The Cardiff Times

CONTRADICTORY REPORTS. EVerywhere Repulsed. (Central News Special War Telegram.) PARIS, Thursdav Morning. Recording to the Petit Parisien's St. •tersburg correspondent private telegrams from 7* front^ieave no room for doubt that the Rus- *h attacks have been everywhere repulsed, and General Europatkin has sustained another th,c),. 44Panese Left Wing Turned. (Central News Special War Telegram.) PARIS, Thursday Morning. According to the Echo.de Paris correspon- h lit at Sc. Petersburg the Japanese left wing 's been turned. At the General Staff Head- ^rters he states it is declared that the Russian Qv*nced posts have advanced still further south, *3 the left wing of the Japanese Army ia being etched and harassed by the Cossacks. 15 DEGREES BELOW FREEZING POINT Terrible Sufferings of the Wounded. (Central News Special War Telegram.) ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday. The correspond DO t of the Novoe Viemya I that the sufferings endured by the wounded jthe last battle were terrible. The temperature **8 45 degrees below freezing point Pahr,, and 6 horrors of the campaigns cf 1812 and 1878 rspeated. The blood congealed directly it T^Raa to flow from the wounds, and the snSerers unless they were picked np and medically I ''nded to at once.The five days' fighting ended both sides returning to their original positions t that a continuance of the Japanese tutn- S movement is reported. "he correspondent expresses the opinion that will be a cessation of hostilities until the Of the month. -w-

The Baltic Fleet. NEW GERMAN COALING CONTRACT. BERLIN, Wednesday. lbe Hamburg-American Line baa concluded a contract with the Russian Government to ^Pply with coal the projected fourth squadron 'he Russian Baltic fleet, which ia to proceed 'he Far East in April. The company has also ^Uacted for the coal supply to the third ^"adron, which is due to sail this month, it iB ^•rstood that the Hamburg-American Line Tbeen guaranteed against all risks. "he managing director of the Hamburg- ^ericaa Line, Herr Ballin, and Captain von who recently retired fiom the German ^vy and from the persona) service of the J^peror William in order to join the board of company, were invited to luncheon at the rlin Caslle to-day.—" Times."

Cardiff Coal Captured. ANOTHER JAPANESE HAUL. j^kio, Wednesday.—The Austrian steamer bound for Vladivostok with a cargo of Car-. pff EODLI"wat; seized yesterday off Hokkaido.— ells Association. ,,5)he Centra) News says that the captures by I Japanese of steamers bound for Vladivostok )7ve led the underwriters of Lloyd's and the ^ding outside insurance houses to take con- ih ftd action with a view to safeguarding their Detests, The latest seizure—that of the Austrian vJ^Qier Siam OD Wednesday—makes the ninth which has been captured by the Japanese fall of Port Arthur, and it involves the (tterwritefs in a loss of £ 50,000 on the ship and iRo, W^e sub-committee appointed by the under 8 'Dtete9tc^ iQ vvnr risks, in order to mini- far as possible the risk of further cap- ity*8 ^ave approached the majority of the Oers of the JOsteamers which are still on their to Vladivostok, and have requested them to mi" the captains at the first port at which they of the danger of capture. Underwriters It s>der that many of thecantains who have been tt 8e& for a considerable period ate unaware of Il9changed conditions in the Far East, and are Q^'ossiy running like rats into a trap. i^ev'erai of the vessels now en route have put ij, 0 Bong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, and kteOtInection with these vessels the underwriters 4{ ,n treaty with the owners v/ith a view either dropping the steamers indefinitely and paying t^Urrage, or instructing the captains to take a kcircuitous route, the underwriter* on their 5 bearing any extra cost to which the owners )!Q.? be pnt. The owners it is satisfactory to *< are doing everything possible to meet the of the underwriters, and by this means it hoped that a considerable number of the teeners may be stopped before they tench the v$er zone. t Jot withstanding the large percentage of cap- tij51 the underwriters are still well on the right No less a Bum than £ 2,000,000 in premiums ^bcen paid on vessels bound for Vladivostok, tJ* the total payments on the nine steamers i^'lred amount to £ 500.000, or enly a little fLte than one-fourth of the premiums paid, j(wj'fal steamers were offering on Wednesdaj 1 from San Francisco, Seattle, and other ^fic ports to Vladivostok at 50 gdineas per but the. underwriters invariably held oat higher rates.

"APPEARANCE OF A FAVOURITE ACTRESS. Winifred Emery on her return to the M6 to Beatrice to Mr Tree's Benedict in tf^ch Ado About Nothing," at His Majesty's an absence ot over two years, was Vstad with great enthusiasm. It may *Jj°Obtsd whether any modern actress has won place for herself in th'e hearts of the play- ed public. Miss Emery made her debutat | Miss Winifred Emery. j qo 4rly age of eight. She comes of one of the theatrical families in the kingdom, her 'Rxandfather having been a noted eigth 1 jS«Ji century player, while her father, Sain was the best Dickens actor Of bis jV She is the wife of Mr Cyril Mande and is mother of charming children, and, of her passionate devotion to her pro- is esssentially wife and mother, aa well -reaB.

| How TO DEAL WITH FRISKY BOYS. 4. Merthyr Stipendiary's Advice. SQri^°uiHain Ash Police Conrt on Wednesday V* *t of b°?s wcro summoned for ofcetructioff ?tij. *«et by running about, A mother told the S J'ary (Sir T. MarChant WHliams) that her 1a quiet lad. He was never per- ,r'riQ to go into the street. On the occasion ^tion he had been out only a few minutes. Stipendiary That doubtless accounts for 'hat he is so frisky when he gets out- K^h °RS which are tied op get qnite frisky ODt* ^oa W allow yonr lad to I A, *»ore, so that he may know how to behave *> 0 °ut of doora. The boys wete ordered lo j 8 6d each.

CURE A COLD IN ONE DAY tN&ii ^Jax*tive Bromc-Quiniue Tablets. AH refund the money if it fails. E. W. ikvmo ou 0*4 box. le, lid.

SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS Czar Signs a Draft Constitution. Tbe" Daily Telegraph's "St. Petersburg cor- respondent says :—In a few days we shall witness a political transformation scene. Captives will be released, the Press will be allowed to sneak ¡ freely, and later General Trepoff will go to Man churia. and in 10 days a brand new represent a- tive Chamber will be created under M. Witte. 1 Ml1 able to vouch for the accuracy of this. Ii On Monday an extra sitting of the Committee of Ministers discussed the situation and reforms. A scene afterwards occutred in the Imperial I apartments, when the Minister of Agriculture presented the report and counselled the reforms. The Czar lost his self-control, but ultimatsly signed the draft constitution, charging M. Witte to develop the principles of reform. M. Yerniloff, entered the room. After the first greeting was over, and whsn the Czar listened for the report, M. Yermololl's tone jarred dis- cordsntly on the Imperial ear. Site,—I am compelled by my sacred oath to speak seriously to your Majesty, and to utter words to-day which on ordinary occasions might appear deficient in respect. But, sire, it is fidelity to my Imperial master which emboldens me to tell you that the present system of government has outlived its usefulness. With- out the assistance of the Russian people itRis henceforth impossible to carry on the business of the Empire. Troops may preserve order by violence, but they cannot rule the country The nation is anxious for closer union with its Cnr in the interests alike of the dynasty and the people." Here the Empeior sharply interrupted the apeaKer, reprimanding him for hia impertinence, and commanding him to present bis report. But i M. Yermoloff answered that, having discharged | his duty, he was at hia Majesty's service. ( Dramatic Scene. J Now, for the first time, his Majesty lost his 1 self-control and physical serenity, an:1 only after some time did he wholly recover his normal calm. After a considerable panse, during which t M. Yermoloff remained in an adjoinine apart- c ment, the Emperor recalled bin>, heard him de- "1 velop a scheme for the Dacification of the coun- J try, and finally commanded him to take paper, E pen, and ink, retire to the next room, and embody j his ideas in a n kaae addressed to M. Witte. The ( Minister of Agriculture thereupon rose, and after s a lapse of some 90 minutes came back with a I Constitntion in his hand. He read it alond, with" an unsteady voice, to the Czar, who paced the t apartment, the while asking no questions, and g when M. Yermoloff had finished took his pen in I his hand and signed the Russian Magna Charta. t

ASSASSINATION ? Chief of Police's Death. J The Prague Narodui Lisli,"savs the London s "Star," reports from St. Petersburg that the J Chief of Police, Baron Nolken, was assassinated J yesterday. The Government tries to gloes the t matter over, and represents the murder as { an accident. (

GORKY RELEASED. St. Petersburg, Thursday.—Maxim GorKy was ] released to-day.—Keuter.

