The Cardiff Times

FEELING OF THE MASTERS. A GENERAL LOCK-OUT SUGGESTED. I A FURTHER REDUCTION CON- TEMPLATED. GREAT DISTRESS AMONGST THE MEN. CARDIFF, TUESDAY The strike, 01* lock out, which a few days since seemed likely to collapse ia now hardening, and what was thought 'to be the end is likely to prove only the beginning, The position of the men is gradually enforcing the masters a line of policy which they desired 1 o avoid. While the colliers at the iron-works were allowed to resume work on the reduced rate it w.as permitted by the coal masters generally, undtp the impression that it was a sign that all the mem were somewhat desirous of returning to work, and that once a- small num- ber of men had gone in the1 larger number would follow. This has not proved to be the case. The colliers at the Cyfarthfa, the Dowlais, the Ply- mouth, the Ebbw Vale and the'Tredegar Iron-works are in full operation, and as the iron trade is very slack only a little of the coal Raised is consumed at the works. The coal is sent into the market, but, according to the rules of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association, this state of things could not be allowed to continue but for a very short time. That time haa elapsed, and the Council of the Masters' Association arenow called on again to take Action. The men are at present working under the day to-day system, and can be stopped at the expiration of twenty-four hours, and the present week is likely to see a general lock-out. We are informed, en reliable authority, that to-day a meeting of masters was to have been held, to consider two very importent points. Firstly, the necessity of stopping instantly, colliers at the iron works, unless the whole of the men resumed operations at once. Secondly, to pass a resolution that the men be not allowed to return to work except at a further reduction on the old rate of wages. That these propositions will be considered there can, we fear, be little doubt, as they are the result;of much correspondence and discussion. A Council meeting of the Masters' Association will be held oil Friday, when a more decided course of action on the part of the masters will be recom- mended.

MR. H. CRAWSHAY DECLINES TO AD- VANCE HIS MINERS' WAGES. Mr. Crawshay, of Dean Forest, has refused the demand of his miners for an advance of wages. He points to the falling prices of coal in the London markets in justification of bis decision.

IMPORTANT GATHERING OF ODD- FELLOWS, M.U. A special district lodge of the Newport division of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows was held at the Victoria- hall, Newport, on Monday evening, mainly for the pur- pose of initiating a number of honorary members. During the ensuing year Oddfellowship will claim a. considerable share of attention from the inhabitants of this town and district. The Annual Moveable Committee of this great and important order will hold its sittings here, and this of itself is regarded as a great honour, several other large towns of the kingdom having rivalled Newport in it claims for having the A.M.C. held in its midst during the year 1875. The sittings of this committee take place in Whitsun week, and will undoubtedly be the most imposing proceedings that have ever taken place in Monmouthshire and South Wales in connection [with any friendly society. Know- ing, as they well do, the vast benefits conferred upon all classes of the community by the establishment of such an institution as the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, it was not, therefore, surprising that a number of gentlemen holding high and responsible positions in this town sought to be admitted into the Order, so that by their initiation as brethren they may be in a position to render all the aid in their power to strengthen and uphold so philanthropic and valuable a society. This desire having been intimated to the chief officers of the Newport dis- trict, arrangements were made for a special distiict Lodge to be held at the Victoria Hall, and that the G.M. of the order, Mr R. Watson, and P.G.M. Lovesay, as representing the Board of Directors, attended to per- form the ceremony of initiation. There was an exceed- ingly large company of the brethren present. The N.G., J. Pritcbard, P.G.M. presided, and was support- ed by the following brethren, as officers of the lodge:- Dr-W. Morgan, PG- William Evans (Ciytha Crescent), P.P.G.M., Benjamin Williams, P.P.G-M., William Evans (Alma-street), P.D.G.M., JamesfHill, P. P.G.M., Charles Hunter, P.G., James Davis, P.C.S. The breth- ren who acted as conductorswere, D. Francis, P.P.G.M., R. Jones, P.G., H. Baker, P.G., J. Palmer, P.G., E. Bollantyne, N.G., and W. Lewis, P.G. The musical ar- rangements were under the direction of P.P.Gr.M. Witts, and Brother Chales D'Ace. The lodge was opened in the usual form, with an introductory speech by the Noble Grand. The candidates for initiation were assembled in the room underneath the spacious tempo- rary lodge room, and were marshalled in procession by the Conductor, and were t&us introduced to the assembled brethren and to the G.M. Watson, the "Oddfellows Song'' being rendered by P.P.G.M. Witts and party, tne brethren taking up the refrain. The gentlemen who underwent initiation were—Mr. Benjamin Evans, mayor of Newport; Mr. Thomas Cordes, M.P. for the Mon- mouth Horougbs; Mr. Stevens Vernon, West of Eng- land Bank; Rev. T. Llewellyn Lester, St. Mark's; Messrs. Wyndham Jones, ex-mayor of Newport, G.W. Jones, William West, Robert Graham, J. R. Jacob, H. J' Parnall, H. P. Bolt, H. Russell Evans, members of the Newport corporation; Messrs. John Griffiths, W. G. Lovell, A. G. Jones, Thomas Williams (Star of <sr«xerit), Charles Rowe, James Horner, W. Ward, W. Milton Locke, W. E. Thomas, W. N. Johns, and S. Goss. The installation charge was delivered in an impressive manner by the G.M. The questions put to the candidates were satisfactorily answered, after which the mystic sign and password for the ensuing quarter were entrusted to the new brethren, who were then con- ducted to their seats to receive their certificates of membership. The subsequent proceedings partook of a somewhat convivial character, although the newly initiated brethren were assured that the business was conducted in accordance with the strict rules and privileges of a lodge room. A party of vocalists conduced greatly to the harmony of tbe evening. The NOBLE GRAND first gave "Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and may her reign continue to be prosperoua and happy." The toast was loyally drunk, and the National Anthem sung. Brother THOMAS BEYNON gave "The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Patnily, and may they ever maintain the rights and respect th» liberties of the people." Mr. Robshaw sang "God Bless the Prince of Wales." Brother L. A. HOMFRAY proposed The Army, Navy, and Volunteers of Great Britain; and may they, by their heroism and virtue, command for themselves the respect of the world, and always be ready to defend the bulwarks of British liberty." Captain and Brother WYNDHAM JONES replied, afte,r which Brothers Witts and D'Ace sang a duet, The Soldier and the Sailor." Grand Master WATSON proposed—"The members of both houses of Parliament, and may wisdom ever pervade at their councils, and patriotism direct their actions." He expressed the pleasure he felt in having the privilege of being present on such an auspicious occasion as this, when so many gentlemen of intelligence and position had done the Newport district of Oddfellows the distinguished honour of becoming members of the great Manchester Unity of Oddfellows (Cheers). Be was more than grati- fied, and in conjunction with his colleague should be able to carry back a good report of the prospects of the A. M. C. in this town. He believed and was confident they would have a most. sucoossful A.M.C. in Newport. When at first entrusted with the toast, it was his intention to oon- fine himself more particularly to the subject of the toast. But as their excellent member and newly initiated Brother Cordes was to follow in reply, he (Bro. Watson) thought it would not be amiss ta put him in possession of the information necessary to enable him to express his good wishes towards the order. First, with reference to the both Houses of Parliament, he would say they were the first assemblies in the world. He believed they would ever maintain the dignity of this kingdom. Every man of right thought could not fail to be satisfied with the constitution under which he lived (Cheers). Although they could not always agree upon political principles, yet they all knew that both sides sides and both Houses of Parliament looked well to the interests of the people (hear). Now, a few words as to the past of the Manchester Unity. It was first formed in ignorance entirely as to the principles of working. But those who found fault with it didn't know whether it was sound or safe, or how to put it into the position that when the hand of affliction came upon the members they would be sure of obtaining the support they had contributed to receive. Priendly societies at first were looked upon with a great deal of suspicion, and it was generallyfearedthatthesociety promised greater'be- nefits than it could give,and thattheywere liable to be preyed upon by dishonest servants. It was not to be wondered at that errors were made in the formation. But time had rectified many of these. The Oddfellows Society after a while became popular, and other somewhat similar so- cieties were established, and followed in their wake, and had continued to increase in numbers, until some millions of the inhabitants of this kingdom were enrolled as mem- bers. and not one of that great number was a felon. (Applause.) Every member was interested in strengthen- ing and upholding the laws. (Cheers.) The question of vital statistics was a difficult one, and to some it may ap- pear well-nigh impossible to realise with accuracy. The board of directors of the Manchester Unity got at the facts which guided them upon this matter from the returns supplied by the secretaries of all lodges made up at th e expiration of each year. From these it was by no means difficult to ascertain with accuracy the ages at which members die, and from calculations based on these re- turns, they could tell as truly as were the astronomical statistics and predictions that were given to them. They knew, .y taking the averages, that a young fellow be coming a member of a lodge at 20 years of age had 4:1 days sickness ia the year, and this continued to increase from year to year until on arriving at 65 years of age, instead of an average of 4-Jj- days sickness it became 44 weeks Of sickness. The claims therefore could be proportionably met by the con- tributions into the society. Beyond' the age of 65 years, the calls upon the funds would increase in a, greater ratio still.. A deficiency had been discovered, but it was found that a little increased contribution would make the society a thoroughly sound one (Applause). What the result of this had been during the past year it was impossible for him or any other man to say, because the year had just closed, and the returns were now being collected. But he could inform them of the position of the society at the end of the year which closed wn the 1st of January, 1874. The annual receipts from contributions amounted to £473,733, from invested capital of B121,358, and other sources £];3,784, making a total in rsund numbers of £608,866. The payments for sickness had been £299,595, for funerals and widows and orphans, £93,029. leaving a net gain of £216,241. The total capital amounted to JE3,488,936, which made an average per member throughout the entire Unity of £7 4s 9d. The results, therefore, of the year named were most gratifying. The effort which had been made would, he hoped and trusted, remove entirely the great bugbear of deficiency, and that which at one time looked serious would prove to be not a serious matter (Cheers). It would have become serious had they allowed it to remain, but the efforts made would raise the Manchester Unity into that noble issti- tution which they all desired it to be. Their leading members had always been endeavouring to make the Manchester Unity a sound institution. After dwelling somewhat farther on this particular, the Grand Master proceeded to direct attention to the Priendly Societies' Bill which was before Parliament last Session, and which would in an amended form come before Parlia- ment in the next Session. Certain amendments had already been effected in the Bill, and it was quite pro- bable that still further amendments would be made before it passed into law. He made these observations in the hope that Brother Cordes would, when in Parlia- ment, give the Bill his most earnest attention (Ap- plause). Bro. T. COBDES, M.P., responded, and expressed his thanks for the honour the brethren had conferred upon him. Referring to the toast, the hon. member said he was placed in a difficulty in having been called upon to respond for the Upper as well as the Lower House of Parliament. At considerable length Mr. Cordes dwelt upon matters appertaining to Parliamentary duties, and assured the brethren present with reference to the Friendly Societies Bill that he should be pleased to meet any of the brethren to confer with them as to any main points in the Bill that they might desire to have amended, If they would give him an opportunity to confer with them on the subject, he should feel eminently thankful (Loud cheers). Brother MOGGRIDGE proposed "TheMnyor and Cor- poration of Newport, and may the way to the dignity of their position always be thought the path of honour." Brother B. EVANS (Mayor) replied. Brother D'ACB sang: Speak well behind his back." Brother Dr MORGAN, P.G., gave: "The Grand Master and Board of Directors, and may their delibera- tions be governed by wisdom, disinterestedness, and charity." The GRAND MASTER and P.G.M. LOVESAY responded. Brother EVANS, V.G., gave The newly-initiated members, and may they always be respected for their in- tegrity, and blessed by the poor for benevolence and charity. Brothers Rev T. LLEWELLIN, G. W. JONES, H. J. PARNALL, and WM. WEST replied. Brother LOVESAY, P.G.M., proposed The past and present officers of the Newport District, and may they, by their example, command for themselves the unqualified approbation of the brethrs. Brother EVANS, P.P.G.M., and Brother PBITCHARD, N.G., responded. The concluding toasts were The Corresponding Secretary," and The Press." The Lodge was closed ia the usaal manaer.

