The Cardiff Times

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. Meeting ef Delegates at Cardiff. A joint meeting of the workmen's delegates on the Sliding-seale Committee of South Wales and Monmouthshire and the Federation Council was held on Saturday at the Grand Hotel, Cardiff. The chair was occupied by Mr David Morgan, and Mr Isaac Evans was in the vice- chair. There were also present Messrs Morgan Weeks, Alf. Onions, Henry Richards, Morgan Williams, David Phillips, Levi Rees, Evan .Tones, William Ellis, John Thomas, Thomas Badshaw, James Walters, J. B. Jones, Thomas Davis, T. D. Isaac, Jamea Clements, William Evans, D. Beynon, and Lewis Miles and Thomas Richards (secretaries). Reports were received from the various districts upon tho resolution contained in the circular recently issued as to the best mode of improving the organisation of the districts. Several localities, however, net having finally dealt with the matter, it was decided, after due discussion, to convene another joint meeting to be held a.t Aberdare on the 11th of April. The question of increased labour representation on the various County Councils and School Boards of South Wales and Monmouthshire was brought under consideration, and it was unani- mously resolved that steps be taken to impress upon colliery workmen the desirability of their voting for Labour candidates in the forthcoming elections. A letter was read from Mr David Randeil, M.P., stating that the Eight Hours Bill would be brought before the House of Commons on the 23rd inst., and it was decided to call a special meeting of the Federation Council for the purpose of dis- cussing the expediency of sending a few represen- tatives to London to impress upon the members for South Wales constituencies the wish of the working. men electors that they should givs the measure their support. An informal discussion of thedifPculties that have arisen between the colliery workmen andtheir em- ployers In the North of England took place, but the matter not having been entered on the agenda it was decided that the question of the restriction of output be entered for debate at the special meeting to be held on the llth prox., at Aberdare. Enginemen and Stokers and their Notices It having been reported in a weekly con- temporary that the men employed at Gadlys Colliery, Aberdare, have not sgnt in their notices, a deputation from thatcoThery waited on our representative on Saturday to inform him that the statement was erroneous, the whole of the men in that colliery having sent in their notices. So far, no steps have been taken on either side co effect a settlement. The Miners' Holiday. Monday being the first Monday in the month, work was suspended at nearly all the collieries in Monmouthshire and South Wales. Mabon at Merthyr Vale. A general meeting of the Merthyr Vale work- men was held under the presidency of Mr W. Rogers, at the Coffee Tavern, on Monday, when Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), delivered a powerful Unionism and Its Advan- tages." He advised the workmen to unite together and to adopt the lodge system of paying contributions, but not to give up the present system until they had seen how the lodge system would work. Through the lodge system they were more combined together and in a better position to educate each other. As Mabon had to leave to be present at another place, a hearty vote of thanks was given him for his noble address, and the hope was expressed that the day may not be far distant when he would visit Merthyr Yale again.—It was resolved that a deputation be appointed to wait on the head-teacher of Merthyr Vale Schools oonc nung the alleged ill-treatment of the children by the assistant master and the other teachers. —It was reported that a few weeks ago a young man was severely injured in the colliery. About 44 men came out with him, but only 12 of those assisted in carrying the poor sufferer home, about the distance of two miles, and a vote of censure was passed on the workmen who did not co-operate upon that occasion. Mountain Ash. On Monday, at the Allen's Arms, a meeting of the workmen employed at the Messrs Nixon's collieries at Mountain Ash, was held under the presidency of Mr Evan Jones, It was resolved that tho workmen of Ynysfeio who have been thrown out ot employment owing to the stoppage be supported. It was decided, in view of the great dissatisfaction that prevails with regard to the custom of filling trams during stop-wasrgon days, which are the means of many men being idle half-a-day for the want of trams, ttiat no coal be filled on stop iays, but that other work be pro- ceeded with as hitherto. Morfa Colliery, Port Talbot. A general meeting of the Morfa colliers waa held at the Somersetshire House, Taibach, on Monday, MrD. Phillips presiding. The following resolutions were passed :— That we. as workmen of No. 51 agency of the South Wales and lloiiaioatiiahire Federation, sup- port the resolution passed at the National Colliery, Wattstowu, No. 74 agency. That we consider it nn esirable in future to hae a monthly inspection underground, in the face of rhe svid nee given at the Knyal Commission that workmen Are incapable of maintaining the position of sub- lnsooctors of mines. The code of stoppages is agreed to, with the excep- tion of the Provident Fund, which shall be left optional. Miners' MeetingatEbbw Vale, Boisterous Proceedings. On Monday a large meeting of miners was held at the Market Hall, Ebbw Vale. The meeting had convened by the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, and was addressed by Mr Whit- field, Mr G. H. Rowlinson, Dean Forest, and Mr Brace (the district agent). Mr J. THOMAS, checkweigher, who was loudly applauded, claimed the right for the meeting to choose their own chairman, and proposed Mr William Vioe. This was seconded and carried by a large majority.—Mr Sage. of Risca, said the members of the National Federation of Great Britain had hired the hall and paid for it— (cries of Oh !") and if anyone at- tempted to turn them out they would be prosecuted. (Uproar.) He came there to meet them and to speak to them. (Cries We don't want voutospeakto us. "and" Who sent foryou ?") —Mr V ice and Mr Sage now each took posses- lion of a chair 0..1 the platform.—Mr Vice said it was the custom of the majority to decide who should occupy the chair. Was he to take it or (Loud cries of Yes.")—Mr Brace said if any of the South Wales and Monmouthshire workmen came to the districts where the National "Federation was in the majority they would be accorded a fair hearing. (Voice, What about Risca?') We have our chairman, added Mr Brace, and ahyone objecting can leave the room. ICries of I daresay.")—At this point Mr Thomas Richards, miners' agent, ascended the platform, accompanied by Mr A. Onions, miners' agent. They were received with cheer after cheer.—Mr Richards said that was a day upon which the inprs of Ebbw Vale met to discuss important onsiness. These gentlemen had come there that day and prevented them. If they had come there under the fundamental principles of Trades Unionism, they should have a hearing; if not, they did not deserve a hearing. (Loud applause.) He would a-^k them who invited them to Ebbw Vale ?—After animated discussion Mr Alfred Onions rose and was lustily cheered. Mr Sage rose at the same time and was greeted with groans. The wildest disorder ensued. Shouts of "Git your haircut," See., were heard in all directions. —One wit got up and suggested that it was a tight between "Sage and Onions."—Sir Onions asked the gentlemen upon the platform if they Wt-re prepared to abide by the decision of the majority at that meeting. — Mr Brace I xad others: Certainly not, (Groans.)—-Sfix Onions Then I claim that yon are violating the fundamental principles of Trades Unionism, spreading dissension, and creating chaos and disorder in our midst. (Loud applause.)—Mr Sage rose again, but he was persistently refused a hearing. Mr Rowlinson also attempted to speak, but failed.—Mr Onions said if they would abida by the decision of the majority they would listen to them.—At this time thu platform wa. th*. scene of much disorder. The leaders of the two parties were engaged in heated conversation, whilst tho audience engaged ia singing "Wait till the clouds roll bv" and "Maggie Murphy's Home." &c. The whole of the speakers on behalf of the Federation of Great Britain then laft the hall, were loudly hooted as they left. Order having been restored, Mr Vice, the elected chairman, called upon Mr Alf Onions to address the meeting.—Mr Onions, who was well received, based his remarks upon the necessity of organisation. He ventured to predict that the Miners' Federation of Great Britain had, by sowing dissension in their midst, sent back the finger of time with regard to industrial organisation in South Wales and Monmouthshire at least four or fiv., vear?. By setting man against man this purpose had been accomplished. If they allowed them- selves to split up, the old adage, A house divided against itself must fall," would in this case become painfully true. The members of this Federation in England believed that they could control the price of coal and wages without the assistance of a sliding-scale or any other sys- tematic way. They had that to learn yet. Look at their present action in the Midlands. Steps had been taken by which thousands of their fellow-men would be seriously injured. The price of coal had nearly been doubled. The employers did not reap much benefit, and the men certainly did not reap any benefit, but thousands of pounds would be placed in the pockets of the middlemen. In conclusion, he urged upon them to remain loyal to the Federation to which the majority belonged. (Applause.)—Mr H. Cool proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Onions for his address, which was seconded by Mr W. J. Lewis.—A resolution was adopted that "showcards should be taken at different pits in the neighhourhood, and that a meeting should be held a fortnight hence so that the actual number of men not in the Federation of South Wales and Monmouth- shire might be ascertained, and that seeps be token to induce others to join. The following candidates were adopted for the coming School Board elections :—Llangattock School Board—Mr James James, checkweigher Mr William Edwards. Bedwellty School Board —Mr Henry Cool. Aberystruth School Board— Mr William J. Lewis, Waunlwyd. Monmouthshire and South Wales Enginemrn's Association. The Rhondda Branch Executive of the above has just met at the New York Hotel, Porth. The notices sent in from the various collieries in the district were scrutinised. It was ascertained t'aat there were 635 notices sent in by the enginemen, &< to terminate contracts at the end of this month. The outlook is 3erious.

