Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

CURRENT COMMENTS. There is a very strong feeling amongst people that we are on the eve oi great sweats in the war. A more optimistic tone prevails, although if you ask the reason there is no solid answer. But 'the feeling is there, and more people are hope- ful about the prospects. This is at once a good sign and a bad sign—paradoxical as the statement may appear. On the one hand, it is essential that the rank and iile of the population, in these isles should maintain their confidence and their cour- age. To give way to attacks of the dumps is bad for the community as much as for the individual, and everything that can be done to prevent people from becoming gloomy is welcome. But, on the other hand, there must be caution against a sense of false security. If this war is to be won by the Allies, it must be fought out to the hardest and most bitter end. Any slackening of effort at home or abroad would be courting disaster. That is why the best course to take is to look facts straight in the face, to realise the full measure of the task to be got through, and to be determined that everyone engaged in the work—whether in the fighting or in the workshop—will do his and her level best. Judgment on the Kovno business must be suspended for a few days, until fuller details are to hand. That the Germans have gained an advantage there is certain, but the extent of that advantage (so far as information to hand at the time of writing shows) is not so great as German messages claim. The position is not so eatislactory as we tfnould like it to be. The fact that the enemy is advancing is against us, but there is no reason to be depressed. The Kaiser is making a des- perate effort, but he is losing heavily, and the policy of attrition is working against him. So far as Italy and the Dardanelles are concerned, good work is being done. Nothing but the utmost admiration can be expressed for the manner in which the Italian Army is going on with a work full of the most difficult achievements that troops can be called upon to perform. Re- ports published during the last few day:- are full of passages to show the Italians to be not only good soldiers, but also men whose agility and bravery combined is something that a nation may well be proud of. In the Gallipoli Peninsula, where the Turks have the advantages, the French and British troops are gaining ground steadily and surely, and all the most competent judges of such matters are confident that success is certain. In another column we print, by special request of tho Admiralty, an article on the Royal Marines. Although they have not been in the limelight much, the Marines are one of the most useful branches of his Majesty's forces. They go everywhere, and are ready to do anything on land or sea, frequently passing through periods of stress all the more try- ing because the space at their disposal is confined and there is no chance of getting away from certain disaster when the ship thpy are on is pressed too severely. The class of fighting they have to do is far different from what it was in the days of the old and famous wooden walls. The writer of this note remembers the stories told by a rolative of the past generation who, when ha was a mere youth, served in the Chinese War. In one engagement the ship was surrounded by so many score3 of junks that the gun fire was not sufficient to keep them off, and the men came swarming up the sides of the ship. The only thing to be done at last was for the Marines to stand along the bulwarks, armed with cutlasses and swords, and when the Chinamen came up to climb over their hands were chopped off, so that the men fell back into the sea. Unfortunately, the Marines have come within the range of the humorists. King George is said to have noticed once at a banquet a lot of empty bottles lying about. Take those marines away! he shouted, whereupon an officer of the Marines, who was one of the guests, ven- tured upon a mild remonstrance. The King apologised, and added, I called them Marines because they have done their duty once and are ready to do it again! The R.M.'s have done splen- did service on land as well as on sea, and this inspired one of Kiplin's best sets of verse, in which he described them as soldier and sailor, too." In the reports of recent battles a lot is eaid about the numbers of men, guns, etc., captured, but a correspondent draws at- tention to the absence of any mention of flags and standards. These parts of a regi- ment's field equipment have gone out on account of the exigencies of modern war- fare. Formerly, the colours were carried into action as rallying points for the men, and many glorious battles have been fought in desperate efforts to preserve them from capture. The last of these deeds of bravery was at the famous Borke's Drift, and the exploit of the two young officers of the gallant 21th will long be remembered. Since that day, however, the colours would be dangerous, as they would indicate the position of the regi- ment to the foe, and would also assist in range finding. There is a remarkably small number of Bzitish colours" in the possession of other nations. So far as we can learn, only one is in the posses- sion of Russia now. It is lodged in the Petro-Paulovski Church at the citadel of Petrograd, and is said to have been picked up after one of the battles in the Crimea. But its story is not very clear. Visitors to the Invalides in Paris have often been struck by the paucity of British Colours which are stacked round the tomb of the great Napoleon. There are innumerable Austrian and Prussian Colours, but there are only two British ones. Captured British Colours, there- fore, being so rare in Europe, it seems strange that one should actually have been sold out of a public museum in France only a few years ago. Evidently the museum authorities must have been somewhat deficient in military know- ledge or they would not have put the Colour up for sale, with a Dutch one thrown in, for 600 francs. Yet for this price the lot was sold, and the Colour is How once again in British possession. The flag was originally the King's Colour of the 2nd Battalion of the 69th Regiment, a corps which was raised in 3803 and disbanded in 1816 on the con- clusion of the Napoleonic wars. It has, therefore, a real connection with the present 69th or 2nd Battalion of the Welsh Regiment, who have inherited its battle honour of Waterloo; and th.s it be distinguished from many of (those ehort-lived corps which were raised and soon disbanded diudw the various I phases of the Nawleonic :WaD. and h?v? i therefore, no real connection with