The Cambrian

THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE MUMBLES. HOW MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT TO IMPROVE THE PLACE. INTERESTING FACTS AND FIGURES. (BY SJTATISTICCS.) ARTICLE 1. Mumbles has always been my favourite summer resort. In the heat of summer-time, when anxious to be out of the rush of the madding crowd, I have often sauntered to fair Oystermouth and her arcadian bays and creeks and charming walks and narrow lanes. On Saturday last, taking advantage of what I considered to be the first touch of the ethereal bligs of the spring of 1892, I betook myself to fair Langland Bay. What a day! What a sun What a sea What a. sky! It was simply delightful. All Nature seemed glad, and man, beastf and bird vied with each other in the effort to exhibit the greatest exuberance of spirit. The sea was so calm and blue. Not a wrinkle mnrred the beuignness of its bosom, and stately ships and small sailing craft floated up and dOfVn the channel like visions in a dream. The hills of Devon stood out like a huge vapour, and everything was as gay and beautiful as to satisfy even the most exacting lover of Nature. The air in Langland was sweet and pure, stimulating and invigorating, wafting itself gently through my hair and cooling my heated temples. This, I thought, is the place for seekers after health and beauty, for a blue and smiliBg sea, for a clear and lovely sky, for golden sands, green fields and hills, and bold grey- born rocks. The medical faculty highly recommend the air of Langland to invalids all the year round. I was pleased to see that the Langland Bay Hotel Company are pushing on the work of enlarging and improving the hotel with commendable expedition, and there is every probability that in a short time it will be one of the prettiest hotels in the kingdom, replete with all the most modern require- ments. The lawn tennis ground is, undoubtedly, the best in the district, and should be in great demand during the coming season. Leaving Langland Bay I strolled along the cliffs towards the Lighthouse, walking hand in hand with Nature. What a magnificent drive it would be if only the new road were extended to Langland. There would be few to equal it. Every effort has been made to get the lanaowners interested to carry on the work, but so for without success. I understand that Mr. Morgan Davies submitted estimates to five of the landowners of the cost of taking the road over their respective plots of ground. They setm to have satisfied all with the exception of Mr. Pendarves Vivian, That gentleman contends that the estimate submitted to him is too much, and refuses to consent to his land being utilised. And thus the matter stands. The road is now nothing more than a cul de sac, although it has opened up and made popular one of the prettiest bays aloag the Gower coast. If the road were only extended to Langland, some magnificent sites for building would be opened up, and the rateable value of the district would increase enormously, and the rates would be considerably lightened. They are very high at present, and, judging from present prospects, are likely to increase still more. The rapid increase of rates during the past few years has created no small stir in Mumbles, especially when so little has been done to improve the place. When I say little I do not mean for a. moment that the Local Board has been altogether idle. There is the Promenade and New Road, but the returns have not been sufficient, considering the money ex- pended. The article in last week's Cambrian on the prospect of a four shilling rate in Swansea, pales into insignificance when I state that a four shilling rate has been made and levied in the I Mumbles between May, 1891, and January, 1892— a space of eight months. In Swansea the rate- payers do get some returns in the way of scavenging, lighting, sewerage &c. for their money. The same cannot quite be said of Oystermouth, where the scavenging is nothing but a name; the public lamps are out by eleven p.m., the roads and footways are a reproach to the governing body, the sewerage is incomplete, and the connections between the houses and main sewers have not been fully carried out. Mumbles is a remarkably healthy place; the medical officer's reports are always highly satisfactory, and visitors may depend upon inhaling pure and invigorating air. The large increase of rates, and r the constantly increasing loans chargeable on the rates, are causing so much excitement, that I purpose giving a few articles on the financial position of the Mumbles, to enlighten the rate- payers as to the whys and wherefores of such increase. The articles will deal with the fisheries, rating, loans &o. But before dealing with these subjects, there is a matter of particular import- ance to which I would call the attention of Mumbleonians. I allude to the new valuation lists of the Parish of Oystermouth, which are now at the office of Mr. W. G. Waring, the poor rate collector, at West Cross. It is the duty of every ratepayer to inspect these lists, and I have no hesitation in saying he would be more than astonished at the additional value put upon his property for rating purposes. From a cursory examiuation of the list, ana liom my own know- ledge, the value has been sent up from 15 to 25 per cent. above the old rateable value. I think it very unfair that out of 18 parishes in the Gower division, only two, Oysteiinouth and Llunrbidian Higher, have beeu subjected to a new valuatiou. Is this the fault of the Guardians of these two pawshes in not looking after their interests ? How many times have they attended the meetings of the Gower Board? It is said, on the authority of Mr. Thomas Penrice, J.P., that the new valuation was ordered through the rate collector for Oyster mouth not sending in flesh supplementary valuation lists, although he had been repeateuiy requested to do so by the Gower Board. But apart now this, the ratepayers have another grievance. Oyster- mouth is one of eighteen alishes in tLe Gower Union, and if any of my readers will take the trouble of getting and perusing a; copy of the financial btatement of the Union, they will find that out of every J61,800 common charges of tie Union, Oystermouth Parish pays JE600. That is a third of the total cost, leaving two thirds to be paid by the other 17 parishes. This is invidious on the lace of it, and it appears as if the Gower farmers puid more attention to the representation of their parishes and their own interests, than do the Guardians of Oystermouth. The plea if, of courae, the high value of Oystermouth. Aye, aud who arc doing their best to make it still higher? Why has not the whole Union been re-valued? It would be but fair and right. GENERAL DISTRICT RATES MADE FROM 1875 TO 1892. Actual Rates made. Per Cash Year. Mouth. £ Collected. 1875 ••• April Is. 462 3 10 1875 Sept. Is. 389 7 6 1876 March Is. # 506 0 1 SE! tg. £ •••' ^11 il S 1878 March Is. 385 17 7 1878 Oct. Is. 399 5 3 1879 Oct. Is. 394 11 0 1880 June Is. 3»0 | 1880 i Dec. 1»; ^5 32 1881 Oct. Is 374 2 11 1882 May Is. J04 16 10 1882 Dec. Is. 438 19 0 1883 Sept. Is. 349 10 3 5,677 14 7 1884 March Is. 481 19 7 18852- Jan- i 1 1885 ••• Sept. Is. 414 2 1 6,999 11 2 1886 April Is. 444 15 5 1886 Dec. Is. 391 15 4 1887 J»ly la-6d- 659 12 2 1888 March 3s. 1;249 11 8 1889 March 3s. 1,176 3 0 1890 April 3s. 4d. 1,441 0 0 1891 May 3s.} 2 CQQ 0 q 1892 ••• J8-11- — ls-> 14.162891 TFrom 1875 to 1885, the presiding chairmen H H. Horman Fisher, Esq., and J. T. V«ttell Esq.; from Sept. 1885, to April, 1886, Hev. Secretan Jones (Vicar); from April 22nd 1886 to 1892, Mr. Nicholl Morgan, who still re^rom^t^above table it will be seen that the first 18 rates, extending over a period of twelve years, gives au average of la.per £ per aanum the fast eight rates, extending over a penod of nearly six vears gives an average of 2s. lOd. per £ per annum, or nearly double. Now as to the actual money collected by these rates, I find by a statement printed at The Cambrian office IH 1884, that the receipts from the first 14 rates made produced £5,677 14s. 7d., or an average of £ 405 118. Old., and left i;97 3s. 10d., recoverable arrears, to go forward and be included in the next rate made in March, 1884. The next three rates gives an average of 9440 12s. 2d., the total amount collected up to this point (April, 1886) being £ 6,999 lis. 2d. The rate of April 8tb, 1886, was only made a fortnight before the Vicar (Rev. Secretan Jones) resigned the Chairmanship of the Board, so it is only fair that it should not to be included in his year of office. It naturally follows that it must be included in the amount received and spent during the chairmanship of Mr. Nichel Morgan, who was appointed April 22nd, 1886, and still retains the seat. Adverting to the above table, it will be observed that I have to the above table, it will be observed that I have placed a sum of Cl,800 as the product of the last two rates made, which will be considerably under the amount that will be rcetved by the time the rates are closed. To show I am not far wrong in this estimate, I may state that Mr. T. W. Islay Young, the borough treasurer of Swansea, estimated a 4s. rate to produce E2,217 6s. 6d. in the Urban Sanitary district of Oystermouth. This statement was got up when the extension of the Swansea Borough boundaries was utder consideration in 1888. I now come to the amount of money received from the rates under the chairmanship of Mr. Nichol Morgan—fron April Stb, 1886, to Juurji 1892. The total produce of rates as per table is £14,162 8s. 9J. If from this is deducted £6,999 lIs. 2d., we have a balance of £7,162 17s. 7d., to which must be added sales of stones, ashes, rents, &c. Next week I purpose dealing with the loans and fisheries accounts.