GRIEVANCES OF LOCAL RAIL- WAY EMPLOYEES. Meeting of Raiiwaymen at Newport. A large meeting of rail waymen was held at the Co-operative-hall, Newport, on Sunday afternoon for the purpose of hearing addresses on the National Amalgamed Railway Servants' Union's programme of a ten hours' day. Mr E. Harford, secretary to the Uni.on,oi London, and Councillor Tait, of Glasgow Mr Giliman, secretary to the Newport Trades Council, and c'her; supported the chairman. Tho following r-solution was moved :— That this meeting regrets that overwork is per- sistently and systematically carried ou, and looks upon the same as a danger to the worker and a menace to the public safety, and callg upon all railway companies to put into operation the national programme, which has been unauimoilsly adopted as a basb of equity and justice for all employed on railways. Mr HAEi'Oip, in supporting the resolution, said that overtime or overwork was systematically resorted to, and pointed out that although old times had changed, when there was no limita- tion whatever to the day's work, the railway servants had not advanced with the times. Whilst all other classes were clamouring for an eight hours' day, tbey modestly asked for ten hours, with nine for platelayers, and eight for signalmen and shunters at busy junctions. (Hear hear.) Wherever this programme had beeu sub- mitted he had never yet found a dissentient voice; in fact, there never was a proposal formulated which had met with such universal commendation. Mr Harford also quoted Major-General Hutchinson's opinion that each day ought to be considered by itself, and spoke of the instalment of reform which the Taff Vale men won 12 months since of a 60-hour week. The evidence given with regard to South. Wales when the speaker was a witness before the Railway Com- mission was also dealt with, particularly the answers given by Mr Lambert in regard to the number of men booked out" at Neath. Mr Lambert said that 42 men were booked out for 11% hours each. What was the use of booking out for 11% hours if it took. 19 hours 40 minutes to complete the day ? (Hear, hear, and laughter.) Mr Harford coun- selled the men to combine, and regretted that their forces of organisation were divided by the existence of three or four Richmonds in the shape of different societies. No doubt the railway com- panies were delighted to see this weakening of their forces, but he trusted ere long the societies would be concentrated and amalgamated. (Hear, hear.)—The resolution was carried unanimously, and Mr Tait, of Glasgow, supported the following resolution, which was moved by local men, as was the case with the first motion:—" Ex- perience having shown that it is only by trades organisation that workmen's interests can be protected, this meeting calls upon all railwaymen outside the pale of the Union at once to join the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants." Meeting of Barry Railway Servants. A mass meeting of raiiwaymen was held at the Market Hall, Barry, on Sunday night, for the purpose of hearina addresses from Mr Harford, the General Secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, and Councillor Tait, of the Scotch branch in reference to the grievances of the employees of tb& Barry Railway Company. Mr Henry Davies presided, and was supported by the above two gentlemen and several members of the Barry Trades Council. The CHAIRMAN, in a spirited address, accused the Barry Company of wilfully breaking several clauses of the agreement entered into at the close of the recenq strike. The railway men contended, he said, that such actions should be put a stop to, and for that purpose that open meeting had been called. Mr HABFORD, who met with an enthusiastic reception, said he had been very sorry to hear the record of broken promises which the chairman had detailed. He had always found that the greatest difficulty after such a struggle as they had experienced twelve months ago was to keep the company's officials up to the terms of their agreement. It seemed to be a common practice of the officials of all railway companies to nibble where they possibly could, either from the earn- ings or the hours the men, and the best thing the men could do was to speak out with no un- certain sound, and to declare that they did not intend to allow the matters mentioned to rest where they did. (Cheers.) He did not wish to insinuate that he would countenance any course being taken similar to that of twelve months ago, but thought that by reasoning the matter out, and by his having an interview with representa- tives of the men and with Mr Evans, the general manager, they might be able to arrive at some satisfactory solution of what at the present tim i seemed to him to be a very distinct grievance. He was well aware that after the strike of 1890 there was a recommendation from the chairman of the Taff Vale Company that the terms which were entered into so far as the two companies were concerned should be given to the men in the employ of the Barry Company, and there was a document signed by the Barry Company, a copy of which he had before him. But whenever they found a disposition to withhold from them what were their lawful rights, the best thing to do was to insist upon all such matters being put right. The whole of the struggle that took place in 1890 was caused by the Taff Vale Railway not accord- ing to the piiot shunters the same number of hours as they agreed to give to the engine men, and it seemed to him that the manager of their company was proceeding much in the same direction, because there had been a departure from the agreement with the shed pilots as to the working hours and as to the rate ( f wages paid. Probably these matters could be amicably settled by a friendly conference, but if the Barry Company. acted obstinately and put up their backs and would not stick to the agreement, it seemed to him that there would be no alternative but to call in the assistance of their friends the employees of the two other companies with whom they had fought side by side before, to see that their wrongs were righted, and that the full terms of the agreement were strictly carried out. (Loud cheers.) On the morrow week he would again come down and confer with them with a view to interviewing the general manager of the Barry Company and the settlement of the points at issue. In the mean- time he exhorted them to see that they were thoroughly organised, because they could depend upon it that the officials of the Barry Comjtany would take full Advantage of any such neglect. A large measure of success achieved in the dispute of 1890 was due to the fact that 93 per cent. of the men were organised, In conclusion, he expressed the hope that there would be no necessity of bringing about a cessa- tion of work, but that, as the result of remarks spoken at that meeting going forth, the officials of the Barry Company would settle the dispute themselves oy strictly adhering to the terms of the agreement. (Cheers.) Councillor TAIT, of Glasgow, followed in a similar strain, and pointed out the lessons to be learnt from the Scotch railwaymen's strike. A resolution was submitted to the meeting expressing approval of the couree proposed to be adopted by Mr Harford, which was carried with the greatest enthusiasm. Several speeches were delivered by local Labour leaders, and the meeting concluded with cheers for Mr Harford and Councillor Tait.

ARTIZANSJ STRIKE AT MORRISTON. A large meeting of workmen was held at the Crown Inn, Morriston, on Friday night. The object of the meeting was to discuss the joiners' and masons' dispute, and to give the men now outi on strike an indication of the practical sup- port the other trades intended giving them. The masters were blamed most severely for the manner in which they had treated the men. The men on strike stated that they could Dot subipit to what was practically an effort to undermine m AGCETFIGSNT WHICH HAD BEEA VWTAATIY ACMED at. A motion was unanimously carried urging the strikers to be firm.

THE ENGINEERS' STRIKE IN THE NORTH, At a meeting of Glasgow engineers on Saturday afternoon resolutions were unanimously carried calling upon the engineers of the Newcastle district tc stand firm, and asking the Scotch engineers to give them financial aid. Mr Campbell, a Newcastle delegate, said the masters were now showing signs of giving way. For every £1 the men lost the masters were losing £ 50.

I A STRIKE SETTLED. The strike in the Leicester shoe trade was settled on Saturday morning, and about 5,000 operatives will, in consequence, return to work to-day. At the Cu-operative works a compromise has been arranged, whoreby a. foreman to whom exception was taken will be placed in another position. At Mr Wilson's, where the employees complained of want of shop room and the intro- duction of new machinery, an agreement was arrived at by a joint committee of men and repre- sentativesof the manufacturers.

BARON PROFUMO AT CALDECOTT. In conclusion of his first tour of the southern division, Baron Profumo on Monday evening visited Caldecott, and addressed a meeting of electors.—Mr Councilbr Evans, Newport, pre- sided, and besides the Baron, who was accom- panied by the Baroness, there were present :-Mr fctophen Williams, Mr Wilson Ratfan, Mr Li. Phillips, Mr Thorne Lee, etc. There was a full attendance which included the principal actors in the tithe sales of a year or so since. The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the hon candi- date, referred to the reforms which were urgently needed to be carried out in the near future, amongst which he instanced Home Rule, reform of th-s land laws. enfranchisement of leaseholds, local option, and the disestablishment and dis- endowment of the Church of England in Wales. The last question was one which affected them in that district very closely, and they desired that the County of Monmouth should be construed for the purposes of Disestablishment as portion of the Principality. (Hear, hear.) He was con- vinced that the interests of the county were far more bound up with the Principality than it was with any pjrtion of England. Their sympathies and their aspirations were the same. and they desired above all things to see the county in- cluded in any measure dealing with the Church. (Hear, hear.) Mr Ll. Phillips (Newport) proposed a resolu- tion expressing unabated confidence in Mr Glad- stone, and cordially supporting the Liberal programme, including the better housing of the working classes, one man one vote, and the mend- ing or ending of the House of Lords.—Mr W. T. Lee seconded tho resolution, and Baron Profumo supported it in a telling speech, in which he glanced at some of the more salient points of the liberal programme, and gave a cordial ad- herence to land law reform, an amende ent of the registration laws, and the disestablishment of the Church.—A motion approving the Baron's candidature was afterwards carried.

