Weekly Mail

RURAL JOTTINGS. MUTABLE HINTS AND INFORMA- TION. THE NATIONAL POTATO SHOW, v,^ was held at the Crystal Palace last fo, *■ The society that produced it was 0f "•ad last spring, v.ith the understanding 'We?Uiatin!? a11 rnatters relating to the ato boom," testing varieties, saying ctl are genuine new kinds and which are cat ^nder new names, pointing out all dupli- t-a^' Prcventing- sellers being taken ^dvan- tjj °f by buyers, and especially to see that t}(- Matter are justly dealt with. When all j<. Will bs accomplished I am unable to say. fy^'h objects as I have named were really, tjJ hfuiiy, and disinterestedly carried out. Public would benefit greatly by it, but so t], as I could see and learn at the Palaec to^^sult up to the present is the bringing .^ther of a great display of alleged new ^i^h-priced potatoes, with the growers tjj sellers keenly on the outlook to exceed ijj,? sensational prices received in some last winter; but this was not j).ched, and the result of the show, from a <iis point of view, is decidedly to'a.Pp°inti;ig. It. was computed that potatoes toe value of half a million pounds were W^ow. Sellers predominated, and buyers few. It is difficult to tell where one is ^-J^n&st these new potatoes. There were up- of a hundred different exhibitors, and every one had a new one of his own and some had a dozen or more. D reniarka6iy short time it has taken to them is amazing to those who know details of perfecting a new potato, and Vfit^nder that many look on the whole thing i$51 great mistrust. AssuredIjr, the jKitato precarious enough eubject at all times. it IIJ institutionally so, and no one can alter holly. Assuming all these new sorts are ly 80. it is impossible that they can been tested and proved to be disea.se- and profit-yielding to the extent and to ask anyone to give the high 8ou £ ht is Paying the intelligence of <JW.era a ixior compliment. One exhibitor N^ed 155 jxitatoes from one set of a, J'hern Star. About a dozen of them were °- 3 eize. and the remaining 143 would through a one-inch sieve. What the object was in exhibiting this despisable crop I have not yet learned. In competition 761b. of Duchess of Cornwall, grown from twelve roots or sets, were awarded first prize. They were a poor lot, but Northern Star came second to them, with 561b. from the twelve sets. or less than 51b. to the set. Eldorado has gone down in the market. Although only new last spring, and not yet in commerce, it has been superseded by some of the newer ones. and is given quite a. back seat by the owners ¡I of the former. It has suffered much from "spindle disease." and has not come up to the reputation given it. I never thought it J would, but I hardly expected its decline so soon. What excited my curiosity keenly at the show was the puzzling number of types of these new potatoes that were displayed. Under a glass case on Mr. Findlay's stand Eldorado was of a long, fiatish kidney shape, but on several others it was much more of a round, and no one could have said that they were one and the same variety. Some, too, were smooth in the ekin, while others were rough, and altogether the mixtures are peculiar. As I suggested a few weeks ago, the potato boom is worth watching, and now that the show from which so much was expected is over growers are in no way better off than they were. EARLY FLOWERING BULBS. Those who wish to have bulbs in flower at Christmas and the New Year must grow those that blossom naturally early. The best cf these is the sweet little Roman hyacinth, a real gem amongst early bulbs, which all can manage. The early white paper narcissus is equally accommodating, and the bright Due Van Thol, although not so quick, is the first of the brilliant flowers that can be brought out. It is better to g-row a good batch of all of these than try many that will not respond readily. ASPARAGUS BEDS NOW. I find many a.re anxious to give their as.pa- eagi-ts beds the best treatment possible now, and put the beds right for winter. The greatest mistake that can be made is to cut the stems over before they have become brown and ripe. Some do so when they are quite green, and then write and ask if they have done right; then I always wish they had written first, which, I may suggest, is rather the more sensible thing to do. There is no special week or day when the growths should be cut, but as soon as they are withered, which may be now or not for two or three weeks, cut them over. Do not cut chem level with the soil, but about three inches above it. The stumps then remain to show where the roots are, and forking is done amongst them. They will indicate where to keep off and not disturb the crowns, which are easily damaged. When the tops have been removed, pull all the large weeds out, then hoe and rake the surface, clearing i)fF ail rubbish, and then fork it lightly, merely to open the soil, which will be very firm. A sprinkling of salt may then be put over the beds. If the soil is hea.vy, put on a surface dressing of horse manure to a. depth of two or three inches, but if the soil is light use heavy.cow manure, and if seaweed can be had put it on in preference to the manures. Those who do nothing to their asparagus beds now must not expect the same fine produce next spring as those who give the attention I suggest. STORING FUCHSIAS. Fuchsias are quite over, and should now be put to rest. Do not keep them under growing conditions all the winter. They come out so much better after being in idleness. Put them in a shed or out-house, and give them no more water at the root. They should be in a cool place, but not submitted to much frost. If kept in a greenhouse, put them under the stage on their sides, so as to keep the roots dry, when they will not be induced to grow prematurely. POTTING BULBS, Bulbs should now be potted. The process is the same with all of them. The best