South Wales Weekly Post

It LADS OF 18 i CALLED UP FOR SERVICE. SKILLED APPRENTICES EXEMPTED, The Socrdary -of the War Office ma dp the following announcement on Monday :— The War Cabinet has instructed the Secretary of State for War t,) call up for military service all lads as and when they attain the ago of eighteen years, instead of as at present, eighteen years and seven months. • The necessary proclamation will ho issued immediately. It is not to bo understood that this im- plies any departure from the present ar- rangements whereby no man is sent over- seas until'he has attained the age of nineteen. There, is no present intention to depart from the existing arrangements or to modify existing orders on this point. The decision is to rail op all lads as and When they attain the age of eighteen years, to train them, and to employ them in home defence until they reach the age of nineteen. By doing this it will he pos- sible to reduce the requirements for men. of more mature years who are fit only for one or other of the lower medical cate- gories. All lads bora in 1898 a.nd in January 1899 who are still in civil life may report at once at the recruiting office in which th?y are registered. In any case they wi7t be required to report in ac Jrdance with the proclamation which is About to be issued, subject always to tit, regula- tions under the Military Set I-ice Acts, 2916, or the instructions relating to at- tested men, as the case may be. The only lads as a class who should not in the meantime report., are those who have Passed through an apprenticeship in one ot other of the .skilled engineering trades, and who are fully engaged on war work jn the shipyards or munition fac- tories. Siioli lad& should remain at their work. Others who have passed through an apprenticeship as above but who are not fully engaged on war work in the ship- yards or munition factories may report to their recruiting office and request to he trade-tested for posting as artificers. There are vacancies for such lads in the following corps:—Royal Regiment of Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Flying Corps, Army Service Corps, Machine Gun Corps, Heavy Section (Ta.nks), Army Ord- nance Corps. GERMANY DOES LIKEWISE. (lveuter s War Special.) AMSTERDAM, Mondav. According to the "LokaJ Anzeiger," the Berlin military authorities announce that all young men born in 1899 must re- port for military registration.

POPULAR SWANSEA OFFICER. Presents on Occasion of Marriage. At Swansea on Saturday Captain Henry: "Eden, M.O., R.F.A., and Mrs. H. Eden were the recipients of presents from the staff of Messrs. Vivian and Sons. of which firm Capt. Eden's father (Mr. Charles Eden) is managing director. Mr. Thomas Morgan presided. The chairman, Mr. John Blight, and Mr. Burgess expressed the appreciation of the members of the staff of Captain Eden's gallantry in winning the medal and accorded congratula- tions on the occasion of his marriage. Mr. J. R. Williams, the secretary, ma.de the presentations, which were to Captain Eden a silver salver, a.nd to Mrs. Eden a silver tea tray. Captain Eden responded and said that if the munition workers at home would only send out the food for the guns the soldiers at the front would see that-it gets into the right T V fc L. w

FROM CHAPEL' TO HOTEL. Gower F.C.C. 's Interest in Food Production. At Reynolds-ton on Thursday the quarterly nieetuig of the Gower Free Church Council wasjbold. In the afternoon Holy Commun- ion, was celebrated, the Rev. J. C. E. Alo-r- gan, Old Walls, officiating. At the Council aneeting, Mr. John Bevan (Horton) presid- ing, a resolution was passed strongly urging the immediate necessity of prohibition as drink was, despite all recent restrictions, greatly impeding in a variety of ways the (prosecution of the war, upon the issue of -which the very existence of the nation may (shortly lie deterrnind.It was decided to hold the next quarterly nieeting at. Pilton Oreen. in March, and to invite the Rev. John Roberts, M.A., Cardiff, to attend the annual meetings in October. A public service was to ha-ve been held at Slight but it. was decided to abandon it, as the minister who had been announced to preach (Rev. J. C. E. Morgan.) and many of the delegates, wished to attend the meeting of farmers on food production. Later there- fore they proceeded from the chapel to the King Arthur Hotel. {Messrs. D. Williams and Arthur H. tWilliams.

CWMBWRLA PRESENTATION. A large and representative gathering of friends and well-wishers of Mr. David Evans. Owmdh, met at Bahell (C.M.) Chapel, Cwmbwrla, on Saturday evening, for the purpose of marking the esteem in which he was held ou the completion of his S8 years' service as the conduct-or of con-: gregational singing. The Rev. John Rich- ttrds, ?stor, presided and recalled the un-1 ?warvmg fidelity of h. Evans; and ?i.?L' Co?Dcilior Nowelk, Mr. John HhJ-3 Davics ^headmaster Waunwen Council Schools), Mr. Cadifor Samuel (Llaneliy), Mr. Henry C. Jeffreys (Swansea Board of Guardians), Mr. H. Joseph R-ees (headmaster Gendros fumell Schools), Mr. Tom Williams ;(Cockett). Mr. Win. Parry (Cwmdu), Mr. 0 (deacon), and others. The pretest at; on, which took the form of a wallet cohtainin-,g Treasury notes, was made |jy Mr. David Williams (Cwmdu), on behalf of the members. The recipient very feel- ingly responded. During the evening an excellent programme of music was cou- fributed by Mr. Tom Thomas, PentrGch- ,vvt.h complimentary verses; lit. John '\V iUiams. "ClvnJais," verses composed ÍJy Mr. John R. ÖWBn, Brynowen whilst kolos were rendered by Miss E. Davies, Waunwen ("National" winner); Mr. John Nicholas, Fforestfaeh; and Mka Kate ^foltf!. Btthell. J