ST. CATHERINE'S CHURCH, CARDIFF. The Work of Completion Commenced. On Wednesday, in the presence of a large assemblage of Church people from Canton and other Cardiff parishes, the chief corner stone of St. Catherine's Church, King's-road. was laid by Mrs Vaughan, of the Deanery, Llandaff. Up to ¡ the present time only a portion of the nave has been completed, but funds being now forthcoming, it has been decided to complete the chanoel and east end, with vestries, organ chamix-r, and side chapel. r The style of architecture adopted is Early English, and the plans from which the work will be executed have been prepared by Messrs Kemp. son and Fowler, architects, of Llandaff. the total cost of the added portion of the building being about 22,000. The existing building is composed of three bays out of a total of five, which will form the completed church, but as a considerable portion of the nave has hitherto been occupied by the sanctuary and choir, the addition will permit accommodation being formed for about a hundred more worship- pers. The chancel will be 40ft. in length by 24ft. in width, and opening from it through arcade arches will he a south chancel aisle or mourning chapel, 20ft. long by 16ft. wide; an organ chamber and vestry 24 feet by 20 in all. The design provides for the ohancel being rectangular chamber and vestry 24 feet by 20 in all. The design provides for the ohancel being rectangular in form, with a three light eastern window and a two-light window in the east end of the chancel aisle. The floor will be at the usual elevation and finished in tiles. There will be a semi-circular timbered roof at the elevation, as the roof of the nave, the break of the chancel being indicated externally simply by a stone cross on the coping. At present it 13 intended to have the woodwork in red deal and pitch pine, and no doubt in course of time nandspme choir stalls will be provided. The outer walls will be of Treforest stone with Bath stone dress- ings and mullions. The. cpntract has been let to Mr Councillor W. Symohds, of Canton, who, at the opening ceremony, presented Mrs Vaughan with a handsome silver trowel with which to 1 ay the corner atone. The sanctuary of the ehincel will contain a finely-carved sedilia, but other embellishments, such as the reredos, etc., are not at present in contemplation. It was intended to have erected a small circular tower, with conical roof and surmounted by a. spire, at the north-east angle of the church but it was deemed expedient to dispense with this and employ the money in other directions, for the west end of the church has not yet been built, and it has been thought more desirable to construct a lofty and massive tower at that end. When entirely finished, the church will provide sitting accom- modation for a congregation of 836 members. Notwithstanding the wintry weather, a large congregation assembled in the church to take part in the service which preceded the ceremony at the site. The Bishop of Llandaff (the Right Rev Dr Lewis) conducted the service.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES AT CARDIFF. The Necessity for a Hospital. At Tuesday's meeting of the Cardiff Health Commitee a long discussion took place (on the recom- mendation remitted from the last council meeting) on the suggestion of Alderman Cory, that the committee should consider the advisability of erectinga temporary infectious diseases hospital whilst the permanent one was being built.—In the opinion of Dr Walford a temporary hospital con- structed of waterproof felt would cost about £ 400. Similar buildings in Liverpool and other large towns had lasted tor from 10 to 15 years, and when the permanent institution was completed the smaller one could be used for small- pox patients alone.Councillor Andrews said it swenied to him a foolish policy to spend so rapch money on a temporary structure. Why not at once proceed with the erection of a wing of the pennanant hospital ?—Mr Munn believed the money would not bo wasted, as if the building lasted anything liko the time mentioned by the medical officer, full value would be obtained for the outlay on the decker hospital.—The Chairman (Alderman Jacobs) stated that if they tout the hospital in connection with the Hama- dryad at the Docks into repair they had no isolated wards there.-The Mayor moved that the present infectious diseases hospital be put into proper condition to receive patients.—Mr Andrews seconded the resolution, and it was carried unammoualy.

A SIGNALMAN DIES AT HIS POST. The death occurred on Tuesday, about 1 o'clock p.m., of Jeremiah Da'lard, 57 years of age, signal- man at Churchdown Station. The deceased was in the joint employ of the Great Western and the Midland Railway Companies. He went to work at six o'clock a.m., and was then in his usual health. He was seen by Mr Jelkes, the station- master, and the porter ou several occasions during the morning. There was an entry in the train book at 12.59. Ten minutes afterwards Mr Jelkes heard a whistle, and on going to see what was wrong, found the express train drawn up near the home signal, which was at danger." He pro- ceeded to the signal box, and found deceased lying dead on the floor of the cabin. His dinner lay by his side. Dr Johnson, who had attended deoea.sed durinr an illness, was of opinion that he suffered, from heart disease, ana would not have consented to his return to work only that he was assured that nothing could happen to the trains, even if he were suddenly taken ilL

LLANEILY (BRECON) SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. The result of the voting in the election of the School Board for the parish of Llanelly (Brecon) was declared on Wednesday afternoon at the Board-room, Brynmawr, by Mr Irvine Blenner- hassett. the returning officer :— ELECTED. Mr William Evans (Laboui) jra •RevJohnWiUi^ (Baptist) 7! 1102 •RevJohnWiUi^ (Baptist) 7! 1102 John Watkms, grocer (Calvinistic Methodist) 9 6 r rmer (Baptllst) 859 .5^rJ' X" ^mlbpa, Viear o/Brynmawr,Chnrchisan 864 $r°cer (Wesleyan) 738 •Mr W. D&YIQS (Labour). 737 „ T „ NOW ELECTED. -J*6*J* /ones(Congregational) 680 Mydyr Evans (Congregational) 594 Mv Powoll (W esleyan) KOQ ♦Members of the old Board.

A MINISTER'S SON SENT TO PRISON. e At Oxford on Tuesday, Herbert F. Dann, son of the Rev James Dann, Baptist minister, of Oxford, and formerly an assistant in the Bod. leian Library, was charged with stealing M worth of books from the library, and was sen- tenced to one month's impriAnment with hard labour.

THE SPINNING-HOUSE CASE. The action for false imprisonment in the Spinning-house brought by Daisy Hopkins against the Rev F. Wallis, one ot the Cambridge Proctoi^ will be tried at the Ipswich Assizes about March 23. The defendant failed in an application to get the venue removed to London, i tm was ordered to par ooefca.^

THE OPEN COUNCIL 10 MR PRITCHAFiD MORGAN AND THE ANTIQUARIAN DISCOVERY. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—My attention has been drawn to a. report of a meeting addressed by Mr Pritchard Morgan, in the course of which he made a reference to Snding a valuable relic among the Welsh moun- tains. I be g to draw your attention to a reply I made in the Liverpool Daily Post of June 4th, Id90 (of which I enclose a copy), in which I ■bowed the public how much Mr Pritchard Morgan had to do with the find in question. In fairness to myself and others interested in the relics, I trust you will insert the enclosed, for which I thank you beforehand.—I am. &c., T. EVANS. CURIOUS FIND IN NORTH WALES. TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST." Sin,—Whilst reading your valuable paper of t.>-day, I saw with illtrloSt the pert.1,inin to the above find, WhiCh, with your kind indulgence, I 81111,11 be golad to correct and give the trua version of. It was as follows ;-The place is called Gant, in the parish of lJu.nclltyd. through which,on occupation road runs to the ancient manskn of Cysyljcwyn Bach, nd cast 0 a spot named Owmmynach, once a monastery. Here I Wis superintending the opening of the property, on ««shaif a company from Dolgelley and noijshbour- "nod, in search of mineral, when my men discovered th., find, whicb theyaftt;rwarrl" brought to Dolgelley, mr and where I had t.bem lodged. Afterwards I Had the pleasure of showing them to some experts, and ..1:J- to Mr Pritchard Morgan. It will be seen, there- Iwb, that Mr Morgan had nothing whatever to do with Uvnn These interesting relics are in charge of one of tn. parties at Dolgelley, for whom I superinknd.- Thanking yon beforehand for inserting this letter, I •JV YQurs, &c., THOMAS EVANS, Mining Engineer, &c. Barmouth, Jano 4th, 1890.

PENSIONS FOR WORKMEN. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—The tollowing resolution relatmg to pen- sions tor workmen has been passed unanimously by the executive of the London Dockers' Union "That this E.C. of the Dockers' Union hereby declares its opinion that any section of. pension fund not being directly controllable by payees should not be countenauced in any way. We are of opinion also that it is an insidious attempt to perpetrate an unjust taxation upon wages also a means of retaining a large portion of the workers' earnings for employers' own benefit, while the possible good of such a system is so remote, the longevity of the toilers so low an average, and indusurial mortality so high through insufficient wage and unhealthy environ- ments, that we consider it opposed to economic fairness and a curtailment of remuneration, re- lieving capital and property of burdens at the expense of the already overtaxed and underpaid workman." March 8. BEN TILLETT.

A WAKE IN A CARDIFF SHEBEEN A £20 Fine. John Harris, lodging-house keeper and green- grocer, was summoned at Cardiff police-court, on Wednesday—before Mr Aid. D. Jones (in the chair), Mr R. Bird, and Dr H. Paine-on a chares of having sold beer without having a licence, at his shop 10 Herbsrt-street, on Saturday, February the 27th. He pleaded not guilty, and was defended by Mr George David, solicitor.—Police-constable Grretton said that on the evening in question, in company with another constable, he watched No. 30, Herbert-street, from 8 to 11.50. At 3.45 he saw Mr Evans, wholesale beer dealer, carry a sack, which he afterwards found contained a four-and-half gallon cask ot beer to defendants' house. At 9.15 Harris went from his house to Evans's, and returned in a few minutes carrying a four-and-half-gallon cask. Between 10 and 11.50 they saw 13 men and four women ¡ enter, and seven men leave the premises.—P.C. Henry Waters deposed that at ten minutes past 12 on Sunday morning, Feb. 28th, he entered Harris's house.—Mr David objected to this evi- dence on the ground that defendant waanot charged with any offence on the 28tb.—The magistrates overruled the objection.—Witness proceeded to state that at ten minutes past twelve he entered the house, and in the kitchen he fouud two men and two women, also Harris, the defendant. One of the men gave the name of William Fitzgerald, residing at 15, Tyndall street another said he was Thomas Adams, I and lodged in the house, and there was also there Mrs Adams. On a sideboard at the back of Fitzgerald was a jug containing beer. On a shelf was more beer, and on another sideboard were other three jngs also with liquor in them. He also found one 4% gallon cask of beer three-parts full, and another one nob tapped. On searching the rooms upstairs he discovered a woman named Mary Shehan, or Sheeney, who said she waa a servant there also four men in a bed, two women, and four children. He told Harris he should report him for selling beer without a licence, and Harris replied, All right; you'll have to prove it better than you did last time." — Cross-examined by Mr David, he said Fitzgerald said he was staying there a few days owing to having had a quarrel with his wife. —Inspector George Dnraton said he entered Harris's house a few minutes after the previous I witness, and corroborated a3 to the quantity of liquor and the people-fonnd there. Fitzgerald said he had paid for the beer, and could pay for it again. He did not see any money pass.—For the defence, Mr David argued that no case had been made out, as the circumstances were quite consistent with the fact that Harris kept a lodging house. With the ex- ception of Fitzgerald, all the people found in the bouse were lodgers. Besides, the beer found on the premises had been purchased by Mrs Powell, a lodger, whose child was lying dead upatairs, and the company were to hold a wake to celebrate the event.—John Harris, defendant, said hewns. general dealer, and usually kept; his house open till about 12 o'clock. It was open when the police came. He had a lodger named Mrs Powell, who occu- pied a room upstairs, and she purchased two 4%-gallon casks of beer for the company, who were to wake" her dead child. — In reply to the magistrates witness said Mrs Adams and Fitzgerald got the beer which was in the jugs from the Hastings Hotel. Hedid notkuow whether Powell was an Irish name or a, Welsh name, nor did he know if the Welsh held "wakes." He thought Mr Powell was an Irishman, and that waa why they were to have a wake. Mis Powell said the beer was hers, and she showed a receipt for it. Her husband was not a real Irishman he was a London Irishman —(laughter)—bnt they intended to have a wake over the baby.—William Fitzgerald, blacksmith, of 15, Tyndall-street, said he was lodging tem- porarily at the defendant's bouse when the police came. He did not pay Harris for beer; he bought it at the Hastings Hotel.—Thomas Adams and Mrs Adams gave evidence to the effect that they did not buy beer of Harris.— Inspector Hayward said there was a previous con- viction for shebeening.—The magistrates imposed anneofj620 and costs, with the alternative of two months' hard labour, and ordered the beer and vessels to be confiscated.

