The Cardiff Times

Tinpiate Trade. 1 LLANELLY UN SON. A Demonstration Against the Genera! j Secretary. When Mr Thomas Hughes, the aspiring candi- da.te for Parliamentary honours for the Carmar- then Boroughs, an hour after the advertised time, cook the chair at the tinpiaters' meeting at the Alexandra Hal], Llaneily, on Saturday, there were jus: 45 persons present. This was the re- sponse to an invitation :0 the ,LmneH.V trupiaters j from Dafen to Pembrey to assemble, Mr Hughes took pains to explain that be was at the meeting in response to an invitation by a deputation of tinpiate workers. He knew not the object of the meeting, but was at all times reaay to do what he could to promte the interests of workmen. There might be some division of opinton in that meeting, bnt he was anXlOtlS whatever was dona that it would turn out for good. The tinpiate workers in that neighbourhood were as important body, and he thought that the? ought to have a good Union. Ee knew not what the business was, but would be guided by them. It was explained that a meeting had been held the previous Saturday to hear the report of the deputation that had waited upon Mr John Hodge, of the Steel Workers' Union, at Swansea, and it was then decided to ask Mr Hughes to pre- I side to secure fair play. A Western Works Xiollerman said they had waited upon Mr Hodge and laid their case before him. Much was said that he need not resoeat. As for allowing them as tinpiaters to join the steel smelters, Mr Hodge told taern he was in the hands of his executive, but as long as there was a. branch of the Tinpiaters Union existing they could not be taken over. At this stage a member of the executive*of the Steel Workers'Union asked for permission to take part in the proceedings. An Old Lodge Shearer, with some warmth, opposed a motion to the effect that permission be given. He said if they went on in that way they wyonld do no good that night again. He opposed that motion, ana there were two othGr8 m the room who, if they were gentlemen, would leave. That meeting was a meeting oc tinpiate workers, workers who were working now at the works, and no one else had a right to be there. He moved that no others be allowed at the meeting. After further remarks in tite same direction, I Mr Thomas Phillips, the general secretary of the Tinpiate Workers' Union, rose, and speaking with some emotion said that meeting was called as a meeting of tinpiate workers, and he was going to stay in it. Being a tinp'ate worker he had as much right there as anyone. It was they who called him from his work, he was of them, and had i&keu great, responsibilities on their behalf. It was afterwards decided that the two steel- and had i&keu great, responsibilities on their behalf. It was afterwards decided that the two steel- workers be Admitted ou condition that they took I no part in the meeting. I Further references were made to the interview with Mr Hodge. This urevv forth the remark from the Chairman that he was delighted at the loyalty I shown by one trade association towards another. An Old Lodge Shearer wanted to know if it was not possible for the Labour leaders, who sowed seeds of dissension at Llaneily, to join together. Outsiders had come to feel that there was something wrong among the tinpiaters of Lianeily. He urged tha.t they should sink all differences tee the general good. They had men fgoaa 3.>J(>-c,NI: them merob«^H t.ha Workers' 1 Union and the Ga.s Stokers' Union, and there was a strong feeling in favour of joining the Steelworkers' Union. He hoped they w-uld draw together, and he thought it was full time for that meeting to act. A Western Roller intimated that Mr Hodge suggested a delegate meeting, at which he would give more information. The Chairman thought the suggestion a very important one, and it would be a very great step for them to do that. They were asked to take a new course, whether it would be the best course had yet to be seen, but let it be taken only after full discussion. It had been said that many tin- piaters at Llaneily had connected themselves with other Unions. He thought that it was no good for them to do anything unless all were brought together. An Old Castle Tinman said the indifference of the Llaneily tinplatera was shown by their absence from the meeting. He added that Mr Hodge had said in effect that he would only step in after the old association was dead. He should like to have a, maeting of the whole trade. Could not the labour leaders meet, and who was more ex- perienced in their business and able to help them thai Mr T, Phillips ? Ultimately it was deeidtjd to appoint commit- tee to deal with the report of the interview with Mr Hodge, and the meeting was adjourned to next Saturday. Strike at Pontapdawe. Some two years ago a great strike took place at the Pontardawe Tinpiate Works, the men en- deavouring by chat means to get an assorter rein- stated, whom they believed had been dismissed unfairly. This turned out disastrously for the men. Before general resumption of work terms un- known before in the tinpiate trade were imposed upon the men. one of the conditions being that they must not be members of a Trades Union, This the Pontardawe men have strictly observed, For this reason it will be learned with surprise that Pontarda/we workmen, decided on Saturday to turn out on strike this (Monday) morning. From inquiries made it is found that general discontent exists among tha workmen. The mill- men have long complaiuedof being unfairly dealt with. It appears that before the 15 per cent. reduction became general in the trade five boxes per 100 were kept. The men were asked and agreed to the 15 per cent. reduction as at other works, but found that the 5 boxes per 100 were still kept. At big mills no reduction at all is kept from the men. The sheet mill,nen of Pontardawe hai, therefore, from their point of view a double grievance. This some tim2 ago resulted after a pay in the general throw- ing down of tools, the men going to the office in a body and demanding payment for the boxes kept, They received pay promptly for 15 boxes.. At the beginning of the month a general notict was put up that all contracts would cease at the end of the month. The men believed that to be a. means adopted to frighten them to quietness. Meanwhile the behinders took a course of their own. They presented a 28 days' notice. During the month Mr Gilbertson withdrew his notice. offer- iag the behinders at the tin mills the full 1874 list, and some of the sheet mill behinders 12i, and others 15 per cent, on the list. This they have refused, demanding the 15 per cent. at ail sheet mills. The tinhousemen as a body have not allowed the notice to be withdrawn as far as they are concerned. A general feeling exists that their wages are so inadequate that many of them are prepared to take work at the collieries. Thsy have been working on a reduction of 15 per cent. and 3 boxes per 100 are kept. In addition to this an unusual course of payment for wasters exists. For up to 10 per cent, of wasters they are paid as above, bit for any wasters above 10 per cent, they are paid half-price This applies to all the I tinhousemen and the assortera. 1 On Saturday evening a united meeting of Pontardawe, Glentawe, ani Glvnhendy Works- works controlled by Mr Gilbert—was held at the Victoria Lodge-room. The room was literally packed. The latest intimation given by the Pontardawe management to the men was reported Victoria Lodge-room. The room was literally packed. The latest intimation given by the Pontardawe management to the men was reported to the effect that Mr Gilbertson did not care a button for the tinhousemen. If they went out they would not get back as before, and a message j was soat, in an indefinite way, that if the men guaranteed that the wasters would be as elsewhere, the men woul:1 be paid. A number of addresses were delivered, and it was agreed that no work be resumed except on the trade rate of 15 per I' cent, 'mder the list of 1874. Mass Meeting at Brynamman. 6 A large gathering of tinplaters took place on Saturday at the Farmers' Long Room, Bryn- anraan, when delegates from almost all the tin- houses of the Cwmcawe and Pontardnlais districts were present. The chief object of the meeting was to consider the prices paid and the mode of working certain patent pots. Arrangements were made by which it is aimed to secure greater uniformity of payment and arrangement in working at patent pots. The maeting aiso took into consideration the Dosition of Glantawe and Pontardawe tinhousemen, all of whom, it was announced, would be on strike on Monday. It was decided to express sympathy with them, and to render them material aid.

PROFESSOR VAUGHAN. Professor Vaughan, the professor of English language and literature in the University College, Cardiff, has been appointed professor in the same subjects m the Dai-ham College of Science, New- castle-upon-Tyne. The departure of Professor Yaughan will be a most seriou3 loss to the College. His high position in the world of letters, his great powers as a lecturer and teacher, bis independence of mind, his strong individuality, and his devotion to the interests of his students e independence of mind, his strong individuality, and his devotion to the interests of his students combined to make him a force in the life and work of the College which cannot easily be replaced. The College is fortunate in having retained the cervices of Professor Yaughan for about 10 years. He will soon take his place among the eminent men whom the College has been so unfortunate ,,1.,3 to lose. Among these may be mentioned Professors Andrew Seth, of Edinburgh Sorley, cf Aberdeen Ker, of University College, I London and Richards, of Oriel College, Oxford. In 1855 Professor Yaughan made an important contribution to Enghsh literary criticism by a work on English Literary Criticism in the Warwick Library. The object of the book. which was very favourably received by English scholars, was thus expressed by the author My aim has been LO sket.*h the development of criticism, and particularly of critical method iu England, and to illustrate each phase of its growth by one or two samples taken from the most typical writers." Professor Vaughan has bp.en eminently successful as a teacher, At the recent examinations of the University ot Wales, one of his students, Mr Ivor Bertram John, took first-class honours in English language and literature, and was at the last meeting of the University Court elected the first fellow of the University of Wales.

