Llais Llafur

The Week at Home and Abroad ELECTRICITY IN MINES Electricity is to be employed in every department of the Blackhall Col- liery, a new pit on the Durham coast. The cost of the enterprise is stated to be R360,000, apart from an up-to-date housing scheme. There will be no fur- naces, and no boilers, and consequently no smoke and no steam. Winding and hauling will be done by electric current and, though compressed air has to be used below ground, it will be sent from the surface by electrical compres- sors. Electric light is the sole illu- minant, save for the miners' lamps. At present 500 tons of coal per day being raised, and, if all goes well, there will be, in a few years, from 2,000 to 3,000 hands, while the output will be from 3,000 to 4,000 tons per day.

COAL FROM GERMANY Considerable apprehension was caused in the British coal trade circles by a statement upon the Newcastle Ex- change that London gas companies had purchased a. million tons of gas-coal from Germany. The coasting-trade, too, evinced signs of alarm, as it was presumed that the Germans would use- their own craft to convey the coal from Rotterdam to London. The coal is reported to have been bought at 3s. a ton cheaper than the prices ruling in the Durham area, which is a greater reduction than operators thought pos- sible.

TRADE UNIONS AND POLITICS Particulars are given in a report just issued by the Chief Refistrar of Friendly Societies of the results of the "ballots of trade unions on the ques- tion of applying their funds for poli- tical objects. In every case so far re- ceived the voting has been in favour of political action. Fgures are given of 25 unions, and the total voting is 473,880 for and 323,613 against, with 22,001 votes rejected. Of the rejected no fewer than 20,223 were furnished bv the Miners' Federation.

WEALTHY AUSTRIAN'S CRIME I An agent named Lubelski, who was in control of a large hulk of the emi- gration passing over the Prussian frontier from Russia., Austria, and Rus- sian Poland, was sentenced at Beuthen in Silesia, to nine years' penal servi- tude and a fine of JEGO, for bribing offi- cials and for complicity in the white slave traffic. It appears that his opera- tions were carried on at Myslovitz, which is in the extreme eastern corner of Prussian Silesia. The evidence at the trial showed that most of the international white slave traffic from Russia passes through this town. Lubelski was known as the "King of Myslovitz." A man named Weichmann, who was Lubelski's part- ner in the emigration agency, is now the subject of a preliminary invetstiga, tion.

MRS. D. A. THOMAS ARRESTED. A suffragist deputation visited Down- ing-street on Tuesday evening to in- terview the Prime Minister, and subse- quently proceeded to Parliament- square, where an attempt was made to hold a meeting of protest against Mr. Asquith's attitude. The police broke up the gathering and made several arrests, amongst whom was Mrs. D. A. Thomas.

I W. A. WILLIAMS. Phrenologist, can be coa suited* daily at the Victoria Arcade (near the Market), Swanam.

I ADVICE TO MINERS. I MR WINSTONE AND THE SOUTH WALES DISPUTES. Speaking at a special meeting of the Eastern Valleys district of the South Wales Miners' Federation, Mr James Winstone said it was of vital importance that the workers should take a- keener interest than they had hitherto done in the progress of matters affecting their well-being. He was bound to su.y that he did not like the signs of the times. They had in their programmes a propo- sition for increasing the minimum rates all round by 9d. per shift, and it was certain to give rise to much contention. They had the question of weekly aver- aging, which had not yet been settled. Two propositions ha,d been made, but neither of them, was, in his opinion, satis- factory. The first was that they should go into the courts and contest the matter, and the other was that working places should be stopped if difficulty arose. He was firmly of the opinion that, if serious efforts were made by both parties, a solu- tion of the difficulty could be found. The employers were not free from blame in I this matter, and they would be able to shirk their responsibilities if a serious stoppage took place. T hen Again they had in the banksmen's question another real grievance. The matter had been in the hands of a capa,ble committee of workers and employers, but no settlement had been arrived at. He thought another serious attempt should be made to settle the matter. That would be better than plunging the coalfield into a stoppage at the present juncture. —————— <

