South Wales Weekly Post

MILITARY CONCERT AT SKETTY. 1 A militar" concert was held in Sketty Church Mall on Thursday evening in aid of the General Fund of D" Company (Sketty). 3rd Battalion Glamorgan Volunteer Corps, which had a small debit balance. There was an influential and appreciative audience. The programme arranged by Sergeant T. H. Morgan v as excellent, and every artiste was recalled. It opened with a piano solo by Mr. C. St. En-an Johns. A.E.C.O., who also played the accompani- ments. Mr. E. L. Morgan (tenor) grave finished rendering's of "0, Vision Entranc- ing" and "Mona. Madam Ben Thomas' rich contralto voice was heard to perfection in Asthore." "Old Tirle Rhymes." etc.: Mr. W. H..Jones (elocutionist) gave of his heat; Miss May Harries isoprano) del^rhted with Olwen'a On the March and Love's Garden of Roses," and the tuneful voice of Mr. W. -T. Jenkins, in well chosen songs, merited all the applause. He, with Mr. E. I.J. Morgan, san- the duet, The Moon Hath Raised her Lamp on High." Miss Ceinwen Thomas drew a go-d bow in Taube's Canzoretta" and Raffe's Ca a- tina" on the violin.—Capt. C. E. Poole, at the close, thanked the artistes, and also Mrs. Keneage for the floral decorations, and the Vicar for the use of the hall. He wae pleased to say they were now out of debt.

FORMER" DAILY POST" CORRES- i PONDENT. The death took place on Friday nig-ht of ex-Private Roger H. Edwards, of Pontar- da we, who was gassed whilst serving with the Canadians m Fraaice 18 months ago. rte. Edwards w-ig well known in Swansea Valley, and before emigrating to Canada wa.3 deputy clerk to Pontardawe Board of Guardians and Daily Post correspondent. He was Z7 years of age.

LOOK TO YOUR FIRE PROTECTION A-ND TO EVSERRY WEATHERS* IOK FIRE EXTINGUISHING SUPPLIES. Inspections carried out by thoroughly drilled I and trained Fire Inspectors. "London Made" Fire Hose, Hand Fire Pumps. ¡ Chemical Extmctors, and Fire Esc&pes? ready l for immediate delivery. MERRYWEATHER & SONS. J 63, LONG ACRE, A Gseeswich. ————I II u MII wujtt.:J.JA .U^ppa——c——I

I AFTER TWO YEARS l -1 0 0- i I BRITISH OCCUPY í El, ARISH. I RAPIDiTY OF OUR I i ADVANCE. j I ¡ The Seciec/dry of the NVar Office makes (he following announcement ■ Operations in EKypt. December 22nd. Th-e Egyptian town of El Arish was occu- ¡ pied by our troops after being for two year, ¡ in the hands of the .enemy. I From the fact tint thev had constructed a. I Strong entrenched position, I covering El Arish. it appeared that the I' enemy fully intended offering stubborn re- l sistance. It f2em. however. that the Rapidity of our advance I forestalled tlip, of their reinforce- j ments. They Abandoned their positions before touch with their outposts was estab- lished. The recapture of this town from the Turks is a serious blow to them, both from a moral a.nd also from a militay p-int cf view.

II SWANSEA'S NAVAL BAfaD. I ENTERTAINED BY THEIR I COMMODORE. I On Thursday evening Lieut. John Hod. gens, commodore of tJxc Swansea Naval Bri- gade, invited the officers and oand to his residence at Sketty to supp — Forty-two band boys. together with five racers 01 the brigade and two officers of the Naval Divi- sion, gat down to a hearty meat. During the evening the band, under the baton of Band- master Eiddiford, played a few selections which were heartily applauded by a number of visitors. "Various games were indulged in and handsome prizes were given to the win- At the conculsion a hearty vote of shanks ners. a hearl,.v -o t -e of Thinks was accorded to Lieut. Hodgens, Mrs. Hod- gens, Mrs. Richard Hodgens, Miss Parry Harris and Miss Bowen for the kind manner I in which they h-id cnt^retained t.he company I that evening. The commodore told the boys how pleased ) he was that the Mryor had taken an in- terest in them. I: was the duty of every goo a citizen to see the coming' manhood of the country was not wasted like it had been in the past, and every boy should be given a start in life. (Hear, hear.)

WEST WALES FUSiLlERSI FIGURE IN LOCAL CASUALTY LIST. I The following local names appeared in lonfg list of oilicial casualties issued on Thursday evening :— Killed. Loyal YV ebb Fusiliers.—Davis (19254), Cph W. T., Neath; Evans (14351), D., fc'W alls'?cl. Died of Wounds. South Wales Borderers.—Bronfcon (21743), CpL \V. J., Aberavon. Wounded, Royal Welsh Fusiliers.—Bailey (15825), i S., Briton Ferry; George (198.);.)), R. H., Briton Ferry: Jones (31153), M., Swansea; McLeod (33777), W., Aberavon. South Wales Borderers.—Jones (21042), D., Mumbles; Walters (4G007), D. W., Neath. j South Lanes. Regt.—Evans (34010), Lee.- Cnl. A., Port TaIbot. Welsh Regt.—Be van (57041) F. W., Swansea. missing.- Royal Welsh Fusiliers (out of 42 South: "Wales men ci-dy ').-Alexaiider (5021\ W. f Swansea; Davies (15045). S., Moiviston; Jones (54739), D., Ystalyfers Lewis (19825), R., Neath. CARMARTHEN PRIVATE. Mr. and Mrs. George Thomas, 2, Orchard- street, Carmarthen, have received ofPrial in- timation that their nil, Pte. David Thomas. Welsh Regiment, has been killed in action. He was 22 years of age.

