The Cardiff Times

DISASTROUS GIRDER FALLS. Two Kmed Three Injured. A serious accident occurred near Newcastle on Sunday on the North-Eastern Railway- A. gang of men were engaged at SteUa Gill, seven miles from Newcastle, removing parts of the ironwork of a bridge, when a girder fell upon five of them. The cbargeman. named Baffles, and a labourer, named Harrison, were killed outright. Holborn Lambert, aged 30, labourer, was removed to Newcastle Infirmary, where he lies in a critical condition from internal in- juries. and Joseph Taylor (50), labourer, is also in the Infirmary suffering from a severely cwished body. The filth, man is less severely injured and proceeded home.

CASTLE BURNED DOWN. Tekell Castle, Cauiberlev, one of the best known seats in Surrey, was mysteriously burned down on Friday night. The owner, family, and servants are away from home. Before mid-night, the caretaker, who lives in an adjacent lodge, saw everything all right. At six a.m. on Saturday only the smouldering remains of the great buildings were to be seen, nobody having seen or heard anything of he fire. The castle was completely gutted, and the whole of the valuable,furniture and pictures 'les' rr>v»«d.

Hours and Wages. CONCESSIONS OF JE100,000 A YEAR. On August 15th a deputation representing the guards and signalmen on the Great Western Railway waited on the general manager and other principal officials of the company at Paddington, and laid before them certain grievances. Mr Iaglis has now sent the following reply, which will be considered at a meeting of the men to be held in Bristol on Sunday next:— "I have now had an opportunity of furthei and fully considering the various representa- tions made by the deputation which, with other of the principal officers of the company, I met on the 15th of August, and in the light of tbe explanations and statements then given I have been able to deal with some of the matters mentioned then, as also when the directors met the representatives of the staff in May last on an occasion when I was person- ally unable to be present. Goods Guards' Wages. If I correctly understand the position, much importance is attached to the question of a revision of the regulation under which goods guards who, having become entitled to receive the standard maximum wages of 305 a week. are required to wait for four years with a clear record before qualifying for a higher rate. I think that the circumstances in which this regulation was framed have not been fully appreciated by the guards, who apparently fail to recognise that advancement beyond 30s a week is the reward of exceptional merit and freedom from disciplinary record. I cannot find that this regulation has, speaking generally, been interpreted in an un- duly exacting manner it was intended that the special advancement which it provides for should be a recognition of continuous well- doing over a considerable period of time, and I am not prepared to admit that, either in its conception or application, it embraces any un- reasonable element, but, with a view to meet- ing as far as possible the representations which have been made, and as further evidence of the disposition of the] company to deal with these questiong in as broad a spirit as maj be possible, I shall be prepared to recommend to the board that, subject to reasonable qualifica- tions, goods' guards in receipt of 30s a week should be advanced to 31s a week after two years from the date of last advance, and from 31s to 32s after another interval of two years. The qualification is that they be reported upon j as possessing a clear record for two years, and that they are exceptionally efficient men. (The same regulation to apply to those shunters to whose posts a maximum rate of 32s per week applies.) As regards tho questions which were raised affecting Sunday duty and lodging al- lowances, inquiry into the general conditions attending the work of the goods guards has been made. These must to some extent be affected by fluctuations in the volume of traffic to be dealt with and other exigencies inseparable from railway work, and on the whole I do not find that there is any appre- ciable ground for regarding them as other than fair and reasonable. While therefore I am not able to say that goods guards shall not be required to make up their full complement of 60 hours a week, by the allotment to them of such duties as may be required to be at- tended to on Sundays—whether consisting of guards' ordinary work or otherwise—it may be taken that in the future, as far as pos- sible, where goods guards are of necessity employed on Sundays, it will be on guards' duties. The instruction as to lodging allow- ances will be revised shortly, and wdl con- tain some provision for instances of long detention away from the home station but as regards the posting of vacancies, for reasons wlrinh have been explained it is not pracfcic&bleto meet the view", which were ex- pressed. In those instances in which brakesmen regularly work as guards, the question of appointing them to that grade will be con- sidered, but each caso will require to be dealt with on its merits. In connection with the shunters, in addition to what is stated in the foregoing in regard to advancement beyond 30s a week, it may be added that the circumstances affecting the classification of posts are systematically re- viewed, and that, as and when occasion re- quires, these posts will continue to be subject to re-classiifcation. The Grading of Signalmen. As regards signalmen, the working arrange- ments in connection with the various boxes are always kept prominently before the officers, and the classification is ad-vanced whenever such course is found to be reasonably justifi- able. The directors cannot, in existing cir- cumstances, be recommended to grant any- thing in the nature of an all-round advance (in respect of the application for which nothing whatever of a convincing character was brought out), but the signalmen may again he assured that the conditions of their service, both as regards hours and remuneration, are the sub- ject of continual attention and consideration. Signalmen's posts throughout the line are dealt with on a consistent basis (not, as the deputation seemed to think, upon principles varying in different quarters), and it is scarcely necessary to add that the desire of the board and officers of the" company is that the service regulations affecting this, as also other grades of the staff, should at aU" times be equitably and uniformly arranged. The bonus is. and must continue to be. the reward for continu- ously efficient discharge of duty, and, while it will be obvious that there must be reasonably defined conditions under which alone it can be gained, it is not the desiro or intention that these should be made unduly exacting. Previous Concessions. On looking at the history of service ques- tions which in recent years have been brought before the company by thosw sections of tbe staff who are associated with the memorials now dealt with. it will be found that it consti- tutes a record of concession upon concession and as nothing is heard of these matters when new applications come forward, and some oE them may not be clearly in tli3 minds of tho staff, more particularly in the case of the younger members, it will be to the point to outline the changes which have been made in their working conditions. The standard of time required to be worked by goods guards and brakesmen before overtime could be claimed was formerly 144 hours per fortnight. Successive changes were made whereby 144 hours became 132 hours per fortnight, and ulti- mately the limit was further reduced to 60 hours per week, each week standing by itself. The allowance of annual leave was extended, and in 1903 tbe lodging allowance was increased. Further, in order to relieve the guards of work which bad hitherto fallen to them in con- nection with the formation and potting away of trains, tbe staff was largely augmented by the employment of men specially allocated to those unties. The staff of shunters have bene- fited by very extensive changes whereby their hours of duty have been shortened their scale of pay advanced they secured payment in excess of the week's work for Sunday duty, and their annual leave was extended. In the case of the signalmen, there have been two most costly general re-classiifcations of signal boxes, and two other re-classiifcations which, though not general, were of comparatively wide-reaching effect. The signalmen have also been brought under the Sunday pay arrange- ment, and have had their annual holiday extended. Additionally to this, and answering an application made by the deputation for some particulars of cases of higher re-classifica- tion introduced since the boxes were last generally dealt with. I may say that the numr her of such instances is 433. and that the men benefited thereby number 1,021. The effect of all these changes (embracing three of the grades only, and apart from the cost of dealing with other sections of tbe staff) has been to add to the wages bill of the company a sum approximating to £100.000 a year. The Manager's Decision. "I cannot but feel that no expression of view on my part is needed to lend emphasis to these facta and figures, showing as they do that, in these long-continued endeavours of tbe com- pany to show practical sympathy to the staff ij-y improving their conditions of service in so rl,a.uy respects, a heavy weight has been added t<- the working expenses of the line, and tile directors feel that a point has been reached at which commercial considerations in relation to their responsibilities to theahare-holding body must cause them to view with regret the atti- tude of those who press them to go still further, and it is their earnest hope, and mine. that upon this recapitulation of the case the memorialists will recognise that they have been reasonably, and indeed liberally, dealt with."

