South Wales Weekly Post

WOKE UP THE CORRES- PONDENT. THE BIG EXPLOSION AT LILLE. SCENES OF DEVASTATION. I (Press Association War Special.) AMSTERDAM, Thursday. Herr Karl Roener, war correspondent of 3ie "Lokalanzeiger," gives a graphic de- scription of the terrible results of the explo- sion at the German ammunition stores near Lille, which was mentioned hi the German communique on January 12. Herr Rosner was staying at an hotel at Lille which was partly occupied by the Germaa Army Staff. He wntes It was shortly after 11 o'clock when a French garoon put out the lhts. Order of the Comniander, ''to ted"—a beautiful room with a big metal bedstead, electric light and coinstact water supply. At 4.30 in the morn- ing a hurricane disturbed my rest. My bed was lifted up and came down a little further away. The whole house shook so that my watch fell fmm the marble-topped ta.ble to the ground. Suddenly all three table to were Hung wide open, the curtains Suttcred and at the same time inert a terrific roar and then the crash of gilaes and masonry, as if a giant in hia mad rage were smashing • thousands of windows. My first thought waf, "Now one of those big shells have land- I ed in the house." I sprang to the electric switch, but there was only a short flasfri and everything was i dark again. Everywhere in the neighbour- hwd one heard the noise of crashing glass, The whole house was wide awake. Doors i were opened and slammed again. Some frightened women cried. I reflected that this was no aerial bomb. I know them from experiewd, and against shells of heavy Cal, k? a cellar w1,. of no use. The best ? plan would be to WAIT AND SEE. and I want to bed. Again that terrific roar i the cause of Which I did not know. No re petition, only the low thundering of far- away field guna hammering through the nig«ht. Some hours later Herr Rosner saw the de- struction—tens of thousands of broken win- dows and excited groups of inhabitants in the streets, all tihouting.. One cried, "An tkigliah airman has hit the ammunition de- pot." Another, "It was an Englishman who did it." Later Herr Rosner learned that an acci- dent had happened on the southern ram- parts of Lille in a casemate where ammuni- tion of one of the pioneer detachments was stored. The guard of German Landsturm1 men were killed. s on both gides of the Rue de Souai were razed to the ground. Where once were workmen' s dwellings tlieie wae now nothing else but) wreckage.

TURKEY TMiiiST IN THE CAUCASUS. ——— I SURPRISE FOR THE TURKS. SEVERAL UNITS ANNIHILATED. I (Press Association Wc-r Special.) PETROGRAD, Wednesday. The following om--ial communique ha" ■ The following o i n' L a. i  ha" been issued The violent and unexpected thrust by our troops against the centre of the Turkish Army on the Caucasus front resulted in the latter being disorganised and dislodged from strong positions which it had organised Oil the fpont from the region of Lake Tortum- ghel to the region of the river Chrianson, north of Melazghert, that is to •1vv, along a front of I l a i front of more than lCO (nearly 67 miles), and is withdrawing in the direction of the fortified rjaii: of Erzerum. At seve- ral points t-hf vf-*rc*;t ile nature of n A Panic-stricken Flight. several iurKisn umvs were aanost entirely annihilated, and several hundreds of bodies covered the road of our offensive. At several places our troops had to ad- vance across heights which towered above the clouds, digging trenches in the deep snow during severe snowstorms. We occupied the town of Kenaikey on the Ara; 50 versts east of Erzerum. In the course of the fighting on January i 17th we captured five officers and 208 men. and took a large quantity of booty, includ- ing arms, machine gurs, cartridges, material, cavssons and projectil: In the district of Charianson and the vil- lage of Tnurnachei we took a Turkish depot of cartridges and grenades. South-west of Lake Urumiah (Persian front) there were engagement:; with Kurds, who were repulsed towards the south. I THE TURKISH VERSION. I (Press Association War Special.) I AMSTERDAM, Wednesday. | The Turkish official communique, received via Berlin, says :— ( On the Caucasus front the Russians who, in consequence of our violent attacks, sus- tained considerable losses, were compelled, owing to reinforcements which we recently received, to cease their attack on the entire front. Despite the very violent attacking movement of superior hostile forces, lasting eight days, the situation, with slight r-hanges,, remains favourable to us. Otherwise there! is no news.