DILUTED SPIRiTS IN THE RHONDDA, Publicans Convicted. At the Pontypridd police-court on Wednesday —before Mr Ignatius Williams, stipendiary—Mrs Mary Ann Lewis, the licensee of the Cardiff Arms Hotel, Treorky, was charged with selling to Inspector Rutter one half-pint of whisky which, upon being analysed, was found to consist of 32 31 of alcohol and 67169 of water and extracted matter.—For the defence, it was stated that de- fendant was not awuro of the adulteration, which had taken place during her absence on her honey- moon. She had been in business for many years, and had never before been summoned.—Fined £2 and costs. A similar charge was preferred against Mr I Thomas Rees, the landlord of the Britannia Inn, Porth.—Mr James Phillips defended.—Superin- tendent Jones prosecuted, and deposed that on the llth of February last he purchased sixpenny- I worth of whisky from defendant's wife. When the whisky was analysed it was found to be 29% per cent. under proof.—For the defence it was alleged that a printed card was exhibited in the bar stating that all spirits sold in the bouse were diluted.—Superintendent Jones denied that this was so. —Defendant was fined £2 and costs.—Mr Phillips gave notice of appeal. Mrs Mary Ann Paltryman, of the Brithweu- nydd Inn, Dinas, was charged with selling to Superintendent Jones a sample of brandy which was found to be 55% degrees under proof, and a sample of gin found to be 55 under proof.—Mr James Phillips defended.—The Stipendiary con- victed, and inflicted a fine of £1108 and coats in each case.

M THE LADIES' FRIKND." Hundreds of ladies who have been unable to attend to their duties owing to periodical sick. nesses, have found Warner's SAFK Cure the real friend in need. Being a purely vegetable compound, and containing all the elements of safety as well as power, it has become univer- sally popular. During the winter and spring especially, it is a certain preventive against the numerous kidney and liver disorders which are I incident to these seasons. 10, P^rk road, Southboro', near Tunbridge Wells, February, 1891.—It is with much peasnre that I write to inform you of the immense good your medicine has done me, when all previous I doctoring had failed in relieving nie. It was in July last when I wrote to you, and my case was diagnosed as Female Weakness. As I stated at that time, to be freed from the sinking feeling to which I was subject would indeed be a pleasure as life was a burden to me." My strength seemed to have gone, and I suffered from flushes of heat and shortness of breath. After taking four bottles of Warner's "SAPS" Cure I am happy to say I feel quite fit tor any domestic duty, although it seemed I could not live very long unless something was done for me. The heat flushes have entirely left me, my breathing is normal, and, altogether. I have regained my former health and strength, and can con- scientiously say that I owe my present con. dition to Warner's SAFE" Cure. 1 shall certainly make known myexparienoe with your Medicine to ladies who may be suffering in a similar manner, as I consider it the Ladies' Friend. (Miss) S.E. SPKLLEB.

LBIGH, July 7th, lB88.-E;ght months RgO my dear wife was prostrated with severe pains in her back. Nothing seemed to do her any good till I bought a bottle of Warner's SAYS" Cure, i and I am very thankful to say that after taking a ftjw tetites she has entirely recovered. j v JOSH 'jtaDsim.

GLAMORGANSHIRE. In Glamorganshire the Liberal party has done admirably as the result of the elections on Tuesday, and there will be an overwhelming pieponderance of Progressives on the new Council. Probably the most remark- able feature of the elections was the double victory at Penarth, where two seats were wrested from the Conservatives. No little credit is due to Mr J. P. Jones and Mr W. B. Shepherd for their energetic attack upon what had been regarded as a stronghold of the Reactionaries. The splendid victory obtained by the Liberals will effectually shatter any remain- ing hope that Sir Morgan Morgan may enter- tain of successfully opposing Mr Arthur Williams in South Glamorgan. MrGwilym Jones, an alderman on the retiring Council, was elected with a handsome majority for the Dyffryn division and Mr Henry Anthony has been triumphantly re-elected at Caerphilly. The Labour candidate for the Cyfarthfa division of Merthyr, Mr Thos. Thomas, won an extraordinary victory, beating Mr Joseph Owen by the large majouty of 546. Pontypridd has returned two I <iberals after a stiff contest. In the Rhondda Valley considerable interest was evinced in the elections. There were contests in seven out of the eight divisions Most of the collieries suspended operations early on Tuesday afternoon, and some of the pits were practically idle all day. The shops and other business houses were open as usual. The weather was very fine, the sun shining brightly. Numerous vehicles belonging to different trades- men were to be seen all day conveying electors to their respective quarters co reoord their votes. In the afternoon the number of electors wending their way to the 15 booths throughout the division was gradually increasing, and scores of miners from different pits were to bo ob- served hastily trudging home to wash themselves before recording their votes for their favourite candidates. One strikmg feature in connection with the elections was the conspicuous absence of drunken persons about the booths and in the streets, and the quietness and tho amicable feeling prevailing among the sup- porters of the various candidates, who cordially shook hands with each other and chatted to- gether freely for some time. One of the most interesting contests was in the Cymmer Ward, where a working miner, Mr Moses Moses, was successful against Mr Idris Williams, of Brynglas. It is a noteworthy circum- stance that not a solitary Conservative was re- turned at the contested elections on Tuesday, unless we except Mr Edwin Price and Captain Lindsay. Both these gentlemen, however, dis- tinctly declared that they came forward as Inde- pendent candidates, and not on political lines. For purposes of classification Mr Price and Captain Lindsay have been included below among the Conservatives. As many as seven Labour candidates were successful at the elections, all of them connected with tho coal-mming industry, viz., Mr David Morgan, miners' agent, for the Gadlys Division of Aberdare Mr Isaac Evans, miners' agent, for the Resolven Division Mr T. D. Isaac, miners' representa- tive on the Sliding-scale, for Treovky Mr John Thomas, miners' agent, for Garw Valley Mr Moses Moses, miner, for the Cymmer Division Mr Thomas Thomas, for Cyfarthfa and Mr Morgan Williams, checkweigher, for Porth and Penygraig. The balance of parties on the new Council, not including the aldermen, will be:— Liberals 40 Conservatives. 12 Unionists. 5 66 1

MONMOUTHSHIRE. Tho elections for the Monmouthshire County Council took place on Monday. There are 48 divisions entitled to return one member each, there were contests in only 10 of these. Several distinctively Labour mt-mbers have been elected, including Mx Thomas Richards, ths well-known miners' agent, Mr David Aggex, and Air Henry Boweu. As a result of the election the balancc f rsarties is Lioerals 31 Conservatives — 9 Independents 7 Unionist 1 Total 48

CARMARTHENSHIRE. Thoci is no county in Wales more Democratic and more truly Liberal in all its sympathies than Carmarthenshire. Once again has it demon- strated its fidelity to the cause of progress. There will be a splendid Liberal majority. A few of the contests present features calling (or special mention. At Llandilo Mr Gwyuae Hughes, tho popular squire of Tregib, has once again won a victory for Liberalism in spite of all the advwa influences with whioh he had to contend. Mr Thomas Jenkins, the universally respected Mayor of the borough, achieved a notable triumph in Carmarthen, polling more than twice the number of votes secured by his opponent. Another robust Progressive, Mr John Thomas, in the same, town. defeated Mr Henry Nor- ton, a gentlemoh whose Liberalism "has been decaying for years. At IVrobroy Mr John Owen ran the retiring candidate, Mr W. J. Buckley, very closely, in spite of the influence and undeniable popularity of the gonial M.F.H. Mr Buckley's political faith is somewhat nebu- lous in character, but he is at least not a Reac- tionary. Mr Daniel Stephens, one of the most capable members of the old Council, has been triumphantly returned at Kidwelly. Llanelly has provided a surprise 111 the defeat of Mr Gwilyiri Evans, vice-chairman of the old Council, and one of its most indefatigable workers, especially in connection with educttional work. His opponent was Mr W. J. Wilson, agent to Sir Arthur Stepuey, Bart., M.P., who came for- ward as an Independent Liberal. Mr Henry Wilkins, a prominent and highly-esteemed men L ber of the Liberal party at Llanelly, has been beaten by Mr Ernest Trubshaw, a Conservative, who has an excellent record in local administra- tive work. Mr John Bourne and Mr Isaiah Bevan were triumphantly returned in the other divisions. Mr Bevan is a new recruit to the Council, and will be a valuable accession to the Liberal ranks. The Progressive party in the Carmarthenshire Council has an enormous pre- ponderance, and stands m this respect at the top of the list of the South Wales counties. The balance of parties is Liberate 43 Conservatives .i 6 Unionists 2 Total 51

