Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

I- ABERDULAIS. Oti Monday morning the mortal re- mains of Mr. Tom Edwards, youngest son of Mr. David Edwards, Tonna, were int&rred at the Forest Cemetery. The attendance was the largest seen in the rillage, many hundreds b.-izig present. Deceased was one of the most popular young men. The Revs. D. G. Jones, W. Jones (The Manse), E. Parry (B.), Samlet Williams (M.C.), T. Davies (M.C.) officiated at the chapel., There were present Dr. J. P. Prell, Mr. E. Taylor, Mr. E. Lewis, the officials of the Ynis- arwed Colliery, etc. The floral tributes were very beautiful, sent by the follow- ing: Mr. John Edwards (uncle) and family, the officials of Ynisarwed and Klyn Merthyr Collieries, the workmen of Lower Ynisarwed, the young men of Aherdulais and the Y.C .C., Mr. W. Harris and family, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Davies (Whittington Arms), Tom and Glyn Stephens, Sam and friends (Swan- sea), the Unity Lodge, R.A.O.B., from all lit Church Cottage, and the family at Fonna.

4 BRITON FERRY. The Bowling Green at the Steelworks around will not be played upon this sea- ion Safest and Beat Course to adopt, if rup- tured, is to see Rich, The Chemist, 30" High-street, Swansea. Personal Attention I to Each Case individually in Private: Fitting Room. The Town Silver Band started the eeason bv giving Mi lections at Vernon House Srounds on Monday evening. There was a targe company present to listen to tbo music, while dancing took place on thtf treeu Several Britonferry tinplatere have recently left the town to w<^rk at the rm- ruuuition factories at Barrow, and during the visit of the King to these works a Britonferry man named Gilbert, Thomas- ttreet. had the honour of shaking hands ,-kith hii Majesty, who wà interested in bis "ark and asked many questions. Gilbert f^els highly honoured, And is "some proJd 18 they say up North. The death took place last week of Mrs. Ii Davies, relict, of Mr. William Davies, late < f ctoekin^hain-terraee and Bxglan, after a mort iilness. Deceased was a faithful mem- ber of Salem Baptist Chapel, and was for many years an energetic worker. The funeral took plice at Baglan Churchyard, ind was largely attended. The Rev. E. E. Davies, Salem, officiated at the house, and the Rev. E. Davies, curate, at the graveside. The relatives of Pte. John King, Briton- ferry, have received information that he, has'been killed while fighting at the front in Franco. King for some years was em- ployed at the skip-breaking yard belong- ing to Messrs. Thos. W. Ward, Ltd., Giant's Grave, Britonferry, but left there some eighteen months ago for Canada. He was one of six soldier brothers, and two now on active service also worked at Giant's Grave prior to the war. Pte. John King joined Princess Patricia's Light Infantry. Mr. E. Howells. of Britonferry, has been promoted by the Refuge Assurance Com- pany aa superintendent of the Cymmer Dis- trict, and to celebrate the event a tea was given at the Anchor Restaurant, Neath aver which Mr. J. Goodwin, chief office in ipoctor, presided. During the evening Mr Kowells was presented with a silver cruet Aand and flower vase. The presentation Ms made by Mr. T. M. Jenkins, and tne recipient responded. Mr. Howelle has for iome time been assistant superintendent at Britonferry, and has been most successful in the interests of the company. Delightful weather favoured the annual Sunday School demonstration and tai cn Whit-Monday, and the procession of teachcrs and scholars was, despite the fact that many were away serving their ocrtln- try,. quite aa large as on previous years. A feature in the procession was several khåki. tlad Soldiers who were home on f urlougli. Following. the march around the town tea Was served to the scholars at their respec- live selaools. although some took advantage of the fine weather and had tea in the aelds. Duringthe evening games were in- dulged in at the parks and fields near tJ e town. The Bethel Sunday School, who have got joined in the procession for eeveral f8are. went to Jersey Marine for a. day's Wting as lisual.

I BRIDGEND. jIr David Roberts, F.A.I., held a property sale on Thursday at the Hotel Metropola. Swansea There was only one lot, but that was a very valuable one. It consisted of the valuable leasehold property known as the West Rhondda Colliery. Gwm Cedfyw, near Bridgend. The property comprises fyinjng rights undec about 163 awes. all i in the parish of Bettws, together with the buildings, plant, machinery, stock, and effects. The property was offered as a going concern, and included the annual tenancy of the adjoining farm, amounting to < £ 35. Bidding was slow, and the lot was finally withdrawn at .21,000. Mr. E. G. Davies, Port Talbot, was the solicitor for the vendor, and will supply further particulars if de-sired.

