Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

LLANSAMLET CHEMIST'S WILL. I Mr. David James Owen, of Frondeg, Llaneamlet, near Swansea, chemist and druggist, vid chemist and tssayer at the Swansea Vale Spelter Works, who died oiL the 5th May last, left estate of the gi 066 value of £2.063 19s. 2d., of which £ 1,498 19s. 5d. is net personalty. Probate of Iris will, dated 27th Septem- ber, 1904, has been granted to Mr. George Samuel Michell, of 41, Neath-road, Hafod, Swansea, stationer, and Mr. Henry Francis Hood, of Hinbury, St. James- crescent, Swansea, aoooontant. Testator left his estate upon trust for his wife, Mrs. Ellen Owen, for life, with the re- mainder to his daughter, Ethel Marion. or, in the event of her predecease, then to his wife absolutely.

THE MAIN COLLIERY CO. 1 (LIMITED). j CHAIRMAN AND FUTURE WORKING OF THE PIT. The annual meeting of the Main Col- liery Company, Ltd., was held on Tues- day at the Grand Hotel, Bristol, Sir Geo. White, Bart., presiding. Sir George White stated that in sub- mitting the directors' report and accounts for the year ending 30th June, I have to remind you that it includes eleven months of the war period, and has therefore been attended by many misfortunes which probably hit us harder than many coal owners in South Wales because, unlike tlio Rhondda Valley coal, ours is of a character which does ont command any sale to the Admiralty, but which we have to sell as to four-fifths of our output in France, a large portion of which is for that kind of domestic stoves which are unused in this country, and much of the small coal we sell for the preparation of patent fuel. In the early stages of the war it was simply impossible to ship because the insurance rate was about twice the value of the coal, whilst, later on, we had to exercise great caution in the sales and dealings in con- sequence of the dislocation of the French i markets. The result was that our output went down rapidly, and. from that cause and holidays, our pits were m-actically idle an average of 75 days duwkg the year. I need not tell you that such a state of things was also calculated to run the cost up, so that it is not unsatisfactory that we should have emerged as well as we have done. Notwithstanding all our troubles we cannot but be gratified that 425 of our men have joined His Majesty's Forces or' left for munition works, and had it not been for the steps taken by us to secure workmen, thrown out of employment by the stoppage of other collieries in the dis- trict, our position would have undoubtedly been even more seriously affected as is shown by the fact that the total number of men employed on the 30th June was only 1,665 as compared with 2,065 on the same date in the previous year. As the result of the year's working we have made a net profit of £4,670 only, so that we cannot pay a dividend, but we set aside the various amounts stated in the re- port for renewals and depreciation which total 917,OW as against £ 7.500 set aside in the former year, when the gross profit was I about the same, viz., £ 21.900. Circumstances have arisen, some of them during the past year, which have made it incumbent that we should incur the extra outlays referred to in the re- port, and although I have read some- where that we might have charged these itemfc to capital account and so enable a dividend to be paid, such a course; would have been most unwise. Moreover, we are overdrawn at our bankers, and have already increased that overdraft in order to pay the 1914 dividend which was in arrear until last week, and it certainly would be improper to still further add to it. I don't like this perpetual overdraft at the bank, and should hope, if possible this year, to see it got rid of once and for all. Some people seem to run away with the idea that coal mining is necessarily f. profitable venture, but they overlook the fact that in a colliery like ours, with a low-priced coal, the margin cf profit is so very small. Take the past seven years of our concern::— In 1909 our output was 450,936 tons, and the gross profit of the company from all sources before any writing off for de- preciation or renewals was per ton £ 6,871 or 3.65d. 1910 output A was 438,712— £ 13,465 or 7.35d. 1911 479,080— £8,471 or 4.24d. 1912 „ 410,510- £ 278 1913 1. 408,864— £ 13,170 or 7.73d. 1914 » 462,013— £ 21,975 or 11.41d. m-5 „ 398,052— £ 21,670 or 13.06d. so that over that period for 3,049,167 tons' the average gross profit works out at 6.76d. per ton. In order that you may follow the figures, I have had to take them as appearing in the published balance-sheets, but, as a matter of fact, of the profit of 6d. per ton no less than 2id. is made up of revenue from other sources such as rents of pro. perties, profits on working our own and other steamers, etc. The profits on the actual working of the collieries for the seven years therefore amounted to an average of only 4:ld. per ton. During that same period we paid away in wages alone .£1,102,000 or 7s. 3d. per ton, which is equivalent to about three-fourths of the average selling price of our coal. Out of the remaining fourth there were contribu- tions in rates and taxes to the amount of -037,740 or 3d. per ton, and then with the royalties, stores, renewals, and other charges there was very little left for the shareholders, and even the dividends which have been paid only go half-way to meeting the depreciation in the capital value of the shares during the same period. The amount distributed in Preference and Ordinary dividends over the seven years averages XIO.649 per annum, but during that period the market value of the shares has shown an average annual depreciation of £ 21,785. To show you how the award of 17! per cent to the men made by Lord St. Altfwyn in May will affect us, I may say that in money it represents at least double the amount of profit per ton which we have averaged during the past seven years. What the additional impost as the result of the strike in July will cost it is as yet impossible to say, whilst seeing we shall get better prices for coal during the war it will doubtless be covered, though im- mediately we return to normal conditions such a cost for wages alone would make it impossible to carry on. The narrow margin on which we always work is accentuated by the local condi- tions at No. 4 Pit, where the men's price list is unduly high, and the output is re- stricted by thenwwho, I fear, have not yet learnt the len as to "killing the goose that lays the golden egg." But un- less they do eo pretty soon it can only be a question of time when we shall have to .seriously consider the advisability of clos- ing down that particular pit, and of our normal staff of 2,000 men at least 700 men would be affected by our being forced to that conclusion. If we have fair play, we willstruggle on and still try to carry out developments, when I am perfectly cer- tain your directors could put the property upon a paying basis. It is a large under- taking, upon which former proprietors sunk and lost huge sums of money. This company bought it 2 years ago at a low figure compared with the money which had been spent upon it, but, even so, our own capital outlay is a quarter of a mil- lion sterling. Our principal landlords, the Neath Abbey Estate, Lord Dynevor, and Mr. Compton, have recently en- deavoured to encourage us to go on work- ing No. 4,' very considerately foregoing some of their royalties, but up to the pre- sent the men at No. 4 have not shown a willingness to reconsider their price list or to increase the output, though with a perfectly fair schedule which we have pro- posed, and by working the pit to its proper capacity, the men could still earn as high wages as at any of the adjoining collieries. I trust that even yet better counsels will prevail, and that the men will reciprocate our perseverance in keeping the whole of the pits going under the difficulties we have to face. It is not for want of object ltvssons. They have seen our next door neighbours, one after another, close down, ^having struggled with the same difficulties in working the same seam as long as they could. and tOne would suppose that amongst our men there must be a number who can read the signs of the 'titnf,s a!7. wcll as mcr 'tifaes ap well as most of Of eotirse, one of the hardships of our position is tn at our wages are governed by the Mon- xao»hshire a ..d Soiith Wales Joint Con- ciliation Board, and are subject to I exactly the same scale of percentages on wages and other conditions as affect the most profitable collieries in the Rhondda c and other districts. It seems a pity that the circumstances of each group of col- lieries cannot be dealt with on a more equitable basis, but the men's kaders, who, I believe, quite recognise the peculiarity of the situation, apparently see difficulty in varying the present ar- rangements, even though the jesults n,ay be disastrous to the collieries working the inferior grade of coal, though cne vculd think that it ought to be possible to ad- just matters in such a way as to er-able a pit like No. 4 to continue to exist. If we close the pit the suffering of toe men would probably only be temporary, as they would find places in other Lcenlities, but it would mean a breaking 1:p of their homes and a general dislocation in the immediate district. For instance, in the three parishes in which the collieries aie situated we pay one-seventh of the total rates, which would be thrown upon the I remaining ratepayers, with the result that the rates which now average 12s. 2d. in the £ would be materially increased. I have thought it well to deal ".vith the position very fully to-day, and 1 am sure you will agree that as so much < f our out- put goes to the North of France, the present juncture is one particularly for the exercise of business-like circumspec- tion. So far as the future is concerned, I and my colleagues are not without hope, and certainly not without determination, to use our best endeavours to yet place the Company in a better position than it has hitherto enjoyed.

