The Cardiff Times

DEATH TO DREYFUS!" Telegraphing last night the Paris correspon- dent of the Daily News said :—Zola's enemies, M. Henri Rochefort and M. Edouard rumont among others, have contrived to oraganise hostile bands, who are already marching about Paris to-night, with cries of Uown with Zola and •' Death to Drey- 1 ■, cr.!PS °ne heard uttered with such < i ■ la- m the wild Dreyfus days of 1899. tarueularly agitated is the Latin Quarter, where at this moment crowds of students be- longing to the Clerical and Royalist parties are holding noisy demonstrations and making for the Pantheon. The police are keeping the demonstrators back, and several charges have been made. M. Lepine, chief of police, is on the scene, and 30 arrests have already been made. It is feared that this demonstration will increase in force after midnight, and that serious disorders may take place after to-morrow's ceremony at the Pantheon.

SHIPYARD PEACE. Clyde Men to Resume Work. A Glasgow correspondent telegraphs that the Shipyard crisis is now ended. At an aggregate meeting cf Clyde shipwrights in Govan on Tuesday afternoon, it was decided that work 8hould be resumed on Thursday. Dr. Haswell. sceretary of the Wear Ship- builders' Federation, states that Wear ship- builders cannot afford to pay higher rates than those which obtain in rival districts. If a re- duction is accepted the wages of theWear ship- wrights and joiners will compare favourably with the rates on the Tyne and Tees, having regard to the shorter hours worked on the Wear. The men have been informed that if they accept the Tyne conditions Sunderland employers will recommend to the Federation that after a date to be arranged such wages, hours, and conditions shall apply to the Wear. More shipwrights and joiners were started at the North-East Coast shipyards on Tuesday and men are gradually settling down on the Tyne, at Hartlepool, and on the Tees. There are agitations at Sunderland and on the Clyde that may lead to another stoppage. Sunderland Men for a Strike One thousand shipwrights and joiners at- tended a meeting in Sunderland last night, when the men unanimously decided to adhere to their decision to cease work to-night unless a satisfactory answer comes from the em- ployers. A further reduction of sixpence is as far as the men will go.

GLAMORGAN COLLIERY CASE. Dead Rent and Royalties. Mr Pollock, official referee, commenced the tearing on Wednesday at the Royal Courts of ustice of the matter of Charles Morgan Lewis nd Charles Bevan Jenkins, plaintiffs, v. the {■wauncaegurwen Colliery Company, Ltd., iotherham, Yorkshire, defendants. The jaintiffs are coal agents at Aberdare and Swansea, and they claim as the executors of tie will of Jonah Owen Jones, who died in Jebruary, 1905, for arrears of dead rent and royalties due under the lease dated July 13th, 1,86, made between Mr Jones and the dp- illldants for upwards of £1,200. The coal in r«pect of the claim was got from Mardy, in tie parish of Llanguicke, Glamorgan. Mr Holman Gregory appeared for the plaintiffs aid Mr Spokes for the defendants. The prin- cipal question in dispute was one of the weight of large coal upon which royalty was payable hy the defendants. The defendants denied that they were in- debted to the late Mr Jones in the amount claimed, or his executors for any dead rent or royalties between September,. 1893, and September, 1906, and alleged that they had paid all money due. They also denied that the through coal contained a larger per- centage of large coal than agreed upon. Further; they declared that the plaintiffs had only given them credit for payment on account of JE238 12s 7d between September, 1905, and September, 1906, whereas they contended they had paid £46815s lOd. Evidence having been called and the defence entered upon, the official referee said he did not see how the plaintiffs could succeed. Upon this they submitted to judgment for the defendants with costs.

GATE-KEEPER'S INJURY. Penarth Man in Critical Condition. At Penarth on Wednesday (before Mr J. W. Pyxnan and Mr J. G. Thomas) John Donovan ^as charged on remand with assaulting George Millard, gate-keeper of the Penarth cricket field, on Saturday. | The police asked for a further remand until Monday next owing to the fact that Millard ^as still in a critical condition. In reply to the Bench, Dr. Musgrave stated that he examined Millard yesterday and found that he was still in a very qritical condition, and for the next few days it was uncertain how he would get on. Mr Harold Lloyd appeared for the defen- dant, and offered to provide substantial bail, hut the Bench considered the offence too serious and would not consent to the applica- tion. Prisoner Was further remanded.

On Wednesday evening a man named John Rollins (55), living at No. 6, Mikado- Btreet, Penygraig, was admitted to the Cardiff Infirmary suffering from severe lnjury to one of his arms. It ap 1 J^ars that Collins, who is employed by Mr ^°hxi Morgan, builder, Penygraig, was unhar- nessing a horse, when the animal seized him ^ith its teeth. The injury was of so serious a j^ture that it was found necessary at the In- to amputate the injured arm, and Rollins' condition at a late hour was said to be vrecarious.

Penny Postage TO THE UNITED STATES, OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. In the House of Commons 'on Thursday, The Postmaster-General said the question of Anglo-American postage had been under the consideration of the Postmaster-General of the United States and himself, and he was glad to be able to announce that he had now received a telegram from Mr Mier saying he was pre- pared to accept the proposal he (Mr Buxton) made to him for the establishment of a penny postage between the two countries. (Cheers. ) Accordingly, on and after October 1st next the rate of postage between this country and America would be the same as that with the Colonies, namely, Id per ounce throughout the scale instead of 2Jd as at present. (Renewed cheers.) Perhaps I may be allowed to ex- press my confident belief that this reduction in postal rates between the United Kingdom and the United States will, by greatly increas- ing the freedom of personal and commercial intercourse, not only further the many in- terests the two nations have in common, but also strengthen the mutual good feeling which happily exists between them (General cheers.) The Financial Cost. In connection with the foregoing announce- ment, we are informed by the Postmaster- General that on the basis of the numbers of letters despatched to the United States in 1907 it is estimated that the loss to the British Exchequer upon the adoption of penny post- age will amount to about £130,000 a year, but as ther.e will be a small margin, under present conditions, between receipts and expenditure, it is hoped that part of this loss of £130,000 may be recouped by the exceptional growth of correspondence which may be expected to follow the adoption of the penny postage to the United States. Ten years ago the number of letters sent from this country to the United States was 11 millions. Last year it reached 20 millions, showing an increase in ten years of 82 per cent. Throughout the period covered by these statistics the postage has been at the rate of 2! per half ounce.

