South Wales Weekly Post

RUSSIA. I ANNIHILATED. -0. RUSSIAN GUNS HAVOC. m AUSTRIAN FEARS OF OFFENSIVE. (Press Association War Service.) PETROUKAD, Wednesday. To-day's official communique says On the Western frorl enemy aeroplanes dropped bombs and used machine-gun the north-weet of Friedrichstadt and against Dvinsk. In the region of Lake Sventen our artil- lery a-nnihilnted a German detachment which had been obliged to abandon its trenches. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN ? AUSTRIANS NERVOUS ABOUT RUSSIA. BUDAPEST, Feb. 21. What, is happening or in going to happ^i on the Russian front is being keenly dis cussed here. Military critics do not doubt the possi- bility of a general Russian offensive move- ment, or at least on a considerable port:on of the entire line, and frum various signf it is assumed that preparations in order to meet any such emergency arp being seriously carried out. These indications, are the defensive works on the lines held by the Austro-Hungarian troops, directly north of the frontier lines, in the Wolhynia district, and in Bessarabia, and the Bukovina, whither hosts of EO-called army worker? have been despatched. The general opinion of Hungarian military critics is that the next move on the Russian front will be initiated by the enemy, and that under no circumstances can the Austro- Hungar.ian Army be expected to embark on an offensive campaign on the Russian front in the near future.—(" Morning Post.")

■ ■ ULTIMATUM ? REPORTED NOTE TO PORTUGAL. SUGGESTIVE NEWS FROM TWO CAPITALS. A Reuter s Madrid message on Wednes- day saYfI :According to information re- cei ved 111 newspaper telegrams trom Bada- jos, the German Government has sent the Portuguese Government an ultimatum, de- manding the restoration oi the merchant ve.<«els seized by the iatter within 48 hours. tReur War Service). LISBON, Wedneeday. According to newspapers the situation has been discussed at a Cabinet Council, and the President of the Republic has conferred with leaders of various parties in Parlia- ment. NATIONAL CABINET TO BE FORMED. _or LISBON, Tuesday (received Wednesday). The Miniatrr held a conference with the President of the Republic, following whidh t-]ie latter -ailed the leaders of the various parties together at a private conference. It is reported that a National Cabinet will shortly be formed. CERMANS LEAVINC FOR SPAIN. LISBON, Tuesday (delayed). Although it is not admitted in official circles that a. ote has been received from Germarrr on the subject of the seizure of German ships, it is reported that the Ger- man Minister will leave Portugal to-morrow, and numbers of Germans continue to leave for Spain.

ELOQUENT! 220 TRAIN-LOADS OF GERMAN WOUNDED. (Press Association War Special). AMSTERDAM, Thursday. The "Echo Beige" learns that 220 hos- pital trains with German wounded have arrived at Aix-la-Ohapelle from Verdun. KAISER AND CROWN PRINCE. Swiss Reports of Battlefield Departure. The Geneva correspondent of the London Daily News states that the Kaiser has left the Verdun battlefield, and that the Crown Prince will not retiirn to the funt for some time, the Duke of Wurtemberg meanwhile taking over the command. ESTIMATED HUN LOSSES. (Press Association W ar peeial.) PARIS, Thursday The Petit Parisien reckons that the German casualties during the attack. on Verdun amount to about a third of the total effectives employed that is between T2o,000 and 150,000. OoJ. Repington, the I military critic of the Times," places the I German casualties at Verdun at 150,000.

THE NEW FRIGHTFUL- NESS ? RUSSIAN BOAT SUNK: 18 DROWNED. Lloyd's report that the Russian steamer Alexander Wentzel has been sunk. Eiigh- teen of the crew were drowned s,nd eleven !rescued. Mine-sweeper Torpedoed. A Lloyd s Havre message daited February 26th reports that the mine-sweeper Au Re- voir hae b.,en torpedoed by a German mito- marine and the crew «»ved. (Press Association War Special.) Lloyds Lowestoft message to-day says: -The crews of the Lowestoft smacks Trevose, Try on, Reliance and Harold have been landed here. The vessels are I reportoo sunk in the North Sea. Lloyds report that the Italian saii i11 fil vessel Eliya luus been also reported sunk-

SWANSEA HOTEL TRANSFER. I All. New combe, solicitor, applied at £ v»*a-a- sea Poiict Court on Thursday for the tem- porary transfer of the White Hart. Hotel, Oxford-street, to Mr. Thomas John front Mr. Baker. Mr. Xewoombe said t.11:tt Ilirp. Baker, the wife of the j'ipsaut lice'^e, had not enjoyed vei-v good health for time pa.st. and thev were leaving1 the on that account The Chief Constable (°&.tl, tain Alfred Thomas' offered no objection. and the application was granted.