I THE LANDING THAT FAILED. I Story of German Venture in the Baltic. I Petrograd, Tuesday.—The Bourse Gazette to-night, on the authority of a Lettish customs official, who has just come to Petrograd, gives an account of a Ger- man attempt to effect a landing at Pernau. According to his etory the attempt was made not opposite Pernau, but about three miles south of the port. Fifteen German vessels., including transports and torpedo boats halted within gunshot range, and then re-formed in an almost straight line in the direction of the inland of Osel, when the torpedo boats opened fire from the starboard side. This, however, soon ceased, and land- ing preparations began. The transports, convoyed by torpedo-boats, approached the shore and lowered, their longboats, into which marines swarmed down ropo ladders. The Russian reservists concealed in the sand dunes and trenches waited till the longboats were well within range, and then f uddenly opened a withering fire with rifles, machine-guns, and guns of small calibre. The fire of the transports failed to inflict the slightest damage on Russian defenders, and after the destruction of the longboats the German voeoels de- pa-rted in the direction of Domesnas. Amsterdam, Tuesday.—A semi-official telegram from Berlin declares that the Petrograd report of a big naval engage- ment in the Baltic, and of big naval losses, is completely untrue. It says that neither a large ship nor a cruiser was 6unk or damaged, and repeats the Ger- man official report issued by the Ad- miralty staff on August 21st. The telegram further denies that the Germans attempted any landing near Pernau, and continues: "the torpedo- boats which appeared in the district had orders to cover the blockade of the port. The artillery combat which developed with the port and land batteries resulted in ,the silencing of the port battery. Rotterdam, Tuesday.—No German paper published on Monday has the slightest reference to the great naval victory by the Russians in the Gulf of Riga. The only report published is that from Petrograd, of August 22, in which the Russians re- ported that they had lost one torpedo-boat but that the Germans had lost at least two torpedo-boats, while a cruiser has been torpedoed by a British submarine. It is significant that they publish this report of their own losses without a word of comment or denial.

