South Wales Weekly Post

I PIONEER OF MQRRISTON INDUSTRY. t DEATH OF MR. DANIEL !S EDWARDS, J.P. 1 I END OF STRENUOUS AND I SUCCESSFUL CAREER. Wo regret to announce the death, winch took place on Tuesday morning, of Mr. Daniel Edwards, J.P., at the advanced age cf 80 years. The deoeaaed gentleman had been in failing heailth for some little time past, though up to then he possessed a most robust constitution. He leaves six gone--Ilr. W. H. Edwards, J.P., ivu, Richard Edwards, Mr. Jeremiah Edwards, Mr. David Edwards, Mr. Alby Edwards, and Mr. Ebenezer Edwards—and one difugh- tez-N.irs. D. R. Jones, of Granville House, The late Mr. Daniel Edwards was a pioneer in the Welsh tinplate trade, and elded verv materially TO MAKE MORRISTON THE TINPLATE TOWN that it is to-day, Mr. Edwards, from his earliest age, led 1, an active and strenuous life. He com- menced work as a boilermaker's boy. In 1348-9 he was working with a monumental mason in Cadcxton, and from there he went. t to the Neath Valley, where he was em- ployed on the railway which was being con- structed. Mr. Edwards was the youngest atone dresser on the undertaking, his em- ployer being Mr. Evans-Bevau, grandfather of the present Mr. Evans-Be van, the well- known colliery proprietor. Subsequently, he went into business as a monumental mason and rtone dresser on his own account. Time passed on and Mr. Ed- wards found himself at the Upper Forest Tinplate Works, which were then owned by "a Mr. Hallam. After working thera for e^veTal years, he worked at the Beaufort Tinplate Works, then owned 'by Mr. John Jones Jenkins (after Lord Glantawe) who himself passed a way onlv recently. As time went on Mr. Edwards founded the "Worcester and Upper Forest Tinplate Works, and from his plans the present works were erected. After completing these works he was approached with a view of building the Tabernacle Church, Morriston, one of the finest religious buildings in South Wales, and known as the ''NONCONFOR\II''iTS' CATHEDRAL." The church took two years to complete, and Mr. Edwards, who wa.s a fa.ithful member, collected, towards its inn da upwards of f, 1. 117. On March 1st. 1873. Mr. Edwards started building the Duffryn Tinworks, with which the family is still associated. He was also flie inventor of the Edwards Tinning Pot. a. marvellous piece of ingenuity, bv the use of which the price of labour in the tinning department was reduced from seVEnpence to tourpence. As is well known. Mr. W. H. Edwards, J.P.. deceased's eldest son, is the proprietor of the Duffryn Works, and at one time was a very active member of the Corporation, filling the office cf Mayor in 1894. The late Mr. Daniel Edwards celebrated hi.- 30th Ibirthday only a short time ago. I

REST FOR ALL. I UriS, I MSMSLOWfS I SOOTHING II SYRUP. FOR CHILDREN TEETHING. If iOtir baby is restless and cannot sleep, give thin old fashioned remedy a trial, as it cures WIND AND TEETHING I¡ DiARRHCEA. Yoli v, il) all have a good eight and baby I will waky up bright & happy.