DUTCH DYKE GOES. I NEW DANGER IN FLOODED I DISTRICTS. (Router's Foreign Special.) I .AMSTERDAM, Thursday. The danger in the flooded districts of North Holland is stiill growing. It is now Teported the Waterland Dyke, north of Durgerdam, for a length of eighty metres, has partly oollapsed. The situation at Purmerand is getting worse.

INCREASED COAL RATES. DEPUTATION TO SWANSEA HARBOUR TRUST. Swansea Harbour Trust met on Thursday, Sir Griffith Thomas in the chair. By amusement, a deputation from the I Chamber oil Commerce waited upon the Trustees with reference to the increase in the harbour rates on ooal from 2d. to 2id. 'per ton, which came into operation on the lst inst. Mr. T. P. Cook (president) spoke on be- half of the deputation, and stated they fully appreciated that the Trustees were obliged to take every p-jesihle step in order to im- prove their linancial position, ?mt that in his opinion it was nct by a?y mean a certain that as affecting coal the step decided upon would have the desired result, as he Feared there might be some diversion I of traffic to other prots. tie also drerw at- tention to the shortness of notice, and to the fact that nothing had been stated as to the duration of the increased charge. Considerable discussion took place, all of a friendly nature, during which Sir Griffith Thomas stated, on behalf of the Trustees, that The Increase would continue I dunng the war and for a penod of, say six months thereafter. The deputation then withdrew, and the Trustees oonsidered the matter, and ad- journed it for further consideration at their next meeting. The fear was expressed that the Trustees had no alternative but to continue charging the increased rate.

PARAKEETS SOLD FOR "POST" I FUND. At an auction on Thursday of a pair of young parakeets and cage complete (kindly 1resented by Mr. A. B. Evans, the well-known clothier a.nd hosier, of No. 36, Wind-street, Swansea, towards the "Daily Post" Prisoners of War Fund), the Bum of £1 lis. was realised, and the willner's name is Mr. T. R. ITecrews, formerly of the White Hart Hotel, Swansea. Mr. H. NeilBon acted 9..e auctioneer.

RUSSIA "eOLSSSAL" ——— ENEMY LOSSES IN GALICIA. GERMAN COLUMNS' DISASTROUS ERROR. ("Times War Telegram, per Press association.) (Copyright.) PETROGRAD, Wednesday (received Thursday). Both stmi-ofbcial and private sources are unanimous as to the colossal losses sustained by the enemy in the recent fighting on the south-western front. During their counter-attacks at Csartoryis the German columns malted so rapidly under the fire of our artillery that army groups in that theatre have been forced to remain su- pine ever since. At Olyka German cc-unter attacks were so costly that storming columns eventually I Fell back to the second line without the shgnteit pressure by the Rus- sians. Sporadic activity continues on the northern front, where serious fighting recently oc- curred in the neighbourhocd of Jaoobst-adt. The Germans posted heavy gunB on the left bank of the Dyina. in Jacofcstadt and Tsargrad sector in order to shell the rail- way. A few days ago, during an attempt to turn their flank at one of the lakes in the Drisviaty district, the Russians withdrew from the northern shore unperceived, with the result that the German flanking columns came into collision and inflicted Heavy losses on each othor. I The Russians tneu attacked and expelled the enemy from the northern chore. DEFEAT ON THE DVINA. GERMAN ATTEMPT TO LAND FRUSTRATED. (Press Association War Service.) PETROGP AI), Wednesday, To-day's Russian official communiquo says On the Ria-Dyinsk front there were frequent flights by German aviators. Enemy aircraft appeared in the district of the lower course of the Aa, in Cour- land, near Skotel, west of Friedrichstadc, and over Dvinsk, where the Germans dropped several bombs. A German attempt to land on the bank of the Dvina before Lenuevaden below Friedrichstadt was repulsed by our fire. South-west cf Friedrichstadt, near Zamen, the Germans used asphyxiating!{ gas against u? at the Dvirsk positions. German artillery ?.?? reinforced in the! district of Tannenfeid, a.fter which the! Germans made two attacks, which were easily repulsed by our ifre.