BETTER HARVEST OF ALL CROPS I THIS YEAR. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have received the following information from the International Agriculture Inst-i- tuteThe total production of crops in 1915 in the undermentioned countries are estimated as follows: Wheat in the United King- Cwts. dom, Italy, Spain, Switzer- land, Russian Europe, India, Japan, Tunis, United States, and Canada (winter wheat only) 1,383,889,000 (17.9 per cent above last year's production.) Barley in the same oountries, except India and Canada 414,411,000 (19 per cent. above last year's production.) Oats in the same countries as barley, except Japan 755,136,000 (24 per cent. above last year's production. Rye in the some countries as for oats, except England, Scotland, and Tunis 514,385,000 (18.7 per cent. above last year's production.) United States production of- Maixe 1,458,993.000 Potatoes 230,899,000 (9.2 and 6.2 per cent. respec- tively above last year's pro- duction.)

ENTERED WRONG COURT. I At the Swansea County Court on Mon- day Mr. E. Gibson Davies applied for a new trial of the case of Mrs. M. Jo, Billingham, widow of Mr. W. H. Billing- ham, grooer, of Aberavon, who had been served with a default summons in respect of her husband's trade debts by Mr. R. W. Jones, trading as James Jones and Son, for whom Mr. J. Vaughan Edwards (Messrs. Gee and Edwards, Swansea) ap- peared. Applicant explained that she attended his Honour's court by mistake instead of the Registrar's, and judgment was given I against her in her absence'. Judge Bryn Roberts granted the appli- cation, applicant to bear the costs of the day. Mr. Davies further applied for the case to be hellTd in Aberavon County Conrt, but his Honour declined to make any order as to this. Mr. Vaughan Edwards: Mr. Davies has accepted jurisdiction by his application for a new trlal.

WELSHMEN HONOURED. I A list of honours conferred on British officers and men by the Czar was pub- lished in Tuesday's "London Gazette." Welshmen figure conspicuously in the list, Sergt.-Major Frederick Barter, V.C., of Cardiff, being one of the twenty-one to receive military crosses. The list inclartee: The Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class, with Swords for Lieut .-Colonel Thomas Owen Marden, C.M.G.. 1st Battalion, The Welsh Regiment; and a Military Cross for Sergt.-Major Barter, tho Cardiff V.C.

DISTINCTION WITHOUT I DIFFERENCE. Mr. J. W. Thorpe (magistratee clerk) to applicant at the Swansea Police Court on Wednesday: Have you had an order in this court against your husband before? Applicant; Xo. sir, not here. I're had- one at the Guildhall Court. l Tpcbnically speaking, both Mr. Thorpe i and the applicant were correct.

