The Welshman

CARDIGANSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS.- POLICE FORCE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE <C "WEI.STTMAX SIR,- Will you allow me to correct one or two errors in the report of the Quarter Sessions held last week at Aberayron, as it appeared in the WELSHMAN of the 5th instant. In the petition for a policeman from the rate- payers of Llandewi-Brefi, that parish is made to appear to be 20 miles by 11 miles in extent, which is not correct. The wording of that part of the petition ran thus There is a large tract of land in this county 20 miles one way and 11 miles the other way; that is to say, from the Towy to Ystrad, and from Lampeter to Tregaron, without a policeman within its boundary. Out of that district, if you take the parish of Li-ndewi- Brefi, you will find that it has an area of 3,894 acres, with a population of 2,785, and a rateable value of £ 10,410." By giving room to the above correction you will oblige, Yours respectfully, The Garth, 8th July, 1872. JOHN ROWLAND- 1 The Garth, 8th July, 1872. JOHN ROWLAND. I

CARMARTHENSHIRE ASSIZES. I The commission for holding these assizes was opened at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen, on Wednesday evening, before the Hon. Sir William Fay Channel, his lordship being conveyed thither by the High Sheriff, Astley Thompson, Esq. On Thursday morning his lordship attended divine service at St. Peter's Church, where the assize sermon was preached by the Rev Mr Jones, Llan- gendeirne, the Sheriff's chaplain. At ten o'clock his lordship took his seat on the bench, and the business of the assizes was immediately pro- ceeded with. The following magistrates for the County of Car- marthen, answered to their names Sir J. J. Hamilton, Bart., The Plas, Llanstephan W. Morris, Esq., Combe H. D. Evans. Esq., Highmead R. G Thomas, Esq., Llannon; A. P. Jones, Esq W. E. B. Gwyn, Esq., Plas Cwrt Hyr Robert Parnall, Esq., The Cottage, Llanstephan A. H. Jones, Esq., Penrallt Rev H. J. Davies, Cayo; J. Lewis Philipps, Esq., Bolahaul; J. B. Elkington, Esq, Pembrey House D. A. Onslow, Esq., New Lodge, Pembrey James Buckley, Esq., Castlegorfod; and W. G. Hughes, Esq., Glancothy. The following comprised the Grand Jury for the County of Carmarthen:—Sir J. J. Hamilton, The Plas; W. G. Hughes, Esq., Glancothy; W. Morris, Es., Combe R Goring Thomas, Esq., Llannon H. D. Evans, Esq., Highmead W. E. B. Gwyn, Esq., Plas Cwrt Hyr; J. Lewis Philipps, Esq., Bolahaul J. B. Elkington, Esq., Pembrey House; D. A. Onslow, Esq., New Lodge, Peinbrey; J. Buckley, Esq.. Castlegorfod; D. A. Price, Esq, 'Glanmorlais J. K. Hand, Esq., Pembrey James Buckley, jun., Esq., Bryncaerau and Ll. Ll. Lloyd, Esq., Glangwilly. The following comprised the Grand Jury for the county of the borough of Carmarthen Mr R. M. Davies, King-street; Mr George Spurrell, King-street Mr W. Davies, Guildhall-square Mr Mor- gan Jones, Lammas-street; Mr W. Morris, John-street; Mr W. T. Phillips, Lammas-street; Mr James Morgan, Priory-street; Mr Jeremiah Olive, Lammas-street; Nlr J. Lewis, Guildhall-square Mr G. A. Evans, Springfield Mr R. LI. Jones, Guildhall-square Mr W. O. Morgan, Lower Market-street; Mr Owen Phillips, King-street; MrT. Davies, Lower Market-street Mr Thomas Thomas, Dark-gate; Mr Charles Finch, Nott-square; Mr J. N. Roberts, Dark-gate; and Mr T. E. Brigstocke, St. Peter-street. In charging the Grand Jury, his lordship eaid he was happy to have the opportunity of again meeting them after an absence of nearly three years. The mumber of gentlemen upon the Grand Jury was not so great as he had been accustomed to see in this county, and this led him to make one remark. Being a smaller number than usual they should take care that twelvo of them agreed in finding, any bill. He had very little to say to them upon the charges on the calendar. The first case was one in which two persons were charged with one offence. The prisoners were named John Jones and William Rosser, junior, both foundrymen at Cross Inn, Llan- bebie, and they were charged with stealing some bottles of gingerade from a truck, the property of the Llanelly Railway Company. It appeared that some of the stolen property had been found, though not in the possession of the prisoners. It would be for them to consider whether the evidence traced the property to them or not. Another case was one in which Ambrose Williams was charged with unlawfully shooting at Titus Jones with intent to do him grievous bodily harm The prisoner was the son-in-law of the person at whom be shot. There was no doubt that he fired the pistol and no doubt that he stood at a short distance from the person at whom he fired. There was some reason to suppose that there was some misunderstanding between the prisoner and his wife, and it might have been that the prosecutor interfered. Be that as it might, there was no doubt that the prisoner pointed the pistol at the prose- cutor s face, and fired it when standing but a very short distance from him, Now, the prisoner was not charged in the indictment with intent to kill or murder, but had been committed by the magis- trrtes on the charge ef intent to do grievous bodily harm. If the pistol were loaded with powder and shot, and the prisoner standing so close to the prose- cutor, no doubt be might have done him grievous bodily harm. That would have been the natural result of firing at him at so short a distance. But if the pistol were loaded with powder only, the intention might have been to frighten and not to d01 grievous bodily harm. That was a matter they would have to consider for themselves, looking at it as reasonable men. There was another case of much more importance, although it wa R a case that requirei but few observations from him. The points to which he thought it necessary to direct their attention were few in number. It appeared from the depositions that the prisoner, William Brice, was charged with the wilful murder of Margaret Brice, on the 2Sth of May last. The deceased was the wife ot the prisoner and it seemed that they had been in the ,3 into their house A persol habit of receiving lodgers into their house A person named Davies, who did lodge there, but had left for some time, came back to the prisonor's house on Tues- day the 28th of May. He then saw the prisoner violently kicking his wife, and he noticed that the prisoner wore new boots, heavily nailed, and that be used his feec violently. It was to be presumed that the prisoner might have known what would be the effect of kicking the deceased violently with a new pair of boots heavily nailed. Her body was very much bruised on the outside, and on the inside to a certain extent. He need not trouble them with all the circumstances