—— — THE EXTINCT MAMMALIA OF THE GOWER CAVES. ——————— I INTERESTING DISCOVERY BENEATH THE OSBORNE HOTEL, ROTHERSLADE. STALACTITES, STALAGMITES, BRECCIA AND ANTEDILUVIAN HORSE AND OTHER BONES. A week or so ago some ancient bones and teeth were brought to the Royal Institution of South Wales by Mr. Pugsley Gwyn, who stated that they had been found in the rock near the Osborne Hotel, which overlooks the Ladies' Bay, Rotherslade, and Langland Bay, and the opinion was expressed that they were mammoth bones. Not much knowledge of palaeontology was necessary to enable the Curator of the Museum to state that the bones and teeth- were probably those of the horse, but that, from the situation in which they were stated to be found, it was probable that they were the bones, not of the modern quadruped so useful to man, but of the iLqutis antiquus, the contemporary of the extinct mammalia, whose remains have been so inter- estingly found from time to time in the lime- stone caverns of the south coast of Gowerland. On Saturday last, with a view to getting a little more information on the subject, two members of the Swansea Scientific Society made a pilgrimage to Rotherslade, and, after bespeaking a substantial tea, which was to be laid in the glass-house overlooking the Channel and Bay and distant Devonshire Coast, they interviewed the pleasant hostess, Mrs. Jenkins, on the subject of the recent discoveries. Mrs. Jenkins at once led them to a corner of the glass-house, where, on a shelf, was gathered together a little heap of speci- mens. These consisted of some fine stalac- tites, measuring as much as 12 inches in length and three to four inches in diameter. Stalac tites, it should be said, for the information of the general reader, are those icicle-like forma- tions of carbonate of lime, which are found depending', often in exquisitely beautiful pat- terns, from the roofs of limestone caverns. There were also in the little collection several specimens of stalagmite, which is a formation of the same material that takes place on the floor of caves, as the result of the constant drippings from the stalactites above. As the upper surface of this stalagmite presented a series of bosses or rounded protuberances, the specimens here and there presented a rough resemblance to the udders of a supposed mon- strous cow. This appearance seems to have | led some of the merry wiseacres who have seen the specimens to hazard the wild conjecture that the stalactites are the petrified horns and the bossed stalagmites the fossil udders of bull and cow mammoths respectively III As we have said, a very slight acquaintance with geological and palaeontological facts and phenomena is sufficient to correct any such crude and childish notions as the above suppositions. In the little heap of specimens were to be found fragments of bones, whose articulating extremities are evidently much larger in girth than those of the horse, either ancient or modern. They are, however, much smaller than any we have yet seen of the mammoth, and therefore it is conjectured that the larger bones may be the bones of the Bison, or else, perhaps, the remains of the Rhinoceros or Hippopotamus. There were also, in the little heap, horse teeth, the prominent canine teeth of the wolf or the young bear, and, curiously enough, a small section, much worn by trituration, of the stigmaria, which is the name given to the roots- of the sigillaria, one of the great trees of the coal-produemg: geological epoch. The perplexity of the un- initiated as to the probable meaning of this little heap of specimens is further enhanced— as is generally the case until the scientifically trained mind is enabled to discern radical differences-by the admixture with the curiosities of a few corals and other things of wholly different period and interest. Among the bones is also to be seen a much decayed rib-bone, which is of the size and shape of that of the horse. Upon being asked to inform us where and how the specimens have been found, Mrs. Jenkins was good enough to take us to a spot in the rear of the new buildings which are now in course of erection for the enlargement of the hotel. Unfortunately, the hollow from whence these organic and inorganic specimens were derived has now been filled up with earth and stone, as a preparatory step to the build- in of a scullery on the site; but, from an ex- amination of that portion of the rock which has not yet been quarried, it became perfectly evident, as we had concluded, that the ex- cavators and diggers had really cut their way into a portion of a somewhat extensive cave. The cave was evidently formed in a fissure of the limestone rock. On either side of the fis- sure, the rock remains in all its native sound- ness, but the interspace is filled up with comparatively loose angular stones and brownish-red earth. What the opening was like which the excavators opened up is not now to be discerned. They, not knowing of the scientific interest of the place, simply cut away the material and filled up the cavity to the lgvel of the ground. In a hollow in one of the solid natural buttresses of limestone, several pieces of bone, which had been picked from among the rubbish, had been placed for preservation, and near the flower border in front of the house was another considerable heap of stalagmite, stalactite, breccia, and broken bones of large size, and evidently of extreme antiquity. Leaving the Osborne Hotel, we peregrinated along the pathway to Langland Bay, then de- scended to the beach, and proceeded to ex- amine the rocky masses which separate Lang- land Bay from the Ladies' Bay or Rotherslade. The sea has for hundreds of years been denud- ing these rocks with all its wild force, but there are still left features of a most interest- ing character. There are, between the lines of the now slanting stratification, evidences of considerable fissures, which were formally caves, and some of which run back, narrowing as they go, into and under the cliff. Very few people, we fancy, have seen—because they have never had pointed out to them—the two different sorts of limestone which form these cliffs, some of the layers presenting a series of irregular but remarkably smooth convex sur- faces under denudation, and the other strata presenting all the features of concavity, or rough honeycomb fracture, under denunda- tion. The pot-holes, too, with, in some in- stances, the rounded stones which have made them still in them, are a most interesting geological feature. In some places there are long lines of calcareous spar running through and filling up the narrower crevices, and, in one or two places, there are very beautiful reticulated structures, where the parent rock seems to have been dried and cracked more or less cubically, and the interstices filled up with calcareous matter of a harder kind than the rock itself. Going over those broken rocks to- I wards Rother's Torr, we gradually came to the great fissure, part of which is still roofed over as a cave, extending far into the cliff beneath the Osborne Hotel. The floor is in some places rocky, in other places filled in with boulders, and the smaller flotsam and jetsam of the sea; but, further in, the aperture has been largely filled with rubbish of broken stone and earth, cast down from above during the present building operations. This is much to be regretted, as it will necessitate considerable labour and cost before the cave can be properly explored for scientific pur- poses. Judging from Mrs. Jenkins's remark that the sea used to come up in this cave so that it could be heard beneath the kitchen of the Hotel, the cave must extend some distance the Hotel, the cave must extend some distance backwards, farther than it can be now traced. On the side of the cliff beneath the Hotel, facing the Ladies' Bay, a very large quantity of stone and earth has been tippnd. Among the refuse so thrown down, we regretted to see considerable masses of beautifully-com- pacted breccia—that is to say, small pieces of limestone which had fallen from the cave's mouth and had become compacted together by the stalagmitic material which formed on the floor, several interesting specimens pre- sented themselves to the light of day. It would have been well if these specimens, large and small, had been carefully kept in the Hotel grounds, so that hereafter they might be examined fey the curious in such matters. It is to be hoped that, pending fur- ther investigation into these interesting dis- coveries, really interesting as far aa they have gone, and still more interesting having regar to the possibilities of further treasures in th upper part of the cave, that all specimens, organic and inorganic, will be carefully collected and carefully preserved at the Osborne Hotel. It is a curious fact, known to all local geologists, that the whole of the natural drainage of the land, extending from West Cross on the east to Pwlldu on