The Glamorgan Gazette

B L A I ObItiipjry.- -o <i«at3i ocen-r-rfcil ■•-■ W- denee., Blaengarw liist-itut/c, 011 ing of Ma*. John Fembertou, oaM^i^oi Blaen^arw- Silver Band. De-ceased, who Vie to Blaengarw three years ago, as a n-e of Bolton, Lan-eashire, aL.J • lence in va-li-ey lie had D^er. x/i- making the oand a power in the cmr/vt'+e undertook the bandmastershio at the t*, th-ei new instruments were purchased, arwii had been steward of the. bum: »<• its formation. Ho leaves a a K10- '^a o child. The remains were oon>e eel to ha cashire for interment.

PON f < Y aW- _■ New Year's Day.—Dr. E. J. Parry, with_hi, iisu-al generosity gave a. new peiui.v to exeri child in. Fontycyrumer on New ie-nrs morn; ing. Omision,—We regret that the name of Mr. Oliver S. Morgan, the a-cconir«nist, was omit, ted from our report of the Oiirisviii:;6 DaJ Eisteddfod:. Sociak-.—Bachelors' socials were i-ekl on New Year's Eve at Nod-dia Church, under the auspices of the Young Peonle s Society; at the English Calvinistie Methodist Church, .aiid, at the' Tabneracle Church. Miscellany, ous omtertailimente were held at eaca piia-Ofe following the tea. Gas E'xpkftion.'—Through a leakage in th gas mains-, it is supposed, a quantity of g accumulated in the drains. The result was en explosion1 at the house of Mrs. Coatee, 3\) O-xfc)r,cl-s tivet, on. Sunday morning. Scnio old clothing stowed under the staircase be- oame ignited', hut assistance was ready at hand, .and the fire was soon, put out. Obituary—We regret to report the death of Mrs. William Thomas, Fantygog, which Mol;: place on Saturday morning alter a brief but painful illness. Deceased was. of a. quiet dis- position, and Ikt genial1 character had won the affocti-oll of all who knew her. She was one of the founders of Zioii English Baptist Church. Much sympathy is felt with the bereaved husband and five children.—The funeral took place at F'tmtycymmer Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, a. large concourse of friends attending to pay their last tokens of respect to the departed?. Special byauna had been selected, and were distributed on leaflets. The choir, conducted by Mr. John Edwards, attended. The Rev. W. Reynolds, pastor of Zion Church, officiated' at the grave- side, assisted' bj- the Rev. John Lamb, Tre- alaw, the fimt pastor of Zion Church. Both rev. gentlemen testified to the bright spiri- tual life of the deceased'. The coffin was of polished oak, with heavy brass fittings. Other ministers present were the Revs. W. Saun- ders, C.C., W. A. Williams, H. Harding. T. B. Phillips, DWell D. Hughes (Tabernacle). Much sympathy was manifested towards the bereaved family, who arc highly respected in tire valley. Eu ii era J.—The re ma hie of an olci, inhabit- ant i11 the person of Mrs. Owen, Waun Bant, laid' to rest at Polit. voy-ilililci- Cemetery on Tuesday in last week. Deceased, who was 64 ye £ >rs of age, had been in the valley upwards of 15 years, and was a faithful mem- ber of the Tabenvaclo Welsh Congregational Church. Her husband predeceased her some 18 months, and sever children are bereft of fat11el" and mother, two of whom are in AfTica, one st Aberavon, and four at Ponty- cymmer, including Mr. J. Morgan Owen, clothier. The Rev. D. Hughes, p-astor of Tabernacle1 Church, officiated, assisted: by the Rev. — Griffiths. Went. Aberavon. Wedding.—A pretty wedding was solem- nised on Tuesday morning at the English Congregational Church, the contracting parties being MT. John Henry Bradford and x. Miss Minnie David', second daughter of "Mr. jk>hn David, ironmonger. The groomsman was Mr. William Sergeant, whilst the bride was attended by her sister. Miss Elizabeth David, and Ming Florrie Bradford, sister of the bridegroom. The bride was given away 'by her father. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. D. D. Evans, "astor of the church.^ The Bridal March Avas played by Miss Sparry (organ), Mr. Hopkin Thomas, Fbntycynrmer, and Mies Jones, Blaenganv After the wedding a reception was held at the bride's house.