CWMAVON. I Mr. Rees Howell's "Little Dolly" came off second in the one mile galloping handicap at the Clyne Valley Races on Monday, and in another one mile gallop- ing handicap Mr. Davies' Little Dick," Pontrhydyfen, also same in for second position. The death has taken place of Mr. Thomas Phillips. "Tom Phillips the guard," as he was popularly known, had been in the employ of the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway for many years, was of a genial and kind disposition, and enjoyed robust health up to a few days ago. The funeral took place on Tuesday. The railway company, with commendable though tfulness, ran a special train from Aberavon to Pontrhydyfen, and was at- tended by a large number of officials and employes. The Freeman's Journal" (Dublin) gives a full report of the Railway Clerks' conference held thereat, and at which Mr. R. J. Thomas was one of the three South Wales representatives, when 250 branches were represented, and a mem- bership of over 35,000, 2,500 of whom have joined the Colours since August, and many more are joining at present. The Welsh delegates were given a hearty re- cpption by the Irish friends, and it was decided bI an overwhelming majority to hold the next conference at Cardiff. Despite the earnest appeal of the Executive Council at Cardiff, the Afon alley miners only responded in a meagre fashion. There were numbers of absentees from the collieries on Tuesday. True, there were exceptions. At the Dlffryn Rhondda No. 2 Colliery there were only eight absentees on Tuesday, and notwithstanding the temptations of 1 uch favourable weather, other workmen in the district demonstrated their patriotism in a like manner. The Cwmavon Slag Co., Ltd., which gives employment to several local work- men. and are at present constructing large works in the place with the view of carry- i ng on the business of manufacturers and workers of an dealers in slag, cement, lime, mortar, concrete, plasters, whiting, gravel, sand, minerals, earth, coke, fuel, artificial stone, ores, metals and mineral substances, engineers, ship, barge, and ighter. engine and truck owners, etc. The company has just been, registered, with a capital of M.OM in Sl shares. The Whitsun holidays passed off as usual. Brilliant weather favoured the event. All the Nonconformists congre- gated near the railway station, and the thousands of Sunday scholars presented a particularly striking appearance as they paraded along the principal routes, and then returned to the various chapels and schoolrooms, where teas, etc., were fully enjoyed. Later they retired to adjacent I fields, where innocent amusements were indulged in. The Anglican Church scholars also turned out in the afternoon, and in strong numbers participated in the usual treats. The clergy and minis- ters were in attendance. Mr. W. Robert Jones, the instructor- general of Cwmavon School of Physical Culture, has rendered yeoman service in training young men. Of his 22 pupils, there are only four left, the other 18 having joined the Colours. One of them —Private Willie Davier,only returned to the firing line the other day, whilst another—Private Hopkin Hopkins—is at present with the British Expeditionary Force in Belgium. It is a noteworthy fact that Private Hopkins was drafted to the front within eight weeks after enlisting, without having any previous training, except that he received at the local gymnasium, of which he speaks highly in a letter received by Mr. Jones. Another member—Mr. Wyndham Thomas —is attached to the Naval Division at the Crystal Palace. n Wyn" is known as a, youngster of mettle, and at an assault- at-arms last week he laid low in two rounds a professional 11-stone boxer. An eisteddfod was held at Bethania Chapel on Whit-Monday evening, under the presidency of Councillor Henry Lewis. The adjudicators were Mr. Wm. Evans (Gwilym Afan) and Mr. W. Bryn- fab Rees in the musical and literary lines respectively, with Mr. Wm. John as sec- retary. The successful juvenile com- petitors were: Miss Muriel David, Bryn Roberts, and Daniel John Richards; soprano solo, divided between Misses Beatie John and Catherine Marks; contralto solo, Rhys T. John and Beatie Griffiths: tenor solo, Mr. Stephen John; bass solo, Messrs. Owen Rees. and W. John, duet, Messrs. J. Williams and W. John; solo to those over 40 years old, Messrs. Owen Rees and W. John; quartet, Mr. Owen Rees and party; recitation, Mr. Stephen John; reading prose first sight, divided between Mr. Owen Rees and Benj. David; champion solo, Mr. John Wil- liams; chief choral, prize awarded to "Cor Evan Griffiths.

NEATH. "The call of Whitsuntide," wae the sub- jcct of an intensely interesting address at the Brotherhood on Sunday by the Bev. T. Mardy Rees. Rupture Sufferers are advised to Consult Rich, The Chemist, of SO, High-street, Swansea, privately. He is an Expert on the Scientific Fitting of Trusses. No Case, too bad.. Pte. Ivor George Hopkins, who joined the Grenadier Guards immediately war waS declared, has Been seriously wounded in action. Writing to his father, who lives in Alfred-street, Neath, the Rev. F. D. Morley (Wesleyan) breaks the news in a sympathetic but hopeful message. The marriage took piace at Si. Mark's Church, Walworth, last week of Lieut. A. I .Stafford Allen, 8th Battalion Royal Fusi- ier, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Architwid Allen, of Iiimpsfield, to Florence May, ledeót daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George B. Ham- mond, of Neath. The Bev. W. Cooper waft the officiating clergyman. In the Gnoll Grounds on Tuesday after- noon, Mr. Leonard running made an offijiali inspection of the borough and county con- stabulary. and expressed satisfaction with the smart appearance and movements of the men. The officers 011 parade were uhif Constable Higgins (Borough), Supt. Uijn. Evans, Inspectors Gill (Skewen), Alojr.e (Britonferry), and W. Rees (Aberavon), afcd the County Police. Anniversary services in connection with Wesley Sunday School were held on Sun- day, the special preacher being the Rev. R. W Green. Mumbles. In the afternoon a united choir gave a splendid recital of the sacred cantata. "The Choicest Gift," under the leadership of Mr. R. Clough. the popu- lar choirmaster. Mr. Phil Rivid presided at the organ, and Miss Dora Lunii,, L.T.C.L., at che piano. The annual summer treat was given to the teachers aud scholars on Whit-Monday in a meadow near the Gnoll. There were a number of visitors, and a happy time was spent. A special mus cal service was given 4t the Green Mission on Sunday afternoon, and the programme arranged by Mr. RIL Morgan was a triumph. The attendance ,vas large and appreciative, and