South Wales Daily News

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S AND PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] FRANCE. VERSAILLES, Friday. — The Right will issue no tnonarchical manifestoes. Fifteen working men from Manchester were examined yesterday, before the committooon the condition of the Working classes. EXECUTIONS AT SATOEY.—DEMEANOUR OF THE ASSASSINS. PARIS, Feb. 22.-The three Communists who were condemned for complicity in the murder of General Thomas and General Leeollite, were executed this morning at six o'clock, at the Camp of Satory. They all professed penitence, accepted the religious offices of the prison chaplain, and expressed regret for having Joined the revolt of the Commune. On the ground they behaved with with Communistic bravado. Lagrange defused to have his eyes bandaged, and La Croix smoked a cigar while waiting for the volley. All three fell together, but Lagrange and La Croix were not quite dead, and had to receive a coup de gracc. GERMANY. PRINCE BISMARCK AND THE LUXEMBURG RAILWAYS. BERLIN, Feb. 23 (8 a.m.)—The last despatch of Prince Bismarck to Luxemburg had for its object to insist on the rights of Germany in relation to the rail- ways, but no reference of any kind was made concern- ing Belgium. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, Feb. 23.—In to-day's sitting of the Reich- tath the Committee on the Constitution rejected the motion of Herr Tomaszezuk (?), to pass to the order of the day over the Galician resolution, only two members dissenting. o SPAIN. MADRID, Feb. 29.Senor Montemar, the Spanish Minister in Italy, has arrived here. BELGIUM. ANTWERP, Friday.—The Count de Chambord's recep- tion caused large crowds to assemble in front of the hotel. Hostile shouts were raised. BRUSSELS, Friday.—In the Chamber of Representa- tives to-day M. Defre brought forward a motion com- plaining of the presence of the Count de Chambord in Belgium, and blaming the Government for shewing him sympathy. The Foreign Minister denied that any sym- pathy had been shown the Count, who had merely been treated with courtesy. AMERICA. THE ANGLO-AMERICAN CASE. NEW YORK, Friday.—The Vice-president Colfax dis- believes the report that Great Britain will recede from the Washington Treaty, and says the Treaty is a Potential blow in favour of peace. DECEPTION OF LORD GRANVILLE'S NOTE AT WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, Friday.—Earl Granville's note arrived at Washington yesterday. The Herald's Washington correspondent admits the United States placed itself in 411 awkward position by introducing claims which can- not be withdrawn. THE SEIZURE OF A BRITISH SCHOONER NEW YORK, Friday.—The British schooner Lark, I e- seized on suspicion of carrying contraband, has «een released by Spanish authorities at Havannah. REPORTED AFFIRMATION OF INDIRECT CLAIMS. NEW YORK, February 23 (6 a.m.).-Lord Granville's ote on the subject of the Washington Treaty and the indirect claims has been received by the American Government. The answer of the United States Government was ititten by Mr. Fish himself, and it will be forwarded to England by Saturday's steamer. The professions friendship which are expressed in Lord Granville's jjfete are duly reciprocated; but Mr. Fish affirms that the American Case, including both the direct and indi- ct claims, is covered by the Protocols and Treaty. American Government, therefore, he says, cannot Withdraw from the Case which they have presented for arbitration. INDIA. THE LOOSHAI EXPEDITION. A- Times telegram from Calcutta says that General rownlow telegraphed on the 18th of February from kamgoomona, between the Koladyne and Duliesuree Vers, that two of the most powerful chiefs and °rthern Howlongs had made their submission. Bourchier on the 18th had reachedLalboorahs, « 6 chief village. The chief having failed to surrender, e village of 500 houses was destroyed, the Looshais jjavin8 abandoned it. Articles have been recovered °Qtifying Lalboorahs with the raids of last year.

