Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

INEATH ANO- DRSTRICT BILL-POSTING CO. ADVERTISING COfgTRACTORSt Owners of all the Principal Hoarding* in XEATH and District. For Terms, &c., apply:— manager-, 45, London Road, Ithoi

NEATH'S WAR HOSPIT All INTERESTING SPEECHES ATPENRrllEWIYN OPENING CtREMY. The ceremony attending the official cpeaing of the Neath War Hospital on Tuesday afternoon was a conspicuous succeed in every detail. Over a thousand people, representative of the military, public, and civil life of the town, gathered in the grounds of the fine new building to witness the formal transfer of the hos- pital from the Neath Guardians to the military authorities. The local companies of the V.T.C., accompanied by the batta- lion band. were in attendance, as were also the local detachments of the Red Cross and Volunteer Aid organisations. The proceedings commenced with the Natioi al Anthem, and prayer by the Rev. Z. 1'. Williamson. Wit h a gold key (presented by Mr. Evan T^ homas, the contractor) Mr. John Thomas, chairman, opened the entrance doors of the Penrhiewtyn House, dedicat- ing it to the nurses as their future home. Good Wishes for Inmates. Proceeding to I he main entrance of the hospital, Mr. E. J. Hopkins, Glyn-Neath, chairman or the Guardians, who was ac- companied by his wile and Mrs. Powell, Aberdare, was presented with a gold key by the architect, Mr. J. Cook Rees, with which he opened the doors amidst cheers. He expressed regret that there should have been an occasion for handing over the institution, originally intended as a home for the poor, the sick and the desti- tute, to the W,ar Office lor such a purpose, bet at the tame time they Guardians had been prepared to do such a service for the country. (Hear, hear.) He had much pleasure in declaring the building open for the reception of the wounded, and he hoped they would all find comfort and recovery within its walls. (Cheers.) The Guardians' Dream. Mr. W. B. Trick, J.P., who presided, also briefly reviewed the history of the institution, and referred to the generous i tion, aD d refei-i 11 part played by the several ladic-s and gent lemen of the town and district—more particularly Mr. and Mis. Moore-Gwyn, Mrs. Gibbons, and Miss Evans (.Eagles- bush,). Mr. John Thomas, chairman of the Building Committee, also addressed the gathering, and said that they as Guar- dians were that day realising the dreams and aspirations of many years. Public opinion and officialdom made them realise that the old workhouse, which had served its purpose for a generation, was obsolete, and they commenced this now home for the poor and the needy. But the war had I altered plans, and it was with the greatest pleasure that they found themselves in such a happy position to band over the institution to the War Office as a military hospital. (Applause.) Major McLean's Hope. As representative of the War Office, Major McLean (Cardiff) took over the hospital, which he described as a capital and well-equipped building, and expressed his deepest thanks to the Neath Board of Guardians for such a patriotic offer. The institution il-self reflected the greatest credit upon all concerned in its erection and planning. The Guardians had ren- r-tantial w, But ho hoped that public could help them as well in a very sub- stantial way, But he hoped that public of service would not he misunder- stood. In the ii%ar future thousands of wounded soldiers will have passed in and on*- of that hospital, and he wanted the inhabitants of Neath to reahse that a wounded soldier was still under military discipline and regulations, and that it was not only harmful but improper to give a soldier drink." He hoped they would remem ber that it was a service wrongiv interpreted, and that it was the soldier v.-ho would have to bear the punishment. After the Benediction had been nrc- nounced by the Rev. Henry Hughes, the hospital was thrown open for public \nspection.

OUR NAVAL POWER. Mr. Archibald Hard has a striking article on The Abue of Sea Power" in the current Fortnightly Review." As we live on and by the sea," he ob- serves, so it must be apparent that our paramount position at sea is involving us in dangers. Our naval power and financial power are threatened by the rapidity with which we are developing our military power. Energy is being diverted from its natural channels. Our Fleet is not a thing along and apart; it is an expression of our national life, and as our financial and industrial health depends in war on the efficiency of the Navy, so does the main- tenance of the latter depend on the sue- cess with which we maintain. even/in war- time, our financial and industrial re-1 SOI I IT l: S. The end of the war is not yet in sight, but end it will in our victory; and I if we are not to mortgage the coming peace the whole nation must urn its attention to the task of effecting economies. If the triumph of our cause is accom- panied by the impoverishment of the nation to such an extent that it can no longer maintain an unchallengeable Fleet —and that is a possibility, for naval power is likely to become more costly owing to the awakening of the Pnited State^-we shall emersre into the new era no longer the greatest sea Power in the world. And if our sea-power goes, it will not be long before we shall shed other attributes of our greatness." Mr. Hurd supports his view with a valuable mass of statistics.

