The Cardiff Times

THE lilSH LAND ACT. Treasury Liberality. The Chief Secretary for Ireland has sent a long, letter on tbe working of the Irish Land Act to Sir John Colomb, who wrote with reference to the difficulty experienced in finding money to re- lieve the block in sale transactions. Mr Loag atatea that very considerable progress has been made in tbe matter of the transfer of land from owners to occupying tenants since the Act of 1903 came into operation, and its aaccesBful working had been met so far by only one im- pediment—the insufficiency of funds. The pro- posal lecently made by him in Parliament were designed to help out the financing of the Act and to remove tbe existing bloek in the completion of aales with due regard to the interests of all parties concerned. After refer- ring to the uncompromising opposition of the Nationalist party, which made it impossible at thac time to proceed further in the matter, Mr Loug says, '41 have since been carefully con- sidering the position of affaira in consultation with tbe Treasury, who have met me moat liberally, and I have come to an arrangement with them under which they have agrBed to mo- vide additional fonds, amounting to JE2,000,000, before the end of the present year, together with BDch an amount of stock during the year 1906 as will produce in two loans £10,000,000 of cash. By this means at the end of next year the Treasury will have iaaned in all, say £23,000,000 of stock for the purposes of tbe Act of 1903. The additional funds to be provided under the arrangement to which I have referred nill en- able the Estates Commiaaioners, the Congested Districts Board and the land judges to overtake existing difficulties and will tend to expedition in the working of the Act. I have obtained the Treasury consent to a considerable increase in the staff of the Land Commission, and 1 am considering whether further assistance is neceuary. Of coarse. if I were fortunate enough to obtain support to the reintroduction next Session of a measure enabling vendors at their option to take pay- ment one-half in stock and one-half in cash, the Act could probably bo carried to completion throughout Ireland in a very much shorter period than is practicable under present circum- stances. The blessings and advantages of a change of ownership are obvious, and so far as I am concerned you may rest assured that no effort will ba wanting on my part to take all. necessary and adequate steps tending to facilitate and expedite sales." Mr Wm. O'Brien Condemns M.P.'s. Mr WilliamO'Brien, M.P., who was supported by Messrs Roche, Crean. and Sheeban, Members of Parliament, addressing a meeting at Carriga- live, said had not Dillon, Davitt, a.nd Sexton violated their pledges with regard to tbe working of the Land Act, he would not have left the party; and the laat two years would have proved the brighleat period of triumph in the whole history of tbe country. Daring the paasing of the Land Bill through the House Mr Dillon made a proposal to Mr Redmond which, if accepted, would have resulted in tbe withdrawal of the measure, and If it depended on Mr Dillon Iriah farmers woald never have got this Purchase Act.

FIRES AT SEA. i Suggestion to Diminish the Risk of Blazing Cargo, According to MrConsul-UeoeraVNeville-Rotfe, from whom a supplementary report on the trade of South Italy for 1904 has been received by the Foreign Office, a novel proposal has been made by some one in hia consular district to diminish the riaka incurred by the ignition of cargo in the holds of ships. It ia to tbe effect that carbonic acid should be stowed among the contents of the hold. This substance can be had in solid form, or perhaps might be stored ia steel cylidders in the liquid condition. In cither form it would be absolutely innocuous to cargo even if of the most delicate description, and aa its density is very high it would permeate all tbe interaticea between bales and cases, and sink to the bottom of the hold. Wherever it reaches nothing can burn, so that perfect immunity from fire would be obtained up to the level of the gas. How much gas would be required most not be calculated by the cubic measulemenu of tbe bold when empty, as the gas would not be applied till the hold was stowed. nor would it be necessary that the level of the gas should bo higher than the hatches of the lower hold, be. cause if a fire broke out above them it would jn all probability be extinguished with tbe ordinary appliances. The gas itself is a waste product of breweries, and the only cost is the expense of the condens- ing plant, so that enough gas to secure immunity from fire in the lower hold of a large ship when stowed with a closely-packed cargo of a combust- ible nature would not be a. very serious expense when the practical utility of its presence is considered. As to the hygienic effect of introducing car- bonic acid gas into the hold of a ship. it ia asHorted that, the lower hold being covered with battens when filled, the gan would not rise, and the lower hold alone would be dangerous. Be- fore discharging the cargo, ventilation would be necessary, and, of course, no competent steve- dore would enter the lower hold unless be had first tebted the atmosphere with a lighted candle.