of the case. Two medical gentlemen, who conducted the post mortem examination, would be called before them. They would say that the injuires were such as would be naturally caused by violent kicks, and that the injuries received were sufficient to produce death. If they weie satisfied that the prisoner's wife met her death by violence, then they should consider whether such violence as was witnessed by Davies was likely to cause death; for that appeared to be all that was seen. He could not altogether understand the conduct ot the witness Davies. He saw the prisoner violently assaulting the deceased, and said he should very likely be a witness against him the next day, and that was all he appeared to have done. Two other persons were passing the prisoner's house at a Liter hour that evening, and heard the prisoner beating his wife in a very cruel manner. They called the prisoner by name, warned him, and passed on, leaving him to continue the assault. It seemed that prisoner and his wife were in the habit of quarelling, so that his conduct on this particular occasion was not the subject of much observation. Now, if they compared the evidence of the medical gentlemen, who stated positively that the death of the prisoner's wife was caused by violence, with the circumstances as spoken to by the witnesses, they must ask themselves whether the prisoner was the author of the violence, and whether they considered that he ought to have known what would be the natural result of the violence. The prisoner's conduct subsequently should also he taken into their considera- tion. The lodger, Davies, returned to the prisoner's bouse on the following morning, and enquired for the deceased, but could get no satisfactory answer. Some neighbours also made enquiries, and prisoner said his wife had left him and had taken away some of his money. Nothing further was heard of the prisoner's wife on that day. However, on the next day a woman whilst walking along a roadway, overlooking a field, saw the prisoner in such a situation as led her to suppose that he was trying to avoid observation that he appeared to be courting secrecy with reference to what he was about. She however watched him and found that he was carrying the body of a woman, partly dressed. The limbs were naked, but there was some clothing on the upper portion of the body. This woman mentioned what she had seen to two persons named Margrave, who were coming that way but before that she had asked the prisoner what he was doing, and receiving no direct answer she charged him with the murder of his wife. That charge was re- peated when the Margraves came up, and they believed, without any doubt, that the prisoner was trying to conceal the body of his wife. There was no disclosure of the woman's death made to either of those perjons, who could not wring from the prisoner but evasive answers. He afterwards tried to account for the state of her dress, but this evidence they would have brought before them. If these facts were made out to their satisfaction, and they had no reasonable doubt about them,, it would be their duty to put the prisoner upon his trial. He need not keep them by going into the evidence. He hoped they would take the other shorter cases first, so that the court might not be kept wait- ing. In dismissing the Grand Jury for the county of the borough, his lordship congratulated them upon the fact that they had nothing at present to do. Should any case arise they would have notice to attend. SHOOTING CASE AT LLANELLY. Ambrose Williams, on bail, pleaded not guilty to firing a pistol loaded with gunpowder and shot, at Titus Jones, at Llanelly, on the 5th of April, 1872. Mr Gwyn Jeffreys, instructed by Mr Mansel Rees of Llinelly, prosecuted; Mr Arthur Williams, instructed by the prisoner, defended.—Titus Jones, the prosecutor, said he was a shopkeeper residing at Uwmfelin, near Llanelly. On the night of the 5th of April, between ten and eleven o'lock, he was at Cwmfelin with his wife and his daughter (who is prisoner's wife). They all left the house about quarter to twelve o'clock, and met the prisoner near the Bell Inn. They were going towards the prisoner's house. The prisoner passed without speaking. Prisoner's wife asked the prisoner where he was going, and prisoner asked what she wanted that way at night, and whether she was with an Englishman or a man (laugh- ter). He then came and asked the witness whether he was an Englishman or a man. Witness replied that he was a man (laughter). He saw something shining in the prisoner's hand and put up his stick to ward it off. As soon as the words were spoken, prisoner shot at him. Prisoner held the thing that was shining exactly on his own breast when he shot. The powder went to witness's face, but no shot. After shooting, the prisoner ran away, receiving one blow from witness before get- ting away. Witness followed. The prisoner got over a garden rail, and witness following, gave him a thrash- ing with his stick. Early next morning, witness went te the scene of the first encounter, and found a pistol. He and prisoner had never quarrelled previous to the fight.-The prosecutor's wife said that the prisoner bad drunk four dobbins of beer and that he had been ill before that day. P.S Davies said that the prisoner called upon him and wanted a summons against his father-in-law, the prosecutor, who had been abusing him. He said that he had bad a few words with his wife, and that she left him and went to her father's house. — Mr Arthur Williams cross-examined the wit- nesses, and induced the Judge to exclude a statement made to the policeman by the prisoner, on the ground that it was made in answer to a question put by the policeman, and before the usual caution had been given. Mr Williams then addressed the jury in a clever speech full of ingenious suggestions, and the jury found the prisoner not guilty. THE LLANELLY MURDER CASE. -1.. hVHliam Brice, 39, drainer, was CQargeu wluu tJl- oniously, wilfully, and of malice aforethought killing and murdering one Anne Brice, at Llanelly, on the 28th of May, 1872. The Grand Jury found a true bill in the case.-The Chairman, Sir James Hamilton, said that the principal witness, Rees Davies, had not attended and could not be found. They thought, however, that there was evidence enough to warrant them in bringing the case before the court.—The Judge said that Rees Davies had been called upon his recognizances, and bad not answered.—Mr Coleridge, for the prosecution, applied for a supeooea against Rees Davies.