HIGH TIMES ABOARD. I WHO WOULDN'T BE A SAILOR? (Passed by Censor). There is everything under the sun to make you happy; who wouldn't be a sailor ?" A great many people are apt to look upon the life of our sailors as one long, unweary- ing vigil, but the above happy expression of Stoker J-. H. Barnett, of H.M.S. Tiger, must dispel the illusion. Monotony has no place in the heart of Jack Tar. And the gallant watch-dogs on the seas have a humour that is inexhaustible. Stoker Barnett has sent to his father at 26, Dyfatty street, Swansea, three pro- grammes-two of concerts and one of a box- ing night on board. The finet of these is an artistic prod uction-certainly for a battle- ship—and on the cover we read PROGRAMME OF A GRAND CONCERT To be Given on the Aft Foleastle Deck At 5 p.m. (By kind permission of Kaiser Billy and Burglar Billy.) Scenery and Lighting Effects by the Pre- vailing Elements. Costumes by Mesdaines Hitebup and Fittall. Wigs by Nature and Koko. Muaic by Messrs. Sereechowl and Shocking. Piano by Monthly Instalments. Encores by Nobody. Seats by Borrow and Co. Admission: Early- doorw by faee only;" ordinary doors by more face." Refreshments: Buy your. own. A rmoplaneis, Taxis, etc., at 7.3.0 p.m. Storage free during performance at Lower Boom- street (aide of theatre). Postponed-te Sink the Bkiother. How (this concert was delayed by the ar- rival of the German squadron, which had set out to repeat its vScarbcrough perfor- mance, And which resulted in the sinking of the Bluecher, is described in the follow- ing letter from Stoker Barnett:- yoll have often asked me whrat we do in our spare time, and I am sending you the attached programmes, which I hope you will keep till come home, as they are in- teresting besides being historical. No 1 is of a eonort which should have taken place on Saturday evening, Jan. 23rd last, but owing to the Admiral of the German Fleet intervening we gave him a lecture instead by sinking the Blwecher. TBus concert was postponed until the following Saturday, and after the North Sea it bsd a welcome re- oeption. This is a famous ship, and we have also a famous ship's company, never likely to be forgotten. No. 2 programme is of a boxing c. nteafc. When we cannot fight the Germans we iviust ftetit something; it's the epirit of the lsda. So we fight among ourselves. I hare never taken a keener interest in boxing before I joined this ship. There were nine bouts, and every one was exciting. No. 3 programme provides no with an- other concert. We have some splendid talent aboard here, and yet it's all for one purpose. The talent forms M part of the vast machine that will deliver to the Ger- man Fleet their death blow when they do come out I was walking around the upper deck last night (Sunday). There you see chaps sitting down on the decks tailor fashion, I smoking cigarettes mind pipes, some reading I newspapers, some writing letters to their friends, ;nd others spinning yarns, etc. The bell rinses for church, and they troop to the other side of the deck. The chaplain gives out the hymn and you listen to a familiar tune. The chaplain gives his address, sometimes short and sweet, but always to the point. After church you wander round again, and there you see the chaps in two's and three's spinning yams of old times. They arc all in good spirits, cheerfully awaiting Der Tag." And we all hope it will soon come so as to see our loved ones once again. We have several Swansea lads aboard here: Bo.) Hynes, Taylor, Gape, Harris, Griffiths, Awhiorgans, Earls, etc. It is very interesting to see them all get in a ring and speak Welsh. The stokers have got up a drum and fife band, which has got on splendidly considering it has only been formed a month; It has given several per- formances already. The seamen have a mondolihe bond, which eCunda very nioe. We also have concertinas, mouth-organs and roller skates, deck cricket and football, sad in fact everything under the sun to make you happy; so who wouldn't be a sailor? This is about the most cheerful ship I have ever been on. There is something al. ways to amuse you. We are watching and waiting fo. the day, and when it comes, we will throw down our games and utusic and play something more serious. A giame called Knock Me Out," first played in this country by Drake. It is 'the same spirit of confidence that won Trafalgar as what's in the Navy to-day. We know we are going to win, we know we are going to ksee some ehipe, we know also we are going to lose oome lives, but the sacrifice is worth it. Britain has done a lot for us and we are going to do the same for her. Keep up your opiriig and put your trust in both Services, the Army and the Navy, who will not let Brittania's gone and daughters be trodden on by Germany." The following is a list of those who took pant in the concerts mentioned:- No. 1 (8.30 p.m. on the battery deck): Gray- ham, E.A.; Sergt. Quelch; Looock, T.S.; Stoker Tulley; Mue. Oollins; Hume, E.R.A.; Male, E.R.A.; the Chaplain; Oowley. Shpt.; E.R.A. Nicholas and E. R.A.'e and Williams, capt.'e flitd. No. 2: Stoker G. Harvey. J. Nicholas, G.B.A.; Sergt. Quelch, R.M.L.I.; Stoker B. Burchill; P. Or C. G. Looock; Stoker F. Toiler; Lieutenant Charley; Petty Officer J. H. Hoar; C. S. Hutchinson, R.B-k., and Stoker G. Harvey (duet); G. W. Male, G.B.A P. Graham, G.A.; Stoker H. Ditchfield. The Bunkadoodle Corps" (conoerted item), by P.O.'s Locook, Hoar, Dobell, Sergt. Quelch, Hutchinson. S.B.A.; Skelton, A.B.; Harvey, stoker; and Male, G.R.A. Pianists: H. Lemmon, Q.R.A., L.-Corp. Collin* and PT. L. G. Lock, R.M.L.I. Bandmaster G. J. M. Watson, R.M.B., arranged the songs. No. 3 (boxing): Stoker Gans v. Bw Hill; Stoker Hill v. O.S. Pearce; Stoker Grantham v. A.B. Gosling; Stoker Drake v. A.B. Vat- eon; Stoker Harvey v. A.B. Pascoe; Stoker Glidle v. Stoker Conray; Stoker Buckneil v. Bom. Byrne; Boy Kench v. Boy Hamil- ton. Ten-round oonteet: Stoker Matikell v. A.B. Simmons. Tug-of-war: Boys v. O.D.'«. Brother in the Army. I H. Bamett, a brother of Stoker Barnett, has been serving in France with the Dra- goon Guards since the beginning of the war. Recently he was home on a few days' leave. I

TOBACCO COMPANY'S DIVIDENDS. The directors of the British American Tobacco Company, Ltd., have decided to pay on September 30th an interim divi- dend of 5 per cent. for the year ending the same day on the issued ordinary shares of the company free of Britieh in- on the same day the half-yearly dividend "due on the preference shares amounting to 6d. per share lees Britieh income tax.