JUNIOR RUCBY AT ST. HELEN S. i rn_ j. ,-i .t, » ijie m a,vi-n arrange a be-twecn lAaxieny County School and Swansea Old Boys toon place at the Cricket Field on Saturday, be- fore a. small crowd. Heading an irresistible fbrward rush, J. Deacun scored for the Siojnesfers in the first ten minutes. Trev jr Davie.- failed to convert. The County School pressed, and Pullcn aud Hugh .T.es proved very dangerous. It was noticed fiiat.the homesters' pack, although heavitr than their opponents, failed to heel on many occasions. The School were awarded a )),malty in the home twenty-five, and U. Jones kicked an easy goal. The second half fvfcw the Old Boys superior in attack, and Phil Jones dropped an unexpected goal. A moment later O. B. Jones, taking a long pass from Apderson. romped over wih a try. Final Score: Swansea Old Boys, 1 dropped goal, two tri es (10 pts.) 'T 1, fy County School, 1 penalty: goal (3 pts.). I

ABERPERCWM BANKSMAN'S I DEATH. At Glyn-Neath on Saturday Mr. J. M. flThomas, county coroner, held an inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of Wm. Thos. Williams, aged 24. of Belle VkfW Villn, a banksman at the Abcrpergwm Colliery, who was killed, id most instantaneously, on Friday hvj jng crushed liv a journey" of trams. ied sustained serious internal iu- t .—The varciict was Accidental M I

offers at H. Samuel's Great Sale beat ?til pr,evious recc-rds for thi? I u SAVING I T? FULL every purchase means for 3?011. |g ?!y M9K?H'S Keen buyers are snapping jl ? TM«L /?*?-<?.  P I'?,redible bargrilis M ar. v evet,S, our! See article a,, the windows BREAKFAST DRUKT. J' LUCKY 'g WE9DINQ R'NQS. I rn I 22-ct.Solid Gold. Lif etim e's wear. Sold ijy vreig h ?,, 1 IO/V5(* .s?-"P? LUMINOUS 4?RIST W?TCH ?' 1 I j wards. W,%2eIdding Shews the time bv day&n:ght. B CIFT FREE 11 S„UTcK.r?»«1o/6 I IMPORTANT NOTICE. >> f Make sure of the name H. SAMLJFL before J L you enter the Shop. We have no con- J nection whatever with any other firm of a similar name. /fir samueli M Watchmaker to the Admiralty., n f 265, OXFORD ST. 1 K LUNDER THE BIG CLOCK,) « m 8WANSKA. m m If you cannot oall, write for Fr«« Catalogue I to H. SAM ItL. 11B. Markat St.. Man<»h8$tar.

PAIR OF PEARL EARRINGS. SWANSEA LADY'S CLAIM AGAINST JEWELLER. At Swansea County Court on Monday, Mrs. Constance Jacobs, of St. James'- crescent, sued J. Whitehouse, jeweller, etc., for £ 15, the value of a pair of pearl earrings which had been sent to him to he cleaned, but which had. through an accident, been "ruined" by hurtfing.— Mr. Hy Purser appeared for the plaintiff and defendant appeared in person, i Plaintiff said she gave CI5 for the earrings second-hand at ^Yclby's, in Gar rick-street, London.—Cross-examined, plaintiff said they \"ere real pearls. Defendant said that he had had 30 i- experience, and the pearls were iN Itat. was known as mother of pearl blisters, worth about a sovereign. Ex- eüpt the pearls the earrings were un- ? dan?a-gG?l. he iliu?st His Honour suiu that he must IHv' | f some independent evidence as to value, and the, ca?c was adjourned iiH*' hcxt court.

THE OLD ORDER CHANGETH." SWANSEA VOLUNTEERS AND NEW REGULATIONS. On Sunday morning tb-e 3rd Battalion of the Glamorgan Volunteers, after drill upon the Sands, were addressed by Major Perkins, the commander, in Finsbury- terrace, and told that it would be the last parade of the battalion under the old regulations. Full details of the new regulations were not yet available, but it was suggested that they would be more severe. Major Perkins was confident, however, that the battalion would remain, under the new as it had been under the old regulations, the biggest and best battalion in Wales. He was about to open a recruiting office for the battalion in Swansea, and lie empha- sised that it was the duty of every man over military «ge to do something. At the conclusion Major Perkins called for three cheers for the men who had fought and fallen in France—" the bravest men tlsafc the world will ever see were given with a right good will, and the battafioii finativ God save the King." The new regulations will provide, it is understood, for a sorting out of the various categories of men now at present in the volunteers.

