The Cardiff Times

-=- f H* ARCHER Wf? f £ j koLDEHRETOfflS i —3>5a aeGtgTERCP tsgg-iljj Cm Facsimile oj One-Ounce Vadut. Archer's Golden Returns Perfection of Mp< Tobaese* COIL, SVHTTT. AID Wow ROBERT BUTCHER, STOCK AND SHARE DEALER, THROGMORTON HOUSE, 15, COPTHALL AVENUE, LONDON. E.C. -r- All orders exaculsd through Members of the London Stock Exchange, or, if preferred, clients can deal direct. 19721 Telephone— Bankers- 1504 Central. London Joint Stock Bank, Ltd. VICHY NATURAL CELESTINS W MINERAL WATER. 17ICHY for CELESTINS. GOUT, GRAVEL, T7ICHY RHEUMATISM. &c. CELESTINS. 9 CAN BE USED with LIGHT WINES, SPIRITS, or MILK. Sole Agents for the STATE SPRINGS OF VICHY Tmgrpm and Royte, Ltd., London, Liverpool, and Bristol. Of all Chemists. Wine Merchants, Stores, etc. 19643 M a k e Ad YO Uf own Cigurefte- ltis twice as gmd MONUMENTS OF WALES. Owing to the popularity of our series of articles on the Castles and Abbeys of South Wales, we have decided to continue the subject under a more in- clusive heading. In time the whole of the Castles and Abbeys of South Wales rill be dealt with, and articles will be published on the Cathedrals, Crosses, Wells, Old Institutions, <&c., etc. When possible illustrations will be yiten. The subject for next week is OYSTEBMOUTH CASTLE. Haa JtsAt for (Ckssifiralion. OTOR Omnibuses, Motor Chassis (or chassis and bodies separately) by the best makers. for SaJe, .cheap suitable for pleasure brakes or commercial pur- roses where great horse power is required.—Apply to Omnibus Company, 158, High-street, Camden Town, London. 341 What a lasting brilliant shine and dressy finish! When fine. For day or evening wear! „ Why,« is Berry s Boot Polish, Black or Brown Sold anywhere at 6d., 3d., 2d.& Id. PER TIN.

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1909. If SCARES AND ALARMS. The recent advances in the art of aviation and the control of airships and dirigible balloons, conjointly with the present silly scare of an invasion of Eng- land by Germany, has led to an extra- ordinary amount of interest in the flight of real and imaginary airships. The East Coast, being nearest to Germany, has enjoyed some wild excitements on the reported discovery, on several occasions, of a strange ship flying over the land by night and as mysteriously disappearing as it came into sight. Whether the scare is due to ocular demonstration and experience or whether imagination has run riot with the nerves of many persons it is impossible to say. All kinds of ex- planations are offered and disposed of. It is stoutly held that German airships are spying out the land and making plans for the imaginary invasion but what is there along the East Coast or any of the great waterways round our coasts that are not known necessarily to master mariners of every nation ? Then it is suggested that the British Government is carrying out experiments with some secret airship. The interest was shifted from East to West this week by the re- ported discovery of a cigar-shaped bal- loon, with head and tail lights, moving over the Usk in the neighbourhood of Newport. Later it was seen in the night from Cardiff, and there seems to be no limit to the powers of discovery. These airships of the night come out of the no- where and pass into it again, and if actual flights have been seen, then the puzzling thing is that with all the means of observation and the collection and dis- persion of news, no agency or individual has been able to discover where the operations of preparing for their flight have been carried out.

The political opponents of Mr John Burns, the President of the Local Govern- ment Board, admit that he is a strong man and fearless in pursuing his ideals. The many reforms which he has intro- duced into his department and the scan- dals which he has probed to the bottom, have proved him to be a far-seeing states- man and a man of extraordinary cour- age. Such a man was needed in the de- partment which has the control of the Poor Law administration, and reforms would go on at a quicker pace if he were given more authority and practically a free hand instead of waiting for Parlia- mentary sanction before anything of far- reaching change can be attempted. The evil of the Poor Law system with its an- tiquated and complicated machinery is admitted. The waste which goes on is also a matter for regret, for it must be a wasteful and a wrong system when the larger portion of the Poor Law Taxes are absorbed in administration. The people are being heavily taxed not to support paupers, but to maintain costly estab- lishments, which have been proved to be wrong in principle. The Royal Commis- sion examined into the administration 01 the Poor Law over a period of three and a half years, and it may take longer than that for Parliament to find time to deal with the subject. Mr Burns, speaking at the opening of a hospital the other day, asked for a free hand for his Department in carrying out reforms, the opinion and recognition of Parliament to be asked for each year on the work accomplished. It is a practical and a very desirable pro- posal, for with a strong, man at the head of the Local Government Board re- forms might be carried out without waste of time and money. It is a bold proposal. But already Mr Burns has carried out many great administrative reforms in his Department along the lines suggested in the Commissioners' report, and the hands of Parliament are very full with othe r social reforms and the business of Empire. Some such systeia of devolution as Mr Burns suggests is a crying need of the 09 country.

The King was reviewing 20,000 troops at Aldershot this week, and it was de- scribed as a striking spectacle. In the House of Lords about the same time Lord Roberts was telling the nation that the British Army was a sham, and the Territorial Force was pooh-poohed out of existence. It is rather surprising that neither the Army nor the Navy, nor again the status of the country are of any account when there is some chance of political or party capital to be gained by the party which poses as the great patriotic body. Nothing that they can say to belittle the Navy and Army or the intelligence of the country in the eyes of the Continent has been left unsaid in the attempt to raise a scare, first over the Dreadnoughts and then again in the at- tempt to force the country into Con- scrption. And concurrently, there is a silly scare raised over Germany. Germany is painted in extraordinary guise, whilst Great Britain is belittled and humiliated. And for what ? Just to steal party capi- tal and to turn the unthinking portion of the voters against the Liberal Govern- ment.