BRECKNOCKS FROM I ADEN. I TWENTY-THREE TERRITORIALS I ARRIVE AT CARDIFF. 1 About twenty menibers of the Brecon- shire Territorials arrived on Tuesday at the Albany-road Military Hospital, Car- diff, invalided from Aden, where they had been doing garrison duty since last October. In conversation wiih the men, they made it abundantly clear that they never want to see Aden again. The heat was enough to kill a cast-iron man," de- clared a member of the Ystradgynlais company, and there were very few cf the battalion who did not spend part, of the time in hospital. It is a fine place for reducing weight, I can tell you." One is not permitted to give the full details of the brush the battalion had with the Turks at Lajeh, but when the full story of this incident is written it will be found that the Breconshires did their duty nobly in this distant corner of the Empire. Their march across the desert, scorced by the rays of a tropical sun, and their encounter with a force of 13,000 Turks are among the incidents of the story which the men will be able to relate to their friends. As we already knew from the published information, on the return journey from Lajeh to Aden, fighting nearly all the way, 15 <d the battalion died and found soldiers' graves in the desert, among them being Private Cyril Isaac, the second son of Major W. T. Isaac, for- merly quartermaster of the battalion, and Private Ernie Green, a well-known footballer, and a son of a former sergeant- major of the Gallant 24th. ;,0 cancers have returned home, namely, Capt. Ithel Thomas and Capt. Musgrave, and are now in a London hos- pital. Sergeant Fred Walters (Brecon) and Corporal J. Jones (Llanfyrnach) have also been eent to London. Private D. J. Jones, Ystradgynlais, and Private' Edwards, Crickhowell, both of them suf- fering from wounds, were left behind at Alexandria, and Pte. Wheeler,, Brecon, had the misfortune to lose the boat while calling at Malta. The following is a list of the men, to- gether with their addresses, who are now in the Cardiff military hospitals:— Private C. Baylis, Ystradgynlaia. Private J. Bevan, Hay. Company-Sergt.-Major Best, Ystrad- gynlais. Lee.-Cpl. Cole, Gwatmcaegurwen. Private Coles, Brynmawr. Private W. Davies, Cefn. Private W. Davies, Crickhowell. Sergeant J. Edwards, Crickhowell. Private A. E. Lewis, Brecon. Corporal W. Jenkins, Merthyr. Private E. Morgan, Crickhowell. Private C. Preece, Yetrarfgvnlais. Private E. Phillips, Gwauncaegurwen. Private W. Rosser, Builth Wells. Private Sims, Gwauncaegurwen. Private A. E. Williams, Ystradgynlais. Private W. J. Williams, Crickhowell. Private D. Watkins, Talgarth. Private G. Williams, Ystradgynlais. Private A. E. Pugh, Builth Wells. Private Karne, Talyllyn. Sergt. Swainson, Yetradgynlaia. Private Shea, Cefn.

TUG-MASTER'S' GRUESOME I DISCOVERY. Capt. Antony Ragione, of 7, Bethesda- street, Swansea, captain of the steam tug Usk, made a gruesome discovery this morning. At 5.30, when the tug was off tke Fairway buoy, the captain sighted the body floating, in* the water. He made it fast, and towed it into the South Dock jetty, Swansea. He then reported the matter to the police, who have furnished ug with the following description: The body is that of a man about 6ft. in height, and is clothed in a serge coat and serge vest,, dungaree trousers, flannel shirt and a white band round the waist; LInck lace-up boots, and brown 6ocks. The clothes have been partially, eaten avay, and the features are absolutely unrecog- nisable. It ig estimated that the body I < s been in the water for two or three mo'!l;'n. A watch, gold-plated chain with centre- piece, and a comb were found on the body.

CHAFFERS GOLD MINING CO. I The adjourned special general meeting of shareholders of Chaffers Gold Mining Company (1913). Limited, Was held on Wednesday in London, Mr. Giffen (Car- diff) presiding. The meeting had been called to consider the proposed reconstruc- tion of the company. They had actual ap- plications for 150,000 shares, but could not proceed with the scheme until they could underwrite the sum of £ 21,250. The Chair- man sfvid that they were prtill in negotia- tion with another firm of underwriters, and though the directors had to bring forward resolutions the chairman would not advise the shareholders to vote for their confirmation as it would only be wasting the shareholders* money to at- tempt to re-organise the company if they did.

GERMAN'S FUTILE PLEA. I Otto Ludwig Beitz was charged at New- castle on Monday with being an alien enemy residing in the prohibited area of Newcastle without permission. He admitted he .was of German birth, but produced a certificate from the Dutch Consul at Philadelphia to the effect that, having served in the Dutch Army, he was a citizen and subject of the Netherlands. The solicitor for the police, however, produced a telegram from the Consul- General for the Netherlands in London which stated, Military service in the home or colonial army does not confer nationality according to the law of the Netherlands." Defendant was remanded with a view to internment.

COST OF THE WAR. I Exchequer returns, April lat to August I 21stReceipts, £ 80,486,968; Expenditure, £ 470,498,943. Corresponding period last year;—Receipts, £ 62,966,036; expenditure, £ 88,484,381- The expenditure for the period of 143 days mentioned above works out at an average daily expenditure of slightly over £ 3,290,000. It had been anticipated the 93,000,000 would be reached.

SUNK IN COLLISION. j au N K 1 N COLLisION. I The Condor, a steamer of 775 tons, which was in Swansea last Wednesday, has been stink in .collision off the French coast. Messrs. Arthur Andrews and Co., the well-known Swansea ship brokers, have received z. me-wage to that effect. All hand« were saved. It was the Condor's second trip from Swansea within the last month or so, and she was this time carrying a cargo of coal. She belonged to a Norwegian company.

MATCHES AND AIRCRAFT. I The question: Can a lighted match be seen at the height of 2,000 ft?" was answered in the affirmative at Gateshead Police Court on Monday by an aviator wit- ness in a case in which a resident at Low Fell, one of the highest points in the Tyneeide distirct, was fined for having in- sufficiently shaded lights.

Sir George Askwith, chief industrial commissioner of the Board of Trade, pre- sided as neutral chairman at a meeting of Scottish coal trade Conciliation Board in miners' claim for ah advance" of twenty- 6v3 per cent, on basis rates, or one shil- ling per day.

