Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

ABERAVON. St. Patrick's. Day celebration was en thusiastically observed in Aberavon and J'ort Talbot. The annual event was or- ganised by a committee, Mr. W. Lord being cliairman and Mr. D. Murphy secretary. The proceedings were under the conduptpr- ebip of Mr. Charles Vowles. The orchestra, music was supplied by Davies* Theatre Band, and the accompanists were Mr. James Batt, Mr. L. Lord, and Miss A. HoweU. The first part of the programme consisted of an all Irish miscellaneous programme, while the latter- rnrt was an amusing sketch entitled "Mixem's Matrimonial Mart." The part-songs wei-z admirably rendered by the Catholic School Choir. Jig I dances and reels were splendidly executed by Misses Noreen Mahoney, Bridey Ryan, M'!l-y Murphy, Kathleen Sahive, May Ryan, jJuzÎe Waters, Kathleen Kenure, Minnie Coughlixi, Masters Tim Madden, Jack Col- lius, Mike; Flood, Jaipes Welsh. Con Madden, Richard Cornish, James Regan, llnd Richard Moran. Miss May Murphy rendered several songs wit hezquisitS taste. Items were ably executed by Madame K. Griffith#, Ma.dame W. Gould, Mad,&me Devitz Mrs. Maud Ezttagel, Mr. Battagel, Mr. Dd. Lnrphy. Mr. Sam Howal, and plenty of ?.Qulr w? provided by Mr. W. T. Ken- ?oed.? The characters in the sketch were porttr?yed by Miss A. O'Brien, Mirr Rose Foley, Mr. Neil Madden, Mr Jim Donovan, Mr Dan Swtfeney, and Mr. Harry Parsons.

I GLYN-NEATH. Mr. J. M. Davies; solicitor, read a paper to. the literary and Debating Society on the interesting subject, The Growth of Free- dom. He dealt with the matter in a thorough and interesting manner. It w.is an opportune subject. These are the days when a cruel, barbarous attempt to crush the freedom. especially of email nations, '8 being made; in fact, to bring the whole world tinder the hoei of tyranny and mm- tar'sm. On this account the paper by Mr, Davies,was cloaaly followed. Durin? the we k a o--zrs of revival meet- ings were held. at Be th aula C.M; Chapel, the preacher being the Eev. Stephen Jeffreys, Llanelly. On Tuesday evening the ambulance examination took place of the students at" tending Dr. McClttre's claSt) at Rhigos and Glyn-Neaih. It is gratifyng- to learn that a substantial petcenta,ge of the members sa.t for the-examination. Much good in this direction is being done in thiis locality by Dr. McCIure. i

NEATH ABBEY. I Local talent was again successful at Rhos eisteddfod on Saturday last. The recitation prize was divided between Mr. Tom John and Mrs. Bronwen Bowen. Although the vacant seats for Coed- ffranc and Duftryn Clydach parishes have not been declared vacant, the prospective candidates are busily engaged advocating their cause. We are promised an inter- esting contest in both places. On Sunday evening a Sunday School quarterly trying and reciting service was hdld at Moriah Chapel. Mr. Seth Davies presided, and gave a short ad. dress. Master Edgar Lewis recited a Psalm, and recitations were given by Masters Tom Rees, Tom Davies, Miss. Gwladys Jones, and others. Solos and choruses by the juvenile choir were sung, conducted by Mr. W. Rees. We regret to announce the death of Mrs. Mary Walters, wife of Mr. William Walters, Main-road, Neatb Abbey, who passed away last week, after a short but painful illness. The deceased lady was highly respected in the neighbourhood, and was a,faithl'ul member atGorphwysfa Chapel. The funeral took place at Cadoxton Churchyard. The prominent leaders of Gorphwysfa and Ebenezer j churches were present to pay their last tribute of respect. The bereaved hus- band is one of the oldest deacons at Ebenezer, and has been in failing health.

-PORT TALBOT. I An important addition in connection I with the business of tho district has been l effected by the establishment of a branch the well-known firm, of Messrs. J. E England, potato im iwrters, in Talbot- n'ad. A large quantity of first-class f,t,etl potatoes have arrived, which ar>v huin? offered at ?p?cial prices. ,Gardners, and farmers are specially iuvited to in-j 6pect this spacious stores and &ne. s?uk at 3, Talbot-road (opposite the ( New Theatre). See advt. J! The sMp?)iug trade at Port Talbot for' the past week, showed the splendiu t&taJ of 55,721 tons, which, compared with the j corresponding week of last year, is an in- crease of 10,920 tons. Incidentally the week's trade is the highest aggregate this year. The chief items of the export trade are coalan-d patent fuel to foreign ports.. The details are:-Expoits- Coal (foreign ports), 41,286 tons; Coal (coastwise), 2S3 bons; patent fuel, 6,085 tons; coke, 1,171 tons; angles, 500 tons; pitch,■.289 tons; total, 51,524 tons. Imports: Ballast, 1,319 tons; scrap, ,6&6 tons; pitwood, 1,303 tons; pig iron, 602 tons; pitch, 287 tons; total, 4JOY to4& Total shipments. 55,721 tQAe,