PLAYHOUSE, YSTALYFERA. j GREAT ATTRACTION THIS WEEK. Ever since his connection with Ystal- yfera and district, Mr. Wm. Coutts has maintained a strong reputation for painstaking efforts in the provision of the best possible talent for the enter- tainment of his patrons. That such e f- forts have been fully appreciated is evi- dent by the popularity of hie local halls and despite all counter attractions these excellent amusement houses con- tinue to flourish. Mr. Coutts is to be particularly oom- plimented this week on his engagement of the famous Dayton family, which is appearing at the Playhouse. The troupe (twelve in number) are known through- out the United Kingdom, as well as in several Continental towns, as enter- tainers of a very high order, and their performance this week merely goes to confirm what has already been heard concerning their repertoire. The scena is entitled "Le Rendezvous," a sup- posed incident in Hyde Park, London, and is as varied as it is interesting and enjoyable. The principal item in which the whole of the members take part simultaneously is a marvelluos feat of gymnastic skill and daring, and the agility displayed both by young and old is nothing short of wonderful. In one instance, juveniles rolling them- selves almost into the shape of a ball, are tossed around the stage by the feet by older members lying on their backs. In addition three members of the company perform sensational feats on the tight wire, not the least remark- able being an exhibition of olog danc- ing, whilst Louise Dott proves an ac- ceptable vocalist and an expert acro- batic dancer whose "turn" evokes hearty applause. Dora Campbell, who contributes illustrated songs was un- fortunately suffering from a cold dur- ing the earlier part of the week. Al- though the performance is one of real worth, and the crowded audiences which have assembled during the week have demonstrated their pleasure in no uncertain manner. The "turns" are of course, interspersed by highly en- joyable pictures, arrangements having been made to provide a specially at- tractive programme during the week- end to coincide with the Dayton fami- ly's visit.

SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN WALES. One very notable indication of the growing interest in the social question in Wales has been the formation of the United School of Social Service, under the auspices of which three an- nau summer scools have now been held at Llandrindod Wells. It is frequently argued by adherents of the Labour and Socialist movement that such organisations as the one in question are of little use, in that they do not go to the root of the social question, and fail to diagnose the real cause of our many present day prob- lems, but this attitude can hardly be justified. As a matter of fact it is usually through the study of manr existing problems—low wages, bad housing, unemployment, disease, etc.— that the student is directed to the fundamental cause of these evils, and the only true method of eradicating them. The volume before us, "Social Prob- lems in Wales," gives a complete re- port of the proceedings at the third annual session of the School for Social Service, held at Llandrindod in Septem- ber last, and is brimful of facts and figures on the two main aspects of the social question to which the delibera- tions of the members, were directed. In the first place the lectures are concerned with the relation of tHe churches to the social question, and in the second full attention is given to the varying phases of the agricultural problem in Wales. In the opening paper, Mr. D. Lleu- fer Thomas presents in unmistakable terms the necessity for the linking up of christian and social activities, rei- tering the truths now preached from many a pulpit and platform that Christianity is fulfilling but one of its functions in concerning itself purely with the affairs of the spirit. His con- tribution is more in the nature of ex- position than of argument, but in a very brief reference to the relation of Christianity to competition, he asks: To what extent, and subject to what modifications and limitations, can the competitive principle be said to be in harmony with the Christian ideal ? Are we prepared to accept it as the permanent and final basis of our social order or should we look to its ultimate replacement by co- operation and Mutual Aid? The social, economic and moral possibili- ties of co-operation have never, I fear, been sympathetically studied from a Christian standpoint to any great extent. The Rev. S. E. Keeble, a prominent member of the Weslevan Social Service Union, and an outspoken Socialist, con- tributes some telling facts, largely re- glected by the churches, regarding the social condition of the People, and Dr. Percy Dearmer, of the Christian Social Union, also a Socialist, enters a strong plea for unity in Social Service, sound- ing the right note when he declares that It lies in the power of the churches to remove vast masses of human misery and degradation. If we fail to use our power, the world will sweep us away and it will do rightly for it will know us by our fruits. Papers expounding the Christian philosophy of life in its relation to the social problem are contributed by Prin- cipal Owen Prvs and Prof. D. Miall Edwards, and the attack on capitalist industrialism by the latter as a system "Unethical and un-Christian," is cal- culated to administer shocks to the ma.ny great captains of commerce who, professing Christianity, piously exclaim "God's in His heaven, all's right with the world." The second part of the book, that in which the position of the agricultural labourer in Wales is considered, is more valuable inasumch as it is essen- tially practical, dealing with issues that confront the reformer, and are urgently in need of immediate solu- tion. Contributions by Mr. G. R. Carter, M.A., the Rev. Richard Jones, M.A., the Rev. Gwilym Davies, M.A., and Mr. John Owen, deal with this great problem as it affects Wales in regard to wages, housing, hours of labour, etc. and suggestions for the improvement of existing unsatisfactory conditions include valuable essays on the results achieved by co-operation. One feature of the contents of this section merits careful perusal on the part of those who devote most of their studies to industrial conditions. Here- in the close relationship between agri- cultural and industrial problems is well emphasised, and is one of the most useful features of a volume which can be heartily recommended to everyone interested in the social emancipation of the people of the Principality. G. A. G. *Morgan & Higgs, Swansea, 1/- net.