Anglo-Japanese Plot." < ORIGINATED BY GRAND DUKE SERGIUS J The Daily Telegraph's St. Peters < burg correspondent says I have dis covered the origin of the malicious I legend respecting the Anglo Japanese plot to throw Russia into confusion by organising strikes, processions, etc. The ,aathor, I am ) assured, is the Grand Duke Sergius, and the legend fiist appeared in Moscow. I am in a posi- 1 tion to name a witness who was in the office of I tbe" Rnsskoye Slovo when an adjutant of the Grand Duke Sergius entered and offered the historic telegram. It was declined unless the censor wonld sanction its publication. This was I refused. Afterwards the xinsabi Invalid," the official warorgan, gave the telegram prominence. CZAR'S GIFT TO SUFFERERS. St. Pateraburp;, Thursday. The Czar bas given from bit private parse 60.000 roubles for the re- latives of the killed and for the wonnded in the disturbances of Sunday week.—Central News.

The Stabbed Ex-Pugilist. ( MORGAN GROWTHER'S WOUND. ACCUSES AGAIN BROUGHT UP. Remanded—No Bail. Charles Francis Thomas (34) was again brought up at Cardiff Police Court on Monday charged with attempting to kill and murder Morgau Crowtber, at Cardiff, on the 27th January. Only one maRiatrate adjadicated (AMerman John Tenkins), Mr George David prosecuted, and Mr Frank U. Gaskell defended. Only one witness was called-Dr. Campbell, Cowbrldge-roftd, who Btatod that Mr Crowther was suffering from « very severe wound. Mr David Can yon say he is out of danger ? Dr. Campbell 1 cannot say that; he is not out of danger yet. Mr F. GaaMt asked in case of a remand, that accused be admitted to bail, as he was suffering from a bad leg and also from Inability to get witnesses while he remained in custody. Not only that, but statements were in the meantime being published, emanating from the other side. which would seriously prejudice the case, if not in tho minds of the magistrates certainly in the public mind. When the case was gone into he would produce facts that wookl materially alter the aspect of the case. Mr David replied that he was instructed to oppose the application lor bail, and said he should be able to show that so f¡.r as the injary was concerned it was the result of premeditation. Moreover, Mr Crowther \t?as in a condition of danger, and it nas net therefore a time at which the accused should be admitted to bail. The facts bis friend had adduced appeared to him to be wholly irrelevant to the application. Alderman Jenkins pointed out that on the first occasion bail was refused, and he did not now see any reason that wonld justify him in adopt- ing a different attitude to that taken np by the magistrate who first tried the case. He therefore -wonld not allow bail, and remanded prisoner for eight days. Subsequently Mr David again mentioned tne case, remarking that a contingency might arise, and he would suggest that prisoner be retnanaed forithree days. If he was remanded for eigbt days be would have to be sent to "801,. but if for three davs he could be kept in the ceHattho police station, and it was desired to keep him there in view of a possible contingency. Mr F. Gaakell said he did not object to a re- mand. which was accordingly granted till Friday. Mr David said", further remand would then have to be asked for.

SLEEPING IN THE MINE, IMPRISONMENT TNSTEAD OF FINES. Four cases which constituted breaches of the colliery ruJea were adjudicated open by the .forth magistrates on Thuislay. Mr W. Kenshole, who appeared to prosecute in all the charges on behalf of the Cambrian Collieries, Ciydach Vale, said he was instructed that a very recent explosion in the west had been caused through a breach of the rules, and asked the magistrates to deal with the defendants in an exemplary manner. The first charge investigated was against Daniel Evans, a labourer, who was found sleep- ing in hie working place by the fireman with his lamD placed on the gtpuad two or three feet away and totally unprotected. Defendant was fast asleep, and was only aronsed with much difficulty. The only excuse he advanced for bis conduct, which he repeated to the magistrates, was that be did not have suffici ent sleep the pre- vious da.y. Mr T. P. Jenkins said it WOoS a most serious case. The Bench had a duty to perform, and & fine would answer no purpose. Defendant was sent to prison for 14 days. Thomas Watkine, a young lad, was searched and in his possession were" fall ends" of oiga' rettes. A fine of JEt was imposed. Josbtia Datfiels, a collier, who had a pipe in bis pocket in the mine, was mulcted io the sum Of 40s and costs. There was some doubt in the magistrates' minds whether Ebenezer Raymond ahonld not be sent to prison without the option of a tine for having a match in bis pocket. In imposing a fine of 40ii and coata Mr Jenkins said that the diecoveiy waa made at the bottom of the pit, but had it bean in a oiore dangerous part of the workings the defendant would have been de- prived of his freedom for a time.

NIAGARA RAPIDS. Ferndale Man's Proposed Attempt Mr ,C. G. Stephens, Ferndale, of lion's den sod parachute fame, writes to say that his pro- posal to attempt to shoot the Niagara liapide is being considered by a syndicate, and the matte is only in its preliminary stage. As soon as an arrangement is arrived at he will annoucoe the fact through the columns of the South Wales Echo." I am prepared," hcaaye, "to shoot ttaeXRapids, as stated in your paper, and I only hone that lahall have Che opportunity of ftHeo-pt • i ing the feat."