VALUE OF CHILD LIFE. I Mr. Edward Powell, acting coroner, held an inquest at Aberavon on Tuesday I on the body of John Oliver Dyer, the seven weeks' old son of Joseph Dyer, Cur- wen-terrace, Aberavon, who dMd on the ??f?ding day. T.1i€ mother said that t-h? Aild had vomited, and Dr. Hellyer said C?tat death was due to convulsions from ricketts. The Coroner said that at the present time it was necessary that parents should do everything in their power to look atter the liv es of infants. That (:()uld I ouly j done by proper care, and when children were ailing, they t-hould call in a doctor. By doing so many lives might be saved. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

HINT TO BENT RAISERS. Councillor Gethin (who had previously brought the matter forward at the Hous- t'ilv iiiatt?,r tf hol?lBarritoriferrv Coun- ing Conunittee) at the Britonferrv Coun- cil meeting said he wished to let all pro- perty owners know that if rent-raising continued in the town there would ie unpleasantness for them. They had no grounds for an increase as the rates in tlH- parish had not been increased, and if it did grow, the possibility is they will he treated accordingly. As overseers they 1 ad the matter in band. and they could •set- to it that such property would have to bt-ar an increased assestuueut. J

A CALL FOR MORE LIGHT GLYNCORRWG COUNCIL FACE PROBLEMS A meeting of the Glyncorrwg Council was held at Cymmer on Tuesday evening, j Mr. Wm. Jenkins, J.P., presiding. The Clerk (Mr. Edward Powell) announced that the postcard sales for the Welsh Troops Fund lOd. at I Cymmer and £10 ltis. 9d. at Abergwynfi. The Glyncorrwg boxes had Dot yet been opened. A letter was read from the County Council suggesting they should appoint on the local tribunal one person who was familiar with practical agriculture. An Agricultural Qualification. Mr. Gibb: It will be difficult to find one, unless it be a man employed on the tips. (Laughter.) The Clerk: I would suggest Mr. Jones. The sheep are continually eating out of his aslibins. (More laughter.) A letter was read from the superinten- dent of the G.W.K. stating that the Coun- cil's suggestion, that Abergwynfi station should be illuminated by gas instead of oil, had been duly considered, and when they found it necessary to make the change they would communicate with the Council. Mr. John Jones suggested that more street lamps should be erected at Aber- gwynfi. The Abergwynfi members agree to meet and bring in a report at the next meeting.

COLONEL FOUND HANGING. I I Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Greenwood, I Royal Engineers, was late on Monday night found hanging in his office at the I Horse Guards, Whitehall. At about ten o'clock at night a tele- phone message from tiie colonel's home, Barframspark. Haverstock Hill, N., asked if he were etill at the Horse Guards. The commissionaire who answered the telephone went to the colonel's room and found him on the 1 floor with a piece of string tied round his neck. Be had boon strangled by nwall31 of a noose hung from a ruler resting be- tween two tables. Colonel Greenwood, who was one of the superintending inspectors of works in connection with the Staff for the Royal Engineer Services, was sixty years of age. In private life he wa.s an architect and a Fellow of the Surveyors' Institute. He had for more than twelve months been in failing health, and when he came to Lon- don in May lie had an attack of neuras- thenia and was afraid to cross the street. He persisted in returning from Jiarro-, gate, where lie had gone for a rest cure, to take up the position at the Horse! Guards. His ill-health, it is said, had caused him to be seriously depressed. lie had been overwhelmed with work. A-Boy Scout who entered his room on Monday afternoon saw him sifting with his head upon his table. The boy thought lie was asleep and did not disturb him. j One of the colonel's three sons was j killed at the front in the early (ii vs of the war. and a second is a prisoner of war in Germany.

FELL UNntR TRAM. I At a late hour on Monday night a shock-j ing accident occurred at Penrith Station, re"ulting in terrible injuries to a sailor employed 011 a minesweeper, William Parker, of 14, Southernly-street, Working- ton, who had been spending his Christmas holiday at home. Parker was standing waiting for hi3 connection at Penrith and was talking to two soldiers. All three were to travel bv j the same train, but they did not board it until it was moving out. Then they all made a rush for the same compartment with the result that Parker slipped be- tween the platform and the train, and the wheels went over one leg. He was terribly mutilated, but he bore his misfortune: bravely, remarking to the doctors and ambulance men who attended him -No more submarines for me to dodge now." He was sent on to Carlisle Infirmarv ancl as he was put into the Infirmary ambit- lance he began to sing It's a Long Way to Tipperary." The leg -was so badly1 injured that it will have to be amputated near the knee.

