South Wales Weekly Post

APRIL FESTIVAL MUSICAL "PRO- GRAMME ft- EXECUTIVE'S PLANS THIS YEAR. Our Neath correspondent writes The I South Wales Musical Festival was a brilliant success last year, and there is every indica- tion that such success will be fully main- tained this spring. All preliminaries have boon satisfactorily arranged, and the Queen's Hall Orociiestra, the finest orchestral combination in the world, will be again engaged for the four concerts tD be held at Swansea, Neath. ¡ Mountain Ash and Newport. One of the I sc hemes suggested at a recent meeting of the executive was that an a.ward of 100 guineas be offered for the best Welsh com- position, but this awaits further considera- tion. For t1"rie season, it has been decided NOT TO EXTEND THE SUOJ^ I. 1 I- of the festival, and the suggestion 01 not- ing a great concert in London has been de- ferred, as has also the explication of Llan- elli for admission to the festival, as the executive desire to be assured that the fes- tival had really taken root and was firmly setablished. It is the intention later to form a Board I which will establish a standard with which armlicants must c inform before admission. ilr)n l ic.an must c,)nfo -0 THE PROGRAMME f. for this year's festival is as loiiows :— Swansea, April 27th.—Brahm s Alto Rhapsody," with miscellaneous items, m- j eluding a Beethoven's yrnphony. Neath, April 38th.—C<pn s "The Veil." j the Fourth Symphony of T.schaikowsky, the Prelude to Parsifal (Wagner), and the "Peer Gynt. Mountain Ash, April 29th.—Elgar s "Ban- TteT of St. George," and miscellaneous. j. Newport, April 30th.—Dvorak s Spec- tre's Bride," and miscellaneous j The soloists who will penrform are Baritones, Afr. Herbert Brown and Mr. J| Peter Dawson tenors,. MT. John Booth and Mr. Frank Mullins sopranos. "Miss Emily JBreare, Miss Esta d'Argo and Madame Laura Evans-Williams and contraltos. Miss Dilys Jones and Madame Kirkby Lunn.

WILL BE 2.000 IN TIME.} SWANSEA TOWN HILL I HOUSING PLANS. At a meeting of the Swansea Electric Lighting Committee on Thursday a. fetter was read from the Estate Agent stating that it had been resolved to work- Penygraig Quarry on a large scale in cotineeion witih the development of Town Hill, so that all etone could be supplied for the new roads to be made on the estate and far the 500 houses to be erected. The present idea was to use part of the field west of Penygraig Fann as a central yard, where would be fixed a mort.alr pan, stone crasher, sand crusher, and any other miwliinea-y which might be decided upon. In addition to this it was proposed to run a light railway from the G.W.R. ait a point abou.t 150 to 200 yards east of Cockett Tunnel up the incline to the centre depot. The question of tihe necessary powers was flow before the committee, and they de- added to refer the matter to the chairman, ■vice-dhair man and engineer. The Cho-i-rman (Coun. Sinclair) said al- though they were only going in for 500 houses now on Town Hill, the ultimata in- tention was to build 2,000. They wanted lighting up there not only for the streets but houses as well. —— o .4

HANDEL TO ELGAR. —— SAMSON AFTER "THE I APOSTLES." j I CONTRAST IN STYLES AT I  SWANSEA. } I With "The Apostles" fresh in one's ears there was a renewed interest in going to bear Handel's Samson," which Bethesda Chapel Choir produced under the baton of Mr. T. G. Thomas at Swansea on Thursday night. Between the two works music was virtually created anew. And that is the re- markable thing about the art. It is old enough, it is true—probably the Aurigna- oian tenants of Bacon's Hole were as fond of beating the tom-tom 3ft they were of daubing red ochre on the walls (vide Messrs. Breuil and Soil as) a la Johnny Bale (vide Mr. John Hodgens). But whilst the sculptor's tools remain what they were when Phidias laid4 down his chisel, a.nd the painter's implements remain what they were when Monna Lisa's enig- matic smile (of which the only thing that can be said with any certitude is that it is a a i- ey saucy) was put upon canvas, music has changed beyond recognition BETWEEN HANDEL AND ELGAR. Nelson would be no more astonished at the sight ofa super-Dreadnought, or Stephenson by a Daimler or Rolls Royce, than would Handel be on hearing the modern orches- tra and modern orchestration, the new forms, new harmony, new instruments, and new usee for old ones aU devised since his time. Of the performance it need but be said that it was a very good example of chapel choir sinking—rounded rather than sharp at the edges, vigorous, enthusiastic, and plaun- sailing. The soloists were Miss Jenny EIIm and Mits Blodwen Jones, Messrs. Breiiag Jones and Tom Bonnell; and Mr. Willie Roberts' orchestral band provided A SOOTHING AND PLEASING BACKGROUND. The venerable old soli, Honour and Arms," "Total Eclipse," Let the Bright Seraphim," and so on, were- all highly en- joyed, and the audience was particularly demonstrative after a fine rendition of the big soprano aria by Miss Ellis-albeåt one must say that the men's elocution was clearer upon the whole than the ladies. i These Welsh chapel concerts have an at- mosphere of their own. One is amongst a homely, warm-hearted people, all bent upon anjoying themselves to the utmost; fiped with a smiling, genial pleasure in the achievements of their choir, and frankly enjoying themselveg with a freshness that is much rarer than might be supposed even in these days of pleasure-seeking in exeelsis. They lick their lips over a. clear high B, like connoisseurs, and are ALMOST ROUSED TO POSITIVE CHEERS by a fortissimo.whilst in the corners of the chapel one seer, enthusiasts wagging their heads with unaffected delight over some fa- miliar aria followed in the pages of a dog- eared score. The Welsh rre an old. old pecple, but in their pleasures they can be ocoa.sionally as artlessly exmbefranit as ehil- dfen, and as exhilarating to be amongst. "HARMON [■