SKETTY NOTES. I Mr. Henry Thomas, market gardener, I Pare vr-Nedin, Hendiefoilan-road, a veteran I resident fiom the time when Sketty was a tiny village, passed away at his residence on Thursday at the advamad age of 81. He was one of th* pioneers in the local Wesleyan carise, having been a worshipper in the small; meeting house on the hill, and subsequently in the present chapel, which took its place in Dillwyn-road, where he has been a pillar of strength, the oldest trustee, and ab'e class leader. Twelve months ago he lost his wife, and never recovered from the blow. Wesley School on Thursday evening was a miniature fairyland, with a huge Christmas tree in the centre, plentifully laden with use- ful articles, and in a blaze of light. There were also stalls with fan2v' and other work. The children were in their element and the parents generous, and it is anticipated that between £ 1.5 and £ 20 was taken. Mr. Pot- ter. the secret iry and organiser, is to be congratulated. While the public clocks across the frontier line in Swansea boldly chime hours and quarters, our one and only public timekeeper m Sketty is still condemned to silence, to the dismay of hundreds of business men and women, these dark mornings, who cannot be- lieve that military exigencies are greater here than in a populous centre in the near vicinity.

"AS AT PRESENT." I Tinplate Deputation and Trade's I Future. The deputation from the South Wales Tin- plate Conciliation Board waited upon the Director of Munitions in London on Thurs- day regarding the position of the tinplate trade. The position was explained and the chief point made was to endeavour to keep the tinplate trade in its present state. It is understood that no additional steel supplies were asked for. The matter is receiving the attention of the Munitions Department.

SWANSEA ODDFELLOWS. At a special meeting of the Loyal St. Thomas Lodge 1.0.0. and M.U. Odd- fellows, Swansea, held at the Ivy Bush Hotel, P.G. Gilbert Clement received a beautifully-framed emblem of the Order! for services rendered. P.G. Senior; Trustee Wm. Evans made the presenta- tion. He observed that it is now some- thing like 53 years ago since he became a member, and he had never regretted that he had joined the lodge. He had been trustee for 36 years, and it had been a, pleasure to him at ail times to render ser- vice to the sick members of the lodge. P.G. Wm. Williams made encouraging re- marks, as also did P.G. Wm. Howell and I ()ther. P.G. Gilbert Clement feelingly ?responded.

— —= LOCAL SHIP SALES. j I I J ne steel screw awning deck steamer ] Milo, owned by the Bristol Steam Naviga- tion Co., Ltd., Bristol, has recently been I sold to Messrs. Letricheux and David,  Ltd., Swansea, for about £ 50,000. The Miln is a steamer of 1,475 tons gross rp?ster, and carries 2.18 5 d.w. on 18ft; re_-ist,L-i- an(-,I carnes 2.IeQ5 d.w. on 18f?..

At Aberavon County Polioe Court on Friday, John Jones, rag and bone oollector, of DO fixed abode, was charged with steal- in? a. ?usmtity of old iron, value 38., from a sidinp on the Rhondda and Swansea, Bay I Railway on the 21st ingt.-P.O. Vernon pave evidence of arrest, and prisoner, who had previous convictions against him, was sent I to prison for three months' hard labour

BATTLE FOP* HEIGHTS., ENEMY ATTACK IN I DOBRUDJA. POSITIONS LOST AND RETAKEN. I (Admiralty, per Wireless Press.) PETPuOGRAD, Thursday. In the wooded Carpr'tHanp our ^c-t'vh- ments gifined possession c. a portion of the heights m Lhc r6gtOu soutn-^diiii of the iuiin- polung-Jokobeni railway. Rumanian Front.—On the left bar/c of the Danube, north of Buz,:n, all engagement took place with our advanced detachments. Be- tween the Buzeu-Rimnik and the Insuracsi- Viziru high roads firing between advanced infaatry detacK l and artillery duels are taking place. lemy, about a regiment strong in in d cavalry, is advancing on both aid. 2 Insuraoei-Viziru high road, but is beii- ,eld by our fire. On the Pyrli[za-S:arkuca Front the enemy- has pressed back our advanced guards. In the Dobrudja the enemy assumed the offensive on the front from the Danube to Bachkoi (15 miles south-west of Tulcea). In the neighbourhood of Iklahancha and Bach- koi he succeeded in occupying a series of I heights. The enemy was dislodged frcm several of the heights by our counter-attack and for domination of the rest the battle is continuing. Black Se?.—One of our submarines has sunk near the Bosphorus a sea.mer and 121 sailing vessels. OJ CERMAN REPORT. I (Admiralty, per Wireless Press.) I BL^LLN, Thursday. Front of Archduke .toseph.A R.11ssian onset, four times repeated, near Mestacan- esci, on the eastern bank of Golden Bystritza, collapsed in face of the vigorous (resistance of Austro-Hun £ £ rian battalions. Further south the enemy was ejected from an ouxpost posi- tion. I Army Group of Field Marshal von Mncken- ,en.—In Great WaHachia, a.rtmery Arp in- creased aJong the mountain range. In Dob- rudja our army drove the enemy from pome ¡ rearguard positions. j SCOUTING WORK IN THE DOBRUDJA. BULGARIAN OFFICIAL GOMMLMQLE. I On the, whole of the Rumanian a.nd Dob- rudja. fronts there were eugagpments between scouting parties.

