Evening Express

Councillors' Jubilee CAREER IN TRADE AND PUBLIC LlFÈ Hearty congratulations from many quarters will be extended to Councillor William Lewis, J.P., of Glansyohan House, Abersychan, upon the attainment of the jubilee of his trading activities to-day. He was indentured on Sep- tember 18, 1859, to the late Mr. Peter Davies, provision merchant, of Duke-stre&t, Cardiff, and in 1863 he returned to his native place, Abersychan, to assist, and subsequently manage, the business of his late father, succeeding that gentleman in 1879. Mr. Lewis has since become one of the best known pro- vision merchants in Monmouthshire, and, after half-a-century of incessant toil, he still directs with undiminished energy the estab- lishment which his enterprise has built up In his long experience he has witnessed many changes in the provision trade. Tjp to 1870 the company shop system largely obtained in connection with the works of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire, but at the close of that year the Truck Commission sat at Cardiff, and these shops, otherwise truck shops, were for the most part rapidly extinguished. In recent years the multiple shops and the co- operative societies have largely ousted the individual trader. Mr. Lewis has filled a considerable space in the public eye. From 1868 to 1880 he was lion, seoretary of the Monmouthshire Liberal Association. Since 1892 Mr. Lewis ha-s receded from the fighting line of party politics. The Home Rule and other subjects embodied in the Newcastle Programme were such as lie could not conscientiously advocate, and the ben-t of his mind is now towards ths Unionlirt. policy. He was chairman of the late Trevethin School Board, and was the first chairman of the Abersychan. Urban District Council. For the last five years he has represented the Central Ward of Abersychan on the Monmouthshire County Council. Although an adherent of Free Churoh principles, and a member of one of the oldest Baptist families in South Wales, he has claimed equal treatment for teachers and scholars in both Church and council schools, and has opposed total Sunday closing in Monmouthshire. Because of his .attitude on the latter question his return in 1907 was fiercely opposed by the Radical, Jfonoonformist, and teetotal organisations of the AbersyohaJi district, but Mr. Lewis's triumph at the poll was complete Mr. Lewis, who was appointed on the commis- sion of the peace in 1905, is a frequent con- tributor to journalism, and wields a graphic '&nd powerful pen.

NEW STEAMSHIP SERVICE ¡' FOR NEWPORT. Inquiries made in official circles at the head offices of the EIIerma,n Line at Liver- pool prove that a working arrangement has been entered into betwc-en that company and the Moss Steamship Company whereby eteamera of these lines make alternative calls at Swansea and Newport.' For fOrne considerable time they have made Shvartsea their Bristol Channel port of call on their passage from the Mersey to Gibraltar, Malta, and Alexandra. With a view to developing this trade, they have decided upon making Newport a port of call. The first sailing under the new arrangement from Newport will be that of the E Hernia n liiier Assiaut, which is advertised to sail on October 6, to be fol- lowed a month later by a. Moss liner. The service for the present will be a, monthly one. Less than 25 years ago cargo from Glasgow, Swansea, and Newport was sent to Liverpool for shipment, but now, owing to the keen competition, these ports have their separate services. THE ALLAN STEAMSHIP LINE. With regard to the statement that the con- trol of the Allan Steamship Line has passed to the Grand Trunk Railway Company, it wm o&oia,Uy stated at the Glasgow head- quarters of the former company on Friday that all rumours with reference to the nego- tiations with the railway or any other persons were unwarranted. The steamship company remains precisely as in the past, with the exception of the change in the general managers and directors announced in Wednesday's official circular.

SALE OF PEDIGREE STOCK I A largely-attended sale of pedigree stoc]: the property of Sir Edward Pryse, Bart.. was conducted at Gogerddan, Bow Street, by Messrs. J. Francis and Son, auctioneers, Carmarthen. Tho lets included a large number of cattle from the splendid Short- born herd which Sir Edward started in 1906, together with several pedigree Shire horses. The sale realised a total of about £ 1,200, a.nd. except in the case of sheep, the prices were good. One cow realised 24t guineas, and two others went for 24 guineas apiece. The bull "Clynilew Dnke of Barrington" sold at 30j Buineas. while 25 guineas was paid for a bull oaikt. Amcmgat the highest prices paid for the bosses were 50, 58, and 67 guineas, while 38-g-aiaeas. ,„,„,————- ..80.

STOP PRESS Latest T elegrama. STEAMER ASHORE. The Keil correspondent cl Exchange Telegraph Cc-aipany wires:—The British hCeamer Jaffa, belonging to the Wilson Line, is reported to be ashure at ftehmaia Island. 'MANCHESTER MEETING, HANDICAP BE3TJLT 7 7 ,ir E Cassel's Firefly ii-on F Lambton 7 0 Mr Vyner's Seppuka Matthews 6 12 i.C—Also ran—Rosey Posey, ateilata, Ecc!«-»U colt, h.dy Birdie gelding, acd Xiseeldine. 2.:S.WILTOX HANDICAP. Eefult:— .Baker's Boy Vigilance Bobbin II. HrRST PARK MEETING. 2.0—PALACE HAXICAP RESULT C Dewicke's .Knead .Cort 5 7 6 J H Bennett's Dandy Bird ilr M Firth's St Xarcisse Ballick 3 7 9 TrStn < ,1''>(.     ?'-

APOLOGY TO LANDLORDS The Montgomeryshire County Council received on Friday from its small holdings committee a»a expression of regret that their progress was slow. but they submitted their special officer's report that they had not been wanting in their endeavours to carry out the objects of the Act. Colonel Pryce-Jones said there had been an impression that landlords were adverse to small holdings, but the result of the com- mittee's work was that in Montgomeryshire there was no substantial grievances. They owed an apology, to the bulk of the land- lords in Wales for the unfair names which had been given them because they had not acted as they should with the land in their possession. But, as-their county member (Mr. David Da-vies) had said, thej* must not paint all landlorda--aceordidg to one or twol exceptions. Altogether the large landlords of Montgomeryshire had supplied 39 small holdings, which brought the total created in the county tince the passing of the Act up to' 64.

I LATE MRS. LOUISA CROOM Mrs. Louisa Croom. of 14. '.Nicholas-street. Pontypool, who died on June 27 last, left estate valued at £ 2,022 gross, with net per- sonalty £1,810. Probate of her will, dated November 6, 1908, with a codicil of March 2, 1903, has been. granted to her son, Mr. Hy. James Croom, tailor, of 14. Nicholas- street, Pontypool, and Mr. William Hy. Vipond Bythway, of Pcntypool, solicitor. The testatrix left one-fourth of her estate in trust for her son Frank Edward Croom, one- fourth in trust for her son Henry James Croom, one-fourth in trust for her daughter Mary Elizabeth, Wilson, and one-fourth in trust for her daughter-in-law, Clara Bertha Croom.

r CYCLIST RECORDS Those of our readers who are cyclists will be interested to learn that the tandem bicycle twelve hours' record on Northern roads was beaten on September 4 by E. If. Grimsdell and M. R. Mott on a Budge-Whit- worth tandem. They covered in tTre twelve hours 2221 miles, beating the previous record by three miles. On the same day rt Kennington Oval 8. F. Bailey on a Iiudge- T,Vh:tw-orr,h won the Surrey Cup in the 10 Miles Scratch Bicycle Race.