PEMBROKESHIRE. In several divisions in Pembrokeshire the pro-, cass of counting the votes did not take place until Wednesday. It will be noticed that Haverford- west has returned two Conservatives, a result hardly to have been expected. It is not at all creditable to the electors to have rejected Mr Joseph Thomas, whose public services and high character should certainly have saved him from defeat. The Rev J. Jenkins made a gallant fight in tho Prendcrgast division, and was only beaten by seven votla. On the new County Council the Liberals will have a good working majority, the balance of part'es being (of course excluding the aldermen): Jul berals 20 Conservatives 18 Unionist 1 Total 48

CARDIGANSHIRE. True to her tradition, Cardiganshire has re- turned an overwhelming majority of Liberals to the new County Council. Taking the contested and uncontested elections together, there are 3ix Liberal gains, three Conservative guine, and two Unionist gains, or a net gain to theLiberal party of one seat. Not the least notable of the contests was tbat in the Cwmrheidol division, where Mr inichola-i Bray, the well-known mining captain, with all the prestige that comes from fonner membership of the Co-moil to assist him, was defeated by Mr Isaac .Tones, a local shoemaker. The relative strength of the parties in the new Council (apart of course from the aldermen) will be as under :— JUberais 58 Conservatives. 8 Unionists 2 48

BRECKNOCK. I The returns of the tactions for the County Council for Brecknockshire are now complete. The balance of parties on the new Council will be as under:— Liberals 21 Conservatives 21 Unionist 1 Independents.1.— 2 Total 45

RADNORSHIRE. The return of the elections for the County Council of Radnor are now complete. Of the fourteen gentlf)tnbn elected unopposed, seven are Liberals and six Tories, and one (Mr George Matthews, Beguildy) Liberal Unionist. Of the three contested seats the Liberals wou three, and two of thpse gains from the Tories, viz., Di*eoed and Llanyre. The other, Rhyader, was retained by an increased majority. 'The Tories have won seats at Clyro, Llandrindod, and Painse&3t-e» an<^ retained them in Bleddfa, Glasbury. Llandegley, and St. Harmon. The net result is Conservatives IS Liberals 'J* 10 Liberal Unioniat^"]^^—1 24 Comparative Statement for South Wales. Comparative table showing the balance of parties on the Counts Councils for South Wales as ulie resmt ot the elections Jus c ÛL Glamorganshire 49 5 Carmarthenshire. AX „ **• „ Monmouthshire 31 q | s = i 1 iKSsrr: fo if = j Totals 221 d

THE SHIPPING TRADE. Coast Communication and Life-saving Apparatus, The, tMrty.second aunual meeting of the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom washeldonTuesdayat the White- hall looms, Hotel Metropole, Col. Hill, M.P., presiding. There was & large atteudanco of dele- gates. Among those present were Lord Tredegar, Mr Jacoby, M.P., Mr Esslemont, M.P., Mr John Lcng, M.P., Mr Howard Vincent, M.P., Mr Godson, M.P., and Sir Stafford Northcote, M.P. The CHAIRMAN, in his opening address, during which he mov.d the adoption of thf report, feelingly alluded at the outset to the deaths of the Duke of Clarenco and Avondale and of Mr W. H. Smith. lie also referred to the successful autumnal meeting in Dublin la.cot year, and expressed the hope that that visit would not be without advantage to Irish trade and commerce. Turning to the position of trade, he said the total value of out- imports and exports for 1891 had decreased from the preceding year by 4% millions, or not quite per cent., leaving. however, an enormous trade of nearly 745 millions sterling, of which the country might well be proud. An examination ot tho details of the Board of Trade returns, however, are not quite so satisfactory, as a very considerable decrease had takwi place in almost every item of our exports, the deficiency being chiefly balanced by a very large increase in the importation of food. It was not easy to de- termine how far this decrease might be attributed to hostile tariffs, or to an overstocking of the market. Tiv-re could, however, be no duubt that the political and commercial complications amongst the South American countries Wtro very largely to blame, inasmuch as the United States tariff waa the only one which had come into operation, and that from July only. He thought they must conclude that the present capacity of the world's markets to receive had been reached, as indeed must naturally be the case sooner or later. Evidently competition was becoming more keen, but on tha other band the world's rade was continually expanding, and the pros- pects of peace, which was the great factor in such expansion, appeared to be satisfactory. Whether we held our own in the markets of the world depended to a very h.rge extent upon tho entcrpriscofourcapitali-ts in seeking newmarkets, and the unhampered and exerted skill and energy of our workpeople. The maintenance of amicable relations between capital and labour was a matter of ths greatest importance to our commercial future, and it might. be hoped that the thorough investigation by the Labour Commission would tend to this desirable end. Both sides must see that if we failed to be able to dispose of our surplus products in the world's markets our position would become very serious, cspc-cially as regards our working population. If the demands of working were pushed beyond' legitimate bounds so as to impair the effective superiority of British labour, tho result must be fatal to the prosperity of working men, and disastrous to the nation It was a gratifying sign that this position was seen and appreciated by many of the best friends of labour, and especially by the workers in the great textile and other industries in the North. The situation demanded the exercise of wise thouglitfulness and sympathetic forbearance on both sides. (Hear, hear.) With regard to ship- ping during 1891, there had been a gross addition to the steam tonnage ou tho register of the United Kingdom of over 800,000 tons, and of sailing tonnage close upon 200,000 tons, or nearly 1.000,000 tons in all. These vessels, with the exception of some 5 per cent., were all built in the. United Kingdom. The vessels on the register of thb United Kingdom on the olst December, 1891. reached the prodigious total of 21,573 vessels, teprGsenting a tonnage of over 11% million tons, considerably more than the whole of the other nations of the world combined. Two year ago, he ventured to sound a note of warn- ing to the effect that it was possible to create more tonnage than the requirements of commerce could employ, and ho now greatly feared we had entered upon a period of leanness. He was afraid that those who had embarked their capital in sbipping-would have to yield to the inexorable laws of supply and demand, and wait for profit with such patience as they might until an adjustment had taken place. Having alluded to Imperial Federation, Postal Reforms. Railway Hates, Rating of Machinery, the Decimal" system, and other sub- jects which will be discussed during the meeting, the chairman made special reference to the pro- posal to connect lighthouses with the coast by means cf telegraph or telephone. Ho said the urgent neHI of pacing life-saving appliances around our coasts withiu reach ofthe earliest news of disaster, and correct information as to the nature of the assistance wanted, and cf the exact locality whore it was required, Lad been fully demonstrated. It had been shown that for want of these maans of communication many valuable lives had bsen sacrificed and much property lost. Such com- munication rdong the coast existed in other countries, and surely this great and wealthy maritime country should not be behindhand in such a matter. In conclusion, he said he was far from thinking that the Association occupied the position to which it might well aspire. He considered that every Chamber of Commerce should be made the mouthpiece of rhe commercial views of its district, and the Association should be supplied with funds sufliaient to provide for suitable headquarters, and payment of its staff in accordance with the work they might do and the enormous interests which were represented. enormous interests which were represented. (Hear, hear.) Sir ALBERT ROLMT, M.P., seconded the motion. He expressed the opinion that no countiy ever gained anything by closing its doors against commerce. With regard to the lighthouse com- munication, he said no Ministry would ever be popular, or would earn the confidence of the country who were not prepared to make the safety of life the first consideration, and pecuniary matters a subordinate one. (Hear, hear.) The motion was carried, and the meeting pro- ceeded to discuss the questions on the agenda. Sir Alber Rollit, M.P., was elected president of the Association, and, on the invitation of Lord Tredegar, it was decided to hold the autumnal meating at Newport. Communication with Lighthouses. At the adjourned meeting on Wednesday, Mr MOXET (Cardiff) moved— That, in the opinion of this Association, it is needful for the safety of life that the lighthouses, lightships, and cnastgmml stations should be in telegraphic com- munication with each othar and th general tele- graphic system of the country where practicable. He said if the Government could find a very large sum of money for free education and for the survey of a railway 111 East Africa, a matterwhich affected the interests of tho United Kingdom ought not to be left undone because it would cost money. It was scandal for a great country like England to be behind Denmark and Francej and he hoped Sir Michael Hicks-Beach had come to tell them that the Government were going to cake the matter up in earnest. Mr Pih (Dublin) seconded the motion. He said one of the objections raisei to the proposal was that if these lighthouses wereutllised in time of war for giving eafly information' of the approach of an enemy's fleet they would be blown to pieces at once. He thought they might take that risk, because it could easily happen that such early information from Eddystonc, for instance, might be the salvation of Devonport and Ports- mouth, and it would be worth while probably to have one or two lighthouses blown to pieces fpr the sake of the initial service rendered by them. Mr BAIL* (Plymouth) said thousands of lives had been lost 011 our shores, and exactly a year ago 25 men were drowned within Í" mile of the Eddystone Lighthouse who might have been saved if such communication existed. Mr WIGHAM (Dublin) and Captain POMEROY (dockmaster, Cardiff) supported the motion. Sir MICHAEL HICICS-BBAOH, who was received with loud cheers, said he was anxiouato be present becauss he was deeply interested in the question, and so far as I10 was personally concerned he was at one with the principle they held. (Cheers.) He would remind them that last year when they passed a similar resolution he addressed a few words to the Chambers upou the subject. He then undertook that tho point of the question with which his department was con. cerned should be dealt with if they would nipply him with certain information. That in- formation was supplied, and he should certainly have been prepared to act upon it, but he could only act as the administrator of the fund raised lipon light dues on shipping, and he therefore thought it only right to place himself in com- munication with the Chambers of Shipping as representing those by whom the money was paid. Not unnaturally the Chambers of Shipping de- murred to such expenditure being placed entirely upon their shoulders. They held that it was a matter of national interest— (hear, hear)—and that therefore the nation ought to pay for it. (Hear, hear.) If he had bden able to proceed further he thought the might by this time have seen some communications established that did not exist to day. However, nothing had been lost, because in the meantime the attention of the public had been called to the question, and, as had been said, there was a wave of public feeling which would no doubt carry it to the conclusion they desired. (Hear, hear.) The difficulties of the subject could not be ignored, but he understood that it was generally felt that a commencement should be made with coastguard stations, and that an inquiry was necessary into how far thiscommuni- cation cciuld be established with our rock light- nouses, lighships, and places of that kind; That was a suggestion which, speaking for himself alone—for he was not authorised to make any statement further than he had already made on behalf of the Government—seemed to him to be a reasonable one. He favoured the suggestion that a Royal Commission should be appointed rather than a. Select Committee. It must be satisfactory to them to know that within a few days Sir Edward B irk beck would bring this question before the House of Commons. Upon that the Government would, of course, be pre- pared to state their views, and the House of I Commons, as representing the taxpayers of the I country, would be able to express a definite opinion as to whether this expenditure should be incurred, and to assure the Government of its support. (Hear, hear.) If, after these connec- tions were made, lighthouses were utilised for commercial purposes, shipowners who had their wsseja signalled as they were now signalled by XAoyd s ought to pay for the work. (Heur, haar.) regard should be paid to the possibilities of accommodation for the men to do the work. He ouiy mentioned these matters as they would have to be included m any mqu:ry. He trusted that before long tnoy might see something practical aone in the matter. (Cheers.) THPUBAUAIRMAN.,n Emitted that a sympathetic reo p y had been received from Lord Salisbury on the subject He (the Chairman) was sure that ship, oymnrs would be willing to pav for any informa- tion upon such a scale as might be fixed by the co"Mj'ng department. (Hear, hear.) Sift iuwJkW BiBivEECK, M.P., Kttd every member of Parliament to whom he had spoken, with only one exception, was in favour of the proposal. (Cheers.) The motion was then carried. and a vote of I thanks was accorded to Sir Michael for his attendance. Other subjects were discussed and the business of the gathering was concluded, a banquet being held in the evening.