THE "OAT" AT SWANSEA. George Attewell, who was sentenced at the recent Assizes for robbery with violence, had a taste of his severe punishment, including 40 lashes, at the Swansea Prison on Monday. It was, wa learn, intended to administer the cat on Saturday more mg, but the formalities had not been co mpleted. Whilst the other prisoners were "e at breakfast, Attewell was told to bare his back. He did so, and was then led to a triangle that had been erected in the reception ward. Here his feet and hands were bound to a bar, and in the presence of the governor, the prison doctor, the chief warder, and the prison schoolmaster, the last-named, whose duty it is to administer the lash, carrying out the first portion of Mr .Justice Day's heavy sentence. Taking the cat in his hand the prison schoolmaster, slowly but strongly, laid the lash upon the prisoner'3 bare back until the blood flowed freely. Twenty strokes were given, and then Attewell, so it was said, had to be moved to the prison infirmary, where he is expected to lie for some weeks to come. Prisoner, who groaned and swore, bore his trying ordeal fairly well.

ALREADY FORTIFIED. DENTIST Will you take gas ? Co LONE i, OLDEY How will it go with whisky ?

FOR ACHES AND PAINS RUB IN EiJiBjan's For Rheumatism, Lumbago, EHiman'# Sprains, Bruises. Freds EMisnan's Cuts, irM.;rr.<v«i's Sore Throat from Cold* Eiji-:man' Co!d at the Che^t, SifiUmaa'a „ Neuralgia from Cold. man's „ ChiSfasstnj} before Brefeegu RiiB IN ELL!MAN'S. RUB IN ELLIiVlAN'S. Emmsn's „ Ccrfls when Painful, EUiman'* „ Cramp, Stiffness, EiEsraan's „ Soreness of the Limbis ElSs'man's after Cycling, Football, Eliiman's Rowing, &c. 80ttles Std.. is. I}d" 2s. 9d., 43. Preparedly Ellitnan. Sons & Co. ,Siougli T.1E ELLIMAN PAINTJNO BOOK. Nine Coloured Hunting Scenes. Nine Black and Wfíite Copies to COIOW. Send Stamps value of Stxpc<nc&> Write your Address PizirAy. Published by Elliman. Sons & Cfe» Slough.

Miners' Funds. THE NEW LOCAL SOCIETY. Compensation Act Retained. The miners of Llanbradach Colliery have gone far to demonstrate to their fellow-workers throughout the coalfield how it is possible, with- oat sacrificing one iota of their rights under the Workmen's Compensation Act to secure for them- selves, for the weekly contribution of 3 £ d— which before the Act they paid into the Mon- mouthshire and South Wales Miners' Permanent Provident Society—every one of the benefits which that society gave its members under the old system for a joint contribution of 4ld, 3id by the workman, with 21 per cent, added by employers. When the men paid this 30 into the Permanent Fund they secured the benefits at the cost of contracting themselves out of the Employers Liability Act then in existence now that they are paying this 3id into their own local fund they secure the same scale of benefits as operated in the society before the recent re- vision, and yet retain to the full all the privileges and safeguards which the Workmen's Compen- sation Act confers upon them. Take a case in point. Writing in our issue on Saturday, Mr Evan Thomas, Pontlottyn reported the receipt, on behalf of Mrs M. Davies, Greenfield-terrace, Pontlottyn, of a cheque for JE234 from the Llanbr-tdach Steam Coal Col- lieries Company, being the amount of compen- sation paid under the Compensation Act in re- spect of the loss of her husband, the late Owen Arthur Davies, in the winding accident vhich took place at the Llanbradach Pit on the 29th September last. Another fact worthy of note," continued Mr Thomas, is that the widow is in receipt, and has been since the death of her husband, of 5s per week for herself and 2s 6d for her child from the local fund of the colliery. I hope, such local funds will be also worked at other places so that the widows may get both the lump sum of compensation and the 5s a week —not surrender either." This statement is of such extreme importance and opens up such a wide vista of possibilities to the South Wales miners that we deemed it wise to make further investigations into the matter lest it should transpire that Mr Evan Thomas had been misinformed. The statement that men at Llanbradach or elsewhere had formulated a scheme whereby they recover every penny due to them under the Act, and yet at the same time obtain practically the full benefits con- ferred upon them by the contracting-out schemes anterior to the Act, was not easily credible and required complete verification. That verification is now supplied, and Mr Evan Thomas's state- ment is confirmed in every detail. How is it done ? We have before us as we write a copy of the Rules of the Llanbradach Col- lieries Workmen's Permansnt Provident Society," and we have also secur&d a copy of the balance sheet of that society for the quarter ended Sep- tember 30ch, 1893. The rules, we are informed, are in every respect but one identical with the rules of the MoDmouthshire and South Wales Miners' Permanent Provident Society. Rule 19 reads Each member shall contribute 6d per fort- night to the benefit fund and Id per fortnight to the management fund, whether tbeybe employed on surface or underground." Rule 61 provides for the payment of the following benefits ACCIDENTAL DEATH. Member leaving no dependent relatives £ 20 Member leaving such dependent relatives:— Funeral allowance £ 5 Widow per week 5s Each child under age per week 2s 6d DJSABL.KMEKT. During the first six weeks 6s per week During the remaining period of dis- ablement 8s per week And these, our readers will remember, were the benefits payable by the Miners' Permanent Fund under the old regime, and are also the benefits offered nnder the present regime with the excep- tion that the disablement pay is 10s for the first 25 weeks and 8s afterwards, and that old age penJ sions are promised in the event of there being a surplus. Thus, for a weekly contribution of 31d per member, the Llanbradach Colliery Fund I offers the same death benefits—together with the old disablement benefits—a.s the Monmouthshire and South Wales Miners' Permanent Provident Society are offering for a joint contribution of 8d per man. True, the larger society offers some additional benefits, With which our readers are now perfectly familiar, but the great point to be I remembered is this, that membership at 8d per head in the larger society involves the sacrifice of all claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act, whereas in the Llanbradach society membership at 31d per head secures death and maintenance benefits almost of equal value, and yet retains all the rights to recover compensation under the general Act, and this in the particular case cited above amounts to £ 234 for the widow. The only new feature in the Llanbradach rules not to be found in the Permanent Fund rules is, we are informed, the following clause in the rules relating to trus- tees :—The liability of the trustees shall not extend beyond the carrying out of the rules ox the society, and should the funds of the society be deficient at any time to meet its liabilities, no claim can be made against the trustees or any other officers." Let us see how this new departure works at Llanbradach. The new Workmen's Compensation Act came into force on July lat last. The Llanbradach Company decided to sever their connection with the Miners' Provident Society and to insure elsewhere. The Llanbradach work- men likewise decided against adopting the scheme put forth by the Miners' Provident Society, which involved the sacrifica (for 5d per week) of their rights under the Work- men's Compensation Act, and thereupon severed their connection with the Miners' Provident Society. But, very wisely, they resolved not to leave the matter there. To the contrary, they decided to continue their payments —34d per head-to 9, local provident fund of their own, to bs carried on upon exactly the same lines -barrmg the contracting out—as the local agency under the Miners' Provident Society had been carried on. It was August the 2nd before the Llanbradach members ran out of compliance iu the general fund, and by that date, having retained in their own hands the contributions of the previous month, which otherwise would have swollen the coffers of tile Permanent Fund, they were able to start their own local fund with an accumulated capital of £65, The colliers in the steam and house coal pits, scores of whom held aloof from the general fund, preferring to retain their rights under the Act, had no hesitation in joining the local fund, which secured for them benefits in case of death or accident and yet held inviolate tne rights which the Legislature had conferred upon them. The local society soon numbered 900 members. By an arrangement with the management the contrbutions were kept back at the office exactly as under the old system. Tne members elected a. Committee of Management, without the interference of outsiders, and elected also a number of trustees. One of these is Mr S. Gregory, the manager of the colliery. The balance-sheet for the first quarter ended Septem- ber 30th shows the receipts during that period to have been X196 43 lOd of this £ 34 18s was distributed in relief, and X9 16s 3d in manage- ment expenses, leaving a surplus of JE15110s 7d. But in addition there should in justice be in- cluded the liabilities in respect of the two men killed and four injured at the pit on September 28th. The claims in their cases had not been received when the balance-sheet was made np. Roughly speaking," said one gentleman con- nected with the fund, who explained matters to our representative, 'we find that 50 per cent, of our income goes in rolief, and we have 50 per cent. in hand to go towards a reserve fund for contin- gencies. At the present moment our reserve fund amounts to £ 200. fj%Qi course, if we had a big ex- plosion or anything of that sort our fund would be at once extinguished, but in such a case we could do what the Miners' Provident Society did—appeal to the charitable public, and in any case our members can recover under the Compen- sation Act. But after all this is our weak point. If, however, such local funds as these were formed in all collieries and then amalgamated, we should be on a pretty safe basis. Our rules have been sent to the Registrar for approval, but they have not yet been returned. I do not, however, anticipate any difficulty from that cfuarter. Rule 46, you see (quoted above) is designed to protect the trustees in case ourfundsat any time should prove insufficient to meet all lia-bilitiea. but if we do not have in future any worse experience than befel us during the last three months we have nothing to fear on that score. You see the fact that the company are not-released by the men from their liabilities under the Aot compels the owners to adopt all possible safeguards against accidents, aud that of course tells in favour cf the fund. Again, no overman or fireman will sign a certifi- cate of accident unless he is pretty certain that it was an accident, lest a claim Le set up under the Act, and as our fund pays relief only on the production of such certificates, we-have another safeguard there against fraudnlent claims. Our management expenses come to no more than 7 per cent. of the income, and the management is en- tirely in the hands of the workmen themselves. The following is a comparison of what a. member receives for the payment of 6id per week :-1, in the Llanbradach Provident Fund and 2, in the Monmouthshire and South Wales Miners' Permanent Provident Fund :— 1. Llan- 2. Miners bradach Provident Fund. Society. DEATHS. J £ s. d. I s. d. Members leaving no dependent; relatives 20 0 0 15 0 0 Members leaving dependent re-J 'atives Funeml a.llowance .1 5 0 0 3 15 0 Widow, per weeh 0 5 0 0 3 9 Each child under age,per wee 0 2 6 0 1 10 DISABLEMENT PAY. During the first six weeks 0 6 0 0 4 6 During the remaining period of! disablement 0 8 0 0 6 0 It will be remembered that the members of the old Permanent Fund, whose employers do not join the suggested scheme, have to pay 3 £ d per week and to receive 25 per cent. less than the old benefits