A HUSBAND'S ALLEGATIONS. I David John Richard Lewis (45), an ex-post- man, was charged at Cardiff on Friday with neglecting to pay maintenance arrears to his wife. His wife, he alleged, had been deceiving him by relationship with a ledger, and the only satisfaction she gave was when she broke a shovel on the lodger's head. When he was at Abercynon he founcLa flagon in her house, and he contended that Sfce had committed "perjury when she got him charged last time. The Stipendiary remanded prisoner on his own bail for a week to enable him to pay £1 1,0., half of the amount claimed.

FALSE PRETENCES AT NEWPORT. I William Cole and Joseph Willis, two men of the navvy type, living in Castle-street, were sent to prison for three months each at Newport on Friday on a charge of obtaining tools by false pretences from Alfred Thomas Hood, ironmonger, Alexandra-road, and Messrs. Alfred Holman and Co., Commercial- road. In respect of other tools obtained from Holman's, they were charged, together with Albert Mills and Charles Lake, St. Michael-street, and they were each lined 10s.

DEATH OF PORTHCAWL VISITOR. Whilst out for a, walk on the Lock's Com- mon on Friday afternoon Miss Jane Williams, newsagent, Trealaw, died suddenly, and the body was conveyed to the mortuary pending the inquest. Her brother, Mr. Hopkin Wil- liams, undertaker, Pandy, was immediately communicated with.

WATER FOR A MILKMAN. Mrs. Isabella Giddings was complainant in a summons at Cardiff Police-court on Friday for threats alleged to havo been-used by Mr. Elston, a dairyman, of St. Mellon's. It was alleged that the defendant threatened to I murder her, and Mr. Gordon Williams, who defended, elicited the statement that the defendant had failed to get Mrs. Giddings to pay an account, and that she had thrown a bucket of water over him.—The Stipendiary (to Mrs. Giddings): If he interferes with you again, call in a policeman. The summons is r. -dismissed.

The Man in the Street. We are now well into the autumn, a season which has a peculiar charm for many. Its gentle days, with their plea- sant sky effects and russet foliage, have a soothing influence. In a short time the sun will have arrived at the celestial equator; day and night will be of equal length, and then we shall slowly see autumn transform into winter. The metamorphosis is not always a pleasant one. As a rule, in England autumn is a delightful season; but at its end come fog, dreariness and drizzle, which reign, as a rule, well over Christmas so that we are well into the new year before the "old-fashioned" winter makes its appear- ance—even should it condescend to do so! The fact of the matter is that the British winter has not been a success for many years, and the chronicles of snow fathoms deep and ice in sheets are not repeated now. However, there is no need to look forward, or to cross the meteorological bridge until one comes to Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof; and we may add-not to seem ungracious to the worthy weather-clerk- sufficient unto the autumn is the beauty thereof. I If the prophets are correct there will be plenty of buzz in the air before long. I am not speaking of the Peary-Cook dispute, though that will, of course, be present. But there is the Church Con- gress, which is sure to set many Welsh tongues wagging, and, maybe, some dove- cotes fluttering. And there is the general election and the coal trouble; and from both the last quiet folk pray that they may be delivered. 1 know not, when I think it over, what is the worse or the least to be desired of the two-an election or a coal rupture. Both are "cruel bad," inflaming men's minds, opening old scores and old sores, and causing men to say in the heat of the moment what it some- times takes them many a day to be sorry for. Of course, the election is a neces- sity, and there are even nice, cheerful people who would have one every year or so! But the coal trouble, one hopes, will blow over and result in better rela- tions between master and man. ihe pre- sent tension can't go on-that is very certain, and by-and-bye, "something will drop." The worst of it is that when something does drop, it is too often the unfortunate and innocent public which happens to be right underneath. Mr. Hugh Clements is less kind than generous. I note that in his weather predictions he forecasts storms for October 1, 12, 14, 16, 25, 30, and 31; for November 5, 17, and 18, round 27 and 30; also that December "will be a month of storms." It looks to me, in fine, as though the last three months of the year are to be stormy in a great many senses of the word. However, as there are sceptics about, and as neither Mr. Clements nor any other prophet is absolutely infallible, I advise my readers ) to cut the prediction out, and note whether it be fulfilled or falsified. Person- ally, I hopo the latter, as seven storms in October, a big crop of them in j November, and a regular cyclone all through December is not altogether plea. sant to contemplate. • In fact, nobody will benefit but the mackintosh makers and the umbrella vendors, and they ought to kave had a fairly good time this year already. The world ought to be pretty well aware by this time that "Wales is n sea of song," because the billows of that see are perpetually darting splashing all over the earth. It is difficult to go anywhere without encountering the spray. America, Australia, the Cape—Welsh choirs tour- ing, touring, touring, and singing, sing- ing, singing, and Welsh residents cheer- ing and feasting and congratulating-and waiting for the next arrival of choristers. It is all very wonderful, and the world must think that the Welsh music-tap is an apparatus that keeps running night and day. Well, so it does. The English are, on thme whole, a silent people; but as you travel westward and cross the border folk begin singing, and the further west you go the more they sing. The lanes of an evening are full of melody; even the very railway carriages resound. The Welshman's heart is like that of a bird. When he is happy he must sing; even when he is sad he must sing. And are not his funeral hymns the most deeply pathetic in the world? It is a perpetual wonder to me that so many of our miners have such magnificent voices. Surely, there must be something vocal in coal-dust! Any- way, what is more inspiring than the strains of a good Welsh male voice party? And ten to one the bulk of them are fresh from their toil in the dark bowels of the earth. Efforts are being made throughout the district to augment the building fund of Cardiff University College. I fear we do not altogether shine in our support of the college, especially those of us who are merchant princes. Cardiff College is doing a big work, doing it well, yet some- how it has never been closely in touch with Cardiff life; the staff are not widely known; and if the college vanished to- morrow a large portion of the public would-go on its way wholly unmoved. This is not how things ought to be. Car- diff is not like a small place, such as Lam- peter or Aberystwyth, where the local college is practically everything. Our interests are vast and numerous. Still the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire stands for a good deal in the world of learning, and a deal of money is yet required before the build- ing fund can be said to be in a satis- factory condition.

LATE MRS. HAMAR I Mrs. Sarah Hamar, of Adforton, LeintWar dine, Hereford, who died on July 30 last, left estate valued at L77) gross, with net per- sonalty £ 77. Probate of her will has been granted to her sou, Mr. John Hamar, of The I Farlands, Lingen, Hereford, farmer, and Miss I Minnie Maud Hamar, daughter of the deceased.

HIGHLAND GATHERING AT OBAN. The Gaelic gatherings at Oban have been brought to a close after three days festivi- ties of Highland games, Gaelic concerts, a Highland ball, and a regatta. There was all enormous attendance, brilliancy being lent to the assembly by the majority of the visitors being in Highland costume. Wales was represented by Madame Hughes-Thomas and Mr. Edward Thomas (Cochfarf), J.P., who were present as the guests of the Duke cf Argyll, K.T., his Irace being the president of the gathering. We gather that Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have accepted an- invitation to repeat the visit next year.

