Weekly Mail

MUSEUM & LIBRARY: THE DRAFT PETITION AND ¡ CHAPTERS APPROVED. The movement to leccre a National Museum and Library for Wales has now reached the eve oi ik; hnai stage. Following the decision of the tpecaal comm;ttce or the Privy Council, nainsJy, that the Nati^ual Museum should be located at Cardiff and the library at Aber- y&twyth, a number of Weigh members of Par- Uainent and other representatives of public bodies set to work to take the necessary stepa to obtain the tcrmai grant of the chart-era that would legalise whatever steps the public authorities Lucerested might take to estao- lish the institutions named. A number ot meeUnaa were lield at the House of Com- men-, under the presidency of Sir Alfred Thomas, MJ., and to Mr. D. Brynmor Jones, K.C., M.P., and Mr. J. L. Wheatley ltowu- clerk of Cardiff) was entrusted the difficult task of drafting the petition to hi;: Majesty the King asking for the grant of the neces- sary eli.art.erB, and also the suggested form of charters that should be placcd before the Privy Council for that august body's consider- at-ion before his Majesty was formally advised to Ls. iie the charters. A number of msetinss ha¿ also beer, held by the drafting committee, whete labours were ended a. week or two ago, when the documents were, as reported in our columns at the time, passed for presentation and final confirmation by the full conferen-co of representatives. The meeting to that end was held in Lon- don on Tuesday, when the documents were fully discussed. An alteration as to the objects and powers of the National Museum was proposed and considered in a.ll its bear- ings, the decision of the meeting running in t!he direction of making the museum expansive and comprehensive as possible. With this alteration the drafts were handed back to Messrs. D. Brynmor Jones and J. L. Wheatley, who will make the few necess-ary alterations, and the next step will be to duly commit the petition and draft charters to the Privy Council. That authority may, of ¡ course, make some alterations, but it is hardly likely that anything of the sort will be done. The full draft of the charter appeared in the "Western Mail" a few weeks a^o. The formal and official report of the meeting furnished is as follows:— A meeting of the conference of the Welsh National Museum and Library was hald at the Devonshire Club, London, on Tuesday afternoon. Sir Alfred Thomas presided, and these present included the Lord Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman Robert Hughes), Lord Kenyoa, Sir John Williams, Bart., Sir Isam- bard Owen, Colonel Pryce-Jones, M.P., Mr. Herbert Roberts, M.P., Mr. Herbert Lewis, M.P.. Mr. Ellis Griffith, M.P., Mr. William Jones, M.P., Mr. D. Brynmor Jones, K.C., M.P., Mr. J. L. "FTieatley (town-clerk of Car- diff), Principal Reich el. Principal Roberts, Mr. D. C. Ro' erte, and Mr. W. A. Darby- shire. The report of the executive com- mittee and the draft petition and charters for the National Museum and Library were presented. A discussion took place on Article 2, which dealt with the object of the museum. After dkcushion the article as amended was carried unanimously. As amended Article 2 will read thus:— The object of the museum shaH be mainly and primarily the complete illus- tration of the geology, mineralogy, zoology, botany, ethnology, archaeology, art. his- tory, and the special industries of Wales, and the collection and maintenance of objects and things of usefulness or inte- rest connected therewith; and, further, th; collection, preservation, and maintenance of all objects and tilings, including pic- tures, engravings, statuary, and all work? of fine art. whether connected or not with Wales, which may help to attain the pur- poses for which the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, the University College of North Wales, the University College oi ^outh Wales and Monmouthshire, and other educational institutions existing in Wales were created and founded, especially for the furtherance of higher education within the meaning of the Education Acts, 1870 t, 1902, and of literary and scientific research; and, further, the creation and maintenance of duplicate or multiplicntf: specimens and collections, by loans and use from time to time for the purposes of exhibition and instruction at or in con nection with the said col'e^es and other educational institutions existing in Wales. The adoption of the clause as amendeè was moved by Mr. William Jones and seconded by Sir Isambard Owen. It wn- resolved that the consequential amendments as required in the petition should be made by Mr. WheatJey and Mr. Brynmor Jonea. It was moved by Principal Reichel, and seconded by Colonel Pryce-Jones, that St David's College, Lampeter, should have one member on the governing body. This was loct on a. division. In view of aai application from Mertihyr that itl as a boroug-h, should have represen- tation on the governing body, it was decided to amend the charter so as to give Merthyr or any borough which may become a counts borough one representative. Sir IBa.mbaird Owen moved. and Princi])G1 Reichel seconded, the adoption of the whole chajter as amended. This was carried. The meeting ooncluded with a vote of thanks to Mr. Brynmor Jonee and Mr. Wheatley for drafting the documents, and to the chairman for all his efforts im the matter. THE AMENDED ARTICLE. For the purpose of comparison we give the original terms of the controverted article: — "The object of the museum shall be the general improvement of the intellectual, moral, and aesthetic condition of the people of Wales, and the granting to them of greater facilities and opportunities for education in all branches of science and art, and more particularly of the collection, preservation, and maintenance of objects and things of u-^fulness or interest connected with the hi. ory, the industries, the economic progress, the art, and the social condition of Wale?' 8.nd objects and things illustrative of the archaeology, geology, zoology, entomology, boteny, and other natural sciences thereof; and, further, all objects and things, whether connected or not with Wales, which may help to attain the purposes for which the Univer- sity of Wales, the University College of Wales, the University College of North Wales the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and other educational institu- tions existing in Wales were created and founded, especially the furtherance of higher education within the meaning of the Educa- tion Acts, 1870 to 1902, and of literary and scientific research."