the west, is a subterranean drainage. Not a drop of water finds its way to the sea over the surface of the land betw een these two points. In Bishopston Valley, which has itself been cut out of the limestone by subterranean drainage, and then the falling-in of the top, we have good in- stances both of surface and of subterranean drainage existent at the present time. Not a drop of water falls down the surface of Green- slade behind Caswell Bay, but the natural drainage of the country above is clearly sub- terranean, and the water bubbles up through the sands at the north east corner of Caswell Sands, and on the west through what used to be called Freshwater Cave, which water is now pumped up to supply the Oystermouth Reservoir. Subterranean drainage from the inlands to the sea is evidently still going on as vigorously as ever it was, but the water is constantly cutting for itself deeper channels, and so discharges itself, not over the surface, not visibly, but deep down through the fissures of the rock, and emerges into the sea below high-water mark. It has often been the subject of discussion aow the bones of elephants and bulls, cave bears and hyenas, rhinoceroses and wolves, come to be found together in the caves en the Gower coast. It was at one time thought that these animals inhabited the caves, or fled there for refuge, or were carried in and eaten, in that far-off period when what is now the Bristol Channel was a beautiful valley teeming with vegetable and animal life. A better theory is the supposition that these animals lived and died on the lands above, I which were drained by the streams that run through the fissures in the limestone rocks, and so enlarged them into caves. The animals dying or being killed on the inlands of the water-shed would have their flesh consumed by other animals or by putrifactive germs, and in time the bleached skeletons would lose their articulation, and each separate bone would fall away from its fellows. Then, in times of heavy flood or rain, the bones, being of comparatively little specific gravity, would be carried by the surface water after heavy rainfalls down through the natural channels of subterranean drainage, and would thus become lodged in the fissures and cavities underground. The Gower caves and other remarkable ante- glacial or ante-diluvian contents were care- fully explored, and the results of the explora- tion is registered by Dean Buckland, by Mr. Starling Benson, by Col. Wool of Stouthall, by Mr. Moggridge, by Dr. Hugh Falkner, and others. This little discovery beneath the new wing of the Osborne Hotel awakens once more the interest of former discoveries. It may surprise some of our readers to know that among the animal remains found in these caves were the following:—Three different kinds of bears, the wolf, the fox, two sorts of elephants, two kinds of rhinoceros, the greater hippopotamus, seven kinds of deer, &c., and the bison, not to mention the hyena, and other animals. Until everything shall be done to explore scientifically this latest Gower cave, it is to be hoped that the greatest care will be taken by the possessors of the land and of the hotel to protect the place and the specimens from uninstructed curiosity or jocular treatment. [Since the foregoing account was put into type, we learn that further excavation by the navvies has laid bare more bones.]

WHAT BECOMES OF OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN. It would have been hardly credible, had not a Bishop vouched for the statement, that as many as 75 per cent. of the convicts in Pentonville Prison had at One time been Sunday school scholars. The numbers are 757 out of 1,000. The Bishop of Dover tried to trace 100 of his children who for the last few years had passed out of the Sunday-school. He could only trace 77, and ¡c of these two only were attending Church regularly, and 39 were confirmed drunkards."

A LESSON FOR LOCAL ROAD- MENDERS. The excellence of French roads is very well- known, and the United States Consul at Bordeaux has given an account of how they are made and kept. The materials are obtained from the nearest quarries and piled in heaps of fixed size and shape at equal distances along the road, where they are inspected officially and measured by a skeleton frame. The material is usually marble, flint stone, or gravel, of best quality, and cleaned. Stone must be broken to pass through a 2\ in. ring. When spread evenly on the road the interstices are filled with smaller pieces, and the whole consolidated by a steam roller. A top dressing of clay and sand is added. Roads receive constant attention, and every rut or hollow is immediately repaired.

SWANSEA TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.—There was quite a galaxy of talent at this Society's meet- ing on Saturday, with a full and critical house. Aiter the customary opening, Mr. Withal (chair- man) remarked that it was 15 years since he stood on the Ragged School platform, but had been true to tis pledge in the interval. (Cheers.) Everyone was labouring to obtain some givea object, whether it was right or wrong, and the intensity with which one worked was in proportion to the interest one felt in the attainment of such object. The great interest he felt gave wings to time and made years light as days. (Cheers.) Drink had wrought more evil than war, pestilence, or famine. Miss Davies (a little maiden) recited "I'm only a Little Sparrow." Miss Sing delivered swtetly There is no night there," and her sister displayed facile execution in a violin solo. Mr. Thomas sang a plaiDtive solo, and later "The Old Folksat Home," with beautiful effect, to banjo accompaniment, and the secretary announced, to the surprise and delight of the company, that Mr. John Trebarne had con- sented to form and lead a choir for their meetings. Miss S. A.Jones played the accompaniments to the musictvl items. The Rev. J. Phillips (Carmarthen- road Ch«pe!), in the course of a logical address, remarked that so entwined with social customs and powerful interests were the drinking habits of this country, that it was exceedingly difficult to arouse public opinion to the terrible effects of strong drink. (Hear.) The Christian Church was more than ever determined to stamp the evil out, and their legislators were compelled to give it their most serious attention. (Applause.) In many schools the scientific aspect of the question was being taught, and he hoped before long the practical aspect would be treated as well in all schools. (Cheers.) The numbers attending their Bands of Hope were being augmented by hundreds and thousands, and the future was radiant with hope a better day was coming. (Cheers.) They met week nfter week, not for any selfish or worldly end, but for the purpose of arresting a great moral and social evil, and to promote the virtue, dignity, and well-being of humanity. (Hear.) They derived that sympathy with the fallen, not from ancient philosophy from the temples of Greece and Rome, but from Christ Himself. They had caught it from His own sweet lips and pure, spotless, and unique life, and from His awful Cross at Calvary. (Applause.) In speaking of drunkenness, they seldom touched on its chief and essential evils, but referred to its secular evils. (Hear.) They looked too much at the consequences of vice and not at the course of it; at tbe streams, the rivulets, and the brooks, and forgot to trace the source, the well, the spring, and the fountain head. (Hear.) What mattered it if a mam was poor if he carried into his poverty the energy, virtues, and the reason of a man it was not the coat that made the man. (Cheers.) ¡ It had been the lot of some of the very best Christian people to be poor, but the poverty of the intemperate man was very different, as the cause was himself. The great and essential evil of in- temperance was, therefore, the voluntary extinction of reason. Intemperance and all the evils ( connected with it must ultimately fall, and Christianity was the mighty power which would accomplish this end; Christianity faithfully j preached and practised. In due time they would reap if they fainted not. (Applause.) Mr. R. J. Davies then sang" Alone on the Raft," in good j voice and style; Miss Bartlet recited with expression "The Cat's Tea PartyMiss bing rendered a pleasing ditty, and Master Thomas gave delight in his banjo melodies. Mr. Cbarles Davies thaoked all who bad taken part in the evening's enjoyment with his characteristic bonhomie, after which all I joined heartily in a closing hymn, and the Rev. J. Phillips pronounced the Benediction. "Can you tell me, my friend," said the elderly gentleman to the keeper of the camel, what the hump on that animal's back is for? What's it for?" "Yes, of what value is it?" "Well, it's lot's of value. De camel wouldn't be no good widout it." "Why not?" "Why not? Yer don't suppose people 'ud pay sixpence to see a eamel widout any hump onlhim, do yer ?"

