South Wales Weekly Post

"MENACE TO THE COMMUNITY. NEATH SUPERINTENDENT I AND OFF-LICENSES. ANNUAL REPORT TO MAGIS-1 TRATES. j Superintendent Ben Eraas, in his annual report to the Neath County Lieensinc Jus- tices on Friday. stated there were 5Z ale beuees, 16 on-beer licenses, 4 off-beer licences, and 3 wine licenses in the division—a total of 75. leaving an average of one license to every 669 of the population. Thie waa a decrease of one license. During the year 45 persona were convicted for drunkenness,, againet 117 for the previous licensing year, a decrease of 72. Proceedings were taken against four licensees, and convictions were recorded Ugainst them. With these exceptions the conduct of the licensees had been satisfac- tory. Supt. Evans gave the opinion, based upon the decrease of drunkenness, that the liquor control restrictions had had a good effect fepen the diatriot. Canvassing for orders for liquor at private houses was prohibited, but there was still a danger with the provision that no less than a reputed quart of spirits f can be sold for consumption off the premises, > and the chief cause of complaint was in re- ipect of the off-wine and spirit licenses. [ The superintendent thought the off-beer licenses continued to be a menace to the com- l wxnity.

i I 1 8EBD FOR SWANSEA ALLOTMENTS. i The Swansea Al]otmen Seed Potato j Sob-Committee on Friday confirmed the ar- I rsngement made with the merchants to I supply seed potatoes to allotment holders on I "cial terms and in certain quantities of I not less than a cwt.

LOOK TO YOUR FIRE PROTECTION jg jtNDTO MERRYWEATHERS* FIRE EXTINGUISHING SUPPLIES. Inspections carried out by thoroughly drilla4 and trained Fire Inspectors. "London Made" Fire Hose, Hand Fire Pumps, ) Chemical Extinctors, and Fire Bscapee, ready for immediate delivery. MERRYWEATHER A SONS. 58, Lone Aon, Qbxvswicx.

FOR GIRL WAR WORKERS. SWANSEA'S CLUB AND HOSTEL. GOOD SEND-OFF IN I CAMPAIGN. By the invitation of Lady Lyons and the Executive Committee of the Girls' National Club and Hostel, an "at home" was held on Thursday afternoon at the Central Hall, Swansea. The object of the meeting was to discuss ways and means of raising funds to carry on the work for which the Grand Hotel, High-street, Swansea. has been ac- quired as a club and hostel for girl workers, and which, it has been arrant")- rill be opened on February 22nd by Uoyd George. There was a large gathering pre- sent of influential ladies of Swansea and dis- trict. Lady Lyons presided, and was supported by Mrs. David Davies (Mayore&s of Swansea). Mis? Llewelyn, Miss Dillwyn, 'Mr<Da.id Matthews, Mrs. Morgan B. Williams, Mrs. Foulkes, Mrs. HerscheJ Jones. Amongst those present were Mr. Joseph Hall. Mrs. Aeron Thomas, Mrs. T. Price, Mrs. Ruthen. Mrs. L-igh Jones, Mrs. Bottomley, Mrs. Goldberg, Mrs. Hilditch, Mrs. G. Hemmings, Mrs. Wal- ters, Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. A. Samuel, Mrs. Beynon Phillips, Miss M. Griffith Jones, Mrs. I Morris, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. H. 8, Williams, the Misses Kirkland, Mrs. Watkins, Mrs. E. Joces, etc. Lady Lyons (in the chair), in her opening remarks, thanked those present for coming in such numbers. They had had an excel- lent meeting previously, she said, at the Guildhall, where Miss Turbcrvill gave such an excellent address. The general work was there discussed but not the local, so the object that afternoon was to explain and talk about the girls' club and hostel at the Grand Hotel, High-street, which was being prepared for occupation after the Z2nd inst. Although some things had been got together, an Earnest appeal to the residents is made for urgent funds, furniture, pictures, three pianos, and many voluntary helpers to help to carry out the work at the hostel. It wm here generally remarked that this was the very opportunity for young ladies of leisure, and they are earnestly invited to volunteer their services to make the under- taking the success it should prove. Will those desiring to help kindly send in their names, together with the days and time they will be able to devote, to Mrs. Foulkes (organiser), 25, Sketty-road, Swansea? Miss Dillwyn explained that during a re- cent visit to London she had helped, with many other ladies (Mrs. Mount, her cousin, amongst others), at a similar undertaking at Euston for a month, and the arrangement was that each worked a few hours and was then relieved, and she suggested this should be the idea to work upon here, for no one could stay all day. Lady Lyons thought this a very helpful suggestion. Helpers and donors gave in their names at the meeting, and it was -xplained that those Wishing to ear-mark their subscriptions for Swansea could do so, whereupon Mr. Joseph Hall said he would be pleased to sub- acribe L25 ear-marked for Swansea, and- Miss Dillwyn explained she had also done the same with L10 at the Guildhall meeting. Lady Lyons announced the collection taken at that meeting (Guildhall) amounted to £45. and waa considered very gratifying. She thought the selection of the "Grand" had been a happy one, as it was in a very cen- tral position, and the munition girls coming in by train would not have far to go for meals, and in many cases it would be lodging as well. They also anticipated that j many in business and commercial schools would take advantage of the accommodation provided, and everything would be done for their comfort and safety. The rooms have been arranged in the best possible way, with Junior and senior club-rooms, rest room, "uiet room" (where religions in- struction will be given for those wishing it, 1 but with no compulsion), and at present thore is sleeping accommodation for eight girls, and it is with a view of being able to accommodate larger numbers that the ap- j peal is being made for articles. Mrs. Fonlkes will undertake the position of matron, and there will be resident workers as well as t^e,TO^nteei^ The times arranged, for Neals are eight a.oi.j 11 a.m., froia 12 to 2 dinners, and 4 o'clock, when the mtmitionworkers return, as well as at midnight. Then the canteen and club will be open from eight to ten. when volunteers are needed. At the close Lady Lyone announced that a lady present, who wished to be "anonymous." had promised one piano. This was hailed with satisfaction, cod after the meeting those present were entertained to tea by Lady Lyons and the committee.