The Mayor of Brecon at the Chair Eis- teddfod held in the ancient borough this week declared that as long as the Eistedd- fod encouraged peace and advancement in the knowledge of music and literature so long might it continue in Wales. The president, Sir Francis Edwards, in a speech marked by humour and practical insight into the conditions which exist in the Principality,, offered some excellent criticism on the shortcomings of the Welsh people and the need for reform in the study of music. Welshmen excelled in singing, for Wales was admitted to be a sea of song," but he thought the scientific study of music was necessary if they were to excel as masters of music. Choral singing was easy of attainment and did not demand the expenditure of much money, and they excelled in this at the expense of the serious study of music. Instrumental music was practically neglected. He believed that they had plenty of material to enable them to walk in the higher ranks of music as they did now in the humbler. It is all a ques- tion of sacrifice and money. The oppor- tunities for the seien tific study of music and training in orchestral music do not -—— L,-—assa)B' exist, or they are difficult and costly. What is needed is an Academy in Cardiff as the principal town and centre where this serious study of music on scientific and artistic lines may be pursued, and where the pupils studying orchestral instruments may find assistance and tui- tion. The establishment of such an institution, which other large centres and most towns on the Continent possess, would lead to a rapid advance in music in the Principality. Without its assistance Wales must for a long period be content to walk in those humbler paths of music I to which Sir Francis Edwards referred.

A True Temperance Association r has been formed. Its ethical proposals are excellent, its practical proposals are just political, attempt the defence of the publican and the Trade, and speak against the confiscatory proposals of the Liberal Government. Those who destroyed the real temperance reform proposed in the Licensing Bill are among the keen supporters of the True Tem- perance Association. One thing the association does, it admits the evils of the present drinking places. These they would reform and make them places where other attractions than drink would be provided. They propose to take the licensed houses and transform them into places of reasonable refreshment and I recreation. The Association are con- vinced that these results may be attained without trespassing upon the rights of the individual by repressive legislation, and without trespassing upon the lawful property rights of a class of traders by confiscatory legislation." They are to reform the licensed houses and yet leave the owners to run their trade on the old lines. The reference to the confisca- tory legislation and the lawful property lets light into the whole scheme and dis- plays its origin. It is a plausible method of appealing to the common sense and justice" of the British elector. The True Temperance" Association de- mands unfettered freedom for the Trade, and this they call a means of temperance reform. Leave the Trade severely alone and attack the Liberal Government for its temperance legislation. This is the new and true temperance movement

Fifty Years Ago. FROM CARDIFF TIMES," MAY 21, 1859 The expenses of the contested election of two years ago for the county of Glamorgan have now been returned as £ 8,380." We understand that it is the intention of the South Wales Railway Company to remove their offices from Swansea to Cardiff The directors have come to this conclusion on account of the central position of Cardiff and the rapidly increasing trade of the station at that place." Messrs Hemingway and Pearson have com- menced operations on the Monkstone, a rock lying about a mile to the eastward of the Holmes. They intend erecting a beacon which will prove of great advantage to those traidng up the Bristol Channel." Great uncertainty appears to exist as to the fate of the Penydarren Iron Works, the general impression being that the Dowlais Company, who have purchased the minerals, will carry them on. It is JJsaid that they will be stopped for the present, bat we trust this rumour will prove incorrect." A site is in course of preparation for the erection of a Jewish synagogue at Newport. The situation is well chosen and the new edifice will be a picturesque feature at the corner of the wood adjoining the Risca, road and the new cemetery wall, about three-quarters of a. mile from the Westgate." The general half-yearly meeting of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company was held at Dock-street, Newport, on Wednes- day. Lord Tredegar said that while .he felt proud of the distinction conferred on him (in being elected chairman) yet he also felt a little out of place, as it was the first time that he had ever occupied the chair at an annual meeting like the present; however, he would do his best. (Hear, hear)." The superiority of the system of separate confinement (in prisons) is generally acknow- ledged. In the eight Welsh counties referred to in the Inspector's report there is only one prison provided with cells fitted for separateeon- finement. The exception is the county gaol of Merioneth, but the prisoners there, as in other parts of Wales, are exposed to all the evil in- fluences inseparable from unrestricted associa- tion in gaol." The fashion in dress continues to be fanci- ful, rich, and gorgeous. Satin is much worn for dresses and brocades in large medallion patterns, with satin or moire grounds, are also in great favour. There is great latitude in the trimming of the skirt and the cut of the sleeve. With the dresses a la Clothilde, a short basque has reappeared the sleeve, tight a short way down from the shoulder and then continued in a puff reaching nearly to the wrist, rivals the hanging on the Amadi sleeve Even- ing dresses are made of silk gauzes, either plain or in checks. They are made with flounces or double skirts if the latter, the hem is lined with a flat ribbon, the colour of the check. The round wreath has established itself as a fashionable coiffure, no longer as a continuation of too floral head-dress behind but in the shape of a Jarge-and in some in stances we may say a massive—garland."