CREW SAFE. SWANSEA TRAWLER LOST ON WELSH COAST. In-formation has been received at the Swansea Fish Wharf to the effect that the steam trawler Duncan has been wrecked on the Pembrokeshire coast whilst on her way down to Swansea from Fleetwood. The Duncan is owned by Messrs. Rees ajii Barter, fish merchants, who have had information that the crew have been all -vt off,

OH, YOU BRUTE!' o i WOMAN'S SHRIEK I AT SACK MURDER TRIAL FINALE. George Ball was found guilty at Liverpool Assizes on Thursday of the murder of Miss Catherine Christina Bradfield, the victim of the sack crime, and sentenced to death. His young companion, Samuel Eltoft, was found guilty of being an accessory after the fact, and was sentenced to four years' penal servitude. Eltoft, who is eighteen, was recom- mended to mercy by the jury on the ground of his youth, and in the belief that he was influenced by the elder youth. BaJI did not flinch on hearing the ver- dict, nor did Eltoft show any sign of emotion. The customary question was put to Ball: "Have you anything to say why sentence should not be passed upon you, according to law?" and he replied "I have only to say that I am innocent." "1 am not guilty of either killing or murder," said Eltoft. Ball, his face deadly pale, stared with unmoved features at Mr. Justice Atkin when he put on the blaok cap to pass sentence on him. "It was a cruel and heartless murder," said the judge. Your victim was a good woman she was kind to you, and yet you muraered her and did away with her body in circumstances which are revolting." Bali still seemed unmoved, and when the warder touched him on the shoulder he responded at once, and, glancing swiftly round the court, descended the steps leading to the cells. "There can be little dcubt that you knew something of the crime," said the judge to Eltoft, "and it was your duty to have made it known, but you took an active part in helping to conceal the murder." When the judge announced sentence on Eltoft a woman's shriek rang through the court, and an exclamation, "Oh you brute!" was heard. It was seen, as Eltoft was passing below, that in a seat a f,w rows behind the dock a woman was crying hysterically, rocking to and fro. This woman, who is believed to be Eltoft'a mother, had been sitting in the same seat throughout the three days of the trial. JUDGE'S SUMMING UP. I The judge's summing up, which lasted an I hour and a half, began with a dramatic sen- tence. "There is one man in this oourt," he de- clared, "who knows who murdered Miss Bradfield, for he was in the shop from 6.40 to 7.40. That man is the prisoner Ball. I

HUNDRED NEW MEMBERS. PRIMHOSE LEAGUE GROWTH AT SWANSEA. Another Highly-successful Ward I Gathering-. r The Primrose League is a healthy virile I orgamsatlcn in Swansea and its growth and progress is particularly pronounced in the Castte and Victoria Wards, wboee annual social was held at the Albert Hall on Thurs- day evening. There was an excellent at- tendance at this pleasant function, which was presided over by Mr. J. Smith, and amongst those present were .Mrs. Charles W Tight (hon. secretary, Swansea and Gower Habitation), Mr. D. Villierg Meager, 1\h. [Ben Bottomley (Unionist agent), Mr. W. Lawson Evans and the following oiffcers:- I Wardens-Victoria, Mrs. J. H. Smith And Miss Dora Jones; Castle, Mrs. W. Lawson an £ Sub-wardens—Castle, Mies Minnie i Chappell and Mrs. Gregory Victoria,, Miss Ida Smith, Miss Annie Jones and Miss HUIl- Iter. In the course of a short and vigorous ad- dress Mr. Villiere Meager said that this week they had to be thankful for the good news th&t their old champion and leader, Colonel Wright, was able to be out. (Cheers.) j He was sure Mrs. Roper Wright had their I sympatny in the long illness of her husband, land they were glad that the period of an- xiety was now over. The thanks of all Unionists and Conservati ves were due to Mrs. Charles Wright and her officers in the Primrose League for the work they had done and were doing for the cause. (Hear, • hear.) Mr. Meager referred to THE COMING*ELECTION OF CAPTAIN I HENEAGE as the chairman of the Swansea Association. (Applause.) He was sure he would make an ideal chairman, and during his year of office he did not think there could be much doubt about it that an election would take place to decide the momentous question about Ireland and of the Church in Wales. The enemy, although he belonged to North I Wales, was busy w,i fh Us LAND BURSTING CAMPAIGN. I He did not think it would do much good, j but they must all bc prep areù to work ?7h ? J the time came. Victory would be on the I side of the Unionists. (Cheers.) Mrs. Charles Wright, who w&s enthusi- astically reoaived, said that those social functions were necessary to bring them mto PERSONAL CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER. They necessitated a great deal of hard work being thrown upon the wardens, and she thought their heartiest thanks were due to them. (Hear, hear.) During the month of January they had recruited no less than one hundred new members, which proved that they were still going ahead. (Ap- plause. ) Mr. W. Lawson Evang was the M.C. of the dancing, Mr. James Smith for the whist, and Miss Dora Jones for the games. Kx- oellent prizes for the whist drive were kindly given by Councillors J. H. Lee, Dd. Ba&sett, and J. Barclay Owen.

