The Cardiff Times

SOUTH WALES CALVINISTIG METHODISTS. Quarterly Association at Cwmaman. The South Wales Calvinistio Methodists con- tinued the meetings of tlieir quarterly Associa- tion Cwmaman, Aberdare, on Thursday, when a large number of delegates again attended, The morning Conference met at eight o'clock, under the presidency 01 the Rev W. J ohn, Bridgend. VSMPBBANC'B BKSOLUTION S. The Rev Joseph Evans, of" Swansea, sub- the report of the temperance committee, *"ich met on the previous night, under t.he Presidency of the Rev Aaron Davies, Pontlottyn. Rev Thos. Levi, Aberystwyth, was elected chair- of the committee for the year, and a resolu- tion was adopted suggesting the advisability of committee meeting in connection with every ■Association. The following resolutions were Passed » ^\v a'i we greatly rejoice that the case of Sharpe • "akeiield has decided beyond a dispute the power tli Ma?'s^ates to decline the renewal of licences for sale of intoxicants, and that already several public r9w £ ave heen closed in consequence. re we exPress our astonishment and deep e!^re,i t^a'' the magistrates in some places have de- to receive deputations from the friends of l^peranca with regard to the reduction of the cences, thereby refusing to give ear to the voice of country thai we rejoice that temperance friends those places have strongly protested against such 7r"°n, and that we trust they will continue to use every influence against the liquor traffic. w-) That we rejoice that the present state of the einPeranee movement is such as to encourage its sup- Porters to continue zealous and active in its advocacy, we trust they will take advantage of the winter months to hold public temperance meetings in all neighbom-hood.i. p"') As such importance is attached to local and parliamentary elections, and especially so that the Persons elected are in sincere sympathy with the temperance movement, that we urge the temperance party in every district in South Wales and Mo.,niouth- snire to record their votes in favour of candidates ""Opting the temperance platform. Attention was also directed to the resolutions °f the General Assembly at Morrison on temper- ance matters, and especially to the recommenda- *'on to the churches to use unfermented wine in 'he holy sacrament, and a hope was expressed •hat the monthly meetings would continue watch- that none of their members took out grocer's licences for the sale of intoxicating drinks.—The report was adopted. THE PRINCIPALSHIP OF TREVECOA. It was unanimously resolved that the commit- appointed on the previous day to deal with "he vacant principalship of Trevecca College should have full powers, if they deemed fit, to nuC^ a Principal in the room of the late Rev D. ^"48. Davies, M.A. tOTES OF CONDOLENCE. Sympathetic references were made to the illness the Revs Evan Williams, Pyle; Isaac Thomas, jorthcawl; David Jones, Merthyr and Edward ♦Jones, Pentwyn, and the Secretary (the Rev J. ~*°rgan Jones) was asked to send a letter of con- dolence to each of those brethren. HARVEST THANKSGIVING. It was resolved to forward a recommendation to the various churches in the district of the Association to hold their annual services of thanksgiving for the harvest during the last week Ul October. THE STATS OF THE DENOMINATION IN BAST GLAMORGANSHIRE. Alderman J. Jones-Griffith, Penygraig, pre- lented interesting statistical statements showing the position of the denomination in East Glamor- ganshire, the district in which that Association then met. The following summary with reforence to the churches will be of interest Iner'se 1882. 1890. over M 1889. Churches 94 101 4 Ministers & preachers — 97 „ — •"eacons 374- 429 — Other communicants 8,606 11,495 722 Total abstainers 3,939 6,729 436 Number in the Congre- gations 23,848 30,011 2,591 Total contributions. P,15,110 :028,m Total Chapel debts. £46,096 £ 40,775 Total contributions since 1882 j3165,622 A he contributions of East Glamorgan district towards the Jubilee fund of the Khasaia Mission amounted to;03,776 6s 7d.—The Rev T. Rees, Cein, also gave a very encouraging report of the spiritual state of the Churches. PREACHING SERVICES. During the day preaching services were held in all the chapels of the Valley, and in the surround- ing localities of Cwmbach, Aberdare, Mardy, Taylorstown, Mountain Ash, Penrhiwceiber, Capcoch, and Aberaman, the ministers officiating being the Revs T. Levi, Aberystwyth; Dr Saunders, Swansea T. Richards, Llaneainlet; W. Thomas, Pwllheli E. Roberts, Dyffryn H. Barrow Williams, Llandudno J. L. Thomas, Bankyfehn J. Wyndham Lewis, Carmarthen T. James, M.A., Llanelly: J. Edwards, Morris- ton R. Evan L. Woodstock, D. Oliver, Rhymney; T. Hughes, Kenchester; Thomas Edwards, Cwmamman; H. J. Hughes, Cefn W. Evans, M.A., Pembroke Dock; Crystyn Davies, Brynaman; H. T. Steven, Birch Grove; J. Griffiths, Cilgerran D. A. Jones, Llangeitho G. Williams, Llysyfran J. Owen, Burry Port: J. Morris, Llansamlet; W. John, Bndgend; J. Oliver, Cwmaman H. W. Griffiths, L. Williams, Aberystwyth Aaron Davies, Pontlottyn; W. Griffith, D. G. Evans, Phillip Jones, H. Harries, Pencoed; Moses Thomas, Resolven Joseph Evans, Swansea T. Job, Conwil. The local arrangements, carried out by a com- mittee, under the presidency of the Rev Mr Morris, Cwmaman, were all that could have be^n desired.

THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION. On Monday the autumnal meetings in connec- tion with the Congregational Union of England and Wales were opened at Southport under the presidency of the Rev Dr Brown, B.A., of Bedford. At half-past six a devotional service, conducted by the Rev R. F. Horton, M.A., was held in Cambridge Hall, and a sermon was preached to a large audience by the Rev G. S. Barrett, B.A., Norwich, from the text :-Pbillipians, ch. iii., v. 18 and N.- A meeting of the Congregational Total Abstin- ence Association was afterwards held in Chapel- street Church, under the presidency of Mr E. J. Rimmer, J.P., Southport. After a few intro- ductory words by the chairman, the Rev J. J. Cooper delivered -An address.—The Rev T. Eynon Davies, Glasgow, next spoke. He alluded to the terrible effect which drunkenness had upon women. Let them try to deliver the women of England from it. He next spoke of the power of heredity on the human race, and dwelt on some of the moral and physical ravages which resulted therefrom. They wanted their children to have healthy bodies, free from the taint of alcohol. It was no use before a child to preach one thing and do another. He said deliberately that if every public-house from Caithness to Cornwall were in flames he would never- assuming, of course, that the men's lives were saved—handle a bucket to put out the fire. It would be the grandest fire that had occurred in England since the days cf Latimer and Ridley. Continuing, the speaker said it was rather hard that the taxpayer should be saddled with the whole of the expenses incurred by the drinking habits of the country. He went on to speak of the work which lay be- fore temperance reformers. They must educate their children by the introduction of temperance primers into the schools, and in Sunday schools similar teaching would have to be given. They could take in temperance papers and books into their houses, and thus influence their families against the drink traffic. Again, they must legis- late by making the temperance question a plank I in their platform at the next general olection. (Applause.) They wanted to abolish grocers' licences, to control to some extent cer- tain clubs in the sale of drink, and to prohibit the sale of drink to children. (Al?platiGe.)-Tha Rev W. G. Lawes, from New Guinea, was the last speaker. He dealt with the great dangers which arcse to the natives of that island by the intro- duction of alcoholic drinks there, and stated that' laws had been enacted to promote temperance in the island.—The meeting closed with the Bene- diction. Autumnal Meetings. The autumnal conference of the Congregational Union of England and Wales was opened in Cambridge-hall, Southport, on Tuesday. The Rev Dr Brown (Bedford) was the chairman, and on the platform were many leading ministers. The PRESIDENT delivered his inaugural ad- dress, and subsequently the Rev Dr MACKENNAL delivered an address on The International Congregational Council and our Denominational Future." He declared that the council, from the beginning to the end, had exceeded the most I sanguine expectations of those concerned in its procedure. With regard to their present position I m the matter of doctrine, he thought they had little more than marked time. They further recognised that, the work of the political enfran- chisement of the people having been largely accomplished, the condition of the people was now one which called for the frankest con- sideration and for the greatest outspokenness on the part of Christian men of all communities. They would not see their way to solve the question of bringing that vigorous and generous help to their churches in dis- tricts that were becoming poor in numbers and in social standing unless they were prepared to recognise the principle of representation in their ministry, and to give a loyal confidence to these men whom they were calling upon to solve that practical problem. (Cheers.) One of the first obligations resting on the committee was to put itself into communication with representatives of Congregational Churches in Sweden, Holland, Denmark, and Norway, and to discover how they could be most effectively helped. (Hear, hear.) It seemed to him that one of the choice dignities reserved for the Congregational Churches was to be foremost in the work of the larger co-opera- tions from which might issue principles of federa- tion of the Free Churches in England, and point out the way to that reunion of Christendom which their friends in another community were pursuing along a path which would never bring them there. He concluded by suggesting that they should have a series of lectures in which the various communities should be invited to lecture upon some one of their great spiritual heroes, and tell them what they found in him to admire. The Rev J. GUINNESS ROGERS moved :—"That this assembly is deeply convinced that the cir- cumstances of the times imperatively require the cultivation of closer relations between the various free Evangelical Churches of the country. They have not only common principles to maintain and common interests to guard, but they have a com- mon work to do which is seriously hindered by the want of a better understanding amongst themselves. The time has perhaps not yet come when any movement towards their complete amalgamation would have any prospect of success, and premature proposals of such organic union would probably have a separating rather than a uniting tendency. But there is a widespread and growing conviction that sectarian competition is a disaster to all parties engaged in it, and a grievous dishonour to the one Lord to Whom all alike owe allegiance. Despite the differences in the extent and grounds of their Nonconformity, it is increasingly felt that the various free Churches are united by spiritual affinities and interests which are deeper and stronger than any theological or ecclesiasti- cal diversities. This assembly is further of opinion that it is eminently desirable that oppor- tunity should be afforded for the development and manifestation of this essential unity. The holding of a Free Church Congress at such inter- vals as may be thought best would, in its judg- ment, be of incalculable advantage. In order to its success it might be necessary that, in the first instance, it should be a Congress, not of Churches but of individuals. Its practical utility would, however, be enormously increased if the repre- sentative bodies would cc-operate in organising the same. That this Union instructs the Com- mittee to forward this resolution to the repre- sentative bodies of other Free Churches, and to open negotiations which may lead to the summon- ing of such an assembly, if possible, in the course of 1892." He spoke of the advance among Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and Methodists towards the fuller recognition of the fact that there were various ways of working out Christ's thought in the constitution of His Church and in the conversion of the world. The Rev J. K. Nuttall (Liverpool) addressed the Conference on The Nonconformist Pulpit: how to Retain its Power as an Aggressive and Converting Agency," and the Rev J. William- son, M.A. (Cardiff), discussed the same subject as a means of reaching the public."—The Rev F. W. Aveling (Taunton) afterwards read a paper on The Results of Free Education." In the afternoon a representative meeting was held in Chapel street Chapel, when the Rev Dr Alexander Mackennal was appointed secretary. It was also resolved: That it be referred to a special committee to be appointed by the General Committee of Union, to consider whether it is desirable that any, and, if so, which, societies connected with the Congregational body should be amalgamated either with one another, or with this Union, and on what basis such amalgama- tion, if recommended, should take place, with instructions to report to the Union at its meeting in May next." SOUTHPORT, Wednesday Evening. The meetings in connection with the Congrega- tional Union of England and Wales were resumed to-day, at Southport, the President (Rev Dr. Brown) in the chair Foreign mission work formed the subject under consideration. The Cambridge Hall, where the morning meeting took place, was well filled. Professor ARMITAGE, Bradford, was the first speaker. He said that fifty years ago they had 192 missionaries, and now they had only 197. Those figures showed a diminution of the contri- bution of our manhood to the churches. Their very stability was wrapped up in the question of the forward movement. To ask for one hundred additional missionaries was a terribly great great demand, but he believed they would ulti. mately succeed. The Rev S. ROGERS said that "General" Booth fascinated the people because he went into the dark slums to try his best to do work for God, They as Congregationalists should have more of that spirit in their foreign work. There were some who questioned whether the resources were available in their church to sustain such a forward movement. That seemed to him to show a lack of faith. He thought it ill became the churches at home to talk of lack of resources and lack of power to carry on foreign mission work. He believed the life was in the church. He believed that the Spirit of God had impelled the mission movement, and because the Spirit of God was at work it would succeed. He was strongly of opinion, however, that there was urgent need for careful consideration of the methods of work. Old methods, he thought, should be revived, and new methods suggested. It could not be expected that the people of the churches could take interest in foreign missions when, as was a fact, they beard so little about the work. He spoke of the importance of interesting young people in the work of foreign mission?. The Rev W. Hewgill, M.A., Farnworth, spoke I on The Opportunities of Congregationalism in the Villages.' They required true men every- where, but just now men were needed in their villages—men who would hold on to the work they had been called on to do, nothwithstanding all the difficulties that hindered them. It needed no prophet to see that what was going on in rural England to-day would not go on many years longer. Smiling homesteads would again be seen when economic blunders, political and ecclesiasti- cal oppression, had made wise men mad, and turned fruitful fields into deserts. (Applause.) The Rev J. UNSWORTH, M.A., spoke on the work of Congregationalism in towns." He said the work seemed so great, and the difficulties so overwhelming, that they would feel quite un- equal to the task if they did not hold fast to their faith. He believed that the condition of the towns was much better than it was 50 years ago, and that the pastors of their Congregational churches had perhaps done more than those of any other Church to effect that condition in the life of the people. He said they must plant churches in rapidly growing neighbourhoods, and that they ought also to use the Sunday schools as means of influencing parents through the children to take their part in the work of Congregationalism in the town. The Rev. CHARLES LEITOH moved a resolution to the effect that 50 or more ministers serving in the pastorate of the larger churches in the towns and cities be asked to devote some Sun- day to the service of the weaker churches in the rural districts during the ensuing twelve months, the town churches to be asked to receive to village pastors as sup- plies.—Mr Leitch remarked that such action would bring their town and village churches into closer union, and strengthen the spirit of brother- hood between them.; The Rev B. BUNDLBY, Nottingham, seconded the resolution, which was carried.