BICYCLE THEFTS. A Neath Prisoner's Excuse. At Neath on M6nday,W. Williams, a labourer, was charged with stealing a bicycle valued £5, the property of Joseph Camphill, from outside the House of Lords public-house on May 10th. P.C. Stubbs said he saw prisoner wheeling the bicycle up High-street, and not being satisfied with his answers, took him into custody. Prisoner said he bought the bicycle at Llanelly, but afterwards admitted he had stolen it from Neath, as he wanted to get to Blackwood that night. He was subsequently charged by P.C. J. Davies and said he took the machine to look for work. The Bench committed him to prison for two months with hard labour, and com- plimented P.C. Stobbs upon his smart capture. A Tramp Delinquent. David Jones Jenkins, postman, of Australia- road, Gabalfa, left his his bicycle outside a house in North-road on Tuesday whilst he made a call. When he returned his machine had dis appeared. On Monday at Llandaff 3 ohn Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing the machine. His only excuse was that he could not And work and was tramping the roads. He was fined 20s and costs or 14 days' imprison- ment.

SMALLER SCHOOL CLASSES. At the Board of Education on Tuesday Mr Rtmciman received a deputation from the Association of Municipal Corporations, who asked that the circular reducing the numbers in elementary school classes might be with- drawn, or that further financial aid mightbe granted to meet the increased cost involved thereby, and prevent extra burdens on the ratepayers. Mr Runciman informed the deputation he had no intention of withdrawing the circular, and said much of the anticipated expenditure might be avoided by reclassification and a re- distribution of scholars and staff.

WOMAN'S PENSION FRAUD. At Preston on Monday Ann Haetey, aged 74, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment for makihg a false representation in her appli- cation for an old age pension. She declared that she had never been in prison. She received eight pehsion payments, when it was dis- covered that in 1904 she had served one month's imprisonment without the option of a fine for drunkenness and disorderly conduct.

A WORD OF WARNING. One of the most distressing diseases and one that is apparently becoming more common is Bright's Disease. Its danger lies in the fact that it arises from derangements of the Kidneys that in themselves are so slight as to cause the sufferer to ignore them, and it is only when the disease gets a firm hold that any attempt is made to effect a cure. It cannot be too strongly borne in mind that immediately any of the symptoms of Kidney trouble show themselves recourse should be had to a reliable remedy. The following prescription is highly recom- mended :—Tincture of Bufehu, one ounce Karox Compound, one ounce Syrup of Lemon, two ounces. Take one teaspoonful in half a wineglassful of water after each meal and at bedtime. Children quarter to half a teaspooh- ful. Any chemist will supply the ingredients, and it can be ma.de up at home by shaking well in a bottle. It is a safe remedy, and will leave no after harmful results. 19639

Death of George Meredith NOVELIST'S WELSH CONNECTIONS. Deceased's Last Hours. Mr George Meredith died at his residence at Box Hill, near Dorking, Surrey, at 3.35 on Tuesday morning. Deceased was out in his dnnkeychaise, as usual, as late as Saturday morning, an.1 seemed then in his customary health. There was a keen east wind, however, from which it is believed the veteral novelist caught a severe chill. As he had a weak heart, this seriously affected his somewhat enfeebled constitution, and violent sickness and internal inflammation brought on collapse, from which he never really rallied. His local medical man was in constant- attendance, and on Monday had a consultation with Sir Thomas Barlow, the King's physician, for upwards of an hour. Late at night Dr. Hearnden found his patient's condition so serious that he decided to remain through the mght. Deceased's married daughter (Mrs H. P. Sturgis), and his son (Mr Wm. Meredith) were at their father's bedside during his last hours. The immediate cause of death was heart failure. Mr Meredith was conscious up to the last, and just prior to his death recognised and spoke to those around him. Mr William Meredith is now in London, sce- ine his co-executors, one of whom is Lord Murley. According, to his wishes the body of Mr Meredith will be cremated. Mr George Meredith, O.M. South Wales Connections. Though it is now many years since he visited Wales, Mr Meredith frequently showed his keen interest in matters affecting the Princi- pality in letters to friends, and some of these, which were always interesting, found their way into the Press. On one occasion a letter of his on the Welsh Church elicited a vigorous reply from the Bishop of St. Asaph. Another letter, written early in 1906 by Mr Meredith, had re- ference to the Eisteddfod. This letter, which was addressed to a member of the Gorsedd, set forth Mr Meredith's views as follow, I am not usually a Conservative, but in the case of the National Eisteddfod of-Wales I am of opinion that it would be unwise, even to the improving of the dignity of the Eisteddfod, to make a departure from old customs. New fea- tures would be likely to turn it into something other than what it was. Representatives of the University of Wales on the Executive Com- mittee of the Gorsedd might be of good service, but business men, such as we know them the world over, are not to be recommended to an institution for the preaching of spiritual nobility." Visit to South Wales Re-called. Though Welsh by descent, Mr George Mere- dith was never actively associated with the Principality. Literary critics, however, have not been slow to recognise the Celtic genius in his work, and Mr Meredith himself would probably have been one of the first to recognise the fact that his Welsh ancestors had made their influence felt in his writings. In his early and middle life Mr Meredith seems to have had but few personal associations with Wales, but when his son came to reside at Llanelly, his interest in the" Land of the Mountains," as he described it only a few weejes ago; appears to have been awakened. Mr Meredith paid several visits to Wales, and one of the most notable of these was about two decades ago, at which time his son, Mr William Maxse Meredith, was living at Llaaielly as a partner of Mr J. C. Howell, electrical engineer. On that occasion the distinguished litterateur visited Cardiff, Llanelly, Llandilo, Tenby, and also Merthyr Tydfil and the Rhondda Valley. While at Fertylale Mr Meredith, in company with his daughter and Mr (now Sir) FranJL Edwards, went down one of the pits owned by Mr Fred L. Davis. During this sojourn in South Wales Mr Meredith, with his son, and Mr J. C. Howell, visited the South Wales Steel and Tin Plate Works, at Llanelly, then owned by Messrs E. More-wood and Co.,andanbsequeotly described his impressions in vivid language. Mr Meredith spent a week at Llandilo, and then went on to Tenby for a, week. An example of his powers as a brilliant conversationalist was provided during this visit, when, on a Sun- day evening at dinner, he so entranced his hearers that they sat listening to him until, to their amazement, they discovered that it was 11 o'clock. Another association of Mr George Meredith with Wales is provided in the fact that his son, Mr W. M. Meredith, was the illustrator of Mr Bradley's volume on the Marches and Bor- derland of Wales." Meredith's books were fairly well read in Car- diff, and figures given not long ago by the Car- diff librarian showed that there were about 70 copies of his works in the local Free Libraries, and that during the year 1907 his novels were issued on no fewer than 680 occasions. Welsh University Tribute. In 1902 the University of Wales offerred him the degree of Doctor in Litteris Honoris Causa, for distinction in literature but he was unable to be present at the conferring of the degrees in that year and the degree could not be conferred. Mr Meredith's last published reference to Wales appeared in the South Wales Daily News only a month, since, and had reference to Mr Trevor Evans's song, Long Ago." Mr Meredith, in his letter, expressed his feeling of indebtedness to Mr Evans, and added," I have done my best to read the music enough to see that it is excellent. Wales has always been the land of song. I rejoice that we have a distinguished singer of his own pieces who will bring this rich gift of the Land of the Mountains prominently before the public."