« W. SHIPPING AND MAIL NEWS. totti |T!SwWit> Eriday. —The Allan steamer Peruvian, ^HrVx arriv«'d off here, at 11 p.m. last night. arri r'EXClk8TLF, Friday.— Tho Allan steamship Portland ved Eoyle, at 4 this morning 6 Hia.il i Thursday.—The Nyanza arrived here at 5; 11 left 8, 'avo at 5.30 evening for London. The Mool- 011 ^°oltan, for Alexandria. h Cn PT9N> Eriday.—The Union steamer Northam. IT Ina^s> arrived 10.40 a. in. z.airE, Friday. — The Transatlantic steamer F b' with tUtes from Colon to Feb. 1st, and

SOUSE OF LOltDA.VftiioAy. Their Lordships met At RVe o'clock. A PERSONA!. MATTES. Th'fe Marquis of CLANIUCARDE coniplained that he had been reported last night as having given notice for a se- lect cdttimittee whereas he really only gave notice, for the 4th of March, that he would move for the instruc- tions given to Capt. Tyler, authorising him to collect in- formation with respect to the Irish railways, PARISH GRAVEYARDS. Th'e Marquis of SALISBURY moved for a return of the parishes in England and Wales, in which new ground had been consecrated as churchyards during the last ten years, distinguishing whether purchased by the parish or by sub- scription, or presented and also a return of the parishes in which cemeteries had been constituted under burial Acts, containing a portion of unconsecrated grounds The House adjourned at 5.20.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FRIDAY. The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. REDUCTION Of THE ESTIMATES Mr. HOLMES gave notice that on Monday week in com- mittee of supply On the Army Estimates, he Will move a reduction of the number of men by 20,000. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE. SirJ. TRELAWNEV gave notice that on Thursday next he will move that the House be called over on the 21st of March, when the Contagious Diseases Bill will be under discission. ELECTIONS BILL. Mr. C. BENTINCK gave notice that on going into Com- mittee on the Parliamentary and Municipal Elections Bill, he will move that it be an instruction to the com- mittee to provide that votes and divisions in the House of Commons be taken by ballot (laughter). DISTURBANCES IN ROUMANIA. In reply to Sir FREDERICK GOLDSMID, Lord EN- FIELD said it _was true that at two small towns in Roumania serious disturbances had taken place, and assaults had been committed upon the Jewish people in consequence of a robbery and sacrilege alleged to have been committed by a Jew in the Cathedral Church of IsmaiL The English ConsUl-G encral (Mr. Green) had appealed to the authorities to restore order, and Her Majesty had instructed Mr. Green, by telegram, to do what he could with a view of bringing about this result. THE EDUCATION IN IRELAND. In answer to Mr. LESLIE, Mr. GLADSTONE said the effect of the declarations made by the Government on the subject of public education in Ireland, was simply to point to the higher description of education. There was requiring of some material change in the public arrangement of the country in order to do justice to all sections of the people but they had made no such declaration with regard to the primary system of education in Ireland. On the contrary, they had always considered there was nothing in it calling for anything in the nature of a fundamental change. AMERICAN FISHERIES. In reply to Mr. DALRYMPLE, Mr. KNATCIIBULL-HUGESSEN said that no collisions had occurred between North American and Canadian fisher- men last year, and none were apprehended in the approach- ing season'; but, when the proper time arrived, the Government would, according to the usual practice, issue instructions on the subject to the Admiralty stations. IRISH COUNTY OFFICERS. The Marquis of HARTINGTON, in reply to Mr. VANCE, said that he hoped before Easter to introduce a Bill deal- ing with the duties and emoluments of several of the county officers in Ireland, and he saw no reason why the regulation of the office of coroner should not be included. THE PUBLIC SAFETY. In answer to Mr CADOGAN, Mr. BRUCE said that he had received no information as to the insecure condition of private structures in course of erection along the route of the expected royal pro- cession. The matter was under the charge of the Metro- politan Board of Works, and they had directed the Sur- veyor to carefully examine all the structures along the line of route, with a vew to ascertain their condition. THE ROYAL PROCESSION. Mr. GLADSTONE replying to Mr. KENNAWAY, said he had made enquiry of the Lord Chamberlain as to the arrangements that had been made for the Royal proces- sion on Tuesday next, and he was informed that the procession would be in two portions, the division between the two being made by a certain number of the military. The first portion would include the carriages conveying and forming the suites of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Chancellor and the Commander-in- Chief, and the Duke of Cambridge. The second por- tion of the procession would contain three State carriages, conveying the Sovereign; the members of the Royal Family; and all who wouid be in attendance on them. DENOMINATIONAL TEACHING. In reply to Mr. Alderman CARTER, Mr. FORSTER said that no instruction had been issued to the School Boards not to provide more school accom- modation in their districts than the actual deficiency re- quired, without regard to the suitableness of the existing schools in respect of denominational teaching therein; nor had the inspector authority to represent that the Education Department was opposed to the establishment of new Board Schools in districts where the existing schools were found unsuitable to the requirements of the population in consequence of the denominational character of teaching in such schools. DISTURBANCES IN MAYO. The Marquis of HARTINGTON, in reply to Mr. G. BROWNE, stated that in 1870 the disturbed state of the county of Mayo made it necessary to increase the number of the county constabulary, but that since then the con- dition of the county had so much improved that the Government hoped it would shortly be in their power to make a. considerable reduction in the number of the con- stabulary there employed. THE JURY LAW. In answer to Mr. LOPES, the ATTORNEY GENERAL hoped before very long to bring in a Bill for amending and consolidating the law in respect of summoning, at- tendance, and remuneration of jurymen. EX-GOVERNOR EYRE. Mr. JOHNSTONE gave notice that on Monday next he will ask the Prime Minister whether in consideration of the long and valuable public services of Mr. Edw. John Eyre, ex-Governor of Jamaica, and the unjust persecu- tion to which he has been subjected for having saved Jamaica from rebellion and ruin, it is the intention of the Government to confer on him an adequate pension, or give him a suitable appointment under the Crown. On the order for going into Committee of Supply, LEE CONSERVANCY ACT. Mr. DUNSDALE called attention to the operation of the Lee Conservancy Act, 1868, and to the heavy pecuniary burdens its provisions impose on the residents in the towns and villages situate on the banks of the Lee and iss tributaries. Mr. BRUCE thought there was no case for the inter- ference of the Government. A short conversation ensued, and the subject dropped. THE EX-NAWAB OF TONK. Sir C. WINGFIELD moved an address praying her Ma- jesty to refer the case of the Ex-Nawab of Tonk for consi- deration by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, under the provisions of the Privy Council Act. Mr. GRANT DUFF entered into a lengthened history of the case, and contended that no injustice had been done to the Ex-Nawab. He opposed the motion, and said it was impossible to refer it to the tribunal suggested by Sir C. Wingfield. A protracted discussion followed. Division on Sir C. Wingfield's motion :-For, 84; against, 120 majority, 36. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved the follow- ing resolutions "1. That strangers shall not be directed to withdraw during any debate, except upon a question put and agreed to, without amendment or debate. 2. That whenever notice has been given that Estimates will be moved in Committee of Supply, and the Committee stands as the first Order of the Day upon any day except Thursday and Friday, on which Government Orders have pre- cedence, the Speaker shall, when the Order for the Com- mittee has been read, forthwith leave the chair without putting any question, and the House shall thereupon resolve itself into such Committee, unless on first going into Committee on the Army, Navy, or Civil Service Esti- mates respectively, an amendment be moved relating to the division of Estimates proposed to be considered on that day. 3. That when the House, after a morning sitting, resumes its sitting at 9 o'clock, and it appears, on notice being taken, that 40 members are not present, the House shall suspend debate and proceedings until half- past 8 o'clock, and Mr. Speaker -shall then count the House, and if 40 members are not then present, the House shall stand adjourned."