MR. BICKEL'S WATER SUPPLY UNSATISFACTORY INTERVIEW WITH THE COMMITTEE. Mr. Biekel, of Lower Cathedral-road, who ha-3 frequently been before the Cardiff magis- trates for the non-maintenance of his wife. appeared before the Cardiff Waterworks Committee on Friday to complain that the water at his house had been turned off. lIe admitted that he owed the oemmittee 8s. 4d., but was unable to pa-y as he was in the bankruptcy court. The house in which he lived was his own property, but it had been taken by the mortgagee. Mr. Maris, collector of water rentals, seated that he had had considerable trouble with Mr. Bickel, and the only thing he could do in the interest of the corporation was to turn off the water. The house was being Bold, and he was endeavouring to get the money due out of the purchaser. Alderman Da.vid Jones, who presided, asked Mr. Bickel why he did not pay. Mr. Bickel replied that he had passed through considerable trouble lately, and it was impossible for him to pay now. He had not been living in the house for some time, but was now residing there, and it was very inconvenient to be without a water supply. When Mr. Bickel retired the committee dis- cussed the matter, amd eventually instructed Mr. Marks to confer with the town-clerk in regard to the proceedings to be taken. Mr. Biakel was called in and inforined of the decision of the committee. Aldermaoi David Jones cautioned him against using water illegally. Mr. Bickel: I have no water; it has been cut off. Alderman Jonee: But you don't live with- out water. You must be getting it some- where. Dr. Robinson: Do you drink tea? Mr. Bickel Yes; I had a cup this rooming. Dr. Robinson: Tlion you must have got water from somewhere. I To this Mr. Bickel made no reply, but on leaving the room stated that he had been iu the house for 32 years, and thought it was too bad that the water wad cut off. Alderman David Jones: That won't helJ you.

I IN MEMORY OF A RESERVIST COLONEL LINDSAY UNVEILS A TABLET AT PONTYPRIDD. Colonel Lindsay unveiled a tablet in ihe Parish Church, Pontypridd, on Sunday, in memory of Edward Walkley, formerly a j member of the Pontypridd Division of the Glamorgan Constabulary and a reservist in i the 2nd Wiltshire ^wcgiment, who was called to the front during the South African cam- Tiaign and killed in bis first engagement at Rensburg. The service waa attended by Mr. L'. B. Evans, J.P., chairman of the Ponty- pridd District Council, and members of that body; the local detachment of the 3rd V.B. Welsh Regiment, under the command of Major Davies and Lieutenant-surgeon Mor- gan; and the fire brigade ICaptain Brooks) i and a poeee of police directed by Superinten- dent Cole and Inspector Salter. The band of the detachment and the bugle band of the St. Matthew's Boys' Brigade headed a. procession to the church. The Rev. J. P. GrifBtfcfi preached the sermon.