Mr. Matcher made an ideal ch,-iirman. Solrm were rendered by Mij-ss-Moxtey. Miss Jones. Miss Louie Dawes. Miss Powell, Mr. .Vebb, and Mr. Gordon Brooks, a duet by di66 Pat-tie Morgan and Mr. Rd. Morgan. and recitations by Private T. John, Skewen. Miss Laura Harries war, the ac- j companist- On Monday afternoon the teachers and scholars had their annual treat at Glannant, permission having been granted by Mr. Colville to march to the lield through the pretty Gnoll Glen. Tea 1 was provided in the field commanding a splendid view of the town and district, ar- ranged by Mrs. Guaey. There were several visitors, including Mr. and Mrs. Levi James, and Mr. and Mrs. WUliams, Birkenhead. Outdoor games were indulged in with much t ze&t until dusk I A. plea-sing function took place at the Meiyn Schools last week, when Miss E. Griffiths, headmistress of the Infants' De- partment, and Mr. Garnett T. James, Boys' Department, who are to be married shortly, were presented with a beautifully designed silver tea service. Mr. D. J. Davies, head- master, spoke of the efficient manner both had oarried out their school duties. They had displayed tact and ability at all times, and he wished them every success and hap- piness in the future. The hearty applause from the teachers, boys and girls present, ,wh.ch greeted these words of the head- master, marked the popularity and esteem held by both recipients. Miss Mainwaring, headmistress, formally made the presenta- tion, and both Miss Griffiths and Mr. J.imes thanked all sincerely for their kindnese and good wishes. The funeral of Mrs. Ann Parker, an old and much-respected inhabitant of London- "road, Neath, took place on Friday last, at Cauoxton Churcnyaid. The officiating min- isters were the Rev. D. W. Hopkins, Bcthauia, Rev. R. O. Evans, 6iloh, and Rev. James Edwards, ZO'u.. The chief, mourners were:—Mr. Geo. !'arker (husband), Mr»'Phii P«iiker (sop), Mr. Wm. Gale, Llaneliy (mivae), Mr. A. F. Lowry and Mr. Charles Jones (sons-in-law), Mr. liowell Phillips, Yotradgynlais; nxr. Geo. Thomas, Mr. W. Thoma.a. Mr. W. Parker. and Mr. Edgar Joued (grandsons), Mr. Ricnard Williams, Treherbert; Mr. 11. Davies, Hirwain; Mr. Tiiomas Jhivans, Hirwain; Mr. T. Lawrence aud blr. U. Lawreaoe, Mr. Robt. Hughes and Mr. Richard La v as, Mumbles (cousins). Bcauiiiul tloml tributes were sent by the MÚJôes Hannah and Maria Thomas (domoh- Mr. Phil Parker, Mr. and Mrs A. F. Lowry. and Mr. and Mrs. Cairns. Three W ooks," a remarkable photo- play adapted from Elinor (iiyn's famous boeiety nb.*el, is attracting large audiences at v mt's ialaco, Neath, this week. In I order to ,cope with the patronage, a matinee at 3 o'clock every aiternoon has .t)ueii arranged in addition to the usual nightly perioriuances at 7 and 9 o'clock. It is interesting to note that on Friday, June 11th, Mr. Lid win Uilley, the popular manager, will take his benefit periur-, niance. In addition to the ordinary pro- gramme of pictures and artistes, the artistes appearing at the Unoli haii, through the kind permission of Mr. Vivian Aldndge, will appear, together with a splendid variety -ot local taient. There will be one periormancej coiuiuenc- ing at 7.30, which will be under the dis- tiuguisbed i atronage and presence of the Mayor and Mayoress (Councillor and Mrs. Matthew Arnold) and members of the Town Council. At the English Baptist Chapel on Sunday special services were heiu in connection wnn the anniversary of tne Sunday bchool. in the afternbou tne children's choir ren- dered a service of song enured. "Spring- time and Flowers. with much intelligence ana taste. The morning and even.ng ser- ticea were devoted to the children, ail tak- ing part in chorus, song, and recitations. So delighted with the recitation by a iittle ooy named Ernie Lewis, that the cQngrega- iion Durst into a storm of applxuse. Mr. J"hn .UrÏlfi.ths, the genial superintendent, presided over the services, Air. W. J. Wil- nams was responsible for the programme, j and Mr. T. J. Jenkins was the organist, the collections, in aid of the Sunday School Funds, constituted a record. Over I 700 teachers and scholars inarched in the procession on Whit-Monday, and afterwardc, spent' an enjoyable afternoon in a field at Court Herbert, lent by Sir Griffith Thoma", r where tea and games kept the children and their seniors happy. Over 100 -male )nem- bers of the Sunday School have joined the, army since the outbreak' of the war, and many are in the trenches fighting for liberty and independence. Official intimation that Private Dick Hiijp'Ues, of the 1st Batt. Somerset Light In- aiutryfaaa been recommended for conspicu- ous bravery in the held has been received wit-i justifiable pride by the inhabitants of the town generally, and the residents of patriotic Penydre, where the hero's wife and family reside, in particular. Dick, who has been in the thi.;k of the fray without a scratch since the beginning of the cam- paign, has been nicknamed by his comrades, uarB i>ev .i ii-ii ui tiio I:)oUl.rse¡, 'lots story of his brave act which might gain for him the V.C. or the D.C.M., is told in a letter from an officer of the same regiment. A German sniper was giving trouble; volun- teers were asked for, and Dick and Private Jennings responded. They jumped out of tho trenches, and were proceeding cau- tiously to a farmhouse 200 yards away. HaJ-way acJ.'U'<d jcuamss was cuot in tile head. Dick carried him to a place of safety, bandaged his wounds, ajid then crawled to the farmhouse, where he shot the sniper through the right arm and brought him to the trenches a prisoner tf war. "He is a btave eoldier," concluded the officer, "and I hope you wul hear feo ,d news of him." Private Hughes lias beer, twice shot through the cap, ajid has besn reported dead, but he is very much alive, according to his last letter, and has bsen appointed borderiy to his company officer. A trophy of war which now decorates kis home at Penydre is a British bugle which Dick recaptured from a retraiting Hun. A few inches of steel was his only argument! ELECTRICIAN'S CLAIM. I At Neath on Thursday, the hearing' was resumed of the claim of William Pope, an electrician, of the Victoria Hotel, Neath, who sued Messrs. Bengelly and C04 electrical engineers, Cardiff, for S8 lis. lid., which he alleged represented wages and expenses due. It was stated at the previous hearing that plaintiff was told to stand off on April 17th, owing to lack af material, a trade phrase which was tantamount to dismissal. Defendants offered £4 in, settlement of the claim. The Bench considered the offer a; reasonable one, and expressed the opinion that neither party had acted as they should.—A verdict for, £ 4 was awarded the plaintiff.