LOCAL WEDDINGS. Rees—Jones. < A pretty wedding took place at Llanwern Church,Lampeter, onWednesday,the contract- ing parties being the Rev. V. W, T. Rees, B.A., Canton, Cardiff, eldest son of the Rev. John Rees, vicar of Tylorstow,n, and Miss Daisy Hughes Jones, of Aberdare, only daughter of the late Dr. Jones, Edinburgh, and neice of Dr. Jones, Troedyrhiw House, Troedyrhiw. The bride looked lovely in a white satin dress, trimmed with silver leaves, and wore a bridal veil, lent by her cousin, Miss Hughes, of Neuddfawr, a coronet of orange blossoms, and carried a bouquet of white heather. There were three bridesmaids—Miss Rees, Vicarage, Ferndale (cousin of the bride- groom) Miss Florence Jones, daughter of Dr. Jones, Troedyrhiw, and Miss Phylis Hany, Abergwawr, Aberaman. The elder bridesmaids looked very nice in pink silk dresses overwhite silk, and carried bouquets of pink roses and picture hats. The younger bridesmaid, Miss Phyllis Hany looked sweet in a pink Empire frock with Juliet cap, bordered with tiny rose- buds, and carried a basket of roses. A recep- tion was afterwards held at Neuaddfawr, the residence of the bride's cousin. The presents were very numerous and costly. The bride and bridegroom left amid showers of confetti and the good wishes of all for London and the Continent. The officiating clergy were the Rev. Sinnett Jones, vicar of Mountain Ash, and the Rector of Canton, Cardiff, and the best man was Canon Lewis, of Llandaff. v Williams-Harries. At Llandogo on Wednesday the marriage took place of Miss Elizabeth Anne Harries- Rees, daughter of the late Mr John Harries, of Pentre, and niece of the Rev. L. A. Rees. vicar of Llandogo. with the Rev. Robert Owen Williams, vicar of Rockfield, Monmouth. The ceremony took place at the parish church, the Lord Bishop of Llandaff officiating, assisted by Canon Harding and the Rev. Cardigan Wil- liams, Llanwrst. Lewis-Round. The marriage was solemnised at St. Mary Abbots Church, Kensington, on Tuesday, of Miss Emma Margaret Round, daughter of the Right Hon. James Round, P.C., of Birch Hall, Colchester, Essex, and 31, De Vere-gardens, London, W., and the Rev. John Wilfred Lewis, M.A., vicar of Oxney, Watford, second son of the late Rev. David Lewis, M.A., R.D., vicar of Briton Ferry, and Mrs Lewis, 13, West Cromwell-road, Kensington, S.W. The cere- mony was performed by the Bishop of Ken- sington, assisted by Prebendary Penefathor, Rev. E. P. Luard, of Birch, Essex, and Rev. W. ShepparicL The bride was arrired in a pretty dress of white satin, with bodice of Brussels net and Venetian lace, a wreath of white heather and tulle. veil, and carried a bouquet of lilies of the valley, and was attended by four brides- maids and two pages, one of the latter being Master Carol Lewis, son of Mr Herbert Lewis, Cardiff, nephew of the bridegroom. The bridegroom was supported by his brother, Mr Clement Lewis, as best man. The service was fully choral. During the signing of the register, pink roses were distributed among the guests by the bridesmaids. After the ceremony a large reception was held by Mrs Round at 31, De Vere-gardens. The presents numbered about 500. After the reception the Rev. and Mrs J. W. Lewis left for Normandy, where the honeymoon will be spent. George—Baksr. At Little Haven, Pembrokeshire, onTuesday Miss Kate Ravenscroft Baker,onlydaughtcr of Mr Baker, J.1;> of Little Haven, was married to Mr Ernest George, son of Mr W. H. George, of Guildford, Surrey, formerly Mayor of Haverfordwest. The village was en fete and the church was decorated with flowers sent from Williamston and Picton Castle. The bride wore an Empire gown, with ivory chiffon taffeta handsomely trimmed with old lace, and a tulle veil over a wreath of orange blossoms. She carried a shower bouquet of lilies, heather, and choice exotics. The bridesmaids were Miss Koram, Neyland, and the Misses George. The best man was Mr Sanders, of Liverpool. The Revs. Ralph Walker and Davies (Haver- fordwest) officiated. Ph ill i ps- Will iams. At St. Elvan's Church, Aberdare, on Tues- day, Miss Gwladys E. Williams, youngest daughter of the late Mr R.H.Williams. Ponty- pridd, and sister of Mrs J. D. Hughes, Aber- dare, was married to Mr Jack F. Phillips, youngest son of Mr James Phillips, late traffic manager, Powell Duffryn Co., Aberdare. The Rev. W. Herbert Jones, B.A., Aberdare, assisted by the Rev. W. T. Phillips, B.A., Kidderminster (brother of the bridegroom), and the Rev. E. T. Davies, M.A., Penarth (cousin of the bridegroom) officiated. The bride, who was given away by her brother-in- law, Mr J. D. Hughes, wore a princess gown of Oriental satin, with Venetian lace and em- broidered tulle veil over a wreath of orange blossoms. She was attended by two brides- maids. Morris—Thomas. At St. Michael's Church, Maesteg, on Tues- day, the wedding took place of Miss Annie M. Thomas, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs J. H. Thomas, Broad View, Maesteg, and Mr J. J. Morris, M.E., only son of the late Captain Morris,of the merchant service, and Mrs Morris, of Llanover. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. John Jones, vicar of Llangyawyd. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids, her sister. Miss Kate Thomas, and her cousin, Miss Kate Lewis. The best man was Mr H. P. Herdman, M.E. The bride was given away by her father, Mr J. H. Thomas, J.P. After the ceremony the parents of the bride held a reception at Broad View. The honeymoon is to be spent in London, Paris, and Switzerland. Berry—Corns. At Christ Church, Down-street, Piccadilly, W., was solemnised on Tuseday the marriage of Mist M. A. Corns, elder daughter of Mr Thomas Corns, 2, Bolton-street, Piccadilly, W., and Mr William E. Berry, second son of Mr J. M. Berry, J.P., of Merthyr Tydfil. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. H. Rowsell. Miss Corns was attended by her sister, Miss Phyllis Corns, as maid-of-honour, and Mr R. E. Griffiths, solicitor, Merthyr Tydfil, acted as best man. After the ceremony the weddingparty partook of breakfast at the Curzon Hotel, Curzon-street, W. The honey- moon will be spent on the Continent, after which Mr and Mrs W. E. Berry will take up their residence at St. Michael's, Weybridge-on- Thames.

PAUPERS AND PENSIONS. Pontypridd Petition to the Government. Discussion took place at a meeting of Pontypridd Guardians on Wednesday, Alder- man E. H. Davies, J.P., presiding, relative to the application of the Government's old age pension scheme. Mr Noah Tromans (Mountain Ash) moved that the guardians petition against the clause in the scheme whereby paupers in receipt of out-door relief would be deprived of benefits under the scheme, and urging that paupers be placed on an equal fcjoting with other receipients of benefits. Mr Tivmans said the Government were placing 'paiipers and criminals on a par, and the guardians should protest and try and effect the removal of the disabilities. A pauper should have the fran- chise and enjoy all the privileges of citizen- ship. Mr J. W. John seconded, but the chair- man thought it premature to intervene in the matter. Mr Evan John, J.P., thought the clauses in the scheme had been thoroughly considered by the Government. Rev. James Thomas said that however clever the Govern- mont had been in framing the scheme they were largely guided by public opinion. The motion was carried.

