The Cardiff Times

Important Rating Case. ORT TAlBOT DOCKS CO. AND OVERSEERS. VALUATION usr-CALLED FOR. Assessment Committee Clerk's Reply. 'he J^er stage in the costly litigation between 'ttd °T?a' overseers ancl tbe Port Talbot Docks 'he ^'lway Co. wa8 reached on Monday, when P0lj Co,npauy were summoned at Port Taibot Court to show cause why distress warrants 'he Uot be issued against them in respect of felldnon-payrnem of £ 921 2d. In 190] the de- li, appealed against what they alleged to Hjjj ^excessive valuation of their properties. Mr pPlUe was referred to the arbitration of Vai Howdou, who reduced the over"tio" from about £ 10,000 to a little cow, £ 3,000. In the meantime the otj_Pany paid the lates levied upon the iDaf.'?1' valuation, and then the overseers ie- '*«» k* Payment of the 1902 3 rates upon the oa,sia. The defendants refused, and gave Ce to apply at the Quarter Sessions at t0 ^Sea to-day (Tuesday) for effect to be given at) Qe. arbitrator's award. The overseers there- in1 issued the summonses, which occupied the nti°n of the magistrates at Port Talbot for £ pral hours on Monday. Mr S. T. Evans, • (instructed bv Messrs Cuthbertson °°WeU, Neath^, was for the overseers Mr t>av ^ams (instructed by Messrs Hicks, Pa '0s' and Hunter, London) was for the com- tjjey* in whose behalf Mr Humphrey Davies, jWell-known rating expert, was also present. lien r Rhys Williams asked, in view of the 'he dll} R appjjcatiou at the Quarter Sessions, that should be adjourned. He did not i>Ue au or^er of tbat court to be rendered tlai .0ry by a superior court. Instead of hienll!nt' uPon original valuation the Assess- should have altered it in glance with the arbitrator's award. S. Evans opposed the application. The re^urence t0 'be rates of 1901 only, '•on R '^at could happen at the Quarter Ses- s could affect the present proceedings. The ,i Dlngs°f the company had increased very much ^901, and the fact that an appeal against v ,*ates cow sued for was withdrawn should not sight of. •Urn ^erk (^-r Jones) asked whether Mr Wil- suggested that the Assessment Committee y, been guilty of a dereliction of duty in not vtr'ng the valuation list ? 4)5* Williams Certainly. It should have been immediately the award was made. The ''M?anV were being sued upon a valuation which proved to be excessive, and the magis- 'fto8 Were being asked to issue distress warrants 11 that valuation. A rate not made in accord- 'with the valuation list could not be col- led. ^fter further argument the Bench decided not an adjournment. Hr Evans said the overseers were quite pre- to give the company credit for the money 6ady paid in respect of the rates. a. 8,ir.es McCoan, collector for the parish of oga.m. produced the rate books, and said the ICes bad been published in the ordinary way h; church doors, &c. Williams called for the notices, but Mr 400kns submitted that the production of the rate r wis prima facie evidence of publication. *0t>? teP'y t0 Williams, the witness said be fjroduee the valuation on which the Were based. ice Williams We say the rates are not in ij °rdauce with the valuation list, and we par- Jjl&rly want to see it. to.e Chairman (Mr D. R. David) You can »L'y get it here. i Evans I object to that strenuously. Mr >k att>s had no foundation for his suggestion, st he had not given notice to produce. "tt WHIiitms A public document of that kind tbt to be here. It can be brought in an hour. Evans did not object to its production, but J?h adjournment on quite a frivolous ground, tjj witness had stated that the rate had been v?e in accordance with the list. ?Jr Williams I am instructed it has not. flit Evans I should like to see that gentleman the witness-box and give evidence. Williams He will. These are practically proceedings, and all I ask for is a public jpment. t^entually the Bench expressed the opinion rJ the list ought to be produced. Clerk I am told across the table that the »cannot be here. Williams It is very necessary, I assure We did not ask them to produce the rate and it is here. Evans: This is childish—puerile. My is only trifling with the Bench. ■me Williams I ask for an order that the list ^Produced. 'i« Chairman When I suggested that the 3 should be sent for I thought it would be here five minutes. Mr Gandy (clerk to the It. Oftnaent Committee) says it cannot be given the office without him being present. *0t Williams suggested it should be telephoned v. Mr Gandy's voice would be recognised. G&ndy: I have nothing to do with the case, &be Chairman asked whether it was suggested te Was anything wrong. mj** Williams: I do, sir. I have done so be Chairman: You had better get the book, ady Gandy There is nobody in the office now, with all due deference I don't see why I be asked to fetch this book. He had told pother side that-the book would not be pro- d unless proper notice was given. r Williams Mr Gandy says one moment he j, Nothing to do with the case, and the next he retracting the solicitor. hitv Chairman said the Bench could do no more tu&ttor Williams submitted that Mr Gandy was lig them. Evans There is no defiance at all. You tlJ 'o a difficulty because you have not taken Ordinary steps to prepare your case. jjbe Chairman The book must be produced. Gandy submitted that the Bench had no Xj to order him. Williams hoped the Bench would not be by Mr Gandy. If there was not some good for keeping back the book it would bo jjfccoming. llirr Evans You have no right to make such a ?Sp»ent. Williams But I do make it. 'W Court was then adjourned for the produc- Jtjr?* the valuation list, and on re-assembling Williams continued his cross-examination of Witness McCoan, who admitted he had t0 Pve an undertaking to refund the bey overpaid;} by the company, because the ju^Panv owed the overseers more than they had »h«:- only valuation list in existence was of 1900. On the reduced valuation the oJ^P&ny had paid in excess, but how much he hot say. «^r,°es it not show they have overpaid JE572 ?--I say how much. ^Jv^other argument ensued between counsel, tjjj the case was again adjourned for a short to allow of the production of the valuation kjlt. Imately the Clerk said he understood Mr dy had not returned. Williams I am not surprised at that, liv he Chairman said the Bench had no alterua- but to adjourn the case. Evans I must ask you to state a case. v|r Williams laughed. 5?* Evans You are very rud Hiu e Chairman We shall be very pleased to a case when we have heard the case, qp* Evan3 And that is your reply. His iJ^ts would consider whether or not they would P'y for a mandamus. bo "^nionses taken out against the Port Talbot Of an,j Railway Company by the overseers v»aKlan Higher were also adjourned. e r Powell, who appeared for the over- a, asked that a case should be stated jJ* David If we can do it. rlt Powell Of course you can. ^e{ 'er ,n afternoon the company were »u6tldant8 at Aberavon Police Court at the in- overseers of Aberavon. Mr Rhys \IQ."iams raised the same point a3 at Port Tal- lcase was also adjourned, the Bench, n to Mr PowelJy stating they would state if necessary when the case came before

