The Cardiff Times

In QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. Jlõbee House of Commons on Monday Lord t«erCecil (C.) questioned the Prime Minis- he k. j the accuracy of a report stating that ?,said the Government did not intend to Oiwf^yith the second reading of the W elsh ^^blishment BUI. I have no announcement to Present. J/ Robert Cecil: Is it true that the right •ojjjp^tlcrnan has made an announcement to V- ? his supporters to the effect stated ? 1 ha AsquIth: I have nothing to add to what In x, already said. ouse °f Commons on Monday, Lord it wfiCecil asked the Prime Minister whether to up rue as reported that he did not intend ^fclshr^ beyond the second reading with the Tk Jr^sestablishment Bill. >fteat V~lme Minister said he had no announce- make on the subject at present, nor *ion«i add to the answers he had pre- InT? glven- Ajffgj eH°use of Commons on Tuesday Sir t Thomas (L.) asked the Prime Minister c°ttr_ef he was now prepared to state what Jojtaj.j the Government proposed to take with •Bill ,t° the Welsh Church Disestablishment Jfj, o pposition ironical cheers and laughter. ) t>fesfi,rSquith Yes, sir, I am. In view of the >fe of business this Session, the Govern- be ^ave come to the conclusion that it will Ijjgj. Possible to carry through all its stages so ^'Brjni contentious a measure as the Welsh detiq d blishment Bill. They have, therefore, atl to make the Bill the first Government tbi; JI. re and pass it through all its stages in °Use next year. (Ministerial cheers.)

CRITICISM OF THE GOVERNMENT. Monmouthshire Congregationalists' .ått Disappointment. j*e annual meeting on Monday at Ebbw at Herbert Williams, Blaina, presiding, i 9°1igregational Association of Mon- e Cradoc Owen, Libanus, JY Vale, moved a resolution expressing ^tr°Qg disapproval and keen disappoint- j £ ~rtregarding the desire of the Government egi^^tpone the passage of the Welsh Dis- Q^blishment Bill through the House of fcv^Oions untU next Session, especially when tk6, repeated pledges of Cabinet Ministers >at the BUI would be sent to the House of this Session be remembered and, fur- this conference strongly urges the r^tQbers of Parliament for Wales and Mon- ^Qthshire to demand from the Government redemption of the pledges given. That j?Pies of the resolution be sent to the jTWj Minister, Mr Lloyd George, and the s. of Parliament representing Mon- I'Jhshire. Borne èÙmentlInan he had experienced accountof framihg his resolution on Wdn? ni„„ .he constant changes that were t>Ad reo^,e,jm situation. That day they ^hich Qews of a further change, in c°Qciliatory powers of Mr Lloyd i ^as tv, ere .^ccessful in averting #a revolt. Jhe qi. opinion of the representatives of » °PDor+v, o £ England that the time was \?r the £ or the introduction of a Bill ales -establishment of the Church in was evident having regard to e.nts that the Government was of the 5 eVp0,»i 011- Bishop Owen, in his speech at °PPr»w- ^ave Wo reasons why the time was 5jas the first being that no demand They Vj,e it at the last General Election- *bat rrew, that Bishop Owen was wrong in ^"liarn n' for the Welsh members of ^epe J, ent would not have been been elected Sjesfcion^ n°t sound on the Disestablishment ri '^le °ther reason advanced by «ave Jp was that the Government should fission ^or the report of the Royal Com- rThe speaker said he should have last t Bishop Owen would have been to refer to the Welsh Commission, | Itfviftj* X after the sorry figure he cut when bear ? Thence before that Commission. (Hear, n^lcirvai & -en such men as Sir S. T. Evans, l*liiUtiL-irbairn,and Dr. Henry Jones left the ^eUt ite value also left. Still the Govern- rn^, of the same opinion as the friends I England, that the time was ersonIn De' anc^ now proposed further delay. t proud of his fellow-country- *be riguiL1°yfl George), and believed that had tbe hon. gentleman not been a member of toTernment he would not have been the b^aTers a revolt—he would have led it. as ^.one on a previous occasion. The e "t SaId he hardly knew what to say of members. Mr Clement Edwards only one to face the situation and he tbey^to vote with the Government unless their pledges. The people of Wales a, lif+i disestablishment. He remembered, Jpeaij boy, hearing the Rev. Henry Richard Slat tva question, and they thought then measure of justice was at the door, j «ley v^they were that day as far off as ever. Jbiieg, the strongest Government of modern jOp^jVPTit into office by the aid of Noncon- that^j8' whom a definite pledge was given ^esgjcin ^'o™ would be given in the fourth The Government had broken that they aPd Mr Clement Edwards said that if ?°U1<1 not trust them in one pledge they they Jr°t trust them in another. H-e hoped jhat send that resolution and demand Y.Welsh members should break away fcrepg^the Government unless they were carry out their pledge. He was tarliaowevcr, that the Welsh members of f Qt were too fond of looking into the (A^r their own personal aggrandisement. ^he fes^ev; W. Hough, Blackwood, seconded solution, which, was carried unanimously.

WOMEN7S SOCIAL & POLITICAL UNION. Atn Meeting at Cardiff. ^ci-^ting organised by the National Women's ^rk "tt11 Political Union was held in the ^all crush room, Cardiff, on Tuesday °01i» at which Miss Allen, of Bristol, pre- dand Miss Mary Phillips. of London, gave Miag vess.on the subject of votes for women. e Kenney was expected to be pre- Q ,sPeak, but was unable to attend. There Naj^y a small attendance. Miss Phillips ex- I that they claimed for women nothing tlajjjj. han the privileges which men enjoyed, '•lid (T as the former were also taxpayers, JJ8 the Very law passed affected them as much by j^JUcn. Dealing with the methods adopted tion!ir1a^ettes, Miss PhUlips said every consti- ^SUit^ mcans had been tried to secure re- iOIi, without avail, and therefore she that women were justified in taking ^et Measures, observing, I was once arty ladylike." The Welsh Parliamentary th eatened to withdraw their support ^stab].he Government because the Welsh Dis- Bill was not introduced this but the Government had given a bring it in first next Session. No ^Ich ge Was given to those fighting for en- Jut ^SeQient of women. They were simply qds With indefinite promises. They wanted not words.

MERCHANTS AS DRIVERS. lIt connection with the Cork dockers' strike, ^esterdare ^evel°ping rapidly. Local traderson Of Ood a afternoon removed large quantities II.nd'W s from the quays in their own floats Majjy Sgons, their drivers refusing to work. taajL ^adiag merchants, amongst them Sir °f the ri Harrington and Mr W. B. Harrington, fcetisu Chemical Drug Company, who had aged goods consigned to them, were tfUit t this way. People in the fish and r.rra(ies were similarly employed. They °t«cted by the police, but the process v^tsidp tu Peaceful picketing was carried on their premises. Already the strike serially affected building trades.

