Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

AMMANFORD. lAuM week it was assumed in tbe&o notes tha-t the Ammajaiard Uiiban Council was out of the -word with- its epoch-making Omnibus Bill. But there are rumours of opposition vigorous, determined opposition to ooano from, whom do you think? Wiry from th«4Carmarthenshire County Council, of all people in the world! And simply be- oaoee the enterprising looei Authority has scheduled: a piece of the playground, twelve square of the Ammanford Schools for the purpcec of placing underneath that t.iny plot of surface & portion of the up-to- date j public lilvatory which is so essential an improvement not only to the town but io the schools. There iI8 no other central site available, and the crowds, eepeciaily on a. Saturday night, who coma trooping in from Amman Valley and from the variolld other districts of which Ammanford is the busi- ness centre, are entitled to some considera- tion if the town is to bo regarded ae a modern, properly-equipped rendezvous for the thousands who come to visit the shops or pdaoee of entertainment. Everything that tie latest. and best in eciemcc, architec- ture and usefulness, the Ammanford Coun- cil propoee to provide, at a cest of e:bout £400; yet there are threats that, unless 'this part of the scheme be abandoned the County Council—«uppobed to be «, body elected to promote, and not hinder, rrc, rreeeive public improvemerste ie to oppose the wtooie Bill! And people are very ttotarally asking who is eiiginee-r-ing thda "mow" to block the progTeee of Amman- ford. The chief topic of conversation d4ring the week he6 been the disastrous fire which ructed the pnemises and completely •kesfepoyed the plant and machinery of the local "Cbaxmbclkt" As T, until a few mmontbo fcffo, occupied the editorial chair of the OhsOTiicle." I very narorally felt a pang af .recret wlien I noticed that not a vestige ft that pairtic.ular chair was left, but when » rememberod the quantity of 'timber need In the partitions and waingootincr of that brriltfing, a-ad the proverbial inflamrcneMHty of printing cfBoes when once they take fire, T was rôt; surprises]. Perhapa, if the fire brigade had been a.t work earlier and in amytJmj* like frtll strength, poroe portion of Ike oencern might have been caved" from the wreck. But it was a, mercy that it was < a calm night, or the blocks of buildings at the front and back cf tie printery a.nd aleo t-li-3 Bapti, Chapel, close by. might have been reached by the flames. TJn- j doubtedly, the police and the lieutenant of the brigade did all tha.t, was possible, and, when electric bells have been placed in the firemen's bourses, a better m-ust^T may be secured. Dr. Price, as medical officer of healtah, submitted only a brief report to the Urban Council on Wednesday night, showing j2 cased of scarlet fever, and no special fea- ture of note. Mention of the Council meeting, however, reminds me of an amusing incident in the •proceedings, showing the necessity for bringing to a close the negotiations with the Joint Police Committee for a place in whicah to foregather without interruption when speeches are being delivered. Willie Mr. D. G. Davies was speaking, a young Belgian girl in the adjoining room was sing- ing one of the charming songs of her own aesolated country, and the oompteition was quite an interesting one. And, from competitions and Belgians to "Gwili" and his sarcastic verses on 'Kiel- ing" is an easy transition. Here it is. "Gwili," the chaired bard of Gwynfryn, the late Watcyn Wyn's successor in more than one respect, has sent me tha following1, which he playfully heads with the word, "Kiel-ing" :— While callous baby-killers rave, And sea-lords play the fool, Britannia proudly rules the wave— Nor will she waive her rule. And while a giri'ly land avers Our people cower and wliine, She knows the ocean is not hers, However loud her "mine." And though she swear our cruisers all Have into hiding flunk, "Tia shown her second admiral, and first and last, is "Funk." Yet, though she boasts, as boast she must, Faced with "Der Tag" she reels; And in her Kiel is all her trust, When lions chase her keels. Therefore, with "Gwili's" quips, and mere mention cf congratulations to the local Belgians upon the excellent manner in which they are entering into the musical life of Ammanford and the district, one must r,, t content this week. Awstin.