LOCAL POLICE COURTS. AMMANFORD. Monday.—Before Ald. W. N. Jones (in the chair), and Mr. Thos. Morris. Without Carbide. John Commins, Gorsddu, Penygroes, and John Williams, Tumble, were each -summoned for riding bicycles without light at 10 p.m. on the t?th int. They were seen by P.C. Thos. Jones cycling on the Black Lion-road. Commins explained, I only came from the Black Lion Inn with my friend, and I am go- ing to take him to my lodgings to give him some carbide as he hasn't got any." Williams made a statement to the same effect.—Each was fined 10s. A Tumble Defendant. P.S. Beynon summoned Hy. Evans, of 41, High-street, Tumble, for drunkenness. He pleaded guilty, and the police sergeant said he saw him on the Bankvrock-road staggering from one side t& the other. He went home quietly.—The Chairman said they had taken into consideration that the defendant had a large family, and he would therefore be let off on payment of 9s. Still, he should be careful as to his future conduct.

LLANGADOCK. Thursday.—Before Mr. D. Jonee Lewis (in the chair), Colonel T. Lloyd Harries, Colonel J. H. W. Peddar, and Messrs. Mervyn Peel, C. P. Lewis, and T. Roberts. In Private Waters. Wm. J. Sniith, 17, Harold-street. Ammanford, was summoned for fishing in private waters in the river Towy tU the 24th of May. Defendant had been sum- moned for the previous court, but did rot put in an appearance, and the case had therefore been adjourned.—Deputy Chief Constable Evans now stated that in all probability defendant had since joined the Army.—The case was thereupon with- drawn. Drunk and Disorderly. Samuel Jones, labourer, Llangadock, was summoned for being drunk and dis- orderly in Queen-square, Llangadock, on the 19th June.—Defendant, against whom there were previous convictions, did not appear. He was fined 10s. Allege4 Assatilt. Thomas Jones, Brynhyfryd, Arthur- street, Ammanford, summoned Thomas Williams, Garregleven. Mothvey, and Wm. Hughes, Cefngwrych, Mothvey, timber hauliers, for assaulting him on the 10th July last. Mr W. L. Smith, Amman- ford, appeared for the complainant, and stated that the parties had come to a settlement, defendants paying all costs. He asked the Bench to allow the charges to be withdrawn. The magistrates con- sented. A Collarless Bow-Wow. Jane James, Glaniowy, Llangadock, was summoned for allowing a dog on the highway in Station-road oil the 16th July without a collar. She was fined 58. 6d. Sunday Drunkenness. Morgan Williams, Spain Cottage, was summoned for being drunk in Church- street, Llangadock, on Sunday, July 4th. There were previous convictions, and he was fined 10s. John Williams, Llansadwrn, was simi- larly summoned, the offence having taken place on Queen-square, Llangadock. on the 12th July. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 7s. 6d. He was also charged with being drunk on Llanwrda- road on the 17th Juh-. He was fined 10s. He was further charged with being drunk and disorderly on the Lampeter-road on the 26th July P.C. Thomas stated that lie found defendant very drunk and making use of had language and kicking his eoat along the road for some distance. Defendant was fined 20s.