NEATH ABBEY. I can help Rupture Sufferers to increased Health and a Painless Cure where pos- I sible, and I invite you to call and see me. i —Rich, The Cheniist, Swansea. I The death has taken place of Mrs. Margaret Cantle (widow), who had been ailing for some time. The interment: took place at Cadoxton churchyard. The colliers here adopted the sugges- tion of the Central Executive of the Federation, and only took one day (Mon- day) as holiday. Work was resumed on j Tuesday morning. The Moriah scholars were also given their usual treat. They did not parade as in past years, but the choir and children sang the march learned for the occasion at the chapel. After tea the usual games were indulged in, the little j ones thoroughly enjoying themselves. J Ideal weather favoured young and old on Whitsun Monday, when the Sunday School scholars were given their annual tea. The procession was formed near fehe chapel, and walked to the old ruins, which had again been placed at their disposal, thanks for the kindness of Mr. G. T. Sims, agent of Lord Dynevor. Ad- dresses were delivered at the Vestry to: i the Ebenezer scholars by Messrs. D. P.. | Jones, John. John, haiah Jones (Ponty- i rhyl), 4and the Rev. T. J.. Pritchard, upon the advisability of being faithful to  the Sunday school. j

PORT TALBOT Mr. D. J. Jones, architect, surveyor and valuer, of Commercial Buildings, Port Talbot, has been successful in pass- ing the Direct Fellowship examination of the Surveyors' Institution. The success is the more noteworthy owing to the tact that he entered the valuation csub- division and not the" building," which latter would have been more in the line of his practice. Mr. Jones will now, on election, be made a Fellow of the Sui- veyors' Institution. He is already -a mem- ber of the Society of Architects and an Associate of the Royal Sanitary Institute, beside holding other certificates in tech- nical subjects allied to his profession. Added to th enumber who have already volunteered from Messrs. Baldwins, Ltd. (Colliery Dept.), Port, Talbot, is a popular member of the clerical staff, Mr. Charlie Davies, a native of Barry, Who has joined the Royal Field Aitiilery. He has been three years with Messrs. Baldwin, and is oue of the. most poplar members of the official staff. On Wednesday, a number of h's colleagues assembled at the Winter Gardens of the Red Lion, Aberavon, for the pui pose of expiessing tbeir appreciation of their friends joining the colours. Mr. Chas. Gilbert presided, anl the chairman, to- gether with a number of the staff, expressed their appreciation of Mr. Davies's very ex- celhint qualities.. Another rich treat has been provided for patrons this week by Messrs. M. Armifage aud Arthur Liegh, who, on this occasion, staged at the Jvew Theatre the London and American success, "The Barrier," an ab- sorbing love story, the- scenes of which are laiu down in Alaska. The play was adapted by Mr. Philip E. liul bard from the famous 1>0. el by Rex Beaoft, the celebrated Ameri- call nm alist. The plot is distinctly clever, an-1 the acting all that could be desired- Tiie company includes such, talelltd ar- tistes as Louis Hector (Of "Lucky Durham" .tame), Stanley Bedweil, and Miss Jessie Bel- m. re, who sustains the leading characters of "Lieut. Burrell," 'John Gale,' the store- keeper. and "Necla, the supposed daugh- ter respectively. Other splendidly played paits are Messrs. ?Itury ?unn as "Poltcn" th? trapper, Bichii- l Hicks as "Dan Stark," Arthur Leigh as "Huunion." the desperado, iiennis Bryan as "]\;0 Creek Lee," a miner, Aries Conway as "Trooper Hogan," and Miss Florence Dulhunty as "Alluna," an Indian skuaw. Next week, Sir George Alex- anders company will appear in the London si ccess, "The Thief. 'See Advt.

rOUmCAWL. The report of the committee of the Porthcawl Rest for the year lyl4 has-just been issued, and is on the whole a very encouraging one. There is a large num- ber ol new subscrioers, despite tne wa-i', and this testifies abundantly to the still increasing interest taaen in the welfare of the two rests," the one at Porthtawl and the other at oouiiiemuovvn. lucre is a loss of L457 bs. on the year's worJungüi the "rests." .There is a loss of L451 6s. on the year's working of the rests." The total, receipts were £ #,124 as oomparcd with ;j,tYi, for 191;). 1 nere is a credit balance now of 1:900, and it. is proposed to carry forward the whole of this balance for the continuance of the "rests," as it is feared that owing to the war subscriptions may fail oft. The total number of admissions was 1,712. The committee state that they will have to consider seriously whether it will be pos- sible to keep the two rests" open in future on the same conditions as hitherto, seeing that the result would be per- manent deficits. Twenty-nine male Bel- gian refugees were acrommodated at the Porthcawl Rest for some months, and were then sent to the Southampton estab- lishment, the cost of maintenance being borne by he Cardiff War Refugeee Coju- mutee, and two Caruaf gentlemen. MILITARY SPORTS. Military spoils were held at Porthcawl yesterday under the auspices of the Ban- tama Battalion Colonel Hotmiiay and Mrs. Homfray and daughter visited the/ field, end Mrs. Homfray distributed i&e prizee. Hail-miie.—it. Turner, B Company. 200 yarud—H. Turner. 100 yards—T. J. King. R?h ju.tnp-?Oorpoj'ai Smith, kong Jump- Pr?at?T.J?.Xu?. „  'lug Ol _WB P?7:- -I SAD DROWNING CASE. A sad drowning case occurred at Sandy Bay, Porthcawl, on Monday afternoon, and caused intense excitement among the crowds on the beach. A large number of men were bathing, and it appears that two soldiers, belonging to the Bantam Bat- talion, noticeu mat a man iiaa svw._i. very far out in thtaea. He was not struggling, but, ihiniung he was in difficulties, they swam out and brought him on to the sands in an unconscious condition. Artificial respiration was re- sorted to, but it was without effect. The man seemed to be about 45 years of age, and apparently belonged to the working class. No one seemed to know: where he came from. The police have taken possession of the clothes of a man I from one of the bathing tents, but they do not know up to the present whether they are the clothes of the deceased. In the pockets they found spectacles and a couple of envelopes addressed to Mr. Robert Smallwood. 72, Plantation-street, Rhvmmey, Monmouthshire," and an un- stamped insurance card bearing the fol- low ing address: "38, Coronation-street, Highly."