LLANDlLO URBAN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday evening, when there were presentMr. D. Morgan, INhile Horse (chairman), Dr. Jones (vice-chairman), E. L. Jones, Messrs. J. T. Edwards, W. Jen- kins, Hy. W. Jonea, J. Stephens, A. E. Har- ries, the clerk (Mr. K. Shipley Lewis), the surveyor (Mr. E. Walters), and the medical officer of health (Dr. Phillips) On the reading of the minutes a protest was entered by Mr. D. P. Davies on the de- cision of the Council to send the surveyor to a conference at Cardiff after some of the members had left.—The Chairman said that the question of sending the surveyor to the conference was brought under his notice as the members wera leaving, and he called out to them to return. j,i:s: complied, and as there was a quorum, they proceeded to do it.—Mr. D. Pricchard Davies held that it was irregular, and was done by the back- door.—The Chairman said there was none of that about it. Had it not been done then it could not have been done at all.—Mr. Davies persisted that it was irregular.—The Chairman informed the Council that he had been taking Yteps with a view to getting troops billeted at Llandilo. He had seen Lord Dynevor, and he was very favourable to it, and had put him on the way to pro- ceed. He had also been in communication with the Lord-Lieutenant, Mr. J. W. Gwynne Hughes, and had also written t.o Mr. J. W. Nicholas, who, replying on behalf of Mr. J. W. Gwynne Hughee, said that the proper course to pursue was to petiiton the War Office as a Council. The Lord-Lieuten- ant was prepared to send a strong repre- sentation in favour of the application. Mr. Gwynne Hughes had also written to the re- cruiting agent for Wales, and he (the chair- man) had asked Lord Dynevor to use his I influeuou in the saaae direction. A letter was read from tho Chester authorities to the effect that if the exigencies of war re- quired it, Llaoidilb might ne used for the purpose. The Chairman hoped the Council would approve of what he ha.d done. He had spoken to most of the members, but did not think it was worth while oouvening a special meeting.-Itepliiii,- to the Rev. E. ¡ L. Jones, the CJhairnjau said the authorities would not send less than a battalion, which numbered a thousand.—Mr. J. Stephens suy- gested that they should petition the War | Offico as mentioned.—The Chairman ex- plained that when he wrote to the authori- ties he wrote .as chairman of the Council and on official notepaper.—The members ap- proved of what the chairman had done.- Mr. Hy W. Jones thought it would be as well to take steps to asceratain if there was sufficient accommodation at Llandilo. i

MR. MASTERMAN RESIGNS HIS I CABINET SEAT. It is now stated with authority that the Right Honourable C. F. G. Master- han has resigned his seat in the Cabinet as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and also his chairmanship of the In- surance Commission. The resignation has no political significance. The retiring Minister is in full accord with the policy of the Government, and though in normal time a peace lover he is lie-art and soul for this righteous war. Mr. Masterman, who had previously been secretary to the Treasury, was ap- pointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lan- caster just over a year ago in succession to Mr. Hobhouee, promoted to Post- master-General. But seeking re-election as a Cabinet Minister in Sonth-Weet Bethnal Green in February, 1914, he was defeated by Major Wilson by 25 votes. He lost his seat owing to a dead-set by his opponent against the Insurance Act, which had not then become inwoven with our social fabric, and was peculiarly open to misrepresentation in a consti- tuency like South-West Bothnal Green. Mr. Masterman had been closely as- sociated with Mr. Lloyd George in the passage of the Insurance Act, and he was chairman of the National Insurance Commission. Last May he unsuccessfully contested Ipswich, the seat vacated. by the death of Mr. Silvester Home. After his defeat at Ipswich lie tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister, but on that occasion it was declined. Mr. Asquith doubtless hoped then that in a short time Mr. Masterman would be back in the House of Commons as the repre- sentative of some other constituency. That hope has not been realised.

POPULAR SWANSEA RAILWAY I OFFICIAL. An interesting presentation took place at the L. and N.W.R. Goods Office, on Wednesday afternoon, when the late Chief Clerk, Mr. G. L. Williams, was made the recipient of a barometer, to mark his recent promotion to Llanelly as goods agent. Mr. Phillips, in handing Mr. Williams the barometer, which was suitably in- scribed, remarked that it gave him great pleasure to do 90, and that while he and the staff regretted the severance of Mr. Williams from their midst, they rejoiced at his well merited promotion, and wished him every possible success. Several members of the stair spoke in terms of appreciation of Mr. Williams,, and expressed their pleasure of the fact that local men were now appointed to fill important positions. Mr. Williams responded in suitable terms, and expressed his ihanks for the Riwrif which prompted the staff to show their appreciation of him-

