The Cambria Daily Leader

CASTLE C I N E mXT^ Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 2.30 to IOso. A CHILD OF DEST INYP A A Metro Won(?erplav nF Five at; :eu;jg ¡ Irene Fenwick. Showing at 2.30, 5.35, 8,45. SORROWS OF LOVE. A Five Part Triangle-Italian Drama, featuring Bessie Barriscale. Showing at 4.15 and 7.25. j Another Huge Programme for Monday Next.

THE MENACE. 1w How We Fight the Submarine. FIBST LORD'S FEANIl SPEECH. Sir Edward Carson, First Lord of the AdttliraUy, made a frank and encouraging in the House of Commons on Wed- Hosday on the work of the Navy, and par- Ocularly of the system of fighting' the the U-boats. In his belief this country Lad suffered less in privations than any other belligerent, Referring to transport work, he gave the following remarkable figures to show Vrhat had been done up to October 30, 1916: ■Men moved across the sea 8,000,000 Tons of explosives and materials 9,420,000 Sick and wounded .(ovBr) 1,000,000 Horses and mules .(over) 1,000,000 Gallons of petrol 4,750,400 We had examined 25,874 ships an the high seas and ia harbou-rs, and the number would net be less on account of the blockade. The submarine menace is grave and Prions and has not yet been solved. "But I am confident that in the develop- ments of measures that have been and are I-Aling devised its seriousness will be miti. gated MORE MERCHANT SHIPS. A* Anti-Submarine Department had keen established at the Ajdmiralty, com- posed of the most experienced men in the e°"mtry, whose whole time would be taken in working out the problem. As well as this, th-ere was the Board of Inventions, presided over by Lord Fisher, who had associated with him the g-reates1 Scientists the country possessed. Every single intelligent suggestion had been worked out and test-ed The number of armed merchant ships 'fond increased in tie last two months by 47 J per eent. Armed vessels tha-t escaped after attack Vt-re 78 per cent. and unarmed vessels that "oaped only 2J, per cent. The total losses of Allied aaad neutral reseels in the first eighteen days of Decem- ber were 118 vessels, of 123,122 tons, whilst tu the first eighteen days of January they ^re ninety-one vessels, of 198,233 tons, and in the first eighteen d-ay-s of February 134 Vessels, of 201,596 tons. The estimated number of ships in the danger zone at any one time was still over 8,000. H. ,bad refused to sail on our ships. POLICY OF SILENCE. The policy of silence as to the loss of fenemy submarines was the pobey the ftnemv disliked most since they did not ijtow what had become of them. Many tin1 -9 the Admiralty itself did not now whether a submarine had been sunk, "but day by day they received reports as to Engagements by our phips with such Vessels. There had beetn forty of thl" engage. ■ ttents since February t. A few days ago one of our destroyers attacked an enemy submarine. Alter it had been hit the submarine dived; if it had remained balow it would have been :a case of uncertainty, but as a matter V" "tyf Tact ile" ■irwl^nrfefi were such that she "Pras compelled to come to the surface, and the commander and all the officers and men were taken prisoners. (CheersZ1 That was an absolute case. <K enewea cheers) DOUBTFUL CASES. Another case was that oi ono of our transports, which reported that it had struck an enemy submarine, and it was Relieved that the submarine had been sunk. A further report was received later that the sunken submarine had been located. {Cheers.) That" as almost a certainty. (Laughter.) In the third case a report was received from two of our patrol vessels that they had engaged two enemy submarines. One Was sunk, but there was some doubt about the other. A destroyer reported that it had heavily rammed an enemy submarine. There was no doubt that the submarine was struck, but it was not possible to establish the fact that it was sunk. Another report was that one of our de- stroyers was slightly damaged in running ever the conning tower of a su bmarine. In another case one of our patrol vessels Sported striking a submarine, and an examination of the patrol vessel estab- lished the fact that a submerged object was struck. 12,000 SHIPS A DAY. We must limit imports to those which wero essential, and the Admiralty had urged thlilt course to the Prime Minister. Twelve thousand ships had been in and out of British ports and loaded and un- loaded during the ftrsfc eighteen days of February. (Cheers.) Ho had not heard of one British sailor who had refused to sail because of the subnjarine menace. (Cheers,x. That was wha,t was going to win the war. Sir Edward (.Jar-son concluded by saying that it was certain the submarine menace r-culd be solved. Kef erring to the &hip- itmltin% programme for the year, he they had to make good the losses both in Ithe Navy and the mercantile marina. Not a single slip would he left un- tenanted in the coming months. He now proposed to Publish every day not only the daily lossas of British vessels but the total arrival ¡d sailing of vessels to and from .British ports. JIe would also publish the number of British ves:3els which had been attacked and escaped.