SHIPWRECK IN BAY. I I I" FATE OF IRISH SCHOONER'S CREW.   b te The ga?e on Monday night was re"pollHble J for one wreck in Swansea Bay, an Irish schooner going dcwn with all haiids, and the I narrow escape of a Norwegian vessel which went aground off the byster beds at Mum- bles. but managed to get clear again. I The lost schooner, which had been. lying in the Mumbles Roada for some days, was noticed to be in difficulties earlier in the day. and it is s-tated the master was ad- vised to put into Swansea. Late in the afternoon, with mountainous seas running 40 feet high, she was seen rolling heavily J '1 T' <oJ and distress signal s v. ere raised The Swan- sea pi lot-boat put out to her assistance, but ny the time SOe got near it was dark, and it was with the greatest difficulty she could be located owing to the great seas. The rockets guided her and shouts from the crew —there were four hands on the acliooner-. appealed for the lifeboat, which was then cn her wav. I Crew in the Rigging. The crew appeared to be lashed to the rigging with one man aloft up the mast. The pilot-boat, got Harly on the top of her, running herself considerable risk, and lines were thrown, but these could not be caught. And then in the darkness, with the boiling seas running over both the schooner and the pilot-boat, the schooner would be lost to view, only to reappear with her hull down in the water. and the sailors shouting from the rigging. The pilot-boat again rounded first one side cnd then the, other, but it was evident the schooner's anchors were ripping her up with the strain. Then a particularly heavy sea snapped off the mast with the sailor clinging to it. and in the clarkness the cries became even more pitiable. Amongst the pilots aboard the cutter were Captains Pruet, Clement. Beynon, and Geen, and the heavy seas continually washed them off their feet, one wave dashing the pilots' crew from the bow to amidships. But working with a will they again tried lines, and one seemed to be caught for a moment. Completely Disapperaed. i By this time—it was now 6.30—-the schooner was sinking rapidly, and only now and again could she be made out. Pre- sently her hull disappeared altogether. though by the Mumbles light a shadowy outline would Appear and as quickly disap- pear. In the fiercc- gale the name of the schooner could not be caught by the pilot- boat, and though the pilots continued their exertions they found the wreck had totally disappeared, with no trace of men or boat. The lifeboat, which had been summoned by the pilot-boat, breasted the great waves like a cork, and they too were unable to render effective assistance. At one time she got near by. but, as stated, the crew of I the schooner appeared to have been lashed I to the rigging. A Lifcfcoatman's story. I Mr. G. Webborn, Bryn-terrace, Mumbles, one of the crew of the Ueboat. informed our representative on their return that the schooner, which was Irish, and was supposed to be bound from. Swansea to Waterford, had been sheltering in the bay for forne two weeks. The lifeboat crew had been watch- ing her from early on Monday morni ng, but it was not until about 6 p.m. that she lost her hold. The crew at once sent up a flare I and the lifeboat was got out immediately. Meanwhile, however, the schooner was drifting quickly towards Swansea, and be.: ing caught by the full force of the gale went broadside on, and must have been knocked to pieces in a short time. The lifeboat cruised about the bay for about three hours, but was unable to ap- proach the schooner, the heavy sea running at the time making the task impossible; in j fact, they were unable to land at the proper landing-place near the lifeboat house on their return owing to the sea, and had to out ashore opposite ihe Yacht Club. Norwegian Boat Takes the Ground. The Norwegian vessel, S.S. Oeifon, was in cl I (iff the Mumbles on Monday, and after narrowly escaping running on the middle head Tan aground inside the Pier, near the new lifeboat slipway. After giv- ing the onlookers a very trxious time, ex- pecting that she would swing against the pier or be carried broad side-on to the beach, she succeeded in getting clear under her own steam and proceeded in the direction of Swansea. PILOT GUTTER'S I EXPERIENCES. TOSSED ABOUT LIKE A I GOES. Both Captain Pruet and Captain Clement, ) of the pilot cutter, gave out- representative a graphic account of the terrible seas washing over the schooner and their attempts at rescue. The pilot cutter caught up with the wreck, but in the darkness she would disappear and reappear with her anchors dragging. One I moment she was in the trough of the giant i waves and the next moment riding through on the top with her hull submerged and the men pit-sously appealing from the masts and raging. They could hear cries of "Send for' the lifeboat," but nothing else could be made distinct. Lines were thrown, and at one time the pilot boat seemed to be almost on ¡ top of the schooner. Then she would be blown away and her outlines become dim, only to come into the darkened view again with more of her hull under water and. her bow, and the agonised forms of men peering through the heavy eas, They could not say the moment she would disappear alto- ¡' gether, for she would be lost for a few minutes and then come to view again. It was only after cruising1 around an 'hour after she must have gone altogether with her four hands tha.t the pilot boat gave up har fruitless quest. No sign of any floating form wa.s seen at all, which gives colour to the I view that the crew had secured titiemsel-ves to the vessP-I. THE SCHOONER UNIDENTIFIED. I All attempts from brokers, pilot-, and I docks officials to get the name of the sunken schooner have proved futile. She was green painted and was an old vessel, believed to ha-ve come from Wexford. Her second name is believed tc, loe "Jane," but whether "Mar- garet Jane," "Eliza Jane," or "Mary Jane" is not definitely known. The Mumbles lighthouse officials believe her to have been the "Mary Jane."

TWO NEATH HEROES. j Sad Christmas News for Local I Families. The deaths have been officially notified i duÙng the Ohristms holidays of two Neath men in France. On Christmas Eve news was received by Mrs. Jones, Llewellyn-street, eath, that her husband, Private Llewellvn Jones, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers,, and w ho had been in Frailce about six months, had died of wounds in a base hospital on the 22nd iost. He lea.ve a widow and four young children. Un Tuesday niol-n'iig lon was rf"1 co?ved of the death in Flanders of Private R. Nicholas, of the Royal Engineers, Pte. Nicholas was the only son of Mr. H. Nicho- las. carpenter, of Lewis-road, Neath, and lived, only a few doors from Private Llew- oUyn?one: f t,,t- the Private Nicholas enlisted soon after the outbreak of war, and had been in Fiance for several months. He was 21 years of age.

NEATH MOTOR BUS ACCIDENT. Whilst one of the South Wales Transport Company's motor buses ivas proceeding tit rough Nepali on Monday towards Port Ta-lt hot. there was a mishap as the car was rounding the corner of the Parade. Neath, and tin- iVout ol Lhe vehicle crashed into so sue iish-stiviis opposite the market. The driver. Michael of VV&unwen-stx-eet, Swansea, vva- unhurt. A yoiitttc lady, iMiss Sarah .¡<tHe Lewis, I'encaerlau I Seven ï,;tA '[' who w?s riding 011 the front- o?" 'luis by the side of Ute dnn'¡, was JDJIHed in ibe ev(? through the breaking- of the glass snrepn. P.S. J-?r! rendered first aid, a?d Or. Evans atterwards attended to her. The car and stalls were only sightly damaged, <

