The Cardiff Times

CARDIFF NAVIGATION COLLIERY DISPUTE. Colliers Summoned for Breach of Contract. On Tuesday afternoon 31 coUiers recently em- ployed at the Cardiff Navigation Colliery, Ponty- clown. the property of Mr Thomas James Masters, Cardiff, were sued at Cowbndge County petty-sessions for damages in respect of breach of contract in the middle of October, the allegation being that they '.eft work without giving proper notice according to agreement. In 27 cases £10 were claimed from each defendant, and in seven the damages were laid at £5. The following is a list of the defendants in the former category :— Wm. Morgan, Brynsadler; Thomas Devonshire, Brynsadler; Thomas John, Llbntrisanfc; John Wareham, Brynsadler; Wm. Lewis, Pontyclown; Wm. Pooiey, Brynsadler; Richard Hames, Brynsadler; Richard Lewis, Pon ty clown John Tnomas, Poncyclown; John Williams, Ponty- clown; David Jones, Pontyclown; Thos. Lewis, Penyfai James Heappington, Cefn Cribbwr; Wm. Roberts, Coity David Davies, Penyhi; David Thomas, Coity Thomas Day. Miskin Village Thomas Rosser, Efail Isaf Thomas Varker, Brynsadler Thos. Davies, Pentyrch Wm. Blyth, Ynysddu Farm Edward Charles, L'.antwit Fardre Morgan Simon, Gwaelodvgarth W. Fowell, Gwaelody- garth Win. Talbot and Edward Taibot, Caer- philly. Those from whom live pounds each were claimed are :—Frederick Taibot and Alfred Talbot, Caerphilly Albert Callow, Llantrisant Gw:lym Williams and David Williams, Llan- tvisaut Edward Freegard, Brynsadler and Frank Bosanquet, Llantrisant.—The magistrates on the bench were Messrs J. S. Gibbon (in the chair), F. W. Dunn, T. H. Tyler, Daniel Owen, and D. H. D*vies.—Mr W. Simons, Merthyr, appeared for the plaintiff, and MrH. W. Spowart (of Messrs Morgan and Rhys, Poniypridd) for the defendants. TEST CASES. The case in which Thomas John, Llantrisant, was defendant, and another were taken as tests for the others. Mr Simons, in his opening statement, said the defendant and others left their employment without proper notice. When the colliery, which is a comparatively new one, was opened up a bit an arrangement was come to between the em- ployer and the workmen, the latter being repre- sented by Mr Morgan Weeks, miners' agent for the district, under which all disputes were ended and the workmen should resume work. By that time Mr Masters had become a. member of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Colliery Owners' Association, a body which had been of incal- culable benefit to the workmen and the development of the coal industry by introducing the Sliding-scale. An arrangement was made on Juns 23th, 1392, that the whole of the workmen at the colliery should work there under the terms of the Sliding-scale agreement, which fixed the rate of wages for certain work, and provided that the agreement should be final for the settlement of all disputes, &c. Then there was in the contract book clause 23, which was as follows :—" It is hereby agreed that all notices to terminate contracts on the part of the employers as well as employed shall be given only on the first lay of any calendar month, a.nd to terminata on the last day of the same month." That pro- vision was as simple as it could possible be, and hid been signed by defendant, who had worked under it, yet, in defiance of everything, defendant had given only 14 days' notice. The loss to Mr Masters owing to the stoppage of the colliery was very great. Mr Blakemore, consulting engineer, said he came to an arrangement with Mr Weeks on 23ch June, 1892, that ail the men were to work at the colliery under the agreement of the Sliding-scale. Cross-? xamitied: He did not know the exact date when the proprietor joined the Association. He was the colliery's representative in settling the dispute, which began in April, 1892, and Mr Masters' name was enrolled in the Association at that time. He would not swear that the pro- prietor was in the Association in 1891. The agreement had reference to colliers. There were two agreements, and the disputes, one of which referred to day workmen, were settled at different times. Re-sxamined After that arrangement the men went to work on the Sliding-scale agreement until they came out. Mr Jonah Jones, resident manager, also gave evidence as to the signing of the contracts between the representatives of the colliery and that of the men. Defendant gave in notice on Oct. 17th that he would leave his employment 14. days after, but witness refused to accept it. Mr James W. Davison, manager. Park Slip Colliery, said the men in that pit did tramming at the rate of Id per ton for 30yards. The Cribbwr seam was also worked there. Mr J. T. Saunders, secretary to Mr Masters, said the lois to his employer by the men leaving was at the rate of 14s 6d per man per day. The whole staff and plant of the colliery were thrown idle, My John Frederick, manager at the colliery tiil^beptember, 1892, stataa that 14- days' notice had not been received or accepted between June and September. This closed the case, and Mr Spowart asked that a case of a day man working in the Cribbwr seam be taken next, as those men complained that tramming prevoafied them to a considerable extent from gefcing coal. This was agreed to, nd the summonses against Wm, Pooley was called. The evidence for the plaintiff was similar to that in the other ease, and showed that defendant left work on October 12th, and that Mr J. Jones, the manager, refused to accept the notice. Mr Spowart, in opening hia defence, argued that the clause in the agreement which stated til at the :1greell42ilt should be a final settlement of all disputes, and that all workmen employed in and about the colliery did not in any way relate to the collier, for ais dispute had been settled 18 days previously, aid this dispute related only to day men. Clause 9A of the Sliding-scale Agree- ment said th it the customs, provisions, &c., f existing in 1879 at the Associated Collieries would v not be mterrei«d with except by mutual agree- ment. When this particular colliery started, the custom there 14 days' notice, and there had been no mutnal agreement to alter it. The men I might come ancler the Sliding-scala ageeement, but not with regard to the clause which required month's notice to be given on the first of a mouth, because there had existed fat the colliery a, custom, which had been recognised over and over again, to give 14 days' notice. In- stead of the men having broken their contracts, 'the employer had broken the Sliding-scale agree- ment, and the colliers were perfectly justified in leaVIng as they did. He maintained that they were justified in not working on the 12th, loth, v^d oecause the tramming, which had been hitherto done by labourers, was thrust upon them, and the agreement was broken in that respect. William Pooley, the defendant, in his evidence, said the trouble was caused by their being put ou to do tramming. When the pony got disabled three labourers were put on to it for a short time, then Mr Jones, manager, told the colliers that thoy must sho e the trams themselves or do with- then Mr Jones, manager, told the colliers that thoy must sho e the trams themselves or do with- out them. They could not work at the seam and go tramming too. They had never been asked to do that sort of work before, and he had been in the colliery from the start of and he had been in the colliery from the start of ,it. When Mr Roderick was manager 14 days, I notice had been given. The horse was away for three days, and as the manager declined to let the ¡ three labourers do the tramming, the colliers ceased work for that time. Wm. Lewis and Albert Callow gave corrobora- tive evidenoe. It was agreed between the parties that those two cases should govern the others. The Magistrates held that the defendants were bound oy the contract to give a month's notice on 1 the first of a uionta, and, in violation of that con- tract, they had absented themselves from their I wars. The order of the Court was that those from whom were claimed should pay £2 damages each and costs, and those from whom £5 were claimed £1 each and costs. Mr Spowart asked the magistrates to state a JS8? in8 that the agreement of June 28tn, 18S2, could not refer to colliers, and that the custom at this colliery or giving 14 days' notice had not, in point of law, been terminated that t clause 23 of the Sliding-scale did not abrogate clause 9A of the same agreement and that there still existed the old custom of giving 14 days' notice. The application was refused.