Coincidence of "Sevens" I A BABY'S ASSOCIATION WITH THE MYSTIC NUMBER The mystic number seven ia curiously associated with the infant daughter of Mr and Mrs. Knight, of Old Swinford, Wor- cestershire. She was born at tine Seven Stare HoW at the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month. Seven customers were in the bar when the birth was an- nounced. Seven persons were present at the christening. There are seven letters in the child's Christian name. The father is the eldest of seven children, and the mother, who is the youngest of seven, has seven uncles. r I

On a charge of "stealing by finding" a 9100 diamond necklet, Edith Hoy, of Pemells-place, Peckham, was re- manded at Lambeth. She was said to have admitted to a pawnbroker to whom she offered the neck let that she picked it up on the too of a bus ten years ago in St. Martin's-lane.

RUGBY FOOTBALL. I Ystalyfera v. Pontardawe. Interest in the visit of Pontardawe tc the Wind Road. Ground on Saturday was lessened by the fact that owing to some untoward happening only seven of the team which usually serves to repreleait Ystaly- fera were prepared to turn out to repre- sent the homesters. Notwithstanding this [ unfortunate fact, the biggest crowd yet seen on the ground this season assembled, quite a large number of Pontardawe's supporters accompanying their favourites. On the occasion that Ystalyfera met P-ontardawe on the latter's ground this season, the game ended in a well-deserved victory for the homesters by a try to nothing, but it was confidently anticipa- pated that this reverse would be wiped out, and honours made easy when the return game was played. Following the fine game played by Ystalyfera against Ilesolven en the previous Saturday, when the homesters were unluckily defeated by a penalty goal, the hopes of the home spectators that Ystalyfetra- would defeat Pontard;:we were pitched none too high. On this account it was mortifying to Ys- talyfera's supporters that only a scratch fifteen were prepared to maintain the ground's line record. The teams lined out as follow YSTALYFERA.—D. H. Hopkin, J. D. Daniels, Alf. Langdon, W. J. Lewis; Geo. Langdon, Alf. Powell T. Richards, Joe Evans, Tom Morgan, D. LI. Thomas, T. W. Hopkin, Edwin Langdon, Zech. Evans and Owen Phillips. PON T ARD A WE.—Jos Davies; W. Yaughan, Hopkins, H. Jenkins, F. Thomas; Owen Griffiths, W. Kent; Gra- ham Morgan, Alec Williams, G. Al lchak-i, D. Jones, T. Jones, Trevor Rees, T. J. Williams and Geo. Smith. Referee Mr Wm. Dewitt, Swansea. Pontardawe's mascot-wearer kicked off for Y stalyfera. and the homesters took play to the visitors' 25 where, after some close play, a free kick to Pontardawe enabled Jenkins to clear, and play followed in the home 25. A free kick to Ystalyfera sent the oval to half-wav, where Vaughan failed to gather in time, and was finely tackled by D. J. Daniels. Ystalyfera at- tacked and there was some ungentle tackling by players of both sides. J. Davies sent the ball into touch at half- way, and from the line out the home for- wards dribbled well up towards the Pontardawe line, an attack which was pluckily stopp-ed by F. Thcmas. Following another hot attack by the homesters Harry Jenkins was compelled to kick over his line to save a score by Ystalyfera, and following a. scrimmage on the line the Pontardawe backs were seen to advantage in a nice- passing move- ment which took play to neutral terri- tory. Jenkins got in a fine punt which sent the ball into touch near the Ystaly- fera line, and Geo. Langdon gained some slight relief by kicking into touch. Vaughan again failed to gather whilst play was in the home half. D. H. Hop- Kin failed a moment later to clear and Hopkin, of Pontardawe tricked Powell by a dummy pass on the home 25 line, but was tackled before he got very lar, and the ball was sent to half-way by D. H. Hopkins. Ine .next movement of interest was the act of Jdopkins taking the bail at half- way whilst running at fuit 4.uiU nis effort was vain, as he was uuoe. ^ni^nious- ly grounded by George i,ailgoon Following a scrimmage ueorge bmith. made a hefty el fort to bie-ax through but the defence was tco keen, and ULO. was a marked man, and in attempting to pass the ball, he tnrew forwaru. A rush by the visiting forwards and. iewis intercepted the bail near his own line and got in a lovely punt. waich removed play to half-way, an effort which was roundly applauded. Then came a se-nea- tional movement which appeared to leave the home players paralysed, lhe home- forwards had driboled the bail to half- way, and then Trevor Rees got possession, ana threw to Keift who simpiy waiKed through the Ystalyfera forwards with the ball, took a diagonal route w the goal posts, and with-out difficulty evaded the puzzled glances of the home bacKS, and then plail-Led the ball in such a position as to make the goal kick easy. It was a simple try ban