ACTRESS WEDS PEER'S SON. Announcement was made on Tuesday of j the marriages of two future members of I the House of Lords, Lord Loughborough and the Hon. Rowland Winn, the heirs respectively of the Earl of Rosslyn and I Lord St. Oswald. Both bridegrooms have been wounded during the present war. Lord Loughborough, whose engagement' was announced in July last,, was iiitri-icfl at Cairo on Monday to Miss1 Sheila Chis-1 holf. He is a. son ofthe Earl by his first wife. who was the daughter of Mr. R. C. i Vyner, the wealthy sportsman, and was; born in IS92. I Mr. Winn's wedding took place by special licence on October 29th at St. Saviour's, Paddington. The bride was Miss Nellie Greene, an actress, who is known on the st-ige as Miss Evie Carew. At the time of her marriage she was appearing at Daly's Theatre in Betty," and she ha» been seen in several musical comedies at that theatre. She is 23 years old, and was described in the register as a spinster, j of Delaware Mansions, Maida Vale, W., I and Ine daughter of Mr. Charles Greene, i gentleman. The bridegroom's age was. i Lord St. Oswald's is it Priory. Wakefield. He was M.P. for: j

ANOTHER STOPPAGE AT SKEWEN COLLIERY j I Trouble regarding payments alleged to be due to the men has resulted in another stoppage at the No. 1 Pit, Main Colliery, Skewen, and some fiOO men are idle. It will be remembered that a little more than a week ago tlie workmen refused to resume work until they had received an i assurance that claims under the Minimum Wage Act would be immediately met. This undertaking was given, but on Tuesday the men again refused to go dpwn the pit. alleging that the management had oro^frn faith with them. A meeting of the men was held later, but matters were deferred until the miners' agent (Mr. Win. Jenkins, J .P.) had been consulted.

WATCHING GLYNCOREWG LANDLORDS. I At a meeting of the Glyncorrwg Council on Tuesday nigl:it. the Chairman (Mr. Wm. Jenkins. J.P.) inentione-d that owners of houses were not allowed to increase their rents over and above what was paid prior to the war. Mr. Gibbs: Notice to quit was given a certain person in Cymmer, and because he would not clear out the rent was doubled. The Chairman: A recent Act of Parlia- ment wij.1 deal with that. L

COPING WITH THE CHRISTMAS MAILS AT SWANSEA An electric machine which cancels stamps at an enormous rate—equivalent to tne work of 20 men-has been installed at the Swansea Post Office. The Swan- sea Postmaster gave our representative some interesting information with regard to the progress of the work over the Christmas holidays. An innovation was the introduction of 35 female sorters, who did their work quite satisfactorily. Swan- sea being the distributive centre for West Wales, ancl despatching centre for the British Expeditionary Force, the number of parcels dealt with was colossal. With regard to the parcels, they outnumbered the letters The Christmas cards and letters were slightly loss in number than iu former nmr3. Considering the number of men on' military service, the work was done very satisfactorily. The number parcels delivered in Swansea was 15 per Photo by Chapman). cent, in advance of 1914. The total number of parcels dealt with was 30 per cent. in advance of recent years; Tlie number of telegrams dealt with on tho 22nd, 23rd, and 24th was 20.000. On Monday, owing to the storm, a number of wires were down, and many telegrams were despatched by train. Tlie outdoor staff was considerably augilleiited by several men over 60 years of age, who were employed during the festive season.