ELECTRICAL LIGHTING IN TRAINS. An A berdare Man's Patent. The invention by Mr D. Williams, Whit eombe-street, Aberdare, and formerly of Merthyr for the lighting of trains by electricity has now been provisionally patented. The inventor claims that great efficiency be obtained, and I that the cost of lighting will oe greatly minimised ¡ as the motive power will be furnished from the I revolving axles of the carriage wheels (batteries being fixed in each carriage). When the train stops, is appears the ligJt will go out. The inventor is iu communication with several railway [ companies with respect to the adoption of the ;patent. The Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway I Company regard it with favour, it is said, and the ¡ Taff Vale Railway Company are prepared to consider the matter, but have already pledged themselves to a system of lighting their trains by gas, and their gasworks are approaching com- Sletton. The inventor hopes ultimately to give 19 attention to the lighting by electric-icy of the Merthyr and Aberdare districts generally. He proposes to utilise old water-whee! at Llwyd- | coed, near Aberdare, and to produce liarht for a I nidius of 10 milfs.

ANOTHER SUICIDE FROM CLIFTON BRIDGE. On Saturday afternoon a well-dressed young tpomnn, apparently about 24- years of age, was walking along Durdham Down, Clifton, in the ceighbourhood of the Suspension Bridge, when I ) she clambered over an iron feuce and leapt into | the gorge of Avon. She fell 300 feet into a quarry «- below, ana her body was frightfully mangled. A 3 • letter in her pocket, bearing the name A. E. | Saunders," indicated that she had deliberately planned the suicide.

A HUGE CHESS~MATCH. V — The pourparlers for a contest between teams of chtsas payers representing Fifteen Counties of the I North of England v. Twentv-Svo of the South, have been carried to a successful issue, and the I 1,1tch will be played at Birmingham on Satur- day, January 28, 1393. The teams will be com- posed of 100 players on each side, with ten addi- tional players as reserves, and the contestants will represent the highest degree of amateur abesa-Diavintr skill that Eoaiaud.eau^nroduca.

THE FAILURE OF A CARDIFF BANK MANAGER. Mr Morgan Williams and his Afrall-s. At the Cardiff bankruptcy-court on Tuesday —before Mr Lang!ay, registrar—the adjourned public examination took place of Mr Morgan R. Williams, formerly manager of the South Wales Union Bank. Cardiff.—Mr Montague Grover appeared forthe debtor, and Mr G. David and Mr Macintosh were for the trustee, Mr C. E. Dovey. —The debtor was examined by Mr David to the following effect :— With regard to the Baroness Windsor public- house which you gave us some information about, have you ascertained when the lease was sent in ? —No. Have you made any inquiry with regard to it ? —Yes I asked my solicitor about it yesterday. Arid would not your solicitor tell you ?—J^ofc when I saw him, I saw him casually, not in his UU..L.I Then you left it till yesterday before making any inquiry ?—Yes. Was Mr Wilson the solicitor who had the matter 1U hand ?—No it was his firm. Which member of the firm ?- Cay, Was Me Cay the solicitor who attested the execution of the lease ?—I believe so. Is there .^ny doubt about it ?—I don't think there is. Was there any other solicitor acting in the matter of thaVler.se besides Mr Cay ?—Not for ice. Mr li. W. Williams acted for the bank. When did Mr R. W. Williams first act in that matter for the bank ?—I cannot tel1 you. From whom did he receive his irlislriietions ?- From the bank, of course. From whom in the bank ;-The gentleman who was acting as manager. Was that yourself ?—No! Were you present when the purchase was com- pleted ?-No! Or wiien the carrying out of the lease was com- pared ?—No. Do you knuw what date it was ?—I cannot tell yo'i the exact da.te. Or near the date ?—No, I cannot. Now I want you to be quite distinct The con. sideration for that Jease was £1,500 Yes, sir. And you say that of that £ 300 was paid by a bi 11 ?—Yes, sir. What became of the other £ 700 ?—I received £ 300 when the contract was entered into in April of the present year. What did yon do with it ?—I paid it into the bank. What did you do with the other L- 400 ?—There was a bill for JB150 and one tor jBllO, which, I believe, I passed away. What about the other £ 140?—I had some transactions with the previous tenant —the mother of the present tenant—and there was a balance due by me on that account. What was the lady's name?—Mrs Stewart. Did you pay the balance to her ?-No; she died, and her son succeeded her. Did he deduct that amount out ?- Y e.s. How much ?-I cannot say. Do you seriously tell the Court that you cannot remember how much he deducted ?-It must have been between £ 100 and £ 200. You are in such oblivion as to hundreds that you cannot remember ?-It was somewhere about that amount. If you received this £ 300, as you say, in the mouth of April, why did you not include it in the cash received?—I cannot say. Look at that account (account produced and handed to the debtor).—I certainly believe I put it in. That is your account, is it Lot ?-Ycr, Now it is evident that the amount is not accounted for, or that it is not put in according to that ?-I believe it is in. Mr David Ob, yea Hero it is. J. W. Stewart, the sum of £ 300. What did you do with the balance you say you paid away —I think I paid £ 150 of it to Mr Gunn by bill. And the other ?-I think it was £ 110, to Mr Rees. You had nothing to say before Mr Williams about having dealt with this £1,500 in the way you describe ?—Nothing. Not a word?—No. When you went to the Official Receiver's office you had the depd in your possession, had you not ? You had it in your pocket ?-I am not aware of it. Will you swear you had not ?-I won't swear, but I have no recollection of it. Had you not got it in your possession on the morning when you went to the Official Receiver— the first occasion after you had filed your peti- tion ?—I have no recollection of it. Will you swear that the deed you had in your possession was not the lease you referred to ?—I cannot recolkct. Mr Grover objected to the question being pur- sued further. Mr David I am instructed that the docu- ment he had was the deed. then, to the debtor, "You surely do not carry docu- ments of this kind about in your pocket without knowing it ?"—I am perfectly certain I had not, and have no recollection of any document of the kind being in my possession. Is it only now that you swear that yon had not got it ?—I am perfectly certain that I had not got that document. Will you swear that you had no document or deed of that kind ?—I have no recollecoion of having had such a document. I do not believe I had. These items which you have put in your account of cash paid—and having been paid to Mr Hurley —were, I take it, payments made in hard cash ? —Yes. In accordance with your account ?—Yes. For instance, take the first item, December 10th, the payment in hard cash to Mr Hurley of £ 200. Where did you get that money from?—I cannot remember. Would this account which I have before me be of any assistance to you ?-I do not know where I had it from, I am sure. If you had it in cash it ought to be included in this account of cash received and not paid into the bank, ought it not ?—I may have drawn it. There is no item for Mr Hurley of cash drawn from the bank oa that date ?—Oh Then it must have been in some other form. Before I proceed further. On the 5th of August, 1890, you received from Mr Curtis £ 200. What did you do with thalj?—I believethat was the sum that was handed over to Mr Hurley. Do you suggest, Mr. Wiliiaus. Remember that you are on your oatil, that you kept this sum of S200 from the 5th of August until the 10th of December in your possession ?—No, Certainly not. The first payment to Mr Hurley was on Decem- ber 10th. Now I ask you what did you do with this sum of £ 200 which,according to your account, you received from Mr Curtis on the 5th of August? —I borrowed it from Mr Curtis for the purpose of handing it over to Mr Hurley, but I cannot be clear whether that was done. WiU you tell me what you did with the £ 200 received from Mr Curtis on the 5th of August ?— I believe I mentioned to Mr Curtis for what pur- pose I borrowed it. Does it not strike you that this is one of those instances in which you made one representation to the person, from whom the money came, and acted differently to the other ?-Oh! No. On August the 30th you received £ 150 from Mr John Hopkins. what did you do with it ?-I paid it away somewhere. I may take it that you are not in the habit of keeping in your po.sses.sion for any length cf time large sums of monej ?—No. It went out directly it came in ?—Certainly. It is not at all likely that this £ 200 or other sums would have been kept untiL December- Oil, dear, no. Therefore I may take it it is not one of the payments made to Hurley ?—No. May I take it as the same with regard to the sum from Mr Gunn, on the 10th of November ?— Y es. And of the sum of £ 400 from Mr Tyler ?—I believe I repaid that to Mr Gunn. On November 23rd you received 2157 10s from Mr Page ?-Ys.. What did you do with that ?-I cannot say, but I paid it to someone. You have been in the hibit of receiving these large sum of money and you cannot tell us what you have done with them ?—I do not remember. Now, then, we have disposed of these items, where did you on December 10th get the sum of £ 200 which you allege you paid to Mr Hurley on that date ?—I cannot say.. On the 20th of December -0250. Where did you get that from ?—I do not know indeed, I cannot remember. On January 31st, 1891, you paid in the sum of £ 500 to Mr Hurley, which you received from Mr Poynter?—It '.vas paid into his current account. I do not care how it was paid in. It was paid to him, and was paid out of hard cash, which you had in your possession ?—Which I bad received that very day. Why dot's your account of cash receipts show thao that £ 500 was not received from Mr Poynter until the 7th of February ? Where did you get that date fiom tor the purpose of that account?— I cannot say. Did you not get it from Mr Poynter himself Yes, I think I did. Therefore it must be correct ?--It does not follow. Now, with regard to the £ 198 9s 9d. Can you say where you received that from?—No I can- not say where I received it from. Have you ever given Mr Hurley a pass-book in your capacity as manager of the bank ?-Not personally. Will you swear he had one ?-I do not know that he had one. Do you not know that at the time pf his bank- ruptcy he never had a pass-book?—That is wrong. Do you know that Mr Dovey was trustee in his affairs, and that he applied to you tor a copy of the pass-book ?-lie may have applied to me personally. As this stage the Registrar adjourned the inquiry for a week.