I SKEWEN. Although the vacancies in the representor ] tion of the parishes of Coedifranc and DyÍÏryn Clydacii cn tho Neath District Council and Board of Guardi-ane have not been officially declared, it is understood Lllat some fiamcg have been already nen- tioaed, and that candidates have alteady ue-an adopted by the joint committee of local tra+ict, unioniete. The Free Church Gouncil was .,o intcifere officially, but the resolution,adopted, was the only one pos- sible uuaer the circumstances, since the i-ttu-au-s are composed of membera who are aclaerente of different political',and weiil: parties: As waa emphaeicted, its lead is moral and religious ih the highest senses At the rosi aieecmg of tlie Mount Jt'ieasant Eng:i?h Baptist B-Mtd of Hope, an interest-' mg lautern lecture was given by Mr. J. Vaugaan, entitled 'Ilie. OviLiii (if the Great European War," the chair being taken by -r Joan i^av.es. i,ia .aiuern, K-aiuiy ient by the English Wesley Church, was mani- pulated by Mr. Bavid Kiohoiis. The lecture proved & great success, and was well- pet> tunned -by we public, the president (Mr. G. lXivi'cs) and other officers of the Band 01 iiope expressing their cordial thanlts. During the evening, a suitable recitation a as rendered by Miss Gladys Parkhouee. iue Band of Hope id m a lioiii'ishing state, 'ter itondai tea i;3 and the forthcoming Easter Monday tea is eagerly looked forward to. Headers ot this will heart fullyj join in offering a warm tribute to the uiexaorj* 001 We late Mi. John Hemming, of iNeatii, tiie veteran journai^t, who for bw\ many yurrtj had a leading part in the con- duct of this paper. Ria were high and noble ideals as to the character and func, tion of a newspaper, and ail that he ever wrote and did in that dirgoiion kept up tilit standard. One couid not but admire hio rare reporting powers, and especially during recent years, when he had reached an age at which the majority prefer to retire, it was fine to eee him at somfe public meeting taking down verbatim notes of the speeches, and tllit without any loss of his characteristic alertnej-- He reminded one forcibly of the late Mr. T. A. Reed, that, doyen among Pitman's shorthand writers. Mr. flemming's etrcng, yet genuine, per- sonality will be greatly mi-eed in this dis- trict, but always remembered as one who at .ill times honoured h.-s profession. On Sunday evening lasfc, a memorial ser- vice wae held at Tabernacle Welsh Inde- pendent Chapel as a tribute to the late'Mr. Lrtiwis Jentiina, second engineer of the ill- j fated Tang-stan, torpedoed by the Germans off Soarborough on March 9th la&t. Mr. Jenkins, wHo was a faithful member of l-j.fcue.iia.-le Church, was held in-h-igh re- epeot. The pastor, the Itev. J. Evans Jones, WAD, oonducjed. the eervioe, preaihed a special. men on Jchn ili.,12. and paid a. heartfelt tribute to the splendid Qualities of the deceased. Mr; John D-avies, organist, renuertd the Dead March," otlle oonsrega^ tion siaudoig, Special hy-mns had been pre- pared, and the singing, under the direction of the preceniJOI:.MÆ Tom ifloyd, was moet eifective. There wasr.a .v^V large congrega- tional, the relatives-#re«e!nt haclnding the bereaved widow. The sympathy with the sorrowing on ie deep and widespread.

LOCAL AMUSEMENTS. I Grand Theatre, Swansea. I That fo/.vcinat.iig musical comedy, "The Count of -Luxmnboa.g- i» paying a return visit to the G anti Theatre, Swansea, this week, ajict Messrs. Macdonald and Young's company, who' ara touring the replica of the London production,, were accorded a warm reception at the opening performance. "The Count of Luxembourg" is one of the finest tfpooi-uieiia of ligAt" dramatic fare. Its plot" is we'} defined and not merely a side-issue, ae in some mtwical corned ieo, while it has all the charm and beauty 1 attaching to the others. The rich, delicious music which pervades the pj^ce—some of Erana Lehar'e beat-the charmjtig dapoes of all so- ta, the pretty 'e6iX^ ahd ohoraiets, and! the artistic setting combine to make 9. delightful production. On Saturday April Vfl, a»d followibg week t £ ere, rttill, be- Ito. welcwne rettfra visit of Eva MtiorB and H.. ,V« Efemond, in "Eliza Comes to Stay. it i& interesting to note that on Easter Monday and SuLturT day, Aprit 10th, there will be matinees. Those who "visited the Grand Theatre on the occasion of this talented couple's pre- vious visit will not easily forget the en- joyable time they' spent, and will await with more than ordinary pleasure the privilege of renewing their acquaintance with "Eliza." I The Palace, Aberavon. All lovers of firkt-class- and healthy auiusemen't will he interested to learn bliat alter a thorough renovation the Palace Theatre will be re-opened on Easter Monday. Equally interesting is the fact tiurt Uie -new- enterprise will be run under the sole..proprietorship of Mr William Mitchell, 'ftrho, for some years; so admirably managed the hall for Sir. I Leon Vint. Thcumtertainmenlts will con- sist of high-class pictures, concert items, musical specialities, instrumentalists,! I protean actors, etc. Mr. Mitchell will run the Palace entirely in accordance with bi- matured idea of touching the public tae, and present programmes that will please old and young. Two per- ,forma-nees will be given nightly at ipopular prices, and Mr. Mitchell hopes ito see all his former patrons. The ordinary openi"? items will be found in our advertisement, columns, I New Theatre, Port Talbot.. Mr. Charles Locke's powerful company occupies the boards of the New Theatre this week, with a new and enthralling drama, entitled Bonnie Mary." The play, in four ac, is original, the plot is clover, the dialogue smart, and the acting all that can be desired. The company includes the talented actress, Miss Laurie Adair, who appears in tlie title role with admirable success. The other characters are ex. cellently sustained by Miss Vera Grafton, Miss Lyndia Spinner, Mr. Theo Balfour, Mr. Roy Cnthburte, Mr. A. W. Noiman,1 and Mr. Poison Turner. Next week Messrs. Charles W. and John R. Poole's new and up-to-date myriorama will be presented. The con- sensus of opinion in the large towns visitod by this remarkable entertainment iti South Wa; is tha<t it is the besE Hint this well known Ar'iii of entertainers ever produced. "Besides the won- rlo F-fnl myrioramjv, which denicts rrp-nom of the present war, an en Movable variety programme will be submitted. ]