SWANSEA SOLICITOR BURIED FUNERAL OF J. J. LEWIS AT CRYNANT At Crynant, near Neath, on Monday, the funeral took place of Air. John Jones Lewis, solicitor, Swansea (of the firm of Messrs. Hartland, Isaac, Watkins, and Lewis, Rutland-street), leaving the resi-. dence of deceased. 4, Richmond Villas, Uplands, at an early hour. Among the chief mourners were Mr. Harold Rees (son-in-law) and tho follow- ing cousins: Messrs. David Daniel. Daniel Daniel, Harry Lewis, Robert Lewis, Nor- jnand Savrs, T. Hopkins, W. Hopkins, and 11. Lewis (Oxford). The friends included Mr. John Rees, J.P. (Divisional Superintendent G.W.R.), Mr. R. M. Lewis, Mr. J. H. Edwards, Mr. J. Curfieid, Mr. Horatio Watkins (partner), Messrs. R. Lewis. J .P., 14. Martin. J.P., H. J. Thomas, and E. Evans (representing Walter-road Congregational Church, of wljich Mr. Lewis was a faith- ful member), David Roberts, J.P., John Williams (Dula's House), Edward Harris (solicitor), Lieut. T. R. Harris (solicitor), and the ofiice stall ot Rutland-street, Lieut. Watkins (partner's suu), Messrs. E. E. Sweet, L P. Arnold, D. J. Jones, B.A., nil left, D. W. Watkius, and Stanley Isaac. The Rev. Evan Jenkins, pastor of Walter-read Congregational Church, con- ducted the funeral service. Among a number of beautiful wreaths were those from His sorrowing wife," "Harold." "Amy and Gwyn." Mr. and Mrs. John Rees, Office staff," A small tribute from G. Sidney Ilartland for tho final severance of many years' faithful association," Major and Mrs. Geo. Isaac, Captain C. lÆonard J sa-Cle, Mr. Stanley Isaac. Mr. and Mrs. Horatio Watkins, An old fri2,¡d of the iamily" Ch. J. B. Edwards), Mr. and Mrs. Daniels (Bryn- coed), aad Mr. atyl Mrs. Evan Lewis (Belgrave Villas).

U -J THE GIPSY'S WARM. Stories of how a gypsy traded upon the fears of soldiers' wives were told at New- ton Abbot Police Court on Tuesday in the course of a charge of stealing made against: Florence Penfold, a member of a gypsy tribe. Matilda Davis, whose husband is at the front, said the gypsy pressed her to buy a jug for 7s. 6d., and said witness had a neighbour who was wishing all the harm she could lo'her and her soldier husband. but that if she bought the jug it would be all right. She paid the 7s. 6d., but the jug was afterwards valued at about Sd. Defend- ant told her to keep a cork and two pins in the jug to avoid death. Another witness, who bought a dish for price of which was said the defendant asked for a dress, valued at 10s. 6d., to "put over her phi net." fthe let her have the dress, being afraid ibat the accused might otherwise do her harm through her planet. Defend- ant also told her that she would receive a letter at Christmas with money, but she did not get it. <Laughter.) Defending Solicitor: Where was this plpnet? Had she got it in her hand?— Witness: No, she said she had it at home. ("Laughter ) Another witness, a soldier' .'? wife, said she paid 15s. for t hree dishes and two vases. She was quite satisfied, and believed what the gypsy said would come t rue. The defence was that the dress was given, and not s'olen. Tho Bench imposed a fine of £1 and costs. —

INQUEST AT BRIDGEND. Mr. David Rees held an inquest at Bridgend on Thursday touching the death 0: Mr. Edwin Wathen Price, J.P., formerly representing Bridgend on the Glamorgan County Council. Evidence of identification was given by Mr. J. If. Pi-ice, cousin. who said deceased was 68 years of age. He occupied apart- ments in Cowbridge-road. and appeared to have had a fall iu the house. Dr. Yv. --dmund Thomas said deceased had concussion the brain and fracture of the base of the skull. The injuries could have been caused by a fall down- stairs or against the fender. The jury returned a verdict of Acci- dental death." Mr. Price was a brother to Mrs. Christopher lorath, Swansea.

PRISONERS IN CERMANY I SOLDIER WHO CUT DOWN NEW TROUSERS FOR BOXING shuais I' A report, ol the conditions in the camp at -Mer.sebur? lias been received at the has -be-cu i-eceived at tile Embassv at Berlin. ?'-?- Jackson and Mr. Osoorne visited the camp on the 8th of this month, and report that since May— when the camp was last visjÜxl-thc only change made has been the construction of a bath, with the usual appurtenances, on the usual system. The report continues: The camp is stIll dhirled by wire fences into eight company enclosures, each containing six huts (not tents, as stated by mistake in my last report). The British prisoners are distributed through the several companies. On its lulls to-day, when tlie camp was visited by Mr. Osborne and myself, there were 19,839 pri,soner, of war, of whom only 6,122 were, in II"10 itself, the remainder being absent on wording parties. Among the 310 British on the rolls there were It;,} in the camp. principally non-com- missioned officers, men unlit for work or men who wcre unwilling to work. With these in-n Mr. Osborne and 1 talked freely, and we heard 110 important complaints. Some of them had been in this camp only a few weeks, having been transferred from Gardelegen, Salawedel, and Wittenberg, and praeticallv all of these said that they [ had benefited by the change. The atmo- sphere of the camp was not cheerful, w- j ever, oavin, to t.he fact that it had been a full veitr 'nee most of the prisoners had been taken, but the prisoners said that i their relations vvitil the Uennan military were good, and that they were well ,I treated. Hi-. Osborne and I tasted the midday soup," and found it palatable and nourishing" out here, as elsewhere, the diet is of a monotonous character, and the British prisoners depend to a con- siderable extent upon the receipt of parcels from home. Several men, among whom were some' who had recently come to M.erseburg', w.ere without overcoats, but. their numbers were taiten, and I was told that they would be supplied at an early (late. One man compiained to me that he had been punished having a hole in his pair of trousers which had been given trousers" (as he said), hut on investiga- tion I found t hat he had cut down a him by the German authorities in order to make a pair of boxing shorts. One man had a black eye, another a sprained thumb, and a third a. broscri nose, as the result of boxing matches. A number of men were eligible for repatriation, but had not been sent home with the last transport to SOD]e Iai suii de ,-stand- i ing. J There were no R.A.M.C. soldiers m the 4-(,ro no in Th(, R.A.M.C.. had come there a few weeks n?o from Wittenberg. He said that the con- ditions at Merseberg were entirely differ- ent from what they had been in that j camp. In the lazarette there were OIlh I two British soldiers,, one of whom is I eligible* for repatriation. The British l medical officer treats the British prisoners and he said the general health of the camp is good.