TentStruck by Lightning I I OFFICER & 2 SERGEANTS INJURED There was a pause in the work of the army manoeuvres on Friday, a rest day being arranged to give the troops engaged a chance to recuperate after the long marches and wearisome operations of the inter-divisional manoeuvres, 10 fit them for the strenuous work of the greater manoeuvres which start at dawn on Monday. These manoeuvres will be directed by General French. Late on Friday afternoon a heavy thunder- storm broke over the district, a deluge of rain washing through the camp and making matters most uncomfortable for the men, who had just begun to get their blankets and clothing dry. During the height of the thunderstorm the lightning struck a tent in the 1st Cheshire Eegiment's lines. Inside were five non-commissioned officers—Qnarter- ir aster-sergeant Jackson, Colour-sergeant Brayshaw, and Sergeants Blear, Lyon, and Colvelle. The lightning ran down the pole and shattered a rifle that was resting against it. All the occupants of the tent were thrown to the ground and more or less injured. Blears and Jackson so badly that they had to be removed to Burford Hospital. Captain H. S. Hodgkin was in the opposite row of tents, and at the moment was standing at the entrance talking to a eergeant-anajor. As the flash came he fell forward into the ser- geant-major's arms unconscious. He also was conveyed to the hospital. A late inquiry there elicited the informa- tion that the condition of the injured was not serious.

SUNDAY PILFERING For some time the Crickhowell district has been subject to much annoyance, owing to the systematic pilfering of gardens and orcha.rds by visitors from the Hills. On Friday John Price, Edward King, and Griffith Thomas, all of Nantybwch, colliers, pleaded guilty to stealing a quantity of apples from the orchard of Mr. D. P. Jones. of Llangynider, on Sunday. The prosecutor stated he went to the three men and asked what business they had in the orchard. One of them replied, "Anyone would think you were afraid we should take the trees." Price said, If you don't go home, it's very likely you'll have to be carried home." They also threatened to lay him out." They stripped tho tree of the fruit in front of him and defied him. Their escapade cost them £ 2 9s. 6d. Price was also charged with being drunk end disorderly, and had to pay a further sum of 10s. 6d. John Howells, of Gilwern, labourer, 'a lad of fifteen, was bound over to be of good behaviour for six months for stealing apples and plums on Sunday from the gardens of Miss A. Lewis and Mr. Benjamin W. Johnson, at Gilwern. John Jones and John Albert Jones, his son, a boy of fifteen, of Wirichestown, Nantyglo, were also charged with stealing fruit on Sunday from the orchards of Mrs. Sandeanan, Dany- park, and Mr. Anthony Lewis. The case against the lad was dismissed, but the father had to pay zCl lis. 3d. inclusive.

SUNK IN 5 MINUTES French Crew's Escape I A party of six shipwrecked French sailors arrived at Cardiff on Friday from Gloucester, where they were landed on Thursday by the P.ristol and Steam Navigation's steamer Echo. They were mgimibars of the French schooner Agile, of Auray, which left Newport at the beginning of the week for Concarneau with 3C70 tons of coal. Whilst in Barnst.aple Bay they w-ere run down off Bull Point at i1.3D p.m. on Wednesday. All the Frenchmen managed TO scramble aboard tho Echo, which struck her forward. One of the crew was asleep in his bunk a.t the time, and he had to hastily depart dressed in his night attire, the schooner sinking in five minutes' time. They lost all their effects, and the only papers saved were those having refer ence to the sdgning-on of the crew. The French Consul at Cardiff received them on Friday afternoon, and arrangements have been made to send them on to L'Orient to-day (Saturday). Immediately on their arrival at Cardiff they were met by Mr. Bernasooni (Bute Docks) and conducted to the Sailors' I Home in Stuart-street.

LEAP INTO THE AVON. A well-dressed middle-aged man threw him- self from Clifton Suspension Bridge into the River Avon on Friday morning. His body struck the water with terrific force, and death must have been instantaneous. The body of the deceased was subsequently brought to land. The body was afterwards identified as that of Mr. J. Cleal, member of a firm of Clifton drapers. It is stated that he had been in ill-health for some time.

I FICTITIOUS WEIGH BILLS. I CONFESSION BY NEWPORT TIME- KEEPER. A painful case came before the Newport bench on Friday. Robert Brooks, Dudley-street, a weighman and timekeeper at Messrs. Morris and Griffin's (Tdmited) chemical works, New- port, and Theophilus Jones, marine-store dealer, Chelston-place, were jointly charged with endeavouring by means of a certain false credit note to obtain E2, the price of 13ewt. of bones; also with attempting to obtain 3Cte. for lOcwt. of bones, and 21s. for 7cwt. 3qr. of bones. Mr. Lyndon Moore prosecuted, and said Brooks had made a clean breast of it. Mr. Digby Powell defen-ded Jones. Detective-sergeant Caldicott said he arrested Brooks at Messrs. Morris and Griffin's works on Thursday last. Subsequently he arrested Jones, and told him that Brooks had made a statement implicating him. Jones said that Brooks ha,d persisted in coming to his hoiise, and he had to drive him away several ti-ies. In the statement made by Brooks he said he wished to make reparation for all he had done. About twelve months ago he went to Jones and told him he was short of money. He (Brooks) suggested that if he gave him tickets for more than the weight of bones which he sent to the works whether he would pay him for doing so. The overweight entered in the weigh bills varied from two to three liuind red weight. He commenced giving fictitious tickets about six months ago, and had received su.ms ranging from 3s. to JE1 from Jones. Mr. Gus Jones, works manager for Messrs. Morris and Griffin, said Brooks had been in their employ as a weighman for four years. While he was away from the works the offi. cials were unable to find the weight book on several occasions, and suspicion was aroused. A watch was kept, and on a. check being taken it was found that overweight was put in several of the weigh tickets and that weigh tickets were put in for bones that ha,d never been delivered. Mr. Moore said his clients did not wish the men to be sent to prison, as they considered the publicity and a fine would be sufficient punishment. Brooks said he was married and had four children, and his wages were 27s. 6d. per week. He put in a testimonial of twenty years' service with a Manchester firm. The Bench, after a short retirement, imposed a fine of = in each case, or one month.

DESPICABLE RUSE AT NEWPORT. AN ECHO OF THE DOCK DISASTER. Joseph Willis and Charles Lake, two dock labourers, were charged at Newport, on Friday with obtaining two cotton shirts by false pretences from Mr. R. Price, Commer- cial-road. Willis went to Mr. Price's shop, and said Mr. Legge, foreman for Messrs. Easton Gibb and Son. had given him an order to get three dozen shirts, saying they were for the bodies of the men who were being brought up from the trench, the scene of the recent disaster. (Laughter.) Lake joined Willis later, and witness gave them two shirts as samples. When they came back for the remainder they found Police-constable Birch waiting for them, and they were promptly taken into custody.—Mr. Legge denied giving any order for the shirts, add- ing that the dead bodies had not been brought up yet, but that be hoped it would not be long before they were recovered.— Prisoners were fined 10s. each. or in default seven days. Since the disaster at the Alexandra Dock extension works at Newport on the night of July 2 the work has not been so rapidly progressing as hitherto. On Friday Mr. Crutt- weli, Sir John Wolfe Barry's peaaner, visited Newport, and discussed the mode of procedure with the contractors. This was a matter which apparently presented some difficulties, but the matter was practically settled as the result of Friday's conference.