NANTYMOEL. New Year's Eve.—The New Year was ushered in amidst carol singing a.nd blowing of hooters. Notwithstanding the cold weather, a. large number were abroad waiting the hour of midnigiu-. Musical Success;.—Miss Ruth Davies, of •Osbome-terrace, Nantymoel1, a pupil of Mr. Gomer Jone&, passed in the advanced grade in piano playing at the examination hekl in connection with the Incorporated Society of sicians. I Promising Pianist.—At the recent Nanty- moel Eisteddfod, Master Illtyd Williams, N a ntymoel, who won the pianoforte solo, re- ceived high praise from the adjudicators for his excellent performance. Master Illytd is uite a yonng player, and his prominent suc- cesses promise a. bright future in store for him. Cwrtkb.u Matvr.—Eor their anniversary the Welsh Congregational Church at Soar, Price- town, secui-ed the eminent services of the Rev. J. Lloyd Williams, .and his powerful dis- courses were listened to with great attention and deep appreciation. The singing of the choir, under the leadership of Mr. D. Davies, was very pleasing. Miss Jenkins ably pre- sided at'the new organ. The collections rea- lised a substantial amount. Preaching Services and Lecture.—On Fri- d'ay Last special preaching services were held at Hope English Congregational Church, Pricetown, when Prolessor Joseph Jones, M.A., 15recon Memorial College, delivered eloquent- and stirring discourses to large and -,It 14) 1 s. appreciative congregations. In the evening, at Bethany C.M. Church Professor Jones gave his interesting lecture on "Jesus Christ and Social Problems." Hie large audience en- joyed a intellectual treat. 'nO Tea and Christmas J ree.—Hie tea and Christmas tree, organised hy the memb-Frs of Mount Zion: English Congregational Church, Nantymool on Boxing Day proved an unquali- fied success in every way. The excellent tea provided was Avell patronised, and the. Nmas tree attractions drew a large gathering that enjoyed1 the proceedings most heartily. The church funds Avill be substantially aug- mented thereby. The Rev. W. F. Bryant and his eo-woirkers arc to be congratulated. Musical Success.—At the* recent examina- tiolli held at ^ardlff in connection with the Royal Academy and Royai College of Music, Miss Hilda Gardiner, daughter of Mr. George Gardiner, Bradford' Houro. Pricetowii, was highlly distinguished in. passing the advanced grade in pianoforte playing. Miss Gardiner, who is only in her early teens, achieved a notable triumph for, through an inevitable circumstance, she was deprived the services of her teacher for two months' prior to her ex- amination. Her success is therefore all the more complimentary to heT sterling abilities as an accomplished pianist. Social Evening.—A social tea 1w the Young People's Gulila at Baron Welsh Baptist Church, Nantymoel, was given ou New Year's Eve, when upwards of 100 sat elowu to an ex- cellent spread, catered' by Councillor Eivaii Griffiths, Compton House. After ample jus- tioe had been done to the good things provi- ded, the subjoined interesting programme, Under the genial presidency of the Rev. J. Itughes ^pastor) was gone through to the en- joyment and appreciation of the large com- f>aiiy :—Organ solo, Miss Annie Watk-ins; recitation, Miss Griselda Hughes; solo, Mr. Qomer Williams: recitation, Mrs. Daniel Jones; solo, Mr. D. Bo wen; violin solo, Miss Chryneth Davies; duet, Miss Keturah Griffiths and Miss Cassie Williams- solo, Mis6 Gri&elda Hughes- recitation, Mia; Rhoda Williams; solo, Mr. James Williams; solo, Ha.ster John DaAvson Griffiths. The arrange- nents were ably carried out by a committee <f which Mr. Edgar Richards was the capable secretary, and Mrs. A. J. Jones the treasurer.

GILFACHGOCH. Christmas Prewnts.-Dr. Morgan, of Gil- tach liooh, very thoughtiully presentea the relatives of the Dinas main victims with a g6>OO (ach at Oaristmastide. Christmas.—Ch'ristmas was spent very I ti,6t I y at Gilfach Goch this year. Bethania l/ijteddfod was po6tpoiied owing to the Dinas ,¡j,bÙ1 explosion. Prayer meetings were held ,t the. churches. r, M.iseJll,an>e-ouB. — Misses Gwendoline and sabel Evans, daughters of Mr. Evan Evans, Coronation-road, Gilfach Goch, and Muss irjorie Jones, Ogmore Hotel, successfully ssed, with honours, at the recent examina- n of music at Cardiff. They were pre- •ed by Mr. W. J. Mat-thews, A.C.V., .M., Handel House, Gilfach Goch. redding.—A pretty wedding Avas celebra- at GlynogAvr om Monxiay betAveen Mr Jas. Aky, Gilfach Goch, and Miss L. Rees, >.gëst daughter of lr, Win. Rees, green- er. M. T. Evans, Britannic Colliery.acted %tma* and Miss JI. i'almer as brides- a, the bride being given aw-ay by her b-i-i-. Jvlr. V, ir<. Rc-es.

OGMOHE VALE. tslehein.—'j he annual tea III( at the abchape,J on Christ-mas afternoon proved a 1 sPiel success. Later a cantata, entitled, c,t and the Church," was given by the h-em Choir, conducted by Mr. Jenkin His, the solo parts being taken by f Gwilym Kinsey and T. Williaiiis and J¡ilM, Jones and' Lizzie Kinsey. Miss .M. LeAvis was the. accompanist. Much cre4s dne to the oonduct.or and choristers for evidence of diligence and skill ex- hibi

BRYNMENYN. Curias Day.—A well attended sen-vice Avas at the Congregational1 Chape-I on Ch;rli; morning. The Welch hwvl pre- vailem another service in the evening drewrge atteii-d ance. Lai. Ente.rt.ainment.-On Tuesday evenii miscellaneous lantern entertaiir- ment given at, Betharran Chapel, Avhen about handsome and educatiAre pictures were depicting (1) the origin- and grofli:ipIX)t^Ktautism and Nonconformity, (2) theof Christ, and other miscellaneous; scenes,^ous choruses being roildel-ed. The. was manipulated by Mr. W. H. Jones, .;<]geml, and the pictures were ex- plaiDed1]^ pastor (Rev. H. Eynon Lewis). The l'ari(lie;nce were' so absorbed' that no- one nioYnni beginning to end, excerpt to ciieer ar-a in.