SWANSEA. THE GUILDHALL EEADINGS.—On Thursday evening, the 22nd inst, a capital prograninie was once more pre- sented to the audience by the indefatigable exertions of the Rev. G. P. Evans, and the committee associated with him. It was the best of the third series of these reunions, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a full attendance. Mr. H. H. Horman Fisher pre- sided, and opened the concert by remarking that it was impossible to praise too highly the energy which Mr. Evans and his coadjutors had displayed throughout the whole of these entertainments. Mr. Evans's object had been twofold first to provide a healthy and highly moral entertainment for a large class of people in Swansea; and secondly, to raise funds for the support of that splen- did institution the Swansea, Hospital (applause). The Glamorgan Artillery Volunteers' band performed a number of selections, which the audience highly applauded. Mr. J. Davies and Miss Evans sang each a song Very creditably, and Mr G. Cynon's song received an encore. The Morns' ton Madrigal Society gave proof of efficiency and careful training. MissGfiBr'ssoiig. "Thsjmiirnifetbflhe shell,"was much ajjpreciated. Master and Miss Jones, 9 and i0 yeats of age, sang a duet, which gave tokens of much promise, and was heartily received. The star of the evening, judg- ing from the reception and the eiicdres given, was Mr. E. Crapper, who did the tbmiqiie in Poor Miss Wobbin- son," and in rendering, his awfully funny song, Perhaps she's on the rdilWa^j" in Ka^ital style, and,With great effect. Miss Powell kindly presided at the pianoforte as usual. We understand the last concert of the above com- mittee will be given in the Music Hall, on Monday, February 26th, when all the talent will muster in force, and everybody will be present to close a succession of very deserving entertainments. NEGRO MELODISTS.—The negro melodists have been charming Swansea audiences for the last three evenings. Little Roberts has again and again been received with great enthusiasm. His peculiar and unique delineation of negro life is very amtonisliina. Every member of this troupe is a professional man, highly trained, and endoWed with remarkable powers. This evening is their last enter- tainment, which will be held as usual in the Swansea Music Hall. GORWYDD COLLIERIES.—We understand that these valuable collieries have been sold by Mr. Sterry to the Ystalyfera Tin-plate and Iron Company, Swansea Valley. Mr. Sterry has given up these collieries, and is now en- gaged sinking new pits on the Cameron estate. FORESTFACH COLLIERY.—We understand that the Lan- dore Steel and Iron Company have purchased this colliery from Mr. Thomas Glasbrook. CORRECTION.—We are requested to state that the iron rolled at the Landore Works weighs 14, and not 18, grains, as stated. It was the work of Mr. Owen Francis. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.—Mr. Solomon, of Cleveland-terrace, has recently been appointed to the secretaryship of this institution. For a long time past the association has been languishing for some reasons or other, but hopes are entertained now that the institution may make a fresh start, and eventually root itself in the affec- tion of the Christian young men of Swansea.