°Af*MARTHEN GENTLEMAN CHARGED WITH DRUNKENNESS. Scene at an Auction Sale. Carmarthen County Petty Sessions on )it- "ri&v Mr Charles Baakes Davies, Llwyndu, t>lanstepban, was charged with having been !wV« and disorderly at Liangunnockon beptem- Defendaut failed to aDpear at a CV|°0S sitting. P.C. Thomas Jones said defend- V], was drunk at Glogddu sale, and making him. t't;f "ery objectionable. Mr Rowland Browne, solicitor an6 agent, said this was one *'en "aaes which brought to light the bad prac- giving beer and spirits away at auction ,VS-. The intoxicants were given sole.y with 'tiri °bjec;t of making people drunk, in order to 0ft_ace them tn make hieher bids for the things on His client had taken some of this stuff at Hh? du< after which he was annoyed by a man *Wd Morgan Morgan, and, being of a naturally »i- ble disposition, he overstepped the bounds Cret'°n Deputy Chief Constable Harris 'C defendant had been before the Bench on 5?hf previons occasions for a similar oftence. "lek ^bairman (Alderman C. W. Jones) said 'hB c°adtict was very disgraceful, especially on the Condllct was very disgraceful, especially on Pitt of a man who had had a liberal educa- 'hfp The Bench on previous occasions had 'Crte»ed to send h/m to prison, and perhaps liT1. w°uld be the best way of dealing with him. ^iini 0 chairman) had himself seen defendant he vrv.3 tben very noisy and disagree- bfli' hoped Mr Browne would be able to Ijtr,.e,Jce defendant to reform his ways.—Mr ^e> ?? I will exercise all the inlluence I have ^bini. sir.—Addressing the defendant, the r011111 said You move in a good position, jJiso-.«,b°pe yon will feel that you are not only ftiC. c'nK yourself, but- yonr family as well. advice. Give up the drink. You may Vh#of that unfortunate class of men vvho.jf c one glass, must have one more. Resist "if. j?1 glass. Davies —Defendant Yes, I will, « it np altogether.—Chairman iou *vl ami coets.

(t \Vr> tp^r.ay's meeting of the Cor- lbe works Committee will reoni- vicf 'be tsn<l(>rs ofMfcasis ITmiiblett's Bine rv-\i~'0,lmnv bo accepted for the supply* of "'irit.u t'1 3,500,000 best Htaffordsiiire blv.e %<» & bvi-Ufi at 83s per 1,000 for pressed bricks 's vd for wire-cut brindles. i

THE VANISHING LOAF. • A SOLUTION OF THE MYSTERY. HOW THE BIG LOAF DISAPPEARS FROM THE POOR MAN'S SHELF. There has been a good deal in the papers lately about the mysterious dwindling and disappearance of loaves from a haunted fgrili at Beverley. Rats have been suggested, but not detected. In Germany the Little Folk would be held responsible, and the sketch above illus- trates what would probably be their method of operation. Cartoon by F. C. Gould. Published by arrangement with the Westminster Gazette."

CARDIFF PRINTER'S LOSSES. Liabilities Over £ 6,000. In the London Bankruptcy Conrt on Monday was held the first meeting of creditors of Wm. James Jenkins (trading as W.J. Jenkins and Co.), of John street, and 42, Ninian-road, late of Hope-street, Cardiff, printer, paper j merchant, and bag manufacturer. Mr George/David pre- sided. The debtor's statement showed gross liabilities £ 6,221 13s estimated to rank for divi- dend, £ 4.425 16s 5d the deficiency being set down by debtor as X996 17s 5d. The causes of failure were alleged by the debtor to be bad debts, keen competition, involving small profits, and defalcations of a traveller." The Official Receiver's observations were that the receiving order was made on the debtor'a own petition, and that he (the debtor) had commenced business in John-street, Cardiff, in January, 1892, with. a capital of his own of Z50. The business was a new one, and in order to establish it the debtor got the assistance of a firm of wholesale paper manufacturers and merchants, who, the debtor said, were prepaied to advance goods and cash to the extent of £ 2.000 to enable him to develop the business without any security, the creditor to receive fiveper cent. interest. The debtor stated that he found considerable difficulty in working up a new business, but eventually established a good credit cosnection, principally with shopkeepers in the neighbouring colliery districts. In 1896, however, a coal strike took place which made considerable difference in the debtor's turnover. He took over five freehold houses and building land in Gloucester, subject to his paying an annuity of 140 per annum, and maintaining his wife's father and mother, and upon this property he borrowed money which he placed in the business. Between March, 1896, and June, 1900, a sum of £1,055 was thus placed to his credit. Since this time the profits had varied, and the debtor had been unable to reduce his borrowed capital. The unsecured creditors were all in respect of trade debts, wit4 the excep- tion of one item of R2,300, which represented the borrowed capital and interest. The partly secured creditors were the debtor's bankers for advances made upon the security of the Glouces- ter property. The debtor was not in a position to make an offer. A surplus shown on 30th June, 1902, should not have appeared, as there was, in fact, a deficiency, bad and doubtful debts not having been written off, while the stock must have been over estimated. Mr David stated that the heaviest creditors who had advanced the Y,2,000 seemed to have ne increased their liability by some £ 400 or £ 500. The bankruptcy was not a small one, but that meeting bad been held mainly for the purpose of appointing a trustee. That morning the bank- rupt had intimated the possibility of an offer of 7s 6d in the S, payable at three, six, and nine months, and some security had been offered for that. But he (Mr David) might say at once, bearing in mind the statement of affairs, that he would have to report adversely to the court regarding it. He did uot think 7s 6d a proper compensation to offer. Mr Mackie (Davidson and Sons, Ltd.) said, when they advanced the S,2,000 the debtor had more money than X50. His firm had had the utmost confidence in the debtor, and when thev had caused to be made a surprise examination of the books and stock they were pleased to find everything as represented. He understood debtor had put into the business pretty well 11,000 that would not rank against the estate. Debtor never really did have a balance in band, and for that reason they threatened him two or three times that he would have to cut down his expenses. He did that, but not sufficient to make an appre- ciable difference in his profit and Joss account. Mr Mackie was surprised Mr David had not taken the balance sheet to 30th June, 1903, instead of to 1902. Mr David said he had never seen it. Mr Mackie said they had had such confidence in the debtor that when he asked them to guarantee the bank they refused, but sent him a cheque for E200. They had thought the business to good that if the worst came to the worst they cauld step in and take it over, and keep the debtor as manager. He had sent them as security a policy, but that was no use to anyone-it was a Foresters' policy, and could not be assigned. Debtor was called into the room and informed that the offer of 7s 6d in the £ could not be accepted. Mr David Have you any reasonable prospect of offering any better composition ? Debtor Not that I kuosv of. It was observed that the statement of affairs r,, showed at least 12s 6d in the R. Mr Marsh, of 58, Mountstuart square, Cardiff, was appointed to Hct with Mr C. E. Dovey, of Cardiff, who was appointed trustee, and a com- mittee of inspection was appointed. It was announced that the public examination was fixed for the 3rd November.

