The Glamorgan Gazette

I COAL CONCILIATION|FAILS. ♦ JOINT BOARD EFFORTS PROVE ABORTIVE. PRICE EQUIVALENT AND SIXTY HOURS CLAUSE. South Wales is on the brink of a disaster in its industrial history. Negotiations between the representatives of the coalowners on the one hand, and of the workmen on the other., have broken down, and the momentous meet- ing of the Conciliation Board at Cardiff on Saturday came to an -al),ruptending when final offers were made and rejected by either side. Saturday's proceedings opened with a refer- ence to the position of .affairs the preceding evening, when the workmen's representatives proposed what was, in effect, the establish- ment of a, minimum of. 50 per cent, above the standard of 1879, with an equivalent of 14s. 9d. per ton. This having been declined, the alternative proposal was put forward to fix the wages at 50 per cent., as at present, and that there should be no variation at all in the wage rate for the next five years. The owners' representatives, in declining to accept either the proposal or the alternative, pointed out that the fluctuations of trade would not justify their being pinned down to such a high percentage. Mr. Heppell said that anyone acquainted with the industrial history of Soutn Wales would know that there were occasionally rather prolonged periods of depression, while me booms were of comparatively brief duration. The owners, therefore, regarded these proposals as quite impracticable in their application to the vary- ing exigencies of the coal trade. This suggested solution of the problem having been disposed of, the owners' repre- I sentatives opened a lengthy discussion on the question of multiple shifts. In effect, they took up the same position as they did last summer, when they proposed that, with the view of the more economical working of their collieries, and in view of the operation of the Mines Eight Hours Act, they should be al- lowed to introduce new methods of working. They now submitted a clause giv- ing the right to institute such new shifts of working as might be deemed necessary, the employers to have the right to call in any workmen to work such shifts. This, in effect, meant the introduction of double shifts into the Welsh collieries but that the system should not be universally applied, but simply to suit the exigencies of the situation at different col- lieries. The whole of the morning was occupied in the discussion of this question. The em- ployers laid repeated emphasis on the de- sirability, and even the necessity, of this being acceded to by the workmen's representatives, pointing out the economic advantage which would be gained, especially in some particular collieries. The workmen's representatives did not negative the proposal altogether, but directed several questions to the owners, with the view of ascertaining how far the latter would regard such a concession as a factor in reducing the new equivalent which they sought. They also inquired as to whether, in the event of a concession being made, the owners would be disposed to increase the minimum percentage, and if so, by how much. Mr. Heppell, replying to these queries, pointed out that in the absence of a definite counter proposal by the workmen's represen- tatives indicating how far they would be prepared to go it was obviously impossible for the owners to appraise the value of such a concession in the direction of giving a quid pro quo in regard to the minimum percentage and its equivalent. If, however, the owners did get some relief in any other direction, then, as a matter of equitable arrangement, they would be prepared to modify their present proposal accordingly, and it might not then be necessary to in- crease the equivalent to the same extent as would otherwise be the case. NEW SHIFTS. The workmen's representatives then ex- pressed themselves as not being quite clear as to the stand taken by the owners, and queried whether what the owners sought was a longer time being allowed them for wind- ing purposes, or whether they referred speci- fically to the establishment of a double shift. I hey further inquired to what extent the owners thought the cost of production would be decreased either by the extension of the be decreased either by the extension of the time of winding or the adoption of a double I shiit. The owners' representatives reiterated 'I their view as to its being impossible to give a definite reply on either of these points until the workmen had, first of all, made it clear I how far they were prepared to go. What the owners had in view was that it was imperative that relief should be obtained ,and hence their reason for pressing their demand for an increase in the equivalent of the minimum. After this somewhat lengthy discussion the parties separated, and on re-assembling in the afternoon Mr. Brace explained that the workmen s representatives had very care- fully. considered the matter now under dis- cussion. The workmen's representatives again repeated their inability to accede to the request made in regard to the increased minimum. With regard to a double shift W i!aS r,° dlstasteful a proposal to the \\elsh colliers that even if the leaders were disposed to make the concession it would never be accepted by their constituents It would be quite useless to ask the workmen to ballot in its favour, and the result would be something similar to that which now obtainfld in Northumberland and Durham. lvitTi *+ +i lMC en7 thST were not 'Peaking without their book. They had already had some experience of this in South Wales on a small scale, and the frequent occurrence 7 Proved conclusively that the double shift m the Welsh collieries would not only be obnoxious theoretically, but would not be feasible in practice. THE FURTHEST POINT. Discussion continued to veer around this question, which, as a matter of fact occu- pied the consideration of the board' again throughout the afternoon, the discussion on the points embodied in the respective pro- posals being almost confined to negative an- swers. Having explained their position in regard to the double shift, the workmen's representa- tives intimated that absolutely the furthest point to which they could go in this direc- tion was embodied in the draft proposal which they now submitted in regard to an overlapping shift, and an afternoon shift either to clear coal, do repairing work, or be a double shift in headings, with, however, the proviso that in the case of the overlap- ing shift, Saturday should be regarded as a short day, and that in the case of the afternoon shift the workmen should be paid six days' wages for five shifts worked. ABNORMAL PLACES CONCESSION. The workmen's representatives urged that this latter proposal was a material conces- sion, inasmuch as by means of the over- lapping shift the time of winding could be so extended as to materially increase the facili- ties for the output of coal. The owners' re- presentatives, however, mainly o. account of the two provisions alluded to, declined the I offer as in the first case it would mean the further reduction of the hours of working oi the part of the men, and, in the second case, it would mean the perpetuation of the bonus system, which has already formed the sub- ject of considerable contention. These proposals having been disposed of, the climax was reached, and the owners drafted a lengthy resolution, which they explained was their final offer. This con- tained an interesting provision with regard to the abnormal wage clause, giving to the col- liers conccrned the right to recover allowances due to them in case if dispute by legal pro- cess, thus re-establishing their legal rights and removing the disability which now exists con- sequent upon the dictum of the courts that these allowances were in the nature of gratui- ties, and, therefore, not recoverable by law. A lengthy separation then took place, and the workmen, in their counter-proposal, virtu- ally accepted the owners' proposal in regard to the abnormal wage difficulty. All along the line the abnormal places question had been generally regarded as the most difficult of all. and there were many predictions that this would be the matter upon which the negotiations would fall, and the speedy manner in which the difficulty was adjusted was one of the surprising 'u features of the Board's proceedings. THE CLIMAX. After being separated for quite an hour a message was sent from the owners' room to Iiihe,workmen's representatives in another room to the effect that they (the owners) were ready to receive them. After a lapse of another quarter of an hour Mr. Brace led the way, and was followed hy his colleagues into the joint "board room. They had not been there more than four minutes U before they came out again, and it was then that the fateful announcement was made that the ne- gotiations had broken off. It was a dramatic climax to a day of suspense and anxiety. Within the few minutes they were together for the last time separate proposals were made by either side, and both were summarily re- jected with a simple negative reply. Mr. Brace stated, on behalf of his col- leagues, when offering to continue working for three years under the present agreement, provided the sixty hours clause were deleted, that this was their ultimatum. Mr. Heppell's prompt refusal of the offer converted that ul- timatum into a declaration of war. CHAIRMAN'S QUALIFIED PESSIMISM. The workmen's representatives then retired to their own room, but did not remain there long, one after the other putting on his coat and hat and walking away from the En- giners' Institute in a dejected mood. The owners also quickly dispersed, and several of them when asked their opinion of the outlook, declined to say a single word. Mr. Heppell, as he was leaving the building, was approched by a Press representative, who suggested to him that the situation was very grave. Mr. Heppell confined his reply to the one word, Apparently," and then walked away. Unlike the occasion of the last settlement, late in the night of June 30th, there were not more than half a dozen people waiting for the news outside, and these were all Docks men who had telegraphic messages to des- patch to all parts of the world informing in- terested parties of what had happened. The only three prominent absentees from the conference were Mr. F. L. Davis, Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., and Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P.. all three being incapacitated by illness from taking part in the negotiations.