TO COMPLETE THE CORNER. PRUDENTIAL CO.'S NEW I i PREMISES. We understand that the tender has been ¡ accepted of Messrs. Billings and Sons, the Swansea builders, for the ercction of the new Prudential Assurance Company's build- ings on the corner Bite of Castle-street. The new buildings, which will cost 2,17,000, will complete the eat side of Castle-street. I

RUTS AND RIDGES." I PONTARDAWE ROADS IN BAD I CONDITION. At the Ponutardawe Council on Thursday, Mr. Owen Davies presiding, it was unani- mously decided to call the attention of the Glamorgan County Council to the" dan- rolli. and disgraceful condition of the main roads throughout the Pontardawe district." The Chairman said that although the motor 'buses running in the district had all been fitted up with the latest appliances to avoid oscillation, passengers were bumped into one another because of the deep ruts and ridges in the road. The roads in oUierparta of the county, especially around Cowbridge and Bridgend, were kept in oapital condi- tion. A report was reoeived from Mr. W. Geo. Higgs, relating to tests made of the elec- tric lighting at Gwaun-cae-gunven and Cly- dach. He stated that it was very unsatis- factqgg M £ ia<cea.,

HOWITZERS' uHOP." I ANNUAL DANCE OF FIRST WELSH. PICTURESQUE SCENE AT HOTEL CAMERON. The 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade Royal Field Artillery held their eleventh annual ball at the Hotel Cameron on Thursday evening, when there were present about 170 1 guests. The dance whs an unqualified suc- cess, and reflected much credit upon the committee and the hon. secretary (Q.M. Se.i,gt. J. Newtf),i Jones), who completed the arrangements. The bad was under the patronage cl Lieut.-Col. J. Henry, R.F.A., an3 officers, and the committee comprised Major G. Trevor Gregor, Captain S. C. Faber, R.F.A., Capt. J. Davies, Capt. T. R. Harris, Lieut. R. 13. llenyon-Winsor, Lieut. G. E. Aeron Thomas, Jneut. W. B. Watkms, B.S.M. A. li. Finnis, B.S.M. J. W. Camp-, bell, Q.I.S. T. Paddison, Farrier Sergt. T. H. Goad, Sergt.-Inst. C. Redei. Sergt. vN-, Chamberlain, Corpl. 0. li. Davie, Corp], N. G. Drew. Those acting as Masters of Ceremonies were Capt. T. R. Harris, Lieut. W. B. Watkins, Lieut. G. E. Aeron Thomas, B.S.M. A. R. Finnis. B.S.M. J. W. Camp- beii, Earner Sergt. 1. H. Gcad. A very varied programme consisted of 24 dances, and Mr. Charles M. Daviess Orchestra played a capital selection of the newest danoe music. Refreshments were excellent catered by Miss Roberts (the popular hotel manageress) and her staff, and served in the bouffett. The centrepiece on the daintily set-out table w.as a "gun carriage cake," beautifully exe- cuted by the hotel chef. Many uniforms wore worn by officers and men which added much brilliancy to the scen? in the palm court, where dancing took place. Nvere:- R oyal, The unirorm? repMsent.od were :—'Royal Horse ArtiHery. 1st Welsh (He'?t?r) Bri- gade R.F.A.. Royal Marine Artillery, Armvj ?r?ce Corps, Glamorgan Imperial Ye?- manTy, 6fbh Bat?lion the Ws?h Ra?m?nt (T.), 7th Baltaii,,?.r, i,lie ?N- R?m.e.nt, 5.r?l ?elsh F?d Ambulance R.A.M.C., and '?iw Koyal Eng-meers. &:J.rne of tnose present inchvi ed :—Ool. and Yjrs..J. Henry, R.F.A., Major G. Trevor Gregors Captain and Mrs. Stanley C. Faber, R.E.A., Captain J. R. H;±in_s and the fisses .-Jams, Lieut. R. B. Benyon-Winsor, Lieut. J- E. Aeron Thomas and the Missee Thomas, Lieut. W. n. Watkins a.nd Mxs. Watkins, Lieut. C. S. Simpson, Lk-ut. C. Sydney Daviea Lieut. 0. R. Portsmouth (all of the 1st welsh Howitzer Brigade R.F.A ) fajOlr Bertie Perkins (7Ui WoMi) a*nd ?Vi'2VS. jPbT- kins, Captain Chiles Evans, R.A.M.C., Lieut. Stanley Bassett Jonas and 1ks.. JxWies, Lieut. Hinton (oth Welsh) and Mr^. Hinü:m, Dr. LeonsT-r? rv SOME OF THE GOWNS. A few of the most noticeable gown were the foll(ywlpg Mrs. Col. Henty wore a becoming gown of white satin with a three tier tunic of lace, prettily trimmed. Mrs. Aeron Thomas chose a striking gown of emerald satin with a tunic of ninon, the corsage being adorned with lace. Mrs. Horatio Watkms was attired in a gown of black satiri charmeuse. The corsage was of white silk, veiled in black ninon, and had a vest of jetted net. Miss Laugharne Morgan came in a be- coming frock of soft with a chiffon full tunic and trimming of crystal insertion. Miss Eileen Watkins was also very daintily dressed. Mrs. S. B. Jones was smartly gowned in an underdresr: of tango charmeuse, which was draped. The tunic was composed of chiffon brocade edr.ecl with fox and having a vest of Honiton lace. Mrs. B. Perkins was dainty in a pale blue satin gown with a slashed overdress of maise silk gauze trimmed with gold bugles. The waist was finished with a fold of amber satin. Miss Phyllis Davies wore a striking gown of white satin, with a pointed back pannier of royal blue ninon. Miss Sandbrook was smartly gowned in white satin, with a tablier tunic of rose ninon over embroidery of silver, the corsage being banded with satin ribbons of mauve and pink. Mrs. Searle Hinton came in a gown of I saxe blue satin, with an over-dress of violet ninon de soie. Miss Chapman was wearing a gold em- broidered net robe over white satin, the waist swathe and half the corsage being of tangerine panne velvet. Mrs. Olsson was attired in a gown of saxe blue satin, with an under-dress of laoe, the corsage being of guipure lace, acid had a blush-pink rose tucked into it. )liss R.. Harris wore a becoming gown of turquoise bluie sat'in draped and revealing a fancy lace. The corsage was aLsto adorned with lace. Miss Arnold came in a jitowdeir bhie satin charmieu^e gown, the skirt being dmped. The waist wa.s defined with a from! band, and trimfraintg of crystals was used. Miss Rees was attired in a pale blue satin gown with a. short tunic of lace adorned with posi,es of piale pink roses. Mis. Lindsay ohoSle a dainty isrown of pale blue satin verikd in ninon. which also ap- pealed o.n the bodies in folds. Mjts. Reef obese a pretty gown of eau de ni 'I so tin with a. pointed tunic of s ilvered gjauze trimmed with jewels. The corsage was adorned with ornaments of pearls. Miss Fricker wore a frxk of rose de barri satin with a. short tunic of lace, the waist being defined with a belt of satin. "JOAN." I