FOUNDERING OF A VESSEL OFF CAPE FINISTERRE. The following details of the foundering of the vessel have been supplied by the crew, .v.hicb happily was saved :— The vessel is the steamship Russell, 557 tons registsr, owned by Mr. Middleton, of North Shields. She was commanded by Captain J. Spence, and was on a voyage from ISicolaieff, with a cargo of wheat for Plymouth, Falmouth, and Cork, for orders. On the 30th November she left Nicolaieff, and all proceeded well with her until the morning of December 26, when she struck on a sunken rock about seven miles-off Cape Finisterre. She was of iron, and built in watertight compartments; but the force with which she struck the rock was so great that all her bolts must have been started, for the water rushed into every compartment. She was got off the rock, but there her power was gone. The water had extinguished the fires, and the engine-room was filled. All hands were at once set to pump, but the water increased so rapidly that within two hours after having first struck she was in a sinking state-wa3 fast settling down, and had drifted about two miles further in shore. The captain then ordered the gig and lifeboat to be launched. This was done, and the crew, numbering twenty, got into them. Theyjremained alongside the Russell for seventeen minutes, when she sank. After two and a half hours' hard pulling they landed at the village of Finisterre, and then made for Corunra. From thence the captain and Mr J. Mills, the chief engineer, were brought to Ply- mouth. Three others, Donald Davidson (second engineer), Alexander Burnett (third engineer), and G. Wewman (cook) were brought. It is to be hoped that the other fifteen will also reach England in safety. They have joined the barque, Wm. Mills, of London, which was in Corunna leaky. Whilst in harbour she has been making six and a half to seven and a half inches of water per hour, and the pumps have got into a very bad state. The engineers of the Russell, however, put these in proper working order, and the 15 men shipped on board the Wm. Mills as an extra crew, in order that pumps may be kept going throughout the voyage to London. Some of those at Plymouth remarked, If she makes so much water in harbour what will she make when she gets outside ? And if she experiences any heavy weather what will be her fate ? The risk is very great." The men, however, appear satisfied that with an additional number of men she could reach London in safety.