BREWERINCHAPEL SCENE AT WICK ANNIVER- SARY SERVICES. Much interest was evinced in a case at Bridgend Police-court on Saturday in which the complainant was William Morgan Jen- kins, of Hillside, Mar cross, secretary of Ebsnezer Welsh Methodist Chapel, Broughton, Wick, and the defendant a local brewer, Lewis Harry, a gentleman who is well known. There were two charges against the defen- dant—(lj that lis -did molest and disturb the Rev. E. P. Jonea, of Cardiff, while officiating at the chapel, and (2) that he was guilty of riotous and violent behaviour in the chapel. Alderman T. J. Hughes was forthe com- plainant, and Mr. Trevor Hun.ter, of Briton Ferry, for the defendant. Alderman Huehes said it was a matter of satisfaction that cases of this description rarely occurred in the district. The defen- dant, who was a brewer, was charged with brawling in a place of worship. As evidence of his client's sincere desire to avoid any- thing which might create friction in the dia> trict he would be prepared to withdraw the charges if the defendant, through his advocate, would express regret for his misbehaviour, give a definite promise not to repeat it, and pay the reasonable expenses which had been incurred. Mr. Hunter said his client was not willing to pay anything, as no offence had been committed. Defendant might have been guilty of foolish conduct, and he was pre- pared to apologise for that, but would do nothing mere. Alderman Hughes then. opened the case. Two summonses had been taken out against the defendant, but the lesser charge—that of disturbing the preacher—would not be pressed. Mr. Harry was an occasional atten- dant at the Welsh Calvinistic Chapel at Broughton, and he paid for a sitting for the year. On November 8 anniversary services were held, and the special preachers were the Rev. E. P. Jones, of Cardiff, and the Rev. William "Davies, of Llantwit Major. Mr. Harry arrived at the chapel about an hour after tihe service commenced, when the build- ing was then fairly full. Mr. Harry's seat was occupied. It was a common thing at special services, whetn-members of all denomi- nations attended, that there should be no hard-and-fast rule as to the sittings, and usually pew-holdcrB were only too willing to give up their seats to vieitors. On Mr. Harry's arrival he was met by the secretary of the church, who was acting ae sidesman, and he invited him to go into the chapd. and offered to show him a seat. Mr. Harry declined to go in. and he also refused an invitation by Mr. Jenkins to go to the gallery. At this point the preacher was reaching the peroration of the sermon. He was referring to the vices which were prominent, and amongst others he mertioned drunkenness, and warned the oon.grega.tion against the evils of drink. Defendant, standing on the stairs, "grunted" loudly several times, and it would be proved that the noises were plainly hea.rd in every part of the chapel. Mr. Jenkins v ent to the defendant rund begged him to desist, and Harry then tramped heavily down the steps. causing a further disturbance. He then went away, aijd if he had stayed away the matter would have ended. About ten minutes later, however, defendant returned to the chapel ^,nd again took up his position on the stepp leading to the gallery. The preacher wa.- now referring to the case of a friend of his in the ministry, who, having fallen through drink, had been reformed, when Mr. Harry routed. la that Mr. Morris?" three times. There was then a lull, but again the voice disturbed the service with the question, IF that Mr. Morris?" Mr. Jenluns again appealed '» defendant to keep quiet, but he declined. :"he preacher had to stop his discourse. Matters of this kind were quite intolerable it- places of worship. The church secretary wrot" \fr. Harry demanding an apology, but in his reply Mr. Harry complained that he had not been allowed to use the pew for vhidh he paid, and expressed surprise that during these revival times, when everybody itemed to have a rig'ht to take part in the service, Mr. Jenkins should ask for nv explanation as to why he spoke in the chapel.. especially after such a beautiful sermon. The wonder is that I did not say more IV/hen 8I1ch touchhlg eloquence made me lose control of my feelings," he proceeded. He included by saying that he would give the lesired guarantee not to repeat the conduct r they would instruct the ministers not to take advantage of their position to utter things which rousod his feelings. Evidence in support of the solicitor' >pening' statement was given by the com- plainant, tihe Rev. W. Davies, Mr. Griffith Powell, and others. It was admitted thaf responses were made by people in the chapel, but they were in assent oi what the preachcr --aid. Defendant, in tibe witness-box, denied that he had disturbed the minister or was gaiitv of riotous or violent behaviour. He had given special instructions that he wished his seat retained, and he was naturally very muon upset. to find it occupied. Jenkins refused to get the people out of the scat, and he (defendant) was not asked to go to another 0De. He did not grunt" at all, and only shouted Mr. Morria" twice. The minister did not stop. If he had caused any disturbance he was very sorry for it. Miss Lottie Parker and a. Mrs. Thomas gave evidence in support of this statement. The Chairman (:\{, R. W. Llewelyn) said it was to be regretted that the defendant had iwt aocapted the terms of settlement offered by the complainant. He was glad to say that cases of that description were an almost unheard-of thing in that district. They must deal with the case very severely, as it was a grave matter to disturb religious services. For disturbing the preacher defendant would have to pay £5. As to the other charge Alderman Hug'hea: I witihdraw the other charge, fir. Alderman Hug-hes a^plffcd that the defendant shoe-Id be bound over, but defendant offered to give an undertaking not to repeat tfiie conduct, and Alderman Hughes accepted this.

OUR WATER SUPPLIES PAPER BY MR. C. H. PRIESTLEY READ IN LONDON. An intesneeting paper was read on Saturday before the British AsoOciiaLiom of Waterworks ftngin.eers a.t Burlington House, London, by jir. Charles H. Priestley, M.Inst.C.E., Cardiff Corporation wa.ter engineer. He very strongly advocated that the provision of water and che administration of all water undertakings should be entirely free from any question of making profit, therefroan, either by a munici- pality or a company. Speaking of Cardiff, he sa;.t.d that had not the original watarworts 1.){)C'il taken over from a company the town would probably had been short of water In ail dry seascme, and its progress seriously retarded in consequence. A sum of £1,000,000 was speint on the caw Taff Fa.wr Valley works, and, with the exception of a short time in 1837, the domestic supply of water in Cardiff had been full and constant. The water sup- plies of only three cities of over 200,000 inhabi- tants were in the hands of companies.—In the dfecuseion which followed the engi- neers of both municipal water undertakings and private water companies book part. The engineers of private companies denied that the interest of the oon Burners was not so well looked after as in the case of mumcripal- owned water undertakings, and urged that directors who knew their business were much more likely to carry out the work than committees of corpoinataons, who were con- stantly changing. There was a general consensus of opinion that in rural districts it would be beitter to form a water board or trust wiWan a limited area, rather than have small authorities giving a separate supply.