CARDIFF STABBING AFFRAY. Bloodshed Follows Argument. On Saturday night Clarence Harris, a coloured seaman, was apprehended at the Cardiff Docks on a charge of cutting and wounding Henrv Taylor, a coloured fireman, and was brought up before the Carliff magistrates on Monday. Prosecutor said he had a few words with pri- soner in the Cardigan Arms, Maria-sr,reet, and asked him if he was looking for trouble. He re- plied, Yes," and lushed at bin. Prosecutor pushed him away, aud 3omeone put him outside. Prosecutor did not, know he had been stabbed until coming back to the bar, he was asked if he had not been stabbed. He Jooked and saw he had bei-n stabbed in the left side. By Prisoner What did you say to me when I came into the bar ?—I only asked you if you had got a ship. You asked me to treat you, and because I wouldnt pay for a drink for your triend didn't you call me a name ?-NO.()tber witnesses called for the prosecution stated that the two men weie quarrelling about shipping, and eventually Harris made a dash at Taylor, struck him in the face, and stabbed him in the lcft side. Then jumping on a form and flourishing a knife in his-hand he said he was ready for them all. He was put out by the landlord. Prisoner was committed ior trial at the Assizes.

A POLICEMAN STABBED. Newport Man Sentenced. Thomas Holloway (47), labourer, of Nbwport, Mon., was sentenced at Herefordshire Quarter Sessions on Monday to 18 calendar months' bard labour for maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm upon P.C. Carver, at Lugwardine. Prisoner, who was a hop-picker at the time, persisted while in drink going into the New Iiyi after the landlady had called P.C. Carver to prevent him. When directed down the road ho suddenly turned and thrust his knife into the policeman's face, cutting both cheeks.

4 SWANSEA BOYS' BEHAVIOUR. At Swansea Police Court on Monday threb boys nmtned William Eaton (16), Edward Dnmply (14), and Philip Rees (1.4) were summoned for causing an obstruction in High-street, while the adai- tional charge was preferred against Eaton of 1Bing filthy langnage. P.C. Lloyd said defen. dants were jumping about the pavement and treading on pedestrians' toes. ManyeotnpJaintB had been made of the conduct of boys in this locality. Eaton and Dnmply were fined 10s, while Rees, a first offender, was let off.

THE LATE PRINCIPAL VIRIAMU j JONES. I MEMORIAL STATUE. We publish below a sketch of the model in i clay prepared by Mr Goscombe Joan, A.Tt.A. of the statue of the late Principal Viriamu Jones, I which wheu completed will be placed in the 'I entrance ball of the new University College Buildings in Cathays Park. Tho statue, which will be life size, will be in marble, depicting the Principal in a sitting posture in his robes as Vice-Chancellor of tho University of Wales, an institution he did so much to create and develop. Vice-Chancellor of tho University of Wales, an institution he did so much to create and develop. The nortrait is strikingly life like and the model which was on exhibition at the College on the which was on exhibition at the College on the occasion of the annual meeting of the Council of Govarnors at Cardiff on Thursday is very greatly admired bv those who have seen it. The cost of the statue will be defrayed oat of the Viriamu Jones Memorial Fund. The Medallion Portrait, also by Mr Goanombe John, is intended to be placed upon the tomb of the late Principal Viriamu Jones at Swansea.

ARRESTED AT NEWPORT. Cashier Charged with Forgery. At Bristol Police Court on Friday George Edward Red. (an (30) was charged with forging a cheque for X60, the property of his employers, Bond's Bristol Brewery, Limited, with stea-ling X60, the money of his employers with stealing a cheque for X50, the property of his em- ploveis and with stealing P-RO in money, the property of his employers. Mr W. S. A. Brown, who prosecuted, stated that the prisoner had been for some years in the employ of Bond's Bristol Brewery, Ltd., as cashier. On July 16th last a cheque for £ 50 was signed by Mr P. J. Bond, one of the directors. 11 was the custom for a uumber of blank cheques to be signed by the secretary and one director, and for another director to sign them, and thus make them valid as they wore needed. This particular cheque bad already been signed by the secretary and another director. It was the prisoner's duty to take it to Stuckey's Bank and pay it into the credit of the company. On July 20th he called at the bank and asked for and obtained £ 50 in gold. On the same day he also went to the bank with a cheque for-EGO. payable to trade expenses." Me Bond would teU their Worships that he never knew such a cheque to be drawn, and that the signature on this particular cheque was not his. He never signed ithough it bore what purported to be his signature. The prisoner received caski for this cheque. Tie had endorsed both these cheques as cashier. Mr F. J. Bond and Mr J. M. Millard, manager of the West-street branch of Stuckey's Bank, gave evidence bearing out Mr Brown's statement. Detective Moss said that he received a warrant on July 23rd for the arrest of the prisoner, who had absconded from Bristol. On October 8th he .went to Newport, and received the prisoner into his custody from the Newport police. When charged the prisoner said, I am sorry for what I have. done. I was on my way to Bristol to give mvself up." On the charge being read over to him in Bristol be said, I have said all I wish to say." In answer to the other charges he said, I am hot in a position to deny it. 1 had some, but I did not think it was so much as that." The Bench committed him for trial on the charges of forgery and of larceny of X110. Prisoner applied for bail, but his application was refused.

