Weekly Mail

LABOUR & POLITICS. GARW MINERS AND MID- GLAMORGAN. ) At a meeting of the Garw District Miners' f Association at Bryninenin on Monday there was a lengthy discussion with regard to the running of a Labour candidate in Mid- Glamorgan, in opposition to Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., M.P. A delegate called attention to the report which had appeared in the press that the Federation Executive had decided not to call, a. conference to oonsider the advisability of running such a candidate in the constituency, it was not their custom to do so where the sitting member of Parliament accepted the political programme of the Federation. He did not think the executive had any option as to the calling of a conference, as the Federationiste in the constituency had decided in favour of a Labour candidate by means of a ballot. The miners had been pay- ing a Parliamentary levy for a very long time; but what was the use of doing so if they were not going to have a Labour candidate when they demanded one? It was quite evi- dent that the executive meant to ignore the decision of the miners in the con- stituency, a.nd all the trouble in taking a ballot went for nought. It wag not the busi- I ness of the executive to decide whether a can- didate should be run or not. It was their duty to call a conference and let the workers decide for themselves. The miners of South Wales and Monmouthshire had spent money in Parliamentary levies to run ten candi- dates for Parliament, but, as a martter of fact, only four were being brought out. It was a very unfair decision, and the miners should bring the executive to book for it. He declared that the decision had been arrived hot after an intimation from Mr, Thomas Richards, M.P., that he was about to convene a conference. The chief complaint against Mr. S. T. Evans was that he was not regular in attendance at the House of Com- mons, and that w.as sufficient reason why & Labour candidate should be brought forward. The a/gent (Alderman John Thomas) said he was not present at the meeting of the execu. tive, but he fully agreed with the decision of the executive as to the inadvisability of bringing a Labour candidate forward, believ- ing that the constituency was not ripe. He thought at the sa.me time that the executive should have convened a conference, though he knew full well what the result would be. Mr. S. T. Evans' recent visit to the con- stituency confirmed him, in hie opinion, that the time was not ripe. Another delegate said it was ridiculous to expect the miners to pay their Parliamentary levies if their washes in regard to Labour candidates were not going to be put into effect. The majority of the miners in Mid- Glamorgan had definitely decided that a Federation candidate should be brought for- ward, and why should that decision be ignored? Another delegate sand he would not be prepared to pay Parliamentary levies in future should a. candidate not be brought forward. The delegate who introduced the matter moved a vote of censura on the executive, but eventually withdrew it. The district secretary was Instructed to write Mr. T. Richards demanding a.n explana- tion of the decision. A delegate from one of the lodges in South Glamorgan spoke in strong terms with regard to the proposal to run a candidate in Brecon- shire in opposition to Mr. Sidney Robinson, who, he said, was fully irn sympathy with Labour ideals. He felt sure that if suoh a. Labour candidate were brought forward it would mean the defeat of Mr. Brace at the poll in South Glamorgan, as it would lead to the Iocs of the support of several prominent Liberals. The agent said that the Federation had been snubbed so far as Breconehire was concerned. No action was taken in the matter. DISSATISFACTION AT MAESTBG. At a. meeting of the Maesteg District of Miners on Monday the question of the Parlia- mentary representation of Mid-Glamorgan was discussed. Great dissatisfaction was shown with the resolution pessed by the executive meeting held in Cardiff last Friday, and it was asserted that they should have granted the local district the conference whioh they had applied for, in order to con- sider the advisability of selecting a. Labour candidate. The meeting decided to form a Labour gronp, comprising the various districts in the constituency, and join the Labour Repre- sentation Committee. It is feared that the decision of the executive will cause some troupe with regard to the Parlia- mentary 117.

MINERS' CAMPAIGN FUND QUESTIONS ABOUT MESSRS. KEIR HARDIE AND WIN STONE. At the monthly meeting of the Rhondda District of Miners the question was asked what right the executive oouncil had to financially support Mr. Keir Bardie and Mr. J. Winstone, seeing that they did not come out under the Parliamentary scheme of the Federation. Mr. D. Watts Morgan, in reply, stated that no financial support had been given by the Federation to Mr. Keir Hardie. In the case of Mr. Winstone, Mr. Morgan said that that gentleman was a Labour mam, who was supported by the Newport Trades and Labour Council, and as there was a chajice of his being returned if the return- ing officer's fees were guaranteed the execu- tive felt justified in giving financial support out of the surplus money which they had in hand, for Mr. Winstone, if returned, would mean an additional strength to the I. our party in pressing forward reforms ilL the interests of the workers of the South Wales ocalfield.

MERTHYR BOROUGHS MINERS' MEETING TALKS OF RETALIATION. The paragraph in Monday's "Western Mail" as to the rumour that Mr. Radcliffe, ship- owner, of Cardiff, waa likely to contest the I Marthyr Boroughs as a Liberal was con. ejtdered at great length at the meeting of the Aberdare branch of the Miners' Federation of South Wales on Monday, and the following resolution was adopted:— That this meeting deprecates the attempt now being made to force upon this con- stituency a second Liberal member, ^nd that if the present representation is A be disturbed by the Liberal party, immediate steps be taken to force the legitimate claims of the Miners' Federation to a second Labour candidate for this constituency.