Mr Fuller ton, one of the late Mr Spurgeon'a most devoted friends, has called attention to the fact that on the night when thereat preacher died a new star was discovered in the Milky Way. It is a curious circumstance, but we should hope (saya the London Echo) that Mr SpurgfOH'S admirers will not make too much of the coincidence. It was only in Pagaa tijoes at the iUQd9 Q Vsoawe SSjm*

NEWPORT TOWN COUNCIL. At the monthly meetmgof the Newport bounty Borough Council, held on Tuesday, the Mayor (Alderman Davis) presiding, Mr H. J. PamaH. chairman of the Finance Committee, initiated & long discussion by submitting for adoption a draft provisional agreement with rcferenco to the. financial adjustment which had been drawn up between thecounty of Monmouth and the Newport eounty borough. He pointed out that in arriving at any decision the committee were guided by the fundamental principle that in any adjustment neither aide snould be prejudiced. The true basis was that of rateable value, and this basis gave a2 per cent, to Newport and 78 to the oounty. It had arranged to capitalise the pecuniary responsibility of the county borough for the repair of bnages and main roads, because owing to the superior financial position ot New- port it would be cheaper to pay off the sum in 25 or 30 years than to conmitie the annual payment. This would be a gift to posterity, and would cost £2.354 per annum for the period of repayment. The cost of Newport's proportion for the maintenance of the Union Workhouse and its officials was assessed at £1,208; but these hvlol sums, representing £3,562, we e smaller than th, immunity from the county rate taxation which was £3,640 per annum. Then there was a considerable Government grant, which would place the borougu in a good position.—Mr Sanders seconded the motion, and Mr Mordey askfcd ? question as to Newport's share of representation on the Joint Asylum Committee.—The Town Clerk explained that the other parties to the joint committee (Ruclnor and Brecon) have to be consulted. In reply to Mr Brown, the Town Clerk added that N t'wpùrt would share in the raised by county rate to hand over to Newport, in regard to Newport Bridge. The agreement to transfer the liability for the bridge had never been carried out, as the Local Government Bo/ird declared there WIH 110 way by which the county authorities could terminate its responsibility.—Alderman Moses said the draft agreement was a pretty big camel to be asked to swa.low. That Council had strained at many a fnat and swallowed many a camel, said Ir Moses, but, although he did not say this" camel" was beyond their capa- hility (laughter) he should like a little more time in which to swallow and digest it (Renewed laughter.) He objected to the phrase advantageous to Newport used during the dis- cussion, as he was afraid it might prove a stumbling block in the settlement when the question came before the Monmouthshire Council.—Mr Lloyd was disposed to think the agreement as a very fair and equitable adjust- ment between the parties and after other councillors had added their mite of elequence to the matter, the draft agreement was agreed to, Mr Canning aione dissenting. The draft agree- ment waa comprehended in six sheets of printed foolscap. THE VACANT COBONEBSHIP. Mr Roger Evans asked for information as to the coroners!)ip for the Newport district. Ho understood that the term of office of Mr Martin Edwards was rapidly expiring, and, therefore, the time during which his deputy could legally act. Unless steps were taken to nil up the position, the district might find itself without a Coroner-a possibility which sent a shudder through the assembly.— Thrf lown Clerk reassured the Council on the point. Newport had expressed a wish to appoint a Coronet' of its own, and the Monmouthshire County Council had declared itself as being favour- ably inclined. Mr M. Edwards's leave of absence expired at the tmd of this month, but he would remain in office until displaced by the Lord Chancellor. His deputy consequently remained ill office also, but the Town Clerk understood that steps would shortly be taken in the matter of tba appointment—Mr Evans asked whether the rumour that Mr Edwards had seat in hIs resigna- tion was correct.—The Mayor replied that no such information had been received. JXISCEIiLASfEOCS. The application by tha Borough Treasurer for an increase of salary was referred to a committer of the whole council?— Mr Mordey, noticing the empty chairs, accused councillors and aldermen of wilfully shirking their duty in regard to the question.—On the motion of Mr W. H. Brown it was agreed to direct the overseers to make out the lists of electors and bursressas according tc streets, instead of alphabetically, as heretofore, fhe final report of the Joint' Committee on Trade was again deferred by Mr Mordey, on account of the hands of the chamber clock pointing to past the dinner hour.—The Head Constable directed to sternly repress coursing, which it appeared had been carried forward on the Marshes, which have been dedicated to the pur- poses of a public pleasure resort. A NEW MEMBER. Mr Clifford Phillips, the newly elected for tb. East Ward, m tho room of Mr E. GriSths, created alderman, made his first appearance during the meeting. Mr Clifford Phillips, whose facaand form are familiar to athletic aud football crowds, took his seat at the lirsfc chair above the gangway and looked younger than he really is by contrast with tho greyheads and veterans who surrounded him --The Town Clerk reported the result of the election, and Mr Phillips was promptly placed on throe committees- Sanitary. Baths, aad Allot- monts Committees on which he hag now full scope for the next seven mouths to .l"r :ç

LLANELLY HARBOUR">.¡i.. COMMISSION, The monthly meeting of the Llanelly Harbour Commission was held on Tuesday, Mr Joseph Maybery presiding.—The Harbour Master re- parted that the wools of the woodwork of thft main structure of the harbour lighthouse was in bad condition. The pillars at the base, whieh ware in good condition, wore renewed about 2C years ago, when the lighthouse was connected to the breakwater by the wooden structure. It was first erected in 1§50, and, considering its structure, it had stood well,—The question was referred to committee.—The Collector (Mr T. H. Rogers) reported that 60 vessels paid dues during the last month, the imports being 4,286 tons of iron and tee! bats, copper and lead ore, and 166 tons of barley; and the exports, 8,624 tons of coal and 182 tons of copperas. The imports exceeded those of the previous month by 1,708 tons, and the exports also showed an m- crease of 625 tons but compared with the cor. responding month of the previous year there was a decrease in the imports of 4,137 tons, and in the exports of 4,061 tons. Ten vessels paid dues at Burrv Port, thecoai shipped being 3,891 tons. The deliveries at the various docks were as follows :—Carmarthenshire Dock-Imnort9, 160 tons exports, 3.964 tone. Copper Works Dock—Imports, 2,064 tons; exports, 4.473 tons. Llanelly (G W.R.) Dock- Import. 2,198 tons; exports, 369 tons. The shipment of tin-plates during thf quarter ending 31st December last was 12,496 tons. compared with 8,574 tons in the previous quarter, whilst there was an increase of 225 tons compared witb the corresponding quarter of the previous year. .41.

THE WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. A Branch Formed at Merthyr. A public meeting was held in the Temperence Hall, Merthyr, on Tuesday night, to inaugurate the Merthyr Branch of the Womep's liberal Association. Mrs I). A. Thomas presided* and there weie present also Mre Morgap Brojvne, London, Mrs Brignall, Brighton, Mrs Paniel, Mrs Williams, Miss Jaine* (Gwaelodygarfch), Alderman Thos. Williams, Mr Rhys Davie.—Mrs D. A. Thomas said she thought they would easily recognise how desire, able and good a thing it was that women should take an interest in politics, and what a wide field lay before them for it. She had to ask them to excuse Mr Thomas, her husband, who regretted that his Parliamentary duties had kept him in London Mrs Morgan Browne, London, next gave a stir- ring address, and emphasised tiw claim of women to political enfranchisement. — Mrs Brignall, Brighton, epoke strpngly in favour of the Women's Liberal Associa- tion, and touched particularly upon the question of Disestablishment a.nd Dise&dowmept. —A resolution was then passed heartily, approv- in, of a. Women's Association bring formed for Merthyr.—Afiss Lloyd (Aberdare) proposed,' and Mrs Richards seconded, a vote of thanks to the lady speakers, and a vote of thanks to Mrs Thomas for presiding brought the proceedings to tt close,