!GATHERING OF THE j CLANS. ATTACKS BY HOSTILE DEOOU iNS. ?ULAN, Sunday. j ? TiM ccrre?xmdcriL of the Stamps" tele- graphs from Cah'o dcta.i? oP the rRCR?t. mo.vem?n?, of the Senu?-! inbc a?inst the north-vest frontier of Egypt, from w?ich it appears that a certain number of (?er- man officers are now directing these op era tion-s. I GERMANS LANDED WITH SUB- I MARINE ESCORT. die Bedouin tribes of I pyrexiajca, who had hitherto giv eli idie, Italians trouble, have turned their attacks against the Anglo-Egvptian forces. The first phases of this Bedouin movement took place during the beginning of November. On the night of November 8 a large vessel, escorted v a German submarine, ap- proached tne coast close to Sollum, whene until recently was established i<h>e camp of the Grand Seraussi. About 200 soldiers were lauded, with Turkish and German (¡fåcer, and some artillery and machine- ?uns and ammunition, also ?om?' mon?v in gold. T,o after having watched the discharge of the cargo, attacked two small, old Eigyption ooa<stguard boats, the Abbas and Abdel Moneim, which happened 11 to be off Solium Ray. One was sunk, and the other badly damaged by a shell, and had to run ashore," A few days after the first attack against Solium had been reported the English com- mander decided to withdraw his troops to a better position. They were, in fact, 280a and 2'10 kilometre? (about 170 and 111 miles) from the nearest railway terminus. and were in communication with Alexandria bv means only of one telegraphic wire. He withdrew to Marsa Matruh. about seventy kilometres from Bir Fokas Station, and this distance is covered by a good motor-truck service. The second reason which induced the Eng- lish commander to come to this decision was to avoid open conflict with Saved Ahmed. el-Sherif. with whom the be-t or frendly re- jationexist.. These good relation? were further assert&d within the last few days by a native Egyptian paper, which announced that the Grand Senussi wished to punish a tribe who without hift consent bad attacked Egyptian territory, notwithstanding the good relations existing. The situation does not for the moment pre- sent a. serious aspect. It is believed that a number of a:rUled B.>dOUÙ1S a-re concentrated around Solium—about 8,000 of them, though it is not known exactly what number of men have been concentrated towards other points on the Egyptian frontier. It is assumed that the number is much inferior, and it iF certain that British troops have been sent in large numbers—the majority of them being cavalry—towards the threatened points. All the signs indicate that the situation is Iwing faced with the greatest, energy.— ("Daily Telegraph.") (Note.-The Senussi is -a species of MIi- hommedan Papacy in the Soudan, and is un- derstood to exercise a. vague but extensive influence over Mahommedans throughout Africa. That it is favourable to the British is a fact of much importance to the Allies, as a hostile Senussi could make trouble in Morocco and Algeria, as well as in Egypt.)

W SKULL FRACTURED BY FLYING BRANCH OF I TREE. A man named Francis Grove, aged .51, of Penrice, employed by Miss Talbot, was ad- mitti-d to the Swansea Hospital oil Boxing j Day suffering from a fracture of the skull through a branch cf a tree having fallen en him.

SANK A SUBMARINE, I TRAWLE R' S U N REPORTED I SUCCESS. I At Grimsby on Monday Rear-Admiral j At Crimsby o'l Florida y Renr-AdmIi-al ? Ballard, Admiral uf P&t.rc?s, publicly pre- ¡ sented the Distinguished Conduct Medal to ¡ Harry Playle, second hand of a Grimsby tawl, enrolled in the mine-sweeping ser- vice, for gallantry displayed in one of the maaiy unpublished incidents whieli have oc- curred in the North Sea. Last July the trawler sighted a German submarine, cleverly brought it to action, and in a sharp tight which resulted, sank it, Plovlc and three others being- wounded.

I THE LIGHTS OF THE I HAREM. ATTRACT GERMAN DON I JUANS. I The relations of the Germans with the Turks at Constantinople are now cordial, but some timo ago a serious quarrel broke out owing to the indiscreet partiality of young German officers for Turkish ladies (says the Athens correspondeut of the Times.") A violent scene occurred be- tween Enver Pasha and General Liman von Sanders, after which the officers re- ceived a stern admonition in regard to their future behaviour and naval officers were confined to their ships after dark. Tho Germans make every effort to render life agreoable to the Turks. A new garden with a cafe in the German style has been laid out at Tophaneh, where the hand of the Goeben discourses music twice a day. tij:

"I AM YOUR HUSBAND." STRANGE IMPERSONATION I CASE AT WIDNES. At Widnes on Monday, John Gould- ing, South Lancashire Regiment, was chalrged with an offence against Elizabeth Ann O'Connor. A poiiee-fruperintendeiit said the woman was standing. at her door on Christmaa Day- looking out for ha1' husband, who had been wounded at the front and was "expected h Oli,>. Suddenly the prisoner pushed past I her into the house, saying I am your hus- band Matt. I have been travelling aiil day." When she said he was not li:ke her husband about the face, he said I have been wounded here," indicating the forehnad. Two children of C'Conner's wore cabled "e and Sonny," and the prisoner addressed them by those names. During tea he talked about family matters. After the accused had retired to bed O'Connor's brother came in and insisted on seeing him, but Goulding refused to get out of bed and covered himself with the clothes. A struggle followed, other -relatives arrived on the scene, and rjn the confusion the accused escaped. When ch arged accused Aai,(i, "r I don't remember anything. It is surprising how a woman mistake her husband." Goulding was remanded.