I LAND FOR NOTHING. SWANSEA CORPORATION 1, ALLOTMENTS. I ABOUT FOUR HUNDRED PLOTS' AVAILABLE. I It is anticipated that the Swansea Cor- j potation's oifer ot free allotments to any who desire them during the war will :0 readiiy taken up. The Corporation have about 5J I acres suitable, situate follows — Town Hill and iviay Riil—40 acres. Plot in front oi Soo. Viow-terraoe (walled in and with double doors). Plot, Berwick-terrace (off North Hill- road) Plot at rear of Sheliley-orescent. There are no allotments contiguous to the Parks. Ten acres at Morriston Park will grow hay instead of being let for cut grass, "i a similar space by the morriston Ceme- l y will be cultivated for hay and oats for tilt Corporation horses (Parks Department). With t.he land available, and calculating eight allotments to the acra, there will be About 400 plots available. Appiicat-io should bo made to I the Corporation Estate Office, Somerset- place. ot h er landowners witu follow -It is hoped other landowners wiilil follow suit. Enquiry made at the o?Rces of one of the largest on Thursday morning elicited that there was nothing to say on the matter at present.

A SWANSEA WILL. I JUDGMENT IN THE CHANCERY I' DIVISION. Judgment was given on Thursday by Mr. Justice Sargent in the Chancery Division, in the summons taken out by David John Lodwig, of 8, Sketty-road, Swansea, the son and heir at law and the sole next of kin of the ilate John David Lodwig, of Puebla Houffe, Brynhyfryd. Applicant asked for a declaration that the trusts by the will of his father for the benefit of Mrs. Katie Lodwiig (other tlian the direction for the payment to her of a weekly sum and the trusts thereby declared for her children by the applicant) were void for remoteness, and that accordingly, subject to the legaoies and weekly and annual payments directed to be paid by the will, the real and personal estate of the testator was undisposed of, a.nd should be transferred to the applicant. The respondents to the summons were David Walter Evans, of 1, Pinewood-road Uplands, and Abraham Bevan Daviea, of Oxford-street, Swansea, Mrs. Katie Lodwig, wife of the applicant, and their four children. His Lordship decided that the trusts declared by t,he will in favour of the children were not void for remoteness, and that the plaintiff was Not now entitled to the conveyance or transfer to Hm of any part of the capital of the residue of the testator's estate. His Lordship ma-de a declaration in accordance with his decision.

DESERTERS DUPE J.P.'S. I Seven Sisters Private in Lanes. I At Leigh on Thursday, Mrs. Drake, of Hope-street, and Mrs. Gibson, Condon, street, Leigh, soldiers' wives, were charged with harbouring Privates Thomas Roberts, of Tyldesley, and Howell Williams, of Seven Sisters, near Swansea, deserters from the 12th Welsh Fusiliers at Rhytl. Mr. Hay ward, for the defence, said defendants believed the soldiers' statement that they were wounded soldiers, and even Leigh magistrates had been taken in and financially duped by these deserters. The Bench ordered deieudants to pay costs.

RAISED RENTS AT SWANSEA. I Patriot (Swansea) writesAre the tenants of houses, whose rents have been in- creased during the period of the war, entitled to refuse to pay this charge at the present time? (Increases of rents made since rCorernber 25th last are not recoverable excepting in certain exceptional cases),

BALKANS. I ■niOTiimniminiii inn in Biiwiiii an LAST STAND. ANOTHER MONTENEGRO. MESSAGE. I FIGHTING RESUMED ON ALL I FRONTS I (Press Association War Special.) I ROME, Thursday. A semi-official paragraph published in Rome states that the King of Monte- negro and his Government have refused all the terms offered by Austria-Hun- gary. Fighting has bean resumed on all fronts. The King and his sons are still In I Montenegro in the midst of their troops organising a last stand. I CONFIRMATORY MESSAGE. An Exchange message from Rome says the Stefani Agency officially an- nounces that the Montenegro Army has resumed hostilities against Austria. i I I TERMS TOO HUMILIATING. PARIS, Wednesday. A fnesn coup de tneatre is announced from Montenegro, but in terms so vague that it can only bll-sbat-ed with certainty that nego- tuitions have been broken off with Austria, j and "Ihat King Nicholas, with his family I the Diplomatic Cbrps, left San Giovanni di Medua for Italy to-day. The rupture appears to have been produced by Austria's exorbitant conditions to her humbled foe. It is conjectured that King Nicholas pre- ferred rupture and flight to such humilia- tion. His resistance was probably stiffened bv the protects of an important section of officers and man, and possibly by the ex- | posi/iilations of the diplomatic representa- tll vM. As for the Serbs fighting at Berana, it is stated they have faneon baok on Scutari. (R. franklin Tate m the "London Daily News. ") __— ON MITYLENE. i i I ANOTHER CREEK ISLAND OCCUPIED. ALLIED T'ROOPS EFFECT LANDING. ",Peci,)I). I PARIS, Thursday. THE MATIN'S" ATHENS OOR- RESrOiNDENT, TELEGRAPHING ON WEDNESDAY, SAYS:— CONTIN- GENTS OF ALLIED TROOPS HAVE LANDED AT MITYLENE, (Note. —Mitv)ene is a large G.reek iBland near the corsfc of Asia Minor, north-west of [ the large Turkijh seaport of Smyrna).