Defaulting Authorities. I ATTITUDE 0F THE COUNCILS. I PREPARING FOR A STRUGGLE. I Truce Negotiations Described. j WHAT THE BISHOPS WANT. (By Our Special Correspondent.) SHREWSBURY, Wednesday. There are indications that the Board of Educa- tion are at last, after a long period of inaction, about to strike a blow at some of the Welsh Councils by the enforcement, in one if not in two areaR. of the provisions of the Education (Defaulting Authorities) Act and that, on the other band, the Welsh Councils Me preparing with eagerness for the conflict. This impressian has been more than confirmed by what tran- spired this afternoon in one of the conference rooms of the Raven Hotel. "If the Depart- ment wants to fight, we are ready," was the statement of many prominent Welsh leaders as, after a three-hours' discussion, they emerged from the confeience room. The occasion was a meeting specially convensd of tha Joint Committee of Welsh Councils, by which ia meant in this connection a body con- stituted of two representatives from each of the 29 education authorities of the Principality. The notice calling the conference specified no par- ticular business, but it was understood that ona of the main objects was to give an opportunity to tha deputation from the National Union of feacbers to report fully upon the position up to date of the negotiations they have entered upon, as intermediaries, with the view of patching up a truce between the Welsh bishops (as representing the non-provided schools) on the one hand, and the Welsh education authorities on the other. Alderman T. J. Hughes (Glamorgan), who presided, was influentially supported, Mr D. Woyd George, M P.,looking much improved after ais recent holiday, was present from the Carnar- vonshire County Council Mr Frank Edwards, M.P. from Radnorshire Mr J. Herbert Lswis, M.P., from Flintshire Mr J. Herbert Roberts. M P., from Denbighshire Mr Morgan Tutton from Swansea Alderman E. Thomas from Cardiff; the Rev. Ban Evo.us, and Mr W. J. Williams from Barry Mr Richaid Jones from Montgomeryshire, and many others, together ivith Mr E. R. Da vies, the secretary. Taeprocoedinsa were private, and the official epovt given below affords out a brief and bald mtJjne of what transpired. The tcacharw' depu- ation were admitted very soon after the confer- ence had been constituted. They consisted of Mr G; Sharpies (president), Mr Tom John (vice- president), and Mr J. R. Yoxall. M.P., general lacretary of the N.U.T. In their effort to iement a truce and so avoid a conflict they had nterviewed the Welsh Councils Joint Com- mittee at Cardiff, and the four Welsh bishops it the lilandaff Palace. They h'\d also through Mr Yoxall been in correspondence with both tides, and now Mr Yoxall, acting as the mouth- )iece of the teachers, gave a. resume of what bad tansnired. He had with him a type-written irecisof the correspondencp..out its contents wero Jet wholly divulged, the hon. member utilising ihe document for reference purposes only. It would appear that the teachers badconvinced ■he biahops that notwithstanding the keenness ind bitteress of the controversy there really did sxisli, as a matter of fact, A more points of igreemcut batw&eti the parties than their lord- ships bad anticipated; and the bishops had inti- nated that, on certain conditions.they would not 3e adverse to a. policy of truce, such a truce to prevail until the constituencies had an oppor- inuity of expressing an opinion on the points in i iispute. "There is or: both sides a jrood deal >f identical opinion," was one of the phrases ised to describe the raautt of the negotiations. What do the hiahops want ? They have made t clear that they will enter into no arrangement vith regard to money legally dne from the aatho- itiea to non-provided schools. If the Councils iccept this condition, then thexe must, io cer- .atn districts, be a. recourse to the rates, and this .vould at once be a contravention of the Cardiff Convention policy. The Councils' reply to the bishops is, therefore, in effect this—We will snter into no compromise with yon, but we lie quite prepared to consider the possibility of i working truce, "otoag as it does not involve rate aid." Tha bishops a.re understood to have Hated— Give our schools equality of treatment with the provided schools, and we will not invoke ;he Department to enforce the Defaulting Authorities Act. But there must be no policy of pin-pricks on either aide." And the Couacils' reply— If you want equality of treatment, von :an have it by conceding the principle of popular control. The expsrts will observe that on neither side is there the least inclination tosurrendoron essentials. The negotiations, on the face of them, do not cieem to give hope of any definite tesults indeed, so cautious are the leaders* on both sides that nothing in the natnfe of definite proposals have been formulated. As a result, however, of to-day's conference the teachers are once more to see the bishops—so soon, presum- ably, ea the vacancy in the See of Llaudaff is filled up. Hot what will be their mes- sage to their Jjortiships ? I am not of I course in th. confidence of the negotiators, but ibia much may be taken for granted, that, if the bishops are satisfied with the maintenance of the status quo until the General Election, a truce is possible. The bishops, I have every rea- son to:believe, are not averse to this, but they are now to be asked to say Yes or No to the Jefinite question—" Are you prepared to agree to a trace if we maintain your schools in 8e bigh iI. state of efficiency as they can possibly be main- tained out of the Government grants ?" The bishops' reply to this will help to dacide the larger question, whether a conflict is or is not to be precipitated. The one point upon which the Welsh Councils have irrevocably rnads up their minds is that under no circumstances shHll there be rate-aid without popntaL- control. Mr Bryn Roberts. M.P., in Carnarvonshire, and Professor D. E. Jones in Carmarthenshire, and other critics of the Welsh National Ipolicy have more than once publicly declared that this decision ftas already been de- parted from. Is this tmc ? It was a matter mat was very freely discussed to-day, and evi- dence wns forthcoming to Ehow that in no single area in Wales--apart from .Wrexham and Car- marthen, and possibly ono other, where the sec- tarians are in a majority on the education authority—not a penny piece has gone from the rates for the support of non-provided schools. Documentary evidence in proof of this was sub- mitted. The Joint Council was convinced of the falsity of the declaration. This ia the Coun- cils' reply to both Mr Bryn Roberts and Pro- fessor Jones. Whatever may be the outcome of the negotia- tions with the bishops, there is scant hope of any present solution—short of a conflict—of the difficulty in Merionethshire. In that county the education authority is hopelessly in default. Its arrears to the non-provided schools already amount to a total of £1,500. The Council of that county have definitely resolved that it will not go to the rates tor this amount, andthem&nageis of the non-provided schools are bluntly told that they are welcome to invoka the aid of theDepart- ment any moment they choose. The Defaulting Act has no terrors for the men of Meirionydd. An attempt has been made by certain parties concerned in tho preservation of peace to the difficulty by providing themselves the £1,500 that is required. The Education Department have been approached, and tbey offer no objection to this proposal, except that tbey insist that the £1,500, by whomsoever provided, must go through '.the Council's books 111 the ordinary way. But the Merionethshire Council will not hear of this. Tbey do not object to the £].500 being uaid by the parties concerned direct to the teaebers, but the Council decline to handle the money, neither shall it go through their books. Thus, if the Department are really bent on a conflict, it would seem that the first clash of arms will be in Merionethshire. There are. too, all the elements for a conflict lit Rany, where the edacation authority and the local managers of St. Helen's School are, and have been for some time, j,a.t variance over the question of the staffing of that school. The managers have ap- pealed to the Department, and the Depart- ment, judging from a recent communication, seem to contemplate decisive action. The whole position was to-day discussed in all its baarings, with the resole that the Joint Council came to the unanimous decision to support Barry at all costs and to take all risks. There is no getting away from the fact that those present at to-day's coiiference lbok forward to a conflict with the moat serene equanimity, being confident tbat the ultimate result will bo for the benefit of the popular cause. Those behind the scenes aver that recsnt events have greatly intensified the feeling in favour of Wales among the Nonconformist Churches of England and the Nonconformist Churches of England and that there is nothing in the nature of a financial problem to prevent the carrying oat to its full the plan of campaign agreed Upon at the Cardiff Convention.

THE OFFICIAL REPORT was supplied by Mr Lloyd George, M.P., and is as follows:- We have had a long meeting, but we have been perfectly unanimous all through. We re- ceived » report from the teachers' deputation us to what bad transpired between them and the Welsh biahops, and we asked for further expla- nations. Nothing, however, was decided upon because the teachers have to communicate farther with the bishops for an explanation on one or two points that arose out of the corres- pondence. As soon as they receive a reply from the bishops we shall meet again to consider it. We also considered the iispute at Barry, and it unanimouslv decided to support the action of the B..rr1 committee, and to take all the risks that such a coarse might involve. Should Barrv be declared in default it was resolved to carry out the Cardiff resolutions, and to give the Council at Barry the support of the remaining Councils." Asked to explain the difficulty that had arisen at Barry, Mr Llovd George said It has refer- ence to the appointment of teachers at the Catholic school tbere, There baa baen a reo I adjustment of salaries with the view-of keeping the school off the rates. The managers of the Catholic school insist upon the salaries being I raised to a certain ifigure. The Barry Council decline to accept the teachers at that figuie, inasmuch as tbey have received applications from other Catholic teachers at the lower figure, which would enable them to maintain the schools j out of the Government grants. In the result there is a deadlock there. Under no conditions will the Council at Br..n:y consent to put the school 011." es, and the Joint Council -4-- decided unanimously to support them, whatever the consequences may be. Generally." continued Mr Liloyd Gaorgo, whilst there was ever v disposition on the part of the National Council to be conciliatory and to do everything possible to keep the peace, those present we.e quite resolved not to make any concessions which would involve the levying of a rate Reports were received from all tbe counties j of expenditure and receipts in respect of de- nominational schools, and all these reports shawedthatupto the present no money bad been paid out of the rates towards the support of these schools in the area of any Welsh edu- cation authority outside the two or three areas where there is a denominational majority.