BAD FOR THEIR HEALTH." I APPLICATIONS TO MUNITIONS TRIBUNAL. At the South-West Wales Munitions Tri- bunal. at the Labour Exchange, on Thurs- day, Mr. J. Vaughan Edwards presiding, sup- ported by Mr. J. W. Thorpe as clerk of the court, A girl munition worker (represented by Mr. Hughes, of the Dockers' Union) applied for a leaving certificate, which was granted. A discharged soldier, who had sustained shell-shock, and who was stiU in ill-health, applied for a similar certificate, contend- ing that the employment he was engaged in was prejudicial to his health. He produced his discharge. certificate, which showed that he had been with the Colours over two years And had served in France with the .Rifle Brigade during 1915-16. He had been in hoe* pital and convalescent home from February. 1916, to October of the same year. The certi- ficate was granted. A leaving certificate was applied for by a workman who had been discharged from the "Nasy from wounds received, and who-e, grounds of appeal were similar to the last applicant's. Applicant was referred to a medical referee, upon whose evidence re- garding his ability to work at the employ- ment stated or not the case would be con- aidered. I Another application was that of a. lime- burner. who desired to obtain a. leaving certi- ficate to allow him to go to another kind of work. because the present occupation did not agree with his health. In reply to the em. ployers' representatives, applicant said he had been working continuously (except for a period of a few months) at lime-burning for seven years. He bad not consulted a doctor with regard to his complaint.—The applica- tiou was dismissed.

I lD. PER LB. I II MAXIMUM PRICE FOR POTATOES. The Ministry of Food on Thursday issued 1\ an Order fixing the maximum price of pota- toes sold by growers as follows:— 1916 crop, for delivery ib February, 1917, LS a ton; delivery in March or April, 1917, £ 9; delivery in May or June, 1917, Lio. I After February, 1917, sale by any per- ) son not being a grower shall not exceed jid. per lb. The Order does not apply to seed pots- toes. ¡

11 —-• MAN WHO HAD FRACTURED LEG. Compensat;»^ Claim at Ll&ndilo. In a compensation claim by .T..Joseph I Davies, Tycroes. against the Rhos Col- liery Co., heard at Llandilo Oounty Court ou Thursday, a great deal of medical evidence was called as to whether the plaintiff, who had fractured his leg, could be expected to do a, light job, part of which consisted in oiling overhead sheaves and ascending a small ladder. His Honour (Judge Lloyd Morgan) held that the man was able to dQ the work, and that in refusing he had taken up a hope- less attitude, particularly after the manager had shown him how to do it from the ground with a long stick- On the question of figures plaintiff was, however, entitled to full compensation, but, as he said, there were other circu.n- staaam, =d he aawed 18s. 6d. a. week  ??Ot<f))p? I

"NO STALEMATE." ( ASQUITH'S STIRRING SPEECH. THE ONLY PEACE FOR THE ALLIES. We muf-t fight on with stout hearts to ensure thai decisive victory which is the only possible precursor of 4 solid and en- dtirin-g peace." declared Mr. Asquith in a" stirvmg speech to his constituents delivered at Lady bank rn Thursday. I The following are notable fioni his address The resources of the Allies, wisely or- I ganised and handled, assure us an mevit.1 able victory. The notion thn-1 the .struggle is about to J oome to a equa lid end in a, stalemate or a drawn game is a mere dream. Every month the conflict becomes more unequal, and the balance needed for final success is more or less decisively in favour or the Allies. It is impossible to. disputfc the gravity of the German submarine threats, but the best means of counter-checking this cam- paign may safely be left to the Board of i Admiraltv. The use by President Wilson of the I phrase, "peace without victory," shows it ( is necessary for us to make clear to the neutral world that we can be content with nothing leas than H victorious peace. We have never dasired the annihilation of the German people as a State. Reparation and restitution are tangible things, but of what avail promises the multiplyirg of parchments and protocols? We cannot be content, we ought not to be content, unless the Allies are left with solid and trustworthy safeguards against j the breaking loose afresh of the ambitions, with their attendant train of cariM?e and cruelty.. That wm what we meant by a victorious peace: a pea-ce which had in it the prospects of endurance. More than that w& did not desire less than that. without dishonour and confessed ■ failure, we could not accept.