THE LORD MAYOR AND THE CARDIFF CORPORATION. During the recent visit to London of the Mayor (Mr Alderman Thomas Rees), Alderman Jacobs, J.P.. Councillor Trounce, the Town Clerk (Mi J. L, Wheatley), and the Borough Engineer (Mr W. Harping they were most cordially invited by the Right .Honourable the Lord; of London (Mr Aldwrman Evaijs) to lunch with him and the Lady Mayoress, en farnille, at the Mansion House, wben the Lord Mayor, the Mayor, and Mr Alderman Jacobs held a very interesting conversation regarding old Cardiff a* they each remembered it. subsequently his Lordship conducted them to the Egyptian-hall, and they were shown many historical ana interesting objects, inciud'ng the insignia of office of the Lord Mayor. Before departing his Lordship presented to each gentlema.n a sou/enir pf their visit. Alderman Carey and Councillor Herbert Cory were also included in the invitation, but were unable to be present. 1 ■■ t

MR BOTTOMLEY'S APPEAL. In the Queen's Bench Division in Bankruptcy, on Tuesday, Justice Vaughan Williams deli- vered judgment in Mr Horatio Bottomley's appeal from the admission against his estate of the proof of tha liquidators of the Anglo Austrian Union for the sum of £88,500, the ground cf such proof being mainly the failure of consideration. There was no allegation in the proof of fraud and misrepresentation. His Lord- ship, having" referred to the Union's negotiation for purchasing Vienna businesses to? :13600,000, found that the sum of £75,000 was paid to the vendor to obtain thf- necessary extension of time to keep options open. The company was aware that this was 1;0. He found tha' Mr Bottomley did apply the £ 75,0GG in accordance with ths resolution pu.«se<5 at the meeting of the company. The sum was not paid for the actual property, and proof in respect of it must fail. There might be proof fo) damages for a liquidated sum upon which a vot< could be given at the first meeting. The othei items of the proof also failed, the aupsai would b# allowed with casta.

V DUNVILLS'S OLDLARSA WHISKY £ world. Supplied incaskfand for homo use and

THE BARRY-WALKER ARBITRA- TION. Mr T. A. Walker's Claim Decided. It will be within public remembrance that tho executors of the estate of the late Mr T. Walker, the contractor for the Barry Dock and Railways, made a claim upoa the com- pany for in respect of, as they alleged, extra work done by the contractor to the order of the company, particularly in regard to the extension of the dock beyond its originally intended size. The company repudiated liability in regard to the* greater proportion of the £204,000, although admitting their liability in respect of about £30,000 retention money—that is, money which was a percentage of the contract price retained in accordance with the terms of their agreement with Mr Walker; and they also admitted liability in respect of certain extras, the actual amount of which they were willing to leave for settlement to a qualified umpire Mr Walker's executors, however, persisted in their claim for the £ 204,000, and consequently the matter went to arbitration, the referee bemg, as provided in the contract, Mr Wolfe Barry, the engineer. Before evidence WHS tendered the company, it is understood, offered £50,000 In settlement; but the executors would not agree to settle for any sum less than £ 70.000, and this amount the company refused to pay. The arbitration proceedings have been of a protracted character, it being necessary to go in detail into a very large number or items upon which the claim for so large a sum as £ 204.000 had been based. The taking of evidence closed about three weeks ago, and the arbitrator having taken time to consider his decision communicated it on Monday to the parties interested. Bat for some reason it is being kept private, and we are not able to give the precise amount of the award. We ltarn, however, that it is about £53,000, a little more than the sum which the company offered in settlement. More than half the sum, namely £30,000, is, of course, the retention money pre- viously referred to, and the remainder is in respect of the extra work for which the company admitted liability in the first instance. It may be worth mentioning that the amount of this award will be charged to capital, and will not 10 tiny way affect the revenue of the company, it being outlay in respect of the construction of the dock. The award of the arbitrator is, by the terms of tho contract, final.

SINKING OF THE GLAMORGAN. Judgment Affirmed. The Glamorganshire Steamship Company, Limited v. the Owners of the P. Caland.—On Monday the Court of Appeal, consisting of the Master of the Rolls and Lords Justices iVy and Lopes, had before them the appeal of the de- fondants from the judgment of Mr Justice J'eune in an action arising out of a collision which took place between the steamship Glamorgan, of Cardiff, and the s.s. P. Caland, belonging to the Netherland American Steam Navigation Company, in the Straits of Dover shortly before 10 o'clock on the night of the 15th April, 1891. The Glamorgan at the time was on a voyage from Antwerp to Cardiff, in water ballast, when the P. Caland, from New York to Amsterdam, with the Dutch mails Oil board, and a general cargo, 14 passengers, and a crew of 49 hands, ran into the Glamorgan, causing "her t'< F;rtk. Mr Justice .Jeune. who tried the action in tiit- court below with Trinity Masters (Captain Ladds and Capt. G. Vyvyan), held that the collision was caused by the default of the master and crew of the P. Caland, and he dismissed the counter-claim of the defendants. From this judgment the owners of the P. Caland now appealed. Mr J. G. Barnes, Q.C., Dr Raikes, and Mr A. Pritchard appeared for the appellants; and Sir W. Phillimore, Q.C., and Mr H. C. Holman for the respondents. The Master of the Rolls, without .calling upon counsel for the respondents, said the P. Caland had hoisted the wrong signals, and that led to the collision. Therefore, the judgment of Mr Justice Jeune must be affirmed, with costs,—Lords Justices Fry and Lopes concurred. myt anf-m yuia —

NEWPORT HARBOUR COMMIS- SIONERS. At the monthly meeting of the above Com- missioner, held on Wednesday at the offices, the Mayor (Alderman Davis) presiding, a vote of condolence was proposed from the chair with the widow and family of the laio Mr J. S. Adam, secretary to the Alexandra Duck CorxpMiy, and one of the members of the Commission,—:TDQ motion was seconded by Mv Moses, rthe deputy, chairman, and carried with assenting mnrumrs of regret.—The revenue for the past month showed a decrease in all the items with tha exception of that for hospital dues, and regrM expressed at this, and a determination was expressed to exercise greater economy in order to meet the falling-off. The Harbour Master reported that the stsarn launch was unsafe owing to the condition of the outer shell, and recommended that the craft be sold.— Mr Vaughan,MrMordey, and the Deputy- Chairman said the launch had always been regarded as a fad, a white elephant, and the Commissioners'"folly," and it was pointed out that if the harbour master wanted a boat at any time he could always eet one with ease and despatch.—The recommendation was adopted.— The Harbour Master also reported that on the 23.d P.S. William?;, of tho Harbour Police, found a contractor to the Local Board at Ebbw Vale tipping refuse into the Ebbw, and that a summons against the contractor had been taken out, and would be heard before the Ebbw Vale magistrates on the 17th inst,—Mv Vaughan asked what it was projiossd to do in tha future with respect to the msppofcion of outride districts which the Corporation of Newport did not take over.— The Mayer said that the Harbour Master and his assistants would still be employed to do the work. Their time was not expected to be fully employed otherwise.—Mr Lawrence complained of "the scandalous pollution of th Afon Llwydd and Mr Jacob said the County Council had received a report showing-that not only the Afon Llwydd but also fcfee Ebbw were not less than sewers, owing to the complete absence of sanitary arrangements.—The report was afterwards adopted. Mr Wheeler brought forward the motion, of which he bad given nptice, to give the harbour watchmen to terminate their engagement with the Commissioners on the 30th June, and that they be granted leave of absence from duties from the 31st March—a plan of giving the men a bonus of three mouthsl Wages which the Commission adopted, after altering the date, to the 30th April, in order to give the Head Constable time to en- gage policemen to undertake tho extra duty of watching the wharves and river. The Clerk read a letter from the Board of Trade that under the revised railway rates theithort distance charge between Maeeglas Junction end the Alexandra Docks would be increased from the coal ship- Wrs and freighters should press the Great estern Railway for a through rate from the colliery to the dock side and Mr Jacob pointed out that Newport traders were at present so handicapped that they could not afford even the additional '20d understood in the charge.—Mr i Mordey said the Joint Committee on Trade pro- vided a mode of dealing with the exaction,—No action was taken, as the matter was one outside the province of the Board. ¡¡; ,i:I.

WILL OF A LLANELLY MANU- FACTURER. The value has been sworn at £2.70,970 12s of the personal estate of Mr*Alexander Druce late of Dulwich-common, and of the firm of Nevill, Druce, and Co.. cf Llanelly, Caiijiarthenshire, and 74, King William-street, City, copper smelter, a director uf the Royal Exchange Assur- ance Corporation, who died on February 3rd, aged eighty-nine years. His will bears date September 3th, 1891, and the executors are his nephews, Henry Druc, of 74, King William street, copper smelter, and Alexander Dova* Druce, of 10. Billiter-square, solicitor, to whom the testator bequeaths £100 for distribution amongst the Dulwich charities, to which he was a subscriber, and £100. each for the British Orphan Asylum, the Earls wood Asylum for Idiots, and the St. John's Foundation School at Leather- bead. There are numerous legacies of £30, £50, £80., and £150 each to persons in the testa- tor's service at Llanelly and in London, apd he bequeaths his shares in the Dulwich Cottage Company to his nieces, Caroline and Elinor Druce, and his shaves in the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation to his nephew Houry. To each daughter of his brother Charles (who had 21 children) Mr Druce bequeaths £7,000; to each daughter of his brother John, £12,000; to Julia and Helen Druce. daughters of his brother Wil- liam, £6,000 each to Caroline Nix, another daughter of his said brother, £ó,Ooo, and to his daughter, Janet Hayter, 8000. He bequeaths to hi., nephew, Alfred Wm. Druce, £10,000; to his nephews, Edward, Arthur John, Robert Alexander. William Charles, a.nd Decimus Nix Druce, £8,000 each; to Randall and Gerald, £6,000 each, and to Frederick Wlteralld Albert, £1.000 each. There are legacies to othfr nephews and great nephews, and Mr Druce leaves the ) residue of his property in equal shares to his nephews, Henry and Alexander Devas Druce, tbi exetfUtors of his wiU.