—The Judge said the case was a peculiar one. The witness was bound over to appear and prosecute at the first assizes. This was the first assizes, and the prisoner was present. He felt that he could not grant the subpoena. There was a case came before himself and his learned brother Willes in which a subpoena was granted but there the witness had been called before the Grand Jury, and then ran off. In this case, however, the witness had not been before the Grand Jury at all. Perhaps the witness might be found before to-morrow morning. The parties on both sides must take all the pains they possibly could to find him.—Mr Coleridge then applied for a postponement of the trial.—The Judge said he could not hear that application now. It must be mada in the presence of the learned counsel for the prisoner. -Mr B. T. Williams said he appeared with Mr Jeffreys, for the prisoner, and he certainly should resist any application of the kind preferred by his learned friend Mr Coleridge.—The Judge said that he was desirous if possible, of bringing the prisoner to trial, but at the same time he was anxious not to keep the prisoner in custody till the next assizes. The application must be deferred till the morning. Counsel lor the prosecution were instructed by Mr Snead, of Llanelly, and for the defence, by Mr Howell, of Llanelly. ROBBEKY PROM A RAILWAY. I John Jones pleaded guilty, and William Prosser, pleaded not guilty to stealing eleven bottles of ginger beer, the property of the Llanelly Railway and Dock Company, at Llandilo Fawr, on the 26th of June, 1872. Mr Coleridge instructed by Mr Protbero Lewis, of Llandilo prosecuted Mr Bowen, instructed by Mr Lewis Bishop, of Llandilo, defended. Mr Celeridge offered no evidence against Prosser. Jones was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment.

THE PROPOSED MUSEUM AND PICTURE GALLERY AT ABERYSTWITH. A special meeting of the Town Council was held on Friday last. There were present: —The Mayor, Coun- cillors D. Roberts, J B Balcombe, Jonathan Pell, Dr Morris Jones, Benjamin Hughes, H. E. Taylor, John Davies (Harbour-master), John Rees, Philip Williams, and John Watkins. Mr Balcombe said he understood that at the last meeting some surprise was expressed that there was not a further report from the public libraries' committee. But the committee had on former occasions gone so fully into the subject that they did not consider a further report necessary, especially as their functions had been I somewhat marred by proceedings which would be re- ferred to in the report he was about to read. It was drawn up at a meeting held on Wednesday evening, and was as follows The committee appointed on the 1st of February last, for the purpose of this Act, have to- report that although there is a resolution on your books empowering the committee to procure plans and to erect a building at a cost not exceeding E400, the committee considered it more courteous to make a report to the Council, and thus to leave the veto of their recom- mendation in the hands of the Council rather than to act on such resolution of appointment in its fullest meaning and integrity." Accordingly, at a special meet- ing of the Council on Thursday, the 18th of April last, the committee brought up a report, recommending the Town Hall site for the purpose of this Act. Upon a vote taken on such report there appeared for its adop- tion six, against three. The committee then advertised for tenders, but as a meeting of burgesses was subse- quently convened, and some doubt created as to the carrying out*of the Act, only one tender was received, viz ,from Mr Thomas Davies, builder, at and for the sum of X360, a price, it will be noticed, below the powers of outlay vested by your resolution in this committee. No action has been taken on this tender out of deference to the irregular vote which was passed at such meeting of burgesses; but as at a recent meeting of the Council a further report was asked for, your committee have only to add that acting in the best interests of the town they still believe that the site chosen by them, and adopted by the Council (the only one in fact offered to the .consideration of the committee) will, weighing the alleged unsuitableness of the site against the financial difficulty which must necessarily attend any purchase of ground, prove it to be superior in every sense, and best suited to the eventual requirements of all classes. In conclusion, your committee have only further to remark that it is usual with all other corporate bodies for the members of Council to uphold any decision to which its committees may arrive; otherwise to refer the subject back to such committees for further considera- tion. The course adopted, however, in the late instance, whereby, after a confirmatory vote by the Council, a minority of its body prompted a counter meeting of ratepayers in opposition, is so irregular, so likely to be fraught with discontent, and is an act so expressive of want of confidence, that your committee will be glad to be relieved by the Council from the future carriage of the Public Libraries Act." Dr Jones wished to explain that when he asked for a further report he did not refer to the question of site, but he wanted to know what the committee had done with the tenders sent in. Mr Balcombe-That is in the report. Dr Jones did not think Mr Balcombe should have said he had no business to ask for a further report. Mr Balcombe-I did not. What I said was that I was surprised. Dr Jones Then you should not have been surprised, because he wanted to know why the committe had not accepted a tender. Mr Balcombe said the reason was to be found in the action of the public meeting which condemned the site. The committee went into the subject deliberately, and carefully, and they came to the conclusion, as he told the Council on the 18th of April, that it was utterly impossible with the money at command to fix upon another site. Mr Taylor thought that after the public meeting the committee rightly considered their duties were at an end. Dr Jones—They did not think their duties were at an end or they would not have opened the tender. Mr Pell-I do not agree with you. Mr Jones. If tenders, to be opened on a certain day, are adver- tised for, the parties tendering must be kept faith with. Mr Balcombe put it to Mr Jones whether the com- mittee had not treated the public meeting with a great deal of deference. It was a meeting said to represent the feeling of the town, though that he doubted, and the committee bowed to that feeling. Mr Pell-If we bad accepted the tender, and then told the Council so, I am quite sure there would have been very strong expressions of opinion against us. Mr Balcombe-Come, Mr Jones, what do you say to tbat P Dr. Jones-Well, I should have found fault. Mr Balcombe-Exactly: we knew that, and therefore rested on our oars. Dr Jones-But why not have reported to the last meeting ? Mr Blcombe-Because I was