Weekly Mail

RURAL JOTTINGS. VALUABLE HINTS AND INFORMA- TION. VIOLETS IN FRAMES. Many fail to get plenty of violets in winter, because they do not put their plants in the frames soon enough. When planted there in November they have not time to grow before the flowers are wanted; neither do thø plants become established, and that is against them. The plants are at present in the open ground, but they must be lifted and planted in the frame to blossom. A little hot-bed is a great help to them. Make this up of fresh stable manure. Make it very firm, then put a frame on, and place a layer of soil to the depth of one foot inside. This should be three-parts good soil, one-part of cow or horse manure, and a good sprinkling of soot. Make all firm, and put a little sand on the surface; then introduce the plants. It is the crowns or main centres of the plants that produce the flowers. The little side-shoots or runners a.re not 60 useful, and may be removed before transplanting. Let the roots in comfortably. Keep the plants about six or nine inches apart. Lift them with good balls of old soil, and plant them with this attached. The heat that will come from the hot-bed will induce them to root very soon into the old soil. Do not keep them too wet. Expose them to the air fuliy daily till the weather is colder, or into November; then keep the glass on, which will cause them to bloom capitally at mid- winter. ROSE GALLS. These are somewhat curious, and interest many who find them growing on the rose bushes in the garden or the wild bushes in the fields and hedgerows. They grow in globe or ball form, and are composed of many fine mossy green or red hairs. But there are various forms of galls. and all are caused by various species of insects, the most common being what is known as the Bedeguar ga.II, and is produced by the larvse of the Rhodites rosæ. I have received two samples of this during the past few days. They are evidently new to the senders, who look on them as a peculiar growth, and do not attribute them to insects. I am glad to say, however, tj.iey do little or no harm to roses, and growers who are familiar with them look on them as harmless, and, as they are most partial to the wild briar, no apprehension need be felt as to their upsetting anyone's roses. A LARGE RED PLUM. There is now a large red plum being offered in the market as Victoria., which is not that variety. The one in question is named Pond's Seedling. It conies in when the Victoria is over, is larger in size, but much the same in colour, which gives it the Victoria appear- ance. It is a very hardy growing tree, a great bearer, and when the fruit is quite ripe it is very acceptable as dessert, although it is a cooking sort. It is firm in the flesh, and bears packing and a journey well, hence its being a favourite in markets. THE HEATHER OF THE HILLS. Many speak as if it were only in Scotland that heather is to be found. It is certainly exceptionally profuse there, but plenty of it is to be found growing in the extreme North and South of England, and in the Midlands as well. It is the favourite and almost exclu- sive food of the grouse and other black game. TJ19 two (the food and the birds) are closely associated in northern latitudes. Grouse are never found where there is no heather. They cannot exist without it, but the presence of heather is not always a guarantee that there are grouse there, as in Hampshire and other Southern counties there is plenty of heather, but no grouse. The food is suitable for them, but the climate is not. Besides grouse, bees are most partial to the heather, as its blossoms yield. honey in surprising abundance, and when the blossoms of the trees and fields are over keen and economical bee-keepers who are in any way near the heather move their bees to its side. In Scot- land especially this is an annual practice. The heather honey season is at its height in August, and goes on for some time in Sep- tember. Heather honey is much liked by some. It is dark in colour and somewhat grousy in flavour. It lacks the delicacy of the honey of the lime tree and the white clover, but its abundance is a recommendation, espe- cially for medical supplies of honey. But, apart from its feeding grouse and giving honey, the heather is a hardy, showy, long- lasting flower, affording peculiar delight when one is in the midst of thousands of acres of it, and in the garden it is always regarded as a plant that has every right to be there, as representing a flower which is as well-established in the wilds of the eountry as the earth itself. All who come in contact with it when on their holidays invariably bring home an armful of its durable blossoms. and many try to transfer a plant, but it should be understood it will not grow in loam or ordinary soil, neither does it agree with shade and shelter, but give it exposure and a peat soil to root in, and it will be quite at home everywhere. It is so partial to peat that unless this is given it is useless attempting its introduction. The heather is often called ling, and botanists have it under the name of Callana vulgaris, as well as Erica cinera. There are several sub-varieties, with varions shades of flowers, but the pure white heather is almost as difficult to secure as the Edelweiss of the Alps. (TUTTING OVER PANSY AND VIOLA PLANTS. It is a good plan to have young plants of pansies and violas coming forward from cut- tings every autumn, but the old plants are often useful, too, ifretained, and these should receive attention now. The plants are formed of many strong old 6hoots which still con- tinuo to bloom, but these are declining, and are not of much value now. The old tops should all be cut off, and the young shoots fully exposed. These are rather tender now, but will soon harden, and this is what is desired, as if they will stand the winter where they are they will flower very early next spring, and much sooner than the cut- tings rooted this autumn. Cutting off all but the young growths prepares them for this, I and makes the plants in fine order to flower in the early part of next year. If the previous cuttings of these plants are not enough or have failed, put more in at once. CARNATIONS FOR WINTER FLOWERING. The tree carnations will bloom all the winter through if given the help of a green- house. The plants should be in six or seven inch pots now and in a very healthy state. They must be robust at this time. See that the drainage in the pots is right. Ram the soil in the pots down very firmly. A few little bits of charcoal put on the top are use- ful in