IDELICHTFUL TIME AT DANYCOED. Tne soldiers at J.ianycoed Hospital were treated to a highly enjoyable entertainment on Friday, and thoroughly enjoyed the pro- gramme, which was something out of tht4 ordinary. First and foremost was the excel- lent dancing by-the two local marvels, Bert and Beryl, who could not give enough to the "boys," and installed themselves favourites at once. Mr. Jack Fast, with his band of banjo and mandoline players, was auother item new to the hospital, and their selections were encored each time. This combination is making rapid strides under the baton of Mr. East. Madame Kpwden Clarke, the pos- sessor of a very swe-et soprano, delighted the audience, as also did little Miss Iris Thomas with her dainty melodies. Then tho" ever- green," Alf. Thomas, did his bit to help to cheer our wounded heroes with his breezy songs and patter, and, needless to say. he suc- ceeded. Miss Ida Thomas and Master Ivor Thomas shared the accompaniments success- fully, whilst Mrs. All. Thomas provided the "boys" with a few cigarettes. Mr. Furneaux, with his umial tact as chairman, made every- one comfortable, and the singing of the National Anthem brought to a. close one of the best of concerts. =__«« I

PATI- ENTF v. ORDERLIES. T _1- -1. 1 in accoruauce wiuj a previous pronnso Mr. J. Evan Rowlands organised a whist' drive at the Mumbles Hospital on Satur- day evening between the patients aud a team of orderlies. There were six tables, and 24 games were played/ the winner of the first prize being Private W. H. Oliver (216). Orderlies T. M. Evans and F. Ealsdon tied for second with 210, and the latter after cutting being declared winner, generously gave his prize to be out for by Driver J. Steen and Lance- Corpl. T. J. Monger, who tied with 203. The former was successful. Private H. Hill won the consolation prize with 149. The handsome prizes were very kindly given by Mr. J: H. Evans, of Skewen, who was accorded hearty cheers by the grateful patients.

LOCAL SHIP SALES. I I Tlw steel screw wasting steamer Abbot owned by Messrs. W. A. Jenkins and Co/ Swansea, has been old. t.o British buyers for about £ 15,000. The steel screw barge Dora has been sold to Port Talbot buyers for j about £ 850. She was built- at Greenock in 1894 and carries"80 tons deadweight. The s.ted screw tug Alva ha* been sold to LlaTJ- eJJy "buyers for about £ 1,050. She was I buiii at Hull in .1910. t

PLOUGHING ON! SUNDAYS. j I APPEAL BY 81%AkNSEA I i UHUhCHc:?. ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE'S VIEWS. At the Swansea Allotments Committee on Monday, Mr. J. H. Lee (chairman) pre- siding, the following letter, signed by the rtev. W. Talbot Rice (vicar). Rev. G. Penau Griffiths (Welsh Free CJaurer. Council), and the Rev. W. F. Knight (.English tree Church Council), and addressed to the Mayor (Aid. David Davies), was read :— Worship,—It has come to our hear- ing that at next Monday's meeting of the Allotments Committee ui the Swansea is being put for- ward that the work of ploughing the laiul shall be done chiefly on Sundays. We do hope that the rumour will prove to be un- founded, as \ve are convinced that if such p. suggestion is put into action, it will cause distress to a largo section of the com- munity. We fully realise that in a. time of war many things are allowed to happen which would not be thought of under ordi- nary circumstances. But surely ploughing the land on Sundays does not come under this head. There are other days besides the Christian Sabbath when it can be done. We therefore beg to appeal, through your Worship, to the AUotmfnts ComniMtee to defeat a proposal which, if pressed, will violate the sa.cred convictions of many who have taken or contemplate taking holdings, besides, by the opposition which will be aroused, constituting a menace to the suc- cess of what ie in itself a splendid patriotic sdheme. It is our privilege to send you this appeal on behalf of the Christian com- munity of Swansea, and in the interests of the higher life of the iiat;oii.-We are. etc. Aid. Miles: Has there been any sugges- tion of the kind, Mr. Chairman? Chairman's Remark. The (4)airn#an said that he had no know- ledge ofi it, and lie did not know where the writers had got their information from. He would say at once that if there wa.s any necessity for it for the food of the people, he would plough at any hour of the day or night. Aid. Miies moved that the committee had 110 intention of ploughing un Sundays. The Tc-wn Clerk said that that was the reply to be sent. The Chairman agreed that there was no such intention for the present. Mr. Parker asked if allotment holders were working on Sundays. The Chairman Not with the authority Mr. R. Buck land: There's nothing to prevent them. Mr. all agreed, but said they could r\-i>v«ss a.n oninion Left to Individual donscience. Mr. H. S. Cook said tnat at -SKet-ty they had discussed the ffdestioa, and they de- cided to make no rule as to Sunday work but to leave it to the holders' individual conscience. At the same time he had spoken to many of the men on the subject, and he found they were practically unani- mous against working on Sundays. He did not think, as far as the Sketty allotments went, there would be very much Sunday work. The resolution was carried.. It was resolved to "demonstrate" the farm tractors at Cwmllwyd and Hendre- foilan, and an offer of Messrs. R. E. Jones to allow their motor mechanic to give any expert advice necesfmry was accepted. The Estate Ayent reported that 90 plots would be pegged out at, Singleton, that 70 ùmd been taken up at St. Thomas, and 70 would oe pegged out at Pare Wern, whilst Sii; Courtenay Mansel had consented to certain land at Mansclton being used. j