THE ABERCARN COLLISION JUDGE OWEN'S DECISION IN THE COMPENSATION CLAIM. At Newport County-court on Friday his Honour Judge Owen gave judgment in the case, Hart v. Colonel Ivor Herbert, heard on the preceding day. The plaintiff, a con- fectioner, of Newport, sought to recover £1)0 damages for the loss of his son, a young ma.n seventeen or eighteen years of age, who on the 10th of August last, was thrown out of a trade cart be was driving on the highway near Abercarn, and killed by one of the wheels of a truck laden with stone, and drawn by a traction engine belonging to Colonel Ivor Herbert. His Honour reviewed the evidence adduced on each side, and said it was not always proper that a police-officer should give evi- dence in such cases, as Inspector Groves had done. But he relied on one small fact mentioned by the policeman, which was to the effect that tha road was littered with broken glass from bottles thrown out of the cart. It was a small fact, but small facts were often important, and he was inclined to think that it supported the plaintiff's story as the true one. This story was that the traction engine swerved to allow the trap to pass, but that the hindmost truck did not get out of the w.<y, and caught the step of the trap and dragged it along for some dis- tance, eventually causing it to overturn. Judgment was then given for plaintiff, with £35 damages.

After taking a course of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters I could eat and enjoy my food, and my sleep. at night refreshed me. My strength returned, and Ü¡o waa ag&U: a pleasure to me." Is the testimony of I Mr. J. H. Sanndsca, 25, St. JlatTHOaCl, Guston, near LtveoooL 41117

CARDIFF'S FINANCES. CHAIRMAN THREATENS TO RESIGN. Matey interesting details connected with the finances of the City of Cardiff were men- tioned at a. meeting of the finance committee, over which Mr. F. J. Beavan presided on Monday. The Town-clerk reported that he had received notices of appeals against n.ew assessments from some of the large com- panies in the town, but added that, as the overseers would defend the oases, it was not necessary for the corporation to take any action. A letter was read from Mr. F. R. Greenhill resigning his position as treasurer, and thanking the corporation for appointing him consulting treasurer. He tha.nked the com- mittee for the kindness they had extended to him during the 33 years ho had acted as treasurer, and the staff for the loyail support they had always given him. The Chairman, in moving that the resigna- tion be accepted, recognised the great skill, energy, and perseverance shown by Mr. Greenhill during the time he had acted as treasurer. He was certain that all the members sympathised with ham in his present illness. Mr. C. H. Bird seconded tihe mention, wtuicih was carried unanamousily. It was then proposed by the Chairman ttoat Mr. R. W. Lewis be paid £ 3 per week in addition to his salary of JB350 for the work ,he had performed as acting treasurer dur- ing the period of Mr. Greenhill's illncss. Mr. J. W. Courtis and Alderman David Jonee did not think it was advisable that Mr. Lewis's extra remuneration should bo given in that way. In their opinion it would be very much better, when the work of the department was re-arrangied, to give Mr. Lewis an honoraxium for the extra services he had rendered. Other membons took a similar view of the situation, and it was resolved that the sub- ject bo deferred until a city treasurer is appointed. The Chairman stated that it had been brought to his notice tha.t the corporation did not receive interest on the credit balanoes in favour of the burial board. It seemed that this department was not mentioned when the arrangement was made with the bank. Mr J. W. Courtis: The arrangement was that, we were to have interest on all our credit balances, and if the burial board accounts have been omitted I should ask the bank to make it up. It then transpired that the bank interest was not checked daily, as some of the mem- bers thought should be done. The Chairman said the staff was insufficient to do this and other work of the department. Mr. Stanfield: If that is so let us employ another clerk. Mr. Courtis: It would only take a few minutes a day. Mr. Stanfield: If the work is done properly it will pay the clerk's wages. It is no use for us to go to the ratepayers and say our work ia not properly done because we have not a sufficient staff. Mr C. F. Sanders, who is not a member of the committee, then made a remark to the effect that it was not necessary to employ another clerk to check the interest on credit balanoes. The Chairman (with warmth): I look into this office nearly every day, and I know what work has to be done. Yet somebody is con- tinually throwing fomething into my teeth, and I tell you frankly I will not suffer it. If I do not satisfy you as chairman of this committee you. had better appoint somebody else. Mr. Stanfield: There is no doubt, Mr. Chair- man. that we are undermanned. Mr. Courtis: If thnt is so it would be as Mr. Stanfield has said—a poor answer to the ratepayers. The Chairman then asked Mr Lewis, the »/eting treasurer, whether further arsistanee nras necessary. Mr. Lewis did not promptly answer the question, and the Chairman remarked: It is no use your telling me one thing when I come in to see you, and telling another thing here to-day." Mr. Lewis stated that they were hard pushed sometimes, and it was resolved that another clerk bo temporarily employed. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. A. W. Morris, solicitor, acting on behalf of Mr. Coleman, one of the elective auditors, threatening proceedings aa-ainst the council in connection with the auditors' charges, which had been reduced to £52 IDs. Mr. Morris stated that Mr. Cole- man had put in 47 days, and was entitled to two guineas a day. On the other hand, the town-clerk had pointed out to the com- "littee that the auditors had dealt with accounts for which they were not entitled to charge under the Public Health and other Acts—tramway accounts, for instance. The matter was left to the chairman and vice- chairman to consult with the town-clerk and report to a. future meeting. II

