent. The happy pair were the recipients of a. large number of presents, including a dinner service from'the teachers and pupils of Llechryd Coun- cil School, where, ujtil recently, the brir<.> served as assistant mistress. A testimonial^ subscribed for by the members of St. Lliw ddog's Church will be presented to them -2 their return.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents- in this column. Correspondents are requested to write on one side of the paper only. Where letters are signed by a nom de plume, the name and address of the sender must be furnished, not for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. Unless this rule is complied with. letters cannot be accepted

Temperance Among Railway man. To the Editor of the County Guardian." Sir,—I was veTy intetested some weeks back in reading in your columns an account of the starting of a branch of the Railway Temper- ance Union at Goodwick, and on further in- quiry I find that the Great Western Company encourage the principles of temperance among their staff to a creditable extent and, consider- able cost in various ways. I, therefore, became curious to find out how it affects the staff generally, and whether the principle is kept well in view as a probable means to advance- ment in the service? I ventured to, put the question one day to an intelligent railwayman, and his very emphatic reply greatly, surprised and disappointed me, and as I don't wish to make myself conspicuously busy among the men I refrained from pursuing the matter. But 8.< it is a question of far-reaching importance, both to the railway company and, the public at Large, I beg your assistance in putting the question openly, and invite railwaymen to state their views in as calm and pleasant manner as possike. Thanking you in anticipatio. I enclose card, and remain, yours, etc., T Fishguard, February 4, 1907.

Australia for the 'Emigrant. To the Editor of the County Guardian." Sir,—The last Australian mail brings tidinge of the arrival at Sydney if the first batch of emigrants from Great Britain, who went to New South Wales under the guarantee of employ- ment given by the New South Wales Govern- ment to "The British Australasian." Within an hour or so of the arrival of the vessel, every man had obtained employment at wages of 15s. a week and all found, and these wages are sure to be increased to iEl, or even more, as soon as a little preliminary experience has been gained. Letters I have revived from several of the men testify to their complete satisfaction with the arrangements for their leception in their new country. The official comment on the newcomers is:—- Such men will be a powerful advertisement for British emigrants to our faxmers requiring labour." There is guaranteed work at good wages wait- ing out there for hundreds of such men; stout fellows used to milking and other farm work. Also the Government gives liberal assistance with their passage money. I shall be glad to rupply full particulars to anyone who cares to wTite to me.—Yours, etc., THE EDITOR, British Australasian." 115, High Holborn, Londou, W.C.

CHEAP RAILWAY TICKETS. An interesting railway passenger case was tried at the Wandsworth County-court on Mon- day, when the Great Western Railway Com- pany sued Miss Hawke, of Clapliam-park, for lis. lid., the fare between Weymouth and Lon- don. It was stated that the company issued half-day excursion tickets between London and various places at rates which were much lower for the return journey than those charged for the single journey. Persons had taken advan- tage of this practice to purchase excursion tickets in London and send them to their friends in the country, who thus secured a cheap ticket to London. To meet this situation the company issued a special form of ticket, and required that the return half should be clipped by the ticket col- lectcr on the outgoing journey. Miss Hawke presented a Ticket that was not so clipped, and refused to pay the full single far a when it was demanded. Judge Russell Lfonnd that the com- pany's i. were reasonable, and gave judgment in its favour for 6s. Id., the differ- ence between the single third-class fare from Yeovil to London and the price paid for the ticket.