DYNAMITE IN SADDLE BAG. HORSEMAN BLOWN TO PIECES. News has just been received from Perth (Western Australia) of the death under pecu- liarly tragic circumstancea of Mr H. Irwin Blake, son of Sir Henry Blake, C.G.M.G., Governor of Ceylon.aud nephew of Mr Bernal Oaborne, and a relation of the Duke of Leeda. Mr Blake was in the habit of taking nn after- noon ride, and on thia occaaion he was aeen going out by a number of horsemen, who were also riding out. When they were returning they were startled by a loud report coming from some distance in their rear, and a riderless horce was aeen galloping furiously towards them. On secur- ing the horse tbey saw that the animal was be- spattered with blood, and that a coil of faae was attached to the saddle. A number of tbe mounted police who went out in search of the rider came acroaa the remains of Mr Blake lying scattered from about 10 to 20 yards from the road. The body had been blown to pieces from the hips upwards, and it was evi- dent that dynamite had been the agency of tbe tragedy. The deceaaed waB a man of fine physique and commanding appearance. For some weeks be was in indifferent health, but latterly be re- covered. He was devoted to tiding, and was a frequent attendant at the Saturday afternoon hunts. He had recently returned from an ex- tended trin to Hong Kong, where his father then held the position of Governor. On returning to Western Australia Mr Blake was appointed man ager and attorney of the New Zealand Accident and Insurance Company, a post be held at the time of his death.

BOGUS ENGINE INSPECTOR. Oue day's imprisonment, with tbe option of paying a fine of 40s, was the sentence passed at Leeds on Friday upon a young man who, for the laat few weeke, has been travelling about the country on railway engines, having explained to the drivera of the trains that be was a loco- motive inspector. The charge laid againat bim was that of tra- velling from Mancheater to Leeds without having paid his fare and the somewhat unaaual sentence was inflicted, presumably, in order that the priaoner might- be handed ever to the Roch- dale county police on a more serious charge of obtaining a watch, albert, and a ailk handker- chief by false pretencea from Misa Ingham, of Wood-street, Middleton. The lady had lent him the Roods-so he him- self admitted—on the assertion that bo WM a railway employee.

FOUND OUT WHILE ON HOllDAV. For embezzling various sums, amounting alto- gether to £507, tece'ved on behalf of the Great Western and Metropolitan Dairies, Limited, Harrow-road, Frank Edward Tubb, a collector, was sentenced at Marvlebone Court to six months' hard labour. He had been in the company's employ for llj years, and it was stated that abont half a million of money must have passed through hia hands during that time. The defalcations were discovered while he was away on his holidays. It being mentioned that the prosecutors bad a bond for JE200 given by Tubb, and a promise from another person, his counsel pointed out that they were fully uecarad. l The Magistrate That does not excuse the prisoner, as somebody has been injared.

Molly There a a cow. I'm so afraid of cowa. Cholly. It won't harm yau.—Molly: I know that —bat when it (WW after IJIf. 1QU waft be with 110. I

LIVERPOOL WAR MEMORIAL. Sir George White on Saturday uuveiled in Liverpool a memorial to the officers and men of the Liverpool Regiment who fell in Afghanis. tan, Burma, and South Africa. The memorial is from the designs of Mr W. Goscombe John, and it is safe to say that it will become one of the chief attractions of the city. Sir George White paid an eloquent tribute to the solid virtue of the British soldier in a period of severe trials. Ueferring to hia own campaigniog experience with a company of the Liverpool Regiment he spoke highly of their service for King and country. Sir George White said Napoleon, when he called us a nation of shop- keepers, thought he was abasing as, but at Waterloo these shopkeepers gave him the knock. So was delighted there was no chance of being engaged with the same enemy again. By means of commerce the closest ties were now binding us to Fran:o and other nations. Description of the Memorial. The monument is composed centrally of a pedestal upon which stands a figure of Britannia blessing those who have died for their country. The pedestal is flunked by a lower wall or parapet, against which stand at either corner two soldierB-one of the year 1685 (the year the regiment was enrolled) and one of the year 1902. Upon a sloping step a; the foot of the central pedestal are heaped mliitary accoutrements of varioua kinds and Periods, intermingled with wreaths and palms and covered with the Union Jack. At tbe back of the pedestal is seated upon a ruined earthwork a drummer boy of the period of the battle of Dettingen, beating a call to amis. Upon the front of the pedestal is the inscription, and on either side of it, upon the flacking wall, the names of those who have died in the more recent campaigns, viz., Afghanistan, Barmah, Rnd Sonth Africa. Upon the back of the pedestal and the flanking wall are figured the badges and honours of the regiment. Upou the plinth in the front of the accoutrements and flag is the regimental motto, Nac aspera torrent," and at the back of the plinth, under the drummer boy, the crest and motto of the City of Liverpool. Britannia stands with her right arm upraised in the act of blessing. She is armed with the weapons of defence alone. Upon ber left arm hangs the shield, and in her left hand she holds a spray of laurel. The shield is decorated with seahorses, and the helmet with a prow apd galleys and a Beaborae crest, all 8Uggestive of maritime power. The aoldiers on either side stand at ease with their musketa lightly held. The monument from the front view bears a aolemn effect, befitting a mournful purpose. The back view is, however, not so, for the drummer boy, seated on the ruined eartbwork and shouting excitedly to his comrades, beats a. stirring call to arms, forgetful of all pain and sorrow, suggesting the lively strains of the return from a military funeral. The total height of the monument is about 26ft., and the width abont 25ft. Tbe greatest care has been taken in all details of uniform for the several periods shown, so that tbey may be depended upon as correct in every particular. The whole of the work has taken three years to complete. The aculpture i* all of bronze, and the architectural portion of grey Scotch granite. The bronze casting has been carried out in the most admirable and efficient manner by Mr A. B. Barton, of Thames Ditton, Surrey, and the granite work by Messrs Kirkpatrick Bros., of Trafford Park, Mancheater, in a similar admirable and efficient way.