EAST GLAMORGAN WELSH CONGREGATIONALISTS. Quarterly Meeting at Watford. The quarterly conference of the Welsh ConaTe- gationalists of East Glamorgan was held on Wed- nesday, in the little chapel of Watford, near Caerphilly, which is remarkable as being the first Nonconformist place of worship in the whole county of Glamorgan. A Congregational Church was founded in Watford so long ago as 1662, though the first chapel was not erected until 1739, nearly a century afterwards. The Rev W. I. Morns, Pontypridd, presided, and the attendance, despite the gale, was large. REMOVALS. The right hand of fellowship was extended to the Rev Mr Gronow, Pontypridd, upon his elec- tion as member of the Conference.—On the motion of Rev T. C. Thomas, Groeswen, seconded by the secretary, letters of transference were granted to the Rev T. Jones, Porth, on his re- moval to Bethesda, Llandysilio, Pembrokeshire; and to the Rev O. L. Roberts, Cathays, Cardiff, on his departure to undertake the pastoral of the church at Pwllheli, North Wales. Much regret was expressed at the loss sustained by the Con- ference in the removal of these rev gentlemen. LIQUIDATION Of CHAPEL DEBTS CHALLENGE GRANTS. It was reported that a sum of 2100 had been collected towards the assistance of weak churches, and it was decided, on the recommendation of the Committee, that the amount be distributed as follows, provided the churches named theoisel*68 collected before October next the challenge sums placed opposite their names :— Amount Amount to be of grant. collected. Gilfachgoeh £ ^5 £ 55 Llwynypia 15 55 Cwmpark 20 45 Williamstown jq 90 Ynyshir 5 95 Of?m°re jq 50 Barry 6 24 Cilfynydd 5 95 Blaengarw 5 95 Tonyrefail 10 «. 40 Poncclown 4 — THE ALLEGATIONS OF THE BISHOPS. I The Secretary read a circular letter from the authorities of the Welsh Congregational Union, enclosing a resolution passed at toe annual meet- ing of that body m Wrexham, in July last, pro- testing against the accusations brought by the Bishops of Llandaff and St. Asaph against Welsh Nonconformist ministers of being continually applying for admission to the State Church. The resolution suggested that every Conference in the Principality should' devise a scheme whereby each of their ministers should sign a protest declaring that, so far as he was concerned, the charge was wholly unfounded. By this means it was hoped to discover the guilty ones, if they existed; or, if they did sign such a protest, it would give an opportunity to the bishops to ex- hoped to discover the guilty ones, if they existed; or, if they did sign such a protest, it would give an opportunity to the bishops to ex- pose them.—The Chairman said that in a few places the request contained in the resolution had been carried out in letter and in spirit; but the majority of the conferences, while fully in sym- pathy with the protest, had declared such a step as that suggested by the resolution to be wholly unnecessary.—The Rev II. P. Jenkins, Treorky, asked whether such a protest was necessary, Beemg that the Bishop of St. Asaph had exempted Congregational and Baptist ministers fr m the charge.—The Chairman doubted whether that was so.—The Rev T. C. Thomas, Groeswen, proposed that a protest be prepared and signed in the way suggested.—The Rev T. Jones, Maindy, seconded. If the Bishop of St. Asaph had withdrawn the charge against them, the Bishop of Llandaff had not done so and he thought that they, as young ministers, should have an opportunity of showing that they were not among the culprits. Suspicion easily fell upon them which would never be attached to their oldest ministers, but he believed that the young preachers were as staunch Nonconformists as their seniors. (Hear, hear.)—The Rev W. C. Davies, Llantrissant, felt that he was too old to be called upon to sign such a declaration, nor did he believe it would be of any benefit. The seceders were men of no principle, like those, if there were any, who thought of seceding, and they would be un- principled enough, he believed, to sign such a protest.—The Rev T. C. Thomas: Then the bishops could expose them.—The Rev D. Richards, Caerphilly, said it would be childish on their part to prepare or sign such a document. ¡ Let them proceed quietly with their work, and ignore both the bishops and their utterances.— The Rev J. Williams said that in his opinion they had sufficient confidence in each other to dis- believe the charges so far as they were concerned, and the course suggested by the Union would only lead the public to believe that they distrusted each other. It would also give undue prominence to the bishops.—The Rev J. C. Evans, Gilfach- goch, humorously remarked that the charges had been levelled only against distinguished ministers," and, there- fore, they did not concern him. (Laughter.)— TheRev R.E. Williams, Cilfynydd, supported the motion while the Rev T. C. Thomas, Groeswen, remarked that it was only by adopting the sug- gestion of the Union that they could throw back the charges in the faces of the bishops.—The Rev J. Davies, Pentyrch, said that it appeared to him that the chief object of the bishops in making such statements was to advertise the Church, and, if possible, create dissension among Non- conformist ministers. He had 011 more than one occasion received offers to enter the Church, and had declined them. He moved, as an amend- ment, that the charges be ignored.—The Rev H. P. Jenkins seconded. He had had several letters urging him to enter the Church.—Upon a division, two only voted for the motion, and the amendment was declared carried by an over- whelming majority. THE NEXT MEETING. It was resolved to hold the next meeting at Cwmpark in January, and the Revs E. Gronow, Pontypridd, and R. C. Williams, Cilfynydd, were selected to preach on that occasion. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. The Rev J. C. Evans, Gilfacbgoch, was unani- mously elected chairman of the Conference for the ensuing year. PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL. Mr Walters, of Efailisaf, reported that it was the intention ot the churches in that district to present the Rev J. Davies, Taihirion, with a testimonial to celebrate the completion of his fortieth year as their pastor, and asked for the co-operation of the Conference in the matter.— On the motion of the Rev W. E. Evans, Bonvil- stone, a resolution was unanimously passed ap- proving of the proposal and urging all churches in East Glamorgan to contribute. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The Rev W. I. MORIS, in his valedictory address on vacating the chair, dealt with the future of the Congregational ministry in Wales, and described the great work done by tha Welsh pulpit in the past. He contended that the pulpit still retained its influence to the full, and was sanguine that the ministry of the future would not be in any way behind the glorious ministry enjoyed in days gone by. They had good reasons for hoping that their ministers of the future would be men of culture, and that they would not be deficient in talent, There was considerable difference between educated ministers and talented ministers. Both classes were found in the Welsh pulpit of to-day. Probably they had in the Nonconformist pulpit the largest number of preachers that were talented and not educated, and that they had in the pulpits of the Established Church a larger number of educated minister that were not talented. When both qualifications did not meet in the same person the talented man was preferable to the educated. 'Iiiey had every reason to anticipate that the ministry of the future would be marked by its purity, both in respect of the personal character of the ministers and the nature of their teaching. There was a danger, however, of their losing a large number of their promising young ministers owing to .the temptations thrown out to them to leave their native land to labour among the English people. A large number of churches in England now without pastors looked to Wales to fill the vacancies, and naturally it was their most promising young men that they endeavoured to secure. Occasionally there was a secession from their ranks to the Church of Eng- land, though they had it now, on the authority of the "Bishop of St. Asaph, that there were no Congregational ministers anions the sixteen dis- tinguished preachers who had recently applied to him for orders. They readily confessed, how- ever, that some of their number had found a haven in the State Church, in the day of the storm, but he did not believe that they as a denomination had anything to fear from secessions of that kind, It was. from the desire of the English churches for Welsh pastors that he saw the greatest danger to the future of their ministry in Wales. He contended that every church should use the greatest care not to raise anyone to preach the Gospel except young men fully fitted and quali- fied for the office. He feared that in the past their churches had not been sufficiently watchful in this respect. A hearty vote of thanks to the Rev W. I. Morris for his address, and his services in the chair during the year, was passed with unani- mity. PREACHING SERVICES. During the day preaching services were held, elaquent sermons being delivered by the Revs W. E. Evans, Bonvilstone; D. G. Williams, Fem- dale j T. E. Jones, Maindy and W. Davies, Williamstown. Able sermons were also delivered on the previous evening by the Revs A. T. Jenkins, Ferndale, and J. Davies, Taihirion. Quarterly Meetings a.t Uwydooed. The quarterly meeting of the Welsh Congrega- tionalists of North Glamorgan was held on Wednesday at Horeb, Llwydcoed, Aberdare, under the presidency of the Rev T. Morris, Brynsion, Dowlais. In the morning a conference was held, at which it was decided, as the whole of the churches had not sent in their statistical reports, that the matter be deferred to the next meeting.—It was arranged that the next meeting be held at Merthyr Vale, the subject of the conference to be "Admission to Church Fellow- ship," Alaw Brycheineog, Gellydeg, to read a, paper thereon.—A letter of transfer was granted the Rev D. C. Jones, Merthyr, on his removal to London.—It was decided that every minister in the denomination be requested to sign a protest testifying that he has not applied for admission into the Established Church, and a. committee was appointed to draft the protest.—On the motion of the Rev J. Thomas (Zoar), seconded by the Rev — Jones (Ynisgau), the following resolu- tion was unanimously passed :— That this conference views with surprise and sorrow the action of a majority of the magistrates assembled at the adjourned hcensing sessions for the divisions of Caerphilly Higher, held at the Court-room, Merthyr, on the 26th ult., in refusing to receive a deputation of ratepayers with a memoria1 bearing upon the licensing question, when such licensing benches as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, &c., cordially receive depu- tations of the inhabitants on similar expression and especially do they regret this refusal when they eon. «ider that the original design of the licensing system was to protect the inhabitants of districts against the evil of the liquor traffic. This conference hopes that it evil of the liquor traffic. This conference hopes that it is not far distant when the magistrates of our land will be appointed in a more representative manner, and when the people themselves shall have the power in their own hands to govern this traffic, which causes so much harm to the community. In the afternoon an exceedingly able paper was read by Mr Thomas Williams, J.P., Gwaelody- garth, on "The International Congregational Council," recently assembled in London. The paper gave a most interesting resurn4 of the various subjects discussed, and the reader took a very optimistic view of the ultimate result of this world-wide representative gathering. Mr Wil- liams said the communion service on the last night was one never to be forgotten.

PRESBYTERIAN BAZAAR AT NEWPORT. Oneof theprettiestand most effectively arranged bazaars held in Newport for a long time was de- clared open on Wednesday afternoon by Mrs D. A. Thomas, the wife of the host of Llanwern. The Albert-hall is the traditional, recognised home of the bazaar as far as Newport is concerned, and it looked its best. The chief stalls repre- sented the seasons, not the rainy season fortu. nately but there was an umbrella stall, the proportions and vivid colouring of the canopy of which would have made an African monarch green with envy a flower and fruit stall; water- colour exhibition; and waxworks, Punch and Judy show, &c. Messrs Paull, from the Aquarium, London, were present to give exhibitions of ornamental glass-blowing. Mr H. J. Parnall, J.P., had to make apologies for the absence of the hon. member for the Merthyr Boroughs and the near neighbour of Newport folk, and to announce that he had sent a cheque towards the funds and the next best thing to himself, namely, his amiable and accomplished lady, who would offer a few remarks and declare the bazaar open. A little padding of a harmless nature having been satisfactorily added by Mr Parnall in his best style about the use? of bazaars in bringing young people to take a share with their elders in the work of church support, Mrs Thomas was called upon, and she acid, I have fjat pleasure in declaring this bazaar open, but have no remarks to make." Evidently Mrs D. A. Thomas is too wary a lady to be trapped into a speech by the flattering language of the chosen of the North Ward. Then the Rev J. G. Davies, the newly-appointed minister of the Presbyterian Church, avowing that he did not share in the dislike which is felt against bazaars in some quarters, stated that the object was to liquidate the debt of jB900 on the school, leoture- hall, &0., connected with the church with which he has just identified himself. Mr Davies rounded off his periods with votes of thanks to Mrs Thomas and Mr Parnall, and the three-days' bazaar soon got into full swing.

A FATHER AND SON BURNT TO DEATH. An Infant Killed and its Mother Badly Injured. A terrible affair took place early on Sunday morning, in Toxteth Park, Liverpool. A man named Brown upset a paraffin lamp, the burning oil setting his clothes and those of his boy, two and a half years old, on fire. Both were frightfully burned, and died several hours later. Mrs Brown seeing her husband and son in flames, thought the house was on fire, and threw her baby three weeks old through the bedroom window. She then jumped into the street herself. The baby was killed on tha spot. Mrs Brown was so injured that there is little hope of her recovery.

FATALITY AT A TREORKY CHAPEL. A Workman Killed and Several Injured. On Thursday, the 8th inst., a very sad accident occurred at the new English Calvinistio Metho- dist Chapel, which is being built near the railway station a.t Treorky, resulting in the de'Bth of a mason named Thomas Challoner, about 30 years of age, and a native of Shropshire, and serious injuries to his fellow-workmen, Thomas Palmer, of Treforest, and slight injuries to a number of labourers employed at the building. It appears that whilst Challoner and Palmer, the foreman, and five labourers were standing upon the scaffold about 13 feet from the ground, a, stone block weighing about 5cwt, which the two former were adjusting with iron bars, toppled over, precipitating the batch of workmen to the ground. Challoner, immediately after having been removed from underneath the ponderous stone, spoke a few words, but he died a few minutes after from the effects of the severe internal injuries he had sustained. Palmer sus- tained serious injuries on the head, and was quite unconscious when picked up and carried home. Three or four of the laborers received slight injuries to their hands and arms. Dr Joyce and his assistant, Treorky, soon arrived on the spot and attended to their injuries.