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?—Your baker, keenly aJive to the preueing demands of the day, is ready to supply you not only with currant bread, but with a choice variety of other nOilrishing and homely cakes, speciallyenricl:¡.oo with this wonderfully nutri. tive fiuit. Ask him about his currant specialities, and you will discover that it is quite easy to keep your breakfast and tea table well spread with currant dainties, even when you are too busy to bake at home.

Or Owen in the Box. CHURCH WORK IN ST. DAVID'S Special interest attached to Tuesday's pro- ceedings of the Welsh Church Commission from the fact that the witness for the day was the Right Rev. John Owen, the Lord Bishop of St. David's. Lord Justice Vaughan Williams presided, and the other Commissioners present included Sir John Williams, Archdeacon Owen Evans. Mr J. E. Greaves, Sir Brynmor Jones, Rev. Morgan Gibbon, and Mr J. H. Davies. The Bishop submitted an elaborate proof of 26 printed foolscap folios, and this was read by the chairman. The Diocese of St. David's, he said, was 95 miles in length, from Hay to St. David's Head, and 74 miles in breadth, from Giandyfi to Port Eynon. The industrial area comprised 8*6 per cent, of the total area, and had a population of 237,839, with 39 incum- bencies. The urban area had a population of 83,939 to an acreage of 82 571, with 31 incum- .be-icies. The rural area had a population of 188,111 to an acreage or 1,989,246, with 301 incumbencies. The comparative poverty of the rural area of the diocese was shown by the assessable value of its five counties, which was a.s, 13s 3d per acre, as against £1 Us per acre for Shropshire and f 1 58 per acre for Hereford- shire. The Bishop said that of the 415 benfefices in the diocese 44 were held in plurality with other benefices, while 77 were united benefices. er The number of incumbents was 369, but the total number of clergy at work in the diocese was 544, with 26 lay readers and two deacon- esses. The patronage of 153 benefices was in private hands. The total church accommodation in the diocese was for 148,424. The percentage of church accommodation to the population in the industrial area was 17'2 per cent.; in the urban area. 29'97 per cent.; in the rural area, 43'77 per cent. in the whole diocese, 29'1 per cent. as compared with a percentage of 22'0 per cent. for the whole of the Church in Eng- land and Wales. Of the number of Sunday services in the diocese, 675 were English, 332 Welsh, and 211 bilingual. The witness, taking the census figures, calculated that the number of those who spoke both English and Welsh in the diocese was about equal to the number of monoglot English, while the number of mono- glot Welsh was a little over one-half of each of the two other groups. In Radnorshire, West Glamorgan, South-West Carmarthenshire, and the English portions of Breconshire and Pem- brokeshire, the bilingual difficulty did not exist. In 126 incumbencies there were no Eng- lish services. The Chairman: What do you mean by "popu- lation ?—Witness Population of all ages, ex- cept in the case of language, where I take the population above three years of age. Communicants. The Bishop said that the 63,731 Church of England communicants on lists in the diocese formed 12'4 per cent. of the total population of 509,943. The proportion of communicants to total population in the industrial area was 9*53 per cent.; in the urban area, 14-61 per cent. and in the rural area, 15 23 per cent. Stated in counties, the proportion of commu- nicants to the total population was as fol- lows :— Popula- Com- tion. municants. p.c. Breconshire 53,175 7,227 13-59 Cardigan 60,240 9,189 15-25 Carmarthen 135,328 18,734 13*84 Partof Glamorgan 154.724 13,983 9'03 Pembroke 88,732 11,541 13-0 Radnor. 17,744 3,057 17-22 Diocese. 509,943 63,731 12-4 The Chairman said the incumbents had not always the same definition of what constitu- ted a communicant. The Bishop replied that he was aware of that, but the broadest construction put upon it was persons who had communicated at least once a year, and in his view it was rather against the Church in this inquiry that there was not one connotation adopted by every incumbent. Sunday Schools. The number of scholars attending Sunday schools in the diocese was 47,847 (exclusive of 4,073 teachers), being a percentage of 9-38 of the population, as against a percentage of 7'76 for the Church in England and Wales. In this respect the diocese stood eighth among the 37 dioceses of the Church. The Bishop submitted figures as to baptisms in 1905, and said that the percentage of infant baptisms in the diocese to the number of births for 1905 in the registration areas (somewhat in excess of the area of the diocese) was 33-23 as compared with 63*9 in the Church in England and Wales. During the three years 1903-1905 the number of those confirmed in the diocese was 10,887, being for the three years together 2'13 per cent. of the population in the diocese, as compared with 2'06 per cent. for the Church in England and Wales. The per- centage of the marriages in Church in the diocese was 30-52 per cent. of the total marriages, as compared with a percentage of 63.56 for the Church in England and Wales. The number of burials according to the rites of the Church in the diocese in 1905 was 3,668, being 42-15 per cent. of the total number of deaths. A feeling in favour of having marriages solemnised with religious rites was, he thought, growing in Wales. Distribution of Income. The distribution of the net income of the 371 incumbents of the diocese (exclusive of income grants from the Diocesan Fund) was as follows :— Income of £400 and unwards.. 3 incumbents Income of over £ 350 & under £ 400 7 „ JE300 „ .E55029 £ 250 11 .630060 £200 „ JE25072 iEI50 „ .6200102 £100 „ X150 78 Income of under L100 20 The net income of more than half the incum- bents of the diocese was under £200 a year, ana the net income of more than one quarter of the total number was under £ 150 a year. The average income in the rural area was S,192, in the industrial area £239, and in the urban area £238; for the diocese as a whole, JE204. From 1885 to 1906 the income of the Diocesan Fund totalled £48,88.3, out of which JE34,413 was raised during the last ten years. The income for 1905 was JM,418, made up of £ 1,647 in donations, £1,313 in subscriptions, and £ 1,457 in collections. Survey of Church Work. The Bishop submitted what he termed a survey of Church work in the diocese during the present era (1877-1906). During these 28 years there had been an increase of 77 parochial clergy; 22 new parishes had been formed 103 new churches had been built, and 290 churches had been enlarged or restored. Between 1874 and 1906 inclusive the sum ex- pended in the diocese on church building, restoration, and furniture was £ 688,312, being an average of £21,509 per annum, or more than double the average annual expenditure for the same purpose during the previous 34 years. While the increase of population in the diocese between 1881 and 1901 was 5-74 per cent., the increase in church accommodation since 1877 had been 23-6 per cent. while the number of Sunday services had increased from 789 to 1,218. The number of communicants in the diocese had more than doubled during the 28 years.