PORTER AS ASSISTANT COLLECTOR. On Saturday at the meeting of the Merthyr Guardians, Mr J. Rogers in the chair, it was reported that a special meeting of the Finance Committee had recommended that an assistant ( collector be appointed at iC-IO4, and that the new officer should provide a bond for X503 also that advertisements be issued; Mr V. A. Wills ques- tioned whether it was worth while to advertise, seeing that they already bad an officer who was suitable for the position. He referred to Mr Batten, the porter, who had served them well and his country also. He moved, and Mr E. Edwards seconded, and it was agreed by a majority that the report be adonted, with the exception of the suggested advertising. Mr Wills was proceeding to move the appointment of Mr Batten when Rev. J. O'Reilly suggested as a. matter of order that notice of motion should be given by Mr Wills, who /ave notice for the next meeting accordingly.

KIDWELLY DOCKS TO BE CLEANED. The correspondence and discussions inenfc the Kidwelly aJocks at the recent meeting of the Town Council have resulted in the determination of the Corporation to at once have both the Bast and West Docks at the Quay thoroughly cleaned out and aboat 14 feet deep of the mud aud clav at the east corner of the entrance to both docks removed. This work when completed will greatly I facilitate the increased shipping expected.

LLANELLY DOCK DIFFICULTY. THE BANK OF ENGLAND WRIT. At the meeting of the Llanellv Harbour Com- missioners on Monday, Mr W. Wilkins presiding, a deputation consisting of 12 members appointed bv the Chamber of Commerce was received. Mr W. W. Brodie, president of the Chamber of Com- merce, said they came there with the desire to assist the Commissioners in their present posi- tion. The Chairman thanked the deputation for their attendance, and on behalf of the Com- missioners welcomed any assistance which a representative body like the Chamber of Com- merce could give at all times, and particularly at present. In exDlainiuw the position he said that some five years ago the Commissioners I borrowed certain sums of money from the Hank of England, which bad become due since the 30th September. At the time the money was borrowed it was arranged that it should be re- paid after the expiration of five years, or an arrangement entered into by which the nosition would be covered. The five years had expired, and the Bank of England had asked them to repay the money with all interest thereon, and any other obli- gations which under those mortgages bad become due. The Commissioners, unfortunately, were not in a position to pay that money. Unfortu- nately, things had happened from time to time, especially in connection with the opening of the dock, which had tied their hands. The Bank thought it tit to issuo a writ and they further stated in the document that they could take steps in the event of all the money not being paid for the appointment of a receiver. It was decided to hold the conference in private. We under- stand that ultimately the proceedings were ad- journed until next Wednesday. At the meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Com- missioners on Monday, Mr Wilkins, the chair- man, drew attention to the fact that when they entered into an agreemntwitb theMynyddrnawi: Company and Messrs Waddell and Sons it was decided that the proposal with reference to the settlement of the counter-proposals submitted by the Commissioners lbould be ikept private, and the Commissioners had kept strictly to the atangement. On Thursday last, however, the pro- posals made were published, and that at the re- quest of the other side, who had not in any way communicated with the Commissioners as to whether they would agree to the publication. He understood Mr Falconer said that this course was taken owing to a statement which he (the chairman) had made at last Monday's meeting. It would be remembered that the proposals were not read at all in the Commissioners' meeting, aod bethought it was a very lameexcuse, indeed, on the part of Mr Falconer to say that he (Mr Wilkins) was the cause of the publication of the statement.

RITUALISM AT BARRY. I On Sunday at both morning and 'eveuing ) services at St. Mary's Church, Barry Dock, refer- ences were made by the officiating clergy to the increased dissent manifested among members of the church to the introduction of ritual into the services. In the morning the curate-in-cbarge (Rev. Lemuel James, M.A.) a\owed his con tempt tor dissenting Churchmen,who were acting as spies within the fold and who made use of every opportunity to criticise everything they did not agree with or understand. He defied them all by saying, We shall have these things here, no matter what you say oi do," aud also ex- pressed his determination as tar as he could, both by teaching and uractice, to! lift these ¡ people up to the level of the Common Prayer. In the. evening the Rector (Rev. J. S. Longdon, M A.), preaching from a text a part.of which con- tained the words, Demos hath forsaken me. referred to what he described as the "faHing back of some prominent Churchmen because of their love for the present world." Later be said that the same members absented themselves from the Communion Service on thtfplea that ritual was being introduced. But where (he askej) were those members befo his advent into the parist-i ?

MR S. T. EVANS, M.P. Meeting at Nantymoel. Mr S. T. Evans, M.P., addressed a large meet. ing on Monday night in the Workmen's Hall, Nantymoel. He touched briefly on the Educa- tion Act, expressing his sympathy with the pas- sive resistance nlcveiftent, and pointing out the difficulties which the Irish party and the House w of Lords would present when the Liberals returned to power and desired to remedy the existing state of things. The report of the War Commission was the most painful document anv citizen of this country could read. Mr Chamberlain and other members of the recent Cabinet prided themselves on being business men, but let tbem read that report and then say what sort of business men they were, (Applause.) As to Macedonia, he did not want the Government for the sake of Macedonia or any other country t) rusil and he was sorty to find that Mr Balfour had bad to admit that though he would like to do something for the unhappy country he was novverless. Dealing at consider- able length with- the fiscal question, Mr Evans said it was the working classes who would Buffer If Mr Chamberlain's proposals were carried out. Mr Chamberlain said that his scheme would cement the Empire together, but it would have the opposite effect, because even if Canada could be helped by preferential treatment of her "produce, there was nothing on which equal advantage could be given to Australia, whose oniy export of importance was wool-—a raw material which it was not proposed to tax. Hb maintained, that Mr Chamberlain had not proved that Riitish trade was anything but pro. gressive, and figures showed that ic had constantly increased recently. The iron and steel trade had been mentioned or Mr Chamber- lain, but on the export of iron and steel manufac- factures was four millions sterling more last year than two years ago and Guest, Keen and Co. were paying 10 per cent dividend. As to the tinplate trade the Board of Trade figures showed it bad increased since the imposition of the McKinley tariff. Coming to the effect of Pro- tection on the coal trade he said if a duty was placed on foreign manufactures, and they were considerably restricted the steamers which carried the coal would have no backward, freights, and the consequence would be that they would be withdrawn from the trade, and the coal would remain in the pits. A vote of confidence in Mr Evans was carried unanimously.