sweetening their surroundings. They must be kept free from all insects. Green fly is often troublesome, and the best way to kill it is by fumigating. This will also kill thrip, which is another enemy and hindrance. The roots may be watered once a week with Clay's Fertiliser as an artificial, giving one ounce to <a gallon of water, or horse or cow liquid, with some soot, is very good for them. Do not over-water. The carnation is a great lover of fresh air, and must have it in abun- dance whenever the weather is fine. Give attention to this. UTILISING GREEN TOMATOES. No matter how good the weather, there are always quantities of tomatoes too late to ripen in the autumn, and those who have grown them never like to throw them away. There is no compensation for their labour in this, but, fortunately, that can be remedied, and the green tomatoes raads almost as valua/ble and acceptable as the ripe ones. This is done by pickling the unripe fruit. All sorts and sizes of green fruit can be used, so long as it is not decaying or diseased. Avoid all of this sort. Fruit that ia not fully developed and green now will hardly ripen before being injured by frost, but do not wait until this occurs, as much of it would be spoiled then. Gather now all that you know will not ripen, and it will be safe. One excellent tomato pickle is made as follows:—Take 101b. green tomatoes. 51b. onions, Mb. sugar, Jib. sultanas, and half-a- dozen chillies. Slice the tomatoes into a pan. Sprinkle each layer with salt. Let them stand for twelve hours, then strain and put into a saucepan, with the onions sliced and the other materials. Add two quarts of vinegar, and boil till tender, and when cold put in jars and tie down. Another nice chutney may be made by using the same quantity of tomatoes, adding 2oz. of mustard, loz. of ground cinnamon, Joz. of ground cloves, Jib. brown sugar, and three pints of brown vinegar. Boil as before, and store in jars. REPAIRING POULTRY-HOUSES. All houses should now be examined, and every deficiency rectified. Bad roofs are especially objectionable. A dry house is one of the surest guarantees of health for the fowls in winter, but when the roofs let the water in and the interior gets saturated before winter or now the house will remain damp, and this is sure to cause various ailments; whereas if the roof is secure and the house retains summer dryness a most advantageous condition will exist. It does not matter what aspect the house is situated, or its form or condition generally. See to I the roof, and ait the same time make it good all round. One can always be one's own carpenter in a case of this sort, and materials are not expensive. It is, therefore, merely a matter of giving attention, and that, surely, need not be v,-anting. Zinc sheets are most effective roofs. Tarred felt is also nuito waterproof ajid warm, and either the one or the other may be used when new roof", are being put on, but bits of board may be used to fill up or cover over holes, and whatever is used, after all has been made secure two or three coatings of tar will still further exclude damp, and make the whole water- proof. Fill up all holes in the sides, and let none remain to create draughts in cold weather. In short, make all snug at once, and do it neatly and thoroughly, which will add greatly to the comfort of the fowls and the pleasure of the owner. POTATO EVERGOOD. With some this is a great success this season. In one instance fifteen tons per acre was secured, while in the hands of another grower, and only two fields away, it did not run to five tons to the acre. It is a large white, fine tuber, and an excellent cooker, and, on the whole, may be regarded as one of the most productive potatoes to grow at present. I have neither seen nor heard of its diseasing, and it is commendable in that respect. THINNING YOUNG VEGETABLES. Turnips, spinach, and some others are now requiring to be thinned, and it is a great advantage to let them have plenty of room ea.rly. Growing the plants too close together i-3 a bad preparation for their wintering suc- cessfully, but give them room and air, and then they will be hardy. The spinach thin- nings may be used as vegetables, but the turnips will not be large enough for that. When thinned, run the hoe through between the plants to uproot all weeds. Keep them clean. If the w&eds shade the plants, they become as tender and apt to perish as if not well thinned. Where cabbage plants are very close in the seed beds, pull all the largest out, and dibble them in about three inches apart, where they will become robust plants to put out in the spring. These are really most useful to fill up blanks or to make fresh plantations in spring. APPLE KESWIOK CODLIN. I have known this apple ever since I can remember, and I meet with it almost wherever I go now. It is one of those good old sorts which promise to be in perpetual favour. It is much valued as an established tree, and continues to be introduced wherever a hardy, fertile variety is needed. There is a way of rather condemning everything old and praising the newer merely because they are more modern. This is very inconsistent, par- ticularly in fruits, as this is by no means the only old variety that can murfh more than hold its own at the present time. The tree is very hardy. It grows freely and compactly. Unlike many. its capabilities of bearing do not ceaso with age, as trees that are quite old continue to be most productive of fine fruit. It is a conical apple, with a yellow skin. It is at its best in September and October, and as a cooking fruit it has not been surpassed in its really perfect quality. WORMS ON LAWNS. Lawns are now being disfigured with the little bits of soil thrown or pushed up by the worms. This takes place every autumn, and is very objectionable on all well-kept lawns, bowling, croquet, and tennis greens, where such obstructions are always in the way. At the same time, the worms have a habit f throwing the soil up and pulling some of the fallen leaves down. They draw them par- tially into the earth, and leave about half sticking up. These fixed leaves can hardly be removed by the lawn mower; neither can they all be swept off by brushing, and it is a great advantage to prevent their being drawn down. The best way to prevent this, as well as all unsightly eruptions being made, is to give the lawns a good soaking at once with fresh lime water. This will kill all the worms near the surface, make the soil objectionable for more to come up, and it will benefit the turf, as lime is a moss-killer and fertiliser.

AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY. GOVERNMENT RETURNS FOR ALL THE COUNTIES. A summary of the general figures in the Government agricultural returns for 1904 has already appeared in our columns. The figures for the Welsh counties, which appear below, are compiled from the returns collected last June. In the first two tables the figures represent .acres rota- Wheat. Barley. Oats. toes. Anglesey 249 1,476 19,883 2,524 Brecon 2,189 3,855 12,116 910 Cardigan. 4.8SS 14,878 27,313 5,450 Carmarthen 6,557 13,328 26,891 3,453 Carnarvon. 319 5.403 10,727 3,943 Denbigh 3,835 12,905 24,921 2,917 Flint 2,127 5,248 11,550 2.24Qi .Glamorgan 3,457 6,678 11,139 1,739 Merioneth 638 3,962 8,681 1,697 Monmouth 3,349 3,658 9,201 1,143 Montgomery 6,636 7,509 21,232 1,767 Pembroke 2,241 17,737 26,452 2,300 1 Radnor 2,020 3,362 11,325 763 The above figures represent a considerable decrease in wheat as compared with 1903, a smaller decrease in barley, and an increase in oats, while potatoes are fairly steady. Clover and rotation Permanent grasses. grasses. For Not for 'ror Not for hay. hay. hay. hay. Anglesey 22,353 17,430 16,399 64,947 Brecon 7,697 11,301 37,234 122.610 Cardigan 20,121 20,825 40,827 117,700 Carmarthen 20,063 12,960 82,320 269,115 Carnarvon 22,944 16,990 40,304 71,039 Denbigh 24,275 19,977 36,797 128,877 Flint 13,625 6,350 20,120 58,492 Glamorgan 16,119 8,486 71,956 140,454 Merioneth 7,980 7,359 33,225 82,189 Monmouth 11,276 5,935 67,076 132,225 Montgomery 13,120 12,193 49,707 148,510 Pembroke 21,347 17,234 44,702 169,422 Radnor 8,390 8,171 24,165 98,356 Horses. Cattle. Sheep. PigS. Anglesey 8,371 57.0SS 75,923 17.931 Brecon 12-910 40.317 507,634 8,235 Cardgan 18,334 67,925 275,910 22,719 Carmarthen 24,139 117,279 279,433 37,539 Carnarvon 8,953 54,344 270,376 19,599 Denbigh 13,973 69,425 354,444 28,612 Flint 37,372 89,925 19,451 Glamorgan 17,282 58.259 339,916 17,705 Merioneth 5,186 36,995 424,953 8,370 Monmouth 13.857 .w.491 238,562 18,145 Montgomery 16,673 71,406 445,749 24,766 Pembroke. 17,069 89,526 138,103 31,233 Radnor 10,413 32,537 237,269 4,894

CANTON FAIR. GOOD PRICES REALISED FOR SUFFOLK SHEEP. Without the slightest hesitation. Canton Fair on Monday can be said to have beaten the record both as to attendance and quality of the cattle, especially sheep. Mr. W. Akers's Hampshire Down ram lambs averaged 70s. per head, one fetching five guineas. Messrs. Gottwaltz and Perry were the auctioneers. in the Oxford Down class Mr. G. C. Williams's rams averaged X3 7s. 6d. per head. Cart horses were slow in selling, a few changing hands at £40. Cobs fetched from X15 to LM, and ponies any price from E5 to JElO. Cows fetched X14 to £2J), heifers JS12 to £15, calves 30s. to 60s., Radnor sheep 33s. to 35s., and Welsh ewee 26s. to 28s. Some good prices were realised under the hammer of Mr. J. Richard Thomas, Cardiff, for a consignment of Suffolk Dowu ram lambs, the property of Mr. W. R. Shirley, The Wood- lands, Leckwith, near Cardiff. The lambs were turned out m excellent condition and were much admired, and when the auctioneer submitted them the bidding for each lot was of the briskest possible character, several would-be purchasers being disappointed. The average price realised was £ 3 13s. 6d ahead, two making L5 each, which, it is thought, was the top price of the fair. When it is remembered that Mr. Shirley's flock has only been esta-blished since 1902. and that this breed is a new variety in these parts, the success which has so soon crowned his efforts should be highly gratifying to him.