-==:=: FAMOUS ACTOR BEGS BREAD Mr. Fred Terry and his wife on Wed- nesday related how they begged for bread when snowed up while motoring from Jedburgh, on their way on Sunday from Newcastle to Aberdeen.' They invaded a' farmhouse, but the occupants refused to give or sell, A cottar also pleaded in- ability to help, though his kitchen roof was hung with appetising hams. Finally a roadman saved them from hunger. Nothing, Mr. Fred Terry remarked, can explain our experience except that on1 the Scottish Sabbath the theatrical profes- sion is tabooed.

ran—n i iTTrfTr'nni'irtrfl1 I FOOD" PIBLEiS THE iffiffltASMG SCARCITY OF POTATOES i SWANSEA'S POSITION The potato famine in Swansea oon-1 tinues, and the outlook is far from pro mising," said a well known potato merchant to one of our representatives on Thursday morning. There arc plenty of potatoes about the country, and they are to be obtained at a price—w hich will not suit the purses of our customers. 1 quite agree with the writer of a letter in an upline contemporary, when he says "With regard to current and future I Bupplie.s of potato?, may I s?y that no ?? JUs. plus carriage potatoes have reached the Cardiff shopkeeper yet, and i let me show hew, when they do come, it will work out for the retailer. The car- fro A. English growing districts to jg .'¡a.. l,*tk, bo £ 11 10s., or lis. ed. a bag. Retailed, the shopkeeper will receive 12s. 6d.—-a gro^s profit of 8 per cent. What retail business oau be carried on at a gross profit of 8 per cent. on the turnover ? The root of the whole trouble is that the Food Controller does not control. [t stocks were controlled and distributed so as to' reach the retailer at £ 10 or £ 11 a ton, the public would have no trouble in getting what they require at 1 -3d. per lb." PLENTY OF FRENCH POTATOES. There seems to ix) little danger of France suffering from a lack of potatoes M. Ie Houzle, who is called the "i'ota? Dictator," a?nounc?s that the forth- coming potato crop proimsps to be bettm than any previous crop. Paris, Wednesday.—The Prefect of roMce has published an order regarding the establishment of sugar cards entitling the holders to 750 grammes (about nIb.) of sugar per person per month.—Wireless Press. ROYAL DUKE'S EMPTY LARDER. The Duke of Connaught's observance of the food ration rules led to an amusing incident, which he related on Wednesday at a meeting of the Soldiers* Clubs Asso- ciation. "The other day," he said, "some sol- diers by mistake came to have tea with me at Clarence House, but owing to the new regulations I had nothing to give them. I at once thought of the Union Jack Club, and they went there.. I be- lieve they had an excellent supper there." (Laughter.) NO-THIS-UNLESS-YOU-BUY-THAT." Before long (says the Daily Express H) I you will be unable to buy a handkerchief unless you pay for a suit of clothes as well. The tobacconists are the latest to join the No TiiiE, Unless You Buy That League Some of the multiple shop firms have issued the order, No matches with- out tobacco. So far the league stands for:— No sugar unless you buy groceries; ^"° unless vou buy preens:—_ -F -)Ilv tobacco. That are rumours that the barbers con- | template "No shave withollt a hair-cut," the butohsrg, No bed without bone," :-110 confectioners. No cakes witnout custards," and the candle-merchants, No candles without cart-grease." SUPPLIES BErrG HELD UP. There was a distinct shortage of potato supplies in Birkenhead on Thursday, and many of the retailers are unable to meet tl)e demand of customers. Wholesale dealers are receiving no supplies from the farmers, who are known to have big stocks ready for the market.

I U-BOAT VICTIMS. I Cardiff Steamer Among Latest Sunk. Latest sinkings reported are:— Steamer Corso; not in Lloyd's register. Steamer Kosalie (4,237 tons), owned by the Seville and U.K. Carrying Co., Ltd. (J. Cory and Sons, Ltd), and registered at Cardiff. Lloyd s report: The steamer Perseus has been sunk. Three Chinese and one Euro- pean of the crew are missing. The ketch K.L.M., of Ixnvestoft, has been sunk. I FRENCH PRESS COMMENTS ON BRITISH P.mJNTER Pm irv Paris, Thursday.—The e\s;; this morning comment on the Order in Coun- cil issued by the British Government re- quiring vessels sailing to and from coun- tries to which they have access to put into a British port for examination. They consider the Order will have important consequences. The "Pettt Parisian" remarks: "It may be said that the measures for the economic surrounding of Germany is now complete. Great Britain has replied vigorously to the submarine warfare, but, differing from the Berlin Cabinet, the k(i ie s confine themselves to exercising a strict control of the seas and refrain from any act of inhumanity. If they watch traffic and foodsbffs they respect human life." The "Matin says: G i-eat Britain re- fuses to play the game of Germany, who, by defining a certain number of maritime zones, seems to invite neutrals to go to her ports. It w,59 necessary to remind these neutral that the Allies would not tolerate such practices. The decision of Great Britain is a reply to the monstrous decision violating the law of nations for which Germany assumes responsibility." Commenting on Sir Edward Carson's statement regarding Great Britain's raS against- U-boats, the" Ala-tin" says: It appear. from this that in spito of Crerma-nv's efforts slie succeeded to only a very small extent in hampering the sea trade of the Allies."

