The Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser

LABOUR-SOCIALIST COMIC RELIEF. Memory fails at the moment to recall to us the happy individual whom an ancient Roman writer so picturesquely summed up in the words: "He touched nothing without adorning it." But the phrase itself does leap to the mind when one thinks of our dear, delightful, inno- cent "Labour-Socialists." Their collective vaga- ries are inimitable. Truly they "touch nothing without adorning it"-with an air of Gilbertian farce. There is no function or occasion, from a Royal garden-party to a Congress, in regard to which they cannot raise a laugh against them- selves. The self-stultification of the T.L.P." at its Easter Conference in Edinburgh was a chap- ter of "Labour-Socialist" history as fully charged with unintentional humour as well could be. But the German visit has eclipsed even Edin- burgh. We do not refer specially to the touch- ing accounts of all the fraternising and bean- feasting, or the glowing tales of how Mr. "Will" Crooks sang "The Stony Road to Dublin" on the Flushing boat, how Mr. Bruce Glasier did not sing "Scots wha hae" amidst the midnight blaze of the cafes of the Potsdamer Platz, how a British Labour-Socialist leader was to be found in the deserted Reichstag gazing in rapt admira- tion at the seat ticketed "Bebel." and similar historic and epoch-making incidents with which the Socialist-Labour papers have lately been filled. We refer rather to the singular inconse- quence of the visit itself. The idea was first sug- gested in July last. But after all these months of preparation the British Labour-Socialists ar- rived in Berlin only to find that no official wel- come or recognition awaited them from eitfcer the German Social Democrats or the German Feder- ation of Trade Unions. Heaven alone knows what thev or their hosts "represented." Thev were turned over to an amorphous reception com- mittee dominated by leading supporters of the imperial naval programme and bitter enemies of the Democrats' campaign of "reduction"; and iliey found themselves tied, as a correspondent of the "Labour Leader" confessed, to "non-poli- tical fraternal demonstrations, from which all special Socialist or Labour manifestations are ex- cluded." Verily, "a disappointing and discon- certing fact." Well, they are back again. We surmise that they have had their legs pulled a good deal, but they have been learning all the time. If they have not done quite what they set out to do they have had a very good time. And why shouldn't they ? But we wonder who pays.

BUDGET TACTICS. It cannot be said that the debate on the becona reading of the Finance Bill did much to clear away the obscurity in which so many of its provisions are shrouded. Explanation is the last thing that Ministers consider desirable. Indeed, their speeches are all calculated to make con- fusion worse confounded. And here we see a familiar side of this extraordinary Government. Their speeches in defence of a Bill never have the slightest reference to the actual provisions contained in the clauses of that Bill. If they are dealing with an Education Bill, their speech- es contain a glowing account of how generously tney really intend to treat the parties adversely affected, but very different treatment is to be lound in the text of the Bill itself, and they ob- stinately refuse to alter the text to correspond with their "intentions." When the Licensing Bill was before Parliament they cooed like suck- ing doves, but they would not ease the unjust burden which the text of the measure would have imposed. And just the same tactics are apparently to be employed in the case of-this monstrous Budget. Ministers draw fancy pic- tures of their kindly "intentions" which find no counterpart in the cruel impositions which it is sought to impose. For the rest, the procedure is '10.1' _1 I" III.. pimple..No aerence ot the Bill is attempted. Quotations, without their context, from Unionist statesmen are called in support of methods of taxation which those statesmen are prompt to condemn, exposing the unjustifiable use made of their isolated words. The heaviness of each tax is justified by the assertion that in such and such a country it is at a higher rate. On exami- nation it i3 found that in the instance quoted the tax serves local as well as national purposes, or that the other national taxation falling on the same sources is infinitely lighter than it is here And, when all is said and done, Mr. Balfour's analogy holds good. The new taxation is largely based upon no other principle that that upon which the Government might say to a man: You have red hair and £ 10,000 a year. We ob- ject to red hair. Therefore, we will place ex- ceptional taxation upon red-headed men with £10,000 a year."

THE IRISH LAND BILL. The drastic "closure by compartments" ap- plied to the new Irish Land Bill, in order to force it through the House of Commons with the mini- mum of discussion, is a simultaneous reminder of the confusion of public Cosiness and of th* highly objectionable contents of the Radical pro- gramuie. Mr. Birrell's new measure has been somewhat lost to sight owing to the recent con- centration of universal attention upon the sup r0::0 L3ues of Finance and Imperial Defence. But this iniquitous Bill must not be suffered to escape the close consideration which it de- mands. It represents Mr. Redmond's "mini- mum" terms. The law-breakers have hailed it in the south and west of Ireland as "the tri- umph of the cattle-drivers." Among Irish loyal- ists it is most justly described as "a surrender to the League." The Bill in its original shape v.is formally introduced at the tail end of last jossion in order to enable Mr. Redmond to pacify his supporters, and its re-introduction this ses- sion was only the fulfilment of a definite pledge then given by the Government as the price of peace. Mr. Birrell admits as his reason for its promotion that there would be "hell in Ireland" in the alternative. The antecedents of the mea- sure are bad enough, but its provisions are worse. Indeed, they are in some respects unprecedently hazardous. The Bill fails altogether to remove the block in land purchase. That is not its ob- ject. But by conferring almost unlimited powers of expropriation upon an .authority so re- constituted as to p-uarantee the predominance of the nominees of the "League," the Government propose to ensure that lawless organization its dearest wish, namely, the disposal of the land ior the benefit of its own clinets and supporters. Short of demesne lands and home farms occu- pied by the owner, there is no land which may not, under this Bill, be compuLorily taken over; and all that is needed to bring this tremandous jurisdiction into force is the failure of "pro- oosals"-whether real or fictitious-for sale and r urchase. It is a big bribe and a revolting bribe. Whether it will buy Mr. Redmond's much-vaun- ted opposition to the Finance Bill remains to be; seen.

PERSONAL. At the Gorsedd held in connection with the Eisteddf d in London, Lady St. David's presented the Archdruid with the traditional horn of wine. The Rev. W. Done Bushell, M.A., of Caldey, was one of the bards who took part in the proceed- ings. At St. John's Church, Pembroke Dock, on Sat- urday last, the marriage took place of Mr. Valen- tine John Page, eldest son of Mr. John Page. South Parade, Tenby, and Miss Gwendoline Lloyd, third daughter of Mr. Alfred Lloyd, High Street, Pembroke Dock. The wedding, a vary pretty one, was witnessed by a large nurjibPT of friends of the bride and bridegroom. The brids, who was given away by her brother, Mr. Val Lloyd, was attended by two bridesmaids—Miss Maggie Lloyd (sister), and Miss Lottie Page (sis- ter of the bridegroom). The bride wore a cream alpacca dress, trimmed with silk insertion, and a crinoline hat, trimmed with cream silk, orange blossom and r^ses. The bridesmaids were attired in cream dresses and blue hats. Mr. J. Page, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Jason Thomas, B.A. 0