LOADING OF FOREIGN SHIPS TO BE PLACED ON THE SAME FOOTING AS THE BRITISH. On Monday an Act oome into opera- taon which will extend the liability of a British, shipowner for injuries to workmen on hie vessel to foreign ships in British ports. At the present time, if an accident occurs on a foreign vessel lying at port in this country, and a workman is injured through the negligence of the master, the vessel may simply saal away, and the injured man cannot recover a farthing. With the ocmjtog of the New Year, that ootHiition. of P1'cneB -will cease, and the foreiea eihip --ill be Placed on the same footing as the British. This Act is the first step towards the •ooappJaatameirt of a large scheme for Wacmg foreign ships in British ports under regulations 88 are applied to Brrtiah vessels. The Shipowners' Negli- gence (Remedies) Act, as it is called, was pa^ed session, on the initiative of the workmen; the wider scheme is put forward by the lpow7ierg, who have for years bitterly complained of the injustice of having to submit to regulations of which their competitors flying a foreign flag need «t»it There is no disposition to fight against the regulations in themselves, i13 ^Ply that they should SE ri™H,to,ra<i 10 «• -hMrtw »1 other night, M tie subject wiich ti1 importance to jie airnoimoed ^htr^^rtPrad^ intended to introduce fv « session, cf Parliament for the purpose of ensuring t of the liv&) cf those on foreign shape ustog British ports. Precisely what the tenas of that Bill will be is not like y to be till its intro- duction but the late Govert^^t appointed a Select Committee to conS! the whoi« question in two successive v«ars which issued its report late in the la^ ^on, and it mar assumed that the tions of that committee will for^^e basis of the Bill. A brief summary of the pro- posals of the Select Committee wiij yearly show what the grievance is of which ship- owners Tne proposals (1) That the Government be emp^^j to apply by Order in Council in the w8 of the United Kingdom the British rules as to leadline to foreign ships; but that efforts also be made to arrafige for the a*> ti<m of an international loadline. (2) That foreign ships in British bort,s should be subject to the same liability t detention on the ground of unseawotQ^i ness ae British vessels. (3) That foreign vessels bringing grain to the United Kingdom should be required to observe the B&1n-e precautions as to the shifting of the cargo as British ehips. (4) That the Government be empowered to apply by Order in Council tc foreign ships trading with British porta, the aame rules as to the provision of lrt^saving appliances as are applicable to British ships. This report -was generally accepted by J ibiDowMxs 3* satisfactory.

MACHEN SENSATION. CHARGE OF ATTEMPTED I [ MURDER. i At Newport County Police-court on Saturday (before Oolonel Wallis and five other magis- trates) the charge against David Josiah Evans, quarryman, late of Machen, of wounding with intent to murder Evan Bowen and Sarah Jane Evans, his sister, was fully investigated. vj It will be remembered that the district of i. Machen was shocked early in October last by news of an alleged terrible assault with j, a razor committed on Evan Bowen, a. wood- man, living at Upper Maindy Cottage, Machen-road, and also on Sarah Jane Evans, his housekeeper, and that prisoner, who waa brother to Miss Evans, afterwards slipped j away from the locality, remaining at large until a few days ago, when he surrendered to the Neath police. The prisoner is a superior-looking young fellow, and his sister, who was the first wit- ness called, spoke with considerable emotion. She detailed how her brother had become addicted to drink, and how she had endeavoured to break him of the habit by telling him that he woull have to find lodgings elsewhere. When prisoner returned home at six o'clock on the eveniiiig of October 4, she noticed that he had not his dinner frail with him, indicating that he had not been at work, a.nd remonstrated with him. He gave her a bad word, and then went to the kitchen, where he got a razor from the drawer where it was kept. She fol- [; lowed him, and he seized her by the hair, which came down. Mr. Bowen then came into the room, and prisoner turned upon him, flourished the weapon, and cut him over the head. She attempted to protect the old man by putting her arms over his shoulder. John Edmonds, a neighbour, was also in the house, and repeatedly said to prisoner, "Don't be foolish." Prisoner replied, "I will kill you, John Edmonds; I will kill you aU." Witness then, at Bowem's instigation, took hold of prisoner's legs, and prisoner was got down on the ground. Afterwards she found she was cut on the arm, and that 1 her hands were smothered with blood. She directed Edmonds to go for help to the nearest house (Panteg Farm), and set a.bont removing the knives laid for tea, which were on the table. She was afraid her brother would do further mischief, although he seemed to be less furious and dazed. She went into the cart shed, and whilst there heard the prisoner come out through the front gate muttering to himself, and threatening that he would kill them all. Prisoner then returned to the house and fastened himself in. Mr. Daviee and two men came from Panteg Farm, and she begged Mr. Davies to send for a doctor, as Bowen was bleeding so badly from the head and face. Afterwards, she heard prisoner breaking the windows in the house, but she went off to Panteg Farm with Bowen. She found at Panteg Farm that she had a cut on the elbow of the right arm. and another cut on the inside of the left arm. They were Mending. Dr. Barnard afterwards attended her, and she was three weeks under his caire. Prisoner absconded at the time, and she had not seen him again until that day. Evan Bowen, completely recovered, also gave evidence, detailing wfhet happened, but, being deaf, witness did not hear What con- versation passed. He saw prisoner go to the 'o" drawer where four razors were kept, and afterwards take hold of his sister's hair. Witness, becoming frightened, went to the sister's help, got hold of Evans, wrestled and got her away, and called Edmonds to help him, as prisoner was threatening to kill him. The Magistrates' -clerk: Bad be any o&um to want to kill you? Bowen: Not as I do know of. Have you ever heard of any spite or malice towards you?—No; when I called "Murder" I found the blood coming from my eye, and I thought it was from a scratch from his finger-nail. I think I was out on the head at the first struggle. I felt myself getting weak, and called to Edmonds to help to get prisoner down on the ground, but it was a tight job. Afterwards we went to the cthrt shed. The Magistmtes-rlerk: Why did you stay there?—Because we were afraid. Prisoner came out of the house in a. terrible way, exclaiming, I'll kill you all." By Superintendent Porter: I have told him for his own good to leave the drink alone. Did you have words, or give him good advice?—I gave him good advice many times. But did you quarrel?—No, no quarrel. John Edmonds, labourer, Draythen Bridge, Glamorgan, rel.ated how he called on the 4th of October to see Bowen and the part he took in the struggle which arose after prisoner came in. Witness thought prisoner was aiming to kill his sister when he took her round the neck, but witness eaw nothing in his hand. Witness said, J'Davy, don't be foolish." Prisoner replied, "I will kill you, John .Edmonds, and kill you all." They were all in -tihe tussle together, which occurred by lamplight, and he saw blood on Bowen's face before he went to Panteg Farm for help. Witness himself was cut slightly behind the left ear. By the Bench: He knew that injury was going to be done because prisoner threatened to kill them all, a.nd he felt the out on the back of his ear. He did not, however, see the razor. He helped to pull the prisoner down by getting hold of his legs. Prisoner was looking wild that evening, and had some drink in him. Police-sergeant Ta.ylor, Bisea, produced the cut and blood-stained clothing worn by Bowen and Miss Evans, and described the condition of the cottage floor. Dr. Barnard described the wounds, three on Bowen amd two on Miss Evans, and said they were dangerous, but bad healed quickly. Prisoner, who followed the evidence closely, 1 had no questions to ask. He was committed for trial on a charge Of 1 wounding, with intent to murder Bowen and 1 Evans. ]

