The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

WANTED "TlMK 0YV," The subordinate officer; of tlx1 ANorkhouse wrote to a.sk that the Board w 'i id ^rant them as. officers one <1 iv per month. 'Ihorr out of tinL duty was comparatively snvvll. They were entitled at present to one evening a week. They hoped they were not asking too much and trusted in the Board's favoui- able consideration. Signed Jane Jones, SMaggy Thomas, GwenULiin Thomas, and John Jones. —Mr L. N. Powell: I beg to Pr0" pose we refer it to the House Committee.— Mr J. PLiili'ips seconding ;aid that amongst others Air Morgan Re-es should be on the com- mittee (la-itgibter).—A member put it that all those proposed were bachelors (more laugh- te.t).—)Mr Morgan Rees caused renewed laugh ter by asking the Chairman ilf he did not see the point.

AN INCREASE OF SALARY. The application of Mr Popkin, relieving officer, for an increnSf of salary, of w hi, h notice of motion was given at the last meet- ing was next under discussion. The grounds on which he applied for it have already ap- peared in these columns.—The Chair nvvn saxl that the application was not a bolt rom the hlue like that of Rees Davies. He askeu the Clerk for the particulars of the payments to relieving officers in adjoining unions, which lie had been instructed to obtain. I hey were as follows;—Llandovery Union, 1;100 a year, approximate population 9,ùOI, pauipcr- 178; amount paid in outdoor relief weekly, £ 3S. -Chairman: Just half of what we pay in Mr Popkin's district.—Mrs M. A. Jones pointed out that the mileage the officer at Llandovery Irnd to cover was not stated; it was about 20 miles.—Newcastle Emlyn: Two officers, salary £60 each, populations in each district 8,175 and 9,115 paupers 203 and 249; paid out zC33 and R37. Lampeter: Two, t45 each, population 5,304 and 3,952; pau- pers 136 and 103; paid out £26 and £23. Carmarthen: Four, aa-laries £ 100. £80, k65. and C65 population, 11,921, 9,042, 6,760 and 5,569; pa/upers, 368 286, 162. and 2-52; paid oue weekly £37, £ 38. £ 22, £33. Pontardawe: Three salaries £ 130 £ 95, £ 75, population, 15,750, 10,320. and 8,340; paupers, 589 in the three divisions, and amount paid out weekly £ 92. Llanelly: Three, tll5 £100, and £84, population 27,500, 26.892. and 12,464; pampers, 392, 203, and 184; paid out weekly £ M>, £ 45, and £ 31.The Chapman asked if any raemkr AVas prepared to make Corner Hani* had much .pleasure in making a .proposition on behaJt of Mr Popkin, as he thought according to the c+,a+.istics thev had just heard that lie de- served an increase. The district in which he lacted was rapidly developing, especially the Amman Valley portion of it. and the work had considerably increased during the three vears Mr Popkin had been m office. The additional work he had to do also apart from his regular work called for consideration, and comparing the amount of sailary paid to him °fl°nTtlie number of paupers with the weekly amount paid out m other unions All 1 opkin was paid less than any of the others and he proposed they give hun an increase oi t20 11 year, which would bring his salary up to £ 100.—Mr J. Phillips had pveasure in second- ing the motion. Uaidoubtedily Air Popkin had a grievance, which it was their duty to re- move. He pointed out that at Llanelly £ llo a vear was paid for relieving, or £ 3o more than Mr opkin had, w hilst there was only one more pauper to than H- J opkin had. He too thought Air Popkin got leys in com- parison with officers in surrouinding districts. Mr Evan Davies quite agreed with both proposer and seconded that Mr Popkin was a very good officer. In fact he was one of the 4rest tliev hid.— Rev Alban Davies: Hea.r, » _-Mr Evan Davies: No douibt the dis- trict was increasing, but he (Mr Davies) did not think it was the proper way to deal with the question to make comparisons. They did not know where they would stop m making increases in that way, hut they had a tendency to u,p. That hoard followed others. The onHv was to know how mwb additional work Air Popkvn had to do since }je took office. That would be a fair basi.