I WELL-BEHAVED SWANSEA. I Town Maintains Its Holiday I Reputation. I At the, conclusion of the bitsinesus at the Swansea. Police Court, Ah. J. \Y. Jcne* j t.hfchairlua.u.?t'dth?C?j'i?ht?'.? holidays ht Swansea had I)az???ed (!, ver y sati.sfac- j hnly, From Friday until Tt?'?d.iy there j }t?d ()?ty be -u a tutid of t??ti? c.?&r; <?fj druukt-'uiiefs. Ti?L t-jwk? \vr)l for tile I Bui'Migh and tin general order «,{ tiling?. I especially considering the tcrnbie weather  which experienced on Monday, an d he I tJhllht it was an exceptionally good record.

lliUS FRANGE. 4 INDIAN ARMY CORPS j'- FOR ANOTHER FIELD OF ACTION," | PREtS BL-RfiBALi, Mon day, 1-20 p.m. At a parade of the Indian Army Corps, j 1 before, their del-wai-ture ixon France, Jus Royal Highness the Prince ofW ales de- livered the following message from his -Majesty the King-Emperor :— "'Officers, non-commissioned oiffcers and men of the Indian Army Corps,—More than a year ago I summoned you from India. to fight for the sr-ffty of my Empire and the honour of my pledged word on the battle- fields of Belgium and France. The confi- dence which I then expressed in. your sense of duty, yonr courage and your chivalry you h" v-e since then nobly justified. I now requite your m another field of action. but before you leave France I send my dear and gallant son, the Prince of Wales, who has s(tared with my armies the dangers and hardships of the campaign, to thank you in my name for your services, and to express to you ray satisfaction. Ri, 't,ih and Indian comra.dcsdn-arms, yours has been a fellowship in toils and hardships, in courage and endurance, often against great odds, in deeds nob-lv done in days of ever-memorable conflict. ^I:n a war- fare waged under JlBW conditions and in ppouliairly trying circumstances, you have worthily upheld the honour of the Empire and the great traditions of my Army in India. I have followed your fortunes with the deepest interest and Watched your gallant actions with pride and satisfaction. I mourn with you the loss oi many gal- ) lant officers and men. Let it be your con- solation, as it was their pride, that they freely gave their lives in a just cause for the honour of their Sovereign and the safety of my Empire. They died as gallant and I shall ever bold their sacrifice in grateful remembrance. You lea\e France with a. just pride in honourable de-eds already achieved and with mv assured conifdence that your proved valour and. experience will contribute to further victories in the now fields of action to which you go. "I pray God to bless and guard you, and bring you back safely when the filial victory is won, each to his own home, there to be welcomed with honour among his own people. .Ill ■ L .I. — ■

I HEROES OF KILVEY. MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ALLI SAINTS' A solemn TiienioT-i-I setvi- for the ten soldier and sailor heroes from the Parish of Kilvey and Pentrechwyth, who have fallen in the war, was held at All Saints' Church, on Sunday afternoon, where there was a large congregation, including the nearest relatives of the deceased. The service was conducted by the lie v. D. C. Reaa (Vicar) who also delivered an appro- priate address, his remarks baing based on 1st Chronicles 12-1, "And they were among the mighty men. helpers of the war." The country we all love so dearly is saved to-da.y by the blood of the best of our gallant youth, the blood of their true sacrifice. Ten brave heroes calm and quiet be their sleep, under the sod of the battlefield, and under the ocean wave. Slay angel faces smile in appreciation over their eternal resting place. Peaceful be their rest until that glorious morn when their Heavenly Commander shall awaken them with the sound of the trumpet. Let us not mst satisfied until the cause for which they laid down their lives has been carried- to a glorious issue. At the close of the ser- vice Sergt. Evans, of the Swansea Polioe Force, played the "Last Post." Touching verses which were specially com- posed for the service by Mr. D. J. Stephens, Tyrgw 1 terrace, were recited from the pulpit.

BELLS. DICKENS-JONES. Local Couple Weddfed at Neath. At Orchard-place Baptist Church, Neath,! on Monday, December 27th, n pretty wed- e, 27 t?'i, pi,ett-y e d- ding was solemnised, the contracting parties being Mr. Charles Dickens, second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dickens, of Swansea, and Miss Daisy Irene, voungest daughter of the late Mr. Evan Jones and Mrs. Jones, The Bungalow, RIiyddings Neath. The ceremony was performed by the pas., tor, the Rev. W. Degweil'Thomas, and the bride (who was given away by her In-other, Jrr, Oswald Jones, of London) was charm- ingly attii-ed in a gown of ivory Georgette crepe, which was beautifully embroidered in silk and wore a- veil and orange blossom. She carried a choice bouquet cf lilies and chrysanthemums and was attended bv her niece, Miss Vera Crammer, and the little1 Mi pes Vera and Beryl Dickens (nieces of the! bridegroom), who looked sweet in dainty I frocks of satin charmeuse and Juliet cap?. Master Charley Dickens acted as page. The duties of best man were fulfilled by T'i-ic cl iit i e,; ;f best M)-. George V. Dickens, brother of the bridegroom. Mr. T. J. Jenkins ablv pre- sided at the organ. A. reception was held at the home of the nride's mother. The happy couple afterwards left for lin- don, where the honeymoon will be spent. BENNETT-PASKE. Pretty Wedding at Swansea Seamen's Church. A pretty wedding wa? solemnised at St. Nicholas' (Swanse8 Church on Monday the contracting- parties being Mr. WjmL1n 0. Bennett, youngest son of Mr. and Airs. Bennett, Catherine-street, and Miss Florence Paske, youngest d&u?htf-r of Mr. a.nd Mrs. Paske, E-dward-stre&t. Sv?m?ea, thd cere- mony being performed by the Rev. P. Moss Wcston (curate-in-charge). As the blide, who wa,? given away by her father, entered the church, the hymn "The Voice .that breathed Eden" "was sung. She was attended by her sister, Miss Katie Paske, and two little girls, the Misses Elunid Jones and Phyllis Sam brook, who acted as bridesmaids, The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. A. 0. Jones (Manselton), and the wedding breakfast was partaken of at the home of the bride's parents. Miss A. Lozton, organist of tho church, presided at the organ and played the "W&d- ding March" as the party left the church. A number of useful presents were received. THREE NAVAL BROTHERS. Picturesque "Note at Swansea Wedding. A pretty navai. wedding nas witnessed at Tabernacle Etnglish Baptist Church. VVaun- wen. Swansea, on Monday. The contract- ing parties were Petty Officer William Stan- ley Hoakin-s (Royal Naval Division), second j son c Mr. a-nd Mrs. David Hoskins, relaev- ing officer, of 49, Wheatfield-terrace, and Miss Rose Thomas, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Thomas, Pent-re, Swaín- sea. There was a Wge attendarhOe or friends, I and the ceremony was performed by the Hey. R. J. Wifionghby (pastor). The duties of best man were carried out by Mr. Frank Hjotkiits. brother (wjivltffw operator. Royal Nava l JKvisJuu). Atlrt- the (xu<ri!Oirv reception was leul at the ln>u.«e of the bride's parents, and lite piv-s€«i s wt re numerous and choice. Mr. Hoskin, has has three son in the Navv. Pe.My OJfk{r William ?MHil?y Hos- hius, Frank Honkiris (v.-ireJe.-s operator), -a-n d Trev1' J os k:)?y. The br i degroom returned j io h)? headquarters 1m T"<?d?y.