A sensation has been caused in Cairo by the saicide of Mr Alfred Suaorez, son of Mr Felix Soarez, a wealthy banker and financier in Egypt. Mr Alfred Suarez. who was only 22 years of age, shot himself with a revolver over, it is alleged, a love affair. The Midland University, which is. being formed, at Birmingham, will in one respect be (juite "unique amongst the universities of Great Britain for it has been decided to establish in connection I with it a school of brewing. There will be a chair fora professor of brewing, and the training will be of the fullest, both for maltsters and brewers. ) A special brewery laboratory will be established contiguous to the University buildings- A sum I of £50,000 is required to ocuxr out the project.

A PEMBROKESHIRE HERO. In our last issue we recorded the fact that the Victoria Cross had been awarded to Surgeon W. i I J. Mailiard, M.D., R.N., who is a Pembrokeshire man, for saving the life of a comrade during the outbreak in Crete on September 6th last. To-day we ^re able to give further interesting details concerning the hero and his heroic act. Surgeon W. J. Maillard, who by the way is a. brother of Mr J. D. Maillard, of the Intermediate School, Penarth, is the eldest son of the late Rev. D. G. Maillard, who for many years resided in Cardiff. He was educated at Kingswood School, Bath, and Guy's Hospital. He entered the Navy as a sur- geon in 1889, obtaining the second pl3.ce in the competition of his year, and after the usual course at Haslar Hospital was appointed to H.M.S. Ganges and later to H.M.S. Iron Duke. His first foreign appointment was to H.M.S. Blake, at that time the flagship of Admiral Sir J. Hopkins, on the North American Station. On I returning to England Dr. Maillard was appointed to H.M.S. Excellent at Portsmouth. In Septem- ber, 1897, he again went on foreign service on board H.M.S. Hazard, a first-class torpedo gun- boat attached to the Mediterranean Squadron. For many months she was engaged in the weari- some business of blockading the Cretan coast, and chanced to be the only warship in the harbour of Candia at the time of the Mussulman outbreak on September 6th. Dr. Maillard, who is 35 years of age, married in 1896 Miss Edith Beresford, daughter of the late Mr William Beresford formerly of Waterford Hall, in the county of 1 Leicester. His medical degree is a diatinguished one, as he obtained the marks qualifying for the gold medal at the M.D. examination of the Uni- versity of London. 'It is perhaps worth mention- ing that before the action which won him the V.C Dr. Maillard bad never been under fire. It may be observed that it is very rarly that a medical man has won the Victoria Cross, and never before has the much coveted trophy been awarded to a. surgeon in the British Navy. HOW THE CROSS WAS WON. The following are the circumstances under which the Victoria Cross was won :-On Septem- ber 6th, at 1 p.m., in answer to a signal from Col. Reid, the commander of the Hazard sent in Lieut. Nicholson with about30menas aguard to the town gate. At 2 o'clock came another signal, saying, Send a stronger guard," and the cutter was sent with more men. A quarter of an hour later came the signal, Medical assistance wanted." Accordingly a boat pushed off with Lieutenant- Commander Vaughan Lewes, Surgeon Maillard, and the captain's steward, who volunteered for the service, and live men rowing. As soon as the boat entered the harbour the bullets began to plough the water all round the boat, but the damage was done when they reached the land- ing stage. The Bashis had got the exact range by practising on the preceding boats, and as the party rushed out to cross the 30 or 40 yards be. tween them and the Custom House, out of the eight two were killed and three wounded. Halfway was a small heap of casks, which they used as a shelter. Not till they reached the Custom House was it noticed that a man had dropped wounded into the boat. Sur- geon Maillard, who had already had a bullet through his tunic and trousers, now went back to him through the fire, which never ceased, and tried to lift him out of the boat. The bluejacket implored the surgeon to leave him, as he was a; dead man, and it was a physical imy :ssibility s to lift him out. By an almost superhuman effort,. Surgeon Maillard succeeded in doing this, and* bore his wounded comrade back through a per- fect hail of bullets to safety. The Englishmen now defended themselves for three hours in the Custom House, being unable to get a signal to the ship to bombard the town, but at 6 o'clock Lieutenant MarshaJI started firing, and 23 shells were discharged, doing much execution. The firing brought down the Turkish Governor, who Eretsnded not to know anything about the distur- ance, and finally at half-past 6 o'clock the party from the Custom House got off to the Turquoise with their dead and wounded. Of the latter there were nearly 70 altogether, and Surgeon Maillard, who was single-handed, had a hard night's work ollowing the toil and peril of the day.

BLASTING OPERATIONS IN THE RHONDDA. A Rhondda. correspondent writes :—When it is considered that thousands upon thousands of pounds of high explosives, such as ammonite, robnrite, &c., are used annually in blasting operations in the mines of the Rhondda Valleys alone, and that many accidents in South Wales have been caused by shot-firing, as conducted by reckless officials or inexperienced and uneducated men, it may be useful to inquire whether it is not really highly dangerous to allow miners to handle, these explosives and detonators, to charge the holes themselves, as is now done in many large collieries. Great ignorance prevails among a large section of miners as to the dangers they incur by the improper handling of these modern explosives, although they are doubtless safer and more effeduaHor use in fiery mines. In order to ensure safety in conducting shot-firing in fiery or dry and dusty mines, there is a strong feeling that the handling of the necessary explosives should be entrusted only to practical men, I specially appointed for the work. The black powder, whion was until comparatively recently used extensively in coal mines in South Wales and other mining districts in the country, has been superseded by the high explosives on the order, it will be remembered, of the Home Secretary. Its use ha.s since the 1st of January last been I absolutely prohibited in dusty mines. For years the colliers fought hard against the introduction of the high-class explosives, urging that their use smashed the coal and was otherwise an inconveni- ence. But this view, it was found, was due entirely to ignorance. Under proper supervision the high explosives give the greatest satisfaction in all kinds of strata, coal not excepted. AN ELECTRICIAN'S OPINION. In order to ascertain how explosives are managed at tlie National Collieries, Rhondda I Fach, I called upon Mr David Bird, the elec- trician of the pits. We use the ammonite explosive with a No. 7 detonator," he remarked in answer to inquiry. "Out of 1,928 shots fired last year I had only one misfire. We don't fire shots in the coal here. It is only in the rock." You fire all the shots yourself ?" Yes; we allow nobody else to fire or to I charge the holes. The work is done by myself, so no other person in the colliery can have explo- sives or detonators. The workmen drill the holes, but I do the re3t of the work. The shots are fired between the shifts when all the miners are fired between the shifts when all the miners are out. I go down the pit tne same time I as the firemen, and while they are going round sending the men out, if there should be some not having left, I am charging the holes and examining the places to see that they are quite free from gas and properly watered in accordance with the rules. When they return to me and report that everything is all right, I commence firing with my battery. The fireman accompanies me to each place. Mr Meredith, the manager, gives me an account of all the places where shots are to be fired before I descend the mine. If I have any surplus explosive after firing all the shots I take it out of the mine and record the quantity returned in a book specially kept for the purpose cf rendering full details of everything in connection with the use of everything in connection with the use of explosives in tha mine. If I have a misfire I make a note of it and the time and place, also of the j quantity of explosives used, the depth of the hole, and a description of the stratum. Mv Meredith has gjven me full power to exercise my own, discretion in order to stop a working place if I; consider it unsafe for blasting operations." How is the watering done ?" We water the places before firing by means of a. hose, the pressure being 2501b. I should In tell you that the stemming is invariably clay. No shots are fired during the night, Not a single shot is put off without consulting Mr Meredith. We store no explosives underground. Imme- ri diately after I have finished the firing every ounce of powder and every detonator is taken out by me and back to the magazine." Do you consider it safe to allow inexperi- Ives enced men to handle these high explosives ?" "No, it is not sltfe. I should be afraid they would overcharge the hole. All the energy of j the explosive would not then be expended, and 'consequently there would be surplus heat, and sparks might be produced. An experienced, competent man can form a pretty correct judg- ment as to the quantity necessary to put in a hole to do the work properly, but an inexperi. enced person cannot possibly do so." —————.——