->. He thought [tr pipkin would be very pleased to give them the mfioi mation, and when lie had he (Mr Davies) would move an amend- ment,-Mr J. Phillip;s; AVlvatever his answer may he?—'Air Evan Davies: I cxPla,.n myself.—As Mr Gomer Harris was again aibout to apeak, Mr L. N. Roweli said: Air Chairman. On a point of order, I hope you will be strict in your ruling as to the number of speeches. The Chiairmian then declined to let Mr Harris speak the second time. To Mr Davies the Chairman said that Mr Pcpkin s answer might take some tune to Worlk out unless he was prepired.— M' P[;'p-\in said he had mentioned it in h;8 application, hut could add to it. The references in the application Mere referred to, and stated that lie had to .1 ..I.. make a number of enquiries witn l'cganl o paupera in other unions whose sons uere liable to contribute who reeled in hi». dis- trict. Then he had duties under t ie Old Age Pensions' Act and under the Clnldrers Act. iMr L. X. Powell asked if there had been ,ii,v increase in the number of Lr Popkin: They lnve gone down a little.—Air Powell: Hear. hear. That is a good sigti.- Mr Popkin: As you want me to expose things I will do so.—Mr D. AV. Lewis: I will move an amenduient.-Cliairman: Can't have two. —;AIr Evan Davies: I move we increase the etalarv by £ 10.—Mr D. W. Lewis: That was wliat I was going to do, as a great many of the paupers already are coming pension-ers Christmas.—Mr Popkin: Can I reply to that? -Rev J. Alban Davies: I think it will be a great pity to divide the Board. We all agree to the rise. There is only tIO difference be- tween us. Can we bring the two proposers together. It has been suggested the increase should be £ 15, and I think we ought to be unanimous. I don't know which way I shall vote yet.—Mr Evan Davies would like to know if the salary wouild include his services under the Old Age Pensions Act and The Giiiidrens Act.—Mr D. W. Lewis was agree- able to the increase of f:15, as the seconder of a motion.—Mr Gomer Harris, the proposer of the original motion, agreed.—Air J. Phillips: As a reasonable man I also agree. Mr J. Lewis said the Clerk had furnished ^hem with some tabulated figures, but they required a great deal of working out before they could understand how matters stood. He had calculated by them that for every pauper they paid their officer Is 2d per annum Newcastle Emlyn 8d, Carmarthen lld, Lamipster 8}d, Llanellv 8jd, Pontardawe Is 2^1, Ilandilo-fawr Gld, or the lowest of alii Even if they increased Air Popkin's salary to CIOO. the payment per head would only then be íN. He therefore did not tihink they should have an qualms of con- science in supporting the application.—Air Morg.in Rees suggested that the area of the Llandoverv officer -,i- is not more than Air M. A. Jones replied that she did Not know the area of Llandovery Union exaetiV, but it went from Llanddeusant to I the borders of Cardiganshire.-—Air J. P. Griffitlis said that to compare the two dis- tricts out of the question. There could b3 no oompairison. Travelling through the Llandovery district was not traveling hrough the Amman Valley .-Chairman What about the compromise?—Air L. N. Powell: I take it there is oniy one proposal. that an increase of £ 15.—Air Evan Davies: Rather than loose I would compromise It is an amicable settlement. It is now proposed and seconded we increase it (by £1.) making it t9,5.- Agree.c1.-I:\fr J. Phillips asked when it was to come into force .-it was decided the increase was to date from that diay.—Mr Gomer Harris understood there were to he no extras. The Clerk: The increase is subject or course to the approval of the L.G.B. as it does not come out of local rates.—Col Morns (to Mr Popkin): Allow me to congratulate yotu on your increase of salary.—(Mr Popkin: All Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you one and all for increasing my salary, and I will do my best to serve you conscientiously again to the best of my ability.