It must be clearly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our Correspondents. Correspondents must write on one side of the paper only, and no letter will be published unless the writer sends real name and address, not neces- sarily tor publication, but as a guarantee of good laith.

THE EJECTED NOTE-TAKER. TO THE EDITOR. Sir.-Ill the interest of truth I feel bound to take exception to some portions of Mr. Evan E. Davies's letter of thanks to his sup- porters, which appeared in your issue of the 11th inst. Had Mr. Davies been content with thanking his supporters, he would have re- lieved me of this unpleasant duty, but when he talks of the honourable manner in which we conducted the campaign," sileence becomes intolerable. Mr. Davies addressed a public meeting at the Garth Hall on Monday, Feb- ruary 28th, to which in bold type "all were cordially invited." I attended that meeting and was taking a few notes, for which I was forcibly ejected, and, to justify this proceed- ing, a deliberate untruth was added, to the effect that I interrupted the meeting by shout- ing. This I emphatically deny, and am pre- pared to disprove the assertion. At the next meeting. Mr. Davies prefaced his address with the astounding announcement "that if any of North's clerks were present they were to be allowed to remain provided they took no notes," thus unintentionally admitting that the offence for which I was ejected was taking notes. This is what Mr. Davies has the effrontery to style "the honourable manner in which we conducted the campaign." It ap- pears, to use a common phrase, a "bit off," and I am led to cry out. Since the world be- gan, was it ever heard that taking notes of a public speech by an honourable gentleman to his constituents was aft offence meriting an ejection? In future it would be well for Mr. Davies to confine himself to utterances which ) he is prepared to substantiate when con- fronted by note-takers. The objection to notes was not without a reason.—Yours, etc., E. R. ADAMS. Ivy Cottage, Maesteg. March 16th. 1910.