BISHOP ON CO-OPERATION. Attitude Towards Nonconformity. WESTMINSTER, Wednesday. The Bishop of St. David's was again ex- amined before the Welsh Church Commission to-day. The Lord Justice Vaughan Williams, who presided, asked the Bishop Apart from any question of practical possibilities, assuming that to be possible, would you desire to have co-operation between the Church of England and the Nonconformist bodies, oi not ? The Bishop said he was glad the question had been put. It was a very large and many- sided question. Nearly 20 years ago, in the summer of 1888, when he was warden of Llan- dovery, he attended a joint meeting of Non- conformists and Churchmen in Carmarthen to promote a memorial to Bishop Morgan, the translator of the Welsh Bible. That move- ment was initiated by Dr. James, then Dean of St. Asaph, now headmaster of Rugby, and those present represented the chief Welsh re- ligious bodies, and they were all so impressed with the happiness of their co-operation with that object that they all welcomed a sugges- tion made by the then vicar of Carmarthen (now Bishop of St. Asaph) and the late Dr. Thomas Charles Edwards, the distinguished principal of Aberystwyth University College, and afterwards of Bala Theological College, that those present should form themselves into a joint committee to promote a conference be- tween Churchmen and Nonconformists for the promotion of two definite objects—the promo- tion of Christian morality and the arrest of scepticism in Wales. The late Principal Edwards up to the time of his death was deeply impressed with the spiritual dangers that threatened Wales because, among other things, of the sudden advance of higher edu- cation, The Chairman said his question was a quite simple one, whether putting aside any ques- tion of its being practicable, would the Bishop desire it to be practical. The Bishop said he would shorten his narra- tive. Owing to something that happened after- wards in the ^denominational Press, they be- came convinced that the time for such co- operation had not arrived. He considered it was the duty of every Christian man to desire most strongly as much co-operation as was possible. It was a question of practicability. The Chairman said he had not asked any question as to practicability. The Bishop said that everything in principle was in favour of co-operation in all matters outside Divine worship. Welshmen had the defects of their qualities, and one of their delects was suspicion. What would be needed in co-operation would be frankness and n^utual confidence, and he thought that was growing. The Chairman said no one could have heard the evidence before this Commission without feeling that there was among the Noncon- formist churches in Wales a very stronatfeeling r in favour of co-operation in such matters out- side Divine worship between the Established and the Free Churches. Idyllic Picture. The Bishop said that one feature of re- ligious life in Swansea was the co-operation of clergy and Nonconformist ministers in philan- thropic objects generally. In West Wales, in the rural areas, there was quite an idyllic picture, true to life, of harmonious co-opera- tion in matters of daily life between Church and Nonconformity. To further questions the Bishop said there was a legal difficulty in the way of a. Noncon- formist minister occupying a Church of Eng- land pulpit. There was a point of law whether the Church of England regarded a Noncon- formist minister as a layman or as an ordained person. The Chairman What I ask you is this if in truth and in fact the difficulty was removed by the Legislature, do you think it would be a good thing for religion in Wales ? The Bishop said this was a matter in which the more hurry would mean the less speed. His answer was no, because he thought the time had not come when that change would do good. The Chairman 1 translate your answer to be, -1 Not yet, but I hope the time will come." The Bishop Yes. The Rev. Morgan Gibbon then examined the Bishop, and put a statement of the late Dean Edwards that Nonconformity was national in Wales and endemic in England. The Bishop said he would consider any in- dividual or institution national that worked for the good of the nation as a whole. Alongside the Anglican system in your diocese you have the Welsh Free Church system practically omnipresent ? Witness said that the strength of the de- nominations varied a good deal in various parts of the diocese. Of some further questions from the Rev. Morgan Gibbon, the Chairman said they seemed to be going beyond the terms of reference. Mr Gibbon's Dignified Protest. Rev. Morgan Gibbon My Lord Justice, during the examination and cross-examination of Nonconformist witnesses the terms of refer- ence lay asleep. You took and allowed the utmost latitude. We sat here acquiescing for the most part, waiting the coming of our time, when we should examine Church of England witnesses over the whole ground. I protest against the terms of reference being raised this morning. There is," continued the Rev. Morgan Gibbon, an allegation that there is a very large measure of readiness on the part of some incumbents to receive people who leave Non- conformist churches for one reason or other. Have you or your predecessors ever given any instruction or counsel to the clergy as to how they are to treat, for instance, malcontents who come from other denominations to the Church of England ?" The Bishop said he occasionally read the Welsh Press, and knew of the allegation. The Chairman 1 really must protest again. You know his answers to these questions may lead to quarrels-- The Rev. Morgan Gibbon: I am on the ques- tion of friendly co-operation. You, my Lord Justice, have asked questions on co-operation, and you have been given a rose-coloured picture of idyllic conditions. This is very unpleasant and very odious, but 1 want to bring out another side of the picture, so as to get at the truth if we can. I don't believe that this Commission has had a true descrip tion of how things are in Wales. The Bishop I hope Mr Gibbon does not imply that I have shown any reluctance or any shirking of the question. Rev. Morgan Gibbon Not in the least, Dr. Owen. The Bishop I am here to assist the Com- mission to the utmost of my power, and I will answer any question which the chairman permits. Wire-Pulling and Spirituality. Rev. Morgan Gibbon asked whether the system of patronage was not calculated to interfere with the usefulness of the clergy in matters spiritual. The Bishop said that there were considera- tions on both sides which should be carefullv balanced. He did not think patronage could usefully be exercised by a board or committee. He did not think such a board would be for the spiritual welfare of anybody. Do you think that wire-pulling and spiritu- ality are compatible ?—No, that is why I think that a committee and spirituality are not compatible. My experience is that wire- pulling is consistent with committees. Don't you think there is a good deal of wire-pulling under the present system ?—Very little indeed. Rev. Morgan Gibbon read another passage from Professor Peel's Bampton lecture, but the Chairman ruled it out. Rev. Morgan Gibbon Well, I don't want to make a scene, mv Lord, or I should protest against it. May I read Chis passage by Prin- cipal Bebb bearing on Established Church in W ales The Chairman I must trust to your loyalty. We cannot go into the questions of Disestab- lishmen and Disendowment because these are political questions. When I was appointed chairman of this Commission I asked the question whether these political questions could be dragged into it, because I said if they could I would notaccept the position of chair- man. I have said that- here again and again. I said so also when this matter was subse- quently discussed with Mr Lloyd George. Under these circumstances I must adhere to what I have already ruled. Rev. Morgan Gibbon said that the passage 0 he proposed to read by Principal Bebb did not raise those questions, and he gave the book containing the passage to the chairman to read. The Chairman, after reading it, ruled the passage out. Rev. Morgan Gibbon 1 really want to be courteous. The Chairman You have been most courteous, and if I appear to be discourteous it is not intended so in any way. Rev. Morgan Gibbon It all arises from this, my Lord, that you take an entirely different view from what 1 and some other Commis- sioners take of what really is provision for the spiritual needs of the Welsh people, and Sir John Williams Hadn't we better clear the room ? Rev. Morgan Gibbon*.Yes, let us discuss this in private. The room was then cleared, and after an in- terval of 20 minutes the public were re- admitted. Plymouth Brethren. Mr Henry George Lloyd, of Glen Lyn, New- port, gave evidence as to the organisation, doctrine, and work of a number of Christiana, sometim" known as "Brethren" within the district of South Wales and Monmouthshire. Witness put in the following figures relating to South Wales and Monmouthshire :-Number in fellowship, 2,297 approximate number pre- sent on Lord's Dav, 3,611 number that could be accommodated,, 7,550; Sunday school scholars. 5.340 brethren who minister the Word of God. 196. They commenced their ministrations in Wales about 1855, and now they were a decidedly increasing body.