OLD MAN'S DESPAIR. Attempted Suicide at Whitchurch. On Monday at L'andaff Police Court Richard Creech. 73 years of age, until recently a green- grocer, of Whitchurch, was brought up on a charge of having attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a razor. The old man had been living with his son and daughter-in- law, and of late bad been somewhat depressed. Lie left the house shortly after 8 o'clock on the 12th Septeii, bar, and about half an hour later was found by his daughter-in-law sitting in a 1 shed in tbe garden bleeding profusely from a wound in the throat and unconscious. Sergeant Phillips was sailed iu, and found blood in the closet and also in the shed. Or. Arthur bandaged the wounds, and the man was remove! to the Infirmary and detained until Monday. The sergeant found a blood stained razor in the shed. Dr. Evans, of tho Infirmary, said the tnan had several wounds in the neck-oue dangerous— aud 1his life was in peril for some days. The prisoner was committed for trial at the Sessions.

mi——mmiitit. ALLEGED MOLESTATION. Swansea Lady Stops the Train. At Llandaff Police Court on Monday William Lee, collier, of David-street, BJaengarw, was charged with indecently assaulting Miss Alice Thompson, of St. Helen's-road, Swansea. Another summons charged him with unlaw- fully interfering with the comfort of Miss Thompson whilst a passenger on the Great Western Railway. Mr Arthur Vachell (Messrs Vachell and Co.), who appeared to prosecute on behalf of the railway company, said that on the 3rd inst. Miss Thompson was a third-class passenger from Swansea to Newport by the 6.30 p in. New Milford express, and was alone from Port Talbot to Bridgend, where the prisoner got into the carriage. Between Bridgend and St. Fagan's the prisoner behaved indecently towards her. She forced him away and pulled the communication cord. The train was stopped, and Miss Thompson complained to the guard, and asked for the prisoner's removal. The guard asked the prisoner what he meant by interfering, with a passenger, and he replied, If I have done anything wrong I am very sorry for it. Later on, when charged by the inspector, he said, I am very sorry I was drunk, and know nothing about it." The guard removed the prisoner to his vau. Miss Thompson. George Pither, the guard, and William Cullen, inspector, bore out Mr Vachell's statement. The guard and the in- spector said that prisoner had evidently been drinking. The prisoner elected to give evidence on his own behalf. ne again expressed his re- gret and ploaded ignorance, adding that he was drunk when he started from Blaengarw. He was committed for trial at the Glamorgan Quarter Sessions at Swansea, which open to-day.

BOY SHOT AT PORT TALBOT. On Monday evening a lad, whose home was at Taibacb, was accidentally shot, and is lying in a precarious condition. The unfortunate lad is John Henrv Dnmmer, aged 11, son of Thomas Dummer, tinplater, of 17, Courtucba, Port Tal- bot, who is lying unconscious with a bullet lodged just below the heart. He was wheeling a child out for an airing in the back lane between Court- ucba and the main tine of the Great Western Railway. At No. 25, Court-ucba, apartments are occupied by Mr Charles Russell, a member of a Birmingham firm of bridge builders, who has of late sought amusement in air-gun practice. and it is pre sumed that tbe weapon was accidentally dis- charged at the moment when the lad Dummer was on the other side of the door of the backyard. The peculiar whistling report of the gun wac, it is stated, heard by neighbours, and immediately after there was a cry for help from the lane. The bullet from the air gun pasesd clean through the back door, and struck Dummer as described. The condition of the injured lad causes the gravest fears.

VIOLENT DOWLAIS SPANIARD. At Merthyr on Monday Gustagino Balz, Spaniard, who did not appear, was sum- moned for assaulting William Vaughan, Dowlais. Mr F. P. Charles appeared for the prosecution. Complainant said he was the night foreman at the Dowlais Old Works, and had to look'after the blast engines. He went to the boiler stand, where defendant should have been on duty,but found be had gone away, it was said, for beer. He found one of the joints of one of tbe engines blown out. Oncoming down the steps he saw defendant with a bottle, and defendant struck him with it on the chest. Another fireman took bold of complainant, and defendant dealt him a. blow with the bottle oil the fieati. Both firemen cleared off that night. James Jones, driver of the engine at No. 6 blast furnace, co-roborated as to the assault, and de- fendant was ordered to be imprisoned for six weeks.

AN OLD SWANSEA OFFENDER. Desires to Spend Winter in Gaol. Margaret Sullivan, of no fixed abode, was charged on Saturday before the Swansea magis- trate3 fo^ the 118th time with being drunk and disorderly.. Defendant, who thankedlthe officer for locking her up out of the rain," now asked the justices to send her to gaol for six months, so that she might spend the winter there. Mr W Walters (the chairmiu) saId the Bendl would send ber to pribon for a fortnight, and order her to find sureties to be of good behaviour for three months, failing which she would have to spend that period in gaol. Mr Powell, J.P., added that the Bench were sorry for the woman, and wanted to do all they could for her.—Defendant You need not be. i wish it had beea six months instead of three.

WELSH TRAVELLER COMMITTED. Charges of Forgery and Embezzlement. At the Bristol Police Court, on Monday, the houfinc of the cbaitros asrainst Percv George Bock, for embezzlement and forgery, was com- pleted. The prisoner was a traveller of a Bristol hardware farm, which he represented in the Rhondda Valley, Bridgend, Neath, and other Welsh districts. Mr E. J. Watson conducted the prosecution. William Joseph Horwood said lie I traded as Horwood and Company, hardware mer- chants, of Thomas-street, Bristol. He engaged prisoner as traveller in April, agreeing to pay him 7i pe* cent, on orders and 2i per cent, on cash collected. No travelling expenses were to be allowed He was instructed to send up all be allowed He was instructed to send up all imney on the same evening as he received it and was given no authority to endorse cheques pay- able to witness' order.. On April 25th witness asked the accused what he estimated his orders came to and he said £ 50. Commission was paid him on that basis. Up to October 16 prisoner had according to the account earned E38 19a 5d on orders, whereas the sum be had drawn was £ 59 Is Id. Prisoner cross-examined the witness, to show that he had been allowed to collect accounts and use the money. The witness ad- mitted that this was so in a Jersey case and possibly others, but said he afterwards told the prisoner he must remit all the suais he received. Witness said he looked upon the prisoner as a traveller paid by commission. Prisoner told him in August he was going to London to raise money to settle tbeoverdraft on the commission account --the debtor and creditor account already referred to. The prisoner I admit the signature there vvas no attempt to imitate your signature. Wit- ness No. The prisoner The writing was totally different. Tbe witness Yes. Prisoner was committed for trial at the Assizes.