hyacinths are usually grown singly in five or six inch pots, but smaller sorts-tulips, narcissi, and others-are put in groups of from three to a dozen or so. All will succeed in the same soil. This should consist of three- parts loam and one-part of half-decayed manure, with a liberal addition of sand or grit. If the loam is fibrous, less sand will be needed, but if heavy give a lot. Drain ta;> pots very carefully. Success depends on this to a great extent. Fill the pots a.bout three- parts full of soil, then put the bulbe-in, and add more soil to cover them over, excepting a little bit of the crown, which should be left exposed. Make the soil very firm round them, and finish off by sprinkling the surface with sand. BULBS IN BOXES. Where bulbs are grown in quantity to fur- nish flowers for cutting-and Roman hyacinths, narcissi, tulips, Ac., are favourites in this way-the bulbs need not be put in pots, but in boxes, as they may be grown close together then, and do not take up much room, which is an advantage. The boxes may be a yard or less square and three or four inches deep. Put some drainage in the bottom, then a little soil, then the bulbs almost as close as they will stand. Cover them up with soil, which must be m-ade very firm, and they are completed. All bulbs should be watered when potting is done, and allowed to drain for a day or so. BURYING BULBS. This succeeds the potting or boxing. If they are not buried, they will not be half so satisfactory, and may be a partial failure. Put them as close together as the pots or boxes will stand. This may either be in a cool shed, frame, or out in the open. I like the latter as well as any position. They should be covered over with fine ashes to the depth of one foot. This induces growth soon, and favours the forming of roots. The growth on the top, too, finds the protection very genial, and from three to four or five weeks, accord- ing to the earliness or lateness of the varieties, they will be ready to be taken from under the ashes. When the crowns are two inches high is a good time to put them in the light, and they should be looked to and moved then. FALLEN LEAVES. Wherever there are trees there are plenty of fallen leaves now, and all good cultivators will look carefully after them. They are very valuable in producing the leaf mould so greatly favoured in propagating cuttings and germinating seeds. The leaves of the hard woods—oak, beech, &c.—are the best. They decay down to the finest mould, and are more robust than the eoft leaf soil. Where hard wood leaves can be secured, have none other, but if not obtainable secure soft leaves. Rake them up from under the trees or wherever they have collected, and store them in a heap in any odd corner, to remain there till decayed into fine mould, which may be by March next or later. Do not include sticks and rubbish with them, but leaves only, is the material cannot be made too pure. Some put the clearings from their flower-beds and other matter in with the leaves to make a THE BEST BACKYARD FOWLS. "A Sheffield Man" writes:—"I was g-Jad to see you encourage the keeping of fowls by working-men in back-yards. It is a fine hobby, and a very paying one if proper attention be given it. I attach much impor- tance to the variety kept, and after twelve years' experience with many breeds I can assure you there is no better back-yard fowl than the Black Minorca. Although black, it is a handsome fowl, extremely hardy, and it lays splendidly. It is now my favourite." UNSATISFACTORY FOWLS. In all yards where any quantity of fowls are kept some are always found of an un- satisfactory type. In rearing chickens the majority may grow well, but some are almost sure to go wrong and become more or less cripples or dwarfs. The former may he down in a wing or lame of a leg, while the latter will be first at the food and eat as much as the biggest and best, but will remain under- sized, making no progress as a table fowl and giving no promise of ever laying or being in any degree profitable. It is astonishing how those who own these ciing to them. They keep them on and on, thinking that they will take a sudden fit of growing or something will happen to convert them into useful birds, but this sever occurs, and these wasters take up The sriace and eat the food which might, and should, be devoted to useful birds. Unfortunately, too. the bad ones may contribute considerably to the over-crowding of the yard, and here, again, they are a decided disadvantage. But all can tell now what their chiokena are going to be. and I would urge that no further attention be given the wasters, but destroy them a-t once, and the others will undoubtedly pay you for them. I approve of trying to recruit fowls that are capable of being profitable when they are ill, but I know the utter waste of all appliances in dealing with the class of birds I condemn, and they should never be tolerated in any yard. STORING BEETROOT. A supply of beetroot is useful during the winter, and few care to be without it. It is obtainable in the shops, but it is much better when home-grown and kept fresh in store. Loosen the roots in the soil with a fork. Clear off the rough of the soil without break- ing the roots, and then out the leaves off two inches from the crown. Do not out the root, as this would let the eap or juice run out, then it is a poor beet. Store in a cool shed, and cover with ashes or soil. or make a neat heap in the open, and protect in the same way. EATIXG RIBSTON APPLES PREMATURELY. In flavour the Ribeton Pippin is regarded as the most superb of all apples. It is a very old variety, but not one of the most robust or fertile. A great many, however, always find their way, Into the market, as they "bring high prices. But I regret to notice many of them have been offered in the fruiterers' shops for weeks past. or the middle of September. This