WAR BUSINESS FIRST. j PREMIER OUTLINES WORK OF THEI SESSION. In the House ot Commons Wednesday, | Mr. Asqtilth, in making the motion by, which it is proposed that Government business should have precedence and that the House should not t-it on Fridays until the House otherwise determined, said all our efforts and energies as a people were concentrated upon the war, and we were all in absolute agreement that it behoves every man by active service or if that be impossible in such other channels as might be open to him—and of those ap- propriate Parliamentary criticism was not the least important—to subordinate every other interest to the one over-mastering purpose. It would not only be idle, but he thought it would be offensive to the good sense of the nation to proceed at such a time to controversial legislation or to the more or less academic discussion of pos- sible social and political reform. The Government by that motion were asking private members to give up their usual opportunities, but in return private mem- bers were entitled to demand from the Government-and the demand was a per- fectly reasonable one—that, so long as that order was in force, they would intro- duce no legislation of a party or conten- tious character; that they would, indeed confine their legislative proposals, except in some exceptional cases in regard to which there was general agreement, to such measures as might be found neces- eary to facilitate, financially and other- wise. the successful prosecution of the war. Fridays, he proceeded, might well be spared not only to Ministers who were hard pressed by administrative duties, but also to the bulk of members who, quite apart from discharging their func- tions here, were engaged, almost without exception, in self-imposed labours of a patriotic kind. (Cheers). The House would be allowed an hour instead of the usual half-hour for discus- sion of general matters on the motion for adjournment. Mr. Bonar Law. Mr. Bonar Law, who was received with Opposition cheers, said in the special cir- eumstaiK;eri in which they met now he did not think that the proposals of the Government were unreasonable, and he had no intention of offering any opposi- tion to them. At ordinary times the Opposition would be very reluctant to give such powers into the hand of the Government, -Aid in his judgment the fat that the Government mde this claim implied, as had been stated ?T the Prime Minister, that the Government intended to a?t as the Government of France had acted, and as the Government of the Dominion of Canada intended to act. and that was to treat this Session as a war Session, and so long as the war lasted to introduce no controversial business. Unspeakable Possibilities. I Mr. Asquith, replying on the discussion, said the motion in no way curtailed the powers which private members possessed of criticising the action of the Govern- ment. All it did w^a simply to take away the opportunities which private members had of bringing forward motions for academic discussion and of introducing privato Bills. They would also have larger opportunities of discussion on the adjournment. To listen to some of the criticism that had been put forward one would hardly^ realise that a great war was being waged, that six millions of men were fighting one another to the death for a great and supreme end. Every energy and every effort that they could make as individuals or as a community, and above all as a House of Commons -(Iourl cheers)—as the trustees of the great traditions of the nation, ought to be brought to bear with a single mind and with concentration of pur- pose in order to achieve successfully and gloriously the end they had in view. (General cheers). He did not believe there would be the faintest echo outside in the country of some of the complaints they heard that evening in regard to the necessary cur- tailment of tho ordinary privileges of private mc-mbers to introduce motions and Bills. (Hear, hear). The thoughts of the nation were miles and miles away from such things. (Hear, hear). That was the appeal he made to the House, and in making that appeal he hoped ho could dispense with going into details. (Cheers). Terrible Possibilities. I How could he say how long the Session would last or when a General Election would be held ? In the presence of great and .terribly unspeakable possibilities how could anyh uman being undertake the re- sponsibility of forecasting the day or the hour when they would be freo to resume wtll. full iorce and un- diminished xjonviction their proceedings on domestic questions? There were legislative cornmitrnen s and pledges and promises which in nor- mal circumstances the Government- would be absolutely bound to fulfil in this Session, but so long as the existing condi- tions prevailed, until they were deter- mined, as he hoped and trusted in the counsels of Providence they would be de- termined, in our favour at no very dis- tant date, the Government must postpone and adjourn their proposals. There would be no prejudice to the measures which members on Both sides had in mind and to the Plural Voting Bill. When they were once more free to resume the con- sideration ot these matters they would be able, he hoped, by general consent and agreement to take such steps as would prevent the temporary non-fulfilment of any of the pledges ami assurances which they had given acting prejudicially. For the time being we were immersed in a consideration to which "everything else must be subordinated. (Cheers). He was as strong a party man as any member ori the House. He hoped they would always be strong party men, because he be- lieved it was the salt and essence of political life in this country. They were not sheathing their swords more than the requirements of patriotism and public duty required. They were not compro- mising their convictions; they were not in any way forgetting the political pu'"poses which they respectively had in view when he said, as he said now, speakljvg as he hoped with the voice of the united House, that for a time the limits of which no man conld define all these things mu<'lt be put aside and subordi- nated to the one greatt naitao&al purpose. (General cheers). The resolution was carried- The House then agreed to two further resolutions moved on behalf of the Govern- ment providing that until otherwise determined no public Bills other than Government Bills should be introduced. Cotton and Contraband. Sir J. D. Rees asked why, as cotton was used in the manufacture of explosives, it was not included in the list of contraband of war, and continued to go to Germany absolutely under the eyes of our own cruisers. Mr. Tennant (Under-Secretary for War) stated that the requirements of t h" country in the matter of coffin bad Lcn adequately safeguarded so far as could be seen at present. The authorities believed thai; Germany had a sufficient supply of cotton for their warlike requirements, and that. therefore, to place cotton on the list of contraband was not necessary from the belligerent point of view.

According to a censrr, taken for the l London City Corporation there are now 142 fallow (ie-r and 6 roe deer in Epping Forest, a considerable decrease compared with previous year*.

DUSTY SAUSAGES. 1 YSTALYFERA CASE CARRIED TO I HOUSE OF LORDS. I In the House of Lords Thursday, Earl Loreburu and Lords Atkinson, Parker, Sumner and Parmoor, began the hearing of an appeal by the Pwllbach Colliery Company against an order'of tho Court of Appeal restraining them from using any plant and machinery for screening, break- ing or washing coal on the premises com- prised in their Ystalyfera underlease, no as to occasion a nuisance to the respon- dent, Mr. John Edward Woodman, Mr. Woodman (tor whom Mr. J. iuoy Evans, Swansea, appeared) complained that a great quantity of coal dust came from the applicants' works into the place where he used to make and sell sausages, and where lie used to kill meat and keep chilled carcases. The appellants con- tended that their predecessor in title had a grant which enabled him to do what they were doing. They also said that the respondent's lease was subsequent to theirs, and was also expresesd to be sub- ject to all rights and leasements belonging to any adjoining or neighbouring pro- perty." The respondent continued that neither the lease nor the underlease, expressly or implied, conferred upon the appellants the right to deposit coal dust upon the respondent's premises in such a manner as to create a nuisance. It was also said that the right or easement claimed by the appellants was not known to the common law, and could only be created by an ex- prr>«s grant. Their lordships, without calling upon respondents, reserved judgment.