DISTRICT ITEMS. The annual meeting of the Wliitland branch of the Soutli yVales Women's Temperance Society was held at th,A Nazareth Vestry on Thursday evening. Mrs. Thomas, Rhvdvcwrt. presiding. Mrq. Thomas, RhydyCwrt, and Mrs. Morris King, •Edyth-street, were re-appointed presidents, to- gether with Miss Watkins, of the Intermediate School. Mr. John Bowen Lewis, of Parky Methyn, New M^at. Pembrokeshire, farmer, W!lO died on the 29th December last, left estate of thtS gross value of £1.633 15s. 4d., with net personalty £ .1.268 10s. and probate of his will. dated 22nd December, 1908. has I)-en eranted to Mr. William Lewis Bushell, of South West Farm, Walton East, far- mer. Tn'> testator left his estate upon trust for his wife for life. with remainder to his daughter Sarah Mary and his son William Lloyd Lewis. ♦ ■ ■ |

TO MOTHFRS.—\frs Winslow's Soothing Syrup '9 t €°.n o,T9r 50 vears by millions of mothers their children while teethinp with perfect sue- t u'lli r*>li«ve the poor sufferer immediatelv. Tt t, nldmnt tn frOrft. it n-ndn-es natural. au«et ViT- T "liøvi"?, +},e ,},Hrl f,nn poin. and the lit St43 a button." Of -0-'

EN PASSANT. Pembrokeshire, after all. did not accomplish very great things at the Welsh National Eistecl- fod. Although our sympathies are with the Pem- j broke Dock and the Fishguard choirs, it must be admitted that competitions at the National Eisteddfod are on a different plane altogether to those of local musical festivals. During the past few years Welsh choral singing has improved immensely, an improvement due no doubt to the fact that Welsh choirs have been emulating suc- cessful English combinations. Dr. McNaught, who has been described as the prince of adjudi- cators recently said "The future of choral com- petitions in Wales depends largely on scientific training. Welsh choirs have plenty of heart and feeling, but they seem to suffer from non-scien- tific training." We believe that no truth was better given. Dr McNaug'ht is a friend of the Welsh. He is loved by the music-lovers of Wales His words will, we are sure, -he taken, not as criticism, but as the advice of a friend. With the increasing opportunities and education now with- in the reach of the Welsh people, there is no reason why non-scientific training of choirs should prevail. } Freshwater East, one of the most beautiful bays on the Pembrokeshire coast, has now be- come quite popular as a "camping-out" place. Over the burrows which fringe the shore a score -,r more tents or bungalows are dotted, several of :ie latter having been added this year. They are t hiefly the property of Pembroke and Pembroke Oock people, who can here indulge a taste for the 'simple life" amid the most delightful surround- ings. Freshwater has a capital beach for bath- ing. ing. The opinion is rapidly deepening that the cfflt of elementary education is far greater than its worth. Infant schools are not only costly, but often worse than useless. Then immense sums ire wasted annually in forcing quite useless in- struction upon the mentally unfit. Further, all 3orts of fads are adopted and the final results are that the children do not learn even to read and write. The elementary schools of the country Aould have power to grade the children. In stead of that the children are passed from stan- dard to standard in the lump and when they have finished their course large numbers of them know nothing. There should be some means of cesting children so that they might be kept at reading, writing, and arithmetic until they were nble to read an ordinary newspaper or book and until they could work the first four rules of arithmetic. Some millions a year could be saved and the result would be improved education. -»• Slowly but surely the conviction seems to be settling into the minds of local farmers that they really will have to do something on :h-eir own behalf if they are to be helped at all. The days have gone when dirty and disease-impregnated milk could be sold without questions being asked. A *Milk and Dairies Bill has been brought in an among _the chief features of the Bill is the fol- lowing:—"The person carrying on the trade of 'dairyman must register himself and the dairy "with the sanitary authorities of the district in which he carries on his business. If he has not 'got a dairy, but acts merely as a purveyor of "milk. the place where he keeps the vessel used "by him for the purpose of the sale shall be "deemed to be a dairy." It is not only in refer- ence to milk that farmers need more enlightened methods. Farming is no longer a chance occu- pation which depends mainly upon tie weather, but is a complicated industry which has to be learnt like any other industry. The modern far- mer should be secure in his holding, so that he need not be afraid of exercising skill, but he must not expect to live on a turnover of three simes his rent, especially when his rent is only -ibout Z50 a year. 0

SWEATING EVIL, Chairman and Sec. of Shop Assistants' Union Repiy to Anti-Sweater. The letter we published last week with refer- ence to alleged sweating in certain drapery es- tablishments in Haverfordwest, 'has created some sensation. We have received two letters dealing with "Anti-Sweater's" charges:- A CHALLENGE. • To the Editor of the "Pembrokeshire Herald.") Sir,—I challenge "Anti-Sweater" to prove one single instance in which any member of our Cnion, employed in the town, has been obliged to work overtime, or at a "microscopically" small wage. Moral:—Support the establishments in which Union men are employed, and you may rest as- sured that you are not patronizing a sweating den. Yours, etc., S. W. OWEN, (Chairman, Haverfordwest Branch of the Shop-Assistants Union). SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS. (To the Editor of the "Pembrokeshire Herald.") Sir,-My attention has been called to a letter which appeared in your last week's issue, in which serious allegations are made against cer- tain drapery firms in this town, and an inciden- tal allusion to the "lethargic condition" of the Shop Assistants' Union. As secretary of the lo- cal branch, I should be glad-persuming that the complaint is being made in good faith-if the writer would furnish me with particulars of tie case, with a view of action being taken to remedy the grievance.. I can assure "Anti Sweater' that the Shop As- I sistants' Union is very much alive and keenly watching the welfare of their members. Your, etc., D. J. EDMUNDS. 34, Grafton Terrace, Haverfordwest. 0

HAVERFORDWEST IMPROVE- MENTS. Fete Arrangements—Repairing of the Leet. A meeting of the Town Improvements Com- mittee was neld on Wednesday night, Mr. D. E. Thomas presiding. The other members present were the Rev. Jonn Phillips, Messrs. W. Thomas, T. Davies, W. B. W. John, G, H. Llewellin, Geo. Davies, A. J. Wright, C. S. Davies, F. jjangford, T. Phillips, T. Birch, W. E. C. Lewis, W. Bevan, J. W. Phillips, Marlay Samson, W. G. Rowlands, John Evans. Sidney Evans, Martin Phillips, A. B. Williams, and Mr. Sidney Rees, hon. sec. THE FETE. Details irí connection with the forthcoming fete were considered. The secretary announced that the following had kindly offered prizes for the sports :-Mr. M. Phillips (two prizes), Rev. D. Akril Jones, Mr. S. R. Evans, Mr W. B. W. John, Mr. T. M. Phillips, Mr. G. H. Llewellin, Mr. C. S. Davies, Rev. John Phillips, Mr D. E. Thomas, Mr. George Devies, Prendergast; Mr. A. J. Wright, Mr. Marlay Samson, and Mr. S. J. Rees. It was decided to ask the following gentlemen to act as officials :-Judges, Mr. T. Rule Owen, Mr. W. G. Eaton Evans. Mr. H. J. E. Price, "ap^ain Stoddart and Sergt.-Major Rumball. starters: Mr. H. J. P. Thomas, and Mr. R. T. P. Williams. The Band of the Welsh Regiment had been en- gaged to perform during the afternoon, and their programme of music will be one of the principal features of the day. THE LEET. In reply to a question by a member as to whether there was any information with refer- ence to the leet, the secretary said there was no report to submit at present. He thought they had better leave the matter until the next meet- ing. He could assure them that there would be plenty of water in the leet by next Thursday. Mr. W. Bevan said there would be no harm in stating that considerable progress had been made in connection with the work. There was certain preliminary work that must be done before the leet could be repaired. WASTE PAPER. Mr. F. Langford called attention to the fact that there was a large amount of waste paper in the Scotchwell and steps should be taken to clear it away. Mr. Birch: Would it not be possible to ask the town authority to clear it away. Mr. Lanford: That is quite impossible. They won't do it. » Mr. Bevan: My scavenging staff is always over- taxed. They can't do the scavenging on the 3treet that ought to be done. After some further discussion the matter was left in Mr. Langford's hand;

• • ST. DAVID'S. Exhausted Pigeon.—A carrier pigeon was picked up exhausted at the Bungalow, Porth- stinm, St. David's, on tha 14th iust., at three p.m. It bears the following marks on two rings round the foot: India rubber band, Z852; silver ring. N.F. 08. The bird is being kept for » fort- ia ef a'p'ptfcfttiob. T. EVaao, Biioga- fct. David'g.