I WELSH POET Atig THE KATSEP, "Y Genedl" with its usual enter- prise offered a prize for the best "penill" to the Kaiser, to lie sung to the accom- paniment of the harp. The successful poet, seems to bo a blood-thirsty indi- vidual, for this is how he would trrat the German Emperor when be i-s caught:— Pan ddaliwm ni'l' Kaiser, ca'i dyuu trwy ddwr. Sy'n berwi er's blwyddyn neu ragor lvw,y,jl siwr, Ac yna 'rol id do fo fwydo y n iawn, Ei hongian ar Line yr Equator" a ¡ wnuwn; At- -aden y fellten oddivno ar frys, I Begwn y Gogledd i sychu ei chwys.

I HARRY TATE'S MOTORING EXPERIENCE While on his way to fulfil an engage- ment at a London music hall on Tuesday afternoon, Harry Tate, the well-kno«n comedian, wa-s severely shaken as the result of a mishap to the motor-car in which he was riding. The car ran into some obstacle, and was somewhat badly damaged. Neither the comedian nor his chauffeur were injured beyond the severe shaking, but Tate was unable to appear at the music hall.

I THE CHAPLAIN'S DUTY REV. H. C. MANDER AND HOSPITAL BOARD The monthly meetyig of the Swansea Hospital Board of Management was held on Wednesday, the Rev. H. C. Mander (chairman) presiding. At the outset Colonel Morgan (chairman of tho Housa Committee) referred to the fact that the chairman had joined the Forces, and would shortly leave them. The members of the Board would be sorry to lose his services, he said, but they con- gratulated him heartily on his appoint- ment, and many of them wished they could follow his example. They admired the good example Mr. Mander had set to the town.. Lie had made a most ideal chairman, and had often smoothed away little difficulties. The Board sincerely hoped they would see him back again soon to renew the duties which he had performed creditably and honourably. (Applause.) The Chairman, in response, said his work in connection with the Hospital had been a pleasure to him, and lie had looked upon it as a great privilege to be asso- ciated with it. At present ho was rather in an awkward position. Ho had practi- cally received his iippoinlment. He did not know when he was going, but he thought it would be next month. He had his commission, and lie was. prepared to go wherever he was sent. He looked upon the work before him as a- great oppor- tunity, and he considered himself a very highly privileged person that he had been selected to do the work. A Resignation. the Chairman expressed regret that Mr. 1'. "V. Morgan was resigning his position as a member of the Board. As a member of the House Committee, he said, he had b? most faithful and i-?uh?r in his at- teiiuar* o<?. Mr. T. B. Thomas, of Aberpergwm, was welcomed as his successor. I Financial Statement. -Mr. Puckfield, in moving the adoption of the i( inance Committee's minutes, in the absence of Aid. Evan Evans-who. it was stated, had had a relapsv—stated that the receipts for November were SH21 "is. 2d. This amount included the legacy left by the Rev. Gomer Lewis of £ 22 10s., after the death duties had been deducted; '-100 from the executors of the late Mr. Edward Jenkins, of Pontardulais; and £>7 8s.. annual grant from Penrice grounds. The debt on the Hospital had been reduced during the past year from £ 13.915 15s. 7d. to C9,121 2s. 6d. Votes of condolence were passed with the relatives of the late Dr. Blagdon Richards, a former valued member of the medical staff, and of the late Mr. H. A. Chapman, a vice-president of the Hospital for many years. The Chairman made a request to the friends of the Hospital in the town and district that, before they arranged any concerts or entertainments in the name of the Hospital, they would first of all obtain the consent of the Board. <