WELSH PARTY CHAIRMAN. At the W- elsli Parliamentary Party meeting on Wednesday, Sir Frank Edwards presiding at the outset, the fol- lowing attended: Sir Herbert Roberts, Sir Alfred Mond, Sir Ivor Herbert, and Messrs. Ellis Davies, Haydn .Tones, John Hinds. L. Ifashim. 1..L Williams, K.C., Ellis J. Griffithh, K.C., E. T. John. J. Hugh Edwards, Herbert Lewis, Vaughan Davies, W. Brace, W. Roeh, Towyn Jones, and S. Robinson. Mr. Ellis Griffith and Mr. Ll. Williams intimated that they did not desire nomination for the chairmanship. The final choice lay between Sir Herbert Roberts and Sir Ivor Herbert, and the former, securing a majority, was after- wards unanimously elected. Sir Herbert having responded, he pro- posed, Mr. Herbert Lewis seconded, and Mr. Llewelyn Williams, Mr. Ellis Griffith and Sir Alfred Mond supported, the fol- lowing resolution:— That the Welsh Party desire to ex- press their high appreciation of the services of Sir D. Brynmor Jones, K.C.. as their chairman and of the whole of his leadership during the passage through the House of Commons of the Welsh Church Act, and whilst deeply regretting his retirement from Parlia- ment, beg to congratulate him upon his appointment to the important judicial position which he now holds. Complimentary references were miade to the Welsh Department's publication deal- ing with St. David's Day. The acceptance of the chairmanship of the Party will not involve Sir Herbert Roberts's retirement from the Cornmis- sionership he holds under the Welsh Church Act.

AGED BRITONF-ERRŸ-OMAN'S I TERRI BLE DEATH. II An old lady, Mrs. Rachel Evans (72), living in apartments at 3, Ynysmaerdy- road, Britonferry, was discovered on Wednesday burnt to death. She had been out and about during the morning, and about mid-day returned to her room, locking the door. Another woman living in the house, who knew that the old lady had been unwell, went to see how she was getting on. Find- ing the door locked, and getting no reply to her knocks, she fetched a neighbour, and then burst open the doer. They found Mrs. Evans in front of the grate with her head on the fire, face down- wards. They lifted her, up and found that her face had been burnt almost to a cinder. Dr. Tumber was soon in attendance, but he could do nothing, as the old lady was dead. 011 the table in the room was a Welsh Bible, opened at the last chapter of Isaiah, and a pair of spectacles. Deceased, who had been unwell for some time, leaves two sons and one daughter.

CWMBWRLA MAN'S SUDDEN DEATH I Mr. J. C. Morris, Borough Coroner, held an inquest at Cwmbwrla Public Hall, upon the body of Richard John Lewis, late of 47, Fern-street, Cwmbwrla. Mrs. Sarah Lewis, deceased's wife, gave evidence of identification, and stated that deceased was employed making gas at the Cwmfelin Works, and was 43 years of age. At 4.30 on Saturday morning on going into his room she heard him gasping for breath. Dr. Porter stated deceased was under his care fairly frequently for bronchial catarrh, and possibly this was accelerated by the nature of his employment, as it was one of those trades professionally known as dusty." The jury returned a verdict that death was due to heart failure, possibly accelerated by the nature of his employ- ment, and expressed sympathy with the deceased's relatives. Mr. Hilditch, Inspector of Factories, and Mr. Davies, manager of the Cwmfelin Works/were present at the inquest, and Worl-,s,'d the expression of sympathy offered by the jury.

WRIT RECEIVED. I Next Wednesday Fixed for Polling in Swansea District. The writ for the election in the Swan- sea District, moved in Parliament on Tuesday, to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Sir Dd. Brynmor Jones, K.C., to a Mastership in Lunacy, arrived itL Swansea on Wednesday, and was handed over to the Mayor (Alderman Dan Jones) the returning officer, who was waiting to receive it at the Guild- hall, by Mr. J. H. Howells. who acted on behalf of the Swansea Postmaster. Mr. J. J. Lewis (agent for Mr. T. Jeremiah Williams), the selected Liberal candi- date, was present. Nomination day has been fixed for Sat- urday next, and the election on the fol- lowing Wednesday.