A SEAMAN SUFFOCATED ON BOARD A STEAMER AT SWANSEA. Mr. Strick, coroner held an inquest on Monday afternoon at the Gio'ster Arms, Swansea, on the body of John O'Hara, aged 45, seaman on board the steamer Lady Maxwell, who was suffocated in his berth on the previous night. John McGaffie, captain of the steamer, stated that the deceased was the chief mate of the vessel, and was in the ship when witness joined it, about four months ago. The deceased was a very sober man, On Saturday night the steamer left Cardiff, and having something, the matter with her macninery they put in at the Mumbles road, and came into Swansea on Sunday night, to get the machinery repaired. About ten o'clock that night witness spoke to the deceased, who had been nearly all the previous day standing in the water, and advised him to go to bed to have a good night's rest. Witness went ashore at a quarter to ten os. the following morning, and on his return he heard of the death of the deceased, Witness went into his berth that (Monday) morning, and his attention was called to a bucket of cinders in one berth. There were three holes in his berth, and one of these was open. Had known deceased take an iron rail- way chair into his berth to warm it, but never knew him to take in coal for that purpose. There was an iron plate in the floor to put the iron chair on. Mr. Mclntyre, chief engineer of the Lady Max- well," corroborated the statement of the master. He saw .deceased on Sunday night. Having occasion to get a lamp, he rapped at the door of the deck-house where deceased's berth was. This was about ten minutes to eleven in the evening. Deceased answered him, and told him that the lamp room was open and that there was a globe lamp thera burning. Witness found out that it was so. Saw no more of him till next morning. The door was then forced open, and deceased was found to be dead. The iron chair was then on top of the bucket of coals, which were burnt to cinders. Alfred Chaplain, the steward, also gave evidence. He looked into the deceased's bunk about twenty minutes to eleven, and saw that the deceased was lying dead. He forced the door open. The coal in the bucket was very sulphurions. Medical evidence having been given, The jury returned a verdict of death from suffocation, produced by the deceased taking coals into his berth.

"A GOOD ARTICLB ENSURES RECOMMENDATION." The purity and cheapness of Horniman's tea has for thirty years secured its recommendation from family to family. Sold in packets by 8,538 Amenta.

j CAMBRIDGE MATHEMATICAL TRIPOS. LIST OF MIDLAND, SOUTHERN, & WESTERK MEN. CAMBRIDGE, JAN. 11. The Midland, Western, and South W estern counties of England contribute a large number of candidates for the great tripos, which is of world-wide celebrity, and is eer- tainly the oldest tripos in existence, having been estab- lished more than two centuries and a half ago, although the record on the calendar goes 110 further back than 1747. Trinidad, the Isle of Man, Ireland, and Scotland and the principal counties in the JNorth of England are repre- sented, and more than a dozen men represent London and its environs. Amongst those candidates whose names and residences are given below are several whe. bid fair to secure almost the highest honours of the tdpeSo and it will not be a matter of surprise if the senior wranglership should travel westward this year. Last year it was secured by a Norfolk m;ia. but it is not at all likely to go to the royal county tkaa year. The senior wrangler will probably be from Scotland, or from a one of two counties with the same initial. Further than this, with the examination uncompleted, it would be im- proper to speculate. The following are the candidate* from the Alidland and South-west districtsBeckley, Sherborne, Dorset Douglas, Worcester Ellis, Chelten- ham; Griffiths, Llandilo, CarmarthenshireHaddon, Great Malvern; Helyar, Yeovil; Hicks, Bodmin; Hurry, Chard, Somersetshire; Le Marchaut, Barfordj, Oxfordshire Lewis, Stafford; Littleton, St. Germain's*- Cornwall; Lonsdale, Leamington SwafSeld, Weymouth, Dorset; Tabor, Chean Wavmouth, Torquay W kiteley, Sutton Monks, Somerset; Williams, H., Clifton., Somer- set. The classification of the successful candidates will not be given publicity to until the morning of the 29thl instant, when the wranglers will be read out in th. Senate House.

NEWPORT TOWN COUNCIL. On Tuesday, the fortnightly meeting of theWatch COBl- mittee and Board of Health was held at the Council Chamber, Town-hall. The business of the committee was followed by special business, which had been specified by notice. Mr Benjamin Evaos, Mayor, presided, and there were present—Alderman Townstnd, A ldermanLyne, Alderman Llewellin, Councillors Davis, Fothergill, Jas. Brown, Robert Graham, J. R Jacobs, H. i u.-sell Evans, Wyndham Jones, S. Batchelor, W. West, H. J. Parnall, Thomas Beynon, James Murphy, wibti Mr Woollett, town clerk, and C. Kirby, surveyor. A memorial was presented from the Inhabitants con- tiguous to Dolphin-street, asking the Corporation to assist in removing several notorious brothels which, existed ia that street. The Chief Superintendent was instructed to institute proceedings against the owner and occupiers of su,}&¡ notorious places. THE SCHEME FOB A SEPARATE QUARTER SESSIONS FOB NEWPORT. In accordance with a notice of inotion given by Mr JAS. BROWN, that gentleman introduced his scheme for a sepa- rate court of Quarter Sessions for the borough of Newport. We may state that for years past Mr Brown has championed the cause of Newport, not only as a place where a sepa- rate court of quarter sessions ought to be held, but as the most fitting place for holding the county quarter sessions, and also the assizes. The present scheme, however, is as embodiment of the proposal he made to the corporation iB the year 1864, only the facts and figures he had brought down to the present year. The opinions of Mr. have been set forth in an elaborate paper, which waS printed and circulated amongst the members, and other gentlemen interested in the question. Henet Mr Brown was unusually brief in his remarks. H'" moved—"That this Council, being desirous that a Mpa- rate Court of quarter sessions of the Peace shall be holden for the Borough of Newport, it is hereby reeolvftd that the Corporate seal of the borough be attached te » memorial addressed to the Queen in Council, praying that her Majesty would be pleased to grant the prayer con-" tained in the memorial." A copy of the nitmorial had been prepared by Mr. Brown, and was appended to tb8", resolution. Mr. H. R. EVANS, without expressing his views npoS* the matter, seconded the proposition. Mr H. J. DAVIS proposed an amendment. In his re* marks he referred back to the year 1864, when the ques- tion was fully discussed, and when Mr W. Graham eon- trovered some of the figures and statements made by Mr Brown. He raised the question as to whether the county magistrates would enter into a contract in perpetuity \P maintain the prisoners from Newport, supposing they obtained a [court. of sessions here, and if Usk Gaol be- came full, yould they not say to Newport, "you'must take charge of your own prisoners," and then throw the burden of erecting a "gaol upon^Isewport, at a cost of pro- bably £10,000, which the Corporation would have to keep up and maintain, with officers and all their appliances* Under any circumstances, he did not consider the one which they ought to entertain usttil they had an £ %? tension of the borough boundary. In reply to a question from Mr. Brawn, Mr. DAVJØ- subsequently stated that he would support a project for extending the borough boundary. Mr. LLEWELLIN thanked Mr. Brown, for his very valuable paper, and the great pains he had takea to furnish the board with information. He did not think that the time had arrived when the scheme could be fairly carried out, and the objections to it were' considerable. In a monetary point of view, although Mr. Brown had shown a small balance in favour of Newport, yethe feared his figures could scarcely be accep- ted as the maximum cost, because they knew how very different a thing appeared in theory as compared with the practical carrying out. He advocated the postpone' ment of the scheme until they had secured the extension of the borough boundary—and he hoped that extension would embrace a radius of three miles. He pointed oil* the anomalous position in which many of the inhab- itants of the town would stand, assuming that I the project was carried out with the preset | municipal boundary. He had not lost all hope that j the quarter sessions might yet be transferred to New- I port. In time it was bound to be so, as well as the ¡ assizes, and the question was whether they could not t afford to wait a little, and let time work out the change* Even though the county magistrates threw away a large sum of money in building new courts at Usk, yet, like aØ- was the case at Bridgeend, it must be very soon aban- doned, and Newport would become, like Swansea and Car- diff,—must become the place for holding the assize and quarter sessions courts. If they adopted this scheme for a separate court of quarter sessions, then there would be little hope of getting the assize courts and county. sessions business transacted at Newport. Almost every member addressed the meeting upon. the matter, generally falling in with the views of }b.. Llewellin. Eventually, Mr Jacobs moved, and Mr. R. Grahafl* seconded an amendment, which was adopted as a substantive I motion :—That a committee, consisting of Aldermeft Llewellin, Homfrey, and Lyne, and Councillors Beynon, Brown, Fothergill, G. W. Jones, James Murphy, Robt. Graham, andJ. R. Jacob, be appointed to consider what steps shall be taken for removing the quarter sessions aad assizes from Usk and Monmouth to iNewport, and to re- f port thereon to that council. This was carried unanimously, and after transae tiB<f other business the meeting separated.