HAVOD, RHONDDA VALLEY. The inhabitants at and about Havod are much pleased in finding that the Havod Colliery has been taken by Mr. T Jones, coal merchant, of Cardiff, and that the pit will be repaired and put in order as soon as possible, and in a short time will be sent off again. This pit has been idle for some time.

HA VERFORDWEST, PETITION.-On Thursday night Sir Roundeil Palmer presented a petition to the House of Commons in favour of a general school of legal education for attorneys and solicitors practicing in Pembrokeshire.

i'¡ BRITON FERRY. GIANT'S GRAVE.—At Zoar Chapel, a very successful eisteddfod was held on Thursday evening, and presided over by Mr. Griffiths, when four choirs competed. The first prize, for Ffrwd" (Gwilym Gwent), was won by Bethel Calvinistic Methodist ohair; the second prize, "Cyngherdd y Plant," divided between Rheoboth and Bethel juvenile choirs; 3rd prize, "Hen Walia, Gwlad y Gan," won by D. L. Jones (Cynalaw), Bethel choir. The prize for rendering" Edeyrn" was divided between the the Melincrythan and Giant's Grave choirs. The adjudi- cator was the Rev. J. Walters, of Aberdylaie.

LLANTRISSANT. VESTRY MEETING. -An important vestry meeting was held at the Town-hall yesterday. The Rev. J. P. Jones occupied the chair. The meeting was convened for the purpose of taking into consideration the necessity of hospital accommodation at Llantrissant, under the Sani- tary Act, 1866. After a long discussion, the following resolution was moved by Dr. Hopkins, seconded by Mr. R. Lewis, and carried unanimouslyThat in the opinion of this vestry the cases of small-pox in the parish are so few and of so favourable a type that small-pox hospital accommodation is not required at present. espe- cially as the guardians of the Union are providing a hos- pital for the accommodation of pauper patients at Ponty- pridd. The vestry directs the attention of the guardians to the necessity of a more regular and effectual inspection of the parish." A resolution was also passed appointing two ratepayers from each hamlet to meet the surveyor, for the inspection of roads in different parts of the parish.

LLANTWIT VARDRE. LECTURE.—A lecture on Chemistry was given in the British School-room on Thursday evening, by Mr. James, chemist, Pontypridd. The proceeds were devoted towards Efail Isaf Chapel.