NEATH BANKRUPTCY COURT. Re Thomas Walters, Builder, Neath.—On Tuesday (before Mr Registrar Charles) debtor appeared for his public examination. His statement showed liabilities JE317 6s lOd, and de- ficiency £251 Is Id, and that the cause of failure was loss on building contracts. Mr A. J. Jeffreys appeared for debtor. The debtor, who seemed to be in a state of intoxication, was severely censured by the Registrar. His case, continued the Registrar, was the most unsatisfactory that had ever been before his court. He then closely questioned debtor as to his dealings with his father, and made the following order :—That the debtor file an account showing all his trans- actions with his father, and also an account showing the debts at the beginning and the -completion of the houses erected by him, together with the particulars of the amooo-ta lost upon the houses. Re Lewis Quinn German, formerly of Ghajles- street, Briton Ferry, and now an insurance agent, of 15, Sea View-terrace, Aberavon.— Debtor was represented by Mr A. J. Jeffreys. The statement submitted showed that debtor had carried on business as the Briton Ferry Cycle and Upholstery Company, and that the liabilities amounted to £ 174 53 Id, and the deficiency £ 153 3s 2d. The cause of failure waa alleged to be bad trade through the stoppage of works. The effects were estimated to produce JE15, but the landlord had distrained for three months' rent JE6. and costs, and it was expected that the claim would swallow up the assets. The Registrar said the bankrupt had been reckless in carrying on his business, and the case would be adjourned. Re W. D. Thomas, Ystalyfera—A doctor's certificate was handed in showing that debtor was very ill, and probably would never bt. able to appear before the Court. Tht, case was ad- journed until the February court. Cases Closed.—Charles Harris, builder. Neath; li. H. Thomas, grocer, Llansamlet; and James Davies, licensed victualler, Ynismendu.

HOW TO PRESERVE THE EYESIGHT, I send this little book free. It tells of a remedy whose value has been proved for 300 years. Singleton's Eye Ointment cures eye disorders of all kinds, and nothing better can be applied in such/cases. Get a genuine pot for 2s from any Chemist, or send to Stephen Green, 210, Lambeth-road, London, for the booklet as above.

Mr Asquith will preside to-night at the Eighty Club discussion on What should be the policy of the Liberal party with regard to the House of Lords » The proceeclipgs will be Qf a strictly crivate character.

MINES' REGULATION ACT. Action at Llandilo. At the Llandilo Petty Sessions on Saturday (before Mr L. N. Powell and Mr W. Griffiths) an application for the dismissal of a cbeckweigher was made on behalf of the Park Colliery Com- Eany, by Mr Vanderpump, Swansea, instructed y Mr Fisher, manager of the colliery. The defendant, D. Davies, was defended by Mr Glas- codine, instructed by Mr J. Randal, LlaneUy. Mr Vanderpump said he applied for an order for the removal of the checkweigher under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1877, section 13, sub- sections 3 and 4, which stated that the check- weigher should "not be authorised to impede or interfere with the work of the men or in the way in which the colliery was managed," &c. He had to call upon the checkweigher, therefore, to show cause why he should not be dismissed. He (Mr Vanderpump) quoted a case that had occurred in Durham in 1897, in which he said the offence wa3 much less than in the present case, and in which an order was granted and upheld on appeal. David Richards, engineer of the colliery, said a stoker was summarily dismissed on the 27th of October, and on the 28th of October in a conver- sation with D. Davies, the checkweigher, in the weighhouse, Davies asked him what dirty trick he had been guilty of with the stoker. He added that witness should not think people were so blind as to think he could be dismissed without a month's notice. Davies further said that the stoker had no business to keep the water in the pond, to mind different pumps, or the fan, and that he as cheokweigher would henceforth show his authority. Witness complained of this to the manager, Mr Fisher, and subsequently Davies asked witness why he was carrying tales, and sa,id that he had no business in the weigh-house. Cross-examined by Mr Glascodine Witness did not know why the manager never asked Davies for an explanation before the summonfP waa taken out. He was not unfriendly to Davies. His business took him to see the machinery in the weigh house. He told defendant that he had only reported the stoker for neglect of duty. Defendant said it was hard lines on the stoker. Witness had been m the employ of the company seven years and defendant three years. Witness did his work all the same, but did not like to go to work last Tuesday after he had been black- guarded in a public-house by the defendant. Thomas Davies, another checkweigher, gave corroborative evidence. By Mr Glascodine He could not say that what defendant said amounted to interference with Richards doing his duty. Mr Glascodine, for the defence, characterised the case as trumpery, and denied that there had been any interference. He complained that a summons should have been taken out without any intimation having been given the defendant that a complaint had been made against him. The defendant, called, said that when Richards entered the weigh-house he asked what the best news was. Witness replied that he had nothing particular, but told him that there was a good deal of grumbling about the dismissal of the stoker, and in further conversation said it was very hard for the stoker to be dismissed without notice. He denied that he had said it was" hard lines," or that he said anything about the stoker's duty, or that he said he would show bis authority. The Bench retired to consider their decision, and on returning to Conrt Mr Powell said, The Bench a,re satisfied there is sufficient evidence to enable them to make an order."

ALLEGED BREACH OF CONTRACT IN THE RHONDDA. Novel Cases. On Monday at the Ystrad Police Court 'before Messrs Ignatius Williams, T. P. Jenkins, J. D. Williams, Alderman Morgan, E. H. Davies and R. J. Griffiths) James Thomas and Richard Rees, hauliers, employed at the Blaenrhondda Level, near Treherbert, the property of Messrs George Watkins and Co., owners of the Fernhill Collieries, were summoned for a breach of con- tract by leaving their work without proper notices on Wednesday week, the damages claimed by the company being £1 in each case. Mr James Phillips, Pontypridd, appeared for'the company, while Mr W. P. Nicholas, of the firm of Messrs W. H Morgan, Bruce, and Nicholas, Pontypridd instructed by Mr W. Evans, miners' agent, of the No. 1 district of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Miners' Union), represented the defendants. It appeared ) from the evidence of Mr C. E. Jones under- munager of the level, that 60 miners were em- ployed in the level, and six hauliers inside and two outside supplying them with trams. The de- fendants were paid 4d per day more than the hauliers in the pits belonging to the same com- pany. On the day in question the weather was very stormy and wet, and the place where the,defend- ants were engaged was a very bleak one, being on the hillside. The defendants went to their work as usual that morning, and continued working' until half-past nine. The witness.saw them about that time near the stables, and asked why they ha.d stopped work. Thomas replied it-wag too wet, and remixked, Look-at my state." Witness then told him to go home anil change, as he lived close by. Defendant said he had no clothing to change to come back to work again. Rees majde no observation. Defendants went home, but did1 not return. The minersfin the level were there- fore thrown omt of work for the remainder of the day. Cross examined by Mr* Nicholas, witness admitted that it was a fear- ful morning. Mr Jones, head manager of the: collieries, stated that Mr W. Evans, miners'* agent, and the checkweigher, Mr David Rees, called upon him requesting him to withdraw-the* summonses. Cross-examined, he said that the < defendants had been employed there for years. The place where they worked was very much; exposed. Mr Nicholas, addressing the Bench, observed that it was most unreasonable to expect the defendants to work in that very bleak place, which was one of the most exposed in the Valleys on that morning, when a very violent snowstorm, followed by a gale, with sleet, was raging. The Stipendiary remarked that the case against the defendants had not been made out. If the defendants' services were so extremely valuable something should have been done to protect them against that violent storm. It had been proved that they were very wet, and in that state they were bound to go home. If a gardener got wet he would go home, and not wait to contract bron- chitis or some other disease. His Worship thought the company should provide workmen employed in such places with mackintoshes to put on when a storm of that kind arose. Judgment for the defendants. Mr Nicholas aaked for costs, which were granted.