CRISIS IN THE COAL AND IRON TRADE. NEEDLESS ALARM AT MOUNTAIN ASH. THE REDUCTION ACCEPTED AT EBBW VALE. ATTEMPTED SETTLEMENT FFRUSTRATED AT ABERNANT. THE HOUSE COAL COLLIERS HOLD OUT. INCREASING DISTRESS IN THE RHYMNEY VALLEY. EXODUS OF MINERS. MERTHYR, SATURDAY. A praiseworthy attempt on the part of the Abernant men this morning, to adopt the example set at Dowlais, was diverted by the interference of an individual meddler. There was a large gathering of employees, I am informed, and the tone of the meeting was for resuming work-all the speakers who advocated that course being met with loud tokens of approbation. But, just as the Chairman was about to submit the question of a return to work, demand- ing-a show of hands, some prominent disturber from the valley "received permission to address the men before they committed themselves to any definite course. The anxious neighbour, in no way.connected with the Aber- nant men, soon evinced the object; of his presence and interference. He took exception to any proposition for resuming work, and by a loud and vigorous discharge of heavy words argued that they must stand or fall together but not a word of encouragement had he to advance, not a penny could he guarantee to obviate the approach of those domestic inconveniences which would attend the families of men who imposed upon themselves so unreasonable a position as that of standing out against bad markets. Strange to say, the Abernant men were thus thwarted successfully in their intention to resume work, for they dispersed without arriving at any decision; but it is stated that many of them upon subsequent cool reflection expres-ed regret at le having followed the dictation of a solitary dissentient. Probably, therefore, an early and decisive meeting, of the men will ensue, for the pith of the argument against resuming work, \Ve have all come out together, and let us all go in together," might have been forcibly naet by pointing to the position already assumed by other ironworks and colliers. Opiuion is divided as to the in- tention of the steam coal men in the Aberdare and Rhondda Valleys. Some persons express a belief that they will soon return to work, whilst other entertain a contrary view. It is impossible at this moment either to state with any accuracy the proportion of opinions pro and con, or to predict the issue of the present dispute. '&£.R EHYMNEY VALLEY, SATURDAY. There is no sign of any of the principal colleries in this valley coming to an end. I am informed that all those who are working are willing to contribute as touch as 2s. each man per week extra levy to the Union funds for the assistance of those who are idle. A great many of the < men belonging to the works which have stopped owing to the present strike have obtained employment at those --collieries which are going, and many naoie are expecting to be set on as the double shift'' is being introduced to a considerable extent. The men, I believe firmly, ■would at once submit to the reduction if tie masters oniy brought forth sufficient proof to show that only brought forth sufficient proof to show that the house coal market justified it. The men maintain that the ironworkers' prices have nothing whatever to do with the house-coal collieries, and that the course adopted by the iihymney, Dowlais, Cyfartha and Plymouth men was the only one they could do in justice to themselves and their masters, and in accordance with former agreements. Those collieries which are going On at the old rate axe in full swing, being unable to supply the demand. At all of the collieries now idle the men have been paid and the tools have been given into the stores. As there had been but very little work done during the month of December, owing to the dispute as to freights, there was but little pay coming to any of the men, and some had none. There are, to-day, many families in this valley almost in want of food. The weather is nst so severe as it was a fortnight ago still it is cold and damp, so that with no firing scarcely, and shortness of food, the strike is being felt. The remark is often made—when will the Union send support to us ? Echo answers when ? That is a question that remains to be answered still. A pro- mise has been made to the financial members, but while the grass is growing the steed is starving." As yet I have not heard of anyone beginning in this valley. The rumour that theRhondda Valley are torueet their masters on Monday has been hailed with pleasure If the Rhondda colliers settle to go in, we shall lose a great number of the best workmen cut of the valley. Coal is very short, and it is almost begging and pray- ing for a man to get a bit of it. WAUNARLWYD, SATOBCAY, The men here have gone back at the eld rate, until a settlement is arrived at between the two unions. Should a reduction be agreed upon, the men at the Gorwydd Colliery will receive one week's notice before any altera- tion in the wage rate takes place. The men at the Cwm- avon works are out on strike. Add strike ABERDARE, SATURDAY. A large batch of colliers left the Aberd&re district on Saturday morning. About one hundred men came down from the Aberdare and Rhoudda. Valleys; they met at the Pontypridd railway station. Some of them went up the line for Quaker's Yard on their way to the North of England. A smaller portion came on to Cardiff to pro- ceed to the western part of the country, where there ate some colliers working at the old rate. Therejare also some small collieries near Cardiff, not connected with the Masters' Association, still being worked at the old rate, and as these are working double shift they absorb a large number of strike hands. EBBW VALE, SATURDAY EVENING. To-day ends a week of the sharpest strike practice that probably was ever enacted in the history of the valley, and its results have been of a more decisive eha- racter than anything of tho kind that ever preceded it. During the last great strike of three months things did aot go so far as the blowing-oat point "until nearly the last week of the struggle, when what is considered by-old I workmen an extreme measure was resorted to. The con- trast in this case is marked and decisive. The order for about sixteen furnaces to blow out staggered the boldest unionists, and the general population began to look for- ward to the bitter end" of the drama with feelings of dismay. Sober men and old workmen began to look on the scene as the result of the incessant warring of capital and labour. They felt that such exhibitions ought to cease, and, with gallant hearts and horny hands, sat earnestly to work to bfing about a healthier state of things. The result was a meeting at the Duke of Wel- lington Assembly Room, Briery Hill. Mr. Thomas Roberts, collier, was called on to preside. None but col- liers were admitted to the meeting, which was not so large as many pievious gatherings have been, as the re salt of the poll will prove. But very little speaking was indulged in, practical questions taking precedence of every thing else, every one feeling that a crisis had arrived, and that something definite was required at once. The business of the meeting turned upon the question, Work or No Work, for at least three months," and to do the colliers justice they approached the subject with a calmness which reflects infinite credit on the gallant and shrewd ma- jority. In due course a ballot was proceeded with, and resulted as follows :— For working 124 For striking Ill Maioritv for workincr 10 The announcement of the numbers was bailed with great deli gbt by the public outside, and the glad new3 spread through the town, causing cheers all round. It is fully anticipated that there will be no obstacle thrown in the way of the colliers resuming work at all points on Monday. We fear that the ironworkers furnace-men, wiil have to be idle for some time to come as the iron tratJ?is in a most deplorable state. It is fair to say that the speciksl telegram published on Saturday, an- nouncing that the' men had gone in, did not come from our own corresponded11, but another source. MOUNTAIN ASH, SCXDAT. The rumour that created so liT-uch excitement at Cardiff and all down the lines of railway ui: Friday, respecting a disturbance at Mountain Ash between Union and Non- Union colliers, appears now entirely to hav' been without foundation, there being literally no disturbance whatever, and the affair is now undergoing investigation1 by the police. Colonel Lindsay, the chief constable ,of, the eouniy, informs us that shortly after midday on pViday a telegram, sent from Mountain Ash was re- ceived at the police-station Pontypridd, addressed to the superintendent of police there, and stating that a disturbance had taken place at Messrs. Nixon's Colleries, and asking for a body of police to be sent up. The telegram was sent on to Supeaintendent Matthews at Cardiff, and he at once sent ten constables from Cardiff to Mountain Ash. Mountain Ash is in the Merthyr district, and the telegram should have been sent te Merthyr or Aberdare. Colonel Lindsay on Saturday wrote to inquire the reason for telegraphing for the police when apparently no necessity existed, and before communicating with the police stationed there. The strike has commenced here in reality, and its effect is drawing scores of workmen away daily, with their bundles shouldered, as if prepared for a tramp, and all hopes of a speedy settlement for the present are lost to every sanguine mind. It is reported on good authority that over sixty men left on Friday many more left on Saturday,; and incidents of the same nature are observ- able to-day (Sunday). Indeed every hour we hear of acme family or other preparing to leave. So determined Are the men to fight to the bitter end that they talk of a four or five months' strike as a consequence they are fully prepared to meet. Viewing the position of the men from a particular point of view, it must be admitted they were never in a better position to cease working, as ,r po the credit of the great majority of colliers is on the whole -very good in this place. The general aspect of the town is quiet, and the streets are getting very much deserted already. The short supply of coals, so severely felt during the recent frost and snow, and which threat- ened a great many "with inconvenience, if not suffering, has been shortened, it is said, by the merciful interven- tion of Lord Aberdare, by securing free access to the refuse coal tips of some of the works; as a!so by the timeiyjsupply of house coal from the Rhondha district and elsewhere. Last evening a body of police arrived by the Taff train, to what purpose no one knows, if not, as a collier re- marked (when they first came to sight), to kick up a rQVI." The present quiet and peaceful disposition of all concerned in the present crisis here con- trasts very favourably with the importation of addi- tional police force to the place. I am happy to state such a precaution has been repudiated here with scorn by right-minded men of fall classes, and, though the police left by the Taff next down train?, Strong condemnation is still heard here in every quarter. .go much did their appearance surprise every body (in- cluding Sergeant Rodman) that the question, Who is TeaponsiMe for such an action ?" has become general, M also is the censure and condemnation of the same, as being a mischievous and dangerous measure, and an out- rage on the character, order, and position of the whole lown. Saturday passed off as Priday, without a shadow of offence within the place. Those usually engaged in I Messrs. Moxon's collieries were paid their last earnings on Saturday, and so cheerful was the disposition of the men that one cannot think there is much anxiety on their part whatever. They laugh heartily at the police stratagems, and wink at each other, as much as to say—the masters are in a fix, and we are sanguine as to the result of their movements—and to those acquainted with the collier and other workmen, it seems very strange to think how soon the workmen have decided to return to their former scenes of labour, in the different parts of Cardifan, Pembroke, Carmarthenshire, and North Wales., in some instances the houses are all cleared up. All the furniture is polished and put in order, and by such a day the parties are seen to lock the door, and with only a trunk of clothing make for the railway station to go away to their relations and elsewhere, pending the ending of the strike. Since writing the foregoing, the leading men with the colliers here have called specially with your corres- pondent in respect of the account given of this place on Saturday. They very much regret the appearance of such misrepresentation of a state of things, as regards union and nun union men, and they assert that it was conveyed to you by some one wishing to damage the unionists, for it was a tissue of falsehoods. Whether they are right or wrong in accounting forthe manufacturing of your report, they wish to be heard, and they urgently wish the editor to withdraw the intimidation story of last Saturday explicitly, and at once, and they also beg to state that in the conduct of all the non union col- liers of Mountain Ash there is not the slightest cause of annoyance to the Union men whatever. All of both have submitted to join in the strike since the decision of the last delegate meeting at Merthyr, and are to all intents and purposes showing every signs of tid-elityone to another to carry on the same. MOUNTAIN ASH, SUNDAY, 4 P.M. The notice for the ten per cent, reduction at the Pen- rhiweeiber newcoltiery expired last Saturday, and all those who were employed then will not resume work on the mor- row. It is understood that the sinking work islet to a con- tractor, who will commence his contract at once. Other branches of work connected with the same pit are let to different local 1sen on contract. T R EDEGAR, SATURDAY. A Cardiff paper sends forth the ominious announce- ment in fto-day's issue, that at Sirhow the furnaces had begun to blow out ia earnest on Thursday last. I took the trouble to make a journty to that locality, and instead of finding tiie usual signs of "blowing out," I learnt that no such measure was then in contemp- ] iation, and that prospects were bright, considering the present gloomy aspect of the iron trade. It was pay day, and on the table I saw piles of 4?old and silver, representing upwards of live thousand pounds, which was about to be laid oat to the men. 1 subsequently learnt that an order had been received by the manager about a week ago to prepare for blowing out, but as the men at their meeting on Thurs- day night agreed unanimously to resume work on the reduction it is believed the order has been rescinded— that it is not being carried into effect I can vouch for. I had a conversation with an old workman, and. he ex- pressed himself as no believer in your contemporary—to use hjs own words, I tell you what is in the Western Mail, anything showing that men are acting indepen- dently is carefully kept dark so as to blind others as to the real state of affairs." I told him the paper to which he alluded declared itself to be a most impartial one. He srid he for one had no faith in it, and wished it had never been circulated among peacably disposed working men.. Numbers of colliers have resumed work at Tredegar aud Sirhowry but the iron making is in such a deplorable state that unless orders come to band in a, week or two there will be nothing for the iron workers to do. CAERPHILLY, SATURDAY. The men belonging to the collieries of this district (ex- cept the Llanwit Basin) are stili idle, and I fear that 110 attempt has been nlade towards a settlement, although such a thing was spoken of. The coming week must de- cide something, or else the times will be far more serious than anticipated by the men. ABERDARE, SUNDAY EVENING. There appears to be an impression here that the mem- bers of the Coalowners Association will .pursue their patient course for a few days longer in order to extend to the men the utmost period fur consideration and re- flection, and that in the event of this good feeling 110i being reciprocated they will dicuss the necessity of a stern course, which it is suggested would inflict hardship on innocent persons, inasmuch as it might include the withdrawal of those ironworks colliers who so -creditably resumed work. The Secretary of the Miners Union has announced a distribution of the first "pay to men in compliance on the 16th of January. Mean- while it is difficultto imagine how the outsiders will fare when privileged Unionists are only to receive aid of a tempora.ry and inadequate form.

