The Cardiff Times

BIRTHS.MARRIAGES, & DEATHS BIRTHS. CASE.-41;Clare-street, Riverside, on May 22nd, 1907 the wife of Robert Case, of a daugnter. 500 VAUGHAN.—OD the 27th ult., it Donnington House, Llandaff-road, Cardiff, the wife of James Vaughau, of a daughter. <21 DEATHS. DAVIES.-On Sunday, at Tydfil Villa, Glannant- etreet, Aberdare, T. G. Davies, 26 years attendance officer, deacon at Bethania. IDICKENSO,li.-On the 22nd nit., at 39, Sonth Wil- liam-street, John Dickenson, the beloved husband of Ellen Dickenson, in his 53th year. DONOVAN.— May 24th, widow of th late James Donovan, formerly of Newtown, at her daughter a residence, 21, Allerron-street. EDWARDS.-Oti 21st iilt., at Pontypridd, John Ldv. ards (John o Cwin;. EDWARDS.—On Tuesday, May 17th, Mary, the beloved wife of Mr William Edwards, late Grocer, Whitcombe-street, A'ocrdare. tVANS.—At 63, Miskin-street, Cardiff, on May 27th, Margaret, wdow of the ate Lewis Evans, coal in- spector (Messrs Cory IVou. EVA-NS.-On <he 27th May, at 33, Lower Cathedral- road, John Evans, clerk of works. aed 74. EV AS.-on Mjiy 26th, 19u7 Elizabeth, wife of Thoi). Evans, 10. Railway-row, Cwmaman, and mother of M. R. Evan3, Theological ^olles;e, Aberystwyth. F, V A S'-May 25th, at 107, City-road, Albert Philip iBertie). ion of G. H. and M. A. Evans, age 23. EVANS.—On the 25th ult.. Mary, the beloved wife of Thoma. Evans, 17, Llandoujrh-street. ,RIFFITHS.-Or, May 21th, by accident at Mount Stuaxt Dry Dock, William, beloved husband of Eliza- beth Griffiths, 5, Cwmrae-strpet, Moors, aged 60 years. 423 EIINTON.-Atll. Crofts-street,on the 22nd nit.. Mary, widow of the late Sergt. William Hinton, 95th Derby- shire Regiment. SO WELL.—May 22. at 31, Wedrnore-road, Grange- town, Mr John Howell, Trans-Atlantic. JONES.—May 23, at Bryn View, Nantyslo, Susannah, eldest daughter oi the late WiJIim Jones, builder. McAULiFt'E.—Mary, the relict of Cornellious McAuliffe, on the 2lst ult. RA.LIN.-S.-On May 25, at 32. Vpre-street, Cadnxton- Barry, suddenly, Josiali Malins, dearly beloved hus- band of Emily Malins, aged 60 years. MAL) DOC K.-At Cefnydia, on t-fic 25th ult.. Morgan Maddock, farmer, aged 82. NIC B OJ,AS.-on Ma; 25, at South Devon Hospital, Plymouth, Frederick, eldest son of William Nicholas, 1at of Newport,, aped 23 years. x505 PRICE.—After a brief illne-s. at Swansea, Anne, the beloved wife of Rev. Lewis Price, Consregational Minister, Zion's Hill, Pembroke (formerly of Laugharne). REKS-—May 24th, at 55, Caerphilly-street, Isabella, beloved daughter of John Reps, aged c2. B.IGG.-On May 24th, at Wyvestoe, Radyr. Glam.. Gilbert Noel, younger son of the late Charles Rigc. of Burghside, Whitchurch, Glara-, icedlS years. 307 .THOMAS.-On the-Oth ult.. at. 174, Inverness-place, Lil i, beloved daughter of William and Catherine Thomas, aged 20 years. IHOMAS—May 20th. at. Pantawel. Cardiff-street. Aberdare, Morgan, dearly beloved son of Michael and Margaret Thomas. THORNIN(J.—On the 19th Mar, at 65, Marion-street, Splotlands, Cardiff, Harold, the beloved son of W. and M. Thorning, a'^ed 16 years. WKBB.—May 22ud, at 21. North Lnton-placp, Abigail, the beloved wife of George Webb, aged 55. WTLLIAM,S.-On the 27th at the Post Office. Cwmavon. Owen Wilhama, age 71, for 10 years sub- postmaster of Cwmavon WILLLkXS.-On May 28th, at the Baileys. Cwm, Mon., Olwyn Mary, daughter of R. H. and Florence Williams, age 1 year and 5 months. WRIGHT.I)n May 22nd at Morningside, Fairoik- road, Cardiff. Max Cornell Wright, infant son of Max A. and Annie E. Wright, aged 13 months. 7554

JUNE. According to tradition, May showers bring forth June flowers. June flings wide the gates of Summer, for however inclement the weather is after May is out Spring is no longer with us. June is the most beautiful month of the year, just what the poets tell of the month of May but since the poets of May wrote the weather has gone all awry in this part of the globe. Even if the weather is dull and an abnormal quantity of rain falls, it is never very cold, and the longest days of the year fall in this month, approach- ing and leaving the longest day, which of course is on the 21st, or the summer solstice. Though this season is called midsummer, the heat of summer is not felt till July, or even August. June is the month of holiday delights in the country and by the seaside, for in addi- tion to the long days and 1 he glorious twilights, Nature looks her brightest and freshest. The trees are in full leaf, and never do they look so green and beautiful as in June, while the lanes and meadows nd the fields are a blaze of solour, with -=- the reds and yellows and purples of the wild flowers. The crops arc also beautiful to look upon, and the haymaking season is a time that appeals to the imagination of countrymen and to those who are forced to live in the towns, but who can make short excursions into the country during the summer season. The clover blooms and the honeysuckle, woodbine, and bush rose twine about the hedges with sprays of beautiful blossoms. In- numerable grasses are also in flower, and there is not a square yard in Nature's wild garden that is not charming to look upon, and full of interest for those who have eyes to see and an inquiring mind to question. The occupations of the country are interesting, for there is the washing of the sheep and the shearing to attend to. The birds are beginning to lose their song in June, but the twitter and chatter of the young birds is heard on every hand, and there are the scents of the flowers and the hay to compensate for the loss of the bird music. The nightingale pipes his lay in South Wales, I where this prized songster is still numer- I ous, though the note of the cuckoo begins to grow less distinct and complete. Of all the months of the year there is none so delightful or so welcome as June, which is the gateway of summer.