LLANDILO. SATURDAY.^—Before Messrs. L. N. Powell and W. Hopkins. Knew the Fine. Samuel Jones, in respect to whom the Deputy Chief Constable said he had received a letter purporting to come from Tygoch, Llanarthney, was charged with drunken- ness. Defendant was found helplessly drunk in St.ition-road, Nantgaredig. Two of his friends undertook to t^ke him to a bouse and keep him there for the night. Defen- dant in his letter said I plead guilty and enclose 10s., and if the amount ie more I will send next week as 1 am going to Swan- sea on Saturday." The constable e&id de- fendant W LS a butcher and attended the Swansea Market every ga.turday.-He wait fined 108. Warrant Issued. Elizabeth White, no fixed address, waa charged with drunkenness. A constable saw defendant (who did not appear) on the 24th July at Ffairtioh staggering drunk.—Mr. L. N. Powell a«ked if defendant had been on at Llandilo before?—D.C.C. Evans said she had been fined that day 12s. 6d. for being drunk and disorderly.-The Chairman said be thought she ought to be present.—A war- rant w.M ordered to be issued. John Sheeley was similarly charged.— P.C. John Thomas e-aw defe-.i 'dant staggering drunk in Rhosmaen-street. He went into the Angel Hotel. Witness followed, and drew the attention of the licensee's wife to his condition. Defendant then went out and afterwards entered the Railway Tavern Hotel, where he w-us again refused dfink. Defendant had been fined last Novomber. Defendant, it was stated, was working at the local ammunition works.-He wap, fined 10s. A young man named David John Roderick, who pleaded guilty, said he had never been drunk before.-Aeked his age, he said he was 22 year.e.-The Chairman: You ought to be ashamed of youraelf coming here on a charge like this. I hope you will never come here agaon.-Defendant: I don't think you will see me again —Fined 7s. 6d. Annie Gwendoline ones, ManordeUo, was summoned for travelling without a ticket.- Inspector Arnold (G.W.R.) slid he was on duty at Llanelly Station on the 9th July. He saw defendant at 4.20. He had been looking for her and saw her book. She asked for a ticket for Bynea.—James Mor- gan, a booking olerk at Llanelly, deposed issuing the ticket.-W. J, Esmond, a paseen. ger guard on the G.W.B., eaid. he worked the 4.35 train on. the date under notice from Llanelly to UaJtdovery. His attention was drawn to defendant by the inspector. She did not get out at Bynea but at JIandilo. She went to the booking office at the latter station -,Od rejoined the train, but entered a different compartment. She got out at GLanrhyd. The ticket she handed the station-master waa from Llandilo to Glan- rliyd. The station-master called her hick, and asked her for her ticket from Llanelly to Llandilo. She said she had given it up at Llandilo. She had not, however.-JameS Griffiths, station master at Glanrhyd, cor- roborated. He knew defendant well. The ticket she gave up was from Llandilo to Glanrhyd.—D. Bowen Richards, ticket col- lector, "Llandilo, aaid he was on duty un the arrival of the 4.35 ex Llanelly. He did not see defendant, nor did she give him a ticket-.—Mr. Ludford, who appeared r tl e G.W.R., said he had the inspector p-eeent who had the pleasure of interviewing -%14ss Jones.—Th3 Chairman said the Bench were satisfied with the evidence, and consilered it a bad case of a deliberate attempt t, cie- fraud. They inflicted a penalty of al.)e- fendant wili be remembered in eonnwticMi with a claiir, she made of being next «.i tin to a person who died some time ago, pad for which she was imprisoned. Drunk in Charge of a Horse and Cart. David Davies, hailing from the Llandilo neighbourhood, was eharged with being drunk in charge of a horse and •.•art in Ffairfach, and a complaint of his darnaging a motor-car was ruade by its owner, a Mr. Tt> 'fOrtfter: at tributing the" accident" to defendant's drunken state.Dakadant was fined .£1, and cautioned. I Licensing Offence. I Thomas Lewis, Plough Inn. Llandilo, was summoned for keeping his house open during prohibited hours, and also with re- fusing to admit the police —P.C. J. 'J homas deposed that in company with P.C. Evans he kept observation on the premises on he 8th of August. At 6 a.m. he saw a person named Henry Herbert leaving the Back- yard. He went to the front door, an-3 shook tha latch several times. He then went up the road in the direction of Llan- gadock, and returned to the back again. He went tr; the front door, and shook the latch. He afterwards went to the ni-Mle of the road. Defendant opened the bedroom window in the front, and asked Herbert what he was doing out so early. JTerbert I, repTied, Don't grumble about getting up early;-come on, I want a drink. Defendant replied, Fall back on your itrengh." Herbert repeated 'ome on." Defendant then came down and" opened the front door and Herbert went inside. At 6.15 a.m., P.C. Evens went to the back door, and witness went to ;he front door. They knocked several times and P.O. Evans shouted: "The police are here; we want to come in." In about five minutes witneas heard a footstep on the stairs, and then shouted, Tom, you better open the door." Thoy kept knocking and shouting' until about ten minutes ao seven. Evans came from the back to the front. They knocked, and Evans shouted: P.C. s Thomas and Evans are here, and we want to some in." Defendant then came down and opened the door. They had been kept waiting 40 minutes. Witney aeked defendant why he did not open the door, and he replied th&t he opened it when he heard them shouting they were the poliee. Witness told him that Evans had shouted several times. He replied. I did not hear him." Witness then told him that he had seen Herbert en,tering the house, and asked him where he was. He replied, "in bed." Defendant took them upstairs, and there they saw Herbert in bed with another person. Wit- ness asked Herbert what explanation he had to make. and he replied, "I am sleeping here." Witness then cautioned and charged him with being on licensed premises during illegal hours. He replied that he had nothing to say. Witness 'hen charged defendant with keeping his premises open daring illegal hours. ne said Herbert slept there. Witness asked why he did so, a6 he lived close by. He eaid that was how it was. Witness then -charged 'defend aiit with refusing to admit the police. He &aid he opened the door when he heard them shout they were the police. Downstairs they found a bottle labelled rum. The bottle was not full and the cork was not fixed right baek.-In an- swer to the Deputy Chief, P.C. Thomas said Herbert had his shirt, pants end stockings on. He had seen Herbert at a quarter past two in the morning by his own door. Before leaving they nested if it was poseible for defendant to have heard t.ilem.-I)tfendant said the case had been stated correctly by the constable.—P.C. Evans corroborated.—D'et?odant aJeo gave evidence. With regard to Herbert's preeehce *n the house, defendant 8aid he eot iiis water, milk, and nearly all his food, and always his dinner on Sunday at the Plough. With reference to his delay in admitting the police, d-efendant, said he had not heard the shouting, but only the knocking.—The Bench intimated that they found both caaes proved, and fined defen- I dant £1 in the first case, and 10b. in the second. Henry Herbert was then charged with being licensed premises during pro. hibited hours. He pleaded guilty and wa* fined 10s. During it transpired tha; the defendant in this case lived on the op- posite sied of the road to the licensee of the Plopgh Inn.