in London, and could not produce the book. A rather acrimonious conversation which led to nothing here ensued, the purport of it being that Messrs. B. Hughes and P. Williams denied that they were instrumental in bringing about the public meeting referred to. Mr Hughes said he only signed the requisition, as did more than a hundred other respect- able people. A squabble then ensued about the number of tenders sent in, Mr Hughes stating, on the authority of Mr John Watkins, that there were "several." Mr Balcombe denied this, and Mr Hughes rejoined that as Mr Watkins was member of the committee he ought to know. Ultimately Mr Watkins entered the room, and set the matter at rest by saying that his statement was based on a paragraph which had appeared in the papers. Mr Hugbes then said he should like to ask one question At the meeting of the Council held on the 18th April a plan was produced which was stated to be merely a sketch, and it was said that it would be altered before tenders were advertised for. But on the following day there was an advertisement in the Cambrian News inviting tenders, and as that advertise- ment must have been sent by a train which left here half-an-hour after the meeting was over, he should like to know whether a plan and tender were concocted" before that meeting P Tradesmen in Aberystwyth were quite as wide-awake" as Mr Balcombe and Mr Pell, and they noticed thesethings. Mr Balcombe said Mr Hughes was wrong in his facts. The plan shown to the meeting on the 18th April had been amended previously, and he read extracts from the minute book of the committee which confirmed the truth of his statement. Mr Pell warmly denied that the committee had ever been guilty of any attempt to mislead the town. The fact was that when Mr Szlumper presented his plan to the committee, a councillor who was present (though not a member of the committee) suggested that it would be a great point in favour of the committee if they gave more prominence to that portion of the building intended to be devoted to the purposes of a library and reading-room. The plan was accordingly sent back to Mr Szlumper, and fourteen days after he returned the same plan amended. Next day this plan was shown to the Council, with the alterations made in it, and Mr Hughes was quite wrong and regardless of the truth if he said that the plan was ordered to be amended on the 18th April. Mr Hughes believed he was right in what he had stated. Mr Pell assured Mr Hughes that the plan amended in committee was definitely accepted by the Council on the 18th April, and they were told that afae simile would be prepared, and as there was no time to lose (for at that time Mr Powell sud the building must be ready by the 1st August) he drew up an advertisment, and it was sent off. The Mayor said it was a great pity that such a wrong impression had laid hold of Mr Hughes, and he assured and the public that the committee bad done nothing underhand. The Clerk, at the request of Mr Balcombe, read a resolution passed on the 18th April that the report of the committee recommending the Town Hall site be adopted. Mr Balcoinbe-Now how will you get rid of that ? I am quite willing that you should let the picture gvllery drop, but if you wish to do so I submit that 1 JU must first rescind the resolution just read. Mr Roberts asked if theM was no Corporation property the l.ase of which would fall in in a few years, which could be bought cheap and converted into a free library and museum at a small cost ? Mr Hughes said he had from time to time named several sites, and he would now mention another—the stables belonging to Mr J. R. Jones of the Talbot Hotel. They were on Colonel Powell's property, and could be had, perhaps, by a friendly exchange of land. It was moved by Mr Pell that the Corporation solicitor be instructed forthwith to memorialise the Lords of the Treasury to acquire the ground behind and adjoining the Town- Hall, and take other necessary steps to secure it for the purposes of the Public Libraries Act. Mr Balcombe seconded the motion, and as no amend- ment was proposed, the mayor declared the motion carried.

THE AGGRIEVED WIDOW & THE LAMPETER- VELFRY SCHOOL BOARD RATE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN. SIBi—The only point in my last letter which your correspondent of last week, Anti-J esuit," has deigned to notice, are my figures, and these he has touched in a very light and airy manner, thus—" I find from the Clerk that, your correspondent's figures are not reliable," referring to my statement that over £ 90, or fourpence in the pound, of rate had been drawn in one year to provide for the expenses of the Board and the school under its control. The figures below have just been extracted from the School Board books, and are, there- fore, perfectly reliable. They will show how far I was wrong when I made the above statement. X s. d. June 16 and Sept. 28, 1871.-Taken from balance of Poor Rate in Treasurer's hands 29 1 10 Dec. 21, 1871.—Rate levied according to Precept of School Board 23 0 0 April 25, 1872.-Ditto 35 6 0 I .£87 7 10 Here I will just observe, that a fourpenny rate in this parish amounts to seems P3 Having glanced at my figures, Anti-Jesuit" seems to have thrown my letter aside, or found it such unpleasant reading, that he was compelled to seek relaxation in another perusal of the report of the poor widow's defence, when summoned before the magis. trates, for non-payment of her school rate. Having read it, he observes, Her defence was, that she paid for her own children's learning." but I find that her children's learning is paid for by the Board of Guar- dians. Did the widow utter a deliberate falsehood, or have the Church School managers received double fees for the same children. Awkward alternatives: Are there any explanations r" Premising that the widow's defence was poverty, which, with herself and four children to maintain on 4s. a week, was not a very unreasonable one. I proceed to inform "Anti-Jesuit" that there are explanations, very simple, and I hope, satisfactory, of all that the poor widow has said. She has had children regularly in school for ten years, and during the whole of that period, up to the quarter ending Christmas, 1871, has paid for their schooling at the rate of Id. a week-the same that is paid by some members of the Lampeter.VeIfrey School Board and in 1871, out of 4s a week, the sum which she paid in school fees was 8s lOd I therefore venture to think that she was quite justified in saying that she had paid for her own children s learning. I dare say Anti- Jesuit" would like to know how it came to pass that the last two quarters have been paid for by the Board of Guardians. I will tell him. It was discovered