The existing flat rate for doctors' prescriptions is to be raised from 2s 6d to 4s per prescription item, and charges for dental treatment are to be related to approximately half the cost of the service actually provided.

Mr Barber said the Government was to maintain a military presence in South-east Asia, and steps would be taken to strengthen the country's defences.

AS a reaction to six years of war, authorities are predicting a greater dancing craze than that which followed the last war. Then, as now, accommodation of the dance halls was strained to the limit. Even now they are beginning to feel the strain. The three principal dance halls in Bolton are generally very well attended, and on Saturday nights they are invariably packed.

Jiving seems to be on the increase, and as a couple indulging in this form of dancing take up as much space as five or six orthodox dancers, the managers will probably have to forbid it.

Most dancers will not be sorry to see the last of it. Ever since its introduction a few years ago it has been a cause of contention and trouble.

THE inquest on the bodies of James Charleson, and his nephew William Aldred, who lost their lives by an explosion of gas at the colliery of Messrs John Fletcher & Co., Howebridge, was concluded yesterday, by Mr J.B. Edge, coroner. Mr Dickinson, Government inspector, was again present; Mr Ellis, of Wigan, watched the proceedings for the firm; and Mr Pickard, miners' agent, was also present.

After a consultation lasting an hour, the Jury returned the following verdict: "It is the unanimous opinion of the Jury that James Charleson and William Aldred lost their lives by an explosion of gas in the Daze-eye Pit, through the negligence of the underlooker, Parr, in pulling down a portion of the brafticing; coupling with that the unanimous verdict of the Jury that the system of getting coal so far without cut-throughs is highly reprehensible, and also the generally loose system in the working of the mine."

The Coroner: That is a verdict of manslaughter against the underlooker.

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