Llandilo Rural District Council. THE i'AYLLAUCOCHlON BRIDGE. Col. A Lor i'is occupied the chair. A deputation, consisting of Mr Evans, Pwllhucochion, a.nd a few others waited on the Council1 with regard to the recent mishap to this new bridge by flood.—(Mr Evan Jones, S:i,n.it,ii-v I li--pectoi-, who was surveyor for the bridge, was sorry lie had the unpleasant duty of reporting that on the morning of Sunday the 13th of November, a portion of the arch oif the new bridge had been washed, away by a flood in the river Dulais. There was other damage to it. The contractor was liable for any accident of that nature. He (Mr Jones) had heard it stated that the waterway he had allow ed was not stiffici,eiit.. He had been guided in his allow ance of it by the two county bridges lower down the riiver, one of wlhicli wias Rihydymarch. The waterway and area of these bridges compared with Pwllau- ooibion (bridge which his fully described. He would be very glad if the Council would ap- pomt a committee to go i,nto the figures and see the county bridges.——Chairman: How do you account for the disaster. We want to know particularly. You say you have made a.niwe provision for the volume of water.—Mr Jones replied that it was very difficin.lt to explain as the centre had not been taken away.—The Chairman: The cen- tre was MI but the bridge had not been com- pleted.—Rev A. Davies: Carts were going over the arch.—Mr Evan Jones: There was a tremendous amount of timber under the arch. It was possible the foundation was umderimned, but there was too much flood in the ] ivelr to find out.-R,ev Alban Davies: j The contractor is here. Ave should hear him. Chairman: Is it in your parish?—Rev Alban Davies: No.—Mr Evan Davies: One tilling I; know. The bridge has gone, and I should like to know where the fault is, whether on the surveyor or contractor, and I should like to put iit on the proper pace. I think Mr r Jones has made a. suggestion. I was going to propose that we should have a thorough enqinrry to know if possible where the fauit is and I should like to hear what the oo.i tractor has to say, and if it is your pleasure to hear what the residents have to say.—The Chairman: The Vicar of Talley has something to say.—The Vicar: I have nothing to say until I hear both sides.-—Air Evans, contrac- tor, of the firm of .Messrs Evans and Murray, said that the surveyor had placed es before them. Assuming they were correct but lie did not say they were by a long w«y —he should like to pllace Wore them the design of the bridge. The sui'»yor h:.d given them figures about bridges tbdTt he did not know the situation of. but the area .,f the Pwllau'iochion bridge came :1:. in the width not, in the height. It was narrow and in a had place for the river, th tt in his opinion the force of the accumulat?-! wat<r behind had undermined the foundation. W 'tli regard to the centre what was said was at-so- lute nonsense, that a small piece of boeid was goimg to bring it down. He, too, would like a committee very much and wo 'l.d meet them.—Chairmaiii: The less we ask tht con- tractor now the better.—'Mr Evans, f;.rmer, like a committee very much and wo 'l.d meet them.—Chairmaiii: The less we asl, tht con- tractor now the bettei-A-tr Evans, f;.rmer, of Pwllaucochion, being asked by the Chair- man in AVelsh, in what language he would speak replied in AVelsh any language in the world (laughttr). Speaking in Welsh, be satd he knew very well ii-itli what force the r river flowed. He had known it for 10 Any bridge there would want plenty of place I for the water. If that bridge Was too lie should be sorry to have to come there for compensation for loss of land, but he was afraid that it was too small at the start, but that was for the surveyor to say.-("liaiy-- in in: id you talk of it.—Mr Evans replied that lie had hut he had not said so to Mr Jones. He was now sure it was l'ar too small. —Th? Chairman said a good deal depended on how muih the bed fell.-A,tr Evans said there was no fall to be. He simply spoke Ins mind. There was not a very great flo(' (I that Although his hOlu;, WaS 300 yanh: awav, yet he had seen doods come up t) tlit "close," but not very often. Tl ^y must make a bridge for the worst floods. He hoped they would not make a small job of it next time.—Mr Powell thanked Air Evans for coming there.—Chairman: So do L-Jh Powell said that the suggestion made by Mr Evan Jones to appoint a committee was the only one thing they could adopt.—Mr Evan Davies (to the Surveyor): Are you prepared to say this bridge from the beginning has been built perfectly according to the plans and .specifications?—iMr Evan Jones: No certainly not.—Chairman That can be dis- cmssed.—iMr Evan Davies: Now is the time.— Mr J. Phillips: When did it come to YOHir, knowledge.—(Mr Evan Jones said it was a matter lie intended bringing before the com- mittee. -Rev Alban Davies asked why had Mr Jones at the last meeting given a certi- ficiate for payment olf £ 150.—Mr Evan Jones said lie had some consideration for him be- cause there was money due to liiin for another bridge.—Chairman Was the span reduced? Mr Evan Jones No. the span was not re- duced.—Mr Pioiwelil reminded them that the point was the appointment of a committee.— Air Evans, Pw lkiiu>cochion, asked the com- mittee to let the local residents know when the committee met, then they would know what the local opinion was.—Chairman "e IN-ill do that.—The folikiwiinig were appointed a commit tee Chairman, Rev Alban Davies, and Messrs L. N. Powell, Evan Davies, D. IXivieis, J. P. Griffiths, and Tom Davies.