MRS ASQUITH. The following correspondence has passed between Mr Richardson, the member for South Nottingham, and Mrs Asquith House of Commons, May 20th, 1909. Dear Madam,—I have been asked by the Nottingham Drapers' Association to put a question to the Presidentof the Board of Trade respecting an alleged exhibition of foreign articles at the official residence of the Prime Minister. The rules of the House I find do not permit of the question being put- Whilst, therefore, I trust I shall not be charged with attempting to pry into the household affairs of the Prime Minister, I beg respectfully to ask if there is any substantial truth in the statements circulated by certain newspapers that the alleged exhibition was of an elaborate and costly character, calculated to damege the home nianufacturer of similar articles. Apologising for troubling you with the matter, I am, yours truly, Arthur Richardson." 10, Downing-street, Whitehall, S.W., May 20th, 1909. Dear Mr Richardson,—I must thank you for your very kind letter. You can assure your friends that there is no truth in the statement that there has been an exhibition and sale of foreigh stuffs or clothes at 10, Downing-street. On the 6th of this month, in the course of the afternoon I received in my private room at tea from 20 to 25 of my personal friends, and a well- known French costumier, whose models can be bought in any London shop, brought some specimens for the inspection of myself and my guests. It was a purely private occasion.- Yours sincerely, Margaret Asquith.

LIKE TWO CATS." Pontypridd Women's Row. Two young women, Jane Ann Rye and Sarah Morgan, stood angrily facing each other on the defendants' standJat Pontypridd Court on Wed- nesday, and a constable spoke of a fight be tween "hem in a public street. "I thought there was quarrelling between you when I saw you there," conunented Mr James Roberts, J ,P„ and then came charges and counter-charges by the women in profusion. Stop stop now. Stop stop 1 exclaimed the presiding magistrate in despairing tones, but again the tongues wagged. The policeman," added the magistrate, had great difficulty in stopping you -yon were like two cats. (Laughter.) Rye pay 10s, and Morgan 7s 6d."

DRINK & NEGLECT. J. W. Greedy, of Ethel-street, was summoned at Cardiff on Wednesday for neglecting his five children. Mr D. W. Evans prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C. Inspector Frederick Everington said he had visited defendant's home, and often found no food. Several times when he had been there defendant was drunk. Mrs Greedy said that during the last six months defendant had been drinking very heavily. Defenda-nt was sent to prison for a month with hard labour.

The Army Council will shortly issue a scheme for encouraging the enlistment of telegraph messengers who have attained the age of 16 and cannot be engaged permanently in the Post Office service.