NEW THEATRE, PORT TALBOT. I For six nights only, commencing Febru- ary 8th, "Grumpy" will be staged at the N &,v Theatre,. Port Tiffiot, by Mr. Charles Windermere and his own selected company, of which the cast includes Mr. Charles Windermere as Grumpy, by arrangement with Mr. Cyril Maude. It is a play in four acts, by Horace Hodges arid T. W. Percy- val, and in addition to being a. thrilling drama, it is full of )Pughter. Scene follows Fr"o of strenuous drama, enlivened by humour and.comicality. The caat also in- I cludes Edward Bonfield, Luxmoore Hockin, Harold Wilkinson, Walter Pemberton, Robertson Hare, R. Bertram Fryer, Mies P.-uiiline Ilugen, Miss Gladys Itoee-Jones, Miss Bene Vi-vian-all of them well-known artistes

Mrs. Fanny Tngley, of Eden Lodge. j West Kent, a widow, has seven sons serving in the forces. Their aggregate of service is ninety years. The Kind's congratulations have been conveyed to Mrs. Tingley- i

GROCERS' LICENSES. 1 I GENERAL OBJECTION RAISED AT SWANSEA SESSIONS. The Chief Constable of Swansea, in his annual report read at the Brewster Sessions, stated that there were HO- licenses in the town at present—232 ale- house?, 2y beerhouses, 18 beer off, two refreshment houses (to sell wines on anu oti i, and 21 other licenses. The total was equivalent to one for 397.67 persons, of the census of 1911, and the on licenses gave a proportion of one per 435.97 of the population. This showed a decrease of eight: in the number of licensed houses in the borough during tha year. The Compass Inn, Pentregethin-road, and the Woolpack Inn, Waterloo-street, had been referred for compensation, but were still open for trade owing to the money not having been paid. Thirty-six licenses were transferred during the .year The total number of persons proceeded against for drunkenness was 608-48-1 males and 124 females—giving an aver- age of 1.66 per day. Compared with the previous year, there was a decrease of 55 persons proceeded against. During the year five licensed persons were summoned for offences against thel IntoXlcating Liquor Laws, four of whom were convicted. Ho had caused notices of objections to be served upon tho licensees of the Black Lion, Orange- itreet; the Tredegar Arms. Rodney- street; and Red Cow Inn, Plasmarl. The police had paid 2,615 visits to licensed houses to see that the business was properly conducted, an increase -of 690 visits on the previous year. There had been no convictions for permitting drunkenness or selling drink to drunken persons. One person was convicted for selling drink to a child under 14 years of age in an unsealed vessel. With regard to the use of automatic machines, the Chief Constable observed that the majority of the houses had two or three on their counters, and he had sent cautions to the licensees and owners in each case asking them to remove the machine. In his opinion, the Chief Constable proceeded, there were more seven-day licenses in the borough than were neces- sary, and some were situated in out-of- the-way places, notably the Waunwen Inn, Carmarthen-road; Centre Hotel. Somerset Place; and Tredegar Arms, Rodney-street. Although many persons I came over the three-mile limit," it was only for the purpose of obtaining drink, and he suggested 'that if the licenses of the houses mentioned were renewed the licensees should be asked to take out six days' licences. This would assist in pre- venting undesirables visiting the town, and much relieve the police supervision. The conduct of the licensed houses generally, he concluded, had been very good, as compared with other cities and boroughs. Mr. John Roberts presided at the Ses- sions, and was accompanied on the Bench by the Mayor (Alderman Dan Jones), the ex-Mayor (Alderman T. T. Corker), Dr. Nelson Jones, Mr. J. W. Jones, Mr. David Meager, Dr. J. A. Rawlings, Mr. Roger Thomas, Mr. E. G. Protheroe, Mr. Richard Lewis, Alderman Ben Jones, Mr. David Roberts, and Mr. Oakley Walters. Mr. Richard Watkins, representing the Temperance Party, had given notice cf objection to eight "off" licenses. The first case was Messrs. Lipton's wine and spirit license at 13, Oxford-street. Mr. Watkins pointed out that in cases where the licensee had not held the license since June 25th, 1902, the justices had absolutely unfettered discretion 10 refuse or renew. The tenant in the pre- sent case had not held the licenso for that period- He argued that the license was not necessary for the require- ments of the district. For years since grocers' licenses were first granted there had been considerable agitation for their removal on the ground —- Mr. Samson objected to Mr. Watkins making general statements. The Chairman: I don't think you are entitled to generalise. Mr. Watkins: I think in the interests of the women folk in particular it would be better if this license was not granted. Surreptitious Drinking." By Dr. Nelson Jones: His objection was not. to the character of the licensee. Mr. Watkins, speaking on his general objection, said grocers' licenses led to surreptitious drinking, and were very unfair to the bona fide license holder, who had to pay more for his license and also contribute to the compensation fund. Miss Elizabeth Parker, of the B.W.T.A.. a temperance worker for 35 years, called by Mr. Watkins, said she considered grocers' licences had been the greatest curse to the women of the nation. Mrs. Willoughby, Tabernacle, Waun Wen. also called, endorsed the remarks of the two previous witnesses. After private deliberation, the .Bench decided to defer consideration of the licenses in question and the others until February 25th. A Cinema Music Licenso. I On the application of Mr. Watkins, the application for the renewal of Messrs. Taylor and Co/a wine off lic2nses at 6. Castle-square. was adjourned. tle cb- jection being an informality in the notice, and another reason not disclosed. Mr. David Seline applied for the per. ^nanent transfer of the music license of the Oxford Cinema, Union-street, from Mr. S. Price to Mr. Samuel Rubenstein, 47, Walters-road, and the Bench con- curted. The case of the Tredegar Arms, ob- jected to by the police, was adjourned, Mr. Laurence Richards, who appeared for the police, stating it was necessary to amend the notice. The license of the Black Lion. Orange- street, was next considered. Mr. Lau- rence Richards objected for the police, and Mr. R. T. I#eyson applied for the renewal. Deputy Chief Constable Roberts and Detective Eynon gave evid- ence that the house was not necessary for the requirements of the neighbour- hood the latter stating there were ten licensed houses within a radius of ;20 yards. There was also a conviction against the house for selling intoxicants I on a Sunday. Eventually the Bench decided to renew the license. The objection of the police was over- ruled in the case of the Red Cow, Plas- marl. Mr. L. Richards represented the police, and Mr. G. H. Newcombe appeared for the licensee. u An Objection Withdrawn. Mr. Richard Watkins had 10 objections In the list. The first objection was to the license of the Heathneld Hotel. Port- land-street. Mr. J. H. Thorpe said the alterations suggested by the chairman at the Quarter Sessions had been carried out. Mr. Richard Watkins Raid that last year the magistrates declined to renew the license, but on appeal to Quarter Sessions it was renewed. It seemed there was no record of the alterations suggested by the Quarter Sessions. The Clerk: Yes; I have just put it in. Mr. Watkins said he knew for certain that one of the alterations had not been carried out. Mr. G. H. Newcombe (for the licensee): That is incorrect. Ultimately, Mr. Watkins withdraw his II objecion. The license of the Cross Keys was next taken. Mr. Watkins objected on the! ground that the house was in an unfit state, and he and Mr. Harold Jenkins gave evidence to that effect. The Chairman said the license would bp r?r??'?d on condition i hat the owners did FUfh repairs as were contemplated by tbo dcision of the justices last 7car.