I SOLDIER KILLED AT PORT TALBOT M r. Edward Powell, acting coroner, held an inquest at Port Talbot on Friday on the body of Private Joseph Chappell, of the 7th Company, 5th \V0lsh Regiment, stationed at Port Talbot, and who was killed whilst crossing a bridge on the R. and S.B. Railway on Wednesday morn- ing last. Richard Landeg, engine-d river, Cwm- avon, said, he was in charge of the engine. Re did not see anyone on the line and did not fed a bump. Dr. Hubert Phillips said that deceased's skull was fractured, his arm was- ripped, and the left thigh fractured. A. 'veifiici Accidental Death" was returned.

7 I FROM PRIVATE TO COLONEL. Lieutenant-Colonel Lewis Howard, 8th Somerset rLiglit Infantry, who was killed iyr actiou in France last Thursday, had a distinguished career. The eldest son of r Howard, Lytham, Lanes., he was born in Burnley Barracks 34 years ago, and was' educated at Lytham. He enlisted as a private, Worked through the ranks, and then was gazetted to ,heuten'anc,}". He gave up the Army after a short time, and went to America, where he had a promis- ing future on the stage. He came home soon after the war started, and was immediately granted his former rank. and in the intervening few months rose to be Lieutenant-Colonel. He had been in France lesq than three months. He was a bachelor. 1

I COST OF THE COAL I FOUR LIVES FOR EVER MILLION TONS FOUR LIVES FOR EVERY MILLION TONS The Coal Mines Act had by the end of 1914 been in force two and a half years and, speaking generally, may be said to be satisfactorily worked and ad lnli nli s terpd, says the Chief Inspector of Mines in his annual report to the Homo Office. The depletion of mining labour owing to recruiting over the last five months of 1914 was very heavy and irregular. The total number of persons ordinarily em- ployed at mines and quarries in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man during the year was 1,236,363 (1,157,455 at mines and 78,908 at quarries), or an in- crease of 2,153 at mines and a decrease of 2.001 at quarries. Of the persons employed at mines, 929,807 worked underground and 227,648 above ground. Of the latter 6,724 were females. There were 1,300 separate fatal accidents causing the loss of 1,338 lives, a decrease of 532 fatalities as compared with 1913. Of these accidents, 1,205, causing the loss of 1,243 lives, happened at mines. The death-rate from accidents per 1,000 persons at all mines was, underground, 1.187 (or surface and underground 1.074), for 1914, a.s compared with 1.736 underground (or 1.545 surface and underground) for 1913. The death-rate per million tons of mineral raised provides a more satisfac- tory basis of comparison. The rate at mines under the Coal Mines Act during 1914 was 4.37, as compared with the average figuro of 4.91 for the decennial period 1905-14. |

I TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE IN THE ICE The Hartlepool steamer Baldersbv ar- rived at Shields on Tuesday with 34 Russian seamen w ho were rescued in the White Sea eleven days ago. The Russians, who belonged to two small ves- sels, had a narrow escape from death from starvation, for they had been six days without food when the Baldersby, which was from Archangel to Shields, sighted them. The Baldersby had encountered ice parks for 19 days, and by the merest chance saw the Russians, whose vessels were hopelessly jammed in tfce ice s ix miles away. The shipwrecked men sig- nalled for help, and three of their num- her crawled over the ice to the Baldersbv, where they received a sack of biscuits and meat and went back to their ship- mates. Two days later the Baldersby got with- in three miles of the wrecked boats, and rescued all the men, who were in such a weak condition that three days elapsed before they recovered.

I OFFICER'S MARVELLOUS ESCAPE. His many friends will be glad to hear that Secon d-L ieiltkln ant. W. A. S. Davies, of the Swansea Battalion, who was re- ported wounded, had a marvellous escape from injury. As we stated on Tuesday, his father, Mr. J. A. Davies, mill manager at Messrs. Vivian's Hafod Copper Works, received a postcard at mid-day stating that the gallant lieuten- ant had been slightly wounded by an enemy shell, but adding the welcome news that Lieut. Davies was making satis- factory progress. We now learn, from the father of another officer in the Bat- talion, who heard from his son on Wed- nesday that Lieut. Davies was not hit by the shell, although the top of his cap was taken off, leaving the lining upon his head. Lieut. Davies is, naturally suffer- ing from shock. The news is confirmed in a letter for- warded to Mr. Davies by an R.A.M.C. man.