I POLTCEMAN AND LYING. In the hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday of the White City recruit- ing case, Detective-Sergt. Sauge admitted telling untruths to one of the defendants when he was making investigations. Mr. Vachell: You don't mind telling lies when it suits your purpose? Witness: As a police officer, I carried out my instructions. It was my duty in this else. The hearing was adjourned.

WRECKED OFFWELSH COAST COAST Early on Wednesday morning the Lev- land steamer Leysian struck the rocky coast between Strumble Head and St. David's Head, and it is feared will he- come a total wreck. The vessel was in Imllas t. All on board, -consisting of cattlemen and the crew, have been landed at-Fish- guard. A dense fog prevailed st the time.

—MI U-I-N milt" —' I-i AcE ri -BY-F-A-rifNE-I- NO BREAD FOR ATHENS AFTER ] SUNDAY Athens, Tuesday (received Thursday).— The evening pap erg announce that the Minister ot the Interior has declared that after Sunday next broad will be totally lacking at Athens and Pirtsus. An urgent telegram from fJatros reports the situation at that town as exceedingly critical on account of the dearth of bread and food supplies. Insurrection and pil- lage are feared.—Exchange. Desirability of Control Over tiicPress. Athens, Tuesday.—The transfer of rifles to the Peloponn&ss has improved, 135,000 having now passed und-sr the Allied scru- tiny. However, nothing but cautious acLion can be advocated till tuch time as ??i ,re -.N- .1 teU its readers that there is no danger for thsm in giving up their arms as they arc protected by the solemn pledge of th4 four Great Powers against any aggressioil by their political adversaries. Whether the Lambros Government has the strength to control the Press and other recalcitrant elements appears more and more doubtful. The formation of an- other Ministry with a strong programme is5 in my opinion, extroiiiely likeJy. A decision may be expected ivifchin the next four or five days. Bread riots and disturbances are in- creasing in the provinces, where want ap- pears to bo in sight as far as tlw/poor are concerned. Reports, in every case from an Allied source, from Corinth, Nauplia, Kalamata, Laristsa, and other points, 'de- clare that the populance are in straits, bread with baudfuls of olives being al- most their food. AftSOTHEf? ENTENTE NOTE. I Athens, Wednesday (received 1 burs-day). —It is officially announced that the Entente Powers have again addressed a Note to the Greek Government regarding indemnification to Venezelists for loss sustained in the fighting here on December 1st and 2nd. A disturbance occurred at Piraeus to-day. A number of grocers' shops were looted, but order was eventually restored ,a number of arrests being made.

I A SOMMJ HERO. I Military Funeral at Swansea. ¡ A Soinrne hero was laid to rest on Thurs- day afternoon at Danygraig Cemetery, in the person of the late Pte. David George Thomas (25), the only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomas, of 29, and 30, Plymouth- street, Swansea. The obsequies were marked by manifes- tations of the deepest sorrow and respect, tit* blinds being drawn in practically every house in the street. In addition, an immense concourse thronged Plymoutn- R a.n< 1 f- ■ Q^i<nx\~ • street. Full military honours were ac- corded the deceased soldier. The cortege was headed by a firing party (commanded by Scrgt. Evans), followed by a gun carriage on which was placed the coffin, draped in the Union Jack. An escort: of gunners and men of the Salvation Army (of which the late .soldier was a bandsman walked beside the carriage.

I LOST THEIR LIVES. I Deaths of Four Swansea Seamen. ¡ News haiS been received in Swansea that the following local men engaged on a trawler have lost their lives:— Alfred Kippin, of 48, Alexandra-terrace; Henry Oliver Cabbie, Grandison-street, Hafod; Jchn Phillips, Carmarthen-road; — Mills (second engineer). Thos. Clayton (cook), 1, Grandison- s-treet, Hafod.