BACK TO THE LAND. The hope of getting people back to the land and saving the country from physical degeneration and decay is not by pro- viding more circuses for the ploughboys, but by enabling the people to get hold- ings. The new Land Bill which Mr Har- court introduced in Parliament this week will give central authorities the power of enabling the people to get on the land. The County Councils are to be given very large powers of becoming landlords, for buying or leasing land and letting to desirable tenants. A small holding may be anything from five to fifty acres, and th 1 Councils may acquire whole estates and lease portions of them for other pur- poses than small holdings, so that the price of cultivable land may not be enhanced by the separation of lands. The Board of Agriculture will help the County Councils to become landlords, and loans may be spread over eighty years, so that the scheme may be practicable and not become a burden to the ratepayers or a serious responsibility to the Councils. Previous Land Bills for assisting the small holder have been futile on account of the absence of powers of acquiring the land necessary, but this Bill extends the power of the Councils considerably. It is in- tended that the measure shall be practical and there will, of course, be much talk of confiscation from the Conservatives. When a Council requires land for small holdings, and the scheme has been ap- proved by the Board of Agriculture, it may acquire the land compulsorily with- out an enhanced cost on account of the compulsory acquisition. This is the greatest feature of the Bill. The Bill im- proves the conditions relating to allot- ments, extending the allotments from one to five acres. The Bill, if passed into law, will go far towards the achievement of a great social reform, and permit many to gain access to the land whose case is hope- less under the present unfair conditions of private ownership and an almost insane prejudice against the small holder who is eager to bring the land into cultivation.

Among the many public questions dis- cussed by the South Wales Sanitary In- spectors gathered at Llanelly was that of milk infection. The subject was intro- duced by a paper read by Mr J. C. Hill on Inspection of Slaughterhouses and Cowsheds." Mr Hill proposed very thorough but necessary powers for meat inspection and examination which would give the local authorities power to really protect the public against unsound and unclean food. He would make it com- pulsory for every piece of meat and every carcase to pass examination before being offered for sale. The deficiencies of the present Acts with regard to cowsheds and milk are notorious. Disease is carried every day into the towns and cities by the agency of milk and the carelessness of those who have the dealing with milk. cows and the transportation and distri- bution of milk. In many cowsheds filth and dirt are everywhere, and the personal cleanliness of the milkers would not stand a moment's examination. Mr Hill proposed thorough measures for the regulation of cowsheds and the control of those who have the charge of milking operations. The very worst forms of infectious diseases are carried by the milk, and the causes he placed on the list were insanitary cowsheds, unwholesome water supply, or infection of milk by attendants. Whilst it would not be fair to assume that all cases of tuberculosis were due to milk infection still a great number were. Attention cannot be too frequently directed to this most important question for the protec- tion of health, for the provis ions for the regulation of the milk trade are deplorably inadequate, and the conditions surrounding the sources of milk supply disgusting and dangerous. How many privileges are lost through want of interest, and how many gifts to the public arc allowed to lapse into the hands of the givers or their representa- tives. Years ago Lord Wimborne pre- sented to the Dowlais workmen baths for their use. The men were asked whether they preferred swimming baths or slipper baths. The answer was given in favour of the former, but for some unknown reason the latter were supplied. The slipper baths were not patronised sufficiently to make them pay, and after a time the baths were closed. Now there is a new demand for baths, and the Merthyr Council dis- cussed the question of reopening the building. But the present owners of th > Dowlais Works refuse to lease or sell the old baths, and several members of the Council expressed the opinion that the baths were originally given to Dowlais. The Council decided to ask- the town clerk to write to Lord Wimborne on the point of the own-.ri-hip of the baths. The tramp is the despair of Boards of Guardians throughout South Wales. His numbers increase, and frequently his brethren turn up in such numbers that the provision at the casual wards at the Workhouses will not hold the motley company. This pleases the tramp fra- ternity. for then it becomes necessary to issue tickets on the local lodging-houses, and on the morrow the tramp walks away without performing any task of work in return for his shelter and his food. The tramps have made themselves a danger to farmers by sleeping on their farm premises, and in addition have be- come a terror to the women and children of the country side. Magistrates have commented on the difficulty of dealing with them, and a Special Committee of Inquiry considered the question. The lesson in dealing with the tramp comes from Liskcard, where the master of the Workhouse has managed to make a profit on the work of the fraternity. There is nothing so effectual in repressing the tramp as work. The tramps received into the Liskeard Workhouse cost five- pence each for one day and two nights' board and lodging, not a lavish style of entertainment, and by the work which the master was able to get out of them he made a profit amounting to JE3 7s 5d on 905 tramps. The experiment suggests a method of effectively dealing with the tramp problem, for the idea that a Workhouse is making a profit on the work of the tramp is enough to make the whole fra- ternity give up the road and turn to honest industry.