MONTGOMERY BOROUGHS. The petition against the return of Sir Pryce Jones for the Montgomery Boroughs will be beard at Montgomery on December 5. The petitioners havo a formidable amount of evidence to bring forward, and express considerable hopes of suc- cess. With the prospect of a fresh election having to take place, the Liberals of tho bcrough are paying vigilant attention to their organisation. Their candidate, should the election take place, will probably be Mr Fairlies Humphreys, a well- known local solicitor.

Five more Militia officers will m due time— they having passed the necessary examinations- receive commissions in the Royal Artillery. These five officers may almost become historical personages. As a result of the recent regulations of the War Office, they are the last batch of Militia subalterns who will, unless those regula- tioos are reoealed. ever enter the Royal Artillery.

RAILWAY FATALITY AT CARMARTHEN. OuMonday night Enoch Thomas, for many years a G.W.R. shunter at Carmarthen, was crushed by some trucks on slipping from the footboard of a train. Thomas, who lived in Priory-street, and was 65 years of age, was fearfully mutilated. He was conveyed to the Infirmary, where he died some hours after the accident. An inquest was held at the Carmarthenshire Infirmary on Tuesday evening, before Mr Row- land Browne, deputy coroner.—Joseph Lewis, Grey Cow Inn, John-street, who also is a porter on the L. and N.W. Railway, identified the body as that of Enoch Thomas, a shunter on the G.W.R., who lived at 11, Priory-row, Priory- street. Witness was at the town station on the L. and N.W. Railway, No. 2 platform, at 9.40 on Monday night. The i landilo train had just come in. Witness was unhooking the engine to run it to the back of the carriages. Deceased was on the platform. Witness told him he was going to knock three coaches into the siding first, and then puc the other four in afterwards. Witness expected de. ceased to be on the yard to turn the ground points, which he did every night. Its was accustomed to it, although witness eould not say whether it had b*en deceased's duty, but it was witness's duty to see that the coaches were put in the shed. After unhooking the engine, the signalman (Nichols) shouted out, \Vhat's the row ? (There was a noise.) Witness said, I d m'c know there must be something up, Harty." On going together, some 50 yards from the box, they found the deceased lying across the reds of the locking gear, having been thrown there from the side of the siding. Some of the points were tinned by hand.— —The Coroner I thought that was forbidden, and that they bad to be turned from the signal- box?—Inspector Salisbury Miles: But these points don't affect the main line.- Witness, con. tir.ulnc, said he asked deceased what had hap- pened, and he replied, Ob, dear, something has knocked me down." On LJping lifted up he said, "Oh, let mo alone; let me die." He was about 300 yards from the platform, between the main line and the siding, about 50 yards from the b >x, and 100 yards from the point which he ought to have turned.—Dr John James Evans, acting: house-surpeon at the infirmary, having given evidence, the jury returned a verdict of Acci- dental death."

INQUESTS AT NEWPORT. Mr Lyndon Moore, borough coroner, opened an inquest at the Town-hall, Newport, on Tues- day, on the body of Mary Ann Morgan, wife of a mason, residing at No. 3, Upper Nelson-street, who died suddenly on Saturday evening. The deceased, who was 42 years of age, was seized with a fatal fainting tit shortly after six o'clock, and, putting her hand to her head, she fell back- wards.—The husband said he picked her up directly and put her on the sofa, and bathed her forehead and chafed her hands. Deceased had not complained of heart mischief, but had a bad cough, and suffered from pains be- tween the shoulders.—Emma Cregan, wife of Francis Cregan, tenant of the house, said the deceased was ironing at the table when she fell backwards, and that aha heard her fall as she was in the kitchen. The deceased was of stout habit, and temperate. Two years ago she suffered from rheumatism in tiie limbs. On Friday evening sha had a fit, but it was of a different kind from that on Saturday. Deceased had been under Dr McGinn, and there was medicine in the house.— The inquiry was adjourned for the attendance of a medical man, as there was nothing to show the jury what was the cause of death. The sudden death of Agnes Urrutia, 11 years of age, daughter of Patrick Urrutia, eating-house- keeper, 83, Commercial-road, Newport, was also inqmred into by the Coroner. The father of the deceased said that on Sunday his little daughter was taken ill, and died on the followiivg morning. She was very pale, had a bad cough, and had evidently outgrown her strength. She had been frequently attended by a doctor, but not la'ely. On Sunday she seemed sleepy and vomited, and wo,nt.to li,e down. At three o'clock on Monday morning he got up and gave her kc)n;e tea, bus -i -3 after taking one or two sip3 she clenched and ground her teeth. He saw that she was ill, and ran out for Dr Cook. He was unable to obtain an answer and ran back to find his daughter dead. She was insured with the rest of the children in' the Prudential A-snrance Society.—The jury re- turned a verdict of Death from natural causes." I

FATALACOIDENTAT EP,W VALE On Sa 'urday afternoon a terrible accident occurred near the big bridge leading from New- town. A well-known fishmonger named John Ware, residing at Dukestown, Sirhowy, had been hawking fish in Crooked-row, Newtown, and was returning to the market, where he kepc a stall. In order to do this it WAS necessary that he should cross the Ebbw Vale Company's line leading to tho blast furnaces. The unfortunate man, on emerging irom the end of the row men- ing tionsd, could not have noticed the engine Breudon coming from the direction ol tho furnaces with a journey of seven waggons. However, despite the fact that Mr Reea Williams, who was in charge of the engine, blew the whistle, Ware was knocked down, and the engine and train passed over him. I When picked up he was still alive, but was dreadfully mangled. He was carefaMy placed on a stretcher, and after Dr Jones had examined him he was conveyed home in a truck. He died shortly afterwards.

ALLEGED BiGAMY AT I CHEPSTOW. I At the Chepstow Petty-ses?ions on Tuesday— before Messrs G. Seys and James Evans—Samuel Warman was charged with feloniously inter- marrying with Eliza, Ann Jones, his wife, Keziah Wrririan, still being alive. It appeared that prisoner was married ta Keziah House at Donyatt Church, Somersetshire, on the 5th of August, 1850. About 25 years ago he left her and weni to Cardiff. Ultimately he went to Chepstow, and there, on the 21st of December, 1S75, at the Parish Church, he married Eliza Ann Jones, by whom he bad a family of six children. Some 15 years ago his second wife heard a rumour that he had previously been married, but upon being taxed with it he denied it. About three years ago defendant and his second wife had a quarrel. A neighbour took her part, and informed her that Warman had another wife. She advertised for the whereabouts of the first wife, which advertisement was answered, and subsequently the proceedings were instituted, and prisoner was arrested at Bassaleg on tho 4th mst.—Prisoner, who had nothing to say, was committed for trial at the assizes.