NEATH AND 118 DISTRICT. PEACE SOCIETY.—A lecture was given at the Gwyn Hall, on Thursday last, by Dr. Darby, secretary of this old Society, ana was fairly well attended. ILWLEBS OF MR. E. GWYN JOKBS.—We are sorry to hear that Mr. E. Gwyn Jone. sslicitcr, has been very seriously ill. Mr. Jones is one of our popular local advocates, well known and respected. His speedy convalescence will be most acceptable in- telligence to many sincere friends. LIBEBALISM.—A meeting will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday next, under the auspices of the Women's Liberal Association. Speeches will be given by Mrs. (Joniston Chb.nt, Mr. t-tuart, and others. His Worship the Mayor will preside. A large meeting of ladies and gentlemen will probably attend the discussion. NEATH ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE.—A meeting of the Neath Union Assessment Committee was held at the Town Hall, Neath, on Tuesday, the Rev. D. Griffiths presiding. The meeting was convened for the purpose of considering Mr. Eve's valuatiou of railways in the Union. Mr. P. R. Smith, of the Rates and Taxes Department, represented the Great Western Railway; Mr. Edward Powell appeared for the Rhoudda and Swansea Bay arid South Wales Mineral Railway?; Mr. J. E. Griffiths, manager, represented the Neath and Brecon Railway Company.—Mr. Smith, for the Great Western Railway, offered 17i per C6ut. increase on the east part; of the Union, and 10 per cent. on the west side.—Mr. Griffiths, for the Neatb and Brecon, admitted that the troffic receipts had [increased since the last basis.—Mr. Edward Powell, for the South Wales Mineral and Rhondda aud Swansea Bay Railway Companies, strongly objected to Mr. Eve's valuation, stating that it was made on an utterly erroneous basis. Taking a legal basis, it was wrong; even hypothetically, it would not come to the basis of the present Union valua- tion. He was, however, prepared on behalf of the two companies he represented to allow the preaeit Union Assessment to remain.—The Committee, after considerable deliberation in private, decided to adjourn the meeting for a fortnight, and in the meantime the various companies were directed to supp.y a return showing the length of their respective lines, together with the principal stations and sidings. NEATH COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAY. [Before J. H. Rowland, W. Leyson, W. P. Struvo, and Thomas Powell, E»qs.] DISORDERLY.-Thomas Herbert, for being drunk at Resolven, on the 29th ult.. was fined 3s. 6d. and costs, or 7 day"Peter Jenkins, of Cwro/iwracb, and James Phillips, were each fined 5s. and cost', er 7 days, for being drunk and disorderly.— John Harris, of Cwmavon, was also fined oe.. and costs lor a similar offence. STEALING. — John Winsterley, charged with stealing 2s 61. and two small boxes, the property of Edward Evans, Oak, Brynawel, Dear Glyn- Neath, was sent for one month to piiaon. DRUNK.—Daniel Jenkins, Briton Ferry, and Murty Sullivan, were ordered to pay 5s. each and costs, for being druuk and dieorderly. CASE OF WAGES.—DAVID THOMAS V. ED. THOMAS. -This was a claim of £ 5 for leaving without notice at the Mardy Colliery. There was also a counter- claim of £9 odd. Mr. Leyson was for the claimact, and Mr. H. P. Charles for the defendant.-After a long enquiry, the Bench failed to agree, and the case was dismissed. NEATH BOROUGH SESSIONS. [Before the Mayor and Ex-Mayor.] LARCRENY. Sarah Hughes, 15 years of age, living at Skewen, was charged with stealing a pair of black diagonal trousers, value 3a. 6d.. the property of Mr. S. Nathan, and other property belonging to Mrs. Raehael Samuel, pawnbrokers. Prisoner visited these shops to pledge other goods, ) and stole the articles, which were recovered. She ] was arrested by Sergeant Price.—The girl pleaded I guilty. Fined 40s. and costs.—Mr. H. P. Charles defended. DRUNKENNESS.—William Bruce, a mason, High- strett, Jenkiu Thomas, blacksmith, Mount Pleas- ant; Thomas Newtoo, stoker, Exchange-road, Melincry thau; and Catherine Arnold, a married woman, living at Llantwit-road, were severally charged with being drunk in the Bo:ough during the week.—The usual fines of 5s. and costs were imposed. -P.C.'s Jones and Davies prove; the charges. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. — David Williamp, lvv Bush, Melincrythan, summoned by Mr. P. Davis, tor neglecting to send his child to school, was fiued Is. and costs. NEATH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at the Workhouse, Neath, on Tuesday, at noon. There were present Mr. J. H. Rowland, chairman Mr. Hopkiu Jones, Vice-chairman Rsv. D. Griffiths, and Messrs. W. Leyson, WIB. Jones, David Davies, A. S. Garduer, B. A. Giiffiths, Rees Jenkins, Lewis Jenkins, Evans Bevan, S. B. Davies, J. P. Williams. Lewis Jones, Edwin Jones, M. G. Roberts, D. Evans, M. Griffiths, and Henry Lewis. CALLS.—The Clerk reported that the Committee had and arranged for the usual c tlls amounting to £ 10,230. The amount was agreed to. THE HALF-YE VBLY TKNDEBS.—THE CommiTrzjcl,3 REPORT REFERRED BACK. -Tbe Committee ap- pointed to go though the half-yearly Tenders pre- sented their usual report. On looking over the figures, Mr. Hopkin Jones found that they had been attered by mistake and not brought up in regular business order before the board. Mr. Jones upon this made some severe remarks on the carelessness of the Committee, and quite a scene occurred. The Chairman sympathised with Mr. Jones and ultimately moved that the Tenders be referred back for revision. This was carried, and the Committee retired to do their work over again. Ou their return, the following tenders were accepted :—Groceries, Osborne mea", Trick; Cottage Homes, do., drapery, Glass & Co. boots, Swash milk, Payne coffins, W. Morgan coal, Harris; potatoes, Bowden; printing, Stacey; groceries, Aberavon, J. A. Jones meat, Harries; milk, Thomas; grocery, Briton Ferry, Davies, milk, Thomas; ditto, Coeofrank, Thomas; beef, Jenkins. WELSH INSPECTORS AND THE SUNDAY CLOSING IN ENGLAND.—The Clerk said that he had received two communications, one as to North Wales, where a vacancy had occurred, asking the Guardians to petition the Local Government Board not to appoint in future any Poor Law Inspector for Wales, unless he was conversant with the Welsh language. The [ other communication was in favour of petitioning other comm'.lnication was iu favour of petit,ioning Parliament that the Sunday Closing Act should be extended to England.-After a short discussion, the Guardians allowed both petitions to lay on the table, both objects being considered to be outside the province of the Board. This closed the public business.