WANTON SLAUGHTER TWO CASES AT LLANDAFF POLICE- ] COURT. j 1 A man named Edward E. Thomas, of 68, dive-road, Canton, was charged at Llandaft Police-court on Monday with killing a J sheep, value £2. belonging to Mr. T. G. Cart- < wright, at Fair water, on December 17. Police-constable Dyer stated that be received information of the slaying of the sheep, and later in the day met the prisoner, who said to him, "Something tells me I killed a pony or a sheep last night." Another witness said that the sheep's throat was cut with a. knife, and the animal had bled to death Prisoner was sent to gaol for a month. A lad, named Herbert Nelson, was sum- moned for exploding an air-gun on the high- I way at Fairwater-grove on Christmas Day. I Defendant said he was shooting at birds in 11 the trees.. Dr. Taylor asked him what he was going to do with the birds when he had got them. Defendant: I don't know, sir. Dr. Taylor: Then it was cruel, wanton maa- 4 dhief, not sport. Fined 5s. and ooets.

4 LATE MR. J. M. GRIFFITHS .1 MEMORIAL TABLET UNVEILED AT TENBY. At a meeting held in the Tenby Oomgrega- tionaJ. Chapel early last eununer it was decided to comntemora-te the life of the late Mr. John Morgan Griffiths, of Penally Court, by placing a suita-ble memorial in the little Congregational Chapel at Penally, which owed its foundation mainly to his efforts. A committee was formed, with Mr. William Cocker, of Tenby, as its honorary secretary. and subscriptions were invited. The memorial took the form of a tablet and a harmonium, and the inauguration ceremony took place on Monday. The late Mr. Griffiths was widely known throughout Wales as an agri- culturist and through his membership of the Welsh Land Commission, but the memorial is chiefly commemorative of his services to the cause of religion, especially in connec- tion with the Congregational c-ause in Pen. ally. The unveiling of the tablet was per. formed by Mr. Frederick Craven, J.P., of Bradford, who paid an eloquent tribute to the life of Mr. Griffiths. After the unveiling ceremony the new harmonium was opened by Mr. Bichard Williams, L.B.A.M.

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THE ALIENS ACT. IMMIGRANTS REJECTED AND SENT BACK. The Aliens Board met on Monday afternoon at Grimsby, and dealt with 22 immigrants held over from that morning, who had come by the steamer City of Bradford from Ham- burg. They decided to allow fifteen to pro- ceed because, although they had insufficient money, they were fleeing from the Russian upheaval, and because this was the first operation of the Act. One of the men, it was started, had been turned out of his home in Odessa and forced to take to flight. The seven rejected were all single men, labourers, who had come purely on speculation. The immigrants included a deserter from the Russian Army, who expected to be shot if sent back, and. consequently, the board took the humane view of his case. The rejected will return to Hamburg in the next boat. The emigrant ship Beiber arrived at Hull on Monday from Bremen with sixty emi- grants, fourteen of whom were transmigrants en route to America.. They all met the requirements of the new Act, and were passed by the medical and emigration officers. The steamer Paris, from Dieppe, landed at Newhaven thirteen aliens, who were all able to satisfy the requirements of the immigrant officer, a.nd were allowed to pro- ceed. The majority of them were to stay in the United Kingdom. On Sunday 35 Chinamen passed through Newhaven from Dieppe en route to London to join a ship. A Dover telegram states that Oil the arrival of the early morning boat from Calais on Monday seven immi gramts were detained for inspection under the Aliens Act. They ful- filled all the necessary requirements, a.nd were allowed to proceed later. Thirteen aliens were landed at Dover on Tuesday morning from the Ostend and Calais boats, and, after being medically examined, and conforming with other orders, they were allowed to proceed by train. A number of passengers on board the steamrihip SpeaSber, from Bremen, were detained on arrival at the St. Catherine's Dock under the Aliens Act. They were prin- cipally Russian refugees and Polish Jews. Appeals were lodged in every case. SHIPWRECKED CREWS AND THE ACT. A carious point in connection with the new Aliens Act aroee at Southampton on Tuesday, when the shipwrecked crew of the American trading barque Edward L. Mayberry attempted to land from the South-western steaoner Ella, but were prevented on the ground that they were destitute alien immi- grants. Colonel 8walm, the United States Consul at Southampton, was appealed to, and as a solution of the contretemps filed a band on behalf of the crew, by which he became per- sonally responsible for them while they remained in thiø country. The oolonel is arranging for the transporta- tion of the crew to New York by the American liner St. Paul, which leaves Southampton on Saturday next. Meanwhile the crew are being lodged at the expense of the United States Government. During the voyage from the Mississippi to New York the Edward L. Mayberry sprang a leak, and became water- logged. The crew were taken off by the British vessel Statia, and landed at Havre, whence they were brought to Southampton. NO TROUBLE EXPECTED AT OAR- DIFF. The New Aliens Act is not expected to give very heavy employment to the officers ap- pointed to carry out its provisions at Car- diff. The arrival of aliens in parties of more than twelve is very infrequent, and in the majority of instances the Act would not apply, except that it would be necessary for the officers to see that the provisions are not infringed. For instance, recently a party of eighteen foreign sailors arrived to proceed to Newport to take over a. vessel recently purchased In SUM a case, beyond satisfying themselves as to the purpose of the arrival of the men, the immigration officials would have nothing to do. The French onion-sellers when they arrive have both money and goods to sell, so that, they are al30 outside the Act. A Spanish steamer from Bilbao landed two aliens on Tuesday, but as the authorities have no power to deal with immigrants cum- bering fewer than twelve on any particular ship, the foreigners were not detained. Par- ticulars concerning them were obtained by the Csatoznfl officials for the Home Office.