Motor-Car Turns Overo SERIOUS MISHAP NEAR CASTLETON. six PEOPLTINJURED. A serious motor-car accident occurred at Coedkerncw, midway between Newport and Cardiff, on Saturday afternoon. Mr J. T. Milburn (of the firm of J. T. Milburn and Co., steamship brokers, Cardiff), who resides at Rhoose, near Barry, his wife, two daughters and son, and the chauffeur, a young man named Wm. C. Heny, of Treharris-strcet, Roath, were thrown into the road, the ear having turned turtle." Fortunately, the vehicle did not fall on any of the occu- pants, otherwise the consequences would pro- bably have been much more serious. The car, which had been hired for the after- noon, was being driven do vn Cocdkernew Hill when it was met by a caiv iage and a gentle- man on horseback. With the latter were two dogs. One of the dogs got in front of the motor. and to avoid running over it the chauffeur—an experienced and careful driver—turned the car to the side of the road. It is believed it must have run into the hedge, for it turned right over. throwing the six occupants into the road. Mr Milburn hurt his shoulder somewhat badly; Mrs Milburn sustained a broken collar bone and slight concussion of the brain MissBrenda Milburn fnjured her back and also sustained slight concussion of the brain Miss Milburn and Mr Hugh Milburn were severely shaken, and slightly injured and the chauffeur is suf- fering from concussion of the brain and an injury to the knee. The car was considerably damaged. The occupants of the carriage and the gentle- man on horseback already referred to. rendered prompt aid. Mrs Mackintosh of Mackintosh, who was motoringin the. vicinity, kindly placed her car at the disposal of Mr MUburnand family, and they were driven to Dr. T. Wallace, Newport-road. Cardiff, where their injuries were attended to. Subsequently they were conveyed to their home at Rhoose. The chauffeur was also driven to his home in a carriage, and he at once received medical at- tention. Dr. T. Wallace saw the patients at Rhoose on Sunday, and all are reported to be making fair progress, although the condition of Mrs Milburn and Miss Brenda Milburn is re- garded as somewhat serious.

WESTERN VALLEYS SEWERAGE. Surface Damage Claims. A special meeting of the Western Valleys Sewerage Board was held on Wednesday at Newport, Mr T. N. Bowver presiding. The contractor, Mr T. Taylor. reported on the matter of claims made for surface damage, through the sewerage works. He said he always made reasonable allowance for claims as soon as he found they were established, but this work took time, whilst many of the claims sent in were for sums considerably more than claimants were entitled to receive. Mr Taylor added that owing to the quantity of water met with,considerably more than he estimated, he would be unable to finish the contract as soon as he had hoped. He had spent £6.000 on coal, and 60 per cent. of this was spent on account of the water. He did not ask for any concessions for this except one. The Board had in hand, according to the agreement. £20,000 as retention money, and he would be glad to have £10,000 of this to enable him to meet claims and additional expenses. The Board decided to write to their engineer' on the matter. They considered Mr Taylor's explanation with regard to the claims satisfactory. Mr Little said his attention had been drawn to the fact that the contractor did not pay Trade Union wages. Some men got 5d an hour. some 5id, and only a few 6d, while the men had to buy a new spade from the contractor for 2s 6d before they could start. Mr Taylor, in reply, said there might be a, few young men who were not worth more to him than 5d an hour. but the majority received 5M and 6d, and his masons he paid Is an hour. He supplied the shovels at a loss. The Board expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with this explanation, and one mem- ber said 5¥f was the Trade1 Union rate. On the question of the new sewerage scheme for the Sirhowy Valley and the appointment of engineers in the event of the Parliamentary Bill passing, a deputation was appoind tf) wait on the engineers to inquire their terms for the new work.

THOUGHT THEY WERE BI6 MEN An exciting incident in a railway compart- ment at Pontypridd Station came to the notice of the local magistrates on Wednesday when John Harris, Porth, and Tom Smith, Trehafod. two young men,werc prosecuted for interfering with the comfort of passengers. Mr Cyril Brown appeared for the T.V.R., and Signalman Martin spoke of a lady complaining to him of defendants' fighting. When he went to open the carriage door Harries knocked Smith out of the compartment on to the platform, and then kicked him. Inspector Baddiscombe said that Harris had previously beeen cautioned for similar misconduct. Harris denied kicking his antagonist, and alleged that Smith put in the first blow. Smith, however, gave a different and quite original version of the affair. "Harris," he said, thought he was a big man, and T thought I was-(laughter)-he was only about 5ft. 3in.—and he let fly at me and I let fly at him. I had the worst of it." (Laughter.) Harris was fined 4cs and Smith 21s. the Stipcn- diray remarking to the latter, You had the misfortune to be the smaller man and got the worst of the bout." (Laughter.)

CRASH OFF BULL POINT. Damaged Schooner Puts Into Swansea The schooner Ladv Avenel, bound from CArdiff to Gasport with a cargo of coal. has put into Swansea, and reports having had a narrow escape of being sunk through collision. She was off Bull Point, and the weather was hazy, when the ss. North Briton, bound for Barry, collided with her, striking her on the port bow, smashing several stanchions, and carrying away some rails and a lot of gear. A heavy baulk of timber fell from the deck of the North Briton into the Lady venel. fortu- nately without striking any of the crew. The steamer afterwards stood by to render assist- ance. but, although the schooner was making water, she was not making enough to prevent her proceeding to Swansea-

CARDIFF TRIMMING BOARD. Its Decisions to be Binding. At a meeting of the newly-formed Cardiff Trimming Board, held at the Ocean Coal Company's offices.on Wednesday. Mr T. Evans presiding, the rules of procedure were finally adopted. It has not yet been decided when the first meeting will beheld to consider the dis- putes outstanding between the shipowners and the trimmers, but an important decision arrived at in regard to the procedure of the Board is that the decisions of the Board on any question submitted to it shall be final.

DOWLAIS CHAMBER OF TRADE. The annual meeting of the Dowlais Chamber Qf Trade was held on Tuesday evening, Mr J. G. Rees presiding. It was mentioned that a committee had been inspecting sites suitable for a recreation ground for Dowlais, and they favoured a site off the Pant-road between Bonmaen Farm and Tai-vr-efail. Councillor R. P. Rees, who produced a plan of the sug- gested site and surrounding areas, said the sub-committee of the Dowlais and Penydarren representatives on the Merthyr Corporation were moving in the matter, approaching Messrs Guest, Keen and Co. on the question of lease or purchase. Mr W. Morgan Davies moved and it was agreed to ask Mr H. R. Price, man- ager to the Brecon and Merthyr Railway Co., to continue the accelerated services at cheap rates to Brecon, and returning at 10 p.m., over the months of August and September. Com- plaint was made that many of the seats pre- sented through Mr Isaac Edwards by generous townspeople to the Chamber, and which had since been taken over by the Merthyr Borough Council, were out of repair, having been wilfully damaged, and it was resolved to direct the attention of he Council thereto. Officers were elected as follow — President, Mr John Evans, High-street; vice-president, Mr D. H. Edwards (of Messrs Edwards Bros.). Cambri. Chambers treasurer, Mr C. J. Price, Penydarren hon. secretary, Mr Marcellus Cartwright, the two last-named gentlemen being both re-elected.