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. Improved Outlook in West Glamorgan. The monthly meeting of the Western District of the South Wales Miners' Federation, was held at the Waverley. Restaurant, Swansea, on Mon day, Mr Thomas Hopkins presiding. Mr Roger H, Williams was re-elected treasurer and Mr T. W. Davies auditor. A discussion on the nn- employed resulted in a call of a ievy of Is par member to assist them. Mr John Williams (agent), in tho course of bis report, stated that the trade of tbe district this month was better than in any month last year. There had been ¡ much distress iu tbe district, but things now looked more hopeful, and a. number of collieries, I if things went on as they were, could be expected to restart. Reference was made to the disputes at Glyuea, Craienedd, Caeduc, Mecthyr, Llantwit and,other collieries now idle. There were hopes that settlements would be effected at three of these collieries. The strike at Brrncoch had been settled during the month. ( A dumber of letters of sympathy with tha sufferers at Elba Colliery, sent from different r: parts of the country, were read. It was also repotted that no less than three other fatal acci- dents bad occurred in the ^Vestern district during the month. A vote of condolence with the relatives of the sufferers was adopted. Mr W. E Morgan, in the course of It spaech, I' showed how the position iu South Wales was affected by the German strike, and claimed that the Germans were entitled to the sympathy of all British miners. Permission to open new lodges was granted to Lianmorlais and two other collieries and to the workmen employed by the Absravon Colliery Company. Aberdare Miners' Meeting. The monthly meeting of the Aberdare District of miners was held on Monday at the Bute Arms, Mr E. Stonelako in tho chair. Mr C. B. Stanton (agent) reported hs had secured an interview with Mr Hann in inference to the temporary stoppage at Llettysbeokjn owing to the alleged dirty filling of coal by the colliers, and ulti- mately had prevailed npon Mr flano to restart the colliery. As to the recent accideht to the workmen in the workmen s tra.in returning from the Bwllfa Colliery, be ha;! consulted with Mr W. P. Nicholas, and it had been decided to ?Som- mence legal proceedings against the raff Vale Railway Company for compensation. A resolu- tion of sympathy with the working classes in I Unssiaanàcondonmwg the Russian Government I was unanimous!? pas^oci. The report of tho auditors was received M showing the valne of the district funds to beio Ji4 Oa 6d-su increase over the previous year ot i;345 15;; 7d. Maesteg District. The monthly meeting waq held on Monday. The question of dtcsct. Labour reprssantaticn was again eoosidared. and it was resolved tbat Iviabon, M.P-, and Mr Tttoms Richards, M.P., be invited to address a public meeting on. the matter at an early date. Resolutions of sym- patby were passed with the relatjves of tbo late Dr. Ocbdeu Rowlands: and with the relann; of the victims in the Elba, disaster. GtutW Miners and the I.L.P. At the meeting of the Garw district on Mon- day, under the chairmanahip of Mr William Liewis, the opinions of lodges ware received oa the iiURKostion made by thal.jj.P. thatatens should be taken to run a Labour cRndicblo in mid-Glamorgan in opposition to Mr S.T. Evaas, E.C., M. I. The majority of the lodges wara fcgaiost taking any stsps in the matter. Aider- man John Thomas, miners' agent, reported that, during the past mouth he bad settled three com- pensation claims, obtaining £150 for the JspaB dents in two of the cssea and £100 in tbe oilier. Tredegas1 Colliers' Questions. The Tredegar District meeting was held at Blackwood, Mr A. Wilding presiding. The agent (Mr A. Onion?.)-espiained the action taken bv the executive with reference to the arrears of levies to the central authority, and i8 was de- cided to call npon the lodges to nay any levios owing by them at once. It was reported that the Tredegar Compauy were seeking to introduce new methods of screening coal at two of their collieries. Mr Onions explained tbe rights of the workmen in this matter under the Concilia- tion Board agreement, and the meeting expressed its determination iu the event of the workmen's wages being prejudicjallyaffected to see that they were fnHv compensated. The agent wa3 anthor- li*ed to take a test case into cowti it naeesaaiy with a view to recovering paymaat in connec- tion with the dispute at Risca Collieries relative to the working of end places for which beading payment was provided. In their price lists. Tha decision of the arbitrators relative to tho big vain dispute at Risen Colliery was exceeded shortly. Mr Onions reported fully upon the stop- page of Graham's No. 9 Pit, Sirhowy, and read the oortespondence. It was decided that the men be rendeted anancial assistance. Complaints were made tlsat some men had been refused work at the Tredegar Company's pits on the ground that they were late employees of Messrs Graham Brothers at No. 9 Pit. The agent was in- structed to make investigations and take what steps he deemed necessary. With reference to the dispute for carting at Abernant Colliery it was stated that Messrs Keppeli and Evan Thomas had been appointed to arbitrate 00 the matter. Rh,ymney Valley. The Rhvmncv Valley Miners' Ajaociation met atBargoedou Monday night. Mr T Jenkins presided. The agent (Mr Evan Thomas) reported on 30 cases of compensation dealt with dnviug tbomoath. A grievance prevailed in the dig. trict of men employing others and leaving the locality without paying wages cine. no beJd that the masters should take stringent measures to protect the men frbm cases of this hind. Tho auditors report on theaccounts for last year was considered very satisfactory. M.r Walter Lewin waR re-eleoted secretary and Mr G. Tor.cn treasurer.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH. Cardiff Doctor Nenplussed. Tbe Coroner (Mr E. B. Reece) found himself nnable to proceed with au inquest which was down for hearing owing to the medical man who ha.d attended the deceased being unable to give any utisfactorycause of death. The case was that of Ellen Driscoll (24), wife of Joseph Pat- rick Driecoll, who lesides in Helen-street, Broadway. The woman had been found dead in bed by her husband. Dr. Williams described the case as the most oxtruordinary in the whole course of his experi- ence. He b&tl itnown the famity for years, a.nd had attended Mfa Driscoll in the past, although not recently, bhe was a bilious subject, and, apparently being unvyall on Monday, sent one of the children out in the afternoon to buy some liauorice powder This, it is presumed, she took, and went to bed about 9 o'clock with het has- band. About 2 o cSoek on Tuesday morning the latter awoke and found bis wife lying dead beside him. Dr. Williama mads a post-mortem examination, and found, as stated above, that the Btomaeh and intestines were inflamed. There was also a quantity of bile, which was possibly caused by the liquorice and the natural juicq3 cf the stomach. All the organs, however, wore in an altogether healthy »tate. The conditions are those which may very well result from poison- ing, and it may turn out tb&t the woman lif.d taken some diseased food which set up ptomaine poisoning. The Coroner adjourned the intjnest to enable the contents of tbe stomach to be examined by the borough analyst. The Coroner's inqnirv ioto the mvstery sur- rounding the death of Mary iJUen Driscoll, of Helen-street, Broadway, was continued at tbe Town Hall on Thursday by Mr Keece. Joseph Driscoll, a labourer. described his wife as 24 years of age, healthy and strong. They had been married about foar years. When ho left his wife on Monday inorning she was quits well, but upon his return she was 111 and was at her mother's house. She said she had taken a liquorice powder, aiS there ha3 afterwards beeu severe laxity. She returaed with him to their own home. Fe la1 with his clothes on beside her in case of emergency, and fcil aslpep. v\ hen he awoke his wife was dead. Jane Evans, the mother of the deceased, said that when hoc daughter became so ill after dinner she sent a little girl to Mr Paola, the chemist, for a penny liquorice powder, and her daughter took it. She had had similar powders from the chemist. The Coroner remarked that liquorice powder seemed a favourite remedy in Broadway. Dr. Williams had told him that lIe found very severe inflammation of the stomach, and could not account for it. He (the Coroner) deemed an analysis of the Btomaeh uecassary, and had directed that one should be made, but the report would not be ready for a week. I Tbe inquest was accordingly adjourned until Thursday, the 9th inst.