GORED TO DEATH BY A BULL. An inquest was held at the New Tredegar Arms, New Tredegar, on Monday, touch- ing the dea th of Edward Baker, aged 67 years, who met with his death on Thurs day last. It appears that the deceased was em- ployed on the farm of Mr W. Fothergill, of Cefn- Uchder, Cwmavon. On Wednesday last a. young bull gored him in the chest in such a frightful manner that he succumbed to his injuries on the following day. The bull, from the evidence of Mr Fothergill, as well as that of Stephen Morse, another farm servant, was not a ferocious one, and on the appearance on the scene of the latter, who saw^the deceased attacked, the animal immediately left the prostrate figure. The jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death by misadventure with a bull."

FATAL FALL FROM A HAYRICK AT CAERPHILLY. On Saturday an old bachelor, named William Price (better known through the colliery districts as Caerphilly Bach "), aged 68 years, was en- gaged in thatching a hayrick on Graigwen Farm, near Caephilly, when he fell over the rick, and sustained fatal injuries to the spine. Deceased was found by Mr Morgan, of the above farm, who had engaged him, lying under the rick in an unconscious state. He was subsequently oon- veyed to the Bowls Inn, close at hand, where ho succumbed on Monday to his injuries.

KilLED ON THE RAILWAY AT NEWPORT. About four o'clock on Sunday morning a shock- ing discovery was made at the Bridge-street end of the railway tunnel which pierces the Caerau Park district of Newport. The body of an elderly man, with head very much cut and dis- figured, left leg cut nearly off, and minus the toes of the right foot, was found lying between the metals. The remains are those of a man about 60 years of age, with grey whiskers, and the clothing consists of blue cloth coat, brown striped waistcoat, moleskin trousers, plaid Welsh flannel shirt, and brown flannel under-shirt. A silver watch and chain. 8s in money, a new purse, a copy of the Echo, spec- tacles, handkerchief, and a railway ticket from Rbiwderyn were found in the pockets. The body is supposed to be that of a ganger named Wixey, in the employ of the Great Western Railway, who, having lost the last train, had taken to the line to walk home, the distance being a little over three miles. Probably the railway ticket had not been given up by him when he came to Newport earlier in the evening. An inquest was held at the Town-ball, New- port, on Tuesday evening—before Mr E. H. Davies (deputy-coroner)—on the body of William Wixly, foreman ganger, in the employ of Mr T. Goldswcrthy, railway contractor, Newport. The body was found in a mangled state in the centre of the Caerau Park tunnel, on the Great Western Railway, early on Sunday morning, by Mr William Henderson, driver of a luggage train from Swindon to Neath. The glare from the furnace revealed something unusual between the metals, and stopping the tram he and the guard went back to the spot to find the body. Although the hat ana stick were five yards further away in the direction of Cardiff, death had taken place where deceased was run over, as there were pools of blood on the ground at the head and foot. There was a severe scalp wound on the head, the right leg was severed, and the toes of the left foot were crushed and the boot torn. There was no evidence of any struggle. —James Wixly, steam crane driver, Tydu, son of the unfortunate man, said the deceased went from Risca that afternoon to Newport, returned by the 7.15 train to Rhiwderin, and then must have travelled again to Newport. The overcoat, of blue pilot cloth, was missing, and deceased generally carried a bag containing money.—The police produced the effects. con- sisting of watch and chain, purse with 8s in it, spectacles, etc., found on the body. The witness, in reply to the coroner, said he could not account for the disappearance of the coat, except on the suspicion of foul play.—The Coroner offered to adjourn the inquest to enable him to call witnesses, and to further trace the movements of the deceased but the son said he was satisfied —Inspector Roberts, of Cardiff, who represented the Great Western Railway, said, in reply to the foreman, that if deceased had fallen out of the train he was travelling by an alarm would have been raised, as the Saturday night trains were always crowded. His theory was that deceased missed the last train, and, being acquainted with the line, decided to walk to bis son's house at Tydu. The ticket from Rhiwderyn found amongst the effects was issued by the 5.5 train on Saturday. Deceased was not in the employ of the company, and had no business on the line. He was trespassing, in fact.—The Coroner questioned the son as to his father's temperate habits; and ultimately the jury re- turned an open verdict of "Found dead in the Tunnel."

SHOCKING FATALITY ON THE RAILWAY. On Friday, Mr J. C. C. Williams, accountant, of Sheffield, was killed while crossing the railway at Damall-station, about three miles from Sheffield. He went to Darnall to transact some Erivate business, and it is supposed he was urrying along the line to reach the platform when be was caught by a train from Grimsby. His head was literally split open, so that death was instantaneous. Mr Williams was 28 years of age, and the son of an officer in the Navy. He was the husband of Miss Lily Harriot novelist and journalist.

ACCIDENT TO A SCOTCH EXPRESS. As the 3.40 Scotch express from Carlisle was running into Crewe on Saturday afternoon it was turned into the centre line, and collided violently with two engines. A saloon and two carriages were telescoped, and a dozen persons were seriously injured. They are Mrs Pollard, wife of an army officer, living at Croydon, who has her right leg broken Mr and Mrs Babbing- ton, of Audlem, badly bruised; Mr and Mrs Hardacre, of Poulton, Lancashire Mr and Mrs Jackson, of Northwood Mr White, of London and four others. After being carefully examined, all were able to pursue their journey, with the exception of Mrs Pollard, whose condition is I serious. The train being heavy was divided at Carlisle, and it waa the second portion which met with disaster.

COLLISION ON THE G.W.R. Marrow Escape of a Western Express. Shortly after nine o'clock on Saturday night a West of England express on the Great Western Railway had a narrow escape from destruction at Acton, a busy junction a few miles west of Paddington. A goods train was being shunted across the local up line when another goods train having run past the signals dashed into it, throw- ing several trucks from the line. Two of the vans were hurled with great force on to the up main line. A broad guage express to Paddington was approaching the junction at full sed, and before the signals could be put out of danger had dashed into the overturned truck. Fortunately, the train kept the metals, but the first two coaches were greatly damaged, and their occupants had a marvellous escape. The train was pulled up close to Acton Station, and as it was disabled the passengers left the carriages. Only two of them complained of being hurt, but their injuries were not of a serious nature. The line was blocked, and pre- sentcd a strange appearance, wreckage being scattered over a. wide-area. The traffic on the broad guage was resumed after midnight. The Press Association says:—A serious collision between a West of England express and two goods trains occurred at Acton, about four miles from Paddington, on Saturday night. A few minutes after nine, a luggage tram was being I shunted across the up local line to the relief | siding, when a fast goods train caught it, and cut completely through the rear vue. The force of the collision was terrific. The line was torn up, trucks Were overturned, and several were sent with great velocity across the main lines. Before the signal could be reversed, the West of England express, travelling at high speed, plunged into the wreckage. The express had a miraculous escape, Two ccaches and the permanent way suffered, the for- mer being considerably damaged. The express was brought up within four hundred yards, and the passengers alighted. Many were severely shaken, but two only complained of injuries, and these cases were not of a serious character. The damage to rolling stock was considerable, the wreckage being scattered for at least a quarter of a mile. The permanent way was not cleared, and traffic was not fully resumed until Sunday.

A FOOTBAlLfATAllTY. At an inquest held in Manchester on Tuesday on the body of Herbert Sefton Chatterton, aged 17, a verdict of death from over exertion and excite. ment while playing football was returned by the jury. The deceased was, on Monday, playing in a game of football, and had just kicked the ball a long distance when he fell. His companions, seeing that he did not rise, went to him and found him dead.

THE DROWNING CASE AT LLANELLY. An inquiry was held at the Lord Nelson Inn, Seaside, Llanelly, on Monday morning, before the deputy coroner, Dr D. J Rowlands, respect- ing the death of Henry Nicholas, a haulier, employed by Messrs Brown, Lomas, and John, who was found drowned on Friday afternoon at the Lead Works Basin. Deceased was about 22 years of age, and hailed fromNarberth district.— The first witness called was James Howell, 2, Penyfon-street, who identified the body of de- ceased, who lived at Mansel-street. Deceased: was a haulier, and was about 22 years of age. The last time witness saw him alive was about 11 o'clock on Thursday night. Witness was standing with him near the Western Tinplate Works, and j was inducing him to go home, because he (deceased) was under the influence of drink. I Indeed, be was so intoxicated that he could not take care of himself. Deceased refused to ac- company witness home, saying that he was going to see his sweetheart, living near the Trevose Head Inn. Deceased subsequently went in that direction, but the Lead Works Basin, where his body was subsequently found on Friday, was a good distance off, but quite out of deceased's way to reach the house. Deceased said nothing to witness about going towards the docks, or anything whatever about drowning himself. He was not in depressed spirits when leaving witness, and to the latter's knowledge he had nothing troubling him which would lead him to commit suicide. Witness was not acquainted with the spot where deceased's body was found, neither had he been there subsequently. He was not there when the body was found.—By a juror Witness persuaded him for about a quarter of an hour when at the Western Works to go home, as also did two tin-platers from the works who came out. Deceased hit against one of the young men from the Western Works, and wanted to fight him, but the latter went away and declined to do so. David Ruddall, boatman and fisherman, Cambrian-street, having given evidence as to the discovery of the body, the Coroner proceeded to sum up the evidence. Dr Williams, he said, had made a very exhaustive examination, which had proved conclusively as to how death had been, caused. The last seen of the poor fellow was near the Western Works he was drunk then and quite incapable, and when one of the workmen persuaded him to go home he got quarrelsome. Nothing more was seen of him until after he was drowned. Whether he went to the basin to clean the mud stains, or what he might have thought in his drunken mood, it was impossible to say. There could be no doubt as to death being caused by drowning, the doctor further saying in his evidence that there were no marks of violence detected.—The jury returned a verdict of Found drowned.