Afforestation in Wales. CONDITIONAL PROMISE OF A GOVERN- MENT GRANT. While the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire is contomplating the estab- lishment and permanent endowment of a school of mining, the sister institution for North Wales is paying attention to the development of a still cider industry—that of agriculture and forestry. The college has been fortunate enough to secure the celebrated Madryn Farm, which Colonel Platt has long made famous in the agricultural shows of the kingdom by the splendid specimens entered in them of live sLock raised on this farm. On Saturday the formal opening of this new venture in connection with the agricultural de- partment of the North Wales University College took place, and was graced with the presence of the Earl of Onslow, President of the Board of Agriculture. In the course of his address, after referring to the exceilent work which the agri- cultural department of the University College was doing, and deprecating the parsimony which prevented the County Councils giving that de- partment more than* a meagre support, Locd Onslow dealt at some length with the question of afforestation generally and in Wales in par- ticular. Tnis is a question to which the South Wales Daily News has time and again directel public attention, in the hope, hitherto apparently a vain one, that the Government would take the matter seriously in band. We heartily welcome the powerful aid of the Presi- dent of the Board of Agriculture in support of the policy which this paper has so long advo- cated. Lord Onslow called attention to three salient points, viz., the approaching diminution and curtailment of our foreign sources of timber supply, the grievous lack of expert knowledge in this country as to how to layout land to the best advantage for timber raising, and the special advantages which Wales presents as a field for experimentation in practical forestry. The great forests of British oak which once existed have long since disappeared, and no steps have been taken to replace them. The historical Welsh forests are now nothing but a name, and the designations of Radnorshire Forest, Black Forest and the like are worse than meaningless, and have become a con- tradiction in terms. Tree planting for ornamen- tation-of a kind—remains timber raising for profit has quite disappeared. According to Lord Onslow it has become to all intents and purposes. in this country, a Jost art. FIe, instanced the case of the Birmingham and other English Corporations which have secured extensive water rights in W-les. They want, naturally, to make the widespread- ing areas of mountain and moor, which are their gathering grounds, remunerative. But when they have sought for expert advice as to how these immense tracts could he laid out to advantage for timber planting, they have sought in vain. There aie no experts to be had. The North Wa-les University College aims at doing something to remedy this state of things by adding a branch of forestry to its present agricul- tural department. As Lord Onslow rightly pointed out, Wales presents peculiar advantages for such an experiment. Here are large tracts of waste land now serving no useful purpose, many of them having at one time been so many oceans of foliage. Cannot ad- vantage be now taken of these ? What have the great landlcrds done to ensure that those coming after them shall have their timber supplied in cases of need ? How much interest have the landlords of North Wales taken in the agricultural depatment of the college ? How much will they take in the new depart- ment of forestry ? Apparently, Lord Onslow was himself forced to the conclusion,to which we have long since been driven, that the State itself must grapple seriously with the question. His Lordship held out something more than an en- couragement to the University College to pro- ceed with the establishment of its proposed new department. He gave what amounted to a defi- nite promise that a Government gr&nt in aid of such a department would be forthcoming. At the same time he impressed upon his audience the necessity of bringing pressure to bear upon the County Councils to supplement this grant by substantial contributions with the same object. Mr P. P. Pennant clenched the President of the Board of Agriculture's promise by submitting a concrete Droposal- tbat the Government should double any amounts which the Welsh County Councils might vote for the purpose and Lord On.-low, so far from fighting, shy of a suggestion which practically committed him and the Government he represents to so definite a proposal, to all in- tents and purposes accepted it. Let us now hope that something practical will actually be done. A correspondent writes Your comments upon this important subject are of public signifi- cance, and will, 1 hope, prompt to the exhibition of public spirit in the matter. It may not be generally known that in the early iron days there was some excuse for the clearing away of <*oods in Wales. It began practically when the Sussex iron trade decayed for lack of wood in Elizabethan times, aud whell looking around for fresh woods and pastures pew Wales became the resort, and the district atouna Quaker's Yard was selected. To this day there are many places bearing the names of the old woodmen iron- masters. Then in the young days of the Lewises, the Guests, and Crawshavs great havoc was made of the woods with which the valley abouded. It was the practice, for instance, at Cyfarthfa to employ the ironworks s three days a week in cutting wood and the other three in making iron. Mr Bedlington Kirkhouse, the mining agent at Cyfarthfa, used to say that the practice gave the name to the Aberdare Mountain of Bryn- gwyddil,' and not that of Irish marauders. When ironmasters began to use coal as a substitute for wood then the practice was discontinued, and from that date there has been no reason why there should not have been widespread planting of trees. That the soil admits of it is evident enough. There is no reason why the Cardiff Corporation should not plant wholesale in the neighbourhood of their Beacon water works, as Birmingham Corporation is reported to intend doing at Rhay- ader. That the altitude is not against is shown by the fine growth of fir at Crewe, in the Cwm Taft Valley, within a few miles only of the water works. It 13 not long ago that the Messrs Craw- shay sold the whole of their woods, receiving, it was rumoured at the time, S30,000 but very wisely the clearings were ac once replanted, and there is now a notable growth. What they have done others can do. Let any doubter go and see the kind of trees planted by them and imitate.