The number of British vessels wrecked during November was 62, causing the loss of 77 lives. WHAT WE SAY IS TROTE.—-Sufferers from Gravel, Lumbago, Piles, Pains in the Back, Dropsy Wind and Water Complaints, Diseases of the Kidneys Bladder, Stone, Gleet, Stricture, Sciatica, Rheumatism and Gout will find a positive cure in Holdroyd s Gravel Pills. Try a small box, and if not satisfied your money wiil be returned. Price Is l%d. Of all chemists, or post free for 12 stamps from Holdroyd's Medical Hall Cleekheaton, Yorks. Dont be put off. U you cannot get them write to the Proprietor, AD" » bnr will be gent next post.

DEATH OF THE REV. MICHAEL D. JONES. It is with keen regret we announce the death of one of Wales's truest and noblest sons, the Rev. Michael D. Jones, of Bala, for many years the principal of the North Wales Congregational College in that historic town. The deceased, who was not many years since one of the most prominent figures in the Principality, had long been confined to his house from ill-health, and the news of his death, which took place on Friday evening last at his residence, Bodiwan, Bala, will be read of with sorrow in every county of the Principality. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. Up to fifteen or twenty years ago Michael D. Jones was one of the most vigorous leaders of Welsh thought and action. He loved Wales intensely. A typical son of the soil, he had had bitter experience of the sufferings imposed upon his people by the tyrannous exereise of the powers of landlordism and when he attained years of discretion and maturity he became one of the foremost of the brave little band of Welshmen that in the years preceding the Ballot Act fought vigorously against overwhelming odds for the recognition of popular rights, for justice to his beloved Principality, and for all that made for national progress and righteousness. In the present day, when the educational struc- ture in Wales is complete from basement to roof, it is difficult fully to realise our indebt- edness to the great workers that have gone before, and among these workers for better educational facilities the name of Michael D. Jones will occupy an honoured place. He was born on the 2nd of March, 1822, at Wernglodd Wen, in the parish of Llanuwchllyn, where next week his remains will be reverently lowered to rest. His father was a Congregational preacher also, and kept a school, which in 1840 developed into what was afterwards known as the Bala Independent College. In this school the deceased received his early education, and in his 14th year he was apprenticed to a Wrexham tradesman. The lad, however, was bent on preaching, and in his 17th year deserted trade and entered upon a four years' course of training at the Carmarthen Presby- terian College, under the late Dr. Lloyd. From thence he went to Highbury College, where for three years he sat at the feet of Dr. Henderson, Professor John Godwin, and Dr.-afterwards Sir -William Smith, the eminent lexicographer. Few Welshmen in those days received such a complete education. From Highbury he crossed the Atlantic, and it vyas in Cincinatti, in 1848, that he was fully ordained to the ministry. In America he attained considerable popularity, and his prospects were attractive, but he longed for his native Gwalia, and after a stay of 18 months he returned home and received a I REV. M. D. JONES. I call to the pastorate of Bwlchnewydd Chapel I as successor to the late Dr. John Thomas, Liver- pool, the eminent divine with whom in after years I he engaged in a heated if not a fierce controversy concerning the constitution of the Bala College. I Five years afterwards his father died, full of years and of honours, and the son was unani- mously selected by the authorities to succeed him as principal. He accepted the invitation, and about the same time he accepted the pastorate of the four Congregational churches in and around Bala. This was in 1854, but his duties at the college constrained him very shortly to resign the charge of two out of the four churches. As a principal he accomplished great things, and those who sat under him unite in their praises of him as an attractive and successful teacher. Un- happily, however, a fierce storm broke around the college. A strong section, led by the late Dr. John Thomas, were desirous of introducing into the constitution certain reforms which Principal Michael Jones strongly resisted. A rainous split followed in the denomination, and a new college -Coleg y Cyfansoddiad Newydd—as established at Bala by the dissentients, under the principal- shin of the late Principal Thomas Lewis, B.A. This was in 1875. Principal Michael Jones, how- ever, continued, with the assistance of his son- in-law, Professor Thomas Rees, B.A., to carry on f the old college on the old lines at his residence, Bodiwan, and the establishment was maintained for many years. It was the new college that some years afterwards was removed to Bangor, and over this Principal Herber Evans ruled at the time of his death, and was succeeded by Dr. Lewis Probert. A ZEALOUS PATRIOT, his love for Wales and the Welsh knew no bounds. This after all was the most prominent feature in his many-sided character. Spurious Nationalists found in him an implacable foe. A capable scholar and linguist, he seldom, except under circumstances of stern necessity, expressed himself in English, and this at a period when there was a tendency even in Wales to depreciate all things Welsh and to bow the knee to the Saxon Baal. He gave his children the prettiest of Welsh names-Llwyd, Mih angel, Myfanwy, Mair-when, as one writer has wittily observed, such Dames were regarded as unfit for Christians, and he called his house Bodiwau, as a pleasant contrast to the red houses, white houses, villas and views, and other such names affected by his neighbours. He raised his voice loadly for giving fair play to the language of Wales in the schools and law courts, and saw and urged the claims of Wales long before his countrymen had commenced to dream of the better times that dawned with the subsequent national awakening. It was this intense love of his people that led him to conceive and afterwards to carry out at an enormous sacrifice of labour and money the idea, regarded by many as chimerical and Quixotic, of ESTABLISHING A WELSH COLONY in Patagonia. His residence in America taught him that the dispersion of the Welsh in that vast country meant the loss of all Welsh character- istics to those of her countrymen who emigrated thither. His scheme of a Welsh colony on the banks of the Chubat in South America seemed to him to secure a place where the Welshman could remain a Welshman to the end of time. and the state of agriculture in Wales, the tyranny of the land laws, and the persecution of landowners compelled the distressed tenants to look in those days to emigration for relief. He preached the gospel of the Welsh colony with vigour and earnestness throughout Wales, and at last succeeded in arousing enthusiasm. Accompanied by the late Sir Love Jones-Parry and Mr Lewis Jones, he went to Patagonia to spy out the land," and, like Caleb and Joshua, they returned with the report that the land was overflowing with milk" and honey. There is room to fear that their investigation was neither too long nor too searching, but this is not the place nor the time to relate the vicissitudes of the Welsh colonists. The Rev. Michael D. Jones organised the first party of 153 emigrants, and shipped them off to Chubat on his own respon sibility, and there they landed in July 1865. To-day the colony numbers roughly a-boat 3,000 Welsh people, and there are prospects that better times are in sstore for them and that their sufferings are over. There Welsh, is the official language to the present day. This enterprise, it is said, cost the deceased many thousands of pounds. In 1882, accompanied by the Rev. D. Rees, J.P., now chairman of the Anglesey County Council, he visited the Wladfa, as the colony is called, and was received with unbounded enthusiasm by the colonists, who, on.one occasion, found vent to their feelings towards him in a valuable testimonial. A WELSH NATIONALIST. In the-pulpit, in the Press, and on the plat- form be nobly bore the heat and burden of the fight for all that made for the betterment of Wales. Mr T. E. Ellis on one occasion acknow- ledged his indebtedness to the old warrior, declaring that, it was from him he received his first lesson in politics. The 300 or 400 students who passed through his College emerged from. his training strong and zealous Nationalists in the best sense of the term. One incident of his career must be related. In the great election of 1868 in Den- bighshire, when Sir George Osborue Morgan was first elected, the late Sir Watkin Wynn was a candidate, and at a certain public meeting was accused of evicting his tenants. This the Baroaet of Wynnstay denied with more force 'than politeness, whereupon Michael Jones amounted the platform and dramatically ex- -cla.imed, It is true; you evicted my mother I. from Wergloddwen, Llamrwchllyn, and she died j from a broken heart." That was a severe blow for Sir Watkin and destroyed all hopes of success. Afterwards Michael Jones erected a cl?anel at Llanuwchllyn, and to commemorate^ this" incident of his mother's death called it Ramah, and bad inserted over the entrance a, marble tablet Er cof am Ferthyion y Gwirionedd (In memory of the Martyrs for Truth), and among the names that follow is that of his own mother.