BETTWS, Tea a^iteu-tainment.—A bachelors' tea and entemen-t;1 was held on Christmas EA^e in a. Saii-d' s Baptist Chapel. The schoolroom nicely decorated for the oc- casion, a-le nea-bly set out. The enterta: ni was- commenced by a few rÐ- marks by Chairman, Rev. B. Jones, and the folIoAv*i,ntributed' solos, etc. :—Messrs T. W. Jot. Griffiths, LI, G. John, Joel Griffiths, Veil1 (comic, encored). Miss M. Davies, all.. j. M. Thomas. A presen- was,, to Nlr. Ll. G. John, late con- ductor of p; Choir, who now resides at Blaekmill, villg of a Bible, hymn book, fountain P'ld purse of money. Mrs. Jones, Ll'vv^th. made- the presentation. The singing-J surrender all" by Mr. John John fiends brought an enjoyable evening to je.

More Powfor School Managers. Z5 The Rev. r- Edwards presielvxl over a meeting ot ^liigaer School Managers on Tuesday. Ax from the Aberavon School ^Managers, ading cxtensive delegation of prAvers to l°c;aiagers, Avas read. Cxiunty Councillor in proposing that the ir-atter be cony at the next meeting, re- marked that fitrue that education in the county was at\ut in a muddle, but, per- haps, the recordations of the Aberavon managers were too drastic. Mr. Sydney Jones agreed t, change was needed. At present local ^-ers1 took very- littlev in- terest in the "es was evidenced by the empty chairs ai meetii^g. 1 hey had no powers. The thought- the work AY as being carried far from the schools. Officials were t\d with minor details which could bÜr dealt with by local managers. It esolved to a copy of the suggested JJS to each manager, the scheme to be eoi'.H] at the next meeting.

Charged at Mster with begging, an aged man said h- been so hungry that he had sold his Sf, obtain a meal. "-i -tiope, tliere no horse play at our wedding. Henry. the prospective bride, with nervous YI-Jonrice shower" and old- shoe boniuarcinient^. r.S(, pjajj" replied the young man. c. not. We will go in an automobllc. Here. young mid the old lady, with fire in her eye, ,Ing back this thermo- meter ye sold me. hat's the matter with it?" demanded the C! ain't reliable. One time ye look at it it 1o and the next time it says another. Overheard during theatricals. She: "How well your wile Lady Geraldine, Mr. Jolies! I think the puts on that awful affected tone is just St How does she man- ago it?" Mr. Jones Embarrassment): Er —she doesn t. That s voice." Lady Philanthropist. are you here, my good fellow?" Prisoned be;ng a good fel. ler. mum. W en i \rp before me time wasn't really up till they turned me out in January on acoo1jjje good behaviour, an' I had ter steal an ^er j{eep warm." A witty priest was oi[Yjng a "self-made" millionaire, who took Mee j^jg seldom-u.sed library. "Tliere," faltiUionaire, pointing to a table covered there? are my best friends." Ah, j.J,E as JJQ glanced at the leaves, ja(j yOU don't cut them The second course of tIe d'hôte was be- ing served. Wha.t IS .S1ery stuf[?" de- manded the corpulent <m'That, sir, Ls fillet of sole," replied the v?ai.Take it away>» said the corpulent diner, -f you ca'n't get mo a nice tender P thc upp0r; with the buttons removed." "There are some verses ,» ;n_ nocent young man, layinrpap^T on the editor's desk; you may h ju.,t w'nat vou think they are worth. llavo not "tho authority to give you wiit, deserve," re- plied the man with the P^'Vmember, I am an editor, not a magistrate. "H m, I think I'YO seen^rrv lvfoiv. on a similar charge, aid a m\ who has rc- eently concealed the paucij,ajr a wig. No, your honour, n answered th() woman in the dock, a en i ^anrripriv -The hurt time I was up ^forc b^i'd- headed old gen leman not a a joat"