by the managers of the Church Schools at the close of last year that the Lampeter-Yelfrey School Board had made a bye-law, limiting the remission of school fees to the children attending the Board School, in direct opposition to the often-expressed opinion of Mr Forster and the Education Department, who, far more liberal than Lampeter-Velfrev Liberals, would allow the poor to choose the school in which their children should be educated. It was further discovered that the children of able-bodied labourers, who paid Id a week in the Church Schools, had had their fees remitted in the Board School, and that the children of farmers, who paid 2d in the former, were received into the latter for Id. The Church School managers therefore deter- mined to apply for the same relief, for the poor widow, which was granted to persons in her circumstances in almost all the schools in the Narberth Union. Hence the payment of the school fees of her children for the last two quarters by the Board of Guardians. The sneer at her religion, in which Anti-Jesuit" indulges, is therefore as ill-deserved and contemptible as that in which, under the shelter of another signature, he emitted in your columns a fortnight ago. I have now only to apologise to you and your readers for having occupied so much of your space in exposing the defor- mities of the Lampetcr Velfrey "monstrosity," which, like its twin brother at Carmarthen, is at present in a very failing condition. I understand from those well qualified to judge that actual dissolution is regarded as imminent. Its history and fall cannot be better described than in the elegant lines of a great poet, descriptive of the lot of another urchin, which most of us rejoiced to sing when, as little children, we toddled round our nurseries- Humpy Dumpy sat upon a wall, Humpy Dumpy has had a great fall, And all the doctors in the land Will never make Humpy Dumpy stand." When actual dissolution takes place I promise you an early notice for your obituary, And am, your obedient servant, ANTI-HUMBUG.

THE WELSH CHOIR AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. As we announced last week, the Welsh Choir won the Challenge Cup at the Crystal Palace on the 4th inst. We are indebted to the Oswestry Advertiser for a portion of the following account. The choir numbered about 400, and they took with them their wives and sons and daughters, and friends too, and the Welsh residents of the great metropolis also mustered in large numbers to welcome their countrymen. The choir was composed chiefly of working men from Llanelly, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Dowlais, and the small towns and villages of that district. A look at them was sufficient to convince ony one that they were not only Welshmen, but hard-working Welshmen miners, iron smelters, blacksmiths in fact, representatives of nearly all the industrial occupations of the busy districts of South Wales. The leader of the choir was a broad-shouldered blacksmith named Griffith Jones, from the Rhondda Valley, who in addition to being a good conductor, is an accomplished master of the violin. The choir was called upon to sing, In tears of grief" (Bach) "The night is departing" (Mendelssohn) and Then round about the starry throne" (Handel). The judges were Sir Sterndale Bennett, Mr Hullab, and Mr Brinley Richards, and the performance was thought sufficiently good to entitle the choir to the prize cup. It does not, however, become their property at once, but has to be won twic, so that they may look forward to at least one more excursion to London. The choir also took part in a concert, and gave great satisfaction. Afterwards there was a reception in the large terrace dining hall, where between two and three thousand persons were present, including Mr Henry Richard, M.P., Mr Osborne Morgan, M.P., Mr J. Hallah, Mr H. Leslie, and Mr Brinley Richards. Miss Edith Wynne, the accomplised Welsh vocalist, also graced the proceedings with her presence, and charmed her countrymen and ceuntrywomen with her sweet voice, as also did Miss Edmonds of Swansea, who sang some charming Welsh melodies. The gathering had all the enthusiasm instilled into it which is char- acteristic of the Welsh people. They cheered Mr Richard, they cheered Mr Morgan, they cheered every- body of prominence who entered the room and having done that they set to work to refresh themselves with some of the good things of this life. The feast over, the next thing was to bear a few speeches and a few songs. The first sentiment which the chairman [Mr Richard M.P.] put was "The health of her Majesty. God bless her, and long may she reign over us a sentiment in which all concurred by singing the National Anthem" with a vigour that did credit to the loyalty of the Principality. Afterwards Mr Richard (made a speech, and humorously remarked that he had lived to see something which was very much like a. W elh eisteddfod in the Crystal Palace. A writer in the Times, he said, a few days ago, had acknowledged that the idea of a musical compptition in the Crystal Palace was borrowed from the Welsh eisteddfodau, and for the first time in h's [Mr Richard's] life did he see the plural of the word eisteddfod" properly spelt in an English newspaper. Their Saxon friends were accustomed to pluralisethe word" eibtedd- fod" according to the analogy of the English language by adding an s" to it. They did not now how much that offended the eye and the ear of the Welshman. Eisteddfodau had given a great impulse to music in Wales. The love of music had always been a passion with the Welsh people, and one of the pleasantest features in the rural life of Wales was the way in which the peasantry were accustomed to mingle singing with their labour in the fields. Between 1750 and 1790 there was a period of decay as respected music in Wales. Some of the most celebrated of the old harpists and minstrels, such as Edward Jones and Will Hopkins, dis- appeared from the stage, leaving no immediate succes- sors, and the old national music fell into disuse but in the last forty years the taste for music had revived, and spread with such wonderful rapidity that All Wales is now one sea of song Amongst the quarreymen in North Wales, in the slate districts in the neighbourhood of Aberystwyth, and amongst the ironworkers of Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire, choral music had reached a point of excellence hardly to be credited by those acquainted with Wales twenty-five or thirty years ago. The choir who had taken the cup were a choir of bona fide working men and their wives and sisters, and what they must do now was to take care and keep the prize in their own hands. Mr Richard was greatly cheered during his speech. Miss