TOOK SPIRITS OF SALTS. Cardiff Man's Attempted Suicide. At Cardiff Police "Jourt on Thursday William Welsh (23) was charged with attempting snicide by taking a quantity of spirits of salts in Tylei street on tha 25tu January. P.O. John stated that at 11.45 p.m. 0n the date named tib was called to Tyler-street, where be saw prisoner lying bn the footway groaning. He had taken spirits of ealts, and an emetic bad been admini- stered. Witness took him to the Union Hospital in a cab, and ha remained there till ibis morn- ing. On being charged with attempting to com- mit suicide he answered I took it; that is all about it." He was remanded for a week inorder ,.11 —■■nw

I that he might be medically examined. On Saturday motning a young man, named Herbert Snooks, while engaged at the Blaenavon Company's Milfraen Colliery, was kicked on the I back of the head by a horse, and the base of his skull was fractured. He succumbed to his in- juries on Monday. I AMOL AND STEEL PILLS, superiot to Penny- royal and all other remedies. Price 4s 6d, post ftee. —Martin, Pharmaceutical Gkeroi8t» Southampton.

_0- Late Mr Rees Jones, J.P. 11 FUNERAL SERVICE AT CARDIFF. Interment at Porthkerry. The funeral of Mr Rees Jones, J.P., of Finchley House, Newport-road, Cardiff, director and commercial manager of the Ocean Coal Company, too!: place on Tuesday amid general manifestations of respect and sorrow. It was the wish of the family that the proceedings at the residence should be private, the general public and friends being invited to attend the funeral sarvice at Bethany Baptist Chapel, of which Mr liees Jones's father had been pastor for 40 years, and in which Mr Jones himself had beeu deacon and Sunday school teacher for more thah a quarter of a century. At the residence only the clsief mournora and invited friends assembled, Hundreds of letters of sympathy had been received by the widow and family, and among those who sent wreaths were the following :—The widow, Mr and Mrs bucket, Mr and Mrs Herbert Jones, Mr and Mrs I Anton Bertram, Mr and Mr8 D. W. Evans, lMisaei Maud and Beatrice Rees Jones, Cyril, Doll, the Locket grandchildren, the Peuarth grandchildren,the Cardiff grandchildren, brother deacons at Beihany Church, young women's Bible class at Bethany, brother directors at the Ocoan Ooa.1 Company. Ltd., brother directors of Wilson Sons and Co., Ltd., Ocean Com- pany staff at Cardiff, Ocean Co. staff at Treorky, Ocean Company stsff at11re;nky, Ocenn Company Cardiff trimmers, Ocean Com- pany's Ladv Windsor pit officialsand workmen, Ocean Company's Eastern Pit officials and workmen. Ocean Company's Maindv Pit officials and workmen, Ocean Company's Western Pit officiate and workmen, Ocean Com- pany's Garw Pi t officials and workman, Ocean Company's Deep Navigation Pit officials and workmen, Ocean Company's Barry staff and trimmers, Ocean Company's Pare Pit officials and workmen, Ocean Company's Dare Pit r.fficial^ ana workmen, Bathatiy Sunday School, Mon. and South Wales Coalownors' Acsociatiou, Mon. and South Wales Coalowners' Indemnity Association, Presid6at and members of the Y.B.W.T.A.. Bethany Mothers'- Meeting, Mothers' Meeting, Welcome Hall, East Moora 5ome Barrv tradesmen. servants at FincbJey Hons2. Lord and Lady Romilly, Messrs E. S., t E. C., and Miss Jndkins, Mr and Mrs Shackson; Porthkenv Mr and Mrs Edwin Barty, Mr and I Mrs John Duncan, Mr and Mrs Richard Cory, Mrs Edgar Jones. Mr J. M. Cutidy (LondooV Mrs Tucker," Mrs Bertram. Mr and Mrs George David, the directors of Cory Bros. and Co., Ltd., Mr and Mrs H. A, Griffiu, Mr and Mra Gotbin 4 Lewis, Mr and Mrs Thomas Evans, Mr and Mis Penross Thomas (Swansea), the Coal Freighters' f Association, Mrs Edward Davies (Llaadinam), Mr and Mrs William Jenkins. Mr Thomas s Webb. Mr J. C. Hunt, Mr and Mrs J. W. Courtis, Norse Laiug, Mr G. Rab Eraser, Mr and ) Mis Beeston, Mrs Jos. Muaday and sister, I Mr and Mrs OswaJd Thomas, Mr and Mrs i Stephen Evans, Mr and Mrs E. T. ReeJ, Mr Ernest lIett, Mr and Mrs J. T. Barry, Miss Mer- rick. Mr F. L. Davis. Mr and Mrs Ingledew, Mr and i\1r3 Hugh Ingledew. Dr. and Mrs Edwards.. Mr Primavesi and family. Mr and Mrs Eustace Cnrtis, Mr Edwin Williams. Dr. J. Hill TCL- ner, Mr and Mis John Saukey, Messrs G. Siiva and Co. (Milan), Mr and Mrs Robert Bird, Mr C. E. Povey, Mr and Mrs Harry Webb, Mr and Mrs J, Gory (Dalfryn), Dr. and Mrs H. Cook, Mr Clifford J. Cory, Mr and Sirs David Owens, Mrs Mocleau, staff of Messrs II. Keas jonoa and Co.. Major Slopur, Mr H. Brewer, Mr Fred Milbtuc,'Mr Vazie Simons, Mr and Mrs Lynn Thomas, Mr and Mrs Ernest Batchelor, and Cardiff Liberal Association. The cortege left the residence shortly after 1 11.30 for Bethany Church. The body was all- ulossrl in a shell < aud a massive paoelied oak collin, the inscription being "Rees Jones, died Jan. '.il, 1905, aged H yea.rs." The principal mouruers were- 1st Coach—Mr Herbert Rees Jones* (son). Mr G. G. Locket and Mr D. W. Evans (sons-in-law), and Master Rees Jones (grandson). 2nd Cone;}:—Rev. W. E. Winks, Dr. J. Hill Tnrner. Mr A. J. David, and Mr Edwin Barry. 3rd Coach-Mr W. Jenkins, J.P.. director Ocean rCollièrics: Mr E. Uatt, Mr R. Evans (Barry Railway Co.), and illr Donald Maclaan. 