SKEWEN. If you are a Rupture Sufferer, call and see Rich, The Chemist, 30, High-street, Swansea. He will advise you the most Suitable Anpliance to wear. The parade of the local brigade of the British B-d Oos) Society, lAm week, ltd by the Skewen SJver Baud, was in every eense euoceesfuu. The men presented a. fsmart appearance in their new unifornia aind kit, with the etre.oher-bparers bring- ing up the rear. The present captain, Mr Jonhny Oole, goes In for efficiency, and iflowogn ir&niiug n every w, ,-y» Mile resu-i. is to the oredit of aZ concerned. Readers of this column will be interested to know that this Whitsun again, Sir S. T. Evana, President of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division, did not forget the children of Tabernacle Welsh nue- poenden t Sunday Bdhood, to ivblivh, as a boy and young man, he wa* attached, cln(i wto-ere once he was an aeeiduous worker. During comparatively recent yeaxs, when he was the repreeen-tative fox Mid-Glamor- gan, he ueed' to accompany t-he school tt' Cwrtybettws Farm, indulging in games with the children and young swoplo. It is gratifying to find that never has he sor- gotten them. Alderman William Howell, of Maes- gwyn, Skewen, Neath, Glamorgan, fOrmerly of Bryncoed, Lonlas, ecuIpH.t. J.P. for Glamorgan, an alderman of the County Council, chairman oi the District Council and the Neath Board ot Guar dians, who died 20th January last, aged 57 years, left estate of the gross value of £5,058 13s. 10d., of. which the net per- sonalty has been sworn at £ 3,719 5s. 8d Probate of his will, dated 11th August, 1908, has been granted to his widow, Mrs Rebecca Howell, of the same address, tin sole executrix, to whom he left all of his property absolutely. Congratulations are extended --to tne' Calf-aria Welsh, Baptists upon securing an u^ o-date pipe organ, bu:k by Messrs. P. Ounaeher a-nd Co., of Leeds. Ilie minister, together with the whole church and con ■< n have worked together with good will to attain this bbjeot, and I understand the euinscriptions have been- liberal beyond expectation. To the credit of this church, be il said, that in, some thinpilt is unique in tLe district. For iimarice, it -is the only Nonconformist church in the place which has provided a. miiii« for tl.-0 minister thus putting it on par with the Beiab- | limbed Church. During last Sunday the successful juvenile .cQ-le.c.ort f<v the. British and Foreign Bible Society in the chitPeheg of Skevten and Keatb" Abbey were each pre* seated with a g-tt Bible, on behalf of "the Societj. It may not be gjeneially known tnai this society, by whici meet otf our B-bite and Teslemenis are pro^vided, sell them at lees than cost; price, and the aab-- s, P,ion;s anil contributions from the churches and individuals enable the society to o.th*, and also to the dietributins "d millions of copies- to- tiae nations of, the world, and at present to the troops of the Allies and the enemy in this great .war. it :« t- tention to the urgent necessity of takiwr U'pthe qU-eBtion of ,wiclemng .thoe BILrTO\&- ro ad. The, ever-increasing traffia makes tii a imperative:, i -.s Lar,,t becoming tbe, main avenue to Swansea from the East, and ueed also -to a great extent as the out- let from Swansea, it is a question whether the County Council ought to take it over c; not. The -,Neath District Council, with the co-opecat-lon-of the landed proprietors, has provided a splendid length of new road bouii on tiie Swansea side and the Skewen side of Britonferry-road, but the scheme IN not complete untH the positively dangerous upot-s cn the old- positions have been ade- quately widened Mrs. Davies, of Railway-terrace, Skewen has received from headquarters the saw news that, her husband, Corporal David Davies, of the South Wales Borderers, was killed in action at Richebcugh l'Avoue, on Sunday, 9th 11 May, thus con- firming the report sent by Private Richd. Bevan a few days ago. The deceased soldier was,33 years of age, and a reserv- ist, who had spent some seven yeare in India. He saw service in South Africa for nearly a year on his return from India. Mrs. Mears, of Penyrheol, Skewen, on Monday received from the War Offioeoon- tirmation of an unofficial report that her husband, Private William Mears, of the 2nd Welsh Regiment, had been killed In I action. This occurred on the 8th May at L'Epinette. He also was a reservist, and 37 years of age. He went through the South African War unscathed. Two brothers of his have been sent hnme from the front wounded-Privates Tommy and Fred Mears. They are making satisfac- tory progress.

ENGINEMEN'S CLAIMS. Eight Hours Day Demanded at Swansea Conference. The annual conference of the National Federation of Lngiiiemen, Stokers and Kindred Trade Associations Was resumed in private at" the Mackworth IIotel.. Swansea, Mr. T. Watson, Golbourne, lanes, (the president), occupying the chair. Votes of sympathy were passed with the relatives of those who lost their lives in the Gretna railway disaster, and the rela- tives of the 350 members of the Federa-1 tion who were victims of the German pirates while working as enginemen on fishing trawlers round the caost. A resolution was. adopted urging stepa to obtain an eight-hours' day for all col- liery einginenten-apd stokers who do not come under the provision of the existing Acts, bearing on the regulation/of -litorar. An important item on the agenda was the election of delegates to the Trades: 'Union Congress, the following being Selected: The President {Mr. T. Watson), the secretary (Mr. Harper Parker, of Hanley), and Mr. G. Wixson. Mr. Parker was also nominated for. a seat on the Parliamentary Committee- of the Congress. Three resolutions were passed for pre- sentation to the Trades Union Congress. One advocated an eight-hour day for all enginemen and stokers, and the second urged an amendment of the Coroner's Act with a view to. giving Labour repre- sentatives at inquests a little more free- dom in adducing a certain class of evi- dence. The other was in favour of alter- ing the system of election of the Parlia- mentary. Committee so as tp ,give the lesser trades a better chance of represen- tation. At present it .'is contended, ooal and cotton practically monopolise the re- presentation n the committee. The following officers were re-elected for the ensuing yea r:-P resident, Mr. T. Watson; treasurer, Mr. Wm. Woosnam, Newport; secretary, Mr. Harper Parker; executive committee, Messrs. J. Bromley (Leeds), George Wride (Cheltenham), W. J. Wathen' (Glenavon), Geo. Parker (Rotherham), J. Collins (Grimsby), Thos. Jones (Treforest), and J. W. Williams (Wrexham). Mr. Thomas Daviee Clydach-on-Tawe), and Mr. Phillip Evans (Aberdare), were elected auditors. The rendetvous and: date of next con- ference were left to be-fixed by the Execu- tive Committee..