WELSH TEMPERANCE PARTY MANIFESTO TO THE ELECTORS: SERIES OF DEMANDS. A conference of representatives of the religious communities and temperance orga- nisations of Wales aDd Monmouthshire was held at Shrewsbury on Tuesday to consider the steps they should take in connection with temperance reform in view of the general election. The conference v.a^ made up of a. consultative committee consisting of two representatives from each of the Welsh Nonconformist denominations and the Estaq. lished Church in the PrincipaJity and the same number from eaca national or pro- vincial temperance organisation. The Rev. Tertius Phillips, United Kingdom Alliance representative, Cardiff, presided, and the attendance included the Bev. W. A. Edwards, rector of Llangan, representing the Church of England, Ac. A telegTam was read from Mr. Hugh Edwards, Liverpool'Regret cannot be present. Make manifesto decisive. After considerable discussion a manifesto was adopted to be sent out to the whole of the electors of Wales. The manifesto stated — "Tàe task of reversing the retrograde pro- visions of the Licensing Act of 1904 must cer- tainly be undertaken at an early date. Can- didates should also be requested to endeavour to secure the passing of the Welsh Sunday Clcaing Bill (including Monmouthshire), a measure framed in accordance with the unanimous recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1388 and the Licensing Act of 13S7, and which has behind it the support of the two political parties and, as we 1 believe, the general concurrence of our! countrymen. Candidates should be pressed I to offer a most determined opposition to a.ny proposal involving the ni u ri c i palis at ion or public management of the liquor traffic. "Candidates should be urged to strenuously support such reforms as Sunday Closing for England, late opening and early I closing, closing of public houses on ele-obion days, reduction of licences, proii;. on of the sa-lo of liquor by barmaids, prohibition of the serving of in- toxicants to children, placing clubs under the full control of the licensing authority and police supervision, abolition of srrocera' licences, and the restriction of premises to the purpose for which they were Qcensed. No settlement of the liquor question can be- complete which does not recognise the right of every locality to control the issue of all licences for the sale of intoxicaitLng liquors. The advanced staite of temperance reform in tihe Principality and the with moral senti- ment which prevtaila therein constitute an imperative demand tha.t all candidates who ( are members of the legal profession should abstain from accepting briefs either for the preservation or the extension of the liquor traffic. "FinaJly, wo make a strong appeal to fellow-electors to re-affirm at the polls, as a minimum, the demand for (1) tho reversal of the Licensing Act of 1904. (2) Local Veto, especially for Wales, and (3) the amendment of the Welsh Sunday Closing Aot and the extension of that Act to the county of Mon- mouth."

LLANELLY HARBOUR TRUST RATEPAYERS TO BE CONSULTED AS TO A PURCHASE. Mr. J. S. Tregoning, jun., J.P., pre- sided at the monthly meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Trust on Monday, when the ques- tion of the purchase of a tug for pilotage purposes was further considered. The Chairman pointed out that it would be necessary to have the consent of the rate- payers before they could purchase any tuj. This was in consequence of a pledge given at the public meeting by Mr. Wilkins. the then chairman, that no capital expense would be incurred without consulting the ratepayers. It was decided to call the ratepayers together en the first Friday in January.— Discussion arose on the allocation of a sum of £24,00) which is to be spent in harbour improvement works, and it was decided that the harbour improvement committee should be called together the first week in January. Mr. D. R. Edmunds drew attention to Lhe decision of the trust to pay Mr. David Ra.ndell the sum of £360 13s. 7d., balance of his costs. The understanding was tha.t Mr. Rand-sll should also give aJI documents in his pos- session that belonged to the trust. The Clerk said that was so, and Mr. Randell ba. already sent him the original draft of the arbitration award. The l2,w committee were instructed to eee if there were any other documents which had not been handed over. A letter was read from Mr. C. F. Spencer, Halifax, offering a.ny sum up to £500,ØOQ for the purposes of raising stock. Nothing was done in this J»att«r,