DECISION TO CONVICT IN FORT SCOVESTON COU AT-MARTIAL. AGAINST FOURTH WELSH MAJOR. When the Scoveston court-martial re- opened on Thursday morning, the president caUed upon the prosecutor for a record of Major Jonea's character and service—an in- dication that the court had decided to con- vict. Prosecutor stated that aocused had no pre- ioue entry on his court-martial sheet. AK)- cused had been under arrest upon the pre- sent charge 38 days, and was seven days under close arrest. He was 33 years old, and obtained a commiesion on November 9th, 1914. He served in the 1st V.B. Welsh Regi- ment from 1901 to 1908, first as second- lieutenant and afterwards as lieutenant. He also served for a few months as lieutenant l in the 16th Australian Infantry Force in 1914, and he had served as temporary major in the 2nd/4th Welsh Regiment sino7x= ber 9th, 1914. Accused declined to address the court, which then closed to consider the sentence, which will be promulgated in due cou= confirmation. Captain and Adjutant John Santa Evana was then charged with drunkenness on active service at Fort Scoveston on August 25th and August 26th, and pleaded "not guilty" to II each charge. The charge relating to August 25th was proceeded with, and Major Ready produced extracts from mess accounts, showing the amounts charged aga-inst accused, which were small. Major Ready was cross-examined by Mr. Llewelyn Williams with regard to the regi- ments and accounts, counsel remarking that there had been some very cruel rumours going about with regard to accused. Major I Ready said that he could not say the aoo,ounte,l were in order until audited, but there w" not the slightest suspicion against accused to his knowledge. Sergt. Boxall gave evidence as to occused and other officers arriving at the officers' mess after midnight.

SA U S B U RY PLATOO N S. INTER-SECTIONAL SHOOTING RESULTS. j The following is the result of the recent inter-section shooting competition between Platoons 9 and 10 of "C" Company of the Volunteer Training Corps (3rd Glamorgan). The prizes for the same are to be presented to the winners at a camp fire sing-song, to be held in the Drill Hall of the Salisbury Club, Swansea, this (Thursday) evening Section "A.Sergt. W. T. Holloway, 73; Privates E. J. Jenkins, 93; J. Lake, 97; W. Goaman, 86; P. M. Sewell, 109. Total-458. Section B.Corpl. W. Bright, 85; Privates W. W. Jenkins, 93; J. R. Johns, 58; W. J. Treloar, 94; S. J. Fender, 97. Total-427. Section" C,Private.s J. B. Bobbins, 97; A. Paton, 96; G. H. Oook, 89; W. Allen, 66; W. H. Nicholson, 93. Total-441. Section C.Sergt. T. S. Rs. 108; Privates S. D. Jones, 103; G. W. Benthiuck, 77; M. N. Mclndeor, 104; N. Mclndeor, 82. Total—474. Section E,Pri.a.t13S G. Thomas, 36; S. W. Oooper, 85: L. J. Griffiths. 89; W. G. Wal. ters, 91; F. Lane, 95. Total-456. Section F.Privates D. German, 97; W. Bees, 88; H. Brooks. 76; L. Snipper (d.n.f.), 60; 57. Total—578. Section G."—Privates G. Hemmings, 112; J. Seldon id.n.f.), 60; J. Bridger. 97; E. Green (d.n.f ), 60; O. H. Evans, 97. Total-426. Section" H.Corpl. G. Thomas (d.n.f.), 60; privates O. Ourran, 70; T. H. Stevens, 107; J. Llewelyn, 97; Sergt. H. J. Dowdall, 103. Total—437.