CONTINUED EXODUS OF MEN. STRIKE OF ARTIZANS AT NEW TREDEGAR. THE PIT BOYS GO TO SCHOOL. NO CHANGE IN THE SITUATION. MERTHYR TYDFIL, EVENING. Not a single incident has transpired here to-day to call for special .notice. The strike has already prostrated the trade both here and in neighbouring towns, and tradcaf men are complaining loudly. NEW TREDEGAR, MONDAY. All the works connected with Powell's Veep Ijuffryn Pit are completely stopped, with the slight exception of the pumping and air engines, both of which we under- stand are kept going, owing, to an arrangement which has been signed by the engineer to work on .for six months. At present there are no bigns whatever of a settlement of the dispute, the fact of the neighbouring works of Rhymney and Tredegar having submitted to the re- duction not having any influence on the colliers in these collieries. But it cannot be expected at present that it should be -80, inasmuch as the coal raised at this pit, which is the largest in the district, is steam coal, and is, therefore, generally governed by the rules in existence at those collieries. So there are no possibilities of a settlement here until a similar move- ment is effected in the Aberdare and Rhondda Valleys. Notwithstanding the unprepared state of the workmen to strike, it is quite evident that they are fully determined to try their strength, in addition to the colliers' strike at this pit, the trade artisans have struck work also, and are fully detetmined not to submit to a reduced rate of wages. So that a building intended for the purpose of an extension of the works is now completely stopped, to the annoyance of the proprietors, seeing that such works could be well proceeded with during the stoppage of the pite. It appears that the masons employed at these works are members of the Union, and during the term of their strike will be in receipt of 18s per week. As for the colliers, it is otherwise, as no intimation has been received from the executive that any allowance will be made in thiseeritical period. Much distress prevails already in the district, and no means have been devised for its alleviation. The same condition of things prevails also at Tir-Phil, where the house coal seam begins and continues throughout the valley, to Pengan, where both parties are determined to fight the battle out to" the bitter end." EBBW VALE, MONDAY EVENING. Thzs morning all the pits and levels were thrown open. A fair proportion of colliers availed themselves of the opportunity offered them to resume work, and it is fully expected that the great majority of them will have done so, and that the ordinary output will be the result. Things at the mills remain the same, as also at the fur- naces. Everything is idle. The steel works made a start to-day, which will help to remove the dreary monotony which prevails in the Valley. The district appears over- cast, and if the present state of things continues to ob- tain great distress and suffering must inevitably ensue. MOUNTAIN ASH, MONDAY. The exodus of workmen from this place still continues. Every train takes away some of our coal-getting men. This morning two hundred boys that were employed iu the pits applied lor admission to the Duffryn schools, owing to the unexpected change in the affairs of the dis- trict, but there is not at present a sufficient staff of teachers to take charge of so many large an addition to the pupils. From 40 to 50 were admitted, and the others were obliged to withdraw. It is not known whether the managers of those schools which are supported by the I poundage system are prepared to engage special teachers for the present emergency. Very likely not—as the funds wilt not admit of such a. course when everything is at a standstill.