Wynne sang some very pretty Welsh melodies arranged by Mr John Thomas after which Mr Osborne Morgan, M.P.. whose reception was as enthusiastic as that of Mr Richard, addressed a short speech to the assemblage. He could not help thinking, he said, of the days when their eisteddfodau were never mentioned by an English- man except when snubbed. He had been told that in this country every movement had to pass through three stages-first it was laughed at, then it was abused, and thirdly it was adopted. He thought their eisteddfodau seemed to be approaching the third of these stages; for what was this great national musical festival, in which they had so nobly distinguished themselves, but an eisteddfod upon a grand scale ? Did it not show that when Englishmen wanted something reallv good they were obliged to go back and take a leaf out of the Welsh eisteddfodau ? The Welsh choir had not had any competitors, but that, far from being against them, was in favour of their excellence, and showed that no one dared to compete with them and therefore they bad obtained an easy but glorious victory. Our own correspondent adds that Mr Brinley Richards spoke to the choir about national mssic and the marvellous influence of music on the minds of the work- ing population of South Wales—an influence so great as to have enabled them to win the admiration of a vast London audience. He also told them of the high opinion of Sir Sterndale Bennett, and Sir Jules Benedict, and said that official duties, at the Royal Academy alone prevented Sir Sterndale Bennett, from attending that evening. He then introduced Mr Henry Leslie, and Mr Hallah, who both addressed the meeting and were loudly cheered. Mr Hullah spoke in high terms of the singing of the choir, but said he would not tell them that it was perfection, as something more than a good voice-an ear for music, and musical and poetical feeling—was required. Out of compliment to Mr Brinley Richards, the author, the meeting was brought to a close by the unitrfd choirs, the Military and Crystal Palace Bands, and the great organ performing 1, God Bless the Prince of Wales," and God Save the Queen. The prizes were distributed on Saturday by the Duke of Edinburgh. The Daily News gives the following amusing account of the proceedings:—" The programme opened with a concert, in which the fashionable audience were given the opportunity of ratifying the decisions of the judges, the music, both vocal and instrumental, being executed by the prize winners The merits of the various performers have already been noticed in articles especially devoted to musical I criticism, bat we may add here that at the final concert the whole public, learned and unlearned, were highly gratified, and unanimously confirmed the decisions of Sir Sterndale Bennett and his judical colleagues. We have the high authority of Mr Manns, the able director of the Crystal Palace music, for saying that the trials have brought ont a really good soprano in the person of Miss Anne Williams the winner of the prize in that class, and that the other successful singers, both male and female, are far above mediocrity. So much for the judgment of the experts. For the general public we are ready to affirm, that the most enthusiastic approval was accorded to the Welsh choir when the "Men of Harlech" was demanded again and again, and every time it was repeated received a more enthusiastic ovation. The genuine local colour of the music, the awakening character of the sentiment, and the fresh and vigorous voices of the singers, all combined to produce a sensa- tion which was as new as it was refreshing to the lan- guid and blast metropolitan audience. If the directors of the Crystal Palace had not been struck with the happy thought of bringing the Men of Harlech up to London, their singing would justify a pilgrimage to their hitherto unknown locality, if Mr Cooke could only be induced to discover the place, and get up a musical excursion. The very appearance of these melodious Welsh, lads and lasses was in itself a curious and welcome noveltv. In London we know but little about Wales since the days of the Rebecca riots, and might perhaps let the Principality slip altogether into obliva- tion, if it were not fur a curiously conducted election now and then, and the annual appearance of certain members of the House of Commons in their place in Parliament" with most demonstrative leeks tied up with silver thread, and tastefully displayed in their patriotic button-holes. But the men of Harlech—and the women too -have now come down upon us in the body and in force, not after the manner of Sennacherib—"like wolves on the fold" but strong and jolly and rosy. full of sweet, fresh voice, and genuine earnest musical feeling, and we fraternize with them at once with a loyal and undying affection. We now know something of our Welsh fellow subjects. The men of Harlech have come. and seen, and conquered. We acquiesce respectfully in their victory, and all we hope is that they may come again, and often, with voices still as fresh and musical as now, but refined by the more cartful culture to which their first success must stimulate them. Above all things they must not forget the venerable Mayor of Harlech, we presume, who presented himself to the Prince with a calm dignity worthy the King of the Bards or the High Priest of the Druids, and was made the custodian of the thousand pound prize which had been so gallantlv won by the South Wales Choral UQion. The Duke of Edinburg arrived at six, and his appearance in front of the Handel orchestra was the signal for a general burst of cheering. The prise winners faced the dreadful ordeal of presentation to a Prince of the Blood in the pre- sence of twenty thousand spectators with commend- able courage and an evident determination to get over the work in hand regardless of consequences. They rushed up the steps on one side as if each were the leader of a forlorn hope, and they ran down the other clutching their prizes, and evidently full of gratitude to Providence that they had got through the fire so well. His Royal Highness spoke a few frank and encouraging words to each recipient, evidently to their great comfort and enjoyment, if we are to judge by the frequency of their obeisance and in about ten minutes the National Anthem bad been played, the Duke of Edinburgh had received a thundering cheer at parting, and the vast assemblage had moved off to the gardens. There all appliances were at hand for a brillant festival. On the second terrace, a large and gaily decorated marquee invited to tea or champagne cup later in the evening the various choirs came out in succession, and repeated their crack pieces in the open air. The Bristol choir