HAVERFORDWEST NEWS. Haverfordwest Golf Glub.—The monthly quali- fying round for Lady Scourfield's Challenge Cup was played on the Race Course on Tuesday, when Miss Helen Massy returned the best score. The Placing of the Colours.-lne colours of the Royal Pembrokeshire Fusiliers that were pre- sented to the care of vicar and churchwardens of St. Mary's Church, are to be placed on the arch to the entrance of the chancel, facing the body of the Church. The Boys' Brigade.—The Boys' Brigade under the command of Sergt.-Major Pearce were inspec- ted on Sunday morning by Col. Willis. The Colonel complimented the boys' on their neat and smart appearance and expressed the hope that they would become members of the King's army. Personal. -While motoring in Breconshire the other day Dr. Wilson, of Haverfordwest, met with a painful accident. Running over a dog he was precipitated from his motor bicycle, and sustained an injury which will incapacitate him in the use of his right arm for sometime. sustained an injury which will incapacitate him in the use of his right arm for sometime. The E:i.cif)d.-It is anticipated the proceeds of the li 1 rdwest eisteddfod and concert on Whit-Monday will allow the committee to rand over to the town improvements committee and Dr. Henry Owen's library scheme, a sum of over £ 100. Although the eisteddfod was patronised equally as well as previous years, when there was a larger surplus, it is owing to the steady falling off in subscriptions that the surplus is smaller. Sale.-At the Swan Hotel on Wednesday, Mr. William Jones offered for sale the Victoria Inn, with the outbuildings, situated in the parish of Roth. The bidding started at £260 and went to £470, at which price the property was sold to Mrs. Watts, ?the present licensee. Strawberry Hill. a charmingly situated residence, in the parish of Talbenny. was also placed under the hammer. The bidding in this case started at £400, the property being ultimately knocked down to Mr. J. Richards, Hasguard Hall. The solici- tors for the vendors were Messrs. Eaton Evans & Williams. Moravian Church.-On Sunday last the Sunday j Scnool Anniversary Services in connection with the above place of worship were held. The prea- cher throughout the day was the Rev. James Connor, of Tytherton, a brother to the Rev. S. L. Connor, pastor of the church. Mr. Connor de- livered three powerful and impressive sermons which were much appreciated. Special hymns were sung throughout the day by the Sunday School children and were accompanied on the cornet by Mr. John Lewis. The services were well attended and collections were made in aid of the Sunday School funds. Mr. Geo. Lewis trained the choir, and the Misses Nellie and Bes- sie Lewis tastefully decorated the pulpit. Borough Tolls.—Mr. William Jones, auctioneer, offered for sale at the Council Chambers on Monday the borough tolls. The bidding was started by Mr. Gilbert Thomas, who offered £500. By winks and nods t*he bids went up to £690. At this junction a committee representing the Town Council, who were in attendance, retired to con- sider the matter. After a consultation with the auctioneer it was decided that more bids be ap- plied for. Ultimately the tolls were sold to Mr. John Rogers. 23. Barn Street. The period of the tolls is from 18th July, 1909, until 31st March, 1910. Cyclist's Narrow Escape.-While cycling down -the Merlin's Hill on Monday evening a Milford seaman met with rather a serious accident. A young trawlerman, Cecil Mantrapp, Robert Street, Milford Haven, was returning from Hav- erfordwest accompanied by two other seamen about six o'clock, when losing control of his machine, he dashed into the pine end of the house of Mr. Andrew John at the bottom of the hill. The young man was picked up in an un- conscious condition, and it was found that he was bleeding profusely from the nose and mouth, while his face was very badly cut. Mantrapp was taken into a neighbouring house, where he was seen by Dr. Lloyd, who happened to be pas- sing at the time, and who ordered the m&n's re- moval to the Infirmary. The bicycle was smashed. Grammar School Sports Funds.-A successful musical and dramatic entertainment in aid of the above fund was held in the Masonic Hall yesterday. The artistes were:—Musical, Mrs. Herbert Cole (Milford), Mr. E. J. Burling, and Master H. Jenkins; dramatic, Misses M. Griffith (Milford), P. George, and G. N. Barham, Messrs. G. E. Carrow, W. V. Edwards, H. Marshall George, and H. J. Evans (Milford); orchestral, Miss Reynolds, Messrs. G. Lewis (conductor), Walker. J. Lewis, C.- P. Cook, A. Cook, J. P. Reynolds, C. Jenkins, H. Jenkins, S. O. Garrett, and M. Rogers. The accompanists were Mrs. J. L. Jenkins and Mr. C. Bulmer, F.R.C.O. The programme was as follows:—Part I: Orchestral overture, "Marche Majestique" (Hemery); song, (a) 'Less than the dust,' (b), 'Till I awake,' Mrs. Herbert Cole;-violin solo, "Concertino," Harry Jenkins; One-act Play—"The Peacemaker," the -parts were taken by the following: Elizabeth Lavender (Miss M. Griffith), Joyce Harford (Miss P. George), Parsons (Miss G. N. Barham), Dr. Burton (Mr. W. V. Edwards), Dick Harford (Mr. H. Marshall George), Scene, Elizabeth Lavender's Flat i" Kensington. Part II.: Orchestra—De- scriptiv2 !rol, "The Phantom Brigade"; song, (a), 'In H*- ;n,' (b), 'Where Corals lie,' Mrs. Her- 1 ert 'ng, "Faderland," Mr. E. ,T. Burling; One-ac^ r,r-.e—"The Brute Simmons," Dramatis Perso r Mrs. Simmorf; (Miss M. Griffith), Bob Ford Mr. U. E. Carrow), Mr. Thomas Simmons (Mr. -1.1 Evans), Scene—A cottage kitchen. During the afternoon performance Rev. J. H. Henson proposed a vote of thanks to all who had taken part and to all who had favoured them with their presence. In the evening the hall was filled. The singing of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" concluded the proceedings. -— ♦