«THE HANDCUFF KING." A NEW CAREER FOR A NEWPORT BOY. The lad Godfrey Stuart Barber, aged six- teen, who at Newport a week ago described himself as "a handcuff king," was brought before the bench on Friday on remand eha-rged with stealing two pairs of boots from 7, Dsk-street, and a bicycle from the Con- stance-street Mission-room. He was remanded for the purpose of seeing whether a home could be found for him, so as to avoid his being convicted and sent to prison. The boy now appeared, looking very neat and tidy, and the Rev. A. J. Jenkins, pastor of Caerleon-road Presbyterian Church, who had taken an interest in him, explained that he had found the boy a home, where he had been taken care of on remand, thanks to the kind offer made from the bench by Mr. C. H. Bailey. He wrote to the commanding officers of the troops at Newport, Bristol, Brecon, a.nd Cardiff, but they replied that they had no vacancies for boys. The boy's father had been a soldier, and so aJao had a brother and other relatives, some of whom had died whilst on active servioe, and when this was pointed out he received a letter from Lieutenant and Adjutant Orford, at Newport Barracks, saying that the boy would be received there and made use of until a. vacancy occurred. Mr. C. H. Bailey, J.P., said he was very happy to think that an arrangement had been -made to save the boy from going to prison. He would defray the expenses which had been inourred. The Chairman of the Bench (Mr. T. Cordey) said there would be no conviction. The Bench hoped the boy would take good care of himself.

CARDIFF GAS COMPANY. NEW BILL IN PARLIAMENT: TOWN-CLERK SUSPICIOUS. As announced in our columns some time ago, the Cardiff Gas Company are promoting a Bill in Parliament to consolidate their stock ThM, like other Bills, comes before the t<>wn-clerk of Cardiff, who in his report states: —" The company are not working under a eliding-scale arrangement, like all the other gas companies have to do, but aae avoiding this, and by co doing creating an enormous reserve, thereby strengthening their posi^ou, which in time to come will certainly affect the corporation electricity department. It seems as if items which are chargeable to capital are being paid for out of revenue, thereby making it unnecessary for the gas company to reduce their price. Am investiga- tion of aocoants m. therefore, necessary." The town-clerk spates, also, that several of the provisions of the Bill were very simitar to those objected to by the corporation in 1837. The corporation are recommended to consider the following points:—(1) Protection of corporation water mains from inter- ference; (2) consolidation of capital; (3) addi. tional capital; (4) application of profits; (5) quality of gas and testing lights; and (6) sise of burners for street lighting. The corporation have determined to appoint expert witnesses to support their objections to the Bill. Directors of the gafi company were seen on Monday night in reference to the statement, but without exception they declined to express an opinion upon it. A meeting of the board will be held shortly.

LLANELLY PUBLIC AFFAIRS THE ELECTRIC LIGHT INQUIRY: A KEEN DISCUSSION. Mr. D. J. Davies presided over the monthly meeting of the Llanelly Borough Council on Monday afternoon.—A rather acrimonious dis- cussion arose over the position of Mr. Grif- fiths, who was appointed six months ago as temporary assistant to the clerk.—Mr. Bram- well Jones suggested that in the past these temporary appointments had been made per- manen.t ones without any necessity. Mr. Guest said it was scandalous that such &n inuendo should be made in regard to this matter. He did not want to molce this a. per. manent a.Pl>OintmeDJt. It was decided to defer the matter for a month. Mr. E. T. Jones objected to the recommenda- tion of the estates committee that oounsel be engaged to present the case for the electrio light scheme at the forthcoming inquiry There were in the employ of the council already two solicitors, as well as an electrical expert. Why should it be necessary to engage counsel as well? Mr. Guest pointed out that it was the duty of the council to make the best case possible; otherwise, the money already spent would be thrown away. Besides, it was stated that the opponents of the scheme were subscribing to employ counsel. Mr. E. T. Jones wanted to know wha.t oounsel would cost. Mr. Beavan: Mr. Jones is cut of order. Mr. Jones (warmly): I protest against being told I am out of order when I am only asking for information. It is a caw of suppressing the information from the public. Ia the end the minutes we'-e adopted.