THE ALL-GRADES MOVEMENT. Speech by Mr R. Bell, M.P. Mr Richard Bell, M.P., was the principal speaker at a mass meeting of railway workers ab the Liberal Institute, Newport, on Sunday. Councillor Charles Thomas presided. The chair. man asked the railway men if there were any visible results of the meetings held in tbe past. He confessed that they had not materially im- proved their condition during the past few years. Competition amongst railway com- panies was at the root of all that was wrong in the railwy wortd all railways ought to belong to one company—the people of the country. (Applause.) Mr T. J. Robinson, secretary Newport Branch A. S.R.S., moved a resolution in favour of a reduction of hours-and increased wages for railwayinen, appreciating the work of the Executive Committee in promoting a national all-grades movement, and advocating the return of more Labour "men to local bodies and Parliament. lIe referred to the recent deputation which had waited on the Great Western Railway directors seeking better conditions of employment. At last they had received a reply from the railway directors, but they had simply conceded one small item. He was not in a position to say what that con- cession was, but he knew it only affected one- fifth of the men on the railways This was aU they had gained after three years' organisation. Mr Bell was given an enthusiastic receptibn. He said it was unfortunate that he came Ho them after a week's hard work he had to preach to them the old sermon of brotherhood and Trade Unionism. There were many people who had not heard of the A.S.R.S. until last week. At any rale, they heard of it last week. (Laughter.) it did ot matter much now what they thought of it so oug as railwaymenheard of it and came into its ranks. He recently made a speech at Paddington, which had ap- rmr~nt.lv shn-Vo" H. walls of tl e Storic ICx- change, for under the heading Home Rail- ways it was said that stocks had lost their buoyancy, being depressed by the eloquence ot Mr Bell, M.P. (Laughter and applause.) He never thought he was such an eloquent man. (Renewed laughter.) proceeding, he said it had been arranged to bold a national conference of railwaymen a.t Birmingham on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the last week in November and at this conference they ought to be able to draft a programme for railwaymen which would be practicable and reasonable. They wanted to get salient prin- ciples into their programme. They would ask what was a fair and reasonable day's work. VV as it eight hours per dav ? He knew there I would be a demand for this. It was an enor- mous demand, and a demand from men, the greater proportion of whom were not organised. He was not against eight Hours for all grades, if they could get it. but it would bo for the conference to decide whether they went in for eight hours for the lower grade men or make an effort to increase their wages. At any rate in the interest of public safety, and in the 'interest of the men em- ployed, it was essential that there should be reasonable hours. They would have a reason- able programme, with moderate demands, and the negotiations for the whole movement would be carried on from tbe head office cf the A.S.R.S. In the meantime they should be united. Councillor W. H. Brown and others supported the resolution, which was carried. Mr W. Hudson, M.P., at Bridgend. Mr Walter Hudson, Labour M.P. for New- castle City, addressed a meeting of railway- men at Bridgend on Sunday night on the national all grades movement. He said that this was a most unfortunate epoch in t the history of railway servan toFlo and j one of their most important demands was for shorter hours. Longer hours were making men prematurelv old, and the railway J servants' demand should be for an eight hourj' day, and no overtime. It was as true as that I day followed night that wages increased when hours were reduced. He was glad that the workers were waking up to the call of Labour representation. The workers of the country formed four-fifths of the population, and he included in the Workers men who worked by brain or hand without distinction. He hoped that the men would see that they got the right Labour representation on local bodies and in Parliament, and a resolution supporting the all grade movement, and in favour of Labour representation, was carried unanimously,