BUFFS AT THE 'BO-NT.! I SUCCESSFUL FIRST ANNUAL BANQUET. On Thursday evening a banquet—the first of its kind in the history of Pontardulais— j was held ,).t th" Assembly Rooms of the Dulais Glen Hotel. Some ten or eleven years ago -i II. A.0 B. Lodge was formed here, but its duration was not long. Some months ago an attempt was made to re-, suscitate it, and now through the indefatig- able efforts of Mr. W. A. Williams, iron- monger, secretary, the lodge ,1:; con- sidered by the G.A. to be one ot the very best in the Swansea Province. The number, of members is now 178. The lodge-room and the tables had been beautifully decorated by Host find Hostess Mr. and Mrs. Watkins. J The several courses were thoroughly enjoyed by the brge numr that sat down, the Rev. W. Morgan, B. A., vicar, offering giace and thanks at the close. Among those present were Bros. T. Hutchings, K.O.M., E. J. Ca-llard, R.O.H.. W. Evans, K.O.NI., Stan- ley Johnstone. C.P., D. Evans, C.P., Bro- ther Officer., Capt. Hamilton Shaw, Captain Harold Wiiliains, Mr. W. J. Crocker, Mr. Martin Luther Evans, Mr. R. S. Higgins, Sergt. S. Thomas, Mr. Matthew Griffiths, D.C., Mr. A. Harding, M.E., D.C. (Gower- toii) The toast of "The King" was nroposed by Bra. T. Hutchings, K.O.M. (Dunvant). The Eureka Party, under the baton of Mr. Rhys Thomas, contributed n excellent pro- gramme, interspersed with toasts to "The Army and Navy," "Our Visitors," "Absent Brethren," and "Fest and Hostess," con- cluding with the National Anthem.

BAD FISH." I ■ REMARKABLE STORY AT I NEATH INQUEST. An extraordinary story was related to tflie Coroner (Mr. 1.. M. Thomas) at Neath on Friday, concerning the death ot William Parker, aged 37, of Marshiiekl-road, Melin- crythan, who died the previous day atter a fish supper. Dr. O'Flynn said he had been summoned to attend Parker and his mother, and ascer- tained that they had eaten some salt cod fiah for supper. They heoame ill almost immediately, and he found them in a state ot stupor. The man recovered, and went to wo.rk that ni?ht in the M?lyn Tinworks, bH? was brought home a few hours later by two of his workmates. He died in the course of tihe day. Death was due to ptomaine poisoning1, due to eating bad fish. The mother was also in a bad condition. The jury returned a. verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

FEMALE MUNITIONER I FINED AT THE SWANSEA I TRIBUNAL. Before Mr. J. Vaughan E,cl-,vaads (in the chair) at South West Wales Munitions Tri- bunal, at Swansea on Friday, an adjourned case was heard in which a female worker was charged with the alleged offence of pre- senting herself at a controlled factory under the influence of drink. Defendant asked at the last hearing for an adjournment to en- able her to bring witnesses. The tribunal was kept waiting for nearly a.n hour before defendant put in an appear- ance. Police evidence war given and defendant said that she lost the train on the two to J le t(Ill t.<) X tU7rl ten turn, but camo in on the ten to six turn in the evening. She denied being under the influence of drink. She slept in the train owing to having a heavy cold. The court found defendant guilty and im- posed a fine of 10s., and the chairman ad- vired her to give up the drink.

LEICESTER'S NEWS RUMS St-30^"r As the Great Central newspaper train from London was nearnig Brackley early on Friday morning, one of the vans was dis- covered on lire. The burning vehicle was immediately detached, but the contents, which included nearly all Leicester's supply of morning papers, were practically de- stroyed.

-s "OSCAR SNELl!NC "MEMORIAL I FUND. m N?e are mtorm?i by Mr. r. J?. run- bridge, in connection with the Oscar SnplHng Memorial Fund at Swansea, 2 1) lias ;i l r?-a( l v been that the sum of .61,120 has alrp?dy been received. The most recent sum received is that ot£nO from Mr. Frnnk Thomas, of the Cwmfelin Tinplate Works.

SWANSEA DOCTOR'S MOTHER. I Alr, Keid, The ivnoii, tuetty. mother of I Dr. Edgar Reid, passed away after a short I illness, on Friday at the ripe oil of 80. Deceased lady leaves three .sons—Ilr. Rid, Mr. Walter Reid, and Mr. H. Reid. Messrs. D. C. Jones and Son have the funeral arra-ngements in hand. !=

I LLAMSAMLET COUPLE'S WEDDING. Aj innity chapel, hwasisea, the wedding took place on Thursday of Mr. Trevor J. Divir- Boro' Stores (organist of Tabor C. M. Chapel, Llansamlet), and Mirs. Emily Ivey, Maesheulog. The best man was Bertie Ivey, and the bride was given away by her icicle, Mr. John Hughes. Miss Maggie Davies, Worcester Cottage, Morriston. act-d as bridesmaid. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Revs. J. E. Dennis, Tony- pandy, uncle of the bridegroom, and T. H. Jones, pastor of Tabor ChepeL