any of the corps—all of them, of course, the higher numbers—who now bear, or did bear, their numerical designations. The loss of the Colour appears to have been due to a mistake, and the corps were in no way to blame. The 2nd 69th at the Battle of Quatre Bras was in Sir Colin -Halkett's Brigade, which formed part of the 3rd Division of the Prince of Orange's Corps. The 69th was on the flank which was about to be subjected to an attack by cavalry. They were in the act of forming square when the Prince rode up and asked what they were doing. He then said that he did not think there was any chance for an attack by cavalry, and he ordered them to reform column and to deploy into line. But just at this moment a. strong body of French Cuirassiers approached un- perceived, and succeeded in completely rolling up the 69th. Caught thus at so great a disadvantage, it was then that the Colour was taken. It appears to have fallen into the bands of General Donzelot. who was commanding at Quatre Bras a division of Ney's Army Corps, which was in close proximity to Sir Colin Halkett's Brigade during the battle. Matters have changed much since those days: and, although, perhaos. most Eng- lishmen would less mind a British Colour being in the possession of France than any other nation, it is a satisfaction to know that we have it back. The controvery still raging in regard to wearing uniform in public by the members of the various volunteer defence bodies seem3 out of all proportion to the cause. The position is perfectly plain. The War Office has not sanctioned the use of these uniforms at any time except when the corps are actually un,der training. The only mark authorised by the War Office is the red armlet, and even that is supposed to be restricted to the hours during which these corps are at practice. That is a clear and definite rule, which, as every- body who moves about London is aware, has been broken by many members of these defence bodies. A change in the rule may or may not be desirable, but so long as the rule exists the associations should themselves see that it is respected. It has, however, led to a definite ruling as to the status of the V.T.C. A few days ago the Town Clerk of Bradford issued a circular stating that members of the Brad- ford Volunteer force when wearing the brassard are members of his Majesty's forces. The police at Bradford acting on this circular warned licensed victuallers that they must not serve Volunteers in uniform during the hours of restriction applying to soldiers under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The matter was brought to the notice of the Army Coun- cil by the Licensed Victuallers' Defence League, and the following reply was sent: As members of Volunteer Training Corps are not < membel's of his Majesty's forces/ orders made under Regulation 10 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations do not apply to them." There is some misunderstanding about the rule against wearing military badges. According to the best advice we have been able to obtain, ladies are not al- lowed to wear the imitations of the badges of the regiments that their rela- tives and friends are serving in. It is a pity that the order came out so late in t'he day, as many firms had made rather elaborate arrangements for providing ornamental copies of badges, some of which were very pretty samples of silver- smith's art. But the habit of wearing badges was being abused by men who stuck almost anything on to the lapels of their coats, in many cases for the pur- pose of making people believe that they were doing their bit," whilst all the time they were unmitigated slackers. This induced one wag to print the letters "N-vB.B." on a white button, which he affixed to his lapel. When asked what it meant he replied: The No Badge Brigade." Apparently, he was not con- scious of the contradiction that he was perpetrating. Coal peat fuel is being utilised in Can- ada somewhat extensively, the peat being mixed with coal breeze a.nd then pressed into briquettes. Such fuel has been found efficient and economical. Chalk also, of which there are large deposits in Canada, can be converted into a profitable fuel. If the chalk is pulverised and then com- bined with a certain percentage of breeze and solidified tar, the mixture being com- pressed into small briquettes or pebbles about the size of a small egg,, the bri- quettes burn with perfect satisfaction. The fuel has the advantage of being smokeless, has a high calorific value and burns freely. Coal is, of course, avail- able all over Canada wherever the rail- ways have penetrated, and new coal fields are being constantly developed; but there is a growing demand for the new fuel. A correspondent who has a certain amount of admiration for the English language writes to point out that the registration forms bore a travesty of the King's English. They were marked u Male and Female," instead of 1. -M,.in and Woman." He argues, with truth, that it is strange that after so many years of free education, even Government officials do not appear to know the difference between a noun and oqn adjective. Our correspondent will fret himself to no good purpose, we are afraid. Sir Walter Scott wrote a novel to teach peoole the difference between a noun and an adjective, and yet many who pro- fees that they are writers use the word antiquarian instead of anti- quary. Several of the State Governments of Australia are considering schemes for successfully placing returned soldiers on the hind in various narts of the Common- wealth. The New South Wales Govern- ment has decided that land s to be mnde available by the construction of the Barmedman-Wyalong-HTllston railways, an area of 250,000 acres, will be held in reserve, and New South Wales applicants who have done active war service will receive preference. An equivalent num- ber of homesteads in the irrigation area at Yanco will be set aside in the same way. "As a matter of fact," said the Premier, "the Cabinet decided that it should be the general policy of the Gov- ernment, as well as the lands department, for some time to come, to give preference to men in every case who had volunteered for- active service." A lot of wire pulling seems to be going on already in anticipation of the selection of next year's Mayor of Swansea. Some of the dodges adopted are rather amusing. For instance, there is the policy of weed- ing out. Quiet chats take place, at whiofc. the subject is mentioned; and, of course, So-and-So is quite out of it because well, never mind why. One by one, reasons are urged against the selection of members of the Council, until the number available is reduced to one. Of course, that one is sans peur et sans reproche! is sfill a a*?