FORTHCAWL HEALTH REPORT. I DEATH RATE OF 7 PER THOUSAND. The annual report of Dr. J. D. Alexander, medical officer of health to the Porthcawl Urban District, for the year 1909, has just been issued. The figures are based on an esti- mated resident population of 3.G9G. There were 6i baths registered during the year—Males, 35 females, 26—which gives an annual birth rate of 16.5 per 1,000, as com- pared with an average birtii rate for the past seven years of 17.3. Thirty-three deaths oc- curred during the year, of which 19 were males and 14 females. There were nine in- quests held during the year, viz. 1 killed, 5 sudden deaths, and 3 drowned. This gives an annual death rate of 8.0 per 1,000, and de- ducting non-residents. 5 in number, gives a corrected death rate of 7.0 per 1.000, as com- pared with 8.0 in 1908 and 10.6 in 1907, the .average corrected death-rate for the past seven years being 11.0. There were 3 deaths under one year in the district, giving a rate per 1,000 births registered of 49.1. The death rate was the lowest on record for this district, and the infantile mortality was very low com- pared with many districts. The register of daily sunshine shows a total for the year of 1405 hours—May being the brightest month with 242 hours, and August coming next with 217. There were only three cases of infectious disease notified, viz. :—Diphtheria, 1 scarla- tina. 2. Only one death occurred from zymo- tic disease—a case of diphtheria notified after death. Only two mild cases of scarlatina were notified, and wore immediately removed to the Isolation Hospital, the houses being disin- fected. The district had been exceptionally free from zymotic diseases, which was greatly due to the prompt removal to the Isolation Hospital, the prompt measures taken for dis- infecting the houses, and the sanitary condi- tion of the district. Further provisions for-sanitary conveniences for both sexes was strongly recommended. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Attached to the report of the medical officer is that of Mr. A. S. Lilley, the surveyor and sanitary inspector, giving interesting informa- tion of the work achieved during the vear. He savs, inter alia :— During the year 61 plans were deposited and approved by the Council, representing—184 dwelling houses. 16 alterations and additions. 4 stables, 1 chapel, 1 drainage system, 1 con- cert pavilion, skating rink. refreshment rooms, etc., 2 temporary buildings, 1 new street, 2 motor sheds. Strict supervision is exercised over the construction of new build- ings. the bye-laws being rigidly enforced in the district. The water supply is giving every satisfac- tion. and with a few exceptions :d.1 lSCS 'within the district are connected wit t1 mp- ply. which is characterised from the results of periodical chemical asid bacteriological analy- ses to be of the standard of purity.and a wholesome water. The under-mentioned works have been car- ried out during the year: — The old mortuary building has been properly fitted up with a slab table and lavatory basin and water supply laid on: the public lighting of the district has been extended by the erection of several addi- tional street, lamps; the extension and con- struction of 1.100 feet of roadway over Looks Common has been carried out improvement to footpath in New Hoad the sewage pumping plant has been thoroughly overhauled and re- paired: the levelling of Newton Recreation Ground. No large works have been carried out in the form of improvements during the year, but several works are contemplated. I again respectfully advise your Council to immediately take in hand the carrying out of permanent improvement work throughout- the district in the form of kerbing, paving, and channelling of the roads. It is with the greatest satisfaction that I am again in a position to record the most fav- ourable report (December, 1909) of the County Medical Officer of Health, special mention being made therein of the progress made in the sanitary administrat-ion of the district.

y Repairs! Repa '——————————— ——————————-&— Repairs! k A Watoh Can never keep good time X. CjP A. X unless it m in perfoet e»odi- VV\ *». T*. M a | our busiiMu. We \|T our time ia the t<?-»$«■ £ afed Jb regulating of the Wtefcphes entrusted in our haadi for the most Y\ Distance no object. RINGS s V ih bHt tf-lte "lat (an le gi.vtn. HandstHtM PMMnt given to each Wedding Ring CMtomr. Also Private Room. fjflM Sight Tested SPECTACLES Aim EYEGLASSES FITTED fern 1B. upwards. Established 1888. LADIES For smart Boots in black or tan, in various shapes, see the CACTUS 8s. lid. shoes, 6s. lid. per pair. Every pair stamped "Cactus"' Regd. Trade Mark 281672. Thev have been tested for 3 years and are now getting popular. GENTLEMEN The Best Boots for 8/11, (next lot may be 9 6), are those stamped the Osoizee Regd. No. 29609, in black or tan, and various shapes in Derby, lace or button. Also for Work the Twin Sole Boots with a thin brass plate between two whole soles from toe to back of heel; stocked in two weights, to suit artisans, farmers, and colliers, for 8/11. Also the Unbreakable for colliers and farmers recommended because no mud can stick between rows of nails, \vhich are filled with strips of leather, adding strength and durability to them they -y have only + rows of nails to heel instead of 7 as in ordinarv boots. I Any of above sent for 9/3, Shoes for 7/3 post or carriage paid 2P it does not exceed gd. Send size and chart of foot on paper, also what heel and shap.e toe. We put more Hand Work into our so-called Home-made for 8s. lid.. 10s. 6d. and 12s 6d than is usual. It is misleading to advertise as Home-made, Boots that are made with the aid of second hand absolete, thrown out Boot Machinerv bv up-to-date manufacturer* -ud tLpn Krv nana, WE CAN MAKE REAL HOME-MADE TO ORDER' ad uppers ready-made. NOTE THE ADDRESS- BEN REES, Boot Dealer and Maker, CAERAU. 0 a 0 ky t ze4of".44A. P I LLS I A Safe and Certain Remedy for BACK-ACHE. PAINS in the LOINS, GRAVEL, HEAD-ACHE. SLUGGISH LIVER, BILIOUSNESS, and an DISEASES arising from a DISORDERED STATE of the Kidneys & Liver. 1/H per Box, by post I 2. SOLE PROPRIETOR- G. H. Howells, M.P.S., < CHEMIST, Station Pharmacy, CAERAU. Motjkning CARDS may be obtained at the "Glamorgan Gazette" Office, Queen-street. 1 YQl^QAMfiQT tm r. t I To neglect ycur eyes. Think how ■ Smuch depends on the quality of your « sight! You MUST see perfectly to I 1 achieve your best in work—your sight affects ycur earning capacity. If your ■ eyes are even slightly defective your I S health will suffer, which means ineffi- ■ ency and loss. Considering the matter* | f purely from a money view-point, you ■ want the best possible sight. We I I can tell you whether your sight is all J it should be or not. If it is not, we ■ I can tell you what best to do to improve ■ it and thus render yourself equal to K those whose sight is perfect. Isn't | I the rr-alter worth your investigation ? ■ Think about it. ana decide for yourself. I j P. DAViES, gort1; Optician, Wai-ofcroaker, Jeweller, etc. | 21, G0f'"i?:*tRCSAL ST.. MAESTEG | b Opposite & Co., Ciothjers m f&ass %is? iam mam gag