ON THE ALLIES' flank. — I—»■— ll« ENEMY MOVEMENT BEGUN. GREECE STILL PLAYING FOR TIME. (Adsrwialty, per Wireiass Press.) S-JriA, Thursday. South of Lake Oahftda (i.e., on the Albanian dorcfer and on the Allies' left flank) our units and these of the Ausiro-Hungarians gained ground. Roucsd Mjnastir all was calm. In the Cfc-.ia bend the artillery fin of the enemy was more lively. i G";ote.-This movement, south-west of Monastir, may be of ominous import,being on General Sarrail's immediate left flank, but no indication of the dimensions of the operation is given.) "SUBTERFUGE ONL Va" GREECE NOT FULFILLING PROMISE. THE PIRiS., Tuesday (later) (via Syra, Wednesday) (delayed. The report of the j ra,nsporta tion of the 35th Regiment from Athens to Corinth, which was announced as having been com- pleted, is untrue. Only its colonel and two companies have been transported, and the rest of the, regtiment remains at Athens. Greece has no intention of carry ing out the terms of our ultimatum, which she accepted; a.nd she will seek, by subterfuge and dilatory methods, to defeat the object fo.r which the transfer of troopl was asked. In Athens officers and Royalists generally speak openly of going over to the Germans. i —(Mr. G. J. Stevens in the "Daily Tele- i graph.") CHECK NECESSARY. Not Sufficient Allied Supervision. S\ R,A, Wednesday (delayed), the removal ot troops to the Peloponnese I has begun, but it is difficult- to say to what extent the promises a,re being kept. There seems to be urgent need for a close Allied check of thvjse movements. On Tuesday there were only five Entente .officers avail- able for t,h1;3 duty. It is difficult to deal with the Greek Reservists, who disappear and pop up again private individuals at will. but tha re- moval of the Greek artillery is very urgent. The newspaper.5 say that the people in Thess-ily are protesting and interfering with the entraining of the guns for the Fllltith.-(" Da,dy Mail" correspondent.) CUNS BUSY NEAR MONASTIR. I (Press Association War Special). PARIS, Friday. Army of the East.-There were patrol on- gagements on the Struma front. Artillery duels continued in the region north of Monastir.

"UNDER CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES." SWANSEA TRAMWAYS I TRAFFIC. GENERAL MANAGER'S I STRONG CASE. Swansea Chamber of Commerce met on Friday, Mr. Hyam Goldberg (president) presiding. The following new members were elected :—3ie-=srs. J. G. Griffiths (Neath) and Roland Thomas (Messrs. Austin and Silcox). Au5tin incl Silcox). Mr. E. P. Jones "aid as regards the tramways matter the general manager! (Mr. D. James) had waited on the council I of the Chamber, and plmpisfd steps would j be taken to meet complaints. Mr. James, "pift up a strongfease; and said notwith- standing the war shortage of labour (the corhpany are unaWIe to got mechanics) the i tram service had not been curtailed, and as a matter of fact the cars had run 44,000 more miles this year than last. As re- gards the last train to the Mumbles there was a difference of opinion amongst a de- i putation from the Mumbles as to the time it should run to meet everyone's conven'encc. Mr. James was anxious to study passengers' convenience in every way. The Chairman said the trams were work- ing under considerable difncuities. and Mr. D. James had expresed 'nIlmgnÐ5s to do everything reasonable. In discussion, it was stated the London trains were running slow very often, and it was impossible to make a satisfactory con- nection. Alr. E. P. Jones, in replv to Mr. Pank, said he thought there would be loud com- plaints from the public if the strict carry- ing numbers on the tramcars was adhered to. The matter was deferred pending the pub- lication of the new railway time-tables.

SIR CKIOZZA MONEY'S POST. The following appointments of Parliamen- tary Secretaries are announced — Ministry of Peiision.Coloiiel Sir Arthur Griffiths Boscawen. Shipping Controller.—Sir L. G. Chiozza Money. Minister of Blockade.—Rnght Hon. Frede- rick Leverton Harris. Ministry o.f Labour.—Mr. Bridgeman.

ESTEEMED AT CORSEINON. me runerai ot the late Mrs. Elizabeth Rees. wife of lir. Wm. Rees, Park-road, Gorseinon, took plarce on irklay at Llant- wit, Neath. Deoeascd lady had suffered con- siderably for the last iittcf,?. years. The bearers were relatives of the dceeaaed, ami th« chief mourners: Hr. William Reæ (husband), Miss .i..ees (daughter), Mr. David Rees (brother-in-law), Mrs. Rees (sister-in- law), Mrs. and Mr. Deely (sister and brother-in-law), Messrs. David Rees, jun., W. Rees, John Jdln, David John, and Rees John (nephews), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Reefs, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Bowen, and many others. Rev. M. J. Jones. Gorseinon. and Rpv. J. «r*fF.t.hs, B.A., B.D., Ammanford, officiated. Tho funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. T. Lewis. Gorseinon. The floral tri- butes were many. •

SWANSEA SHIPPING CONCERN. I The Letiicheux Line (Limited) has been registered with a capital of £10,000 in Li shares to carry on the business of ship- owners and insurance brokers, freight oon- traotors. carriers by land, sea, or other- wise, coal and other fuel and general mer- chants, etc. The subscribers are:R. J. Matthews. R. B. Matthews, and T. J. Mat- thews, all of 5, Gloucester-place. Swansea, phipowivrs. Private company. The flrFt permanent directors are R. J. Matthews, R B Matthews, and T. J. Matthews. Regis- tered o'.ce: Letricheux Bmldmgs, Adelaide- I street, Swansea.