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY COURT. An Offer Accepted-Neyland Compen- sation Case. The Haverfordwest County Court was held on Tuesday before His Honour Judge Bishop. AN OFFER ACCEPTED. Harry Woolson claimed compensation from Mr James Thomas, Milford Haven, owner of the steam trawler Victoria for the loss of two fingers of his left hand. Mr. A. B. Williams appeared for the applicant, and Mr. R. T. P. Williams rep- resented the respondents. Mr. A. B. Williams said that as the result of an accident he met with on June 22 last the applicant who was employed on a steam trawler, lost two fingers of his left hand. He received compensation from the respondents down to the 16th of December, on which date his allowance was stopped. The applicant in the box stated that on the ad- vice of the owners he consulted Dr. W. S. Griffith who told him that he was fit for work. He had received no compensation since December 19. As the result of the accident he found great diffi- culty in following his work. He was always in pain. The skipper of the trawler he was en- gaged on complained that he was too slow. Replying to Mr. R. T. P. Williams, the appli- cant denied that he was discharged at Oporto. Were you not dischaue misconduct ?—No. If I offer you a position a- tnii 1 hand will you take it?—I can't do the work, si". Ultimately on the direction of the judge, the applicant through his solicitor, consented to ac- cept the offer. NEYLAND COMPENSATION REDUCTION. On behalf of Frederick Lloyd Hall* postmaster and farmer, High Street, Neyland, an applica- tion was made by Mr. Robinson Smith. Swansea, for a disallowance or reduction of a compensa- r tion payment of 10s. a week made to Jame? Davies, labourer, Neyland. Mr. W. J. Jones, solicitor, was for the respon- dent. For the applicant there were called Dr. Davies, of the Observatory, Milford Haven, and Dr. Cameron, Swansea. Both gentlemen expressed the opinion that light work, which would exer- cise the muscles, would do the respondent good. He was free from disease of any kind, and was able to do light work. The respondent said he was 65 years of age, and still suffered pain in his right arm, although he was able to do light work in his garden. At the time of the accident he was engaged by Mr. Hall at £1 a week, but at fhe time he was in re- ceipt of 12s. a week pension from the dockyard. He received the pension still. His Honour remarked that 22s. a week was very good wages for a man with nothing to do. Dr. Tolputt. Neyland. said he did not consider Davies's condition any better now than it was twelve months ago, when the case originally came before the court. Dr Wilson, Haverfcrdwest, also gave evidence on behalf of Davies, who, he said, was still suf- fering from the results of a severe accident. Dr Wilson added that if Davies were sent away for treatment—say to London-he would soon re- cover. He should be pleased to send him away if the applicant would pay expenses. He could not discover any paralysis in the arm, only rigi- ditv. C1 His Honour said that Davies had admitted that he could do light work. and he reduced the compensation allowance to 6s. a. week. CAPTAIN BARHAM SUED. John Walter F. Bogy, Clive Road. Fishguard, engine cleaner, sued Cantain F. R. Barham, cwn, Letterston. for £ 6 4s.. balance of wages due. Mr. W. Evans. Fishguard, was for the plaintiff, and Mr. W. J. Vaughan, for the defendant. Plaintiff told the court that he was engaged in 1905 bv the defendant at 3s. 6d. a week. After- wards his wages were raised to 5s. a week. The sum of k2 had been paid on account. He was en eased he added, to assist the carpenters and masons about the house, and to act aemessengar. In cross-examination by Mr. Vaughan, plain- tiff s;>irl the with Captaift Barham was made by his mother, but he was not appren- ticed to the Estate carpenter. ,j Mrs Bogv. t'he plaintiff's mother, said she de- clined to allow her son to be apprenticed to the carpenter at 6d. a ^eek. She had been paid c2 0^His Hofrbur adjo'UmVd tKte Uatil th'e ntet

HORSE'S NERVOUS SYSTEM. 1 Curious Action in Haverfordwest County Court. VERDICT OF £10. At the Haverfordwest County Court on Tues- day before His Honour Judge Bishop, James Lewis, hawker, Spring Gardens, Haverfordwest, sued D. Bradbury Jones, 5, King Street, Carmar- then. cycle dealer, for £17 10s., damages sus- tained to plaintiff's horse and trap by reason of the defendant not stopping his motor-car. The claim consisted of E16 injury to the horse, and 91 10s. damages to trap. Mr. R. T. P. Williams was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Marlay Samson (instructed by Mr. Thomas Walters, Carmarthen) tor the defendant. Mr. R. T. P. Williams said that the circuiiT- stances happened on the 7th of October last, at about two o'clock in the afternoon. The plain- tiff was then on his way from Haverfordwest to a sale which was being held at Tierson farm, a matter oi aoout six or seven limes out. ne was driving to the sale in a trap with a horse which was his property. As he was going he saw coming towards him from the direction of Tierson a motor-car driven by a servant of the defendant. The plaintiff noticed that the glass wind-guard was up and the sun was shining on it. He signalled to the driver to stop when the car was a matter of 100 yards away. His Honour: How did the man signal? Mr. Williams: With his hand. The driver, added Mr. Williams, did not stop, but odntinued driving at practically the same speed at which he had been travelling—a matter of about 20 miles an hour. Instead of stopping, the driver drove on until he came to about five yards of the plaintiff. He was then obliged to come to a stop for the horse became restive and fell. Some damage was made to the trap and the harness. His Honour: What is t'he ground of the claim ? Mr. Williams: We contend that the driver drove in a negligent manner, and that he did not drm whpn signalled to bv the plaintiff. Con- tinuing Mr. Williams said that he could not sug- gest < that the horse had suffered very great damage. However the horse since the accident had been practically useless to the plaintiff. Be fore the accident the plaintiff was in the habit of driving the horse himself about the country in connection with his business. It would pass motor-cars, and the plaintiff had driven his wife and children about, and had been in the habit of leaving it unattended in the street while he was attending to his business. Before the acci- dent the animal was of considerable use to the plaintiff. Now the horse absolutely would not pass motor-cars, and was quite useless to the ■ plaintiff in the sense that he could not go about with it himself. He had to take another man with him for the horse would not pass motor- bicycles nor anything that made a noise. Further- more added Mr. Williams, in the stables, when a motor-car passed- His Honour: It shivers. Mr. Williams: It plunges and kicks. Owing to what happened this horse in point of value is materially less to-day than before the accident happened. Then it was worth about *,». aib value now, tested by all the tests that can be applied, is only £ 9. The defendant s sohmtor mide the suggestion that the horse should be made available for trial. His Honour: Was I to try it? (Laughter.) Mr. \Tflliams: I should not like to see your honour attempt it, The plaintiff was called and said that on the afternoon referred to he was proceeding to T iJn sale. He arrived at Tierson about two o'clock, and just the other side of the hamlet he noticed a motor-car coming. Plaintitt saia Sat ,s soon as the horse saw the car :,t be ame restive and he at once signalled to the driver 1 the car to stop. The driver did not pull up un- til he was five yards from the horse s head, and then the engines were not then on the ground, and plaintift himseii was thrown from the trap. While he was strugg- 55 with the animal on the ground defendant enauired, "How long will you keep me here? Plaintiff retorted that had he (the defendant) stopped the accident would not have happene and to this the defendant made no repl^ Plain- tiff described the t° the horse:- was cut about on the fore feet, and the damage to the trap. Previous to the accident the horse would pass ordinary motor-cars without trouble The horse never liked the sun shining wind screen of the car, and when-he met those car* he passed without difficulty, as soon as the driver slackened his speed. Now the norse 1ilr peared to be really mad when it met a motor-car, ( a traction engine, or any engine in n^°a'w^en plunges and rears in all directions. E a car was standing the horse gave much trouble. Before the accident he was offeied £ 25 tor tne horse, but since the highest offer he had ie- CeCrotsSmfned plaintiff said the injury to the horse in respect of which he claimed was for nervous injury. When he attempted to sell the [ horse at a fair after the accident he was asked it [ it would pass all road traffic, and he was obliged to reply in the negative. Describing the acci- dent plaintiff said that although the car was stopped it was so near that the horse while strug eling on the ground almost knocked its head against the car. Prior to the accident the horse never snowed signs of nervousness so long as a motor-car ceased up. Hnctor Dr. Wilson next gave evidence. The doct appeared with his arm in a sling, the result, he said of Tunning over a dog in Breconshire. C°n tinu'ing the Doctor referred to the difficulty of passing the plaintiff's horse recently, and on one >cca&ion he noticed the animal was shivering. George Davies, Johnston Mill, said he wasi in Lewis's trap when the accident occurred, and was precipitated to the ground The motor-car did not stop until close to the horse's head. Gordon Rogers, in the empioy of Mr. Reynish, builder, said that he was going behind the plain tiff in a cart. He saw him raise his arm, but the driver of the motor-car took no notice. The witness had been out with the horse both before and after the accident. The animal was no very restive, whereas previously it was quiet and "STfhi' next witness was Mr. Hairy Anthony, veterinary surgeon, Narberth, who said, that he knew of a similar case with which a horse fell down on the approach of a motor-car. Ever since then it would not pass motor-cars at all. Evidence was also given by Frederick Havard, of City Road, in partnership with the plaintiff. He said that before the Tierson accident they had never had trouble with the horse. George Christmas, of the Rising Sun, valued the horse before the accident at from £ 25 to £ 28. Mr. Williams: What, in your opinion, is the value of it now? Witness: I would not take it as a gift to wo k in thoroughfares. It might be of some use on Q farm.. W. H. Thomas, haulier, of Haverfordwest, said he offered k25 for the 'horse before the accident, and afterwards offered the plaintiff £9. For the defence, Arthur Thiomas, motor-car driver, for nine years, said he had paced the road at the scene of the accident. Between the two bends of the road there were 180 paces. Witness was driving the car, and had come about 50 paces round the bend when he saw the cart. He saw plaintiff hold up his hand with the whip when about 110 paces off. He pulled up the car 30 paces from the horse. The road was very greasy, and when the horse backed t ca'tt to the hedge lie slipped and fell. The ani- mal got/up and fell again. Then the plaintiff got out and went to its head. Witness had pulled up before the horse fell, and as soon as ft became excited. He did not stop the engines because he did not wish to lose control of the car, and the horse was led past the car whilst it was stationery.. Cross-examined defendant denied that any conversation took place between him and Plai.n* tiff. He did not know at first whether plaintiff meant to signal to him or not, as he had both wh/ and reins in his hand. He had been con- victed at the police-court for not stopping the car. Mr. John Rees, veterinary inspector, Carmar- then. said that from the evidence he had come to the conclusion that the horse must always have been a nervous animal. His Honour in giving judgment said that the case presented some curious features. He had come to the conclusion that the horse was not a very steady one, and that the accident was not entirely due to the sun shining on the wind screen of the car. At the same time it seemed to him that the plaintiff had a right to drive the horse, but. of course, at his own risk. As legar- ded the driver, His Honour held that he lod acted with unreasonableness, and held that l. eg ligence had been proved. He gave judgment for the plaintiff for £10. ♦