[RUMANIA TO JOIN IN? ¡ AUSTRIANS DEFEATED BY MONTENEGRO, ROME, Monday. TELEGRAMS FROM ATHENS STATE THAT THE GREEK DEMUBIL- IF* A'PI ON BEGAN TO-DAY, WITH THE DISMISSAL OF THE OLDEST CLASS SENDER ARMS, TOTALLING 40,000 MEN, OR la PER. GENT. OF THE JIUBILISED ARMY. The news wa.s telegraphed from Athens iast. night that the (Weoiv Government had asked in a friendly way for explana- tions as to the scope of the Italian opera- tions in Albania-, and that Italy had givcu friendly assurances in ropiy. This news is greeted with satisfaction by the Press. -i The disembarkation of the Italian, ex- peditionary corps was completed some days ago, and now the heavy work cf i constructing roads is being carried out by the engineer corps of the different coun- tries.—(" Daily Express.") RUMANIA ? THE I SPR!NQ? | SAID TO BE ABOUT JOINING! AL-LIBS. ROME., Monday. An American v. ho has specat many years in BukhatTest and has. just arrived in Rome has given me tome interesting particulars of the political position in Rumania. He states that the entire people are pro Ally and that the general opinion is that in. the spring Rumania will line up with the Ai lies. On the question why Pumaiiia, did not de- cl^ are war when Italy entered the field, as was expected, my informant stated that Rumania was without sufficient munitions and heavy guns. She had only enough for one month, but since that dlate large stores of munitions had been manufactured. The Government has requisitioned all factories capable of mal- ing munitions, and others which are being built will shortly be at v,-ork.-("Dally Ex- press,") I BRAVO! MONTENEGRO. | AUSTRIANS DEFEATED: VILLAGES CAPTURED. I (P A S' '1 (Press Association War Special.) I PARIS, Monday. The following Montenegrin official com- munique was received here to-day O.n 26L.-h trOO P in the On December 26th our troops in the San- jak continued their offensive. After very active fighting, which lasted all day, they succeeded in occupying seve- ral villages which were in the hands of the enemy, including Godouche, Do neve, Do- brido, etc. The Austrians suffered heavy losses. On the other fronts there were artillery j duels. I AUSTRIANS MAY ABANDON CAMPAIGN. GENEVA, Monday, Dec. 27. Telegrams from Bucharest state that the resistance of the Montenegrins, aided by' the Serbians, to the Austro-German invaders is becoming stronger. Heavy losses have been inflicCed Ol the enemy. General Kcevess admits the loss of 7,000 men since December 21. The Aus- trians have been foicsd to the defensive m the Sandjak, and on the Herzegovina fron- tier the Montenegrins are continually har- assing the enemy, especially attacking gun- ners, convoys, and sentinels during the night and then disappearing in the IDO unt ain passes. Owing to the snow and unid the Aus- trians are receiving only a quarter of their normal daily supply f)f food and ammuni- tion. General Ivoevess is considering the abandonment of the Mpnteiiegarm campaign until the spring.— ("Daily Express.") I TO MAINTAIN INTEGRITY OF CREEK TERRITORY. ROME, Monday (received Tuesday). An a,greement has been reached between 'G-nmuiy, Austria, Turkey, anj Bulgaria .Bu l 'laiia to maintain the mte-gi'-ity of Greek terri- tory. PLOT AGAINST ALLIES' I FRIENDS. Bribed Men Smitten with Remorse. BTJCAREST, Sunday (delayed). The secret police here got to know that an attempt wa's to be made. on Tuesday last at one o'clock in the morning to blow up the houses of M. Nioo-las Filipe-scu, M. Take Joneseu, and i-u. Coscinescu, the • Minister of Finance. (All are friendly to th", Allies.) Two men who wero to carry out the deed on Monday night asked to be received immediately by M. Frlipescu and then confessed" their re- morse. The chief of police acoompanied them to their hoteL where a. large quantity of picric acid, wlueh had been obta,ined from the Hungarian military depot at Temesvar, was found- Over £ 7,000 was found on one of the men.—(" Daily Mail- ) IN THE AIR." 1 Uncertain Intentions of the I Enemy. (Press Association War SpeciaL) ,I i THENS, Monday (received Tuesday. The belief ia gaillingJFOIUld tJo¡,a.t the/Ocn- tral Powers will remain inactive in Mace- donia. Nothing reliable is known in regard to the vie":B exel;¡.nged at ??onfral Castehmu's in- I terview with the King, which formed the main subject of last night's Cabinet meet- ing. Ministers refuse to ,make any statement, but seem satisfied vnth the prcsnect of the i (Press AsKcckitiion War Special.) SALONIKA, Sunday. Tliere are no developments on t.he Balkan front, but reports from various souroes con- firm the fact that important enemy forees I' at I)-oiraii and Ohevgheli. where the enemy O'Te also accumulating muni- tions and stores apparently with a view to an offensive. Many agents, both here and at Athens, declare openly the German^ and Bulgarians will be ready to attack very ,hoi-t-ly, and arc determined to drive the | Allies into the yea-, but these utterances are genel-ally recedved with scepticism.