ITALY. tHINI ON. ——— 10 ——— DARING ITALIAN I WORK. SiGNIFICANT REPORT FROM ROME. (Pr<v«.« Aivsociation War Service.) ROME, Wednesday. T np official communique issued to-day says — Our detachment's, after surmounting the great obstacles offered by the nature of the ground and atmospheric: conditions, have extended and consolidated the ground cccu- pied by them to the west of Mount Mar- Tti olcvda. Some of our patrols daringly pushed a reconnaissance as f»r as the enemy lines at )1rzli and threw hand grenades into the I trenches, causing great commoUon. There were particularay violent at-tillery j actions in the Gorizia «one. The enemy bombarded some inhabited places. Some damage was done to property, but nobody was hurt. Our artillery effectively bombarded enemy shelters, troops-on the march, and observa- tion posts. tI MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS I PENDING." ROME. Wednesday. An important announcement is expected I to be made in the Italian Chamber in the next few day. I am not permitted to divulge the nature of this declaration, but I can safely state that moat important events are imf-endiiig.-(" London Daily News.") (Reuter's War Special.) M Wednesday. Speaking in the Chamber to-day, Signor Risaolati said The arnucs of Francc are now engaged in a battle at Verdun that may, perhaps, be the beginning of the decisive phase of the war. This war is not only a war of France against Germany it is also a war of Itatiy. Great Britain, and Russia against Germany and Austria. (Loud cheers.) It is a war one in its aim, the development of those seritiments which Unite tV peoples of the Quadruple Entente against German aggression. "ONE CREAT COMMON FRONT." The Session of the Chamber culminated I in a magnificent demonstration of solidarity Il with the Allies which eventually found ex- poression in the unanimous approval of the II following resolution, introduced by Signor Bissolati That a telegram be sent to the gallant French army now val;ailtly fighting at Vec- | dun declaring that separate fronts, separate enemies u.o longer eiiat, there being now only one great common front and one common enemy against which the Allies are now fighting with perfect solidarity." -———————— S t

AERIAL. CHILD KILLED. SEAPLANE OVER SOUTH-! EAST COAST. I I I GERMAN Activity IN THE AIR. PRESS BUREAU, Wednesday, 10 p.m. The Secretary 0f the War Office makes the following announcement A German seaplane passed over a portion of the south-east coast of England between 6.15 p.m. and 6.25 p.m. this evening and dropped several I bombs. j No military damage was done. I' A child of nine months old is reported to have been killed. Press Association correspondents add that the bombs were dropped in a. scattered area, ) and therefor had little effect. It is under- stood that the damage was confined to the windows of house property. In one road it was d-k at the time the bombs were I dropped, and the earlier and subsequent I movements of t.he raiders were not ap- parent. j WARSHIPS ATTACKED BY AIR- I CRAFT. AMSTERDAM, Wednesday. ) I It is reported from the Relgo-Dutch fron-. tier that British warships which yesterday 1 afternoon bombarded th* coast were raided by an air squadron, probably the same squadron wblch Was lighted yesterday off the coast of Zeeland. I THE RAID ON METZ. I I AMSTERDAM, Wednesday. According to reports from Frankfurt the I French air ra*d OIl Metz caused much damage to the barracks, which at the time' were throji-ged with soldiers. One barracks jj was set on fire. I I I I OERMAN AIR CLAIMS. I I (Press Association War Special.) j A.vJ&TEiwi'A.Ni, Wednesday. The Qermati ol^ciaJ communique contains t,h, foUo^ving Ib an riaJ fight near Menin we forced- a Brltibh 1Ylplne to descend, and it. was cap- tured vVitih its occupant^. Two French bi- platies WaS /thot down hy rifle fire, one near V*«aponin- north-west of Soissous. The oc- cupantl. are apparently deid An aer(l<Ule, piloted by Reserve Lieut. Ku.phl Wl.th Reserve Lieut. ilaber as ob- I^uphl, brought to a standstill by bombing a. server u:iliLa.ry trort train on the Line between ^et^vnc011 Jiweev (west of Belfort, iu ttif, Ha-t¡t..e SaonEl). and successtidly attacked with tlomr ma(ibine gun a military oonvoy t rain.