THE CHURCHES. The English Congregation alls ts, assembling at the Workmen's Hall, New Tredegar, held special services on Sunday, at which Prof. T. H. Arthur, R.P.P.W. (London), officiated. Tho anniversary of Bethel (C.M.) Chapel, New Tredegar, was celebrated on Sunday, when the Rev T. Davies, Trcorky, Rhondda, officiated, the Rev J. Tertius Phillips (Uehdir) also taking part in the afternoon service. Rav F. Leslie Hills has accepted a unanimous invitation to become the pastor of the English Baptist Chapel at Aberavou. The rev gentleman commences his duties on the 18th prox. Sunday and Monday, at Ainon Baptist Chape!, Ystradgynlais, services were held in connection with the ordination of the Rev D. J. Davies, of Bangor Con"ge, to the work of the ministry, when the Revs Gethin Davies, D.D., Bangor T. Morgan, Dowlaia; D. Price, Cwmtwreh; and D. Davies, Llangadock, officiated. The Welsh Baptist Church at Lough or, Scuth Wales, has given an unanimous invitation to Mr T. Reed, of Bangor Baptist College, to become their pastor. The Rev D. J. Beynon, of Newport, preached on Sunday, on the occasion of the service in celebration of the re-opening cf the new organ recently erected by Messrs Thompson and Shackell, at the Tabernacle Congregational Church, Aberdare.

THE DOCTOR AND HIS PATIENT In the Divorce Division on Monday—before the President and a common jury—the case of Hutchinson versus Hutchinson and Webb was heard. The petitioner, who was employed in a commercial office in London, sought a divorce from his wife by reason of her alleged adultery with Dr Rupert Webb, of Peckham. The parties were married at Margate in 1876, and subsequently resided at Peckham, where the petitioner consulted Dr Webb in refer- ence to his wife's intemperate habits. He, however, alleged that he afterwards discovered the doctor used to indulge in drinking with his wife, and forbade him coming to the house. One day the front door was fastened, and on the petitioner going into the house he saw his wife letting the doctor out by the back door.—Evi- dence in support of the case, which was un- defended, having been given, the jury found for the petitioner, and awarded him damages against the co-respondent amounting to 2700. A decree nisi with costs was granted.

SUNDAY OPENING OF PICTURE GALLERIES. tie Frederick Leighton opened his house and etudio, Holland Park-road, on Sunday afternoon, to a party of the members of the Sunday Society, the President of the Royal Academy personally conducting the visitors over the building and explaining its art treasures. It is stated that on the previous Sunday the numbers of visitors to the accessible museums and galleries in London were 12,900 in Edinburgh, 2,300 in Dublin, 1,300 and 22 other towns, 21,600—making a total of 38,100.

AN UNFAITHFUL If NANCY LEE.' Justice Jeune on Monday granted a decree nisi, with £ 300 damages and costs, to Jcseph Richards, sailmakera' mate, H.M.S. Belleisle, because of his wife's adultery with Frederick John Smith, artificer in the Royal Navy. The marriage took place at Devon port, and from 1888 to 1S91 the petitioner was absent on foreign service. On his return he found that his wife had received visits from Smith, and that she was, as she said, in trouble." She also told him that she was no worse tha.n the majority of sailers' wives, except jl that she happened to be found out, and others were not found QUi.

A TREORKY SENSATION. Cutting a Wife's Throat. On Monday, at the Ystrad police-court— before the Stipendiary (Mr T. P. Jenkins) and Alderman W. Morgan—William Williams, collier, about 25 years of age, was brought up in custody charged with cutting and wo nding his wife, Jane Williams, apparently 20 years of age, residing with her parents at 13, Upper-row, Cwmdare.—Mr W. C. Matthews, Pontypridd, prosecuted.-lt1 appeared from the prosecutrix's evidence that she was married to tho prisoner in August, last year, and about a month later ho threatened to put a bullet through her." They lived unhapptly sinca and a few months ago separated. On Sunday evening he called at her parents' bouse, and they stood talking together in the passage leading into the kitchen for a few minutes. He begged her to live with him, but she positively declined, urging that she had done her best for him, and had tried to live comfortably with him several times. He then suddenly sprang upon her, and she felt something drawn down hard slantways over tho collar of her bodice. She screamed, shook herself off, and rushed into tho kitchcn, and flung herself on the stairs. Sha immediately felt the side of her neck "smarting," and found blood now. ing. Her mother ran out of the house shouting "murder." Upon examining the prosecutrix it was found that the thick collar and tier dress had been cut through with a sharp instrument. Dr Wright, Treorky, deposed I that thH punctured wound on tbe prosecu- trix's throat was right opposite to the cut punotratiug the collar of the bodice, and might inve been done with the knife producRd.-Ser- geant Brown, Treorky, stated that he had ar- rested the prisoner o.t his lodgings, 6, Cardiff street, Treorky, on Sun- day evening. The prisoner was in bed at the time. The officet. searched the clothes prisoner had worn that day, but found no weapon or any shaip instrument in them. In working clothes downstairs the officer discovered the pocket-knife produced. The prisoner remarked, after he got out cf bed, I know what you have come about it is about my wife. 1 cnly ga.vo her a back-handed blow." Pri- soner was taken to the lock up. He pleaded not guilty," but, was committed for trial at the assises to be held at Swansea in about a month. The prisoner was admitted to bail in two sureties of JS50 each.

THE STREET FATALITY AT CARDIFF. On Monday afternoon Elizabeth O'Sullivan, aged 33, was knocked down and run over by a trap at the corner of Adam-street. She was picked up 111 an unconscious condition, and conveyed to tho Glamorganshire and Monmouth- shire Infirmary, where it was found that the woman was suffering from severe injuries to the head. Mrs O'SulUvan, despite the care and attention bestowed upon her by the medical gentlemen at the Infirmary, never rallied, and succumbed to the injuries at four a.m. on Tuesday. The police have not yet ascertained the name or the driver of the vehicle. Deceased lived at 34., Sandon-piace. Mr E. B. Reece, district coroner, held an inquiry touching tho death of Mrs O'Stiliivan on Tuesday evening.—The first witness called was Joan Miller, a young woman, who deposed that sho was standing on thi corner of Sandan-street, conversing with a Mrs Shepherd, when she cbserved deceased endeavouring to cross the road, evidently with the intention of going into Adam-street. There were two vehicles in the road at the time, going in opposite direction. Decease I after getting clear of one of them, ran against the horse of a trap being driven by two gentleman at a pretty fast rate, and was knoosed down and run over. The men shouted to the woman before she was knocked down, and immediately pulled up and alighted from the trap. Witness ran to Mrs O'Sullivan..but found that she was unconscious and bleeding froia a wound in the head. Deceased was afterwards conveyed to the Infirmary in a trap. The two pet-sons in the vehicle would net give their names but rendered every assist- ance to the injured wom m.—By the Husband The trap was not being driven furiously and both cf the men were sober.—Joseph Wright said that the trap was being driven at the rate of from nine to ten miles an hour. The place where the accident happened was very badly lighted. He-in- quired for the name of the driver of the vehicle, but that person refused to give it. The driver, however, vo'unteered to go to the residence of deceased to see her husband, but the latter was not at home, and he afterwards went away.— Other evidence having been given, Dr Turner (assistant hcuse surgeon at the Infirmary) stated that deceased, after her admission into the insti- tution, never regained consciousness. She was Buffering from a on tho left side of the scalp, and also seemed to be suffering from a fracture cf the base of the skull.—The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, adding that there was not sufficient evidence to justify their saying the trap was being driven at a furious rate."