GLAMORGAN ASSIZES. I ACTION AGAINST CARDIFF RAILWAY COMPANY. For the third day Mr. Justice A. T. Lawrence (without a jury) heard the claim at Glamorgan Assizes for £ 3,000 damages made by the Hill Steamship Company against the Cardiff Railway Company. The case had been previously hoo-rd before a jury, but no decision had been arrived at. Mr. Abel Thomas, K.C., and Mr. C. Y. Bail,hache appeared for the plaintiffs (in- structed by Messrs. Rawle, Johnstone, and Co., London, agents for Messrs. Hill, Dickin- son, and Co., Liverpool), and Mr. B. Francis- Williams, K.C., Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., and Mr. Trevor Lewis for the defendants (in- structed by Mr. J. S. Corbett, Cardiff). The plaintiffs claimed the damages in respect of alleged neglect on the part of the defendants' servants on November 19, 1904, when the steamship Hillgrove, belong- ing to the plaintiff company, was leaving the Roath Basin. The defendants denied any negligence on the part of their servants, and alleged con- tributory negligen.ee on the part of the plaintiffs' servants, A counter-claim for z635 for damage to the pier-iiead was entered. His Lordship, in giving judgment, said that the plaintiffs laboured under the disadvantage of having in the former trial limited their case to the effect upon the sluices, together with the four inches of water in the junction lock. That part affecting the sluices had been abandoned by the learned counsel for the plaintiffs. It had been made abundantly clear that upon tha.t occasion the sluices ha.d been not only opened, but opened to lot the water run out for more than hali-an-hour beforo the ship started, consequently the waiter remained in a quasi stagnant condition. His Lordship commented on the fact that the principal scientific witness for the plaintiffs, fuptain Nowell, had not abandoned it. Mr. Fowler, whom his lordship referred to as purporting to be a scientific gentleman," and who gave himself airs" in the box, had not convinced him that a lesser force could overcome a greater. That was treating the judge rather contemptuously. A child would not give credence to such a theory. There was not the least foundation for the theory that the steerage of the vessel was affected by the four inches of water from the look. He thought that the cause of the ship's going into the pier-head was probably plain on the evidence of the plaintiffs' witnesses, that they kept the ship on the port helm too long, and when they did put on the starboard helm, they at first gave her only a. touch. Then the pilot came to the conclusion that he dare not go on with the starboard helm, and dropped anchor. It was then too late. His lordship dismissed the claim, adding that the oounter-claim followed from that. ACTION AGAINST AN ABERGAVENNY SOLICITOR. An action was brought by Mrs. Esther Joan Henry, wife of James Henry, of the Hafod Inu, Blackrock, Clydach, against Reginald Lawrence Baker, solicitor, Aberga, venny. The plaintiff asked for a declaration stating that she had been on and before June 8, 1905, the ownes" of certain freehold cottages in Merthyr-road, Abergavenny, by virtue of an equity of redemption from Thomas Jones, and for an injunction to restrain the defendant from continuing in possession and collecting the rente of the property in question. For the defence it was started that the defendant recovered judgment against the said Thomas Jones in 1903, which judgment was still in force. On Ma.y 22, 1905, a wria of elegit was registered in respect of this judgment, aù under this writ th" executor of the defendant was put into possession of the cottages, and subsequently received the rents. Mr. John Sankey and the Hon. R. Bailey (instructed by Messrs. J. G. Powell and Hughes, Brynmawr) appeared for the plain- tiff, and Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., end Mr. Hill Kelly (instructed by Mr. J. R. Jacob, Abergavenny) for the defendant. Judgment was riven for defendant, with costs. ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH A MARDY CLUB. The last case at the assises was heard in the afternoon, with the action brought by Messrs. D. and T. Jenkins (Limited), brewers, Pontyclun, against William Corcoran, Oxford-street, Mardy, William Morgans, Wood-street, Mardy, and George Peel, Fountain-street, Fern dale. Plaintiffs claimed JE101 4s., value of two bills of sale with interest, the bills on presentation having been dishonoured. The defence put forward was that the bills were accepted by defendants as trustees of the Mardy Working Men's Brass Band Institute as security to plaintiffs for goods supplied to the institute, and that the debt of £ 98 16s., for which the bills were given as security, had since been paid by the institute, there being, defendants contended, an understanding that if the institute re-opened and continued to deal with plaintiffs, the first payments made by the institute should be appropriated to the liquidation of the debt of je98 16s. The institute did re-open, and continued to deal with plaintiffs, and defendants alleged that payments were thereafter made which more than covered the amotHtt of the debt. Mr. John Sankey (instructed by Me&>rs. Gwyn and Gwyn. Cowbridge) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., and Mr. Benson for the defendants (instructed by Messrs. Wa.lter Morgan, Bruce, and Nicholas, Pontypridd). Evidence was firsit called on behalf of the defendants, and it transpired that in conse- quence of a decision of the magistrates the club was closed up for three months, and that the defendants were committee men previous to this. Mr. Thomas Jenkins, of the plaintiff firm, denied that there was any arrangement of the kind stated by the defendants, who were told they could pay off the old debt by instal- ments out of the profits made after the club was re-sta rtad. None of these instalment.s had been paid. Cross-examined by MT. S. T. Evans, witneea admitted that the debt and the current aeoount haid been kept under the same aooount in the firm's books. His Lordship gave judgment for the defen- dants, with costs. With this case the assizes, which had been in progress for over a month, came to a con- clusion. A

ABERYSTWYTH COUNCIL. Polling to fill a casual vacancy on the Aberystwyth Town Council took plaoe on Saturday. Four candidates had been nomi- nated, two of whom withdrew. The result 'was J. Barclay Jenkins 427 William Green, Foundry 155 Mr. Jenkins is a Liberal. Mr. Greon did not contest the seat, but his withdrawal paper had not been handed in in time.