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Entitled to Carmartben's Confidence Anything that is again and again heartily endorsed by Carmarthen people is Assuredly entitled to Carmarthen's confidence. Week by week we read cases like the following, where neighbour's speak out frankly and un- reservedly in the hope that their experience may the the means of bringing relief to others. Mr R. Evans, of 19, Chapel street, Car- marthen. says:—"About twelve months ago I began to suffer very much from a Sharp aching pain in my back and loins; at times the poin A-as very severe indeed. "Reading an account ctf Doan's backache kidney pills in the newspaper, I resolved to try them, and very soon found they were doing me good. I am now better than I have been for some time. I am still taking a few of the pills, as I feel' s'nre they will make my eure a permanent one. (Signed), Rees Evans. If you suffer from gravel, backache, urin- ary disorders, dropsical swellings in the ankles or limbs, rheumatism, lassitude, weak- ness, dizziness, cold hands and feet, or any symptom of kidney and bladder trouble, Doan's Ibaokache kidney pill's will cure you as they have cured many men and women here in our own town. Doan's Ibadkacihe kidney pills are 2s 9d per box, or six boxes for 13s 9d. Of all hemists and stores, or post free direct from the Foster-MciClellan Co., 8, AVells street, Oxford street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mr Evans had.

Assets Locked Up." FAILURE OF ST. CLEARS MERCHANT. A first meeting of the creditors of David Isaac Bowen, who has been trading at St. Clears, near Carmarthen, as a merchant and grocer, under the style of Bowen and Sons, took iplice. at the offices of the Carmarthen Official Receiver (Mr H. W. Thomas) on Saturday, when it transpired that the gross liabilities were £ 5,887 Os lOd; to rank as dividend, £2,933 17s 4d; and assets, 93,000 5s 5d; showing a surplus of £54 6s lOd. The reason alleged by debtor for filing was given as follows:—"I believe I aim solvent, but my assets are locked up, and therefore not avail- able to meet my creditors." The creditors appointed Air J. E. Mathias, public account- ant, 44, Lammias street, Carmarthen, as the trustee of the estate, with a committee of inspection.

LLANGATHEN. On behalf of the Carmarthenshire District of the Indenpendent Order of Reohabites, wihcih are this year celebrating their 75th anniversary, Air D. J. Davies, P.D.C.R, viisted the Capel Isaac Tents on the 19th inst.. and delivered an eloquent and instruc- titve address to the juveniles and adults. The admission of four new members is very en- couraging, and augers well for the future of the Order in rural districts, when the princi- pies of Total Abstinence together with pecun- ialry benefits are combined and accepted by the farming community. Bros. Alorris, Gwauncaegurwen, and Knoyle, Llangathen, were also present. LECTURE.—On the 22nd inst., the Rev. Stephen Thomas delivered an interesting lecture on his recent four "montlis tour in America at Penrheol Congregational Church The chair was taken by the Rev W. Hafod Harries, who eulogised the lecturer, and ex- pressed the appreciation of his audience. DEMISE.—A link with the past was broken at Llangathen on the Friday 25th, when the death occurred of Mrs Griffiths, late of The Three Compasses, Llangathen, at the ripe age of 86 years. The mortal remains were in- terred at the Parish Churchyard on the 28th inst., when a large concourse assembled to pay her the last tribute of a-espect. The ser- vice at the house was conducted by the Rev Dr Thomas, D.D, Llandovery, and in the church by the Rev J. Alex. Williams. i