LISVANE. A vestry meeting was held at the above place at two o'clock on the evening of Thursday, to take into considera- tion the question of opening and improving Ffynon Fair and Graig roads in this parish. A large number of rate- payers was present. Mr. South represented the Cardiff Water Works Company, and Mr. Thomas the Rhymney Railway Company. A poll was demanded, and the votes were recorded as follows :—For opening Graig-road, being the road leading to Cefn On, 12; for opening Ffynon Fair-road. 25, this being the main road from St. Mellons and Lanedarne, through Lisvane, to Lanishen station on the Rhymney Railway. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Titus Llewellyn, who acted as chairman in the absence of the Rev. Mr. Rees, the vicar.

——— i NEATH. PETTY SESSIONS.—On Friday, before Mr. Griffith Lle- wellyn and the Rev. W Griffiths, Mr. Herbert Stephens was charged with assaulting P.C: Shallock at Pont- rhydyfen. Mr. Thomas, from Mr. Kempthorne's, at- tended on behalf of the prisoner, and applied for a remand, which was granted. POACHING -J ohn Goss and William Llewellyn were summoned on a charge of trespassing on the lands of Mr. Morgan Stuart Williams of Aberpergwm, in pursuit of game. Defendants did not appear, and the Bench issued warrants for their appprehension. PERMITTING DRUNKENNESS.—W. B. Llewellyn, of the Rolling Mill, Cwmavon. was charged with the above offence. Fined 20s. and costs. ILLEGAL HOURS.-J ohn Howells, of the Collier's Arms, was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of beer at illegal hours. The Bench informed defendant that the least penalty they could inflict was 20s., but on this occasion they would only order the cost to be paid. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS. -Thomas Thomas and William Pickwell were charged with being drunk and fighting at Neath Abbey on the 16th instant, and were fined 5s. and costs. CAUGHT LARKING.—Richard Thomas was charged with stealing a number of clothes lines at Briton Ferry. Prisoner was remanded.

CARMARTHEN. NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAGUE.—The members of the local branch of the League in this town may fairly claim to have been in advance of the main body on the great question of secular education, as it appears they pro- nounced in favour of it two years before the committee of the league saw their way to do so. In Carmarthen, with its rich and active church organization, and its large proportion of Nonconformist children of the poorer class to be educated at elementary schools, the evils of de- nominational education soon became apparent, and the members of the league then acted boldly in at once pro- claiming their preference for secular education. At a meeting on Friday a resolution was carried vjnanjijiously in support of the league.