-rube II National service is still a question arousing sharp controversy. It rubs against the raw with a number of people who used to be against it, but who now realise that all may have to admit that something must be done now circum- stances are altered. Col. Page Croft, M.P., in a letter to the papers, puts for- ward several cogent points. Amongst them are this:—The present system is cruel, and inflicts the maximum amount of suffering, because since so many young men fail the married men with a higher sense of duty are ioinieg in ever-incroas- jjjg numbers when tJtuy ought to be the, last to leave. Incidentally, in widows> pensions wo are piling up an enormous burden for our children which will be felt for more than a generation. Amongst the names of interesting men appearing in the lists this week is that of M. Franceschini Petri. who is reported to be seriously ill. He was private secretary successively to Napoleon III., the Prince Imperial, and the Empress Eugenie. He entered the Emperor's service so far back as 1854; his woik from the first was of the most arduous and confidential nature. Having the custody of all the Emperor's cyphers and codes, it was he who tran- scribed the despatches which arrived and took instructions for dealing with them. He was in close attendance on Napoleon during the Italian campaign, and during the Franco-Trussian War until the disaster of Sedan. In the course of the latter campaign M. Pietri realised for the first time the gravity, of the ailment which afflicted his Imperial master, and he telegraphed to the Empress suggesting that the Emperor should return to Paris and leavo Bazaine in chief command. But just then Weissenburg, Speichen, and Worth had followed each other in quick succession, and the Empress replied that Napoleon's return after such reverses might entail fatal consequences. What h^wpened afterwards is now written in the open book of history. In his report to the Colonial Office on the storm that passed over Jamaica a few days ago, the Governor of the island de- scribes it as a hurricane," but says the speed of the wind was 50 miles an hour. For the last 100 years the scale of wind force drawn up by Admiral Beaufort has been in general use. Accord- ing to that scale, the Jamaica wind was a U whole gale," as no wind, is classed as hurricane un- less it reaches a speed of 75 miles per hour. Two years ago the Beaufort scale was carefully revised by an International Conference, which met at Rome, and Prince Galitzin, head of the Russian Meteorological Service, has just issued a new scale based on the decisions of the Rome Conference. This revised scale differs very slightly from the Beaufort scale. In it gales—"moderate," "strong. and whole "-art, assigned to wind yel- ocities between 40 iintl 55.5 miles per hour; speeds between 56 and 75 miles per hour are classed as 6torms while the various kinds of hurricanes cyclones, tor- nadoes, etc.) are assigned to those ex- tremely rare winds which exceed 75.8 miles an hour, or 34 metres per second. The sailors on some of the English coasts have an additional "class." When the wind goes beyond a certain point in their powers of calculation, they say it is enough to blow the devil out o water." The question of growing more food- stuffs within the British Isles, to which attention has been directed in these columns upon several occasions during the past year, is being discussed with greater vigour in macy other papers. One points out that from time to time we have had assurances, more or less inspired, that the matter is engaging the atten- tion of the Government." To be sure, one of the first acts of Lord Selborne, on taking office in the Coalition Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture, was to appoint a strong committee to report on the matter, and the committee, of which Lord Milner was chairman, got to work with so little loss of time that they were able, it is understood, to make a preliminary report early last month. That report has not been published, but it is stated that it recommends certain inducements to farmers, in the shape of a guaranteed minimum price, to put a larger acreage under wheat cultivation. Whether such a course is a necessary or advisable measure is a question that the Government alone can decide, but it is a question on which decision should be taken promptly, for it is not a matter on which we can wait and see." Already the year's harvest is being ingathered, and in a few weeks' time the disposal of the land for the coming twelve months will be finally settled, so that delay will' spell the loss of a year. Parliament will be sitting again in a few weeks, and it is to be hoped that one* of the first things enacted is a law liberating the farmers from some of the existing restrictions upon corn growing. Leases saying that only a certain number of acres on a farm may be laid down to wheat should be held in abeyance, if not abolished. If the far- mers were free to grow as much corn as their land will bear, a large increase in the acreage would soon follow. Eggs have again come under a lot of notice by writers, by reason of the new law compelling sellers to give consumers some idea of what they are buying. Eggs have for many years past been a valuable item in domestic economy, but also valu- able in providing humorists with a topic. Dan Leno, in the patter of one of his in- imitable songs, used to refer to the egg's unhappy simplicity. You can't talk to it," he said, if you do, you don't get a sensible answer." Another humorist, however, once wrote a contradiction of that doctrine in the lines— There's no argument so strong As an egg laid over long. The latest suggestion is that the new law does not go far enough in its ennumera- tion, as the grades should be labelled:— (1), New laid eggs; (2), fresh eggs; (3), eggs; (4), cooking eggs; (5), shop 'uns; (6), political arguments. Reference was made by the President of the Chamber of Commerce to the late Lord Tredegar's participation in the famous charge at Balaklava. In the course of a letter written some years ago to Major H. S. White, his lordship (who commanded the right troop of the squad- ron) said::—" I was riding within a yard of your father and af ew yards from Lord Cardigan on my right front; as Lancers we were riding with lances in the buckwfcs until the charge sounded, which was not done, and your father gave the word to get the lances < in rest Lord Cardigan holloaed across me to ask what he meant by it, or words 10 that effect, but by that time we were on the guns, andql never h-eard a bugle."