SOUTITWALES"UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. Meeting of the Court of Governors. A well-attended meeting of the Court of Governors was held at the College, Cardiff, on Wednesday, Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., presiding. A letter from the Dean of Llandaff waf read expressing his regret at not being able to be present through illness, and the Governors decided to send a vote of snpathy to Dean Vaughan in his illness.— Major Jones, in an able speech, moved the adop- tion of the report of the Council for the year ending June, 1891. Ho referred to the new work on which the oollege was just entering in Eugineer- ing and Normal Department, and also to the Medical Department, which would soon be established there. The arrangements with tha Committee of Cardiff, Glamorgan, and Mon- mouthshire fop. technical education would be a means of greatly increasing the usefulness of the college to poor people.—The Rev A. Davies seconded the proposition, and it was supported SX- 6 V,eri- Archdeacon Griffiths, Mr Lewis Williams, Mr H. Phillips (Newport), Mr Louis Tylor, Mr Hy. White (Newport), Dr Wallace, and Mr J. Duncan, who pointed out the desira- bility of intermediate education being pushed on rapidly. The College hoped to receive great assistance from the Intermediate Education Scheme, because it would supply the college with the material which it largely failed to get, and as a consequence a good deal of valuable teaching power was wasted in the college in elementary and secondary work.—The report was adopted unanimously.—Sir Hussey Vivian was re-elected treasurer, and the nine retiring members of the Council were re-elected, with Mr E. Grove (chair- man of the Monmouth County Council) and Mr T. H. Riches in the place of Mr T. Waring and the Rev. D. Edwards, deceased, The retiring members of the Court of Governors were re-elected.—On the motion of Mr John Gunn, the balance-sheet, which showed an adverse balance of £210, was adopted. It was explained that financially the College had just turned, and that during the past year extra expense bad been incurred iu starting two new departments.—It was mentioned at the meeting that the medical department would in all probability be opened in ten months' time.—A vote of thanks to the chairman ooncluded the meeting.

ALLEGED ASSAULTS ON CARDIFF POLICEMEN. Serious Allegations against a Constable. At Cardiff police-court on Monday—before Mr T. W. Lewis, stipendiary, and Dr H. J. Paine— William White, 22, was charged with being dis- orderly and causing obstruction in Custom House-street, and also with assaulting Police. officers 91, 66, and 119, on the 10th October. The police evidence showed that prisoner was creating a disturbance, and that when asked to move he became abusive. He was then taken into custody, but it required three policemen to take him to the station. Prisoner, in his defence, gave an emphatic denial to the charges. He admitted that he was slIghtly intoxicated, but refused to acknowledge that he had created obstruction, or that he used any more violence than was necessary to protect himself from Policeman 119, who, not content with insulting him, must needs assault him for no reason whatever.— The Stipendiary How did the business begin ? How did he insult you ?—Prisoner Well, sir, I was walking quietly down the street near the Bute-road crossing when this policeman said in the hearing of four other men, "There is a ^Pv^ote<i thief."—The Stipendiary Is that so ?, —The Constable No, sir.—The Prisoner Then, sir, I turned round and asked him what he wanted to hold me up in that way when I was lead- ing a.n honest life. He said, "Shut up." I then walked away in the direction of Custom House-street, and when near the bridge tho officer, who had followed unknown to me, pushed me on the back. I turned round to ask what that was done for, but he tried to trip me. I was thrown in the mud, but I did struggle to get free, your worship. The other policeman came up, and they "frog-marched" me to the station. Look at my wrists, your worship. (Prisoner's wrists were badly bruised.)—The Stipendiary Can you prove that this officer called you a con- victed thief? Have you any witnesses ?—Pri- soner Yes, sir. If I was remanded I could.— The Stipendiary: Then I will remand you until to-morrow. Give the names of the witnesses to the police, and they will try to find them for you. —Prisoner Thank you, sir. On Tuesday, prisoner was fined £5 and costs, or a month's hard labour.

STRANGFCASTOTPOISONING. Last Wednesday a gamekeeper, named Wesley. living at Crowborough, Sussex, was seized with violent pain a in the stoinaoh and muscles, and oled on Friday. Dr Griffin certified cause of death to be English cholera, but withdrew the certificate when on Sunday the widow, her three sisters, and her sister-in-law were taken similarly ill after partaking of home-made gooseberry wine, Inquiries elicited the startling fact that the barrel in which the wine was stored had at one time contained a patent weed killer, largely com pounded of arsenic, and little doubt is felt that the illness of the women and Wegley's death were due to the poison which remained in the wood of the cask, and was absorbed by the wine. The inquest on Wesley's death was adjourned to allow tune for an analysis of the contents of the stomach and the barrel. The jury strongly urged that steps should be taken to prevent the sale of suoh deadly poisons in ordinary casks and with out permanent labels. Tha women are making favourable progress towards recovery.

A BIOGRAPHY WRITTEN IN A DAY. Mr T. P. O'Connor may uredited with one of the swiftest pieces of Htarory work ever per- haps performed. He was invited on Friday last to write a short biography of Mr Parnell for Messrs Ward, Lock and Co. On Saturday the publishers received the entire work, consisting of 15,000 words. The material was, of course, ready t", the hand of the author in "The Parnell Movement," but none the less it makes & record- breaking achievement.

At the annual meeting of the London Wes- leyan Methodist Council the Rev Dr Rigg was unanimously re-appointed chairman, whilst the Rev Walford Green, of Biackheath, and Mr Morgan Harvey, of New Baraet, were elected vice-chairmen.