SERVING WOUNDED S'OLDJERS. NEATH LICENSEE AND BAR- MAID FINED. • WARNING BY THE MAGIS- I TRATES. At Neath on Friday, David Thomas, licensee of the Builders' Arms, Melincry- than, was charged with selling liquor to sol- d;er,,7 i.ii d e,?p, Z, diers undergoing hospital treatment, and Gladys Lovering, barmaid, with, supplying liquor to them on Monday last. Mr. Edward Poweil appeared for the prose- catioll and Mr. Matthew Arnold represented defendants, who pleaded guilty. It was stated that P.S. John visited the ho life and found seve-ri wounded soldiers drinking whisky, beer and stout. The land- lord was not present. Mr. Arnold, for the defence, said that the licensee had conducted the Royal Exchange for 22 years without a single complaint against him. The present offences arose from t-h P, ignorance of the bar- maid. No one in Neath or the district had done* n'ore for the wounded soldiers than Mr. Thomas. He had organised con- ¡ certs for them and had placed his motor- car at their disposal on scores of occasions. He dt??y regretted the breach of the law* and had takm steps to ensure that there could be no repetition. T!?e Mayor: Do the pohce agree w?h what Mr. Arnold has said with reference to the oli-aracter- of the defendant ? Head Constable Haggins: Oh, yes. The Mayor Is this the first case of the kind iocally?— Y es, sir. The Mayor, in giving the decision of the Bench, said that Having regard to all the circumstances tile cases would be dealt with leniently, Put ) the penfKy imposed now must not be re- garded as an i1Jutr,aÜon of what would I happen in any future prosecution of the kind which might come before the justices. Defendant was lia.ble to a tine of .£100. He wouM have to pay ;;d8., including costs; and Gladys Lovering Ll. The Bench did not think the offence should interfere-with the license.

BOYS OF BONYMAEN. I Clever Display at Llansamlet I Concert. Bouymaen Industrial Schoolboys gave a I delightful concert at the LlansaniJet^Parieli Hall OIL Saturday evening. There wa.s a I large, enthusia>tic audioiico, and the entire proceeds were handed over to the. local :oldier¡: Fund. The Chairman (Councillor D. K-. Jones) paid a glowing tribute to the excellent wojrk done by those bright hoys. He thanked them for their splendid example of patriotism, and stated that the lads had already given live concerts this year fojj providing comforts to soldiers and sailors. The first part of the programme consisted of solos, monologue?, and a sketch, bril- liantly rendered, entitled "The Wrong Flat"; while the second pait was taken up by the boys' minstrel troupe. The wonder- ful singing of the boy soprano, Willie Madden, was repeatedly encored; while Sydney Buckley, as the "Funny Little Welshman," "'brought the house d?wu with his clever acting. Miss &. Griffiths -A-ith Iiis (?lever actil Ll'. '\IISS (- Grilb"?!YB Votes of thanks were accorded to the hoys and staff by the Vicar (Rev. D. M. Griffiths), who, on behalf of the local com- mittee, thanked the boys for the practical hellp which they had given to the fund. Mr, David, the superintendent, suitably responded on behalf of the staff and boys. -a

I SHOOTINC AT SWANSEA. I A friendly match was held on the Salis- bury Range, on Thursday evening, between "Bt" and ^1 "C" Companies of the 3rd Glam. Vol. Regt. Eight shots deliberate on the small bull. "C" Company .-X. Mclndeor 65, E. J. Jenkins 66, T. H. Stevens 65, S. W. Cooppr 64, Rees Jones 41. W. J. Treloar 67, J. Llewelyn 66, Capt. B. Bottomley 70, H. S. Chubb 58, W. T. Bright 69; total. 631. •'B" Company. T. Buist 64'. • — Phillips 67. Rocke 51, G. H. Johnson 69. Powell 63.. H. Brown 50. P. Topham 58. — Francis 41, H. Hales 58, Lieut. H. K. Tru- 1 man 68; total, 589.

CHAIRMAN AND MANAGER. POINT AT SWANSEA MUNI- TION TRIBUNAL. TWO REFERENCES TO MEDICAL OFFICER. At the South West Wales Munition Tri- blmal, at Swansea on Friday, before Mr. J. Vausfhan Kdwards, a riser m a controlled r establishment ww proceeded affamet tor leaving: his work on De^eiaber 1st, and r,ot reniramg until December 13th. Svsdenoe was ^iven by the manaesr tha.t defendant left without notice, and the firm had been greatly inconvenienced. Witjiesh added that there was an idea abroad in the works that defendant was endeavouring to get Into a more important works, in order to evade militarv service. De.tendaut now produced an exemption oertiitcate trotn miatary service on medical grounds. Chairman (to the manager): When you tilled in your sheet, ni. t-ne vrorks to be bent. to the military authorities, what did you put against this man's name? Witness: You can't expcct a manager to know everything that is done by his clerks. Chairman: BU!l do expect a manager who says that a IDan, or boy. wants to change his employment to evade military service to know whether the man or boy has been exempted. Defendant handed in a doctor's certificate, and said the doctor had advised him to change his employment, as the work he was doing was injurious to hiB health. Defendant was referred to the medioal officer under the Munitions Aot to be medi- cally-examined, and the case was adjourned. A 4 brother of the last defendant was oharged with 2,. similar offence. This defendant also produced a medical certificate to the effect that he had been ill. The Court referred this defendant also to the munition medical doctor.