CILFYNYDD PASTOR HONOURED After five years' successful ministry at Moriah, Cilfynydd^ the Rev. J. Edryd Jones, one of the most promising young ministers in the Welsh Congregational pulpit, has accepted a call to the important church ot (wrnatuan. Prior to his departure the church and inhabit- ants at Cilfynydd honoured him with a testi- monial, and a public meeting was held at Moriah on Tuesday night to make him the recipient of numerous presents. The Rev. R. D. Phillips presided, and supporting him were Alderman W. R. Davies, Councillor F. B. Evans, Revs. J. Dvfallt Owen, J. Williams (Hafod), Michael Williams, T. J. Pritehard, J. The Rev. J. EDRYD JONES. I Morgan, D. J. Thomas (Abercynon), J. Davies I (Senghenydd). Mr Christopher,on behalf of the church, presented Mr Jones with a polished oak desk, and Mra Webb handed him several volumes of classical works and Mr Williams (Oaklands), on behalf of the Free Church Council, gave Mr Jones a silver-mounted ink- stand. Councillor T. B, Evans and Mr D. Evans spoke of the perfect harmony which had always prevailed between the church and its minister, and the appreciation of the congrega- tion of the powerful ministry of its pastor. References were also made to Mr Jones' 'services in spheres outside church work and the keen interest he took in the welfare of the young people.

GUEST'S RUDE AWAKENING. Sir West Ridgeway authorises the announce- ment that he attended the United Empire Club dinner on Empire Day, under the mis- taken idea that the club was a non-political body, formed to promote the unity of the Empire. It w as not until he tpok his seat at the dinner that he discovered that its obj ects were Tariff Reform and Preference. It will be remembered that Sir West Ridge- way contested the City of London as a Free Trader at the General Election.

Fifty Years Ago.. "CARDIFF TIMES" EXTRACTS. (From the issue of Saturday, J une 5th, 1858.) Milford as an Atlantic Port. The emigrant steamship Lord Ashley left Milford Haven on the 26th ult. for Australia with a number of emigrants. The event, being the first of its description, caused con- siderable excitement. Milford is a most desir- able port for such a purpose, connected as it is with Ireland and other places by daily steamers." A daily mail communication has been re- commenced between Milford Haven and the South of Ireland, via Waterford, by powerful steam-packets." Pontypridd Chain Works. The workmen employed by Messrs Brown, Lenox, and Co. at the Chain Works, Ponty- pridd, are out on strike.' The majority, how- ever, are out involuntarily, and are sufferers from the imprudence of a few. Some mis- understanding between the manager and the chainmakers (one branch of the works) has led to a cessation of labour throughout the whole of the establishment. A 'strike at this works has hitherto been a matter of very rare occurrence, and the present one will, doubt- less, be soon amicably settled." The issue of the following week states that the dispute has been arranged. Philologists will note that fifty years ago the word strike was not accepted as good English, and that the printer of the day took care to use it only with quotation marks. Steel Ships. Steel, as a material for the construction of I vessels, which, with a light draught of water, require to be of considerable strength, appears to be likely to come into general use. The first to try the experiment.is Mr John Laird, who some time ago built a small steel steam- launch for the Livingstone expedition up the Zambesi River. Last week the steel steamer Rainbow, 160 tons, built far Mr Macgregor Laird for the navigation of the Niger, was launched at Mr Laird's Birkenhead yard. This vessel is the first of any size built of steel plates, which on this occasion were made by Mr W. Clay, of the Mersey Steel and Iron Works, Liverpool. The engines and boilers, as well as the ship, were constructed by Mr Laird, and the boilers, like the ship, are made of Mr Clay's steel plates." Famous Welsh Regiment. A second battalion of the 23rd Welsh Fusileers (sic) is about to be raised in Wales. The headquarters are at Newport, Monmouth- shire, where the formation of the battalion will be under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Herbert. Upwards of 250 non-com- missioned officers and men are located there as a nucleus and recruiting is going on." This paragraph refers to the origin of the present 2nd Battalion of the old 23rd Foot, a regiment that has seen service in Canada, the West Coast, Ashanti, and China,, and is now stationed at Agra, Bengal. The 1st Battalion is one of our oldest and most famous regi- ments, having been raised in 16S9, and having taken part in historic campaigns in Flanders (Blenheim, Ramiilies, Oudenarde, and Mal- plaqupt), in Germany (Minden), in America, in Egypt (1801), in the West Indies, in the Penin- sular (Albuhera, Bad a joz, Salamanca, Vittoria. Pyrenees, Nivelle, Orthes, and Toulouse I, in Belgium (Waterloo), in the Crimea (Alma, lixkerman, and Sebastopol), in India (Relief of Lucknow), in Burmah, and in South Africa. A second battalion,had been previously raised in 1804 and was present at the b ttle of Corunna, in 1808, but in 1814 it was amalga- mated with the 1st Battalion.

OBITUARY. Mr William Grylls, Llanisnen. Mr William Grylis, formerly manager of the Cardiff branch of the London and Provincial Bank, died suddenly at his residence, The Pines, Llanishen, early on Tuesday morning. The deceased gentleman, who was highly respected, had been in Cardiff the previous day. On returning to his house on Monday evening he played a game of bagatelle, and subsequently went to bed apparently in his usual health. He died suddenly at 3-50 a.m. The Late Mr WILLIAM GRYLLS.—(Photo. Midgley Asquith, Harrogate.) Mr Grylls, who was 70 years of age, was a native of Cornwall. He entered the bank at the age of 17, and as a young man was con- nected with the Exeter branch, but when about 27 years of age he came to Cardiff, and rose to become manager of the Cardiff branch of the bank, a position which he only relin- quished seven or eight years ago. Since his retirement from the bank he has, in conjunc- tion witty bis son, Mr W. 1. Grylis, carried on business as a stockbroker at Working-street, Cardiff. The deceased married a Miss Henley, of Newton Abbot, who survives him. Deceased, who leaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss, was highly respected. He was a Churchman and one who gave liberally, but unostentatiously.