Siloh.—-Anniversary services In :e*?nnection ■with Siloh Chapel, Nantyfjyllon, were held on "SuIiday and Monday. The Rev. R. O. Hughes, pastor of the church, conducted in his usual able manner, and the preachers were the Rev. Rhys .1. Hughes, Carnarvon, and the Rev. T. Watkyn Jones, Abercynon. ZenaRa Mission.—On the 16th inst. a very enjoyable tea was held at Tabernacle Chapel in connection with the Zenana Mission. A meeting in connection with the mission fol- lowed in the evening, presided over by Mrs. lorwerth Jones, Bethania. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Williams (Salem Cottage) introduced Hie meeting by reading a portion of Scripture and offerin.g prayer. Two very good papers deal- ing with mission work were given by Miss Thomas (Caersalem) and Miss Robbin h (Bethel). "The Messiah."—At the Town-hall, Maes- tog, on March 16th, the Saron Choral Society, under the conductorship of Mr. W. J. Wat- kins, gave a performance of Handel's "Mes- siah." There was an orchestra of about 20 performers, under the leadership of Mr. Gomer Jones. The soloists were:—Madame Gunter-Williams, Abertillery (soprano); Miss May Peters, London (contralto); Mr. Ben Morgan, A.R.C.M., London (tenor); Mr. David Evans, R.A.M., London (bass). Mr. W. J. Richards presided at the organ, and Mr. Arthur Lloyd at the piano. The soloists acquitted themselves admirably, Madame Gunter Williams's rendering of I know that my Redeemer liveth" being greatly appreci- ated. Miss May Peters was in fine voice, and created a good impression in her render- ing of "He was despised." Mr. Ben Morgan has a very pleasing, but light, voice. The air, "Every Valley," taxed his vocal powers con- siderably. The rendering of Why do the Nations?" by Mr. David Evans, who was en- thusiastically received, was exceedingly fine, and another popular item by him was But who may abide the day of His coming ?" His singing of The people that walked in dark- ness," was also magnificent. The chorus were a body of good voices, with the exception of the basses, who were rather weak. The ren- dering of For unto us a child is born" was beautifully given, but the "Hallelujah Chorus" was rather disappointing, the effect being spoilt by a fast tempo. The conclud- ing chorus was magnificently rendered, and drew loud applause from the appreciative audience. Great praise is due to Mr. Gomer Jones and his band for their excellent orches- tral work. The performance was very credit- able, and was much enjoyed by the large audi- ence. Mr. W. J. Watkins is to be highly complimented upon the able manner in which he controlled the chorus. Mr. Henry Laviers was the chairman.

NORTH'S HANDSOME OFFER. « £ 500 FOR THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL. CONDITIONAL UPON THE WORKMEN SUBSCRIBING A LIKE SUM. A meeting of the general committee of the Cottage Hospital Fund was held on Friday at the Council-room. Mr. J. P. Gibbon, J.P., was voted to the chair. The Secretary, Mr. E. E. Davies, C.C., stated that he had received three communica- tions in reply to circulars sent out appealing for donations towards the hospital. Sir S. T. Evans, sent a subscription of C5 5s., and further promised to become an annual sub- scriber. The sum of £ 1 15s. was received from the Maesteg United Choral Society, conducted by Mr. David M. Lloyd. Messrs. Rickards a-nd Blosse wrote asking for particulars con- cernmp- the proposed new hospital, and the Rev. J. Jones (vicar) had approached Miss Talbot, who also asked for particulars. The Chairman stated that Mr. Lipscomb had written him, in reply to an application made by him (the chairman), some months ago, and he had furnished him with the neces- sary information* His Company made an offer to subscribe JE500, conditionally upon the understanding that the workmen contributed a like sum. He had sent a copy of this letter to the miners' representatives and was now awaitingtheir reply. Mr. John Thomas,, checkweigher, asked to whom this letter had been sent. Neither he nor his friend Mr. Herbert Lake had heard anything of it in the lodges. Mr. Miles Hardcastle, another of the miners' representatives, concurred. A dis- trict meeting was to be held within the'next few days, and he asked Mr. Gibbon if he could furnish the lodges with a copy of the letter in time to have it discussed at the district meeting. Mr. Gibbon promised to do so the following day.. The Chairman further said that the Horse Show Committee had decided that the whole of the proceeds of the show should go towards the hospital funds. On the motion of Mr. T. Rees, Garnlwyd, it was decided that an executive committee be formed to deal with preliminary arrangements and minor details, the report to be presented to a general meeting for consideration. It was resolved that Mr. J. P. Gibbon be the permanent chairman of the committee, and that Mr. Vernon Hartshorn, miners' agent, be vice-chairman.

,I:' Wherever I' .40 there is a case of enfeebled digestion, whether from advancing age, illness, or general debility, there is a case for Benger's Food. When the stomach becomes weakened, the digestion of ordinary food becomes only partial, and at times is painful; little of the food is assimilated, and the body { -L- ffi. I insufficiently nou41. j This is where Benger's Food helps, it contains in itselF the j natural digestive principles, and is quite different from any other food obtainable. All doctors know and approve of its composition, III "I » "I and prescribe it freely. Benger's Food is sold in tins by Chemists, etc., everywhere. l.