LOCAL NOTES. I ABERAVON & PORT TALBOT. 1 The negative posrtion in which Port I Talbot stands as an administrative area through its abeetwee of corporate status was exemplified during the hearing of a case ai the Aberavon County Police Court on Monday. An alien was charged with neglecting to register at the Chief Regis- tration Offioo-Qt N. The defendant's excuse was that he had reported himself as a seaman, and had since been engaged at work at the docks, and could not spare the time to go to Neath- The Clerk of the Court (Mr. D. E. Jones) very perti- nently asked the question: Why should people be put.to the trouble and expense of travelling six miles to Neath to regis- ter? Could not braneh registration office be establiebecliftt Port Talbot, which is a seaport, whiast Neath is not? The question which fiashéB to the mind is- Why a..brancll registration office at Port Talbot? Port Tatbot is a seaport town of 35,000 inhabitants and an annual shipmeat of nearly 3,000,000 tons, but it has to play second fiddle to outside authorities. The fact that aliens arriv- ing at Port Talbot, and in the majority of cases unable to speak English, have to go to Neath to register is an injustice which should be promptly remedied. Education, police, poor law administra- tion, a8seBame<nsfcs--w«ryfli«iq5, in faot. is under aut&ari-. ties. The scheme of amalgamation would bring the full power over everything with- in its administrative area. Several people have written expressing appreciation of the attention called to the lack of control ajid supej-vision at the Aberavon beach. One writes: To have such a condition of chaos on a beautiful beach like Abcravon is a serious reflection upon cur local public body. Surely such a precious gift of nature merits some little attention and the establishment of a system of law, order, and safety for the public! That portion of ground near Harvey's Lake, on the road to the docks, once the dumping ground for the town's scaveng- ing, is now a fine solid stretch of valuable land prolifiic in growth and adaptable for building purpos. At the time the Cor- poration decided to dump the town's refuse there, it was suggested in these columns that the refuse should be de- posited on to the site presented by Lord Jersey for an athletic ground, so as to form a solid surface. This idea was strongly supported in the Council at the time by Alderman David Jenkin Jones, but by others the suggestion was con- sidered ridiculous! It has taken six years and a practical demonstration to convince the Corpora- tion of the efficacy-of the suggestion, and they have now decided to adopt it. Now that a sewerage system has been laid down to the beach, there seems to be no reason why the Corporation cannot proceed with erecting a shelter there. A properly equipped shelter would be more than self-supporting. After being encamped at the Aberavon seaside, the 5th Supernumerary Company, Welsh Regiment, are preparing to leave for « somewhere in England. On Wed- nesday morning, the first party, number- ing 60, entrained at Port Talbot G.W.R. Station. They were under the command of Lieut. Weddell, who is an extremely popular and efficient oiffcer. On Wednes- day night, at the Y.M.C.A. marquee, Lieut. Weddell. was made the recipient of some useful presents by his friends, as a token of appreciation and esteem on his departure from Aberavon. A smoking concert was also given, tobacco and cigar- ettes being presented to the men by the officials and members connected with the Y.M.C.A. movement. A matinee was also given at the camp during the afternoon by the male members of Mr. Bert Maddi- son's revue company, who are playing at the Grand Theatre, Aberavon, Mr. Maddi- son and his company greatly delighted the troops. The men were given an enthus- iastic send-off by a large crowd who had assembled at the railway station. This Saturday the public will be asked to assist a flag-day sale to raise funds for the equipment of the local Voluntary Aid Detachment which has been formed in connection with the Red Cross Society. The sum of about XI50 is required to pro- cure uniforms, stretchers, bandages, splints, &c. The detachment was -formed to render assistance in the removal of wounded soldiers to convalescent centres. The members, 'who are all qualified in ambulance work, will be available for any town between Newport and Llanelly. The object is certainly a very deserving one. On Saturday next, the 28th inst., the Boy Scouts athletic sports will be held on the Port Talbot Central Athletic Ground. The programme contains no less than 18 interesting events, for which there are already numerous entries. The Aberavon St. Mary's Military Band will be in attendance, under the conductorship of Mr. Chas. Vowles, and will play during afternoon a choice programme of music. Considering that tho object is to establish the local scouts movement on an official basis, and with proper equipment and a recognised headquarters, it is to be hoped that the event will be largely patronised by the public generally. I ft Lucifer. I

AMMANFORD. I Under the strikingly appropriate head- line of "Called to the Great Review," there appears, in tb-io week's War Cry," a touching and inspiring reference to the death of Mrs. Payne, of Gorseinon, the Corps Cadets' Guardian. Mrs. Payne was known as Captain Ford," and com- manded in the course of her field service, among other corps, Swansea IL, Southsea II.. and Bishop's Waltham. I know some- thing of the self-denying efforts of those who are connected .with the Salvation Army, and have met hundreds of officers, from the late General down to the volun- teers who joined their ranks after the great upheaval of religious fervour follow- ing the Welsh Revival. I had something to do with Y Gadlef (the Welsh War Cry") some years ago, and well remember the energy and the occasionally curbed Welsh hwyl of Staff-Captain Russell, who knows, unwell as I do, the difficulty which headquarters," with their English notions, unfortunately and uninten- tionally, threw in the way of the purely Cymric enthusiasts who tried to run it. But I have never faltered in my re- gard for the great organisation which has, according to its lights, laboured so inces- santly and, upon the whole, effectively, among