CRITICAL STATE OF AFFAIRS. ANOTHER REDUCTION CONTEMPLATED. A well-informed correspondent writes us as follows :—" There will be another meeting of the coal and iron masters at Cardiff on Friday, when it will be proposed that a general lock-out shall take place, and a further reduction of 10 per cent. be made in consequence of the steam and house colliers refusing to resume work." ABERDARE, TUESDAY. Another attempt was made yesterday by the workmen of Abernant to arrive at a resolution to go to work, and again the desires of the majority were frustrated by some turbulent advocate of a strike. The meeting was held near the Abernant Station, and was well attended but, so long as the small disagreeable element prevails, there is little hope of the anxiously looked for start at Abernant being effected. In consequence of the stoppage of coal, the Aberaman iron works are at a. standstill. There appears to be a very firm determination through- out the valley not to resume work at the reduction, Union men anxiously await their first promised instal- ment on Friday next. EBBW VALE, TUESDAY EVENING. Never perhaps in the history of this valley did tha extensive works present such a long line of dreary desola- tion as at present. All the blast, puddling, aud balling furnaces are cold, the thouands of willing hands that but a few days since were engaged around and* about them are idle, and many a workman new looks in vain for that labour that was won't to bring to his domestic hearth peace and plenty. Many an innocent child will lack bread as the result of his parent's idleness, and a vast amount of distress must follow a long continuance of the present depressing state of things. Many prognosticated a long period of inactivity, but for the sake of the teeming population, whose very existence depends on the works, let us hope that they will prove false prophets, and that ere long we shall again witness the valleyexhi'oiting all its wonted activity at all points. In looking down the eastern :side of tbe valley, the dreary monotony of the scene is relieved by signs of activity at the Steel Works. More colliers are in to-day in all the pits and levels, and the output of the coal has greatly increased. Many of the young colliers have left here for other quarters in search of work. RHYMNEY VALLEY, TUESDAY. All the colliers that were on strike when I wrote on Saturday are still out, and the resumption of work seems farther off now than it did last week. The men adhere firmly to their resolution of resisting the reduction to the utmost, although great distress prevails among many of the poor families of the various villages, and there is a great deal of sickness, partly brought on by privation and partly through the recent severe weather. I am given to understand that the secretary of tie Pen- gam branch of tbe Amalgamated Association of Miners has received a letter from the secretary of the executive council of the above society, which states that owing to so great a number of the Pengam -colliers being out of "compliance on the union books taie executive council cannot assist them on strike. This news has caused many a poor man and his wife with a heavy family to look ehapfallen, for just at the time that they thought that help was coming they are doomed to disappointment. Still, a great many think that the'news is erroneous, aud are anxiously awaiting a further letter on the matter. It was remarked to me this morning that if no help came from the union the strike would soon be at an end. That at present is a hard question to settle, for the men appear very determined. Those in the valley who are working-are resolved to assist in every possible man- aer those who are idle. A great many of the men have already obtained work in the collieries which have not stopped, and every effort is being made to find room for others, the "double shift" being in existence at neazly all the works. The general opinion is that a long strike has been begun, and that there will not be-much work done during the winter in this valley. 4

« GENERAL DEPRESSION OF TRADE. TERRIBLE DISTRESS AMONGST THE MINERS' FAMILIES. THE DISPUTE AT THE CWMAVON TIN-PLATE WORKS. ABERDARE, WEDNESDAY. A correspondent writes :—In this valley a few years ago not less than seventeen blast furnaces, together with forges and mills, were to be seen in full work. At one time it was one of the most prosperous valleys in South Wales, being full of iron and other works, ail in active operation. Such is not the case to-day, as Abernant and Llwydcoed furnaces are damped down since Saturday, being the last in the whole valley. All the fol- lowing ironworks are now closed.—Hirwain, Llwyd- coed, Abernant, Gadlys, and Aberaman. It is likely that half of them will never start again. Hundreds of people more have been added to the number out of employment this week, all owing to the strike. Aberdare seems worse off to-day than ever it was. Several families are already suffering very much a great many home are without food and fire. People depending on the ironworks are really downhearted that they should suffer in this manner for their fellow-workmen, the colliers. This .strike would never have taken place if it had not been that several things were misrepresented to the col- liers through the Western Mail, which paper stands very low in the estimation of the intelligent class of workmen, as in the present state of the trade it is doing nothing but adding fuel to the fire. I have had an interview with severed of the colliers, who express their willingness in favour of working, and wish a public meeting to be called as soon as possible to pit an end to the strike. Starvation stares people in the face already. CWMAVON, WEDNESDAY. The dispute at these tin works has been settled for a time. The men resolved to resume work until Mr Bark worth, the managing director, had given their case his further consideration, and he kindly promised to do that, and a.t the end of the month a definite settlement will be arranged. BLACEWOOD, WEDNESDAY. The following information has been conveyed to our correspondent:—In the Blackwood district, which em- braces Pengam, Deri, Maesycwmmer, Bargoed, Hen- goed, New Tredegar, Argoed, Marnmoel, Hollybush, Aberbeeg, and Crumlin, of the 8,000 men employed in the locality 4,060 have resumed work, while annual num- ber are on strike. All these men are in union. No money has yet been received from the Union by the men on strike, but an instalment will arrive next Saturday week,.wben a levy will be made upon those who are at work. Vie are further informed that the greatest dis- tress prevails in Bargoed, at which place some persons are believed to have been without food for days. It is even said that judgment summonses, in some instances. have been issued against the meu, and that some of the defaulters have been sent to gaol. Our correspondent says that he cannot vouch for the accuracy of these statements, but merely gives them as some of the rumours which are floating about. It has not transpired yet what amount the Union will contribute towards the relief of the men on strike. From an enquiry madefy me this day respecting the termsupon which the Messrs W. and H. Poweil's men are working here and at New Tredegar, also from what one of the old colliers here told me, the men understand that they will have to work for a. mouth at the old rate of wages after work has been resumed, at the other pits, if the reduction is accepted, which many fear will have to be done befere the strike is ended. So it would seem that there is no truth in thejrumours which are afloat that they will have to accept it as soon as the others do. These rumours make the men uneasy, and I am afraid that there is a hitch somewhere in the agree- ment come to. However, they are still working on. RHYMNEY" YALLEY, WEDNESDAY. The opinion in this valley is that if a general lock-out should take place again the strike will soon come to an end, as great distress is prevalent from one end of the valley to the other. At Pengam the rumour is out that the Glanddu colliers are going to work to-morrow at the old rate of wages. BRNAMAN, WEDNESDAY. Last evening a meeting of colliers was held at the Upper Lion, Bailey-street, Brynmawr, in the large room there. It was well attended, and several good speeches were made. Mr Philip Jones, of Abertillery, and one speaker in Welsh met the approbation of the meeting. The object of the meeting the following circular explains. Milfraen Colliery Lodge, Abertillery District, Amal- gamated Association of Miners, January 11th, 1875.- We, the members of the above society, in the present battle against might, do feel the necessity of, appealing to you for aid, believing the same to be your duty, as the result of the present battle will have the like effect upon you as ourselves. Therefore, we do kindly ask you to come forward and pay your levies to your respective lodges, to the amount of the reductfon enforced, rather than the b&ttle should be lost. The amount to be paid on Saturday, Jan. 16th, 1875." Everything passes off satisfactorily.