BY A LADY JOURNALIST. I LATE AUTUMN JACKETS Must be the subject of my chat this week, for wintry winds make us very sensible of the neces- sity of warmer outside garments. I was talking the other day to one of the first of our London French modistes, and trying to pick her clever brains for news of the coming clothing. She was on the eve of starting for Paris, but she told me that she feared as they are not becoming that long jackets would bs amongst the newest fashions. Since her departure I have received a confirma- jackets would be amongst the newest fashions. Since her departure I have received a confirma- tion of her statement in the designs forwarded to me from Paris. Here, as you see, are the long jackets, longer than those we wore in the summer a great deal. Of the many I have seen, I have selected two as thoroughly useful styles. The first is a costume of bluish-grey cloth, with a plain bodice underneath, and a long three- quarters' length coat over, trimmed with any fur you like. This model had dark beaver, which is so serviceable, and always looks well, but a cheaper fur would look very nicely, though, of I course not so pretty. The dark-grey opossum is a thoroughly serviceable kind, and wears ex- tremely well. The jacket should be buttoned back with a lining of satin or silk the colour of I the fur, whether brown or grey. You will please observe the kind of gauntlet cuffs as well as in those of the other fignre. They are all the fashion now, and nearly all out-of-door jackets have been made with them for some time past. The second model is of a rich brown matelasse or damasked silk or cloth, aceording to taste. The kind of plastron front, and the deep cuffs are made of plain brown silk or satin, whichever you prefer. In the model it was satin, and the fur that trimmed it was dark grey. They are both very pretty coats, and particularly suited to a slight, tall iigure. I do not recom- suited to a slight, tall iigure. I do not recom- mend them so much to short, dumpy people, as they are inelined to cut the figure across, thereby tending to detract from the height of it. Every winter sees a new way of wearing fnr trimmings. Sometimes in wide, sometimes in narrow borders. This season, I think, from all I can hear that you will find they will follow the coat style-by which I mean they will look like the lining turned outwards, in fact, what is so well known as the word revers." PANELS Are becoming very popular in the making of skirts. We have not yet renounced the neat close-fitting sheath skirt, but as a variety we sometimes cut it open up the side, and show a panel either of braided or embroidered material, which is certainly not very new—or we display a set of flounces bordered with trimming, a galon of some kind-or, what to my fancy is neater and prettier, a sort of underskirt that unbuttons nearly down its entire length, as in this illustration, the effect of which is particularly good. With such a panel the bodice would, of course, be treated to something rather similar in its decoration-namely, an empiicement, or, as we should call it, a plastron (not quite correct use of the word however.) But I mean a plain piece, opening down the front of the bodice that will repeat the opening on the skirt. A great discretion should be exer- cised in the making of these. For stout people they should be made in long pointed fashion, so as to give length to the figure. Thin persons should have them out square and filled in with softly draping materials, either gathered or puffed, and the edges of the dress trimmed with ruches of ribbon all round, and many bows, both on the shoulders and down the front of the bodice. But every variety of the empi&cement is made, and so much is left to individual taste that almost any style is permissible. MR W. W. H. SMITH'S DEATH Is a national calamity. Just as the loss of a valuable and trusted servant in an old family mansion is irreparable, so the demise of one who has been in his quiet, modest way a pillar of strength to the State is as disastrous and as impossible to repair. A maD, who bad the good word of all, even of the most antagonistic party in the House of Commons, is not easily spared. Few leaders have maintained its dignity whilst strictly ful- filling its duties-even unto death-more success- fully than Old Morality," as it was Mr Lucy's pretty wit to call him. My last sight of Mr I; Smith was at Henley Station, last spring, when he was leaving his pleasant riverside house of Greenlands to go up to town for the Parlia- mentary session. He arrived but a few minutes I before the departure of the train, and though fairly quick and active in his movements, had a grey look about his face that did not be- token robust health. He walked quietly to the bookstall-his borkbtall-and took up a paper which he most religiously paid for, I suppose, so that the bookstall attendant should not be wrong in his accounts. Then he slowly followed Miss Smith (a tall, rather nice-looking lady), who had preceded him into the railway carriage, and the train started. Everything about their life and its appointment was quiet, unobtrusive, and solidly comfortable, with no pretension whatever. He will be missed in the neighbourhood of Hen- ley, as much as everywhere else, very sincerely. CUSHIONS Are favourite gifts to those of our gentlemen friends who possess dens of their own, where they may retire from the wearisomeness of their wives, the noise of their children, the gossip of their sisters, or the officious solicitude of their mothers. Here, at least, they are at peace with their pipes or cigars. Or if they are in the armv or navy a cushion or two is very acceptable to fill up the hard corners of a regimental chair or cabm seat. I have lat-ely heard a most absurd idea, which is to make the covers for these little luxuries of the very flimsy ribbons that tie up the bundles of cigars when new, and thus to render them peculiarly appro- priate to the use of smokers, because each ribbon is supposed to be marked with the brand of the cigars from which it is taken. Could anything be further fetched ? I would far rather advise my friends to make cushions of pretty patchwork, which admits of any variety of colouring and cleverness of design. If you are not sufficiently ingenious to invent patterns for yourself, you cannot do better than take some of the beautiful Moorish geometrical designs and copy them, for they lend themselves very well to patchwork. Supposing, then, that you have made a really effective device in patchwork, you can still further accentuate it by working stars or sprigs-in fact, any additional fancy stitching, on the edges or darker parts of the design, in gold or coloured silk threads. Never put beads on a cushion. It is a positive cruelty to the person who receives it. Cushions covered with strong good satin or velvet, very neatly embroidered with the owner's monogram initials, or mono- gram headed by his crest, are the nicest designs for such things. Monograms look best in two shades of the colour of the velvet, or in two shades of gold-coloured silk. Supposing you have a violet velvet cushion, you may work the letters in two paler shades of mauve, or one in a light shade of mauve, and the other (the initial cf the surname), in gold. It is very much the fashion now to make cushions with wide frills to them, and for sofas they are certainly pretty, but I should not advise them for gentlemen's use as they generally dislike anything that flaps about, or can come undone, like cords, for instance. The plainer, and stronger the better. A short- pleated frill of silk may be sewn in between the two edges of the back and front pieces of the cushion, but that is the oniy trimming that will stand the rough wear and tear of the travelling necessarily enforced on soWiers and sailors. The shops in London are making the covers for draw- ing-room cushions of the thin silks that are now known as Liberty silks. They are of English manufacture, but resemble closely the thin Indian silks. These are used in a variety of pretty tints, and it is a tasteful fashion for the draped silk shade of the lamps in the room to match them. A TRULY SAD CASE Is that of a lady, the daughter of a distinguished officer of the 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade, who was besides a resident magistrate and Civil Commissioner in Kaffraria. His arduous duties there broke down his health, and left him an invalid on so small a pension that he was quite unable to make any provision for his family. His daughter is now in her sixty-first year, and is solely dependent on her mother's pension of £ 40 a year. The mother is nearly ninety-one, and the daughter is her devoted nurse and attendant. An effort is being made to get up an annuity from the Royal Military Benevolent Fund for this poor lady, but ieath has removed nearly all her old friends, or it would not be found necessary to appeal to the kind hearts that exist amongst the public to aid this sad case. I think there are few things more pathetic than for a gentlewoman to come to want through no fault of her own, and especially to be left forlorn when nature itself is failing, and powers of usefulness waning. Now, though I would not for the world wish to trade on any confidence in me that I may have earned from you. I have received so many kind letters from my various readers that I am tempted to lay this case before them (of which, if desired, I will send all particulars), because it is so really true and genuine. She is a friend of mine, and if anyone is so kind as to spare a mite from their abundance, it will be gratefully received, and faithfully forwarded by, BUSY BEE. RULES FOR CORRESPONDENCE. Letters for inquiry on fashion or other matters should be addressed to "BUSY BEE," care of the Editor, and will, if possible, be answered in the following edition. If an earlier answer is required, a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed. Paper patterns of any designs given can be supplied on the following terms :— French English Patterns Patterns Complete oostuDW. to givB. measures.. 4/- 16 Bodice „ „ 2,0 9 Short Mantle „ „ 2/6 1/0 Long Mantle 11 11 4/ 1/6 Each application must have postal order and ¡ stamps for postage enclosed. Ladies are re- quested to cut out and enclose the picture or the I garment required, and the pattern shall be forwarded in about a week's time. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. GRACEDIKU.—If moving the buttons of your jacket is not sufficient to enlarge it, or letting it out under the arms, you might, if it io an out- door jacket, put a fur trimming to it, under which you could add a piece across the chest. E. S. B.—You must cut your bodice rotind, as basques are set on to round-waisted bodices, I and then frill it on; but if you want flat basques, which are more fashionable, you must shape them and join them in a straight seam to I the bodice. As to your satin and lace dress, the prettiest way to wear ribbons on such a I costume is in bretelles or braces from shoulders to waist, with bows on the shoulders, and a pointed sash tied in front or behind, also round the sleeves, if they are half-length, just above the elbow, and tied with a bow. GEORGINA DURHAM.—I should hardly think the curlers you mention would affect the hair and skin in any way. But, if you are afraid, it would be well to get some other kind, there are so many nowadays. i MONA.-It is so very much a matter of feeling that it becomes almost a case of individual I taste. But not less than a year is the due res- pect to a parent's memory, and most people prefer two. Your writing is very legible, but it would be improved by making a greater dis- tinction in size between the capital and the other letters. Also it would be well not to divide the down strokes, as in the d's." EDITH SEED.—You will get elastic glue at any india-rubber or mackintosh shop. The best embrocation for the purpose you require is Elliman's embrocation for the people," to be obtained at any chemists. KATE ALICIA OLAFIELD.—I should advise you to advertise the articles in the" Exchange" column of The Queen or any other ladies' paper where thiners are sold or disposed of. There is also a little paper called The Bazaar especially devoted to this purpose.

MONMOUTHSHIRE CEAMBER OF I AGRICULTURE. A general meeting of the Monmouthshire I Chamber of Agriculture was held at the King's Head Hotel, Newport, on Wednesday. Mr William Till (Caerwent), president, occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance.—Letters were read from Sir Henry Jackson and Mr S. C. Bosanquct regretting their inability to attend the meeting owing to having to attend the Mon- mouthshire Quarter Sessions.—Mr Edwin Grove, chairman of the Monmouthshire County Council, explained the work which has already been done by the Technical Education Committee appoiuted by the County Council, and stated that four members had been allotted to the Chamber.—Mr R. Stratum was appointed to represent Newport district, Mr Clement Lipscombe, Mon- mouth, Mr William Till, Chepstow, and Sir H. Mather Jackson, Bart., to represent the Abergavenny portion of the county on the com- Sir H. Mather Jackson, Bart., to represent the Abergavenny portion of the county on the com- mittee.—Mr Grant, the agricultural agent of the County Council, then addressed the Chamber. He suggested that premiums should be offered to agricultural labourers for proficiency in the discharge of their duties. Major-General Gillespie said that the great want of the agricul- turists to-day was competent labourers on their I farms, and he hoped that by the technical illstlue- tion which the committee proposed to give something would be done to supply that want. —Mr E. Grove said that if they were to keep the labourers on the land they should bearin to teach then when young, and he suggested that a simple agricultural text book should be introduced into the elementary schools, and that instruction should be given in agriculture.—The question of selling grain by a uniform measure or weight was then discussed 011 the initiative of Mr Henry Williams, who said that at present wheat was sold in England by over 30 different measures, and it was impossible to gauge the price of wheat in different parts of the country unless acquainted with the different measures. Personally he advocated the oecimal system, and suggested that wheat should be sold by avoirdupois weight.—On the motion of Mr C. D. Phiilips this suggestion was adopted, and II copies of the resolution were ordered to be sent to the Board of Trade and the Minister of Agri- I culture, Mr Chaplin, M.P.