THE DRINK PROBLEM. It was officially announced Wednesday that the Government have appointed a Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to deal with the drink problem in the munitions, transport, and camp areas, under the powers created by the Defence of the Realm (Amendment No. 3) Act. The following have consented to become members of the Board: Lord D'Abernon, Chairman of Dominions Royal Trade Commission (Chairman). Formerly Sir Edgar Vincent; raised to peerage last year. M.P. (C.) Exeter, 1899-1900; Financial Adviser" to Egyptian Government, 1883-1.889; Governor of Imperial Ottoman" Bank, Constantinople, 1889-97 Major Waldorf Astor, M.P. Conservative member for Plymouth sinoo 1911. Governor of Guy's. tlw Hos- pital for Sick Children, and the Pea- bodv Trust; Chairman of Depart- mental Committee on- Tuberculosis. Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Son of the late Mr. Joseph Chamber- lain. Well-known business man. Mr. E. R. Cross, ex-President of the Justices' Association. Mr. John Denny, J.P., of Denny and Co., Engineers, Dumbarton. Was Conservative member for Kil- marnock District. 1895-1906. Director of Caledonian Railway Company. Mr. John Hodge, M.P. Labour member, Gorton Division, Lanes, since 1906. Secretary of the British Steel Smelters' Mill, Iron, and Tinplate Workers' Association. Active, social reformer. Sir William Lever, Bart. Chairman of Lever Bros., Ltd., Port Sunlight. Liberal M.P.. Wirral Divi- sion, Cheshire, 1906-10. Sir George Newnvan, M.D., Principal Mettical Officer, Board of Education Distinguished medical scientist. Lec- turer on Public Health, St. Bartholo- mew's Hospital. Member of Inter-De- partmental Committees on Playgrounds., xieiormatories, I^iberciilosis, aiid Medi- cal Research. Mr. John Pedder, C.B., Home Office e jia' I -C g Delegate to International Congress on Alooholism, The Hague, 1911. British delegate to International Congress on White Slave Traffic, London, 1913 Mr. R. R. Scott, Admiralty. Mr. Philip;-SrwMden, M.P. Well-known Labour meMbef for Blackburn (since ISfUu). Member of Royal Commission oh Canals and Waterways and of Royal Comn-jr^stOn on the Civil Service. Mr. W Tow ley recently Manager of Hot18"Midnd Railway. A?l communications should be ad- dre&sed to t-he Secretary, 76, Strae.? The Rev. Canon Robert Ingham Salmon (rector of Barcombe. hear DeWes) died I r t)f Bar-cora op Tuesday after 43 years' work in the Chichester .diocese. He was educated at Exeter College, Oxford, and rowed for his University against Cambridge.

OUR NEW ALLIES.- PEACE AND WAR STRENGTH. Liability to servo in the Army or the Navy is general and personal in ItAly. iuis liability lasts tor 19 years, and I begins at the age of 20. The annual oon- tin gent ia divided into three categories, The first of these joins the standing Army; the second the same, but with un- lliuited leave; the third is enrolled in the Territorial Militia Service in the standing Army is for two years, after which period men com- plete in its reserve a total of eight years' service, then join the Mobile Militia for ftur years, and thence pass into the Territorial Militia for the rest of their .service. The second category men re- Irph-e a few months' training and pirs; from one part of the Army to another like the rest. Italian recimentg- aere- "rnited from all part- of the country, but nn mobilization are filled up by reservists lorolly. in such districts as the regimen.ts happen to be auartered. About one-half j | of the rpserrisis embodied on mobiliza- ":OTI wil: iiiially have had no previous rfinnwtion with the regiments in which 1,v serve in war. 1 The peace strength last year before the war be--an was 14121 officers, 250.000 other ranks, and 55.727 horses. The ar> proximate war strength i-s romethingi -over a million—namely, 515,000 for the; stariding Army, 245.000 for -the MhiJf' Nfilitia, and 340.000 for the Territorial; Militia. In war there will probably be' formed four Armies each of two to foikr Army Corps and one cavalry division. The Army Corps varies in strength. it. may contain only two Regular divisions, < 01 may have a Mobile Militia division "aclded to it. In the first case its strength will be 25.000 men, 'with 104 gnns, and 18 machine-guns; in the second case 37.000 men, 134 guns, and ?6 machine-guns. There will probably be 14 Army Corps mobilized in first line. In i addition to, the 24 divisions of the 12 ?x- isting Army Corps there are 26 Alpine '?<-ta!ions of the first line with 38 Mobile Militia compa-iies behind them; 26 Al- pine .battalions of the third line, >4 mountain batteries of first and second line, six battalions of Carabinieri. and -3 battalions of Customs Guards with Militia formations behind them. In peace there are 389 battalions of Alpini. Grenadiers, Bersaglieri. and Line: 150 squadrons of cavalry, 263 horse, field, (mountain, and heavy batteries, and 190 t companies of fortress artillery and tech- s nical troops. These expand on mobilisa- Jrion iuto a total, for all three lines, of 821 battalions, 180 squadrons. 360 batteries and 475 fortress artillery and technical j companies. The first line, excluding the garrison of Libya and the Customs Guards and Er-atz troops, will probablv ni.mber 544 battalions, 180 sqaudrons, 3601 batteries. 