Cardiff Licences. ^SOLICITOR AND BENCH. Alderman P. J. Beavan presided at the adjourned Cardiff Licensing Sessions on Wed- nesday, when cases referred from the annual sessions came under consideration. The other magistrates on the Bench were Alderman Sir William Crossman, Mr Edward Thomas, Alder- man C. H. Bird, Mr C. Eo Dovey, Alderman Trounce, Mr Morcom, Councillors C. F. San- ders, Morgan Thomas, J. Chappell, and G. Seccombe. The renewal of the licence of the London Porter House, a beer-house in Bute-terrace, was op posed by the police. Superintendent Havward stating that the place was not necessary. The licence was refused and referred for compensa- tion. Similar evidence and a similar decision was given in respect of the Hibernia Arms Beer-house, Bute-terrace. Mr Gaskell and the Bench. The police objected to the renewal of the White Swan Beer-house, Bute-terrace, when Mr F. H. Gaskell, who appeared for the appli- cant, said it was quite useless for him to go on contesting these cases before the same bench of magistrates who had previously abjudicated upon them. That court was supposed to be a court of appeal from previous decisions, and yet the same justices adjudicated. Aid. F. J. Beavan (chairman) What is the use of all this? Every magistrate has had notice of this meeting every magistrate might have been here. We have not told them not to come here. Mr Gaskell: I do not suggest for a moment that you have, sir. I say there are 60 magis- trates, and it is unfair that the same magis- trates, with the exception of two, should sit here on matters on which you have already made up your minds. Aid. Beavan said the learned. clerk (Mr D. Rees) advised them that the Bench was pro- perly constituted. Mr Gaskell had made quite an improper reflection upon the magistrates. Mr Gaskell: I meant no reflection. I repre- sent some thousands of pounds worth of pro- perty, and it is only right and proper that I should expect my clients to get a re-hearing, when they come here, before a different lot of magistrates. Alderman Beavan: To come here and object simply because the Bench is constituted as it is, is, I think, going too far. Mr Gaskell: If you please, sir. The licence was refr "ed with compensation. and similar decisions were given in respect of the Anglesea beer-house, German Harp beer house, and the Cape Horn beer-house, all three being in Bute-street. Mr St. John Williams said the police opposi- tion to the renewal of the licence of the Loco- motive alehouse, Bute-street, when certain other houses were spared, was a mystery he had failed to solve. The takings of the Loco- motive were £1,100 a year—proof in itself that the place was wanted. The licence was re- fused and was ordered for compensation. "Thatched Refused. The Chief Constable, (Mr McKenzie), giving evidence against the renewal of the licence of the Thatched House, Bute-street, said that if all the licences to which he had given notice of objection (about 30 in all) were done away with there would still be ample accommodation for the needs of the public. Mr Browne (Messrs Lewis Morgan and Box), for the applicant, cal- led Mr F. L. Perry (Messrs Perry & Gottwaltz), who, from an inspection of the books, estima ted the takings at the Thatched House at JEL500 a year. The renewal licence was refused, and ordered for compensation. The licences of the Nag's Head, Bridge- street of the Royal Glamorgan, Millicent- street; and of the Burnham Inn, Frederick- street, were refused and referred for compensa- tion. The Sessions were adjourned until 10.30 on Saturday morning. "Friendship" Renewed. Mr St. John Williams (instructed by Messrs Cousins and Botsford), applying for the re- newal of the licence of the Friendship Inn, Bute-terrace, objected, on technical grounds, to evidence being given against the renewal by the Rev. John Thomas and the Rev. M. Tertius Phillips (representing the 'Cardiff Citizens'/ Union). The Magistrates' Clerk, however, ruled against the objection. Mr Thomas, in his evidence, said the Friendship, which he had kept under personal observation, was not wanted. Alderman Beaven ( to Mr F. H. Gaskell, who also appeared in the case) Are you going to cross-examine the witness ? Mr Gaskell: I am not going to waste my time sir. Mr St. John Williams And I don't want to ask him any questions. The Rev. J. Tertius Phillips said the Friend- ship was in a heavily congested district, and its record was very unsatisfactory. The licence was renewed.

Babies in the Fire. WIDOW'S NEFARIOUS BUSINESS. At the Old Bailey on Thursday Ada Wal- ters, aged 39, described as a doctor's widow, was indicted for the wilful murder of a young woman by means of an illegal operation, and was found guilty of manslaughter, and sen- tenced to 10 years penal servitude. Prisoner for a time defended herself and cross-examined some of the witnesses, but after a time stated she was feeling unwell, and asked if counsel, who had been previously assigned to her, would finish the case, and this course was adopted. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr Bodkin, in opening, said that the story was a melancholy one, but one in which the evi- dence would leave no doubt that the prisoner had used an instrument. He then went on to tall how the deceased was taken by a young man, with whom she had been on friendly terms, to the prisoner's house for the purpose of undergoing treatment which would save exposure and disgrace. The young man, wh ose name was Bradnam, had previously consulted the prisoner, who said that she did not use in- struments, but procured the necessary result by means of a course of medicine. Prisoner, who asked for £20 in payment for her services, accepted JE12 from Bradnam. Miss Boot was afterwards taken to 16, Clarendon-street, where she was left. She afterwards became very ill, and was taken to a relative's house at Hounslow, and from there to the local hospital. It was found that Miss Boot was suffering from septic peritonitis, and an operation was performed in order to attempt to save her life, but without success. Death occurred the next day, March 25th. The police gave evidence to finding amongst other things in prisoner's house two small steel instruments with improvised handles. Prisoner Did you not find five others ?—No. Prisoner (to the judge) They are hairpins which I use for my hair. Dr. Willcox, of the Home Office, said that he had made a post-mortem examination of the deceased's body, and had come to the conclu- sion that death was due to septic peritonitis. Shocking Revelations. At the request of the judge the prisoner's general servant was called, and stated that at various times different women came to the house. They generally became ill for a week and then left. In March, 1908, there were four young ladies staying in the house at the same time. They were all ill during the period of their stay. At another time there were two actresses there together. Once the prisoner gave her a parcel to burn. She took it into her bedroom and opened it. and found that it con- tained the body of a little baby. She took it back to her mistress and said she would not burn it. Prisoner said she would do it herself. Another time she saw the dead body of a child in the drawing-room fire. She told prisoner about it, who said, There's nothing to get excited about." There was yet another time when she saw the body of a very young child in the fire. Prisoner swore that it was not a baby on the fire, but a newly-born kitten. The police stated that prisoner was the wife of a medical man, who was sentenced to seven vears' penal servitude at that Court for per- forming an illegal operation. He had since died. She afterwards was connected with a man named Gray, and there had ever since been complaints of the prisoner's conduct with different women, but the police had been unable to get sufficient evidence. The day after Dora Boot left the house in Clarendon- road another woman occupied it, who after- wards became ill. Mr Justice Darling said the prisoner could consider herself fortunate that the jury had not convicted her of murder.