.c- FIRE AT NEWBRIDGE. About 7 011 Saturday morning the premises of Mr Lewis Thomas, butcher and auctioneer, of Newbridge and Cardiff, were visited by a Beriour; outbreak of fire, originating from a leakage of gas emanating from a chandelier in one of the front rooms of the second floor of the building, and overlooking High-street. Mr Thomas, as is his customary habit, rose early in the morning to attend his business, and smelling gas in the upper portion of the hooso his thoughts were directed to one of the rooms adjoining the bed- rooms, where he found gas. Mr Thomas pro- ceeded to open the door in order tha.t the room should be thoroughly ventilated and to allow the gas to escape, but having occasion to re-enter the apartments 23 minutes later in possession of a, lighted. candlo he was immediately enveloped in flames. At the same time a terrific explosion occurred, and so great was the shock that the windows and ceilings adjoining the outbreak were literally blown to fragments, and one of the doors ou the ground floor was blown to tae yard out- side. All the inmates of the house fortunately escaped except Mr Thomas, who is suffering severely from burns and contusions on the head and xigfet M*n. The building vw iaswttd,

RAID ON A CARDIFF CLUB. POLICE COURT PROCEEDINGS. There was an interested audience at Cardiff Police Court on Tuesday when the Stipendiary (Mr T. W. Lewis) had before him the case in which Edward Kinseysteward of the Grangetown Working Men's Liberal Club and Institute was summoned for selling beer without a licence.There were also summoned for aiding and abetting Charles Crawley, secretary; James Slocombe, chairman of committee John Morgan, member of the committee Edward Hurley, member of the committee and George Walsh, doorkeeper. Mr Halloran (town clerk's office) prosecuted, and Mr Lloyd Meyrick defended. The evidence for the prosecution showed that on Sunday, November 12th, Inspector Ferris went to the club, and saw a lot of men drinking in the bar. Amongst them was the defendant Kinsey. Mrs Kinsey was behind the bar, draw- ing beer. The inspector gave the names of men who tendered money for drink and received beer for their money. Mr Lloyd Meyrick Are there other clubs in Grangetown ? Inspector Ferris Yes. You didn't take out warrants against them ?— No. The Stipendiary; I don't think you should say that. There are some things privileged from this inquiry. It is calculated to interfere with the administration of justice. Mr Meyrick (to witness) Is there any other political club ?—Yes. Conservative club ?—Yes. Proceedings have not been taken against them ? —No. The Stipendiary: Surely you don't suggest that anyone shows political partiality ? Mr Meyrick The public do suggest it. I sug- gest it in this case most strongly. It will be the suggestion in another place. The defendant Kinsey was called, and In the course of his evidence said he had been steward of the club since 1895. when the club was started. He was appointed by the founders. He had £1 a week and hved off the premises- Then his wages were increased twice, and subsequently, when the premises were enlarged, he was requested to come with Mrs Kinsey to live there, and he was then paid 32s 6d per week and his wife 10s. This was carried on until the coal strike, and then his wages were cut down 2s 6d, and afterwards 5s was taken off. The rules showed that the first presi- dent was a magistrate of the town. The object of the club was the consolidation of the Liberal party. The Stipendiary Has the Liberal party ac- knowledged the institution or repudiated it ? Mr Meyrick It acknowledges it. The Stipendiary Well, neither one nor the other, perhaps. Mr Msyrick It acknowledges it in this way •—that it expects the services of the members, and the first president was a prominent member of the Liberal party. The meetings were attended bymembers of the Liberal party, and it was em- phatically as much a Liberal club as the oppo sing" institutions were Conservative clubs. This gives a tone to this case that was not seen in the previous cases. The Stipendiary How can you prove that it was acknowledged by the Liberal party ? Mr Meyrick As much as any other club in the town. If this club is to be attacked, why should not the other clubs be attacked ? The Stipendiary That will be the first case in which either party is recognised as supporting one of these institutions. Kinsey, resuming, said he had nothing to do with the club beyond acting as steward, for which he got a salary. He was always a servant of the club. He denied altogether that he got a benefit from the orders given to brewers' travellers. He had been engaged all his life in political work, and similar work had been carried on in the club, such as meetings, lectures, and debates. At elections the club threw in its weight and influence on the Liberal side. They kept a register of voters for political purposes. Members of Cardiff Corporation were always invited to their meetings. Mr Halloran; Have you ever been disowned by the party ?—No. Mr Halloran read the following motion passed by the club in January, 1897 :—" That Mr H. G. Allgood be replied to by the following resolu- tion :—' That this club, taking into consideration the systematic manner in which this club is ignored by tha local political party, refuses to assist in any way the candidature of Mr Henry Jones at the coming bye-election and further- more, it is resolved that in future all efforts in the field of political warfare shall be directed by a political committee of our own appointment, independent of any action of the Liberal paity or association.' Cross-examined further by Mr Halloran, witness admitted that he was one of the founders of the club, and that one of the preliminary meetings took place at his house. The owner of the cluo premises was Mr Augustus Lewis, whom he ha.d known for many years. He did not guarantee the rent to Mr Lewis, who let the premises to the committee, and not to witness alone. At one of the general meetings there were present Mr Allen Upward, Mr Lloyd Meyrick, and others. (A laugh.) While he acted as secretary pro. tem. he did not keep a cashbook, because there was no cash. The Stipendiary observed that they must have gone on credit, but the witness replied that they had some donations. Mr Lloyd Meyrick said the books showed £5 from Mr Clifford Cory, £1 Is from Mr Harry Samuel, and .£1 from Mr Louis Samuel. The case dragged wearily along, and at last the Stipendiary had to observe, We are waiting, Mr Halloran." A little later the Stipendiary expressed the opinion that questions regarding finance would be better put to the treasurer than to the defendant Kinsey. Kinsey, proceeding, said he gave 21 guineas for a billiard table at auction, and the committee still owed him JE10 5s on it. Going on to the price of stock, witness said the committee charged him £3 per 36-gallon barrel of beer; 15s 6d per gallon for rum, gin, and whisky 12s 5d per gallon for port wine and sherry and 2s per gallon for claret. He sold the beer at 2d per sleever or 3d per pint, and outdoor beer 3d per pint or over on Sundays, and 2 £ d on week days. The Stipendiary Do you make that charge to discourage beer-3elling on Sundays ?—Yes, for discouraging the beer traffic. Mr Halloran Have you worked out how much a 36-gallon barrel will bring in ?—About £3 12s, if it contains 36 gallons. The Stipendiary What do you get ?—-With selling outdoor at 24d per pint, and with waste, I would get £2 17s or £2 18s. You would lose 2s ?—I should have done if the committee had stuck to their resolution, but they did not do that because of the loss that was repre- sented to them. Answering further questions by Mr Halloran, witness said the profits from spirits would be about 22 or 23 per cent. Be could not say how much was owing to the brewers at the present time. The Stipendiary said at the adjourned hearing certain sums must be explained, and Mr Meyrick asked that the police should give him particulars of the various items they wanted explaining. His Worship said he thought they might do that, for undoubtedly Mr Meyrick had a right to ask for an adjournment if he chose in order to prepare particulars. It would be far more convenient if the particular items of which an explanation was desired were submitted by the prosecution. At this point the electric light failed, and the Stipendiary, after waiting in darkness for some minutes, said the case would be adjourned till Friday.

SWANSEA ASSIZE COURT. The Property and General Purposes Committee of the Swansea Corporation met on Tuesday, under the presidency of the chairman (Alderman Morgan Tutton). and considered the question of the proposed new law courts for the town. The ex-Mayor (Alderman Aeron Thomas) said he thought the last communication from the Judges was a peremptory request to the Corpora- tion for a decision on the question, and that if im- proved courts were not provided the Assizes would be removed from the town. He suggested that new courts be decided upon, and that a sub-com- mittee be appointed to select a suitable site and report at the same time upon the advisability of including new municipal offices as well. Alderman Howel Watkins concurred, and advo- cated a comprehensive scheme, including new law courts and municipal offices with a central police station. After some discussion the following resolution was unanimously agreed to :—" That in view of the communications from her Majesty's Judges of the High Court this Council decides forthwith to take the necessary steps for the provision of courts of justice with accommodation for wit- nesses and others having business at Assizes on a site free from disturbing noises, and that a sub- committee be appointed to recommend a suitable site or sites for that purpose." It was further resolved that the sub-committee consist of the Mayor (Mr Richard Martin), the ex-Mayor (Alderman Aeron Thomas), Alderman Viner Leeder, Alderman David Harris, Alderman Howel Watkins, Mr Thomas Freeman, Mr W. Watkins, Mr Roger Thomas, Alderman Qwilym Morgan, Mr James Jones, and the Hon. Odo Vivian, and that this sub-committee be empowered to take into consideration the embodying of the provision of municipal offices and a central police court in their recommendation.