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I SWANSEA. I MONDAY—Before Messrs. IU]. JCartin, j. Wignall, W. Williams (WernJ, and H. Goldberg. Margaret Thomas, charged with having been drunk and disorderly in Oxford street, was fined 7s. 6d. or se&en daye. On a promise not to repeat the offence, John Burke, who had been charged with having been drunk and incapable in Tower- lane, was di-smi--ed. Jamee Baker. who had been drunk and disorderly in Caer-str was fined lfts. or geven day- Thomas Gullam, steelworker, was charged with stealing and receiving a tobacco pouch and a pipe, value Is., from a eta 11 at Heaeng. Woolworth's shop in High-stroot, on kuguet 21st.—P.C. Maggs said heeaw defendant pick up a pouch and slip it in his pocket.— Defendant, who pleaded guilty, said he had had a couple of drinkis—He was bound over in the sum of £ 10 to be of good behaviour for twelve months. Alice Howells, charged with having been drunk while in charge of a child in Oxford- gtreet, pleaded guilty. She had been with- out food from Friday night until Saturday. —The magistrates eaid they were eorry for the woman, but as there was & previous offence, they must fine her lto. Walter Samuel Wardlaw, summoned for having a motor-car in Oxford-street without an indication plate, said he had been quite unaware that the plate was miaeingr, and had ordered a new one immediately. Defendant was fined 20a Cornelius John Jonee, for leaving hie motor-car unattended in High-etreet, was fined 20s. Tuesday.-Bef,we Messrs. J. W. Jones, J. Devonald, Dd. Meager, T. P. Ceok and Rd. Lewis. George Williams was summoned. for using obscene language in Dillwyn-atreet, and for assaulting P.C. Fitzgerald, on August 12. The officer said that he found defendant using most obscene language, and asked him to go away. Defendant then struck liim in the mouth. A travel- ling salesman and another witness volun- tarily came forward to give evidence in support of the police officer, and they were highly complimented by the presid- ing magistrates'Dclendant was fined S:2 or a month. Abdul Hamell. an Indian, was; charged with having been drunk and disorderly 1, noft- the Prince of Wales Dbek; -H-f aasd he had just been paid off, and lost all his) mo. On promising to go back to his 1 ship, defendai t was dismissed. Mary Lennon, charged with ricaons conduct on the Strand, was fined leg. olf 7 days. Daniel O'Connor Lance-Corpl.. all a.b-o; gentee from the 7th Batt. (Tranport) Munster Fusiliers at Basingstoke sincfr- August 19th, was remanded to await ciati escort. David Bed does, summoned for allowing his son Rie-hard. agoo 14, to enter tiler Bank Hotel for the purposes of street trading, was fined 5s. A similar fine- was inflicted upon Hugh Gallager, for ito similar offence. A summons against Geo. Haymore was adjourned for a week.- Charles Fisher, for allowing his two sonff Sidney and David, aged 14 and 12 to' trade without official badges, was fined: IN., and ordered to pay in a fortnight. Mary J. Clist summoned Bridget Çra-1 ven for sureties of the peace. In the end, they were both bound over. Thursday.-Before Messrs. Wm. Thomas (in the chair). Ben Jones, Roger: Thomas, and Dr. Rawlinge. David George Jones, driver, was is-Lim. maned by Kose Jones to show cause, etc, Defendant in the witness box admittect, intimacy, and an order for the payment" of 3s. 6d. a week for 14 years was made. Sarali J. James sum Harry DavieW (51), labourer, for assault .-Defendant was, bound over. Rosina AN ice summoned Bertie Shawl (21). soldier, for abusive language.—Th^ case was dismissed.

LIGHTS SHOWING AT MUMBLES. Under the Defence of the Realm Act, summonses against four Mumbles businete people were beard at the Swanaea Police Court on Wednesday. The defendants, who were charged witW; showing lights of too great prominence. were Herbert Ceaton. BtaHoner; William! Gosling. Emma Hopkine, Ship and Castle Hotel; Sarah Eleanor Evans, Hanover Dairy. All pleaded guity, and P.S. Wil- liams gave evidence in each case. For the defence Mr. J. Cumming Evans, J.P., said that in the case of Mrs. Brava the light could only be seen from an oblique view, and even then it was 4wreenod from the sea by some shrubbery. The Mumbles shopkeepers, he said, had had a wretched existence until the last few weeks. The police, he admitted, were doing their work admirably, and deserved infinite credit for the efforts they were making under adverse conditions to main- tain law and order in the district. Superintendent Letheren pointed out that these were the first cases of their kind in the Mumbles, but warnings had been given on several occasions. A fine of Ms. was imposed is each came.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DEPART* MENT. At the Swansea Watch Committee, Mr. John Bingham, weights and memarm inj 6pector, presented hie annual report for th,2 year ended March 31ct, 1915. Statistics of weights and measures inspected, sur- prise visits paid to shops, etc., ahoved. that the department has been busy- Thirty-two persons were proceeded against: for offences under the acte, and convic- tions wore obtained in ererv came, thtJ fines amounting in an to n8 lfis. The inspection, of shops undfer the Shops Act has proceeded with equal diligence. Twelve persons were proceeded against, a conviction obtained in each case, witQ. total fines amounting to rl 8s. ftd. Mr. Binshan and his department ven ccmplimcnted on their exoelVect work. '• In i f -il .I i

Fewer footballs are to be mpptVwl to London Council schools this lQM.