Jones brought the uall out and planted it for J. ENwis to kick, and then the Ystalyfera iorwauis charged. Jones gave the ball to liopklL8 who most ingenuously placed it, and Davies kicked a goal, which was dis- allowed, on the score that the rules had been infringed. The next. incident of note was when Vaughan, having obtained possession at half-way, ran to the Ystalyiera 25, and threw to Hopkin who had a. clear open- ing, but he fumbled the ball, and a scrimmage ensued. J. Davies secured the ball after Geo. Langdon's clearing Kick, and made an ineffective drop at goal-the ball going dead. Then H. Jenkins placed the ball in touch near the home line, and from the line-out Keiit by a pretly manoeuvre secured and ran over at the corner, the goal kick failing. Alf. Lang- don was conspicuous by a really line ki k which sent the ball into the Pontardawe 25 touch, but after the ensuing line-out and scrimmage, Keift cleared, and Vaughan in endeavouring to break through was tackled by Geo. Langdon. Vaughan and Keift had a misunderstand- ing near the YstaJyfera line, and a really well prepared opening was spoilt. Play ruled less open until half-time, which arrived with the score PONTARDAWE 2 Tries. I YSTALYFERA Nil. The visitors commenced attacking im- mediately following the resumption, but D. H. Hopkin relieved, and then a rush by the home forwards almost resulted in Powell breaking through. A little more cohesion on the part of the home backs would have turned failure to score into an easy success at this period, but it was lacking. Following a scrimmage at half-way Joe Evans was laid out, but although the whistle went so intent were some of th" players that the game continued with the referee taking no part in it! After th restart Vaughan was tackled in possession by Geo. Langdon, but following a &c- ii- mage Vaugha again got going, but after he was tackled A f. Langdon found touch. D. H. Hopkins sent the ball from half, way almost to the visitors' lint; and k t- fore Davies could clear his kick was charged, and Ystalyfera had sdmost perpe- trated the defenoe, but it was not to be, and the most exciting- feature of the game, from the Ystalyfera. spectators' point of view resulted in Davies touch- ing down, after what was, after all, the best attack made by the homesters. Fol- lowing this came a series of attacks by the homesters, who took advantage of clean kicking by D. H. Hopkin. Then Hopkin's kick was charged on his own 25, and but for a fine tactical movement by Jack Daniels and- Geo. Langdon, Pontardawe would have broken through. The play became fairly open, but despite this the Ystalyfera backs were unable to do more than hold their own. An ugly rush by the visiting forwards took the ball to the home line, and Thomas might have scored had Alf. Langdon been less watchful. He sent into touch, and from the line-out plav went to Pontardawe's 25. Owing to an infringement in the scrimmage, Pontardawe were penalised, and then from a long throw-out from a scrimmage by Geo. Langdon, W. J. lowis ran along the touch line, and but for the fact that Keift shoved him into touch five yards from the line, he would have been over. This, or some other action on the part of Keift, roused the resentment cf t,he crowd at this particular point, and there was danger that a free fight would have been started had the referee rot in. tervened at once. Play continued in the Pontardawe quart* r, but the defence was too clean. J. Davies was the means of sending the ball to touch at half-way. Yet another de- termined attack met with no success, fumb'ing play in front of the Pontardawe posts by the home forwards spoiling a fine opening. The visitors next did a round of attacking led by Harry Jenkins, but they could not get beyond the 25 line, and from this point up to the end of the game, there were no more exciting inci- dents. Result PONTARDAWE 2 Tries, 6 points. YSTALYFERA: Nil. PICKLED PARS. I The "split" in the ranks of Yrstalyfera team could not have come at a more awk- ward time, but the trouble had been simmering. The result, in consequence, was a fore- gone conclusion. Ystalvfera's weakness was in the back division, in the first stages of the game especially. There was an almost entire lack of cohesion. Later on, D. H. Hop- kins improved, and his kicking at timts was faultless. Alf. Langdon was the best in the three- quarter line, but his brother George did three times as much work. The home forwards played strongly, but were a less bulky lot than the visitors. On the Pontardawe side the full-back was always safe. Vaughan, as usual, played a fine game, but he was not cup- ported as he should have been. Keift brought out of an old trick-bag he keeps hidden somewhere, several specialities, and successfully doped the homesters on numerous occasions. Geo. Smith played aa he always plays, and got rid of a tremendous amount of energy.