THE KING'S SPEECH. The King, accompanied by the Queen, went in state from Buckingham Palace to West- minster on Tuesday and opened the second Session of the second Parliament of his reign. The House of Commons having been sum- moned to the House of Lords, his Majesty delivered from the Throne the following speech: My LORDS axd Gentlemen-— I am happy to say that my relations with foreign Powers continue to be friendly, and I have no occasion to add to the full state- ment which was laid before you id December reciting a number of satisfactory Agreements recently concluded. The earthquake at Kingston adds one more to the series of calamities which Jamaica and my other Colonies in the West Indies- have experienced. I regret the deplorable loss of life and destruction of property in an impor- tant city, and I have seen with satisfaction' that the emergency has been met by the Governor and his officers with courage I and devotion, and by the people with self-controls The occasion has called forth many proofs of practical goodwill from all parts of my Empire and I recognise with sincere gratitude the' sympathy shown by the people of the Unitedi States of America, and the assistance promptly offered by the naval authorities. The first visit of an Amir of Afghanistan to' my Indian dominions for more than twenty years, and his active survey of leading features in Indian life, have been to me, and, as I under- stand, to the Amir himself, a source of much gratification, as tending to promote that right feeling which is even more important than formal compacts. I In India, while firmly guarding the strength and unity of executive power unimpaired, I look forward to a steadfast effort to provide means of widening the base of peace, order, and good government among the vast populations committed to my charge. Gkktlevek OF THE House OF COMMOWS- Estimates of the National Expenditure for the forthcoming financial year will in due course be laid before yon. They have been framed with the object of effecting economies consistent with the efficient maintenance of the public llenice. My LORDS AND GBNTLBHBN- Serious questions affecting the working- of our parliamentary system have arisen from un- fortunate differences between the two Houses. My Ministers have this important subject under consideration with a view to a solution of the difficulty. A measure of licensing reform will be intro- duced, with the object of effectively diminishing the evils which result from the sale and use of intoxicating liquors under present conditions. Proposals will be laid before you for more clearly defining the functions -of the military forces of the Crown, both regular and auxiliary, and for the improvement of their organisation. Bills will be introduced dealing with the holding and valuation of land in Scotland. Your attention will be called to measures for further associating the people of Ireland with the management of their domestic affairs, and for otherwise improving the system of govern- ment in its administrative and financial aspects. Proposals will also be submitted for effecting a reform of University education in Ireland, whereby I trust that the difficulties which have so long retarded the development of higher education in that countrv may be removed. You will also be invited to consider proposals for the establishment of a Court of Criminal Appeal, for Regulating the Hours of Labour in Mines, for the Amendment of the Patent Laws, for improving the Law relating to the Valuation of Property in England and Wales, for enabling Women to serve on Local Bodies, for Amending the Law affecting Small Holdings in England and Wales, and for the Better Housing of the People. I commend all your arduous labours to the continued hles^in" (r Alnm-htv (;(")(1. It is èifficult to imagine a more beautiful spectacle than the House of Lords presents on the occasions when Parliament is opened by the King in person with full State ceremonial. A year ago the ceremony was shorn of much of its beauty by the absence of the Queen and by the continuance of the Court mourning. On Tuesday everyone was in gala costume, and white frocks immensely preponderated over the black. There were one or two coloured dresses as well, which hardly harmonised with the strong scarlet of the peers' robes, but the general impression pf the bright toilettes, the flashing diamonds and the waving white plumes of the peeresses contrasted with the vivid red worn by the peers made a picture not easily to be surpassed. The first members of the Royal party to enter the House were the Prince and Princess of Wales, who took their places one on either side of the two thrones. After a short pause the Royal procession appeared, and just as the King and Queen themselves entered the House the lights, which had been somewhat dim, were turned on full, adding a blaze of brilliance to the striking scene. Leading the Queen by the hand, the King conducted her to her throne and took his place beside her, while the high officers of Court and State grouped I themselves around. During the interval in which Black Rod summoned the faithful Commons," the King requested the assembly to be seated, and, the Speaker having taken his place at the Bar, the King proceeded to read his Speech in a clear voice that could easily be heard in the farthest corner of the Chamber. The reading ended, the Court rose, and the stately procession was again re-formed and slowly swept out of the House, the Prince and Princess of Wales following the King and Queen. Despite the bad weather, large crowds assembled in the streets to watch the proces- sion. His Majesty, who was wearing a heavy military cloak over his field-marshal's uniform, was untiring throughout in his acknowledg- ments of the acclamations of the crowd, and her Majesty's recognition of the loyal salute tions was equally gracious.