PRICES OF POTATOES. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE OF MINIMUM. On Friday night the Press Bureau! issued t.he foJlowing statement: The an- nouncement. appearing in the Press on Jan. 9. as to the fixing of prices by the Food Controller, after consultation with; the Agricultural Departments of Great Britain and Ireland, for potatoes of the 1917 main crop, has been fuither con-, siderecl in view oi" the possibility of all! unfavourable season. It lias been decided accordingly that the prices named for potatoes bhaU not be regarded as con- tract prices, but as minimum prices I guaranteed by the Government for pota- toes of the first quality. • Maximum Prioes for Seed. There was issued late on Friday nigllt an Order by the Food Controller fixing i maximum growers' prices for seed pota-1 toes, which is to come into force on Mon-' day. The pritfes vary from :C12 per ton' for Oiass 1. of Early Puritan, to L7 per ton for Class III. of Beauty of Bute, and: the Order applies to the whole of the kingdom. j

THE REA. .WELSH CURE [haymanS BALSAM 1  MM&atM'F?Bw8 atKMm? CO?HS&C?Dsjt B Inval??bte in ?he Nursery KH jj|l 00ttles ?3 and 3?-. BK jig Of all Chemists and Stores. Hll

— j SWANSEA COMPENSATION CLAIM. At Swansea County Court on Tuesday, j Juàgè Bryn Roberta agreed with Dr. Lan cafeter, that the general paralysis of -in applicant for compensation waa not due to accidents he had .ustainecl. The appiio^i- tiori wrs made on beh.-ilt-of Da\id .Slerc- uith, colliery repairer, Qorseinon, and the respondenU wvre Messrs. Giasbtook Bros. t Meredith was totally incapacitated owing- to mental and physical parcilysis, and tit,t question amso, whether two accidents to .Meredith at tile mUicry. affectiiig bus hands, had anything to do witJa uw present state. j I

I 469 VICTIMS i :469 VICTIMS I ,OF THE GREAT EX-  PLOSION. I 100 CHILDREN IN THE LISTS. The Ministry of Munitions forwards the following for publication on Tuesday — It cs hoped that all the persons Imown to have been in the various factories and dwelling-houses affected by the recent ex plosion in the East of London have now been accounted for. At the time of the first outbreak of fire the number of persons actually at work on the premises of the explosive factory con- cerned was: 33 men and 10 women. Of these 18 men and 9 women are Relieved to be safe The total casualties, as far as known at 10 o'clock this (Tuesday) morning, were: — m en. Killed-44. Seriously injured-19. Slightly injured—155. Women. Killed—11. Seriously injured-34. Slightly injured—102. Children. KoJled—14. I Seriously iiijured-19. Slightly injared-71. Total Killed-69. Seriously injured—72. Slightly injured—528. The site of the explosion has now been thoroughly explored, and although some of the casei in hospital of patients lying seri- ously injured may yet prove fatal, it is be- lieved that the list given above is a ccm- lilete one. "Searching Inquiry." At a meeting on Monday, Dr. Audison (Minister of Munitions) stated that whilst there would be a "most searching inquiry" into the causes of the explosion, it. was re- markable how free the country had been from similar accidents.

"WE SWANSEA GIRLS."j ROW AT A CONTROLLED FACTORY. SEQUEL AT LOCAL MUNITIONS COURT. Seven gii is were charged at a Munitions Tribunal at Swansea on Monday with! refusing duty in a controlled factory and prevailing on other girls to act similarly, thereby delaying work for about four hours. The girls in the works objected to the dismissal of the cloak-room girl, and seven of them signed a document, which retid as follows, addressed to the ladies' welfare superintendent inladaine, if you persist in disoharg- ing the girl all the girls in this shift will close work until a proper reason is given. The chief time-keeper said: that there was A great fuss and tumult ill the works on the 8th. One of the de- fendants was making a speech advising the girls not to go to work. Another defendant said. We Swansea girls will see that we have our rights, as the Llaneliy will do nothing." It was stated that by their action the girls delaved 200 men in another depart- ment. The cloak-room* girl was offered work in another capacity, but refused. She had been dismissed by the manager, who was absent in London. The court, after hearing the defen- dants, decided that they had acted fool- ishly, and the Chairman (Mr. Vaughan Edwards) whilst saying that they wou'id not be fined on this occasion, strongly cautioned them as to their future conduct Mr. Pugh (Dockers' Union) appeared f01 the girls.