DEARER BREAD. Germany, for the first time in the history of the trade, has recently been buying large quan- tities of English wheat to make good her anti- cipated shortage of supply due. to the wide- spread destruction of crops in Roumania, Austria and Russia.. This failure of the wheat crop in Eastern Europe has already increased the price of bread to the English consumer by a halfpenny per loaf, and :1. further advance is considered not at all improbable. It is some consolation to learn that at least a few of our favourite whole-wheat products do not share this advance in price. This interesting point is brought out very opportunely in our adver- tisement columns by the Grape-Nuts Co., who draw attention to the fact that, despite the Í1\. creased cost of raw wheat, the price of their nourishing food will remain as hitherto, only 7d per packet.

Glastonbu ry Abbey. '0> Glastonbury Abbey is to be offered for sale next month, and the nation will have an oppor- tunity of acquiring what is, perhaps, in some respects, the most interesting ecclesiastical building in the country. While our other monastic churches and cathedrals date from Saxon and Norman times, Glastonbury's story goes back to those of tho Romans and Britons. The early chapters of Glastonbury's history, however, are buried in uncertainty. Nothing that is at present visible seems to date further .back than the twelfth century, but probably carefully conducted excavations would bring to light remains of a much earlier date-possibly the foundations of the [church built by St. Dunstan. The accompanying sketch shows the walls of the choir aisles, the piers of the eastern arch of the Crossing," and the east end of St. Joseph's Chapel in the distance. Of the monastic buildings less re- mains than of the church. The great kitchen, with its roof entirely constructed of stone, is, however, in perfect condition, and a portion of the walls of the great Refectory, and the western gate (converted into an inn) may still be seen. It is not time alone that has wrought the mischief, for down to our day the ruins were treated as a quarry but as the views in Dug- dale's Monasticon," and Stephen's Con- tinua,tion show little more than we see at present, we must conclude that the wholesale destruction took place before the middle of the seventeenth century. Probably Henry VIII. wreaked his vengeance upon it because the last abbot refused to band over the abbey when commanded to do so, a refusal which cost the good abbot and two of his monks their lives.

Safety in Mines. MR T. RICHARDS' SUGGESTIONS. Evidence Before the Royal Commission. A sitting of the Royal Commission on Mines was "held yesterday at Westminster, Lord Monkswell being in the chair. Mr T. Richards, M.P., secretary of the South ales and Monmouthshire Miners' Federation, gave evidence. He expressed the opinion that the number of Govern- ment inspectors of mines was totally inadequate, and suggested the creation of another class of assistant inspectors (one to every 10,000 workmen in the district), composed only of persons having practical knowledge and experience of working in the mines, and prcfcrencc to be given to those holding certifi- cates of competency under the present Act. He was astonished to hear that an inspector of mines had said he had examined a portion of a colliery and taken it as a sample of the whole. If the class of assistant in- spectors he suggested was not granted, then he would suggest that Rule 38 should be, amended so as to permit the appointment by the work- men of persons as examiners who are, or have been, practical underground workmen. For some cause or other workmen did not use the power given them under Rule 38 as extensively as he thought they should. The method of appoint- ment of the oilicials under general Rule 4 was very unsatisfactory, as the owner, agent, or manager might appoint persons who had none of the special qualifications necessary for the efficient discharge of the important duties of fireman. One of the most important officials having to do with the safety of the colliery could be appointed without any test as to his fitness for the position. He would strongly urge a qualifying examination and certificate of competency. The firemen in South Wales and Monmouthshire had such a variety of duties to perform that it was practically impossible for them to make a minute examination of the district under their care, and ofttimes those dis- tricts are so extensive in themselves as to ren- der careful examinationofjall parts of the work- ings and roadways impossible in the time limit before the shift. They were working much too long hours, 10 to 12, and sometimes 14 hours a day being worked by these officials, and the measure of their efficiency was the amount of coal they could get out of their district, rather than their atten- tion to the ventilation, gas, and the safety of the working places. He did not agree with the enforcement oi: discipline by fines at the dbl- liery. and was unaware of its being so fre- quently done until given in evidence before this Commission. He thought it would in some measure tend to a better observance of the Mines Act and special rules if it war, made obli- gatory upon the officials to supply every work- man with a copy, and if arrangements were made to distribute periodically printed copies of the portion dealing with spragging, timbering, riding oil trams, care of safety lamps, etc. A more consistent regard for the importance of the proper use of the regulations by the officials was desirable. Special rules should be prepared by the Secretary of State after ascer- taining the views of the owners and workmen, and should be confirmed by Parliament. A more regular systematic method of timbering would reduce the number of accidents by falls of roof and sides. Travelling roads inde- pendent of the roads in which the hauling is done by machinery should be provided, or haulage roads should be of sufficient n-idth to admit of a footpath clear of the trams. He was informed that in places where they had this width at present it was rendered useless for walking on by old timber, rubbish, etc., being allowed to accumulate. He urged upon the Commission the necessity of an exhaustive in- quiry into the best method of dealing with coal dust with a view of minimising the extent of any explosion that might take place, and while leaving the question of watering and other scientific methods to those, better quali- fied to deal with it, he believed that a closed tram Oiled only to the level would consider. ably reduce the amount of dust made by the transit of the coal. A large number of col- lieries made no provision for prevent- ing the dust from the surface screens, etc., going down the shaft. The pre- sent practice of allowing the colliery manager to select the type of safety lamp and the quality of the oil to be used was not satis- factory. Rule 8 required alteration. He would insist upon the use of safety lamps in all ven- tilating districts where inflammable gas was found, and that safety lamps and naked lights should not be permitted in the same ventilat- ing district. Firemen should report the pre- sence of gas if found in their inspection during the working shift. Proper ambulance appli- ances should be kept in each dis- trict in the mine, and not at the mine." Provision should be made for dealing with an explos ion at every colliery, and every appliance possible to assist rescue work kept in readiness, and workmen trained for the purpose. He did not consider the present system of coroners' inquiries satisfactory, and should in all cases of serious accidents be supplemented by the in- vestigation authorised by general rule 45. No case of ankylostomiasis in South WaJes or Monmouthshire had come to his notice, but there was room for improvement in the sanitary condition of the mines in the interest of the general health of the miners. The Commission adjourned.