I WELSH WHIP AND THE U BOATS. MR. TOWYN JONES, M.P., AT AMMANFORD. Mr. Towyn Jones. M.P., the recently ap- pointed Welsh Whip and Junior Lord of the Treasury, presiding at a performance of "The Holy City" by the Christian Temple Choral Society (conductor, Mr Gwilym R Jones), at Ammanford, on Thursday night, stated he bad since the declaration of war made up his mind to do anything and everything he could in the service of his country, and that night he felt he was assisting in the work as the proceeds were to go towards something which would strengthen the bodies and cheer the hearts of the sailors and soldiers. We were engaged in a, life and denth struggle with the Germanic Powers, who are out beyond a doubt for the domination of Great Britain and the world—a domination which would spell damnation to the world. Doubtless our greatest trouble was the submarine menace, but he had the greatest confidence that the genius and courage of our Navy would sooner or later destroy every German submarine that may venture into the ocean. May that day come soon. (Cheers,i.

ONE OUT OF SEVEN. SWANSEA BROTHERS' WAR SERVICE. At Swansea Tribunal on Thursday a master baker, married, with five children, and carrying on business practically on his own, was granted two months' ex- emption. Thr- Tribunal declined to exempt several caMS of single young men. Onlv one in seven serving," said Major flames, in reference to an appel- litnt with,-slx,brot11er8. OM. was over age, the second was the appelant, mar- rieS -'and -kgfecf1- 4eJ, the third has been temporary exempted, the fourth is in a munition works, the fifth in Class C3 and unlikely to be called, the sixth had ben rejcctM, and the seventh is in Salonika. I —Appellant' was conditional!v exempted i so long as he remains in his present work, which is of national importance. Mr. Edward Harris supported an ap- i plication by a large drapery firm employ- inc 200 hand. many of whom had joined up. for the retention of two married men. It was stated that these. were The only two men the firm had applied for.—Three months' exemption was granted in one case, and the other was adjourned.

AFTER THE WAR. Rev. A. T. Glittery and Churches' Future. Largely attended meetings were held at Tabernacle Chapel, Morriston, on Thursday, when the Rev. James Owen. Swansea, j preached in the afternoon. In the evening the Rev. A. T. Guttcry. pre- sidont of the Primitive M?t.hodiat COnff>ren:e,! was very fortuu?tety able to be prent, and delivered an eloquent lecture on "Alter the War, John Bull and His Church." The Rev. J. J. Williams, of Tabernacle, deputised Mr. Geo. Rowe as chairman. I The lecturer referred to the position of the church in the present war, and the great things that were required of it a.fter the war. He averred that-there would be a new I unity; denominational ism was dying—all to I the good of religion, There must be less sec- tarianism and more religion. In conclusion, he said that humanity was wrecked, and called on the church to man, the lifeboat fashioned by the Carpenter of Nazareth. Mr. J. R- Williams addressed words of thanks to the lecturer, chairman, and others who had assisted in making the meeting a success. The musical arrangements were in the capable hands of Mrs. T. T. Davjas (organist) and Mr. W. P. Rowlands (precen- tor). :=

BIG AUDIENCE AT PONTARDULAIS, On Thursday evening, at. xaoeruacie Bap. tjst Chapel, Pontirdulais. a benefit concert was held under the auspices of the Pontar- dul&ia Male and Female Ambulance Classes, the proceeds of which wpre in aid of the late Mr. Ivor Jones, whoae untimely death was repotted on Wednesday. The sa-cred edifice was overcrowded, and the chair wag taken by Mr. Isaac L. Davies (headmaster Boy,, Council School). The following artistes took part:Iaopr&,nos, Miss Louisa Davies. Bettws, winner at Aberyatwyth National Eisteddfod ir. 1916. and iIiss Edith Williams, Ty'rcerrig. Pontardulais; contraltos, Madame Getta Roderick-Jones, and Miss M. A. Lewis, Pún. tardulais; tenors, Mr. W. T. Rees, "Eryr Dulais," and Mr. LI. Evans, Llangennec'h; basses. Mr, J. Morlais Evans, Llangennecfc. and Mr. Rhys Thomas. Ponfcardulais; elocu- tionist, Mr. Dan Matthews, Pontardulais; violi nist, Mr. Ernest Thomas. Pontardulais; accompanist, Mis Emily Morgan, A.L.C.M.

SUDDEN DEATH AT SWANSEA. I Geo. Lee (49" married, No. 27. Set View- terrace, Swansea, dropped dead at the I Pacific Fuel Works on Friday afternoon.

NEATtt COUNTY LICENSES. I The annua! Licensing Sessions of the Neatli County Petty Sessional Division were held oji Friday, when \Ir. Lyon.* Evan-Thomas presided. All the licenses were n'newed with the exception of t.he Royal Oak, Toima:' the Hope and Anchor. Xovth Abb.e.y; the Col- liers' Arms, C'wmgwrach a.nd art off beer licenses at Penrhiewtyn—all of whom were adjourned month.

> v- CORSEINON CHILD'S ACCIDENT. .1 rather serious accident occurred at Gorseinon on Friday. A little boy. named Llewellyn Thomas, 5 years of age. son of Mr and Mrs. William Thomas, Penybryn, Goreeinon, accidentally fell during the children's playtime on the hard ground and sustained a fractured leg in two places. He I waS immediately taken to the Swansea Hospital and detained.

