The year now closing has been one of strain. Neither in the internal affairs of Britain nor in the outer world has an end been reached to post-war confusion and uncertainty. It is a grim commentary on inefficiency and unwisdom of governments that the peace so ardently desired by

St Andrews people are taking exception to a statement by Dr J. Matthew Fyfe, Fife county medical officer, that public opinion was much divided there over the proposal to close the six maternity beds in the Memorial Cottage Hospital. Dr Fyfe declared on Thursday at East Fife Hosp

in Rockwell Central School, Dundee, and organised by Mr Baxter and Mr Small, janitors, St Dunstan's has benefited by £25. Mr J. Tlay. charge hand in the grocery department the Central Crieff Co- Operative Society, has been appointed managing secretary of Auchterarder Provident C

A cable from Aden yesterday alleged that a yachtsman had been taken prisoner by natives and that military action was being taken. The cable, from Lloyd's agent, said. " Liddemore, owner of yacht Anne Loretta. cables from Mukalla to-day. Ship touched sandbank at Haura. Self impri

Dr Herman Sander was charged at Coft'stown, New Hampshire, yesterday, with murdering & cancer patient injecting air into her veins. The patient, Mrs Abbie Barroto, died 27 days ago. Brothers of the dead woman said they held no malice towards the doctor, who had been quoted as sa

MONTROSE.—Poor sale for ware. Fair demand for seed. PERTH.—Owing to New Year holidavs, little business passing.

India won the toss and batted when the third " unofficial " Test with the Commonwealth cricketers opened yesterday in Calcutta, scoring 213 runs for the loss of three wickets before stumps were drawn. Vijay Merchant's injured hand had not recovered sufficiently to allow him to p

and Colours. - - O/ U upwards EVENING BLOUSES. IS Chiffon. Pastel shades - J\J uowards upwards EVENING SKIRTS. EVENING BLOUSES. JQ IS Chiffon. Pastel shades - 'JS/ \J upwards Also Inexpensive SILK DRESSES in all /II colours and sizes, from, upwards - - JvJ/ NEW YEAR HOLIDAY: CLO

One hundred children of Dundee firemen attended a party in the Drill Hall, Bell Street, yesterday.* Tea was served by off-duty staff of the Central Fire Station. Music was provided by Andy Lothian and his band and films were shown by Norman Brown & Co., Lindsay Street. Accordion