j THEjAGRICULTURAL LABOURER j The Rev C. H. Spurgeoo has written as follows to Mr George Mitchell, One from the plough," with reference to the condition of the agricultural labourers in the west of England :—"I fear that the ills of the labourers need the revival of agri- culture for their cure, and one does not easily see how this will come. I think you do well to dis- courage strikes, which are injurious to all con- eerned, and should never be used except as a last resort." Mr George Mitchell, "One from the Plough," has received the following letter from Mr Glad- stone;—" October 10, 1891. Dear Sir,—I always hear with pleasure of the efforts of the agricul- tural labourers to improve the conditions of their life, in which, notwithstanding the improvement I which has, I hope, l^eca effected, there is still, in many cases, much to r«gret and muoli tq desire.— j Your faithful and obedient, W. E. GLADSTONE." I

COLUMN FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. By Maggie Symington. Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day"s occupations, That is known as the Children's Hour. —Longfellow. There is nothing, I firmly believe, that children appreciate so much as a, deed of heroism they are always ready to applaud heroism in any form, even if it be only that of a story-book hero or heroine. But how much heartier do they clap when the doer of the brave deed is some real personage, especially if that personage be a boy or girl like themselves. You remember. I hope, that Oup Silver Meaai Fund came into being when you all, with one consent, wished to acknowledge in some fitting way the brave deed of a little girl of ten years, who saved her little brother's life at great risk to her own. 1 he first silver medal provided by the Round Table was presented very deservedly to her. The second was given to William Parr, son of the British Chaplain at Boulogne. I am glad to hear, as I have done this week, that the iYen eh Minister of Marine has awarded a silver medal also to this brave boy, for risking his own life in an attempt to save a drowning French lad. This medal is to be publicly presented to him at an official reception on the first of next j January. Our medal was presented to Willie Parr in February last, and the cause of the delay in the French recognition of the brave act is that, being a British lad, the consent of the President of the French Republic was necessary in order to bestow this distinction upon him—a fact which adds to its value. Our Silver Medal, I would re- mind everybody, is only presented for an action which is unquestionably heroic, and in the per- formance of which the doer's own life was in great peril. For brave deeds on the part of chil- dren, where there has been no very great risk, we have a beautiful certificate to present, together with an ordinary medal of the Round Table. with an ordinary medal of the Round Table. Another Case of Heroism. A few weeks ago a D.M. of the R.T. wrote to tell me of a boy of twelve years, living at Isling- ton, who had jumped into the bathiug pond at Hampstead (seven feet deep) and saved the life of another boy of four years who was in great danger of drowning. This boy's name is Thomas Charles Barrett. Thinking this seemed to be another suitable case for another presentation of the Silver Medal, I wrote back to her to say how much I should like her to find out al! particulars herself, and to lay the case before the Round ) Table. I am now in possession of these parti- culars, and, aiter complimenting Nellie Walbran, who has just passed her fourteenth birthday, upon the very capitnl way she has conducted the whole affair, I will give you her letter, and the letter of Tbos. C. Barrett himself. I Addressed to the Round Table. I My dear fellow-workers of the R.T.,—I have found another brave little boy to whom our dear Aunt Maggie feels sure you will like to give one of the pretty Silver Medals, which at the time of the presentation to Jeannie V. Snook, the Fund was established by us to provide. Aunt Maggie has allowed me the privelege of introducing this new little hero to you all through our dear column. The Humane Society has given him one of its bronze medals and 20. These were presented to him at a meeting in Islington by the agent of the Society, who said, Thomas Charles Barrett, though only 12 years of age, you are a very brave boy. When you saved the life of Frederick I Pursey you looked for no reward. Your action boy. When you saved the life of Frederick Pursey you looked for no reward. Your action was a noble and unselfish one. I must now con- clude, hooting that you will heartily agree with the idea of the presentation of the Silver Medal to this brave little laddie, as dear Aunt Maggie I and I do.—Your affectionate comrade, NELLIE WALBKAH, D.M.C. The following letter was written to Nellie in answer to one from her:— I My dear young lady: Guess my agreeable I surprise on receiving your note. And as you wish me to tell you something about it, I will commence at once. During the midsummer holi- days me and my little brother went to .spend the day at Hampstead Heath. About five o'clock we were standing beside the pond when we heard the cry of a child in the water. I at once began undressing, but g-ntlemen standing round bid me be quick, so I dived in partly dressed and Î succeeded in reaching little Freddy Pursey and ¡' brought him safe to the bank. I carried him to an address the boys said be lived, but unfortu- I nately he did not live at Hampstead at all, but I at Kilburn. A kind policeman meeting me relieved me of my burden, took us in a tram to Pond-street police-station, and procured medical aid for poor little Freddy, as he was quite unconscious at the time as I lived some 'I distance, we started for home. A few days after I heard from his parents, telling me how thankful they were, and sending me 2s 6d for pocket money, telling me Freddy was re- I covering. Indeed I have had great kindness shown towards me for only doing my duty, as you have seen through the papers. Thanking you a thousand times for your kindness to me, hoping in future if duty calls I shall not be want- ing,—T remain, ever grateful, THOS. C. BARRETT." Mr Barlow has read the accompanying letter I from Thos. C. Barrett. The contents are true." (From Rev W. H. Barlow, The Vicarage, Upper- street, Islington, London, N.) I Now I call for I A Big Show of Little Hands at the Round Table in favour of this presenta- tion. Let me also remind you that I have only I this one silver medal on hand now, and must ask for some very energetic supportof the fund during I this winter if we are to continue this good I work. Will not some of you follow the example ) of Safie J ohnston—as told in the present Story i of the Order—the Ring of Sapphires," and j organise little meetings, concerts, bazaars, on behalf of the Fund? Now that you have a Song of the Round Table to sing, I think j'ou might get up some very spirited parlour concerts, similar to that which two of my damsels so suc- similar to that which two of my damsels so suc- cessfully gave. This would be delightful enter- I tainmenr for the winter evenings, and you would be helping a good work, too. ) Now let me tell you the end of the story I began last week—a story of the Order ot the Round Table, called The Ring of Sapphires. Sapphira Johnston was enrolled a member of the Ordar of the Round Table, and in due course' with her certificate a Name List was sent her. with her certificate a Name List was sent her. One of the earliest duties of an esquire or thimblemaid, as you all know, is, after joining the Order themselves, to persuade adherents to ¡ join. The filling of one name list with the signa- I tures of ten new members wins for them the degree of Knight or Damsel of One Ribbon. One after the other Safie Johnston filled five lists in this way, and so won her medal, and became a Damsel Medallist. Very earnest, very pains- taking was she ovv this work, and she never failed to impress upon each of h*?r little converts that before all things Aunt Maggie expected members to strive to be true. She had now 50 esquires and thimblemaids of her own, 50 other younc, people to whom her example was to be a help and a stimulus. Some of these in their turn became knights and damsels by filling lists with other new members, so that, widening out by tens, they were beginning to form quite a little company among themselves. It was then proposed that they undertake some good work altogether. Safie consulted mother, as usual, and mother wisely and kindly suggested that they should get up a little entertainment for the benefit of the Silver Medal Fund, which needs the continual kir.d exertions of members to keep it up. Moreover, she offered the use of her dming-room for the purpose, and promised to pay for the printing of tickets and progrrmmes, meaning to get then done by Taylor Sisters. Safie entered into the matter with heart and soul, and so contagious was her enthusiasm that many other members caught it and worked just as hotly. A committee was formed, and each member of this committee commissioned to sell tickets. A sort of strife arose among them as to who should sell the great- est number. At the last meeting of the committee before the entertainment Mrs Johnston was voted to the chair. She took it amidst applause, and then each member had to state the number of pickets he or she bad sold, and deliver up the money received for them. The numbers ranged from five to ten, none higher, none lower, until Willie Bateson, who was known to be a very smart boy, stepped up to the Chair and declared that he had sold twenty. A low murmur of applause ran through the com- mittee as he put down the money. This inspired Willie. He put his tongue in his cheek, looked round with a knowing smile, and said, I told everybody it was going to be an awfully jolly affair a real live donkey would make a speech, a monkay would sing, and there would be a chorus of parrots in the background. They took it all in," with a grin, and bought up the tickets like wildfire." A tittering of laughter ran through the com- mittee, who cheered vociferously. Only one little member kept silence, turning an imploring look in the direction of the Chair. But the Chair had its head turned the other way, and did not seem to see or hoar. Then up sprang this Damsel Medallist. "Willie, how could YO, Yon know it's not true." It was not a ¡h," said the boy, boldly, proud of his silly rose and the applause it had gained, "because tp myself I said, the donkey will be me, the monkey Charlie Anderson, and the parrots all the girls who are to sing together." Again the D.M. appealed to the chair, and again the chair seemed to be deaf and blind so, rallying all her courage, and waxing eloquent with indignation, the D.M. stepped forward, and her voice rang shrilly through the room, making many a little member drop his bead foe having clapped Wiliie. Like Sapphira, you kept back part of the truth, and made them believe what is not the case, just to get the tickets sold. Thai is not the way to be a worthy esquire of the Round Table. The vows say we are to strive to be true, and we will not have little people come to our entertainment believing they are going to see and hear things which they are not. You muse five back all the money, Willie, and get the tickets again." Here the D.M. broke down with a sob and new into the arms of the chair, for she was bitterly disappointed to think all that number of tickets had not been honestly sold. The committee broke up, but nou before every member of it had heartily expressed approval of Safie's suggestion. When moaher and daughter were alone once more, Safie cried reproachfully, "Mother, you did not say one word to help me," "No, my pet, because I saw you were able to stand up yourself in defence or the truth. More- over, here was the very opportunity I had hoped might some day be given yuu, of proving yourself worthy to wear my sapphires. If you see a little damsel of my Round Table wearing a sapphire ring you will know how it came into her possession, Prize Competitions. The authors Mr Mitchell so kindly buried for you to dig up are Churchill, Dares, Heber, Gray, Hemans, Hunt. More, Young, Tusser, Tod, West, Pitt- Marvell, Read, Wordsworth, Scott, Stern, Wither, Spenser, Defoe, Miner, Otway, Roe, Bacon, Keble, Seweil, Pope, Fielding, Hall. The following may also be seen in the lines Aloe, Stone, Knight, Smart, Monk, Prior, Ward, Leasing. The puzzle was in print before I received Mr 3 Lite hell's further suggestion of presenting a Song of the Order to the two competitors who rank next to the prize winner. I hope he will be kind enough to carry it out. To the little readers of the Column, Mra Mitchell promises a bird-catching or a fishing tournament when the long nights are on us. This sort of bird-catching and fishing are quite permissible to the members of the Round Table. Another of my Hon. Knights is good enough to give all young people under seventeen years an acrostic, to which he has attached a prize offer, to guess Double Prize Acrostic. The finals now is thick with fruit, In garb of gold and red The primcds, with its russet suit, Proclaims the summer dead. 1. A dusky yeoman of the past, "Sweet Will's creation, and will last 2. Tall, stately trees, that near a wood Lend beauty to the neighbourhood. 3. A substance that resembles glass, 'Twill stand the heat above the gaa. 4. A foolish rustic oft is styled By this cognomen undefilecl. 5. A British Queen who held her own When she was voted to the throna. 6. Philosophers have sought for this 'Tis but a fairy's girl, I wis 7. He was a ruler, and his name Was symbol of a nation's fame. W I will give a prize volume to the member of the Order who sends the most correct answer to the above; a copy of tha Song of the Order to the sender of the second bast. Answers to reach Aunt Maggie within a fortnight from this date. My Letter Box is full to overflowing this week. I must ask the kind patience of all but the two following corres- pondents until next week :— Dear Aunt Maggie,—Having been so much in Paris, I have a great many tilings to tell your little readers about France and the French, and what the latter say about us. By the bye, they say that the Scotch eat oats, and are quite as dis- gusted with them for doing so as we are for their frog-eating propensities. I have actually eaten a snail myself. Ugh I do not think I shall venture on another it was like a very, vtry strong cockle. But do you know how the French cook them ? They serve them in the shells, with a horrid compound of what, appears to be rancid butter and garlic. Oh, de&r me, what things one may eat I remember one day in Paris, after dining off what was supposed to be rabbit, finding a cat's skull among the other bones. A rabbit's skull, as I dare say most of the members of the R.T. know, has two large teeth on the top jaw, whilst a cat\ has a perfect even set of small white teeth, and this had an even set. Imagine my horror. WKATHERILL, D.C. Dear Aunt Maggie,—I am again very much surprised and delighted to secure your prize, and to see your kind words about my efforts. I very much fear both are beyond my deserts, but they are very pleasant notwithstanding, and I prize them much.—Your affectionate knight, JAMES A. MciiKAY. THE ORDER OF THE ROUND TABLE. The following list of ten new members has been sent me by Emma Gilbert, Damsel of 1 Ribbon, 12. Pavton-street. Stratford-on-Avon 13,030- Fiora Jones Bakpr. 13:031-Alberta Constance Tucker. 13;032-Fanny Gilbert. 13.033—Margaret Hilda Mather. 14034-Kate Badger. 13,035-Annie Badger. 13,C36-Maud Mary Badger. 13.037—Minnie Badger. 13.038—Fanny Badger. 13,039-Mary Badger. The book sent to James A. Murray was My Kalulu," by H. M. Stanley. Dudley Stevens and Florence Whittaker have received and are delighted with their medals. Address all communications to ACNT MAGGIE SYMINGTON, Hunstanton.