MINERS7 WAGES. EXECUTIVE RULES FOR FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS. At a meeting of the Executive of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain in London, the following resolution was passed on tlie»new wages agreement: That for the guidance of various dis- tricts in negotiations for thn new wages agreement, the Executive Committee re- commends no such agreement. be finally settled until it has been submitted to the Executive Committee for confirmation in order to ascertain whether or not the principles laid down by the Federation are embodied in the terms of the agree- ment; also that every such agreement shall be subjected to a threo months' notice at any time after a conference to be held on the 23rd instant." The following resolutions were passed for the guidance of districts: That all new agreements entered into by the Conciliation Boards must termin- ate at one and the same time, subject to three months' notice. That a standard rate of wages be created in place of the present obsolete standards of 1877, 1879, and 1888, by merging into the new standards all bonuses and percentages not loss than the existing minimum percentages recog- nised by the present Boards. That a minimum wage of not less than 5s. per day for all adult surface workers bo asked for. That notice be given to terminate all the existing agreements regulated by Conciliation Boards on April 1st, 19t5." MINERS RETURN TO WORK. The 1,000 men employed at the Loan- head Colliery, Mid-Lothian, who were idle on Wednesday, resolved on Thursday to return to work.

SERIOUS CHARGE AT SWANSEA. At the Swansea Police Court on Thursday, James Harris (26). a window cleaner, was charged with indecent exposure in Brynmill Park on December mth and yesterday, February 4th. Harris denied the charges. A little girl, giving evidence in the charge of December 19th, said she iden- tified the defendant from a number of other men at the Oxford-street Police Station. Another child identified the man. On the application of the police, Harris was remanded for one week. Bail was allowed, himself in £10, and two sureties of S5 each.

DEATH OF MISS BRAODON. Miss Mary Elizabeth (Maxwell) Braddon, the well known novelist died on Thurs- day at her residence at Richmond, Surrey Deceased, who was born in London in 1837, was the youngest daughter of Mr. Henry Braddon, of St. Kew, Cornwall, and the widow of Mr. John Maxwell, of Richmond. Miss Braddon has been devoted to literary work since 1860, among her principal novels being, Lady Audley's Secret," Run to Earth," and Then Art the Man." About a fortnight ago, Miss Braddon's healt failed, and she was confined to her house, but continued to get about until five days ago, when she had to take to her bed. She passed away this morning in the presence of her family, including her son. Lieutenant W. B. Maxwell, himself a well-known novelist.

LADY'S LOST BROOCH. I In the King's Bench Divisional Court Thursday Messrs. Bourne and Hollings- worth, the West End drapers, appealed from a judgment of Judge Bray at Bloomsbury County Court in favour of a Mrs. Newman, for 15 guineas, the value of a diamond brooch, which was acci- dentally left at the defendant's shop. Mr. Justice Ridley said the court were of the opinion that the learned judge's decision was right. Plaintiff went to the shop to try on cloaks, and took off" one she was wearing which was fastened with a diamond brooch. She left the brooch in the shop, and an assistant who found it gave it to a shop walker. The latter put it on his desk, and forgot about it, and the brooch was lost. The county court judge held there was negligence on the part of tjia^endants' servants, and that, therefore, they were liable. It was said that according to the rules of the defendant's establishment the brooch ought to have been taken to their lost property office. For the defendants, it was submitted that there was no duty cast on them from the mere fact that the article was lost on their premises, and that the brooch never came into their custody. The court thought there was evidence of negligence, and therefore the appeal must be dismissed with costs.