FAMOUS VIOLINIST'S RETURN. After an absence of two years, Jin Kubeli-k makes his reappearance in London, at the Queen's Hall, this week. In the course of an interview he siys The tour has been one of the longest and most important [ have ever undertaken. In America alone I gave no fewer than 110 concerts. I also visited Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and Russia. A tiring itinerary. Yet it was all very interesting." Questioned regarding the ree ep tions. xc corded to his performances Kubciik I Hevr Jan Kubelik. pointed out that na tions differ much in their expressions of enthusiasm- In Paris, for in- stance.the audience was iiii-oilinonly emotional and irrpulsive. In Germany, on the other hand. ) niece is lislenoi to, from the first bar fe'lv last, in a I most a religious silence. But 1) (' applause at the end of the performance is nc no the less most generous and whole- hear* cii. Again in Russia, audiences givf" way to e> traordin iry boisterousness. In England thr personality of the artist does not count so mr.t h as in other countries. Ou the whole, an English audience is. 1 think. more critical and ke. ply appreciative, than any other in the world," > i

't. I Letters to Young Girls. BRISTOL ESTATE AGENT'S AMAZING CONDUCT. Committed for Trial. Some remarkable evidence was disclosed at Bristol on Wednesday in the course of a prose- cution against George S. Phillips, who ap- peared before Sir George White on a charge of writing scandalous and objectionable letters to two factory girls of a nature likely to cause a breach of the peace. Phillips, a well dressed man of 34, gave his occupation as a house and estate agent, and throughout the proceedings seemed painfully distressed at hearing the letters which he confessed to having written, read out in court. m The first witness was a prepossessing young factory girl, whose name was not revealed. She stated that she first saw the prisoner on Friday last, when she noticed him looking up at the windows of the factory where she was employed. He raised his hat and smiled to witness and the three companions who were working in the same room. When the girls went out to dinner at 1 o'clock prisoner ad- vanced towards them and silently placed a letter in witness's hand, walking away imme- diately afterwards. The letter, addressed, Dear young ladies," asking permis- sion to write further to them, and a promise that they would not on any account take offence at anything he had to say, and that they would keep the correspondence secret- Witness, after consultation with the other girls, replied in the form suggested. The fol- lowing day she received a letter from prisoner (which was not read in court), and to this she answered, fixing an appointment, after having commiinicatedwitl-tti-io police. She fixed the appointment for Tramway Centre, and went there with a friend. Detective Moss was also there—(laughter)—and she saw the detective go up and speak to defendant, afterwards tak- ing him into custody. The second witness, a young girl, who gave her age as 21. but whose name also was not divulged, corroborated, but stated none of the girls laughed when prisoner looked up at the window. They might have smiled. Detective-Sergeant Moss gave evidence of arrest, when prisoner said" I did write the letters." He was advised not to say anything until the warrant had been read, but he con- tinued, I was a fool. Let me go to my wife." Witness then brought him to Eastville Police Station, where the warrant was read over to him. After being cautioned he said, My answer is this, sir. I am deeply sorry for having written the letters. I did it, but I did so in response to a letter which I have in my possession." Asked if he had anything to say to the charge defendant replied I am not guilty." Mr WTansbrough, addressing the Bench on defendant's behalf, urged that the case was of a nature that made it desirable it should not be further published to the public by the prosecution being carried further. Sir George White in committing the prisoner to take his trial at the next Assizes, said the long epistle handed by him to the girls outside the factory could not have been composed in a short time. He regarded the case as a serious one. Bail was allowed, prisoner finding a surety of Eloo.

WIDOW VERSUS SON. Pontywaen Property Dispute. Mr Justice Warrington, in the Chancery Division. bad before huji on Wednesday the summons of Silverthorne v. Silver- thorne, which was taken out to deter- mine questions arising between Jesse Garnet Silverthorne and Annie Silver- thorne, youngest son and widow respectively of the late Jesse Silverthorne, of Pontywaen, near Newport, as to the ownership of certain houses at Pontywaen. Mr Hewill (in- structed hy Messrs Colbourne, Coufman and Iiawrence, Newport), who ap- peared for the son, said he claimed the houses as having been erected by the father for the express purpose of the son's advancement; on the other hand the widow contended that the method of purchase did not operate to vest the property in the son, but in the father. The lease of the property was taken in the name of Jesse Garnet Silverthorne, but the widow con- tended that the father, Jesse Silverthorne, merely assumed the name for the purpose of taking the lease. Jesse Garnet, who at the time of his death was conducting a farm at Pontywaen, was married twice, and his chil- dren, two sons and a daughter, were all by the first marriage. There was overwhelming evi- dence that the father intended to fidvance this youngest son, and he had already advanced the eldest by giving him a business. There was also evidence that just before his death he was making arrangements for the advancement of the daughter by the purchase for her of some other property, but he disapproved of a marriage she was making, and the arrange- ments fell through. There was no question of creditor?, as the estate wa.s over £ 2,000- Mr Wace (instructed by Mr T. S. Edwards, New- port), for the widow, contended that the lease was granted to the father, who had never legally parted with it. His Lordship, in giving judgment, said the case was an extraordinary one, but when con- sidered the legal principles became compara- tively simple. It was impossible for them to say that the lease was granted to anyone but the person to whom it was purported to be granted, namely. Jesse Silverthorne, the father. Whether or not the Jesse Silverthorne thought he was benefiting his son was another matter. He accordingly made a declaration that all four houses were vested in the father, and formed part of his estate.