At Aberavon Council on Wednesday even- ing the borough account-it reported the position of the several fund accounts, which showed totaJ debit balances on the water- works account of JB1,559 and Arcade shops' account E284. There were credit balances to the total of £ 3,937. On the loan funds and capital accounts there were debit bal- ances of £ 9,035 and credit balances of 2726. Since the last meeting the collectors had lodged in the bank 011 the general dis- trict rate and water rental LSOO. j

"FATHER OF THE PLATOON." POPULAR "SWANSEA'S OWN" MAN OWN" MAN. I FIRST TO BE KILLED IN TRENCHES. .1 It is with regi et that we have to report the death of the first Swansea. Battalion man at the front, in the perstm of Pte. W. J. &ndywell, who was accidentally shot in the first line trenches exactly a week ago. Mrs. SamdyweU, who resides at ?5! Vin- 3Jm. Sandywall, %,v d io resa d es at 15 Vi.-I cent-street, Swansea., received the sad news in the shape of a touching letter from Lieut. F. L. Corker, which read as follows;- 14th Welsh Regiment, B.E.F., France, January 16, 1916. Dear imrs. Sandywe-ll,-It is with much regret and sorrow that I write to tell you of the death of your husband. Pte. W. J. San- dywell, who was accidentally shot whilst performing his duty ill the front line trenches on the morning of the 13th in-,t. The late Pte. Sandywell. Perhaps it will help you to bear tip in yom great trouble to know that he died witluout pain. He was unconscious thrcughout. No idle words of mine can recomptmse you in such a time as this, but after a little while you will read my letter again, per- haps, a,nd know that you husband was One of the best soldiers In oui- Fegifr-. trit, lie did his duty always, and never wavareo I' in the cause for which he gave his life. Me was in my own platoon, and he was an ex- ample to manv amd liked by n?l, as one of his friends ?poke to me of him as the "Father of the Platoon." r am told that you have five chiMren. > hope that, whilst caring for them and help- ing them on in life, it will lessen somewhat the pain of your irreparable loss. I assure you that I will do all in my power to give you and your children a help- ing hand, and I hope that, with the hope of Pirovidcnce, you will bear this bravely. | I am, yours sincerely, LIEUT. FRANK LL. COKKbA, The deceased had three brothers-011-law serving in his Majesty's Forces, one being in the same company, whilst the other two were in the R.F.A. and the 4th D()rf¡ft.s, and a nephew is also in the Swansea, Battalion, j Five Young Gniiaren. -The five young children, with whom nvueh. sympathy is felt, together wit.h the mother, are all young, the oldest only beting a.ged I j eleven, and the youin)gest four. LANCE-CORPORAL ALSO KILLED. i H A correspondent with the Swansea na.1.- talion, writing on the 16th, says that on tno last visit to the trenches, we were unior- tunate in losing one of our most popular N.O.O.'s--Lanoe-oorporaJl P. K. Finch, who leceived a bullet in the neck whist taking aim, which proved fatal." The battalion is now resting. We are informed that Lance-corporal j| Finch's home was at Haverfordwest. —— WITH THE "FIGHTING FOURTEENTH." DOINGS OF SWANSEA'S OWN. BETTER QUARTERS IN THE TRENCHES. (From a Correspondent with the Battalion). SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE, Jan. 16. Since writing you a week or two ago, the battalion has paid another visit to the trenches. During our stay we were unfortu- nate in losing one of our most popular N.O.O., Lance-Corpl. P. K. Finch, who re- ceived a bullet in the neck "whilst taking aim," which proved fatal. We are now back at taking a rest ere we again move up to the liue. An event of some importance, took plaoo on the 2nd This was the arrival of some large packages of cakes, etc., apparently from the Swansea Corporation. Whether this is so or not, but just to give the impression that we are not averse to receiving gifts of this kind, arrangements were made by com- panies whereby the men could enjoy a late but none the less welcome Xmas dinner. Our officers entered into the spirit of the event, and supplied the boys with something to drink. The donors of the packages can best assured that due honour was paid to the good things. Watching a Bombardment. During our vigil, on the evening 01 the 12th, we were treated to a fine exhibition of our artillery's ability. Just as dusk was falling a heavy and terrific bombardment commenced, which, while it lasted, must have; played hiavoo on the other side. Whilst in the trenches the boye, who have lost none of their- vocal abilities, pass the time away rendering one-time favourites. The trenches in this part of the line are superior to those we recently occupied, there being no necessity for the wearing of waders. The boys take a, great pride in their "dug outs," and' &re continually adopting some devices for their comfort and safety. The weather is getting very cold, particu- larly in the nights, and the great thing wanted whilst in the trenches is coal. Many thanks for the copies of the Post," which have been duly received. I can assure you they are welcome out here, and are read with interest by those who succeed in getting a glimpse.