CARDIFF CITY OBSERVATORY. J Mr Frankten Evans's Gift. I The formal opening of the Cardiff City Observatory on Penvlan Hill took place on Saturday, the ceremony being performed by the Lord Mayor. The observatory has been erected within the grounds of the city water works, and. though unpretentious, it is well built, and the most scrupulous care has been taken with the foundations. It is on the Berthon model, with revolving dome and shutters, whilst the telescope itself, the gilt of the late Mr Franklen G. Evans, F.R. A S., to the city, is of massive proportions, and the largest instrument of the kind in the Princi- pality. It, has been mounted on an equatorial stand, and furnished with a driving clock. A large company, consisting of several mem- bers of the City Council and of the Astro- nomic*! Society of Wales, had gathered in the observatory grounds when Councillor Kidd, the chairman of the Telescope Com- mittee, asked the Lord Mayor to formally open* the observatory., He first of all warmly congratulated the Lord Mayor upon his recovery ,and pointed out that this opening ceremony would have been performed long ago bad it not been for the Lord Mayor's unfortunate illness. Councillor Kidd then pro- ceeded to explain the circumstances under which the telescope had been presented to the city, and on behalf of the Telescope Committee he warmly thanked tha members of the family of the late Mr Franklen Evans, the donor, for the great interest they had taken in the matter. Mr Franklen Evans's idea when he gave this instrument was to hw!n those thousands of people who had made astcdy of astronomy and who had not the wherewithal to look through a large instrument, and to see the heavenly bodies as they ought to be seen. He had also to thank the members of the Astronomical Society of Wales for the great interest theV had taken in the matter, and Mr Arthur Mee, Mr Atkinson, and Mr A. Taylor for the vror-k they had put in in putting the instrument in order. (Hear, hear.) The Lord Mayor, iu formally declaring the observatory open, said that at one time the members of tbe Corporation did] not realise the importance of the telescope to a large maritime centre like Cardiff. From an educational point of view it should prove invaluable to students. and he sincerely hoped his fellow citizens and his fellow countrymen would come to the observatory, which would be always open, under certain conditions to improve their knowledge of the heavens: (Applause.) Car- diff was again to the fore, and was the only municipality in Wales that could give its citi- zens this opportunity. &n(j this was quite in keeping with its being the leading town in the Principality. He sincerely hoped the instru- ment would he well used by those who took an interest in astronomy. (Hear, hear.) Mr A. Tayior, F.R..A-S.. then delivered a short address on the value of the telescope as a powerful educational factor and invaluable to students and teachers. Major-General H. H. Lee proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Taylor, and a similar compliment was paid to the Lord Mayor, after which tbe company were entertained to tea.

THE ART OF EATING. American Cure for Dyspepsia. Foryears American doctors ha^eendeavoured to ascertain the precise reason why America, is a nation of dyspeptics. Climate, hustling habits, and indiscriminate consumption of sweets, pastry, and iced drinks, and scores of other things have been blamed. Now comes Professor Irving Fisher, af Yale University, who declares that Americans do not eat properly. Since January, Professor Fisher has experimented with nine Yale students, and the results are published. The rules of the experi- ment were thorough mastication of food, with attention centred on the taste and enjoymentof it, not on the mr-re mechanical act of chewing, and implicit obedience to the appetite. The men ate; nothing which they did not choose of their own free will. Lightning lunches, washed down with a glass of iced water, were neces- sarily tabooed. Gradually the men lost the desire foe meat, and substituted cereals, fruits, and nuts, so at the end of the first half of the experiment their daily consumption of meat was little more than half its original amount. The men lost their usual sedentary college life. At the middle of the experiment they improved their endurance 50 per cent., and at the end they were capable of just twice as much phy. sical exertion as in January, while the diges- tion of each waa that of an ostrich. It is in the power of everyone, says Prof. Fisher, to masti- cate wisely, and he advises people to get the mastication habit. It is more important than anything else."

LIBERAL WHIP AND SOCIALISTS. Mr Joseph A. Pease, M.P,. one of the Gov- ernment Whips, writes as follows from Juniper Bank, Walkerburn, Scotland :— Would you kindly allow mo to make a correction in the report of my speech delivered at Peebles on Friday ? I did not say that out of every five votes recorded by Mr Keir Hardie two were recorded. against the Government during the present Session of Parliament, but what I endeavoured to express was that there were two sections of that party—one section of Socialists whose record in support of the measures of the Government was unsatisfac- tory. As an instance I gave the-extrem2 case of one member who voted twice agamst the Government out of every five Government divisions in which be was present. The other section of the Unionist representatives I re- ferred to as members with whom the Liberal and Labour representatives who support the Government would be able to work, and who appeared anxious to support the Government and give them a chance to carry out its pro- gramme. Moreover, I added that I hopei wiser counsels would prevail among all sections of the Labour Representation Committeo rulers, and that we could all unite to secure the passage of Liberal measures against the antici- pated opposition of the House of Lords."

NEWPORT AND SUNDAY CARS. Appeal by Employees. A special meeting of the tramway employees was held at Newport on Sunday to discuss what action they should take in view of the notice of motion given by Councillor R. Wil- kinson at Tuesday's meeting of the Corpora- tion that Sunday cars be run from 2 pjn. to 10 p m. It was resolved That we as tramway- workers appeal to all fairminded members of the Newport Corporation to vote against tho running of Snuday cars." It was remarked that at present the men work from 12 to 14 hours a day owing to the split turn system, and to add Sunday duty would rn-ake slaves of them. An appeal was also made to the Trade Unionists of the town to protest against the proposed ex. tension of Sunday labour.