the poorer classes. Knowing their absolute sincerity and self-effacement as I do, I can appreciate the pathetic tribute paid to the -life work and passing away over the Great Divide" of Captain S. Ford, of Gorsednon. It's all right; I say ifs all right," she declared on the day before the final farewell was said, and the closing words of her earthly career, uttered with fleeting breath, were: I- will praise Him — as-l.ong-as-He- lendeth-m&-breath! May I add: Heddwch i'w llwch, hyd y dydd bydd dorau 'beddau'r byd ar un gair yn agoryd." The men of the Anthracite district of miners are looking beyond the present settlement by Mr. Runciman, in London, for they are expecting a definite decision from an independent chairman, referee, or umpire-call him what you like—upon their demand for being levelled up to the full percentages on the new standard. They do not want ,to remain at a wage which is 5 per cent. lees, and although the method. of procedure must of necessity remain an open question until the inde- pendent chairman has been selected, hopes are entertained that a satisfactory basis will be arrived at for the regulation of the wage in future. It will be remem- bered that immediately after the Lloyd George settlement, at Cardiff, with its cla-use referring the Anthracite men's demand to an inquiry, Mr. John Williams, M.P., the agent for the Western miners, suggested a new basis which would meet the requirements of the new agreement. I am told that the matter has since been extensively discussed, and that the figures given will be useful when the inquiry comes to be held. But, necessarily, the details are left in abeyance, because the figures upon the old agreement and the new otand-ard will be only matters of adjustment. Mr. Williams is not the agent of the Anrfckracdte men, but he is an expert in coal trade figures, and he acted on the wage sub-committee which met, about a fortnight ago, to formulate the "informal" demand for an increase in the wages of the whole of the South Wales men. His suggestions to the Anthracite men came from him in that capacity, and it is a notable fact that the relations between the miners' leaders of the various districts were never so cordial as they are' at present. By the by, the Anthracite men, like others, will note with satisfaction that the next demand for a general wage increase ,throughout the coalfield will be for 15 per coat. The workmen^-leadens contend that ..vast..œs euch an appUca- tiou, and, as to the amount claimed, they point out the fact that the rule as to a maximum has for a long time pre- v-ented them from getting the results of an audit of the selling price of coal. They want it now. It is not likely that the ooalowners will concede the demand. They do not give any- thing away. But, in accordance with the regulations laid down, under the old, ex- pired agreement—and no doubt the new agreement will contain a similar clause— the matter will have to go before the inde- pendent chairman (Lord St. Ald,.i-yn),tfor his decision. Then will arise a question as to whether the powers of the independent chairman are to be widened or not. According to the old rule, he had only to give a casting vote for or against the dema-nd made. If the workmen's leaders demanded 15 per cent. when only 10 per cent. increase was justified, the casting vote would be against the men, and they would not be entitled to anything. There has, however, been a tendency to let his lordship have the right to say what, if anything-, .shall be granted, and such a method would, beyond question, give greater satisfaction. Awstin.

THE PREMIER'S NIECE. founded Soldiers as Guard of Honour at Her Wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Asquith were among the members of a very large congregation at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster, on Thursday, on the occasion of the marriage of the Hon. Clarissa Tennant, daughter of Lord and Lady Glenconner, and niece of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Asquith, to Lieutenant Adrian Bothell, of the 2nd Life Guards. The bride was attended to the church, and was given away by her father, while Mrs. Asquith met her in the church porch, and personally superin- tended the arrangements for the bridal procession. Miss Elizabeth Asquith was one of the bridesmaids. The bridegroom has been several times wounded in the fighting in France, and 24 men of his troop, who formed a guard of honour, are all wounded from the front. The Bishop of Salisbury officiated, assisted by the Rector of Woolaton, Notts., uncle of the bride. Sir Edward Grey was among the congregation. A large crowd assembled outside the church, and the Prime Minister and the bride were heartily cheered.

SHUNTER CHARGED. Remarkable Series of Thefts Alleged. At the Llanelly Police Court on Wed- nesday, Frederick Albert Coles, 26, West- hury-street, was charged with* larceny. Mr. T. R. Ludford, for the prosecution, said defendant was employed as a shunter by the G.W.R., having previously been engaged at the passenger station until February last. The charges would be mostly of larceny of cloth. The wife of the prisoner was a dressmaker, and the prosecution had reason to believe that the defendant was systematically stealing the cloth and that the wife was making the cloth into garments, and that this had been going on for a very long time. Detective-Inspector Morris, who was the means of finding out the prisoner was the man committing the thefts, found a large quantity of cloth at prisoner's house. Detective-Inspector Morris stated that at present he would only prefer two charges of larceny against Coles of steal- ing parcels of cloth, on different dates, of the value of £2 5s. and S:2 7s. 3d. respec- tively. Witness spoke to visiting defen- dant's house and finding the cloths which he produced. When he took them to the defendant at Llanelly Station, the latter said that he knew nothing about them. Coles was arrested on Tuesday. Witness had reason to believe that the cloths formed part of consignments and were the property of the G. W .R. On the application of Mr. Ludford, who said witnesses were required from Liver- pool, Manchester, Birmingham and else- where, the case wa £ adjourned, bail being allowed.