Of t, •—= i) Workmen employed by the Marl- hedist al District Council, for work on age T^t roads, ten of them average 70 years f]he dist -eir combined ages being 701 years. e1> wp surveyor informed the council that capable of earning good money at

r NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. "Suffragette Owls." TURBULENT ARENA SCENES. Invaders' Wild Attack. CHANCELLOR'S HUMOROUS SALLIES. Bodyguard of Rhondda Colliers. LONDON, Thursday. TI Chancellor of the Exchequer reached the Albert Hall shortly after two o'clock. W ith him were Mrs Lloyd George and Miss Megan Lloyd George. Mr T. P. O'Connor, M.P., was also of the party, and following came Lord Tredegar, Sir Francis Edwards, M.F., air Herbert Roberts, M.P., Sir Brynmpr Jones M.P., Sir Marchant Williams, Mr Ellis Davies M.P., Mr Timothv Davies, M.P., Mr William Jones, M.P., Mr Llewelyn Williams, M.P. The right hon. gentleman received a tre- mendous ovation when introduced to the audience bv Lord Aberdare. It seldom falls to the lot of one man," said his Lordship, "o take the chair at two consecutive mornings oi i the same Eisteddfod, and to vacate it one day to the Prime Minister and the next day to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr Asquith yesterdav apologised for not having one cor- puscle of Welsh blood in his veins. Mr Lloyd George, who will now take the chair, has not one corpuscle of any other blood in his veins. (Cheers and laughter.) Mr Lloyd George then took the chair, and preparation was made for the ceremony of chairing the successful bard. Cynonfardd's Appeal. Cynonfardd, who was conducting the Eisteddfod at the moment, addressed a fer- vent appeal to any suffragettes who might be present. 4 He had had ladies of all ages and classes and sizes—(laughter)—under his instruc- tion over a score of years at an institution of learning in America, and he loved them all. (Laughter.) Now, as one who loved the ladies, he appealed to the suffragettes to hold their peace that day, far the Eisteddfod was no partisan gathering. It had no reference to creed or denomination or politics. They were there in the interests of literature and music, of everything that was elevating, and he hoped there should be no recurrence of yesterday s scenes. (Hear, hear.) This was his appeal. If it was not heeded—well, of course, other measures must be resorted to. (Loud cheers.) Suffragette Battle Cry. Mr Lloyd George was greeted with great enthustesm when he rose to speak. The right hon gentleman,who used the;vernacular,wasre- ferring to the historical aspect of the Eisteddfod when a lady in the third tier of the boxes rose and gave vent to the suffragette battle cry. She was immediately seized round the waist, and ejected, kicking and protesting. The right hon. gentleman was touching upon other features of the festival when a woman in the topmost gallery—the cheapest part of the house broke in with an interruption. She was quickly hustled out, keeping up a cackling noise, which made Mr Lloyd George exclaim, She is having a concert to herself." He was proceeding to congratulate the committee on having secured the attendance of Mr Balfour and Mr Asquith, when a fashionably-attired woman in the arena broke in. Like the others, the interrupter caused the speaker to pause. As soon as she had been ejected he went on. Screeching Owls." Mr Lloyd George was humorously remarking that the Eisteddfod in London was like an eagle in the Zoo, when the next interruption and ejection tools place. Speaking of birds," com- mented the Chancellor, it seems as if there were a good many suffragette screeching owls about." The interruptions continued to come at regular intervals till the end, Mr Lloyd George maintaining throughout a sang froid attitude, having always a humorous allusion to make. Pity somebrtdy wouldn't teach them Welsh," he observed, it might help to civilise them a bit." The stewards attained great dexterity in dealing with the women, who were turned out with the greatest promptitude. On one occa- sion Mr Lloyd George requested the stewards to refrain from exercising unnecessary violence. Just as he resumed his seat a young woman rushed swiftly towards the Press table, and was proceeding loudly to harangue the Chan- cellor right under his nose when the stewards, who had been for the moment abashed at the woman's temerity, seized hold of her and carried her bodily from the arena. The final demonstration was the display in the area of the placard in Welsh demanding the vote. The bearer was summarily ejected.

THE SPEECH. Mr Lloyd George's, speech was as follows :— Mr Archdruid and dear fellow-couiitrymen,— The last time Had" the pleasure of addressing a meeting on this platform I was at it for two and a half hours. (Laughter.) I promise you I shall not be much longer than two and a half minutes to-day. (Laughter.) At least that is if I am given peace. (Oh.) I am glad to see the chair day maintaining its popu- larity. I am afraid sometimes to see the Eis- teddfod becoming a mere musical festival. Mind, I do not depreciate music. Nothing elevates a nation like it. Suffragette interruption, at the closeofjwhich Mr Lloyd George proceeded with the Gorsedd queston, Is there peace 1" (Loud laughter and replies of Heddwch.") Well, he went on, we were speaking about music when that little discord came in. Nothing raises one's spirits like music does. (Hear, hear.) If the cost of whisky got too high owing to the price put on it, the soul of Wales might get sufficiently drunk on music only. (Laughter.) Byron said, There must be a sense or twq more than we mortals have, for where there is much to be grasped we are always at a loss, and yet we feel we ought to have a higher and more extended comprehen- skm." The Influence of Music. I think (went on the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer) that when listening to music one of those senses comes back, and that we can comprehend things that we have no conception of excepting under the influence of music. You see, therefore, that I do not depreciate music. At the same time, if every individual in a nation learnt the sol-fa and had no knowledge of literature it would be a superficial nation—a nation with one wing wanting, so that it can- not fly straight; it cannot fly far, it cannot fly high, and would very soon fly to the earth. Let us have the other wing. The god of the Eisteddfod i the muse. (Interruption, and female ejected.) For all that, poor woman knows (proceeded Mr Lloyd George) I might be speaking in favour of woman's suffrage. (Loud laughter.) Now, I have just two things to say to you about this Eisteddfod. I want first to congratulate the committee on securing the presence of two of the principal men of this Empire—Mr Balfour and Mr Asquith. I want these men to come to knour Wales. The Mother of Prejudice. These are the men who guide the destinies of the nation, and tho more these men who guide the Empire know of Wales the more they will like it. Ignorance is the mother of prejudice, and when these important people come to know Wales, her traditions, her aspira- tions, they will sympathise the more with her. Another thing I have to say is that this Eisteddfod Committee has worked hard—all eisteddfod committees do. Mr Balfour said something about death duties. If I were to speak in the terms of the new taxation, I would say that there is not much unearned increment about eisteddfod committees. (Laughter.) They all work hard. At the same time I am glad it i3 only once in every 20 vears that the National Eisteddfod comes to London. It would only wither and fade in the smoke of great cities. It is like an eagle confined in the Zoological Gardens. (Laughter.) I am glad to see that the Eisteddfod is retaining its popularity. It is an old institu- tion, as Mr Balfour said, but a nation is not worth much if it does not adhere to its best traditions, and the.best nation is that which selects the highest traditions and creates new ones for generations to come to emulate. That is what the Welsh nation is doing. (Cheers.) The Welsh nation is full of new as. pirations. (Hear, hear.) There is no better hope for a country than to see within its boundaries an old nation with a new spirit. (Cheers.) And that is what you have in Wales. In Wales you have a nation going forteard-ryes, a nation going forward carrying with hernn her progress the best riches of her forefathers a nation going forward with her old Ark of the Cove- nant —(loud cheers)—with the best endow- ments of the past, her language, her melodies, and her literature. (Cheers.) Mr Lloyd George concluded.with reciting a Welsh stanza, which, he said, was by Mynyddog— Oes y byd i'r iaith Gymraeg A chan i delyn anwyl Cymru A'r hen alawon llawn o dan o oes i oes fo'n cael eu canu Tra t'w'no seren yn y nen Uwch, uwch, uwch eled Cymru wen. (Loud and prolonged applause). Lord Tredegar, in proposing a vote of thanks to Lord Aberdare and Mr Lloyd George for presiding, referred to the disturbances caused by the suffragettes, to which he said no im- portance need be attached, remarking that these silly ladies had only added to the hilarity of the entertainment. Mr T. P. O'Connor,, M.P. Mr T. P. O'Connor, M.P., in seconding the vote of thanks, said he had listened with great care to theChancellor of the Exchequer's speech in order that he might learn a few words of Welsh. (Laughter and applause.) His atten- tion was not paid in vain, because he heard two or three Welsh words which he was now in a position to repeat to them—" Balfour "— (roars of laughter)—" Asquith "—(renewed laughter) — unearned increment." (Con- tinued laughter.) The motion was carried with acclamation, the Chancellor, in responding, contenting him- self with Dioleh yn fawr i chwi." This again was the suffragettes' opportunity. and a woman rose in the arena and shouted I one of the usual suffragette battle cries. She I was speedily ejected. There was a repetition of the disturbance, but of a minor order, as the Chancellor left the hall. Bodyguard of Colliers. As Mr Lloyd George left the Albert Hall a number of suffragettes tried to get at him in the street, but a self-appointed bodyguard of Rhondda colliers promptly carried them off bodily, and the Chancellor was allowed to pro- ceed to his carriage unmolested.