THE PORTHCAWL REST. CARDIFF INFIRMARY COM- MITTEE'S APPLICATION. A scheme is under consideration by which the Porthcawl Rest can be utilised during the winter months. The Cardiff Infirmary committee have approached the committee of the Rest for the purpose of obtaining their sanction to the treatment there during the winter months of children from the Cardiff Infirmary. A meeting of subscribers to the Rest will, probably, be held at an early date to consider the application. If the experi- ment prove successful, it is likely the institu- tion will be enlarged. During the present season 686 patients have passed through the Rest, and there are now 107 persons in the institution.

EJECTAIENT AT SWANSEA MAN AND WIFE DECLARE THEY ARE STARVING. Application was made at Swansea Police- court on Saturday for an ejectment order against a man named Lock and his wife, at 10, Clarence-street. The woman declared they were absolutely starving, and hadn't a bit of dry bread in the house. They had lost their goods by distraint. They were formerly in pretty good circumstances. Her husband was a trainer.-The Bench granted the order, and the court missionary promised to inquire into the case.

M Note of k 15e Eminent Food Specialist, Dr. ANDREW WILSON, says s WW 0 Ukrnina. "The practice of adding to Cocoa foreign substances should \F| Iff |>e condemned—Cocoa in itself is an excellent and nutritious foot1, ji I and should be used in a perfectly pure state" | a is first* amongst* food beverages of its absolute 1 § purity and freedom from sdmiitire of any kind. I s Cadbury's Cocoa is therefore a safe, refres/jfrjgr, and nourishing I beverage, suitable for all seasons of tl\e gear. | if The LANCET says fit "Cadbury's Cocoa undergoes no method rf HI treatment by which foreign substances are III introduced." The CIVIL SERVICE GAZETTE says: ||| Cadbury's is the finest example of Cocoa msnu- f If facture—delicious and absolutely pure. Essentially f ji the food beverage for strenuous workers." 31 I CADBURY's ABSOLUTELY PURE, THEREFORE BEST. Jj| mm\^ A "R IF OF COCOAS RREATED WJTH ALKALI OR OTHER CHEMICALS TO GIVE J Km mJIm. XJl^d VV XXJLVI** A FICTITIOUS APPEARANCE OF STRENGTH. jf IVM

A YOUNG WELSH PIANIST. REMARKABLE RECORD OF A LAD'S SUCCESS. Master Percy Hughes, Aberaman, who ?s only 13i years of age, has already won four National Eisteddfod prizes in succession, in addition to over 200 first prizes in other com- petitions, most of them having been open to all-comers. Th, test piece at Rhyl was Chopin's very difficult Etude in C Minor, No. 12, and out of 41 competitors, including some of tho finest players from all part of the country, he was adjudged by Dr. Cummings I (London) to be the best. He started playing tho piano when he was ¡ about four years of age, and from then till Master PERCY HUGHES, Aberaman. now he has been entirely under the tuition of his father, who is himself a capable pianist. When Percy was seven he was engaged as solo pianist at the Aberaman Silver Band sacred concerts, but it was only about two years and a half ago that his successful career as a competitor began. When he was only llj years of age he carried a double award at the Bangor National Eisteddfod, winning both the junior and open pianoforte competitions. Since then the South Wales National Eisteddfod committee have pre- vented him from taking part in the open competitions by confining them to competi- tors above a certain age. At the Llanelly National Eisteddfod last year the committee blankly refused to allow him to compete in the open competition, whilst the Mountain Ash committee of the National Eisteddfod for next year seem ecraally determined to follow their example, as they also have a clause inserted which will debar him from playing. The result is that there is not an open event in their programme at all. During the last eighteen months Master Hughes has been engaged as solo pianist a.m1 accompanist at over 100 concerts all over North and South Wales. Through the instrumentality of the "Wes- tern Mail," he is at present in receipt of an offer from the principal of Wellington Col- lege, Salop, of a scholarship value 50 guineas a year for as many years as he wishes to remain there.