WELL-KNOWN SWANSEA SHIP- WRICHT. An interesting feat is recalled by the death, which occurred on Wednesday of I Mr. Yt. H. Whittaker, of 25, Klllley- street, St. Thomas, Swansea, foreman shipwright at the Prince of Wales Dry; Dock. In 1892 he was sent to Spain to patch up the s.s. Mercedes, that had been holed in collision, and so successfully was the job done that the ship afterwards made the pa-ssage to Swansea without I taking in any water.

THE LATE TED MITCHELL. I Mrs. Ted Mitchell (widow of the late I well-known soldier footballer) writes from Lilandilo The news that my husband, Sergeant Ted Mi, of the R.F.A., has fallen in action has brought such a manifestation of sympathy, expressed in so many ways, that it is mv desire to use your columns as a medajura of expre.^in-* my very grateful thanks. Inquiries, letters and messages have been so numerous that it is impossible to acknowledge them all, except in this way. It is a comfort to have so much sympathy in what is to me a t-ivw of gfliat sorrow."

I ?????????————.? S B BABY MAY. I "Was wasting very fast." 8 74, Kenington Avenue, jj Dear Sir!s. B?shopston, i!l. DeMSirs. ? P I thought yo? would like to see | the enclosed photo of my tittle boy. S' This little chap "g wasting fV{á.y j very ft in his early days, so we thought yovi would like to kpow and see what Virol haa done for him. j This photo was taken when he was |! twelve months old, and he is now as strong a.nd healthy as it is possible || for a boy of his age to be. He is 1 S16 months old and going strong. ? shall always think that Virol saved his dear little life. Yours faithfully, 1 F. K. MAY. 1 I L In Measles and Whooping Cough | Viral should be given to children | of whatever age. Virol increases their power of resistance and recovery and strengthens them 8 against dangerous after effects. 1 In Glass & Stone Jars, 1/ 1/8 & 8/11. 8 VIROL, LTD., 183-138. Old Street, B.C. | S.H. B. —1- —— — 9

LORD DERBY'S TELE- GRAM TO THE MAYOR OF I, SWANSEA. FINAL CHANCE BEFORE I COMPULSION. Lord Derby is making a last appeal to all married and single men under 40, to come forward and offer themselves under the voluntary system, and lie is inviting the co- operation of public bodies throughout the country to assist in every possible way. It is possible that public meetings and parades of attested Derby men may shortly be ar- ranged at Swansea, with a view to impress- ing upon those men who have not get come forward, that they should go over to the majority and join up at onie. The Mayor of Swansea ha-s received the following telegTam from Lord Derby, which, we gladly reproduce :— ¡ "I WOULD RESPECTFULLY BEG I YOU TO DO ALL IN YOUR POWEH TO INTRODUCE MEN, ESPECIALLY SINGU MEN, TO JOIN THE ARMY UNDER THE GROUP SYSTEM. IT IS STILL OPEN FOR VOLUNTARY EN- LISTMENT AND I AM ANXIOUS THAT AS MANY AS POSSIBLE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS BEFORE THE MILITARY SERVICE BILL BE- COMES OPERATIVE. "DERBY."

SWANSEA'S NAVAL BRIGADE, INSPECT THE MINERS' I RESCUE STATION. I An interesting and instructive lecture was delivered at tiie Miners' Rescue Station, Strand, Swansea, on Wednesday evening, by Superintendent Riddiford, to the mem- bers 0a the jN aval Brigade, numbering sixty- one with their oiffcers. The boys were taken I Uirouvgh the gaJleiries and shown the condi- tions under which the rescue parties have to work i-i. the event of explosioais in mines. All the apparatus were explained and illustrated, including the Pull motor, which is an invention of a mechanical description pi?oducing artificial reapi?''???- The test- ing for tJw presence of gas was very cleaxly demonstrated. Mr. Riddiford wa? able to keep the boys deeply interested in his subjects for nearly two hours, and everyone was sorry when the lecture came to an end. A vote of thanks was passed by the boys' commodore, Lieut. John Hodigens, R.N.V.R., supported by Messrs. Moms Brooks and T. Asihbury, officers of the bri- g-te- I'. boys testified tJ?eir &ppMciMio.n with three ringing naval cheers.