JJLASDILO, R CAREY MOKRIS, the Llandilo, artist, is at present engaged in painting, the three daughters of Mr Edwkird Jones, Maesmawr Ca-ersws, nieces of the late Mr Ellis. Mrs Jones being one of his sisters. The Rev Richard Jones, the well-known Methodist minister of Landinam, is a cousin to Mr Carey Morris. I CONCERT.—The annual concert in connec tion with the Landilo Detachment Band, 4tli Battalion AVelsh Regiment, was held in the above Hal on Thursday evening, the 24th of November. Notwithstanding that a good programme had been got up, the attendance was anything 'but encouraging; but to sit for a couple of hours in that huge unheated hall of a winter's evening means mak,ing a mar- tyr of oneself. The following were the ar- tistes :—Soprano, Miss Bronwen Davies, Gowerton; contralto, 'Miss Claudia Hopkins, lilatipeiiiiech; tenor, Mr D. J. Rhys, Llan- dilo; bass, Air J. R. Evans, Llandilo; humour ist, Tw;iii Jones. Swansea; instrument a ist Mr D. C. Thomas, bango expert of St. James' Hall, London, and Birmingham festivals; accompanist, Miss Nellie Griffiths, Llandilo. Encores were numerous during the evening. The programme was as follows, the feature of which was the excellent playing on the banjo by Mr D. C. Thomas:—LVlarch, The Band song. Mr J. R. Evans; song, "Dream of Home," Miss Bronwen Davies; song, "The Watchman," Miss Claudia Davies; humorous song, "The AVelsh Railway Guard," Mr Twm Jones; banjoi solo, "Gibson Gild" March, Mr D. C. Thomas; song, "Roses," Mr D. J. Rhys; duet, "Sibrwd vr Awel," Miss Davies and Miss Hopkins; seection, "Fanst," The Band; song, "Ho, Jolly Jenkin," Mr J. R. Evans; song, "Vilanelle," Mifcs Bronwen Davies; humorous song, "The AVelsh Post- man," Mr Twim Jones; banjo solo, "Hot orn," Mr D. O. Thomas; song, "My dead Souif," Miss Claudia Hopkins; song. "Only once more," Mr D. J. Rhys; quartette, "When hands met," Aliss Davies and Miss Hopkins and 'Messrs Evans and Rhys. The proceeds were in aid of the Band Instrument Fund. TEMPERANCE MEETING.—The first of the weekly Temperance meetings for the winter season was held at the Public Hall on Satur- day evening and was well attended. A capital programme had been arranged. Recitations were given by the Misses Saiinah and Ethel Davies. AVe.deyau Chapel House; Aliss Evans. Ffairfach. who gave "Araeth Llewellyn." and Mi-s Ellis, who gave Longfellow's "The LPgend Beautiful." Songs were given by Aliss Aland AViiiiams, and t: duett by Airs Ellis and Airs R. T. Evan-. Mr Prit'hard, •for his selection on the mouth organ, had to | respond to a'l encore. An admirable and thoughtful address was delivered by the Rev Mr Ellis, Wesley an minister.

Epoch Making Campaign Begins. PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED. NEAV HOUSE T0~MEET JANUARY 31. The epoch, making electoral campaign is now officially entered upon. Parliament dis solved on Monday with the accustomed cere- monial and the new House of Commons is directed to assemble for business on January 31st. Upon the party political complexion of that House depends the nrm establishment of Commons rights and liberties or the ac- knowedgment of the claims of the privileged and (partisan House of Lords to continue to interfere with supply and oppose itself as a barrier to progressive legislation. The King arrived in London by special train from Windsor on Monday morning, and held two Privy Councils at Bukcingham Palace, and at the second meeting his Majesty signed the proclamation dissolving Parliament and ordering the new Parliament to assemble on January 31st. The procla- mation wias issued yesterday evening in a special supplement to the "London Gazette," and is as follows:— BY THE KING. A PROCLiAIMATION for Dissolving the pre- sent Parliament, and declaring the calling of another.—GEORGE, R.I. Whereas we have thought. fit by and with the advice of our Privy Council to dissolve the present Parliament which stands pro- rogued to Thursday, the 15th day of December next, we do for that end publish this our Royal proclaim tion, and do here- (by dissolve the said Parliament accordingly, and the Lords spiritual and temporal and the knights, citizens, and burgesses of the House of Commons are discharged from their meeting and attendance on the said Thursday, the 15th day of December next; and We, being desirous and reserved as soon as may be to meet our people and to have their advice in Parliament, we do hereby make Iknoiwn to alT our loving subjects our Royal will and pleasure to call a ne-w Par- liament, and do hereby further declare that, with the advice of our Privy Council, we have given order that our Chancellor of that part of our United Kingdom called Great Britain and our Chancellor of Ire land do, respectively, upon notice thereof, forthwith issue our writs in due form and according to law for calling a new Parlia- ment; and We do hereby also by this our Royal procla- mation under our Great Seal of our United Kingdom irequire wlrits forthwith to be issued accordingly by our said Chancellors, respectively, for causing the Lords spiritual and temporal and Commons who are to serve in the said Parliament to be duly re- turned to and give their at-tend-ance in our said Parliament on Thursday, the 31st day of January next, which writs are ta be re- turnable in due course of law. Given at our Court at Buckingham Palace, this twenty eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hun- dred and ten, and in the first year of our reign.

GOD SAVE THE KING. Another proclamation which the King signed commanded the Peers of Scotland to meet at Holyrood Castlfe, Edinburgh, on December 15th, and to elect from their number the sixteen Peers wtlio are to sit in the House of Lords in the next Parliament. The supplement of the "Gazette" also announces the order of the King's Most Ex- cellent Majesty in Council that the respective Convocations of the Prorvilllces of Canterbury and York bo forthwith dissolved and writs issued for electing new members of the con- vocation of the clergy, which writs are issued to bo returnable on Wednesday, the 1st day of February next.