NO WORK THROUGH FROST. IMPORTANT CASE AT SWANSEA. MUNITIONS TRIBUNAL HAVE KNOTTY POINT. At South-West Wales Munitions Tribunal, at Swansea on Friday, before Mr. J. Vaughan Edwards and Mr. J. W. Thorpe, as clerk, 32 workmen, including bricklayers, masons and labourers, in a controlled factory made applications for leaving certificates, and also to claim compensation on the ground that they had been unemployed for two days. Mr. Dicks and Mr. Spooner appeared for the men. On opening the case for the workmen, Mr. Dicks, for the bricklayers, whose caaa was taken first, said that on Thursday week last, January 24th, the bricklayers and labourers had to stop work owing to the frost. In consequence of this some of the men, who had two homes to keep, wished to "rise" their discharge cards and feare the town. Their I r.ardB and leaving certificates were refused.. The men then went to the Labour Exchange, and there was sufficient work for every man to be had providing they had their tools and certificates. An interview was obtained later with the representatives of the firm, and the result was that some of the briok- layers were offered work as labourers. Some of them accepted this work, but tha rate of payment was less. The first witness (a. bricklayer) said the re- presentative of the firm refused the certifi- cate to him on the ground that he should work a week's notice. He had lost five days' work up to that 4ay (Friday) owing to the fact that he had no leaving certificate. Ac- cording to the rules only two hours' notice on each side was required. t Cross-examined, witness denied that he had lost a good deal of time prior to this affair through his own fault. Witness also ad- mitted that bricklayers usually were not able to work during frosty weather. Wit- ness further admitted that the places where they would have been working on the days in question were in too danger- ous a spot to enable the employers to light fires to counteract the frost. For the defence one of the representatives said the climatic conditions for the past 10 days had been of such a nature that it was impossible as well as unsafe for the men to work on high buildings. They found suit- able work for 29 men, in fact, for all of them, but it would be at a reduced rats. The con- ditions of the weather could have changed in P.. nieht. Witness, in answer to the chairman, thought it would be. a national sacrifice for a man to do OTHER WORK AT LESS WAGES to fill up the gap until he could resume his own work again. The whole point was that they wanted to keep the men there until the weather conditions changed. The Chairman said the tribunal appreci- ated the importance of the case, and the bearing the result must have upon, this par- ticular trade in this district in the future. They found upon the evidence that all the facts had been clearly made out, and they decided that the man was not given the opportunity of earning wages for two days, and was entitled to compensation. The man had also been offered employment. The first bricklayer who gave evidence was therefore awarded 12 7s. 6d. compensation. Notice of appeal was given in this case. The others were adjourned until Monday.

PEACE AT THE DOCKS. SWANSEA EFFORT TO SECURE I A CONCORDAT. AMICABLE UNDERSTANDING I ARRIYED AT. The conference at the Swansea Harbour Offices on Friday afternoon between repre- sentatives of the Trust, shipping section of the Chamber of Commerce, Swansea Em- ployers' Association, and general cargo workers of the port (represented by Mr. Ben Tillett and Aid. T. Merrells) resulted in an amicable understanding being arrived at with a view of preventing any labour friction in the f,utu xW;,gi..r Crifritli- Thomas (chairman of the Trustees) presided. Instances -jore civen uf the. effect the constant demands of the men for extras in the past. with the resultant stoppages, hadl upon the trade of the port, and the em- ployers held out the olive branch inviting the men to come to a friendly arrangement which would restore the reputation of the port in this regard and rid the possibility of future troubles. A general discussion took place in the friendliest of spirits, and the upshot was a committee is to be struck representing both sides, who will go thoroughly into the la- bour question, to arrive at a permanent settlement to have the effect indicated. A Word In Season. Mr. A. Dawson (collector of Customs) during the conference impressed upon both sides the necessity which exist-ed in the pre- sent cricis pf working harmoniously to- gether in the national interest, and the vital importance of nothing arising which would prevent vessels being turned round with, the utmost despatch. A similar conference with representatives of the National Amalgamated Labourers' Union will be held at the Trustees' Offices at an early da.te.

HIGHLY-RESPECTED SWANSEA MAN. The late Mr. C. D. Richards, of 23, Brnnswiek- street^ Swansea. He will he sadly missed in Masonic and Christ Church circles. I I

TREBOETH'S TURN. I ENTHUSIASM FOR ALLOT- I MENTS MOVEMENT. A well-attended meeting, under the auspices of the Treboet.h and District Allotment 80- iety, was held at the Public Hall, and pre- sided over by Mr. A. M. James. Mr. W. Cle- ment (secretary' said he had written to the Pendervy Council clerk for information re allotments and the procedure followed in Penderry, but had not received a reply. Discussion ensued upon the purchasing And pupply of slicd potatoes, and Mr. T. S. Evans pointed out that as farmers would this year have their hands full in tilling land for their own use. allotment holders would have to look elsewhere and prepare their own plots. I It was decided to elect a committee of 15, together with the chairman, secretary and treasurer, to z^gotiate for land, and to secure the necessary supply of seed. etc. Interesting addressei were given by Coun- cillors W. W. Jeremiah. Ben Evans, James Morgan, and W. Williams, and Messrs. W. Tlnnl. n. TIoyd and W. Harris. It was resolved that all requirements should be purchased through the society, and thereforc all intending allotment takers should do so at the earliest opportunity. A large number of members were enrolled. With regard to staking out plots, it was resolved to ask Messrs. Richard and Matthews and Mr. flam Rees to undertake the position of honorary surveyors to the association.