I WOMEN AND THE LAW. The text was issued on Thursday of the late Lord Chancellor's Bill concerning the admission of women to the.Bar. The Bill provirles that a woman shall not be dis- j qualified by sex or marriage for being ad mitted as a solicitor, or for acting or practising as a solicitor und-or the Solici- tors' Acts, 1843, and the Acts amending the same, and the other enactments for the time being in force relating to solici- tors.

I TAXATION IN GERMANY. Amsterdam, Wednesday.—A Berlin tele- gram states that the Reichstag, in addi- fcion to the Budget for 1917, will deal with a Supplementary Budget providing for non-recurring extraot-dii).iiry expenditure of fifteen milliards of marks ( £ 750,000,000) to be covered by credits. A Bill will also be laid before the Reichstag adding 20 per oent. to the extraordinary War Taxes. In order to prevent persons evading the war I taxes Ly leaving Germany a Bill will be introduced requiring from such persons security for future war, wxes.-Reuter.

DIED WITH HER PETS. A woman's death with her three pets was investigated on Wednesday at St. Pancras. Matilda Eliza Gastand, M, "He of a French soldier at the front, was found on the floor of her room which was lull of gas. Three taps of a gas stove had been I turned on. Beside the woman was her 1 favourite dog, and two cats, one on tcp of a chest of drawers the other on .the floor, had boen suffocated by the gas. A wit- ness said she had seen the cats play with the gas taps and ev-en turn one of them en. Mrs. Gastand had been depressed about the war. An open verdict was re- turned.

I EXCESS PROFITS TAX. The Chancellor's estimate of the yield of the tax on drink for the financial year which ends on April 1 next is not likely to be reached by several millions. On the other hand, he will receive a windfall of something like J.'50,000,000 from excess profits tax., The estimate for the year was for < £ 80,000,000. Up to February 17, £ 114,167,000 had been received, and the next six weeks should bring in a further iS-5,000,000. Miscellaneous receipts pro- vid-e another big. windfall. The income for the year under this head was esti- mated at X3,500,000, all amount which has already been exceeded by £ 9,OftO,000. ■

Mr. Tamer, Thirslc, a well-known miller, j in Bast Rifling, who bus died at Beverley, was the last surviving on of a family of i 13, an of whom but one Uved to be over Uo 3i?-rs<? y

"MORAL LOW," I TROPS i ALARM AI VERDUN DEFEATS France, February 21.—A copy of an order issued by Field Marshal von Hindenburg, which has come into the possession of the British, contains the following striking passages: — The operations at Verdun in October and December are serious and regrettable reverses. Oificers are to be under con- tinual supervision and inspection, and in- capable ones are to be ruthie-Soiy re- moved. The number of prisoners-which is unusually large for German troops--s-)n,.e of whom evidently surrendered w-ithout offering serious resistance and without gtillering heavy losses, shows thnttJú moral of some of the troops engaged vvtxi low. The reasons for this require ujoet careful investigation. "The old spirit of the German infantry must be revived by means of traiiiing and strictest drill, as well as by educating and instructing the men. It is a matter of vital importance to our Army that the proper steps be taken."—Reuter.

TEACHER AND ARRAY. -c-' Solitary Absentee Charged at LEaneNy. It is nothing short of a scandal that a man professing such poisonous doctrine; should be allowed to teach children," ae clared Lieut. ingraiiis at the Llanelli Police Court on Wednesday, in prosecut ing Dan F. Griffiths, a teacher in the cut iploy of the Education Committee and prominent local Socialist, on behalf o the military for being an absentee nnde the Military Service Act. Lieutenant Ingrams further stated tha he had issued a warrant for the arrest ( the defendant, who agreed to st11Te1!rl¡ himself in court chat day. Griffiths hiPr been granted exemption by the boroug tribunal, but on a. milittry appeal to t1 county tribunal gave him exemption f.-o, I combatant service only. JJeienciani ttii aI ppaled to the Central Tribunal, w granted him exemption from combat-a' service only, if within seven days he untie took work of national importance. Wh< defendant found he was passed C3 at teachers in that category were, by 31 arrangement, between the War Office an Board of Education, esempt-ni' exempted, said the officer-Griffiths wit drew his conscientious objection. Or! fiths WAS, in the officer's opinion, notn: but a shirker. DefélHlant made a long statement, which he held that he was exempt fi inilitai-y EeryÍce, being a school teach r and hnving-passed into Class 3 only; I LETTER FSOM AN Wit-h the consent of the Be^ien- dant read the following letter n. k W. Llewelyn William., K.C, • "You have my sympathy in YO-I re- dicament. It looks to me as i "Mnili- tary authorities have made up tteflds to persecute vou. I shall be gl(P b all I can to help you." The Bench reserved their cwsiirtil Monday, bail being allowed.