LIFEBOAT DEMONSTRATION. Imposing Show at Newport. What under oidinary conditions would have proved a, most imposing demonstra- tion in aid of the funds of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, waa marred at Newport on Saturday by an ahnost continuous down- poar of rain. This was extremely unfortunate, for not only was the EFFECTIVENESS of the demon- j atration as a spectacle spoiled. but the col- lections also inevitably Buffered. la particular are the organisers of the demonstration to be sympathised with, for never before perhaps were the arrangements for a fcjfeboat Saturday so excellently conceived and carried oat at New- port. Mr A. G. L. T. Fudge and Mr Bonn Jones (bon. secretaries) and Alderman Howell, J.P. (chairman of the committee)., pat all their business acumen into the work and their industry and unselfish devotion deserved far better fate. The Friendly Societies, too, admirably supported the committee and it speaks eloquently ol their interest in the lifeboat movement that they shemd in such inclement weather have turned out in tall regalia. These must inevitably have suffered permanent injury. The procession was marshalled at the Cattle Market shortly after 2 o'clock by Messrs A. I, Sinclair (head constable). J. Moses, G. Jackson, T. Clevely, J. Payne, F. W. Morris, P. Wright, A, Jenkins, J. Long, and F. Heath, and pro- ceeded ithrougb' the principal thoroughfares, leturning to Belle Vue Park. At the head of the demonstration came the borough monated police, headed by the stalwart figures of Mr Sinclair, chief constable, and Mr Brooks, deputy chief constable. Then followed the cyclists in fancy costnmes. Under ordinarv conditions the wheelers would have pioved one of the chief attractions. of the show, but, troth to tell, the rain dealt very unkindly with their toilettes, and the spectacle presented by them was far more humorous than it was intended to be. The bands of the Artillery Volunteers and the 4th Bordeters came next, and they were followed by the Newport Fire Brigade nnder Engineer Tcot- hill. Next in order came the ambulance brigades of Newport, Abergavenny, Brynmawr, and Blaiua, followed by the Friendly Societies, who made an extremely picturesque show. The Druids were represented by a decorated car, in which rode their representatives, attired in robe! of spotless white, while tbe Foresters appeared in their quaint Robin Hood costumes of green. Amongst the lepresentatives of the Friendly Societies present were Messrs A. Jacobs, J. Scrivens, and R. W. Syner, of the iOrder cf 1 11 "a Druids ;1Mesers F. W. Morris, J. O. Moses, and J. O. Wiltshire, of the Order of Foresters ;andMrH. White (representing the Order of Buffaloes). The lifeboat D 8^' drawn by six horses, and manned by a crew of Newport pilots' assistants, under the general superintendence of Mr W, H. Thompson, was, of course, a. great attraction. Even the minutest detail inthe eqaipment of the crew was observed, with tbe sole exception that, instead of oars, the men carried nets with which to appeal to the generosity of the onlookers. Amongst the rest who formed part of the proces- sion were the Bays' Brigade, under Lient. J. H. Roberta the Salvation Army Band the AU Saints' Church Lada' Brigade, under Captain I. Jacobs the Boys' Life Brigade, bearing their stretchers, under command of Captain Smith jhe Maindee Liberal Club, &c. Of the trade societies only the Firemen and Sestnen's Union. under Me George Jackson, were courageous enough to brave the elements. The cyclists, who lent every Possible help to the committee, naturally Buffered more from the weather than any other section, and their display under the circumstances was highly creditable. The prices for the oest costumes were awarded as follows Decoration of gentleman's machine, W. Brooks of ladies' machine, Miss Hovey gentleman's original costume, 1, G. Jeffreys, 2, J. Brown lady's fancy costume, Miss Knight gentleman's comic coatt)mo, 1, C. Allen, 2, a. L. Daw, 3, A. Selwyn. The concert in the Park had, perforce, to be abandoned, but there was a capital attendance at the Tredegar Hall entertainment in the even. ing. "Amongat those who contributed to the pro- gramme were. the Newport Male Voice Choir (conducted by Mr Spencer. Jones), Mrs Stokes, Messrs Fray, W. Heybyrne, U. Strong. W. Cole, Harry Hughes, W. Holmes, and Mc Fled Jon 38 and AIr Ball accompanists.