Chairing of the Bard. CARNARVON JOURNALIST VICTOR. Impressive Scene. THE FOUR VISIONS OF WALES." To-day's chairing ceremony was undoubtedly one of the most striking which has been wit- nessed for many years. The Archdruid and his attendant bards were present in strong force, and the empty chair stood awaiting to be claimed by the king of bards, according to immemorial custom. The adjudicators, Pro- fessor J. Morris Jones and the Rev. J. J. Wil- liams, Pentre, were called to the front, and the vast audience strained its ears to catch everv sound. Professor Morris Jones docs not boast of a strident voice, but it has a wonderful carrying capacity, and is peculiarly well attuned in Welsh rhythmic alliteration. This makes him one of the most popular adjudica- tors with the crowd. The candidates, however, would not readily endorse the popular verdict, for Professor John Morris Jones possesses a power of sarcasm seldom spared and still more seldom equalled. To-day he summed up the demerits rather than the meits of each of the 20 odes sent in. Beginning with the lowest in point of merit, his adjudication advanced step by step to the higher regions of Welsh art as displayed in the competitions. He gave illustrative examples of some of the better class. The subject of the ode, it may be said, was Gwlad y Bryniau (the land of the moun- tains), one of the affectionate Welsh terms for the Principality. Coming finally to the prize ode bearing the nom de plume of Hiraethus, Prof. Jones said it dealt with four great visions of Wales. The first was the vision of tradition, in which he described the prehistoric Cymro, the seeond was the vision of war and the fairy tales of the strenuous times of the repeated invasions of Britain by a foreign enemy. Then came the vision of romance and Wales in the Middle Ages. Finally came the vision of the resuscita- tion of Welsh nationalism, in which the bard listened to the story told by the., grey lichen- covered stones of his country's castles. Mr Gwynn Jones, the Chair Prize- winner. (Photo, by F. & M. Davie3, Mold.) The Archdruid announced the victor's nom de plume and amidst tense silence every eye searched through the vast building, for the envied king of bards, who was at length dis- covered in the person of Mr T. Gwynn Jones of Carnarvon. Standing pale and nervous amidst the seated but ditcit.ed throng his old journalistic chief, Mr Daniel Rees, of the Car- narvon Herald." was, fittingly enough, one of .the two chosen guardian spirits to escort him to the platform. As they reached him and turned to face the homeward journey the great organ pealed forth in thundrous notes, See the Conquer^pg Hero Comes," its magnificent tones reverberating through the hall, but still almost overborne by the thunderous cheers of the great throng when the Archdruid uttered his challenge of Is it Peace?" the response was so loud and general and genuine as to im- press all who were privileged to witness the stirring scene. The king was theli formally enthroned, and his bardic subjects in turn tendered him the homage of their muse. Miss Gwladys Roberts gave a beautiful rendering of the chairing song, and the immense congregation wound up the ceremonial with an impressive rendering of The Land of My Fathers."

Eisteddfod Awards. PONTYPRIDD BARD'S PASTORAL POEM. Instrumental Contest. FURTHER SOUTH WALES SUCCESSES. In the unavoidable and regrettable absence of Sir John Williams, Bari., who had returned to Wales owing to illness, the chair this morning was occupied by Lord Aberdare. I am sure, said his Lordship, we shall all hear with great sorrow that Sir John Williams is suffering from a relapse after influenza, and has had to go back to Llanstephan. Sir John is a very dis- tinguished Welshman and a good supporter of the Eisteddfod and every good movement in Wales." The Eisteddfod song was rendered by Mr David Evans.