SUGGESTED PURCHASE OF THE GARY, WATERWORKS. COLLECTION 01" DISTRICT RATES. The Ogmore and Garw Urban Distric Council met on Tuesday evening at their offices at Brynmenin. There were present Mr. Evan David, J.P. (chairman), Rev. T. b PhiHip&, Messrs. Wm. Davies, LleweU I. Jones, T. Lucas, Jenkin Phillips, T. W. Job, J. Williams, Jacob Edwards, W. Thomas, T. U. Jones, W. ). T. Williams, v' I Cairmlf, V. i'liomas, and A. J. with the deputy clerk (Mr. D. T. Williams;, the surveyor ^Air. JJ.. Dawkin- Wikiams), auu other officials. GARW WATER Vv ORBS. A letter was read from Mr. R. Harmar Cox, olerk to the Penyoont Aturai JJistrict Council; submitting a copy of the resolution passed by that authority with reference to a proposal that they and the Ogmore and Garw Council should jointly pnruliase thtv undertaking G, the Garw Water Co. It was suggested that committees ci dIe two authorities 81iciiio meet to discuss the advisability of proceeding to acquire the untiertaking.. All.. Cannlff did not think any harm, at any rate, would result from a meeting of the committees, and pernaps some information would' be gained. The members of that Council were. new consideri ng the report- oi the engineer engaged by the Glamorgan County Council' to investigate the available sources of sUl'Plv for the county, and he thought his colleagues would agree with him when he stated that the report of Mr. Mid- dleton was an excellent one. He prorjosed that a. committee be appointed to confer with the. committee- of the Penybont Council. Mr. T. C. Jones seconded, and the motion was agreed to. The folloAving were appointed to constitute the cfoiiiiiiltt-ec-Tliv., Chairman, Messrs. Davits, Jones, Canniif, Job, Morgans, and Llewellyn. The Deputy Clerk said he had discussed with Mr. Cox the point as to whether a locral authority could acquire by compulsory powers the interests of a statutory company. There was some doubt on the! point, and he sug- gested that counsel's opinion should be. taken. Mr. Cannlff thought that matter should be allowed' to stand ove r until the committees had met, and the Council adopted this vieAv. Mr. T. Mansel Franklen. clerk to the County Council, wrote requesting the Coun- cil to carefully examine the proposals of Mr. Middteton as they affected their district, and he pointed out that a representative of the engineer would be prepared to attend one of their meetings to explain the proposals and supply statistics.—Mr. Cauniff said it would be premature for that Council to commit it- self in any AY ay.—The consideration of the letter was deferred until the next meeting. CUT-THROAT COMPETITION. The Finance Committee's report contained a recommendation that in future tenders should be invited bv the surveyor for shoeing and sharpening tools. Mr. LleAvellyn- Jones took exception to this, remarking that there had been no complaint as to prices in the. past. The work was not very great, and he was afraid that if the Council adopted the. course suggested it would ltaad to cut-throat competition and IDwer wages for the blacksmiths. Mr. Cannlff (the chairman of the commit- tee) said ttilro had been a complaint from certain smiths that they Avere not- given any work. Although the committee had passed the resolution to which Mr. Jones objected, the sense- of the meeting was that the work should be: divided so far as possible between tho various smiths in the respective wards. The committee did not wish to give rise to cut-throat competition, and it was. their in- tention to leave the acceptance of prices to the discretion of the surveyor, whp, it was understood, would share the work between the smiths. It was decided to delete the recommenda- tion from the committee's report, and the Council instructed the surveyor to exercise his discretion in dividing the work between the smiths. BETTWS WATER SUPPLY. The committee appointed to consider the question of water supply for Bettws, recom- mended the Council to accept the terms of Mr. L. D. Nieholl (agent to Colonet Vaughan- Lee) for a supply from the Tylacoch spring, and that the houses at Shwt and Glaiiiiiiit be supplied from this source. On the motion, of Mr. T. C. Jones (chair- man of the committee), the report was adopted, and the surveyor was dirted to prepare the necessary plans and' estimate for carrying out the work. GAS COMPANY'S CLAIM. The committee appointed' to consider the Ogmore and Garw Company's claim for dam- ages to their mains through the sewerage works, report, that they had offered, with- out prejudice, the sum of 1:65 in settlement. The claim was for E80 12s. Id. ALTEGED BREACH 01" BYE-LAWS. The Surveyor presented a liengthy report with reference to an alleged breach of the Council's bye-laws by Mr. Jonathan Mad- docks, contractor, of P'ontycymmer. He stated) that the plan submitted by Mr. Mad- docks for a house in Thornton Crescent had not been approved inasmuch as it did not comply with Byo-laiv 53 (Avhich relates to air space). The building had been completed, and the house tenanted. Mr. Jacob Edwards proposed that Mr. Maddockis be prosecuted. Mr. T. Williams seconded1, and the motion was carried unanimously. There was a long discussion regarding a plan submitted by Mr. Alfr.ed, Bamford, of Nantymoel, which, the surveyor stated, did not compty with Bye-law 53. In1 the end it was decided to refer the matter to a com- mittee. HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. Sanitary Inspector T. J. Job reported that the number of infectious diseases iiotified- in his (lisftirict during 1907 was 24, compared with 38 last year; 57 in 1905; 74 in 1904, and 156 in 1903. Mr. D. LeAvis (Garw inspector) reported that during the month two cases of enteric fever had occurred' in his district, and also six of diphtheria, one of scarlet fever, and one of erysipelas. Six of the patients had been- removed to the hospital. COLLECTION OF RATES. Mr. Jacob Edwards proposed That the- appoint, a rate-collector to collect the Council rates direct and separate from all other offices andl responsibilities, at a com- meneing sallary of £ 200, rising by annual in- crements of tIO to a maximum of £ 250, the one appointed to devote the whole of his time to the office." Mr. Lawrence submitted that the resolu- tion was not in, order, because Mr. Edwards had not given notice of the last portion. The notice he had given only stated "that the Council should appoint a person to collect the district rates direct and separate." The Deputy Clerk supported Mr. Law- renee's objection. The Chairman Mr. Edwards niiist coiifiiime, himself to the first part. Mir. Lawrence.- He cam dieal with the second part it the motion of which he has given notice is curried. Mr. Job I ask, Mr. Chairman, whether Mr Lawrence is to conduct this meeting. Mr. Lawrence: I have a perfect right to cak to the Chaiirman and take any objec- tion I plea.se. Mr. Edwards stated that he would, in face >? the. ruling, only move the first part, and if t Avere carried, he thought the salary should e fixed at the amount stated. it is object in moving this was to effect a saving of the rates, and he considered it was time the rate- lyers should -e considered in this resriect. h. T. Lucas seconded, explaining that he iid so only in order that the ouestion might have thorough discussion. He agreed with 1 tho principle of the rates being collected direct, if it were practicable to do so. He h- 'ki Rome doubt as to Avhether it would be pi aeticable. Mr. Job pointed out that it wns nearly 8 o'clock, and they could not sit more than a "evv niinute6 to discuss the. question. It was .0 of great importance, and he accordin-slv proposed that it be. considered Iv a commit -no(' consisting of the whole Council. Gaaaiiif. seconding, .L, was a mat- ter which would have to be carefully thrashed out. '■f<r. Lawrence: Why not- fight it out ]{}w: The Chairman: We have no time. The Deputy Gerk said that if the motion were passed it might possioly be miscon- strued. It was only fair to the present col- lectors, perhaps, that he should read the auditor's report regarding their collections. The auditor stated I am gratified to be able to report favourably upon the very excel- lent work of the collectors——" The Chairman (internosinrr): That will come better after the amendment is put, be- cause the Council may refer it to committee. Mr. LaAvrence: But the public, may infer from the report in the Press that there is something which kloes, not actually Mr. Lucas: The mover of the motion has imputed nothing to the rate-collectors. The Chairman We can have The report- again. Mr. Edwards: I never intended any reflec- tion on the col-lectors. The amendment was carried, and the Coun- cil accepted a further amendment by Mr. T. C. Jo IMS that the-, cm est ion ho- referred to the Finance Comm ittee. Mr. EdAvards asked that the Press should be allowed to attend the meeting, and the I members generally concurred. VARIO C. S MATTERS. Mr. T. oones, of Glyngiawdd Farm, wrote complaining that the Council had engaged another to do some haulin-ff work from Fonty- rhiv Station to Llest-road, though he was haulage contractor under the Council.—Mr. r. C. Jones said the Council had not accepted his tender for the portion mentioned, and he proposed that a reply be sent 'accordingly.— Carried. J:r.>e1 Association of Engineers requested the Council to support a memorial to Parliament praying for an extension of the powers of District Councils in regard to town planning, the provision of open spaces, pleasure grounds, etc.—Mr. Cum iff proposed' that the request be complied with, and this was agreed to. Mr. J. T. HoAveil, solicitor, Bridgend, wrote, OIl behalf of Mr. T. W. Jouee, builder, Fontycynimer, requesting the Council to fill up the strip ef land in front of the new ter- race near the Council's offices so as to enable the builders to lay kerb.—The Surveyor said it was the Council's duty to do this work, and he estimated the cost at £ 50. After consi- derable discussion, it r< solved, on the- motion of T. W. Job. that the ,-nrveyor carry out the work. A tetter was read from Mr. C. Berwick, of Bedw Bach, calling the Council's attention to the bad state of the road from Brithdir to Bettws.-—The surveyor was directed to re- port. Mr. Randall, of tho Dun raven Estate Office, Avrote that the Council's requirements re- specting Queen-street and Mount Pleasant, Blaengarw, having IIOAV been- compiled with, he would be glad if they Avould take the neces- sary steps to take the strtM'ts over as public- highways.—The matter was deferred, pending a report by the surveyor. Pl-ans for six dAvelling-houses near Panty- gog Farm, for Mr. David Isaac, Pontycym- nier, Avere rejected, the Surveyor stating that the line of frontage was irregular, and that the necessary width of road was not provided for. Sanitary inspector T. J. Job reported that the unenclosed state of the premises situated at University Buildings. Ogmore Yale, was the source of annoyance to the residents in the adjoining streets.—It was decided to call upon- the owners (Messrs. Cory Bros.) to rea- mekly tho matter. The roadway leading to the Wymlham Schools. Nantymoel, Was reported to be in a highly d'angcrous state, and it was resolved to call the attention of the Education Commit- tee to the matter. Mr. D. Lewis (sanitary inspector) reported that numerous occupiers persisted in' throw- ing house refuse on to some open space in Park-street, Thornton-crescent. Oxford- street, Waun B'int, and Bvidgend-road (Pontycymmer) and Railway-terrace, Gwen- doline-street and' King Edward-street (Blaen- garw), and leaflets huel been distributed with- out the desired' eff(-et.It was decided to take proceedings against offenders in future.