DISHONEST SERVANTS. Prosecutions at Pontypool. Thomas Smith, a haulier, was brought up in custody at Pontypool on Satarday charged with Htealmg a quantity of household utensils, the pro- perty of Messrs handbrook and Dawe, Mr Dawe, managing director of the company, said that he had missed a quantity of goods from their busi- ness premises. In the room in which defendant stoted things preparatory to his marriage witness found articles of the value of £2 12s lid, all of which belonged to him and his partner. Ludwick Prothero, an eriand boy in the employ of the prosecutors, said that on various mornings during the past six weeks prisoner had sent him to the stores for the articles. Sergeant Blaydon gave evidence althe arrest. When charged be admitted stealing all the articles with the exception of the safe, and for this he said he paid 5s. Defendant pleaded guilty, and the Bench sent him to prison for three months with hard labour. A similar charge was also preferred against Cecil White, also a haulier in the same firm. Mr Dawe said he met thepriaoner at the stables that morning, and asked him if he bad anything at his house belonging to the firm. He fenced about tbe question for a while, and then said, Yes, I have a hearthrug." He waa then taken to the police atatioo. and, accompanied by Sergeant Blaydon, they proceeded to prisoner's house at Freehold Land, where they found a hearthrug and other articles. The (Bench sent White to prison for two months with hard labour.

ADRIFT ON A RAFT. Rescue off Cape St. Vincent. The Orient Pacific lioer Omrab which arrived at Plymouth on Sunday, reported that 4pxi Wednesday last when off Cape St. Vincent, she rescued a Spanish sailor, the sole survivor of the Spanish biigantine Carmen, which capsized early on Monday morning last. For three nights and two days the rescued man kept bimself afloat on a raft comprising two planks. For 24 hours he had the company of two shipmates but owing to lack of food and water and terrible exposals tbey loit thtic bold and were vrsihed I MM..

-A SHERLOCK HOLMES' METHODS. Smart Detectives at Cardiff. A piece of glass and a few drops of rain led to the discovery of an alleged attempted burglary at Cardiff on Friday night, and subsequently to the arrest of four Jads in Millicent street. It was a very wet evening the rain fell in tor- tents and yet Detective-Sergeant Kellett and I Acting-Detective Powell noticed a small square of glass lying on the pavement in Millicent- street, on which there was but a drop or two of rain. It was a piece of a window-pane, and must have but recently fonud its way to the pave- ment. This set them thinking, and thought led to aotion. A rapid glance round disclosed the fact that a glass pane of a cellar door close by had been broken and the door tampered with, for the bolts were drawn. The two detectives hastily hid themselves, and presently they noticed three boys creeping cautiously along and watching. Backwards and forwards they walked until eventually they were joined by another. Then they divided their forces. One stood on sentry go on the corner of Bate-street, and another watched near the cellar door, whilst the two younger ones-only 16 years of age-clept stealthily in. One of them was armed with an inatiument which was a hammer and a spanner and a knife all in one. The detectives pounced from their hiding place and caught the young rasoals in the very act, but the two elder boyj, who had stood on watch, made good their escape, but they later on fell into the hands of the police. The 3eqael followed at the police court on Satarday morning, before Mr F. J. Beavan and Mr T. H. Stephens, when two of the lads named John Cox and Philip Caswell, each 16 years of age, were charged by Detective- Sergeant Kellett with breaking and entering the warehouse of Weight and Co., provision mer- chants, Millicent-street, and Alfred Brooks (18) and Isaac Burnell (17) were charged with aiding and abetting. Detective Kellett said that about 9.20 p.m. he saw the cellar window of the premises named broken, apd he kept watch with Acting-Detective Powell. By and bye three of the prisoners came up and stood by the window. Later in tbeevening Brooks came up to them, and stood on sentry at the corner of Bute-street, while Bnrnell watched close by. Cox and Caswell went in.* The detec- tives then approached, and Burnell, shouting Look out," ran away. When the detectives entered the cellar they saw Cox standing behind a box, and when spoken to he said, I thought you would catch as." Detective Powell dis covered Caswell hiding behind another box. They were conveyed to the police station. When Barnellfwas arrested in Mary Ann-street about 11 o'clock he admitted that he had broken the window, and that they had intended getting aome ham.. Each of the defendants was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, The mothers of Cox and Caswell applied for the release of the boys on bail, and they were admitted to bail. the defendants in iE2 each and two sureties for XZ each.

WIFE'S FIRST DUTY. GENESIS OF A DOMESTIC SCRIMMAGE A yonng married woman named Nelly Maud Hayes and her married sister, Marie Corby, who belong to a well known Westminster family, were summoned in London CD Friday for assaulting Egbert Atheistan Hayes, the husband of the first defendant. Mr and are Hayes have been married some three or four years, and quarrels latterly have been frequent. On the evening of the 1st inst. the husband remonstrated with hie wife because of a lengthy absence from home and inattention to the baby. A sister of the wife called to take ber out again, but the husband refasedtoatlowhertodosountit the baby had been properly put to bed. Then there was a scrimmage,, and the husband alleged that his wife dug her finger-nails into his neck and face, and while the fight was proceeding another sister came in and gave him a black eye. Both women denied the assaalt from the witness-box, and said the husband was con tinually violent. Other evidence was forth coming that Mr Hayes was dragging his wife, aboat by the hair and pummelled her badly. Mr Curtis Bennett said there was toJ much mother-in-law and too much aister-in-law in this case. No man could live under such circum. stances, with sisters constantly coming xttlod and making disturbances. His opinion was that the husband only did what was proper in re straining his wife, who ought to have been indoors attending to her child. She ought to be ashamed of herself; let her attend to her own household duties, her lftisband, and child, and leave other people alone. Both she and her eister would be bound over in JE20 to keep the peace towards the husband for 12 months. -a.