j 11 NINE TO NINE," I I Swansea LICENSING hours j UNCHANGED. Til-e S aihsEja. lioei«fing nia>gif.trates met on Those present were AI- dvi-nje11 .Tone." and Ben Jones, Dr. Nel- h-jo Jon<S8) -Messns. W. laolmm, Roger Tti4) I, ThoItJii{< Jone?. Richard Low is, Rd. MÍ1L Prothei->e, anci F. Edwards.. The (<luei Coi»siable (Captaii: Tvif Tliomas), Mr. JeuWn Joiies inv'-gi«trat<V clerk), and Mr- • Thorpe (deputy inagisti'atos* also p;<?<iettit. After a very s»b;>rt pdva.! f' Ct)nu¡ta;t.i')n it \.tfU" decided to evPl'.Ntfilng foi- months. *-■ nosittcm in )*ega-rd t,h.. NJ-int. )

EXEMPTlcrs. SWANSEA DISTRICT TRIBUNAL SOME HARD CASES HEARD. (Continued from page 6.) empted. A Pon.tardfuiais ironmonger ssid he had only half his staff. Colonel Pearson.: Get men to cwry on the Im^inesss. Applicant Yov cw.unot c'-t men. Re- fused. A farmer from L!an*a»nlet who is the only one looking; after a farm ci 65 acres was exempted. &6,000 Contract. A eoitetruvt-ional ea.gineer from Pontardu- lais said a contract he had on would have to stop and numbers of peüp10 would be thrown out of work. He had a .school builduig con- tract of £6,000 with the Comity Council, of which about one quarter was done. Appli- cant read the pejialty on his contract far nou-fi(liflment to time. Applica-nt was lame and had to use a stick. He saiid he was ins own eugine-dri ver and clerk. Six months' exemption. Where Slaughterers are Waited. A Gor&einon. slaughterer appbed iosr an employa It was stated oarWin slaaight-OT- men had been exempted. Col. Peai-pon We want them to slaughter the Germans. FAerapt,i,oii granted. Girls Not a Success. Two Goraeincn pay clerks were applied- for there are 700 employes and jAh wag'ss arc albcl tiZ.OQO a weeV;. Thev had tried girls withiout suocess. Col. Pearson: What wuadd you do if cmo died ? Applicant: Try to get another. Pearson.- Then try to get another now. We want to kieep the Gtermacs away hum your colliery. As it was stated both wea-e unlit, the Tri- bunal left the question with th-o exanLinin, doctor. A htJildier at n Erorestfacl1 grocer's was exempted so long as he rem&jmed tiiere. Three sons of the owner :tnd four assistants have jjont from this establishment, which has new rwily this man to do hea%'y wotfk. A ■(.■fowertOTi farmer was giyeii exemption for his son. Anotlier son is 18. The farm vi'M described as being one of the betk k-ept. Colonel Pearson's Warning. A co-operative bicker living at Sketty was exempted. 1m the c"e of an exempted sla,u?ht?ror CjQl Peamn &gajn remanded apR,??is of the necessity of the strict truth, on j-aitu of gjx months' imprisonment. Three Brothers Serving: One Blind. A Gorsajiwn irounioivger who had been put back ten groups has three brothers scrvifng. One brother remains at home blind.—Ex- empted. Father -0400 Suddenly. A Treboeth tchooi teacher had attested, and was going away for service in two days when his father died suddenly. Appdicani now has to support mother, and two sisters; he had under -he circumstances previously been put. back t.en groups. It was pointed out applicant would be having hail pay if he Went. One month's exemption (which means three months' in effect.) A PontarduUids fav or said he had .a sister and mother dependeiit,. His father had left two houses. Colonel Pearson (the mother and sister being present) Vvhat do the ladies want ?.ere? It's vou we wa,nt. Applicant said he had a hosiery business —a side line. Colonel Pearson: Very often thiy are most profitable. (To applicant): Supposing you were de-id, wha-L would the business do theIJ ? Not Dead Yet." Applicant: I'm not dead yet. I can't get another man. He had £600 stock and was owed Z6W. The business was stated to be a big one. Three months exemption. A haulier for a copper works who also cultivates a farm was exemoted. Not a Day." A Gorsemon and a urr y Port dental operator asked for exemption. Wheal he left school he was in his father's office at a glass works. Col. Pearson: How long have you been in the dentistry. Applicant: Seven years; I served three years first in dental making. You didn't start by pulling men's teath out ?-No. Applicant stated tbr- services he had ren- dered by providing certain soldiers' teeth. Col. Pearsoin: What did you do that for? The Government pay B3 for putting teeth in a man's mouth. Couldn't the peoIplie Put their teeth off? Applicant: They might. Go. Pe&rson: ?Ven, let them. What about my lease. r.- You should not have entered into them at these times. Who should serve their country more than you—a single man? Give him a month's exemption," sug- gested a member of the Tribune. « "Not a day," said 001 Pearson. Application was refused. A G-owerton evening class teacher asked for time.—Exempted for a month. On Personal Grounds." A Gorseinon provision hand, who was said to be indispensable, and was the only support of father and mother, was ex- empted on personal grounds. The Chairman said if the applicant's father died that would alter the position. Applicant: I will acquaint you at once in that event.