HOME-GROWN TOBACCO. A correspondent who recently inquired of the Board of Agriculture whether the Govern- ment would encourage home farmers to carry out experiments in tobacco growing in view of the success attending such experiments begun on Lord Walsingham's hotne farm 20 years ago, has received the following reply :—" Sir, I am directed by the Board of. Agriculture and Fisheries to advert to your letter of the 17th ult., and to say that the cultivation of tobacco in this country is prohibited for revenue pur- poses, but that in 1886-1890 experiments were conducted in many part's of England by per- mission of hec Majesty's Treasury for the pur- pose of ascertaining whether marketable tobacco could bu grown. In a few cases the experiment was apparently successful, but in by far the greater number it was a complete failure, and inasmuch as the reports of the expert advisers went to show that the plant could never be cultivated in this country so as to compete successfully with tobacco grown in warmer climates, the permission was with- dr't^n Qnd hal1 not since been roneircd."

j Master and Matron. I ——*—— THE CARDIFF APPOINTMENTS. ALLEGED ANTI-WELSH FEELING? The Cardiff Guardians, at their meeting on Saturday, filled the vacant positions of master and matron of Cardiff Workhouse. The General Purposes Committee had examined 62 applica- tions, and five couples were recommended to appear before the board. Mr and Mrs Ailcock of Wigan, telegraphed that they could not at- tend. The Rev. J. Williams, moved an amendment to the General Purposes Committee's recom- mendations that the names of Mr and Mrs Davies. of Carmarthen, and Mr Thomas (relieving officer of Cardiff Union) and Mrs Thomas be added to the short list. He thought that in Wales the master and matron of a Workhouse should be able to converse in Welsh. He knew there were not many Welsh people in the Union. He was glad to admit they were very few, but there were a few, and it was a great comfort to them for the chief officials to be able to converse with them in their native language. On the face of it, the majority of the members of the committee seemed to be in opposition to Welsh candidates. J (Cries of" No, no.") There is that feeling—, (" No, no ")-and in future he thought they might as weU sav, •* All Welshmen need not apply." (Loud cries of No, no," and laughter.) Well," concluded Mr Williams, that is the impression that is abroad in the town." A!r Sutherland seconded. Mr IJeweltyn (Barry) There is no keener Welshman in the room than myself. (Oh, oh.) I did not notice any anti-Welsh feeling at the last meeting. You would have beard of it had I noticed it. The voting was straight from the consciences of the members. I'm sottry a J Welshman was not selected. The Rev. J. R. Buckley 'said he hoped the amendment would not be carried as it would i be extremely incon venient- He said most) emphatically and distinctly that the impres- J sion that there was any feeling against Welsh- :j men was entirely erroneous. I The liev. T. Davies supported the amend- j ment, which on being put was lost by an over- 3 whelming majority. Toe following candidates then attended before the Board :—Mr and Mrs H. Everdell, St. Ives, Hunts Mr and Mrs J. R. Ingledew, of Fork Mr and Mrs Plews, of Cardiff Work- bouse and Mr and Mrs J. Riley, of Chester. The Rev. J. R. Buckley proposed the ap- pointment of Mr and Mrs ln^ledew, saying that they had had lengthy experience, and both appeared capable officers. No one had a higher opin ion of Mr Piews than he, but his wife had had no experience. Mr Llewellyn seconded, after which Mr Mel- huish propos3d the election of Mr and Mrs Plews. Mr Dash seconded, and Mr Enoch, Mr Evan Jones, and Mr Beavan spoke in support of Mr and Mrs Plews, while the Chairman said they ran grave risk in appointing a young woman as matron like Mrs Plews. The result of the voting was :—Mr and Mrs In'<ledew, 40 and Mr and Mrs Plews, 35. The former couple were then appointed.. There was then a regular exodus of the mem- bers of the board, which prompted the Chair- man to call out. Order, order. There is other business to be done. It doesn't reflect very much credit on some members of the board to come only when there are appointments." (Applause.)

EISTEDDFOD AT CLYDACH. OVER 3,000 PloPLE PRESENT. Lord Glantawe Visits His Native Village. The moat successful Eisteddfod ever held at Clydach, a Swansea Valley village, took place on Saturday. The Eisteddfod was held in a spacious marquee, and over 3,000 people were present. The village square had been pic- turesquely decorated in honour of Lord Glan- tawe, who was born in Clydach. During the afternoon Lord Glantawe, accompanied by his two daughters, visited his native village and attended the Eisteddfod. He was most cor- dially received. Lord Glantawe said Clydach was his birthplace, and he had always regarded that Swansea Valley village with the greatest affection, The gathering was presided over by Mr W. J. Percy Player, whilst the eisteddfodic conductor was Mr Joseph Davies, Craigcefn- parc. The secretaries were Messrs Llewelyn .Davies, David Thomas, and H. Howells. Awards :— Solo, cbildren.-L Maggie J. Jones,, Treorky 2, Ivor Sims, Morriston. Recitation, children—1, Mary H. Jones, Skewen 2, Maggie J. Jones, Treorky. Violin solo, children—Ivor R. Shadrach, Ynysforgan. Stanzas to the Clydach Church Clock"- Enoch Richards (" Pcrllanog "), Clydach. Open solo. children-Maggie Cox, Swansea. Amateur photograph view of Forge Fach Falis."—^First prize withheld 2nd awarded to Tom Thomas, Brynheulog, Clydach. Soprano eolo-Elizabeth Ball, Burry Port. Best hatchet handle—Divided between Robert Jones, Clydach, and David Griffiths, Trebc-eth. Open recitation—1, J. G. Evans, Garnant 2, Harry Grey, Pontlliw. Open solo—Francis Morgan, Alltwen. Tenor solo-John Stephens, Bonymaen. Essay (children)-I. D. Emlyn Thomas, Martin-street, Clydach 2, Elizabeth Jenkins, Heolnant, Clydach. Ambulance team competition- Lla.nsa.mlet. Mining esssay- Wiltiam Morgan, Brynajn- man. Mining questions- William Morgan, Bryn. amman. Juvenile choirs—1, Forward Movement, Morriston 2. Gendros, Forestfach. Timbering-I, Evan Be van, Clydach; 2, William Matthews, Cwmtwrch. Bass solo-David Davies, Pontardawe, Poem (chair prize)—Wm. Richards (Alfa), Clydach. Rock-Doring (double-handed)—1, D. Bevan, Clydach 2, T. Evans, Amananford. Stanzas to The President and Lord Glantawe — W. Richards (Alfa) and E. Richards (Perllanog), Clydacb. Chief clioral, Yr Haf "-Skewen Music Lovers (conductor, Mr W. Davies).