MINERS' MEETINGS MONTHLY MEETING OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT. The monthly meeting of the Western Dis- trict was held a.t the King's-hall, Swansea, on Saturday, Mr. Thomas Hopkins, Fforest- fa-oh, presiding. Thirty three delegates represented 7,830 colliers. An appeal was received from Boniymaen. There has been great distress in the locality for years, and as, owing to the, recent flooding disaster, there is no hope of a resumption of work for some time, the matter was referred to the district committee to see what con Id be done. Mr. W. E. Morgan (agent) reported that' steps to establish a.n out-of-work fund were being taken by the general executive. This would include increased strike pay also. Mr. John Williams reported that the dis-1 pute as to the Gendros price list had. been! settLed, and that new price lists had been adopted at Pantydwr, Berlwydd, and other collieries. The agent also referred to a demand made by the trammers in the Llanelly district, which was being dealt with. The Glynea j strike had terminated, but a large number of men bad not resumed, owing to the con- dition of the colliery. EASTERN VALLEYS (MON.). Mr. Jabez Jones presided over the annual meeting held at the Waverley Hotel, Ponty- pool, on Saturday night, when the following officers were elected: —President, Councillor William Maggs, Abersychan; vice-president, Mr. William Hughes, Cwmbran; treasurer, Mr. George Jenkins, Abersycha-n; and secre- tary, Mr. Torn Morgan, Pontnewynydd. The agent (Mr. Winstone) stated that he had addressed several meetings of hauliers during the month, and as far as he was able to learn the new wage agreement had been received as fairly satisfactory by them. DOWLAIS. The annual meeting of the Dowiais district was held a.t the Clarence Hotel on Saturday. Mr. Thomas P. Williams (chairman) presided. —The financial report for the paet month showed:—Receipts, £154; membership roll, 3,028.—It was decided that s, ba-Uot of the whole of the colliery workmen should be taken on Friday, January 12, regarding the desirability of the district joining the Merthyr and Dowlais Trades' Council. With respect to the continuance of financial support to the Dowiais Colliers' Sick and Dis- ablement Fund, an organisation which has been in the past principally maintained by voluntary subscriptions amongst the towns- people, a ballot was arranged for Friday, January 19. Councillor John Davies (miners' agent) reported that about JS200 per month was now being paid on account of compensation cases, and sought the necessary permission, which was granted, to contest certain claims in oourt failing an amicable settlement.—It was agreed to submit to the lodges the question of levying 3d. per head towards meeting the fines paid by the Nantwen and Bedlinog miners, in consequence of absenting them- selves from work, as a protest against the alleged irregularity of the train arrange ments. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in the unopposed return of Mr. Wil- liam Morgan (Pantywaun Lodge) to the chair- manship, Mr David Thomas secretary, and Mr. D. W. Huggins hon. treasurer. WESTERN VALLEYS (MON.). The annual meeting of the Western Valleys (Mon.) district was held a.t Abertillery on Saturday, Mr. J. Matthews in the chair. The following officers were chosen: —Presi- dent, Mr. W. Jones, Aberbeeg; vice-president, Mr. A. C. Willis, Six Bells; assistant agent, Mr. Michael Roach (re-elected); executive member, n. W. Harris (re-elected); trea- surer, Mx. Isaac Walters (re-elected); and secretary, Mr. Opton Purnell (re-elected). Mr Brace (agent) presented his report, and dealt with disputes at Abercara, Celynen, Aber- tillery, and Owmtillery. With regard to the unfortunate Llanhilleth dispute, Mr. Brace said the employers under the arbitration of Mr. F. L. Davis and Miabon, had suggested that Llanhilleth should be worked under the Rams system as at the Celynen Colliery, viz., "under the (shippings." This was not accepted by the workmen's side as a practical pro- position, because the Celynen Company work their places in the Black Vein seam "under the shippings owing to the roof not being good, whereas at Llanhilleth there is a good roof, and it would be directly disadvan- tageous to the workmen at Llanhilleth to work the whole of that colliery under the ohippings" instead of up to the white top." The council expressed regret that no solu- tion to the difficulty had been found. It was pointed out in the discussion that it was most desirable to have a.n umpire appointed under the new wale agreement, to deal with matters of this kind.. Mr. Braoo reported upon oompensatioii cases, and referred to a case at Abercarn, in which a man, on taking up light work After an accident, was allowed only half the difference in his earnings before and after the accident. The case was contested at the county-court, and an award given in. favour of the man, who was held to be entitled to have his wages fully made up to what they were before the accident. As a consequence of that decision, the man had now been stopped light work, and was thus forced to go back upon the Compensation Act. The council discussed the matter a.t length, and felt that it was a very hard case, inasmuch as the man had only claimed his legal rights. The council did not see their way to rescind a. motion carried at a previous meet- ihg relative to the Monmouth Boroughs can- didature, and the matter, therefore, will come before the executive council ia doe course. TREDEGAR. The monthly meeting of the Tredegar Valley District was held a.t Blackwood, Mr. A. Wilding presiding—The Agent (Mr. A. Onions) reported upon the work of the exeoutive council during the month, and sub- mitted a. report upon the disputes (most of which had been settled) a.t Tredegar, Aber. nant, and Rock Collieries. With reference to the Navigation Colliery, Sirhowy, it was reported that up to the present the extra. payment for the use of lamps instead of naked lights had not been settled, and the agent was instructed to institute legal pro- ceedings against the company. Legal pro- ceedings were also authorised against the same company for the recovery of wages in lieu of notice in the case of a man named Sawtell, who had been summarily dis- charged. Officers for the year were elected as follows:—President, Mr. T. Davies, Crown Lodge, Nantybwch; treasurer, Mr. H. Tucker, Blackwood (re-elected); secretary, Mr. W. Thomas, Tredegar (re-elected); representa- tive of the district on the executive council, Mr. Charles Edwards, Risca; auditor, Mr. Oliver Harris, Blackwood (Pochia Lodge). EAST GLAMORGAN. The monthly meeting was held at the Olive Hotel, Caerphilly- _r- Bichard Jen- kins, Rudry, presided.—The Agent (Mr. H. Jenkins) reported that an agreement had been made between the manager and the workmen of the Windsor Collier^ Abertri- dwr, for the commencement of one shift on the ooal (Four-foot one of the eight hours' shift worked a* Present to be abolished. and the workmen having agreed to work three in So until working- places can be found tor the whole of the men, Id. a -ton to be pa.1d. It was decided that no action whatever should be taken on behalf of any compensation claim of any workma.n who ".as not a financial member of the Federation- The action of the Vedw Col- liery workmen. M^c^en. m refusing to allow a. continuance of the concession of 10 per cent. in their was approved of by the meeting. Mr. Arthur Jones, Caerphilly, was appointed chairman and jfr. Evan Grew vice-chairman for the coming year. Mr. Henry Richards (secretary) and Mr. William Thomas (treasurer) were re-elected. With regard to the appointment of new trustees for the district, it was resolved to request the Rudry and Abertridwr Lodges to nomi- nate one trustee each. it was decided that the Senghenydd aQd Nelson Lodge should select auditors f^r the year. PONTYPRIDD. The monthly meeting of the Pontypridd District was heMi a.t Pontypridd on Monday under the presidency of Mr. Noah Thomas.— Mr. Ben Daries (the agent) sa.id that they hatt cause for ooQ-sratination that in tha.t district they had been free from strikes during the past twelve months. There had, however, been thirteen fatal cases reported, in respect of which £2,458 had been paid. It was that at a certain colliery defective lamps were being served out, which were a of "to the "workman- The management, when, approached upon the matter, repudiated the allegations. After some agent (Mr. Ben Davies) was instructed to investigate. Mr. Silas Thomas was elected chairman the ensuing year, while Mr. D. Thomas an-i Mr Moses Severn were re-eleeted treasurer and secretary. GARW. jtr. W. Leyshon presided. Mr. Tom Williams wae re-elected treasurer, two lodges only being in favour of Mr. D. Edwards. The agent complained of neglect of duty by the Ffaldau Lodge secretary in not intimating a fatal accident. Several delegates strongly criticised the secretary. The agent said it was his intention to do no further work for j the Ffalda.u Lodge, the members of which were a.lwa.ys finding or creating fa.ult with him. He was supported by several delegates some being in fa.vour of the lodge's expulsion' The meeting decided to fight three coimpeBsar tion cases for members of the lodge, but the future position of the lodge will be again discussed.