i.s altogether premature for them, and is spoil- ing a good thing. They are never ripe till November, and remain good till well into January. They are just at their best at Christmastime, as the flavour is perfect and exquisite then, and the fruit of more, alu-e. eommerciaJJy than it is now. It would pay all to keep it, and it is merely throwing money away to buy it now, as the flavour at present and that which is to come are very different. I know some take credit to have produce early in the market, but in much this is overdone, as it is at present with the Ribstons. MILDEW ON PLANTS. Excessive damp and a close atmosphere will cause mildew to come on the leaves of plants. It is partial to roses and carnations and some others. It appears in the form of a white powder, more or less dense, and it soon makes the shoote unhealthy. It is an autumn pest, and at this time injures many plants which ought to be kept in robust health to g3 through the winter. A good remedy is to keep the atmosphere about the plants as dry as possible, and d1.LSt the affected parts over with powdered sulphur. THE LAST OF TEE OPEN-AIR TOMATOES. The open-air tomato season is now at an end. I hear many good accounts of it, and growers are far better pleased than they were last autumn. I am very glad of this. as it is sure to lead to more extended cultivation next year-a matter I shall stick in for next spring with all confidence. The plants arc still fresh, and some of the fruit is partially coloured and some grwn. The latter is avail- able for chutney and pickle. I have received a bottle of the former from a lady reader, who made it two or tb-a-ee weeks ago, when I gave the receipt, and it is excellent. Those with a good supply of this will be well off this winter, and will have little to regret that their tomatoes ditl not all ripen, and that some of them had to be preserved green. It takes a good tomato to be as good as this chutney. None but the best ripened ones can equal it, and I helieve not a few would prefer the preserve to the raw fruit. But the most forward of the fruit on the plants now should be out, tied in bundles, and hung up in the kitoheu to ripen. These will hardly become good enough to eat raw, biil, they will make good cookers. Any that have commenced to decay will be of no use, and should be burned. The, old plants should also be consumed in this wW-y, as, like potato stems, they may harbour disease and retain it till next season. LATE GRAPES. A great many vineries are cleared of the grapes before this time, but some like to keep them till late, or about Christmas, when they form a capital addition tn the dessert; but care must be taken that they do not decay or rot. This is the greatest danger and I the one thing to be guarded against. If the roots arc inside the house, do not water the border again, as the grapes keep much better when the roots are dry. This is well known, and has been often proved. If tb-, roots are outside the house, and rain falling on the soil, it is a difficult matter to keep, the roots dry, but if glass lights, zinc shee-tl5, or any- thing can be put on to throw the water off up against the house, where most of the roots are, cover them up. Those who keep grapes all winter have special coverings made to put on the borders at this time. These are generally made of boards, and are waterproof through being tarred. The whole of the leaves should now be taken off all vines on which grapes aVe haaiging. This will allow all the light and air about the grapes, and little damp will be harboured. On fine days give plenty of air. and always allow a little ventilation at the top of the house. Shutting them up close is almost sure to cause damp. The bunches should be looked over every other day, and clip out any h-erry that shows signs of decay. One bad one, if left, will soon cause more to rot. Keep the atmosphere in the vinery as dry as possible. Employ fire heat in wet weather. UNHEALTHY ASPIDISTRA PLANTS. No plant is more grown in rooms and windows than this. It is a favourite hotel a.nd eating-house ornament, and it is found in cottage and mansion. Its adapting itself so well to all conditions accounts for its plentifulness. and it is most hardy and accommodating, but it is not free from all ailments, as complainta are very plentiful as to its sickly state. It is less liable to disease than the majority of plants, and the fre- quency of the inquiries about it may give the idea that it is a sickly subject. It is really nothing of the sort, but a perpetually healthy, easily-managed plant, as a rule, with no disposition to weakness. I can never blame the plant, but the grower is lees worthy of compliment, and good or bad treatment is responsible for the health or sickness of the plant. It is a slow-growing subject; yet many water and feed it as abundantly as if it were a great grower, with a tremendous appetite, while it has very little, indeed. With the exception of soot water, liquid manure should never be given it. It should never remain in a saturated state. The drainage a.t the bottom of the pot should constantly be in working order. If this were looked to once a month or so, we would hear few complaints I of its being sick. It is stagnant moisture that causes the leaves to wither at the ends or decay at the bottom. The want of suffi- cient air and light makes the leaves thin and weak, then they droop, or holes are readily rubbed in them when they are washed. Insects also eat holes in tho leaves, and to keep them robust and perfect or recruit them when they are sickly see that the drainage is efficient. Avoid overwatering. See that the soil is firm about the roots, not loose or spongy. Give plenty of air and all light, and let the pot stand up to the, rim in soot water for a few hours every month or two. From now till April thev may be kept almost dry at the root.