PREMIER AND THE LORDS. The Address in reply to the Speech was moved in the House of Commons by Mr. Tom- kinson, and seconded by Dr. Rainy. The debate which followed was chiefly interesting for the references made by the Leader of the Opposi- tion and the Prime Minister to the sub- ject of the differences between the two Chambers, remarked upon in the King's Speech. Mr. Balfour, in his speech, remarked I have no objection to the Government reflect- ing upon the situation. In fact, it would be better if they would think more and talk rather less upon this great constitutional issue. Mr. Gladstone advocates the policy known as "fill- ing up the cup." But the question is, "Whose cup? My private belief is that the cup which will overflow first is the cup of the unpopularity of the Government. Another member of the Government let the public into his confidence. He looked forward to a series of dissolutions ending in a revolution before the constitutional issue is ready to be settled. I confess this comei upon me rather as a shock. I never supposed that in Sir J. Lawson Walton there was a Robespierre in disguise. If your object is to make the Second Chamber the impeccable body which some theorists desire, the only effect will be that you will strengthen it. The inevitable result will be that in the collisions that must occur in every bi-cameral constitution, this House will find itself at a disadvantage. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman, in his reply, ex- plained what the Government really meant by the reference in the Speech. I fully recognise, he said, the serious nature of the task to which we shall in due time invite this House to address itself. We wish to raise the question of the re- lations between the two Houses, and not the question of the constitution of the other House., which is another matter altogether. Two months ago two great measures were destroyed by the House of Lords. Those measures had been demanded by the country, and elaborated with infinite pains in this House. The House of Lords is sometimes thought of as a kind of watch dog guarding the Statute Book. A period of prolonged somnolence of this v.ateh dog has been succeeded by a sudden access of bitter ferocity. The combination of the two-one coming after the other-is surely perfectly in- tolerable, and shows that there is some fatal vice in the working of the constitution. I am not sure I would not rather have a Constitution where the representative body was very much at the disposal or under the control of the Sove- reign himself directly, than a Constitution which was equally under the control of another Chamber. The Government does not shrink from this problem. The present state of things is discreditable; it is dangerous and demoralis- ing to this House. It cannot go on. We must have such a readjustment of the relations of the two Houses as will enable us to carry out with reasonable harmony the wishes of the people. What we are concerned with is the relation of the House of Commons to the other Chamber, however the latter may be composed. It is to this point that in due time the attention of the House will be directed. In the House of Lords the Address was moved by Lord Castletown and seconded by the Earl of Chichester. The latter when discussing the proposed legislation, referred to cheap trains, of which there is no mention in the King's Speech, and praised the Government for pro- mising a Bill for cheap trains. At last the Government Whip pulled his coat tails so hard that he leaned to hear, and was informed in stage whispers that the Government had not a cheap trains Bill on hand. The subject of the conflict between the two Houses was taken up by the Marquis of Lans- downe, who remarked When the party oppo- site were appealing to the people at the last general election the authority to deal with the House of Lords did not form any part of the appeal. We threw out two Bills," he con- tinued. "One was the Plural Voting Bill. Who feas bed any tews over the Plural Voting Bill t

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I NOTED SOLVA CHARACTER. EDWARD CALLAGHAN DEAD. The death took place yesterday (Thursday) afternoon of Edward Callaghan, of Solva, 't the age of 75 years, after a short illness. The news of his death was received with regret on all hands, as deceased was well-known and well liked in the district. In his younger days he was a bright and intelligent lad, but a narrow escape from drowning Jm- paired his intell-act. He fell into Solva River, and was carried some distance with the stream, eventually being rescued in a semi-conscioua state For many years Calican," as he was famili- arly called, used to go to Nolton Coalpits, driving before him about a dozen donkeys, and bringing home culm for the people of Solva. From this work he reluctantly retired owing to failing halth. It is but a short time since he was out caxol singing from door to door. On these occasions he always met with a welcome. When the time came for carrying The Wren (in accordance with the old custom) old "Cali- can had, as a substitute, a huge fowl, gaily decorated with ribbons in all the colours of the rainbow, supplied by some of his lady friends. Deceased was known as a rtrict-ly honest man, thoroughly trustworthy and truthful. His neighbouis entrusted him with important and urgent messages, which he always accom- plished satisfactorily. Callaghan was a faithful and zealous mem- ber of the Wesleyan connexion at Sclva, and after that body abandoned their cause there he used to visit all denominations in turn, and was a communicant with them all, although in late years he was a faithful attendant at the Methodist Church We venture to state that no one visited Solva during the last iifty yeais without becoming familiar with" Calican." Many hundreds of his photograjhs have lwii sold in the district.. We understand that a movement is on foot to pay a last tribute vf respect to his memory by ensuring for his mortal remains a suitable burial. We have no doubt that this proposil will be heartily fuppoited