SENSATIONAL SUICIDE. Was the Victim a Cardiff Man ? A sensational case of suicide took place on Saturday morning at North Bridge, Halifax, the scene ot the recent tram smash. About twenty minutes past nine John Heath, an inspector in the employment of the Corpora- tion. was surprised upon entering North Bridge from the Grind Theatre side to see a ^nan climb over the parapet about ten yards away from him. He had just time to exclaim to another person, What is he going to do ?" when the man in question jumped from the bridge and fell upon the road, 50 or 60 feet below. Persons who ran to the spot found the man lying on his side in the road, but he was so badly injured that he breathed only a few times and then died. Potice constable Lumb removed the body to the mortuary. Upon it was found a travelling book issued by the Cardiff Typographical Association, bearing the name of Edward Taylor. Deceased is 5ft. 4in. in height, and about 60 years of age. From inquiries made amongst members of the Cardiff Typographical Association, it is uncertain as to whether or not Taylor really belonged to Cardiff. He was in that place in May last, and was then properly furnished with the membership certificate found on him, although he appears to have been a member of the Association since 1893. It may be, of xcorurse, that he only called at Cardiff on a journey through the country.

LONG TRAMP FOR WORK. At Cardiff, on Saturday, Frederick Williams, labourer, pleaded guilty to wilfuliy breaking a square of plate glass, value JE1, in a notice case at the Bible Christian Church, Cowbridge- road. on the 6th inst.—Dr. W. Taylor (chair- man) What have you to say to this ?—Pri- soner I have been tramping the country looking for work, and I could not get any. I did it through despair. Mr F. J. Beavan, J. P. Have you been in the trampa* ward ?—Yes, but not in Cardiff. I have been through Devonshire and Cornwall, and came from London. Iwould not be in this trouble If I could get work. Dr. W. Taylor Did you apply to tho poor law authorities for assistance ?-No, sir. Dr. Taylor:: We cannot allow this kind of thing to be done even m despair, and you will go tojprison for 14 days with hard labour.

THE SPELL OF A WIFE. The Pontywain matrimonial case, Young v. Young, in which the wife complained of cruelty, and applied for a separation, was again before the Newport County Magistrates on Saturday. The husband denied the cruelty, and alleged that his spouse put a spell on him Mr Digby Powell, who represented the wife, explained that the case was adjourned so that the husband might be medically examined, but the doctor was not able to attend that day. The magistrates said they had come to the conclusion that they could not grant a separa- tion order, as there was no evidence of cruelty Each party would have to pay his own -costs. The Wife Beg pardon, sir, but I can't live with him.-The Clerk (Mr Llewellin) Stand down, please. You have the costs to pay.

EISTEDDFOD AT CYMMER, PORT TALBOT. A successful Eisteddfod was held at the Workmen's flaB, Cymmer, Port Talbot, on Saturday. Awards :—J uvenile recitation—1, Blcdwen Harris 2, Sarah Davies 3, May Evan3. Pianoforte solo—1, Gwladys Hama 2. Frederick Floyd. Eaglyn—Llwcharian,Aber- gynfi. Soprano solo-Llinos Rhydyian, Pont- rhydyfen. Contralto s >lo—Bessie Rogers, Cymmer. Tenor solo—Gw lym Taf, Maesteg. Bass solo—W. Stretton, .laesteg. Penillion singing—W. Jcrtkins. Cymmer. Recitation—M. Jones, Cymmer. Poem—Gwilvm o'r Graig, Cwmavon. Male voice pirties-Maesteg (con- ductor, Mr Sol Reea), CiveE choral-Glyn. C'rr^.