THE FUTURE OF THE FESTIVAL. Adaptation to New Conditions. Sir John Williams's address, which he had forwarded for delivery, was as follows:-At the present time, when the air was full of rumours and imaginings respecting the possibilities of the future, religiously, politically, and com- mercially, it was not uninteresting to inquire what would be the future of the Eisteddfod. Had it a future ? It had existed from an early period. Its main object then, as now, was. to award prizes for poetry and music. In the time of the Tudors it was a Court under the Crown, having power to grant the status and privileges of bards or rhyme-men to successful competitors, to guard and protect such rights and jmvileges for such bards as were licensed by it, and punish vagrant and idle persons, idle rogues and vagabonds, who under the guise of litersed rhyme-men ancilbards travelled the country claiming to themselves the rights and privileges of the authorised and recognised order of bards. From that time the institu- tion remained dormant until the beginning of the last century, when it was revived and it had ever since continued active, gaining in strength and influence until it had become the power which it was recognised to-day. Al- though, since its revival at hundred years ago, its general character had remained the same as it was before that time, yet its pro- gramme had been considerably enlarged and its management had become more democratic. Poetry and music still held the foremost place, yet prose literature had been allotted a lead- ing place, and fine arts had been included. In the course of the last 50 years, by the action of the Cymmrbdorion Society, a section, the National Eisteddfod Association, had been formed, in which social and economic questions were discussed. National Changes. But what of the future of the Eisteddfod ? It was well-known, at least to Eisteddfodwyr, that great changes had taken place in Wales during the past half century. The inhabitants of the Principality had come under the influ- ence of the great forces of progress, which had swept the whole of the United Kingdom. Old customs had disappeared and new customs had taken their place local government had been granted to Wales as well as England elemen- tary and secondary schools and University colleges had been established, which had deeply influenced the rising generation. Eng- lishmen, in great numbers, had immigrated into the country: English was the language of the majority of the population, Welsh of a minority. These changes in the linguistic and racial conditions of Wales would exercise a great influence upon the inhabitants. What would be the effect upon the Eisteddfod ? Would the institution adapt itself to the altered conditions ? Would the introduction of the English language into the meetings tend to make its official language English, or bi-lin- gual, or would Welsh and English become the recognised official languages ? Would such a change lead English poets, musicians, and prose writers to enter the competitions at its sessions ? Restricted Muse. English musicians already competed-at meet- ings having the character of the Eisteddfod, the first great meeting of that sort taking place at the Crystal Palace in 1872. (Applause.) Would English poets and prose writers follow this example ? Would any change be made in the programmes of the Eisteddfod, and in the rules for competition, and would the subjectd for competition in poetry and music always be selected by a committee ? And would they be published a year and a day before the date of the award of the prtzetH (Laughter.) Or would the subjects be left to the choice of the aspiring competitors-each selecting his own ? The music was an exacting and wilful mistress. The Eisteddfod would not loosen the tongue of any mute Milton as long as in her task his muse was restricted in time to a year and a day, or restricted to a subject selected by a com- mittee-a subject which to her might be neither attractive or inspiring. The same re- marks applied to prose writing. What was a year and a day in which to write an epic, a drama, an opera, or the story of the rise and fall of a great movement ? The future of the Eisteddfod would depend on its capacity for evolution under changing conditions and its powers of adapting itself to the altered circum- stances which the future would inevitably bring in its train. (Applause.) Wood Carving. Chair in oak, suitable for the Chief Bardic prize, prize £15 and medal—Best, Mr D. Thomas, Aberdare. Oak chest—1, Mr E. Wvbere. Ellesmere 2, D. Clure, Carmarthen. Set of three carved wooden spoons—prize divided between E. R. Jones Llanbrynmairand Thomas Williams, Butter stamp—1, D. Thomas, Nantgaredig. Design in black and white for pulpit—1, Aneurin Foulkes Jones, Corwen. Literary and Poetical. Pastoral poem, not to exceed 200 lines, on a Welsh subject, period 13th and 14th centuries Three compositions were received. The best was declared to be worthy of half the £10 prize offered, and this moiety was awarded to Bryn- fab, Pontypridd. Set of lyrics, not to exceed 300 lines, on The Seasons of Life," prize £7. Eieht compositions were received, and the best was very highly commended by the adjudicators. The winner was announced as the Rev. Wm. Evans, Bryn- hasven, Cardigan, now of Mansfield College, Oxford. Historical and critical essay in Welsh on Welsh carols and cardl writers prize £10. The only composition sent in was not up to the re- quired standard, and the prize was withheld. Essay in Welsh or English on Manners and Morals of the Mabinogion," prize £20. Nine candidates, Professor T. Powel, M.A., Cardiff, who adjudicated, divided the prize between Mr W. O. Lester Smith, Chester, and Mary R. Williams, now of Paris, formerly of Aber- ystwyth. Translations from Welsh into English (metri- cal)—No award. Novel, descriptive of Welsh life-£15 out of the £25 offered, was awarded to M.K. whose identity was not revealed. Recitation ior men, "A portion of Ieuan ■Glan Geirionydd's Ode on the Feast of Bel- sha?za."—Llew Tegid's adjudication was very amusing. He said that at the preliminary test some of the reciters squealed like porkers. (Laughter.) Two recited on the platform. The best was Mr Tom Davies, Upper Bangor. Novel in Welsh descriptive of Welsh life in the period of the Civil War prire £ 25.—Mr Ellis Pierce and Mr Beriah Evaiis adjudicated. The required standard had scarcely heen attained by any of the five competitor? w >o had en- was awarded to M.K. who, it transpired, was Mr E. Morgan Humphreys, of the" Genedl" office, Carnarvon. Architecture.—Design of a house suitable for vi smaUhoJding in Wales, to cost £ 250.—Best £10), Mr G. S. T. Stemp;Newport, Mon. Outline drawing of plants and flowers from nature, for children under 16-1 (£2), W. F. Lloyd, Picton-terrace, Carmarthen 2 ( £ 1), David Watkons, Llanfechan. Plants and flowers in coloured brushwork. for children under 16—1 ( £ 2) David Watkins, Llanfechan 2, Master Roberts, Wrexham. Vocal and Instrumental. Penillion singing, North Wales style, prize £2. This proved one of the best of the morning items, attracting no fewer than nine singers, whose witty topical verses, sung to harp accom- paniments, wielded much entertainment. The winner was found in Ehedydd Alaw, Llan- gefno, Anglesey, who last won in a similar contest at the Carnarvon National Eisteddfod. Quartette (T.T.B.B.) Contest.-Test pieces (a) Hymn.to the Sun (Granville Bantock); (b) "After many a dusty mile," (Elgar), prize JE5. There were seven parties at the preliminary contest, but three only were selected to sing on the platform, viz.. an English party from Yorkshire, four Welshmen from Middles- brough, and a Bootle quartette. The Bootle vocalists were the victors, and they proved to be four brothers, all sons of the late Padarn Lewis, of Uanberis. Madrigal competition, 30 to 40 voices, The Lady Oriana (Wilbye), prize £ 15.—Three par- ties sang, viz., the Leicester Choral Combina- tion (Mr Fred Stork), the Pontypridd and Dis- trict Glee Society (Mr Wm. Jones), aid the Liverpool Glee and Madrigal Society. The Royal Dean Forest Nightingales (Mr J. H. Evans) had also entered, but did not put in an appearance. The winners were the Liver- pool Glee and Madrigal Societv. The Liverpool Madrigal Choir, formed some years ago, have many first prizes to the then- credit, and won at ► the Llangollen National Eisteddfo last year fop glee singing They have also been successful at several leading Eisteddfodau. Mr Sana Evans, the conductor, is a native of Carmarthen.

INSTRUMENTAL CONTESTS. Success of South Walians. In the instrumental competitions, for quar- tettes and trios, there was but one entry in each class, all the candidates being drawn from among members of Mr Arthur Angle's Cardiff Orchestra. The players were;—Piano, Miss Grace Morgan Silverhorne, Newport; 1st violin, Misa Marion Morgan, her sister 2nd violin, Miss Ida Heath 24, Glynrhondda- street, Cathays, Cardiff •' viola, Miss Daisy Jones, 117, Tewkesbury-strggt, Cardiff; 'cello, Miss Gwen Anthony, 15, Plymouth-road, Pen- arth. The trio was for piano, violin, and vio- loncello, the test piece being Mendelssohn's Op. 49 in D minor. quartette played Beethoven's Op. 15, No. 1 in F. Mr Dan Price in awarding them the prixe, urged Welsh parents to let their children learn to play at least one instrument. The performances of the instrumentalists in this contest, the quartette and the trio, had, he said, been remarkably good-far better than the adjudicators had expected to hear. The players were all good there was not a lame duck amongst them. (Laughter and cheers.) They had a very fine gnp the music, and they played with great intelligence and precision, both in the quartette and trio. They were well worthy of the prize. (Applause.) 3 r Welsh triple harp solo competition.—Best, Miss Nancy Richards, Penybontfawr, described as a descendant of Ceiriog Hughes. The Pedal Harp Contest. In the report of *this competition yesterday reference was made to the fact that one of the players had the misfortune to twice break a string. He is, however, referred to in the report as hailing from Pontypridd, it being added that he succeeded in taking half the prize. this is not correct. The young man is Master Roger Thomas, of Cwmaman, who had three years in succession won the first prize for the harp solo at the National Eisteddfod.