MESSRS. LEWIS LEWIS AND CO.'S SPRING SHOW. At the above well-knownfirm's estalv. lishments at 27 and 28, J! igh-street, Swan- sea, there is an exhibition'^1 eprin; mil- lineryaug seasonable costutries thj^t should be seen b*y all who are desirious-of keep- ing rc:withtTle-latest. and i>reviv,iling fashions. Never perhaps in tjie history of this enterprisin;? firm ve "in- j do'Wsdisplayeçlucha 'wNllth -of beautiful" examples of the dressmakers' and mil- liners' art. The-prfces are of therÎlost reasonable character, and should com- mand a siieedy sale of the large selection of hats, blouses, costumes, and jackets of., every description. • )

A wireless telegram says the passengers' and crew of tLe Steamer Denver wore rescued on Tuesday afternoon 1,300 miles! off New York by the steamer Manhattan. Frank Houvehaghel, a Dutchman, one of the crew of the Wilson liner Castro, who has just arrivfed in Hull from Ger-: many, says the constitutions of many of th-c British prisoners have been under- -aned by bad and insufficient food- t ■

A FATHER'S NOBLE ACT I ♦ I LIFE FOR HIS CHILDREN. • A disastrous fire occurred at Liver- pool in the early hours of Thursday, as. the result of which three persons lot I their livos and another, a boy of fifteen, received serious inj uries. The outbreak occurred at a dwelling- house in Melville-place, and when the firemen entered the premises they found the father, son, and daughter dead. It is stated that the father at first made his escape from the house but re- turned with the object of saving his children. The injured boy who was re- moved to Liverpool Royal Infirmary, re- ceived his injuries through jumping from a bedroom window. j Those who perished in the fire were ■ John Fredericks, .aged 6&, the father; Willi? Fredericka. aged 12; and -IA=io Fredaridhs, aged 10. The mother wu in hospital, where sh had been removed for the purpose of u ndergoing in operation. j Fredericks -was a labourer at Cammell, Laird's shipbuilding yard. Birkenhead, A neighbour, describing the tragic story of liis splendid self-sacrifice, said the poor man rushed into the burning house to save his children, and disap- peared behind the sheet of name. It was the last we saw of him. When the fire was out, his charred bodv was found near the entrance to the room where the children were imprisoned. He was only a few feet from them when he I perished. There was a distressing scene opposite the ruins of the fire this morning when two neighbours appeared with the bo- I reaved mother. She was taken to the hospital on Monday, and a slight opera- ton was performed upon her. The news,, was broken tocher by the hos- pital authorities, who allowed her to leave. When she reached her old home s be I threw up her arms and exclaimed, Wqlere are my children?" Some kindly disposed persons moved her away from the scene and undertook to look after her for a few days.

DEATH OF MISS ANNIE JOSEPH, I LLANGADOCK. The death has taken place in her 33rd year of Miss Annie Joseph, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Joseph, Tyreglwys, Llangadock. Miss Joseph passed away at Alderley Edge, near Manchester. The! remains were brought to her home at Llangadock on Monday, and conveyed by I rail for burial in the fasiiiy vault, Llan- genneoh Church, on Tuesday. The chief mourners were: Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Joseph (father and mother), Mr. Percy I J oeoph,, Mr. Edie Joseph, and Messrs. Mosley and Luther Joseph (Llangennech), Mrs. Charles (Cwmgog), Mrs. Griffiths (Pantglas Arms, Dryslwyn), and Mrs. Morgan (Cynyll). The Rev. Thomas, (Providemce) was also present. There were a large number of floral tributes. A large number of friends and sym- pathisers from Llangadock accompanied the family. Amongst them werei Mr. J. F. Morgan (Highgate), Mr. A. F. Lewis, Mr. Tudor Lewis, Rev. W. Rees (laite Vicar), Mr. D. Griffiths (Carmar- then), Mr. B. L. Davies (Wernelly), Erlan D. Gwynne (Cottage).

OUGHT GIRLS TO MARRY? I Lady Mond contributes the followiiigl J to the discussion on Ought Girls to! Marry?" which is now being conducted: by the Daily Sketch It is a very difliuclt question indeed The parties concerned should know wiiat are und >>\aking, asd if they choose to take the risk it is their buness, Of course, there is a war fever, and girls are very eseHahle. And one must not JorPt, that, although, there are many rush marriages, thev are leg a 11 v con- trao'd. and will help the future. That is a \"ry imi>:)rtant p'>irt. and on which j the war- iaar4'iage"sh^i5j3 he perhaps en- couraged."

-1. .1.. 1, .:? i 11 ? swsti: IJR0NJM 0NGERrSi AFFAlflS.! WA ?. 7 .r. A meeting was. In hi. on TiiPsday at the Ofhcial Receiver's Oiijce,. Swansea, of the creditcirs, of William,Jiarris, Walter-road,. Swansea, carrying on business aa an iron- monger. The receiving order was gazetted on, the 4th-ihst., on creditors' petition. Debtar's accounts frere as" follows Liabilities expecting to rank lOX. dividend. L644 18s. 7d.; assets, £ 153 12s. Id.; showing a deficiency of £ 491 6s. 6d. The causes of failure, as alleged hy delator, were: Heavy rent and rates, small turnover, and insunicient profits.. No re@Olutions were passed at the meeting, l and the (M&c? .BecM?? re=Ai= tnstee. 