SWANSEA EXCHANGE. The was a full meeting on 'Change, on Tuesday. There was considerable stir and animation, but thfre was but little improvement in prices. There were present in addition to several buyers. Messrs. J. H. Rogers, Morewood and Co., Llanelly; J. Maybery, Llanelly; Richard Phillips, Leach, Flower and Co., Neath: Daniel Edwards, Dynevor Works; Ernest Trubshaw, Western Tin-plate Works: Thomas Freeman, Clayton Works; G. H. Strick, Amman Iron Works, W. R. Quick, do.; William Morris, Baglan Bay Co., John Cound, Pontardulais; E. W. Hampton, H. Clement, Beaufort; George Shaddick. Burgess and Co.; Joseph Bangham, Barrow Co. J. W. Bevan, G. H. Blenkinsopp. J. E. Baker, Cardiff; F. J. Byrne, Cardiff: Richard Martin, Birchgrove: J, Corfield, Dillwyn and Co. A. T. Davis, Cwm Clydach D. Russell, do.; W. Davies, Ebbw Vale Co.; E. F. Daniel, J. R. Davies, Dynevor Coal Co.; James Jones, H. D. Richards, Pantyffynon G. S. Milnes, R. Evans, Landore W. H. Edwards, Morriston; D. E. Edwards, do.; W. Bright. Fairwood; C. and E. Forester, H. Chalk, T. Ford and Co.; G. S, Fitt, R. Peregrine, Glanamman; W. Sims, do. J. Harrop, Grovesend; D. Harris, Gwendraeth;, L. E. Trickey and R. S. Lowe, Great Western Railway; David Glasbrook, G. H. Longrigg, Llanelly; Thurston, Cardiff; W. Howell, Swansea; R. Hardy, D. Imrie, W. M. Jones, Mat Jones, E. P. Jones, E. Jackson, John Jones, Port Talbot W. H. Jenkins, H. L. Jones, T. P. Jones, Newport: David Lewis, Gorseinon; Thomas Elford, J. Thomas, London and North-Western Railway, Joseph Lewis, Ivor Morris, Ammanford E. Hannesen, Tube Co. T. R. W. Mason, R. Haynes, Midland Railway Co. George Smith, do.; C. G. Biggs, Briton Ferry W. H. B. Morris, M. Moxhain, W. Margrave, F. R. Nevill, Llanelly, Newbould; C. E. and H. M. Peel, J. H. Allaway, Fort Talbot; E. H. Parry, George Smith, Clyne; E. Roberts, P. Richard, T. W. Jones, Swansea Tin-plate Co.; John Dixon, Swansea Harbour; H. Randall, S. Stephen, Breffit, Cardiff; C. E. Sutton, Neath: M. J. Roche, S.C.; W. Lean, George Andrews, Gas Co. F. S. Saunders, H. S. Parker, Thomas Simm, R. W. Evans, Llanelly T. H. Thomas, do.; Rees Harries, Teilo Works: Joseph Thomas, Llan- gennech Griffith Thomas, W. N. Jones, Tirydail; George Rowe, W. Williams and Co.; Travers Wood, Starbuck Williams, Neill McNeill, Watson and Co.; H. H. Sampson, Pontardulais; T. H., Couch, Swansea G. H. White, Pontardulais S. Williams, do.; C. Polyblank, B. W. Oliver, Morriston; and J. R. Watsoa. The pig iron market shows an improvement upon the week of about Is. a ton, which is to be attributed to the colliers' strike, especially in Durham, which affects more particularly the Middlesbrough district, where a large portion of the furnaces have been damped down, and in sympathy with this market Scotch and hematite are higher in value. The state of the tin-plate trade is still very unsatisfactory, and to predict ,he future will be speculative, as it is difficult to guage what will be the future prospect of the trade in America. There is a revival in the copper trade upon arrangement having bean made to limit the American production. Jfie IRON.—Glasgow warrants, 41s. jid.to 40s. 6d.>.easli buyers. Market steady. MIBDLESBRO.— NO. 3, 378. 6d. to 33s. proatpt; other numOers in proportion. Market steady. HKMATITE.-Warrants, 47s. 3d. to 47s. 7td. for mixeè. numbers, t.u.b. Cumberland, according to brajkd. WELSH BARS, f.5 5s. OJ. to 96 7s. 6d. Angles, &c., at usual extras, f.o.t. at works. SHEET IRON.-Sinales, £6 10s. to iC7 His. f.o.t. at Works. STEEL RAILs-Heavy sestions, £ 4 Qs. Od. to £ 4 5s. 0i.; light do., t5 5s. Od. to J;;5 7s. tíd., f.o.t.; sleepsrs, angles, channels, &c., according to section and specifica- tion. STEEL SHEETS.—Singles, 47 10s. te £:3 106., with the usual extras for the higher gauges. BKSSEMEE STEEL.-Tiii-pla W blooms, jM 2s. 6d. to iC4 5s. Od. tin-plate bars, dt.4 10s. to jEl 12s. 6d. SIEMENS' TIN-PLATE BARS.—Best, zL5 Os. toe5 2e. 6d. All delivered in the district; cash, less 2j per cent. TIN-PLATES.—Makers' quotations for iron coke tins, per box I.C., 12s. OJ. to 12s. ;)..1.; Bessemer steel coke, 12s. Od. to ]2s. 3d.; Siemens'(cake finish), 12s. 61. to lis. 9d.; ternes, per double box. 28 by •zO C., 26's. 6d. to 25s. Od. best charcoal, lis. Od. to 14s. according to finish of brand, wasters, 6d. to Is. per box less tliaa primes. All delivered in Priace of Wales Dock, Swansea casn, less 3 and 1 per cent. The Swansea Harbour Trustees have furnished the following official return of tin-plates received from the works, shipped, and in stock:- Week ending Last week. Corresponding Mar. ly, lb92. week last year. Boxes. Boxes. Boxes. Received 79,SIS 67,179 92,450 Shipued 51,163 76,530 60,318 In stock 22l,57t» 193,221 28l,9j2 COPPER.—Chili bars, jE45 8s. 9d. to £ 46 12s. Cd. BLOCK TiN, t69 7s. 6d. to L89 15s. SPELTER.— £ 21 2s. 6d. to £ 21 5s. Per telegram received on 'Change. LEAD.—English, £11 2s. 6d. to JEll 5s. Od. Spanish, £ 10 17s. (Id. to £ 11 lis. od. ANTHRACITE COAL.—Best big vein, selected for malting purposes, 15s. od. to 16s. 6d.; second qnalitv, selected for malting purposes, 12s. 6d. to 13s. od. ordinary large, according to quality and selection, lis. to 12s. Od. Small rabbiy calm, per ton, os. Od. to 5s. Od. All delivered f.o.b. Swansea, cash in 3J days, less per cent. STEAM COALS.-Large, 12s. 6d. to 13s. Od.; second quality, do., lis. to lis (id; bunkers, according to quality, lis. Od. to 12s. Od.; small, 5s. 6d. to 6s. ud. per ton. delivered f.o.b. Swansea, cash 3J days, less 2t per ceut. 2 BITUMINOUS COALS.—Large (No.3 Rhondda), 13s. Gd. to 13s. 9d; thro' coals, 10s. cd. to lis. Od. small, 7s. 6d. to 8s. oj. per ton, delivered f.o.b. Swansea; cash 30 days, less 2t per cent. COKE.-Best foundry, 18s. Od. to 19s. Od. per ton, f.o.b. Swansea, cash 30 days, less 2 £ per cent. PATENT FUEL, 12s. 0i. to 12s. 6d. IRON ORES.-12s. 3d. to 12s. 6d. per ton, ex-ship; cash 3u days, with an additional charge of Is. (id. per ton for selected Jarge. PITWOOD.—17s. to 17s. 6d. per ton, into trucks nett, cash 30 days. FREIGHTS. — Messrs. Burgess and Co., steamship owners, furnished the following freight fist on 'Chance: -Algiers, O^fcs. fuel; Batoum, tOs. 6d. general Danube, 9s. 6d. coal, 10s.3J. fuel; Venice, 9s. ed. coal, 10s. ad. fuel; Ancona, 9s. 6d. coal, 10s. 3d. luel; Catania, 9s. 3d. coal 10s. fuel; Leghorn, 9s. 3d. coal, lOs. fuel; Genoa, 8s. 9d. coal, 9s, 6d. fuel Bari, option Barletto, its. 3d. coal, tOs. fuel; Valentia, 8s. 6d. coal; Honfleur, 5s. coal; Havre or Dieppe, 5s. coal, 5s. 6d. fuel; St. Mulo, 5s. 3d. coal.