SUBMARINE'S FAMOUS EXPLOIT. A quartermaster who was in the British submarine which sank a Turkish trans- port, and afterwards bombarded two munition depots at Haidar Pasha, tells how the exploit was carried out. After a voyage made entirely under water they sighted a big Turkish trans- port heading for the Narrows. The SUb-II marine came to the surface. They were sufficiently near to remark the agitation on board the Turkish boat, which was struck by the first torpedo launched. The submarine plunged and came to the,-surfaco two miles away. Only the tops of the transport's funnels were visible, and in a few moments the vessel disappeared. The submarine then made for Haidar Pasha, which was reached at about five in the afternoon. For a quar- ter of an hour the depots were bom- barded, and the gunners had the satis- faction of seeing them both burst into flames, and later a violent explosion shattered the buildings. It was at this moment that a Turkish coastguard vessel hove in sight and borer down on the submarine, which turned and fired a torpedo, striking the target i and making a gaping wound in its side.

SOLDIER AND HIS REFUGEE BRIDE. The love romance of two Belgians, one a refugee in this country, had a happy termination on Wednesday in Leeds when the couple were married at the Roman Catholic Church, Beeston. The bridegroom, Edouard de Keyser, of the 6t'h Regiment Belgian Infantry, tra- velled hundreds of miles in search of his bride, Philomene Huybrechts, before he discovered her, a refugee in the Beeston district of Leeds. The couple were about to be married when the war broke out, and Philomene and the rest of the family fled to Eng- land. Edouard joined the colours and for many months could not hear anything of his financee. Eventually he secured the names and addresses of all the re- fugees in this country whose surname was Huybrechts, and by long and diligent searching he was able to get into touch with his lost fiancee.

 ABERAVON SCHOOL THEFT. Four Aberavon boys—John W. Hal- comb, George Wood, James Wood, and Edward Bush-all of Olive-street, were before the local magistrates on Thursday charged with breaking and entering the National Schools on July 30th and August 5th, and doing damage to the extent of £7. Mrs. Jones, caretaker, said she dis- covered Halcomb battering a cupboard with an axe. Martha Griffiths, headmistress, said she found 19 locks broken. Quantities of rulers, rubbers, chalk, pencils, books, etc., were missing. The charge against Bosh was dis- missed, Halcomb was fined S4 5s., and the other boys S3 3s. each.

I THE HOUR OF THE ARA-BESCLUE. According to the United Press special correspondent in Constantinople, quoted in an Exchange telegram from Now York, an order has been made in Con- stantinople prohibiting the use of all signs, advertisements, and notices, written or printed in any o", racters or langiiages save Arabic. The only exception is for German and Austrian houses, which are permitted German, if Gothic lettering is used* ✓

I THE V.T.C. MEN. t I BATTALION FOR CARMARTHEN. I In connection with the manoeuvres that I wifl take place on Saturday next at Morris- I ton it is interesting to note that Major Perkins, the indefatigable regimental com- mander, has arranged a programme that should afford to the townspeople of Swan- sea an opportunity for gu"ging the effective- ness of the local corps. Swansea folk, very fortunately, are able to sleep ccmfortaoiy in their beds at night, and the least sug- gestion of the possibility of a raid on this locality would be received with comments at once cynical and sarcastic. Yet it. is good to know, and it adds to our comfort to know that even if, say, an enemy force were to land in the town the citizens could rely to ,a-very appreciable extent on the Volunteer Training Corps to do much to keep the invaders at bay, or at least to sufficiently harass their progress as to allow time for the regular troops to take up a certain allotted position for defence. But the question is-Coiild the local corps do that? Major Perkins is going to put them through the teat on Saturday after the drills at Momston. A Big Turn-out Promised. __H" Granted favourable climatic cuxiut- tiens, the manoeuvres should be -a complete success. This will be the fiist occasion for the corps to visit the Morrisi/on Park, although there is now a platoon re- cently formed in the tinplate town. How far the Morriston men have progressed will be seen on S^bturd»s^ but it is safe to assume, judging by the enthusiasm they infuse into their work, that they have al- ready benent.ted considerably, and it is up to Morriston to bfc at their best, for amongst the other platoons will be ilafod, Plasmari, Clydach, and, of course, some of the Swansea corps. The Swansea men will march up from the Cricket Fidd and will be joined enroute by the Ilafod and Plasmarl contingents respec- ively. Th-i distance the men will have marched when they reach the park will be five iand a half miles. After a short rest they will take patt in the manoeuvres, and subsequently will entrain-or entl"am?