EXTRAORDINARY CASE Of- SUICIDE. A horrible case of suicide is reported from Mut- hill, near, Crieff, Perthshire. On Monday night a quarry contractor, named Waddell, failtd to return home from the quarry at which he was engaged, n.ar Drummond Castle, and on search bbing made his body was found in a wood close to the quarry. It is supposed that he placed a dynamite cartridge in his mouth, as his head w*a blown completely away from the trunk.

A FOOTBALL FATALITY. A verdict of Accidental death was returned on Tuesday at the inquest on Michael Yates, who died of injuries^cgiyad in £ footJia.U majfch QiII Blackburn. "T..«' =r I>

SOUTH WALES COALOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, Annual Meeting. On Tuesday, the annual meeting of the n Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff. There weie present—Messrs C. B. Holland (the retiring chairman), Archibald Hood, Edward Jones, E. P. Martin, Edward Davies, Walter Bell, R. Bedlington, D. Hannah, H. Kii-kl-ioust-, R Cory, C. Corv, T. H. Bailey, T. Wilsou, G. W. Wilkinson, T. Lewis, Evan Lewis, G. T. iurster Brown, Treharne Ke«a, William Jenkins, J awes Barrow, W. Blakemore, Thos. Evens, H. Martin, Philip Hacquoil, T. Dawson, Dr Andrew Davies, Messrs It Jordan, R Hooper, W. W. Hood, A. Keen, P. Raffarel, Christmas Evans, John Williams, L. Llewellyn, W. P. James, B. Nicholas, W. T. Re,-ii, T. Jones Price, W. D. Wight, and John Roberts W. Sinmns (solici- tor), and W. Gascoigne Dalziel (secretary). Mr Edward Davies, of the Ocean Collieries Company, was unanimously elected the chair- man of the association for the ensuing year, and Mr John Dakers, of Messrs John Lancaster and Company, the vice-chairman. The meeting considered the reports from the Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea District Boards on the revision of assurances based upon the quantities worked by the members at their respective collieries during the year 1891. The returns showed that the total quantity thus worked was 21,984.533 tons, being an increase upon the preceding year of 841,007 tons. The Mitire output of coal in the district is about 29,5 00,000 tons. There are now 72 colliery com- panies members of the Association, representing some 220 collieries. This is an increase upon last year. The following District Board officers were appointed:— Cardiff. Chairman, Mr Walter Bell: ice. chairman, Mr W. W. Hood. Newport.—Chairman, Mr J. Colquhoun; vice- chairman, MrC. B. Holland. Swansea.—Chairman, Mr J. T. Nettell; vice- chairman, Mr John Roberts. The following gentlemen, as nominated, were respectively elected to represent in the Associa- tion the undermentioned compames Messrs the Albion Collieries Company.—Mr T. E. Lewis. Messrs Powell's Tillerv Company. Mr John P. Hacquoil and Mr T. J. Dawson. Messrs the Tirpentvvys Company.—Mr B. Nicholas and Mr W. P. James. Messrs tho Monmouthshire and Cwm Colliery Company.—Mr John Staufield and Mr Richard Stanfield. Messrs the Cardiff Navigation Colliery Com- pany.Ir Thomas J. Masters. Messrs the Gelli and'Tynvbedw Company.— Mr John Cory, Mr Clifford Cfovy, and Mr W. D. Wight. Messrs the Executors of tho late G. W. Cart- wtight —Mr Thomas George Cartwright. The Marquis of Bute (the Bute Merthyr Col- liery).—Mr H. Clarke Lewis. Messrs the Lewis's Colliery Company,—Mr W. Thomas Rees. Other business was transacted, but it was not of public interest.

THE "CORRIDOR" TRAIN. A Great Western Experiment. To the two "Zulus the Dutchman," and the J ubil" trains, the Great Western has now added the" üorrldOi:" train. It is of n new type, and in all probability it is the forerunner of trams, made up of carriages combining the distinc- tive merits of the present British and American patterns, which will become established in the favour of the general travelling public of Great Britain. The Corridor "train made the first public trial trip on Monday, from Paddington to Birken- head. Travellers to the West by theordinary 1.30 ex- press from Paddington were not a little surprised to be ushered yesterday into handsome brand new carriages. The secret had been well kept., and the experiment of testing the appreciation of the public for the new form of carriage will be tried on the fairest basis for the next few months. To see the train off there were on the platform Viscount Emlyn, deputy chairman of the Great Western Railway, Air II. Lambert, the compauy's general manager; Mr T. I. Allen, the assistant general manager while Mr Burlinson, the superinten- dent Mr Morris, the assistant superintendent Mr Simpson and Mr Churchward, who, under Mr W. Dean, of the Swindon Works, has been res- ponsible for the design and construction of tho train, travelled with a party of invited guasta to Bii-niingliam, where Mr Murphy, tho divisional superintendent, received them. The train was made up of two third-class earriag'es, one first, and one second, and along one side of the train runs a narrow cor- ridor, with outer and inner doors, allowing the guard to pass from end to end, the passengers being restricted to that section which passes by the compartments of their coach. Each class coach is provided with a smoking saloon, in which tho seats are broken up, and a greater freedom allowed. the corridor in this Cuse being dispensed with. the doors of communi- cation into the saloon itself. The gang- way connections between the carriages are covered, and at each end of the carriages is placed a toilet-room, one for gentlemen and one for ladies. By building the carriages of a width of an additional* foot CompaVed with the ordinary w breadth of eight feet, greater space is gaioed, but tnis does not compensate for the necessary re- duction of seating room. Every appointment has been carefully devised, and comfort has been studied in adapting the latestst railway travelling improvements. FoiDt warmers are dispensed with, for the waste steam of the engine is utilised by being conveyed to the carriages for raising the temperature of the interior. To call the guard in case of emergency it is only necessary to press a button in each IIOm- partment, which tells its number in the brake van. The lighting by compressed oil-gaa in central lamps suspended from tha domed roof is sufficient and agreeable. The Great Western has not taken the heroic method of the South-Eastern in totally superseding the English single compartment by the American and conti- nental saloon, but has found a practicable inter- mediate carriage, whioh meets the ineradicable prejudice of the Englishman for privaoy in long- distance travelling, while it secures the advan- tage of greater comfort a::d security. The firöt journey to Birkenhead wa.s made under the charge of Jeans, a saiard who has conducted the midday express for 36 years, and is the second senior guard of the company, and Inspector Crook. The train will run to Birkenhead on alternate days from Paddington, making the return journey in tho intarvaL

PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE CO., LIMITED. The reports which were presented at the 43rd annual meeting of the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, held on the 3rd inst., unce more indicated the stupendous operations of that well-known society. One of these reports was the quinquennial report for the period ending December 31st, 1891. This "showed that during tho five years under review the assets of tha company have grown from £ 6,811.954 to £ 14,623,627, or an increase of £ 7,81L,673. The annual premium income of the ordinary and the industrial branches combined at the beginning of the quinquennium, was £ 3,472,911. and at the end it had risen to £5.386 990, being an increase of £ 1,914,079. During last year the assets increased by £ 2.043,757 over those of 1890. The premiums received during the year were £ 3,638,338 in the Industrial Branch, and £ 1,442,746 in the Ordi- nary Branch, and the claims amounted to £ 2 034,406 in the two branches. The number of deaths were 186,711, and endowments matured 978. The numherof policies in force was 9,617,484, and the profits divided by way of bonus, £ 1,624,860 It is an extraordinary fact that the whole population of Norway and Denmark and Sweden is less than the number insured in this company. Over 5,V!00 deaths occurred by acci- dent, 362 being killed in the streets. 239 lost at sea; & from playing at football, 1 killed In battle, 1 died from the bile of a lion, 319 resulted from colliery accidents, 362 wera killed on the raiiuay, and 239 were lost at sea. Locally the three per- sons drowned at Barry a few weeks ago, and three killed in the Barry timnsl a fortnight ago, were assured, and the cla-ms promptly pa d. A young man named Macdonnell, of Adams- down, was drowned two hours before the datis of his policy a few weeks ago. but the local superintendent, Mr Wyatt, submitted the case to the company, and the full claim was paid of 2100 for the shilling. Nearly 50,000 persona are assured in the Cardiff district, and during last year, 936 persons diad, to whose relati ves were paid £ 9,400, besides what was paid in the ordinary branch. All claims are paid at once in the local office at St. John's-square on production of proof of death, A new office is being built in St. Mary-street at a cast of £ 14,000. This company has lent tilf, Cardiff School Board £ 123.300 7s 2d the Cardiff Union. £ 1.407 5s 5d; the Aberdare tocal Board, £ 8,844 17s 5d the Llandaff High- way Board, £163 12s 4d; and the Merthyr Locsd Buard, £ 93318 12s 6d. r I

POST-OFFICE IMPROVEMENTS IN NEWPORT. The express delivery system for letters and that of payment of money orders by telegraph have been extended to the following places in the New- port postal district, viz., Aberoarn, Abertillery, Bassaleg, Blackwood, Blaina, Caorleon, Crumlin, Cwmbran, Ebbw Vale, Griffithstown, Machen, Pontnewydd, Pontymister, Raglan, Risca, and Usk. A new p<>st-ofEoe at which money- order and sav illgs' bank business are transacted has been opened at Argoed. A free delivery by postman has been wtat,lisbed at Ijlandavel. and Graiff Fqwr new pits in the district of Waunllwyd, to Pentwyn- mawr, Grinadu, Cwiuff ynon, Pennar Crossing, and Tv/yn College in the district of Newbridge, and to Glen view ana Pentwynbach, near Blackwood. An additional delivery fitted to the day mail despatch i,jow Nou,l)c)i,t has been established at Nantyglo and Garnvach. The telegraph system has twen extended to Cwmtillery, Magor, and Newbridge, at which offices, in addition to the transaction of ordinary telegraph business, tele- graph money orders can also be issued apd paid.