I OMNIBUS NOTES. J ——— Mr. Thomas L. Bullock, Professor of Chinese in the University of Oxford, died Ii at his residence. Wood Lawn, Oxford, on Sunday, aged 70. Dr. Ridgeway, Bishop of Chichester, who underwent an operation on Thurs- Glay, is reported to be progressing favour- ably. At the funeral of the eight victims of j Thursda.y's Zeppelin raid on Calais an j aeroplane flew over the cemetery and dropped a wreath of flowers g&ear the J graves. ) Mr. George H. Jessop, the author, amd. playwright, well known both in England and America, died on Sunday at liaatp- stead. -Ue wrote the libr.ettos of the operas Shamus O'Brien and "My Lady Molly." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, lecturing upon the war, gave an account of the battle of the Aisne, speaking of the action of the 2nd Welsh and South Wales Borderers, and the critical time when the cavalry dismounted and filled the gap in the trenches as infantry. In a Parliamentary Paper on Friday, Mr. Harold Baker, Financial Secretary to the War Office, states that the question of 1 the inspection of the Cyfarthfa Works at Merthyr is to be considered, but it must be decided in connection with numerous similar proposals from other Quarters. This is a reply to Mr. Edgar Jones's sug- gestion that a report should be obtained about the immediate productive possibility of the Merthyr works. Miners' Easter Holidays. The North Wales Miners' Association has recommended the men to have only une day's holiday this Easter, viz., Good Friday. The miners of Cannock Chase, Staffs., are to I<tve only two days' holiday at Easter. Etra Police Grant Wanted. A deputation from Watch Committees all over the country attended, at the Home Office on Tuesday with a view oi urging upon the Home Secretary the need for a grant of a special police bonus. Sir Edward Tronp who received the deputation, heard_the representations made,, and promised to communicate with the Home Secretary. Fire Hi Westminster Cloisters. An alarm of fire was raised on Sunday morning in the Cloisters, Westminster Abbey, and -six fire engines and forty fire- ^len htirried to Dean's-yard. It was found that the roof of the resi- dence of the Rev. W. B. Daws, in the Little Cloisters, was alight, but after twenty minutes' work 1I\-ij;h a hydrant all chance of the fire extending was at an end. Military Wedding at St. Donafs. -The wedding of Second-Lieutenant Mervyn G. Williamsi, Grenadier Guards, second son of the late Mr. Morgan Stuart Williams, of Aberpergwm, witli Miss Marjorie Allen, daughter of the late ciir iGeorgo.Alleia, K.C.I.E., took place yes- terday at the ancient church of St. Donate. The bridegroom, who is home from the front on sick leave, will shortly rejoin his regiment. The marriage was therefore a very quiet one.. Killed Another in Falling. Yesterday afternoon, w-hilè a painter named John Scott, residing at 60, St. Leonard's Rill, Edinburgh, was walking on the third storey of a warehouse in North Bridge-alrpet, he fell on to the street, striking, in his fall, a passenger named Mrs. Archibald, residing at 16, Jeffrey-street. The woman's neck was broken, and she died instantaneously. Scott was taken to the infirmary, i where he died shortly after his admission.. An American and His Motor. I have driven cars in New York City for- 12 years. I came over to England ro join Kitchener's Army, and this is the port of thing brought against me," were the remarks of Alfred John Teare, of Priory-street, who was summoned for driving a motor-car recklessly in Guild- hall-square, and also for refusing to stop when signalled by a constable. Defendant said he did not see the con- sta"ble's signal. He struck the kerb :n order to avoid a cart which was on its wrong side. The Bench imposed a fine of 10s. and costs in each iase. Better Wages for Engineers. A substantial rise in Stafford en- gineers' wages was announced Tuesday. About 1.50Q men, many, of whom are en- gaged, in the production of war material, are affected.. At Messrs. W. H- Dorman, and Co.'s works a pciiny increase per horpr has been granted, or a rise of four shillings and fourpence a week during the wrar, bringing the rate to 41s. for a fifty-two hours' week. The employes of Messrs. Siemens Bros., Dynamo Works, have accepted the offer 1 of the Employers' Federation of 3s. a week increase for all grades, and seven and a half per cent. bonus on piece work. A Princess's Clothes. Prinoess Sudfi-ra Manrler, daughter of the late Maharajah of Cooch-Behar, was the defendant in an action in which Madame Loyse, Court aresom&Ker, claimed E600 fur scoods supplied. The defence was raised that the princess was not of age at the time of the transaction, and that the clothes supplied were not ft, necessity. It was stated that in 1914 the Princess married Mr. Allen Jooeiyn Mander. a Mid- lands manufacturer, whoee tfiotiier her taster married. The princess, a slight lady of dark com- plexion, siitt the goods were not,luacessary. She frequented the showrooms with her elder eister, was pressed to buy, and suc- cumbed to temptation. Though she haJ her own banking account, her mother bought her olothes. A verdict for plaintiff for £400 16s. 6d. wae rettirned. The Actor's Appeal. In the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, be- fore the Master of the Rollg, Lord Justice Phillimore and Mr. Justice Joyce, Mr. Basil Hallam, the actor, ap- pealed from an interlocutory injunction panted by Mr. Justice Sargan,t, -on. the application of Mr. George Edwardes, re- straining Mr. Hallam until the trial of the action from performing in alleged breach of a.n agreement. Mr. McCardie, for the appellant, ex- plained that in May, 1914, Mr. Hallam entered into a oontract with Mr. Edwardes to take a leading part in the production of a musical comedy which was to be produced at Daly's, entitled "Betty." Questions arose about the postponement of the production, and it was decided to revive the production of "The Colmtry Girl." Both parties then seemed to regard the. con tract as at an end, and Mr. Hallam continued to ap- pear at the Palace Theatre in "Thai, Passing Show." Lord Justice Phillimore eaid that" the agreement was extraordiflflrily, vaglfeV The..court allowed the appeal-