I BOftfSS ON BILLtfJ Wednesday's Italian coMc/ue stated: Last night one of ou Imps successfully bombarded some e10 bil- C?o ni ep tso ) leting areas north-east of ComeiP^so), causing the outbreak of big 11 In spite of heavy fire from hosti) air- craft batteries she returned saf1.

MEN WANTED FOR THiMY I I am urged more strongly ill\>t; said Major E. J. Evans, miliefcpre- sentative. to the Carmarthen R1 Dis- triot Tribunal on Wednesday beg that you will do all you can P men for the Army, who are verj ntly wanted during the next two nptJ

CONCEALED A SOL?!, At this time this is reg,%rd+i tw as a very serious offence--and nátV so," said Mr. Paul Taylor at Wx>ne Police Court on Wednesday. T'ence was that of harbouring a cand the magistrate sent to prieoidays a young woinail who had Pn ki an Australian soldier since the same time intimating that i' ie the sentence would run to montl5- r-

WOMEN'S WAGEi j An important alteration 0 Vages of women engaged on s kilobit ion work has been made by th' TIt., of Munitions. By the new crICI)e en- gaged on skilled work. or of a skilled job, fi-om the first t.o tb? fifth w<'e? ?hich they are to receive proport??at?ccs to the thirteenth week, Nvhg) 1M11 be paid the district engineer! nt lOld. per hour.

THE NAVYÃNÕ-lHR. -1 Silent and e?ron?, ?e H'?Ty?(; j only promts the coast o??r?'n, ,?ut holds the ha!an<? of ?r?r It ?? ?-?1, t?rpfoi-?. that t?, ??? ? discussed and this "%« by Mr. J. Bramston, of ?'? ??y?'< ? Suiida}r Gvoniug at 8.11, ? 1 t!Q. Theatre. His lcct?r<' on iMc á.nd'; the War? is to be gÏ\n HIlde PU8; pTjes of the NaW 1???, ?' -P??- c?eds are to ? devoted co t?hl ?, P ?f i the Swansea B (>Vc ?ava, Rrj'{rtfis Florence Gehen and M-r. i)wen'nJJe^t will brighten the ?ther?g '?!? Mr. W. H. Pari?? ?c<o?p ? and the boys of the brigade w;H ?i??p!ay.

IN HANDS OF THE FS. Mr. James Tiope st in flnlJfll that the following prijoners0^ aT" known to be in Turkish kajidsC Officers. iPanks British 323 2 Colonial. 13 40 Indian 193 .73 t: Total. 531 -ife P ?- I There are still untried iri-tiekn i officers and 1,388 other^raiife >f tho Indian Army 4,879 other ran] [This total of 12,180 is ferg e op of the garrison at Kut. Whic t-ed tp have consisted in all of SOf" and 11,000 men, when Gon»rai Tojd forced to surrender,! v I

CRIP TICHTENED —— Co OIR REPLY TO UNRESTRICTED PIRACY Aiew Order in Council, which tightens ouflockade of Germany and is a reply to th< enemy's unrestricted piracy, was issxl in a London Gazette supplement on^ednesday. preamble refers as follows to the GClan threat to sink at sight all neutral sbs in certain blockade zonas: "lie orders are in flagrant contradiction wi the rules of international Jaw, the d?tes oi humanity, and the treaty obli- g?ons of the inem.y. Such proce?dmgs on the part of the emy render it iK«essary for iiis Majesty t?dopt further measures in order ? to rtntain the efficiency of those previously ten to prevent commodities of any kind j )1\ reaching or leaving the enemy entries, and for this purpose to su'bjecjt papture and condemnation vessels carrv- goods with an enemy destination or of 5m y origin unless they afford unto the "ces of his Majesty and his allies ample j iportunities of examining their cargoes, id also to subject such goods to condem- icion. [ THE PRINCIPAL PROVISION. I The principal provisions of the order, hieh is dated February 16, are:- A vessel which is encountered at sea on her way to or from a port in any neutral country affording means of access to the enemy territory without calling at a port in British or Allied territory shall, until the contrary is established, be deemed to be carrying goods with an enemy desti- nation, or of enemy origin, and shall be j brought in for examination, and, if necessary, for adjudication before the Prize Court. Any vestal carrying goods with an enemy destination, or of enemy origin, shq,ll be liable to capture and condemna- tion in respect of the carriage of such goods; provided that, in the case of any vessel which calls at an appointed British or Allied port .for the examina- tion of her cargo, no sentence of con- demnation shall be pronounced in respect only of the carriage of goods of enemy 'igin or destination, and no such pre- sumption as is laid down in Article 1 shall arise. Goods which are found on the exami- nation of any vessel to be goods of eucmy origin or of enemy destination shall be I liable to condemnation.