It was hinted at the ^rroy Quarter Sessions that prosecutions might be undertaken against the Automobile Association in connection with the employment of motor "scouts." The Bourse in Rome has been badly damaged by a gas explosion. Twelve people were injured, The Liverpool liner Mount Royal, from Lon- don to St. John, N.B.. was twelve days overdue on Wednesday, and serious fears are entertained regarding her safety. One thousand three hundred children of the Ragged School Union were feasted on Tuesday at the London Guildhall, and 6,8QO New Year hampers were despatched to crippled children. Some 932 lives were saved by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's boats during the past year, and fo^y-diree vessels were saved from partial or total loss. A cat went to 6leep over the face of the infant daughter of Mr. Potter, of Matlock, and suffo- cated her. At the inquest the jury returned a verdict of accidental death. A Midland train came into collision with some empty coaches at Stockport Railway Station, on Tuesday, and the end coach, mounting the buffers, was pushed through the station roof. Cumberland county magistrates have decided to present a portrait of Mr. J. W, Lowther, the Speaker, to the county, in recognition of his ser- vices as chairman of quarter sessions. John Curchin, the South Lincolnshire her- miL," who lives in the fields and subsists largely on vegetation, has been sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment as an incorrigible rogue. Six girls were locked by an office boy in a fireproof and airtight room on the twelfth floor of a Chicago skyscraper. The boy found he could not reopen the door, and the girls were almost suffocated when help arrived. An elderly couple named James and Martha Carroll were found dead in their home at Hull on Tuesday. There were no signs of violence nor external mairks to indicate the cause of death. A middle-aged man named Kenny was foun6 on Tuesday on a hill near Rugby with his heal badly injured, the result of a fall from a bicycle. A doctor attended him and ho was taken in a cab to Rugby Hospital, but died before reaching there. Engineer-Lieutenant Browne Barrett has been sentenced by naval court-martiai at Portsmouth to lose three months' seniority, and was dis- missed from his ship, the Vengeance. He was charged with drunkenness on shore at Weymouth. The appeal of M. Gurko, formerly a^-if^unt to the Russian Minister of the Interior, wno v is found guilty of exceeding his official powers ja connection with the Lidval grain scai;da;->. r-.u dismissed from offiee last nionr.h, has been FY"