-by ear for Swansea, whe--c they will endeavour to prove their usefulness in case of danger. By the way reference must be made to the public and patriotic spirit of Mr. lktvid James and the Swansea Tramways Co., who has been good enough to arrange a special' service of cars to take the members of thet corps back to Swansea. There will also be reduced fares for members of the corps. When the several local companies are out on a route march one is often struck with the remarkable fitness of the men, of whom at least 20 per cent. appear to bo fit for the Regular Army. To remove any misappre- hension that may arise it would be well to point out that no one is allowed to join the corps except who lias a sufficient reason xor not joining the Army. And that reason must be one that the recruiting sergeant considers sufficient." Neath Musketry Practice. I At Baglan on Saturday the marksmen of the l'eath Company of the V.T.O. found the weather conditions an enemy, strong and fitful gusts of wind making accurate aim almost, impossible. By the kind per- mission of the officers of the 6th Welsh, a musketry instructor and four markers were present, and the first practice on a, service range was a signal success. There were twenty-seven competitors, and at, the 200 yards range some good scores were made, Sergt. Perry, H. Wells, J. Lloyd, and 11. Daitby tieing for first honours. At the 500 yards range, A. W. Andrews was an easy first, W. H. Lloyd, F. G. Waring, and J. Richards bracketed for the second place. Tonna District Platocn. I A public meeting was held at Tonna on Monday evening, under 'the chairmanship of Mr. Wm. Jones, J.P., for the purpose of forming a platoon for Aberdulais, Tonna, and Ciyne. Interesting speeches were made by Mr. J. B. G. Price, Rev. C. Lindsey, Com- mandant W. B. Trick, J.P., Adjutant L It. Stone, Mr. Hastings Medhurst, Mr. Abraham George, Bev. David Jones, and Mr. J. D. D. Davies. As a result 21 men enrolled, and drills will commence next week in the school grounds. A considerable advance in the member- ship of the 12anelly Volunteer Training Corps has resulted from the recent demon- stration at the Market Hall. The members are payina; assiduous attention to drills, and that they are being licked into shape is evident from their impressive appear- ance when on parade. There is no reason why the V.T.C. should not be as much a suc- cess in Llanelly as it is in other towns. The men know full well that they are not play- ing at soldiers, and ithey are giving their services in all seriousness. It is certain that capable officers are in command. Mr. H. W. Spowart (the Town Clerk) is com- mander; Mr. Martin John, eecond in com- mand; Mr. T. G Anfield, company-sergt.- major; Mr. A. G. Pullen, company-quarter- mar,t.er-sei,gt.. Mr. Pullen is also the Iwn. secretary. Saturday afternoon was zlxnt at Stradey Park, oompany crill being on the programme. I I fit- night (Wednesday) the V.T.C. aradsd to New Dock and Seaside district, and car- ried out manoeuvres at Havelock Park. It is proposed to form a county battalion of the V.T.C. for Carmarthenshire, and the com- pany commanders for the different centres are conferring together, so as to secure uni- formity of dress, etc. Another movement- that of forming an automobile section of the V.T.C. for tho county-is proceeding, and a meeting has been convened for Saturday next. There are vacancies for recruits in the V.T.C. Application forms can be signed at the Town Hall in the daytime, or at the Scouts' Hall, the headquarters. The Clydach platoon of the Swansea Bat- talion of the Volunteer Training Corps are settling down well once more to hard drill after their recent furlough." An average of about 50 men fell in for drill on Thurs- day and Tuesday evenings. SecondlLieuten- ant D" A. Lewis (of the Swansea Battalion), a native of Clydach, who is home from Rhyl on extende dleave, was in command on be is evenings, and saw that the men were put through their weekly training. The Clydach Platoon is about a. hund- red strong, but there is never a full muster at drill. In fact, one has to allow for about 60 per oent. in absentees, on ac- count of quite a number of the men failing to answer to the" roll-call" owing to pro- fessional a.nd other duties. The rifle range fitted up at the local Public Hall for the use of the Clydach Pla- toon haso now been completed, and members will commence shooting practice on tho range this week. Wednesday and Friday evenings in each week have been set apart for musketry practice and general shooting. I One may expect to hear soon of keen rivalry prevailing amongst the men on the range, and of some good and keen shooting and Ie- markable records. When the Swansea, Battalion of the V.T.O. assemble for inspection and drill at Mor- riston next Saturday afternoon, I am given to understand that, the Olyda.ch Platoon will avail themselves of this opportunity in which to put in a bit of a route march to Morriston. For this purpose its members will "fall in" at Forge Fach about two o'clock next Saturday afternoon. Their line of route will probably be thronged with spectators keenly intercepted in the doings and progress of their own platoon. A successful meeting under Swansea Volunteer Training Corps auspices was held at the Parish Hall, Kilvey, on Wed- nesday evening, with the object of inaugurating a platoon for the Kilvey and Foxhole district. Tho St. Thomas and Salisbury Platoons marched to the meet- ing, some attired in their new uniforms. The chair was occupied by Councillor Goo. Hill, St. Thomas. Mr. G R, George proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding and the speakers for tlieir excellent addresses. Commander Bottomley seconded. Coun- cillor Hill, on behalf of the speakers and himself, replied in suitable terms. The meeting closed with the singing of the National At the close recruits were enrolled.