d POLITICS AND TRADE UNIONS. Socialists Accused of Breach of Faith. STORMY PROCEEDINGS. There were some disorderly scenes at the Liberal Institute, Newport, on Sunday, when Mr Richard Bell, M.P., addressed a meeting under the auspices of the A.S,R S. Councillor Charles Thomas presided, and the attendance included some members (not railwaymen) of the local Independent Labour Party. Mr Bell, M.P., received .an enthusiastic recep- I¡ tion. A discordant note was struck when he said they had no right to complain of improved machinery, but they had aright to share in the benefits. (A Voice: That's Socialism.) Mr Bell: It is Socialism, and I agree with Socialism of that kind. (Oh.) Having dealt with the national all-grade movement, he appealed to them to show a united front. They could be Liberals, Tories, or Socialists in politics, but for God's sake," he proceeded, keep politics out of the Trade Union branches." This provoked cries of No no disorder, and applause. All right," proceeded the hon. member if you let one in, let em all come." (Applause, and cries of Quite right.") Once they brought politics and religion to Trade Union branches, dissatisfaction was caused. (-, No no!" and disorder.) If they allowed the Non. conformist to have his say in the Trade Union, then they should allow the Churchman and the Roman Catholic to have their say. (A Voice And the Atheist.") Yes, the Atheist." proceeded Mr Bell. and the Liberal, the Tory, and the Socialist. Get them all in and discuss all these matters, and you will see how much unify you will have." (Applause and disorder and cries of Chuck him out.") Don't chuck him out," continued Mr Bell, Jet's have unity, but don't for Heaven's sake allow these things to come in the way of unit. ing us. I am simply asking for justice, equality, and fairplay for all." (Applause.) I The Chairman said he did not agree with Mr Bell's remark? as to keeping politics out of Trade Union branches and this remark led to further disorder, and half-a-dozen members rose to speak. "Don't," said Mr Bell; "we must agree to differ." Councillor W. H. Brown. J.P., an ex-railway- man, supported the resolution in favour of a national ali-grades movement,: and was met with the remark, A fat lot of work you've done." (Cries of Shame.") I have done more hard work than you have," replied Mr Brown, and am still doing it. Why don't you come on to the front and not act the coward there, where no one can see you ?" (Loud applause, and a Voice: That's it give it to him.") I am as much of a Labour representative as anyone," added Mr Brown. It all depend? how you define a Labour representative.' (A Voice: "Brown's too. many for the lot of them.) If you are against the L R.C. asked one of the members of Mr Bell, why have we got to pay the Labour Representation Fund. There was further disorder, and cries of Chuck him out," and the chairman had con siderable difficulty in restoring order. Mr Bell said in 1900 it was agreed to sink personal opinions, and unite in one common object to return Labour members to the House of Commons. He had been astrong Radical all his life, others were Conservatives, and others Socialists. He surrendered his Radicalism for that object. (A Voice So you ought to," and disorder.) The Chairman I must have fair play. If you ask a question give the speaker a chance to reply. (Applause.) Proceeding, Mr Bell said that he and others surrendered their Radicalism, but latterly the Socialists were all over the country pro- pagating Socialism. Now if the L.R.C. was a composite body, in which all sections sink their individual opinions for the sake of Labour representation, then those who departed from that violated the principle at any rate. (Ap- plause and disorder.) They had no right to take the money of Trade Unionists to support Socialists who were not Trade Unionists. They allowed these people to propagate Socialism, whilst others were denied a similar right yes, persecuted if they even looked over the hedge, so to speak, from the Socialist position. If he were called upon to sink his political opinions for the sake of Labour representation then let the next fellow do the same. (Hear, hear and disorder.) Another question wa3 put from the back of the room, whereupon a railwayman rejoined with, Don't answer it; they are not from railwaymen. They've only come here to kick up a row." Another member remarked, Donkeys will bray," and there was further disorder. •• Why do you act the autocrat and defy the decision of the E.C. ?" was another question. Because," said Mr Bell," I don't believe that the majority of railwaymen want me to sign to the L.R.C." (A Voice: Why not ballot ?") Yes," retorted Mr Bell, I am prepared for it, and if the Socialists are not afraid of the result they would allow a ballot." (Applause and disorder.) At this staae the meeting became quite un. manageable, and Mr Bell was heard to remark, This only proves my contention. Keep politics out of the Trade Union or we are dis- united. The meeting was quite peaceful while I spoke on the all-grade movement, but directly we touch politics here it is." It was understood that the resolution was carried, and the Chairman, amidst a Babel of voices, declared the meeting closed.

HORSE KILLED BY MOTOR-CAR Chauffeur Fined at Bridgend. Augustus Mines, chauffeur to Mr W. J. Price. of the Royal Tudor Hotel, Cardiff, was sum- moned on Saturday at Bridgend for driving a motor car recklessly. Mr T. J. Huzhes pro- secuted on behalf of Supt. John Davies, and Mr St. John Francis Williams (instructed by Mr A. F. Hill, Cardiff) defended. Mr Hughes said that as Mr Price had acted very handsomely in tbe matter the police did not press for more than a nominal penalty, The circumstances of the case were that on the 8th September the defendant, who was driving a motor-car belonging to Mr Price, collided vfith Mr Radcliffe, of Waterton Court, Bridgend, who was riding on horseback on tbe Cowbridge-road, near the bottom of Crack Hill, The horse was so seriously injured by the motor-car that it had to be killed. Mr Price had agreed to pay the value of the horse as named by Mr Rad- cliffe. Mr St. John Francis Williams said in view of the attitude of the police he would plead guilty, and a nominal fine might be inflicted. Mr Stock wood, magistrates' clerk, said the conviction must be endorsed on defendant's license. Mr St. John Francis Wiltriams said that this was a serious matter for the defendant, and he would be glad if the magistrates would allow the summons to be withdrawn on payment of costs, The Chairman (Mr William Llewellyn) said they ha.d already made up their minds to con- vict, and could not alter their decision. Defendant was fined 92 and his licence was endorsed.