A Great Tailoring offer by the Leading Tailoring House THE CONQUEROR TWEED SUIT Made to Measure at the Phenomenal Price of 35/6 x OBTAINABLE ONLY AT RASTERS & Co. (CLOTHIERS), Ltd., 18 & 19 Castle Street 282 Oxford Street Swansea 3 Green Street, Neath 17 Stepney Street. Llanelly, etC. DO YOU REQUIRE A MEMORIAL STONE Mr W. J. Williams has a large assortment in most artistio designs, kept in stock at Tstalyfora and *7stradgynlais and Srynamman ANY DESIGN EXECUTED TO CUSTOMER'S CHOICE. ORDERS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO Note the Address- W J WI.II iams ?t.)ytera.Ys<rad<yn)ab W• J • WWHUHttacmmoS and Bryaammao 7) REVOLUTION /I IN SERGES That will not Fade in SUN, SEA, OR RAIN. INSPECT OUR WINDOWS Where you will see Models of these Splendid Fabrics. Dreadnought No.3 £ 3'\2/6 No. 2. £ 3/7/6 99 No. 1 £:3/3/° I JAS, E. MORRIS Bank Buildings, Ystradgynlais AND AT Gurnos, Lower Cwmtwrch I JOHNSTON Garden Seeds ipoi? Seeds Finest Quality at Moderate Price& Catalogue Gratis wid Post Free. | 27, Oxford Street, Swansea I Telephone: 567 Central.  t t?f ? '? to 6crew up the «yos, pro- EYESTRAIN .————————?L——? brin& about tho most distre.?ing ffe?cts and headaches. It causes duointi emws' feet and wrinkles. This means a disagreeable and t prematurely a tied appearanoe. tific and up-to-date. We never recommend glasses unless abso- lutely necessary. C. F. WALTERS, F.S.M.C., F.I.O., QUALIFED OPTICIAN, Oxford St.. Swansea