NEW COUNCIL OFFICES. ABERCAIIN BUILDINGS FORMALLY OPENED. The new offices of the Abercarn District Council were formally opened on Monday by the chairman (Mr. Dan Jones, J.P.). The offices, which have been erected at a cost of £ 1,500, are according to designs of the surveyor, Mr. J. Wili'iams, and were erected by Messrs. D. W. Richards and Co., Newport. ABEJflCARN NEW PUBLIC II OFFICES. The first floor contains collector and assis- tant-overseer's office, clerk's office, and care- taker's apartments, two bedrooms, and dining-room. A fire brigade station has been erected at the rear. It is intencbsd to erect workshops and a warehouse also. The second storey consists of engineer and surveyor's office, with a drawing-room at the back, and sanitary inspector's office, and a members' retiring-room.

A COLLIER'S CHEAP EEAM. At Pontypool Police-court on Saturday Seth Williams, a young collier, residing at Blinker's Hill, Blaenavon, was charged with stealing 91b. of cooked ham, value 7s. 6d., the property of the Great Western Railway Company. Mr. L. H. Hornby, Newport, appeared to }*rose- cute, and called evidence to show that. the ham was part of a consignment to Llanhil- leth. The goods were taken out of the train at Llanhilleth, and placed on the platform. Prisoner arrived by the 6.8 p.m. train to Aberbeeg, and picked up one of the boxes of ham and walked away with it. A few mintrt." later he was overtaken.—Prisoner said he had made a mistake.—There were previous con- victions for larceny, and prisoner was now sent to prison for a month.—Directly the* sentence of the court was pronounced the prisoner's wife, who was in the well of the court, swooned away and had to be removed.

PEMBROKE WAR MEMORIAL., The Celtic cross which is to form the Pem- broke County war memorial arrived at Haverfordwest on Monday, and this morning skilled workmen will commence to erect it in its position, and as the base is ail ready, and the cross has merely to have its fine pieces fitted together, it is confidently expected that all will be completed not later than Thursday. The unveiling takes place I on Friday by Earl Cawdor, and the cere- mony will be a quasi-military one, in which Regulars of a.11 arms, YeonMWiry, fcud Volun- teers will take part.

Apo%, lb'1 -1 AV arc going off in Thousands! J | Ipa gy These Porringers consist of two vessels, each tf Jm ^31 E » s"1" beautifully enamelled—outer pan deep blue, Jr a 1 inner pan pure white. They are the finest ^8 /HI I fif Ware of the kind ever produced. Can be il j IS! used for cooking anything. A real home | r: v" I Pam I 2-pint porringer for 30 24b. coupons, or 2 cash. | £ Jr J 3-pmt porringer for 50 2-Ib. coupons, or 2/6 cash. 1 I 1 5-piftt porringer for 75 2-!b. coupons, or 3/- cash. 1 I |f 6-pmt porringer for 100 2-lb. coupons, or 3 6 cash. I 1 ——m Those sending cash have it refunded on sending coupons as stated. 1 j 1 jr* A coupon on every pcicket of "Provost" Oats. I 1 1 ||| èt I I "PROVOST" OATS %alp w I 1 1 | make the finest Porridge in the World, for the simple reason i i 1 H are best Oats that are grown. American Oats | I I! do not count as against PROVOST" OATS. It is only | I I H in Scotland that perfect Oats can be grown. They are easily | 8 I j| first, and the rest practically nowhere. | S R. ROBINSON a.1. SONS, Annan, N.B. i