SUPPOSED CONCEALMENT OF BiRTH IN CARDIFF. At an early hour on Sunday morning, the body of a newly-born female child was fouud under mysterious circumstances on some waste ground in Gordon-road, Cardiff. It appears that at about a quarter to tight a milk vendor, named Henry Coombes, who resides at No. 125, Cyfar. thfa-street, Roath, foancI a browu-papsr parcel on a piece of unoccupied land in the road above- mentioned. He opened the same and found it to contain the body of a female infant. He at once gave information t.o the police at the Cathays Station, and P.C. R. Baker, No. 130, was directed to proceed to the spot indicated, where ho saw the parcel in question, which was then lying at the edge of the footpath and leaning against the tront garden wall cf No. 52, Gordon-road. The constable brought the body to the Roath Polio Station. A closer inspection revealed tho fact that the remains had been wrapped up in a couple of pieces of unbleached calico and two large sheets of plain brown paper, the same being tied up with a piece of window blindcord. The body, which appeared to be that of a fully developed and more than usually robust child, was subsequently removed by the constable to the mortuary. Dr Wallace, the divisional police surgeon, was communicated with, and his assistant, Dr Roche, made an examination of tha boriy. Oa Monday evening Mr E. B. Reece, district coroner, conducted an inquest at the Cardiff Town-hall touching the death of a nowly-born infant child found dead in Gordon-road on Sunday morning.— Henry Coombs, living at 125, Oyfartilia-street, the first witness called, gave evidence that he found the body about half-past seven o'clock on Sunday morning. He was de- livering milk in Gordon-road, when be saw a parcel lying on an open space near the roadway. He took it up in his ha.nd, and finding it heavy ho opened it, and saw the lt?gd and feet of a child. He then drove off to the Cathays Police-station, and gave information to the sergeant in charge.— Police-constable Baker, of the Cathays Division, said he took possession of the parcel. The child was undressed, and wrapped in a piece of calico and two pieces uf papsr. It was afterwards taken to the mortuary.—Dr Wallace then gave evidence that ho had made a post mortem examination of the body. It was the body of a female child, newiy born. There were no external marks of injury or violence of any kind. The internal organs were ali perfect, though the stomach was empty. lIe applied the usual tests to see if the child had been born alive, and believed that the child had made efforts to breathe, but that pure and complete respiration had not been established. He did not think the child had had a completely separate existence from its mother.—A verdict that the child was found dead, and that it had had no separate existence from its mother was returned.

WEDDING IN BRECONSHIRE. On Tuesday afternoon, at the Parish Church, Bronllys, Breconshire, Lieut. Charles Leonard Cotton, 3rd Dragoon Guards (son of General Cotton), was married to Miss (ieorgina Honora Douglas (daughter of Mr Walton I-cuglas) in the presence of a fashionable assemblage. The Rev T. H. Bovan officiated, and the bride was given away by heruuele (Major Spiller, Pontywal Hall, Bronllys, Breconshire), and Misses Honora and Amy Spiller (cousins of the bride) were bridesmaids. After the wedding there was a reception at Pontywal Hall, and the guests included many of the elite of Breconshirs. Lient. and Mrs Cotton left Talgarth Railway Station at 6.20 p.m. el. route for Malvern.

FROM ENGLAND TO FRANCE. A Possible Tunnel. The question of constructing a bridge between England and France instead of, or in addition to, a tunnel, may for the present, thinks the Presi- dent of the Institution of Civil Engineers, be dis- missed. The possibility, however, of tht-realisation in the moreor lessdistantfuture.ofsuchastructuro is probably, he says, is not more visionary than would have been that of such a work as the Forth Bridge fifty years ago. And who knows whether a future generation may not undertake a work which the preaent generation would regard HS too gigantic buth as regards risk and cost ? Especially I may emphasise cost,' for notwith- standing the strides made in bridge-building, tho cost of a channel bridge between England and France would even now probably bo at least five times the cost of a submarine tunnel."

ALLEGED THEFT FROM A NEWPORT HOTEL. The Newport police have received information of a robbery which took place a day or two since at a. Newport hostelry. It is statod that the thief or thieves succeeded in obtaining between jB150 and £170. the booty being principally in gold coins. The police are understood to bo following "up tho cluo which they have ebtained as to tho dfpredators.

CONSUMPTION, BRONCHITIS AND ASTHMA.— Don't worry.—Above all things do not despond, but if you want to be perm mently cured of these distressing complaints, write to Mr Williams, 11, Bur wood-place, Norfolk-crescent, London. He will send you Gratis' jull instructions for cure. and advice on diet. 4905

CURIOUS DOG ACTION AT LLANELLY. Claim for Personal injuries. At Monday's County-court at LlaneHy, ,■ his' .Honour Judge Owen gave judgment ins case which was heard at the last Court, in which William J ones, tm-plate worker, Delabeche- street, claimed JB5 compensation for injuries re- ceived by him through being bitten by a dog owned by the defendant, Henry Jenkins, a tin- plate worker, living in Mill-Line.—Mr W. W. Brcdie appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr W. Howell for the defendant.—In explaining the circumstances his Honour said that three dogs, two of which belonged to the defendant and one to the plaintiff, were fighting, and defendant having picked up hia dog in hit arms one of the other dogs jumped up and bit him on the wrist, as a result of which ho was unable to follow his work. The plaintiff was, undoubtedly, bitten, but the only question was whether any evidence had been given to show that the dog was known to his master to be ferocious ? The law of England, as it existed at present, allowed a man to ksep a domestic dog at large unless it was known to him to be peculiarly mischievous and ferocious to mankind. In such a case it was a man's duty to keep the dog in such a manner that he could not injure any person but if he did so, his owner would be liable, for a dog in that condition had no business to be at large. The dog in question was a fox terrier, and an excellent fighter, but there was no evidence to show that he 0 rushed at persons and frightened them. Tho only evidence produced was that on a previous occasion a. friend of the dog, which was the weakest, picked it up iu a fight, and was bitten in the same way as the plaintiff had been by the identical dog in this case. Thero was, however, nob a tittle of evidence to show that the dog ever attempted to bite mankind, however ferocious it might be towards rats, cats, or dogs, and there- fore plaintiff's case failed. Ho (the judge) was sorry for the plaintiff, but lie imagined that every man who kept a dog should know that it was one of the most dangerous thing-so in the world to attempt to separate two dogs when fighting, for such was their peculiar ferocity and excitement that thsy did not seo or know what they bit. There was no evidence to prove that this dog at- tempted to bite plaintiff instead of the dog, and it was very silly of the plaintiff to take his dog up under such circumstances. He therefore gave judgment for the defendant.

EXTRAORDINARY ASSAULT AT YSTRAD. A Man's Ribs Broken. At the Ystrad Police-court on Monday—before Mr Ignatius Williams, Mr T. P. Jenkins, and Alderman W. Morgan—Albert Birch and Frederick Farr, living at Ogmore Valley, were charged with wounding a workman named William Patrick Allen, living in apartments at 100, Gelli-road, Ton, Rhonada. It appeared from the evidence of the prosecutor that on the 5th inst., prisoners accompanied the prosecutor, who had been working with them, from the Comoro to his lodgings at Gelli. About six o'clock in the evening they fetched a few quarts of beer into the house, and that quantity having been drunk, a four-and-a-half cask or Q.!ê was pro- cured, and the parties, including prosecutor's wife, whiled away the time merrily until about 11 o'clock, when the husband went to boJ. Shortiy afterwards the prosecutor was awakened by the loud laughter 0: his wife, and he found her in the same bed between the two prisoners, who were chatting and laughing. Prosecutor had been removed to tho foot of tho brd. A row ensued, and the prosecutor was dragged to the floor and kicked about unmercifully by his wife and the prisoners, one of them crying out "Kill the Irish It was discovered later that two of the prosecutor's ribs had been broken. Each of the prisoners wag sent to gaol for two months with hard labour.