CORSEINON PRESENTATION. I A "social tea" wjw held at Ebenezer School- rom. Gorseinon. on Friday evening, to wel- ccme home Private Willie Rees, Welsh Regi- lient, who has seen many months of active service on the Western front. After tea. a miscellaneous concert was held, during which Mr. David Jenkins and Miss Katie Bowen, lenllergaer, rendered beautiful solos. Dur- ing the interval Mrs. David Jenkins presented Private Willie Rees with solid silver cigar- ette caw, with th? photo of King G?or?e in- side. The recipient warmly thanked the ccmmittee for their hiadnpsa. The Rev. D. H. Tomas, pastor, m?de & very cNcient chcr- ¡nq, <

NATION ON RATIONS I AND ON ITS HONOUR FOOD CONTROLLER'S I APPEAL. I Bread, Meat and Sugar. 1 MINISTRY OF FOOD, I GROSVENOR HOUSE, Friday. The necessity for some curtailment of the nation's food consumption is urgent. An amount sufficient for each individual re- quires, in consequence, to be stated. The quantity indicated as being sufficient has been arrived at on no haphazard basis, but after full examination of the actual posi- tion of stocks immediately available or visible. Only by the adoption of and work- ing to such an average apportionment will it be possible to maintain an adequate mar- gin to meet, not only the actual situation, but contingencies which have to be allowed for. The three most important staples of daily oonsnmptio.il are breat, mei't and sugar, ar.d forethought for the sustenaSue of the popu- lation require;, a decision whether compul- I sion is ifceceseary to ensure an equitable distribution and conservation of available supplier. Compulsory rationing to a fixed quantity per head involves a very elaborite machinery which in itself a.bsorhs labour, and for that reason alone ought to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. There- fore, having c-arefully weighed the advan- tages and disadvantages, 1 have çome to the conclusion that a I Voluntary system is preferable until further experience is gamed, and to rely meanwhile on the nation's instinct of sell-discipline. on th,e iiitioit 's imtiiict of The aJlowance in.dicated is based on the average weekly consumption of each of these commodities which should be per- mitted to each person. After consideration of available stocks aiid prouaoiti means of future supplies, the situation requires that heads of families should endeavour to limit themselves to the weekly purchase for each person comprising the household of the fol- lowing quantities per head per week: — BREAD lbs. I (or its equivalent in flour, 31bs for bread-making. ) MEAT 2i!bS. SUCAR ilbs. The consumption of these commodities varies according to age, sex, occupation, and other conditions. The indicated allow- ance, therefore, provides for adjustment or aipp-ortionment between members of each household in relation to individual needs. It is recognised that some persons eat more bread and less meat than the quan- tities indicated above; others eat more meat and less bread. In all these cases a resolute effort on the part of each consumer to reduce consumption by at least lib. of bread or £ lb. meat per week, or both, will automatically bring about a saving of over 1,000,000 tons per annum of these foods. As regards bread especially, the Variation in individual consumption is most marked. That is attributable to the fact that the lower the scale of income, and of consequent living, the higher the bread consumption, for with many in such cir- cumstanceg meat is only intermittently comprised in the scale of dietary, whereas bread constitutes the main staple. Although oirvntities will form the ba.1Si of th? dietary scale, they will natur- ally be !■-• implemented by other fcod pro- ducts. The Nation is placed, on its honour to observe thss. ccn.MiUotis. ine enect upon consumption will reveal it-self through the statistical returns available to the Food Controller. Meanwhile, to moet the contingency that rationing may become necessary, the machi- nery to bring such 8, "ystem into operation is being Oirg ,ni;;ed so that if and when re- quired it mav b? r ady. The Food CcntroUer :s confident that every individur>^ will r.o-opr'nf-" ny'?lh. To the women of tne country, who in this emargeiiey ran exercise so much influenc! as'peri;llJ;¡jipz;¡] is made. Economy is not only a patriotic duty, but a necesfitv. ExtravaganciHSi ?fc%vtonsly unpatriotic. The to wer to purclr'Se* don's not constitute the right, and nobody should obtain more than is necessary to suffice. Fruga!ity practised at home will ensure a sufficient supply for all, d-caritc, any f-ffort of th? enemy, and. ts hitherto, an unstinted provision for our soldiers and sailors. There 's bardlv a household that, has not direct 'rd. rsM vn Some loved one fighting for t.he nation's honour. Nor is comparison possible between their sacrifice and suffering and the demand which these conditions will impose on those who enjoy at home the se- curity which their valour has established. Everv act cf self-denial here is a help and aid to those fighting for us on sea and land. DEVONPf'RT, Food Controller.