HANGED FROM TREE. WOMAN'S TRAGIC DISCOVERY. Early on Thursday a woman,giving the name of Mary Foley, Newport, when passing over the road between Nantcoch and the Camp at Highcross, Rogerstone, saw a man hanging by his muffler from a tree. He was quite dead, and was cut down by Henry Hadley. Ifton- street, Liswerry, who was proceeding to his work at Pontymister. Police-inspector Barry promptly circulated the following description of the man:—Age 40 to 45 years, height 5ft 8in., well-proportioned, pale complexion, sandy moustache turning grey at the sides, light grey cap, blue serge jacket and trousers, brown vest with light stripes, white night-shirt, bearing the initials E. L. on the collar, and a very old pair of brown boots. In the pockets were found a mason's trowel, chisel, and a slip of paDer, upon which was written :—F. Searle. 9, Torlais- street, Newbridge, Mon. The body was con- veyed to Glasllwch Farm, and on Thursday evening was identified as Albert Searle (45), mason, a native of Bristol.

MISSING MICHAELSTONE MAN. Mrs Spooner, postmistress at Michaelstone, reports that her husband, Joseph Spooner, has been missing from his home fjince Saturday week. That morning he dressed and went out, since which time he has not been seen at Michaelstone. Spooner, whose brother, Edward Spooner, looks after the terriers attached to the Tredegar Hounds, was employed at Ru- perra Castle, and is said to have been working there the day before his disappearance. It is believed that he had about JM in his possession when he left the house.

L i National Pageant _e_ FOOTBALLERS AS IVOR BACH'S MEN. AMUSING POSSIBILITIES. Cardiff footballers are coming out strongly in support of the pageant. Over 380 have pro- mised to take part in the Ivor Bach episode, which will be the most thrilling and dramatic of all the incidents. of all the incidents. A very large meeting of footballers was held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall on Thursday night, Mr W. T. Morgan, presi- dent of the Cardiff Football Club, presiding. Every Rugby team in the city was represented. Mr Hawtrey, Master of the Pageant Owen Rhoscomyt, the historian Mr A. W. Swash, the hon. secretary and other pageant offi- cials attended to explain the episode and what exactly the foot ballers will be required to do. Among the audience were prominent foot- ballers and patrons of the sport, including Mr R. T. Gabe, Mi- Percy Bush" Mr*W. M. Doug- las, Mr Gibson, Mr Staniforth, Mr A. F. Bland, and Dr. Buist. Mr Hawtrey ran lightly over the incidents of the Ivor Bach episode, and described in simple but telling language the deed of the famous Welshman. This ought, said Mr Hawtrey, to be one of the finest scenes ever seen in any pageant. With a twinkle, the Pageant Master added that the footballers would have to man- age the blows very cleverly, and not hit any- body too hard. Men would tumble down wounded and dead, and the whole thing would be very realistic. Meanwhile there would be a tremendous, noise in the castle, then great shouts, and over the lowered draw- bridge Ivor Ba,ch would lead out Earl William and his other prisoners. There would be a mighty exit from the castle of all the attacking party and the defenders, and all would come to the front. Ivor Bach would make the Earl give way on all points, and in return lie would get his liberty, The treaty of Senghenydd would be handed over and the freemen told that under it they were to be de- fended against unjust taxes for all times. And this," interposed Owen Rlioscomyl, has been the case until this day." No Dressing Tents. Mr Ha,wtrey, answering a question, said that there would be no dressing tents on the ground. The observation met with a great deal of amusement. Must they walk there in their costumes ? Certainly," came the bland reply, and why not ? Everybody would have to walk the streets in his costume." Incredulous laughter broke forth, but Mr Hawtrey's seriousness convinced the surprised footballers. It seems a little funny at first, I admit," said the Pageant Master, but after a day or two you will see how much you will enjoy it." Then he explained that at the pageants the streets were lined with people to see the per- formers go on the ground, and it was a very pretty sight to witness ancient Britons and Roman soldiers, courtiers of George III. and Queen Elizabeth mixing up, to see the ancient Briton on a bicycle, and a king of olden times smoking a modern pipe. (Laughter.) Mr W. T Morgan (who will represent Henry VIII.): Will Henry VIII. have to walk with his six wives through the streets ? (Renewed laughter.) Mr Hawtrey You overlook the fact that he had only one wife at a time. The question was afterwards seriously con- sidered, and Mr W. M. Douglas pointed out that it would be a serious inconvenieuce for clerks, who lived several miles away. They could never get home and be back in time. Mr Hawtrey persisted in saying that it would be impossible to erect a dressing marquee. A way out was subsequently found by the Cardiff Football Club undertaking to provide a dressing room for the footballers-and only the footballers, it was emphasised. Mr Swash said a large placard would be issued soon depicting the rush, and the artist was endeavouring to reproduce the features of well-known footballers. All footballers intending to take part—380 altogether-are requested to fill the cards pro- vided them at once, mark the dates that suit them, and return the cards to Mr Arthur, secretary, Cardiff R.F.C. Choosing Fairies. At the Sophia Gardens, the Pageant Field, on Thursday, the envious task of choosing fairies for the different counties from among a. large number of school children was com- menced. Selections were made according to height. The following counties have a full complement:— Monmouth. 30 Carmarthen. 47 Glamorgan 56 Radnor 39 Brecon 47 Cardigan. 41 Pembroke 79 Montgomery.. 36 For the remaining counties the position is :— Complement. Selected. Merioneth 33 7 Flint. 36 20 Denbigh 38 20 Carnarvon 50 40 Anglesey 35 11