MAESTEG-BUTCHCRS' BANQUE THE VALUF: OF ASSOCIATIONS. The second 'annual ban diet under the aus- pices of the Maesteg and District Butchers' and Cattle Dealers' Ass)ciation was held at the Dunraven Hot-1, Bridgend, on March 16. A good numbe- of members, with many ladies, sat downtl a capital repast served up by Host Morgan The. president, Mr. E. Harding, occupied the chair, and was supported by the vice-presdent, Mr. J. Ben- net; the secretary, Mr. T.W. Cuff; the trea- surer Mr. Matthew Evanf; and the solicitor, Mr. J. R. Morgan. Aitirng others. present were Messrs. George Cameand Frank Hurley (Cardiff), H. Hayman, Councillor David Thomas (Garw), Messrs. i. Rees, Stephen Howells, D. Williams, F. Evans, A. Davies, J. M. Davies, D. David, Griff Thomas, W. Curtis (Nantymoel), and i good attendance from Maesteg. After the loyal toast had been honoured, Mr. F. Hurley submittedthe toast of Suc- cess to Maesteg and District Butchers' Association." He had h<ard, he said, that they had increased in nembers, and had placed the Association on L better footing in every way than last year. He thought that never in the history of the trade was it more necessary for butchers to join in bonds of unity than the present titie. They were no doubt placed in different circumstances to the Association at Cardiff where they had to fight Corporations and <ther public autho- rities, but the time wouli probably come when it would be necessaryfor them to do so. Bodies of that character iiculcated a feeling of friendship and trust anong members of the trade which had perhais never before ex- isted. It mattered not whether they were small or large in numbers it was for their benefit and advantage in In directions that they should join together 1) strengthen their power in their district. The Secretary announce that about 18 months ago, when the Association was formed, they only had a fnv members. It was not long before they cecided to register the Association. The expose was somewhat heavy, running into sometling like £ 30, but he was pleased to say that they had cleared off the debt, and the total ijdebtedness of the Association from all points was not over JE2. The Association's worth had been proved, and butchers in the district realised that they were only protecting their own business by joining. The result was tiat they had now 28 fully paid up members, and on Monday they elected 17 more. (Applause.) Mr. J. R. Morgan responded to the toast. He said about this time last year he had been instructed to get the Association re- gistered. It took a long time, but the mat- ter was now practically out of his hands, and the Association was now temg run by able officials. He would pay a tribute to their Cardiff friends for the iraterial assistance they had so often rendered ihem. They had had a long experience of the work generally, and had placed that experience at their dis- posal. The members were just beginning to realise the good the Association could do them by protecting their trade in many ways. The District Council and otler bodies had the control, to a certain extent over their sup- plies. They had great powtr in their hands, and it would be wise for tiem to put their house in order, if it had h)t already been done, making it unnecessary for t'he authori- ties to trouble about them. Mr. J. Bennett proposed The Kindred As- sociations." In response Mr. H. Hayrnin, of Cardiff, ex- plained the advantages of an Association. He went on to say that th- Maesteg Associa- tion was probably not troubled with the ques- tion of tuberculosis and inspection, as they were in Cardiff, and they expected an even more severe inspection in the near future. There was need for the brtellers and all as- sociated with the trade to prepare to fight against the wholesale condemnation of meat that was going on at pre:ent. As a body they could cay. W« warn our rights," but as individuals they were rot heard. There was necessity, too, for inprovement in the railway system, and there again the force of numbers was needed to put their demands be- fore the Railway Company He advised all butchers to join the Association for their own good and for the benefit of the trade. Mr. G. Hees submitted the toast of The National Federation," and Mr. G. Came (Cardiff) implied, remarking at the outset that he was leased to see the Association had led the way and invited the ladies to be present. Ther sat in the desks all day, and were equally entitled to these privileges as the men. He went on to say that the Federation consisted of 160 Associa- tions, representing 250,000 to 300,000 mem- bers. The Federation had attempted to put the warranty into operation, but found they were not powerful enough, and had decided to shelve the matter, proba)ly for two years, when it would again be taken up. It was hoped in that time to organise the forces throughout the country ant establish Associ- ations in towns where thej did not at pre- sent exist. He was very pleased to hear that Maesteg intended to become mem- bers of the Federation. The present price of pork was appalling, and was due entirely to the excessive restrictions and regulations of the Board )f Agriculture in their attempts to stamp out swine fever. They would soon stamp out the pig. (Hear, hear.) The regulations were so drastic that people would have nothing to do with pigs. These rules the Federation -.rere trying to re- move. With regard to The inspection of meat, he said there was n case pending against the Cardiff Corporation for alleged wrongful condemnation of meat. They were going to fight the matter ott to see who was right and who was wrong. He thanked the Association on behalf of the one at Cardiff for the financial assistance they had promised in the matter. It was creditable to them. Only a little while back the Cardiff Associa- tion went before the local Health Committee with regard to the question of inspection. with the result that these inspections had been modified. It had only been the combin- ation of the traders that had given them a powerful voice. He appealed to Bridgend' butchers, if they did not form an Association of their own, to join Maesteg, and he hoped the numbers would soon be 100. Other toasts submitted were Our Visi- tors," proposed by Mr. J. Curtis, and respon- ded to by Mr. H. Hayman; "The Ladies," submitted by Mr. Matthew Evans, and re- sponded to by Mr. T. E. Jones: and "Our Chairman," proposed by Mr. T. W. Cuff, who eulogised the work Mr. Harding had rendered on behalf of the Association, A musical programme was contributed to bv Gwilym Taf, Messrs. Lewis Griffiths and F. Hurley. STITCH IN TIME. There is an old saying "A stitch in time saves nine," and if upon the first symptoms of anything being wrong with our health we were to resort to some simple but proper means of correcting the mischief, nine-tenths of the suffering that invades our homes would be avoided. A dose of Gwilym Evans's Quin- ine Bitters taken when you feel the least bit out of sorts is just that stitch in time." You can get Gwilym Evans's Quinine Bit- ters at any Chemist's or Stores, in bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each, but remember that the only guarantee of genuineness is the name Gwilym Evans" on the label, stamp and bottle, without which none are genuine. Sole Proprietors: Quinine Bitters Manufacturing Company, Limited, Llanelly, South Wales.