FORMATION OF A RELIEF COMMITTEE AT MERTHYR. A meeting was held at the Bute Arms on Tuesday, by a few workmen who decided ou forming a relief com- mittee, with a view to alleviating the distress which is unhappily too apparent on all sides.

BREAKFAST.—EPFS'S COCOA. —GRATEUL AND COM- FORTING.—" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a care- ful application of the fine properties of weil-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delecately fla- voured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a oonstitu tioa may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and properly nourished frame.—Civil Service Gazette. Made simply with Boiling Water or Milk.— Soli by Grocers in Packets only, labelled.—' JAMES Epps & Co., Homoeopathic Chemist, 48, Threadneedle-street, and 179 Pioca: dillv :Works, Euston Road and Camden Tawn. London-" 198 2i6 CAUTION.—MESSES. RECKITT & SONS beg to cau- tion the public against imitation square Blue, of very inferior quality. The Paris Blue in squares (used in the Prince of Wales UHUMlry) is IIOkl in wrappers bearing their name and Trade Mark.

CARDIFF NATURALISTS' SOCIETY. METEOROLOGICAL REPORT—DECEMBER. PENTYRCH. Latitude 51° 3P N. — Longitude 3* 15' W. Height of Receiver Above ground lft. lin. of Rain Gauge | Above sea level 100ft. • Thermeme- £ 3 Bate, ter in shade. a 9 a.m. g-s^ .S'-g '.iiSfcS ="5 1-8 Maxi-j Mini- 3-3 0,H o mum. mum b 3 to 1st. 2943 43 33 N. 3 91 — 2n.. 29*88 39 26 N.E. 4 80 — — 3rd 3017 43 25 N.N.E. 3 91 — — 4th 30-16 50 31 N.W. 6 100 635 — 5tk 29-31 51 40 N.W. 6 93 0 08 7 stil 29'54 62 47 S.W. 7 86 0.27 8 7th 30-01 45 32 N.N.W. 7 1;3. 0"40 4 sth 29-&3 51 32 S.W. 9 99 1*09 7 9th 20 SI 43 32 N. 6 73 — 8 10th X9'77 47 30 IN. 3 93 0*69 — 11th 2892 48 33 N.W. 7 85 0.71 5 12th 29-i3 47 33 N.W. 7 78 — 3 13th 29-49 40 33 N.N.E. 6 75 — 1 14th 29-97 39 3t N.E. 6 74 — 15th 30*15 36 26 N.E. 3 67 0-45 — 16th 29.52 34 32 E.N.E. 8 85 — 4 17th 30-17 37 31 E.N. K. 5 74 — — 18th 30-2S 39 24 N.W. 2 79 0-05 ]9th 30-00 45 34 N.N. W. 2 98 — — 29th 29-73 S8 27 N.N.W. 3 go 0.10 — 21st 29-64 38 27 E.N.B. 3 79 — — 22ud 29-77 30 29 N.E. 1 80 — — iiSid 30-02 36 26 E. 3 98 0*73 5 24th 29-52 41 A32 N.N.W. 1 95 — 1 25oh 29-78 37. 31 N.E. 2 95 — — 26th 30-04 42 29 N. 3 86 — — 27 th 30-21 39 26 N. 1 92 0"05 — 2«th 30-25 35 29 N.N.E. 4 97 — 29. h 30-14 31 29 E.S.E. 4 81 0*55 4 3'Jth 30 "20 28 27 E.S.E. 5 89 0*21 — 31s& 30-24 26 14 N. 4 SO 0*04 4 31s& 30-24 26 14 N. 4 80 0*04 4 Total rainfall 5.77 Maximum rainfall in 24 hours, 1.09, on the 8th. Rain fell on 15 days. Mean Ozone, 1'968. Mean temperature, 35'2 degrees. Mean degree humidity, 87. ThE WEATHER. 1st. Overcast, damp, fine, cold and raw.-2nd. Sharp frost, blue sky, fine, occasionally dull.—3rd. Hard frost, overcast, fine, fog.-4th. Frost, damp, dull, calm, fine 5 p.m wet.-5th. Overcast, damp, mild, drizzle, windy.-6th. Overcast, very wet, windy 4 p.m., fine. 7th. Frost, nimbus, showers, hail, windy.—8th. Dark cloud canopy, heavy rain, gale midnight, barometer 28.74.—9th. Calm all night, stratus, fine, fresh gusts.— 10th. Frost, cirro-stratus, damp, fine; 10 p.m., rain, snow.—11th. 'Very wet night, dull, heavy rain p.m., windy.-12th. Cumulus, blue sky, fine, cold, windy.- 13th. Cirro-stratus, cold, fine; 4 p.m-, dull, windy, rain. -14th. Frost, cumulus, blue sky, fine, wiudy.-15tb. Sharp frost, cirro-stratus, fine 5 p.m., dull, snow,-16th. Frost, snow (3 inches), stratus blue sky, fine, windy. — 17th.—Sharp frost, stratus, blue sky. fine, fresh.—18th. Hard frost, dull, calm, fine 5 p.m., wet.-19th. Overcast, thaw, calm, fine.—20th. Sharp froat, overcast, fine damp, p.m., rain.—21st. Sharp frost, clear blue sky, calm, fine. —22nd. Frost, overcast, fine, calm, fog.23rd.Sharp frost, dull, fine; p.m., snow, sleet.-24th. Wet night, thaw, dull, fine, fog; 9 p.m., frost.—25th. Frost, over- cast, calm, fine, fog.—26th. Frost, nimbus, stratus, blue sky, fine.—27th. Sharp frost, blue sky. calm, fine.- 28th. Frost, dull, rain, hail, snow, fog.—29th. Sharp frost, overcast, snow shower. 30th. Deep snow (6^ in.), frost, overcast, fresh.-31st. Snow (2i in.), intense frost, blue sky, fine; p.m., dull. REMARKS. December was remarkable for the severe and unruly character of the weather that prevailed. Rain and tem- pest, frost and snow divided the month between them with rigid and rigorous impartiality, and at one time tossed the frail barque of poor humanity on the ocean of life like a ship in a stormy sea, and at another time threatened it with spelidy destruction like a boat amongst icebergs. The month was marked by extremes; the barometer oscillated extremely through wide limits; the temperature was extremely cold, the wind in some places extremely rough; the air extremely moist; the rainfall and snowfall were extremely heavy; ozone was ex- tremely deficient, and the rate of sickness and mortality extremely high. The fall of snow was the heaviest we have had for several years, and measured a foot in depth over the whole surface of the ground, without counting drift, which, however, was but slight, from the absence of much wind just when the snow fell. The fall further north was, of course, much deeper, and my observations refer only to this neighbourhood, where a foot of snow is a large quantity, and a depth only occasionally seen on the sea-board of Glamorganshire. There is something singularly impressive in the silent, resistless power of snow, which is so light, crystaline, and elegant in the individual flake but so terrible in its aggregate effect when accumulated in vast masses, and more terrible still when hurled into deep drifts by high winds. This reminds me of that thrilling period in the Crimean War when the Emperor Nicholas, hearing of the sufferings of the British and French troops in December, 1854, said he stili had two good generals to fight for him—General Janvier and General Fevrier. General January did good work for him, but when General February's turn had only just begun the Emperor was himself a corpse. Then Punch-who can so readily drop the comic vein and rise to the sublime-produced that wonderful cartoon, "General Fevrier turned traitor," in which was represented with vivid touches, the emperor's body laid out in state, with the figure of death and his emblems stretching over him, and the snow flakes falling thick and fast upon the coverlet. The cold winter months do now act as generals, but not for emperors. They are the ministers of a higher power which lovingly removes its subjects from the nipping frosts and snows of the earthly dominion to the serene skies and genial climate of the Kingdom of Heaven. The barometer was very low and fluctuated through limits exceeding an inch and a half. The maximum height, 30'28, occurred on the 18th and the minimum 28.74. at; midnight on the 8th, giving a range of 1'54. The instru- ment stood below 30 inches on 17 days. The temperature of December was below the average on every day but four. The highest reading of the day thermometer was 52°, on the 6th the lowest night record 14°, on the 31st, showing a total range 38°. The greatest daily range was 19°, on the 4th and 8th, the least variation 1°, on the 22nd and 30th, and the mean daily range 10°. 3. The mean of the maximum temperatures was only 40°.3, and of the minimum 30°. 1. The mean heat of the month was 35°.2, which is 4°.6 below the Greenwich mean of 50 years, and has only once been exceeded in my own register. The lowest mean temperature recorded at Greenwich in December for 50 years was 181.4 on the 24th day, 1830, which was nearly equalled here on the 3ist, when the mean was 20° and 18°.id less than the average. The general direction of the wind was more or less westerly on 12 days, and easterly on 13 occasions. With these quarters southerly and northerly currents were continued in the proportion of 4 to 26. These figures show a large predominance of northerly winds. There were several gales and some of them destructive in ex- posed situations and on sea. The quantity of moisture in the air was considerable and ranged from 73 to 100. The mean degree of humidity was 87, comple:e saturation being represented by 100. The rainfall of December, which, of course, includes melted snow, and, hail, amounted to 5'77 inches, which ia equal to 582 tons, or upwards of 2,390 hogsheads to an acre. It was distributed over 15 days. Ozone was feebly manifested, and was totally abeent on 13 days. The mean degree was 1*968. The principal diseases were the result of the severe meteorological conditions that prevailed, and consisted of inflammatory affections of the chest and throat, general colds, acute and chronic rheumatism, and hepatic derange- ments. Typhoid and continued fevers were prevalent, and convulsions in children. The mortality resulted mainly fcom chest complaints and the abrupt snapping of the thread of life in the old, yonng, and debilitated, who were slowly dying from chronic diseases. Some of the celestial luminaries occupied interesting positions during the month. At 4 a.m., on the 4th, Mara and the Moon were in conjunction, and at a little before 7 on the same morning a very pleasing group presented itself, after the clouds which had previously dimmed the sky had cleared away. Jupiter, Mars, and Spica Vir- ginis, formed a triangle, which contained the Moon with- in it, the whole being grouped in a comparatively small space By the 16th, Mars and Jupiter were in close proximity, and later on the warrior had left the giant behind, and Venus was a very brilliant morning star in the South-eastern sky. I may remark that Mr. Denning, of Bristol, does good service in calling public attention to the position of the planets by an occasional letter to the Times, FRANKLEN G. EVANS, M.R.C.S., F.M.S., &c. Tynant, Radyr, January 4th, 1875.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT PONTYPRIDD. Early on Tuesday morning a fatal accident occurred at Lan Daran Ddu Level. William ThomaS and his two sons had commenced warkinS there on Monday night, and about two o'clock on Tuesday morning a large quantity of the roof fell suddenly, burying the father and one of the sons. The other son ran for assistance to the manager, who at once proceeded to the scene. He could hear some voice in the deep, and after half-an-hour's hard work he succeeded in liberating the father, but before the son, David ThomaS. i who was 17 years of age, could be liberated, life had de- parted. He_spoke several times to his father before as- sistance arrived^ and the manager when digging heard him, but could not understand what he said. The father is progressing favourably.