WELSH ARTILLERY UNITS I DISSOLVED. The King he/s been graciously pleased to approve the following units of the Royal Field Reserve Artillery- being abandoned on a date to be notified hereafter: -The Glamor- gan, Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan.

CLARKE'S BLOOD MIXTURE TMa rimoas meucjne will I cleanse the blood from all impa- rities from whatever cause aris- ing. A safe remedy for Ecwma, Poison, SoTes of all kinds, Bolls, Bad Legs, Scrofula, Blood Eruptions, Ulcers, Glandular Swellings, &c. Of all storoa, &0. Forty years' success. Bowax- of lmitwUcs,

IS. Wales CoaMagnatei I MR. W. B. PARTRIDGE DEAD The death has ta.ken place of Mr. Wm. Bailey Partridge, of The Green, Bacton, near Pontrilas, Herefordshire. Deceased, who was about 70 years of -age, had for some time past been troubled with failing health, but on Thursday morning he did not seem worse than usual, and his death was unexpected. Prior to removing to Bacton Mr. Partridge, who was a native of Beaufort, lived for many years at Llanfoist, near Abergavenny. He had been closely connected with many large commercial undertakings in Monmouth- shire for the past .50 years. At one time he managed the Nantyg-Io Ironworks, and was the right-hand man of the late Mr. Crawshay Bailey, the well-known ironmaster. About 30 years ago he went into partnership with the late Mr. Edward Jones, J.P., of Snatchwood Park, Abersychan, who was at one time chairman of the Oo:.ÜowneTs' Association. The partnership started in a small way, but to-day Messrs. Partridge, Jones, and Co. e Jones, and 0' ) (Limited) are one of the best-known colliery firms in South Wales. Since Mr. Jones's death Mr. Partridge took an active interest in the concern. Up to the time of his death he was chairman of the company, who own extensive and prosperous collieries in the Abersychan district of the Monmouth- shire section of the coalfield, and also had interests in other districts. He was chairman of the Neath and Brecon Railway Company, and a. direc- tor of Cordes (Dos Works) (Limited), Newport. He was also interested in the Pontypool Tin-plate Company (Limited) and the Pontnewynydd Sheet and Galvanised Company (Limited). He was the owner of considerable property in the Pontrila.s amd Abbeydore district, where he was held in high esteem, as well as among commercial men of his acquaintance. The marriage of one of his sons took lilace as recently a.s last Saturday. He was a J.P. for Monmouth- shire, Breconshire, and Herefordshire, and was high sheriff of Breconsjiire three years ago. As was fitting in a landowner in such a sporting and hunting district as that in wmcii lie resided, 3ir. Partridge was a good judge and breeder of horses, having turned out many well-known hunters and steeple- chasers. He had at Bacton a pack of hounds, and his son, Mr. Dick Partridge, acted as huntsman. Among the horses owned by him was Timothy Titus, which in the Grand rational three years ago threw his rider. He leaves a widow, three sons, and two daughters. His eldest son (Mr. W. H. P. Par- tridge) resided for some time at Bryngomer, near Pontypool, but now lives in Essex. The second son (Mr. R. C. B. Part-ridge) has repre- sented his father in several undertakings, while the youngest (Mr. Henry F. Partridge), who was married in London last Saturday, holds a commission in one cf the smart cavalry regiraents. The funeral will take place at Bacton on Monday, and will be of a private character.

NEW STEAMER FOR CARDIFF Messrs. Craig, Taylor, and Co. (Limited) have launched from their Thornaby Ship- building Yard, Thornaby-on-Tees, a finely- modelled steel-screw steamer of the following dimensions;—255ft. 9in. x 36ft. 9in. x 18ft. moulded. She is built of steel to the highest class in Lloyd's, under special survey, and has a raised quarter deck, bridge-house, and topgallant forecastle; water ballast in double bottom fore and aft. and in peaks. She is equipped with a patent steam wind- lass, with quick warping ends, steam steering gear, four steam winches and suitable donkey boiler, pole masts to Manchester Ship Canal requirements, large hatches for self- trimming, and all the latest improvements for ra.pid loading and discharging. The accommodation for captain and officers is neatly fitted up in the bridge-hoise, the engineers being in the deck-house alongside the engine casing, and the crew in the fore- castle. Her engines have been constructed by the North Eastern Marine Engineering Company (Limited), Sunderland, the cylinders being 19, 31, and 51 x 36, with two large steel boilers working at 180lb. pressure. The vessel has been built to the order of Messrs. Howard- Jones and King, of Cardiff, under the superin- tendence of Mr. Henry Cambridge, of Cardiff As she left the ways she was gracefully christened the Ashtree by Mrs. Charles King, wife of one of the owners.

ARCTIC LANDSCAPES I PARIS, Friday. The New York Herald Paris edition will to-morrow publish the second instalment of Dr. Cook's narrative. He says: We passed the ice-battered, storm-swept cliff of Cape Parry. Beyond was the whole sound, a sea of gold, strewn with ice, islands ultra-marine and alabaster. Whales spouted and walrus fhouted, and the grampus was out early for a fight. Large flocks of little auks rushed over on hurried missions. The wind was light, but the engines pulled ut along at a pace ju,3t fast enough to allow us to enjoy the superb surroundings. The great chiselled cliffs of Cape Xckland rose in terraced grandeur under the midnight sun. The rocks provide a resting-place for the little auk. Millions of these little birds darted from cliff to sea. A rather rich grassy verdure also offered an oasis for the Arctic hare, while the blue fox found life easy here, for he could fill his winter den with fat feathered creatures. The Eskimo profits by the com- bination, and pitches his camp at the foot of the cliffs, for the chase on the sea is nearly as good here as in other places, while land creatures literally tumble into his larder. "Passing inside Littleton Island, we searched for relics along the Lifeboat Cove. The desolate cliffs of Cape Hatherton were a blaze of colour and light, but the sea was refreshingly cool, with blue towering bergs to dispel the fire of the Arctic midsummer. As we rushed in comfort past the ice- polished and wind-swept headlands the sea was alive with birds, seals, and walruses, but little shooting was done. Looking up Smith Sound we noted that the entire channel beyond was blocked with a jam of hard blue ice. The northernmost limit of motor-boating had been reached." Press Association Foreign Special. PEARY MAKES AN ADMISSION. According to the New York World" special representative at Battle Harbour, Commander Peary in an interview admitted that it would have been quite possible for Dr. Cook to have arrived at the Pole by a hundred different routes without the former finding any trace of him.—Central News.

THUNDERBOL ïNEARHOSPITAL At Fleet, Hants, on Friday afternoon the cottage' hospital narrowly escaped damage by a thunderbolt. The inmates of a house opposite saw what they described as a ball of fire descend slightly to the left of the hospital building, and strike the ground, where it was found that the iron top of a water main had been blown off bodily. In South Oxfordshire a terriffic storm was experienced on Friday. At Chickendon two ccws were killed, and at Lower Caversham a thunderbolt passed through a house from the roof to the foundations. Great damage was done to the house.