made themselves very popular, but the Welshmen, who came last, were again the favourites of the crowd. Once more "The Men of Harlech," made every one almost jump into the air, and once more the representatives of musical Kymry were awarded the laurel crown. Our correspondent adds. The thanks of Welshmen are especially due to the Rev Canon Jenkins (Aberdare), who came to London with the choir, and accompained them to see St Paul's Cathedral by invitation from the Dean, and on Saturday he appeared in full canonicals and introduced the leader to the Duke of Edinburgh. The success of the reception is especially due to the generous conduct of Mr Stephen Evans (Old Change, City). Both his purse and valuable time were cheerfully devoted to the reception of his countrymen, and on Saturday evening he invited a number of the choir and others to dinner in the Crystal Palace. The Times says the South Wales Choral Union, has one of the freshest, most powerful, best balanced, and musical body of voices to which we can remember at any time to have listened. With such voices as these to help them out, only provided that Handel's oratorios and other Saxou" music be admitted at their anniver- sary celebrations, the Welsh Eistedfoddau might be perennial. When it is remembered that this large chorus is almost entirley drawn from the labour- ing classes of the:" Principality "—miners, colliers, &c., their wives, daughters, and relatives-we can- not but wonder Jat the excellence they have at- tained-an excellence unattainable except through assiduous and continued study. The result is satisfactory bevond measure. The pieces selected for the South Wales Choral Union were of no ordinary difficulty-which when we name the final chorus from J. S. Bach's Passion of St. Matthew (" In tears of Grief"), Round about the starry throne," from Handel's Samson, and The night is departing," from Mendelssohn's Lobgesang, will readily be understood. To these were added the national Welsh air, The Men of Harlech (Mr John Thomas's arrangement), and "God bless the Prince of Wales," by Mr Brinley Richards, both of which, sung in the Welsh tongue, were received with the utmost possible enthusiasm. This exhibition of Welsh choral singing was decidedly the feature of the National Music Metings, and alone sufficient to render them memorable. The Daily Telegraph says, any one acquainted with the musical enthusiasm of our Welsh neighbours, might have foreseen that they would eagerly take part in the first English Eisteddfod." As a matter of fact, Mr Willert Beale's scheme had not long been made public before the South Wales Choral Union entered for the highest prize, heedless of the distance to be travelled and inevitably great expense of bringing 350 singers to London for a week. The sanguiee temper ament and ardent national feeling of Wales made light of such ob- stacles, and, in due course, the 350" put in an appear- ance. Enterprise like this would command respect under any conditions, but respect is a word hardly strong enough to meet the particular case. The South Wales Choral Union, be it known, is composed of miners and mechanics, with their wives and daughters and the conductor, Mr Griffith Jones, of Aberdare, is himself a blacksmith. In Wales, the existence of a body of working men and working women devoted to the cultivation of music is too common for surprise bnt the appearance of the Welsh singers at the Crystal Palace necessarily led their English audience to make disagreeable comparisons, which were certainly not weakened by the performance. Mr Griffiths Jones, of Aberdare, working blacksmith, must be a born leader of music, or else his 350 followers must have the artistic instinct strong within them in order to explain how such compositions as Bach's In tears of grief" (Matthew "Passion"), Handel's "Then round about the starry throne" (" Samson"), and Mendelssohn's "The night is departing" ("Lobgesang''), were sung as on Thursday. Perfection, of course, was not attained. In some cases, but especially in Bach's chorus, the tempo was too slow; and Mendelssohn's music had to be stopped in mid career, the conductor naively pleading for another chance." These thing, however, scarcely affected the result, which was one of profound surprise and high admiration. It was positively refresh. ing to mark the earnest enthusiasm of the singers, while the volume of sound produced, the frank attack," and free assured march of the music, were surprising. No wonder that the audience rose at" the Welsh choir with unanimous acclaim, and that the gratified judges promptly awarded them the great prize they had come so far to seek.

BIRTHS. GRIFFITHS.—On the 27th ult., at 5, High-terrace, New Quay, the wife of Capt. Griffiths of a son. LE;wis.-On the 10th ult., at Calcutta, the wife of Edwin Morris Lewis, Esq. (late of this town), of a son. PHILLIps.-On the 6th inst., at Rock Cottage, St. Martins, Haverfordwest, the wife of J. W. Phillips, Esq., solicitor, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. BowsER-DAVIDS.-On the 10th inst., at St. Mary's Church, Kidwelly, by the Rev. T. Griffiths, vicar, Capt. Bowser, of Llanelly, to Miss L. Davids, daughter of Mr J. Davids, Mayor of Kidwelly.. DAVTES—HOLLAND.—On the 7th inst., at St. Martin s Church (by license), by the Rev. John Meares, vicar, Mr Daniel Davies, of St. Martin's, Pembrokeshire, to Miss Mary Ann Holland, of Narberth. GARRARD-CURR.-On the 5th inst., at S.S. Peter and Paul's, Newport, Salop, by the Very Rev. Ambrose Canon Lemon, V.G., George M. Garrard, Esq., C.E., of this town, youngest son of the late Robert Garrard, Esq., Atheling- ton Hall, Suffolk, to Emma Mary, relict of the late James Curr, Esq., C.E., and younger daughter of the late Lieut.-Col. Bernard Cary, H.M. s Indian Forces. No cards. THOMAS—JONES.—On the 9th mst., at Llandilo Church by Dr. Griffiths, vicar, Mr Thomas Thomas, Capeldewy to Mary, fourth daughter of the late Mr Jones, Derwydd. DEATHS. DAVIES. On the 5th inst., after a long and painful ill- ness, Mary, wife of Mr Herbert Davies, Penlanhavodwen, near Lampeter-Pontstephen, and youngest daughter of the late Mr Enoch Davies, of Crugwheel, near Bwlchbychan, Llanwenog, aged 66 years. EVANs.-on the 6th inst., at Trecastle, the Rev. Stephen Evans, formerly of Llanddowrwr, Pembrokeshire, aged 79 years. STONE.—On the 4th inst., at Ceryg Llwydion, near Denbigh, Robert Stone, Esq., of Stonebridge, New Place, and Gate House, county of Sussex, and late of Park Henry, in this county, aged 77 years. WILLIAMS.—On the 6th inst., after a protracted illness, at his father's residence, Tymelyn, Llangeitho, D. T. Williams, Esq., M.R.C.S., late Medical Officer of the Western District of the Gower Union, aged 32 years.