"Tossing the paiieake," an ancimit rerermony, was performed at Westmirpter- School, and the winner of the guinea was, A. M. Bonnet, who secured the larg-est-- piece of the dainty.

L500 FOR A CHAMBERMAID At the Kent Assizes L500 damages were awarded by a jury to Emma Whitehead against the London and South Coast Motor Service, Limited. The plaintiff was a chambermaid em- ployed at a private hotel at Folkestone and she was proceeding from Hythe to Folkestone in a coach of the de- fendants. The driver descended from the vehicle at the steep hill. During his absence the coach began to move backwards, and the plaintiff, being frightened, jumped off and was serious- ly injured.

A NEW "CTRAD" "Two old violins, of beautiful soft tone, one of 1630, and one of Stradivari 1700. Owner willing to sell same at :C 5, 000. This advertisement, which -has appeared in the press, has roused the interest of all violin lovers and ex- perts, and the question is being asked if this is the discovery of one of Stradi- vari's famous violins that has hitherto "escaped notice. The best opinion limits the number of instruments made by the great maker to less than two thou- sand, only 800 of which are known te be extant. The owner of the violins for which E,51000 is asked lives in Holland, -and several London experts have writ- -ten asking for further information as to the instruments.

I DARING RAILWAY ROBBERY A daring robbery from a London railway station of L6,000 worth of jewels is reported. It was made at King's Cross Station of the Great Northern Railway. The victim is Mr. Blanckensee, of Messrs. S. Blancken- see and Son, Ltd., wholesale manufac- turing jewellers, of Frederick-street, Great Hampton-street, Birmingham, manufacturing jewellers, with a Lon- don office at Ely-place, Holborn. Mr. Harry Blanckensee is well known on the road as a traveller in high-class goods. He arrived from Hull about 8 o'clock on Friday night and handed in at a temporary cloakroom close by the entrance to the Tube Railway at King's Cross Station a brass-bound leather case containing his samples, valued at £ 6,000.

I DYNAMITE FATALITY I Eight men-most of them young- lost their lives by a terrible explosion in the gelatine-mixing department of Messrs. Nobel's dynamite factory at Ardeer, Ayrshire. All the men, with the exception of one named McLean, who died afterwards in Glasgow Infirm- ary, were instantly blown to pieces. William Harper, of 20, Gladstone-street Saltscoats, who was also taken to the infirmary, was very gravely injured, and his condition is critical. Two other men were also badly hurt, and were taken to their homes.

I MINISTER ON LABOUR'S FUTURE The Rev. Gwilym Davies, M.A., pre- sided at a meeting under the auspices of the Carmarthen Trades and Labour Council, at which Mr. W. Craik, of the Central Labour College, London, gave an address on "What the future has in store for Labour." The chair- man remarked that power in the future of this country was ging to be in the hands of the working man, and they wanted to see that he was well educat- ed and well balanced, so that when the power passed into his hands he would be able to exercise is with wisdom.