A SAD SEA TRIP. Mrs Richard Cad bury Killed. New York. Tuesday.k telegram from Vic- toria, British Columbia, states that Mrs Richard Cadbury, wife of the famous choco- late manufacturer, was killed on board the Canadian Pacific Liner Empress of India last Tuesday by a fall down the stairway leading to the dining saloon. The body of the unfor- tunate lady is being brought to England by her four daughters, who were all with their mother on board the liner.-Gentrat Newi.

MR HAVELOCK WILSON'S AFFAIRS. The case of Mr J. Havelock Wilson, M.P. for Middlesbrough, was again before Mr Registrar lilnklatcr on Tuesday in London upon the ad- journed hearing of an application for the ap- proval of a composition accepted by the credi tors of 10s in the JE. The Official Receiver re- ported that since the case was last before the Court substantial payments had been made on account of the composition, but that the de- posit of the amount required had not yet been completed. Mr Havelock Wilson asked for a further short adjournment. The Official Receiver said he did not oppose the application. as the alternative for credi- tors appeared to be 10s in the £ or nothing. His Honour allowed the application to stand over for three weeks upon the understanding that this adjournment must be regarded &b a final one.

CARDIFF COUNCIL. a CITY HALL-KEEPERS ARE THEY OVERPAID P Remarkable Allegations. COUNCIL AND NATIONAL MUSEUM. The Mikvah Bath. Mr Isaac Samuel, J.P., recently asked the Cardiff Property and Markets Committee to reduce the charge for a Mikvah bath from Is 6d to Is. The committee regretted its inability to grant the application. The question was brought before a special meeting of the Council on Wednesday by Coun- cillor Lewis Morgan, who explained that a Mikvah bath was a form of Jewish religious ceremony. A few buckets of water only were used-the thousandth part of a pennyworth. He moved that the charge be reduced to one shilling. Alderman E. Thomas, in seconding, said wealthy Jews had a bath in their own homes, but the poor had to go to the public baths. As it was necessary to take the Mikvah bath once a month it meant that poor people were called upon to pay 18s a year.—Councillor W. Roberts did not agree that a few buckets of water only were used for a Mikvah bath: it was nearer 150 gallons. Mr Lewis Morgan's amendment that the charge be reduced to a shilling was carried. Town Clerk or Office Boy. A resolution which Councillor Yorath de- scribed as absolutely ridiculous, in that it re- duced the position of the town clerk to that of office boy, was deleted. It took the form of a recommendation by thn Property and Markets Committee that the town clerk should submit to their inspection every legal document pre- pared by him before it was engrossed. Billiard Tables for Asylum. Councillor F. H. Gaskell said it was a scan- dalous thing that the Asylum Committee should think of providing billiard tables for the in- mates of the new Mental Hospital. Councillor Veall (chairman Asylums Commit- tee) replied that the tables were required for attendants as well as patients. The duties of attendants were very trying and painful, and they needed rational amusement. Councillor Gaskell I should think the rate- payers will find it more painful to pay for the billiard tables. He moved that the matter be referred back to the committee. Councillor Sec- combe seconded. Councillor Veall said there was no asylum in the Kingdom which was not provided with bil- liard tables. The amendment was lost, and billiard tables —not more than five-will be placed in the new Mental Hospital. Mr Veall assuring his col- leages that the utmost economy would be exer- cised. Police Surgeon Question. Councillor Lewis Morgan moved that there be no chief surgeon to the Cardiff City Police force, but that the work be distributed amongst the divisional surgeons, and that any resolution appointing a chief surgeon be re- voked. Mr Morgan said he did not consider that it was necessary to create such an office. If a chief surgeon, why not a chief physician ? The divisional surgeons could perform all the duties which would devolve upon the chief otticer. Mr Morgan quoted a number of large towns where the scheme he proposed was being worked. Councillor J. T. Richards seconded. He said that if independent advice were needed it would be better to call in an independent surgeon—someone not in any way attached to the police. The resolution was carried unani- mously. Welsh National Museum. Alderman David Jones drew attention to a minute of the Parliamentary Committee having reference to the Welsh National Museum. The minute in question stated that" the committee subsequently asked many questions on the matter, and were eventually satisfied on all the points raised." To the last clause the alderman took exception, and said that he was not at all satisfied on many points contained in the charter. He moved the deletion of the last clause from the word matter," and sub- stitute it with 11 it was considered that there were several difficulties which had yet to be overcome." Councillor Lewis Morgan concurred, and seconded the proposition. Alderman E. Thomas observed that if re- presentatives were appointed to the Council, the Corporation would be acting without any information at all. They were going to hand over LIOO,000 in objects and money, and the proportion of representation was to be only one-thirty-second part of the whole body. Alderman Thomas concluded by remarking, The whole thing Is most unfair." Alderman David Jones's resolution as to deletion and substitution was carried. Alderman E. Thomas was elected the Coun- cil's representative on the Court of Governors of the National Library of Wales. On the proposition of Alderman Carey the election of two representatives of the National Museum of Wales was deferred. A vote of sympathy was passed with the town clerk on the death of his mother, the Lord Mayor stating that Mr Wheatley's absence was due to the fact that he was attend- ing the funeral. City Hall-keeper's Income. Councillor Gaskell moved That legal notice be given to the hall-keepers to terminate their present appointments, and that they be offered the joint appointment at £ 150 per annum." In May, 1900, Councillor Gaskell said, Mr and Mrs Asbby were appointed at a salary of Z220, out of which they bad to find all cleaning