WIDOW'S PREDICAMENT. Sequel to Railway plunder. A widow in good circumstances, named Mary Parker, was at Aston, Birmingham, on Friday bound over to come up for judgment under most peculiar circumstancea. A label on a parcel for. to her by rail became detached and was pasted by the railway officials on a tin trunk belonging to another person. This was delivered to the widow,who kept it, and having opened the box distribated the wearing apparel which it contained amongst her poorer neighbours. When the mistake was discovered she denied having the box, but ultimately confessed what she had done through fear, she said, and not from a dishonest motive.,

FOOT AMPUTATED. Cardiff Railwayman's Mishap. Bert Austin, of Dogfield-street, Cathays, Cardiff, an employee of the Rhymney Railway Company at the Caerphilly locomotive works, was proceeding to the scene of his employment on the engine of a ballast train on Saturday when by some means, at present unexplained, he fell off, and a wheel passed over his foot; severely crushing it. He was conveyed to the Cardiff Infirmary, where, upon medical examina- tion, it was found necessary to amputate the foot, and tbe operation waa successfully per- formed.

Friend Was that African potentate yon met very severe upon the criminals in his jurisdic- tion ?—Explorer Oh, yes. Sometmes ha would cut off a hand, sometimes a head, and, in parti- cularly aggravated cases he would make .them wear the elgiba tbo mJUMqaary societies aend them,

Elgin Burghs Election. THUMPING LIBERAL MAJORITY, Polling for the election of a member of Parlia- ment for the Elgin Burghs, in the room of the late Mr Alexander Asher, K.C. (L), took place on Friday. The candidates were Mr Patrick Rose-Innes, Unionist, and Mr John Sutherland, Liberal. The result of the poll was declared on Saturday as follows Sutherland (L) 2,474 Roee-InDes(C). 1,021 Liberal Majority. 1,453 1892. 1900. A. Alher (G.EJ.) 1,668 A. Asher (L.) «. 1.744 J. A. Grant (G.) 1,127 J. Mofiatt (C.) 1,187 Majority 541 Majority 557 1S95. 18*5 and 1886, 1S95. 18*5 and 1886, A. Asher 1,853 and again on acceptance C.T.Gordoa(L.U.). 1,161 f of office in 1886and 1«92. A. Asher (k.). Majority. 692 unopposed* The result was announced about 20 minutes to four on Saturday afternoon to a large crowd of people. Mr Sutherland, addressing them, said be had won what he believed yr&a the biggest victory during the present ParJiament. He thanked Mr Rose-lnnes for the courteous way in which he had carried out the campaign. Mr Rose-lnnes observed that though defeated he was not disgraced, and congratulated Mr Sother- land on his honourable position, a position which be very mnch envied.

SHOP ASSISTANTS' UNION. Council Meeting at Cardiff. The quarterly meeting of the Council of the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen, and Clerks was held on Sunday at Maskell's Restaurant, Cardiff. Mr Quiningborough, Merthyr, occupied the chair, and he was supported by Mr Green, the secre- tary Mr T. Francis, Mr W. H. Morris, Mr W. T. Rees, Cardiff Mr G. P. Roberts, Pontypridd aud Mr Quins, Neath. There was a good attend. ance of lady and gentlemen visitors from Merthyr, Newport, and Pontypridd, together with 30 delegates representing as many branches with a total membership of about ],700. A circular was re3sived from the head office, Lon- den, respecting the candidature of the general secretary, Mr McPherson, at Gravesend, where the prospects of a successful fight are very promising. The matter was recommended to the branches for their financial support. Branch reports aubmitted were considered to be very favourable, the aggregate total of membership having been maintained. One new branch bad been opened, and greater efficiency in branch work was reported, special note being made of the prominent work done by the women members in several branches. Some notable improvement in the condition of shop life was also reported, and an increased membership in the Cardiff, Newport, Canton, Mountain Ash, and Pontypridd branches was stated. A special committee reported progress respect- ing a reception itall at the Grocers' Exhibition to be held in Cardiff on the 28th inst. Discussion took place on the Shop Hours Act, and a reso- lution was adopted expressing urgent need to secure the limitation of the boars of labour by legislative enaotment. The Council strong!v supnorted the attitude of the Shop Assistants' Union delegates at the Trade Union Congress respecting labour in co- operative stores. Other rootine business was transacted.