COAL AGREEMENT. FINAL DECISION BY MR. RUNCI- MAN IN A FEW DAYS. We have received the following official message from the Press Bureau upon the joint conference of South Wales coal- ownersJ representatives and miners' leaders, held in Lonoion, and brought to a conclusion at a quarter past eight o'clock on Wednesday night:— The coal owners and miners of South Wales have met in joint conference on several occasions since July 20, when a settlement of the South Wales dispute was reached. They have made progress in embodying the terms of that bettlement in the agreement between the Coalowners* Association and the South Wales Miners' Federation, but they were unable to agree on clauses on several important points. Both sides referred these points to Mr. Runciman, and agreed that his decision should be final. The hearing was taken by him in London on Tuesday and Wed- nesday, and after prolonged statements both sides completed their arguments. Agreed clauses were arrived at on many points, and oil those left open Mr. Runci- man' decision is to be given in a day or two. The Conference. Our special correspondent in London al,s,) wrltes:I,lr. W. Runcimau, Presi- dent of the Board of Trade, on Wednes- day presided over the second day's pro- ceedings of the StVjtli Wales Coal Con- ciliation Board, as independent chairman and reiereo, while the owners' side was presided over by Mr. F. L. Davis, and the workmen's side by Mr. James Win- stone. The main question at issue, at the close, perhaps, was the retrospective character of the increased pay" to those who are entitled to it under the Government ward. The coal owners consider that as the agreement lia-s not been signed, the new wage should be made payable as from the let of September. The workmen's leaders contend that it should be from the date of the settlement made xby Mr. Lloyd George. It is understood that, in any event, Mr. Runciman has undertaken to recommend the coal owners to grant the advance in accordance with the wishes of the work- men, as an act of grace, if for no other reason. All the points were carefully gone through, and it was intimated that an in- crease of Hi per cent would be asked for by the men's leaders when the Concilia- tion Board -meets after the conclusion of the arrangements fixing, up, definitely and officially, the new agreement. Other Points. Other points which occupied consider- able time related to the inclusion of en- ginemen and questions of a like charac- ter. OIl several minor points a mutual arrangement was come to, but Mr. Run- ciman was asked to formally sanction their incorporation in the new agreement. The Executive Council of the South Wales Miners' Federlaion will probably meet in Cardiff on Tuesday next, by which time it is hoped Mr. Runciman's final decision may be available.

SWANSEA GUARDIANS. Members and Deputations to Bridgend Asylum. A special meeting of the Swansea Guar- dians' Finance Committee on Thursday afternoon, Mr. D. Grey presiding, con- sidered the question of economies arising out of the Local GovernmeItt Board's circular. Mr. F. J. Parker thought both the Cor- poration and the Board of. Guardians could save money with no loss of efficiency, in the visits to Bridgend Asylum. He believed they ought to approach the Cor- poration, asking them to send one. mem- ber. with one member of the Guardians, instead of seven, as the Guardians did now. The number had been reduced con- siderably in the last year 'to other asylunm The Rev. E. O. Evans bought any reduction in the number of visitors wouict. be false economy. Mr. W. A. Thomas said their election addresses advocated efficiency with economy, but he thought Mr. Parker was preaching the doctrine in the wrong place, inasmuch as the Corporation expended a very large amount in deputations. The Corporation sent a representative to each asylum and allowed them a guinea and first-class railway fare, whil* Guardians received only 15s. and a third-class rail- way fare. The Chairman said by law the Corpo.. ration were bound to visit the asylum. Mr. W. David said the amount thew would be able to save would be small compared with what the Local Govern- ment Board itself could save if it tried. Suggestions had been made tlat they should alter the indoor people's cfot, but with this he disagreed. Mr. J. H. Rosser argued that rfc was impossible for one, two, or three repre- sentatives to do the visiting properl). Eventually it was decided, on the motion of the Rev. E. 0. Evans, b. re- duce the visits from three to two per annum. No Tobacco Stint. In reply to Mr. George. the Clerk said none of the staff who had enlisted were better off with the Government alkrv- ances and the amount received frqa tJ* Guardians than before the war. The Clerk remarked that he had raade » list of expenditures that occurred to him. There was tobacco, on which jflOO per annum was spent, but, of course, he did not smoke. Mr. Luff (smoking) You are prejudiced! Mr. W. A. Thomas thought ther were not too liberal in their jrrants of frbaooo. This was dropped, and Rev. E. O-Evarns moved that matters of maintenanoest the House and Cottage Homes (includiig the dietary of the oflicers and inmafcs) be referred to the House and Cottage Xaroea Committees for early attention. Mr. Abe Freedman did not wan the bottom dog to suffer. Let them treat everybody all round and have a rturn of the nalary of each employe. Mr. J. H. Rosser could not understand; did not know what Mr. Freedman mfentl his English was bad, or something. Who is the Bottom Dog? Rév. E. O. Evans hoped they wmld have regard to the sanctity of con in regard to salaries. There was no in- tention that the bottom dog should suflr. By the way, where was the bottom dot- inside or outside the house? Members: Outside I The motion was agreed to, and t-a Ability of Relatives Committee was aflfcrl to review All payments by relatives, 1, matter in which it was said hundreds « pounds were lost annually. Out-Relief to be Considered. Rev. E. 0. Evans also moved that tha out-relief payment be considered, especi- ally in cases where payments are made by the Army and Navy, and this was agreec to, the Rev. Father Harrington remarlp ing that he did not think it was the wist of anybody in the country to reduce W amounts given to ,the poor. He thought it would be mean to reduce the allowance of those who were given just enough 0, live.—The motion was agreed to. The meeting made economies in print- ing of abstract of accounts and minutes* and the matter of the Year Book was in- ferred until March.

Mr. Lloyd George was reported 011 Thursday to be much better. he is goins to the seaside to recuperate. For the season 1913-14 there were 1 acres under crop in Australia. This area only represented ono acre in every 130 ol the total area of the Commonwealth, More than one-fifth of the medical; pw fesaion of Australia have votanteeret fol service in connection with the war. (,' | —