SWANSEA OFFICER'S DEATH. | Succumbs to Cholera in Burmah. Details have been received by Mr W. Thomas, J.P., of -Swansea, of the circumstances attend- ing the death of his promising son, lieutenant D. H. L. Thomas, of the Middlesex Regiment,, in Burmah, on September 10th last. From these it appears that Lieutenant Thomas, a brother officer, and a native servant were all taken ill and died in a few hours. It was officially reported that ptomaine poisoning was the cause of death, but it has been since ascertained that itwascholera. Captain Roonie and Lieutenant Thomas were living in the same bungalow, and appeared to be in their usual health up till about 11 a.m. About 3.15 p.m. both officers were in the doctor's hands, and practically in a state of collapse. Captain Roonie died at 5.15 p.m. the same day and Lieutenant Thomas at 6.45. Captain Roonie's native servant died the iollowing day.. The colonel of the regiment, in a letter, expresses his sense of the loss to the Army of two such good officers, and conveys the heartfelt sym- pathy of the regiment, the members of which have already decided to erect monuments on the officers' graves.

UNDIVIDED IN DEATH. Mrs Emma Clayton,the woman recentlv shot in Hoxtou at the same'time as her husband was killed on the spot, died from injuries on Saturday in St. Bartholomew's Hospital. A man named Frank Wade is under remand charged with firing the fatal shots. Wade says he did not shoot deceased intentionally.

SELECTION OF CORONERS' JURJE8. Reply to Swansea Criticism. At the conclusion of an inquest on Saturday Mr Coroner Leeder, of Swansea, referred to some criticisms which had been made locally as to the method of selecting coroners' juries in the district. The object of the criticisms, he said, was apparently to abuse, for some reason or other,'persons who were willing to serve on juries. Personally he had nothing to do with the picking of juries, refraining from exercising his rights in that respect, and leaving it to the good sense of the police, who, he was sure, would not promiscuously go to summon any business man so long as they could get people to voluntarily offer their cervices and were quite capable of carrying out tbe duties. There were plenty of superannuated policemen about with plenty of time at their disposal, and the police rightly gave the benefit, ti) these and to others who happened to be out of work. He hoped those present would not trouble their heads over any insulting criticisms that might be made. Mr Fitt, of the Grand Hotel, expressed appreciation of the coroner's remarks, saying it would often he a very serious I thing for him if he were compelled to attend on uries. Mr Richard Watkica also endorsed the —nhsfrvntioia.