"After taking a course of Gwilym Evans* Quinln# jjitters I could eat and enjoy my food, Md my sleep at night refreshed me. My strength returned, and life was again a pleasure to me." This is the testimony of tfr. J. H. Saunders, 25, St. lUry's-road, Qarston, urns Liverpool. 4U11 I

TWO HORSE THIEVES. CURIOUS STORY AT THE SESSIONS. At Glamorgan Quarter Sessions at Car- diff on Tuesday Samuel Matthews, 22, dealer, and John Arnold Hopkins, 25, labourer, were charged with stealing a bay gelding, of the value of £2, the property of Julian Biohards, on the 8th of December, at Aberavon. Mr. Harold Stowe prosecuted, and the prisoners were undefended. Police-eeirgeant Phillips, Aberavon, stated that on the 8th of December he reosived information, and arrested the prisoners. Matthews made a long statement, in the course of which he said he was going up the hill at Neath-road, Abera-voii, when he saw a young lad leading a pony in a field. He told the lad that the pony be- longed to him, and that he had lost it three months before. He gave £3 ICs. for it. He took the pony away. Hopkins stated that he was with Matthews when he took the pony out of the field. He said that the pony was his own, and they offered it for sale for 58., but only got 4s. 6d. Matthews had the money, and gave him (Hopkins) 2s. Julian Richards, in the employ of Mr. Abbott, corn merchant, Aberavon, said the pony belonged to him, he having purchased it. The jury found the prisoners guilty. There was another charge of stealing a black mare pony, of the value of £3, the property of Lewis Hopkins, on December 8, 1905, at Llantwit Lower, but no evidence was offered, .and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. Matthews was further charged with obtaining by false pretences £7 10s. from Margaret Owen with intent to defraud, on the 14th of October, 1905, at Gellygaer. Mrs. Owen, who is a widow, living atDuffryn Park, Pontlottyn, stated that she had a pony on tack on the date in question, belonging to William Ford. Matthews came to her on the 1-tth of October, and said he was William Ford'3 son, and was going to take the colt a-way to sell. She agreed to buy the pony for £7 10s., and 10s. was to be allowed for the grass. She gave the prisoner £7 10s. Mr. Ford came for the pony about a month afterwards. William Ford, a showman, living at Aber- tillery, said the prisoner was not his son, and be did not ask him to go to Mrs. Owen to take the pony away and sell it. Prisoner now stated that he was in Cardiff on the date when the offence was said to have been committed, and knew nothing abottt it. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Judge Gwilym Williams stated that Matthews had had a long career of crime, and that day there were three charges againdt him. He would be sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with hard labour, in each case, the sentences to run con currently. Hopkins was sentenced to sdx months with hard labour.