20 fortress artillery regiments, I and 124 teehnical companies. The! 16trength of the first line will be about ,1700000 men. The Italian infantry are armed with the 6.5iftm. Maunlicher-Carcano magazine rifle, pattern 91. A part of the Territorial Militia still have the Vetterli-Vitali, model 70/87. Officers have the sword and automatic pistol. The war found the Italian artillery in process of re-arma- ment. It possesses about 100 field bat- teries armed with the 75mm. KruppQ?F. field gun, and others with an older wea- pon, Meanwhile the depart ?n,-75amm.. pattern 1911, had been adopted, and 100 batteries of these guns should have been delivered by the end of last year. There are some useful 6m. batteries of tirupp howitzers and a useful assortment of siege and fortress guns running up to large calibres. The normal siege trains include 9, 12, and 15cm. guns and 15 and 21cm. howitzers. These are stored in the north- ern fortresses, but heavier weapons will doubtless figure in the field. The Italian Army has passed through many difficult days, but it has improved of late years, and has the advantage of tlie experience of the campaign in Lyba behind it. During the time which has elapsed since the war began Italy has had time to fit herself out with the war material, and especially with the field ar- tillery equipment and ammunition,, of which she was deficient last year, It is probate that there has been some de- velopment of reserve formations, and that the defences in the north are now complete. THE RIVAL NAVIES. Italy's entry into the war will also in- troduce a new naval factor of great im- portance to the struggle. It is riot, in- deed. too much to say that her navy can at the present moment give the- Allies just that crushing superiority which is needed to turn the balance in the Near East. It is not that the Italian Navy is itself so overwhelmingly powerful, but its inter- vention in the Mediterranean will release for duty at the Dardanelles a number of French ships that hitherto have been en- gaged in the blockade of the Adriatic. I The struggle for the control of that long, narrow gulf in the Mediterranean between Italy and Austria is no less bitter than the struggle for the mastery uf the North Sea between Britain and Germany. It is, indeed, more embittered, for once before in the memory of living man the rival fleets have contested that mastery, and Italy was beaten. Great Britain has I had no such rankling memories to spur h?er on against her Teutonic rival. "The?rief campaign in 1866, which 1-fast?ed but a month, and culminated in I the inglorious defeat of Admiral Persano I off Liesa by Tegetthoff and his inferior i Austrian squadron, has ever been a thorn in the side of Italy's navy. To avenge that defeat is the dearest wisn of every itaiia.ii seaman. For the glory of blowing up the I new Austrian Dreadnought named after Tegetthoff every submarine comma-nde? in the Italian service would willingly sacrifice his life. The Italian Navy includes six Dread- I noughts, at least four of which are known to be completed, while it is generally believed by now that the others are also ready for active service. Details of the ships are as follow:— Dante Aligberi.: 19,400 tons, 23.6 knots, 12 12in., 20 4.7in. guns. I Leonardo da Vinci, Giulio Ceeare, and' C-onte di Cavour: 22,340 tons, 23 knot*, 13 12in., 18 4.7in. guns. Duilio and Doria: 23.025 tons, 23 knots, 13 18tn.. 16 6in. guns. i The total broadside fire of the big ?ung of the two main squadrons of Italy and Austria compares thus:— Italy: lb. Danta Aligheri 10,200 Leonardo da Vinci '11,050 Duilio 1-1.050 Dofia —— 11,050 Total 65,450 Austria. lb. Tegetthoff P.i. 11,904 Viribtts Units 11,904 Prinz Eug-en 11;904 Szent Istvan "n. ,11,904 Total 47.616 I -Thè comparative strength of th'two Inatiei,in other classes of ships lese than I twenty years old is shown in the following- tabled- 1 Italy. Austria. < Pr..e. Dreadnoughts 8. 9 Armoured cruisere. 9 1 Light cruisers 9 ..Ifcstreyers 36 Torpedo boats .mú. 70 72 Submarines 14 18 It; is reported that Italy, has recently ;acquire^ twenty more submarines* but the report lacks confirniation. t.' Ifc i«. officially announced that his. .Majesty the King of the. Belgians lias been pleased to confer upon Field-Marshal -the Ri?lit Hon. the Earl Kitqhene.r, X.P., &c,, the high distinction of the Grand the Order of Leopold

MARKETS. London, Thursday. There is no improvement of business oa the StOCk Exchange, but prices are well maintained on the whole, notwithstanding the a bsenm -of fresh support. War Loan ie actively supported at 941. and there is a good demand for South Africa four halves and East India Railway deben- tures. "Home Rails are rather dull, small declines being recorded in North Wee- tern, Great Western, Midland, and Dover A. Americans receive little attention, but the tone is rather steadier at the opertin gdecline. Argentine Rails are dull, but foreigners keep steady with good inquiry for Japanese four halves, which has advanced half. Mining shares maintain .a* steady appearance, with little business passing in the industrial market. Brazil Tractions are weak at 50, and Hud- son Bays are easier, but there is strong .inquiry for JJritish and Argentine Meats, which have advanced to 14s. 9d. Oil shares quietly firm. Rubbers idle, but steady. 1-1 1' BUTTER. Cork, Thursday. First, 136; second, 124; third, 116; fourth 0; superfine^ 0; fine, 0; mild, 0; choicest boi^ t):.choice, 0; fresh butter from 131. MEAT. London, Thursday. Beef—-Sooteh long 6s. Sd., short 6s. IOd. J English eides, 6s, 4d. to 6s. 8d.; Irish, 6s. 4d.to tts. 6d.; Argentine, hindquarters Is. 6d. to 6sfore 4s. 4d. to 46. 8d. Mutton— Scotch wethers 66. 6d. to 6s. 10d., ewea 5s. 4d.; English wethers 6s. 6d. to 6s. 8d.. ewes 5s. to Se. 4d.; Dutch wethers, àa. lorl to 6s. 4d-; New Yealand, 4s. to 4s. 4d.; Sydney, 3s. 8d. to 3s. lOd. Lamb-Eng. Veal, quiet. Pork, quiet. CATTLE. London, Thursday. Supplies of both beasts and sheep .weit of very small extent, and business pro- coeded quietly, values being largely nom- inal. Total supplies: 40 beasts, 30 sheep, 5 oows. and 5 calves, Bristol, Thursday. Short supply. Beef, trade firm, best 98 to 100, seconuary 93 and moderate supply. Mutton, trade firm, best down wethers Is." heavy lid., ewes 9d. to lOd. Lamb, 1&. 9* Is. 2d. Baeoners, lis. 6d.; porkers. 1+5. 6d. Five hundred store cattle sold at film rates. CORN. Bristol, Thursday. English wheat, small supply ,16. reduc- tion, prices being 63s. to 64s. quarter. Foreign, with slow sale, down 6d.: Grind- ing ;barley steady, unchanged. liaizei-Sd. to Is. less money. Oats remain about same. METAL. London, .Thursday. Copper firm, turnover 700 tons, 77i to 77 cash, 78|"to 78 £ three months. Tin cilpet, 161| to 1621 cash, 161; to 162 thtee months. English lead, 1-101; foreign, 20 to 2. Spelter, 80 to 75. Middlesbro' Iron, 65s. cash, 65s. ad. month.