WAS TINMAN AT CWMFELIN. Pte. Tom Hughes, of the Swansea Bat- talion, fatally wound- ed in the head in France. Lived at Middle-road, Cwm- bwrla., and was tin- ma.n at Cwmfebn Works.

CAPTAIN OF THORNABY. Master of Sunken Boat Pontar- dulais Man. it tjuuspire!" that the oi the i!ù Thornaiby, sunk whon outward bound from fr.a,rl.Jepd.i'" Captain of Cae Ba-nç. Pontardmlaife. It i,? not yet known if he i? arnfwigst those who have lwofi saved. It tpay bt added tii „t the Tht-rnaby was to leave Ostend just before the Germans occupied it. bronent re- i ° thi* country on that- 4-iol!.

 f/!)Ip,n JtA 3 PE?EE P?Q??%? S ? I "FEELERS" BY TURKEY. RUSSIAN PURSUITS CONTINUE. (Pre6 Association ur ci.^l.) PETPiOGRAD, Wednesday. The offici-a i communiqiw conteinf. the fol- lowing :— On the Caucasian Iront in Turkey pur- suit of the ffiemv continues. In Persia in the direction of Keiutau- I sha.h we are stiH following up the enemy, And have taken two more guns. ("Times" Telegram, per Pross Association.) CAIRO. Monday (received Wednesday.) The "Mokattam" is publishing a series of i I avticl-eg giving reliable information about Turkish affairs obtained from a person who recently arrived from Coristfrncftncpie. The luptilati ii 's fiii with the Com- mittee of Union and Progrers and the Ger- mans, and the narrator instances the mcst recent Friday eermiwi in Santa Sophia, when the pTeaoher ended his prayer l'or preserva- tion of the Calinh with the Invocation of vengeance on the Germans and the Committee. PEACE PROPOSALS TO ALLIES. The real state of mind of the Committee is illustraW by the f&ct that Taulut a. month e?o sent two depute to Switzerdand to discuss peace conditions which would .save Turkey's honour without jeopardy to the Committee. The terms were the restoration of the Khediviate of Egypt with Prince Said Halim a& Khedive, the Russian evacuation of Armenia, which would receive autonomy under Russian suzerainty, the British eva- cnation of Mesopotamia, and a loan fruda tile Allies to enable Turkey to mrrv oo. The terms were rejected, but TaaJat sent another deputation to .Switzerland and France to offer concessions. No news about it had been received when the narrator left. I ■■ a

THE EVER-GROWING LIST. I MORE SWANSEA MEN FALL I IN BATTLE. Newe has reached Clydach ot the (leata at the Western front of another soldier j belonging to the iloca.1 company of the 6th Vvelsh. Regiment—tiiat of Private (Jharles Mason. Deceased was a native of Chelten- ham, and had been employed at the Mond Nickel Works ior w-iiie t ime prior to the out- hreak of"war. He was a inei-jibox of the Cly- da-ch lodge of the" Buffs." A service in his memory will be held at St. Majy s Church next Sunday evening. Llane!!y Sapper Loses Speech. tmpper ti. Ward. ot the Koyal Jbirgmeers, a Llanelly n-ia.n, wi,o previous to the war was employed by Mr. Jones, tailor. Green- fieM-buildings, Llaneliv, his written to his wife, from a London ifospital, stating that he Ixius been wounded rather badly in the hip, and that hi? nerves have been shirt- tared, and consequently he has lost his speech, but is slowly recovering.