SHEEP STEALING ALLEGED BREOONSHIRE FARMER CHARGED AT CEFN. At a special court held a.t Cefn on Monday John Gough, farmer, Coedhir Farm, Doly- gaer, in the parish of Llanthetty, was brought up in custody on charges of stealing nineteen sheep belonging to Daniel Jenkins, farmer, Cwmtaff Fawr, and others. The case excited considerable interest. Mr. F. S. Simons defended. Police-superintendent Hands said he only proposed to oifer sufficient evidence to justify a. remand, because the case was not yet complete, further inquiries having to be made. Daniel Jenkins said he had a. flock of about 500 sheep on the mountain at Vaynor, and during the last twelve months he had lost about 30. He had been shown some skins, and by his own marks he identified four of them as the skins of sheep belonging to him. He had seen the prisoner, whose sheep-walk adjoined, on the mountain on several occa- sions, the last time being on Friday morning last. One of the skins was quite fresh, and it bore the appearance of having been taken off somewhere about that date. In crocs-examination the witness said he had sola about fifty sheep during last year. but none to the prisoner. He last counted his flock about November, but although he could not give the exact number of sheep he had now, he believed it to be about 620. Police-constable Frank Sperrin said that on Saturday last he visited Coedhir Farm, and in a stable he saw the fresh skin which formed one of the four identified by the last witness. Upon going to the house he was admitted by the prisoner. He told the prisoner that lie strongly suspected him of stealing sheep, a.nd asked him several times if he had any mutton in the house. The pl-isoner replied. No." He arrested the prisoner and took him to the dairy, where he found two forequartons of mutton, one hindquarter, a leg and a loin, and also a sheep's head, with the skin on it. The head and the skin corresponded with the fresh fleece. The ears had been newly cut off. He then took the prisoner to the stable and asked him if that was where he did his slaughter- ing. The prisoner said "Yes." He asked the prisoner two or three times if he had any skins, there, and the prisoner answered "No." He drew the prisoner's attention to the fresh akin, and asked him if it belonged to him. The prisoner said "No." He took possession of the skin, and went back with the prisoner to the house. At the end of a. room over the back-kitchen there was a step- ladder leading to a garret. The prisoner when asked if he had any efcine overhead replied, "No," but witness upon going up to the garret found Z6 skins, and three more in a room adjoining the garret. He took pos- session of the skins, and brought them and the prisoner to Cefn Police-station. On Son- day morning nineteen of the skins were identified by five different persons—four by Mr. Jenkins; ten by Mr. Richards, Aber- cribban Farm; one by Mr. Jones, Tysiog Isaf Farm; one by Mrs. Jenkins, Pentwyn Farm; and three by Mr. Morgan, Cwmcar Farm. He afterwards charged the prisoner with stealing the sheep belonging to those five people, and the prisoner made no reply. For over twelve months witness had had compdaints of sheep having been lost, supposed to have been stolen. In answer to Mr. Simons, in cross-examina- tion, the constable said he had not beard before that day that the prisoner himself had lost sheep. Some of the skins were dry, as if the &heep had been killed about a. twelve- month, and the identification marks had been removed. The prisoner was remanded for a. week, bail being lLCoopted-himself in £2(X) and two sureties of JB100 each.

MR BICKEL IN COURT. ALLEGES THAT HIS WIFE HAS AMPLE MEANS. Mr. Bichard Biokel made another of his enforced periodical visits to Cardiff Police- court on Tuesday, at the instance of his wife, who alleges non-maimtemaaioe. She also alleges that her husband has disobeyed the stipen- diary's artier as to the payment of instal- ments. Biokel walked lamely, as nsual—the result of his paralytic seizure. He handed to the bench a report from the "Western Mail" of a. sale, with a view to showing that his wife had sufficient means to hid several of pounds for certain property; also that he had made such provision for her that had no need to proceed against him-0 persecute me" were the words he used. He was (he said) absolutely destitute through this persistent persecution. He was in suon. ill-health that he could not work, even if he could get it, and, to show his better half a feelings towards him. be mentioned that she (his wife) had said to thel;, 6011 "she wished the old was dead." Displaying considerable feeling, defendant said he had been a good citizen in Cardiff for many years, and nobody could point a. finger a.t him- Mr. F. J. Beavan: All this is surplusage. Have yon proof that y00 can't obey the order ? Defendant said he bad proof. After consultation, M-r. Beavan (addressing defendant) said: We Pained and grieved to see you there. We remand you for a. fortnight. Tn t:he meantime we should recom- mend you to try and Pay the money. Our impression Ï8 that the case will come before the learned stipendiary. Defendant was again bound over in his own recognisances to o=--

LORD TREBEGAR TRIBUTE THE GLAMORGAN FUND GROWING STEADILY. The lifit of subscriptions published shows that Glamorgan's tribute to Lord Tredega.r is making steady and gratifying progress. Altogether the subscriptions already promised or received amount to about £1,700, and there is no doubt tha.t this sum ",ill be considerably increased before the fund is closed. As it is intended to do this a.t an early date, the hope is expressed tha.t intending subscribers will forward their donations as soon as possible. With the object of this fund it may safely be assumed that everybody in Glamorgan agrees. 4 public tribute to Lord Tredegar—that is the object—and it is to be hoped that the fund ",ill be increased to proportions tha.t will ensure the tribute being in every way ft worthy one.