THE FREIGHT PROBLEM. I That in consequence of very high freights, the necessity for licenses, etc., South Wales tinpla.te manufacturers are undoubtedly in a difficult position is the view of a Swansea gentleman who has every opportunity of knowing, and who discussed some of the intricacies of the position. In the first place, there had, he said, been delay in granting licenses for ship- ment of plates to Holland, Sweden. Den- mark and Norway, and, since the in- terests of the country and the successful prosecution of the war must be primary considerations, personally lie did not ex- pect the Government to do much in re- sponse to the representations being made unless it could be absolutely sure that the plates were required in those coun- tries for genuine trade purposes. Accumulated Stocks. I He did not think that in consequence of this (although, of course, the pro- prietors only could sày) any great stocks had accumulated at the works since the conference which reduced the output so greatly, but it was time that stocks in the docks sheds were higher than at this time last year, when they were exces- sively high. But much the greater problem was un- doubtedly that of freights, which were very often three times as high as before the outbreak of war. This was an ex- ti-emely difficult problem needing urgent attention, and on which the realisation of interned enemy ships would have some effect. U.S. Competition. I American competition during and after the war had also an important bearing on the Welsh tinplate manufacturers' position. It would be a help to them if the American plates were declared con- traband, but that would again complicate matters. Fortunately the Anieric-ans were in the same difficulty as to freights. Another factor of no small importance- was that prices of Welsh plates had risen greatly owillg to advances in raw materials. Only in the last month the increase in price from this cause had been from 12s. or 13s. per standard box to 14s. 9d.-15s. The question was whether, with these prices prevailing, timber and other materials would not be more used in packing.

The Czar has approved an urgent credit of Jil,750,M0 for the immediate construc- tion of a railway line from Petrozavodsk, nrlrth Petrojrrad, to the Bay id Sorotsk, on tv" White Se&- I

| AMMANFORD COUNCIL- FIRE BRIGADE AND ITS REQUIREMENTS. At a meeting of the Ammanford Courn cil on Wednesday night, Mr. B. R. Evans presiding, there were references to tho recent disastrous fire at the newcpalwi, and printing offices of Messrs. Gwilyia Vaugiian, Ltd., and suggestions were forthcoming i;i to the mvenods of increas- ing the efficiency of the local fire brigade, J which is voluntary.—The Roads Commit- tee reported having received the report of the captain of the firo brigade, which they passed on to the Council for their intormation. It was agreed to recom- mend that the firemen's bill for damage to clothing sustained at the tire at Mr. D. Shepherd's warehouse, as well as the QUe. break at the premises of Messrs. Gwifyin Vaughan, Ltd., and amounting to 1:6 Is., be referred back to the committee l'or in- quiry and report. A deputation from the brigade urged upon the committee to arrange for the acquisition of the pro- mised appliances, in particular escapa ladders and helmets, and, if possible, pro- per uniforms. The committee agreed to meet at an early date to consider the matters, and the captain was asked to -prepare a list of the needs of the bri- gade.—Moving the report (Mr. J. C. Shaw oaid the brigade wanted so many things that the committee thought it best to have a list prepared and submitted .to AL special meeting so that they might tiav,3 all opportunity of discussing things fully and make definite recommendations at the next Council meeting. Wtih re. gard to the bill for damage to clothing, amounting to i:5 in the case of the firs at Shepherd's, there was no detailed ao. count; hence the matter was referrecj back.—Mr. Wm. Evans inquired if any; steps had been taken with regard to that removing of the fire station. At present it was Out Of the district, he said, and at every tire" the firemen had to run hall a mile for their appliances, with the ro" suit that when they came back, to the scene tAey were helpless—they could not move. It was high time they should take steps at once to have it moved to 4 central place, and, if they could not get the position they had asked for, he sug% gested that they request the trustees of the Ivorites' liall for permission to put the fire, station shed be- hind their premises.—The Chairman j That is one of the reasons why, we refer the matter back to the com- mittee. The removal of the lire station, was one of the things spoken of.—Mr. Wm. Evans: There is nothing in the report to show that he added that. lie added that ho had been present at one of the fires when the firemen returned with the hose, and, having run back and fora about a quarter of a mile each way, they were helpless.—Mr. D. G. Davies recalled that the Clerk was asked a while ago to communicate with the Postmaster- General asking him for terms if his con- sent was given to tho fixing of wires along the telephone posts to the firemen's houses. Had a reply been received?- The Clerk replied in the affirmative, and said the Postmaster-General required z;, tracing of the plan of the district showing the different posts, and the various places where the firemen lived.—Mr. D. G. Davies: So as to get matters in hand prcx perly, I should like the Surveyor te receive instructions forthwith to prepare that plan. Then we can get the whole question before us when the Roads Com- mittee meets.—Chairman: It depends on vlliat sort of alarm we are going in for. You make a suggestion?—Mr. D. G. Davies: So far it is only a suggestion* namely, to get: an electric bell in each house. Even if we get the consent of th- .Postmaster-General, it does not tie u< down or compel us to go in for electric bells, but my point is that it would pub us in a position to carry things through at once.—Mr. Evan Lewis said the Roads Committee had already fhat matter under consideration.—Thai, Chairman mentioned that everything -i* that case would be brought up at the next council meeting. The committer had talked of it, but were not afforded sufficient time to come to a definite de- cision. That was why it was postponed, —Mr. D. G. Davies pointed out that une less the Surveyor was instructed now to prepare the plan to be submitted to the Postmaster-ijeneral another month would be lost.—However he did not press the point, and the re- port was adopted.—The report of the Captain of the Brigade (Sergt. J. Joseph) which was read, showed that at 10.30 midnight on the 28th ult. Lieut. J. Pritchard Davies was given the alarm oe a fire having broken out at the premises of Messrs. Gwilym Vaughan, Ltd., at tho back of Quay-street, Ammanford, and immediately he proceeded to the scene, the fire appliances having already been taken. On arrival Lieut. Davies found the premises in flames. A good force of water was soon playing on the premiseo6 and the fire was got under by 1.15 a.m., but not before the premises were g-tlttert. the materials therein being of an irlo flammable nature, such as paper, oila and so on. The damage is partly covered by insurance. The greatest assistance was given by P.S. Britten, and Police-' constables Britten and Holland, also by Mr. A. Preston, electrical eugincerg Lieut. J. Pritchard Davies was the only] fireman on duty.—Clerk: Apparently Mp Davies was the only member of tlxo brigade called out.