[ MARKETS. 1 CATTLE. I London, Thursday. Arrivals of both beasts and sheep were of very small extent, and passed off quietly values being largely nominal. Total sup- plies: 70 beasts, 20 sheep, and 5 cows. Bristol, Thursday, t Beef ,fair supply, steady business; best 8" to &is., secondary 7fe. Mutton, higher prices with short supply; best light down wethers llid., prime lid., heavy 10fd. Ewes, Od. Lambs, Is. to Is. 2d- Pige. short and dearer; baconere, 13s. Gd. per score, porkers 13s. and 3d., 400. Storq cattle quotation unchanged. .1 :1 CORN. Bristol, Thursday, English wheat, moderate quantity offered, former prioes maintained, viz., 565.. per quarter. Foreign wheat quiet, with- out change in values. Quickened demand for grinding barley at former rates. Maize values were a turn in favour of buyers. No alteration in oats. I BUTTER. I Cork, Thursday. First, 0; seoond, 133; third, 0; fourth, 0; superfine, 0; fine, 0; mild, 0; choicest boxes, 0; choice, 0; fresh butter from 135. METAL. London, Thursday. Copper quiet, turnover 300 tons, 68i to 6S¡ cash, 69i to 691 three months. Tin irregular, lS2i to 163 cash, 1611 to 162 three months. English lead, 24; foreign. 2341 J to 22j. Speiter, 44 to 45. Middlesbro* j iron, 636. 5d. cash, 63s. lOd. month. MEAT. London, Thursday, j Scotch sides, long lis. 6d. to 5s. 8d., short Se. 8d. to 5s. lOd.; English siise 5s. 4d. to 5s. 6d.; Irish, including Birkenhead killed, 5s. 3d. to 5s. 5d.; Argentine, hind- quartere 4s. 6d. to 4s. lbd., fore 4s. to 4«. 3d. Mutton, Scotch tegs 7s. to 7s. 2d., wethers 6s. 2d. to 6s. 8d., ewes, 5e. 4d. to 5s. 8d.; English wethers 6s. 4d. to 6s. 8d., ewes 5s. 4d. to 5s. Sd.; New Zealand, 3s. lid. to 4s. 2d.; Sydney, Ss. 7d. to 3s. 9d.; iliver Plate, 36. 7d. to3s.9d. Veal, nom- inal. Pork, steady. i ■

WEEKLY REVIEW OF THE GRAIN AND FLOUR TRADES. The following is the weekly review of agriculture and the grain and flour trades, written for the Cambria Baily Leader" by- J. K. Carthew. grain expert .— The finer weather wmich in m I waa posting my last review has continued, with the. exception of about 48 hoar* of froet, ac- companied by some snew, to the date t-t drafting this, and farmers have been very busy getting in the firing crops, such As oats, barley, potatoes, vegetables, etc- Wey will be folly occupied in out-door work for some months, almost without a break. I Green vegetables and GRASS ace fairly plentiful; winter wheat is iookipg tolerably well on the whole, aJul live stock, includiae Limbs, &re healthy. Trade in fat stock ha4 ruled quite brWr at hardening Quotations: Beef, 811. t,6 IWA.! Mutton, 8d. to lljd.; Pork, 7d. to Sid. per ib. Business in wool, has continued good, and prices are again in sellers' favour: Washed. 16. 4id.; unwashed, 16.. lid. to Is. 2d. per lb. Reports of the autumn sown wheat in the United Stateo and Canada continue highly satisfactory. The land is now ready and in good heart for receiving the important spring wheat crop on an area greatly jn excess of previous years. In spite of the war the cereal crops in Europe taken as a whole, are progressing favourably. The outlook in India. oontinuSa excellent, and shipments from Argentina are on a large ecale and in full swing. Exports of foreign wheat to Europe are fairly liberal, partkruiaiiy having regard to the Black Sea being still clotted; but de- liveries of English are easing off owing 16 reduced stocks and the abundance of out- door work Warehouse stocks are practi- cally unchanged. TilE FLOATING GRAIN CARGO TRADE. Wheat.—Quietly steady; Russian, nil. Plate, 52s., 64s.; Australian, nil; Californian. 62s., 65b.; Indian, 6Ol. 65s. 6cl.; American spring, 6.3&. 65s.; Winter, 62s., 64s. Maize.—Quietly steady; Russian, nil; Plate, 34s. 6d.; American, nominal. Barley.—Quiet; Russian, nil; American, 33. 6d„ ,54s. 6d.; ladian, 34a., ¥Ia,; Persian. Oats.—Quiet; RmeaHn, nominal; American 35s., 34s.; Plate, 30s., 31s. SPOT PRICES AT MARK LANE. whe.at.Quietly, steady; Russian, nomi- nal; OaJifornian, 64s., 66s.; Australian, nominal; India, 63si, 65s. 6d.; American Spring, 64s., 68a.; Winter, 636.. 67a.; Engliab. wb.t,e, 58s., 59s.; Red, 57a., 58s. 1 Maize.—Quiet; Russian, nil; Plate, 34a fid.. &5&; American, nominal. Barley.—Quiet: Russian, 54. 6d., 35s.; American. £ 4; 35s.; Indian, 34s. 6d., 35s. 6d.; Persian, 35s., 34e. English Malting, 3& 42s. oat&Quiet; English, 329.. 34s.; -Foreign. 30s., 34s Feeding Cakes.-Dull. demand quiet. FLOUR. There is little alteration in the consump- tion of bread, it being about the average for the time of year, but owing to stocks with many bakers running down there .has been 81 fairly steady demand for flour for prompt delivery, scarcely anything doing forward. Quotations as followsTown Wbiteg, 54s; Households, 52s.: Country Patents, 46&; Whites, 44s.; American Spring Patents, 47s. 6d., 49s. 6d.; Manitoba Patents, 47e.; Kansas Patents, 47s.; American Spring ILikers, 4lew 43s.; Hungarin Patent, nominal. WHEAT FORECAST. At the time of drafting this a fieroe Ant is onward between the Allies' Fleet and the formidable forts on the Narrows." The la.tter are fast being demolished, though, as may naturally be expected, some of our ships ba-e gone down. Clearing the Straits to the Black Sea is a gigantic task, but it will be soon an accomplished fact. Speaking generally, the war is going dis- tinctly in favour of the Allies ia all direc- tions. Surely, if somewhat slowy, they are wearing down the enemy, and will continue to do so. As regards wheat, present prices are much too high for speculation. Regulate pur- chasee by requirements is the coarse to pursue. FEEDING STUFF FORECAST. The consumption of dry food is about normal for the time of year. High prices are-being realised for fat stock, but quota- tions for feeding stuffs axe also ruling stiff. One about oounter-baianoes the other. As with, whea.t. it is neceseary to be cautious. Values are too high for buying ahead.