4th Coach—-Mr Thomas Evans. Mr Hany Webb, Mr David OwenH, Mr M. A. Anderson- all from the Cardiff office of the Ocean Coal Co. 5th Coach—Mr J. Marychurch, Mr J. T. Barry, Mr C. Mills—representing Bethany Church. The coitegc passed through Quesu-atreetaad St. Mary-street, and en route the thoroaghfarea were iined with spsctators, who reverently un- covered as the procession moved along. On many of the principal buildings flags were hoisted half- mast. Ths Funeral Service. at Bethany Church, which commenced at 11.45 a.m., wa3 largely attended. Mostofthepfinci- pal residents of tbe borough being present. Among the early arrivals were the late Mr Reos Jones's daughters, viz., Mrs Locket, Mrcl D. W. Evans, and Miss Beatrice Reea JonEa his daughter-in-law, Mra Herbert Rees Jones, and her daughter, Miss Jovce Jones. In the congregation were &ir Alfred Thomas, M.P., Sir John Gunn, Messrs W. Lester JoneS. T. M. Hey wood, J. B. Ferrier, H. A. Gtiffin, John Moore, Henry Radcliffe, James Hurmau (Cardiff Docks and Railway Co.), Humphrey VVallis, E. Franklen Thomas (president Cardiff Chamber of Commerce), Getbln Lewis, A. L. Davies (Messrs A. Thackeray and Co.). W. Hurry, J. Davies (Messrs D. Davis and Co.), I Richard Cory, J P., W. H. Lewis (Insoles), W. North Lewis (Insoles),' J. A. Jones (Watts, Watts). The Monmouthshire and South Wales Coal- owners' Association were represented by Mr T. H. Deaktu, Mr Henry Lewia (Tynant), Mr J. Wilson, and Mr W. Gascuyne Dalziel. Tho Marry Railway Company were represented by Mr F. L. Davis and Mr T. R. Thompson, directors Mr G. O. Downing solicitor. The Cardiff Corporation were represented by Alderman Dd. Jones, Alderman DI. Lewis, Alderman Mildcn, Councillors F. J. Beav&n, J. T Richards, J. Ramstlale. Representatives piesent from the Ocean Coal I Company's several denattrjients were Messrs H. R. Jenkins, W. P. Thomas, Thomas Thomas, Tom Davies, E. D. Thomas, and D. J. Davies, from the general colliery offices Mr Edwards (manager) and Mr H. Rees (overman), represent- ing the Maindy Colliery officials Messrs E. Middleton (manager) and J. Ames Evans (mechanic), representing the Park CoHiety Mr B. Keea (manager) and Me John Evans (mechanic) representing the Dare Colliery Mr John Owen (manager) and Mr J. E. Price (clerk), representing the Western CcJHory Mr Griffiths (manager), representing the Eastern Colliery Mr T. E. Lewis (manager) and Me D. Griffiths (mechanic) representing the GanTl Colliery Mr Ed. Jones (manager) and Mr J. T. Davies (clerk), representing the Lady Windsor Colliery and Mr Jacob Ruy (agent) and Mr Tom Evans (under-manager), representing the Deep Navigation Colliery. The Cardiff Liberal Association were repre- sented by Alderman E. Thomas, J.P., Councillor James Muni, Mr Lewis Williams, Mr John Williams, Mr F. H. Jotham (treasurer), and Mr H G. C. Allgood (secretary). There were also present Dr. Cornelius Griffiths, Dr, A. Sheen, Dr. Alf. Rees, Dr. Fred Davies, Messrs W. Roberts, A. Good, H. Birney, Hobert Scott, F Humphries, J. M. MorrilB, F. S. Higman (Cardiff Y.M C.A.), G. F. Foradike, Rev. J. Bourne Jones Rev. Charles Davies, Rev. H. T. Ilowells, Mr Evan Owen, J,P„ MMer- A. A. Bryan, T. II. Stephens, J.P., John Sankev, Fisher, Hugh Ingledew, Geo. Sanders, T. H. Thomas, R.C.A. Mr John Cory, who was unable to be present owing to a chill, sent his carriage. AT the procassion entered the church, and the coffin was beiiitf placed near the baptistry. Mt Sally played Schumaun's Funeral March on the organ. The service, which was prolonged well over the hour, was imcresaive all through. Among the portions of Scripture road by the Rev. W. E. Winks were extracts from tbe xc., the xxxix., the xxiii., and the ciii. Psalms St. John, xi. and xiv 1st Corinthians, xv., and Revelation, v. The hymns were: "Eternal light, How blest the righteous when ha dIes." and For all Thv Baints, who from their labours rest." At tbe close the Dead March was played on tho organ. Toe service concluded at 1 o'clock, when the cortege reformed and proceeded by road to Porthkerry for the interment. The arrange- ments ware carried out bv Ur A. J. Stone. Burial at Porthkerry. In an elevated position, but fheiteted by the wood around Porthkerry House, the chnrohyard in which the remains of Mr Rees Jones were interred is a peaceful spot. As a burying ground the churchyard has been little used, there being scarcely 50 graves in the extensive plot of land. On the south side, to the right of the pathway which leads into the private grounds of Porth- keiry House a family vault had been prepared for the interment of the deceased. The entranoe to the vault had been covered with moss, strewn with lilies of the valley, orchids, and arnm lilies. The cortege was met at the gatewa; by tbe rector (Rev, II. n. Stewatt, M.A.), and a. large number of gentlemen from Cardiff and elsewhere joined in the procession which slowly wended its way to tbe graveside. "Among those, besides the lelatives, were Mr Insole, Mr Donald Maeleau. I MrR T. Duncan, Mr P. A. Vyvyan-Kobiusou, Mr W, Jenkins (vcean Jenkins, Mr J. C. Hunt (Bridgwater), Mr Richard Evans (Barry Railway Company), Mr W. A. Thomas. Mr E. Curtis, Mr Georlite Frazer (London), Mr Arthur William* (Messrs Williams and Wilson), Mr and Mrs Geortfe David, and members of the Cardiff staff of the Ocean Colliery Company. The reutor read the burial service and prayer was offered by the itev W. E. Winks, the solemn ritea being simply observed.