Brothers Executed. END OF WHITECHAPEL "SHARKS." At Pentonville Prison on Thursday. Morris Reubens and "larks Reubens, brothers, were executed for the murder of William Sproull, a ship's engineer, at Whitechapel. Sproull and a companion met two women and accompanied them home. The Rubens came into the room and attacked the two men, and Sproull was subsequently found dead in the street, having been stabbed. Morris Reubens and Marks Reubens lived with the women, who were acquitted at the trial. The convicts retired to rest shortly after 10p,m. on Wednesday, and when called at 6 o'clock in the morning they rose and dressed. At 7.30Jbreak- fast Was brought to their respective cells, but in each instance the repast was left practically untouched. When the pinioning process was performed, both men appeared to be on the point of col- lapse, but stimulants were at hand, and, with warders on either side of them, they were escorted to the scaffold, only a few paces away. The final operation was expeditiously carried out, and, the bolt drawn, death was instantane- ous. The execution is stated to have been satisfactorily and humanely performed. Pier- point was the executioner. Repentant. The Star publishes a letter written by Marks Reubens Wednesday in which the follow- ing passages occur I hope God will forgive me for any harm I may have done to anybody, and I trust my fate will be a lesson to my friends. I am sorry for the poor man that has gone. I hope his relatives will forgive us for all the trouble and pain we have caused them. Drink has been at the bottom of all this trouble."

OBITUARY. Mr David John, Cardiff, An old CardiflSan in Mr David John, of 19, Teilo-street, died early on Thursday morning in his 81st year. Deceased had been slightly ailing for a little time past, but the end was quite unexpected. The octogenarian was out on Wednesday, but on his return home he com- plained of feeling unwell, and died very sud- denly the following morning. Mr John was born at St. Nicholas, but very early in life came to Cardiff, and for over 50 years was in the employ of Messrs David and Sloper, leather merchants, the firm now being Messrs David and Co. After severing his connection with them Mr David was for a few vears in business for him- self in the Castle 'Arcade, but for the last 20 years had lived in retirement. In 1903 Mr and Mrs John celebrated their golden wedding. Deceased was the oldest member of the Cardiff Benefit and Annuitant Society. De- ceased had a very clear recollection of Cardiff in its earlier days, and remembered the Chartist riots. Deceased leaves a widow and five sons and six daughters. The late Mr DAVID JOHN. (Williams and Williams.) The Cardiff Benefit and Annuitant Society was founded as far back as 1820. Its funds, which amount to £15,000, are invested with the National Debt Commissioners, and under old conditions of the investment J the society wa'J guaranteed i certain rate of interest during the life of members who had joined before a certain date. Of these old members Mr John and another old inhabitant of Car,liff were the sole survivors, and by virtue of their member- ship they were indirectly the source of a fairly large income to the society. When both have passed away the rate of interest guaranteed by the National Debt Commissioners will fall from 3d per person per day to 21 per person per day, or a third less, so that with the old rate of interest yielding the society between JE600 and EffiO per annum, the demise of these two old members will d epri ve the society approxi- mately of about JE200 a year.

Mr and Mrs Asquith will spend Whitsuntide at Clovelly. 1 Forty men and a tug were required to rescue a motor-car which fell into the river at Dart- mouth.

COALFIELD DEADLOCK I' Ominous Impasse. NOTICES TO BE GIVEN. The important issues arising under the opera* tion of the Miners Eight Hours Act came before the South Wales Coal Conciliation Board at a special meeting held at the Engineers' Institute, Cardiff, yesterday. The situation brought about under the new regime and the demands of the owners for concessions and re-arrangements of working collieries con- sequent on the shortened period of labour have been jointly discussed on several occasions, and at to-day's meeting some finality was expected in order to allay the suspense in the coalfield. It will be recalled that the Conciliation Board appointed a Peace Sub-Committee to deal with the points raised, and they have met on three occasions in Cardiff and London. Their report—which cannot exactly be termed recommendations," for the power of the com- mittee was limited—were presented to the committee to-day. Both sections of the Conciliation Board at first met separately to discuss the problem in the light of the deliberations of the joint sub- committee meetings in London. Mr F. L. Davis presided over the owners' side, and Mr W. Abraham over the workmen's represen- tatives. As we have already pointed out, the owners, in order to compensate them for the shortened period of working involved by the introduc- tion of the Act, proposed that there should be:— 1. A system of double shifts introduced where practicable. 2. Abolition of stated meal times. 3. Abolition of bonus turns on the night shift, and 4. Abolition of the custom of stopping the pit on the occasion of a fatality and a dis- trict when the victim is being buried. On these points the parties have found a basis for discussion, and hopes are entertained that the difficulties they present may be overcome, but there are other points notably— (1) The owners' proposal to reduce the day- men's wages, and (2) To work nine hours a day once a week as permitted by the Act. These concessions the workmen's representatives (in accordance with the decision of the M.F.G.B.) firmly refuse, and there are reasons to believe that in the interests of peace the owners' representatives will not seriously press them. Men's Counter Proposals. The men's representatives put forward a counter proposal with regard to working double shifts, for they recognise that its introduction is necessary in some pits, but they do not see their way clear to allow the owners alone power of deciding into which collieries this system should become operati ve. They therefore sug- gest that each case should be dealt with on its merits by a joint committee to be established for that purpose. This is considered to present the most difficult point for solution in the whole negotiations. With regard to the proposal to abolish the bonus turn for night work, the workmen maintain that they give to the owners a quid pro quo by agreeing to the reduction of the meals hour to 20 minutes, thus conceding 40 minutes of work, which they con- tend is sufficient compensation, the proposal affecting all the night workmen. The workmen's representatives agree in prin- ciple to the demand for the discontinuance of the practice of stopping the pits when fatal accidents occur in the district, on the occasion of the funeral; but they suggest that there should be some modification, and that when a fatal accident occurs the men working in that district should be allowed to cease work and, on the occasion of a funeral, that a reasonable number of workmen should be permitted to attend. The workmen's representatives separated shortly after 1 o'clock, but they had not con- cluded their deliberations, some of those pre- sent stating that they were not quite in agree- ment with the views expressed by those who were members of the jointsnb-committee which met in London. The men's representatives were very reticent as to what had transpired, and they will again meet after lunch before proceeding to the joint meeting of the Concilia- tion Board, which has been fixed for 2.30.