ROMANCE IN CRIME. There was an element of romance in the casa of Henry Leon Levine, who was bound over to tome up for judgment if called on at the Clerken- well Sessions. He pleaded guilty to having ob- tained by false pretences in 1901 a quantity of jewellery of the value of C-112. After the com- mission of the crime he absconded, and was not seen again until he surrendered voluntarily last. January. In the meantime, however, he made- restitution by the payment of £ 122. Mr. Charles Mathews told the romance in an, eloquent appeal on behalf of Levine, who is, a. Jew. At the time of the offence, he said, Levine desired to marry a girl "of his own persuasion, but his family were greatly opposed to the match. Levine absconded, and on his return in. 1904 the opposition to the marriage was with- drawn with a full knowledge of the facts. Levina had lived from that time happily with his wife, and had behaved satisfactorily. In January. however, he recognised the fact that this im- pending sorrow loomed over him and his wife, and by this time his children and his conscience and her perfectly proper persuasion led him to gratify their mutual desire by coming to London in order to wipe out this incident of the past.

NO HELP FROM THE LAW. A woman went to the Thames Police-court and asked the magistrate's advice. She ex- plained that she and her husband occupied two rooms in a house in Ernest-road, Mile-end, and paid 5s. 6d. a week. Three other. families lived, in the same house. By some means her hus- band's name was on the rate books, and he was taken to prison for fourteen days in default of paying the rates, which amounted to £ 2 13s. 8d. She had told the landlord, who said that an. they were in arrears with their rent he would not pay the rates. The magistrate said it was a grievous case. Because the man's name was by mischance on the rate books he had to go to prison for the rates for the whole house. That was unjust, and the magistrate regretted that he could not help the man.

EXCITING MAN HUNT. Constable Penfold observed two men at the- corner of Woburn-place and Tavistock-square^ London, signal to someone then unseen. With- in a minute two other men came from an area. The constable walked towards them, and one, producing a revolver, said, "If you touch me. I will shoot you." The others pushed the con- stable into the road and all ran away, Penfold making for the man. who had the revolver. After a chase through several streets thia runaway was stopped. Ile-ig.in flourished the revolver, and there was a short, sharp struggle for its possession, Penfold get Ling the better of the tussle. At Bow-street the man gave the name of William Robinson, and was remanded. A witness for the police said the revolver was twice pointed at Penfold. A powerful jemmy was thrown away by one of the other men,

BISHOPS AND THEIR CLUBS. The Bishop of Peterborough, speaking at a meeting of the Temperance Legislation League at Peterborough, advocated the bringing of clubs under legislative control. "I am," he proceeded, "a believer in the old proverb, What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.' I hope that if the poor man's club is touched the rich man's will be also. By all means let a policeman walk into the Athenaeum and see if I and my brother Bishops ar- \1-.v- ing ourselves inajde.

♦ The chairman of the North Staffordshire Railway Company announced at the half-yearly meeting at Stoke-on-Trent that there had been a great increase in the quantity of cheese carried since the Chicago meat scandals. He declared that cheese had taken the place ot tinned meat in the diet of the poor.

We threw it out because we regarded it as a cynical attempt to manipulate the Constitution for party purposes. We insisted on amending- the Education Bill, and the Government dropped it. That Bill afforded no settlement' xi o e<Jpa-on problem. If we are to revise the Constitution, let us do it upon broader" grounds than that. Let the Government clear" their minds. Let them determine what it is' they really want. rl :;c people of this country" know very well whatever danger is to be appre- hended from an unreformed House of Lords;, it is nothing to the danger that is to be appre- hended from an uncontrolled House of.' Commons." The veteran Government leader, Lord Ripon,. said that reform of that House would not settle the whole difficulty* There were two difficulties before them. There was the reform of that Hous", as a Second Chamber, which be. as an advocate of a Second Chamber, strongly de- sired and there was the question how, when differences of opinion arose between the two Houses, these differences were to be brought to a conclusion. That was a question which in the opinion of the Government it was necessary now to consider. The difficulty to be considered was that that House, in its numbers and con- stitution. contained an overwhelming majority of one political party. That was a great danger. The subject was under the consideration of the Government. It was not to be hastily con- sidered. It was a very grave and serious matter, and the Government "felt it to be their duty to take time to consider the proposals which they would submit to Parliament.