CARMARTHEN BOROUGHS, ) Selection of Liberal Candidate. Considerable disortfer marked a meeting of ) the Joint Liberal Executive of the Carmarthen Boroughs held at Llauelly on Srturday for tbe selection of Parliamentary candidate. In addi- tion to Mr Alfred Davios, tbe sitting Liberal I member, Mr T. TeneH, K.C., Mr Llewelyn Williams, B,A. and Major E. R. Jones had been nominated. The three latter gave the pledge asked for that they would abide by the decision of the majority. Mr Alfred Daviea wrote that as the already selected candidate be was prepared to abide by the decision if fair conditions were adopted towards him. t, He was not, however, ) willing, as sitting member, to put himself in com- petition with the claims of any other candidate, j The chairman theieanon ruled that Mc Alfred DavieB's nnmo could not be voted upon. There was sous uproar, and eventually the suppdilers iof Mr Alfred Davies lefr the loom. Mr Llewolyn Williams was adopted aa candidate.

SWANSEA LICENCES REVIEWED. ¡ "Fearful Effects of Drunkenness." I JUSTICES' INTENTIONS. The Brewatar Sessions for the borough of Swausea opened on Wednesday. Cossiderabie interest centred in the proceedings owing to the fact that the anea selected for review is the largest yet considered, including 92 licensed houses, on tue owoor8 of whIch notice had been served with the object of bringing the licences before the justices. The licensing ieiatices pressut Were-Alderman HoweJ Wat- kins (chairman), Messrs J, W. Jones, F. Rocke, j Griffiths Davies, W. Law, .Joseph Rosser, J. R. Leaver, W. Thomas, aud W. Tjloyd, Counsel representing those principally interested were Mr B. F. Williams, K.C., and Mr J. C. Gaskell (instructed by Messrs Leeder and Morris), Mr Sankey (instructed by Messrs Aeron Thomas and Co.), Mr L. 1\-1, Richards, and Mr Ivor Boweo. Mr Wheatley appeared for the police, Mr Ley- shou for tbe Licensed Victuallers' Association, R.od Mr It. Watkins represented tba Temperance party. At the outset the Chairman announced that the justices bad ieceived numerous communica- tions in the form of letters and memorials, and while not reading them publicly he desired to say that those petitions should receive every attendon. The magistrates were quite in sym- pathy with the sentiments expressed in them. rhey came in contact in another capacity with the fearful effects of drunkenness, and consis- tent with their obligations to the licence holders md also their duty in tbe public intereFlt they would give those communications their most sincere consideration. The Cameron Hotel. The first section taken was Uigh-sireet and Jrchard-street, and the list opened with the Uameron Uotel. Mr Wheatley, who appeared for the police, nade a general statement on the new Act. Joming immediately to the area selected for con- nderaticu at these Sessions, he said there were il together 93 houses in it, 40 on the western sids ind 53 on the north. Of the total number 67 sere fully licensed, 15 baer houses, 13 wine, spirits, anil beer off licences, 42 seven-day ioences, 51 six-dav liceoeos, while 69 were tied tnd 29 free. Nineteen had been transferred 1 luring the past year, and 10 had been transferred If :hree times during the past five yea is. The total issessment of the houses was £8857 ar08S and: E7,339 net 18 fully licensed houses Were issessed at less than £ 50, and/ive beer houses vere assessed at less than £30. He mentioned II ;his latter fact because if the magistrates had implications for absolutely new licences in respect of tboae premises tbey wouU not be able ;0 grant them because they were under the value 'euuired by tha Act of 1872. As regarded tbe Sorough, the ntlmber of iicensed honseu now was } i75, of which 273 were fnliy licensed, 54 beer- louses, and 48 wine aud spirit and beer off iceueea. That gave one licensed hones for. evet, s67 of the population, as compared with one icensed bouse to evary 750 of tho population -ecomftienderi by Lord Peel's Commission. Coili- ng to the Cumeron Hotel, beatud it formerly was the best commercial house in the town. The back part had been rebuilt, but the front part remained in its oid atate, and as now only a bar trade was done the premises had the appearance oi being dismantled. This had beeu the state )f things for a considerable time. and the joinion of the police was that il the house were irvorth keeping it was surely worth while pdtting into it sufficient money to enable the rebuilding" to be completed, and failure to find the money amounted to a condemnation of the house, and showed it was not required in the public interest. Evidence baving been heard, Mr Smith, for the awners. called Mr J. C. Woods, who said there [ ware people in treaty for the house, and he be- i lioved before the next Sessions ttteaenegotiations < would be brought to completion. The magistrates deferred cheir decision. j'bete wus no serious opposition offered to the renewal of the licences of the Bush Hotel, tue s Prince of Wales, the Royal Hotel, the Three Crowns, the Recruiting Officer, tbe King s Arms, and Messrs Siuimouds' wine ond spirit stores in Orchard-street. ASceno. In the case of the Old Ivy Bush the police objected to the renewal 011 the condition of the sanitary conveniences and tbe genera) htate of the houso, which tbey said was dirty and dark and structurally unsuitable. P.C. Pettiber said disorderly women and rough people visited the house, but in cross-examination said he had never reported thia. At the close of Pembsr's I Svidsnce Mr H. Watkins complained that a councillor had told the officer he had better not give any more evidence whereupon Councillor Morgan Hopkin shouted out that he was re- sponsible for his own remarks. —The Chairman We hope there will be 110 interference with tho witnesses.-Mr Hopkin: I hope not, but this man is a. perfect nuisance.—The decision was deferred. Toe police-objected. to the New Recruit (Orchard-street) on the grouud that it was structurally unsuitable and not required. Mr L. M. Richards (instructed by Mr Hotatio Watkins) supported the licence Capi. Colqubotui said the premises were olet and ill II. wretched COli, dition. There were three other licensed houses in the street, and this was not required. Wa.rra.ut Officer Davies said the house ought to be pulled down, wnereupon Mr Kichaids said that was What the owners intended doing, and then re- building. Several police officers slid the house fta8 not required, while Mr Portsmouth, archi- tect, described the condition all shocking. The licensee (Mr Bassett/ said he had recently paid £400 for in-going, and he had submitted plans to the jastices for carrying out improvements at a cost of £250, but tbeirconsidtràtion had been deferred. The takings were from jE22 to JE25 a week, and the house was much frequented by I dock labourers. Deeisioki dtferrol. The next honse considered was the Cape Horn Stores, the first beerhouse dealt with under the Act. Mr Fiancis Williams, K.C., and Mr Gas- kell (instneted by Messrs Leeder and Morria) supported tbe application. The grounds of tbe objection were that the house was structurally deficient and unsuitable, and it was added that the house from June to December iast bad been closed. Captain Colquhoun sltid the hoase was, in fact, only a cottage, v>h)Je Mr Richard Wat. kins said it was a cottage that hud been spoilt in its conversion to a beerhouse Mr Viner Leeder was called, and said the teason the house bad been closed during the period named was owing to a dispute between the owners and a former tenant, which rMattec) tn legal proceed- ings. Another house objected to on the ground tha.t it was structurally deficient was the Oddfellows' Inu, Orchard-street. Mr Leyson supported the licence. The Decisions. I The magistrates announced tha.t the licences of the Cameron. Bush, Prince of Wales. Royal, Three Crowns, Recruiting Officer, King's Arms, Oddfellows, and Simmonda'a Stores would Be renewed that the licences of the Old Ivy Bush a.nd Cape Horn Stores would be referred to the Compensation Committee for consideration on grounds other than those on which the Licensing Committee had absolute discretion while with regard to tho licence of the New Recruit, Orchard-street, the Chairman said the Com- mitter found tba.t the licensed premises were utructutally deficient and structually unsuitable, and the licence was refnsed on that ground.

PONTYPRIDD. Position of Managers ef Houses. Unopposed licences iu the Pontypridd Petty Sessional District were renewed on Wednesday, and tbe adjourned Sessions will be held on March 1.t.. Mr Linton, solicitor, Aberdare, said the new Farmers' Arms Hotel. Hafod, bad not bean Completed, aod asked to Withdraw tbe appli- cation for a fnll licence that day and to make it later on. This was granted, and the provisional licence granted last year and the licence of the existing honse were renewed. It transpired that objections bad been lodged against the renewal of all licences in the Gvaig aud Treforest dis- tricts, and soaie in the Rbonddn, on behalf of the temperance party, and Mr Millward, solicitor, asked for permiszion to prove the notiees. Mr W. P. Nicholas, Mr Charles Matthews, and Mr W. R. Davies objected, the last named asking Mr Millward to decide which of the many houses his clients seriously intended objecting to, because it would be a serious matter if all the licence holders objected to were put to tbe expense of defending. Mr Millward said it would not prejudice anybody if he were allowed to prove the notices then. but his appli- cation was not granted. Before dealing with applications for trans/er of licences 'the Stipendiary explained that the Bench h id bsan discussing tbe question of licences before coming into court. It Ijad, be said, cothe to their knowledge tbat in some oases I thepertoun to whom licences were granted were only managers, who were liable to be turned out at a week's notice. This, unless there was some grave misconduct, placed the tenant in an UQ- satisfactory position. Iu all future cases the Bench would insist upon the agreements being produced this, they believeff, would place things on a better footing than at present,

.Jr."1 _1.. 'j.. -i FISHERMEN DROWNED. Disaster off Iceland. A Leit-h correspondent telegraphs :—By the arrival at Leitb on Wednesday of the steamer Kong Inge, from Iceland, particulars were ob- tained of tbe loss of three fishing boats and a smack off Isnford on the 7th of January daring the terrific north-easterly gale a.nd enowstortii of that date. Fifteen of the crews of the tisbing boatR were drowned, hutthecrewofttteatnfck. which was named the Racilea, were saved. It is feared that other wrecks and loss of life have occurred on the Iceland Coast.

On Monday evening a special meeting of Penarth District Council was held. A committee was appointed to inspect motor fire engines and obtain tenders and report to the Council at its I next meeting. There was a difierenc; of opinion as to tho purchase of a motor engine. The Medical Officer (Dr. Musgrove), presented his j monthly leport. Death ra.te for December 13'2 per 1,000 birth rate 20*6 per 1,000; II' SANTll MIDY. — Harmless, sure, and quick, in tiny capsules. Instant relief. Invaluable for kidney and bladder troublas; 3a 6d.-Of oi- Wilcox and Co., 49, Haymarket, Lo»