WOMEN DOING CONSTABLE'S WORK. For the first time in the history of the Metropolitan Police women typists en- tered thr portah of New Scotland-yard on Tuesday as paid servants of the Crown. With the exception of cleaners, no women have previously been on the stall of the Yard." The typists form a special corps of their own, and they will work in a large room under the watchful eyes of a woman superintendent. They will not be sworn in as constables, nor will they wear uni- form, but they will be borne on the Civil List, although they are actually taking the places of constables who ordinarily perform clerical work, and are now wanted for other work in the war-de- pleted force. The duties of the women typists will consist mainly in copying reports from the various departments a work which is in large measure of a confidential character.

THE ONLY GERMAN SHIP. The only German ship at sea is reported by the Pacific liner Orissa to have sneaked dowil the coast of Portugal for Lisbon. She is the ITamburg-Amerika liner Santa Ursula, and she had to leave Leixoes, where she had taken refuge inside the breakwater since the outbreak of war, because she was a nuisance to shipping at the port. Her undignified trip to Lisbon was made very ostealtliily. To escape the watchful eye of the British vslie kept within the coast limit, and consequently evaded all danger of being captured. She was thus able to secure an armed escort; of two Portuguese ships till she crept into Lisbon.

NEATH WAR CASUALTIES. Mrs. Jones, Llewellyn-street, Neath, has been officially notified of the death of her husband, Pte. Llewellyn Jones, of the Roval Welsh Fusiliers. He had been in France for about six months, and died from wounds at a base hospital. A widow and four young children are left. On Tuesday morning. Mr. Hugh Nicholas, Lewis-road, Neath, was officially intimated that his son, Pte, Richard Nicholas, of the Royal Engineers, has been killed in action. He enlisted soon after tile DutlllTak of the war, and had been in France for several months. He was 21 years of age. and exceedingly pomi- lar in the town of Neath.

A NEATH COMMISSION Mr. Norman Kimble, who Jpft the Npath Borough Engineers' office 8is months ago to join the Royal Naral Divi- 8io n as a sigaikt', l:a5 received a CÜI)J- II miS6lOn in the 13th Battalion Sooiaitthh Wales Borderers.

AIDED SUNDAY TRADE ■ At Neath on Tuesday, 13 customers were summoned for aiding and abetting Sun- day traders. Ten pleaded guilty, and were ordered to pay the costs. The other three defendants, who pleaded ignorance of the law, wero each, fined 5a.