-u_ TAFF VALE RAILWAY COMPANY. The seventy-second half-yearly meeting of this com- pany Was he'd at the College Green Hotel, Bristol, yesterday. Mr. J. Poole presided, and there Were pre- sent Mr. W. D. Bushell, deputy-chaimian, the whole of the directors, and a large attendance of proprietors. The notice convening the meeting having been read, Mr. MARWOOD; the secretary, read the report, which has appeared in the South Wales Daily News. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, explained the reasons which had induced this directors to hold the meeting on that day, instead of on the 37th as originally announced. He congratulated the proprie- tors upon the fact that, although the amount to be dis- tributed upon the past half-year was upwards of £ 8,000 less than what it was in the half-year ending Juae last, the directors had been enabled to make the same divi- dend as before without deduction (hear, hear). If they asked him how it was done, he would tell them that it was done in this way. In the first place they paid less income tax to the amount of 9975 next, they carried less to the depreciation and contingent liability fund, by £ 4,250, and they had £ 3,210 saved in the balance, showing the pfudencS of the directors in carrying for- ward in the j nno half-year so kfge a balance as they did, and the rapidity with which the traffic re- covered itself after the two months' strike had con- cluded. It showed also how prudent the direc- tors were in providing for an increase of traffic by having available a large rolling stosk. Unlike the Great Western and other large lines, the traffic upon their concern was of a spasmodic order, sometime3 large and sometimes STT>I>,11. At present, owing to the untoward weather, which had prevented vessels from leaving, Penarth Dock was crowded with ships; the I Bute Docks were in the same condition, and the toad- stead was equally thronged with weather-bound vessels. This necessarily caused a decrease in the amount of coal brought down the line, and was an instance of the causes of the spasmodic traffic he had referred to previously. The Penarth undertaking showed an increased balance against the company, owihg t the prejudicial influence of the strike, but for which, he believed, the greater portion of the balance would have disappeared. There war, a large fleet of ships now waiting for admission to Penarth, and they could not be admitted because there was no room, owing to the dock being crowded with vessels detained by the weather. They could only hope that a change would take place, and that the elasticity of the undertaking would show that it could meet the diAiculties which might arise. One matter mentioned in the report was of considerable impor- tance. It was that relating to the large increase in the items of wages, materials, and coal. The advance in wages was resisted as long as it was prrt- dent on the part of the directors to do so. Many of the. claims were of an unreasonable character; but they were obliged to submit to them, and that advance of wages coupled with the short time, would amount to several thousands a year. They could only hope that in the next half-year their traffic would continue to increase to meet that difficulty. In regard to the drivers upon the line, if the shortened hours of labour and addition to wages were used for the purpose of the improve- ment of their minds and relaxation, it would be all very well; but unfortunately it was not the case. Their engine-drivers were obliged to commence very early in the morning, and ended their work very late at night, and consequently their wages were high. They were paid at a rate of 7s. per day, and with their eStra hours those men were now getting £ ± or X4 4s. per week, They had never been brought up to any trade, they had never had to pay a premium to learn a trade, they were advanced from stokers to be drivers, and yet they had the audacity-if he might use the expression-to desire shortened hours of labour, and an advance in wages, making their salaries JE5 5s. a week. He only asked them whether those men were deserving of that increase? Their superintendent (Mr. Fisher), to whose department such matters fell, stoutly resisted that advance still the in- crease they had been obliged to make made the item of wages a heavy one, and they must meet it in the best way they could, and he could only reiterate the hope that the traffic would equal their expenditure. With re- gard to the next paragraph in the report, somehow or other they always had a Parliamentary campaign, but they had hitherto been successful. He supposed that every undertaking of a prosperous kind invited aggres- sion. Their company gave the largest amount of accom- modation. They had an admirably arranged system, and they enforced the strictest punctuality; still all were dissatisfied, and made aggressions on the company in a variety of ways. The Port Talbot and Rhondda Junction Bill," to which reference was made, was of a singular character. The promoters not only proposed to join this company at the top of the Rhondda valley, but that their engines should run over the whole of the Taff Vale lines, north of Newbridge. The result would have been most disastrous to this company, and he was pleased to state that they defeated the bill on the standing orders. With regard to the junction between the Taff Vale and the Great Western, he believed the Great Western was desirous of keeping good faith with this company. The reason why the junction at Mer- thyr had not been completed, was in consequence of some lapse in the Parliamentary notice, which would be corrected in the bill now before the House, and that junc- tion would be commenced immediately. The loop connecting the South Wales with the Penarth line was in course of progression, and was going OR very satis- factorily so that instead of having to go over from Cardiff to Penarth by steamboat, or in carriages or vans, people would have direct railway commu- nication between Cardiff and Penarth (hear, hear). As to the appeal case of the Marquis of Bute's Trustees, that stood in status quo, and he need not say anything about it. Believing, with his predecessor, that long speeches were synonymous with short divi- dends, and that long dividends only required short speeches (laughter) he should not trouble them with any further remarks, but move the adoption of the report (applause). Mr. W. D. BUSHELL briefly seconded the motion. The CHAIRMAN asked if any shareholder desired to put a question, or make any remark. There was no response and the report was then put, and unanimously adopted. On the motion of Mr. W. D. Bushell, Mr. James Poole was re-elected chairman; and Messrs. George Thomas and W. Tribe were re-elected auditors. This concluded the business of the.meeting.