LOW WAGES CRITICISED Littlehampton (Sussex) Urban Council recently advertised for a water-fitter at 21s. a week, with house, fuel, etc., and received two applications for the post. At the last counoil meeting it was re- ported that both were considered un- suitable, and this led to comments on the amount offered, one member describing it as "a rascally shame" to advertise for a man at such a wage. It was eventually decided to advertise again, offering 25s. weekly.

DEATH AFTER SHAVING I A remarkable death has occurred in Boston Hospital, the victim being Joseph Pell, 32, of Donington. While shaving himself, he cut his chin slight- ly with the razor. Next day he had a swollen lip. A doctor was called in, and lanced the lip, but soon the wound grew worse and spread to the* neck and face. Pell was removed to the Boston Hospital, where he was operated on. Subsequently the swelling became so great that it completely closed his eyes and obsetructed his breathing. He died from exhaustion and partial suffoca- tion.

"A COLLIERS' PARADISE." I Remarkable progress has been made with the Gilfach Garden Village scheme, which has not been inappropri- ately called "The Collier's Paradise." There are 300 houses in course of con- struction, scores of them are completed, and many occupied. They have artistic fronts, forecourts, and good stretch of garden, every house has a bath and a hot water service, and the variation in the outside "ifnishings" add to the picturesqueness of the scenes. The streets are wide, and so are the path- ways, and the houses do not overlook one another. The whole schemo will embrace 500 houses, and the total cost will exceed £ 100,000. Mr John Daviee, the miners' agent for the Dowlaia district, who has been indis- posed since the beginning of the year, is now much better. 1 I. r

LABOUR PROGRESS IN NORWAY. 50,000 MEMBERS AND NINE DAILY NEWSPAPERS. Notable progress is recorded by the Norwegian Labour-Socialist Party in their annual report for 1913, just pub- lished. During the year the member- ship, as the result of active propagan- da, increased from 43,550 to 50,000, while, in spite of the poor means of internal communication, branches have now been established in every part of the country. Although the subscription price has been increased the party press has also made considerable progress. There are in all 32 Labour-Socialist papers, of which 24 are owned by the party, four are in private hands, and four are owned by co-operative societies. Of the 24 papers owned by the party nine ap- pear daily, nine three times a week, five twice a week, and one weekly. The most important event of the year was the municipal elections, in which the party were very successful. The number of Labour-Socialist members on the councils increased from 1,209 to 1,803, among whom are 45 women. In three towns and in 21 country districts the party hold an absolute majority on the councils. ——————

REARRANGEMENT OF HOLIDAYS i Efforts are being madte to rearrange the annual holidays of the Lancashire cotton towns, which at present clash and result in overcrowding at Blackpool a.nd other seaside resorts. Blackburn weavers, who number 24,000 have just been ballotted, and the result, which was announced cn Tuesday, shows an overwhelming majority in favour of changing from August to June and abol- ishing the Whitsuntide stoppage in fav- our of a similar number of days in Sep- tember. ——————

The home spectators are not expected to invade the field of play, either at Wind Road or elsewhere. When they are wanted the referee will call for them. There is no reason why fisticuffs should be mixed up with football, anyway, and there would be fewer "regrettable inci- dents" if the home spectators understood that players are quite capable of settling their own diffemnceo--on the field of play. On the whole, the game was fought in good spirit, and the visitors deserved to- win because they played better football. Ystalyfera backs did very little pa-seing, and the forwards were responsible for making the game as interesting a-s it was ThA tnekling by both teams "W;;¡ kron, but fortunately, the ground was on the soft side. "TIIE WASP."

MURDER IN MEXICO. A great outcry has arL<n n United States a.nd in Ercr'^nf! over alleged murder bv the Mexican Villa, of a Mr. Ben-ton. n r, lion a ire ranr-howncr. Gor>»r^ Cnr-"— ja fully justified General Yi'la'* in having Mr. Bonton sljot. Ho savy Mr. Benton entered General Yil'n'* quarters, armed with the intent to kilr him. Mr. Benton's friends, however, F-av that he has not carried a revolver for yeans.