I LAST OF THE TRIPLETS. SWANSEA MOTHER'S GRIEF. I The sudden death has occurred at Xo. 18, Pottery-street Swansea-, on J 'hu i sdav, of James Whittard, a^ed four months, the last of the triplets of Mrs, Martha Whitfbrd of that addre. who obt-iined the King's tjpunty recently. "WEAKLY FROM BIRTH" EVI- I DENCE AT INQUEST. The deputy-Bcrough Coroner held an in- quest at Alexandra-road Schoolroom, Swan- sea, on James Whitfield, the last of the triplets, aged four months, of Annette Whit- field. The mother said the children had been weak from birth. The deceav«ed child, Jamee, which died on Tuesday, after hav- ing a fit, had been taken to the Mothers' and Babies' Welcome once a fortnight. On Monday night last the child would take no food and was ill. but she did not think it was serious enough to call in a doctor. ( Coroner: Were the triplets insured?— No, sir. Dr. Marks said the child had did from I ccnvulsi^iis. It had never thrived from birth. Verdict accordingly. -=- ¡

'SCANDALOUS PROCEEDINGS.'I Swansea Labour Association and  Botha's Action. I At a meeting of the Swansea Labour As sociation, a resolution was passed viewing with regret the attitude adopted by the military authorities in South Africa with re- gard to the Trade Unionists who are out on strike. The methods adopted, it continues, can only be paralleled in the darkest ages, and justify the Association in requesting the Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Unionists to interview the Prime Minister and Cabinet as speedily as possible with the hooe of immediately terminat.ing such scan- dalous proceedings.

At Neath on Friday Lilian Ley, Port Tennant, charged with stealing two cwt. of coal, the property of the Great West- ern Raii-va" Co., was fined 00s. and costs. .Mr. Rupert Lewis prosecuted for the P

[ "SUBSTANTIAL PROFIT. ] METROPOLITAN BANK: ANNUAL MEETING. I Lord Glantawe and the Work of the Staff. The forty-eighth ordinary meeting of the Metropolitan Bank of England and Wales took place in Birmingham. Mr. F. W. Nash (chairman and managing director) presided, and moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, and referred ap- preciatively to the services of Mr. W. E. Warden, who had resigned. The balance- sheet contained the results of a year distin- guished by much political and commercial j unrest and demand for money. He added: Upon the London market in particular the demands have been heavy, so heavy that at one time there was room for apprehension that should a COMBINATION OF UNFAVOURABLE CIRCUMSTANCES occur the banking world might have to deal with something approaching panic condi- tions. Such a result was, however, avoided by the prudence and foresight of those re- sponsible for the control of the markets; the Bank of England reserve was main- tained at a high figure; money was always available at a price and the year closed without untoward incident.. Ihe results shown by the balance-sheet will, I hope, be entirely satisfactory to the shareholders, and with your permission I will proce-cd to refer to them in-detail. If you will tunn to the first item on the liabili- I ties side you will see that we are due to the public in a sum of £11,761,265, which is nearly JSl.COO.OOO more than at. the close of  to be exact £ S68,454. This is entirely owing to Lhc expansion of the business, and is a larger increase than we have ever he- lore experienced in a single year. It is equal to about 8 per cent. A very satisfactory in- crease is also shown in the number of cus- tomers on our books. Increased liabilities of course imply increased assets, and if you turn to the other side of the account you will see that the cash in hand and at Bank and at call and short notice are both sub- stantially higher, so that our holding of cash is a bout half a million greater, and our liquid assets, including our bills of exchange, which comprise a large proportion of Balik. bills of the highest class, are L5,732,429, which is ici the prnportion of 48.7 to our deposits. Our advances to customers, L6,6,9425, are only C43,(M larger than a year ago. This compares with a consider- ably higher ratio of expansion during several previous periods, and is an indication of a falling ofl ir; trade, which will no doubt attract your attention. Tou will perceive that our total figures ] now closely approximate to thirteen mil- lions. Now permit me to refer to the Profit i and Loss Account. I have intimated that o un PROFIT FOR THE YEAR reached larger figures ihan those for 1912, I which was our nest best, but it is a true saying that you cannot have the same thing both ways, and the same causes which swelled the profit's have also operated in another direction and have depreciated our investments. The consequence (was that, whilst our Board had a larger balance of profit to deal with, they were confronted with a further fall in the market values of your investments amounting to nearly -270,000, to be exact je63,500, which is largely in excess of any figures we have had to deal with hitherto. As we have always followed the safe plan of includi.A the in- vestments in the balance sheet at the mar- ket prices (but never abovo cost), the differ- ence had to he provided. Your Board decided to transfer £ 70,000 from the Guar- antee Fund to the Suspense Account for Depreciation and to utilise the increased profits, the exceptional character of which I beg the shareholders will not lose sight of, in strengthening our private reserves and our carry forward. We therefore only show you a profit of approximately the same amount as last year, namely. £128,493 If. ad., and we add P,40,685 to the un- divided profits, raising the amount carried forward to £ 50,982 8s. 9d. We thus start the current year under iavourable auspices and with a substantial reserve of profit in hand, and if at the end of the year we should experience further depreciation—which I cordially hope will not be the case-we have the means to meet it. The resolution adopting the report was carried unanimously, and Messrs. Turquand, Youngs and Co. re-appointed auditors. LORD GLANTAWE. The deputy chairman (Lord Glantawe) moved a vote of thanks to the general mana- geT and the other officers of the bank for their zealous attention to the interests of the company, remarking that the manager's power of organisation made him eminently fitted for the post. The vote was carried unanimously, and the manager suitably re- sponded.