AN HONEST BANKRUPT. Pays His Debts and Interest. Mr. A. Jestyn Jeffreys applied at the Neath County-court on Thursday for the discharge in bankruptcy of Ex-sergeant-major John Jones, formerly the licensee of the Market Vaults, Neath, and now residing at 11, Arthur Street, Neath. Mr. Jeffreys stated that Mr. Jones had paid all his debts in full, plus 4 per cent interest. Mr H. Rees (the official receiver), said he of- ffl-rfid no obiection, but he mentioned that there were two small -creditors unpaid, and this be- cause they could not be found. Mr. Jeffreys said he had no objection to pay- ing the money into court, but he should want the money in respect of the two creditors out again if t'hev could not be found. His Honour then annulled the bankruptcy. Mr. John Jones is a native of Haverfordwest, and this straightforward act on his part will come as no surprise to those who know him intimately. Mr. Jones recently came into a windfall from a half-brother who died at the Cape.. +

COMING EVENTS. June 24th.—Annual Fete of Towns Improvement Committee at Scotchwell. July 8th.-Garden Fete at Haroldston in aid of Vicarage Fund. August 10th— Pembrokeshire Agricultural Soci- ety's Show in Bridge Meadow. Entries close July 31st. August 12th.—Bazaar and Jumble Sale in grounds of Infirmary. Contributions of all kinds grate- fully received by Matron or Secretary. Sep(. SwL—Ha.e'rford%sl O'pVu Dog SllOW in tho CoVri Market,