NEW SCHOOL AT LAMPETER. Prof. Sadler on Welsh Movements. On Saturday the new 3chool for boys erected in Bryn-road, Lampeter, by the Lampeter pont- Stephen United School Board was formally opened by Mr Thomas Darlington, his Majesty's inspector. The building, which was designed by Mr Llewelyn Bankes Price, of Doldrement, is of red brick, and consiats of central hall and two classrooms, a master's room, shelter, and offices. There is an extensive playground, a portion being intended for boys' gardens. There i.s F-ecommodation for 220 boys. The cost was £ 2,100. The Mayor and Corporation in their robes, Principal Bebb, of the college, the pro- fe3sors and school staff in academicals, attended. Rev. E. Evans, vice-chairman of the board, pre. sided. A letter was read apologising for absence from the Rev. Daniel Jones, Warren Vicarage, Pem., formerly vicar of Lampeter, and chairman of the Lampeter School Board for nearly a quarter of a century. He said he took no credit for the erection of the boys' school. That was due to the superior wisdom of his colleagues. He took up the attitude of a passive resister. but he confessed they were right and he wrong. Was it too much to hope that his conversion might bo an earnest of future conversions among another class of P. R.'s?" A summary of the work of the board was given by the chairman and the clerk (Mr D. F. Liloyd), and speeches were delivered by the Rev. R. C. Jones and Mr Darlington. The latter dealt with the advantages of the new educational authorities compared with the old, stating that the new administration would not be so confined and parochial, and it would also facilitate co-ordination of primary and secondary schools. Professor Sadler said that to a student of education Wales presented a strong attraction. (Cheers.) Indeed what had been done in Wales during the past 20 years had arrested the atten- tion of students and Ministers of Education all over the world. At every critical period of TNelsh history large plans of educational re- forms had been promoted by men who inter- preted Wales to herself, and who therefore were leaders of her people. The Mayor also spoke, and votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Sadler and Mr Darlington on the motion of the Bishop of Swansea (vicar of Lampeter) and Principal Bebb.

SMALLPOX PATIENT IN BARRY STREETS. Prompt Action of the Authorities. On Saturday aiteraoon a Danish fireman- Benhard Handeick Susen-Nvas found walking in a street at Barry JJock by l'ort Sanitary Inspec- tor Hopkins suffering from smallpox. The patient had been in town only two hours, having arrived from Hull in company with two seamen. He left the s.s. Terror at tho Yorkshire port, and came down by train after having been dis- charged, with the object of seeking a berth on a ship at Barry. Susen waB examined by Dr. Neale, the medical officer, and removed without delav to the sanatorium, which is for the time serving as a hospital for smallpox cases. The two other men who journeyed from Hull were dis- covered in a boarding-bouse, and although no unfavourable symptoms bad shown themselves, they are being kept under observation by thb local inspectors.

--< CQLLIER'S CARDIFF EXPERIENOE. Joseph Thomas Protheroe, collier, Abercy- non, told the magistrates on Monday of his weekend experience in Cardiff. At 11.?0 on Saturday night he met Lily Thomas (26). and she took him to a house in Eldon-street. He bad a sovereign, half a sovereign, a five-shilling piece, a tvo-shilling piece, and some coppers. He gave Thomas balf-a-sovereign, and missed 7s from his jacket. On Monday Lily Thomas was charged with stealing the 7s. When searched at the police statiou a two-shilling piece was found in her stocking, and she asked the female searelier to say it was discovered in her breasl. The prosecutor admitted that he had that morn- ing taken two two-shilling pieced to square the case, and the Bench thereupon dismissed the case.

d Death of Llew Buallt. NOTED WELSH CHORAL CONDUCTOR. After a prolonged and painful illness, Mr Evan Evans (Llew Buallt). the wet! known choral con- ductor, breathed his last at his Builth Wells home on Sunday afternoon, at the comparatively I early age of 55. He had been ailing for the last twelve months, and, after a recent stroke of paralysis, he was threatened with total blind. ness His friends clustered around him, and a testimonial was arranged, but before its comple- tion the end has come, and his loss will be [ sincerelv mourned by all who are concerned for the welfare of Welsh music. In the advancement of that art in the Principality no one took a nobler part according to his opportunities than the famous leader of the Builth Wells Harmonic Society. It is to be hoped that the machinery of the testimonial movement will now be utilised to raise a worthy memoriat fund, for Llew Baailt married a, second time late in life, and a widow and a family of small children ate to be pro- vided for. The most memorable incident in the history of the choir—and of Llew Btallt-was the notable victory achieved at the Llandudno National Eisteddfod in July, 1896. On that occa- sion Llew Buallt and his Mid-Wales singen defeated such veteran choral organisations as LI tnelly (Mr John Thomas), Merthyr (Mr Dan Davies), Rhymney (Mr John Price), Dowlais (Mr Harry Evans), and Holyhead (Mr W. S. Owen). The test was unusually severe, consisting of three pieces, viz., Jenkins's Trip we Gaily on the Green" (Dewi Sant), Handel's Where He in Loud Thnnder Spoke (Jenhtba), and How Sweet the Moonlight Sleeps." an una.companied piece by the late Mr Henry Leslie. Mr Evan Evans (Llew Buallt1 was born at Bolellynewvdd Mill on August 31st. 1848. and when 15 years of age removed with his parents to Llanbadarngarreg for a period of about 20 years. Llew s father conducted the singing at Llancwir- cwiE Parish Church. The boy mastered the violin at an early age, and on more than one occasion was found under a hedge playing the in- strument when he should have been at school. At 16 years of age be led the rinsing at Llanbadarn- garreg Church. His first class, however, was held in the helfrv of Aberedw Church. While residing at Llanafan the deceased became associ- ated with Buallt Jones's choir which on one occasion defeated Caradog's celebrated singers. Iliew,it should be added, sang in that choir at the CrysEiil Palace contest in 1872. After his mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Davies, of Llanafan, Llew Buallt settled down for a time at Cefn-y- bedd, near Builth Wells, and thdte conducted the singing at the Congregational Church. For many years during that period be devoted him- self almost entirely to the teaching of the tonic sol-fa system, and in that capacity visited nearly every town and village in Breconshire and Radnorshire, and a large number of places in North Monmouthshiie, Hereford, Shropshire and the Rhondda Vallev. As a vocalist his services were always in great request, and on three occas- ions he appeared on the National Eisteddfod platform. He possessed a tine baritone voice with exceptionally wide compass. The first eisteddfod he attended was held in a barn at Creriua. and he was also present at an eisteddfod in Tanycoed barn, Aberedw, when the largest prize offered was five shillings. The townspeople of Builth Wells were then most eager to organise a similar gathering there. These events of 40 years ago afford a stransre contrast to the town's present eisteddfodau with X100 as the chief cboral prize. While cycling about two years ago be collided with a pony, and received serious injuries, from which be never total] lr recovered. His two great aims as a conductor were to win the "National" and to render a cboral per- formance before a London audience. These ambitions were achieved, the concert given by the choir on March 9th last at the Queen's Hall, London, being very successful. He had been associated for some years with the Baotist Church, Builth Wells, as choir conduc- tor. and with the Builth Wells Congregational Sunday School as a teacher, and last year he was superintendent. He was always ready with his choir to help charitable objects, and was never more happy than when tindergoitig strain prepar- ing his choir for musical contests. The Buõ]th Wells and District Harmonic Society was founded by Llew Ruallt in March, 1894. and in that year the first prize of E20 was won at Brecon. At the Abergavenny Eisteddfod in 1895 the choir came away the proud posses- sors of £ 50 and II. gold medal. The society enteied for the Llanelly National Eisteddfod second choral competition in 1895, and carried off first honours with S60. On Oe following New Year's Day (1896), at Dolgelly, the choir again proved victorious and secured X40 and a metronome. Following their success at the National Eistedd- fod in Llandudno in 1896, the choir entered the competition at the Dolgelly Eiqteddfocl (1898). and there won the chief prize of 140 and a gold medal. At Abergavenny Eisteddfod (1900) the choir gained the chief and second cboral prizes, amounting to zE120, and also the chief and third choral prizes, value SIJO, with gold and silver medals, at Abergavenny again last Easter Mon- day. During its existence the choir won over £1,000 in prizes. Touching allusions to the death of Llew Buallt were made at nearly all the places; ot worship at Builth Wells on Sunday evening.