"UP TO STANDARD." ANNUAL MEETING OF SWAN- II SEA GAS CO. The annual meeting of the proprietors of I the Swansea, Gas Company was held on Friday at the Gas Works. Mr. John Gla-sbrook, who presided, gave details of the working for the year 1913, which proved to be up to the usual standard of past year-. He also stated that there was a prospect in the near future of the company opening a showroom in the town for the purpose of illustrating to consumers and in- tended consumers the general utility of gas for lighting heating, and power purposes. There was a much larger attendance than usual, and added interest was given to the  proceeding owing to a director having to be elected in place of Dr. T. D. Griffiths, who ELECTION OF NEW DIRECTOR. I Many well-known and highly-respectable I local gentlemen were offering themselves as candidates for this vacancy, and after a ballot had been taken Mr. W. H. Edwards waa elected. Owing to the death of Mr. H. J. Goes, there was also a, vacancy in the auditorship, which was filled by the election of Mr. S. G. Owen. The Hsual dividend of 5 per cent. per I annum was declared. I

WAS IT A HOAX? I ALLEGED PLOT AGAINST I CHANCELLOR. Partie-Lilars of an alleged threat to I wreck the train by which Mr. Lloyd ¡ George travelled to London after his Glasgow speech came to light on Thurs- day. Cn Wednesday afternoon the Liberal officials in Glasgow received a letter warning them that at atempt would be made to wreck the Chancellor's train. Although little importance was attached to the lett-er it was handed to the police, who passed on the warning to the railway officials. Telegrams were sent along the line warning the stat-ionrnasters and signal- man to be on the lookout for any sus- picious circumstances that might come to their notioo.

DANISH STEAMER FOR SWANSEA I DRY DOCK. The Danish steamer Sigurd, which broke I her shafting off Fishguard, is being towed round to Swansea, where she will be over-I hauled in the Ocean Dry Dock.

At a meeting of the Nea.th Town Council on Thursday, the Mayor said he had received a letter from Dr. Smithies, of the local Medi- cal Aid Association, suggesting that a motor ambulance should be provided by the work- men for the town and district, and the mat- ter was referred to the Wa.tch Committee for consideration. At the annual meeting of the Incorporated Bristol Channel Tiniber Tmpotei-s' Associa- 'tion at Newport on Friday, Mr. G. T. (ire- J gor, of Swansea, was chosen as president for j jIA6 ensuing year. 1