SWANSEA MOTORIST FINED. ALLEGED DANGER TO LIFE AT CARMARTHEN. At Carmarthen County Petty-sessions on Saturday Mr. T. P. Rose Richards, a ehip- owner, residing at The Mayals, near Swansea, was charged with recklessly and negllgelltJy driving a motor-car in Llangunnor parish on the 10th inst. Mr. D. E. Stephens, solicitor, Carmarthen, appeared, for the police authori- ties, and Mr. Smith (of the firm of Robinson Smith, Son, and Lewis, solicitors, Swanseaj for the defendant. Police-sergeant James Williams said he was on duty on Saturday, the 10th inst., at 6.15 p.m., on Carmarthen Bridge, when defendant drove a motor-car along Llangunnor road. around the sharp curve under the eignaJ-box, and over the bridge towards the town. Defen- dant weut at a dangerous speed on the right (which was the wrong) side of the road, and did not sound his horn or give any signal cf his approach. The car passed by him at the rate of about fifteen or twenty miles an hour Cross-examined by Mr. Smith: Defendant could have seen witness some distance off when he was coming down the road. He endangered the lives of his wife, friend, and himself. In consequence of the speed of the car and the noise of the train and other traffic defendant could not have heard wit- ness had he shouted to him. Thomas Langman, carriage-examiner on the Great Western Railway at Carmarthen, said th.a speed of the car was about twenty inile3 an hour. Thomas Piston Rose Richards, the defen- dant, said he had been round the curve many a time in the course of three years—during which he had motored nearly every day-and he would not like to negotiate it at a speed of twenty miles an hour. He thought he was going about eight or ten miles an hour. The Bench, after retiring, fined defendant jEl gndfl 4s. 6d. costs, including half-a-guinea for the proseoutor's advocate.

LADY AND MAGISTRATES. AN AMUSING INCIDENT AT CARDIFF. They have to pay rates in Cardiff, as we all know to our cost, and a batch of alleged defaulters made their debut at Cardiff Police- court on Friday (before Messrs. T. H. Stephens and Mr. Joseph Howard). One of the defaulters, or, to be strictly accu- rate, the buxom wife of one of them, was a I good-looking woman with a baby in arms. and both were in the pink of conaition. The lady blushingly adinitted that she was the mother of nine, and she swayed her infant to and fro in a way that was most fasci- nating. The bench was evidently smitten. Mr. Stephens timidly expressed the hope that the lady wouldn't get, or have, any more in her quiver. Mr. Howard nodded acquiescence. The Lady (with her eye fixed upon Mr. i Stephens) said: I with you could give me a wrinkle, sir. (Laughter.) The magistrates blushed scarlet. The court joined in the lady's laugh. This is the first time in the monotonous history of the court time in the monotonous history of the court for its officers to make no effort to suppress hilarity. 1

MR TRUEMAN ONCE MORE APPLICATIONS REFUSED AT NEATH POLICE-COURT. At Neath Borough Police-court on Monday Mr. C. R. Trueman appeared before the magistrates—Messrs. Hopkin Morgan, John Rees, and W. B. Trick—to make certain appli- cations. He said the bench would remember some time ago at that court he was com- mitted Mr. Rees: 1 was not there. Mr. Trueman: No, I am very pleased to say you were rot. Continuing, the applicant said that when a person was committed he was entitled to a copy of any evidence tendered on payment of charges. He was in a more unfortunate position than most people in not having notes of the evidence. He was, however, prepared to pay Mr. Curtis (their clerk) for a copy of such evidence, but he had declined to supply hi-n. The Chairman: Have you not made an application before in this matter? Mr. Trueman: Yes, and I am now repeating it The Chairman: It was then refused, and we see no reason for departing from that decision. "Mr. Trueman: If you will not grant it I must take the answer and adopt another course. The Chairman: We decline. Mr. Trueman: Then I have another appli- cation to make in respect to certain sum- monses I asked for and which were refused on the ground The Clerk: There were no grounds stated for the refusal. Mr. Trueman: Acting on advice I am making application to the court above to enforce the application for these summonses. Mr. Trueman then read his application, which had been reduced to writing and which he had handed to the clerk. He went on to say that he would, in all soberness, press the application, and wished to say that he was about to ask for a mandamus against the justices to compel them to supply the infor- mation he required. This application was also refused. THREATENED BY A WOMAN WITH A BAOON BONE. "And now your worships," said Mr. True- man, "I have another application to make. It is for a summons for sureties against MN. Arnold, wife of David Arnold, grocer, Briton Ferry-road. On Saturday last I had occasion to serve a, writ, and I sent a messenger to the house with it. The writ was returned, and it became necessary for me to serve it personally. I went to the house and asked if Mr. Arnold were in. I was told he was not, which was untrue. Mrs. Arnold became ex- ceedingly abusive, threatening me with a bone of bacon or some other meat. She said, 'I will throw this at you.' She sent for Police-ser- geant Michael, and told me that I should be sent back to where I came from. Of course," continued Mr. Trueman, "this was mere idle abuse, and I know sureties cannot be obtained for that. But I am entitled to have Mrs. Arnold bound over." The Magietrates'-clerk: Are you prepared to swear you are afraid of her? Mr. Trueman: I am prepared to swear that I'm afraid if I go there again she will strike me. I understand she is a very violent woman. (Laughter.) The Chairman: We have given attention to your request. Upon the information you bring we decline to grant the summons. Mr. Truamao: Not when I -? The Chairman: That is our decision.