ENDED IN LAUGHTER. STORM AT NEATH COUNCIL. A SUGGESTED SPARRING I BOUT. The ordinary meeting of the Neath Town i Council was held on Thursday, uuder the presidency of the Mayor (Councillor Thomas Jones). The Head Constable (Mr. Win. Higgins) reported that the local arrangements in the event of a Zeppelin raid had been com pleted in so far as the public lighting was concerned. At a iecent dale a, report was received of a threatened Zeppelin raid, and the public lamps were all extinguished I within one hour. The Cas Tariff. I the Gas Committee recommended an in- crease in the price of gas from 3s. to 3s. 4d., coke from 158. to 16s, 3d. per ton, and tar from 2d. and 3d. to 4d. per gallon. The committee also recommended an increase of LIS per annum in the salary of Mr. Car- pent or (financial officer). Alderman Morgan said that the recom- mendations were the uifevoidable result of ) the big increase in thp price of coal. The recommendations were adopted, whereupon Coun. Challaoombe rose and exclaimed: I wanted to oppose the recommemdiatioxiB. I wish to call attention to the raising of the price of gas. I't was anticipated during the past year that it would have to come about, and- Coun. Trick: Well, well. Really is this in oi-der" (,h,i,llacombe had the same opportunity as everyone else. If we are gtnng to have minutes challenged after they are passed in this way we had better let things go as they please. Ccun. Cii:llacombe: But T fed very ) strongly in the Ooun. Trok: You could not have felt very strongly, or you would have been upon your feet before the report was seconded. ) Councilor Challacombe But Councillor Trick I have no feeling in the matter, but if everything is going to be ta-ckled in The most irregular waY. I am going to object. and object strongly too. I am not going to sit here all day and I listen to a man playing to the gallery. Councillor Ghallacombe: There are gas stoves in Neath which are disconnected, and- Alderman Charles: I am not going to git here to listen to anyone talking for the sake of getting into the pwperr*. I suggest tha the Council should appoint Mr. Challacombe on the Gas Committee. W hen I have some- thing to say with reference to the gas under- taking, I speak to a responsible official and do not waste the time of the Council. The discussion then terminated. Thejirst Bout. All application was received jmm the Neath Active Service Fund asking for per- mission to hold a boxing toarnament in aid of the movetjient a.t the Hippodrome. Coun. W. F,. Roes said he would move the granting of the application if Mr. Trick and <)f the a- D I Mr. Ghallaoordbe would lead off with the first bout, (Laughter.) Ooun. Trick As fa.r as I am concerned the condition is a;vepte(i at once. ( Re- newed laughter.) Conn. J. R. Jorues: What is a boxing I tournament? Cries of "Oh oh!" and laughter. Oann. J. R. Jane?: No; really I hare never seon one. The Clerk YouH h^ve a pass for tibia one. (Renewed la.ughter.) Coun. W. E. Ref's; Yes, he'll put 'tm on with his partner (meaning Mr. Ch*4!a<50inbe). (Ixmd laugfhte?. ) Eventually the application, wae, gramted, subjeot to the pwvislon oJ suitable supervi- sion. I H" -=

j [LADIES HAD TO LEAVE. DISORDERLY DRAPER ON MUMBLES TRAIN. ) For making use <1 obscene language whilst travelling on the Mumbles train on February 18th, Donald Robinson, drapet., was summoned at Swansea. Police Court on Thursday. Defendant did not i appear, and sent in a note expressing his f sorrow for what had occurred Conductor Richards *aid defendant j J refused to pay his fa re. a.nd kept using obscene language an the while. In eon- setjuence of hi., belxa-viour .several ladies j, i io h-.i\ p tho carriage. I Defendant was fined :!Os.