-.¡- THRILLING EXPERIENCE OF A -I- CUXARD S.6. COMPANY'S) ENGINER. A leading Liverpool daily paper says: "A day or two ago a gentleman, while in conversation wit»h a prominent army officer, was made acquainted with a most thrilling experience of one of the oldest engineers in Liverpool. The name of the latter gentleman is Mr William Buchanan, who. upon being visited, made the following statement: I have been twenty-four years in the service of the Cunard Steamship Company I reside at 81, Derby-road, Kirkdale, Liverpool, Two years ago, while attending church, I was suddenly attacked with a most excruciating pain in my head, which completely prostratea me; I had to be conveyed to my home. The* followed twelve months of agony. which it is utterly impossible to describe. I had to resign my position, being entirely incapacitated from work. Medical opinion was divided as to what my malady really was. One doctor decided that I was suuering from a rheumatic afiection of the brain, another that it was an overflow of blood to the brain, and a third that it was acute neuralgia. All agreed, however, that it would lead to softening of the brain Six ot the most eminent physicians in Liverpool attended me. but afforded no relief. My case was regarded aa incurable, and my sufferings were so great that 1 oftew became unconscious and fairly crazy from pain, i could neither see nor hear for days at P, Lime, and during the fearful attacks of pain my cries often attracted tha attention of my neighbours. My house was pointed out as one in which a man lay at death's door, and some of my paroxysms of pain were so great that it re- quired two and sometimes three strong men to hold me in bed. My physicians held consultations, but all ol no avail. My sufferings remained the same. My family were in despair, and at one time they regarded me so near death that, in addition to three physicians who were in attendance, two clergymen were sum- moned to my bedside. At that time my wife's atten tion was called to a remedy which claimed to be a cure for rheumatism and neuralgia. She procured a bottle, and applied the tontents to my head. It was like a drowning man catching at straw, it loosed like the last hope. The remedy acted like magic. It saved my life. I feel sure, my family and my friends feel sure, that had I not used it I should now be dead, instead of alive and hearty aad in perieet health, as you see me here. All other treatment had entirely failed, and, wonderful to relate, I have never had the slightest return since I was cured some three years ago. I re-entered my old position, and in giving you the foregoing facts, I can only repeal that St. Jacobs Oil-wkich is the remedy referred to saved my life. My case is no secret. My friends aad neighbours know all about »i. My cure was considered so marvellous that I havs received over 1,000 visits and letters on the subject. To all of these I have simply stated the facts as I have related them to you." A call was then made upon Messrs Budden and Co., chemists, 399, Stanley-road, Kirkdale. from whom Mrs Buchanan procured the Oil, Mr Gill, the manager, fully verified the statement which had been m"e to the reporter, and said that this was only one of thr many remarkable cures effected by St. Jacobs Oil which had come under his personal notice jpiLES.—" PILANTRA," Pile Cure. Immediate relief and a permanent cure guar- anteed. Sample free postage 3d.-Addres., The Geddes Manufacturing Company, 249, High Holborm, London, 14437 jQK. L ALOR'S Pf:fOSPRODY.NR -α- For THIRTY YEARS has maintained its WORLD WIDE reputation as the ONLY SAFE, RELIABLE PHOSPHORIC CURE for Brain Wreckage, Paralysis, Sleeplessness, Harassing Breams, Premature Decay ol Vital Power, and all Functional and Diseased Condi- tions of the System dependent upon the Deficiency ot the Vital Forces. It Cures Dyspepsia, Nerve a.nd heart Diseastt. Cures Kidney and Liver Complaints. Cures Depression and Loss of Appetite. Cures Con sumption and General Debility. Checks all Wasting of the Vital Forces Prom whatever cause arising. The effect of this Standard Phosphoric Remedy in Nervous Debility and its Kindred Evils is immediate and permanent, all the Miserable Feelings and Dis- tressing Symptoms disappearing with a rapiditv that is REALLY MARVELLOUS. DR L ALC)R'S PHOSPHODYNE. It., eiiargising effects are shown from the first dav of its administration by a remarkable increase of nerve and intellectual power, with a feeling of courage strength, and comfort to which the patient has lone been unaccustomed. Digestion is invigorated. The appetite increases wonUeriully. The oowels become regular. Sleep becomes calm and refreshing. The face becomes fuller, the lips red, the eyes brighter, the skin clear and healthy, and the hair acquires strength, showing the importance of its action on the organs of nutrition. Thousands of unimpeachable Testimonials from all parts of the world, and from the highest Medical Authorities. Sold in bothies at 4s 6d, by all chemists throughout the world or sent free per Parcel Post (plain wrap- pers) in Great Britain on receipt of P.O. DR LALOR'S PHOSPHODYNT LABORATORY, HAMPSTEAD, LONDON, N.W. TRADE MARK—"PHOSPHODYNE." 14598 A FRKG lLLMEDY TO ALL.—A latt jtlL sufferer from nervous disorders, despondency &c., will be pleassd to forward p<u tic\uai-s of simpk self-treatment. A cure is certain.— Address W -it BROWN, Esq., 19, Walpole-terrace, Kemp Town Brighton 14515 2783 TOO