VISITING THE CARDIFF WORK- HOUSE. Mr F. W. Oaten, of the Dowlais Arcade Print- iug Works, and an ex-member of the Barton Regis Board of Guardians, appeared before the Cardiff Guardians on Saturday to complain of ineiviiit.y Oil the part of a nurse in the Workhouse. He paid a visit to tho Workhouse on Thursday last in company with a lady, and having obtained the necessary ticket at the porter's lodge, he made his way, according to directions given hill, it the lodge, towards Hospital Ward B, this being his first visit to the institution. Before he had got to the ward be was accosted by a nurse, who, he alleged, spoke rudely to him, and declared that for two pius she would fetch a porter t,) eject him and his companion. He admitted that he thereupon called the nurse an impudent little minx."— The nurse in question tcicl the Board that she saw a man going into the ward, which was a female ward, without first seeing her, who had, charge of it, and4lhe naturally called out to stop him. Shn denied having spoken with mom pereinptoriness than the. occasion warranted. On the other hand, she accused the complainant of "abusing her abominably."— The parties withdrew and the effect of the eu- suing discussion was a general agreement that the unyMeasantness had arisen from the fact that Mr Oaten, a stranger, was not accompanied to the ward by someone connected with the workhouse, and that the nurse was quite justified in prevent- ing wha,t she deemed an intrusion into a femula wo,i-d. *-Ot-i the understanding that in futuro a number of the old inmates, familiar with the workhouse and its regulations, are val]1.Jie on visitors' day, tha subject was allowed to drop.

NEWPORT BOARD OFiGUAR- DIANS. Tiio weekly meeting ol New port Board of Guard- ians was held at the workhouse on Saturday, the vice-chairman, Mr T. Dutiield, presiding.—The Clerk read the new Local Government Board order by which the guardians are authorised to supply to the paupers tobacco and snuff, and, further, to permit smoking in certain rooms of the work- house.—Mr Wheeler was anxious to know if the Board would erect a smoking-room.—The Chair- man replied that there were sufficient rooms a)rcady.-The matter was then referred to the VisitiDg Committee.—The Cser- leon Schools Committee reported that the sub committee had prepared a report as to the duties, &c., of the school officials. It was decided to print and circulate the report, which will be considered on the 25th inst. MrH. J. Morgan, Cwmbran, was appointed teacher of tailoring at the Caerleon Cchools. Tho t plans of Mr A. O. Watkms, architect for the alterations to the workhouse, it being intended to provide quarters for married paupers, were adopted. Mr L. B. Moore informed the Board that the present alterations were estimated to cost £250.

"KISSING THE BOOK." Stopped by a Coroner. On Saturday Dr W. B. Gordon-Hogg, the newly-elected coroner for the Western Division of Middlesex, in administering the oath to the jury. doparted from the former mode of administration of it. He directed the foreman. and ether n.embers of the jury to raise their right hands, and then administered the oath to them without the usual ceremony of kissinar the Bible. In explanation of this unusual procedure, Dr Hogg said it seemed to him that the form of kissing the book is an irreverent and often unseemly way of taking the oath. He think the raising of the right hand is much more satisfactory than the attempts of a lot of people, who very often smile over the pro- ceeding, to hold on to a book.

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS At theiiieeting of the Guardians of the Cardiff Union, held on Saturday under the chairman- ship of Dr Paine, a rivetter made an application to the Board in respect of his wife, who is subject to paroxysms of insanity. The applicant stated that he had only been able to work about one month out of th? past six months, employ- ment being very scarce, and the supply of labour being greatly in excess of the demand. Alderman Richard Cory said the fact was that ship~rupairer3 at Cardiff had so bolstered up wages tha.t they had driven a lot of trade from the port of Cardiff with tho result that work was I irregular. The men lost a great deal ot time, r.nd, in fact, they had brought a great deal of the U' present depression upon themselves by bolstering up their wages. That he believed was the secret of it all.—The application was adjourned for enquiries.

FATALITY ON THE RAILWAY NEAR HAVERFORDWEST. A sad accident befel Lily Caroline, six years of age, daughter of Lewis James, of Westfield Crossing, near Haverfordwest, on Thursday last. It appears that the little child was cn her way to school, and, as usual, had to cross the line. While doing so she Avas knocked down by the up express due at Haverfordwest at nine a.m., and 'dr killed instantly. No one saw the accident, and the driver and fireman of the tram did not hear of it until the train reached Neath. At the inquest, held on Friday, a verdict of 1, Accidental death" was returned. v

ANOTHER VICTIM TO FOOTBALL As the result of internal injuries sustained in a football match at Felixstowe on Saturday, between teams representing Languard Fort, Felixstowe, and Oxwell Works, Ipswich, one of the latter team named Henry Hamby, a fitter, aged 24, died on Sunday night in Ipswich Hospital, into which he was admitted that morning. He leaves a widow and cne child.

After a short rest, Mr Irving will set about preparing Lord Tennyson's Uecket," which will be produced at the Lyceum in the spring, or at latest, in the early summer. EVERY MAN intei-ested in the subject of Debility, Decay, etc., should read the New aXedic^l Wort by an E minent Surgeon/which gives full par- ticulars how to successfully treat cases of Nervous Derangements and Organic Diseases without the aid of Quacks. One hundred puges of valuable information with special remarks on the means adopted by adver- tising charlatans. Sent on receipt of address by The Surgeon, Medical Institute, Brunswick-road, Liverpool 4m