PATRIOTIC BURRY PORTIANS. Practically since the early suages ot the I wnr a tobacco and cigarette fund has been established at the Globe Inn, Burry Port, by the proprietor and proprietress, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Davies, and the frequenters of the house. Every week magnificent parcels of cigarettes are sent out regularly to tho fighting men. This is the only licensed house in Burry Port that caters thus for the fighters. The prize drawing was a complete success, and the proceeds will go exclusively to this popular fund.

I G.C.B. FOR S.T. MR. ASQUITHS RESIGNA- TION HONOURS. I The following list of honours, conferred I on the recommendation of Mr. Asquith on the cccasion of his resignation, was issued on Thursday night:— ¡ The King has been pleased to make the: I following appointments: Viscounts. Lord Sandhurst, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. Lord Cowdray. The Right Hon. Lewis Harcourt, M.P. iSarens. The Right Hon. Joseph H. Pease, M.P. Sir John A. Dewar Dart., M.P. Ii Sir Thomas.Roe, LP. I Sir Edward Partington. Privy Councilors. Mr. John W. Gulland, M.P. ?. L P Mr. Thomas Wiles, M.P. Mr. Leif Jones, M.P. Baronetcies. The Right Hon. James M. Campbell, K.C., M.P. Mr. Jehn S. Ainsworth, M.P. Mr. James Hill, M.P. Sir Jesse Boot. Knighthoods. Mr. Arthur Carkeek. Mr. Hugh Frascr, LL.D. Mr. William Gundry. The Very Rev. John Herkless, D.D. Mr. Edwa.rcl Smith. Mr. Evan Spicer. C.C.B. (Additions; Order for War Services). The Right Hon. Sir Samuel Evans. K.C.B. Mr. Maurice Bonham Carter. C. a. The Hon. Theophilus Russel, C.V.O. K.C,M.C. Hon. Eric Drummond, C.B. — — -——— —— —

ASQUITFTS FAILUREll LIMITATIONS OF A PRIME1 MINISTER, WHERE MR. LLOYD GEORGE SCORED. Mr. Asquith made one or two great mis- takes in 1915 (writes "Truthful Tory" in ''Truth"). He took from Lord Kitchener and the War Office their statement that the supply of munitions was ample, and neg- lected to check this assertion by information, r .m Lhe front. Considering the position which Lord Kitchener occupied in the public esteem, most people would say that Mr. As- quith was justified in re on the assur- ance of a War Secretary who was no civil laji, "ut the greatest soldier of the day. How- ever. Lord Kitchener and the War Office were wrong: about the munitions, and the Prime Minister had to shoulder the responsi- bility. Mr. Asquith's hurried visit to Ire- laud after the Sinn Finn rising was another blullder. 1 Since the failure of the autumn operations on the Somme to secure a decisive result Jlr. Asquith undoubtedly took the view that there was nothing more to be done until the I dry weather carne, in which he was right; but he made the mistake of letting the press and the public see it. The attitude of a First Minister in a war should be that of Chatham—"I know that I can save the coun- try, and that no one else can." That is Mr. Lloyd George's attitude, and that is why he has put Mr. Asquith out and him- self in. It is a superior sense of dramatic effect, coupled with demoniac energy, that has made Mr. Lloyd George the man of the hour. It mattars nothing that A Prime MinSsier connot wm a war, for where would Uhatriani have oepn wvon- out Clive, and Wolfe, and Hawke? It is enough for a Prime Minister to say that he can win the war: too borrow Macau lax \s language he must b jl England be of good cheer, and hurl defiance at her foes." Mr. Asquith made vary fine speeches, but the impression got about that they were words divorced from deeds. Lord Chesterfield, when n Cabinet Minister, wrote to Lord Marchmont that there was ■rvrtr Government: they met, and talked, and then said Lord, 'tis late, when shall we meet to talk over this again?' Mr. A.squith's latter-day: Cabinets were mnch of this kind. But when all this has been said, let it be re- membered that Mr. Asquith has been Prime Minister for nine years, and that in days when Mr. Lloyd George wp.s at- tacking the landed and moneyed classes in the language of the gutter, Mr. As- quith steadily maintained the standard of public decency." The fall of a great Minister is always a marking event in a nation's history. Al- though a great Minister cannot control the fortunes of'war, he can and does ;iii d e the 'L. ?,oii g ht. (-, f mou'id the wills and guide the thoughts of! his countrymen and what England thinks and does at this moment, is of supreii-ii importance to the world.