materials and provide all necessary assistance. Five months later Mr Ashby represented that he was only making just over £4 a month,or about 2:i50 per annum,and in view of this statementhisrc- muncration was increased by iE80, which made the salary JE130 per year clear, or L300 alto. gether. At the time he was appointed to take charge of the new municipal offices in Gathays Park, the Corporation undertook to provide all the necessary assistance and also all the material required for cleaning, Mr and Mrs Ashby to be paid jointly aisalary of f;250 per annum net. and to receive apartments, coal, water, and light, and to be held respon- sible for the safety of the property. Six assis- tants were employed, and he (Mr Gaskell) understood that a,11 that was necessary was the supervision of these persons, and that neither the hallkeeper nor his wife was required to per- form any menial duty whatsoever. There is not one town to compare with Car- diff in the amount paid to the hall-keeper," added Mr Gaskell, who went on to say that there were men of education filling important positions under the Corporation who were not nearly so well paid as Mr Ashby. And yet," he declared, this man has nothing to do but to swing about a, bunch of keys and to open an occasional bottle of ginger-beer for the Lord Mayor." (Laughter.) When he (Mr Gaskell) stated recently that Mr Ashby received gratuities and tips which equalled his salary, the Council expressed sur- prise and disbelief, and some seemed to think he was drawing the long bow. He was prepared to prove his statements before a small sub- committee—that Mr Ashby received gratuities from almost every function held at the Town Hall. He would give a single illustration. A lady and gentleman who gave a dance at the old Town Hall decided to pay Mr Ashby a fixed sum rather than that their guests should be pestered by the attentions of Ashby." In face of that, the allegation was that Mr Ashby applied to two guests for tips. Then. again, caterers at the Town Hall had paid sums of money to Mr Ashby for the privilege of using the kitchen.?. Aid. E. Thomas interposed with the sugges- tion that the matter should be referred to a committee. Councillor Gaskell, continuing, said he had been inundated with letters of complaint, and there was no doubt that the cloak-room was a very profitable Investment so far as Mr Ashby was concerned. The curse of the council was the cintinual sending back of questions to committee. He quite expected opposition from the Aldermank bench, but he appealed to the younger members for support. Councillor W. Jenkins, in seconding the resolution, said the salary paid Mr Ashby was outrageously out of proportion to the services rendered- Mr Ashby filled a. luxurious position, which did not tax either his mental or physical capacity. (Laughter.) Councillor Lewis Morgan said that a serious charge had been made. and the matter should go back to a committee so that the person concerned should have an opportunity of de- fending himself against the charges made a gainst him- Councillor Yorath agreed, and said that the Council must not convict a man in his absence. Councillor Gaskell said he was not opposed to the matter going back to a committee. Councillor Veal Unless we are to have a long and protracted discussion to-day it will not be fair to Ashby. The matter, he added, should be discussed in committee. Alderman Mildon took exception to some of the statements made by Councillor Gaskell in respect to wages paid in other towns, and did not think the Council ought to vote on such inaccurate statements. Alderman David Jones moved that the whole question be referred back to the Property and Markets Committee, who were the first com- mittee who had to move in the matter. The alderman said that at the time certain rumours were current Mr Ashby denied the truth of the statements which had been repeated in that chamber that morning, and he had expressed himself quite ready to appear before any com- mittee and again deny them. The appointment was tentative, and would come up for considera- tion again at the end of the current year. Councillor Jenkins accepted the proposi- tion of Alderman David Jones, and Coun- cillor F. J. Beavan supported the matter going to the Property and Markets Committee, who had originally dealt with the matter, and not to a newly-appointed committee. The amendment, viz.. that the matter go to the committee, was carried nem. con. Unremunerative City Property. On the proposition of Councillor W. g. Ren- wick. seconded by Councillor Lewis Morgan, a special committee was appointed to inquire into all properties held by the Corporation- an to whether they were administered to the best advantage, etc. Mr Renwick said the Corporation held 35 to 40 acres of unremunera- tive land, which had already cost £ 20,000 in interest on loan charges, the interest pel annum being £ 3,000. "There was need foi serious inquiry as to whether these lands, pur- chased by the Corporation for various purposes, could not be utilised in a profitable manner. Mr Renwick said that inlSCO the Corporation purchased a site in Portmanmoor-road for a tramway depot at £ 7,739. It cost L309 per annum in loan charges, and £ 1,200 had already been paid in interest. Nothing had been done with the property. Sites had also been pur. chased in Lucas-street, Cat-hays, at a cost of iE538 in Severn-road, £ 8.154 Womanby- street. £ 3,500 and £ 6.000 and the Corporation owned nine acres in Llandaff Fields,vrhich cost Z350 a year in loan charges, and upon which £ 1,300 had already been paid in interest. There was also surplus land in Cathedral road, and around Victoria Park. on which they had spent S3,000 in interest. The £ 20.000 paid in interet alone on these properties was a dead loss to the ratepayers. Councillor Lewis Morgan said they all knew how easy it was to forget that certain lands had been purchased for certain purposes, and they went on paying loan charges year after year, whereas a sub-committee exercising proper vigilance and control would in nwny cases recommend properties to be sold. The special committtee was appointed as follow :—Tho Lord Mayor. Aldermen Carey, David Jones, S. Mildon, and Councillors F. T. Beavan, W. L. Yorath, Lewis Morgan, W. Roberts, F. H. Gaskell, W. H. Renwick, F. J. Veall, W. H. D. Caple, J. Mander, and H. M, Thompson.