AMBULANCE FOR RED CROSS. GENEROUS AND TIMELY SWANSEA GIFT. MAYOR HANDS IT OVER TO PARC WERN. Au interesting ceremony, the outcome of I another of these acts of generosity so preya- lent nowadays, was performed at the Swan- sea Central Police Station on Friday after- noon, when Captain Alf Thomas, the Chief Constable, on behalf of himself and a num- ber of gentlemen, handed over to the Mavor (Ald. David Davies) a British Red Cross motor ambulance, to be used as his Worship' thinks fit. The ambulance is fitted with Arrol John- son engines, and will hold three stretcher cases and seating accommodation for half a dozen less seriously injured. The total cost, about £ 350, has been borne by 1 the Chief Constable, Coun. W. W. Holmes-, and his two partners (Messrs. Evans and Finlayson), Mr. \V. T. Farr, M:r. Richiu-d Lewis. J.P., Mr. W. Ed wards, J.P., Mr. Trevor. ik>wen, Mr. Fred Rocke, J.P., Artl-iiir \iidreNi, and Mr Hy. Studt, whilst Mr. E. E Fletcher very kindly supplied some of the equipment. Most oi gentlemen were present at 1,h presentation, and the Mayor, in hand- ing over the car to Quartermaster Edg* a Powell, of..the V.A.D. 73. representing Mr. Arthur Andrews, the commandant, for ufc in connection with the Pare Wern Hospital, said that one of the effect* of the war had ileen to MAKE HEARTS MORE TENDER and to stimulate the generous people like the present dor-ore. The giving by people was perfectly amazing ar.d in this respect Swan- sea was well to tli.- fore, as every appeal for war purposes had met with a substantial re- sponse. Quartermaster Powell, on behalf of Com- mandant Andrews, accetp-t-od the use of the gift with much thanks.

PENCLAWDO COLLIER'S STRANGE I DEATH. A verdict of "Found drowned" was re- turned at an inqueHt at Pe.nc!awdd upon the body of a comer, Rodman Norse, of Capel Isaac, Penclawdd, who w&n found drowned in a pool on Thursday, after being missing since Friday last. The deceased had to climb a. fen-ce to get to the spot, and ho left his cap on the bank.

If you enclose one penny stamp to Mr. Agar; Kaputiae, Ltd.. Manchester, you will receive by return FRSE 8 AMP L E S of K A PUT I NE for HEADACHE or NEURALQIA, which all sufferers say are worth a 66 GROWr40 ewh,-IDOGIL