NEWPORT GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians was held at the Town Hall on Satur- day, the chairman (Col. Lyne) presiding. Mr W. H. Brown brought up the report of the special com- laittee appointed at the instance of the Local Government Board to deal with the alleged fric- tion between the officials at the Workhouse. The committee had before them Dr. Macormack, the medical officer, and Mr Evan Davies, master of the Workhouse, and having heard statements by those officers as to the causes of the friction which httd existed,the committee found that some of the causes of the friction had already been re- moved, and the committee requested Colonel Lyne, the chairman of the board, to see both the officials and convey to them the opinion of the committee respecting various matters. Colonol Lyne stated that in compliance with the request of the committee he had, in the presence of Mr Wheeler, the vice-chairman, spoken in drastic terms to the medical officer and the mastertand as a result of his plain talk to the officials thoy had agreed to work amicably together, and he (tho chairman) had made itclear to them that no differ- ences between them would be allowed in future to affect the inmates of theWorkhouse. He hoped that as a result of the action of the committee they would not hear anything more of the matter, The report of the committee was then adopted.

The GENTLEwoMAN" says :—The best make of Corsets is the Y and N Diagonal Seam. Ex- quisite models, perfect* fituKaarawJwsd wear.

ABERYSTWYTH WORKHOUSE SCANDAL. The recent articles dealing with the way the children w#9 looked after in the Aberystwyth Workhouse were referred to at Monday's meeting of the board. Rising in order to make a. state- ment, Mr Richard Edwards, a town guardian, called attention to certain statements which had appeared in the South Wales.Daily News. If what had been published, he said, was a fact he at once declared that the persons in charge of the children were not the proper persons. One of the guardians had told the reporter, according to the statements in the Press, that the children were taken care of by imbeciles and persons who were worse than imbeciles. What do yon mean by the latter phrase—worse than imbeciles?" asked the reporter, and the guardian replied, Worse than imbeciles on account of their uncontrollable temper." Well, now he would have to turn to another point Mr James Jones What is the object of this ? Mr Edwards My object is to get the question cleared up as to how things are going on in the house. The other point referred to by the re porter was that the infants were rocked to and fro by infirm —— Rev. T. A. Penry (interrupting) That is not by a guardian. Mr James Jones We have nothing to do with what appears in the South Wales Daily News. The Chairman We cannot tell what the point is until we hear Mr Edwards. Mr Edwards Let me finish. Mr Jones Who said it ? Mr Edwards Mr Penry. Re\. T. A. Penry Oh, no, that is a correspon- dent of the South Wales Daily News. The Chairman Perhaps Mr Edwards will tell us. Mr Edwards (continuing) said if the statement Eublished is true then the whole thing ought to e looked into. The correspondent says here, The infants were rocked to and fro by an infirm imbecile who whilst declaring her fondness for babies recklessly swung in her hands a spoon, knife, and fork." If that is a fact we ought to have an inquiry into the matter. I propose that a committee of the board be appointed to make inquiries and report by the next meeting. llev. J. Davies thought it was only right that they as a board should defend themselves. His impression was that the master had something to do with this affair. (No, no.) The special re- porter says tha.t he passed up Penglaise-road and admired the new houses. He happened to meet a stranger, and the stranger turned out to be the master of the house-- Mr David Lloyd It was not the master of the house it was me. The reporter asked me the way to the Workhouse, and I directed him. Rev. J. Davies I am reading according to the paper- Mr Lloyd I repeat to you that I was the stranger referred to. Mr E. J. Evans Perhaps the whole thing was wrong in the paper. Rev. J. Davies went on to say that the reporter found everything perfect in the master's office, but in the room in which the children were kept everything was wrong. Then take the other letter which appeared on the following dayin con- nection with Mr Penry. Rev. T. A. Penry You are quite wrong. It was mine which came out first, and the other one afterwards. Rev. J. Davies It is only a difference of dates. In my impression-I may be wrong-since I have been here the master appears to try and domineer over the board. I saw it in the Capel Sion case, in the case of the child which died, in the classifi- cation of the inmates-- Mr David Lloyd This is out of order. Rev. T. A. Penry: I must protest against any gentleman on this board giving his impressions as facts. Rev. J. Davies I feel that it is not the fault of the board that the present condition of things as described in the South Wales Daily News exists. Rev. T. A. Penry I stand by every word I said in the paper. (Hear, hear.) Rev. J. Davies I second the proposal to have a committee of inquiry. Mr Hughes It is the fault of the majority of the board who refused to appoint an assistant matron. Mr E. J. Evans said that there was something behind the scenes. There was a section—a clique. (Uproar, and cries of Order and Name, name.") Mr James Jones I saw Mr Evans and the Rev. James Davies speaking together outside and I think that, must have been the clique. (Laugh- ter and hear, hear.) Mr Miller If there is a clique it exists amongst those members who have taken action against the master. Mr D. Lloyd I propose as an amendment that we ask the Local Government Board to hold an inquiry. Mr Miller I second it. Mr J. Morgan accused Mr Penry of bringing forward motions over since he had joined the board which meant the expenditure of money. Rev. T. A. Penry I am exceedingly sorry that this feeling should arise. Mr J. Morgan You are to blame you put in such a light. Rev; T. A. Penry I cannot help it. I simply gave the facts at the last meeting, and nobody raised objections to what I said. But because this fact has been circulated outside and public sympathy awakened for the children then all the condemnation comes on my shoulders. (No. no.) Do you think I am so dull as not to see the drift of Mr Morgan's speech ? I am in favour of an im- partial inquiry, because I know a committee of this board cannot be impartial. A vote was taken, and on the casting vote of the chairman the motion w&3 carried. Mr Salmon The chairman is afraid, as every member who voted for the motion is, of a Govern- ment inquiry. At the request of several of the members Mr Salmon withdrew the words used. Before rising the Rev. T. A. Penry's motion for the appointment of a woman help for the house was carried.

FIRE IN THE OGMORE VALLEY. At about 11 o'clock on Monday night a fire broke out in a cottage in liburch-terrace, Nanty- moel. The inmates at the time were a mother and five children, and a lodger, the father being at work in the Wyndham Colliery, which is close by. The cries from the inmates for help were quickly responded to by the neighbours, some of whom had not retired for the night, and the alarm soon aroused arnumber of others, who were quickly on the spot. Four of the children and the mother were rescued through an upper window by a ladder, the smoke preventing egress by the staircase. An entrance was forced into the back of the house where the fire was burning fiercely. A good supply of water was forthcoming from tho house services and a brook close by. The flames were subdued, but the smoke was still stifling, when it was reported that one child was missing. Volunteers immediately entered at the windows, and, groping along the floor through the smoke, found the little girl, six years old, under one of the beds, where in her fright she had hidden. The child was still conscious, and comparatively little the worse. Dr. R. A. Williams was speedily in attendance, and was satified that beyond the fright the child was uninjured. It took a considerable time to extin- guish the fire, which, but for the splendid efforts of willing hands, would have very quickly reached the roof, and imperilled the whole block of five cottages and a villa.

COWBRIDGE FARMERS' CLUB. A successful fat stock show was held at Cow- bridge on Monday, under the auspices of the Cowbridge Farmers' Club. The exhibits shown were excellent all round, and it would have been very hard to beat the quality of the fat stock. u The entries were more numerous than last year. The president was Mr E. H. Ebsworth, Llan- dough Castle. Mr W. V. Huntley, Welsh St. Donatts, was the secretary, and very ably dis. charged the duties of that office. Mr W. Thomas, Sully, did well in the cattle class, and won the prize for the champion beast. Mr J. Lane, Holly Bush Farm, was very successful in the sheep class. The poultry class was worthy of special commendation. Mrs Williams, Prisk Farm, took two firsts here.

l' ONE OF THE USUAL KIND. [ HOUSEHOLDER Do you pretend to say that this meter measures the amount of gas we burn ? INSPECTOR: I will enter into no controversy, air, but I will say that the meter measures the amount of gas you have to pay for.