SWANSEA t SHEPHERDS. Annual Meeting: Election of Delegates. At the annual meeting of Swansea United District of the Loyal ,rde;r of Apcient Shepherds, the District Chief (Mr. D. J. Thomas, Morrif-ton) presided. The following were elected to represent the district at the annual meeting of the Order at Dunfermline: Messrs. D. J. Thomas (Morriston), J. H. Cole (Neath Abbey), Rees Gwylim (Pontardawe), L. E. Evans (Gorpeinon), and R. John (Morr:s ton). Mr. W. E. Francis l(CwnbwrU) was elected Chief of the District, and Council- lor John Morris (Neath) Deputy Chief. A grant was made to the family of a member in distress. The District Secretary (Coun. R. Buck- land) presented his annual report, which showed the progress of the lodge during the pa.st twelve months. The membership was 4,500, and £ 295 was paid in death ciaiiYis A movement is on foot to push forward the juvenile section. Mr. S. R. Marsh, Cardiff, a member of the Executive, and Mr. J. C. Rowe, Neath, addressed the gathering.

OYER MILLION AND A HALF. Swansea Dooksmen's "Fags" for Soldiers. The Secretary of the Swansea Gt&cmber of Commerce Something to Smoke Fund writes to the Mayor (Aid. David Day-es) '"1 think it. would interest you to know I' t.hat we sent out to the troops serving abroad during 1916 584.000 cigarettes, .whilst since the commencement of the fund we have sent approximately 1,600,000 I cigarettes in addition to some pipes and tobacco.

SWANSEA WOMEN WORKERS. Opening of New Club and Hostel. How many Swansea people know the national work that has been done for our women and girls by the Y.W.C.A. since the outbreak of war? In munition areas, military, and other centres wherever the work may be needed, the Y.W.C.A. have opened hostels, can- teens, rest-rooms, anti c lubs for our women workers. Now, l'iere in, Swansea, finding the great need for their work, they are opening a patriotic club and hostel, where in the restaurant a good hot dinner will be obtainable for a few pence, and soup, tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be pro- vided at cost price. There will be a rest- room, where in their little leisure time tired women and girls may spersd their well. earned rest, and reading, writing, and club. rooms wiU also be provided. The need for this work is urgent, and the local committee for the hostel appeal to the people of Swansea to give generously to the fund for starting the 11OSL1 imme- diAteIy. Any donations or subscriptions will be gratefully received by the hon. treasurer, Mr. C. C. Vivian, at the London Citv and Midland Bank, Wind-street. On Wednesday next, the 24th inst., Miss Picton-Turbervill and Lildy Lvons w.11 make a special &pl)eat in the Exchange for the national work of the Y.W.C.A., and for the Swansea hoatel, and a meeting will be held in the afternoon at the Guildhall.

LOUCHOR PRESENTATION. At a special parish meeting held at f Loughor, Mr. Rees, Assistant to Mr. J. Blake, clerk to the parish, was presented | bv the chairman, Mr. M. T. Thomas, with set of carvers, to mark the occasion of his recent marriage.

IF YOU SUFFER FROM INDIGESTION I t if you suffer from pains after eating, I > n fl acidity, flatulence, headaches, biliousness Jft J or constipation, it is probably due to the fact that your organs of digestion- stomach, liver, and bowels—have lost tone and need help. Begin to-day to put SS.????? these important  organs into pro. sH???/? per working or- /????tJK\ der, as thousands ???? of former suffer- ers have done, by ???? taking Mother ?'?S'?? Seigel's Syrup I after your meals.  S* 3 I There are more I than ten varieties ??N??? of medicinal ex- I tracts contained in the Syrup, and these exert a wonderfuHy I beneficial action on stomach, liver, and bowels, enabling them I to perform their functions naturally. In this way, indigestion ? is banished and the whole system benefits in a remarkable I manner. Put it to the test to-day. 4 I MOTHER SEIGELS SYRUP ta -? The 2M bottle cMmdn< ??M< ii." ????.—"  dae IllS aizc. "?' tSNBHr I s i {I, t..tff(rrfl.