STOP-TAP P" ——— SWANSEA LICENSES. ANOTHER BATCH UNDER REVIEW. Police Watch Hotel. The annual Licensing Sessions were re- sumed on Friday. The following deoisiona were announced in our overnight edition — At Friday's Sessions Mr. John Roberts (chairman) again presided. RUTLAND ARMS. Rutland Arms, Rutland-street, seven day license, owner Sir Coleridgg Grove, licen- see Mr. Cornelius Sullivan, rent £ 100, aver- age t<Lkings £29 per week, and house cater- ing for the wants of the neighbourhood. This was the evidence given by Inspector Fielder. Supt. Roberts gave the house a good char- acter. Ca,pt. Thomas (the Chief Constable; said the house was used by women of ill-repute, but he would not say that they remained there very long. P.S. Hayes concurred and also said tfiat the house was largely used by men of the navvy class on Sunday who represent them- salve-K as travellers. Mr. Watkins objected to the renewal on the ground uf Sunday trading. Decision reserved.—Mr. Edward Harris appeared for the owners and licensee. HEATHFIELD HOTEL. I J J 1 ihe objections by the police against tne renewal of the license of the Heathfisld Hotel, Portland-street, was that the house was too small and not quired for the wants of the neigh bourhood, there b"ing fifteen other houses within about 150 yards. Mr. W. A. Thomas appeared for the licensee and lessee, Mr Amos Gordon, and Mr. W. P. Smith represented the freeholder. In reply to Dr. Rawlings. inspector Fielder said here was no accommodation for meals to customers. Supt. Roberts said there had been seven transfers since 1892. Other witnesses added that women of ill- fame visited the house, but in reply to Mr. Thomas they admitted that the licensee' had not been there long and was a stranger to the town. Mr. Richard Watkins offered objection on the ground that the front portion of the house had been let for a jeweller's shop. It was stated that the licensee paid £ 300 to go into the house only last year.—De- cision reserved. BOAR'S HEAD. Mr. Henry Thompson, for the tenant and sub-lessee (Mr. George Cole), and Mr. Mar- lay Samson (instructed by Mr. Mervyn Wil- liams) for the lessee (Mrs. T. P. Martin), supported the renewal of the license of the j Boar's Head, Gowe.r-street, and Inspector Fielder said that the sanitary arrangements wanted improving, whilst the side door should be closed. P.S. Hayes said that the housédid a re- spectable Sunday trade. The case was adjourned to enable the suggested alterations to be carried out. LONDON HOTEL. Structurally deficient and unnecessary were the chief police objections to the re- newal of the license of the London Hotel, 0 ystermou th road licensee, Mr. Charlea Rose. lHr. Marlay Samson (instructed by Mr. j C. H. Newcombe) appeared for the licenses and owner, and put it to Inspector Fielder that since the Vetch Field had become a new scene of operations the house did a greater trade. Inspector Fielder Yes, I have known every house in the neighbourhood packed out on a match day. (I.,aught-er).-Decision reserved. VICTORIA HOTEL. Mr. Charles Newoombe supported the ap- plication for the renewal of the license of the Victaria Hotel, College-street, Mr. J. T. Jones licensee. The police objections were in respect to the conduct of the house and that the license was u nxic.,cesmi-y .Decision reserved. HOTEL WYNDHAM. In the case ot the Hotel Wyndham, Col- leg e-street, licensee Mr. James E. Shorrock, rent L260, Inspector Fielder read police reports show- ing that the house was visited by women of ill-fame. Mr. Charles Newcombe, for the licensee and lessees, elicited that during the term of the present licensee there had only been two complaints and that Mr. Shorrock was doing his best to conduct the house properly. Wit- ness further stated that as a result of licensed houses being closed on the Strand the women of ill-fame came up into the main streets. Supt. Roberts described the sanitary M- rangements bad, and in reply to the chair- man said that the same condition of things existed a year ago when the license was re- i newed. but no report had been made to the Watch Committee, though one had been made to the Licensing Committee. Re- cently he ha.d caused the house to be watched b&cause of complaints made. Undoubtedly the house did a good trade ( £ 46 per week), and yet there had been nine transfers in ten, ye.ars. Captain Thomas, the Chief Constable, gave evidence of having cautioned the land- lord's wife about the women being there. Ho afterwards instructed Supt. Roberts to have the house watched. Other police evidence was called, And for: the application the licensee was called, and he said that lie had not knowingly served any women of ill-fame. When he went into the Wyndham the house was "down," and he had got the trade u:r-DecisiOI1 reserved, i THE THREE CROWNS. A notice of objection by Mr. Watkins to the renewal of the license of the Three Crowns, High-street (Mr. Michael Delamey licensee) wa& withdrawn. THE NAG'S HEAD, MORPJSTON. Mr. Henry Thompson supported the appli- cation for the renewal of the off-license of the Nag's Head, Morristooi. The house was in the "black list," arid Sergt. Thomas de- posed to several visits, once in October last finding 52 men there.—The Chairman: An off-license with 52 men on. (Laughter.) What were they doing ?—Witness Fqbi? all explained something, some of them saying they were in the shop there aii-cl (-)thei-s drinking sarsaparilla. (Laughter.) He thought the shop ought to he done away with.—The Magistrates' Clerk And keep the beer. (More laughter.)-—In cross-exam- ination Mr. Thompson elicited that hefu, the magistrates, when Mrs. Davies, the licensee, was fined 20s., it was set up that it was the custom when workmen paid for drink had during the week for them to be given a free drink. Tha magistrates at the time said they did not think frR. Davies kr.ew she wa-s infringing the law.—Mr. Thompson And the magistrates were quite clear in the opinion they expressed?-Wit- ness I think they were. (More laughter.) —Decision reserved.

EVAN ROBERTS' MOTHER DEAD. ) Mrs. Roberts, mother of Mr. Evan Robers, the revivalist, Island House, j Loughor, died on Friday, and the funeraj will take place on Wednesday. Mrs. Roberts underwent an operation for cancer at the Swansea Hospital towards the end of last year, and it will be re- membered, although efforts were made to get Mr. Evan Roberts to come and see his mother from Leicester, he declined. ——————————————

P,15,000 LLANELLY SCHOOL PROJECT, Llanelly Borough Councu Education Committee have appointed Mr. James Brown clerk of works, at L3 a week, in connection with their new school at Stebonheath-ter- raoe, which will involve an expenditure of about £ 15,000. The contract for the work has been placed with Messrs. Mercer and Sous, Ltd., who are at present engageod on the extension of the Llanelly G. W. R. Sta- tion.