RESTRICTIONS. Premier's Statement Again I Postponed. ri Xfr. Bonar Law on Wednesday night iAnnounced that it was impossible for the -•'rime Minister to make his promised Statement on Thursday. Everything had rOot yet been arranged with the representa- tives of the Allied Governments. But it Was important, especiaJIy to agriculture, thnJ the speeeh shoijld be delivered as possible, and sH the House would be asked to frit on Friday.

EMPIRE CONFERENCE. I Dominions Selecting Representatives. Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister; Mr. Robert Rogers, Minister of Public Works; and Mr. J. D. Hazen, Minister of Marine, have arrivpd in England to represent Canada in the Imperial War Cabinet. Sir Edward Morris, Prime Minister of Newfoundland, has also arrived in Eng- land for the conference. AUSTRALIA'S REPRESENTATIVES. I Melbourne, Wednesday.—It is now settled that the Commonwealth delegates to the forthcoming special Imperial War Conference will be Mr. W. M. Hughes, the Prime Minister, Sir W. H. Irvine, formerly Federal Attorney- General, and Sir John Forrest, Treasurer in the new Commonwealth Coalition War Cabinet.—Reuter. INDIA'S PART. jar. iiuston Oliam berlain, Secretary of State for India, stated on Wednesday in the House of Commons that, as the re- presentative of India, he would be a member of the Imperial War Cabinet for the purpose of its special sittings. My colleagues from India," he said, will not be members of the Cabinet, but will accompany me and take such part in its deliberations as the subject under dis- cussion may require/' CONFIDENCE IN JASSY. Petrograd, Feb. 20 (received Wednes- day). The results of the reorganisation of the Rumanian Tront and the cassation of tb? German advance have produmd & new feeling of confidence in Jassy. SKEWEN MAN "MENTIONED." Staff-Sergt, (since promoted Quarter- master-Sergt.) David James Davies, R.A.M.C., who ,h&s be?u mentioned in dis- patches by Sir Douglas Haig for invalu- able services as senior clerk to the ) A.D.M.S. Quartermaster-Sergt. Davies belongs to West Ealing, and his parents reside at Skewen, Glamorgan. He left tke Cii7-il Service to join up. OUR OFFENSIVE. I Paris, We(inceday.-Cominandamt -B" states that the British offensive, limited though it would appear to lie, has verv real tactical and strategical value. He ndds:-a The Germans, who know better than anyone its importance, have not hesitated to make great efforts and great ■aerifices to stop or even relieve the English pressure to the north-eaet. But the method adopted, and the happy results which have marked the be- ginning of the operations, permit the as- I sumption that, in epite of all they can 3o, the German troops will find them- selves forced to give wa.v.Excliange. BETTER THAN EVER. h < From an authoritative source, Renter's | Agency learns that the situation on the Italian front is more satisfactory than at ny previous period of the war. The Italian war factories during the past f'ÇV months have enormously increased their output, and this, combined with t-Ilt, co-operation of all the Allies, which bu been rendered more complete by the rarious conferences of the Allied Powers. nas strengthened the feeling of confi- dence and complete assurance of the powt,r of Italy not only successfully to w if iand any contemplated offensive on the enemy's side, but also successfully, to continue the Italian offensive, which has been uninterruptedly in progress since June lailt. )

184 PRISONERS MORE GREAT RAIDS BY I BHITISH I SUPPORT LINE REACHED I BRITISH OFFICIAL. Wednesday, 8.4L) p.m.—Successful enter- prises were carried out by our troops laM night at different points along our front. Un the Somme front we seized a portion of the enemy's trenches north-east of Gueud-ecourt and took 21 prisoners. The enemy's trenche.s south of Armen- j tieres were entered by us on a ivoift 01 some 659 yards. Uur troops penetrated deeply into the enemy's position and inflicted many eas- ualties. \Ve captured here 44 prisoners. We also raided the enemy's lines south- east of Ypres on a front of 5UO yards and reached his support line. Many Germans were killed, several dug- outs and mine shafts'were "Sestroyed, afid great damage was done to the enemy's defences. On this occasion we captured 114 prisoners, inoluding one officer, and brought back 4 machine-guns. In all these enterprises our casualties were slight. The total number of prisoners obtained during the past 24 hours is 181. Our artillery has been active during the- day north of the Somme and at a number ¡ of points between Armeutieres and Ypres. FRENCH OFFICIAL. I Wednesday, 11 p.m.—Our artillery was active in the region of the Butte du Mesnil and on the right bank of the Meuse, towards the Caurieras Wood, and towards Bezonvaux. Our artillery tire caused a conflagration in the enemy's lines Oil the western out- skirts of the Grand Chen a (couth-west of Bezonvaux). An enemy surprise attack on one of our small posts in the sector of Chanibrettos Farm broke down under our fire. Everywhere else the day was quiet.