LLANTRISANT AND TAFF VALE JUNC- TION RAILWAY. The twenty-second half-yearly meeting of the share- holders of this company was held at the close of the Taff Vale meeting, Mr. J. Poole, chairman, presiding. The Secretary read the following report:—" The usual half-yearly accounts, with the certificates of the engi- neer and the auditors, are submitted herewith. Mr. James Poole is the director who retires on this occasion, and he is eligible for re-election. Mr. F. L. W. Barnard is the retiring auditor, and he offers himself for re- election. The details of capital expenditure for the half-year ended 31st December, 1871, showed that the construction of way and stations cost £ 252 7s. ld. on lines open for traffic. On lines in course of construc- tion the cost was E3,367 Is. 8d.; and for engineering and surveying, 9565 13s. 2d; for Parliamentary expenses, zio 10s.; for interest, 13 6s. 2d., making a total of X3,939 18s, 8d. The Revenue Account showed that the expenses, including a balance of £2,263 16s. ld. amounted to zC2,402 15s. 7d.; leaving a balance avail- able for dividend, of £ 2,268 16s. Id., which at 5 per cent. per annum, paid 8th January, 1872, amounted to £ 2,236 5s. 2d., and left a balance to next half-year's account of £27 10s. lid. The CHAIRMAN proposed, and Mr. W. D. BUSHELL seconded the adoption of the report, which was agreed to. The retiring director and the auditor were re-elected.

DARE VALLEY RAILWAY COMPANY. The half-yearly meeting of this company was sub- sequently held at the pame place, Mr. James Poole, chairman, presiding. The Secretary (Mr. Marwood) read the following report: —" The directors now submit the usual statement of accounts for the half-year to 81st December last, together with certificates of the engineers and the auditors. In accordance with the re- solution of the special general meeting held osthe 23rcl August, 1870, the directors, in December last, desired Applications from the shareholders for 1,050 shares of £10 each, being a moiety of the share capital authorised by the Act of the 20th of June, 1870, that number of shares have been allotted pro rata, with the capital held by the applicants. Mr. William Dene Bushell is the director who retires on this occasion he is eligible for re-election.- Mr. F. L. W. Barnard is the auditor who now retires, bat he offers himself for re-election." The report was unanimously adopted. Mr. W. D. Bnshell was re-ciected director, and Mr. Barnard auditor.

TAFF VALE WAGON COMPANY, (LIMITED). The thirty-seventh ordinary half-yearly meeting of this company was also held at the same time and place, Mr. E. J. Hutch ins, chairman, presiding. Mr. David Roberts, secretary, read the following report:— The directors present the usual statement of accounts. During the half-year ended olst December. 1871, there has been invested t4 000 in a debenture of the Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway Company, and 4:300 in a, debenture of the Taff Vale Railway Company, each at four per cent. per annum 132" A" and 118 "B" shares of the Taff Vale Wagon Company have also been pur- chased, as will be seen by reference to the Redemption Ftiiffl account. The amount at this date in the hands of the Taff Yftle Railway Company on call is CI9,229 3s. Id. Mr. Hutching is the retiring- director, and offers himself for re-election Mr. T. W. Hill is the retiring auditor. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said that in 1874 the company would cease to exist; and he imagined by the end of next year they, as a company, would have nothing more to do. Mr. CROSBY LEONARD moved the adoption of the report, which was agreed to. Mr. Hutchins was re-elected director and the auditor was also re-appointed.

ABERDARE RAILWAY COMPANY. The half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of the company was held at the Secretary's Offices, Exchange Buildings, Bristol, yesterday, Mr. James Poole, chair- man, presiding. The only business transacted was the adoption of the report. „

-q }. BRISTOL STOCK EXCHANGE.—YESTERDAY. LOCAL AND MISCELLANEOUS STOCK. Share. Company. Amt. Paid. Prices". :u Stock Bristol and Exeter kloo iicq iiii Stock Do. 4 per Cent. Preference — 90 92 Ditto, 5 p.c. Rent Charge.. — ..116 118 Stock Monmouthshire Rail. & Canal 100 ..115 118 100 Do. 5 per Cent. Preference .100 108i 109J Stock Rhymney loo ..67 69 Stock South Devon 100 74 76 "4 Stock Taff Vale 100 .161 163 10 Do. elO Shares, Class C 6 4t 4f pm. Stock West Cornwall 100 76 78 10 Avonside Engine. 7 2f 2g dis. 1(1 Bristol City Hotel If 3 31 147.9.0 Bristol Dock Shares 147.9.0.. 88 89 Stock Bristol United Gas 100 19<3i IftTA 10 Bristol College Green Hote! 10 Ill llf 25 Bristol Commercial Rooms. 25 13 14 200 Bristol Steam Navigation 130 7i 7 120 Bristol Waggon Works 10 lb Ii dis. 25 Bristol Water Works 25 50 50-J 10 B. & S. Wales Rail. Waggon 4 1J If pm. x d. 10 Clifton Suspension Bridge.. 10 6* 6A 10 CHftwn Hotel. 10 11£ 11 100 London & South West. Bank 20 7 6 dis. 10 Western Waggon 10 7 7 20 West of England and South Wales District Bank 15 19i 20 x.d.