M. I SUNSHINE AND RAIN RETURN.S. I There were 1,543 hours of sunshine at 'I Swansea I"t year, compared with 1,539 in 1914 and 1,37 in 1913. The rainfall last I year was 48,85 inches, compared with 54.25 in 1914 and 50.78 in 1913. Last year's raiu- faU waa also exceeded in 1912 (57.31 0dhes), but was greater than 1911 (45.17 inches)! The wettest months last yeur were Decem- ber (8.95 inches ) and February (6.78 inches), with January and July both over 5i inches. The driest month was September (1.40 inches). In last December rain fdt on 27 dayz? in February 24 and in July 19 days. May shows the best return with only' rain ou uiM days.

MONTENEGRO'S KINQ DISMISSED BY HIS PEOPLE? A COURT INTRIGUES I Some Light on the Mystery, Thursday brought no news to cleai up the Montenegrin mystery created by the repcrts that tho negotiations with AtLstriai (said to have been completed) have been; J broken off and that King Nicholas is leav- ¡ ing for Italy. The theory may be advanced with some plausibility that a section of the Montenegrin people has revolted against the surrender by the King and an entourage of intriguers to the Austmtn. Some light im thrown on these intrigues by the following messages. A Lovchen and Scutari Deal. ROMh, Tuesday. > To-m. ght's Idea Nazionalo publishes a mt-arestmg dispatch from San Giovanni di w j Acoordmg to this message, nego. taat, icns took place last August at Cattaro betyi'een Prince Peter of Montenegro and various Aiistnan representatives, among whom was Majf- Hubka, the former Aus- tinan manta,ry attaches at Cettinje. An arrangement regarding Mount Lovchen and SkutaEi was completed at this meeting. The Austrians and a certain section of ths Montenegrins have been working in the closest accord for a long time. It was bopea, tha.t the arrival of General Martinovitch. who passed through here last December on his way from Russia, might stem the cfurrent in Montenegro. He and a small body of ose who felt as he did were the only real defenders of Lovchen. The bulk of the emall Montenegrin Army was elsewhere at; at once.—(" Times. A Secret League All Aionst R()IIIE, w- ROME, Wednesday. s Axx-ording to news sent from San Gi/t. vaimi di Medua last Friday, and now avail, able here, Montenegro has been secr-ilv leagued with Austria since the outbreak of the war. The Austrian Minister at Oettinja maintained friendly relations with the pro, Austrian Party, whose leader, Mins'kovich the present Premier, arranged the question of Lovchen before he left Cettinje.— ("Loo- don Daily news.") Unwilling Montnegrms. journal adds: °°ri esp<l of ?? abo^ journal adds: The Austrians are encounter? s.erio d?c?t.es m d?ann?.g the Monten?ms. The latt,er are unwilling- to give up their nfles, which, they are bidi?" while ?y soldiers and some officers are deserting. Others have refused to lay down their arms, and have Tti-ed to the mountains, where they are determined to resist attempts to disarm them. Even those who were persuaded to surren- der are now indignant because the Austrians are supplying rifles to the Albanians, noto- riously hostile to the Montenegrins. "Per- suasive methods to hasten the disarmament Are useless, as are offers of financial compen- sation. The Austrians will be bound to re- sort to force, and will probably send puni.. tive expeditions into the interior, where thoy will he helped by the Albanians. The Moral, KUME, Wednesday. The "Corriere della Sera. commenting off the Montenegrin surrender, remarks that the Situation which led up to .it is the conse- quance of tihe Entente s errors in tlio East" beguilling with Bulgari; It now remains to be seen whether the series of Balka,n blun- ders will be completed in Albania. The "Messaggero," abandoning vain recrimina- tions about Montenegro, bids the Entente, while there is yet time,, to look after Ru- mania, and asks what is being done to re- concile Bucharest with Petrograd.—("Mori> ing Post.") A DYNASTIC INTRIGUE. KING NICHOLAS' SUB- MISSION. ITS REAL MEANING. Sir Arthur Evans, a Balkan expert, in a letter to the Times," sheds some light on the mystery. He vrrites The sympathy of all men—even, we may, believe, of his enemies—will follow the aged, King of Montenegro in his tragic fall. Sunt lacrimae rerum! From the personal point of view history may judge leniently a Sover- eign who. after the heroic struggles of his youth, with failing strength and at a. time of crushing disaster, has yielded to the coun- sels of the intriguing band by which in re- cent years he has been surrounded and whose constant preoccupation has been less the realisation of national aims than the pre- servation of the Petrovich dynasty. But let it be clearly understood. The white flag of unconditional surrender that waves to-day over the headquarters of Gra- hovo is not the symbol of the Montenegrin people. The "Times" is right to distin- guish between King Nikola and his peoeple. Authentic information which is now reach- ing this country shows that it is the Court Camarilla and a fractional following of « chiefs who are responsible for this supremo abasement. The road to Skutari lies open, and already, we hear, General MartinovicU and his colleagues are rallying the remains of the Montenegrin Ln-eès in order, if resist- ance cannot be prolonged m the country, to share the fortunes of the remnants of the Serbian Army. The national flag is still held aloft, and the spirit of Montenegro survives unbroken. But the Petrovich dynasty has gone, never to return. As an Austrian vassal its repre- sentative may continue to wear an ignomin- ious crown, but it. will receive no national recognition. This benefit has at least been derived from the very magnitude of the dis- aster, that, it has broken down one of tb" last barriers to the complete renniol-I of the Serbian race under a single sceptre. It had already become an accepted axiom, shared by at. least four-fifths of the Montenegrins themselves, that, while no dynastic change should take place in King Nikola's lifetime, the claim of none of his sons was such as ti stand in the wa,y of a complete fusion with the Serbian Kingdom. Hence these personal intrigues in the dynastic z i ;——. — j -ø.