NEW SWANSEA HEADS." THREE SCHOOLS APPOINT- MENTS. At a meeting of the Swansea Education Staffing Committee on Friday afternoon (Mr. Dd. Matthews presiding) applications were considered for the appointment of a headmaster of the Wa/unwein School, to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. J. Williams. Mr. J. Rhys Daivies, headmaster of Mor-1j riston School, was transferred to Waunwen, and the vacancy at Morris ton was filled by the appointment of Mr. Rowland W. Wil- liams of the Municipal Secondary School. It was further decided that Mr. Robert J. Jones, also of the Mimicipal Secondary School, should be appointed to take charge .of the now school at Baptist Well-street, which is expected to be ready in the course of a couple of months. An application was received from the staff of the evening schools for an increase in their remuneration, but the request was declined- A further application froon the certificated teachers for an increase was cansidetred, and it "'11.3 eventually resolved that the consideration of the matter should be referred until the expiration of two years [from the making of the la-st scale, which means that it is deferred until next Septem- ber.

GIFTS AT "THE GUARDIANS." RATE AND RELIEVING OFFICIALS HONOURED. An interesting meeting was held at Swansea Board of Guardians's room, when presentations of suitably inscribed marble timepieces were made to Aid. J. Jordan, Llansamlet, as a token of appre- ciation of his 38 years' valuable service in the capacity of rate collector. and Mr* Gordon Thomas, relieving officer, Morris- ton, on the occasion of his recent mar- riage. Mr. Llewellyn Jenkins, clerk, presided over an enthusiastic gathering. Dr. Joseph Davies, late of Hafod, handed the present to Mr. Jordan, while Mr. Morgan Thomas, oldest relieving officer, presented Mr. Gordon Thomas, whereupon the recipients appropriately responded. Able speeches were delivered by the following:—Mr. T. Morgan, master of Swansea Workhouse; Mr. D. R. Davies, master of Llanelly Workhouse; Mr. J. E. Elliot, master of Cottage Homes; Mr. Benjamin Jones, rate collector, Fforest- fach; Mr. Tolm White, rate collector, Pontardulais; Mr. Albert Williams, re- lieving officer, Gorseinon Mr. S. O. Davies, superintendent. of relieving offi- cers, and Mr. J. T. P. Anthony, deputy registrar. The presents were supplied I by Mr. David Thomas, Castle-street.

NEWTON CHAPEL COMPETITIVE MEETING. A successful competitive meeting was held at Paraclete Congregational Chapel, Newton, on Thursday night. The chairman was Mr. W. B. Evans and the adjudicators were :-1 Music and literature, Mr. George Dorrell prize bags and croehetting, Mrs. T. L. Davies. The accompanist was Mr. C. R. Lloyd. The prize-winners included :—Reci- tation (under 10) 1, Winnie Hickson; 2, Owen Bow en 3, Stephen McGirl. Ditto (under 13): 1, Edward Thomas 2, Gwyneth Jones. Ditto (open) 1, divided between Miss Sleeman and Mise E. Crow ling; 2, Miss Doris Smith. Solo (under 13) 1, Het- tie Ace; 2, Elsie Hickson. Solo (under 16): 1, Emily Jenkins; 2, divided between Olga Lloyd and Ada Evans. Soprano solo, Miss Nellie A; tenor solo, Mr. C. Collier; bass, sclo, Mr. S. Talbot; duet (soprano and con- tralto), Misses A. Parry and E. Jenkins; duet (tenor .and bass), Messrs. A. Parry and D. W. Lloyd; quartette. Misses S. Jenkins and E. Rosser. and Messrs. E. Howell and A. Skinner; sight reading, Mrs. S. Johns; map of Gower (junior), Ronald Jams; ditto (senior), Albert Williams; pencil drawing of duck, Albert Williams; pencil sketch of Caswell Bay, Albert Willianis-t crocheted d'Oyley, Miss Florine Sutton; prize bag, MissFlorrie Ace; design for N ew Year's card, Willie Hickson; essay (senior), Mr. Reggie Morris; essay (junior), Miss Molly Jarvis; handwriting, 1 Willie Hickson, 2 Ernest Kift; impromptu speech, Arthur Ace.

Miss Annie Williams, third daughter of Mrs. Evans, Star Inn Hotel, Ystradgynlais, has been ma,rried at the Registry, Pontar- dawe, to Mr. Wm. Weekes, Station-road, .Matradgyniaifl.

WORSE THAN PARIS, .100 SWANSEA GIRLS' LAXITY. MORE "WHITE BLA V E RUMOURS. I Are there White Slave agents in Swan sea? The question is prompted by the dis- closure of a certain young lady in South Wales being saved just in time from accepting an alluring situation abroad, and which she had been persuaded not to do by Scotland Yard. The Swansea police, who, perhaps, are w h <), perhaps, are better judges than anyone, state that they know of no such agents being about. Captain Alf Thomas, the courteour, Chief Constable, told a "Post" reporter ow Friday that he had received no informa- tion on the subject nor any complaints. and it could be taken for granted there was no need whatever for alarm. Care, ht, &aid. should always be exercised in these kinds of advertisements, and if only paTenta or girls would I CONSULT THE POLICE CONFI- DENTIALLY enquiries would be made which would be o I considerable benefit to the girls themselves. HWMDONKTN SHELTER SISTER. I Sister uilkinson. in charge of the Cwm- donkin Night Shelter, says no such cases -I)a-e been brought under her knowledge, but as her residence in Swansea has been brief she cannot speak altogether definitely. "There's one thing," she to:d a "Post" reporter on Friday, the morals of Swan- .sea as she sees them are very poor-wors than London, where she comes from. Cases oome under her notice of girls having been I LED ASTRAY AT FIFTEEN, and she cites aad instances of the downfall of girls, diie in the majority of caies to the girls themselves. "We put any stranded girl up for the night." she stated, "and we get the sad cases into homes and from thence into ser vice. Our work is h.,peful--tnd not hope- lesf, as so many imagine. Often on the Strand we hear the plaintive cry, "I wish, sister, I could GET OUT OF THIS." As confirming Sister Wilkinson s impres- sions-whiell, after all, are confined to the lowest piano of Swaneea life-Ir. Ranger, of the SaJvation Army. in charge of the Lan- dore district, offers singular confirmation. "I think Swansea's m.orals," he said, "are very low, and many of the girls would be ready victims tn the wiles of the white slave agent. As to the latter, he is not amongst us. to my knowledge, and I am in touch with agencies which would soon hear of him." For years Mr. Ranger was in Paris, and he told our representative that agents thrived there, broadcast. "London and Paris," he said, "are receiv- ing depots for this traffic. The girls are brought in. and then opportunity is waited to get them abroad. Often they go direct from their homes." SWANSEA GIRLS LAX. "Swmisea girls, I fear, are lax. I am sorry t<T see it, and in this laxity they are worse than Paris or ilondon. In plaoea where the agents thrive girls are 'up to them' here I Mn afraid they would not be. The surroundings of the homes contribute to this moral laxity; in many cases the girl is left to look after herself as and how sh. can—and drift."