#982 3MREB HIS RUPTURE After Two Operations lad Failed. SAMPLE OF TREATMENT FREE Many people believe that rupturt can be cured /rily by an operation, but at the sime time they ive such a dread of being cut a bo it with a knife, > say nothing of the danger, that they hesitate I .have the operation performed. Tha; an operation not only unnecessary, but that i% results are ot satisfactory, is shown by the fact ■ I ruptures have been cured withort operation, .nd in many cases where an operatioi had failed, hey have subsequently been cured ly the. Rice I t I Method, witaoit pain or lose of time end in the privacy of the sufferer's home. Mr. J. Osborne, 92, Meteh- ley Lane, Harbcme, Bit. mingham, after bring rap- tured seven years submitted to an operation hinting it would core his mptnre. After a short time hs found that instead of being cored another operation was necessary. The a ee on d operation was no mere of a success than the first. Then he tried five trusses, but they were 01 no use him. The rupture was now in such a conditicn jii&t it was impossible for any ordinary metaod cure it. To the Rice Method it was, howeva-, t imple matter to effect a complete cure. He jrclered this method, used it thoroughly. and now ae wearc no truss of any description. Yon want to be cured as much M Mr. OgbVLG lid. Your rupture does not remain in the aMBO vendition—it is either getting better or worse. Don'\ out it off until "some other time," but take the "rst step to-day by sending for the sample of the reatment he used. It will convince you of its vieritB. Wrtbe to W. S. RICE, RUPTURE SPECIALIST (Dept. B 129), 8 & 9. STONECUTTER "Pi STREET, LONDON, E.G., and make ac sMSfiOT iifort to be cured. THROUGH YOUR CHEMIST. By arrangement with certain of yorar local chemists, they will give away, at our order, without charge, some of our boxes of the OXIEN Nerve Food. If you suffer from Indigestion or trouble with the Nerves, write to us for the free box of OXIEN and we will send you an order on a chemist for a. box to 100 given you without charge. 128, CI ive-street, Grangetcwn, Cardiff. Dear Sirs,—I was taken ill eoane months ago, and the doctor said I should not get well withofut undergoing an operation. He said my age was ag-aingt me, I am 66; after baking OXIEN I feel like a, man of 40, and oaa eat well and sleep wcll.-YourB truly, S. MEREDITM. FKBB jP| ■ cures NERVE and HEART S11? S P t! Troubles and regulates the W A B Wi DIGESTION. It likewise pre- vents disease and severe colds. OXIEN is guaranteed to be free from any poisons, and is as safe to take as milk. Its great record of cures is open to the public for investigation. If you are not feeling well, and need medicine, our free supply ought to put you right. All you need to do is to write to us, if you have never before had a free supply, and we will give you an order on a chemist to hand you a box, free of cost to you.—The Giant Oxie Co. (Dept. 34 D. R.), 8, Bouverio- street, London, E.C. MUSIC IN THE HOUSE MAKES CHEERFUL HAPPY HOMES. CAMPBELI/S PATENT 73 0 I Gold Mbdal. MELODEON8 With Org aa and Celestial Tone, aad Sweet Bell Accompaniments. NO HOME SHOULD BE WITHOUT ONE. The solemn Psalm, the soul- stirring Hymn, the cheerful Song, and the merry dance can all be played on these charming iastru- menta. NO KNOWLEDGE OP MUSIC REQUIRED. Special Offer to the Headers of the C»rd;B "Weeilj Mail." GREAT BARGAINS. Campbell's "Gem" Melodeon price only 6/9 Campbell's "Miniature" Melodeon „ to 9 Campbell's "Paragon" Melodeon. 14 — Campbell's "Favourite" Melodeon 16/6 Cut out this and send P.O.O. for the amount. Either sent carriage paid to any ijlitTrar In Great Britain and Ireland. 300,000 TEST IMO.N" IAI,S. Professor BROWN, the Champion Melodeon Player of Great Britain, says:—"CAMPBELL'S Patent Melodeons are the Finest Instruments that have ever come under my touch, and only require a trial to advertise them- seWes." Send Id. stamp for Campbell's NEW Illustrated Price List of all kinds of Musical Instruments, TALKING MACHINES from 6/9, also 10,000 Gold-moulded Columbia RECORDS, reduced to 1/- each OAMPBELL and CO., Musical Instrument Mlkera, lit Trongate, Glasgow, Estab. 60 years. WBBQ T Wedding Cards. LATEST and 811!!1! ø- a NEWEST B DESIGNS j NOW READY. H SAMPLE BOOK M sent to any addre88 an reeeipt of g Peat Card. I Wedding Cards. 1 Western Mail, Limited! DISINFECT •SANfTAS" "SAfflTAS" «sr DISINFECTANT. "SAHITAS" '• US AN IT AS" *«■«">. AND 80AI»S Of all Chemists and Stones. SEND FOR ILLUSTRATED PAMPHLET. The'SANffAS' Co,, Lim., Limehwse, LoadoI, E. A% READ THE TRUTH. wfrrJ?Tve yoa a Nick&l Silver v\ AILH. or a Real Silver-mounted Umbrella, suitable for Lady or G-ent, or other presents a-s per list. for selling: SFRVENTY-TWO TJp-to- Dato Penny Postcards (Assorted) in ten beautiful colours (Works of Art) We ailow fire weeks for sell- ing Send name and address-nost- card will do. iNa^ionai -roetc&rd Exchange, 86a ue> London, E.C. w836 SUpersede PeanYroyal, I PH Bitter Apple, ie. by k- tbonS&ndJ! of Ladir. bo%es 111. all cl1eJ1W¡u. or post free fram. PIKARTYN, lTD. 2/9 rjTEETHi ARTIFICIAL FJIEETKI Restore Mastication. Diffeaticn, and Beaafcg, KEALL BROTHERS (Sons of the late Ur- F. P. KeaU). 199. HIGH-STREET, SWANSEA (Jast below G.w B- Btation-aame side). Belt to intimate that they can produce Perfectly-fitting Set of Te^tb in One Cle. Day. The Very Best Workmanship. Partial Set from 50. per Tootk- Upper or Lower from £ 2 2a. 3431 THE GREAT BLOOD PURIFIER.- THOMPSON'S BURDOCK PILLs ruxify the foulest blood amd relief every Disease õf Stomaon, laver, and Kidneys. Pure blood er-ea health. Thousands lieve been cured by these wcnderfol Pills whO- diseases oould not be reached by any othor medicine. For rheu- matics, lumbago, piles, gravel, pains in tie back scurry, bad legs, wounds, or white bloudiee on the face end body, swelled feed or legs, erysipelas. jaundice, dropsy, amd fevert of all binids. In boxes at lB. lid. aaxd 2a. 9d.: each. Sold by all obemieto, or from the Bar- di:aok Pill Maonfacftaxy, Oxtor&etreeW OWSMWA-