FIRE BRIGADES" FIELD DAY. Demonstration at Rhymney. On Saturday the Rhymney Urban District Council Fire Brigade entertained the Fire Bri- gades of the Eastern and Western Valleys of Monmouthshire. The following brigades atten- ded :-Rhymney-Cbisf Officer, W. Lloyd Marks captain, H. Fisher bon. secretary, W. H. Marks, and ten firemen. Abersychan- Captain W. R. James and 11 firemen. Bargoed -First-Lieutenant T. Jones, Second-Lieutenant W. E. Lonne. with nine firemen. Bryamawr- Captain Webb, with seven firemen. Ebbw Vale -Captain T. Richards, Lieut. Morgan, hon. secretary J. Hankin, Second Engineer W. Jones, with 11 firemen. Nantyglo and Bla.in-Canta.in Davies, Lieut. Roberts, with 11 firemen. Trede- gar-Lieut. D. Morris, with four firemen. The brigades formed up at the Fire Station: and marched in open order to the Royal Hotel, where a halt was made and the Rhymney Brigade gave "demonstration. Upon a signal from Chief Officer Marko the brigade ran to the Fire Station, got out the engine, connected up, and had vcater playing on a supposed fire at the Royal Hotel within 76 miDOtietl, the diatance from the hotel to the station being nbout a quarter of a mile. The Rhymney Brigade also gave an exhibition of jumping from hotel win- dows into a. jumping sheet, and Fireman D. B. Jones jumped from the roof of the building. Afterwards the procession was re-formed, and. headed by the Rhvmney Brass Band, marched to the Penywain Hotel, where luncheon was provided, the brigades being the guests of Mr T. EdWRds (manager, Messrs Andrew Buchan and Co., Rhymney).

THE POLICE IN HIDING. Haverfordwest Licensing Case. At Rooee Petty Sessions, Haverfordwest, on Saturday, Alfred Bowen, landlord of the Griffin Hotel, Dale, was summoned for keeping his licensed premises ocen for the sale of intoxica- ting liquors during prohibited hours on Sunday, September 3rd. Me W. J. Jones defended. The evidence of Police Constables Lewis and James was to the affect that they watched defendant's bonse and saw a number of men enter and leave. Under cross-examinntion the police admitted they were in hiding 70 or 80 yards from the pre- mises, and that the summons against one of the alleged visitors to the house had been withdrawn, it having been ascertained that they had mis- taken bis brother for him, and that as a. matter of fact the man they had summoned was at home in bed ill all tbat day. The defence was that there was no sale to any person who was not a bona-fide tr; veller, and the defendant gave evidence to this effect. The Bench found the case proved and fined the defendant 10s. De- fendant gave notice of appeal. The Bench inflicted penalties of 5s and costs on William Howells, senr., Thos. Codd, William Howell", inn., and Wm. Howells, theSPoint, Dale, for being on licensed premise: during pro- bibited hours. The cases against James Thomas, Wm. Spriggs, and William Thomas, who gave explanations agreeing with those £. iveD by Mr Bowen as to their presence at the hotel, were dismissed.

WATTSTOWN COLLIERY FUND. On Snndav afternoon a very successful mnsical service was held at St. Paul's Congrega- tional Church, Cowbridge-road, in aid of the Mayor of Cardiff's fund for the alleviation of the distress at Wattstown. Loug before the time for commencing the chapel waa crowded, and many scores were turned away. The Rev. J. H. Walker opened the service with reading from the Scripture and a short prayer. The Deputy Mayor (Councillor W. L. Yorath), who presided, apologised for the absence of the Mayor, and in his Worship's name thanked the church and the congregation for their praise- worthy efforts ic so deserving a cause. Be had also to oongcatulate those who had the control of the service, and who had worked so bard, upon the signal success which bad attended the under- taking. Work of this natnre brought out the best that was in them to do what was possih!e to alleviate the distress and the suffering of those poor widows and orphans who stood in such need of aid. [ A splendid programme of music had been arranged, and the goloiets were Miss Annie Bell, Madame Theresa Tidball, Miss Maggie Bonny- man, Miss Morlydd Williams, R.C.M., Mr E, T. Haddon, and Mr Charles Bielski, The Cardiff Ladies' Choir, le,1 by filiss Morfydd Williams, and the Orpheus Gles Society, under tbe con- ductorship of Mr P. O. Walters, also rendered some fine chorees and glees. Miss Morfydd Williams was the accompanist, and a collection was made towards the fund, »The offertory amounted to X7 10s.

THE MISSING CARDIFF GrRL. Returns to Her Friends. The young girl, Bridget Norris, of Bedford- place. who was reported missing, returned home to ber parents on Saturday night. The explana- tion given for her andden disappearance is that she decided to go with it lady friend to Bristol to consult a specialist regarding some trouble in her throat. After consulting the medical man, she was asked to call upon him on sub- sequent days, and thia delayed her return. As a matter of fact, Miss Norris sent a. note to her employer last Monday, stating that her throat was bad, and that she would return in a few days, but as aha did not tell her parents this tbev naturally became alarmed, and reported her to the police as missing.