4 "MOST DISGUSTING. PLACE." 1 11 LADY BARBERS AT MANCHESTER. REMARKABLE EVIDENCE OF POLICE. Astonishhig1 evidence as to the conduct of an establishment carried on ostensibly as a lady barbers' was giveu at Manchester. Sentence of eix months' imprisonment wr.s pa.sse<J on William Hen-v Wheatcroft, pro- prietor or managrr of the Leitfhton Toilet Saloon, for coixluct,j??sf the imp^Te'lv. All his employes there were young women. All ladies were asked to leave the court, and Mr. Heath said the premises bad a "ha.v- i.u-z -Aloon, a. ing .?&}o<?n. a esif? and n imaH kjtdH-.u. Tbere were three eiuaJi tubiole^. Tlte&e were 6ft. by 4i r. and were Screened off from the Dremises. and by drawing: curtain over the ertmnoes could be darkened. All the assistants were young ajid Eitrao tive. I Why young and attractive girls should be employed in t fe-arber's bnaiuess he did not know, and he understood that thf, Hairdressers' Association vvafl loth to en- courage the employment of woBcen in this business. The barber's biyinerc vme a t',liud. and the girls who undertook, to shave persons were, not skilled. The cafe tvm a blind. The pi-ocedure ajiyeare<t to be ins-t when a customer entered a lady su^sted a shave. followed by a massage in one 01 tho cubicles. W hen the; curtain .was drawn the elect-iie light in the oubicle would be fiwji^heil oft. l.Lud the only light that came through was 3u>>dued through lattice work at the 1 op of the cubielo. TAsht was neeesisKtrj' when inassagre ws< oonduoteri p-rope' ly. and a ?;sv im-gage oocu^ied about 40 minutes, whereas at thew premises it anly occupied about- ten or fifteen mintites. Sergeant said ou Fei)ruary 21, with other offlocrs, be saw eiglit, ma.le customers in tlie oaie ami one iu one of the cubicles. Some of the cue torn era had their Arms round ladles' waists, whilst other jadfes. were ou men's kjcees. When p^rrested Whea,tC;roft. replie<i, "1 am innocent of e'"e1¥-ta¡¡ng." A srn of 990 168 lid wa-s found in his posses.si<nt. Sergt. Hewitt told of two ri-itp. He re- lated what occurred in t-he cubicles, and said he heard the girls speali to euatomers in endearing terms. One aeked him if he was married, and when he replied that he was she sumested he should meet her alter bUlli- ness hours. Ihe young women w we from eigrhteeh to twenty-four, and were more or less at- tra-ctiye" in appearance. There wa's a Exeat Deal of hugging and kissing oi tnc* tni^t-omers n3, tilo young women. Defendant was about the place, mid could see and heir what wa.s going- on. Mr. Jrdsou said defendant had tried to conduct his business properly, and was not awcure that anything improper went. on. Defendant said he discharged one assistant because he svsheeted her of improper con- duct. Tlie prosecution were wrong in stating that face massago only took ten or fifteen minutes at, thid place. It always took three-quarters of an hour. Di fru laut admitted that once two young: customers had been left on the premises with two grirlp. They paid him 30s. to allow them to close it on a, quiet afternoon. Later he himself stayed at the cafe nutil the others left, Mr. Heath: And what did they do them?— They played draughts and chess. And fo that what they paid you 50s. for?- No answer. The Stipendiary said it was siernificam- that none of the customers had been called. No doubt defendant knowingly >ept a moat dis- feTusting place.

SWANSEA'S OWN" SIGNALLERS. I PERILOUS WORK IN THE OPEN. NIPPERS WANTED FOR HUN WIRES. Signaller Corporal Watkins, who is at- tpche-'l to the headquarters of the Swansea Battalion, writu^ to the "Dadly Post," says: -0 Will you kindly allow a few lines in your valuable paper to let 1111 how the Loyt- of the signalling station are getting on in their work. We have just come out for a little rest aftor being in the trenches, and I can assure you WI' appreciate the change very much. The snow has fallen at last and covered the ocuntry with ita whiteness and show- ing its beauty, defying the great, machinery or v/t r and destruction. My duties here are varied, and while I was in the trenches looking after the lines I found the boys in excellent spirits through all. Yet the boys were very cold pfter be- ing exposed to the wea-ther at night. But, despite all, they still have the grit in them v.h:'ch our forefathers had in the olden fighting days. My only wish is that the war will soon end. Yes, with victory on our side. May GodgruIlt. us that the day will soon come and that the boys will be back once more marching through the streets of dear old Swamsea triumphantly. -I Exposed to Cerman t-ire. We linesmen bi?-e very difficult tasks to perform. In many caws we have to run a line in the open, exposed to the fire of the enemy, and when it comes to cut wire en- tanglements it is very dangerous. Our nip- ta!ig l emeiii.q it tjhu e v :ge ?ujckly enoug h anPd pers don't cut the wire quickly enough, and Lhe result is that we have to tear the in- sulation, wishing at the same time that some kind friend would make us a prevent of a substantial pair of nippers. Some time ago we had to run a line in the open and the Germans were only 25 yards away. The enemy spotted us, just as we were going to joint another reel of cable. They threw up night lights and we were exposed to their machine and rille fire. We laid as low M possible till the danger was over, then we proceeded with our task till it was com- pleted. On another occasion the Germans aent a "whizz bang" over, which fell about six yards from us. Luckily not one of us was hit. I must say that coniiaunicatiosi with the battalion is going on without a hitch, and may it continue so. as it is one of the most important parts in trench warfare.