-.=0. OVER THE WEEK- END." SWANSEA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REQUEST. At Swansea Chamber of Commerce on Fri- day, a letter TO read from Sir A. Mond, M.P.. acknowledging his thanks of the Chamber's congratulations upon his i-ecent appointment. The Inland Revenue authorities wrote > re the stamp documents office that it was proposed to keep the office open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily only. The President said that was tho only way to'meet the difficulty. It was urged at the last meeting that; the trimmers should work over the week end in order to turn round vessels more quickly. This decision was sent to the Board of Trade, who said the matter had been brought to the notice of the Port and Transport Committee..Other chambers of commerce in the Bri stol Channel had stated they were giving the matter con- sideration. Mr. H. Moffatt aid as regards the Docks P.O. letter box the Postmaster had agreed to the box being placed outside the gates (the last collection is 5.30) if the Chamber provided the expense. Members thought it unreasonable to expect the Chamber to pay for what was a public convenience. > < natter was referred to the Council of the Chamber with a view of obtaining estimates as to what the work would cost, i Mr. A. Moffatt proposed Mr. A. Andrews be nominated as the new junior vice-presi- dent. Mr. W. T. Farr seconded and said in Mr. Andrews they would have a worthy occupier of the chair—when it came to his turn. Mr. T. Cook supported.—Carried, the President remarking that no member had rendered the Chamber more se'.vice during t,h;3 past year than Mr. Andrews. The Association of Chambers of Commerce meet in London on Mareh aJ-22. The President said if any member had any suggestion to make lie should send it in to the next Council of the Chamber meeting. Th e ivx ecutive Council of the Association of Clumbers of Commerce recommended re- organisation of the Consular service. The support of the Chamber was unani- mously given to the recommendations. Greetinga were received from the Swan- sea Battalion, 6th Welsh, and South Wales Borderers, and it was decided to send sumi lar greetings in return.

TOWED TO SWANSEA. In the Admiralty Div sion on ThurEwifty, the President, Sir Samuel Evans, sitting wit4h Trinity Masters, disposed of a olaira by the owners, master, and crew of the Ostend steam trawler John for salvage re- munera,tion in respect of services rendered to the Norwegian steamship EosenvoM in the Atlantic and Bristol Channel in March last. At request the trawler took the dis- abled Hosenvold in tow, and on the follow- ing day brought her to Swansea. The de- fendants admitted the services, which, how- ever, they said were of an easy oharacter and consisted in towing the Rosenvok! a dis- tance of 87 miles. Defendants tendered a sum of C450, submitting that that was suf- j ficient to satisfy the claim. The value of I the salved property waa,c0 010.—The Presi- | dent awarded the pLainti/Is £751J.

"m THIS SACRED _I CAUSESNIAYCRED KING AND THE WAR I THE NATION'S SINGLE I ENDEAVOUR. I In the House of Commons on Friday the Black Rod arrived with a summons to members to attend in the House of Lords. On their return. the Speaker announced the Royal Assent had been given to the War Loan Act and other Acts. The right hon. gentleman then read the King's, Speech as follows My Lords and Geiitlenieii, Throughout the months that have elapsed since I last addressed you my Navy and Army, in conjunction with those of cur gallant and faithful Allies. have, hy their unceasing vigilance and; indomitable valour, justified the high trtfst I placed in them. I am confident that, however long the struggle, their efforts, supported Ly the inflexible determination of ali rny sub- jects throughout the Empire, will finally achieve the victorious consummation of those aims for which I entered into the. war. My Government has been recon- structed with the sole object of further- ing those aims unaltered and unim- paired. Gentlemen of the House of Commons. I thank you for the unstinted liber- ality with which you continue toO pro- vide for the burdens of the war. My Lords and G-cntlemen, The vigorous prosecution of the war must be out single endeavour until we have vindicatefi the rights so ruthlessly violated by our enemies and established the security of Europe on a sure founda- tion, In this sacred cause I am assured of the united support of all my peoples, and I pray that Almighty God may give us His Mossing. PIR ESTADENT'S NOTE. Allies Must Confer on it Jointly. Mr. Bonar Law was asked in the House of Commons on Friday whether any state- ment coukl he made in regard to the peace Note of the President of the United States before the prorogation. I think it must he obvious," said Mr. Bonar Law. "that this is a question which cannot be dEalt with except in communica- tions with onr Allies. It is impossible to make any statement now." ni -!ieiit ii

HOPELESSLY DOWN." SWANSEA COAL AUTHORISA-j TIONS. BONUS CLAIM BY THE TIP- MEN. A letter was read a,t Swansea Chamber of Commerc.. on Friday from th' local railway companies enclosing a claim by the tipmen for additional war bonus. At present they receive 121 per cent. bonus, and they asked for another 25 per cent. from November 25rd. < Mr. A. W. Y\ yiinc said they already ?A ?t r. A. charged double on neutrals, and, if granted, the pre-war charges would, in soma cases, be increased by about 200 per c.ent. Mr. T. Cook said they should resist on other grounds; the men were servants of the railways, and it was not for their mem- bers to give a. bonus to other people's ser. vants. Mr. A. W. Wynno agreed. and said the matter wa's serious they were dependent upon neutral-, for JO per cent. of their Swansea, was hopelessly down on the' authorisation#" for shipment, and np- Channei ports, where there were no such difficulties, were getting the advantage. It was decided upon Air. Cook's proposi- J wftertairf the matter as it' was one of domestic arrangement between the railway companies and their servants. An appeal was received for support, of the Wounded Allies' Fund. towards which Mr. W. T. Farr has contributed £10 a.nd Mr. Coward £ 10 10s. The local com- mittee are Messrs. A. W. E. Wynne (chaii- man), W. Morgan. H. S. Cook, W. Cann, W. Foy, and P. Cocks (hon. treasurer). The Chairman wished the members Xmas greetings, which were reciprocated.