BURGLARY AT SIR J. BRUNN ER'S HOUSE I Charles Cook, an American engineer, and Charles Werner, alias Valentine Leuchen, an Austrian cabinetmaker, were committed for trial to the Surrey Quarter Sessions on Friday on the charge of burglariously enter- ing Silverlands, the residence of Sir John BTunner, M.P., on September 6, and stealing silver articles valued at £ 300. It was stated that the finger-prints of W erner corresponded with marks on the broken half window. Cook contended that he was not in the Chertsey district at the time, and would call the American Consul, his wife, and a clergy- man to prove it.

STEAMER'S RECORD VOYAGE I The Canadian Pacific- Royal Mail steamer Empress of Britain, which arrived at liver- pool on Friday morning, has broken all previous records for fast steaming in the Canadian trade. The steamer's time from KimousM, in the Biver St. Lawrence, to the Mersey was 5 days 13h. 20min. On her last outward voyage from Liverpool the distance was covered in 5 days 15h., and 'the steamer has, therefore, done an out-arid-home trip in the remarkable time of a little over eleven days.

I ENGINEERS' WAGES I The ballot of the members of the thirteen Unions of the. engineering and kindred trades in Manchester and district has resulted in the acceptance of the proposal that the pre- sent rates of wages shall remain undis- turbed for a period of three years from September 30 next, and that any subsequent alterations in rates of wages shall be sub- ject to two months' notice..

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS' WALK I A start was given at five o'clock on Friday evening to the Blackheath Harriers' (open) twenty-four hours' walking race at the Stadium, ShophordV. Bush. There were fifty starters, including' T. E. Hammond, who set up a fresh record in the corresponding race last year. G. lies, of Wales, set out at a fast pace, and at the end of the first five hours was leading' by more than a mile from A. R. Edwards, of Lancashire, having covered thirty-one miles seven hundred and nine yards. Hammond was then-third.

Lively -a Scenes MEMBERS ORDERED TO STOP SMOKINC The meeting of the Standing Committee of the House of Commons presided over by Sir David Brynmor Jones, which is considering the Development and Road Improvement Funds Bill, was marked on Friday by several lively scenes. An amendment in the name of Captain Craig to include fruit-growing within the scope of the duty of the Commissioners was withdrawn, and another amendment that money to develop agricultural research should be confined to the United Kingdom was rejected. Sir Francis Channing (R.) moved an amendment providing, among other things, for the building or adaptation of sipecial schools for agricultural instruction. Sir Philip Magnus (U.) considered that the objects sought for in the amendment were covered in the clause, and opposed the suggestion. Sir S. T. Evans (Solicitor-General) said that he entirely agreed, and adopted Sir Philip's statement as his own reply. Sir Francis Channing described the reply as extremely perfunctory, and thought it was hardly courteous to have his suggestion summarily dismissed on the obiter dicta of an opponent of the Government, and he resented it very warmly. The Solicitor-General said his reason for adopting Sir Philip's statement was because it covered all he could say and saved time. Eventually the amendment was defeated. ^Subsequently Mr. Lloyd George resisted a proposal to adjourn the debate amid protests and statements that obstruction was coming from Ministerialists and not from the Opposition. Smoking and a Luncheon Then Captain Craig (U.) was found to be smoking a pipe, while Lord Robert was engaged in eating a hearty lunch, having had a tray brought in. The Chairman (Sir D. Brynmor Jones) was asked if this were in order, and he answered that he found nothing in the standing orders on the question. He asked Captain Craig to discontinue. After some discussion, Captain Craig put his pipe in his pocket. Lord Morpeth also asked permission to smoke, but it was refused. Lord ii/obert Cecil then said: Perhaps I ought to have asked about light refreshments. I think that is in order? The Chairman: There are many precedents for that. Lord Robert accordingly continued his lunch. The Chancellor shortly afterwards moved the closure in regard to one portkm of Clause 1. Iltils motion was carried, and the part affected was adopted. Mr. Lloyd George then moved that the clause stand as part of the Bill. There was a vigorous protest and an exciting sioene, members shouting at one another across the floor. Lord Robert Cecil (U.), so far as he conid be heard, shouted that the application of the closure was due to a Welsh Chairman, a Welsh Chancellor of the Exchequer, and a Welsh Solicitor-General. Members bccline still more excited, and Lord. Robert Cecil was understood to accuse the Oha.nceJlor of breaking through the arrangement with regard to procedure. Mr. Lloyd George said Lord Robert Cecil had made a remark which was most objec- tionable, and which, he thought, should be withdrawn. The Chairman said he had not the power to compel the withdrawal of a remark, but called Lord Robert's attention to the fact that it had been objected to. After some parleying, Lord Robert said he saw his observation had been misinterpreted in a more offensive sense than he had intended. He sa?d he spoke under the influ- ence of very great irritation indeed. Under the circumstances, he ought to withdraw the expression, as it might have been misinter- preted. He declared, however, that the general conduct of business by the Govern- ment had been so grave as almost io amount to a breach of faith. The motion that Cla-use 1 stand as part of the Bill was then carried on a division. The Chancellor's motion that tbe Com- mittee adjourn until Tuesday was adopted, after another division, and the members separated, one of the Opposition members shouting, "This is a scandal."

ZEPPELIN III AT MANOEUVRES FRANKFORT-ON-MAIN, Friday. Zeppelin III. has set out on a long- l distance flight for military purposes to the scene of the German army manoeuvres at- Mergentheim. Among-st the passengers in the car are Count Zeppelin and General Eichhorn, commanding' the Eighth Army Corps.-Reuter. MERGENTHEIM, Friday. True to his word, Count Zeppelin visited the manoeuvre field on board the Zeppelin III., but owing to one of those mishaps in which the new model is so unlucky the airship did not arrive until "Cease fire," declaring the manoeuvres at-an end, had been sounded all along the line. Zeppelin III. left Frankfurt at eleven o'clock last night, but, one of her propellers again working unsatisfactorily, a landing was effected at Merchingen, where the airship was slightly damaged on touching the ground. Ze-ppelin III. finally reached Buchen, in the rear of the Red Army, but was too late to take part in the operations. So, with one propeller missing, she cruised out towards Heckfeld, where she met the Gross airship, and the two vessels cruised about together. to the intense delight of the troops returning to their quarters and the pea--ants.- Reuter. I DIRIGIBLES FOR BRITAIN AND I ITALY. PARIS, Friday. At Moisson the constructors of the Army airships Liberte and Republique will shortly commence the construc- tion of a large dirigible balloon of 8,000 cubic metres capaoity, with two motors, each of 130 horse-power. The -airship is destined for London, and on its completion will proceed on its night to that city. An accident has occurred to the Spanish dirigible Esp.ana at Meaux. Whilst in course of inflation, and when the balloon con- tained 2,000 cubic metres of gas, in conse- quence of the rupture of a cord the envelope of the dirigible burst. The damage can be repaired. Cagno had an accident while flying at Brescia. He rose quickly to a height of twelve metres after running along the ground for about 100 metres. He then attempted to turn, but his machine over- balanced, and fell upon that of Rudenone, which was smashed. The dirigible balloon Zodiaque made another ascent on Friday. The papers state that an aero club is about to be formed there, and that a project is already on foot to purchase the Zodiaque V., to re-christen it the City of Brescia, and present it to the Government.—Reuter.