I KING ALFONSO SCORED. I Here is a story about. Alfonso. He had been driving about the country in the happy-go-lucky fashion he adopts, and to- wards sunset oae day came to a little village posada in the Asturias, and stepped for a drink. The landlord brought him a jar of wine aild draiik with him, mistaking him for an ordinarv traveller. Presently the landlord remarked that there was one thing he liked p3,rticU?Tly about the King—he was so ugly. "It keep< the women away," he explained. A?onso ?mi!ed. "You must have a devil of a l?e, then, he remarked. I

 WE GUARANTEE that only the i'IN EST ingredients are used I in the lmmuiacfure ot nSRmcrS VEGETABLE PILLS. if you eufioa' 'i'ltrui diseoiuioH attt-v meals' or irregularity action, a; lew doses of this well-known refnedy will si!ways stand year friend by correcting Mich diffiouifie* and allowing yon to take your meal. heartily. Of all Chemists at 1/3 and Sid. the box

I XMASTIDE ACCI. 1 I DENTS, I TWO MEN ELECTR0- II j 0UTED. I SOME PECULIAR FATALITIES. I I The electrocution of two* men a,? East- 1'he eledrocution or tv;{J8 mon at Ea..st, ?urQQ wa? the moat astonishing of a num- her of accidents during the week-pnd. A motor-car, In wltieli were two nurses ?and three children. as well as the driver, was going aJong the road which leads from Eastbourne to Pevens'y when it swerved and ran into an electri,3 light switch-box at I the side of the road. The box wnich wag made of iron and was a little over yard high, was broken open, and the end of the- motor-car axle rested on ) some electric high-tension wires. This com- j municated tho current to parts of the car. A crowd collected rOlmd the c.'u, and two men, pressing? forward to help, were killed as if by a flash of lightning as soon as they came in contact, with the car. The driver, Horace Simms. succeeded in helping the nurses and children out un- harmed. He also pulled 8.rway the two men who had been struck dead, and a third man who had received a shock. He also would probably have been electrocuted but for the fact that he wore thick gloves. When he touched the third man he received a tliock which knocked him down. The men killed were Private Marshall, R.A.M. C., and Ebenezer Shadwell, of East- bourne. Hie electric current was afterwards turned off at the generating station. A MIXED ASSORTMENT. I A motor-car at PlYTnouth ran into a cab, which it flung into a shop window. Mrs. Edith Williams, the wife of a soldier serving at the front, was knocked down and injured, and a sixtepn-mcnthe-old child which she was wheeling in a perambulator, was killed. Two girls on the footpath were slightly in- jured, and the driver of the cab was cut by broken glass. Saville Grey, a Grantham chauffeur, was killed on Christmas Day while on his way t.o Leicester. The car he was driving ski^ dded, and overturned in a. dyke. Two I other persons in the car were pinned down, but not seriously hurt. On Christmas-eve Walter Moiser, a lad I of sixteen, was wa,ving a, revolver about, after being warned of the dinger he ran. when it went off and tile! bt--thot entered his head. He died two hours later. Gunner H. Jonnson, a.ged nineteen, of the R.F.A., was crushed to death between a military wagon and a wall, at Donoaster, while ho was trying to Quieten the horses* While Mrs. Elizabeth Lecaek. of Heacham Norfolk, was singeing a fowl for her Chris- tmas dinner her apron caught fire. Her clothes were burned, and she died from shock. Just after he had handed Christmas cards to the members of the choir at St. Paul's Parish Church, Walkden, Mr. Benjamin Kigham, the organist, became ill, an<l a little later he died. On Christmas-eve, Forema.n Shunter Fox- ley, of Willesden Junction, was run over and j killed by a train. One of his sons was also killed on the railway not long ago, another was killed a.t the front, and a third is now at home wounded.