"HUMAN REFUSE." GERMAN ABUSE OF OUR COLONIALS. It is not surprising to find that Germany, bereft of her colonies, should view with feelings of uncontrollable anker the splendid support Britannia ha. received, and con- tinuels to i-ece-ve, from her dominions over- sea. Austra.Hn in particular has lately bern the subject of vitriolic, outbursts of Hun word-frightfulriess, of which the following extract from the Yos-^ische Zeitung is a typical example Of what elements do the forces the British have available :it Mesopotamia and in the, adjacent regions consist? Of Australians and Cvv di&jis main.'y, the Very riffraff of humanity, descendants of murderers thieves, d-r?n?er) hordes who (ie- i-e t? yevy thought <? '??pluj<n'<l decencv. Dus applies particularly to the Australians, tlie worthy posterity of men who for their crimes were once deported from their own country to found a colony at ihe extn-me ends of tue earth. I These are the white alli<s;* of tlie black (-ultul"p hearers who have .->et notorioiwiy • ivilised England against Us: these consti- tute the unspeakable human refuse against brothers are doomed tc> nght. Av.d yet thwe are senti- • menu?lists who v/ould us to l-r dainty J i:i the choice of our weapons when faciug j such bestial creatures as tbeee!

CIVILIAN ARMY AT i home. I 'I LORD KITCHENER'S APPEAL. II SAVE AND WORK YOUR  HARDEST." j HARDEST. SpeaJving at. the Cruiiahadl, I»ndon, at a ) meeting rn .coonectdon with the movenient t'jf eowiioiny, Lord Kitchener said on Wed- J.<;?da y I i ou tiave often been ichi that the present i VI' i". a -Ii ai Ici rconor 5nic exh,a austion, and also a war not only oi armies but of whole nations and neopleA. t want you not, only to listen to such state- men.ts but to gra^p clearly what tfcey mean, nud how they affect or should affeto the Uvea of every one of us-eyerv man, woman, !1Jld child. every (to,v all,(i every hour. If it tine, and it certainly is true, that this ilf II r of naticins-, t hen the whole naiiin is fighting, amd we ba,ve two great Minies, not osily tlie Army in the field" but. the other- the <*jvilu».n aarmy, consisting of the whole cn.vilLa.i5 }x>pula»tion at hoine. Speaking M a reiiicstntacive of the Army in the field, I want. to appeal on their behalf to I The cfviiian army at home, j for it is vital to the Army in the field the.t ti!« civillaii army at home should alap strenuousiy play its pari. [wnt you to I'eaosse that the Army in the fidd could not last one dil"- witlu,i,tt the efforts oc the vu^lian popuJaticui bshind it. Our soldier.9 depend wholly on the civilian population for their iood, their clothing, aiui the unlimited j muniLions aud equipment that they TntwO j have if ttiev a.re successfullv to meet theii i enemie.. Whet her they can get theso vite j ;irid uont-inin j to do frO, de/nends ab.solucei}- and entirei| upon whether every man md woTip-At at I home ebovvs the utmost energy in production and the utmost economy in congumption. Continuing, lie said that we wanted a* many guldfg as we could get, and au W (Teasing supply of miu?iticii? and stores oi every edscrtplion for our ow H Hae and th& of our Allies. The question, now that out working pupu.14"wn was w much S'! aJler, owing to the mlhan.. of ?.Idiers l!' the held, ww: How Could th.-? ?maJIer population produce vastly more? If tfhoe Idt 1 Je,hin wor.d only as hard M they did before, an<i the cTvikiin population consumed as much before, our problem would be insoluble. It was essential for the strength of our financial system and for the maintenance of our ior- etgti exohmges t.hat we should rely much more upon ourselves. Our civilian popular tion must go short of many things to which it was accustomed in time ot peace, or ouls armies must go short of munitions and other indirpensable things. I The Duty of Sacrifice. Which is it to be? lie asked. Are tlpe civilians at lipme prepared to let their brothers and friends in the trenches saori- fice their li ves and endure ho rd .ships of all kinds, and yet themselves not be ready to undergo the small sacrifices in the way of harder work. increased effort, and increased economy which alone can with certainty provide our armies with aJI that they re- quire until the end of the war ? Continuing, Lord KjLkLh«ner pointed out t.ha.t if we em- ployed lesg labcwir in meeting the wants of the civilian population we could release mare man for the fighting forces, and if wo imported less for consumption by the civi- lian population we lessened the difficulties of sea transport. We had taken away so many ships for military operations that we oould not continue to import much a-a usuaft for oairseilves if we were to ship our war material as well. Moreover, by import- ing less for civilians we relieved the serious congestion at our doolo; and on our rail- we limited the increase in the cost of liitving, and we set free labour a.nd capital to he employed in making what wa« neoded by our armies a.nd crar Allies. Let those who are making large profits and receiving large wages and are therefore tempted to extrava- gaooe, he continued, remind themijelves that aucih profits and much wages are only ma,d-a passible by the BacrificeB of our Navy aovi Army, and that money made at such no,-at should be ured or invested for the nation" it benefit amd not spent in personal indulgence, (Cbieera. ) Economy in everything was d-ao sirable, but he would particularly mentiol1 Such articles as ooaJ, foodstuffs, intoxicatina Liquors—(cheers)—petrol and ails, tea and oofiee, toibacco, and clothing, especial ly woollen articles. Economy, however, only negative. Not only economy but pro- ductive energy was required of 3-1.1 work in the country, and both were of equsJ itw iportance.