— WESTON SENSATION SMART ARREST OF ALLEGED BURGLARS. The recent conviction of the son of a Paddington tradesman who was a city accountant by day and skilful burglar by night has been followed by the arrest at Weston-supcr-Mare of two men who are alleged to have carried on a similar double life. They are Ernest Wheeler, valet to a major residing in the town and Arthur Wake, who followed the calling of an insura.nce agent. They are charged with a series of burglaries in different parts of the seaside town. A dramatic story of their arrest was told, at the police-court by Police-constable Hall, who, while on night duty, heard two persons talking in the grounds of a large house on his beat. The trellis gate was fastened from the inside, so that the officer could not enter. He turned on his lantern, and immediately the talking ceased. He then rang the front-door bell, but, setting no answer, he returned to the trellis gate. He called out, "Wlio are you? Do you belong to the house?" One of the men replied, We heard a devil of a row down here, and came down to see what it was. Who are you?" The constable replied, "I am a policeman, and want to come in to see if it is all right." One of the men replied, "All right," and asked the other to find the key. As they were a long time the constable said, "Can't you find the key?" and one answered, "No, and we are not going to; we want to know who you are. If you come in here, we shall cry for mercy." The constable replied, "I intend coming in, and if you don't open the door I shall burst it open." The policeman then observed Wake in his shirt-sleeves getting over the roof of a. small coal-house at the back. Running- round by the front gate, the officer saw Wake running across the lawn. He was wearing a coat round his shoulders, but when half-way across the lawn he threw it down. This coat was now produced. Blowing his whistle several times, the constaiJWe ran after Wake, who got over the hedge into the road. Other officers joined in the chase, and a capture was made near the parish church. Police-constable Harris, having taken Wake to the station, returned with Police- sergeant Kellaway to the house. They were admitted by the tenant, and discovered the window of the scullery open. The window had iron bars, but they were wide enough apart to allow of a person getting through. They found the coal-house door locked, and could see the key inside. They called out, If you don't open the door we shall break it open." Wheeler then unlocked the door and came out. When charged Wheeler replied, "It is all through the drink; it is my first offence. Wake made no reply. A dagger blade about 8in. long was found in the grounds, and Police-constable Harris had the wea.pon in his hand at the police-station. When Wheeler saw it he said, "That is my dagger," subsequently adding that it belonged to his employer, the major. When searched, Wake was found to be wearing goloslies over his shoes. Police- sergeant Kellaway said that when arrested Waloe said, Is that how you threaten an English gentleman?" On a window sill near the iron bars of the scullery he found two vest buttons, and eight ends of matches. The buttons corresponded with four others which were on Wake's vest, two tops buttons of which were missing. The remaining four had been broken off by Wake after being placed in the cell. Wake appeared very dejected throughout the hearing, and rested his head on his left arm. Wheeler, however, frequently gazed indifferently round the court. The two men were also charged with steal- ing three missionary boxes from Miss Hunt, where Wheeler had been a butler; a gilt clock, fish servers, and other silver articles from John Brown, of Belcome Lodge; and a missionary box containing £ 3 from the Young Women's Christian Association. The stolen property was found in prisoners' possession. They were committed for trial at the assizes. The police were complimented on their captures.

ABERSYCHAN COLLIER. CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING A YOUNG GIRL. At Pontypool Polioe-ccurt on Saturday Jacob Griffiths, a collier, of Abersychan, was brought up in custody charged with crimi- naily assaulting Frances Brown, a girl of eleven years, residing with her aunt at Taly- wain According to the girl's story, the prisoner came to the house and asked her to go and fetch his sweetheart. She went and found that she was not at home. On the way back she met the prisoner, who put his arm around her neck, and dragged her into a wood and behaved improperly towards her. He told her not to say a word to anyone. She told her aunt, and she was taken to the surgery of Dr. Agnew, who now aaid he did not think the girl's condition was consistent with her story. The Bench reduced the charge to one of 'indecent assault, and committed the prisoner to take his trial at the next quarter sessions at Uek. The prisoner's excuse was that he was drunk at the time.

PENTRE LICENSEE FINED. At Ystrad Police-court on Moinday Mr. J. Sydney Jones, landlord of the Queen's Hotel, Pentre, was summoned for supplying a drunken person and with permitting drun- kenness. Superintendent Cole appeared to -prosecute for the police, and Mr. Nicholas defended. Police-constable Thomas said, in company -with Poiice-constable Miller, he visited the Queen's Hotel, Pentre. In the bar he saw a man, named William Herd, sitting down, with a glass of beer in his hand. The land- iidy and landlord denied supplying the man with anything, but the landlord said one of his servants might have done so. V-r. Nicholas said that the circumstances of the ca.se looked suspicious, and called for explanation. His defence was that the man came into the bar and took up a half-pint me.Lioure on the counter. With cases were treated as one, and the defJtldant was fined Xl, including costs.