GLAMORGANSHIRE ADJOURNED QUARTER SESSIONS. The business of these sessions was resumed on Friday morning, at ten o'clock, before Mr. R. O. Jones (chair- man) and Mr. J. S. Corbett, in the first court, there being only one case to dispose of. STEALING SALT AT NEATII. -ThoRias Wright, on bail, was charged with stealing a quantity of salt, the pro- perty of, and while servant to, the Great Western Rail- way Company, at Neath, on the 21st of last month. The case occupied the court for some time. The accused was acquitted. This closed the business of the session.

r ———————————— .1 HEALTH OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. Sir James Paget was, early in the week, in atten- dance at Osborne, and we have reason to believe that the visit was in connection with a recurrence of the local affection which it will be remembered gave the Prince of Wales some trouble during his convalescence. As it would be manifestly most injudicious for his Royal Highness to run any risk by undergoing the fatigue necessarily incident to a State procession and ceremony, unless he should be so completely restored as to relieve the minds of his attendants from all anxiety on his behalf, the public must be prepared to bear with equanimity an absence which, should it be necessarily enforced, will, we feel certain, be as irksome to the Prince and his family as it can be to the thou- sands who are anxious to once more see the heir to England's throne.

MURDER OF A SWEETHEART. At the Craven Assizes, on Thursday, before Mr. Jus- tice Lawson, Hugh Fay, a farmer, aged about 35, was placed on trial for the murder of his sweetheart, Mary Lynch, on the 1st of March, 1870, at Ballyjamesdnff, co. Cavan. The evidence went to show that improper intimacy existed between the deceased and the accused, and that on the day mentioned he brought her into a field off the road. Whilst there they were,watched by a man named Byers, who stated that he saw the pri- soner place his belt around the deceased's neck as if to strangle her. The following morning the dead body of the girl was found in the field, and a belt lying beside it, which was afterwards identified as the prisoner's. The body, when discovered, was half lying in a ditch, and the throat was marked as if by the belt.

MERTHYR. THE PERMISSIVE BILL.—A petition in favour of the Permissive Liquor Bill from Merthyr Tydfil, was pre- sented in the House of Commons, on Thursday night by Mr. H. Richard. J s y SCHOOL BOARD.—The usual meeting of the School Board was held yesterday, Mr Clark in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mrs. Crawshay, before the commencement of the ordi- nary business, made an explanation as to a communica- tion which had appeared some weeks since in a paper cir- culating in the locality, reflecting upon a member of the board for giving countenance to a certain pamphlet. Mrs. Crawshay explained that she v/as the person who circu- lated it, and gave proof of its recognition for favourable criticisms in newspapers of note. The Rev. F. S. John- stone apprehended that little notice would be taken of an anonymous letter.—Communications were read from the Education Department of a mere formal charac- ter—Contributions, viz., arithmetical charts, &c., were received from Mr. Barnard Smith by the Chairman, and were placed before the Board for acceptance. This was all the public business. MORRIS MEMORIAL 1 TIMJ.—A meeting of the fmnds of the late Mr. Morris was held yesterday at the Bush Hotel, at which a committee was formed and a subscrip- tion list opened, for the purpose of raising a fund for the education of his sons. About £ 40 was subscribed in thP. room, and an active canvass will now be made in Merthyr and Aberdare. ———

TREORKY. NATIONAL EnvCATION LEAGUE.—A mec-«-irg was lately held at the Noddfa Chapel to take into programme of the League. The Rev. D. Morgan toed? the chair, and called upon the Rev. W- Morns, RhfJB- ynog, to explain the principles and "operation of that society- Resolutions were unanimously adopted in favouy- of 1\! r. Dixon's motion. It was rlso docidad to sefed :Pet4 tions to that effect from all the c^