A GREAT STATESMAN'S FRIEND. VETERAN ENGINEER DIES AT LLANDILO. The death has taken plAce at LlaadjH of Mr. George Henfrer, aged 93. With his brother Charles he took part M engineering work in India. and Italy, all had a prominent share in developing t.h4 mineral resources of Corsica. Reaiding &I one tim^ in the CHilf of Speala, he knew Italy well. was a friend of Gavour. and ra- ceiverl tiw Order of the Crown of Italy froai the late King Umberto. He received tfil thanks of the British Government for h' pervices in procuring mules for the Arm during the Crimean War. Mr. Henfrey wm married, two of h da?B?tera living in Wandilo district, 0114 being the wife of Mr. J. W. Gwynae-Hughe* Tregeyb, lord lieutenant of Carmarthenq J phire, and the other the wife 01 Oolonev Gtwynne-Hughes, Qlancothy.

I NEARLY £8,000 YEARLY. Swansea Corporation Haulfers Demand. Swansea. CorptM?tion employes in th Dockers' Union and also the h&ali?rs ii the tov n are applying for an additional 5s.. war bonus. They are all receiving now 3s, Single horse haniliers now get 30b. an4 double horse 338. About 600 men are affected. At 5. per week per man this repreeetito nearly L8,000 per annum.

SWANSEA CHAUFFEUR i ASSAULTED. I Roadside Scene in Carmarthen-, shire. I At Liang awel Petty Sessions on Werl. nesday. John Morgan, a farmer, an David Era_n.<. haulier, vrore charger with assaulting P.O. Rees, Coed. in the execution ot lus duty at Pumpsaint, an d also with assaulting a chauffeur runnptj Henry Marshall, ivho went to the officer'* assistance. The officer said that at Ul P-111. on the 1st of Dccmber he was talk. ing to Marshall, a chauffeur, of Swanse wh?o defendants came up, and Mo) a:at? after behaving rudely to Marshall, join^oi the other defendant, an d both madi hideous noices witn the object of drawina witness into a fla/nc r*oruer. Kailiii^ iiq their object, they oh row stones at witness alld his companion, and later Evani rained blow s ou ;mq body «:itini stick. Marshal I then or. 11:4 to witness s a-sistaricc. Ma-rsha-ll, the chauffeur, corroborated. The tielcnct ,v.!s ai; alibi, defendants saying they «>>re 'i >. miles away at the time. For a a sa ul t: i n fj; the police deferdautj > were fined earh and one guinea oacH for assaulting Marshall. For throwing stones on tite highway they td) pay S. (XL A'I!l