ENDING OF PARLIAMENT. BRIEF FINAL SCENE. There was a formal1 sitting of the House of Commons for the prorogation. The Speaker took the chair shortly after twelve o'clock. There was but a very smalli attendance of members. Mr Churchill and Mr Burns were the only members of the Cabinet present, and Air Illingworth, Mr Dudley AVarr, and Captain Norton were the other occupants of the GGovernment Bench. No member of the Opposition Front Bench put in an appear ance. Sir H. Craik and Mr Henniker Heaton were among the Unionist members present. About ten minutes past tweve Black Rod (Admiral Sir H. F. Steplienson) appeared with the usual ceremony and summoned the Speaker to the House of Lords. The Speaker, followed by the cltenks, proieeded to the other place, the Home Secretary heading the pro- cession of members. Mr Burns went on afterwards alone. In the House of Lords the Royal Commis- sioners were the Lord Chancellor, Earl Car- rington, Earl Beauchamp, Earl Spencer, and Lord Sandhurst, who occupied seats on a bench placed in front of the Throne. When the Speaker, accompanied by the Serjeant-at-Arms and his Chaplain and about thirty memibers of the Lower House, had, duly attended at the Bar, the Commission was read by the Lord Chancellor. The Royal Assent was siginfied to the Finance (No. 2) Bill, the Education (Choice of Employment) Bill, Expiring Laws Con- tinuance Bill, and seeral private and pro visional' order bills.

THE KING'S SPEECH. The Lord Chancellor then reafr the King's Speech as fotliows:- My Lords and Gentlemen, I address you, for the first time, under the shadow of the great calamity occasioned by the death of my beloved father. I have re- ceived abundant evidence from every part of my Dominions that the irerparable loss which has befallen me and my family is deeply lamented by my subjects. Their sympathy has fortified me in my sorrow, and I have devoted myself to the duties to which I have been called with the earnest desire to follow in my dear father's footsteps. ¡ My relations with foreign powers continue to be friendly. I confidently Bbpe that the questions con- nected with the North Atlantic Fisheries, be- tween Canada, and Newfoundland on the one a.nd and the United States of America on the other, which have been a subject of contro- versy for nearly a century, luwc been at last finally settled by the award of the Hagiie, Tribunal. It is a cause of special satisfac- j tion that it has been found possible to solve by arbitration problems of such an intrcate and difficult nature, and that the award has been received on both sides in a spirit which must tend to increase good will. I recently entrusted to my uncle the Duke of Conllaught the mission of opening the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa, a ceremony which it was ilntended that I my- self should perform. It is my earnest hope that 'under the Legisature which lie has in auguirated South Africa will continue to ad- vance in happiness and prosperity. In my Indian Empire further effect has been given to the scheme of administrative reform aurthorised by the Indian Councils Ii. -_u

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A Popular Novelist on Skating. The distinguished novelist, E. 1". Benson, contributes a delightful article on his favour-! ite hobby of "Winter Sports in Switzerland to the sumptuous Christmas double number of "The "Windsor Magazine. In the course of his survey on skating, tobogganing, and ski-ing, which is accompanied by many excel lent photographs. Mr Benson says:- "To the average mind there must be some- t'ing peculiarly attractive about skating. If we heard that a particular field 'bore,' we shouM not all of llij instantly go out to walk on it with the possible chance of being saffocated in the earth below if he went through. and the excellent chance of sinking in up to our knees in any case. No doubt the comparative rarity of this pursuit intakes us more eager to enjoy these very occasional chances we get of indulging in it, but that j alone would not be sufficient to account for the extraordinary rapidity with which the population makes for the frozen pond, or the extraordinary tardiness with which they leave it. In fact, there must be some inheren t charm in Skating—even though we put both i feet down, and in spite of that wise precau- j tion are the victims of the 'frequent tall — that makes us grab at any chance there may i be of mov'ng insecurely about on ice. "The reason is that the motion itsef—that of sliding-is exquisite, even though the moments of siding are punctuated by tumibles I and collisions. We are accustomed to plod about at varying speeds on our feet, to roll about with carriage wheels or bicycle wheels below us but who, ecept the dotard or the physica-Ky infirm, would dream 01 driving, or walkin. cr bicycling for purposes of peasure if there was the chamce of skating? For in skating, as, indeed, in the other winter sports to which it is akin, we enjoy a manner of locomotion which is the romance and the lyric of movement compared to the dull prose ground out by wiheels or feet." The handsome Christmas double number of the Windsor Magazine" contains, in even greater (abundance than in any previous year, the new stories of the great novelists, for with'n the picturesque wrapper of this one enlarged issue are to be found complete stories bv atl the following famous authors— A. E. AV. Mason. Maurice Hewlett, Horaoel, Amiesley Vac-hell, Mrs Thurston, Halliweld Sutcliffe, Mrs ¥. A. Steel, Barry Pain. Kehle Howard and Cutcliffe Hyne, in addition to the opening stories of two new serial feature.3. "At the Plume of Feathers by Eden Phill- potts, in which the rustic novelist is found iu his most characteristic vein, and a sequel to a former "Windsor" success by Robert Barr, entitled "'Lord Stranleigh, Philanthropist." Prominent among the many notable articles of the number is the first of s veral new pa pern by Mis Terry. Among the other welll known contributors are diaries G. D. Roberts. J. Holt Schooling, and other writers of special authority. The pictorial attractions of the number include no fewer than fifteen beautiful coloured plates from pictii"es repiesentinf"; a variety of interests, Landscape, Country Life, the Stage, Muwc. the Nursery, and the world of Humour being amongst the subjects illustrated by those finely-printed plate-. Altogether it is a admr.aby varied number of important letter- press, admirably illustrated throughout.