TAWE LODGE" STAFF. Master's Difficulties Owing to Recruiting. Tawe Lodge" Visiting Committee, bwafl- sea, met on Wednesday. 31r. Harry Will- iams (oheirman) l1residing.The Ma-ster re- ported that owing to the number of men nf his staff who had enjisted he found it diffi- cult to cope with the work, as it was a job to get men to fill the gups. The matter was left to the Master to ar- range as best he could under the ci reum- stnce8. ??'ha,lf-yearly ??? of the Med-'cal Omeer was read, and was in every way BatWactory; and  that of ?? Master's. The numr of inmates at the institution at present is 566, as compared with 611 for the corresponding week of iast vear. Dur- ing the whole or the week only' 27 tramps had been (lNut with. There were fivo deaths reported.

At Aberavon Town Council on Wednes- day. the Mayor (Mr. Percy Jacob) pie-siding, the Town Clerk reported that tlw petition to Ire la.nd for the purposes of a cemetery had been lodged with the Local Government Board and the Houses y- Farliament.

I MUMBLES LADY'S WILL.! ESTATE OF LATE MISS C. M. DA WE. Mws Catherine Mary Dawe, of 24, Ca-stle- ton-terrace, Mumbles, near Swansea, who died on the 27th October last, left estate of the gross value of 2 16,576, of which L 13,441 is net personalty. Probate has bee-n granted to Mr. Thomas Noon Talfourd Strick, of 29, Fisher-street, Swansea, solicitor, and Mr. George Henry Strick, of Cefn Eithen. Lower Cwmtwrch, Swansea. Valley, woi-k-.3 manager. Testatrix left P,100 per annum to Lucy Theresa Hodgson Potts, L20 to the Swansea General and Eye Hospital, L20 to the Swan- I sea and South Wales Institution for the Blind, L10 to the Girl's Orphan Home. Swansea, £10 to the Girls; F"ielldly Society Lodge-avenue, D Jena, to Thomas Noon Talfourd Strick, £ 750 upon trust for Mary Mornce..S1,5CO upon trust for Seymour Fortescue Morrice, her real estate at St. Budeaux, Devon, upon trust for her cousin, Edward Dawe, and the re- sidue of her estate she left upon trust for 1 George Henry; Strick for life, with the re- mainder upon trust for Catherine Gwenllian Strick.