JOINING CHARGES. FURTHER HEARING AT LLANDAFF. The alleged coining case at Whitchurch was further inquired into at Llandaff Police-court on Monday, when Albert Heitz- man, aged thirty-two, described as a jeweller, was brought up on remand charged with making counterfeit coin, with possess- ing a galvanic battery used in counterfeiting coin, and with possessing counterfeit coin with intend to utter them. Mr. Harold Lloyd agaiu appeared to defend. Inspector Nott reiterated the story of the raid made by himself and a posse of con- I stables early on the morning of October 7. The raid was made upon No. 9, Hickman- road, Whitchurch, which was in the occupa- tion of the prisoner. In pursuance of his evidence the witness stated that after forc- ing an entrance they searched the whole of the premises for counterfeit coins or for instruments used in their manufacture. Downstairs Police-constable Kin sella handed him six florins in the presence of the pri- soner, saying I saw the prisoner throw a handful of money out through the front bedroom window. I picked up six, and Bennett picked up four." Inspector Nott added that he then instructed Police-con- stable Green to search the premises down- stairs, and some time after Green handed him a bag containing metal, and a tin canister containing plaster of Paris. He also received from Police-constables Bennett and Bolton the two bags (produced), with several articles in them, including a bottle a.nd earthenware jar containing liquid, several copper wires, and other things, all of which he produced. Prisoner was afterwards conveyed in a cab to Llandaff Police-court. Some of the coins had since been tested by Mr. Spiridion, of Cardiff. Mr. Lloyd: When you searched the house, did you find clothes belonging to another man there? Inspector Nott: I was informed so. Have you made inquiries, and do you know as a fact that another person was living on the premises?—I have made inquiries, but I cannot find that anybody else was there. Supplementing his evidence given at the previous hearing, Mr. Spiridion, silversmith, Duke-street, Cardiff, said that he received certain coins from Inspector Nott on October 10. These were five hall-crowns, five florins, and one shilling. One of the'half-crowns was counterfeit, and also two of the florins. All the rest were gefod. The Clerk: Ha-d he all the requisite articles for making the coins? Mr. Spiridion: Yes, but I did not receive the mould and the ladle for melting the metal. But had he quite enough for making the coins ?- Yes, quite enough. I could make any one of them now. The mould oould be made with the plaster of Paris. Mr. Lloyd: Do you know yourself, MT. Spiridion, that this man has been a jeweller hv trade? Witness: I have heard it stated and I have heard it contradicted. Witness also spoke as to the purposes for which the files handed him could have been used, and said that the acids he received were silver solution and copper solutions. Police-constable Bennett spoke to seeing defendant throw coins from the front bed. room window, some of which he picked up. In their search of the house prisoner opened a portmanteau for them, and amongst the articles it contained was a revolver. They also found two "Bank of Engraving" notes, one for ClO and the other for L5, both bearing the same number. By Mr. Lloyd: The revolver was an old muzzle-loader and unloaded. The Olerk: How long have you known the prisoner ? Witness I have known him for three years, sir, but not at Whitchurch. Police-constable Kinsella said he also saw prisoner throw a handful of coins across the road from the bedroom window, of which he picked up six. Police-constable Albert Bolton, Frederick Holm-an, Frederick Hill, Police-constable Green, and Etan Thomas, builder, also gave evidence, the latter stating that defendant took the house in the name of A. Muir three or four months ago. Prisoner pleaded "Not guilty," and was committed for trial at the assizes at Swansea in November. Bail was refused.

SWANSEA GIRL. IN THE CLUTCHES OF A LONDON VILLAIN. A case which illustrated most painfully terrible pitfalls awaiting the inexperienced country girl in London was heard by the West London magistrate. Three weeks ago Jane Edwards, a servant ] girl, came from Swansea with the object of obtaining a situation. Not many hours after her arrival she fell into the clutches of Arthur Taylor, a man of such disreputable character that the magistrate said it was difficult to express himself in common words about him. Taylor who is 33 years of age, is a man "f under-sized stature. and has peculiarly repul- sive features, but he spoke to the girl so plausibly, and made himself so agreeable, that she succumbed to his proposals. Be- lieving his assertion that he would work for her and support her, she went to live with him. But the very next day he treated her with the utmost brutality, and forced her to lead a life of shame in order that he might subsist on her earnings. After that the assaults upon her by Taylor were of almost daily occurrence, and eventually the girl, in desperation, gave him into custody. The Magistrate said it was the worst case of the kind he had ever known. He would sentence Taylor to the maximum punishment —too inadequate—of three months' hard labour. The court missionary took charge of the girl Edwards, and made arrangements for her admittance to a home.

THE NORTH WALES TRAGEDY ACCUSED WOMAN DISCHARGED BY THE BENCH. The police offered no evidence at Car- na.rvon on Friday against Mary Ann Wil- liams, a young married woman, who had been previously twice remanded on the charge of murdering Jane Williams, a woman of eighty years of age at Llanrug. There was a positive charge against her, that of attempting to commit suicide, her explanation of her conduct being that she was terribly frightened owing to the association of her name with the murder. Accused was discharged.