LOCAL RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS GREAT "WESTERN RAILWAY. Weekended „ Mar. 2-2, 1891. Description. Week ended (Corrected to Mar. 20. 1892, the actual figures). Inc. Dec. M. C. M. C. M. C. Ne. of Miles open.. 2,481 2 2,481 2 £ £ £ i rr.nS^.T"f 61.350 • «• "SSS'SuS!. J swoo *>•» '> Total for the Week. 153,650 161,460 7,810 Amount for pre- ) vious U Weeks of 1,628,36) 1,639,020 10,660 half-year ) Aggregate for 12 i 1,782,010 1,800,480 18,4/0 W i J. D. HIGGINS, Secretary. LONDON & NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY. „ Week ending Corresponding InCt j>ec Description. jjar> 20,1892. Week in 1891. Ko. of Miles open. 1.8S9J 1,875| 13J £ £ £ £ Passengers, parcels,) 73,258 47,301 1,043 &c., and mails S Merchandise, Min- t 116,370 137,543 21,173 erals, & Live stock Total for the Week. 189,623 211,844 22^16 Aggregate 11 weeks 2,197,^46 2,2.9,037 61,641 T- HOUGHTON, Secretary. RHONDDA AND SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY. Weekending Corresponding T Description. March 20,1392. Week in 1891. Inc* Dec No. of Miles open 15 15 £ £ £ £ Passengers (Local) 149 130 Goods Minerals 411 284 Total for Week 560 414 146 Aggregate for 12 1 Weeks 5813 5,597 246. TAFF VALE RAILWAY. Week ended Week ended March 19, '92 March 21, '91. Inc. Dec. No. of miles open 113 113 Passengers, parcels, t £ £ £ £ Ho)ses.&e.,&Mahs) 2,440 2,50S 68 Merchandise, &c., 13,*532 12,497 1,135 Total for the week. 16,072 15,005 1.067 Amount for previous 11 weeks of 4year. 148,523 150,282 1,759 Aggregate for 12 weeks 164,595 165,287 692 BRECON & MERTHYR RAILWAY.-Miles Open, 61. Week ending Corresponding Description. Mar. 20,1892. weeic last year Incr. Deer, (adjusted). JE sd £ sd £ sd £ sd. Passengers, &c. 2H 2 11 30) 9 9 Gds, min'r'ls&c 1,300 3 0 l,40f 6 7 Total 1,591 5 11 1,716 16 4 Per mile per week 26 1 9 28 2 11- 125 10 5 l0tWeeks 12 14 2-18.776 3 6 3,526 9 4 68 BARRY RAILWAY. Traffic Receipts, Week ending March 19, 1892 £6,;42

THE LADIES.-Tbe only Successful Homoeopathists. Tbpy cure man's greatest malady of the heart by a leetle of the same sort!" A QUESTION FOR THE LADIES.—Which is the best Tea to drink P A leading London Tea Broker certifies that Blue Cross" Pekoe Souchong, at 2s. per lb., is better tea for drinking purposes than a Golden Tip Tea, whicn recently sold at almost its own weight in gold. Ask your Grocers for Blue Cross" Pekoe Souchong (see you get it), in lead packets. 2s per lb. Other prices, Is 10d, 1 2a 4d, and 2s lOd, wr lb. f 25 HOTELS. THE LANGLAND BAY HOTEL. rpHIS HOTZL stands in its own grounds, JL surrounded by magnificent scenery, is arranged and furnished to afford visitors and residents every possible convenience and comfort. Moderate charges. First-class Cuisine, Wines and Spirits. LANGLAND VILLA.-TO LET, Furnished, by week or month, detached Villa Residence (with coach-house and two-stall stable), beau- tifully-situated. and only 100 yards from the sea. LANGLAND FARM.—Comfortable Lodgings, consisting of five Bedrooms and three Sitting- rooms, with cocking and attendance. Delightful view. For terms and particulars apply to Miss LOGAN, Langland Bay Hotel. (Telephone No. J 502); or to the SECRETARY, 59 and 60, Wind street, Swansea. [2064 sWAlVSEA. CASTLE HOTEL. 1 OLD-ESTABLISHED FAMILY AND COM- I 0 MERCIAL HOTEL Centrally Situated. j Omnibuses meet all Trains. j ORDINARY EVERY SATURDAY AT 2 O'CLOCK. i A. THOMAS, 760] Proprietress. Swansea Castle Hotel, OXFORD-STREET AND DILLWTN-STREET, ) SWANSEA. THE above old-established Hotel is now under new management. Wines and ■Spirits of the Best Brands, and Bottled Ales and Stouts. Families supplied. J. FINNEMORE, 1708] PROPRIETOR. White Rose Hotel, Walter-road, Swansea- IlHE above Hotel has undergone considerable alter- ations, and is now considered the most pleasantly situated and convenient establishment of the kind in the West End of Swansea. Visitors to the town utilising the advantages of this Hotel are in the midst of a beautifully rura! part of Swansea, the thoroughfare having heen described as the boulevard of South Wales and yet within five minutes' walk of the Sands, the Parks, all the Public Institutions of the town, Railway Stations, &c.; and the Tram Cars to the Mumbles may be reached in a few moments. One of the advantages of the above Hotel is that a very cosily constructed Billiard Room has been added to the establishment, in which there;s one of Burrougbes and Watts's best made tables. Good Stabling accommodation, and every convenience for Visitors. 987] <T..TONES, Proprietress. SHIP and CASTLE Family and Commercial HoteL Mambles. THIS OLD-ESTABLISHED and Replete HOTEL. is now under NEW and EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT. Commercial gentlemen and visitors afforded eTery accommodation with the best attention. Beautiful view of Swansea Bay and surround- ing neighbourhood. 24821 SARAH JONES, Proprietress. King Arthur Hotel, Reynolds tone, Gower. PROPRIETOR MR. JOHN BEVAN. MR. BEVAN BEGS to ANNOUNCE that the above HUel has been greatly enlarged to meet the pressing requirements of Tourists and others, and is now able to accommodate a party of 200 to dinner. Conveyaaces can be had on the premises. The Hotel is under the personal supervision of Mrs. Bevan as heretofore. [967 The Sherwood Hotel, 19, ADAM-STREET, STRAND, LONDON. (LATE W. H. PRUST, SWANSEA.) "Vf EAR Law Courts, Houses of Parliament, 1^1 and in the midst of all the principal Theatres. Has been re-furnished, and offers every comfort at very moderate charges. Bed, Breakf £ >st and Attendance, 5s. 6d. Communications to 46] MANAGER. Andrew's Private Hotel, 68, GTJILFORD STREET, RUSSELL SQUARE, LONDON, W.C. COMFORTABLE, CENTRAL and ECONoM- C CAL. Tariff on application. [123 Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. ICR. C. POLYELANK, A.I.E.E., (For 7 years Mechanical and Electrical Engineer to the Swansea Harbour Trust), REGS to inform his friends and the general public that he HAS NOW OPENED AN OFFICE at No. 47, WIND-STREET, SWANSEA, and is prepared to supply, on the most advan- tageous terms, ELECTRICAL and MECHANICAL PLANT, Of all Kinds. Mr. C. P. Solicits Enquiries. L1677 IMPORTANT TO TRAVELLERS AND HEADS OF FAMILIES. ALLCOCK'S POROUS PLASTERS IN THE NEW SIZES Are most Convenient and Economical, viz.:— Is. 9d. size equals 3 at Is. lid 2 4s. 6d. size „ 9 „ Is. 1-id 2 22s. 6d. size „ 54 „ Is. lid Pat up in tin Tabes. If your dealer does net keep them, send valne is stamps to H. D. BRANDRETH. 