CANADA AND THE STATES Mr. Graham, Minister of Railways and Canals, speaking at Hamilton (Ontario), referred to the American Tariff Bill, and said that Canada would like to be most friendly in her trade relations with her big neighbours to the South, but we have learned to find new markets and new friends for our trade, and these can now be increased. In the present juncture Canada will take up a dignified position, and con- tinue about her business without being stampeded or frightened by anything that any other country can do. Should the time come for action, it will be our business to do what is in the best interests of the Canadian people, regardless of what any other body does or thinks, always bearing in mind, of course, that it is the policy, not only of the Government, but also of the Canadian people, to give preferential treat- ment to the Motherland."—Reuter.

MISS AMY EVANS I LONDON, Friday night. I Miss Amiy Evans made her first appearance (at the Queen's-hall promenade concerts to- night, end won four re-calle. In her delivery of Max Bruoh's Ave Maria," h. singing showed a marked development in the direc- tion of emotional warmth, the notes in her upper register being, moreover, much more resonant in quality. She had not quite gauged the surroundings of the Queen'fi-hall, and her lower notes were, in consequence, somewhat unequal. The hall was packed in every part, and in [addition to the four re-calls the young Welsh singer was the recipient of a. beautiful bouquet. -1

MR. RAMSAY MACDONALD'S I TOU R. Mr. Ramsay MacdonaJd, M.P., accompanicd by Mrs. Macdonald, left Liverpool-street, Lon- don, on Friday for the Victoria and Albert Docks, to board the P. and O. liner Arabia. Mr. Macdpnald proposes to spend three months in a tour of India and the North-West Frontier, but will not indulge in public speaking. He has mode arrangements for being iiumediately re-called, in the event of a general election being fixed for a date p-rioir to that of his intended return.

DRY CLXA&iNG—i, .Ulnar-steed. Cathasa. atKS I

I T awards the South Pole r THE BRITiSH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION I Captain Scott and Mr Peary's Afnbition. Mr. Peary's announcement that he is bound for the South Pole now will make no difference to Captain Scott's plans." In the course of a short interview with one of our representatives, Claptain Scott -and Lieu- tenant Evans made that statement on Friday. They added that, whatever is done elsewhere, those with whom they are acting intend that another British attempt shall be made to reach the centre of the Antarctic regions. Captain Scott added the explanation that It is too late now for anyone, in the Northern hemisphere to start. Our date will be the end of July or the beginning of August next, and it will be both unnecessary and use- less to start before that date. There is a certain time at which the districts to be used as the base will be reached, and if you are not there in time you must wait for another year. That is the position at the present moment, so that there is no neces- sity for an alteration in our plans. But you might point out that the announcements of intentions by others should be noticed here, and make it all the I more desirable that the funds necessary for a British expedition should be provided as soon as possible, in order that the best equip- I ment may be secured." With the foregoing remarks Lieutenanti Evans concurred. As already published in the "Evening Express" Lieutenant Evans (who is of Welsh descent) will be Captain Scott's second in command, and will have charge of the navigation of the expedition. Information supplied by Captain. Scott shows that the intentions of the organisers of the expedition are to reach- the South Polar regions by December next year. M'Murdo Sound as a base will not be overlooked, but the traditions of British Polar investigation and the cause of science—are that new ground should be opened at each attempt. Following that tra- dition, Captain Scott will probably go about 400 miles east of th&t j?oint, and make his base in King Edward VII. Land. From there 'to the South Pole is estimated at 1,500 miles, and 180 d,ays at ten miles is reckoned as the rate of progress. The character of the country "-or ice- for some distance onwards is known fairly well, but after that the expedition will be exploring the unknown. Whether they will find a c.ontinuation of the Great Barrier, whether, if existing, it will be more or less J difficult than at places where it was negotiated in previüuG expeditions, is a problem anent which Captain Scott is prepared to face the worst. The expectation, however, is that the Great Barrier shapes off southward, so that, compared with M'Murdo Sound, there is a longer distance on sea level before the Barrier is reached. This means a reduction in the distance of rough country between the Barrier and the Pole. Profiting by his. own past experience, and also that of Lieutenant Shackleton (who is placing his aid at the disposal of the expedition), Captain Scott will take Manchu- rian ponies and dogs of the Eskimo, Samoyede, or Oetyak breeds. Lieutenant Shackleton made a new departure in taking a motor-car, made specially for the expedi- tion. From the success attained thereby, Captain Scott will go one better and take motor-sledges, with which it will be possible to traverse longer distances over the snow than could be takea by motor-care, as the wheels were not adapted to that phase of the work. I A large food supply, a well-selected staff of assistants and crew, and (possibly) a wireless I telegraphy installation will be other interest- ing features. As already stated, the expedition is due to leave EnglaYid next summer. It will go straight to New Zealand, where ponies, dogs, and stores will be taken up. Then the voyage to M'Murdo Sound will be continued, and after winter quarters have been erected there the ship will go on to King Edward VII. Land. Having landed the exploration party, with such stores and equipment as will be necessary, the vessel will return to New Zealand and wait until 1912. when she will go back to fetch off Captain Scott and his companions. September, 1912, is the date when the party may be expected home again. As to the objects of the expedition, the first thing in mind will be that a British expedition should reach the South Pole. After that there will be attempts to explore and survey King Edward VII. Land, and to gain further knowledge about the nature and extent of the Great Barrier, as well as of the high mountainous region of Victoria Land. Thirdly, whilst Captain Scott's last expedi- tion was chiefly for the purpose of making magnetic observations, something will be done to duplicate and confirm the records then made with ma.gnetographs, in which some extremely important information is anticipated. The offices of the expedition are at 36, Vic- toria-street, S.W., and subscriptions should be sent there. Captain Scott's Intentions I Captain Scott issuec on Friday night his itinerary for his proposed dash for the South Pole. "The main object of the expedition," says the official statement, is to reach the South Pole and to secure lor the British Empire the honour of that achievement. The base hitherto used is in M'Murdo Sound, but the cause of science and the tradition of British exploration make it desirable that new ground should be broken, and, for this reason, an endeavour will be made to establish a second base on King Edward VII. Land, four hundred miles to the east. The attack on the Pole will be made from one or other of these bases, according to circum- stances. The distance from the base to the Pole and back is about 1,500 miles, and it is estimated that an average of ten miles a day can be maintained." The estimated cost of the expedition is £ 40,000. I THE PROSPECTIVE ROUTE OF THE SCOTT EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTH POLE.