FREIGHTS TEN TIMES HIGHER. STARTLING EFFECT ON PRICES. The two com.modities most heavily shipped to the Mersey are cotton and wheat, and the figures ghcl1 show the freights ruling to- day compared with a general average in the pre-war era, and the tremendous increase that has taken place (says a correspondent I of the Morning: Post.") WHEAT (Per Ton). Before the War. To-day. New York 6s. Od. ? 70s. Axventi,3a 12». 6d, 1Z. WiTOM (Per 1001b.). is el ore the war. To-day. New York 20 ccata. 200 cents. Mobile 3J eents 200 cents. Gulveston and New Orleans. 30 cents. 200 cents. These quotations are an example of what is happening: in respect of practically every imported commodity from whatever part of the world it comes. Houghly speaking-, freights are nearly ten times as high as they were before the war. and about double what they were twelve months ago, and they have come to be a most important factor in fix- ing the selling prices of the goods when they a.rrive in this country. X30,000 FREIGHT ON ONE VOYAGE. it follows as a matte" of course thai the proflte to the shipowners are phenomenal. Never has the experience of the present time been paralleled. Take the case of Argentine wheat, the season for which is just opening. An average cargo is about 5,000 tons, and at £ 6 a ton the freight amounts to £ 30^000, and this for a voyage which occupies about 60 days. It will be gathered that not many voyages are required to pay for the entire cost of the vessel. The New York rates arc even higher, a a New York commands the highest quotations on t110 market. At 70s. a. ton a 5,000-ton cargo of in a voyage of 10 days or ISO. The same proportions apply approximately to cotton cargoes, and thus it comes about in both instances that notwithstanding plentiful supplies, the selling price in this country is high owing entirely to freights. Both m North and South Americ.a. wheat is cheaper now than it was 12 months ago; to get it shipped to England is increasingly difficult. Most of the world's mercantile marine trade is under British control, and the fact that the vessels to cope with the trade are insufficient is the prime cause of the continually advancing charg6e. The extreme difficulty of securing tonnage has caused much anxiety on the Liverpool Cotton Exchange, and it was reported that, excepting where vessels ha,ve been already booked, it is next to impossible to obtain vessels to carry cotton in the im- mediate future.

CHRISTMASTiBE AT A BE RA vaN AND PORT TALBOT. Apart from tho football matches at the Port. Talbot Athletic Ground there were very little public attractions in the Aber- avon and Port; Talbot districts. Services were hold at all the churches on Christmas Day, and concerts and Christmas trees at the various chapels. There was adsol a charity concert on Sunday night at the Port Talbot Theatre in aid ot the Red Cross and Volunteer Aid detachments, at which Mr. Edward Lowther presided. The families of the soldiers and sailors from the Margam Council area, were pro- j vided with Christmas dinner from a fund organised by the local authority, whilst at Aberavon the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. P. Jacob) organised a com- mittee for providing the members of the 2nd/oth Welsh and 4th regiments with I

z- CHRISTMAS AT BGNYMAEN. At Salorn the usual Christ- ma-atide "Plygain" was held at (j o'clock in the morning In the afternoon and evening an excellent, programme was pro- vided by the members of the Sunday School. -,n enjoyable evening was spent at Adu- lam Schoolroom, when an excellent oonoert was held, presided over by the pastor, Rev, J. D. Harries. The following contributed towards the programmePianoforte solos, Mrs. Daoey, Misses 8. Ba-rkwell and O. Jlees: pianoforte duett, Mr.' Stanley Griffiths and Miss HuJdha Leyshon; eongš, Misses  A. Baker and M. PunoIw.rd; recitaMti; ons, Measrs. D. Rees, W. D?oey, T. LeyshoD. A. T Slade. T Dacey. .ViniMns. W. T. Jones, ,T Slade, T. Dacey, 0. Da?y. Mrs. Slade, and Misses L. ¡.Grif. fiths. M. J. Slade, 8. Barkwell, D. ?ithams, ?. WiJliams. and R. Baker. Mr. Stanley J. Griffiths presided at the piano. The Industrial School boys had their annual Christmas treat, and m the evening they provided a fine programme, consisting of sketches, recitations, songs, etc. Coun. J. Powlesland presided. On Sunday evening-, at Canaan Chanel Pentrechwyth. the cantata. From Manger to Cross," wa» ably rendered by the choir under the baton of Mr. W. J. Da vies. artistes were .—Soprano. Miss Jane Wil- liams: contralto, Mrs. K Bichavds: teuor Mr. Hopkins; bass, Mr. HMney Griffith/ Mr. Henry presided at the orgaii. I

('lu"isi>iaas Day was i-fjcut very quietly s>.t the MuuiMoiy Communion ^a-s cele- brated Lit OystermouMj Parish Cliurcb at 7 &.ui. aud 8 a.m.; Matins and Holy Com- t nrunion at 10 a.m.. and a choral celebration, congregations isT ded each service. As is customary, tile collections <tll day were given towards pro- vidinsr Christine dinners for the poor.

mm SPEAKING OHii BY MR. LLOYD GEORGE. » COMPULSION—-OR RESIGNATION, -The meeting of the Cabinet which took p,lace at 3 p.m. on Monday was of the great.. est national importance, sa-vs the PUlitical oon^pemdeat of the "Daily Mail." The gravity of the Cabinet crisis which has arisen over the fulfilment of Mr. As- qui oh s pledge in regard to single meai was increased rather than lessened. The meeting lasted for two hours and was eventually adjourned till 1.30 p.m. ca Tu<? e,,T,iiti,ially adictirried t,. I l 1.30 p.m. cn Tuei?- Ihe rcsLdts of Lord Derby's recruiting campaign and his report, which were under discussion at the Cabinet meeting, showed plainly the iauure of a. vast number of single men to attest, and the issue before Ministers became- clearly one of Compulsion or No Compulsion for them. It ia understacd ti-iat before the meeting Mr. Lloyd George made his own position olear in a message to the Prime Minister. He intimated that unless Mr. Asquith s pledge is interpreted in the strictest sense and Compulsion applied to the single slack- ers he could not continue to be a member of the Government. His attitude made a very great impression, and there are otiicr ^Iidiisicrs who expressea themselves in agreement with him.