SWANSEA WATERWORKS. ESTIMATES FOR COMPLETION OF THE WORK. Mr. G. H. Hill, consulting engineer, has reported to the waterworks committee of the Swansea Corporation on their Cray Water- works, and the report will be considered by the council to-morrow (Wednesday). The renort states that his estimate for the completion of the works amounts to £ 163,500. Conside. able progress had been made in the construc- tion of the dam. On the 2Sth of July there remained about 70,000 cube yards to be put in. The average weekly progress from the 1st of April to the 21st of July was at the rate of 1,708 cube yards per week for sixteen weeks. Judging from what had been done, and taking into account the suspension of work during the winter, and that the work to be done was at the higher levels and included the construction of the waste weir and work connected with it at the top of the dam, he thought that the end of next year would b3 1 he earliest time by which the work can be completed. The committee resolved that Mr. Hill and Mr. Wyrill be requested to supply details of the estimate, and that application be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to raise moneys by way of temporary loan pending application to Parliament.

A GILFACH GOCH BULLY. "May I ask your worships to see my leg?" asked Police-sergeant Bowen at Ystrad on Monday in a case of assault preferred against a burly, powerfully-built man, named Richard Bates, collier, Gilfach Goch. The officer's knee waa almost bla-ck, terribly swollen, and he was quite unfit for duty. The evidence showed that the prisoner went to the house of Mr. William Davies, overman at th.a Britannia Colliery, in search of employment. He was not sober at the time, and said if he could not have work he would break his (the overman's) neck, and that he would watch him going to the colliery. He threatened also to shoot the under-mana.ger. The man went to the lamp room at the col- liery. where he said, "I shall be here like a prisoner in the cell waiting for the rope." Sergeant Bowen deposed to visiting the col- liery and finding the prisoner using dreadful threats and stating Someone is going to lose his life here to-night; I have the very thing in my pocket for the purpose." Bates then rushed after the manager and overman, and when witness interfered the man acted as if he were mad. He struck the officer in tho eye and kicked him, several times repeating the violence, and the doctor who attended to his injuries said he would not be a,bole to resume duty for some time. Bates denied using threats or being violent. Mr. T. P. Jenkins (presiding magistrate), addressing the man, said, "You made use of a threat which would terrify the strongest man. There is no assurance that a man like you won't carry out the threat some day. Unless you exercise more control over your- self you may commit some awful tragedy." Prisoner was sent to gaol for six weeks with hard labour. j

APPOINTMENT OF RELIEVING OFFICER FOR CARDIFF. There way a crowded attendance of mem- bers at the meeting of Cardiff Guardians on Saturday over the appointment of relieving officer for the new No. 2 relief district (South and Grangetown Wards). There were 39 applications for the post, and the three applicants selected by the general purposes committee wc,re in attendance. They were Messrs. G. H. Lougher, at present in the employ of Cardiff Corporation, Mr. William Mathias, and Mr. J. W. Mildon. The father of the latter is Councillor Mildon, a member of the board of guardians, and the fathers of the other two are both ex-members of the same body—Mr. Lougher, of Llancarvan, and Mr. W. Mathiae, builder, Canton. The voting re- sulted as follows:—Lougher, 41; Mathias, 15; Mildon, 15. Mr. Lougher having a clear majority, the chairman (Mr. O. H. Jones) de- clared him elected. The successful candidate has latterly been employed in the borough treasurer's office. He is not a new hand to the duties he has been appointed to discharge, having for five weeks done the work of Mr. D. W. Thomas (Roath Park distriot) during that gentleman's indisposition. The position carries with it a salary of £140, rising by jLlO advances to JE180, and also including the provision of an office.

NEWPORT. CARPENTERS AND UNION RATE OF WAGES. At a meeting of the Newport Guardians on Saturday Mr. Crane reported that during the last fortnight 362 tramps had been relieved— an increase of 126 compared with the corre- sponding period of last year. The accommo- dation of the workhouse had been severely taxed, and 160 of the men had to be sent to lodging-houses.—A deputation of the Newport. Branch of the Amalga- mated Society of Carpenters and Joiners waited upon the guardians in regard to the appointment of a carpenter at the workhouse. They had come to the conelu- sion that he was to be paid under the Union rate of wages, but the chairman (Mr. Dutfleld) explained that this was a misapprehension. Mr. Jones, a guardian, pointed out that he had been made the subject of very uncom- plhnentary remarks in regard to this matter and that one carpenter had expressed a wish to meet him in a building to brain him. (Laughter.) Mr. Abrahamson suggested that they should give the deputation an assurance that they would only pay the Union rate of wages in future, but the guardians did not approve of this suggestion.