SMALL INVESTOR I WILL COUNT. MUMBLES AND WARI LOAN. HOW TO SHORTEN THE STRUGGLE. Mumbles received the War Loan appeal on Friday evening when Mr. Henry Davies (chairman of the Oystermouth Council) pre- sided ovor a fairly well attended meeting held at the Oddfellows' Hall. The cha.ir- man was supported by the Mayor of Swan- sea (Aid. David Davies), Mr. W. H. Ash- mole (the borough treasurer), Messrs. Aeron Thornw. J.P., R. L. Sails, Cumming Evans, F. E. Beer, Frederic. Edwards (bank man- ager) c. C. Vivian (bank maiiagei-), and A. J. Davies (the local secretary of the War Savings Association). An apology was read from Mr. F. W. Evans, the manager of the Mumbles Irvanch of the London City and Midland Bank. The Chairman said that Mumbles had not been backward in recruiting, Red Cross work and support for war charities, and it wa, not going to ba backward in the matter of subscriptions to the War Loan, In con- clusion, he extended a hearty welcome to the Mayor of Swansea, on his first appear- ance on a Mumbles platform since he was made the chief magistrate of Swansea. (Ap- n.laus-\ ) I The Borough Treasurer. The Borough Treasurer put in a strong plea on behalf of the new loan from the business point of view, prefacing his re- marks bv apologising for the absence of Mr. A. F. Eden, who was chairman of the Swan- sea Patriotic War Savings Association. It was a matter of great regret to Mr. Eden that illness prevented him taking part in the present campaign. The country had got to realise, Mr. Ashmole went on, that every man and woman must do his and her level best to make the War Loan a huge success. A few pounds should be used for the pur- pose of raising larger sums for the loan, and the banks would advance the money readily. He recommended the five per cent. loan, and said it was the finest, security in the world. Money should be raised even on property, and those who were unwilling should realise that the Government had the right to tax a home out of existence if the necessity for it arose. It was, however, the small investor who was to make the loan a success, and he could help the Government by taking up 15s. 6d. war savings certifi- cates, which in five years' time would be repaid at £1 each, which was equal to 5* per cent. over the whole period, or he could contribute weekly sums of any amount to the very excellent Swansea Patriotic War Savings Association, in which the return of the capital and interest was absolutely guaranteed. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Aeron Thomas proposed a resolution pledging the meeting to employ every pos- sible means to make the new War Loan an unprecedented success, and in doing 800 he advocated schemes by which employes might Ice advanced War Loan stock, repay-, able bv weekly payments from their wages. Even in a smaH institution like the Swansea ■;ospital he believed the nurses and staff would contribute at least £ 500 to the loan. (Applause.) The consequences of the failure of the war would be very dire. The rich people, who ought to contribute freely, would feel it, but no class would be more seriouslv hit than the poorer people, be- cause if Germany won in the war Great Britain would be merely an island in the North Sea governed by a nation alien to us and a nation not verv lenient to her .work- il16 population. (Hear, hear.) Unless we suci'f-vueci we should go under, and our chiidrer; woiild curse the day their fathers failed to do their duty in their, day and generation. (Applause.) Mr. R. L. Sails seconded in an earnest speech, in which he said that he had In- vested in the War Loan by cveu borrowing | from his bank, because he. considered, it would be as good for his family to have War Loan scr:p with a. ba.lance against them at jtfre bank as it would be to have 111) I War Loan scrip and a credit balance at tna bank. In that way he had been able to help the Government to a far greater ex- tent at the present time. He urgi* that everyone rhfCJiiild. subscribe to the needs oi the Government not only as a duty but as a privilege, so as to kill for a. very long time, if not for ever, the spirit that had j caused this terrible war. (Applause.) i The Mayor's Appoai. The Mayor of Swansea followed, and, Jike the borough treasurer, ne too regretted the absence of Mr. Arthur Edai, who was full of •earnest zeal for the succe-so of the wm.r sav- ings scheme. They all knew the type of man Mr. Eden was and most of them realised I what a valuable asset hp was to Swansea. It was a matter of keen disappointment to him (Mr. Eden) that he should hav? been struck down Vith illness this week as he w&js eager to be in t he war oa n campaign with them. (Hear, hear.) Aid. David Davies mentioned, amid applause, that Baldwins, Ltd.. had subscribed half a million of money to the new loan, and. proceeding, he said J he was not there to urge that the rate of in- terest on the loan was Ulcommonlyhigh for a, gilt-edged security which could always be realised, nor to point out that the Govern- ment had made an arrangement by which the price v, ou!d not be likely to go helow par. H" was there to appeal to every man and woman to make the loan a huge success for the benefit of Empire and civilisation iüdf. He. dwelt op the great sacrifices the bovs at the front, had made, and were makinz. and svid that if those at home parted with everv penny they possessed and pledged their credit to the utmost it would not compare with the sacrifices of the boys at the front, as he had seen them figlti-ng in great discomfort and in great peril and not knowing at any momtnt in which dnfic- tion death might come. To people who were being asked to im?% their money at 5 per cent., why sacrifice w*?,s not the word to be applied in the same WêÎ- (Hear. hear.) I ldcnlt Look at tne uiwiaenu. I I We ask VC)lJ." sHid t.hp, !vlavor. not to iook at the-dividend or the profit alone, but to take advantage of your privileges and do your part in this great, war. And the man who keeps back his savings or hoards his gold out of sight is no friend of his counhy, no friend of civilisation, and is not worthy of liberty. Don't imagine that this country does not need the help of those who can put down only £ o. The more effective the loan the greater th? demonstration it wi,ll be to the _1.1 11" 1. r't.1'1 world. (Hear. le"r,) ine wunn lUH"lllt5 — I wondering whether this country still pos- sesses that, tapacity for self-sacrifice which has made our people so great. Suffering is the price of progress, and no country can become ^reat or can continue great without this capacity for self-sacrifice. The heroes of Elizabeth's time were great because cf that—?c.u?et.h?y set ? light price on life- oecause tbev had a ?ve for their countrv I and wanted to make it great. It WIM those qualities which have made the greater Em- pire of to-day, and the boys out at the FllIiitar.e worthy descendants of those who made Britain what it is. (Applause.) With aU ita defects, it is the finest civilisation the world has ever known, and it is that civilisation that is now at stake." ■ (Hear, hear ) The Mayor added that the more ef- fective they helped the loan, the shorter would be the war. and more of the boys would come home to live again. He urged there should be a spirit of giving every- thing to the nation at the present time, and declared that we were bound to win the war because the British form of government was the highest known in all time. (Applause.) I What the Security Is. Mr. Frederic Edwards further supported and said there was no doubt about. the safety of tJ1e investment every hou? in the Mumbles—every bench in th&t hall—every :'Ire of land in the country formed Dart of the security. He believed that the next two or three months were going to be very critical and 60 it behoved us to provide ti,? means to properly equip the n?n on the battle-fields and thus put. an end to the war. He wished it to be generally known that every bank in Swansea, alfd every member of the staff of those banks, would be only too delighted to see anybody, give them ex- planations about the loan and offer them every assistance. There might be a little delay because they were so hnsy. but an\ body who called would be received with t utmost courtesy. (Hear, hear.) pm.t41ued. at Fool; of Next Column, jj

FROM NOTHING TO 72,000 MEN. BIRTH OF THE M.G.Cj MIRACLE OF TWO MONTHS. Very few people can have any idea of tboa immensity and the complexity of the tasH that was thrown on the few officers respon* sible for the organisation of the first train. ing centre for the Machine Gun Corps. II was on October 18, 1915, that the general offi- cer commanding readied the site. On ()ctco. her 22 a fatigue party arrived and began tcp carry out the plans of the general. In the course of the ensuing week, officers, motor* cars, stationery, and guns-all the impt-di. menta of instruction and Organisation- poured in. On November 18, 1,010 men joined up. Three days later 2,000 more came in, and the extent of the strain thrown on the staff by this rush may he gauged from the fact that the quartermaster-sergeant, who had a. be4 in his office, was unable to get into it for seventy-two consecutive hours. It is hardly, to be wondered at that on November 22- there was some shortage of food for dinner. Every one pulled together with a good will, however, and by prompt measures a satisfy- ing tea. was served. By November 28 there were 370 officers, 16S guns, four wagons, and 3.123 N.C.O.'s and men at the centre, and on the next day 2,183 more men reported. The growth of the corps was so extraordinary that in less than one month thirty-six companies of machine gun- ners were formed, and in two months there were nearly a thousand officers and 71,000 N.C.O.'s and men, with 500 guns, in the corps. On February 7 and 8, 1916, the first twelve machine-gun companies left the centre foir overseas.