SMART NAVAL WORK RUSSIAN SUCCESSES IN BLACK SEA. SAILING VESSELS AND GUN. BOATS SUNK. The Petrograd communique issued ort Tuesday stys:- Regarding the recent operations of our torpedo craft in the Black Sea, we are in- formed from authoritative quarters that our torpedo craft off the Bulgarian coast en. countered two enemy sailing vessels and sank them, also bombarding Bulgarian posts on the coast. Several enem)" submarines attacked tho destroyer Gromky, which cleverly evaded two torpedoes which were launched against it and repulsed their attack with artillery fire. There is reason to believe that one of the enemv submarines was sunk TURK GUNBOATS DESTROYED. (Press Association War Special.) PETROGRAD' Monday. The following oificial communique waa issued here to-day;- In the Black Sea, on December 24th, three Russian torpedo boats near t.he Is- land of Kechken, to the east of the Bos- phorus, destroyed two gunboats and a big sailing ship after an artillery fight. We sustained no loss.

I DISCOVERING THEM- I SELVES. I COMRADESHIP AT THE FRONT. I WHAT WAR DISCLOSES US, The remarkable spirit of comradeship and brotherhood which has come into existence at the front is vividly portrayed in a letter received in Lincoln by Air. H. W. Poppleton from his r,ephew; Private H. F. Poppleton, the l/20th London Regiment. He is the son of the Rev. C. Id. Poppleton, of Catford, S.E., and was wounded in the great charge of September 25. He writes: — "I have read a good deal lately how the actualities of -war are developing the religions side of the men at the front, and some people seem to imagine that the men have all turned into saints. This is Hot so, but, in my opin- ion, something much more important has taken and is taking- place. We have all dis- covered oui selves. That is, of course, to a certain degree, and in discovering ourselves we have also (to a certain degree) discovered our neighbours. I think you wall see what I mean, though :t is difficult to explain. The 'religious' learnt to swear, but they prayed more ear- nestly the r("J, learnt to pray, bitb they Swore more vigorously. Fellows (liÜll't learn to be temperate, but they learnt how to share their last glass of beer. "I have knowJi tunes when, even if led by an officer, men have forgotten all restraint, and in an almo&t direct maimer 'let go' at the said officer for going the wrong way al though the poor officer can't help it. the can't you look where you're going? What do you think we race vacli: horses;" "After the end of the trench, is reached there is a three hours' march or more. If you were on your own you would 'fall out' at once and think you were whacked, but no one wants to be the first to fall out, and so you make believe you're happy, and songs are kept going practically all the time. It's wonderful how a mouth-or.ga;n can keep you going. I'll never despise a mouth-organ, again "Ylany chasps a.re at the end of their tether they stumble at every step, mouth s wide open n-nd breath coming in short, heavy gasps. But you are too occupied with youir troubles to remark anything else. It's really wonderful how long yon can go on after you've decided that another ten yards will finish you. I nivwlf (and all with me have fevund it the same) have gone on one hour, even two hours, after having been convinced that I would simply drop in another five minutes. I started this by saying I was going to gave an instance of the comradeship one learns out here. I've explained the hard- ship of a march aA great length for you to understand better. Here is the instance: All the chaps were in a similar state to the one described above. One chap, a little worse than the others, is obviously in agony, but won't fall out. CIWO- US YDUV Rifle." Another fellow, almost as bad as him- self, says suddenly: Ber- give us Y01.lr rifle, mate,' and he takes the chap's rifle (SJbs.) and carries it. It seems only a trifle, but when your arms an d shoulders are numb, and your back aching cruelly, and you have reached the stage when you can t bear your own rifle on one shoulder far more than thirty seconds at a time, it's terrible to have to carry one on each slioulder. Don't you thank that is real, practical comradeship- It is nob an exceptional thing—Jt IS typical of a general spirit whicht hasl bred by 'enduring together I and 'enjoying together.' There is a great con-dtig tcgether of all men. "If t'he spirit of comradeship proves to be a sesd sown in good ground there will be wonderful developments after the wa.r. And, for the present, never mind whether a man's a hard swearer or a religious fana- tic, be a comrade to him, and you'll find comrade in him."

I WAR-TIME BOXING DAY. I TRAFFIC PRETTY SATIS. FACTORY. The Boxing Day traffic was of course J. fected by the boisterous weather that pre- vailed throughout the day. Still there were some thousands of visitors attracted to the Lt(-?t, at i i?,t.cte d to the town by reason of the football match and the playhouses, etc. High-street Station in the evening presented all the appearance of any other holiday, and the last, trains that went out were, packed. The traffic is officially re- ported as "fairly satisfactory," and was as good as any heavy Saturday night. Considering that there were no excursions and that full fares were charged, the Xrnas traffic at all the local railway stations is regarded as satisfactory.