THE REV. D. THOMAS, LLANSTEPHAN. The death occurred on Saturday morning of the Rev. D. Thomas, Llanstephan, at the age of 69. Although he had resigned the pastorate of Llanstephan, Llanybri, and Smyrna Churches after 27 years' untiring labours in the Congregational ministry, still he was ever ready to give his services to any Nonconfor- mist body, and as recently as Sunday, the 17th of May, he preached at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Llanstephan. He leaves a widow, one son, and two daughters to mourn his loss. Born at Llansadwrn, Car- marthenshire, he was trained for the ministry at the Brecon Memorial College, and under- took his first charge at Ystradfellte and Rhigos, where he laboured three years. Re- moving to Tonypandy, he stayed .there 12 years, his ministry being highly successful. Among those brought up under his care were the Revs. Rhondda Williams and Pandy Williams. He settled at Llanstephan 25 years ago. He had filled many offices in the denomi- national conferences. A North Wales Rector. The death is announced of the Rev. David James Davies, rector of St. George, near Rhyl, after a long and painful illness. Deceased was born at Aberaeron. Cardiganshire, 42 years ago, and after graduating at. Cambridge he was ordained in 1896. Prior to his appoint- ment as rector of St. George he was curate-in- charge at Llanrhaiadr, Denbigh, of which parish his predecessor at' St. George is now rector and he had held curacies at Llanrhos (Llandudno) and Llanrwst. He was exceed- ingly popular in his various spheres of labour. There was a large gathering at the funeral on Saturday at which the Bishop of St. Asaph officiated, assisted by the Rev. T. Jones, vicar of Abergele, and others. The attendance included Mr H. R. Hughes, of Kinmel (patron of the living), and Lady Florentia Hughes. An Eminant Antiquary. The Times of this morning announces the death on Sunday after a brief illness, of Sir John Evans, the eminent antiquary and man of science. Sir John. who for 20 years was treasurer of the Royal Society, was born in 1823.

BETTING AT LLANBRADACH. At Caerphilly on Tuesday John Leigh (28), labourer, of Llanbradach, was fined Si r and costs for frequenting a public road for the purposes of receiving bets. The defendant pleaded guilty. Acting-Sergeant Davies de- tailed keeping a watch upon the defendant on the Pwllypant-road. Subsequently he returned to the police station, and later, in company with P.C. Evans, they went on their cycles to the spot and arrested the prisoner. He had in his possession 52 betting slips and il9 15s 2d in cash. Matthew Blundell, who was charged with aiding and abetting, was fined iE3 and costs.

"VERY POOR STUFF." Not feeling well and taking a glass or two of whisky were the excuses gi ven by a defendant at Pontypridd on Wednesday for his intoxicated state. Did it do you any good," asked Mr James Roberts. No," came the reply, "I have been worse since." Very poor stuff to take," commented the magistrate as he im- posed a fine of 10s. H This stuff makes yon mad," was another commcnt of the magistrate to Jno. McCarthy. Ordered to pay 15s McCarthy asked for time until Saturday. Oh! it will be a solter Saturday for you, will it," put in Mr Roberts, and granted the request.

The Press Association understands that the Prime Minister has appointed the Master of Elibank as second Whip, ranking next to Mr J. A. Pease, who becomes Patronage Secre- tary and Chief Whip in sucession to Mr George Whiteley. It has also been decided not to re- appoint an extra unpaid Whip.

r I The Llanelly Horse Case. Both Prisoners Sentenced. The second day's business at Carmarthen- shire Assizes was resumed at Cramarthen Shire Hall on Wednesday morning before Lord Coleridge. John Davies, farmer, Blaenhiraetb, Llanon, and Thomas Gwyther, ostler, Mount Pleasant, Llanelly, were again put in the dock and in- dicted on six charges in connection with the alleged malicious killing of an entire horse, the property of Davies's father, and of conspiring together to obtain JE150 from the Traders' and General Assurance Association, Ltd., alleging that the animal had died from the natural death of cholic between December 31st, 1907, and April 7. 1908. Mr W, Llewelyn Williams, M.P., and Mr David Rhys (instructed by Mr D. R. Edmunds, Llanelly) appeared for the prosecution, and Mr J. Lloyd Morgan, K.C., M.P.. and Mr Lleufer Thomas (instructed by Mr David Randell and Mr T. R. Ludford) defended. Evan Hopkins. insurance agent to the above company, stated that in January last the prisoner Gwyther mentioned to him the namf) of the prisoner Davies as a person desirous of insuring animals with witness's company. Davies insured two entire horses. Warrior King and Tuton Harold, for £50 and JE150 respectively. The policies wcre made out in Davies's name. On March 17 witness heard that the stallion, Tuton Harold, was dead, and on the following day he received a letter purporting to have come from prisoner Davies, in which witness was informed of Davies's great loss. Two days later witness went to Mr Morgan's knacker's yard to witness a post-mortem examination of the horse by Mr Hill, the vet." Mr Llewelyn Williams Why did you go to the yard ?—Because I was suspicious in con- sequence of — Mr Lloyd Morgan I object. Mr Llewelyn Williams What aroused your suspicion ?—Witness Defendant's wife. Mr Lloyd Morgan again objected. Witness proceeded to give an account of what he saw in the knacker's yard, and stated that he noticed a gash, about three inches long, in the animal. On April 4th prisoner Davies made hit claim for insurance, and filled in a claim that the animal had died from cholic. Mr LI. Williams Was the gash consistent in your opinion with the idea that it had been caused by a knife ?—Yes. Richard Jones, ex-farm bailiff at Blacn- hiraeth, stated that when he left that farm in April last the animal was quite healthy. James Phillips, Newport, manager to the insurance company, said the insurance policy was issued on February 15th. It was usual for the company to have a post-mortem on valu- able animals. Mr Lloyd Morgan The insurance company are not prosecuting in this case ?—No. Mr LI. Williams Did the insurance officials give information to the police ?—No The Judge We are not inquiring as to who prosecuted, but as to whether a crime had been committed. J. C. Hill, veterinary surgeon, Llanelly, stated that early on the morning of March 17th prisoner Davies knocked him up and urged him to go and see a horse which was ill at Cwmllcthrid Farm. On the way thither witness asked Davies in a jocular sort of way How is it, Davies ? Is this horse more to you dead than alive ?" Davies seemed taken aback at the question.and the manner in which he answered caused witness to ask him, Is the horse insured ?" Davies replied in the affirmative. Davies told him that the horse was trembling, raving mad,and falling about the stable." They got to the farm about 2 o'clock a.m., and on Davies opening the stable door he said, Oh. he is gone." Witness concluded from the appearance of the horse that he had been dead for at least t;wo or three hours. He turned to Davies, and said, What the d do you mean by bring- ing me here when you knew that this horse was dead before you came to me ?" Davies replied, Indeed, to my God, he was not." Witness told him that he would rather believe the appearance of the horse as to when death took place than Davies himself. Davies still maintained that the horse was not dead when he went for witness. Witness then proceeded to describe the internal injuries, and stated that, in his opinion, the animal died from hemorrhage, all the organs of the body being quite healthy. Although he could not say at the time how the hemorrhage had arisen, he had since formed a definite opinion that the hemorrhage was due to the introduction of an instrument like a knife. Prisoner Gwyther had been in his employ as a groom, and had assisted him in treating sick horses. The method adopted in killing the horse in question was well known to veterinary surgeons, and was applied in exceptional circumstances. To the Judge Witness did not think it was a very painful method. It was more particu- larly adopted in collieries to prevent the dis- charge of blood into the mine. Death would probably take place from 10 minutes to half an hour's time. When he spoke to Davies about the manner in which the horse had died, he said if anything bad been done to the horse he did not know anvthinsr about it. Cross-examined by Mr Lloyd Morgan, witness said that it was usual. in cases where horses suffered from cholic or abdominal troubles, for people to pass their arm into the animal, as, it was suggested, it had been done by the per- son who had perpetrated the crime which they were investigating. This method of killing horses was probably not well known to farmers generally. Davies was a respectable fellow. When witness made the post-mortem examin- ation he never anticipated prosecution, al- though he knew a wrong had been done. He did not know sufficient law at the time to know that it was a case of maiming. In reply to Mr Lleufer Thomas, witness denied telling Davies that if he only turned King's evidence he would get out of the trouble. What, he really told him was that if he had had "nothing to do with the killing of the horse he had no need to v^orry, as he had nothing to fear. To Mr Llewelyn Williams, witness said he had. dismissed Gwyther from his service on account of drunkenness. He had no grudge whatever against Gwyther. As a matter of fact, he did not know at the time that Gwyther was connected with the affair he thought it was only a matter between Davies and the insurance company. Police-Sergeant Jones, Llanelly, spoke to conversations, taken in writing, and afterwards signed by the prisoner Davies. v David Gladstone Davies, veterinary surgeon, Swansea, gave evidence, and the case for the Crown concluded. The prisoner Davies was in the witness-box for about two hours. He denied maltreating the horse. He said he was so frightened at the prospect of a long term of imprisonment that he invented a false story against Gwyther. Dr. Evan Evans, Llanelly, said it was a physical impossibility for anyone to have caused the internal injury in the manner sug- gested. Mr Lleufer Thomas nailed no evidence on behalf of Gwyther, whom he represented. Learned counsel was addressing the jury when a man created a scene in court by tiying to state his opinion, and he had to be forcibly ejected. His Lordship summed up, and at 8.30 the jury, after an absence of 25 minutes, found both prisoners guilty of conspiracy. Inspector Rogers, Llanelly, said that Gwyther had been convicted many times for cruelty to horses. His Lordship said that after a most patient hearing prisoners had been found guilty of committing a repulsive act with intent to defraud an insurance company. He passed sentence of 12 calendar months' imprisonment with hard labour on each.