-=- -=; I: BOY'S FATE IN ICY 1 POND. INQUIRY INTO COCKETT I FATALITY. BEREAVED MOTHER AND MEN'S "EXCUSES." An inquiry Nvas held at Fforestfach Police Station into the death of the little lad, vVillie Charles Nicholson, 3, Marteli-street, Cockett, who lost his life in such a. tragic manner on Wednesday last. Mrs. Mary Madeline Nicholson, the lad's mother, said her husband was at present with the Colours at Salonika. Deceased was 11 years of age and on Wednesday she hap- pened to see the boy and his sister going in the direction of the pond. His sister tried I to dissuade him. Witness went screaming after .them. She met her daughter coming baok screaming, "Willie is under the ice." He must have gone under the ice almost im- mediately as there was a hole in thenriddle of the pond. Witness thought that the sur. had been striking on the pond in the spot where the hole was. When she had reachec over the boy had gone under. There wert about a dozen men there when she got over. Witness asked them to rescue him but they made excuses, saying, You must wait, until the ice melt?." The boy's sister warned him from going on the ice as the ice had melted in the centre of the pond during the morning. Witness was prevailed upon to go home. In reply to one of the jurors, witness p,1,id, "-T,Ile men would not go in." Witness could not say whether if they had gone they would be in time. Frederick Pomford. 4, Maxteil-street. one of deceased's companions, said he told de- ceased not to go on the ice. but he went and fell in tns hole. He ran \.J GockeU Station, wherp the men were at dinner, and about j ten men came to help at once. He heard t,- n on". He heard the boy calling oili, "011, mam, corns and save me! but that was before the men came. Tha men w?ra th?re. before aLe mother. He did not see the men domg &ny- » thing. •, ?- Mr. George Maj'sh? Station-road, ,.C-o<?t?  stated that he worked at the. Brick Works and left the yard at 1 p.m., and- when Tlr, the Niid o? hM way home heard duldren crying. They told him that Wil?lie Nichol? son ha.d fallen in. He couJd see the broken ice, but there were To men there. He could I see no sign of hie, Qr," said witness, "I would hive jumped in a«xI was. I left as I I could see nothing could be. done just then." P. S. Taylor said he was called to the pond. He found there a crowd of people and that Mr. George Mardi had laid a long ladder across the ice and was dragging the pond. "Witness, thinking the ice rather weak, got I more planks -iii(i later on a Testament came to the surface. I They succeeded in getting tiie body. Wit- i ness and Signalman Frederick Nott tried ar- tificial respiration without success. P.S. Taylor, in answer to a juror, said The railwayman gave me every assistance." and in his opinion they had most p-baiyly gone to fetch the ptenk3 when, the last w:t- ness arrived. Dr. MacRitcltie, M.B., having given evi- dence, the witness Marsh was recalled, when he said. "In my opinion it would ha.ve been madness for anyone to jump in and be able to come out again." Witness and the con- stable fetched a ladder and ropes. A verdict, of Accidentally drowned was returned, whilst the railwaymen were exon- erated from any blame.

GALLANT ACT. Presentation to Swansea Man. At Swansea on, Tuesday morning, Mr. J. W. Jones, chairman, on behalf of the Swansea Corporation, presented a certifi- cate of bravery, signed by his Worship the Mayor and Town Clerk, to Mr. James brooks,wof No. 11, Bond-street, for rescu- ing a thirteen-year-old lad named Victor Clarke, of Fabian- treet, .St.. Thoniss. from drowning in the South Dock," on Decem- ber 6th, 1916. In handing Mr. Brooks the certificate, the chairman said his colleagues and him- self were very proud to have such a man as a townsman. Mr. Jenkin Jones (magistrates' clerk) is framing the certificate for Mr. Brooks.

MR. COUTTS'S GOOD-BYE. Farewell Gathering at Pontardawe. A sacred concert was held at the Pavi- lion, Pontardawe, wiien the proceeds were devoted to the Pontardawe Deta-chment of the St. John's VA.D. Mr. W. Coutts gave an address on "War Heroes and Heroiiieo," which was much appreciated. The following art.istes took part: Teiior, Mr. D. Phillips;. boy soprano, Master L. D. Rowlands soprano,, Madame T. H. j Jones elocutionists. Misses Majorie Mills and Blodwen Mainwaripg; cornettist, Miss! Kate Morgan; instrumental quartette, Messrs. R. Davies, Fred Hopgood, Gra- ham John and Miss Kate Morgan (corritic- tor, Mr. Tom Morgan). Accompanist, Mr. AijouiHn Bodvwrnbe. At the close Mr. Joseph Harries proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Coutts for his generosity, and also to the artistes and Mr. Bert Howell, who had the arrangements in hand. Mr. Contts, in responding, said that this nrw his farewell to Pontardawe, and he was g.ad to see such a. large audience present, j He was sorry to leave his many friends at JPontardawe. i

At Upper Cockett Congregational School- room a public reception was given to Driver D. J. Braylev. Mr. W. D. Williams pre- sided, and an excellent prograirnne was contributed by the following: Soloists, Messrs. Harry Rees and Willie D. Wil- liams: elocutionists, MMCrs. D. Roberta and Rhys Warren accompanist, Miss Alice Williams. Mr. Thomas Harris delivered an excellent address, whilst on behalf of the. inhabitants and Reception Conimittee, Mi Jane Harry handed to Driver Brayley a. suitably inscribed Bible and wallet. The recipient suitably rcspundcd.

OFFICER AS GOOD SAMARITAN. BEFRIENDS SUFFERING SWANSEA HORSE. WARM APPRECIATION FROM MAGISTRATES. An interesting feature of a prosecution at Swansea on Tuesday for workmg a horse in an unfit state was the evidence Ile plosee-utioii given by Lieut. John- son. Royal Defence Corps, who spoke as to the collapse of the horse under a heavy load at the King's Dock. The Chairman (Mr. J. W. Jones) said the- were greatly obliged to Lieutenant Johnson for the interest he had taken in the case. It was quite a. commendable feature, and it was delightful to see a gentleman in khaki coming forward to pro- tect a dumb animal. Mr. Meager, one of the magistrates on the Bench, addressing defendants, said: "You seam to have lost all yóur human:tv. I COtTLD UNDERSTAND A GERMAN doing this kind of thing, but I can't under- stand a Britisher. It is scandalous the way dumb animals are treated." 1 Defendant Entress (contractor) was fined JE5 or a month, and defendant Thomas (the drivei-) 20s.