RACE RIOT IN CAROLINA NEGRO KILLS FIVE WHITE MEN. A telegram from Bryson City, North Caro- lina, reports desperate fighting on Monday, dur- ing race rioting in that town. The trouble, which is understood to have arisen out of a trivial dispute between a negro and a white man, soon assumed serious proportions, and a number of combatants were placed hors de combat. The leader of the negroes, a man of great size and «tTprigth, shot dead five white men, and then mdc good his escape. Finally, the police suc- c nlcd in quelling tho disturbance, and arresting twelve black men. No whites appear to have been taken into custody.

BABYLONIAN DISCOVERIES. PROFESSOR HILPRECHT IMPUGNED. I World-wide interest will be aroused, cables the New York correspondent of the Globe, by the announcement made that the American Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis has taken action iu reference to allegations of a senational character made against Professor Hilprecht, the famous expert in cuneiform research. Professor Hilprecht is perhaps best known as having been director of the expedition despatched by tho University of Philadelphia to Nippur, Babylonia, in 1888, on which occasion dis- coveries of the most far-reaching importance were made. He afterwards acted as editor-in- cbief on the numerous publications issued bv tho University in reference to the expedition. It has lately been asserted that many of the Nippur oiscovcries were fakes," an allegation which is hotly repudiated by the Professor. With such persistence have the allegations been made, lioweA-er, that the learned society before men- tioned has formally requested the Piofessor to reply to them. Professor Hilprecht is the Curator of the Semitic Section of the University Museum at Philadelphia, and it is interesting to note that the great majority of the 60,000 original cunei- form documents in that famous collection were collected and presented by him. He is an honor- ary member of the British -Philosophical Society, and of the Palestine Exploration Fund.

RAILWAY MISHAP AT STOCKPORT. An accident occurred on Tuesday morning at the joint Midland and Cheshire Lines railway station at Stockport. A Midland train was being shunted on the main line, when it was accident- ally run into a. side bay, in which were some coaches belonging to the Cheshire Lines Com- mittee. The impact was severe. The coaches on the Cheshire Lines were completely tele- scoped, and the end coach mounted the buffers. The rolling stock and station were damaged, but there were no personal injuries.

THE LAST LOAD. An inquest Avas held at the London City Coroner's Court, on Tuesday, concerning tho death of Samuel Stan bo rough, fishmonger, of Islington who died at Leadenhall Market on Saturday. The wife said he rushed away from home without breakfast to Billingsgate Market, being afraid he would be late. In the Avenue deceased said to a. man, "Carry th.is load for me" fa heavy basket of cockled and oysters)—"I am tired and feel queer." He threw his basket down and fell to the ground, dying suddenly. The jury returned a verdict of death from syncope.

DEATH OF A SCOTTISH WORTHY. Mr. Willixm Elphinstone Malcolm. M.A.. D.L., &c., of Burnfoot. near Langholm, died suddenly on Monday morning. His butler went to wake him. and found him in an exhausted condition, and he expired before medical assist- ance could be obtained. Illc Mr. Malcolm was known a6 the "Grand Old Man of Dumfriesshire." lie was ninety years old on Friday, and on Saturday last, in the pre- sence of a crowded assemblage at, Langholm, he was presented with his portrait in oils, by Mr. Alexander Roche, R.S.A., subscribed for by over 700 admirers. On Sunday Mr. Malcolm attended Westerkirk Parish Church, and conducted his usual weekly devotional meeting at his mansion in the after- noon. Mr. Malcolm was a son of the late Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm. G.C.B., Avho was best known as the guardian of the great Napo- leon at St. Helena. Sir Pulteney was one of four brothers who were all knighted for distin- guished public services.