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Shops Bill and Public Houses. SUNDAY CLOSING ACT IN WALES SAFE Mr Jaynes Evans. Aberavon, writes as follows:—As there has been a deal of mis- apprehension in Wales as to the effect of the Sunday cliauses in the Shops Bill on the AVelsh Sunday Closing of Public Houses' Act, I shall be glad if you will kindly insert in your next issue the enclosed copy of a letter I received in reply to a communication of mine in the matter:— Whitehall-, 24th November,1 1910. Sir,—In reply to your letter of the 28th ultimo, requesting authority to state that it is not the intention of the Government that the Shops (No. 2) BilT shall interfere with the AVelsh Sunday Closing of Public Houses' Act, I am directed by the Secretary of State to say that lie authorises you to make the statement suggested. It will be observed that in the print of the Bill (copy enclosed) showing the amendments which the Secre- tary of State proposed to move in Committee if the Bill had obtained a ^Second reading, the heading of the schedule of exemptions (the Third Schedule in the print) has been altered to 'Trades and Businesses exempted from the profusions of this Act as to Sunday ,dliooin,o,I am, sir, your obedient servant, Malcolm Delevuigne."

The Extermination of Rats. To the Editor Carmarthen Weekly Reporter- g,ir,Now that so much thought is being bestowed upon rats and that the most effect- ive means for their destruction is being uni- versally discussed, allow me to suggest that wherever possible ows should be encouraged. The owl is the natural enemy of the rat, and these beautiful and interesting birds have time "after tiane come to man's rescue whe his crops have been threatened by plagues of rats and miie. z, Among the various kinds of Nesting Boxes which can be procured of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (20. Queen Anne's Gate. London, S.IV.) there are some which are especially designed for owls, and wihen fixed in suitable places these have proved very attractive. Between October and February is the best time of the year for putting up nesting boxes; and this form of shewing considera- tion for birds is an admirable one. in that by its means useful and desirable species can 'be protected and encouraged. I am, Sir. Your obedient servant, H. TAYLOR. 19, Stanton road. AVimbledoii, 28-11-10.

Old Age Pensions and Rates. Asked in view of the removal of the pauper disqualification for old age pensions whether the whole cost of old age pensions of those who are on the 1st January, 1911, under 70 | years of ia<ge and then in receipt of relief from the locali authorities will be borne by the Imperial Exchequer when they reach the age of 70. Mr Lloyd George writes: "That is the effect of the proposals made in my udget speech of last June." _d_

Weldon's Three Christmas Numbet. It should not be necessary for us to remind our readers that they cannot do better for themselves than secure these three charming numbers; they form a real picture gallery for a few pence. With "Weldon's Ladies' Jour- nal" (6d.) no fewer than eight paper patterns are given away, together w th a splendid presentation photogravure plate, "Love is Blind," by Maude Goodman, a dainty calen dar for 1911, a useful transfer for table cen- tre. etc.. and many pages of beautiful designs of current fashions and fancy dresses, several oft which are in fu'il colours. "AVeldon's Illustrated Dressmaker" (2d), contains a ovely photopravure presentation plate. "Full Inside," after A. J. Esley's pic- ture, paper pattern of a blouse for day and evening wear, a coloured plate of fashions for Christmas, and a. transfer design of em- broidery. "weldon's Bazaar of Children's Fashions" (2d), comprise a charming photogravure plate "A B; oken Melody," by E. J. Elsley. Poper patterns of a girl's Empire day dress and evening gown, also a transfer of a cross- stitch desiign for serge dress, etc. AVeldon's Christmas numbers are wonderful publica- tions and wonderful value; it has been said that they are amongst the few that are read from cover to cover.