HAS NOT SPOKEN FOR 30 YEARS. DAFEN RECLUSE'S COM- PLAINT TO COUNCIL. A recluse, living at Dafen, near Llanelly, wrote to the Llaneily Rural Council on Thursday, complaining of the damage caused to his house by children, and stating that the authorities should do the repairs as they paid for the damage caused on the occasion of a riot in Llanelly. Lady Howard also wrote stating that she would defray the cost of repairs if the Coun- cil thought it was desirable Dr. Evans, the medical officer, expressed the opinion that the old man should he re- moved to the Workhouse. He frequently visits Swansea in the sum- mer time, and experiments with a boat at the docks, claiming to have discovered a system of propulsion which is going to revolutionise shipping. He has not, spoken for 30 years, and does all his business by correspondence.

PARK TO BE CUT UP. Carmarthen Falls into Line. The sub-committee appointed to consider the utilisation of waste land in Carmarthen on Thursday recommended to Carmarthen Town Council that the upper ¡.nd lower por- tion of the public park be ploughed up and apportioned into 40 allotments for the ipiitr- pose of growing vegetables. Mr. Walter Spurrell said if they could not get a sufficient number of applicants the Council must niake arrangements to get a. farmer to cultivate the land or do so them- selves. The Town Clerk said if the Council could not recoup themselves of any expense, they were authorised to oarry out the work. and the Board of Agriculture would recoup them. Mr. D. Williams asked why waste land in other parts of the town had not been taken over also. Mr. Spurrell aid the park was being dealt with a,s a start There was a ltrge number of gardens in Carmarthen not cultivated, and he hoped the Council would take strong measures to see that they were cultivated next waring. The report was adopted, and it was de- cided that the allotments he let at 5s. each, the Council to undertake the ploughing.

SWANSEA DISTRESS COMMITTEE I VACANCY. At Wednesday's meeting of the Swansea Council, it was proposed to invite Mrs. Snelling to take her late husband's place on the Distress Committee, and in the event of her not feeJing disposed to accept the position, to offer it to Mr. Featherstone, the police court missionary.

RAILWAY COODS MANAGERS AND I SWANSEA DELAYS. I At the Swansea xisrbour Trust Executive to-day, Mr. Roger Beck presiding, in the absence of Sir Griffith Thomas, who is suf- fering from neuritis, it was reported that the chief goods managers of the Great Western, Midland, and London and N.W. Railway Companies would shortly visit Swansea, to discuss matters with the Trus- tees regarding delays in connection with wagons. i

UNKNOWN LEADERS, MEN "MADE'' ON THE SOMME. SIR H. HORNE AND MAMETZ WOOD. I Nearly all the British leaders in this wal at its present stage are totally unknown to | the public, except in a few cases wheie generals distinguished themselves in the South African. War. A "Regimental Offi. cer" give-; the "Express" some of the na,me of the generals who were responsible for ex. ploits in the battle of the Somme :— Notable among om- leaders is Sir Henry K^wlliison, who was in supremo control of ail our operations on the Somme for the ) first few incuahs until his army was relieved by Gough's army. Three other men of gnjns are Sir Henry Horne, the captor of i i icoui t, Maine iz Wood and Bazentin, who has just been promoted to the command of an army lor his great work; Lord Cavan, who has risen, when barely fifty, from a colonel in the Reserve of Officers to command t one of our finest corps and to be the hero of Combles; Lieut.-General Claude Jacob, who, after making one of the divisions which failed at Loos into one of the finest in this push, was promoted to the command of a corps and was responsible for the great sur- prise capture of Tliienval. Heroes of the Troops. then there is General Confrere, V.C., th hero of July 1 and of Longueval, who shares with Lord Cavan and Sir William Bird- wood the distinction of being p obablv the man most worshipped by those wno have had the good luck to serve under him. Bird- wood, the captor of Pozieres with his An- zacs and Sir Julian Byng, who commands the Canadians and was responsible for the capture of Courcelette, are two other great leaders. There are also General Kiggeli, Haig's Chief of Staff and right-hand man; Kavanagh, of Ypres fame; Hnnter Weston, to whom Sir lan Hamilton paid the great- tribute of declaring that he had "a genius for war" Sir Henry Wilson, who was in charge of our co-operation with the French; lownshend of Kut, and Smith-Dorrien, who saved the British Arm- on the retreat from Mons. [ Monro, Allenby, Milne. Lynden-Bell, Cap- per. Fanshawe, Maude, Putler, Murray, Briggs and Trenchard, who commands the Royal l iving Corps, are others whose names ought to be household words. It is due to the ability of many of these great leaders that we have been able to maintain that terrific pressure, at a rate which for us haa been comparatively economical, which hag already "eaten up" nearly two-thirds of thf. German field arm v.