SEED POTATOES? POTATOES. LARGE A RRIYA L.S, FOR PTRICES APPLY TO J. E. ENGLAND Potato Importer, TALBOT RD., PORT TALBOT. ALSO AT CARDIFF.. .1

BRIDGEND. Trooper B, Elvet Evans, of the Glamor- gan Yeomanry Reserve, was on Saturday night, on Brynhirion Hill, Bridgend, found unconscious on the road. llis motor-cycle was buckled up. He was re- moved to the Cottage Hospital, where he regained consciousness on Sunday morn- ing, It is believed that he took a turning too sharply, and was thrown. .———— o ———

BR i i u There is every indication of a flourish in the works at Britoiiiarry, and' some good news is expected in the course of next week. For some months past tradi has been, slack. The insurance agents at Britonferry intend to make a bold bid for the war bonus. A meeting for the purpose of or- ganisation was held on Monday evening, and this will be followed by a general meeting next week.. At the ripe age og 91, Mrs. Rebecca Simmons passed away at her residence Neath-road on Sunday. The deceased lady who was the oldest inhabitant in the town, was the mother of Mr. Gethin Sim- mons. of the Metropolitan Bank, Neath., fcnd the mother-in-law of Mr. Xhomas Gwynne, manager of the Gwalia Tinplate Works. Although expected, the death of Dr. E. V. Pegge on Sunday came ,as a crushing blow to the inhabitants of the 'Ferry. Never has there been such a general manifestation of sorrow; he was loved and respected by all classes, and the poor, more especially, will mourn him as a; friend. His name is a household word, and his deeds of kindne.&s cannot be num- bered. The town will be all the peorer by his demise. In the presence of a large and sym- pathetic gathering of relatives and friends, the late Mrs. Ann Evans, relic- of Mr. Evan Evens, 30, Church-street, Britoferry,wai interred in the family vault at St. Mary's Church. The de- ceased, who was one of the oldest in- habitants, was a daughter of the lave1 Mr. Evan Owen, shipping agent. Sh3 was a genial and kind-hearted lady, and beloved by all who knew her. The only survivor of tlw, family is Miss Tydtel Owen. The v icar oi Llansawel oiffciated, and was assisted by the_ Jtev. Henry liughee*. Bethesda. At the Minor Hall,, Britonferry, a large assembly canie together on the occasion of making a presentation to Councillor, George Davies and his wife on behalf of the Britonferry branch of the Steel Smel- ters' Union, in recognition of valuable services rendered to his fellow workmen. as secretary of the branch for over 21 years. Mr. Davids is one of the most pro- minent members of. the Steel Sinelters* Union, and a largo number of represen- tatives from the different works in the trade: were present to pay tribute to. one, who is respected by all his fellow work- erø. The chair was occupied by Mr. C. R. -Way, who was supported by Messrs. Jno. JJpdge,, MJV Torn Griffiths, Morgan Rees, Gethin, Branch, Mr. Bcavan, the manager of the steel, works, and a numbfrr of other friends. The chairman 6poke in elogistiq terms of the splendid work performed by Mr. Davies, and pointed out that he was as straight as a line, and one of the most honourable and trustworthy men that they could come in contae.t with.-IWr. J, Hodge, M.P., also spoke of .die admirable services that .had been rendered by Mr. Davies, and that last year, to recognise thesQ services, the executive had ap- poinsted him the president of the Society, and presented, bun with a joiti badge, which was the greatest honour that could be conferred upon any individual.— Several other addresses were given.—The presentation -took. the.form -of a beautiful gold watok to Mr. Davies, and a cruet to Mrs. Davies. The recipients suitably responded, Mrs. Davies remarking that everything that her husband had done had been done conscientiously. A musical programme was provided, the following artistes t-,tking.part-,Mips Elvir-a Thomp- son, Miss Jennie Thomas, Mr. James Jpnes, Mr. W.« .Richards, Mr. D. R. Mor- gan, Mr. J.- R. Morgan, and Mr. John Williams (Erj-r Afan)* y. i