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. Fate of Pembrokeshire Choirs in London. ADJUDICATORS' AWARDS. The representatives of Pembrokeshire at the National Eisteddfod did not give a very good ac- count of themselves. In the first and second choral contests the Premier county were repre- sented by the Pembroke Dock Choral Society, I and the Fishguard Bay Choral Union respec- tively.. The test pieces in the premier competition ) which took place on Tuesday were (a) "Come, Ye Daughter's, St. Matthew "Passion Music" (Bach); (b) "Rest, Soldier, Rest" (J. H. Roberts); (c) "The Tempest" (Cornelius). Out of the seven choirs that had entered, one -the Brynamman and District Choral Society (Mr. Edward Evans conductorl). the winners at the Mountain Ash National Eisteddfod-did not put in an appear- ance nor send an explanation of their absence. The remaining six choirs sang in the following order:—1, Pembroke Dock Choral Society (Mr. T. G Hancock); 2, Rhymney United Choir (Mr. John Price); 3, Rhymney Gwent Choir Society (Mr. Daniel Owen); 4, Carnarvon Choral Society (Mr. John Williams); 5, Cardiff Harmonic Society (Mr. Roderick Williams); 0, Llanelly Choral So. ciety (Mr. John Thomas). The choirs each num- bered between 160 and 200 voices. The first prize was L150 and the second prize R,50, the ajudica- tors being Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, Mus. Doc., Dr. W. G. McNaught, Mr. D. Emlyn Evans, Mr. Dan Price, and Mr. Harry Evans. Dr. McNaught. who delivered the adjudication said that he and his colleagues were agreed that the test was the Bach chorus. It was manifest that only two choirs had a good idea of how that chorus should be taken. Three of the choirs did it decently, but it Was rushed by the other three, who did not catch the seriousness of the piece, and they were not in the right mood for the words. There were more failures over the Bach chorus than over any other piece. Speaking gen- erally of the whole performances, the intonation was not first-rate, but the adjudicators were dis- posed to ascribe that to the acoustic properties of the hall. The need of filling the vast space rather influenced the intonation. That was their idea, and, therefore, the judges endeavoured to apologise, as it were, for the defects of intonation on that ground, because they could hardly con- ceive that these choirs would have displayed such faults of intonation had they been in an- other arena less embarrassing to their feelings. But one choir—Carnarvon—seemed to have solved and conquered that difficulty. 'Pembroke Dock.—The first to sing was Pem- broke Dock. They gave a very delicate perform- ance of the part song. There was considerable unity, and it was compact, but the tone rather lacked sweet resonance. There was a very bright treatment of the rhythm, and it was well organ- ised and well disciplined choir. They were not, however, quite correct. There were one or two places in the part song where nearly every choir went wrong. Some of the singers were not on the pitch of the notes and they lost a whole tone. They had a wrong conception of the Bach piece. It was too gay, too merry, and the attack was straggling. It was too part-songy. The ejacula- tions of the second chorus in "who," "what," and "where" were far too trivial. It was more rhyfhmic than interpretative. The accents were much exaggerated. In the Cornelius piece this choir had many good features in the way of rhythmic attack, but the piece called for very vivid and picturesque expression, and this was absent, there "being no imposing climax as there should be, and there were several, the greatest of course being at the end. Another mistake was to unduly prolong the rests written by the com- poser, who, had he wanted a few more bars Test, would probably have written them in. The last page was very inadequately treated. The adjudi- cators had allotted 100 marks for each piece, and Pembroke Dock got 75 for the first piece. 67 for the Bach, and 71 for the Cornelius, a total of 213 marks. No. 2. Rhymney United, sane: the part-song to the Welsh words, and displayed a very nice blend, but the expression marks were sometimes overdone or overwrought. They were not correct in several places, but there was considerable sympathy in the expression. The marks scored to this choir were-first piece 80. Bach, 50, show- ing what falling oft there had been, and the Cornelius piece, 70. making a total of 200 marks. The third choir, Rhymney Gwent, in the part- song had a very nice tone, and very blendful. The intonation was not perfect, but the adjudi- cators ascribed that more to the hall than to the choir. There was grace in the treatment, and an agreeable warmth. The attack was very excel- lent in the forte passages, and the climax was very good. On the whole there was not enough conviction in the style. The marks awarded were:—Part-song 88, Bach piece 52, Cornelius piece 80; total, 220. Carnarvon were the fourth choir, and here the adjudicators at once elevated into another atmos- phere. They had dainty rhythm, expressive sty.le, and blendful tone, and all the phrases were well tapered *off. The adjudicators felt that the whole thing was organised. They would not say that they were dead in tune all through, but they were more in tune than any other choir, and all the small climaxes were artistically treated. The ends of the phrases were too crisp for the piece, but the attack generally was so clean and definite that one hesitated to find much fault with it. It was in the Bach piece that the choir excelled. The parts were all sustained, and one could feel the web of the parts going through. The Cornelius piece was sung by this choir from memory, which was a feat. They stood on the platform to sing without copies, and to face the audience with that horribly difficult music. The marks for Carnarvon were:—Part-song, 93; Bach piece, 95; Cornelius piece, 85; total, 273. No 5 (Cardiff), in the part-song went very soon down- in pitch, unfortunately, and that clouded the whole performance. The sopranos were chiefly responsible for this. The tone was plea- sant and musical, but, still, now and then it was murky as a blend, because of the effect of its not being in time. It was a very fine choir, but there were some small errors. In the Bach piece they caught the right pace. The marks for Cardiff were: Part-song, 76; Bach piece, 85; Cornelius piece, 75; total, 236. In the last choir (Llanelly) the balance was rather affected by the over-prominence of the 1|oprano, one voice particularly standing out. It was a very good voice, and they congratulated the possessor of it. There was not too great colour, but, till, a certain amount of charm and due restraint. In the last page they seemed ex- hausted. Perhaps they had got up early that morning, and that was an excuse. They were rather nervous in the last page, and he did not know who would not be nervous if they looked at that page. The marks for Llanelly w.-e:- Part-song, 80; Bach piece, 85; Cornelius piece, 78; total, 243. The second choral contest took place on Wed- nesday. Twelve choirs, who sang in the follow- ine- order, had entered:- 1. Nant-lle Vale United Choir (conductor, Mr. T. T. Powell.) 2. Willesden District Choir (Mr. J. S. Wad- dell.) 3. Fishguard Bay Choral Union (Mr. Evan Anthony.) 4. Portsmouth Excelsior Temperance Choral Society (Mr. Charles Weedon.) 5. Coleford Philharmonic Society (Mr. J. H. Evans.) 7. Mr. A. G. Gibbs's Choir, London (Mr. A. G. Gibba.) 8. Pentre and Treozky United Choral Society (Mr. James Davies.) y. Ine Souuipoit Cnoir (Mr. William Tatter- sall.) 10. Grangetown United Choral Society (Mr. J. vv uuanis.) 11. linton Ferry Choral Society (Mr. Evan Morris.) L'6. Cefn Mawr Choral Society (Mr. G. W. tiugnes.) Out of this list of entries the only absentee was Mr. Cious's London Choir. It was 6.30 be- iore the competition was ended. The result was:—1st, Southport, 2nd, Willesden. The adjudication was announced by Mr. Harry Evans, wno said that his colleagues had paid him the compliment of asking him to deliver the award for that were pretty obvious. They nad had suinu very Oeautnul singing, and, as far as he was concerned, he, had never expected to hear such beautilul singing as they had had from one Ct)ÍI at least. The whole competition had displayed great skill, not only on the part of the choristers, but also on the part of the conductors. They had, after due consideration, decided to award the second prize to Willesden, and the first for extraordinarily beautiful singing to South port. (Applause.) The merit marks were awar- ded as follows, the maximum marks being 100 for each test piece :-Southport, 190; Willesden District, 175; Cefnmawr Choral, 160; Briton Ferry, 158; Nantlle Vale United, 150; Coleford Phiiarmonic, 150; Pentre and Treorky, 146; Ports- mouth Excelsior, 140; Fishguard Bay, 130; Skew- en Music Lovers, 125; Grangetown (Cardiff), 125. «

Will of the late Mr Arthur Lewis, Henllan. The will of the late Mr. Arthur Griffith Poyer Lewis, of Trefrewydd, Llandaff, and of Henllan, chairman of the Carmarthenshire and Pembroke- shire Quarter Sessions, stipendiary magistrate for Pontypridd, and Chancellor for the Diocese of St. David's and Llandaff, who died on the 5th of May last, has been proved at the Llandaff Pro bate Office. Deceased left estates of the gross valuse of Z107,342 14s 5d., with net personality returned at £15,098 Os. 6d. Excepting small sums", varying from L20 to £100, which he allowed to faithful servants, the whole of the estate is left to his wife and children. The executors to the will are Mr. Wilfred Hubert Poyer Lewis, of Palace-road, Llandaff, barrister-at-law (and son of the de- ceased), Messrs. Frederick John Smith, 200, Cat- hedral Road, Cardiff, registrar for the Diocese of Llandaff; and Thomas Rod way Hunt, 08, St. Mary Street, Cardiff, solicitor. To each of the Mary Street., Cardiff, solicitor. To each of the latter he left k200 in discharge of their duties. To his wife the testator left a legacy of £ 200 a year, in addition to the Henllan Mansion and estates in Pembrokeshire, t'he Llandaff mansion being left to his daughter Margaret in perpetuity, in addition to a legacy of £ 5,COO. The younger children are left legacies varying from £ 10,000 to £ 5,000. The pergonal estate is freely distributed among members of the family, with special con* diiioas that the pUt<j, fetje., eWtud tfa ia Uw family in pfcrj&fcuity.