Laundry Girl's Child. „ BODY CONCEALED IN A BED. CARDIFF LANDLADY'S GRUESOME "FIND." Rose tlerbart (24) \va.sag*in brought up before the Stipendiary atCarditt onThnrslayand charted On suspicion with causing the death of her infant male <?hi!(ig. and further with concealing the body. Mr Harold Lloyd defended the accused, who fcp- pearej to feel her position acntely. Lily Coloin, wife of a dock labourer, living at 5, Franklin-street, stated that accused lodged with her f^om December lust year to January this year, sleeping on a wooden couch in the kitchen at night. Daring the first three weeks of her stay with witness accused uaver went outside the rloOr, but after she got work at the laundry she wtat out every day. Accused "teptoua.Mebbti, which duiine the day was kept on the stairs landing. On the 25th January witness notioed that a sheet and a quilt were rolled round the sack bed, and on witness unooing the qdilt and sheet the sacking flew open, and an offensive smell wea emitted. After this witness put her hand in the sacking, aDd felt something which turned oat to be the deftd boiy of a male child, which was wrapped in a flaOtsel night-dress, Tbe body was decomposed. Following this discovery witness sent to the Docks for her husband, who communicated with the police, and Inspector Butler took the body a WAV. Mr Calvin stated that on the morning of the 25th January he called the accused, and afler she was np and dressed he was going to taks the > sftckbedupatahs, but she interposed, sayioft, 011, don't do that." Therenpon she took the bed up oa to tbe landing herself. Later, whitest breakfast, he noticed an offensive smell, add commented npon it. but accused did not say any- thing. Emily Crawley, spinster, said accused admitj-^f she was going to have a baby, and subsequently when witnesR asked her whether it was a boy or i girl she replied, I have lost it. Evidence was also given by Inspector Btrtler !\nd Detective Harris. The latter stated that when he arreste.i accosed at Roath Laundry on suspicion of caaaing tha death of her child SIbs L-eDiie3, I have nothing to say, sir.' This morning he charged her with concealment of birth, and she lepiied, "Nothing. Dr. Pittaid, the nexlÍ witness, described the resellts of his post-mortem examination, which "bowed there ware no marks of violence, and he expressed tho opinion that the child bad a separate existence. It was strangled bythe :igh;ness of the umbilical cord rottnd the neck. inch a condition oftbecotd was a. common thing it confinements, occurring by accident, the .veight of the child's body being sufficient to lighten the cord. Of cenrse if anyohe had been Dresent it would have beeu easy to slip the cord )ver the child's head, and so save its life. Replying to the Stipendiary, witness eaid the 'hild had been born from five weeks to two xionths before its body was discovered. Mr Harold Hoyd Did vou bear the accused lilY at the inquest the child was born on the lith January ? Do yon think that would be so? I ion't think the decomposition that bad taken :lace coald have been accomplished in a. fort- light. Mr Lloyd If tbe bojy was kept in a warm C}lace. such aR the kitchen, the decomposition wonld be more rapid ?—Yes, bat I don't think so much decompoaition could have ttkon place in a 'ort night. Accused was committed for trial a.t the Assizes )n the cbarga of concealment of birth, and WM released on bail in her own recognissocca of £5.

OBITUARY. Major Marsh, Abergavenny. Major W. J. R. Marsh, at the residence of Mr I. O. Marsh, Ronans, Station-road, Abergavenny. 1ied on Saturday of pneumonia after a few days' ilBess. The deceased at the outbreak of the South African War offered himself as A V oluuteer. bat was not adapted for tbe local Volunteers' Active Servicer Company, and there- ore joined the Imperial Yeomanry, in which he isrved with distinction, arid was anon promoted :0 the rank of major. Cpon his return from the .vat lie rejoined the local Volunteers, occupying Dis former rank. vizt, Captaia of the Hand T Dompanias 4th V.B. S.W.B., and was afterwards DromQted to Major of the 4th V.B S.W.B. Rev. Dr. Davies, Nelson. The death took place at Nelson on Fridlftjr light of Dr. Davies, the superintendent of the CNolson Circuit of the Primitive Methodists. He sook charge of the district some six months ago, md was very popuiar in the counexion. He was 57 years of age, and a native of Whitehaven. He Followed his ministerial dnties to a fortnight ago, when an attack of the heart necessitated the ser- vices of Dr. W. W. Leigh, J.P. He was a pro- minent member of the United Kingdom Alliance i\nd other temperance movements. Miss Lewis, Metros Hall. The death is announced of Bessie, eldest daughter of Alderman John Lewis, Meiros Hall. A child liked by everyonesbe met, it was evideot for soma time that she was not destined to enjoy it ldng lease of life. nor Frail frame was attacked by several comnlaints in weary succes- sion, and her illness during the fast six weeke on several occasions prevented the attendance of tbe chairman of the County Council at therj meetings. The end came peacefully on Satatdfcy morning.

A SWANSEA PUGILIST I Sent te Prison for a Month. William Morgan,a pugilist of New Orchard- street, Swansea., was brought up before tM local Benahon Thursday charged with beingdrnnk and disorderly in the Guild Hall yard. P.C..Tones saidl that he was gent for by the landlady of the Cam- brian Botel to eject Morgan, who threatened to strike him when asked to go out. The defendant was eventually pot out, ana he thereupon created a pcene outside. He went into the Guild Hall Police Station to lodge a complaint against the police officer, but he was told to go out. Morgan then threatened to siriks witness, refnsed to go, and created a scene in the Goild Hall yard. Morgan's defence was a denial, and he said be was eating some bread and cheese for his dinner when tbe officer came in. Turning to witness, he said, Did I not have mv hands in my pockeis ard yon tried to do as yof liked with me—tried to choke me V Other evidence having been taken. Mr Lever, on the Bench, said It is a pity, Morgan, yatt cannot conduct yourself properly. Yon hold the position of a fighting man, and why do yon not be qnÎét. Whatever we do to yoa, yon come back again. We do not know wnat to do with yoO." There were 22 previous conytotionsin the borough against defendant, and others against him in tbii county. Lie was sentenced to one month's impri- sonment. .I

FERNDALE FREE FIGHT. Manslaughter Charge Adjourned. Thomas Thomas, Pontitain-stieet, Ferndale, who is aacusect of causing tbe death of David Llewellyn, Tudor-street, which occurred last weel. after a free.fight, surrendered to his bail fit Portb on Thursday, ani was represented byMr Horatio Phillips, solicitor, Ferndale. Immediately tho oase was called on Superintendent Cole asked for a week's adjournment, in order that further evidence might be procared. Mr Phillip* Raiilhe consented to the application. The Stipendiary eranled tbe adjournment, and Thomas was admitted to the same bail as bejore

WELSH LANGUAGE SOCIETY. Annual Meeting at Llanelly. Arrangements are being made for tbe holding of the annual meeting of tbe Welsh Language Society at Llanelly oa St. David'sDav. the Education Committee to grant a holiday to the schools, as it is intended to hold a children'# meeting, where Welsh aira will be sung. The Llanelly Male Voice party, under the conductor- ship of Mr John Thomas, have kindly consented to sing at tbe evening pnblic meeting. AmoBIC thoaewhowittbepretaatwiHke Dr. Isambard Owen, Professor Hoyd. Sir Murchant Williams, professor Kuno Meyer, of tue Liverpool Ubi. versity, and Mr William Jones, M.P.

SWANSEA AND THE KING'S VISIT. Proposed Medal for the Police. Dr. Rawlings (chairman of the Swansea Watch Committee;, has recommended that instead of money grants for the extxa services the police ga.ve during the visit of the King to the borough, a medal sbould be struck with the King'* bead on it, subject to his Majesty's approval, as a memento. A sub-committee has been struck to consider the details.

NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK OF ENGLAND, LIMITEB- Ths annual general meeting of the National Provincisl Bank of England, Limited, was hold on Thursday at the bead office, 112, Bishopagat*« street, E.C. Mr Robert Wigraui, who preaidedt said that there had been no marked featare in tbt financial year, which might almost be termed w. dull one. After making provision for all bad and doubtful debts and for rebate, the profit, inclnd- ing £!S3.28g brought forward, amounted t» £631,47{,. This, less the dividends paid and to be paid (mating 17 per cent, for the year, free of income tax), £20, 000 transferred to the Koaras- borough and Ciaro Bank, Ld purchase Mconnt, aad £15.000 to bank premises acconnt, left a balance of JE86,476 to be carried forward. TM chairman added that it vva* eiactlv 40 years sioce the bank ceased to be merely a country bank, snl opened premises in London, and be gave soma interesting statistics showing tbe immense de. velopment of tbe bnsiueslf. The paid up capital had increased in that period from JE1.020.800 tt £3,000,000 the reserve fund from £l25,OOO to £2,300,000; the deposits from £9,199,000 to £50,693,000; the investments from £2,900,000 to £14.445,000; then dvances, tnclading bills, from £6,099,000 co £29,517,000. The branches, which in 1S64 uumboted 125, had increased to 231, ani the shareholder had increased from 1,704 to 15,701. The chairman also bore testimony to the zealous labours of the managers and staff of tho bank, and appealed to tbe shareholders to aid ,them in increasing the number of accoante. TU report was unanimously adopted.