WEEKLY REVIEW OF THE GRAIN AND FLOUR TRADES. I By J. K. Carthew, Grain Expert. (Written Specially for the Herald of Waies.") sinoe posting my iaat. review to the tim of drifting this the weather has been change.abie-m&inly dull and rainy with a. few dry day4i intermixed. From an aj- iiArm sUiiiuyoini there is little to complaiu og, though rather more warmth and scn- imine would be acceptable, and it wila doubtless be forthcoming in. good time. The planting of mangold will soon 60 and the land is being prepared for swede turnips under favourable conditions, Winter wheat conimues to make stead, pr-ogrese ,and all kinds of live stack are healthy and, generally speaking, doing weit. Trade in fat stock, has been brisk for all sorts, and prices have ruled very firm. Beef, 8Jd. to lOd. per lb., mutton (clipped), 1Sd. to 3a. per ib.; pork, Pad. to 9id. per lb. Business in wool is fairly good. and prices are maintained. Washed 18. 5d. to la. 6d.; unwashed, is. 2d. to 16. Zid. per lb. Reports of the autumn sown wheat in the United States and Canada continues satis- factory, and given favourable weather foi the next six weeks an abundant crop, of ex- oeilent. grain will be assured. {spring wheat in both countries is up and coveriag the ground, the outlook at present being ex- oeedingly good, but there are yet several months to harvest, and much may happen to it before then. In r-pite of the war the cereal crops in the principal European grain growing -countries are. looking and doing very fairly well; ex- porting the large Indian surplus is onward and will eoon be in full swing, and the new cropti in Argentine and Australia are being planted under normal to good conditions. Although the Black, Sea is not yet open, export sof wheat to Europe are fairly liberal, but deliveries by tinners naturally show a failing off. W arehouse stock un- changed. THE FLOATING GRAIN CARGO TRADE. Wheat.—Quiet. Russian, nil; Plate. 636. 65s.; Australian, nil; California^, 656. 6<1.. 66s.; Indian, 66s., 67s. 6d.; American—spring, 648., 67s.; winter. 58s. 6d., 66s. 6d., according to position Maize.—Dull. American, nominal; Buasian, nil; Plate, 35s., 38s., according to posiyon. Barley.—Quiet. Russian, nil; American, 35s. -6d.. 36s.; Indian, 35s. 6d., 36s.; PWttian, 35s. fid., 34s. Oate.—Quiet. Russian; nominal; AmeTican, 32s. 6d., 33s.; Plate. 29s. 3d., 30a. 6P0T PRICES AT HARK LAJfE. Wheat.—Quiet. Plate, 676. 66s.; Atw tralian, nil; Galifonnian, 676., 67s. 6d.; In- dian, 67&, 67a. 6d.; American (spring}, 69s., r.,s.; Anierican (winter), 68s., 71s.; English white, 66s. 6d. 67s. 6d.; red, 66s., 66s. 6d, Maize.—DuH. Plate, %a.. 40s.; American, nominal; Russian, nil. Be.rley .-Quiet. Russian, 35e., 36s.; In- dian, 36s.; American, 36s.; Persian, 33s, 6d, Me.; malting, '& 44s. Oats.-Quiet Bnglisih, 3Se., 34b.; foroig34 50s., 33s. 6d. Feeding cakes.—Qraiet. Demand fair. FLOUR. t With the weather rather milder and vegetables more plentiful, the consumption of' bread has eased somewhat, and the "wheat market being dull bakers are still holding aloof, which, of course, meaùa. quiet hour trade. Quotation* jb* follows: own wailed alto.; houoenoius, 52<> country- patents, 4l)s.; American spring patents; 50s., file.; Kansas patents, 49s., 50s.; spring bakers 46s.; Hungarian patent, nominrt I WHEAT FORECAST. Good progress is being made in clearing the DoxdaneUes, and there is every indicar tion of its being accomplished in tie near lutare; this» ooupied with favourable aup reports "from both the Sorti American and. European continents, have caused wheat f,narkets tp rule quiet. Bere are fighting shy of this high prices now ruling. This is only reasonable; a cautious policy is the one to pursued At the time of penning this the Allies are doing well, both in the East and West, and with occasional set-backs will undoubtedly continue to do so. They liavp whm hand. FEEDING STUFF FORECAST. With the spring advancing and erase rather more plentiful the consumption Df dry -food has eaasd somewhat, and as re- porte of the Argentine maize harvest are in the main favourable, markets in this de- partment have ruled Quiet. • Values are at 11 high level. and epeciriSr tion ii-risky JEegulate purchases by re- quirements is the course to follow. Lord Dpngan. the elder son of Lord Cowley, was presented by Lady Dapgan with a son on Monday morning. Lord Dangan appears at Daly's Theatre in thfi musical comedy "Betty "with the theatre name of Mr. Arthur Wollftley. FifteeB months ago, when in New York with on. of 1Iir. EdwArdes' companies, he married Miss May Picard, an American actres* aonearing with him in The Girl