HAVERFORDWEST GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Governori; decide to return Sub- scriptions. THE TEACHING OF WELSH. Mr. R. T. P. Williams (chairman) presided on Monday afternoon at the Council Chamber over a quarterly meeting of the Haverfordwest Gram- mar School Governors. The other members pre- sent were Messrs. Joseph Thomas, H. J. E. Price, James Thomas, together with Mr. J. W. Phillips (clerk), Rev. J. Henson (headmaster), and the t-r- chitect (Mr. Hugh J. P. Thomas.) FINANCIAL POSITION. The auditor (Mr. F. J. Warren), reported That the balance sheet showed a surplus of iEl46 lis. 2d., and in addition to this there would be the proportion of any grant accrued up to March 31. He pointed out that the repairs account at the bank was overdrawn to the extent of iEl92 4s. 9d., and as the general accounts had a credit of £ 353 lis. Sd., it would be advisable to make "a transfer from the latter account and thus save in bank charges, which amounted to ikll 12s. 9d. last year. The Chairman said that the arrangement with tho bank was that both accounts should be treated as one and that interest should be paid only on the net overdraft. At the corresponding period of last year there was, according to the auditor's statement an adverse balance of £191, but in reality they were about clear this time last year, for Mr. Warren had not been informed of a grant of £ 182 which the school had earned. Their present financial position was much better The Chairman then referred to a sum of £ 22 5s. which had been received in response to an ap peal issued for subscriptions for building a new laboratory. At the time it was not certain that the Governors would be able to raise a loan for the purpose, and he now suggested that the sub- scriptions should be returned. The subscribers were the late Alderman T. L. James, Mr. Beach Thomas, Mr. T. R. Dawkins, Mr. S. W. Dawkins, Mr. Lort Phillips, and Mrs. Higgon. The whole amount needed for the new building-£l,soo-na<1 been raised by means of a loan, and as the Gov- ernors really had no purpose to which they could apply this iE22 5s. he thought it would not be fair to retain the money. On the motion of Mr. Joseph Thomas, it was decided that the cheques should be returned to the donors with thanks. The Clerk said that application for subscrip tions had gone out within the last month, and some had been sent to people abroad. The Chairman: That is probably all you will Later the Chairman said he did not want to frighten the Governors, but at the moment they had £704 on the general account. Of course they had a large number of cheques to draw that cray, and the sum in hand was swoollen by the re- ceipt of £ 191 on account of this year's secondary g The financial position was regarded as very satisfactory. PERFECT DRAINAGE SCHEME. The Chairman said the Governors had received a bill for 990 19s. from Messrs. Joseph Lewis & Sons for certain drainage work that had been carried out at the school. The work had been certified byMr. Bevan; borough surveyor, and by the Architect. The Architect stated that the work had stood the test perfectly, and he considered it the best drainage scheme that had been carried out lo- cally for many years. The Chairman observed that a Birmingham expert who had viewed the work had pronounced it the best he had ever seen. The Chairman: There will be nothing required in connection with the drainage for about half-a- century The Architect: I do not think,so. THE TEACHING OF WELSH. Mr. Owen Owens, the chief inspector, reported as the result of a subsidiary inspection of the school, that the new laboratory and workshop were sorely needed as accommodation because the school now had over 100 pupils. He noted with satisfaction that an additional master with qualifications for teaching Welsh had now been appointed, and that marked progress in all direc- tions were noticeable. A HEATING APPARATUS. The question of providing a hot water heating apparatus was considered. The architect (Mr. Hugh Thomas) submitted an estimate, amount- ing to 990 2s. 6d. for the new buildings, and Z45 2s. 6d. being for the old buildings. This inclu- ded the radiator system, which he advised. The Clerk explained that £164 for a heating apparatus was included in the loan, and it was decided that the work should be carried out dur- ing the summer holidays, but that before this tender was accepted quotations from other firms be solicited. HEADMASTER'S REPORT. The Rev. J. Henson, M.A., the headmaster, re- ported that there were 98 pupils on the books this term, including 22 boarders, one pupil tea- cher, three bursars, and three probationers, while the general attendance had been excellent, a few boys had missed the first half-term on account of illness. The drainage scheme was carried through with little inconvenience to the working of ivie school. He recommended to the vacant Milward Exhibition, M. H. Rogers, who is entered at Keble College, Oxford; and to the William Owen Exhibition, A. G. Tamlyn, who will proceed to St. David's College, Lampeter. He recommended also as bursars for the school year 1909-10, the following boys:—A. J. Cole, J. E. Davies, A. J. Edwards, and W. P. Phillips. The examination for Entrance Milward Scholar- ships would be held on July 22-23. He proposed to closo the school for the summer holidays on July 28, and to re-open on September 16th. »

BORROWED NAMES. "As to borrowed names." writes a correspon- dent of the "Daily Chronicle," in driving from Fishguard to Newport, Pembrokeshire, I passed through Jericho, saw Bethabara on my left and Gideon on my right, and as I entered Newppjrt I saw Bethlehem a few feet from the road. Also in the same county, among the ministers of one denomination. I met Eli, Jacob, Joseph, Caleb, and Melchisedic, and all within a few miles of one another. Jacob and Joseph are surnames, and in this case Joseph is a rew- years older than his "father Jacob." »

STOLE KISSES FROM WAITRESS. -I Stolen kisses resulted in Arthur Wilson, 32, a clerk, living at Princes-road, Notting Hill, being charged, at West London, with assaulting Alice Flower, a waitress, living at Hunt Street, Notting Hill, by kissing her against her wish. Prosecutrix, an attractive-looking young wo- man, stated that she was employed at the White City. The other evening she was coming out of Notting Hill Gat station, when she was accosted by defendant, a stranger to 4ner. He followed her and when she rejected his advances he pushed her against the waIT and kissed her. lie also used bad language to her. Defendant denied that he used bad language or that he pushed complainant against the wall. The young lady, he said, and he entered into con- versation about the exhibition, and he simply out his arm round her waist and kisser her twice He was very sorry for What had happened, and promised that in future, if he-saw young Iiadies, he'would walk oti the other side of the rffad. (Laughter.) tfeta&ntied htm tfc bft oW& cognisances.