THIEF UP A CHIMNEY. Joseph Holloway, 4vho was sentenced at Stourbridge on Friday to two months' bard labour for stealing a bicycle from the public baths, was stated to have ascended a chimney in order to avoid arrest. He was found by the police, but refused to descend until they, threatened to smoke him out by lighting a fire. He then climbed down, and was taken to the police station covered with soot.

BRASS BAND CONTEST AT WESTON. Victory of Aberaman. On Saturday afternoon, at; the Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare, a brass band contest for prizes amounting to JE55 took place. The test piece wasRoaaini s" La Cenerentola." The com- peting bands played in the following order— Aberaman Silver (conductor, Mr T. Valentine), Ferndale (conductor, Mr S. Ratoliffe), Great Western Colliery Silver (conductor, Mr J. Roberta), Powell's Tillery Colliery (conductor, Mr F. Anty). Mr Thomas R. Preston, conductor of the Royal Rifles Brass Bund, Kettering, was adjudicator. The adjudication was as follows :— let prize, 20, Aberaman 2ndprue, £10, Ptm. ".10' MtJtHK. &&, Pev«u> lilies <

Gunpowder Explosion. TEN BUILDINGS BLOWN TO ATOMS. Feared Heavy Loss of Life. Oonrselsville (Penn.), Saturday*.—Two explo- sions have taken place at the Rand Powder Works, six miles from Unkmstown. Twelve bodies ha*e been removed from the ruins of the works, and three employees are still missing. Scores of people bave received injuries, and the manager of the works has been seriously in- jured. Not a vestige of the 10 buildings which com- prised the extensive works remains standing. The debri! is on firs, and two dynamite can tbat cannot be removed from the vicinity are expected to blow up at any moment. The thousands of people who rnshed to the scene of the explosion loft panic stricken fearing another explosion owing to the dynamite cara. Opposite the works the tracks of the Pennsyl- vania and Baltimore and Ohio Railways have been torn up. For a mile around bniidinga have been blown over, and at a distance of seven miles from the explosion hundreds of windovs have been broken. It is stated that 35 bodies ate still bnried in the ruins, and rescue parties ace working vigorously in the hope of extricating some alive.—Renter.

LUNATIC AT WINDSOR CASTLE The Visitor Frog-Marched. The authorities at Windsor Castle have onee more been troubled by a demented person, who claimed that he had an appointment with the King. He was placed under arrest on Friday. The Jian, a. native of Taunton, named George Hayes, arrived at Windsor several days ago, and bat spent his time each day since in wandering shout the Lower Ward and cloisters of tbe Caatle. He told a queer story to the police when ques- tioned as to the reason for his movements. He said that while sitting under a hedge at Taunton he received a letter from the King commanding him to come to Windsor Castle ..on September 6th, when he wouli be made superintendent of a scheme for sending all tha unemployed to Canada. He was looked upon as a harmless crank, and when moved from the Castle grounds he would sit on the steps of the Queen's statue. On Friday morning he again appeared within the Lower Ward of the Castle and was removed. Shortly afterwards he reappeared in tbe Dean's Cloisters, which he had reached by way of the Hundred Steps," an approach from the lower part of the town. On the constable endeavouring to induce him to leave, Hayes struck him in tbe month, cutting his lip. A postman wbo came to the constable's assistance was knocked down. The sentry on duty neat by gave tbe alarm to the Castle guard, and four stalwart Grenadier Guardsmen promptly appeared on the scene, overpowered Hayes, and frog-marched him to the police orece in Henry VHI.'s gateway. Later on he was given some coffee and bread and butter. He was examined by the police.sar- geon, and on his certifying the man to ba suffer- ing fotn delusions Hayes was conveyed on a magistrate's officer to the infirmary in charge of a relieving order and a couple of constables. H. will remain there under medicalaapeuiaioQ for « time.

SUNKEN CARDIFF SHIP. The Suez Canal Blocked. In connection with the recent fire on the Cardiff steamer Chatham, which was sunk in the Snez Canal, a Hoyd's Port Said meesageon Satur- day says Dredging a passage to free the canal proceeds at night. Cases of dynamite are floating out of the Suez Canal. The company's boats are taking every precaution. Saez CanaJ. September 9tb.—Traffie through the Canal ia stopped by tbe grounding of the steamer Chatham.—Exchange. The Chatham belongs to Messrs Watts, Watts. and Co.. Cardiff. Port Said, Saturday.—Tbe steamer Chatham1 broke away from her moorings in the Suez Canal and traffic is again blocked. Mishap to Another Cardiff Vessel. A telegram relating to tbe steamer Loyal Briton, previously reported &sbore(oear Bizerta), states forepeak is full of water. Tbe holds are free. Deep water from bridge aft forward ten feet. The Loyal Briton belongs to Messrs Lee and Finch, Cardiff.