THE HORSES' SALARY SWANSEA HOSPITAL BOARD DECIDE TO GHANI A UENtRAL iiGHEASE At the monthly meeting of the Swansea Hospital Board of Management on Wed- nesday, the House Committee recom- mended that, for the period 01 the war, the salaries of the nursing staff be iu* creased as follows :— Matron from £ 100 to £ 120: a matron from £ 60 to £ 70 rising to £ 7.tj • housekeeping sister from £ 40 to rising to £ 60; senior sisters and the massaga sister from SAO to £ 50 risn; to £55; nigiiti 6ister from 4:4,0 to £.55 rising to £ 60.;i junior sisters from £10 to C4A rising yo; :5.); and four temporary sisters to :10 rising to ,nto matron was! requested by the conimutee to submit". .eport a. to the ?lari? of the J?- bationerjiur?ps. At a later meeting of the committee xc was recommended that the hist "vear nurses be paid at the rate of S:12 annum for the last nine nionths of tli i' year. The Finance Commibtee rMommended that having regard to the financial posi- tion of the Board, the whole question ba deferred until the war is over. t., Mr. C. Tuck field, who moved tliQi*" Finance Committee's recommendation, said he thought it was wise and just that increases of salary should not. be grafted. during the war, and pointed out that tiny nursing staff had not to bear the in- 1 creased cost of living, which in this ca.-o fell on the Board. He pleaded for tiu> probationers, however, and thought ie?*' was hard they should not be paid any- thing for their services during the iirste twelve months. Mr. Lawson seconded. Col. Morgan, in advocating the granting: of increases, argued that the nursing staff was not adequately paid, and were receiv- ing smaller salaries than in other towns like Cardiff and Northampton. The junior sisters worked li7 hours a week,, equivalent to 2J. an hour, and taking into- account their board and lodging it a worked out at a total of about 6d. an hour. Seeing that they had reduced their debt: by S;3,000 in the past year, the Hospital; Hoard could surely afford to pay thesak, increases. Dr. L Cronier Lancaster, who sup- ported tiie House Committee, said tins question resolved itself into one of supply, and demand. At present there was all, unprecedented demand for women a9< nurses, and the war had brought the nurs- ing profession into its own. The sisters at, the Third General Hospital at Cardiff i were receiving 251) besides rations, etc., and how could the Board expect to keep their sisters at 5>.1.0 when they could go, elsewhere and'get better salaries. Thein sisters were standing loyally to the llosn pital, but it was not fair to ask thevrv to stop in Swansea and accept a. lower salary than they could get else-i where. A nurse's life was one of thai physically hardest there was, and not many nurses could continue in full wor for more than 25 years. The Board paidj < the matron considerably under the aver- age of other towns of the same size, and; it must be borne in mind that the matron, in co-operation with Mrs. Aeron Thomas^ was responsible for the linen guild* which yielded a revenue to the hospital of between t700 and Y,1,060 a year. Hj. thought the resolution was not only, morally just, but economically aounrl. Mr. fly. Thomas (Weaver and while supporting the increases, urgedi that the outside members of the staff should be put on a more equitable basis. Mr. Tom Williams (chairman of thei works governors), said the labour mem- bers of the Board had decided to sup- port the increases on the understanding that the House Committee would consider the removal of the grievances of otheis members of the staff. "We don t "wantl to pay less salaries to our nurses than other institutions," he said, and be ac- cused of sweating." I Airs. Perkins remarked that she had; changed her mind, after hearing Dr. Lancaster? speech, and deputed to BUP" p&rt the increases. She hoped how €??r< S the position of the Outs"do worker would be reconsidered- Dr. Brook, who also supported, poi. nt, ed*. out that skilled nurses had had the add tional work of training the unskilled oes. Temporary sisters in the Swansea Hospita- had been receiving only 5s. more a weela than the sisters they had ha.d to train. The proposed increases would not brinsy the salaries to the same level, but nearei7 to the level, paid all over the country. Mr. Jeremiah, Mr. Stanley Owen, _M r, T. B. Thomas (Aberpergwm), and the Rev, R. Greenshields also spoke in favour of granting the increases. The Board deciled to grant the advanceS —only three voting against. On the motion of Dr. Lancaster, seconded by Mr. H. Thomas, it was thent decided to delete the words for the period of the war." 20 voting for, and onar against.

I A FIeHT IN- A LANE. At the Swansea Police Court on Wed« nesday, Aubrey Saundcrs, Mumbled lllcpnl: was summoned for assaulting ?incentt Murphy, a boy of 13.—Mr. J. Evan Row-* I t t. bon' lands, who prosecuted, said that two boy# got into a lane to settle a school -bov dif- ference, and instead of allowing them <<> fight it out in the British wav. df'f{,l l came along and hit and kicked tb« ?y- The boy him?h'. Katie Saunder? an Stanley Saunders, gave evidence. Mr. Ivor Evans for the defence ?'.?, t dí:'fCl1( Hill that the hoys had got uito defcadan? Karden. where there were I)Ulbs. 1', nd scnt. Defendant gave each boy a c IP, and them away. Defendant wa" Dned 10?. d I Aubrev Saunders was al?o ?mmoned for assaulting .Mr. Mary Murphy, Vin- cent ?NLitirpb.v',? fen- She said that when she went to d<'?, dant for an explanation, he t her by the throat and pushed I'4 hedge. shook her, threw her  ?.? d   d t k I hH I ),- in h, and uy CC1 f'n st ruc k her ?'?tch a fa«. Witn? showed a sli?' £ her arm, and produ('d a  thal_ fhl'A Mr. Ivor Eva?s s"b"Lorated. It alt affair had been much the '? .?. arose from an effort ? rt the womaiL o I-, t,. -he ,,JTw?l complainant °? I)ef<,ndant -he phe .tru?lcd. and out of 1? garde? ? to gQ <? '?S to a bed?r?? ?? asadt ai 'he magistrate ??.ndant 4,0". A bad one, and ?,?,d. crass-sunimo?

SWANSEA TRADERS COLLIDE A Lloyd's Bordeaux menage etau5:— It is reported that the Xorwegiart steams Thora and Drain, both from Swan- eea, the former with a general cargo andi the latter with ocal, havo been in colli^-ioflt at Pauillac. The form-er had her etern twisted and water in Lhe forehold, u-araa7^ to the cargo also being feared. The Drain received slight damage. J Printed and Published for the Swansea. Prose, Limited, by ARTHUE PAKNELU HIGHAM. a.t Leader Buildings, Swansea,