NEATH We are glad to state that Chief Constable Higgins, whose critical illneca has caused much anxiety, is much better. We wish I him a. wpeedy and safe recovery. Mr. Leví James, of the Hong Kong Stores, has been appointed; to represent the Neath Board of. Guarrdians on the Infant Welfare Committee which has recently been forraed., The many friends of Mr. Farr, of Gnoll- avenue, Neath, permanent way inspector on the G.W.R., will he pleased to hear that he is making good progress towards complete i I reoov-ery at Paddington Hospital; | I Mr. J. V. Fsmond, B.Sc., Swansea, was the speaker at Sunday' e Brotherhood, and his .addmso wa? profoundly, in;erecting. The^ soloist was Miss, Pettie Morgan, with Mr. J. Cwynne Narbett ? Mcoa?aniet. Th? president, Mr. p. Geo. Smuh, occupied the chair. ■ The. passing away of Mr- John Hemming recalls the fact that it was, unuei- his super- vielou- that the MidrGlajporgaa Herald' was started 22 years ago, and it ie due to l'uø untiring zeal and litcrAry work that the paper enjoyed such a. long and populaj existence. He was a most conscientious I I journalist, a loyal citizen, and faithful to duty. His demise occasioned widespread sorrow, for he wae known and respected throughout South Wales. His life -was a long task duly oompleted, ,and closed in the reasoned tranquility of the mature Quite an interes.ing ceremony took place at Botha nia. Baptist Chapel on Friday even- ing. when M. S. Dodd presented to the church a life-sized portmit of the late Dr. Evans, who held the p?stora?e for a quarter of a I century. The gift was gNLefully accepted by the pastor, Eev. D. W. Hopkins, and w? hung in the vestry. The ispeakere were reminiscent: they linked' the past with the I present, and although "at rest" it was plainly evidenced that the ste. Ifng character &nd HiBuence of Dr. Evens was evergreen &nd inspiring. I A great military tournament will takn;f place at Vint's Palace, Neath: dunnj next week, and on Monday, the opening night, the Mayor of Neath, Councillor Miitthew Arnold, supported by Col. J. E. Vaughan, Lieut.-Col. J. E. Thomas,! Major Lucas, and other officers, will ad- I dress the gathering. "Wake vp," i thrilling wir fil UL, will be shown, and Private C. Derry, of the 2nd Battalion Welsfli Regiment, the nian Ytho brought home the dying words of that great hero, Captain Mark. Haggard, .will relate lus experiences in the battles of the Aisns: and Mons. A squad from the 6th Welsh (stationed at Swansea), wiL give an exhibition of physical drill. I Penrhietwyn Mansion, on the site of which the Graded Infirmary has been erected, was, it appears, too 'hastily condemned. At the last m of the Xoath Beard of Guardians it Was reprieved by unanimous 1 consent, with the result that tk» artepayers have been saved an estimated expenditure of £4.QCÔ. In previous debates it WM aaaerted that dry not had attacked -UtC building, and to tinker with it wag throw-' ing money away Opinions differed, and an expert architect from the L.G.B. wa? called in to decide the fate of the old mansion. j His opitlion-whiôh was supported by the! local architect, Mr. J. Cook Be^es—was ad- verse to the recommenda-tion of The Build- ing Committee, and the Board agreed to accept it. For an expenditure of .E200 the mansion can be placed in habitable repair, and the plans are now being arranged to carry out the work. A successful social was held at Gnoll- road Chapel, Neath, on Wednesday evening. A feature, and one which was genuinely appreciated, was a patriotic sketch, "Britannia's Tea Party," which was under the personal direction of Miss May Thomas. The stage- was prettily draped with the flags of the Allies, and dressed in the national costumes, tha latuos auMta auite en «$ectiv« tableaux. The title role was admirably filled by Miss May Thomas, the gifted Neath elo- cutionist, who made a striking Britan- nia, and sang with much charm. Miss Eunice, Watkins, L.R.A.M., made a capital Irish colleen, and her rendition or "Killarney" was loudly applauded. Miss Maud Thomas, who was a -bonnia Scotch lassie, sang with much feeling 'Coming through the Rye" in a manner which gained for her a hearty reception Dame Wales was represented hy Miss Elsa Mills, France by Miss J. Mills, America by Miss Ethel Phillips, who made a popular hit with the song, "America's looking on, but ready re help," whilst Belgium was represented by Miss Gertie Johnson. The sketch was a triumph, and the grand finale was rapturously applauded. While: congratulating Mr. Bopkin Mor- can, J.P., on his elevation to the •alderma.nnj 1 benoh on the County Council, it mtist be observed that the 'honours could not have been conferred upon a more worthy geiillv- man. Ho hll-3 devoted practically the whole of his life to public servioe, and his devotion and much as they are appre- ciated, cannot iJoe. fully estimated. Succeed- ing as he dees, the late Aid. Wm. Howel, J.P., Skewen, a bye-elect'on has been created in the K'Cat-h Borough, Several names have been unofficially meniioued, including the Rev. W. Degwell Thomas, pAstor of the Orchard-plaoe Baptist Church; Mr. Tom G- ifliths, organising secretary of the Steel Smelters' Union; and Mr. Morgan R, :l!or- gall, the president of the Neath Chamber of Trade. The general f-eeling ie that A' con- teat should be avoided if possible, and should the" truce be observed, the claims of Mr. Morgan R. ]kU)rg&n ae the Liberal nominee are likely to command general support. Should a contest take place, the Bev. W. Degwell Thomas will be a. strong candidate. On another page w^31 be found the annual report of the Britannic Assurance Co., I td., upon the excellent c, of which tho directors and s,aff,re to be ,o-Tigi-&tulatc! having regard to the abnormal period. The total premium income amounted to being en jjicrease of £ 47,497 on ite previous yev-i-, whiiet \h:e to tal claime p'Jd to the end of the year rea-ched, the am of £ 10,000,000. Since the outbreak cf tho war, the company has taken a substantial etare in eileviatiiig distress, as a pasui-t of the decision of the directors that all claims on the lives of persons belonging to or subse- qnenUy joining his Majesty's Forces should be jp-aid fnil .withput extra premium be- ing unpe^ed in respect of such policies. Thie masnarumous oifer obtained the warm appreciation of His Majesty's Army Council; Tlie promptitude with which all claims have been met, and the generous treatment of those who, in times cf adversity, found it inconvenient or impossible to continue thir payiienta, have tsecuitd for the Britah- iii. iiMaran.e Company a remariiabis measure of public support. Every assist- utii-e has bcuii g¡\6i! to dietr^.»o^d policy- holders to avoid la-psq 9f .business. It is interesting to point out that* the company offer a very uiiique houee-purchage scheme to ite policy-holders, under which it has enabled many to abolish rents and become owners cf tihetr ievidences. Attei'ticji ishouid al&o be drawn to the fac. that the Port Talbot d .strict has now been amalgamated with Keath, and henceforth will be under the personal supervision of Mr. W. Jones, whose officeg ore situate 't12, Green-street, 1 JSe^.h, a gentleman who enjoys a wide popularity. ä-r. Jones, who -has been in the ear vice of the company for 18 years, is a member of the Rational Insurance Cona- i mittee for the County of Glamoigaj). and has renciered valuable assistance in the dis- trict on matters appertaining to the jNatiopal Insurance Act. RETIRED GROCEWS WILL. Probate has been granted of the will of Mr. John Thomas, of 4, Bridge-.street, Neath, retired grocer, who died 27th February last, leaving estate valued at X3,232 9s. gross, with net personalty ie330 15s. Mr. Thomas left all of his property to his wife absolutely. .I, EOOD PRICES. Prices of groceries and provisions as fixed by the Neath Corporation from Wednesda-Y, 24th March, tihtil Tuesday next (inclusive) are Flour.—Best extras, 4s. per 20lbs.; leather tie, 3s. 10d., per 20lbs. Sugar.—^Best lump, 4d. per lb.; large crystals, 31d, per ib., granulated, 31d. per lb.; Demerara, 3id. per lb.; castor, 3d. per Jb. I. Ba con.-Wiltshire (green), prime cuts, Is. per lb.; boiling cuts, same quality, from 7d. upwards; smoked, prime cut, from Is. Id. Irish (green), prime cuts, lid. per boiMzig cuts, same quality, from bid. upwards. Finest Canadian, prime cuts, lOd, per lb. Lard.—Best American, 7d. per lb. Butter .-Best, Is. 5d. per Ib.; second quality, Is. 4d. per lb.; third quality, Is. 3d. per lb. Cheese.—Choicest Canadian, lid. per lb; New Zealand, lid. per lb. Margarine.—(3d., Sd., and IOd. per lb. .1 Mathew Arnold Mayor.