A FEMININE RAFFLE. A mysterious girl Raffles and a male com- panion have been arrested for burglaries at the railway station at Schupfheim, a little town near Lucerne. Gendarmes approached them as they alighted from a train, whereupon the girl whipped out a revolver and fired six shots at them. One of the policemen was seriously wounded. The girl and the man were seized and taken to the police-station, where they were examined. The girl said her name was Anna Kunemer, and that sh^ was a native of Haile. Germany. She gave her age as eighteen. She was fashionably dressed, wore valuable jewel- lery, and from her manner belongs apparently to a good family. In her luggage were found a. set of burglar's tools, a large quantity of jewellery, banknotes, and gold. The man's trunks con- tained only clothing. He states that he is merely the girl's servant.

PENSIONS FOR RAILWAY STAFF An innovation, so far as .-uderground railways aro concerned, will be made to-day (New Year's Day) by the inauguration of a pension scheme for the benefit of the uniform staff of the Metro- politan and District Railway Company. The directors obtained power in the Act of Parlia- ment last year, and the scheme will apply to all those who are ineligible for the Superannuation Fund. The arrangements will be similar to those already in force on several of the big railway lines. Membership will be divided into four classes, according to the amount which each man chooses to contribute Aveekly. The annuities, dating from the age of sixty-five, will be for £ 10, 215, £ 20, or £ 25 a year, and (take the age of twenty-seven), the employee will contribute weekly 2d., 3d., 4d., or 5d. respectively. The company undertakes to give a sum equal in amount to the total contributions of the mem- bers of the funds, which will be invested at inte- rest. Provision has been made for the possibility of men leaving the service of the company or dying under the age of sixty-five, so that, as well as being a pension scheme, it partakes of the character of a savings' bank and a life insurance. In the case of a member dying before he be- comes entitled to a pension, his representative will receive a sum equal to twice the amount he has contributed. The total number of the em- ployees of the company who will be eligible is nearly 2,000.

J EXPLOSION IN ROME, I STOCK EXCHANGE DAMAGED. An explosion was caused on Tuesday in the Bourse at Rome by an escape of gas, and the noise was like that of a bomb. The glass roof of the ante-chamber to the central hall of the Bourse was completely destroyed. and the ante- chamber half wrecked, the doors being torn from their hingee. Large numbers of troops, de- tectives, and police went to the spot to assist in the work of clearance. In the confusion it was thought at first that many stockbrokers had been injured, but it was found that the majority of the twelve persons injured were employees of the post and telegraph service, and that the brokers on the floor of the house escaped. Pathe- tic scenes were witn0s.pd outside the Bourse and tho hospital to which the injured were removed. Many people, fearing that their relations or friends were among the victims, tried to enter the buildings in search of them. The police, who endeavoured to calm them, were able to assure them that. with one exception, the cases of injury were slight.

NEWS OF KAID MACLEAN. HOPES TO BE IN TANGIER SHORTLY. The latest news from Sir Harry Maclcan. the prisoner of Raisuli, comes in a letter which Sir Harry has written to Messrs. W. W. Greener, gunmakers, of Hay market. London The letter, which is dated Tarj->root. Decern- ber 20th, 1907. os'vt* Messrs. Greener to send addressed to hint at Tin5 hrhan." Tamrier. a new foresight for a spoitiug Leo-Meiioid rifle, with a leather case for carrying the rifle over the front pommel of a Moorish baddlo, also a few screws for making the foresight fast. "When I was captured." says Sir JJarry. Raisuli look this rifle with my other things, and one of his men has been using the rifle eAer since. Now that the arrangements for my rc-lease have n settled the rifle has been returned to me. but I find the foresight broken. Please send the above ats soon as you can, as I hope to be in Tangier next week." There Ls no question about the authenticity of the letter, which is written on a single sheet of thin note paper in Sir Harry Maclean's iian d Avriting, which is known to Messrs. Greener, since he has been a customer of theirs on many occasions. It is enclosed in an ordinary foreign service envelope. with .strited interior, to pre- vent it being read, which shews that Raisuli is up to date.

EPISCOPAL NEW YEAR LETTERS. The Archhifhop of Canterbury, in a New Year me-sage to his diocese, refers to the importance of the forthcoming Pan-Anglican Congress and Lambeth Conference of Bishops. In England, during the year, the Church will have to face large questions of polity and practice in matters educational, social, and liturgical, and the Arch- bishop hints at the possibility that these prob- lems may assume a different shape when viewed by the fresh eyes of Churchmen from other lands. In his New Year pastoral, the Bishop of Car- lisle deals at some length with the questions raised by the Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act. Personally, he says. he regrets the parsing of the Act. but as it is now the law of the realm. and as the 99th canon is no longer the law of the Church, he is definitely in favour of these marriages being celebrated in church. He has not. however, the smallest desire to impose his convictions on others. He earnestly desires that le no person shall be debarred from Holy Communion on account of having contracted such a marriage.

ENGLISH LADY FOUND DROWNED. The death is announced frcm Dinan of Miae Clara Howard, aged forty-two, of London. Miss Howard's body was found in the River Ranoe near Lerons sluice. How the deceased lady came by her death is not clear. She was staying with a well-known member of the English colony, Mr. Scarawmucci. and was hourly expecting the ar* rival of her brother from England.