INSURANCE CLAIM ALLEGEDATTEMPTEDFRAUD AT CADOXTON. At Barry on Mor^iay JoSm Dan do, a painter, of Main-st^-et, Cadoxton, was charged on remand* with attempting to defraud the London, Edinburgh, and Glas- gow Insurance CompanJ. Mr. J. A. Hughes, solicitor, Barry, appea^d for the prosecu- tion, and Mr. E. W. Poo^it, solicitor, Cardiff, defended. It was stated in evidence at the previous hearings that the defendant took out a policy with the company in May last for JE500 in case of death, and C50 for accident. In July a claim was presented to the company by defendant, in which he alleged that he received a rupture whilst removing a sign at 20, Cross-street, Barry Dock, on the 14th of that month, and that a man named H. Rogers witnessed the accident. Rogers was now present, and gave evidence of a remarkable character. lie said about twelve months ago he spoke to Dando with regard to the removal of a sign from the rear to the front of his premises, but this work had never been done. In August wit- ness met defendant, who complained that he had met with an accident by falling from a ladder, and had a made a claim against an insurance company for compensation. Witness romark-ed that if Dando was insured he should make the company pay for it. Dando also told witness that "he was per- ma.nenit.ly in jured, and would not accept £ 12, which had been offered to him in settlement of the claim. "Witness furtfner remarked that defendant informed him that he had told the company the accident happened at 20, Cross- street, and had sent his (Rogers') name as witness. On hearing this Rogers said he was very much annoyed. It was a, very serious thing to do, especially without his consent. Rogers informed Dando that, should any of the company's official's call upon him, he would tell them the truth, that he had never seen the accident. To this defendant replied: "I hope yon will stand by m'e. If it's money you want, I will give you £ 10." This, Rogers said, -he refused, and a,d,d,ed that Dando told him he had sent a. let-ter to his solicitor to be signed by Rogers. Witness admitted, in reply to Mr. Pocock, that the accident could have happened at 20, Cross-street, when he was not there. Mr. Pooock: I think you helped Dando gene. railly in the matter, and drafted several letters? Witness: Yes. Dando pflea-ded -Not guilty," a.nd was oom- mitted to take his trial at the quarter sessions. Bail was allowed, dfefendtajit im JE20 and two reties of JE10 OOJOh. or one of JE20.

UNIVERSITY OF WALES PETITION TO THE KING FOR EXTENDED POWERS. The "London Gazette" oi Friday night contains the following^- PRIVY COUNCIL OM-TCE, December 11. "Notice is hereby given that a petition has been presented to his Majesty in Council by the University of Wales praying for the grant of a supplemental charter by which the university shall be empowered to declare any public educational institution in Wales, duly equipped fOT research, study, and instruction in the several branches of tcoh- nioal or applied science to be a college affi- liated to the university; to admit members of its Guild of Graduates to degrees in recognition of original research carried out by them, and to establish a faculty or faculties of medicine and surgery; and that, his Majesty having referred the saiid peti- tion to a Committee of the Lords of the Council, the same will be taken into con- sideration by their lordships on the 19th day of January, 1906." The effect of the newly-oc-ught powers would be threefold—(1) Every public educa- tional institution in Wales duly equipped fcr researcl^in science may be affiliated to the university, which would have the power of determining whether the college making the application is properly equipped or not; (2) the members of the University Giriia of Graduates would be able to obtain degrees in the university in recognition of original research carried out by them; and (3) the university would have power to oonfer degrees in medicine and surgery. It will be remembered that the Sti-a-sa Technical College has petitioned for a,fii.1ia,. tion with the university. MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE IN LONDON. A meeting1 of the executive of the Univer- sity of Wales was held in London on Friday, when Sir Isambard Owen presided, and those present inolnd-ed:—Sir Marchant Williams, Principal E. H. Griffiths, Principal Reichel, Principal Roberta, Professor Atnwý-l, Mr. Tom John, and Mr. Ivor James. A number of routine matters were dealt with, and a s<Stemo of duties of the registmar of the university was ooneidar-ed for submission to the Court of Governors. A meeting of principals of colleges was held at King's College, London, on Friday aifternoon to consider Circular 530, issued by the Boan-d of Education. It was decided that a deputation should be appointed to "wait upon the board with reference t'» the admission of teachers to the university day training courses. Principal E. H. Griffiths was amongst those present.

MILFORD SEA FISHERIES THE SEASON'S TRAWLING VERY SATISFACTORY. In his report Mr. William Thomas, chief fishery officer to the iliiford Haven Sea Fisheries Committee, staes: The year noif drawing to a close has been the most satis- factory one in local and general fishing since the Milford Haven 800. fishery bye-laws came into operation within the district of the counties of Pembroke and Carmarthen. Many of the steam trawlers have grossed this year upwards of £6,000, others £ 3,000 and over in six months. Four thousand pounds used to be considered very good for a twelve months' gross earnings, and' the > Large fleets of si earn and sailin g drifters making Milford their headquarters during the last maokerel-fiEhixig Reason, proved so sa-tiefa-ctory that a much number are expected for the next sea.son. The foundation of a new line of Castle boats, locally owned, and with the probability of expanding into a big>s business, and the pur- chasing by local people of sailing trawlers, chasing by local people of sailing trawlers, and with a new industry of sailing trawler building in the Haven, promises well for the J future of Å'beroo,ugleddyf.'