I CAPTAINED THE ALL I BLACKS. I DEATH OF DR. l WARD V, PEGGE, OF BHITONFFCTTFIY. Death has removed a popular figure from iiritonlcrry in the person of Air. Edward Vernon i'egge, .L;L\Í.-C.P. The decbased gentleman, who was 61 years of age, was a aescenuajit of a good line of iuedicai men r. and was connected by marriage and otherwise with several well knovin and respected xamilies cf South Wales. His cieath uccurred early on Sunday morning at his private residenoo, The Elms. The years ago from .bevizea, when the Pegge family came to liritouferry many present doctor's tatner Decame an assistant to the late Dr. Leach, who then owned a private asylum at Vernon House. He eventually married Miss Leach, and on the death of her father took over Dr. Leach'b practice. Dr. E, Vernon i'egge, in his younger days, was noted as an all-round athlete, and no form of healthy sport appealed to him Rithout securing his aid and services He married, a little over 20 years ago, Miss Griffiths, a daughter of a Pembrokeshire farmer, who was re- lated to Mr. Llúyd George's (Chancellov of the Exchequer) family. Dr. Peggc held many >. ablic offices, being medical ollicer for the britonferry Urban District Council, p ilic vto cinator, and poor law doctor litter the Neath Union. lie was the district sec- retary of tho Medical Association, pr.hco surgeon, and honoiary instci ;t)r in flbl: aid to the local troop of Saden o.rell Scouts. He leaves a widow and two sont. the eldest of whom is an tindergra-I iar,, at Cambridge, and is studying for the medical profession, and two daughters, to whom tho great sympathy is extended. The doctor had a slight chill a few weeks ago that caused him to be confined to his bed, and it is thought In his anxiety to get to work again he ventured out to soon. Double pneumonia super- vened. and brought about complications, which, despite the best medical, advice obtainable, proved fatal after an illness of some three weeks' duration. Mr. Pegge, mining engineer, Crynant, is a brother to the deceased, and the wives of Colonel, Gardiner and Alderman Cunning- ton, ex-Mayor of Devizes, are sisters. In his college days the late Dr. Pegge was a well-known footballer. After com- pleting his hospital training he joined the Neath Rugby Football Club. He played as a forward, and was elected captain of the Neath Club. He played for Wales in the match against England in 1891, and was always a conspicuous II jure on the field from the fact that his jersey sleeves were always rolelc} up well over the He also took a keen interesfiri golf. One of his: brothers, Mr. C. Pegge, of Crynant, "is Irow^"germing'1 at the front. J '1

It was decided at a meeting of the Pembroke Education Commitoteevra Wed. nesday night that frhe Management Sub-Committee receive a deputation from the teachers in regard to an applica- tion for increased salaries. Sir Samuel Evans, in the High Court, on Wednesday refused application on be- half of the owners of the cargo of food stuffs on the Wilhelmina, the American vessel detained at Falmouth, to fix a date before the end of this term for hearing of the case in the Prize Cour t, 'as the re- presentatives of the Crown were not ýet re^idy for the trial.