Owners' Difficulty. AN OMINOUS DELAY. 3.30.-The two sections of the Conciliation Board were to have met at 2-30, but an hour later they had not come together. The work- men's representatives were ready with their case at one o'clock, but they have since then been waiting anxiously to be called into consultation with the employers. This delay lends colour to the assumption that there is a sharp cleavage on the owners3 side, and that difference of opinion has arisen with regard to the proposals made and the concessions which some employers are prepared to make. It may be taken for granted that a large section of the employers are prepared to go a long way towards securing peace in the coalfield, bu Where these repre- v senting most of the smaller concertta^-who leefr that they cannot make any concessions, and that it is vital to them that the first proposal* drafted by the employers should stand. At 3.30 the joint board had not met, and Mr Abraham, who had been waiting with the other workmen's representatives, left the building at that hour. 4.0-The men's representatives, feeling that sometime would elapse before the employers would be ready to receive them, left the build- ing in a body. One of them, on being asked what was the meaning of this long delay, jocu- larly remarked, It means that we have finished quarrelling before the employers have." However, a quarter of an hour afterwards, a hurried message was sent from the employers' room to the workmen's representatives stat- ing that the masters were ready to form the Joint Board. Messages were immediately sent out to bring back those representatives who had left the building, and the Joint Board commenced its deliberations shortly before 4 o'clock.

NO AGREEMENT. The Conciliation Board separated at five o'clock, having failed to come to any agree- ment on any of the points at issue, and it is feared that the masters will give notices to terminate the agreements on the 1st of June. Our Cardiff Exchange representative writes —Alarmist rumours were current on the Cardiff Stock Exchange this afternoon concerning the proceedings at to-day's meeting of the Conci- liation Board. In the first plaa ,ecit is stated that the delay in the meeting of the two sides was due to serious conflict of opinion as to what steps should be agreed upon in regard to the opera- tion of the Mines Eight Hours Act. On the men's side it was stated that the general body of the members had fallen foul of the report submitted to them by their representatives on the sub-committee, and that a serious cleav- age existed, resulting, however, in the triumph of the moat hostile section. On the owners' side, also, it was reported that two conflicting policies had been advo- cated, but that in the end an agreement was arrived at, and that definite proposals were agreed upon. When the men met (it was further stated) these proposals were placed before thetmen, by whom, however, they were more or less summarily rejected. Nevertheless the owners were bestated to prepared to defer further action until they knew the result of to-morrow's meeting of the Conciliation Board, to consider the demand ol their's for a 7i per cent, reduction in wages. It was thought on 'Change that Lord St. Aldwyn's decision to-day would have a very potent influence on the course of the ne- gotiaiions between the two sides on the ques- tion of the Eight Hours Act, and that if the masters succeeded in their demand a settle- ment is possible From another source we understand that the owners were prepared to waive their demand for a reduction in the day men's wages, provi- ded that the workmen granted them certain other concessions, but one of the workmen's side remarked that thty asked for impossible concessions, and they were bound to disagree. Now that the owners have decided to exer- cise their right to tender notices on JTune 1st, the Miners' Federation of South Wales will report to the M.F.G.B., so that a special con- ference may be called in order to discuss the whole situation. A Loaded Pistol." At the close of the conference the owners intimated their intention of serving a month notice on all the workmen of the Associated Collieries on June 1st, terminating contracts at the end of that montly. Mr Brace, M.P., replied that this was tanta- mount to holding a pistol at the heads of the men. SCOTTISH WAGE QUESTION. The Scottish Coal Trade Conciliation Boaxd is meeting in Glasgow yesterday to consider the masters' claim for a reduction of wages of the miners, who are resisting the demand. The claim is for a reduction of 6d per day, which is equal to a reduction of 12 j per cent.

A PHENOMENAL SUCCESS. London, Friday. The dispensers of Cadum, the new discovery for the cure of eczema, have decided to allow chemists generally to supply it. Heretofore it could only be obtained direct from the laborar tories. Since the change in the method of distribu- tion, Cadum has met with the most phe- nomenal success of anything introduced to the drug trade in the last 30 years. Boots, Ltd.* and other chemists now supply the special 6d size recently adopted, also the large Is box. The great success is not surprising when it is remembered that in eczema cases Cadum stops the itching with the first application, proceed* to heal immediately, and cures chronic cases in a few weeks. In minor skin troubles, such as pimples, blackheads, acne, herpes, blotches, rash, etc., results show after an overnizht application. 19723