SWANSEA P.O. EXTEN* SION. GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN FACILITIES. NEW AND COMMODIOUS PREMISES. The extension of the Swansea Post Office, which has been proceeding steadily for the last two years, is now complete, and very much better facilities are now available for carrying on the Post Office work. Some two years ago the Post Office Department ac- quired possession of undesirable premises in the Strand. Thege were pulled down a.n<i on the site of the old b-uildings has been erected a commodious parcel office with ful basement premises. The pa.rcel office, .vhich has a superficial area of 2.745 sq. ft., is lit by lantern lights and by a glas-, screer1 011 the Strand side above the loading plat- form. The Platform measures 67ft. in length. it runs the w!JC!(. length o? th? n.?w ofBee? .it the end of n inch bus been provided a .?ope for the p.??age:- in and out, of tha ,'hind-CM'? used for parcel d?Uve'rv. The ?-ccom?.cdatiun underneath the neva .-iiffce :— (1) A shelter lor truck* and hand-cart9 measuring 1,290 sq. ft., which is approached by a slope from the ward level. (2) A store-room mea-suring 800 sq. ft, for the storage of engineering plant. (3) A room measuring 360 sq. ft. for the accommodation of postal stores. This room at the present time is being used as a rest room for the temporary female staff em- ployed on letter sorting and JettQr collections and deliveries. the whoie of the new premises are lighted by electric current and are jieat.d by a sys- tem cf radiators connected with the boilers used for heating the main building. The new premises are found to answer their pur- TKtea admirably. Thev ::>•« *nitnMa fr. +i.^ 0.1 10. 'l' Crowing work of the department awl are comfortable to work in. T' » con- struction of them was entrusted to Messrs, Bowers and Co., Herefoid. The further extension oi the Post Office to provide adequa.te accommodation for tha telephone work, additional officp", for ad- ministrative work. and more convenient and commodious retiring rooms for the staff, will not be proceeded with while the nece.% sitv for reducing e.vpita! expenditure con* tinues.

I "WHAT MAN IS THERE-?' Llandoyery Mercer and His Wife. Two Llandovery tradesmen—a draper and a gent.'s mercer, whose exemption was ftp- pealed ag-airst by the military at Carmar- thenshire Appeal Tribunal at Carmarthen on Thursday, on the ground that the bnsi- nesses could be carried on by their wives- contended that a knowledge of Welsh was essential for the transaction cf business in Llandovery, and as they had both married English wives who could not speak Welsh they would not be alile to carry on busi- ness. Captain Cremlyn (military representative) said he knew Llandovery well, and Welth and English were spoken there. The great.'s mercer said that the day on N,-Ili Ch he attended before the Medical Board be lost the sale of two' coats and waistcoats on account of the inability of hia wife to speak Welsh. What man is there," he asked, who would care for a woman to measure him for a enIt of clothes?" Both military appeals were allowed.

WELCOME TO TREBOETH CYCLIST. T.J, 1.1 T On Tuesday evening, at tne UUIIl; library Hall, Treboeth, a large number of friends and relatives of Cyclist Cecil Lorrange, of the 11th Corps Cyclist battalion, B.E.F., congregated to commeorate his home-com- ing by the presentation of a beautifully chased silver medal. Congratulatory speeches were maoe by Messrs. L. Brazell, in making tiia, presentation, and Mr. W. Richards, who alluded to the large number of Treboeth boys who had flocked to the Colours, and a large number of whom were at present on the battlefield. After a short musical programme, Cyclist Lorrange suitably returned thanks, and spoke of the intention of the boys "over there" to carry the war through to final nnd gtorious vic- tory for our arms. He leaves fDrf, railee on Xmas Day.

ANOTHER WEST WALKS "M.M." Lance-Oorpl. W. Phillips. SCn of Mr. T. Phillips. Parities, C'wmbach, St. Clears, ha* been awarded the Medal for gal- lantry on the field.

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A CALL AT THE COUNTY CLUB. I At Swansea Borough Fclice Court on Friday, Thomas Thomas, dock laVurer, was charged with being drunk in High street on Thursday, and also for the alleged offence of wilfully breaking two panes of glass, valued at JE5 10s. in the doorway of the County Club, Castle-square, on December 2lst. De- fendant admitted having too much beer, but said he did fot remember anything about breaking the glas-4. Evidence was given by P.C. (84) -^orter, Edward Galloway (who f aid he saw defendant break the glass with a stick), and Mr. John Bar nay, steward at the dnb Defeiiiaiit, vlio h?n been before the court oil 58 previous occasions, was sent down for two months, the chairman telling him he had been given many elianoee to re- I form, but he had not take l them.

RAID ON OUR TRENCHES. ————— EXPENSIVE HUN EXPENSIVE HUN  r'??N???f? ASni!SU!irlN! EFFORT.  Bnthb Swoop in EKypt. BATTLE IN THE DGBRUDJA. Fierce Struggle For Heighls. Enemy Move Near Monastir. PARIS, Friday afternoon. The official communique says:-— There was a rather livelv artillery en- gagement in the region of Louvemcnt (right hank of the Mc-use) during the course of the night. Everyw here else there was nothing vo report. BRITISH GENERAL HEAD- QUARTERS, FRANCE, Thursday, 10.20 p.m. Last night a strong hostile raiding party approached our lires opposite Lens. Only a few of the enemy succeeded in leaching our trenches. These were promptly* ejected and the hostile party driven off. Our casualties were very slight. South-west of Armentieres a party of our troops successfully entered the enemy's trenches. Over 50 prisoners were taken by us in the course of the raid north of Arras, re- ported in yesterday's communique. To-day artillery activity has continued being especially marked along our front between the Somme and the Ancre and in I the neighbourhood of Ypres. The Improvement in the weather yesterday led to considerable activity in the air. In the course of the raids carried out by our machines a ton of explosives was dropped on points of military importance behind the enemy's lines. Much fighting took place in the air. One enemy machine was destroyed and six others driven down damaged. Four of our machines are missing. —— I PARIS, Thursday, 11 p.m.. The ofiici'?.! communique says:— The enemy violently bombarded our line3 in the sector of Loux-emont-Vaux. Our ai-tlllcrv repiiert. Other rather lively artillery actions, took plaro on various points of the front. | In the course of one of them enemy gas apparatus were destroyed by our fire be- tween Berry-au-Bac and Reim$. j