BRITSSH- RADOS. I French Compliments on I Recent Operations. I Paris, Thursday.—M. Marcel Hutin, writing in the Echo de Paris," says:— We must congratulate the British Army or the vigour with which it has eon- ducted its very difficult but effective raids into the German lines. If we carefully 'analyse each of the recent operations we cannot fail to observe the care with which the local command has invariably studied the terraine and effected its deposition. After the sector- for attack has been selected, on a front varying from 400 to 000 metres, the hostile treiich elements are demolished by a brief but vigorous pre- liminary bombardment so as to enable the troops to secure the desired end at a mini- mum cost. The infantry then storms the German positions,, killing all those who refuse to surrender and taking the re- mainder prisoners. Sappers for their part having located the enemy mine galleries proceed to render them useless and to de- stroy machine-gun emplacements. The surprised enemy not having been allowed time to launch his barrage, and fearing the risk of killing his own troops, re- signs himself to the inevitable. The British Tommies then, regain their own ,lines as though returning from a success- ful football match, bringing with them their prisoners and trophies. Poly be," writing in the Figaro," re- marks that the British pressure con- tinues to make itself felt on the banks of the Tigris as much as on the Ancre. A great military machine has been set up and is ready and impatient for action on all fronts. The Briton has discovered in himself soldierly qualities which have hitherto been dormant. He is a splendid fighter, equal, is not superior, to the pro- feEsional soldier of byegone days, whom Marshal Bugeand described as the best in the world. He has acquired a liking for fighting and danger, and is keen to show both to us whom he admires and to the German whom he so cordially detests that nothing terrifies him. If anything, he is too daring."

GAS SHELLS. I Rumanian OffiOn the Putna north-west of Foceani the enemy violently bombarded the Russian positions, using asphyxiating shells.—Exchange.

SWANSEA HERO. I The Mayor of Swansea has arranged to make a presentation to Pte. Konenberg, of the 1 /6th Welsh, who has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field. The function is to take place at the Guildhall on Friday at 2.30 p.m., and everyone interested will be heartily wel- comed.

KARLSHRUE AIR RAIDS. f Berne, Wednesday (received.Thursday).— The "Bugler Nac-hrichten" announces that the German Government have placed a large number of distinguished English and French officers in concentration camps in the exposed district of Karl- shrue as a guarantee against further aerial hombardment.-Exchangc Special.

FATHER AND SON. I I For trading with German firms in the Eagt, Tlarrlv Broughton, sen., principal partner of the Stonebridge Manufacturing Co., cloth manufacturers, was at Man- chester on Wednesday, ordered 12 months' imprisonment, and his son, Harry Brough- ton, jun., was fined £ 50. I DETRIMENTAL TO SWANSEA. r In reference to the report of the Swan- sea Council meeting on Wednesday, Aid Tuttdn, in dealing with the Estates Com- mittee report, said he believed the recom- mendation to lease a piece of ground ad- joining Graigola W.harf would, if adopted, be detrimental to the interests of the Corporation, as that would prevent j ingress and egress from the Corporation's property.

POLICE BAND CONCERT. f Owing to serious indisposition, Mr, Her- bert Brown will be unable to appear at the Swansea Police Band concert at the Albert Hall to-night. The committee have, however, secured the services of the famous baritone, Mr. Ivor Foster, who has consented to replace Mr. Brown. Mr. Foster, who is recognised as one of the most accomplished vocalists in the coun- try, is an especial favourite in this locality, and his appearance will delight all lovers of music. The financial suacess of the eonoett ts assured..