LOCALWILLST Mr W. James, Penrydd. Mr William James, of Postgwyn, Penrydd, Pembrokeshire, who died on 23rd March last, left estate valued at £601, and probate of his will has been granted to his son, Mr William Theo- philus James, of the same address. Miss C. Leach, Pembroke. Miss Caroline Leach, of Ashgrove, St. Michaels, Pembroke, who died on the 4th April latit. daughter of the late Major Henry Leach, of Corston, left estate of the gross value of £3,213 2s 5d, with net personalty JM,135 5s, ahd probate of her will dated 30th June, 1900, has been granted to her brothers, Sir Edmund Leach, K.C.B., of 27, Thurioe- square, London, and Mr Frederick Leach, of 7, Stamford-road, Kensington. The testatrix bequeathed certain monies standing in her najne to her nephews, Ronald, Burleigh, Frederic, and Henry Leach, JEM to the Pem- broke Infirmary, jb50 to the fund for St. Michael's Vicarage, and the residue of her estate she left to her said two brothers. Rev. J. S'Williams, Llangynydd. The Rev. John Samuel Williams, of The Vicarage, Llangynydd, Carmarthenshire, vicar there since 1878, who died on the 26th March last, left estate of the gross value of £1,338 19s 5d, with net personalty £1,289 10s 9d, and probate of his will, dated 18th March, 1908, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Ellen Maria Williams, and his daughter, Mrs Annie Gertrude St. Quintin, wife of Mr Frederick Simpson St. Quintin, of 9, Chelsea-embank- ment, London. The testator left £1,000 upon trusjfc for his wife, and subject to her interest he left £700 to his daughter, the said Mrs St. Quintin, and £300 to his son, John Archibald, and the residue of his estate he left to his wife. Mr David Davies, Nantcwnlle. Mr David Davies, of Llanfelwrog, Nant cwnlle, Cardiganshire, who died on the 23th March last, left estate of the gross value of £2,446 2s 6d, with net personalty JE568 8s lid, and probate of his will, dated 1st April, 1895, has been granted to Mr Daniel Edwards, of Tanyffynon, Nantcwnlle. The testator left his estate upon trust for his wife during her life, and subject thereto he bequeathed £500 to Annie Davies, £500 to Grace Humphreys, and the residue of his estate, subject to other be- quests, he left upon trust for his sister, Mary Davies. Mr E. Tucker, Swansea. Mr Edward Tucker, of 7, Brynymor-road, Swansea, who died on the 1st May last, left estate of the gross value of £4,046 Is lid, with net personalty £3,968 15s 4d, and probate of his will, dated 30th March, 1878, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Elizabeth Tucker, to whom he left the whole of his estate absolutely.