SALISBURY PLAIN DISASTER I The magisterial hearing of a charge of I manslaughter brought against Arthur Sayteh, the driver of the motor-car which ran into a column of the London Terri- torials on Salisbury Plain on August 12, was commenced at Salisbury on Friday. Accused pleaded not guilty. Mr. Rayner Goddard, who appeared for tho j Treasury, said that as a. result of a. motor- car ploughing its way through a column of j troops, 40 yards in length. Gunner Ernest Snow caule by his death and Gunner Pollard received such injuries that his recovery waa even now by no means certain. The coron jury did not return a. verdict of "Man- slaughter," but, in view of certain fresh facts, the Public Prosecutor considered the case should be further investigated. Con- tinuing, counsel said the speed of the car must have been tremendous. All who saw the car agreed that it swayed from side to side on account of the pace at which it was I travelling. The driver, in a written state- ment, said he was driving at ten to fifteen miles an hour, and that he could not see I more than five or six yards ahead on i account of the mist. Counsel thought that I that statement alone was sufficient to prove reckless driving, because it would certainly not be safe to drive at fifteen miles an hour if the chaalfeur could only see five yards ahead. He further submitted that when Sa-ytch came down on the body of men he lost his head, and was unable to exercise that control over the oar that he ought to I have done. Witnesses were then called. Captain Finch, 4th London Brigade Royal Field Artillery, f>a.id the car cut its way through the Battery, throwing men down right and left. Saytch said something to the effect that the car ran away or got out of control. Cross-examined, the witness said there was a certain amount of mist. Sergeant Harry Naish stated that so far as he could see the chauffeur made no attempt to avoid the c-olumn or to slacken the speed. Lieutenant Lucas said he tested the car after the accident, and found the steering gear all right, but one of the brakes defective. With the foot brake, however, he stopped the car in practically its own length when travelling at twenty-five miles an hour, so that if the accused was travelling at fifteen miles down hiH he should have stopped the car in its own length. The case was adjourned until Wednesday next.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S VOTE I There was an interesting discussion p.t Criccieth Registration Court on Friday, when Mr. Nee, for the Conservatives, objected to the claim of Mr. Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, for a vote as occupier cf a cottage and land at Criccieth, known rs Parciau Bach. The Chancellor's new bungalow is being built on the land. Mr. Wm. George, the Chancellor's brother, who re-presented the Liberals, said Mr. Lloyd George had put in a declaration that he was in occupation Mr. Nee^ubmitted that the Chancellor was not the occupier. It was true he had furni- ture there, but he had not resided there, nor cc-uld it be argued that the cottage was a stcre room, since Mr. Lloyd George had now no residence within seven miles of Criccieth. His residence wa3 No. 11. Downing-street. Mr. Wm. George said that the Chancellor resided at Llys Owen, Criccieth, up to last May. Prior to that he took possession cf Parciau Bach. He had furniture and a bed there, and would probably have been there before now but for his Parliamentary duties Moreover, he had not exceeded the pjriod of absence allowed by the Electoral Disabilities Removal Act. Mr. Nee: There must be an abode. It can-' not be suggested that this little bit of a hut is the Chancellor's home. Mr. Wm. George indignantly protested that it was not a hut. Mr. Nee: Well, cottage, tJ:wm! The .gross rental is only 18 a year. The Revising Barrister (Mr. Latham): All the objection is that the poor man has changed his house. (Laughter.) Surely the Chancellor of the Exchequer is entitled to change his residence. I don't look at 11. Downing-street, as anybody's residence. It is merely a temporary abodd, and I don't think you would find that there is a vote in respect of it. The objection was overruled, and the barriester allowed the vote.

FRENCH FLAG MUTILATED. I A Paris telegram of Friday says that the flag of the 334th Regiment (Reserves) has been found in the barracks at Macon in a muti- lated condition, the colour having been out with a knife. It is believed that the act is the outcome of an anti-miliiArist feeling.

I A WELSH DEPARTMENT The Montgomeryshire Coun,ty Council con- sidered on Friday a Cardiganshire opinion that the time has arrived when the county oouncils of Wales should approach the Government to establish a Welsh Department in Agriculture and Fisheries similar to that in existence in Ireland, pending the estab- lishment of a Welsh National Council for the whole of Welsh affairs, and that a deputa- j tion should wait upon the Government for that purpose. Mr. Richard Jones (a member of the' Welsh Land Commission) said there was nothing political in this proposal, which was really to help agriculture in Wales by departmental orga.nisation. Such a department had done a great .deal for agriculture in Ireland, and a similar department for Scotland, proposed by Lord Pentland's Bill, would be armed with powers, to promote agriculture, forestry, and other rural industries, to collect statistics, to make experimentis and research, and to develop agricultural instruction. A good deal could be done for Welsh agriculture by such a department. In comparison with other part6 of the United Kingdom, Wales was not pro- gressive, and such a change must be brought a.bout by a certain amount of agitation. (Laughter.) That was the method whereby Ireland and Scotland had succeeded in getting concessions from the Governments in power. Undoubtedly, the Welsh people were a great deal too mild and submissive. (Laugh- ter and "Hear, hear.") Mr. Gladstone's state- ment was true to-day that the Welsh people's snbmissiveness was simply sheep-like. He moved the adoption of the Cardiganshire resolution. Alderman J. B. Willans seconded the motion, and Mr. W. Forrester Addie, Powis Castle Par6, asked did Mr. Richard Jones suggest that they should benefit by receiving money grants, as in Ireland, Mr. Jones: Oh, yes; certainly! The depart- ment's not worth a straw without that. (Mr. Addie: No.) The resolution was unanimously adopted, and Messrs. Hugh Lewis, Richard Jones, and Forrester Addie were appointed to represent Montgomeryshire on the deputation.

HOP CROP OF 1909 I Messrs. G. Gascoyne and Co., Worcester, report a big reduction in the acreage under hop cultivation. There is this year an un- accountable delay in the issue of the Govern- ment returns, but it is safe to put the present acreage at about 34,000, a reduction of 5,000 acres since September last. This makts the present area 25,0,00 acres less than it stood at fifteen years ago. There has also been a big reduction in the Continental plantations, which, with the small yield, ha.s enhanced prices on the local markets. Oregon has had a late attack of blight, and estimates of the American crop place the yield at 35,000 bales less than the annual consumption. The world's production this year is put at l.OOO.OODcwt., and the consump- tion at 1,700,000,,wt. The British consumption may be put down at 550,000cwt., and the crop this year at 225,000c,wt., an equivalent of six months" supply. It, has been publicly stated that, according to the brewers' licences returns, the eighteen largest brewers lajft year consumed 214,753cwt. of hops, most of which were growths that go to the same breweries year after year. This leaves a very small portion of the crop to be absorbed by the remaining 4,653 brewers. Picking in Worcestershire and Herefordshire is now general, and by the end of next week will be finished in all but the big plantations The chilly weather of the last fortnight stopped growth and spread mould, with the ecm- sequ-ence that many of the hops will be picked in a half-developed state, and the samples will show hops of all sizes mixed together. The colour of the hops already picked is very fine, but the quality remains rto be seen. We do not usually get an excess ')f "condition" in a sunless year.

GUNPOWDEXPLOSION I An explosion involving injuries to two workmen occurred at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey, on Friday, in a building devoted to the manufacture of oordite and gunpowder, containing one of the hydraulic presses used ia connection with the treatment of cordite. Part of the roof of the building was blown away and the machinery somewhat damaged, but, owing to the protection afforded by a specially- construoted partition enclosing each press, the effects of the explosion were minimised. Two men, George Leader, of Enfield Lock, and Charles Green, of Copthall, were taken to the Government hospital within the factory precincts suffering from shock. Oil Friday night they were progressing satisfac- torily.

I Day CLEANING—t, Htany-rtreet, Caitbaj*.