HIS LAST HOURS. LATE DR. WILLIAMS, DINAS, LANDORE. I I The funeral took place on Thursday of the Rev. W. P. Williams, D.D., Landore, wh6 had served 36 years as pastor of Dinas Bap- tist Chapel. There was a large attendance of sympathisers, especially ministers, from all parts of South Wales, and the wmmtul- j ity generally manifested sorrow at the death of the aged and revered pastor and distin, guished leader. A service was first held at Dinas Chapel, over which Dr. Gomer Lewis, Swansea, preo 1 sided, and those who spoke included Mr. W. Hughes, B.A., Oxford (who was encouraged to enter the ministry by his late pastor), the Rev. W. Rees, Blaenavon (a fellow-student at Llangollen College), the Rev. Dr. Harris, of Treherbert (a friend for 45 years), the Rev. Jeremiah Jones (President of the West Glamorgan Baptist Association), the Rev. John Davies (Cadle), the Rev. B. Davies (Plasmarl), the Rev. Walter Davies (Lan.. dore), the Rev. D. B. Richards (Brynhyfryd. Swansea), and the Rev. J. Edwards (Moun. tain Ash, President of the Welsh Baptist Union). All bore testimony to the life and work of the departed veteran, and the Rev. D. B. Richards told a moving story of THE MINISTER'S LAST HOURS. t >f nr-n: 1 1:- 1 i lie saul Mr, wiuiaius a-sittru iur a iem pencil, but the only decipherable word left on the sheet of paper was the word "Christ." Mr. Jeremiah Lot Hughes read a long list of those who had sent letters of sympathy, including Lord Pontypridd, Sir Brynmoraod. Lady Brynmor Jones, and Mr. Edgar Jones, M.P. The churches of the district had also sent letteri of sympathy, and also the churches of which the late rev. gentleman had been pastor. The service over, the ooffin was conveyed to Cwmgelly Cemetery, where the burial took place. The principal mourners were the widow, Mr. Idwal Williams (son), and the daughters. THE SYMPATHISERS. Among the sympathisers present were the Revs. J. Davieb, Mynyddbach; S. H. Parry, Llansamlet; Evan Jenkins, Swansea; Sin- clair Evans, Swansea Pryse Evans, Hafod; D. W. Sa.unders, Pontycymmer; J. D. Harris, Llansamlet; T. Edwards, Mountain Ash (President of the Welsh Baptist Union) Hermas Evans, Cwmbwrla; Aaron Morgan, Blaenffos George Williams, Pontardulais; D. Price, Aberaare; Dr. Gomer Lewis, Swansea; Dr. Griffiths, Kenfig Hill; Fred Morgan, Morriston; G. R. Hughes, Craven Hill; T. Thomas, Ynistawe; T. B. Evans, Clydach; J. Davies, Cadle; P. J. Owens, Ctaersalem D. M. Davies, Waunarlwydd; S. Williams, Landore; J. E. Griffiths, Birch- grove; J. Watkins, Loughor; D. T. H. Harris, Treherbert; H. Hughes, Briton Ferry; W. Richards, Abercam; Griffiths, Blaenavon; W. Rees, Blaenavon; J. Ste- phens, Gorseinon; D. M. Jones, vicar of Landore; D. U. Davies, B.A., TreboetH; Skudimore, Landore D. R. Richards, Bryn- hyfiyd; Dyfodwg Davies, Morriston; D. Price, Swansea; Valentine Evans, Clydach r W. Hughes, B.A., Oxford; Iorwerth Jones, Maesteg; Mr. Abraham Thomas, J.P. Councillors J. Lewis and D. Griffi4hs, Swan- sea Messrs. Ben Owen and Ben Davies, Plasmarl; T. B. Phillips, Tylagwyn; T. Edmunds, Swansea; and C. B. Griffiths, Swansea. At the graveside short addresses were do. livered by the Rev. Fuller Mills, Carmar- then, the Rev. Dr. Griffiths, Pyle, and others.

INCOME TAX DISGORGED. Town Gets 21,000 Back: Treasurer's Smart Work. At Swansea Finance Committee on Fri- day, Mr. W. H. Ashmole, the borough treas- urer, reported that after negotiations with the Income Tax authorities he had been suc- oessful in recovering over £1,000 on pay. ments extending over two years. A de- tailed explanation would he furnished in due course. The comiYuttee complimented Mr. Ash- mole on the aucoessful repultot big efforts.