MERTHYR. DESERTION AND AKTvKARS OF MAIN TENANCE. The ordinary weekly meeting of the Mer- thyr Board of Guardians was held on Saturday, the Rev. J. Hathren Davies, second vice-chairman, presiding.—A committee appointed to consider whether any, and if so what, alterations should be made in the procedure at present adopted with regard to the recovery of arrears of maintenance pre- sented a report, in which they recommended an amended form of notioe to persons liable to pay, and that all cases of arrears should be brought before the board every quarter. The report was adopted.—Mr. John Lloyd moved for a return of all deserted causes and cases in which families had become charge- able through the head serving in the Militia. He said he thought it would be found that the list of deserted cases was very large. It wae possible, he added, that in a number of these cases the husbands were in constant communication with the wives and sending them money. The motion was agreed to.- Notice was given by the Rector cf Dowlais that at the next meeting he would move that the board appoint a representative on the beard of governors of the Swansea Eye Hospital. Speaking off hand, the clerk said he thought the board's representative would have to pay his own expenses for going to Swansea,•but he promised to look the point -lP.-The clerk stated, in answer to Mr. David Evans (Merthyr), that the overseers of the various parishes of the union had had instructions from the assessment committee to bring in new valuation lists of all boose property.

BRIDGEND. FINANCES FOR THE NEW INFIRMARY. Archdeacon Edmondes presided at a meeting of the Bridgend and Cowbridge Board of Guar- dians on Saturday.-A letter was read from Mr. W. Pilgrim Morris, solicitor, Ponty- cymmer, offering, on behalf of a client, to lend £ 25,000 for the erection of the new infir- mary, the rates of interest to be £3 18s. 9d. per osnt. on .Ell.OOO and E4 on the remainder. The offer was accepted, on the condition that the legal charges did not exceed £ 55.—Mr. J. I. D. Nicholl, of Merthyrmawr, had sufficiently recovered from his recent serious accident to be present at the meeting. He was congratu- lated by the board on his speedy recovery.- Plans were ordered to b9 forwarded to the Local Government Board of the proposed new board-room and clerk's offices, with a request for leave to borrow a sum of £ 2,200 for carry- ing out the work.

CHEPSTOW. SUSPENSION OF A RELIEVING OFFICER. The fortnightly meeting of the Chepstow Guardians was held on Saturday.—The Chair- man (Mr. Seys) reported the opnviction of Mr. Oscar Steel, relieving officer of tile Lyd- ney district, at Lydney Petty-sessions last Wednesday for drunkenness, and mentioned instances which had come to his knowledge, in consequence of which he had spoken to Mr. Steel, who had promised to sign the pledge, but had not kept it.—Upon the pro- position of the Chairman, it was resolved to suspend Mr. Steel forthwith, and report the circumstances to the Local Government Board. Mr. Williams, assistant-overseer at Lydney, being appointed to act as relieving officer pro tern.

SHEEP IN A DRAPER'S SHOP. At 12.30 on Monday a number of sheep belonging to Mr. Moses, Tynyffynon, St. I.lellon's. were being driven through Queen-I street, Cardiff, when one of the number escaped from the remainder and dashed through the plate-glass window of the ladies' novelty department of Mr. Seccombe's draper shop in Queen-street. The window was occupied by sealskin jackets, furs, and other winter wear, and these were knocked all over the place. The sheep got into the shop and was immediately seized by Mr. Richards and put out. A large crowd had gathered OHtside the ^premises aud much excitement prevailed.