BABY'S BODY FOUND. An inquest wis opened in Sv-ansei this afternoon on 41-o body of un- known female child on Tuesday in a bag in the ladies' wairir.s-.wr^, at Swansea Xsav St-aiti'OB. Th", inrr-airy was adjourned to enable police to make inquiries, I # -v 'f" ———— T^r- -fc i im x

TQ-PAY8 WAR RE8HHE ITO-OAY'S AR RESurE J Leader Office, 4.50 P-ni. The Greek Minister of Imtrior has de- clared that there will be no breai -iu Athens and l'ira>us alter Sunday next. A Berne message ",ays that the Genuau Government have placed a largo nuni- ber 01 distinguished Lij I Fj?n<;h oHicere in concentration camps in the exposed district of Karlsruhe as a precaution against aerial bombard- ment. It is announced that the Entente Powers have again. addressed a Note to the Greek Government regarding the in- demnification to Venixeiists lor lots (sus- tained in the.fightiii.- early in Decem- ber. The British have entered the enen"s trenches south of Armentiares on a front of 65ti yards. Successful raids have also been brought off in the region, of Verdun. Discussing the Verdun defeats in October Hindenburg describes them as serious and regrettable. The moral of some of me German troops he describes as having been low. In reply to the enemy's piracy campaign, a new Order in Council has been aesued which tightens our blockade.

IN DENSE FOP,WATSON.. gu- Enemy's Futile Effort on Rumanian Front. TO-DAY'S RUSSIAN OFFICIAL Rumanian Front.-After artillery prepa-ration, the enemy, in" dense formation, atteni p te<i to. attac.c our position in the region Lf Dornavatra, but was arrested oy our fire three hundred paces from our trenches. After the approach of darkness the enemy withdrew to his original position. TO-DAY'S FRENCH OFFICIAL. The night was calm on the frout generally. Our artillery caught under its fire, and dispersed a German detach- ment which was leaving Bethia- court (left bank of the Meuse).

G. W.R. CO. Annual Meslifig; Year's Working. At the annual general meeting held it London on Thursday of the Great We* torn Railway Co., Viscount Churchill pre- sided over a good attendance. Moving the adoption ot the accounts, he said they met under the dark shadow of the war cloud. Railways remained under Government control, and the com pan v received the usual net revenue 011 the basis of 1913, less the deduction of L,5 per cenU war bonus. The total net ii;eo;nt was Y,5.873,000, leaving for ordinary din dend o £ 2,;i50,505. Deducting interim d'ivi- dend this admitted payment of f3 las. ior the year. Twenty thousand Great Western men were serving with the colours. The gen- eral staff worked splendidly under adverse conditions, namely, depleted resources, reduced staff, and increased volume of traffic. The company contributed one and a half million to the War Loan. He congratulated the oihcials upon their work, and moved the adoption of the re- port. In answer to questions, Ili-s Lordship said that the arrangement with the rail- ways was fair and equitable. The report was carried unanimously. The retiring directors were re-eleetcd, to- aether with the Audit Committee.

CORPORATE FINANCE. Figures Frein the Swansea Borough Accents. The Swansea Borough Treasurer on Thursday issued the annual Abstract of Accounts. It contains inatiy and informative tables. The rates levied for 1915-16 as compared with 1914-15 w.re: 1914-15 1915-16 6. d. s. d. Lor-ougli o t»i 0 10^- 0 10-t Education 2 3i. •• S~S§ Library 0 H li Guardians. 1 53 1,71 Total Poor Rate 4 8 4 11 General District 3 2$3 8 Water deficit 0 10-| 0 11 Total. 4 1 4 7 Total Rates. 8 y 9 6 The rate of 8s. 9d. was found inade- quate, and the over-spending of 4jd. m the i: is included in the 9s. 6d. rate. The product of the rate, owing to the war, was seriously reduced, and this had the effect of increasing the rate in the„ £ though the total required was not in- creased. The net expenditure 011 the rate was £1.377 under the estimate. This was mainly due to the saving effected by not replacing oonstaubles who bad enlisted. The Parks Committee over-spent £ SS(>, in- creased expenditure chiefly due to the war, and excess exp-enditureon Morriston Park charged to revenue. The Waterworks account shows in- creased income of = £ 1.1-10and decreased ex- penditure of 5!844. The policing of Cray and military allowances cost 91,012. The net loss ( £ 23,319) has decreased by, £ 2,277.

SWANSEA DOCKS. At a meeting of the Swansea Harbour Executive Committee on Tliursdav morn- ing, Mr. W. T. Farr presiding in the absence of the chairman, Sir Griffith Thomas, who is indisposed and is at prosent at a London nursing home, The report of the Management Com- mittee was submitted and confirmed. It was also reported that a deputation of the Trust had visited the Board of Trade, with a view to the Swansea dooka being taken over and controlled by the Government. The decision of the Board of Trade had, however, not yet been made.

I THE POPE AND PEACE. Amsterdam, Wednesdav.Iccording t. a Budapest telegram, the Pope, replying. to a telegram from Hungarian bishops, ha.s expressed himself as foil ovt-,q: Tiie, time has come to consider plans for the re-establishment of peace and again tor. undertake new attempts in this direction., —Reuter.