I You can obtain at least 3 I Is. PER COW PER WEEK 1 I extra by \v. ing a 8 i jt TTE' M j ^RAXORj which gives 20 to I 40 more cream | » and butter. | Improves quality, 1 saves time & labour, apa.ce,utensils,&c. The 'MELOTTE' Pays for itself in a I few months. Any size sent on free ccr trial and guaranteed I Write at once for Catalogue to— B I MELOTTE SEPARATOR SALES co., LTD J BRISTOL. fl |

DAY-TO-DAY, CONTRACi PROPOSED ACTION BY MINERS' EXECUTIVE. The members of the Federation Executive met on Monday morning, and determined to call on Wednesday a conference of delegates from the South Wales lodges, and also to make application to the Miners' Federation of Great Britain for a national conference at the ear- liest possible moment. An important light on the attitude of the leaders of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain towards the South Wales dispute is conveyed in the speech which Mr. Walter Lewis, the agent of the Rhymnev Valley District of Miners, delivered at Bargoed on Monday. Mr. Lewis is not sanguine that the parent Federation will countenance strong measures for the enforcement of the claims of the Welsh miners. No public statement has so far been made of the nature of the advice which Messrs. E. Edwards, Smillie, and Harvey gave to the South Wales leaders at last week's gatherings, but it would appear from hints Mr. Walter Lewis has dropped that the Miners' Federation of Great Britain leaders are not prepared to carry matters to an extremity, and Mr. Waller Lewis deduces that there is little chance of the celebrated Rule 20 being enforced by the parent Federa- tion in support of the demands of the Welsh miners. There was a very large attendance at the meeting of the Miners' Federation Executive Council. Those present included Mr W Abraham (Mabon), M.P., who is still very in- disposed, and owing to his illness was unable to occupy the chair, which was taken bv Mr W. Brace, M.P.

MR. CHRISTePMER WILLIAMS'S NEW PICTURES. SOME FINE FIGURES. THE FARM AT KEXFIG POOL. In common with many other artists in town Mr. Chiristopher Williams has arranged studmCfcl0\i? \1S Votings for "show" m his + 1- ^V1^lams iias for some time p«st taken a good place amongst artists in u^?°n\a!!+-COI1Slderable interest was taken m his exhibition amongst those who wished to recently ^PeX^ I? 3dded to hls piece, in which he has taken ur> th -^U:I.€ attache5 £ %hns& C^ridwen who is sho^%ffi^ of the broken cauldron Asa i expression and dramatic pose the ^ic^ure approaches most nearly to Mr. WiliWg ducT?* haa beGn re P™ uucea so many times m England and thm> of the pictures ti,.v w„u • tl, £ ,se 0,M is °f Fores- tio'-ft alter m 1,-r r(,b<,s as TlT^Cardifflni011a' Wats arti„t 1,„ '!><■ his"ubi"t■ S ?-h !"<■ dr>matic instincts to Of Afrg. Forest ier-Walker is gii-en, the eifect of the picture is all the greater by reason of the comDosition and the colour scheme adopted. e colour scheme Another portrait is of Miss AfaTO ri a step-daughter of Air T T T • Lloyd, of%hTticture°10SVCtr-md a&dd" beauty Right Hon sir \lL^d ?,°rtrait of the Lord Dufferin and Lord Ten^^Vson ^ut^ °f high encomiums already won attrartn^nsider!u5eSattention^ in them Mr. Williams has adopted impression- ist methods, and, secondly, because thev are recognised at once by anyone who knows the locality from which they are taken—the well- known Kenfig Pool Farm. A I icturesque aspect of the farm was selected, aii(' the pic- tures give the idea of the blaze of a 'mmer's day. South Wales has been drawn lIJon for the subject of a large landscape in the ortho- dox style—Drysllwyn Castle and the Vale of Towy. In this work the artist has shown re- markable power in selection and in handling his subject. He covers a long distance, has due regard for the colouring and also for the perspective so necessary to maintain the bal- ance of the middle distance with the fore- ground. Some other landscapes are taken from Florence, Venice. Home, North and South Wales, and England, and in them Mr. Williams well sustains his reputation in this class of work. The largest canvas in the studio is devoted to a subject in which the painting is still unfinished. The subject is both Celtic and allegorical. Mr. Williams 9 has selected the title, The Re-awakening of the Spirit of Wales," and as the endorsement lines-— Out of dragon-guarded sleep I Cambria's spirit wakes. His idea is that the spirit of Wales, now I re-awakening, is the same as it ever was, that, whilst outsiders have regarded the dragon as the emblem of that spirit, the I C, real characteristics are poetry and song. The dragon is shown, therefore, as the valiant guardian upon whose shoulders is the maiden now awakening (after the 500 years sloop of the legend) to offer music and poesy to the gods. Somewhat vivid in its colour contrasts, and with a tendency to violence in showing a thoroughly fighting dragon, the picture, when taken as a whole, gives a remarkably good idea of the story that the artist wishes to tell. ——rrr-

ECHO OF ABERGWYNFI BURGLARY _n+- CONSCIENCEMONEY. An extraordinary story comes from the neighbourhood of the Llvnfi Valley. Two and a half years ago the station at Abergwynfi was burglariously entered, the acting station- master (Mr. Owen) being in charge at the time. The burglar took away stamps and other sundries to the value of £ 2 10s. Mr. Owen has just received a letter stating that the burglary was intended to annoy another, and enclosing £ 2 17s Gd (7s. Gd. interest) con- science money. The letter was anonymous, and contained a request that an acknowledg- ment should be inserted in the press.