AN EARTHQUAKE. I Shocks Felt Near Cadeby Cofliery, Yorkshire. Shocks resembling those of an earths quake were ielt near Cadeby, Yorkshire, It is uncertain whether it was a real earthquake or merely a great sub- terranean collapse in a district under- mined by colliery workings. The shock caused several falls of eartH at Denaby and Cadcby Colliery, and ona man, Emmanuel Jordan, was killed. Hal was leaving work, and had reached the shaft bottom when the falling earth! buried him. Two other men were alsoi huried, but they were extricated unhurt. Above ground the shock was felt most severely at High Melton, a village neae Cadeby, under which parts of the collierjj workings run. Armchair Twisted Round. The lIon. Mrs. Lindley Wood, sister-in- law of Viscount Halifax, who lives all Melton Hall, was twisted round in her armchair as she was sitting in front ot the fire. It was the first experience of an earth- quake I have had," said Mrs. Wood in an interview."The concussion wa* terrific, and the sensation was very uncomfort- able. "I could not help thinking it was aig aerial attack, and that bombs were being dropped. Our house is built of solid masonry, but the whole place fairly rocked." One of the servants was rolled out o< bed. In the house of Mr. George White. agent for the Melton Estate, a dining, table was moved out of its place. and Mr. White himself, who was seriously iJi 1n bed, was so alarmed at seeing an ove" head 'beam shaking that he hurraed froat the room. In Ctideby village, which Lies bebwwBl Melton and the colliery, a carter named Wood ward was alarmed to find a &urg« quantity of plaster from the ceiling dmopq ping on his bed. Villagers, at High Milton turned out kf alarm, suspecting an »nr raid. At D«mb £ and Conisbormiph pennle were whartb*! ont of their slcc-" the Shaking of titers lhouæa. "i

The Resignation of Mr. Masterman. With the re-assembling of Parliament this vw-k, came two announcements which are of more than passing interest to the Principality. The first, taken from a chronological point of view, was the formal and definite resignation of his seat in the Cabinet by Mr. C. F. G. Masterman, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whose selection as a candi- date for the Swansea District vaeaney wae recently advocated by so many, and wlioee refusal to come forward was based solely upon a resolve not to enter into a contest with another Liberal at a time of political truce. A man of bril- liant attainments and unswerving fidel- ity to his principles and high ideals, he has met with what may well be termed hard luck at the hustings, and, under the circumstances, rather than cause difficulties to his colleagues, he has tem- porarily bowed himself out of the poli- tical limelight." In these districts, as elsewhere, all who are possessed of a shred of regard for the amenities of pub- lie life will regret the seemingly inevi- table, and at the same time thoroughly concur with the Prime Minister in his graceful expression of the hope that the severance may be of temporary, and very brief duration. Mr. Masterman is young, and can afford to wait the oppor- tunity which must come to a man of his calibre. As to the other announcement. it was only to be expected that the Govern- ment would claim all the legislative time of the House of Commons, hut to Wales it will indeed be a matter of deep regret if some arrangement, by consent (,r otherwise, cannot be arrived at to ensure the passing of the Plural Voting Bill, even before the war terminates.