-I SCENE AT NASH. SOLDIER'S ASSAULT UPON A WOMAN. A fine strapping soldier named Thomas Stevens, a gunner in the Eoyal Garrison Artillery, stood at the defendant's bar in the magistrates' court at Newport on Saturday on a serious allegation of assault, which took place on Saturday night last at Nash. He was then on furlough, and was summoned for ai assault upon a middle-aged single woman named Rachel Ball, who was extremely ehy in the court on Saturday. Mr. Frank Lewis, who appeared for the prosecution, said he thought the bench would be satisfied that though the defendant was only charged with a common assault. it was fortunate that assistance arrived for Mies Ball as early as it did—fortunate for both the complainant and the defendant. Miss Ball had lived near the church at Nash for about twenty years. The complainant, Miss Ball, who was attired in deep mourning, stated that she was in the Victoria Inn, in company with Mrs. Jones about eight o'clock on Saturday night last, when the defendant came in and paid for something for them. She had never, so fa. as she believed, spoken to him before. and only knew him by sight as his brother lived in the neighbourhood. When they went out of the house Mrs. Jones left them, and he walked down the road with her. She then told him to go back, as she was not afraid of going down the road alone. He still accompanied her, and then put his arms round her and kissed her. She remonstrated with him, and told him again to go away. He replied, "You timid little thing, what are you afraid of?" A little way further along he again took hold of her and kissed her. She again remonstrated with him, but he subsequently took hold of her from behind, pushed her across the road, and threw her against 1-he hedge. He was down on the ground and attempted to behave improperly. She screamed, but he told her not to make a noise. She screamed again, and he put his hand over her mouth. She pushed it away and screamed agadn, but again he covered her face with his hand. "Oh you cruel wretch," she cried, and shouted till assistance was heard coming. Defendant then went away. Edward Morgan, farm bailiff, stated that at eight p.m. on Saturday his attention was attracted to cries of "Murder; you are killing me." As he got up to the spot the man ran away, and he could not see properly who it was, as it was dark. So far as he could see, as a distance of fifteen or twenty yards, it was a military man, wearing a long overcoat. William Hicks, farmer and dairyman, of Pyecorner, said he also was attracted by cries of "Murder." He found on going to the spot that Miss Ball was upset, flurried, and so much out of breath that she could hardly speak. speak. Defendant said he was stationed at Wey- mouth, and only arrived at Newport on furlough on the night in question. He was a. native of Liswerry, and was going to see his friends. He had had some drink in several public-houses-the Corporation Hotel, the King of Prussia, and the Victoria—and remembered going down the road, but had no knowledge of what Miss Ball had charged him with. The Ma gist rates'-clerk: But it is a very serious thing. Defendant: Yes, and it doesn't finish here, because I shall have to be tried for it again when I get back. Mr. Frank Lewis, haying consulted his client, informed the bench that, though Miss Ball felt that it was a serious matter, that she had a sore grievance, and there may, as the outcome, be a reflection upon her character, yet she did not want, having regard to the consequences which might follow, to unduly press the case. The Magistrates expressed the view that there would be no reflection at all upon the character of Miss Ball. Defendant was fined 20s. and costs, a.nd a guinea was allowed to the solicitor, making £2 8e. in all.

LLANELLY HARBOUR TRUST. The monthly meeting of the Llaoelly Harbour Trust was held on Monday, Mr. Wm. Bowen in the chair. Among those present were the two representatives of the Bank of England—Mr. John Macaalay, Newport, and Mr. John Roberts, Swan sea. Discussion arose as to the position of the Mynydd Mawr Company, who have for some time past discontinued shipping at their berth, and are now sending all their vessels to be loaded in the North Dock.—The Chair- man said that they were using the dock on precisely the same terms as any other trader. Mr. Tom Hughes asked if vessels could be loaded at the berth now. The Engineer replied in the affirmative. Mr. Hughes said it was not for the Mynydd Mawr Company to say whether the berth was fit or not. Mr. E. W. Jones said it was very important that this matter should be settled as soon as possible. It was decided that the engineer should dredge, in accordance with the statutory obligations, at the berth. A letter was received from Messrs. Nevill, Druce, and Co. complaining of the state of the entrance channel to their dock. They said that there was a large accumulation of sand, which ought to be dealt with by dredging. The engineer was instructed to report fully on the matter.

SCENE IN A TRAIN. MERTHYR MEN'S DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT AT ABERNANT. William Scully and Dan Scully were charged at Merthyr on Monday with obstructing the officers of the Great Western Railway aft, Abe rna nt .-Police- rgeaiit Wil- son stated that on Saturday night the pri- soners entered a railway carriage at Aber- nant for Merthyr, and commenced being very boisterous. They refused to leave when requested, and upon being remonstrated with by Mr. Thomas, a schoolmaster, they I. threatened to throw him out. Witness un- dertook to look after them until they reached Merthyr. and when he spoke to them upon their misbehaviour they became very 1 abusive, and threatened to throw him out too.—It was stated by the stationmaster that consequent upon the unruliness of the pri- sonere, the train was delayed in starting for J. three minutes.—The prisoners were each fined 20s. and costs, or a month. j j