Saundersfoot Tragedy. WOAIAN'S BODY IN A FIELD. On Alonday morning the dead IKXIV of Airs Esther PhiMiips, blacksmith. Saundersfoot, was found in a field near Morteon Farm, aibout a mile from the vill.ig?. The body was only partly clad, and some of the coth- ing was found in an adjoiningfield. Deatli was aparenty due to exposure. The de- ceased was scellbu Saundersfoot about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, and in the even- ing IN-as observed near Moreton. Mrs C.'usins. of MMoreton Farm, found the body, and sent for Dr. EvaiiS, of Saunderrfoot, under whose direction it was removed to the devea-red's home. Mrs Ph:lli]7S, was a woman from 50 to 5Q years of age. Tn inquest will > be held.

APPLICATION FOR INCREASE OF SALARY. Mr Rees Davies, rate collector f ir Bettws, wrote asking for an increase of salary owing to the extra work lie had to do in collect ing the rates. He had been collector for 20 years. uhen he started the number of places he had to visit to coHleet the rates was 857, now 1,108, an increase olf 251. He had to collect from every house as part of his duty, and two cr three changes to place in some houses during a term and which he had to find out in all directions. Tlik, piii-isli reached from Pantyffynon to Cwimgorse. The salary lie received was £ 30, or 14s a week, out of which he had to pay all travelling expenses. He would be very pleased if they would put hrm on commission of 3d in the £ The amount he now collected t200 per hall year. He trusted the Boaid would take his application into consideration.—Air L. N. Powell moved that the application be deiferi-ecl. for a fort- night. It should be p aced oil the agenda.— Col- Morris waited it lor the whole Board. Mr Evan Davies held it was a question for the Parish Council. He proposed it be re- ferred to that body.—Mr J. Phillips seconded and Air Gormer Harris seconded the original motion.—After further discussion, the Rev Alban Davie- swd lie had another amend- ment to refer it to the Finance Committee, Air Powell asked if it was in order to refer it to the Parish Council.—The Chairman did not see why it was not.—Mr E. Davies: "Te oniy refer it for a recommendation.—A sua gestion hS Mr John Lewis was adopted to pit. it on the agenda but meanwhile to get the opinion of the Parish Council on it.

Removing Tax on Maize. The "Mark Lane Express" gays-SoNv-, ings of autumn wheat are about over, but a certain amount of winter sowing in suitable j weather when met with is anticiipated. A rumour is abroadd that the French Govern- ment has decided to allow maize to be im- ported free for three months. The French Government lias passed through a severe crisis, and is needing to do something popular If the duty were suspended from December 1st to February 28th supplies of maize on the passage to the United Kingdom 'and the Low Country and Germany might to a great ex- tent be deflected to France. Several big big holders at Mark Lane on Friday were Illn- willing to sell until more news arrived from Paris.

I Act of 1909 by the creation of an Executive i Council for the province of Beftgal. Gentlemen of the House of Commons, I note rwith satisfaction the liberality with which you have provided for the requirements of the year, including the increased grants for the Navv, and additional expenditure upon old age pensions, consequent upon the removal of the pauper disqualification at the close of the present year. I thank you for the arrangements you have made for the maintenance of the honour and dignity of the Crown. My Lords and Gentiem-en- I regret that the conference which took ptace with a. view to arriving at a solution of the recurring difficulties between the two Houses of Paaiiament has failed to come to an agreement. I am gratified that you have passed into law the Acts dealing with regency and the form of the declaration required to be made by the Sovereign on his accession. I thank you for the zeal with which you have carried out your duties, and I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your abours, Thereupon the Lord Chancellor, "by virtue of his Majesty's Commission under the Great Seal," formall yprorogued Parliament until Thursday, 15th December. The Commons returned to their own House at 12.25, when the Speaker stood at the table occupying the place of the Chief Clerk (Sir Courtney IJbert), from which he an- nounced that the Royal Assent had lbeeni given to the Appropriation Act (No. 2) and other Acts. He also read the King's Speech proroguing Parliament. Members then filed. past the Speaker, who shook hands with each in turn, bein-g e specially cordial towards some gentlemen whom he does not expect to see there again, as they have announced their intention not to offer themselves for re- election. At 12.30 the House rose, and the first Parliament of King George V. was at an end.