GIRL'S STRANGE SUICIDE. A girl of 17, named Lizzie Harborne, employed at Kynoch's Ammunition Works, near Birming- ham, had a tiff with her aunt on Sunday night as to how much coal should be put on a fire, and delibera,tely changed her Sunday clothes for her working dieas and walked out of the house, telling a companion she met she was going to drown herself. The threat was regarded ae Idle and empty, but nothing more was heard of the girl until Tuesday night, when her body waa dis- covered by a policeman in the canal at Gra-velly- hill. V"

HILLS HIGH CLASS BADMINTON SMOKING MIXTURE can tso had at W. H. Salisbury's Our Boys CVmr Depot," 84. {St. Mary- street. Cardiff. 16268 )

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. Strong Remarks by the Bench. At Aberdare Police Court on Tuesday Messrs W. M. North, stipendiary, R. H..Rhys,a Dr. Evan Jones) David Lewis, a farmer, resw1*1^ at Caio Llanwrda, was summoned at the install of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Animals for causing seven pigs to be convey in a manner calculated to cause them unnecessary suffering. Mr D. W. Evans (Messrs David and Evans, Cardiff) prosecuted, on ben of the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruel y to Animals. William Williams; a porter Llanwrda, proved the consigning of the P1? from that station. The box was produced I court. It measured three feet one inch long, two feet one inch wide, and one foot nine high. He did not see the pigs put in box. There were three strips over the pigs. an a little distance between the strips. He though when he took them in there was plenty of room.1 the box. They were consigned by goods trø.IJ1, but as they were live goods, to save delay, they were sent on by passenger train. Ii William Francis Lewis, police-constable a. Llanelly, said he was on the platform at Llaneily Great Western Railway Station when the box arrived. He noticed a volume of steam arising from the box. The pigs were continually fight. ing. There were no holes in the box for drainage* The pigs were continually four down and three up, with their snouts to the opening gasping for air. Mr North (stipendiary): Why didn't you detain them at Llaneily and let them out ? Witness said he was a young member of the force, and he was not sure of his powers, and while he went to his superior officer to report the case the pigs were sent on by the Great WeatetB Company's people. Mr North You did quite right, and should be commended for what you did. Mr E. C. Teague, stationmaster G.W.P"1 having received an intimation that the pigs were coming, met the train. He saw the box brought out of the van. The guard's van was full 0 steam and very hot. The pigs were screeching' and some apparently dead. He had them pn into a truck with some straw under them. They were staggering about in the truck as if drank. Mr North Had those pigs been handed 8.tthe Aberdare Station to the Great Western Railway Company, whose duty would it be to see to them Witness The foreman or the checker. Mr North Do you consider that they should accept them ? Mr Teague No if I had seen them I wofll" not have accepted them if tendered at this station. Mr North: 1 quite agree with you, and I wish to say that it is my very strong opinion that the stationmaster or whoever took them in at Llan- wrda is very much to blame. Mr D. W. Evans said that the society thought. that the railway company by sending them b1 passenger train had tried to minimise the cruelty* Mr North They should never have accepted them. Mr R. H Rhys It was a monstrous thing to secure them in a box like that. Robert Hurley, a porter at Aberdare StatioBi corroborated, and in reply to a question by jJA.t Evans as to his knowledge of pigs, said, I Wa.1f bora next door to a pigsty—(loud laughter)—an» I am not ashamed of it. (Renewed laughter.) never saw pigs so packed before. They wero almost too weak to stand. The defendant elected to be sworn, and said he thought as he packed them they would be nice and warm, He admitted having tried to get a bigger box, but he couldn't. Thomas Evans, Royal Oak, Trecynon, to whom the pigs were consigned, also gave evi- dence. He sent the box for the pigs. Six PIg" had been packed in the box before from the saind man. Mr North, in delivering the verdict of the Bench, said this was a shocking case of cruelty and the Bench wished to say that the railway company's servants at Llanwrda were very much to blame by sending them on by passenger train- They showed, in his opinion, that they knew they had done wrong, and when the pigs were found lØ the state they were at Llaneily by the young policeman who had given evidence he very properly went and reported to his superior officer, and the Bench highly commended him for what he bad dons. The Great Western Company sent them off while he was away. The Bench hesitated much whether to send the defendant to prison, but had decided to give him the option of paying a fine of £5 and costs. Mr Evans pointed out that under the section he was charged he could be only fined £ 3 an« costs, and this, or an alternative of two months* was inflicted. The costs were £5 2s, making total of £8 2s.

CARDIFF FINANCES. Proposal to Borrow £800,000. At the Finance Committee of the Cardiff County Council, which met at the Borough TreSt" surer's office on Monday, Councillor Brain pre. siding, the Borough Treasurer presented a repo*" as to how the rates would be affected during next few years by the proposed raising of £ 800,0^ worth of stock. From this report it that the total increase in rates would be 5d in £ which would be made up by 3d on the distr10 and 2d on the borough rate. In the course of a discussion which the Chairman said that they did not want to rø.1 stock oftener than every three years Councillor E. Thomas asked statement allowed for increase in ratable va.lI1Ð. The Borough Treasurer That is allowed for* Alderman David Jones What increase of ra*" a.ble value is allowed for ? Councillor Courtis £ 56,250 each year for tb8 three years. The Chairman pointed to the fact that Joe" recently they had been spending the biggest snUls they had ever spent they were lumps of monof that they wouldn't get any return for yet, b\1cr at the same time they were for things that no sane man would not have taken advantage O" The total increase in the rates would mean 5d 111 the JE. Alderman Ramsdale pointed to the fact that the sum would not be spent in the next six yaait&. Alderman D. Jones Is there any provision made for the western sewer in that estimate ? The Borough Treasurer No, sir. The Chairman: We have no permission tt raise that money. Alderman D. Jones It must be done, and » should be one of the items taken into account. The Chairman Before we have permission ? Alderman D. Jones Yes. The Chairman: I really cannot follow yorl there, Mr Alderman we have no power to raief it. t Alderman Ramsdale We shan't begin that for three years yet. Alderman D. Jones Then a footnote shouW be added: stating that outlay over the westertt sewer is not allowed for. Councillor Meyrick I move that this statement be printed in the minutes Subsequently it was decided that it be printed and sent round to each member of the Finance Committee, so that they might digest all tha figures before the next meeting. A discussion took place a.s to the advisability 01 otherwise of making an annual estimate instead of a half-yearly estimate, as at present. were read to letters previously sent out showing the custom in other towns. It was resolved to recommend the Council to make an annual esti' mate, but levying a half-yearly rate as at present

AMUSING ERROR AT CARDIFF. An amusing error was disclosed to AlderroaJI Sanders and Mr D. Duncan while sitting ø.t Caidiff Police Court on Tuesday. Mr HalIoraJS prosecuting solicitor for the Corporation, said M wished the summons served upon Mr Morgan Rees in respect of a charge of removing swin* contrary to the regulations of the Board of Agri" culture, to be withdrawn. It was clearly a mis" take. The pigs were found on sale in CarihUf and the man in charge, upon being asked for thá name and address of the owner, gave a wrosS name and a wrong address. As a matter of faoti the summons bad been served upon Mr Morgafl Rees,who was a solicitor practising in that conrt. (Laughter.) Mr Hallora.n's request for the with' drawal of the summons was granted.

TENANTRIGHTS AT BONVllSTONE. His Honour Judge Owen at Barry County Court on Tuesday heard a case in which Ann Griffiths. now of Ely Common, formerly tenant of Pen- carreg Farm, Bonvilstone, sued the present tenant —Robert Griffiths-for the payment of £15 In respect of certain improvements on the farm» which he accepted when taking it over. This sum was independent of the usual award of tenants' rights under the custom in the Vale ot Glamorgan, but defendant denied that it ought to have been included in the award, and he ha<J made no agreement in respect of these matters- Mr John Sankey appeared for plaintiff, and Mr J' T. Richards, Cardiff, for defendant, against whoi** judgment was given for the amount claimed witS costs.

A LINCOLN CENTENARIAN. Mrs Mary Smith, better known as Granni* Hullott," of Grantham, celebrated her 102nu. birthday on Monday. Born atBalderton,Notting' hamshire, she has had four children,but none no* live. She is in excellent health, and can watt' quite easily. Her mental faculties are particu- larly cute. Amongst the incidents she recalls that once she was placed in the stocks for being mischievous. She is not an abstainer, and is 801<14 fond of her pipe. Up to two years a!?o she actuallj cultivated her garden herself,

The Austrian Emperor has conferred "he First Class of the Elisabeth Order upon Baroness. Hirach, who has just contributed one million ana a half florins as a Francis Joseph Jubilee founda- tion for indigent Austrian artisans and trades- men.

SPEEDILY 1 CURED BY TAKING fCONBYMLlMf tSF Insist on buying OOSPY'8." j| £ "w