TRAGIC DEATH. POSTMAN'S BODY FOUND IN A POOL. An overcoat, a cap, a pair of gloves and a pipe were found on the rockt above the Blue Pool at Pontsarn, a smallj deep piece of water. The articles were taken to the Aberglais Hotel, and they were at once identified by Mr. Harry Beater, the landlord, as belonging to Thomas Jones, who had for some time been postman deliver- ing letters in the Vaynor district, between Cefn and Torpantau, and who lodged at 12, Saxon-street, Merthyr. The discovery natu- rally suggested a tragedy, and information was conveyed to the Breconshire police. I Police-sergeant Winterson, of Cefn, imme- diately proceeded to the spot, and made inquiries, and afterwards Polico-constable Sperring, of Pontsticill, set to work to drag the pool, continuing operations until late in the evening, without, however, finding any- thing to elucidate the mystery. Operations were resumed on Friday by Winterson and Police-constable Howells, of Merthyr, and at about ten o'clock the body, of Jones was hooked and brought to the surface. It was in a state of decomposition, but was conveyed in a cart to the home of his parents at 2. Windsor-street, Troedyrhiw. Conflicting stories are told as to when Jones was last seen alive, but there is authen- tic evidence of his not having been seen since last Thursday night week. On that evening he went to see his sweetheart, a. domestic, who is employed at Penrhadwr, and at ten minutes to ten he called at the Aberglais Hotel, and wished to be allowed to stay the night." There was no accommoda- tion available, and he was given the use of a cab which had brought Mr. Baker and his sister-in-law from the Merthyr theatre, i. order that he might get to his lodgings. He was put down on the Brecon-road, bui did not go where he said he was going, and no reliable information as to his subsequent movements is available. His watch had stopped at 1.16, and in his pocket was found the photograph of the young woman with whom he had been keep- ing company. His sweetheart states that he left her on perfectly amicable terms, but he appeared to be very much depressed. THE ÎXQUEST. On Monday evening Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, held an inquest at the Belle Vue Hotel, Troedyrhiw, touching the death of Thomas Jones. Mr. Frederick James was foreman of tho jury. William Jones, the father, who lives at Ko. 2, Windsor-street, Troedyrhiw. gave evidence of identification. He said his son, who was 26 years of age, was a postman froir Cefn to Torpantau. Witness knew nothing o' anything that troubled tho deceased. Joshua Owen, 213, Penydarren, shoeing. smith, said that on Thursday last he founti an overcoat and a cap on some rocks on the right-hand side of the Blue Pool. He searched the pockets, but found nothing to lead to identification. He took the things to the Aberglais Hotel, Pontsarn, and gave them to the landlord. Thomas Winstone, cabdriver, stated that he brought the deceased from the Aberglais Hotel on Thursday night in a cab, and left him at the bottom of Dane-street at 12.20. The deceased lodged in the next street, and was then close home. He seemed quite natural. Police-sergeant Winterson proved recovering1 the body, and handed to the coroner a book found in one of the pockets, in which the deceased had written in pencil:- Dear Mother,—I am very sorry to draw this trouble upon myself. 80 I think I will end myself. Let these cuffs on me, and tell Miss Thomae, Penyrhadwy, knows about. Tell her to mind to come to the funeral, and I shall meet her in the (next) world.—From your son. Tommy. Hand back the letter which you will find! in my pocket to Miss Thomas. The Coroner: Who is Miss Thomas? Witness: A young lady he was courting. The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst temporarily insane."

WEDDING BELLS WILL RING SEQUEL TO PORT TALBOT PATER. NITY CASE. At Aberavon Police-court on Monday John Morgan, 4, Hamilton-street, Landore. came up on remand summoned by Hannah Davies, Tydraw-street, Port Talbot, for arreara in a paternity order. The case had been adjourned with an expressed wish from the bench that the parties, who were tall, young, and attractive, should try and settle matters in the proper way. In reply to the Chairman, defendant said that they had now come to an arrangement, and would be married in six weeks. He would have done so before only he had been out 011 work. Complainant: I should like to have some- thing in writing before the court Defendant (smiling): Surely, my word is good enough. Colonel W. R. David: Do you doubt him? Complainant (beamingly): Oh, no, sir! Superintendent Davis (with an eye to busi. ness): You would do well, sir, to adjourn the case to see if he carries cut his contract. Colonel D. R. David: We will adjourn the case for eight weeks, and hope that both of you will be happy and comfortable. The pair left the court together.

ASSAULT ON BARRY WOMAN At Barry on Monday (before Mr. D. Davies and Mr. R. J. Hancock) Henry. Oobley, a painter, was charged with unlaw- fully wounding Annie Slocombe, Old Post Office, Cadoxton-Barry. with intent to do her grievous bodily harm. Prosecutrix and her husband, hearing a noise on their back pre. mises on Saturday night. went out, when the accused, who lives next door, made a threatening remark, and picking up a stone, about 61bs. in weight, he threw it at them, striking the woman on the head, causing i wound, two and a half inches long, pene- trating to the bone. Dr. E. Treharne, J.P., who dressed the wound, said that under ordinary circum- stances the wound was not dangerous, but complications might set in. Several witnesses were examined, and Mr. Davies, in giving the decision of the bench. said that the assault was a very severe one. Accused would go to prison for fourteen days' hard labour without the option of a fine.