PONTYPOOL HOSPITAL MRS HANBURY PERFORMS THE OPENING CEREMONY. Speech by Lord Tredegar. The General Hospital for Pontypool and dis- trict, which has been elected on an elevated site on the Leigh-road, Pontnewynydd, at a cost of S-6,384, was formally opened on Monday by Mrs Hanbury, Pontypool Park. The site was presented by Mr J. C. Hanbury, D.L., J.P., Pontypool Park. and the principal em- ployers of labour and other residents subscribed most liberally, while practically all the workmen employed in the various industries are con- tributing Id per week. The plaus were prepared by Mr Robert Williams, F.R,I.B.A., London, and the contract was entrusted to Messrs Bailey Bros., Pontnewynydd. It is estimated that the cost of furnishing the hospital will amount to £ 1,200. which, together with the provision of an ambulance, &c., will bring the total to ig 500. Of thisfZ,600 has been raised, including £ 1,00C left by the late Mr Richard Coslett. The hospi- tal is built of dark red Abergavenny stone, relieved with dressings of Monks' Park stone of a light cream tint. The buildings consist of base- ment and ground floor, and contain the usual administration rooms, kitchen, laundry, mortuary. fumigation chamber, Ac. The accommodation is for 19 beds, including two for hernia, one fo* accidents, eight for males and eight for females. Mrs Hanbury drove up to the main entranoe on Monday in a landau, accompanied by Mr Hanbury, Lord Tredegar, and Mr A. A. Wil- liams, J.P., chairman of the Hospital Com- mittee. Mr Williams, as chairman of the function, welcomed tbe party, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the way in which Councillor W. H. Hughes, hon. secretary of the hospital, had carried out his work. Councillor Hughes read the financial statement, and announced that only S6 was required to liquidate the debt. After the hospital had been declared open the company adjourned to one of the wards, and Dr..1. R. Essex proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Hanbury, and Mr Waldron seconded. Lord Tredegar, in supporting, said the open- ing of a hospital had always been to him an interesting ceremony, and it was ten times more interesting when the -unction was performed by a lady. (Hear, bear.) He gathered from th, chairman's address that at the outset some diffi- culty bad been experienced in establishing the hospital. There were certain people who ob, jected to every movement. There were some who objected to hospitals because they thought tlwJ the advance of science kept a lot of people alive who had much better not be alive. (Laughter.* That idea happily did not go very tar with the people generally. He bad heard that some ministers of the Goscel thought with the American who had said that it was no use preaching to anybody uuiess you get him ill. (Laughter.) There was one thing which always delighted him in attending functions of that kind. One could not bring the subject of politics into it by any possible means. (Laughter.) At hospitals all were treated alike-tbe Tory foxhunter who bad broken his leg in the hunting field- (laughter)- the Anarchist who had smashed his band in trying to carry out his diabolical amusement the unfortunate auctioneer who had his head broken by an irate female passive resister, an6 the passive resister himself who had caught v miserable chill by having to sacrifice hip com, fortable slippers for conscience' sake. (Louif laughter.) Mr J. C. Hanbnrv, in responding on behalf of his wife, thanked the Executive Committee for the honour conferred upon ber, not only in asking her to take part in the opening ceremony, bcW for having invited her to lay the foundation stone twelve months ago. He then referred t& the good work done by the Executive Committee during the past two veara they had put their shoulder to the wheel manfully. He reminded them, however, that the work had only begun. They must see that the hospital had the latest improvements, and was kept up to the highest standard. (Hear, hear.} Before they Jeft the room Jet them make up tbeir minds that tnais hospital should never want for anything. (Ap- plause.)

SHEEP SCAB IN BRECONSHIRE. At a meetmg of the Brecon County Executive Committee under the Contagious Diseases (Ani- mals) Act at Brecon on Monday, Alderman Lewis Williams presiding, the Veterinary Inspector (Mr A. J. Cat tell) reported that there had beeo 12 outbreaks of sheep scab in various parts of Breconshire during the past quarter. It was re- solved to call upon Brecousbire farmer-4 ha vine sheep walks on the Drim Mountain, the bound- ary between Breconshire and Carmarthenshire, where ribeep scab is prevalent, to collect their slisep on a certain day and bring them down to a point for inspection by the county veterinary inspector. Deputy Chief Constable Joseph re- ported that during the quarter the police had see. 5,705 sheep dipped at Builth, and 530 at Tal- garth. The committee revoked the anthrat order in force in connection with Ongur Farm, Ystradgynlais.

At Merthyr Police Court on Monday Cornelia Macartby, Henry Beecher, and Joseph Daley, I boys, were summoned for wilfnlly dsakaging waggons belonging to the Slag Production Cons pany, at Dowlais, to the extent of n. Defes. dants were alleged to have released four waggons which rftn down au incline and were Tbey were each fined 5s and ordered to pay 13e4c 1 damages.