I HINTS FOR THE HOME. IMPORTANCE OF SITTING CORRECTLY. Girls are apt to sit badly when writing or sew- ing. They very often bend the back inst-ead 01 carrying the body forward by movement of the hip-joint. They n-oed to be careful not to hold the pen or needle as if they feared that these little implements might rtin away. Such un- necessary expenditure of energy cften brings fi-bout harmful resuits to the nerves of the arms and hands, says the Girl's Otcn Pajer. Con- tinued right use wnl not generate disease; it will strengthen and bring .po\ver and endurance to a.ll parts. TO RELIEVE NASAL CATARRH. Glycerine sprayed into the nostrils with an atomiser allays the burning sensation so dis- tressing in acute catarrh. I CARE OF PALMS. Palms ehouid be wat-sred frequently, but not too often, as this will leave the soil too wet. and cause trie roots to become sodden and mouldy. Once a. weeic all the palms and ferns in the house snoaid be _p.ace<2 lor tnree or four hours at a time in a large tub or bath filled with sufficient water to reaen half way up the pots. Thev should be lightly .sprayed- with a fiae roee and the leaves severally c lea nod with a sponge and dried with a soft cloth. The latter operation is a very important one in towns, the smoke an. dust of the atmor.phere ten-ding to choke the deiicate pores of the leaves, which constitute, in fact. th« lunars of the plant. As a preventive of blight, for'nig.itiV bathe with water and eoao made^ of fir-tree oil are undoubtedly *<ucoessfuf. a lather made of this s.Mp being sprayed, all over, each leaf and stem being afterwards gone over with a damp sponge, <30 that every part of the palm receives its quantum of the disinfectant. PROTECTION AGAINST MOTHS. Experiment has ehown that carbolic acid is the best thing for fighting moths. For cloth storage use the following mixture: 45 parts pure carbolic -acid, 30 parts camphor, 30 parte oil of rosemary. 5 parts oil of ciovcs, and 5 paTts of ani- line dissolved in 2,500 parts of alcohol. For fur- riers: 20 parrs pure carbolic acid. 10 parts oil of cloven, 10 parts oil of iomon peel. 10 parts nitro- benzole, 2± parte aniline dissolved in 1,500 parti? of pure alcohol. With this fluid the goods are moderately sprayed with the help of an atomiser. If they are kept in tight package-s, one spray- ing. we are assured, will suffice for the season. Clotha in storeroonife will require twice epraymg. KITCHEN JIINTS. Tumblers that have contained milk should be washed in cold water, as washing in hot tends to cloud the glass permanently. A tin cup filled with vinegar and kept at the back of the stove wil prevent the smell of cooking pervading the house. No ver cook mushrooms a second time. If this if done they may develop unwholesome and •even dangerous qualities. 'Do not let water taps "run all night. Gallons of water are wasted in this way. See that the taps are screwed tight before retiring. When a large quantity of tea cakes or muffins have to be served buttered, melt sufficient butter in a flat tin over the fire, and when hot and melted dip each piece of cake or toasted muffin into the butter lightly. The buttering done in this way is quicker and is a much less wasteful method. DIGESTIVE STIMULANTS. Exclusive diets should be avoided, according to Dr. Sprigg. A true exclusive diet consisting of only one of the three food-stuffs cannot be I endured by the body for long. A mixture of food is required to sustain .the tisejues and func- tions in health. The study of the appetite shows us that the appetite and the juice it calls forth are more easily excited 'by a pleasing variety of food. and a diet of this nature i". therefore, indicated. Prolonged meals consisting of a large number of dishes, however, act in the opposite direction, and if repeated often are harmful to the diges- tion. Two or three dishes, well cooked, should be sufficient for all. If the apoetite is jaded, the eating of highly- testing foods, as hors d'ojuvres, will stimulate the appetite juice, while soup, as we have seen, I I will call forth the second or chemical flow of Juwe. In perfect health, such preliminaries to a meal should not be necessary, unless, indeed, as irt doubtless sometimes the case, it is desired that, the appetite be aroused to an unusual degree and the moderate needs of nutritien subordi- nated to the pleasures of the palate. Savouries, again, taken towards the end of a meal, are not necessary for digestion, though pleasant in themselves. TREATMENT OF INFLUENZA. Dr. Thomas H. Buckler says: Influenza is always a rheumatismal disease, and as such must be treated. Therefore give at the instant of the seizure the old-fashioned Dover's powder. If the seizure of this malady is during the day, put the patient to bed a-s soon .as possible and give the Dover's powder. After a sleep of six or seven hours, give, dissolved in water, fifteen grains Of of sodium, and Tepcat this dose every six or etirht hours; and. to faci.i- tate the sweating caused thereby, cover up weil with warm blankets. Four of these powders are usually sufficient to ■sweat- and stamp jout the disease, and there is an end of it. but if further required the salicylate may be continued witn- out stint at regular intervals, as already stated. A SIMPLE COUGH MIXTURE. This cough mixture is -very simple and most efficacious. Place in a jar six ounces of treacle, seven ounces of honey, and ten ounces of vine- gar. Stand the jar in a saucepan of boiling water and stir till the ingredients are warmed and blended. Then add three teaspoonfuls of ipecacuanha wine. and bottle for use. The doso for an adult is one tab.cspoonfiil every four hours. FOR TIRED EYES. When the eyes are hot and tired after reading or sewing, or after exposure to the sun and dust, try the following simple lotion: Take a tea- spoonful of boracic acid crystals and dissolve them in half a pint of boiling water. Bottle when cold. Pour a little of this into a cup, -and enough hot water to make it lukewarm, ar;-d bathe the eyes with it, then dry very thoroughly. It is perfectly harmless and most soothing. Never drop Eau-de-Cologne or belladonna into the eyes to make them sparkle, as some people advise one to do. It is a mcst dangerous habit, and sooner or later, if persisted in, is bound to injure the eyesight. NICE DISHES. FISH SAtTCE.—Minoe half an onion as finely as possible, put it into a saucepan with a tàble- spoonfal of ketchup and half a teacupful of good gravy. Let it boil up, then add a dessertspoon- ful of parsley, a little anchovy sauee, pepper and Bait to taste. Thicken with a little cornflour mixed very smooth. Let all boil three minutes, colour the sauce, and serve with the fish. FILLETS OF SOLE A LA REIN-m.-F' Ilet two good- sized soles and steam them for twenty minutes. I Take oat and remove the dark skin. Fold each fillet and keep hot in the oven. For the sauce use two ounces of butter and one aessertspooniul of flour mixed together to a smooth paste and one teacupful of milk. Add two ounces of grated cheese, boil up again, aoo s-immer for a few minutes, when the sauce will bo ready. Pour over anti round the fish. Gingerbread Sponge.—Take half a pound of golden syrup, two ounces ef butter, one egg, half an ounce of ground ginger, ten ounces of flour, two ounces of suga>\ ab:'ut two table- spoonfuls of milk, aid half a teaspoonful of soda. Put the flour. ging<r. and sugar into a bowl. In a saucepan stir the milk, butter, and syrup until dissolved, then stir into the dry 1;1- gredients. Dissolve the scda in a litt!e ni-lk, ^d this and the well-beaten egg to the mixture, pour into a shallow tin lined with gtcased p„;>ei\ and bake for thirty or forty minutes in a siovv oven. Cut into fingers when cold. Fillet of Beef A LA Pki^cesse.—Take four p.«"i fillet of keef, remove a I fat and the tl¡:¡ skin which covers the top. and lard it cics-lv with strips of fiae-cut larding pork; reason w.th ene-kalf tablospoenful cf salt. half a teaspoonful of pepper. Lay three slices of larding pork in a roasting pan, one sliced onion, and three eiecs of earret; lay the fillet- en top cf there, plare the pan in a. hot oven, and roast forty m.nutis, tlle-Tring ten minutes teo one pound. hen done transfer the meat to a hot dish, garnhh with stuffed tomatoes and potatoes, and serve with stuffed tomatoes and potatoes, and serve with the following sauce: Piace a saucepan with one teaspoonful £ )f butter, the same of chopped onion and ham. ever the lire, add one bay leaf, one clove, half-blade of mace, a small sprig cf thyme; stir until a light brown, then add one tablespoonful of flour; ccok and stir until the flour has obtained a light brown colour; edd one 11. cn^-hnif A- "V* hrilf s floI fcf baef ei \uka&pfei iTi-hlOC-tl-iS, half a cupful of sherry, and the gravy irom the fillet without the fat. Cock ten minutes, season with half a teaspconful of pepper, and. if neces- sary, som« salt; then strain through a fine sie^e, pour a few spoonfuls of the sauce over the meat, and serve the remaining eauce in a sauccbowi.