DET ECTIVE AND A SUSPECT. Cardiff Station Arrest. Samuel Tudor Humphreys (52), a well-dressed man, having a heavy gold ring on one of the fingers of his left hand, was charged before Messrs J. W. Courtis and T. H. Shephens at Cardiff Police Court on Wednesday with fre- quenting No. 1 Platform of the (}reat Western Railway Station for the purpose of committing a felony. Mr R. H. Parsons (Vachell and Co.) appeared to prosecute. Detective Stephens (G.W.R.) said he had known prisoner since Christmas last and had seen him on several occasions in the company of thieves and cardsharpers. On May 3rd he saw him loitering about the station, cautioned him, and ordered him to leave. On Whit-Mon- day he saw him loitering at, Newport Station, a.nd subsequently received complaints from several persons that they had lost their purses. In the afternoon he saw him again at Caerleon racecourse,where he was ordered off for his conduct. Mr T. H. Stephens What was he doing ? Witness He was getting people out from the crowd, and persuading them to give their money to him to put on horses. These people afterwards complained to the police, who turned him off. Continuing, witness said at 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday he saw prisoner loitering at Cardiff Station. There was a, big crowd, and he was pushing his way amongst them. He followed three ladies up and down the platform two or three times. Finally he went into the y first-class waiting-room, where he remained till he was taken into custody at 10.45 p.m. He then said, T was going to Birmingham," but he had no ticket, and only three halfpence in money on him. Prisoner Why didn't you arrest, me when I was walking about the platform if you thought my conduct suspicious 1—Because I had other duties to attend to. Prisoner I should have thought that would have been your first duty. Mr Stephens He is the. best judge of his dutv. Wasn't T asleep when you arrested me ?** next asked the prisoner of witness. you were pretending to be asleep," was the reply. i Prisoner assured the Bench he intended to go to Birmingham. I can travel anywhere without a ticket," he said, adding, after noting the surprise his remark had occasioned, I can pay at the other end. I am known to all the officials, and if you don't believe me send to Mr Murphy, of Birmingham." Detective Stephens told the Bench prisoner was not known to the local officials, but he was very well known all over the country." Prisoner said he would leave the matter entirely with their worships. I am a native of this town," he said, and live at 54. Somer- set-street. Twenty years ago I was convicted. but I have never been charged with felony since. My intentions were not to commit any felony." Sergeant Price said prisoner was convicted on 3rd February, 1887, for breaking and enter- ing a dwelling-house and stealing elec-Lro-plate, and sentenced to 12 months. Since then he had been convicted at Newport for card-sharp- ing, and sentenced to three months. 'i The Bench sentenced prisoner to two months' hard labour.

JUDGE AND WIT. Lord Young, who was born ii," 1819, was tK. oldest judge in the. United KiM.rn. He was Solicitor-General for Scotland' 1 > 1862, and again when Mr Gladstone fo1 ;n*d his first Liberal Administration in 1868. He sat in Par- liament for a number of years as a, Liberal, and was finally made a justice of the Court of Ses- sion on the defeat of Mr Gladstone's Govern- ment in 1874. Lord Young was educated at The Late Lord Young. Edinbuurgh University, and was called to the Bar in 1840. As a lawyer be was famous for his dry Scotch humour, and he is the author of many good stories. Alter a Parliamentary election, news reached the house where Lord Young was staying, that Lord Wolmer had been returned by a majority of three votes. When, later a correction was sent swelling the majority into 300, and giving the names of two Lords of Session who had voted lor tbe successful candidate. Lord Young said, "That accounts for the two cyphers."

FATHER'S UNAVAILING PLEA. Making an excuse for a theft committed by Robert Hughes. collier boy, Jenkin-street, Porth, his father informed the Pontypridd Sti- pendiary on Wednesday that be was of weak in- tellect owing to fits. Hughes had gained access into Mr Brooks's tobacconist, shop in Taif. street by means of a window at the rear- of the premises, and stolen two valuable pipes in a: case and several cigarette cases. The Stipen- diary asked the father whether defendant had a penchant for the weed, as he had stolen 109 packets of cigarettes and a box of cigars in 1901. The father replied that he had not seen the son smoking. Hughes was sent to prison for two months.

LANDLADY MEANLY ROBBED. A very mean thing to do," was the caustic comment of the Pontypridd Stipendiary on the. conduct of Frederick Geo. Sheeley. a Bristolian, who was on Wednesda y found guilty of stealing an overcoat and a gold ring from hL landlady, Mrs Hughes, Tylorstown. Prisoner, who was in charge of two warders, had lodged with Mrs Hughes and asked for the loan of the coat to go to the colliery. He never returned, and a gold ring was also missed. He also owed his landlady £2 19s for hoard and lodging. A list of previous convictions was put in, and Sheeley was sent to prison for six months.

DEAN FOREST MINERS' WAGES. Renewal of Agreement. On Wednesday along conference of represen- tatives of masters and men in the Dean Forest coal trade was held at Speech House, and it was decided to renew the wages agree- ment which expires at the end of September for another three years. Moreover the masters conceded to the men that the minimum basis should be advanced 2Jper rent. The agreement drawn up for working under the new Compen- sation Act. which was considered in detail, was also adopted.

ACTOR'S MISSING BICYCLE. At Abertillerv on "Wednesday Thos. Randall (15) and Austin Walters (15), of Abertillery, were charged with stealing a bicycie valued at £ 3. the property of Alfred North way, an actor at the Theatre Metro pole, Abertillerv, between May ISth .i ncl 21st. Mr Evans (of Messrs NV. J. Everett) defended. The evidence showed that the bicycle was missed from the theatre, and was afterwards offered to a boy named Rees for a shilling by Randall. Walters denied being present when it was sold. Randall was fined 10s, and the case against Walters dismissed.

CARDIFF PILOT ASSISTANT'S CLAIM. The Cardiff Stipendiary (Mr T. W. Lewis) exhibited consider.)hie patiencQ in trying to unravel the mysteries of a wages claim in his court on Wednesday. The summons was issued by a pilot's assistant. John Wilson, jun.,and the defendant was Mr .Francis, a pilot, his former, employer. Mr A. W. Morris appeared for Wih son. and Mr C. S. (ioodtcltowfor Francis- Claimant's particulars did not tally with his statement-, and the Stipendiary commenting; upon a, dash which had been used in hir pocket-book to indicate a sum due for work done on a certain day, remarked, That might mean nnT,-thing-it might be the date of a football match." (Laughter.) In the result his Worship dismissed the summons.