Fatal Boiler Explosion. THE PONTARDAWE ACCIDENT. Board of Trade Inquiry. At the Swansea Guildhall on Wednesday a Board of Trade inquiry was opened into the circumstances attending a boiler explosion on October 7th last at the Cwmnantllwydd Colliery, Pontardawe, the property of 'the South Wales Primrose Coal Co., bv which the under-manager (Mr E. H. Davies) was decapi- tated and the stoker severely scalded. The court was constituted of Mr A. A. Hudson, barrister-at-law (the chairman) and Mr J: H. Hallett, J.P., consulting engineer, sitting as commissioners. Mr G. C. Vaux appeared for the Board of Trade, Mr Meager (instructed by Mr Woods) for the owners of the colliery and their agent and manager (Mr E. Hall Hedley), Mr Morgan Davies for the relatives of the deceased, and Mr Leyson for the mechanic (Mr Morgan Morgan), Mr Harcourt Paul Bell. traveller and general representative for Mr Charles D. Phillips, of the Emlyn Engineering Works and Foundry, iSewport, spoke to the sale of the boiler in 1900 for £80. It was a second-hand boiler, and had come from Port Talbot. It was tested by his firm up to 120 hydraulic pressure, it being Mr Phillips's practice to test boilers of that sort up to double the working pressure. With all second-hand machinery his firm gave no guarantee as to working pressure. In the test book nothing was mentioned about the st ^in test, but he should say 601bs., seeing it was tested up to 120ibs. hyceraulic. Mr E. Hall Hedley, M.E., the manager of the colliery, and interested in the Primrose Com- pany. said the duty of looking after the boiler was delegated to Mr Morgan, head mechanical engineer to the company, under the under- manager. He considered Hopkins,the fireman, competent to examine the boiler for safety, while Mr Morgan determined the working pressure. He did not consider anybody more competent, and he had his implicit confidence. In answer to Mr Morgan Davies, the witness said he attributed no fault to the late under- mana.ger. Asked if Morgan had not also charge of the horses, he said he acted as an amateur vet. only looking after.sick horses. Morgan had now left the company, and in the five months that intervened it had only been necessary to call in a "vet." once. He also had at that time to look after the dismantling of the new Primrose Colliery and the two boilers and two engines at No. 1 and No. 2 drifts at Cwmnantllwyd. The company had had all its boilers examined and tested after the explosion, and they were found to be in good order. Like a Piece of Tin. Mr John Thompson, engineer surveyor to the Board of Trade, said he found that the boiler had been working at 651bs. pressure, and that it was corroded very much, ex- ternally and internally, the plates being very much corroded and wasted. Along the line of fracture he found the least thickness of the plates was three-thirty seconds of an inch, and lower down three-sixty-fourths—like a piece of tin. The surface was wasted outside and pitted and grooved so that one could put his fingers in, due to standing in the atmosphere. The boiler was not fit to be worked at any pressure. It was completely worn out and done for. The thinness of the plates would have been quite easy to detect, either by a hammer or drilling if one had any doubt. There was one place where it was three-sixty-fourths of an inch, and by putting a chisel on it and giving it a tap it went through immediately. Mr Mergan Seeures Legal Aid. After the luncheon adjournment Mr Morgan Davies informed the Court that Mr Morgan Mor- gan had been under a wrong impression when he came to the inquiry, and he now regretted he was not represented. The Court adjourned for half an hour to enable Mr Morgan to obtain legal advice, and subsequently Mr Leyson ap- peared to represent him, and asked permission to cross-examine Mr Hedley. Mr Leyson examined Mr Hedley at con- siderable length as to Morgan's duties and as to whether he had ever been instructed that examining the boiler was one of his obliga- tions. Mr Hedley said he could not say, but he insisted that that was the principal duty of a mechanic, that he was constantly on the spot, and any other duties he might have to perform were subservient to that. Mr Leyson i I suggest that you have never up to now even by inference blamed Morgan for any negligence in this?—1 certainly do blame him. Have you ever before to-day told Morgan that you considered him to blame ?—I have told others if 1 have not told him. Do you know as a fact that the only time that he was asked to do anything in regard to Cwmnantllwyd was to put up a dynamo to work the chaffcutter after the boiler was put up ?—1 believe that was the only new work he was asked to do. Asked if he knew that between that time and the time Morgan put up the boiler in 1904 he had nothing to do at all with the boiler, he said he did not know. Did you ever suggest that he had ?—fie waa the recognised mechanic there is nothing to suggest. He was looking after the boiler. Mr Thompson was then recalled and, asked if there was anything suspicious in the ap- pearance of the outside to put any person on inquiry, said yes, at one place there was, and that was at the blow-down cock. The man- hole was sufficiently large to allow anyone to examine it internally, and the corrosion would be apparent to anyone cleaning it—obvious to a person like a boiler man or a person not highly qualified. The Chairman I want to clear up any sng- gestion. I dbn't want it left open to doubt that there may be any suggestion against the sellers of the boiler. I suppose the corrosion could have taken place in seven years, or do you soggest it would have taken longer ?—It could have occurred in seven years, or even less than that. The boiler had been submitted to a hydraulic test of twice sixty pounds. Evidence was given by Lewis Lewis, haulier, and Morris Williams, fireman, and the inquiry was then adjourned.

MERTHYR HOUSING PROBLEMS Prosecutions Ordered. At a meeting of the Merthyr Corpora tion Health Committee yesterday evening, Alder- man Andrew Wilson presiding, a letter was read from the Local Government Board sanctioning the borrowing of £7,650 for the erection of working-class dwellings at Dany- deri, Merthyr Vale. The Chairman said he never doubted the result of the application when there was such a man as Mr John Burns at the head of the Local Government Board. Mr John Burns was doing all he could for the improvement at housing conditions all over the country. The consent of the Board was a commentary on the tactics of the Ratepayers' Association ia opposing the application. The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Alex Duncan) reported seven houses, as being unfit for human habitation. It was decided to represent the houses reported upon as unfit for habitation. Closing orders were decided upon for 13 houses. Out of 11 houses for which closing orders had been issued in Tramroad- side South, only two were vacated, and it was decided to take proceedings against the tenants. A demolition order was decided upon in respect to Morgan Joseph's-square, all the houses i n which had been closed as unfit for human habitation. Instances of over-crowding were given by Sanitary-Inspector Thomas, and the Medical Officer said that premises kept in this condi- tion constituted a nuisance. The Mayor said that some houses were undoubtedly in a filthy condition, and he hoped the inspector^ would take the matter up thoroughly. They had now engaged a medical inspector of school children, and his report was not reassuring. The con- dition of some of the children was due very largely to the way in which they were brought up at home, and it was fully time that they should follow up extremely bad cases. It was decided to take proceedings in these cases, and also for the abatement of over-crowding.

CHILD KILLED AT PENCOED. On Wednesday afternoon a dray containing furniture, proceeding from Llanharan to Pencoed, accidentally knocked down three little children when within 60 yards of its destination, and fatally injured Gladys Shel- don, aged six years., daughter of Mr Albert Sheldon, coal miner, PentrehoweU, Pencoed- The other two children were Martha Davies, azed seven years, daughter of MrWm. Davies, Belle View, Pencoed, and Trevor Lewis, aged two years, son of Mr Wm. Lewis, who lives in the house next to the one to which the furniture was being taken. They were not seriously hurt. The accident was witnessed by the mother and grandfather of the deceased child, as well as by several others who were near the spot at the time. The little girl was picked up by the distracted mother, and Dr. Atkins, the local prac- titioner, was immediately summoned, and at once saw that the case was hopeless. The little girl only lived 30 minutes after the accident happened. Newport Boy Injured. Bernard Lawson, aged three years, residing at 18, Granville-street, Newport, was run ovei by a trap, owned by David James, Llandenny, Magor, at Dock-street, Newport, on Wednes« day. The boy, who was badly bruised, was taken to the hospital, where he was detained.

PONTYPRIDD TRAMWAYS. The report oIthe engineer to the Pontypridd Electricity and Tramways Committee for the past month shows that the increased revenue 18 being maintained. The electrical depart* ment slioTml receipts amounting to £ 543 6s 10df. as against JE467 12s lid for the corresponding' period. Thq takings for the cars on the Tre- forest and Ciltynydd route totalled £769 7s 8df as against Jb782 100 8d, but the figures on the Trehatod route made up lor the deficiency, the increase on this section being practically £200. The receipts for the corresponding period of last year included the Whitsun holidays' traffic. It was estimated that the workmen are taking full advantage of the con- veniences afforded them, and last month no less than 63.000 used the cars.