Commerce of Empire I IMPERIAL BLOOD FOR COLONIES I SYDNEY,  I On the sittings of the oongræs of Ch?  of Commerce of the Empire being reStIIf^ Mr. Ames (Monbreal) moved a 'r?'4?o j0j urging his Majesty's Government an<^ Governments of the Colonies to appo? ? Advisory ImpeTaal Council to consider CIU& tions of Imperial interest, esp-eciaIIY t()øs tending to promote trade between "rio, parts of the Empire. Mr. Ames asked  permanent body to work continually ? tDe consolidation of the Empire and the reH*0  01 Lraae barriers. I Sir Albert Spicer said he did not ??  oppose the resolution, but he would 3'S ,( ts d t of ¡ its adoption would assist the project 'of Imperial Council. He feared there Was S r- of members of a body such as was proF" getting out of touch with. the States represented. It would, however, be. immense advantage to have a represents. at consultative council of commercial mell ot the whole Empire. The resolution was carried. Mr. Dixon (Sheffield) moved that the eys?? in force in Western Australia, South Ae tralia, and New Zealand of charging incoo)e, tax upon profits resulting from bust.? transactions in these Colonies by British mercial travellers and agents was very P?? dicial to British trade. This tax, M- ?? argued, was practically an additional Co5^ duty levied on British goods. The motion was ultimately withdrawn- Mr. Ward (?heSeld) moved that vvbeisi Customs duty on samples has been Pal^ any British commercial traveller or ???'' c? on his entry into any British CcJo? j, refund of such duty ought to be ina?" 00 his departure in respect of any such s?? takea away by him. The motion was caT?';?.. Sir Albert S.picer (president) moved a lution of the London Chamber, which d with the important subject of em?gr??"p, and runs- That the settlement of an inade0a to volume of the Anglo-Saxon race in British Dominion« is deserving <? jIo!IdI constant solicitude of the Home bf Colonial Governments, who are '??ff urged to consider what further or bØ1)J¿' I Bteps than those at present existing e be taken to elaborate a general State-a-i-^ scheme, at reduced rates, to eiiooura,00;?5o9p 1I able settlers under well-considered C?  tions. 'II Any country automatically limiting power of production. Sir Albert said, WOIIIA find it difficult to secure the capital, w was the life-blood of progress. The resolution wri ? carried. Mr. Warnford Davis (London? moved resolution declaring that the practice ?? amongst foreign manufacturers of d'elibe ately marking their goods with ??ii} names or phrases, contrary to the ^^$1 Industrial Property Convention, 1891, asking the Colonial Governments to 111  ducc legislation, and asking his M3jeet, Government to introduce protective lproo siens in all commercial treaties. This carried. ti l? The congress also adopted a 're????''ti? demanding uniform systems of we?s? measures, and currency. i Sir Albert Spicer then moved tha.t 1 i? desirable to complete the imperial t between the Motherland, Canada, Austr ■ and New Zealand by State-owned eiectf communication. The motion was a(I-pod- Resolutions were passed demanding  houses on the Auck?.nd Islands, and a jig bt, house and si?nalUms %nd met?oT<M? station at Cocos Island. cl A re?oJution asking that the <M?y b' lighting the coasts of the Empire shoal^ assumed by the Governments of the Ull"Iod Kingdom and the Colonies, and not, no4, by charges on merchant shipping, was ne9v tived. A resolution by the Liverpool Cbs, bef recommending the removal of Cots recommending the removal of restctl0e the importation of healthy Canadian  into the United Kingdom for store part* v; as lost. t1JØ A resolution was carried apprdvino principle that the PrCdUOe of gaol ir?"???. ture should be used in Government s? {? alone, and that ma?iinery should D?- employed in gacis for trade productioO. t:fI!I A resolution by the Adelaade Cha???, ?. ad'vi&irg dele-Tatcq to strive to secure unif..d legislation throughout the Empire in res-gji to bills of lading, owing to complain? ^jj shippers and cona?gne? regarding unre^)- able stipulations contained in most 5u- bills, was carried. A motion in reference to bills of (It also carried in the following terms:-Bills 0f also carried in the following ri lading on whicli freight is payable from r']J.j of shipment should show clearly the paid. ef A resolution demall.ding that the slioi Canal dues should be reduced was Press Association Foreign Special.

DANGER TO TRADE ROUTES I ,,I I At the annual provincial dinner of  Imperial Industries Club at So'utha,mp???{tt Friday night a long letter was read Lord Charles Bere?ford. in which his I ship again returned to the &'ubject °?? protection of British trade routes. Be ,,y$ the object of all protection is to prevent?' ? untoward incident occurring, and tha^ untoward, incident occurring, and tha? policy for the last five years will in??. ?!jt! sudden attack on trade routes Jj attendant loss, which could not be Teco??.? afterwards, no matter what force vvo utilised. "It is well known," he decla_ „ that a possible enemy has made all ar,090' ment? for arming its mercantile ships Nvltl? small guns, and it would be a simple I'Doto to send a number of these ships out on t]O trade routes before warlike operati to destroy numbers of British ships. E? ? thing of late years has been done to ?-Ul,tDo public into a state of false secarity. ? ))f advertisement can do by reviews and ilr correct statements concerning the streO? of the fleet has been done. Proceeding, Lord Charles reiterates demand for additional small cruisers f°T better protection of our water-borne 1 foo& supplies, and says that without these j* more sea-going destroyers a battle ineffective. He denies that the system of^ centration has removed the danger of  on our mercantile routes, and says that l1ill country never looks ahead. Nowhere is tbio more apparent than in the carelessness di?. played in regard to the food supply o? people during war. IJ

I PIT-CAGE INVENTION. I Two Tredegar men, Mr. William 19 electrician, 62, Glyn-terrace, and Mr. ?'f< T. Williams, mechanic. dellty Pits, k produced an invention in connection w? V,¡y cages which promises to prove extremely 1.6e,* ful as a protection to life. The purp? 0{ the invention is to provide gate8 or c 4 risto a mining cage itself, quite di?thMt ffLoul tDo ) ba.rriers which are already provided ( pit mouth. By very ingeniously coB^n red I levers fixed to the sides of the cage, and  jecting cranked bars at the bottom of 1, b4g shaft and at the pit bank, the gates ^{0 lifted and closed automatically as the ascends or descends the shaft. The work on standards, which form a Iran to the roof of the pit-cage and affords !1<J tection to those who have to get on to tfY roof to execute repairs or other work. J1 vision is made in the invention for c1<J61er- the gates automatically in the event of 0 winding. Experts who have inspected '¡J, model consider it a very clever invent*7( and one which will, in all probabilityi generally adopted. The apparatus (tt shortly be fixed to a pit-cage at Trede lie with a view of testing its efficiency. '1' appliance is very simple, and the ct efJ' fixing it to a cage is not large. The 111" tion has been protected by the inventOrS. •

MEXICAN RIOT. I «tt f A telegram from Mon-terey, Mexico, -27.4 is reported that a mob celebrating rndePjt!¡t den-ce Day attacked the Austro-Hunf Consulate at Salt-illo. The Consul's wife. i.4 said, atone withstood the mob. Other tical disturbances aje reported.—Reuter-

READ 01  "A GIRL FROM THE SOUTH" BY CHARLES GARVICE Which commences in the "WEEKLY MAIL" TO-DAY. A THRILLING STORY BY AN EMJJN$Ø AUTHOR.