SHOCKING AFFAIR IN THE FOREST OF DEAN. At Coleford, an agricultural labourer, named Hemry Robins, has been committed on a charge of manslaughter, for the alleged starvation of his wife. It was shown by ¡ a surgeon that on making a post-mortem examinatioa he found sores on the body of the deceased woman extending to the bones. She died on a miserable bedstead, lying upon straw, and covered with sacking only. It was stated by the two boys that before their mother's death ft daughter, 17 years of age, beat her legs black and blu«* and threw a piece of fat bacon at her.

A WIFE HUNTER AT SOUTHPORT. SCENE AT THE RAILWAY STATION. On Saturday night a cruel hoax was played upon a man named J. Barge, who went from Birkenhead to Southport in search of a wife. An advertisement for » partner for life had been inserted in the newspapers by the individual in question, and this had been answered by some young men in Southport. Letters passed between them and he having been told, in answer to his inquiries, that the lady ha.d an income of about £400 per annum, the victim, who is a fine-loeking man, apparently about 35 years of age, at once took the bait. Cartes do visite were subsequently exchanged, and after varioad suggestions as to where they should meet, it was, of course, arranged that it should take place at Southport. Accordingly, J. B. arrived by the 6.30 train on Saturday evening, and was there received by a young woman, wh.. had entered with much spirit into the business. He wa3 taken by her into a first-class refreshment room, where he called for a glass of brandy and water and a glass of beer. One by one, persons entered the room, but the peor fellow was unconscious of what was in store for him until I about 50 individuals rushed into the place and took their victim to the front of the station, where he was covered with flour, mud, &c. So quickly had the news travelled of the unfortunate man's expedition to Southport, that ia a very short time about 400 people had gathered together, and the greatest excitement prevailed. Some policemen ultimately rescued the poor man from his persecutors, and he was taken to the police station. It was there ascertained that he had a brother residing in the neigh- bourhood of Southport, and after the excitement had subsided and the crowd dispersed he entered a conveyance and was driven away.

Mr. Stansfeld, M.P. in giving an address at Halifax ott Monday, said fthey could not keep people clean, nor work a health law by the artificial machinery of Government experts. They could have no real success wsthout edu- cating the public mind in each locality upon the laws of health. The class most ready to invest the Government with new powers over individuals was the working class. If local government was tto hold its own against cen- tralisation it must be adapted to the times, and give a sense of real freedom to, and responsibility to local governing bodies. He advocated the formation of countv boards. WOMAN'S INFLUENCE— In no sphere is the gentlenestf- and influence of the lair sex shewn to greater advantage than when presiding o'er the social mea, called teabut this obviaimlf must vary in a great measure according to the judgment ex- ercised in selecting the tea which always yields the three attri- ¡ butea-strength, flavour, and wholesomenese; from ps^sessitMS the qualities, Horniman's Pure Tea. is everywhere in dMwmdr aad gives general satisfaction.