SOPRANO SOLO. Extraordinarily Keen Contest. A Wonderful Welsh Boy Singer. The soprano solo contest yielded .many good items. The award in this event was being de- livered when the Chancellor of the Exchequer and his party arrived, and of course the ap- pearance of the distinguished statesman was hailed with delight and enthusiasm. The test pieces in the soprano solo contest were Graun's Lo, the IIeaven-descended Pro- ] phet," in B flat, and a difficult Welsh melody, Whenever hearts are true," in A. i Out of the 49 candidates at the preliminary, three were selected to sing on the platform. Dr. McNaught, in delivering the adjudica- j tion, said that he and Mr Harry Evans had j been engaged separately all the morning in sorting out the sopranos which they had just listened to, and they were agreed as to one ] fact, that never in their experience—and they could now claim a fair amount of it—had they heard so much talent in one class as they had heard that day. (Loud cheers.) The ] audience had heard only three, but he could c assure them that he could bring perhaps ten Æ or a dozen others who would sing, if not quite ] up to the highest ll, very nearly so. It £ might quite well happen that if they could hear them all over again t.hey might select i three others against thosè they had heard on the platform. This fact was indeed a very great credit to the Eisteddfod. (Hear, hear.) 1 j sohg3 was a very trying, florid one, and required a highly trained singer with great natural gifts to approach such a song. +v « ^•c^aQ(rlit then described the voice of the first singer, who appeared as possessing | enormous vitality and great resource, and though in one of the songs she had a slight tendency to sing sharp, that was a very small ? fault in her performance- After dealing with I the second competitor, the adjudicator turned j to the last and characterised the performance as wonderfully fine. Mr Harry Evans had first suggested to him that it was in Heaven that they would have the only chance of hearing better singing. (Laughter.) I hope," added Dr. McNaught, that Mr Harry Evans will be there with me to hear it." I (Renewed laughter.) He went on to say ] that to the preliminary competition i that morning there came a boy who sang 1 magnificently—one of the finest boys' voices he i had ever heard in his life. (Hear, hear.) s Not merely was there a voice, but t there was intellect behind it, and a < power to express. He did not consider it ] fair to pit the boy against such matured 1 singers as had been heard, and he (Dr. McNaught) had, therefore, made a request i that he should be allowed to sing a Welsh song at the Eisteddfod. (Loud cheers.) On the whole, considering that the first and the third singers sang the Welsh song so charmingly and perfectly, he considered that, though dividing the prize was disagreeable to him and his co-adjudicator, they could do nothing better j than place the two on exactly the same level, but, as the third singer was a professional, it 1 followed that she would not have the prize. 1 The winner proved to be Mrs Edith Gunter < Williams, Abertillery, a pupil of Madame Clara Novello Davies. She bad a warm reception when she came forward to receive the prize. The third singer was announced as Miss Carrie" Lanceley, of Australia, and the audience-greeted her also with loud cheers. The Welsh boy was introduced to the audi- ence by Mr Harry Evans as Trevor Watkins, Ystrad, Rhondda, and at the close of his song he was enthusiastically applauded. Mr Harry Evans announced that the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer had awarded a special consolation prize to the wopde^ful boy singer." Madame Edith GunteT-Williams, Abertillery, is well-known throughout South Wales as a soprano soloistand has been successful in winning several prizes, including the champion solo at Cardiff recently. She has appeared on the platform at four Nationals, this being her first triumph.

LADIES' CHOIRS. This year eleven choirs had entered for the competition for female choirs of from 40 to 60 voices, there being two prizes-first £25, second £10. Two test pieces were sung on the plat- form, viz., Sound Sleep" (R. Vaughan Williams) and '• The Skylark (J. C. McLean). Eight choirs sang in the following order:- 1. PoHtypridd Ladies' Choir, Mr Wm. Morgan. 2. Mrs Mary Layton's Ladies' Choir. 3. Moelwyn Ladies' Choir, Festiniog, Mr Tudor Owen. 4. Troedyrhiw Ladies' Choir, Miss Kate Jones. 5. Barrow St. James' Ladies' Choir, Mrs Mary Bourne. 6. Willesden District Choir, Mr J. S. Waddell. 7. Llanbradach Ladies' Choir, Mrs T. Moses. 8. Gitana Ladies' Choir, Birkenhead, Madame Maggie Evans. Dr. McNaught delivered the adjudication. My colleagues," he said, have asked me to give their adjudication. I don't know why unless they are afraid of the sex after what has happened to-day. (Laughter.) Until we began this competition I thought that the female voice, undiluted, was not a very ac- ceptable thing. I am bound to say that these choirs this afternoon have thoroughly con- verted me. I am a suffragist, so far as they are concerned at least. (Laughter.) We all thought that the standard reached this afternoon is as high even as anything we have heard through- out the Eisteddfod. There has been a delicacy and beauty of tone, a subtlety of touch and expression in the two pieces sung. That fine trio of Dr. Vaughan Williams, one of the finest trios of modern times, has tried the capacity of these choirs, but they came out 6f it admirably. The choir that last sang (Bangor) we thought deserved consider- able credit, because it is a small choir. It was admirably led an, I the best Use was made of its resources. The first prize is awarded to the Gitana Ladies Choii;, Birkenhead (Madame Maggie Evans, Megan Mon ") and the second prize to Barrow St. James' Choir (Mrs Mary Bourne). The following is the order of merit of the choirs and the marks allotted to each, the maximum marks being 100 in respect of each test piece 4 1st 2nd total 1.—Gitana Ladies' Choir, Birken- head. 98 98 196 2.-Barrow St. James's Ladies' •Choir 96 95 191 3.—Mrs Mary Layton's Ladies' Choir 95 80 175 4.-Bangor Ladies' Choir 85 88 173 5.—Llanbradach Ladies' Choir. 75 88 163 6.—Troedyrhiw Ladies' Choir 65 87 152 7.—Moelwyn Ladies' Choir 65 85 150 8.-Pontypi-idd Ladies' Choir 70 75 145 A guinea prize to the conductress who best arranged and marshalled her choir so as to save time on the platform was won by Irs Mary Layton. At the close of the proceedings an Eisteddfod song was rendered by Mr David Brazell, and the audience was led in the sing- ing of the Welsh National Anthem by Mr Dan Price..

Evening Concert. MR DAVID THOMAS'S NEW WORK. Enthusiastic Reception. In the evening the Queen's Hall was again nearly crowded on the occasion of the evening concert, the great feature of which was the first production of a new work by Mr David 0' homas,Mus. Bac., M.A., a musical setting of V much charm and cleverness to "A Song for St. Cecilia's Day." The work, which is mostly choral, was finely rendered by the Eisteddfod Choir, led by Mr Merlin Morgan, assisted by a full orchestra, but interspersed are several beautful solos, to which Mr Herbert Ewlyn, who was jn excellent voice, did ample justice. There was at the close a loud call for the composer, who on his appearance re- ceived an ovation. The second part was of a miscellaneous character. Miss Amy Evans and Miss Gwladys Roberts were the vocalists, and Miss Llewela Davies was at the piano. The Solicitor-General, Sir Samuel Evans, who presided, paid Mr David Thomas many grace- ful compliments.