SWANSEA JEWISH EFFORT. SUCCESSFUL CONCERT AT THE ELYSIUM. i A concert was held at the Elysium, Swansea, for the fund for the completion of ths p-achate oi land for a burial ground for the Russian Orthodox Jewish congrega- bon at Swansea on Sunday. The ha was comfortably fiilful, and the first part of the programme was occupied by the screening I of the Jevish dra-aia. CI-iildrei-, of tbe Ghetto," adapted from the novel of Israel Zaaigwill. In the second part, presided over bv the Deputy Mayor (Ald. Berg Joaes), the following artistès contributed ljss ..May Cole (soprano), Mrs.'Jr WfSgbfc" (contralto). Ilr. E. S. jQvaiis (baritone)* Master Edgar .Williams ('cellist), Mr. B. ai Squires (tenor), and Madame I. Snipper (elocutionist), whilst l\IisI; Edith Ferrer wa* an efficient accompanist. In a letter which we have received from Mr. L. Marks, hon. secretary of the fund, li.,2 thanked the Deputy Mavor (Aid. Ben. Jones) for his donation of la towards thei fund; also Councillors J. Lewis and P, Molyneux for their assistance, and the ar- tistes, the managements of the cinemas who announced the concert 011 the screen freely, the local Press, Mr. S. J. Powell (managed of the Elysium), and the audience. The venture was a complete success. Eight hundred thousand Jews, says Mr. I Marks, are in the British Army, and doubt- less many more in the Allied armies, and they are determined to fight shoulder to ,imldcr to help their adopted country.

AGENT TO MADAME PATTI. — v Death of Mr. H. J. Alcock,  I Ystradgynlais. Mr. Henry John Alcock, estate agent and secretary to Baron and Baroness Cederstrom (Madame Patti), Craig-y-Nos Castle, passed away after a long and painful illness at the age of 55. Mr. Alcock was the son of Mr. Henry Alcock, a London wholesale oil'mer- chant, and afterwards lived at Oxford; was eduoated at Eton, and was intended for the engineering profession. He, however, started a larwe business in Jjoudon. and came to Craig-y-Nos 21 ^ars ago. He was well re- spected in the loci*ty, and will be mourned by a large circle of friends, as he was of a generous and bright disposition. The funeral took plaoe on -Monday at Callwen, Craig-y- Nos.

SKETTY NOTES. A unique service was held in English Oon- g.'egatioiial Chapel, tiketty, on Suada,v even* ing. when the pastor, Rev. Llias Joseph, in place of the iisual sermon, read a, large number of interesting letters he had received1 from lads at the front belonging to that plaoe of worship thanking the congregation f'T the Chrstinas parcels sent them; also ft oomimiaication from the Prime Minister, acknowledging Mr. Joseph's warm message of congratulation and encouragement on his appointment, and for sending him a copy of his hymn, la Time of War." The wounded in P;,ro Wern Hospital greatlv appreciated the line choruses by the Mamiesmann Male Voice Party, to whioh. Idr. Elwyn Dauiel played the accompam- monta, and also played a seleotion and en- gtd in a pianoforte duet with Mias Muriel Williams. This young lady' drew a S'ood bow in violin srvios, and Miseee M, M. Thomas and Clement, and Meesi-B. D. J. Morris, L. Edmunde, D. J. Dixon, and M. Bquires assisted with songs. A quiet wedding was solemnised by the i Rev. Elias Jcsoph in English Congregational Church, ketty. on Monday, between Miss Catherine Bevan, 1, Kildeg Cottage, Sketty. ar.d Mr. Samuel Abraham, of Talywain, and formerly of Swansea.

SWANSEA COOK'S LOST TICKET. 'rhuiua-s neury ilresbv, ship's oook. Swan- sea, was fined 15s., at Bridgend on Saturday, for travelling ou the Great western Railway without a ticket. He said that he had taken a ticket from Glasgow to Swansea-, but had losi, it on the journey.

RESPECTED AT VIVIAN'S." Tha funeral of the late Mr. H. Taylor took place at the Plymouth Corporation Cemetery. The principal inournerr, were Messrs. T. Taylor (brother), T. "Lean (bro- ther-in-law), F. H. Thomas (cousin), and W. B. Trahair. Also present were: Messrs. J. H. Hooper, J. R. Perkin, W. Bennett, iS. Still and W. Bryant, representing Vivian and Co. J. K. Harvey, E. Tra- hair, A. Trahair and F. Pearce. Floral tributes were from Tom and Lizzie, Winnie and family, Aunt Lizzie, Aunt Thorne, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Thomas, Mary and Jack, Nurse Hughes. Mr. C. H. Fden (Swansea), Hafod Works (Swansea.), Mrs. Eva (Swan- sea), Mr. W. Bryant (Truro), Mrs. Robling and family, :Mr. Pearce and family, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey. Mr. aud the Misses An- drews. Mr. Henry Taylor was the son of the late Gaptavu William Taylor, who was associated with the Caradou Mines. He ietsided at Swansea, and worked for Messrs. Vivhui and SoiLi for nearly fifty years.