22, Hamilton-Sq., Birkenhead. [1716 ESTABLISHED 1854. X G A NZ Watch Manufacturer. Goldsmith, Jeweller, and Optician, 231, HIGH STREET, SWANSEA. Agent in Swansea for THE WATERBURY WATCHES. THE OPTIMETS PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES, CAMERAS, MAQIC LANTERNS, &C. Ac. 1485 To those who find a difficulty in obtaining COD LIVER OIL, specially suited to delicate Stomachs, J. T. DAVIES Can recommend his "Speciar Cod Liver Oil, Which is of the Finest Quality and nearly Tasteless. PREPARED by the latest and most scientifio jL process, rendering it absolutely pare and brilliant in colonr, and preferable to the Brown and ordinary Cod Liver Oils. Sold in Bottles at Is., Is. 6d., and 2s. 6d. each. To be obtained Solely from J. T. DAVIES, Dispensing Chemist, Walter Road, Swansea. [1130 The Glory of Woman. THE CI KIN lO The Pride of Man rpHEgim ALBION MILK* npHE eiKIN AND rnHB QKIN S^kPHTJR, SOAP. JL Purest, Emollient, and mos rriHE CtKIN delicate of ail Soaps, giving' to JL 1^5 the Skin that softness and THE QKIN clearness so desired by all. In- IO valuable for Children, and a THE CtKIN Luxury for txt, T0ILET. BATH. & NURSERY F |iHE OKIN The very best Shaving1 Soap, as A K? it will not irritate the most delicate skin. Delicately perfumed. ——— 78] Sold by all Chemists, Grocers, &c. I CTRE"FITS! I have made a life-long study of the disease of Fits, ¡ Epilepsy, or Falling Sickness, aud when I say CURE, I do not mean merely to stop them for a time and then have them return again, I mean a Radical Cure. I have known my remedy to curetbe worst cases. Becauge others have failed to cure you is no reason whr yo. should continue to suffer. Send at once for my TREATISE and a FREE BOTTLE of medicine. It costs you nothing for a trial, and IT WILL CURE I Dr H. G. ROOT. 28, Endslelgh Gardens, Eustoa-rd, ondon, N.W 1752 HENRY A. CHAPMAN, ARTIST AND PhOTO GRAPH EE. WINNER OF SEVERAL MEDALS AND FIRST PRIZES FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND OIL PAINTINGS. THE BEST STUDIO IN THE PRINCI- PALITY FOR BEST WORK AT MODERATE PRICES. ALL THE LATEST IMPROVEMENTS ANj.* ADDITIONS. PRICES: 3 for 2s. 6 for 3s. 12 for 5s. 6d. 235, HIGH-STREET, SWANSEA. (40 TWELVE CARTES DE. VISITE, 2s. 8d. JL Six, Is. 8d. Two Cabinets, 2s. 6d. Six, 5s. One 10-inch Panel, 5s.; two, 7s. Copied or enlarged from any portrait, however faded. Sent with postal order or stamps to Mr. F, S. D. PHILLIPS. Perfect copies and original returned free. LONDON PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPANY, 304, Regent-street, London, W. j 41 FRANK W. DAVIES, AUCTIONEER, VALUER, <L- ACCOUNTANT, HOUSE AND INSURANCE AGENT. Offices. — ll, WIND STREET, SWANSEA. Private Address[1040 BAY VIEW CRESCENT. SWANSEA ESTABLISHED 1S31. WM. PHILLIPS, UNDERTAKER, And COMPLETE FUTvERAL FLRNISHEK, 35, WELLLNGTON STREET, SWANSEA. FO'EP. ALS conducted in Town or Country on reasonable terms. Estimates on application. 818 J. B. EDWARDS, Painter and House Decorator, RICHABDSON STREET, ST. HELEN'S ROAD, S "W A 1ST S E .A.. ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR ALL KINDS OF GLAZING, PAINTING AND DECORATING IN TOWN AND COUNTRY. Agent for MESSRS. WILLING'S and Co., patent Copper Enamelled Letters. "424 FREE GRANTS OF LAND IN CANADA. 160 ACRES IN MANITOBA AND THE NORTH WEST, ANB MONEY BONUS TO SETTLERS. REPORTS OF THE BRITISH TENANT FARMERS' DELEGATES, 1890. And other newly-issued illustrated and authentic PAHPHLETS, MAPS. AND FULL INI'OIU&AJ'IOK RESPECTING MANITOBA, Or any other part of C"nada.-its Resources, Trade, i Demand for Labour, Wages paid. &c. supplied Free on application to MR JOHN DYKE, Canadian Government Agent, 15, WATER-STREET, LIVERPOOL. [2402 DENTAL NOTICE. Mr. Holland, Surgeon Dentist, HAS REMOVED to 4. HERBERT-PLACE. SWANSEA. Best Work at Moderate Charges. 553 POTS! POTS! GARDEN POTS of every Description always on hand, ready for immediate delivery. A trial order solicited.—J. TAYLOR, Pottery, Neath. [1399 BATHS. BATHS. SLIPPER BATHS, Hot or Cold Sea or Fresh, water. Siagle Tickets, 6d. and 3d. Open every day except Sunday. Swansea Baths and Laundry Co., Ld., St. Helen's-read. [1531 THOS. C. ELEY (ELEY AND SONS), FAMILY AND SHIPPING BUTCHER, 23, HIGH-STREET, SWANSEA. YOUR PATRONAGE and Recommendation Respectfully Solicited.. T54g PURE DRUGS. O. O RATE:, CHEMIST (BY EXAMINATION), 28, ST. HELEN'S ROAD, SWANSEA. SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO DISPENSING. MEDICINE Delivered with DISPATCH to all parts of the Town. 1959 CITY DRESSMAKERS PARIS HOUSE, 47, OXFORD-STREET, SWANSEA PRICE LIST. Ladies' Walking Costumes 6s. 6d. Home Dresses 5s. Od. Morning Wraps 2s. 6d. Ball and Evening Dresses, from 3s. Od. Children's Pretty Costumes, from 2s 9d LADIES' OWN MATERIALS. These prices are strictly for Cash. [1699 REES JONES, Saddler and Harness Maker, LANDORE. SINGLE and Double Leather Belts, all made by hand, Patent Leather Link, India Rubber. Camel Hair, Victory, Cotton, and all kinds of Belting; also India Rubber Sheet, Washers, and Valves, all kinds and sizes of Steam Packings, Patent and other Pump Leather, and all requisites for Collieries and other Works kept in Stock. The only Maker of Leather Belting in Swansea Valley. BRANCH SHOPS-MORRISTON AND CLYDACH. :[87 POTTERY GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Made to Order by Experienced Workmen. J. TAYLOR, CAMBRIAN POTTERY, NEATH. A SELECTION of Thoroughly Burnt Garden _are always in Stock. [2192 Who are your Printers ? THE LOCAL FIRMS, OF COUESEI rrHEY are R ATEPAYERS, and so help on oar 1. Town. Their interests ar, the Town's interests. Local Industries must be an advantage to the place, and should be encoaraged therefoflil, support the LOCAL PRINTERS. The Cambrian Newspaper Co. (Limited), PRINTERS AND STATIONERS, 58, Wind-street, SWANSEA. T^PPS'S GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING. BREAKFAST) COCOA. MADE SIMPLY WITH 'BOILING WATER OR 1 MILK. f57 BRITANNIA PAINT & WHITING WORKS GLAMORGAN-STREET, SWANSEA THOMAS BROS. are prepared to Sopnlv Wholesale Dealers with PACKET WHITING- also Umber and Ochre. All Orders promptly attended to. 932 OO R^wdy to be Advanced on Mortgage on Freehold or Leasehold Property, in sums of £ 100 and upwards. -Applv. EDWARD ROBERTS and SON Auctioneers and Valuers 45, Oxford-street, Swan- •ea. [2388