A Dublin County farmer, found by a con'-tnbio on Ormond Quay, said his name wa" Andrew Roche, and that he had taken poison. He handed over a deposit receipt, for £ 170 and two banknotes. Ho died shortly afterwards in hospital. I just want to die. That ic all. My father did it before me. This will explain. This note w,a,s read at the inquest on Mr. Robert Saxby, a prominent west-country sportsman, of Chew Court. Chaw Magna, near Bristol, who shot himself.

— Ifc THIS WEEK AT 1 HENRY LAVIERS Special Show of Millinery. Special Show of Costumes. Special Show of Babies Bonnets and Pelisses. Special Show of Blouses, Pinafores and Gloves. I Special Show of Laces, Insertion and Embroideries. Special Show of Belts, Corsets, Hosiery and Underclothing. Special Show of Delaines, Dress Muslins, Dress Linens, and all the newest fabrics suitable for the coming (seasons. Special Show of Dress Materials in all the Newest Colours, Silk Braids and Trimings to match. Sgecial Show of Curtains, Curtain Nets and Carpets. Special Show of Linoleums and Oilcloths. ———— We Stock IJaIa.id Linoleums ——— Special Show of Boys', Youths" and Geirts.' Suits. Special Show of Shirts, Caps, Ties, and Hats. Special Show of Suitings, Vestings and Costume Cloths. AAAAAA Jk. A A A. A Jk. Jk. A. JL. A. A. A A. A Fit and Style Guaranteed. Will you gave us a call. r tr tr tr tr tr ^r Henry Laviers, 38,39, "E £ °TmEm(rial st- so=%