Workers and Education. CONFERENCE AT CARDIFF. Lively Discussion: Barry's Economic Slaves." The movement for the Higher Education ot the Working Classes took practical shape in South Wales and Monmouthshire on Saturday by a conference in the Cory Hall, Cardiff, which was attended by delegates from public and other bodies. There was a large attend- ance, and Councillor W. L. Yorath (deputy Lord Mayor) presided in the absence of the Lord Mayor, who had another engagement. On the platform were the members of the Pro- visional Committee, of which Alderman P. Wilson Raffan (Monmouthshire County Coun- cil) is chairman the hon. secretaries, Mr A. B. Badger (director of higher education for Mon. mouthshire) Councillor John Chappell, J.P, (Cardiff Co-opera-trve Society); Mr Austin Jenkins (University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire) and the mem.bers-councillot- T. W. Allen. (Labour Co-partnership Association), Mr G. R. Bennett (Newport Branch National Union of Teachers), Councillor W. H. Brown (Co-operative Whole- sale Society, and Newport Education Com- mittee), Professor R. Burrows (University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire), Mr W, Cadogan (Newport Trades Council)" Mr S. Fisher (Cardiff Trades Council), Miss E. P. Hughes (Glamorgan Education Committee), Mr G. W. Moores (secretary for higher education, Newport Education Com- mittee), Councillor A. Onions (Miners' Federa- tion of South Wales and Monmouthshire), Mr F, W. Pepperell (Cardiff Assistant Teachers' Association), Mr L. W. Richards (Blaina Industrial Society), Mr Seig (Cardiff Co-opera- tive Society). Mr A. W. Swash (Cardiff Branch National Union of Teachers), Mr A. Steel ( Western Section Co-operative Union), Councillor J. Taylor (Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants), Alderman E. Thomas (Cardiff City Council), Mr J. Watt (Cardiff Ruskin Society), Mr W. T. Whitney (Tredegar Co-operative Society), Councillor Peter Wright (Newport Education Committee), and among others on the platform were Alderman Carey and Councillor Grossman, Cardiff. Councillor Yorath briefly explained the object of the conference, which, he said, wa< held under the auspices of the Workers' Educt. tionalAssociation, which waaestablished in 1903 by a number of prominent Trade Unionists, co-operators, and progressive educationalists. who felt that while the necessity of making ample provision for specialised technical in- struction was generally recognised, yet that the value to the working classes of the study of such subjects as economics, history, and literature was not Adequately appreciated. It was thought expedient to have a section in South Wales nad Monmouthshire, and the con- ference was arranged by the Provisional Com- mittee to discuss the question ani to pass resolutions. Addresses on the aims and work pf the asso- ciation were then delivered by Professor Burrows and Mr W. Brace. M P. Professor Burrows showed what had been done at the University Settlement, and forcibly pleaded for such extension of the movement for the higher education of the working classes as was set forth by the Workers' Educational Associa- tion. Mr Brace,in aspeech of stirring eloqneuce, enforced the love of learning for its own sake- the true spirit of the higher life. The building up of character, he said, should be the highest ambition. The workers should also be educated up to their duties to their fellow-men. He briefly touched on the desire for knowledge on the part of the workers in South Wales, and de- clared that the great thing is not where you live, but bow you live. Tnere was a higher standard of education to-day, and to that we owe our more humane attitude towards such questions as war and slavery. (Applause.) The present movement was to co-ordinate existing institutions towards a given end to systematise; and to eliminate spasmodic efiort. He was heartily in sympathy with the great movement for the higher education of the working classes. (Applause.) Sectional Workers' Association. The first resolution was then moved by Alderman Raffan, and was to the effect that this conference is of opinion that the higher education of workpeople in South Wales and Monmouthshire will be materially furthered by the formation of a Sectional Workers* Educational Association, which, while pre- pared to support all educational movements over the whole area for the promotion of such higher education, will concern itself mainly < with establishing branch associations in such centres as may be determined." Mr Tom John (ex-President National Union of Teachers), seconded in a speech that roused the audience to a high pitch of enthusiasm. The working men, he said, must read wisely and widely, and there must be no place for intellectual quacks. There was a thirst for knowledge on the part of the miners of South Wales-a native love of learning and he wel- comed the present movement as a factor towards a great end. (Applause.) Councillor Yorath bad to leave at this point for another engagement and Alderman Edward Thomas took the chair. Councillor Yorath was heartily thanked for his services; and upon Alderman Thomas reminding the meeting that during the open discussion on the resolution each cpeaker was limited, to five minutes, several were at once upon their feet and a somewhat amusing and stimulating debate began. The first to catch the speaker's eye denounced voluntary effort and criticised the university settlement- it is for the^nation to educate us," he cried. < He was followed by a Trade Unionist, who urged that we must have more education "-but the debaters were 11 wandering from the point," and Councillor Brown, Newport, cleverly set the discussion on relevant lines. Principal Griffiths was then called upon, and in a brief speech declared that all great move- ments sprang from voluntary effort. He was proceeding to discuss the duties that neces- sarily followed the privileges of the workers, when he was interrupted, and he wisely turned the discussion into less controversial channels. There is, he added, amine in South Wales that has not yet been worked—tbe intellect of the working man. One of the objects of education was an antidote to t he public -house. (Applause.) The present movement was founded on Self- Help. The discussion was proceeding on orthodox lines when Dr. Sixsmith, Barry (representing the L.R.C.) convulsed the audience by declar- ing that he was present as the representative of 3,000 economic slaves." (Oh Hear, hear Piatforta ') Dr. Sixsmith took his place on the platform and repeated his statement. To say that slavery was abolished was, he cried, a vile piece of hypocrisy. He was at once called to order by the chairman, and asked to stick to the resolution. Very well," he rejoined, I am a many-sided man, and shall try another tack He then declared that Carthage haAt fallen because of technical education and com- mercialism. and warned this country. But the closure had to be applied, much to the regret of the eagsrly appreciative audience. Mr A. Mansbridge (general secretary of the association) replied to the points raised in the, discussion, and indicated the work now being done by the association. It was non-politicsf and non .sectariau.- R esol.utjon carried. Constitution of the Association. The second resolution, to the effect that & committee for the purpose of establishing such Sectional Association be formed as follows:- (1) The members of the existing Provisional Committee (2) one representative from each of a list of public bodies to be submitted to the conference (3) two representatives from each Branch Association which may be formed hereafter such committee to be in existence until the conference of 1907, was proposed by Councillor T. W. Allen (BLaina Industrial Society), and seconded by Miss E. P. Hughes, Barry. At the meeting of the Provisional Committee which took place previous to the conference, it was decided that the following public bodies be represented :-Breconshire Education Com- mittee, Carmarthen Education Committee, Glamorgan Education Committee, Monmouth- shire Edaca.tion Committee, Pembrokeshire Education Committee, Cardiff Education Committee, Newport Education Com- mittee, Swansea Education Committee, Autonomous Educational Areas, South Wales Miners' Federation, Trades Councils within the area. Co-operative Wholesale Society, Western Section Co-operative Union, Council University College Cardiff. Senate. University College. Cardiff, Welsh County Schools Association, N.U.T. In the discussion that took place on the second resolution it was pointed out that Cardigan was not represented, and Alderman Raffan explained that it was not thought desir- able meantime, but that if Cardigan wished to be represented tbey would welcome it by all means. It was also pointed out that the L.R.<3« was not represented, and a lively discussion followed, but the debate was well kept in hand by the chairman. At Barry, it waa pointed out; the L.R.C. performed the functions of the Trades Council, and should, therefore, be represented. An amendment to this effect was proposed, but was lost by 73 to 52. Resolution carried. On the proposition of Mr S. Fisher (Cardiff Trades Council), seconded by Mr W. Cadogan (Newport Trades Council), Alderman E., Thomas was thanked for his services, and the conference then adjourned till 1907." The delegates were afterwards invited to tea by the members of the Cardiff Co-operatiye Society, the Blaina Industrial Society, and the Cardiff University Settlement.

A HUMAN MARVEL Henry Radford, of Bristol, who landed at Plymouth on Sunday from Sydney, has had an unenviable experience. In January last, while serving on the ship Lord Shaftes- bury, he was attacked, stunned, robbed, and thrown over the quay side, but after falling th. distance of 30 feet his body lodged on a tank* where he was discovered unconscious six hours later. He was taken to the hospital, where it was found his back was broken and his right leg fractured. For two months he was speech- less, but then suddenly recovered the power of speech.

And is it true, Ethel," said her young lady friend, that you have transferred your affec- tions from Mr Tompkins to Mr Simpkins t" Quite true." replied the extremely fashion- able Miss Ethel. You see, we went into j mourning, and Mr Tompkins is fair and Mr ^irnrkino dark."