CHESS. [EDITED BY JAMES GLASS.] All communications for this department are to addressed to the "Chess Editor," The Oam- *riwn, Wind-street, Swansea. Secretaries of clubs will oblige by sending Notices of fixtures, scores of matches, and any other information concerning the above. Chess l>layers and composers are invited to contribute Problems, games, sketches, &c. CHESS RESORT. SWANSEA COUNTY CHESS CLUB, Longlands Hotel, St. Helen's-road, Wednesday, 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday, 3 to 11 p.m. To CORRESPONDENTS. Solutions are solicited, and should reach us Hot later than Wednesday after publication of Problem. SOLUTION TO PROBLEM No 24, BY REV. C. F. JONES (Baildon, jihipley, Yorks). WThite. Black. 1—Kt to B 4 1—K x P 2—Kt to X 3, etc., or 1— 1—K to K 3 2—Kt to Q Kt 6, etc., or 1— 1—K x Kt 2—Q to K 5, etc., or 1— 1—P to B 3 2— Kt to K 3 (ch) 2—K x P 3—B mates. If 2— 2—K to K 3 3-B to B 5 mate. Correct solution received from A. Hall (Mum- A. Collins (Newport), W. Gibbings ^Manchester), B. Croft (Dolgelly), J.E. J. H. Aahbridge (Swansea). £ &OBLEM No. 25, BY W. HEITZMAN (Ponty- pridd) Honourable mention in the Hackney Mercury ■Problem Tourney. BLACK (five pieces). WHITE (eight pieces). White to play, and mate in two moves. GAME 30. The Havana Chess Match. Sixth game of the match, played January 12th, 6 hours 7 minutes. (Two Knights' Defence.) White (Steinitz). Black (Tschigorin). 1 P to K 4 P to K 4 2 Kt to K B 3 Kt to Q B 3 3 B to B 4 Kt to B 3 5 Kt to Kt 5 P to Q 4 5 PsP Kt to Q R 4 6 B to Kt 5 (ch) P to B 3 7 PxP PxP 8 BtoK2 P to K R 3 19 Kt to K R 3 B to Q B 4 j ™ Castles 11 the cable-match Steinitz moved 10, P to Q 3. Castles. P to Q 3 Kt to Q 4 *2 P to Q B 4 Kt to K 2 K to R sq B x Kt These exchanges weakens Black's game. P x B Kt to B 4 if P to B 4! P x P J6 BiP Kt to K 6 lack forces the exchanges of the Knight, which helps White's game. 17 B x Kt B x B Kt to B 3 R to Kt sq RtoQKtsq Q to Q 2 P to Kt 4 Kt to Kt 2 & P to Kt 5 Kt to Q sq S to Kt 4 Q to Q 5 5* R to Kt 3 P x P Kt x P Q to B 4 > 25 R to B 5 J^e ^ew Y°rk Tribune Mr. Steinitz shows how 4 have won the exchange, by—25, P to Q VJ x B P; 26, Kt to R 3, Q to B 3 (ch); 27, P to Q 5, Q to B 4; 28, R x R, Q x Kt, etc. Qto E2 Position, after Black's 25th move:— Q to K2. Black (TSCHIGOEIN.) White (STEINITZ.) -1 I 27 JttoBS RxR 2r ?,x R B to Q5 29 to Q 5 Q to Q 3 30 ? to Kt 4 P to Kt 3 31 rv S<1 to B 3 32 §toQ2 K to Kt 2 So 5 to B 3 R to Q sq 34 to Kt 2 B to K 4 35 9toK3 R to Q 2 fi to K eq P to b 3 KL P to Kt 5 steady advance of these pawns is worthy of the highest commendation. 37 A, Kt to Q 5 38 2toB2! Qto Kt sq? 36 Kt to K 3 •K to K B sq RtoIB2 40 -D n error through pressure of time. 41 K x B 42 A B 5 ch K to Kt 2 t43 J?* Q to Kt 2 f B X*%V B t0 Kt Sq* 1.U "R 44 p1,p then Q to Kt 4 ch, and wins the B. It toRt sq (ch) K to B sq 45 c, otherwise mate in 6 more moves. 46 B to Q 3 47 p 5 B to K 2 t° B 6 and Black resigns, as the pawn must Queen. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. kin^'i^^rNQs (Manchester).—Thanks for your 4.T. (Newport).-Letter sent. Yes. »hotil(A^u A (Leamington).—Thanks very much tiona like to have some of your skilful produc- SWANSEA COUNTY CHESS CLUB. <jl08efl handicap Tournament at the above club itj. y511 Saturday last after a run of five months. Jlobf,?" • ^ee won the first prize and Dr. leaver} -^e second, after which Mr. M. F. Lee of thl 5me ^ames simultaneously against some drawn strongeat players in the club, winning four, IT1" three, and losing two, with Dr. Knight «ir. Louden. arS? Saturday last, Mr. J. C. Woods acted as Cun w r> by request, in the disputed Challenge oi*0*1 the Llanelly and Aberdare ^Iubg5 and decided favourable to both, by a ha^ ^^tch of five games up, draws not counting, at Berlin, between Mr. Allapin, ,"etersburg, and Dr. Lasker, of Berlin. Dr T .SUORE Allapin, 1 Lasker, 1; drawn, 1. *HaateaS v *S the elder brother of the celebrated r> ii. Lasker, now residing in London. In t' Laske neh Master's Tournament in London, Herr years of8 Won ^rst prize. He is only 23 tonrnar„ a.g0' r2,n^ the youngest player in the youn» rent" T>re is little doubt that the store. eman Master has a brilliant future in

Dr. Marcus Dods, inaletterto a contemporary, refers to the use of shorthand writing in the time of Christ as a fact of common knowledge, and quotes the following passage from a book by Dr. Stokes The other day I read the objections of a critic to our Gospels. He wished to know, for instance, how the addresses of Our Lord could have been preserved in an age when there wa.s no shorthand. The answer is, however, simple enough and con- clusive—there was shorthand in that age." THE CORN TRADE.—The remarkably fine weather of the past week has been very en- couraging to farmers. The winter wheat has in places a rather starved appearance, bnt an improved colour and a. vigorous growth may be expected before Easter if the present weather continues. The sowing of spring corn is now the farmer's most active care, but he sends fair quantities of wheat to the agricultural markets. Into London he has not sent large quantities, nor have sales been large; but the lots despatched to town have been of excellent mean character and value. The London average has accordingly advanced from 33s. 5d. to 34s. 4d. per quarter on the week. In the shires the fairly liberal offers made finer and milder weather have resulted in 6d. concession at fifty markets out of sixty-two, among those which have thus yielded a little to millers being Norwich, Canterbury, Chelmsford, Derby, Yeovil, Lincoln, Leicester, Wisbech, York, and Oxford. The foreign wheat on offer in the United Kingdom has been a very depressed trade. The quantity of wheat and flour on passage to the United Kingdom increases week by week, though there is an apparent slackening of demand. This inconsistency is due to the principal shippers just now being the three most remote countries-viz., California, Australasia, and Chili. The spring corn trade shows 13 markets firm for barley, against 19 which are weak 18 firm for oats and 6 weak; 9 firm for pulse and also 9 weak; and 16 firm for maize to 10 which have been weak. The imports of maize into the United Kingdom since January 1 have amounted to 1,671,000 quarters, against 1,016,300 f quarters in the same period of last year. This is an excess, of course, but the decline in the price asked is so important that demand might have been expected to take off the extra supply with ease. That it has not been able to do so is somewhat surprising, especially as the quantity afloat will be seen to be by no means colossal. A year ago 347,000 quarters were coming. America last week only shipped 2,000 quarters of oats, so that the dulness of that branch of trade can no longer be attributed to the heavy supplies from the United States. We have to add the home deliveries, which were computed to equal 156,825 quarters. The quantity of wheat on passage to the United Kingdom i* heavy for the time of the year, consisting of 2,869,000 quarters, against 2,681,000 quarters a week ago. The quantity of flour afloat, 560,000 sacks, is heavy, and shows an increase on the previous week. Last week's imports into the United Kingdom included 30,000 quarters of barley, 50 000 quarters of oats, and 171,385 quarters of maize—against 40,000 quarters of barley, 22,750 quarters of oats, and 141,200 quarters of maize in the week preceding.-Mark Lane Express.