THE METROPOLITAN I TABERNACLE. Dr Pierson and the Pastorate. ¡ TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—There have been so many false and < exaggerated reports concerning the affairs at the Metropolitan Tabernacle that a statement of the true state of matters there may be of interest to your readers, therefore I venture to ask your insertion of this letter. Whatever slight mis- understanding there has been, peaco is now restored to the church and congregation. Dr Arthur T. Pierson has, in response to the hearty and unanimous invitation of the whole of the large church given to him in June last, resumed his ministry at the Tabernacle. Dr Pierson's services as a preacher are of very high valuo. He is not a Baptist, and the future pastor of the Tabernacle Church must of necessity be a Baptist. Dr Pierson has all along, in the frankest possible manner, stated that he was not a Baptist. It is very seriously questioned, notwithstanding tho wild rumours circulated to the contrary, whether, if Dr Pierson were a Baptist, he would accept the position of pastor of the Tabernacle Church, even if he were invited. He has accept the position of pastor of the Tabernacle Church, even if be were invited. He has a very lofty position of his own, which temporary work would not im- pair, but a permanent settlement would. To those who have been able to trace the course of all things accurately from the first appearance of Dr Pierson as a preacher at the Tabernacle, it seems to be most Providential that the church at the Tabernacle had sent to them such a man at such a crisis in the history of the church—a man who ha:, been able to do so effectively just the work that was needed to be done. Dr Pierson has just commenced a six months' engagement as preacher at the Tabernacle, and all who revere the memory of the beloved C. H. Spurgeon, and ere the fri nds of the church so sorely bereaved by his death, cannot but feel supremely grateful tu Dr Pierson that he has not allowed the cruel attacks of certain portions of the Press, and the unwise action ot easily excited persons to turn him away from a clearly-marked path of duty, and heartily to wish him God speed. Respecting the late so-cailed reported news- paper "interviews" and speeches of Dr Pierson's, which were so circumstantially telegraphed from America, he himself says they "were pure f ibrications, and were, indeed, so utterly without foundation that they seem, in most cases, atro- ciously malicious." To set at rest, once for all, the minds of those who have been disturbed by the sensational rumours which have gained currency during the past few months respecting the future (,f the church at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, let me ask your readers' attention to the following circular letter which has been issued to the members:— Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newicgton, November 3,1K92. As tha church officers of the Metropolitan Taber- nacle, we desire to assure all our friends tlmt no changes have been made in the doctrines, constitution, practice, or institutions of the church so IonK under the I care of Pastor C, H. Spurgeon. Perfect unanimity has characterised all our counsels upon these points. This ancient church has been, and must ever be, a Baptist community in its creed and practice. No om, has expressed a wish to make any difference, and the attewpt would instantly be suppressed. The pastor is, and must ever be, au immersed believer, who is pledged to luainiain th-j distinctive creed of the church in all its integrity. Upon this poiut al-o thttre. is perfect oneness of purpose throughout the whole church and all its ojjicei-8. Indeed, no other than a Baptist can be chosen to the pastoral office according to our deed of trust. No change has been made or proposed in the ml1!Ulg- uient of the Pastors' College, which is conducted, as far as can be, ujxrn the old lines, alike as to choice of students, their qualifications for admission, and the course of stully pursued. Any statement to the con- trary is incorrect. Mr C. H, Spurgeon 1Ia,¡ upon his list of candidates sufficient names to fill the college for several years; from these, with but few exceptions, all the now men have been cho;en, and there remain, still waiting, many more who will be received in due course as vacancies ocur. In all other departments of our church work, there has been no need for alterations, and none have been so much as suggested. We have much cause for gratitude that, tbougli differences have been exhibited, and highly coloured SIIILLlnleiits. published, yet the Tabernacle Church ill all its agencies is enjoy- ing sti-ady progress, and maintains its worship and work with undiminished elff.-ie,. cy and blessing. The heartiest welcome is being accorded to Dr fierson, while he repeats the valued services he so efficiently rendered us previously, at the request of our departed leader. And we are anticipating that in answer to our united prayers the pr sent blessing will exceed the former one, large as that was, through the Grace of God. bigned on behalf of the church officers, "JAMKS A..SPUUCJEON, Pastor. TiioNIAS OLNEY, Treasurer." Ttleter hi s should be sufficient to satisfy all seasonable persons that, the highly-seasoned para- graphs which have appeared in certain papers concerning a pltt, "a fracas," a rupture," and I know not what beside?, as having occurred j at the were simply exaggerations, with a foundation so small as to cause surprise to those who were acquainted with tho facts from the commencement. My late beloved friend, Mr C. II, Spurgeon, once said to me, It you see anything concerning me in the papers, be it good, bad, or indifferent, you will probably be safe if you write across it A lie.' Of very much that has been written of late concerning the affairs at the Metropolitan Tabernacle that same strong Saxon monosyllable might have been use I. xVpolos'ising for the length of this letter, I am, &c., T. W. MEDIIURST. Hope Baptise Chapel. Canton, Cardiif, November 12th, 1892.

MERTHYR NATURALISTS' SOCIETY. I The first annual conversazione of the Merthyr Naturalists' Society was held on Monday even- ing at the Morlais-hiiH, M»rthyr, The weather I was somewhat inclement, but there was a very -P good representative company present, the visitors iiiciuciing Alderman Thomas Williams, J.P., charman of the Merthyr School Board Mr T. H. Thomas, Cardiff. The exhibits, which were numerous and interesting, comprised a set of primary and electric batteries, lent by Mr Bates, electrical engineer, Plymouth, and Dr Simons Wheatstone bridge and apparatus for measuring electric resistance, Mr Bates micro- scopes, by Mr C. H. James, Dr Simons, Mr Fleming, and Mr Rees Thomas; micro- scopic specimens, by Mrs Rogers and DiS imons; limelight andoxy-hydrogenblow-pipe, Merthyr School Board Chemical Department air and organic analysis apparatus, Dr Simons; incandescent and arc electric lights, Dr Simons and Mr J. C. Williams; microscopic apparatus and section cutter, Dr Simons; water motor and dynamo electric machine (at work), Dr Simons induction vacuum tubes, Mr B. R. S. Frost and Mr J. C. Williams; collection of minerals, Mr Frost and Dr Simons old phonograph (first one made in South Wales), Merthyr School Board various electric motors, Dr Simons and Mr J. C. Williams; general electric apparatus, it Simons, Mr J. C. Williams, and Mr Frost; a case of fossils, by Mr Frost; telephones and micro- phones, Ms J. C. Williams; typewriters, Dr Simons zoological tablets, by Mrs Rogers and a collection of regal English coins, Mr Frost. Dr Simons had charge of the electrical tall, and was assisted thereat by Mr Bates and Mr Harry Thomas. The microscopical department was superintended by Mr C. Henry James, Mrs Rogers, and Dr Simons. Tea and coffee were provided (tho caterer being Mrs Wilde), and in the course of the evening a choice selection of vocal and instrumental music was givan by Miss Meredith. Miss M. Freneh- Williams, Miss Michael, Dr Colclough, Mr W. Howfield, Mr Till, &c.The President (Mr C. H. James), in the course of his inaugural address,said Sir J. Lubbock had lately written a book entitled The Beauties of Nature, a book which ought to be read not only by every Merthyr naturalist, but by every educated man in the town. Nowadays they were teaching their children languages, mathematics, hygiene, domestic economy, and Slojd, but haw little did they learn, or they themselves learn, of that book which was always open before them, stored with tho most wonderful picturos, ever changing and fresh—the book of Nature.—The proceedings generally were of a very sociable and instructive character, and the committee and joint-secretaries, Mr J. C. Williams and Mr Ernest Daniel, may be warmly compli- mented upon the success of their arrangements.

DISTRESS IN TREDEGAR. On Saturday evening a meeting was held in the Congregational Schoolroom for the purpose of ascertaining the real state and nature of the distress existing in the district, and to suggest means of relief. Mr DJ. Davies presided. Among those present were :—The Rev B. Shank- land, Councillor Henry Bowen, Mr C. Hawkins, and the Rev Mr Morgan. It was stated that 400 to 500 tickets for food were distributed daily. A resolutidn, thanking the officers and pastor of the Congregational Church for their kindness at the present crisis in giving the use of the schoolroom to be used as a soup kitchen, was carried unanimously. We understand the colliers have decided to levy themselves in order to render a part of the assistance required to keep up funds. Much sympathy )3 felt for the unemployed stcel- workers and others, and valuable aid is being given by the tradespeople of the town.

ALLEGED ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE IN CARDIFF. At a late hour on Friday evening last a man named Alexander MeCrae, stated to be a fireman recently paid off, was walking along the Pier- head at Cardiff, when he was set upon by a gang of men and robbed. He was fouud by a Docks constable lying with one of his shoulders put out. The man's statement was to the effect that ho had been robbed of a purse cont;tinmg money and a £ 5 note. First-aid was rendered by the officer, who was on the point of removing the injured man to the Hamadryad Hospital Ship, when he picked up a pieee of per, which proved to be the missing note. The man was admitted to the ship, and there attended, re- maining an in-patient.

PRESENTATION TO A CLERGYMAN. The congregation of St. Mark's, Newport, have just made the Rev T. L. Harris Jenkyn, B. A., the recipient of a substantial testimonial on the occasion^of his leaving for the senior curacy cf St. Andrew's, Cardiff. The presentation consisted of an illustrated address from the congregation, and reg a cheque for £ 35. The Young Men's Society also presented a handsome pocket communion service and address. A conversations was given on th") occasion, and was largely attended.