MERTHYR FATALITIES J. A man named Samuel Conway died at the Merthyr Union Infirmary on Ftiday night from injnries received on Tbarsday night. It appeare that late that evening, while P.S. Harris and A.S. Oummings were p&sBing near the Ynysfacb coko opens, Merthyr, their attention was c&c £ to tbe deceased, who was lying on the railway suffering from a wonnd on the left thigh and a cut on the calf of the right leg. He could give no explanation of how he had met with these injuries, but it is assumed that he must have been struck by some railway trucks. George Davies, a quarryman living at Ponty- capel-road, Csfncoed. Merthyr, met with an acci- dent at the VayoorQuarry on Thursday by being crushed between tbe buffers of two railway trucks. He was removed to the Merthyr HOI. pital on Friday, but be died in the course of tb« night.

WILL HE BE FLOGGEDP- An able-bodied young man named Alfred Lee, who tore np bis clothes in the Workhouse, and was consequently taken on Friday before the Brentford Bench, said he world like to go back to prison. Because you can't find any place more com- fortable, I suppose ?" observed Mr Montgomery. That is so," said Lee. I was verv comfort- able there, and I should like to go back." Well, I ahall not grant your request," ob- served Mr Montgomery, "but 1.bsH remand you to see if yoa can be dealt with as a rogue and vagabond. Yon are then liable to be well flogged, and you richly deserve it, for it is men like you who abuse the provisions the law makes for genuine poor people. I sincerely hope you wutgos a good aogging." r

FATAL "BENGAL LIGHTS." The baby boy of a Hull bargeman named Clark met with his death in a strange manner. While a girl was wheeling the baby in a per- ambulator, a boy who was playing with coloured Bengal lights threw one of them on the per- ambulator, igniting the baby's bonnet, and bam- ing the child so severely that it died in hospital. At the inquest on Friday death was shown to be caused by septic poisoning due to burns, and a verdict in these terms was returned, the coroner remarking on the danger of selling theaa lights to young children.

MOTHER'S DREADFUL DEATH. On Sunday at Bellas Hill, Barnet. Rose Aliee Carter, a married* woman, aged 25, was found dead under remarkable circumstances. She was living with ber mother, who, on going out at nine o'clock on a short errand, left her daughter in bed. On returning she was horrified to ifind: Mrs Carter dead on the floor downstairs and burnt almost beyond recognition. An empty paraffin vessel and box of matches were fonnd; by ber side. Since her accouchement a week ago deceased has been greatly depressed.

ACTRESS IN MOTOR ACCIDENT. Berlin, Sunday.—Miss Loie Fuller, "who is tow appearingat the Wintergarten Theatre here, had a miraculous escape 10 a motor accident yesterday. She was touring in the Spreewald district and her car was going 40 miles an hoar when it ran off the road down a bank and OVeJlo turned. The car was hopelessly wrecked and Miss Loie Fuller and six other oecupants were thrown oat. Luckily the ground was very soft and none of the party were very seriously in- jaxed.—Central News.

BRITISH FLEET AT COPENHAGEN, Visit by the King of Denmark. Copenhagen, Saturday.—The Kiog of DaD- mark, accompanied by King George of the Hellenes, and other ruempers of tba RoyM family, paid a visit to the British Fleet this afternoon. They were received on board the flagship Exmonth, by Admiral Wilson. Admiral Moo:e, and other officers, and after inspecting the Yttious Bhips of tbe fleet partook of refresh- ment*. King christian drinking to the health of the King and Queen of England and the British Navy. In the evenics the King gave a gala dinner in tbe Royal Palace of Amalienborg, at which in addition to all the members of the Royal family the principal officers of the Cban. nel Fleet and also of the Danish Fleet were pre- sent. In the warmest terms King Chriatiao proposed the toast of tbe King and Queen of England and the British Navy. Admiral Wilson, in tflply,expressed heartyappreciationcf the splendid receptioa accorded ther British Fleet and concluded by proposngthe toast.of the King of Denmark. The King has commanded a Danish Order to be conferred npon the English Admirals as a memento of their visit.—C&ntral News.

NEW ORLEANS MARK TAPLEYS. In spite of the large amount of mortality in New Orleans through the yellow fever, the public are treating it in a most jocular fashion, and; pesona passing each other in the streets shout out some amaaing comment- All the citizens carry a mosquito badge, in the centre of which ia a representation of a moBuuito, and afound the, edge the inscription, My cisterns are all right. How are yours ? The health authorities have circulated the following poster in red letters.— In a Nut Shall I We all know the danger ot yellow fever, but we become earnest only aftSr it claims out own blood. Infection by mosqnitos is no longer a theory, bat-a. proven fact. Get rid of tbe mosqnitos by burning sulphur for fumiga- tion under tbe direction of Marina Hospital Ser- vice. Start in on Sunday, at XQ ft.n,, it op cam noon ot "v.