HARBERTH ASSESSMENT I, >, Appointment of Valuer-' Premium on Laziness.' .» T? GUARDIANS AND OVERSEERS. The Narberth Guardians on Monday consid- ered the question of the re-appointment of valuer, and stated they had two overseers in e? Ja parish, and they knew better than the va" uer how the property should be assessed, and if they could not do it themselves they could ceil} in responsible ratepayers to assist them. They were supposed to have picked the best men on the assessment committee, but, ejaculated Mr. James, "God help the rest of us if they are)' (laughter.) What was the good of paying a man- to go about when he knew no more about it than themselves. The proposition was seconded by Mr. Henry Lewis. Ine Rev. D. E. Williams supported the motion", and said he had before him a valuer's bill for £ 16, and he thought it was monev thrown awiv." The valuation had been done on building mainly, but there were also a few instances of land. The Union had been re-valued in recent. years, all through, at an enormous expense ti3 the ratepayers, and that was done, he supposed, by one who was, at the time considered a quali- fied sind capable man. What was the use of go- ing to re-value plots of land so soon again? He found land had been re-valued in his parish for which there was a two guinea fee. Some people within his knowledge had spent perhaps £50 within the last half-dozen years on less than twenty acres of land, while their neighbours had done nothing, and the assessment committee of the Union sent a gentleman to re-value the land within half a dozen years after the whole union had been re-valued. In his opinion that was putting a premium on laziness and lack of abil- ity to cultivate the land, and punishing industry and sacrifice. Mr. W. Richards said that the Rev. D. Wil- liams mentioned certain sums and places. He should like to know where they were so that he could putJ them down. The Rev. D. Williams said he had nothing to do with individual cases. He took the broad nrinciples that within recent years the whole union had been re-valued. This valuation of land was unjust and discouraged improvements. Some of these buildings to his knowledge had been assessed by the overseers, and he did not. think the valuer had made much alteration, if any. He strongly supported the suggestion that they do not appoint the valuer. Mr Henry Lewis said he should like to know whether this man was a qualified and proper man. Mr. Richards said he held a • certificate. He proposed as an amendment that they do employ a valuer, and added that he did not see how they could carry on without one. Some of them had been insinuating too much, especially the one who said "God help the assessment corn- mittee." Mr. E. James: I did not say the assessment committee; I said "us." Mr. Richards went on to state that since he had been on the committee he had tried to do his best. He came across not far from Mr. Wil- liams's house a building which came before them the last time they sat. That house had been built somewhere about eight or ten years This was the first time it had been rated. Did not they think it was time t'hey sent a valuer there to do the work the overseers ought to have done? He could point out to them here and there all over the union that the overseers did not do their work. He had known cases of over. seers having been "bought over" very nicely. Rev. D. E. Williams asked what place Mr. Richards referred to as near his house. Mr. Richards: Llanfallteg Board School. Rev. D. E. Williams: That is not in my parish. Mr. Richards: Close by I said. Rev. D. E. Williams: It is in your county. You should have looked after it. Mr. E. James said he did not think Mr. Rich- ards was quite right in saying the overseers were "bought over." Mr. William Thomas said if they called in a valuer when required, he did not see Mr. Rich- ards had any grievance at all. Mr. Richards: He is only called in when asked. Mr. T. Griffiths: But you cannot appoint any- body else. The Chairman said the difficulty had all risen over the overseers. He was sorry to say in the 'majority of the parishes in connection with this union the .overseers did not do their duty. They did not report on new buildings and additions to buildings until somebody or other mentioned it at the assessment committee. Then on account o the overseers not doing their duty it was sug- gested to send a valuer. When there was a dif- ference between the overseers, owners, and the assessment committee, the only way the assess- ment committee could get at a tangible value of these premises would be by sending a valuer, and he did not see how the assessment committee could very well carry out their work unless they got such assistance. Mr. E. James: But don't you think a man down Pembrokeshire knows the value of land better than a man from Glamorganshire? The Chairman: I don't know that. Mr. E. James: I know, because it is quite as unequal as before. The Chairman: We shall "have another re-valu- ation before long. Rev. D. E. WUliams said he was quite willing to leave it to the' assessment committee when cases arose to call in a gentleman if they thought his services were required. Mr. W. Richards said they put it in the hands of the assessment committee to elect their own surveyor, but here was a chance for them to elect a surveyor themselves. Mr. J. Bowen seconded the amendment. On a vote being taken there were 12 for the K< appointment, and 10 against. It was pointed out that some of the members did not vote, and further discussion ensued. In reply to Mr. E. James as to what difference was made in the valuation for the £ 18. Mr. Richards said he had not the figures, but lie knew it paid well. Mr. D. Raymond: Is it IlOnest money he got for you ? Mr. Henry Lewis: How about Ciffig, when the snow was on the ground? (laughter.) Do you think he did justice in Ciffig. Mr. Richards pointed out that in some cases the valuation was more than doubled. {)ne house rated at 23 was now 99. Another farm was nearly doubled. He could decrease as well as increase, if he thought necessary. The com- mittee did not send 'him only to increase. Mr. T. Griffiths said he had the pleasure of be- ing on the assessment committee a number of years, and he always took it the money they paid was thrown away. All of, the guardians repre- sented their parishes and look at the rate booE sometimes-he was very fond of looking at it- and everybody knew if there was any addition made it was added on. In his parish it was, he was sure of that. He thought if they allowed the assessment committee to value for them and put more confidence in the overseer and guardians they would not be far wrong. Mr. G. Killa thought the Assessment Commit- tee should hold their meetings at the Workhouse, so that the guardians could give information if required in regard to their own parishes. The Chairman: We may order ypu out of the room perhaps. Mr. G. Killa said if there was any grievance in their own parishes they would know what was going on, whereas now they knew knothing. Mr. Richards said someone stated it was un- fair to go on improvements. He could mention the case of Plascrwn and Panteg, which were exactly the same valuation. They divided Plas- crwn estate, and that made a rateable value of over £800. but Panteg remained at JE290. If the? left that without taxinog it at all where would they be? So far as he could see there were a good many buildings all through the county un- der-rated to-day, and no one could* settle the ques. tion by their own valuation. A re-count was then taken, when the re-ap- pointment was carried by fourteen votes to twelve. ♦

THE INWIIR MAN. Narberth Guardians as Diet Experts. At a meeting of the Narberth Board of Guardi- ans on Monday, Mr. Ruckby presiding, the re- vised dietary table was broungh up for cowsider. ation. —- Mr. B. J. Howells asked how was the bacon served up? The Master replied that it was boiled and served. The Rev. D. E. Williams asked why the bacon could not be mixed with other meat? The Master said that other meats and stew were served out on other days. Mr. H. Lewis: Who itaves the harat (Laugli- ter.) The Chairman replied that the term bacon in- cluded ham. Mr. B. J. Howells proposed that the inmates be served with broth every day, Sunday excepted. In spite of what people might say, broth, after all, was recommended by all doctors. He pro- posed broth, followed by meat and vegetables. The Rev. D. E. Williams said that it was al. most cruel to put white bacon before their old people and young children. Mr. W. Richards thought that the whole re* vised table should be read through again, as people seemed to think they were turning things upside down. The Chairman cautioned the Guardians tlTafc people outside—the ratepayers- were beginning tu talk of this revision. He then asked if tHe Guardians desired to send back the committee's report for further consideration. The Rev. D. E. Williams said he did not pro- pose any extra expenditure, only that the food .should be somewhat differently provided. He asked for no more meat, but simply that the fat white bacon should be mixed with other meats. Mr. W. Richards pointed out that the supply oi meat stood at 301b of bacon and 391b of beef. So one could complain of that. One part of the meat was salted and the remainder roasted. The Vice-chairman said that they had appoin- ted a committee and that committee had eat fer several hours, and, surely, they were the beet judges in such a case. The action of the Guardi- ans in pulling the revised table to pieces was Q.11. grateful. The Chairman- moved that the report of the committee be accepted, and this was duly secon- ded. A direct negative was projiosfed and as an aaSendrnfent. On a. ehow of lazdat, thwa voted fofrtfttf' amendment le. ai»L tax tfog- cgotiqfr 13» sfer majority or tyfo