SPECTACLRg TO SUIT ALL SIGHTS, as recom- mended by the medical profession.—Xajuish, 5. High street. Car<44^ 4 £ i'U

THE UNEMPLOYED. HOW TO COPE WITH THE PREVALENT DISTRESS. Circular from the Local Government Board. The following circular, addressed by the Local Government Board to Clerks of Guardians or other sanitary authorities, has been issued:— Local Government Board, Whitehall, S.W., 14th Nov., 1892. SIR, From information which the Local Government Board have received, it appears that there is at the present time a considerable amount of distress in different parts of the country occa- sioned by scarcity of employment, and it is prob- able that this condition of things may become more general, and be intensified in the course of the coming winter. In the spring of 1886 the Local Government Board issued a circular letter to local authorities indicating the course which might with advantage be adopted for the provi- sion cf employment for the unemployed of the c]ass who do not ordinarily seek poor-law relief. The following extracts from that circular appear to me to deserve the immediate and careful con- sideration of the local authorities both in the Metropolis and elsewhere: The Local Government Board are convinced that in the ranks of those who do not ordinarily seek parish relief there is evidence of much and increased privation, and if the depression in trade continues it is to be feared that large numbers of persons usually in regular employment will be reduced to tile greatest straits. The spirit of independence which leads so many of the working classes to make great personal sacrifices rather than incur the stigma of pauperism, is one which deserves the greatest sympathy and respect, and which it is the duty and interest of the community to maintain by ail the means at it disposal. Any relaxation of the general rule at present obtaining, which requires, as a condition of relief to able-bodied male persons, on the ground of their being out of employment, the acceptance of an order for admission to the workhouse, or the performance of an adequate task of work as a labour test, would be most disastrous, as tending directly to restore the condition of things which, before the reform of the poor laws, destroyed th'' independence of the labouring classes, and increased the poor rate until it became an almost insupportable burden. It is not desirable that the working classes should be familiarised with poor law relief, and if once the honourable sentiment which now leads them to avoid it is broken down, it is probable that recourse will be had to this provision on the slightest occasion. The Local Government Board have no doubt that the powers which the Guardians possess are fully sufficient to enable them to deal with ordinary pauperism, and to meet the demand for relief from the classes who usually seek it. What is required in the endeavour to relieve artiaans and others who have hitherto avoided poor Jaw assistance, and who are temporarily deprived of employment, is i. Work which will not involve the stigma of pauperism 2. Work which all can perform, whatever may have been their previous avocations; 3. Work which does not compete with that of other labourers at present in employment: and Lastly, work which is not likJy to interfere with the resumption of regular employment in their own trades by those who seek it. The Board have no power to enforce the adop- tion of any particular proposals, and the object of this circular is to bring the subject generally under the notice of Boards of Guardians and other local authorities. In districts in which exceptional distress pre- vails. the Board recommend that the Guardians should confer with the local authorities, and endeavour to arrange with the latter for the execution of works on which unskilled labour may be immediately employed. These woiks may be of the following kinds, among- others:— (a) Spade husbandry on sewage farms. (b) Laying out of open spaces, recreation grounds, new cemeteries, or disused burial grounds. (c) Cleansing of streets not usually undertaken by local authorities. (d) Laying out and paving of new streets, &c. (e) Paving of unpaved streets, and making of footpaths in country roads. (f) Providing or extending sewerage works and works of water supply. In all cases iu- which special works are under- taken to meet exceptional distress, it would appear to bo necessary, first, that the men em- ployed should be engaged on the recommenda- tion of the Guardians as persons whom, owing to previous condition and circumstances, it is unde- sirable to send to the workhouse, or to treat as subjects for pauper relief and, secondly, that che wages pa.id should be something less than the wages ordinarily paid for similar work, m order to prevent imposture, and to leave the strongest temptation to these who avail themselves of this opportunity to return as soon as possible to their previous occupations. When the. works are of such a character that the expense may properly be defrayed out of borrowed moneys, the local authorities may rely that there will be every desire on the part of the Board to deal promptly with the application for their sanction to a loan. I would urge on the local authorities, on whom devolves the duty of carrying out the works required for their districts, that, the execution of' such works should, when- ever practicable, be commenced at an early date, so that employment may be given during the winter months when work is the more needed, rather than later in the coming year. I would at the same time emphasise the great importance which I attach to the co-oporation of Boards of Guardians with local authorities, in order that the pauperisation of those persons whose diffi- culties are occasioned only by exceptional circum- stances arising irom temporary scarcity of employ- ment and who are unwilling to became dependent on poor law relief, may, as far as practicable, be avoided. In the case of the Metropolis some of classes of employment suggested above are not practieabla; but, apart from the execution of new works, it will probably be found that in the performance of the ordinary routine duties of the Sanitary Authority occasions will arise when surplus labour may be profitably utilised. I shall be obliged if this letter is brought under the consideration of the authority at once, and it will be satisfactory to me to be kept informed of the state of affairs in your distriot, and to learn the results of any efforts which may be made in the direction suggested.—1 am, sir, your obedient servant, HENRY H. FOWLER. The Clerk to the Guardians or Sanitary Authority.

TRIALS OF SHIPWRECKED SA I LORS. A. R. Sullivan, mate of the American ship W. A. Campbell, which was lost at sea, has arrived at San Francisco with six of the crew who escaped with him. Sullivan states that the fury of the gale was such that the crew were pow? iless, and the deck was soon littircd with wreckage of spars and masts. Finally, it was decided to abandon the ship, as it was apparent it would soon sink. The water tanks were all burst in, and only a small supply could be secured from the donkey engine. The captain's young wife, who bore herself bravely, and his baby were put in the larger boat with Captain Havener and 13 sailors. It was decided to set fire to the ship for fear that she might wreck other vessels, so as they shoved off the torch was applied, and soon after- ward she blew up, as there were explosives on board. "After staying together two days," said Sullivan, I decided to push on, as my boat was the swiftest. All hands were put on short allowance, half condensed milk and water and three biscuits a day; canned meat at morning meal, and in the evening ona tin of fruit was used. On the tenth day our water gave out, and I put the men on the same allow. ance of wine. On the 14th signs of weakness were noticeable in several of the men. Twenty days out and all our liquids were exhausted. Tho men behavad well, with the exception of three Chilian sailors. The men noticed that theChilians seemed to stand the short allowance of rations better than themselves, and it was decided to ascertain the way they did it. Watch was set, and in the night they were discovered eating fr,.m the rations of the sleeping sailors. It was all I could do to to save the lives of these Chilians, as several of the men drew their knives and swore to kill tho thieves." No tidings have been re- ceived of the missing boat, which contained Captain Havener, wife, and child, Second Mate Alexander Murray, Third Mate Percy E. Turner, and 11 men. It us thought they were picked up by a vessel going round Cape Horn or have perished. Tha shipwrecked sailors complain of their treatment by the American Minister, Stevens, and Consuls Severauce and Farnaux. When they reached Hilo they were in rags, but Farnaux would do nothing for them. Sullivan had a stormy interview with him, and he finally fitted the men out with shirts, canvas trousers, and canvas shoes. When the sailors reached Honolulu Severance put them en the Boston for several days and then forgot them. The sailors on the cruiser cared for the men and made up a purse for them as did the officers for Mate Sullivau.

THE NAVAL PIIOGRAMME. The Central News is enabled to state thjit money voted by Parliament under the Naval Defence Act having become exhausted, the Act itself expires in natural course at the end of the current fiuancial year. With it also disappears the Hamilton programme. Tlvia will necessitate some modifications in the building policy of the Admiralty, and other important considerations will arise out of it. The Lords of the Admiralty are now framing the estimates for 1893-4, and Earl Spencer and his colleagues are engaged upon the question of construction. Several eminent naval authorities have expressed strong opinions in favour of reducing the tonnage of the battle- ships from 14,000 to 10,000 tons per ship. Lord Brassey (for one) favouring the lower maximum. The point is being considered, and though a definite conclusion has not been arrived at, there is but little doubt that the Spender programme will inthisrespectmark some deviations from that of the late Board. In a general way. ))0 material changes will be proposed in the naval policy of the country, though some important alterations may be recommended to Parliament in regard to the torpedo fleet probably in favour of strengthening the number of torpedo cruisers. The new Board will place a liberal proportion of contracts with private shipbuilding firms. Statisticians say that the armies of the civilised nations of the world number 3,690,000 men. The men cost at least 2200 a yt:u eb. aud that amouuts to £ 72Q.Q0Q-Qflft.