Yesterday's Proceedings. ay's Gorsedd was in many respects the most brilliant and most successful of the week's series. The attendance was larger, and in- cluded several peers, with their relatives, and a number of members of Parliament. The list of honorary members initiated as members of the Gorsedd included Viscountess Maitland, president of the Lyceum Club Welsh Circle, and Lady Eva Wyndham Quin, president of the Welsh Industries Association, who took the appropriate title of Cerddores Gwlad Forgan (Songstress of the Land of Morgan). The Carmarthen Eisteddfod for 1911 was pro- claimed from the logan stone amidst resounding cheers. An attendance of some thousands was already assembled in the Albert Hall when. Lord Mostyn took the chair. With him was Lady Mostyn and her daughter, the Hon. Gwynedd Mostyn Sir Savage Mostyn, K.C.B., and Lady Lloyd Mostyn. His Lordship wore on his breast a precious heirloom of the Mostyn family—viz., a diminutive silver harp, pre- sented to the Carmarthen Eisteddfod in 1450. The Eisteddfod song to-day was rendered by Miss Towena Thomas. Mme. Patti indisposed. Madame Patti was prevented by illness from attending to take the chair in the afterncxtn, and her place was taken by Lady St. David's, who delivered an admirable oration. A very pretty ceremonial followed. A full-sized harp, profusely decorated with flowers, had been provided for presentation to Madame Patti, on behalf of the ladies of Wales, and this was now presented to Lady St. David's, as representing the Queen of Song," by three Welsh damsels —Miss Megan Lloyd George, daughter of the Chancellor of the Exchequer; Miss Helm, daughter of the secretary of the Welsh Indus- tries Association and Miss Griffith, daughter of Mr Ellis Griffith, M.P. Awards. In the section for metal work, a second prize for a copper candlestick was divided between T. Thomas, Morriston, and a Wrexham candi- date. The Rev. E. Wynne Roberts, Manchester, was the author of the best ballad on the sub- ject of Owaia Lawgoch," and he was awarded a..£5 prize. Penillion singing, South Wales style-George Harris, Gorslas, Llandebie. In the section for musical competitions no merit was shown, and the prizes were withheld for ballad for choir and orofeestra, and for a baritone song. Series of verses in the Metre ballad, Tritan Morganwg Brynfab," Pontypridd. Celtic harp solo—Master Taliesin Morgan, of Aberdare. Lord Mostyn and Mrs Gwenfreda Williams added a special consolation prize to Miss Freda Holland, of Birkenhead, age 10, et little dot attired in Welsh costume, who cried [rom nervousness as she faced the audience, but dried her tears immediatelv-she commenced to play. Violoncello solo, restricted to Welsh competi- tors—Miss Jennie Jones, Albany-road, Cardiff, who (Dr. McNaught said) gave a performance in which there were warmth, grace, care, and mastery. Collection of Flintshire place-names, prize CIO-Rev. D. D. Williams, C.M. minister, Manchester. k Rhondda Baby Reciter. Recitation for girls-Eleanor Daniels, Llauelly. Consolation prizes were given to the second, Miss Maggie M. James, Senghenydd, md to the third, a little girl of eight, Gladys y Davies, Pentre, Rhondda, whose perform- ance much pleased the audience. Collections of folk lore of Radnorshire-D. Bynon Davies, Penderyn, Abetdare. Baritone solo-Powll Edwards, Rhos, Wrex- lam. Violin solo—Tilly Thomas, Ton Pentre. Pianoforte solo-Edith Darbyshire, Birken- lead. Organ solo—Robert J. Jones, Penarth. Male Voice Contest. Eight choirs competed, Morriston being ab- sent. They sang in the following order :—1, [Janelly 2. Mid-Rhondda 3, Maesteg 4, 3argoed Teifi; 5, Swansea: 6, Dowlais: 7, Ebenezer Mission 8, Newcastle. It was after 3 are the competition was finished. Result—1, Dowlais; 2, Swansea. ALL POLICE WELSHMEN. The Commissioner of Police pitid a pleasing ittle attention to Welsh people attending the Eisteddfod. He drew together all the Welsh- nen serving in the police force in the Metropw is and stationed them inside, outside, ami und about the hall. If the visitors had occa- don to seek for information, and were not skilled in the use of English, they were put juickly at their ease by a Welsh-speaking policeman, and even if their English was perfect ;hey, at least, found sympathetic advisers. Hie thoughtfulness of the Police Commissioner vas greatly appreciated.

"POWER-STATION EXPLOSION. New York, Wednesday.—A telegram from Denver (Colorado) states that a tremendous explosion occurred yesterday at the city elec- tric power station. Great damage was done to the plant and three persons were killed. Tha entire city was plunged into darkness for many hours.—Central News.

r]JE IMPORTANCE OF FEELING YOUNG. Everyone is familiar wifch the old adajre tw « a man is as young as he feels limits this is strictly true for doubtedly, age people more raJdiv an?0 flerMr <« S wfl?e1ed V,rTeD OUt earlier n°W-a- than'our forbears fand'S S inslf^- S^ain that itiaiiy R„y., of Phosferine. ^energising efficacy young" i? ferine' stopp^^61"' *lates that Phos- cnfelv rii i the wastage of nerve force and of the heaj? afff chest troubles, weakness look and ,nd noJPVO}ls breakdown. Now I act although fam 66 ayounger ]n s rton. —Alma House, Woi- ve <