SECOND GREAT ART DRAWING. 1st Prize value 2nd Prize Srd Prize AND 1,000 OR MOBS OTHER PRIZES j The recent Art Drawing for Mr. Lucas's Picture, "Memories." Prizes having proved so popular, the of the National Art Union have d to hold another Drawing, which. Vi t place on January 24th, 1906.ø So that th» winners of 1st, "gject" 3rd Prizes may have an opportunity of ling Works of Art to suit thair own partly taste, the Council of the National Art have decided to allot or distribute the f ing sums of money to be expend?^ Council in tha purchase of PaintiagS' ings, and other Worka cf Art, to ha sc* ft by the winners. The Works of Art chosen from tha exhibits at THE ROYAL ACADEMY, THE SOUTH WALES ART 8OC EXHIBITION, | or one oi the other Public Exhibition*- i,, Peiisoaa wishing to Lil, < ins must «send in one or more of the C'Of tilo which will be found in eaoh iesue ffli "Western Mail," "Evening Exp RE83'. ,HIOS "Weekly Mail," published up to and December 30, together with two stamps in respect of Coupon to V0 stfibmpa must aot be gummw w Coupon. ot Ea.ch reader may send in any na Zgofflf Coupons, but every Coupon must be 0 I panied by two halfpenny stamps, or gffA postal order where several Coupons ,ii The Coupons may be cut from any jf issue* of the three papers named. no occasion to send in a aomplete ^0 The Coupons must be forwarded National Art Union, Western Mail-chain"^ Cardiff, on OT before 10th JANUAJJY, Readers resident abroad ehould d«sV j their Coupons one month before a* the Drawing. The Prises are as follows:— 1st— £ 100, to be expended in the of Paintings, Drawings, or other « of Art. r Snd— £ 30 ditto ditto 3rd— £ 20 ditto ditto 1,000 or more other Prizes, consist^6 re-productions of well-known Pictures\ famous English Artists, will also be 91 The conditions a.re as follows:— !ØSI 1. In every ie-sue from tho 4th September until December will appear on Pate 2 of tba y 0 Mail," Evening Express," *ad Weekly A.rt Union Coupon. 2. Each reidar forwarding a Coupon, togetliM. A.rt Union Coupon. 2. Each reidar forwarding a Coupon, togetliM. Two Halfpenny .stamps, to the National Art Western Mail-chi|nbers, Cardiff, will Uscooa a 0n» of tho National Art. Union, and be entitled char.ce in the Grand Pri;:« Drawing,- which W"1 ..<j< place on 24th January, 1S06. The Stamps MtJST- p BE GUMMED to the Coupon. A reader may oSl it any number of Coupons provided that each co^oSt»i accompanied by Two Haiipeuny Stamps or » Orddr. ft# 3. The prize-winners will be notified on or tKtoi° February, 190P, and the list of names and a \T{eri> may be inspected at the Art Union Office?, "J" iJ, Mail-chambers, Cardi'ff, and at thsir Head Lancaster-place, Strand, W.C., or will be upon application accompanied by One Penny ,Jd» 4. In addition to the Three Prizes already n-«Et' oco prize, consisting of a re-production of a V work of art, will be given in every 50 Coupons. Will 5. When the Conrons are received each be numbered, and these numbers will be publicly nCt from a iarge Ballot Wheel for Prizes in the gt of t!'o M rii 'ing Committee (approved by the Trade) and tha members at the General MeetinS Natioa-.u Art Union on ths 2*th day January, (pj* e. All Coupons must be forwardfcd on or January 10th, 13QS, and if members ro desiro tbe. be raved ui til that time and forwarded in one b* Competitors who send in Bix or Coupons at one time may remit Postal 0" instead of stamps. Coupons may be oS° singly or in a batch, as the Competitors moat convenient. WO FLUMMERY. No Bought or Manufactured miPr YOU UBAD I <5 LEG With Wounds that discharge cr otherwise, Per^g0 rounded with inflammation and swollen, that wD press your finger on the inflamed p.»rt it leaves tiisi ^jjj sion ? If so, under the skin you have poison that ut: the remedies you have tried, which, if not estrfcleJe»?^ Haver can recover, bat go on suffering till death r you. Perhaps your knees are swollen, the j'?1?The ulcerated, the same with the ankles, round which may be discoloured, or there may be wounds; the ci ,^1#! if aHowed to continue, will deprive you of the You may have attended various hospitals aiid ka<j^jse^ t advice and been told your case is hopeless, or a" otJ. } submit to amputation; but do not, for I can cure > don't say perhaps, but I will. Because others ca ,ef it is no reason I should. Send at once a Postal U ss. 6d. to B. C. ALBERT, 73, Farririgdon Street, and you will receive a box of GMSSHSra MNTMEHi and PillS; which is a certain remedy for the cure °0c'^| Legs, Housemaid's Knee, Ulcerated Joints, W1.! jy" Poisoned Hands, and Bunions. (Copyright.) Chemists and Stores. tk j|j THE VERY BEST FOOD FOR BABIES g r^^P,T°:Vl MONTHS OLD) jSa -xr.. To BE USED WITH M [!-K- s< All A STBIKIMG testimonial ON V.H.S. FROM A LAUNDRESS. ..d 40, Belle Vue-Road, St. George's, Bristol. Messrs. Vinolia Co., Ltd., London, Dear Sirs, I have much pleasure in writing these few lines as a testimonial to V.H.S." (Vinolia Household Soap). I have been a Laundress for nearly 30 years, and during that time I have used various kinds of Soap and suffered very much with my hands, having to attend Doctors for advice. I was told to try V.H.S. and since using it am very pleased to say that I have not had any trouble with my hands at all, and can do my washing without pain. I tell all my friends about it. 1 remain, Yours truly, (Mrs.) E. CLARK. MRS. B. 0LABK (A Laundress with nearly 30 years' experience 01 NOTE.-V.H.S. is a good Household Soap. It does not "bite". the hands or "rot" the Clothes. The "V.H.S" Gift Scheme is the most liberal in existence. We are prepared tO spend J61,000,000 in Gifts, VINOLIA CO LTDi SAVE YOUR WRAPPERS. V