INVALID'S STARTLING ADVENTURE. 1 An extraordinary experience h," befallen a Belfast carter named Stewart. "i,, suffering from acute pneumonia he became ueiinous, ld during the early morning, when it v-a, still dark, he got up from bed and leaped from his window to the ground, a distance of two s*orev=. Having I fortunately escaped injury, be then set off and ran for a distance of about two miles through the snow, clad only in his nightshirt. He was at length observed by a postman, who followed him on a bicycle a'nd Mew his whi-tle to attract the attention of the po^ce. Stewart was finally captured and remove.! to the infirmary, where captured and removed to the infirmary, where ho is recoA-ering.

ACCIDENT TO COUNT TOLSTOY. A frcm St..Petersbunr says that news has reached there that while Tolstoy was riuing in the neighbourhood of Yasuya Polyana his boput its forelegs into a snow- filled hole, ar.d r'ount, Tolstoy was throwa over the animal's h.'s-.i. His chouider was dislocated, t was reset. The usred writer I rapidly recoAered, and was able to take a walk of about throe miles on Christmas Eve.

A YEAR'S LIFEBOAT SERVICES. I A statement i--1)r>d by the National Lifeboat Institution say- I i iit the total rv.mdior of lives saved in 1907 by lifeboats has been 952. and by shore boats and other means for which the institution granted rewards, 224, while forty- three A'ev-e" or boats were also saved from total or partial loss. The number of lives for the sav- ing of which the institution has granted rewards since its establishment has now reached 47,345.

NAVAL PROMOTIONS. I The New Year's Day list of promotions in the Royal NaA'y contained the names of sixteen com- inlanders advanced to the rank of cav),Ea,ill. twenty-five lieutenants promoted commander, and sixteen sub-lieutenants 7, ho becomo lieutenants.

¡ BEQUESTS TO LONDON HOSPITALS. I Mr. I. L. Coley. of Peekham, who died in November la*t. has bequeathed the whole of his prop('rt' TO h,> equally divided among Guy's Hospital. St. Thomas's Hospital. L niversity Col- flogc Hospital, the Lying-in Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital. Gray's Inn road..After) payment of the duties. &c., each of these institu- tions will benefit to the extent of about £ 3,400- •

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ALLEGED MURDER OF A STEPMOTHER. At the Clerkenwell Police-court on Monday, be- fore Mr. D'Eyncourt. Walter Fensham, twenty- seven. was charged with the wilful murder of his stepmother, Harriet Maria Fensham, of St. Jamcs's-road. Holloway. The deceased woman was found bv her husband, an old man of eighty year", in the kitchen of their house, having been stabbed in the neck. She was taken to the Great Northern Hospital, where she died a few hours later. The prisoner was arrested at the Rowton House. King's Cross Inspector Neil said that on Saturday morning he saw the prisoner detained at the Caledonian- road Police-station Witness said: "Is your name Walter Fensham?" and he replied, "Yes." Witness told him that his stepmother, Harriet Fensham, was found at nine o'clock the previous night at 15, St. James's-road with her throat cut, and with a knife by her side which was said to have belonged to prisoner. She was then in the Great Northern Hospital in a serious condition, and that accused, who had left the house just before she was found, would be charged Avith attempting to murder her. Prisoner said: "I was there. I do not know what I did and I will not say anything." Later in the morning witness again saw prisoner and told him his stepmother was dead, and that he would be charged with murdering her. The prisoner said he did not intend to do it. She called him names, and said he only carne there to get what he could out of the old man. He lost his temper. Prisoner had been drinking the first time witness saw him, but he was perfectly -.aber when the spea-d e-ba-rjzo was read over to hmL

BARCELONA BOMB OUTRAGE. —— POLICEMAN BLOWN TO PIECES. I A bomb exploded in the Calle de San Pablo, Barcelona, on Tuesday. It was an artillery hand grenade, and a policeman who had picked up the bomb, and was carrying it, wrapped in a mattre-s, to the police-station, was killed. He was blown to pieces, and the mattress wa torn to shreds. Another policeman and a shopkeeper were severely injured. Tho splinters from the bomb penetrated the iron fronts of the neigh- bouring shops, and burial themselves in the wal

COLDS AND MENINGITIS. Remarkable evidence about the action of a germ was given at an inquest at Southwark on Tuesday, held on the body of a. six-year-old child named William Currell. The child had a fall, and. becoming ill. was taken by his mother to Guy's Hospital, whore he died on December 27th. I Dr. Basil Nutman. who made the post- JlOrtem, said be found the child's brain in- flamed. and shewing a condition of meningitis. ¡ In the nose he found a germ in the air passages induced by a cold. The Coroner: Then if we r-11 have colds we are I liable to meningitis?—That is so. It was the pneumonia germ, and instead of settling in tho lungs had settled in the nose. The Coroner: It seems to be oiyte a new form of meningitis. Coroners have only heard of two s-oll(' forms—one tuberculous and the other induced ¡ by a fall?—Yes. And this is a third, induced by a cold through the germ settling in the nose?- Yes. i The doctor added that death was due to meningitis, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly. ¡