The Premier on Welsh Culture. SUFFRAGETTE RAID. Militant Banner Stripped. The Right Hon. H. H. Asquith, M.P., the Premier, was one of the presidents at the National Eisteddfod on Wednesday. Shortly before 2 o'clock the Bards and members of the Gorsedd left their robing room and pro- ceeded in procession to the platform. In a few minutes the Prime Minister, who was accom- panied by Mrs Asquith, made bis appearance, which was the signal for loud cheering. They had no sooner taken their seats by the side of Lord Aberdare, than three ladies in one of the boxes in the third tier rose, and shouting the battle cry of the Suffragettes, threw over the front a banner inscribed. Votes for Women." At the same time they continued to call on Mr Asquith, upon which the conductor rose and called upon the audience to sing the Welsh National Anthem. Rising en masse they joined in The Land of my Fathers in the vernacular, and so com- pletely drowned the voices of the interrupt- ing women. As soon as the anthem was over the women broke out afresh, whereupon a gentleman, officially connected with the Eis- teddfod, rushed up into the box, tore up the offending banner, and threw it into the arena, at the same time, with some assist- ance. ejecting the Suffragettes frpm the box. All this time Mr Asquith went on quietly chatting with Lord Aberdare. Mr Asquith had no sooner risen to speak than a woman rose in the area of the hall. She was summarily ejected. During the first 10 minutes of the speech no fewer than eight interruptions were made. At no time did Mr Asquith pay the slightest attention to the observations fired at him by the women. He merely remained silent, in a characteristic attitude, with lips compressed till silence had been restored. Then he took up his remarks exactly at the word at which he had left off. There were further interruptions from all parts of the building. A competent staff of stewards made short work of the offending women, and they were tumbled out without ccremony. This was a task of some diffi- culty at one stage, as a lady in the arena was found to be chained to a chair. She was even- tually released, and carried dut apparently in a fainting condition. Altogether 16 women were ejected. An Unadulterated Englishman. Mr Asquith said It is a grat pleasure to me and I esteem it a high compliment to be able to open your proceedings this afternoon. I observe that'the distinguished statesman who occupied this place yesterday was able to claim for himself that he had at any ra. a latent and remote infusion of Welsh blood. (Laughter.) I am sorryo say that I can pre- tend to no such title. I am, I am afraid, an undiluted and unadulterated Englishman —(laughter)—without, so far as I know, a single Celtic corpuscle. (Renewed laughter.) But none the less, for many years past I have had a special regard, and 1 might even say affection, for Wales, for the Welsh people, for Welsh traditions, and for Welsh interests. (Hear< hear, and cheers.) It was my good fortune in the early years of my politi- cal life to be closely associated with a man, unfortunately cut off in his prime—one, I venture to think, of the most brilliant and most characteristic products of modern Wales. I mean my always lamented friend, Thomas Ellis. (Cheers.) It was impos- sible for anybody to come under his influence and to share his friendship, as it was my privi- lege to do, without seeing Wales and things Welsh with a new eye and an awakened and ever-increasing attachment. There was a time when English critics and English newspapers were disposed to make fun, and rather clumsy fun, of your Eisteddfod. That time is long since passed, and I am glad to recall the words of one of the greatest and most sympathetic of English critics, the late Matthew Arnold, who said in reply to some strictures of the kind, "The Eisteddfod is a kind of Olympic meeting that the common people of Wales should care for such a thing at all shows something Greek in them, some- thin g spiritual, something humane." (Cheers.) My distinguished predecessor, I see, spoke of the service which this institution had rendered in particular to the love and study of music in Wales. Let me, in the two or three moments I am about to trespass upon your attention, dwell upon another, and I think not less beneficent, aspect of its activity and influence. It has been said, and with truth, in the old days that the Eisteddfod was for Wales a kind of peripatetic university. (Hear, hear.) Welsh Zeal for Culture. It is doing the barest justice to Wales to acknowledge that in no part of the United Kingdom, I will go further and say in no part of Europe, has there been a more conspicuous and more persistent manifestation of the zeal of the common people for higher and better culture. I am glad tQo think that in these later days Wales no longer depends exclusively and entirely upon spontaneous and unorganised efforts of her own people. Waiæ- is ho^ iff possession of magnificent University Colleges endowed—I suppose you would not expect me to say ade- quately endowed—(no)—but endowed to some extent at any rate out of public funds, to which I am glad to think that the Government, of which I am a member, has made in recent years a substantial addition. I had the plea- sure about a year ago of gOIll to Aberystwyth and taking part in the opening of the new laboratories, which through the munificence of an eminent Welsh citizen have been added to the educational apparatus of that great college. What impressed me most in visiting that college—and in this respect I am certain that it is typical of the other Welsh colleges —were these two things. In the first place the students, both male and female, were drawn from all classes of the Welsh population, and next that the en- dowments out of which the buildings had been erected, and to a large extent the teaching staff, were maintained—were contributed—not by the large donations of rich men, but by the sovereigns, half-crowns and shillings, and even the sixpences of the great bulk of the people. I do not believe there is anywhere else in the world where you would see such a great, such an unmistakable manifestation of widespread, I may say of universally diffused, interest among all classes of the population in the better education of their children. In addition to e colleges you have now in Wales, I am glad to say, two central national institutions which will form at any rate a nucleus for further ac- cretions in days to come. National Institutions. I refer to the National Museum which has been established at Cardiff, and in particular to the National Library at Aberystwyth, to both of which again I am glad to say we have been able to give substantial help from the Imperial funds. (Cheers.) That National Library will, I trust. become the centre, the home, the gathering, and the training ground of Celtic scholarship in this country in the years that are before us. It already possesses, either actually or in promise, some of the most valuable manuscripts and books which it is possible to accumulate for those who desire to explore the antiquities of Celtic literature and Celtic history. And if I may address a word—a word of appeal—to the Welshmen and Welsh women whom 1 see in this room this afternoon, I would say to them they cannot render a better service to their country and to their posterity than by making it part of the honour- able and legitimate ambition of every Welsh- man who attains worldly success and material prosperity to leave a worthy and an enduring memorial behind him in adding to the treasures of which these great national institutions are to be the storehouse. Local Patriotism. Gentlemen, I desire before I conclude to associate myself with what was so eloquently said here yesterday by Mr Balfour—that those of us who take a large and a comprehensive view of the interests and of the real welfare of the Empire see nothing that is incompatible or antagonistic in the culturing and fostering of local sentiment, of local tradition, of local aspiration, of local patriotism. The streams of local pat t iotism are contributories which run into and feed the ocean of Imperial sentiment and unity, and I am satisfied there can be no means by which we can better keep alive all that is best, both in our individual and in our corporate life, than by cherishing as a. precious heritage from the past and maintaining and developing for future use such ancient institu- tions and inspiring memories as the Eisteddfod at which we are present to-day. (Cheers.)

HUSBANIYS FRENZY. The inquest on Mrs Gibbons, murdered by her husband, the Wycombe manufacturer, concluded on Wednesday. Medical and other evidence was adduced to the effect that the man had suffered for some time from ground- less delusions about his business. Dr. Banner- man, who had a terrific struggle with him, said his face bore the expression of a fiend, and Dr. Fleck, who was also called in, said after the deed Gibbons had lucid intervals. There she lies dead," he said, I could not help it I had to do it. I shall be certified insane and imprisoned for life." Owing to the state of his mind Gibbons was not brought to the court. 1 The jury returned a verdict of Wilful mur- der against him, and the coroner issued a warrant for his committal. The jury asked the coroner to forward to the Judge of Assise an expression of their belief that for some time prior to the murder Gibbons was of unsound mind, culminating in an attack of raving mad- ness.

CAMBRIDGE TRIPOS. Mr J. Trevor Spittle, second son of Mr Thomas Spittle, J.P., Newport, has won a first mechanical science tripos with first class honours at Cambridge University. In his-first year at Pembroke College, Cambridge, he was made prizeman of his college, and in his second year took a first in the natural science tripos with first class honours as well as his degree of B.A. He is now a scholar prizeman and double first class honours man of Pembroke College. He has played for the Blackheath football team against Newport and as captain of the Cam- bridge lacrosse team.