LLANELLY HARBOUR TRUST. THE FIRST MEETING HELD YESTERDAY. The first meeting of the newly-elected Llanelly Harbour Trust was held at the Town-hall on Monday, there being a full attendance of members. It was announced that the following members had been appointed in addition to the elective trustees: —Mr. R. W. Beor, by the Duke of Beaufort; Mr. Dudley Drummond, by Earl Cawdor; Mr. Thomas Jones, by Sir A. Stepney, Mr. H. D. Evans, by Messrs. Nevill, Druce, and Co.; and Mr. F. J. Evans, by the Barry Port Urban Council. Mr. William Bowen, shipowner, who headed the poll at the recent election, was appointed chairman of the trust, and Mr. J. S. Tre- goning, jun., vice-chairman. Both gentlemen returned thanks. The Clerk read letters from the Bank of England, in the first of which they stated | that it would be inconvenient for them to elect their representatives until the question of costs had been settled. Upon this J clerk replied that no bills had yet como before the trust, and that, therefore, the question of costs could not yet arise. He also pointed out that the Act laid down that the Bank should appoint their two nominees within two months of the passing of the Act. In compliance with this a final letter was now received appointing Mr. Macanlay, Newport, and Mr. John Roberts, Swansea; to represent them. These two gentlemen will sit on a com- mittee of four, the other two, elected by the trust, being the chairman and vice-chairman. Various other standing committcee were appointed, and other routine business trans- acted. The question of the costs Incurred over the recent Bill and the negotiations with the Bank of England was then raised by Mr. D. E. Edmunds, who said that a statement of account should be presented to the trust. He would oppose any rate being made or any payments until such a statement had been laid before the trust. He understood that eome time ago some kind of undertaking was given that the cosz,, should not exceed £2.000. but he was now told that they were likely to exceed £6,000. Mr. Blake pointed out that the trust had nothing to do with the rate. A precept would be presented and the rate made accordingly. Mr. Edmunds said that the Bank had obligations to carry out as well as the trust, and he thought that no rate should be made unU the £ 35,000 which the Bank were to advance was handed over. The clerk was asked to prepare a summary of the position from the time when the nego- tiations were started with the Bank up to the present time.

EISTEDDFOD AT CLYDACH. Hundreds of people attended the eisteddfod which was held at Calfaria Chapd, Clydach, on Saturday afternoon. Tho president waa Mr. Evan Lewie, Glais; adjudicator of poetry and prose, the Rev. E. Hermas Evans, Cwm. bwrla, Swansea; and music, Mr. J. T. Rees, Mus. Bac.. Aberystwyth. Tho successful com- petitors were:— Solo for boys under fifteen: 1st, W. P. Davies. Lower Down-at reot, Clydach; 2nd, Garfield Jones, Clydach. Pianoforte eolo for children under fifteen (and medal for best player under twelve): David Williams, Clydach. Solo for girls under fifteen: 1st., Maggie Gray, Morriston; 2nd, Eliza.beth Rees, Clydach. Contralto solo: Prise divided between Miss Maggie Gray and Miss Maggie Cox, Mansel- ton. Recitation (open): Divided between John Thomas, Brynheul^f", and David Bees. Vardre. Efvay on "BuddioMrb Cyfarfodydd Diwyll- iadol": Mr. Griff. T. Levi ("Gweledydd"), Aber- crave. Soprano solo, "Gwlad y CacTt": Miss Lizzte A Davies, Morriston. Tenor solo: Mr. Thomas Francis, Morristo*. Hymn-tune competition: Mr. Richard Jones, Yertalyfera. Brasa band conte#rt.—Class A. "Songs of Ireland": 1st, Yatal yfers Temperance Band (conducted by Mr. Charles Morgan); 2nd, Cwnrtawe (oonductor, Mr. E. J. Evans); 3rd, Trebanos (conducted by Mr. Man ley). Class B: 1st, Alltwen Silver Band (conductor, Mr. Russell Davies); 2nd, Ystradgynlais. Baritone solo: David Davies, Pontardawe. Poetical verses to "The Lily": William Richards ("Alfa"), Seven Sisters. Duet: Tom Lewis, Clydach, and Tom Francis, Morriston. Best 40 lines of poetry on "Cyfarfyddiad Joseph a'i Dad": William Richards ("Alfa"), Seven Sisters. Chief choral competition, Then round about the Starry Throne": Clydach United (conductor, Mr. Edwin Davies). about the Starry Throne": Clydach United (conductor, Mr. Edwin Davies).

WORKMEN AND PROFANITY. ACTION BY A SOUTH WALES TRADES UNION. In the monthly report of the South Wales District of the Boilermakers' Eociety occurs the following :Shonld any members be reported to us for using obscene and bad language to their foreman, they will be severely dealt with. No differences can be settled, only aggravated, by such conduct." At the same time it is stated that the Union has decided to protect its members from abuse from the foremen. "I am glad of the action of the district," I said a prominent official of the Labour Repre- sentation Committee. Bad language is a fruitful source of friction in yards and fac- tories, but of late it has, I believe, sensibly diminished. There is now a growing feeling of mutual respect between foreman and man, ea.ch recognising the position of the other. Employers frequently post up notices for- bidding profanity, but the present action in South Wales is the first to be taken, so far as I know, by the Unions themselves."

TELEGRAPH CLERKS' GRIEVANCES. The Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association held a conference at Liverpool on Saturday.— Mr. W. G. Genge (Liverpool), who presided, said that their greatest grievance against the department was that never of its own free will had it instituted a single measure of reform in its dealings with its servants.- Resolutions were passed calling upon the Postmaster-General to adopt immediately the recommendations contained in the report of the Bradford committee. Mr. Watson Rutherford, M.P., who was the principal speaker, said that the real foec of the postal telegraph employes were th*. highly-paid officials at headquarters.