SPOTTED FEVER. CASE REPORTED FROM NEATH. JURY NOT ALLOWED TO VIEW BODY. Mr. L. M. Thomas held an inquest at Melincrythan, Neat.h, on Thursday, concern- ing the death of William Charles Thomas, the one year and seven months old son o £ Thomas Thomas, ironmoulder, of 45, King- street, and who died on Wednesday. Dr. John Evans, Neath, said he was called to the house on Wednesday afternoon and saw the body of the child about four o'clock. The parents told him that the child was sick and restless during the previous night. They did not think there was anything serious the matter until mid-day on Wednesday when they noticed purplish spots on the child's face and forehead. They then sent for a doctor but the child died before he (Dr. Evans) arrived. He found Considerable discolouration of the skin and purple spots on the forehead and trunk and from its appearance ?nd the statements of the parents he had very little doubt in attributing d-eath to cerabros spinal menin- gitis, or spotted fever. The germs of this disease, he added, attacked the brain and spinal oord. Coroner Is there any idea as to how this wa,s contracbed? Dr. Evans: Not as far as I can discover. Witness added that it was very contagious. Cases had occurred where the disease could not be traced to any previous case. Usually this disease was brought from foreign sea- ports or by soldiers returning home. In reply to the Coroner. P.S. Michael sa:d he had made enquiries, but found that no one had bean away from the house. The jury returned a verdict in accord. aiice with the medical evidence. The Corcner and doctor .took the pre ra u. t-ion of preventing the jtK-y from following the usual cuptom of viewing the body and the father of the child wa? only in the room for a second.

WOULD HAVE TO CLOSE." SWANSEA TRIBUNAL AND GROCERY BUSINESS. Mr. Picton Evans appeared at Swansea Tri- bunal on Thursday for a young grocer, who traded with hie brother on Mount Pleasant. The latter had joined up, and was now in Salonika-, and it was urged on behalf of the remaining brother that an important busi- ness would have to be closed down if he went. Major Harries said that he had been in- formed that the late owner had said lie would go back into the business rather than see it go to the ground. Claimant said he had asked him, and under medical advice he said he could not do it. Major Harries admitted that it would be a hardship to send the claimant, but on th. other hand he was a single man of 25 and in Class "A," and if he went to the war and came back he would be all the stronger to work up the business again. Two months' exemption granted, and the hope expressed that in the meantime a sistej would be trained to carry on the business.

GUILD'S GOOD WORK. Progressive Young Churchpeople. A very successful social evening in con- nection with Ihe Young People's Guild of St. George's Church, Swansea, was held at Thomas's Welsh Cafe. High-street. The guild has assumed quite considerable pro- portions of recent months, and as a oonse- qucnce a very large number sat down to an excellent repast provided by Host and Host- t'ss Thomas. j fter vards the usual young people's games were indulged in? and all enjoyed themselves to the utmost. At the conclusion Mr. Bri-e, one of the superin- tendents of the guild, spoke of the success of the institution und of the auguries for its continued progress. (Applause.) He pro- TMsed a hearty vote of thanks to- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. lor the splendid catering. Mr. D. Griffiths endorsed the superinten- dent's remarks regarding the good work ac- complished by, and the unqualified Buccess of the guild, and seconded the vote of thanks to Mr. Thomas. The singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a happy conclu- sion.

THRIVED ON TWO BOTTLES OF WHISKY DAILY. A Lambeth jury touna linat John Laird Halson (62) had died from syncope due to excessive alcoholism. It was stated that for years he had drunk two bottles of whisky a day, and when. his friends diluted the spirit lie invariably discovered what had been done and bought fresh whisky. Dr. Pearson de- clared that for one who had consumed so much alcohol the man was in remarkably good health, and rarely suffered from dt"- lirium tremens.

SWANSEA WILL. Mr. David Davies, of 3, St. Helen's crescent, Swansea, who died on December 3 last, left estate of the gross value of B9,580, of which f9,482 is net personalty. Probate' of his will dated 19th November, 1915, has been granted to his son, Mr. Dd. John Davies. 3, St, HelenWresoent, and Mr. Daniel Picton Evans, of 9, St. Mary- street, Swansea, solicitors:

(Continu"d from Preoeling Columi:). The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Ivor J. Davies (who had made the ar- rang1 ement? for the meeting) proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers and said that the. Mayor, they knew, was a man of great tenacity of purpons and perseverance of spirit, and he felt sure that, as the head of this campaign, he would not relax his efforts until he made it a huge success. With the possibility of the coming1 of the transition from war to peace during the present year, it was very important that they had Aid. David Davies at the head of the affairs of Swansea. (Hear, hear.) He added of Mr. Ashniole that they knew he was a master of finance. (Hear, hear.) -Nfr.. Ciiiii,,ii iig Evans seconded and said that it Was the mna.il investor who was going to count in this loan. The motion was carried by acclamation. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Frederic Edwards, the chairmiu wag alga cordially tjianked for presiding, • i i