Ripper Outrages. LIVERPOOL WOMEN STABBED. The Liverpool police are at present on the f alert to catch a Jack the Ripper," who has suddenly made his presence kno-wn in the city by a series of savage attacks on women. All the outrages have beep perpetrated within a limited area in the city, where a large working- class population resides.. It is stated that altogether five or six out- rages have occurred during the past fortnight, and although none of the assaults has so far proved fatal, several of the victims are still in hospital. The authorities -have hitherto pre- vented the fact from leaking out, in the hope that they might lay hold of the miscreant. The story told by the women is practically the same in each case. Th:,y were decoyed into a dark passage and stabbed in the lower part of the body with a long knife. In the most serious case the woman for a time was not ex- pected to recover, but she is now believed to be out of danger. In each case, almost'before the victims knew what had happened, the man had disappeared. He is described as about 25 years of age. well dressed, and smart looking and quick in his movements. Although of dark complexion, he is not thought to be a foreigner, and has none of the appearance of a seagoing man. The victims have been able to give the police only very meagre details of their assailant, and it is feared, unless he is caught red-lianded, he ay escape altogether. Work of a Madman P Practically all of the outrages are confined to the district of Erskine-street is the centre, and the women victims have been treated in public institutions. It is supposed that the weapon used was a sharp knife, and the similiarity of the terrible attacks all point to the work being that of one madman. The procedure of the assailant was not to attack a woman suddenly, but to secure her acquaintance before committing the dastardly act. The shock to the victims has been so great that they are not able to recount very easily what occurred. whilst the neighbourhood is one that has many convenient alleys for escape. Recollections of the atrocities which set all London talking a number of years ago have been vividly revived and in the absence of any reliable information, all sorts of theories are being debated. The one most commonly ad- vanced is that the miscreant is a man with some surgical knowledge whose reason ha.s lost its balance, whilst there are others who enter- tain ttie view that there is at large a madmaii whose delusions take the form that he is com- missioned to take this awful revenge on women. The area is overrun by detectives, as many as 60 being on duty, but so far all their inves- tigations has been fruitless. It is believed that at least eight women have been attacked.

Wealthy Man Destitute. REMARKABLE IRISH SUIT. In Dublin on Wednesday the Master of the Rolls commenced the hearing of the action to set aside a deed executed in 1855. The action was brought in the name of Richard Palham Jephson, suing on behalf of the estate of John Boyce against Edward St. John Brenon, of Chiswick, London. Under the terms of the deed John Boyce purported to convey certain lands in Cork and Waterford in trust for St. John Brenon. Plain- tiff alleged the deed was fraudulent and void. Defendant denied fraud, and pleaded the statute of limitations. According to counsel, when Boyce executed the deed he was'not of sound mind, "memory and understanding, and under the undue influence of defendant he executed the deed. In May. 1907, plaintiff and a Dublin solicitor visited aples, and found John Royce, over 70, in a poor lodging, imbecile, destitute, and dirty. Thev paid his arrears for lodging,nursed him back to health, and brought him home. He was now an inmate of an institution for imbeciles. The action was brought by direction of the Lord Chancellor. Boyce started life with property worth JE900 a year. Brenon's father was Boyce's tutor. Brenon. alleged Boyce had a great affection for him, and gave him the property to enable him to pursue his career as a politician and writer. The hearing was adjourned.

FOR THE NATION. To the many priceless art treasures already housed at the British Museum will shortly be added one of the finest collections of old Wedg- wood ware in the world. The munificent donor is Mr Isaac, Falcke, who, it is stated, has refused as much as £20,000 for his collection, which is usually representative and includes one of the best of the Wedgwood Portland vases. The Globe says the collection in all con- sists of between 300 and 400 specimens of vases, plaques.medallions.mounted in gold and ivory, candlesticks, figures and busts, cups and saucers, bijouterie, gold boxes, etuis, bottles, and furniture inlaid with Wedgwood. Mr C. H. Read, keeper of the British and medieval antiquities in the museum, who was mainly instrumental in inducing Mr Falcke to make this gift to the nation, stated that the Falcke Portland vase is one of the finest of the 50 made by Wedgwood. These are Hack, while in so-called Wedgwoods a bluish tint is noticeable. The original of these vases, which was made about 100 A.D., and was found in a tomb near Rome, is already in the museum. In 1845 it was broken to pieces by a lunatic, but it has been succesfully restored.

FLOCKING TO CANADA. Some very striking figures are contained in the report of the Canadian Immigration Authorities for the year ended 31st March last The immigration into Canada by ocean ports, mainly from Great Britain and other European countries, decreased to the extent of 117,081 persons as compared with the previous year. On the other hand, immigrants from the United States numbered 59,832, this being the largest number who have crossed the international line from the United States in any one year. The decrease of the British and Continental immi- gration is accounted for by the restrictive legislation that has been enforced against un- desirables reaching Canada through the ocean ports. 1;ith regard to the quality of the immi. gration from the United States, the report goes on to state that the American settlers have brought into Canada money and effects to the estimated value of 60,000,000 dollars. The report points out that in the past the immigra- tion policy of the Canadian Government has been to get the largest possible number to come, quality being a secondary consideration. It is hoped that in future greater attention will be paid to quality.

12 STONE DIAMOND RING. Before the magistrates at Cardiff on Wednes- day Louis Zeriski, a stranger to the city, was charged on suspicion with stealing a 12 stone diamond ring from some person unknown. P.C. Palmer said that defendant could not give satis- factory answers as to the ring. Pressed, he said it was his own, and that he had purchased it in St. Mary-street, about seven years ago, and gave jE14 ior it. Constable Palmer caught Zeriski in the act of pawning the ring. He was taken to the police station and charged on suspicion with stealing the ring, he said that he had purchased it at Bargoed. Superintendent Durston asked for a remand, and this was granted. Zeriski was brought before the Stipendiary later in the day and Detective-Inspector Davey said the police were now satisfied the diamond ring was his own property. He was thereupon discharged. A

LUCK OF CUNARDERS. The proverbial good fortune of the Cunard Line has not deserted it even in connection with the stranding of the Slavonia in the neighbourhood of Flores Island, Azores. Not a single life was lost, thanks in part to the moderate weather which prevailed, but also to the fact that the vessel was equipped with wire- less telegraphy. It is a little curious in point of coincidence that the two most recent casual- ties to Atlantic liners should have occurred to vessels making the voyage from New York to the Mediterranean, and that in each case the wireless equipment has proved so valuable. The Cunard has the reputation of having never lost a passenger or a mail bag throughout its long history. The stranding of the Slavonia happily makes no break in a truly remarkable record.

WE EAT IT BECAUSE WE THOROUGHLY ENJOY THIS FOOD. There are not many foods that one can thoroughly enjoy after having eaten them regularly twice a day for thirteen I months. But a Southport lady and her daughter have found such a food. My daughter and I." she writes, com- menced eating Grape-Nuts last September twelvemonth, and with only one or two excep- tions we have had this food for breakfast and supper regularly since. We do not take Grape- Nuts for health's sake, but because we so thoroughly enjoy the food, though my daughter and I both feel so much better since we have been eating Grape-Nuts twice a day. We find this delicious food most sustaining, and we take nothing at these two meals but Grape-Nuts and milk, with toast or bread and butter." Name given by Grape-Nuts, Ltd,, 66, Shoe- lane, London, E.C. The delicate sweetness of Grape-Nnts comes simply from the conversion of the cereal starch into grape-sugar by the scientific mechanical processes employed in the manu- facture of this valuable fool. For breakfast or I supper try Grape-Nuts, with hot or cold milk, in place of porridge. There is no heaviness or fermentation, but a delicious sense of light- ness and clearness of head, which makes it possible to do things, even directly after meals. There's a reason for Grape-Xuts and a ten days' trial proves. Ever read the above letter ? A new one ap- pears from time to time. They are genuine, true, and full of human interest.