Lord Penzance said that it was contrary to the practice of the court not to regard the wishes of the majority of the interests. Objection had been made to one of the plaintiffs being a surety, but he was as good and eligible as any. provided that he bad means of justifying. He would, of course, have to justify as far as the defen- dants' share was concerned. A RUFFIAN PROPERLY PUNISHED. — At the borough petty sessions on Saturday, before L. Mathias, Esq., Dr A. J. Morison, and T. Lewis, Esq. George Gibbs, a superannuated blacksmith fiom the dockyard, was charged with having violently assaulted Elizabeth Pike at Pembroke Dock on the preceding evening. He admitted the offence, but pleaded provocation. The Prosecutrix is of rather small stature, and delicate in appearance; and the poor woman's left eye presented a frightful appearance, it having been so dreadfully injured, that portions of the skin, &c., had to be sown up by a surgeon Some time ago Mrs Pike, who is a widow with four children, affiliated an illegitimate child Upon the prisoner, when he was adjudged to pay 2s. per week for the support of the child. Complainant said she lived at High-street, Pembroke-Dock. She had been making a bed quilt, and between 8 and 9 o'clock on the previous evening she took the quilt to the Myrtle Tree public-house, to show it to the hostess, Mrs Russant, who was a neighbour. When she went there Gibbs followed her into the house, and she asked when he was going to give the dress for the child that he had promised. He said that the child should be given to him, when she replied, No, never." At this juncture her little daughter was passing the house, carrying the child alluded to, when he rushed out of the house, grasped the little girl by the throat, and tried to take the child. Witness went out to prevent his (loin(r so, when he struck her:several violent blows Over theO face and eyes with his fists. She became insensible, and was taken to Dr Reynolds, who stitched up her face. Witness positively denied giving him any provocation whatever.—The Bench sentenced the prisoner to three months' hard labour, to pay the costs, 8s, or a further seven days' hard labour. TENBY. SOCIETY OF ST. DAVID OF WALEI; This society bad another meeting in the National school-room on the 3rd inst., when there was a large attendance the President (the Rev G. Huntington) in the chair. A paper was read by the chairman on Church Work," and a most interesting address delivered by the Rev C. Morson, head-master of the Cowbridge Grammar School, on Christian Burials." The senior curate (the Rev C. M. Phelps) announced that a project for taking the whole of the members of the society of St. David's was being- considered, which, be thought would Inobt likely be carried out. After addresses by the Rev Cotton and Mr E. Staley, the meeting separated. LAMPETER. CRICKET.—St. David's College, Lampeter, v. Ystrad Meurig Grammar School.—The return match between these two clubs was played at Lampeter on the College Ground, Lampeter, on Wednesday, the 26th ult. Owing to the rain which had prevailed from the afternoon ot Tuesday till nearly twelve o'clock on Wednesday morn- ing, the ground was in a very bad state and play was not begun till after twelve o'clock. As it bad been agreed to draw the stumps at six p.m., time would not permit two innings to be played out; accordingly the game was decided by the first innings in favour of Y strad Meurig. In the first innings, the collegians were rather unlucky, as they only made 22 runs. This, no doubt, was owing, partly, to the state of the ground, but chiefly, to the bowling of the Rev J. Jones (under- hand slow), and Mr R. L. Morgan (round-band fast), who is a very promising cricketer both with the bat and ball. Having disposed of the collegians, Ystrad Meurig took up the bat, but they did not get on much better, as all were out before 30 runs were made, the total being 29. The largest score being Mr Morris 5, made from 2 hits, 1 for 2, the other (over long-leg's head) for 3. Having partaken of luncheon, the collegians began their 2nd innings. At first, it appeared that they would fare worst than their first, as two of their best men (Mr Lloyd and Mr Roberts) were clean bowled by R. L. Morgan in his first over; but the next man, Mr A. G. Lewis, made a stand, and between him and Mr Pierce, the score got to 21 before another wicket fell. However, before the last wicket was put down, the score crept up to 56, Mr Pierce making 33 of these, for which be had to play very carefully, as he was first man in and last out. As soon as possible, Yatrad Meurig again resumed the batting, and when time was called, 3 wickets were down for 8 runs. The following is the full score:- ST. DAVID'S COLLEGE. 1st Innings. 2nd Innings. D. Pierce, b. Rev. J. Jones 1 run out 33 D. Lloyd, l.b.w., b. Rev J. Jones 4 b. R. L. Morgan 0 J. M. Jones, b. R. L. Mor- gan 1 b. Rev J. Jones 0 A. G. Lewis, b. R. L. Mor- gan 3, b. R. L. Morgan 8 J. Thomas, b. R. L. Morgan 1 b. Rev J. Jones. 0 H. H. Gibbon, l.b.w., b. Rev J. Jones 1 b. RevJ. Jones. 0 Rev C. E. Drought, b. R. L. Morgan 1 b. Rev J. Jones 4 W. J. Drought, b. Rev J. Jones 1 b. Rev J. Jones 0 J. M. Evans, b. Rev J. Jones 0 not out 4 C. H. Badham, c. R. D. Lewis, b. R. L. Morgan 0 b. Rev J. Jones 2 Roberts, not out 0 b. R. L. Morgan 0 Byes 5 Byes. 2 Wide balls 4 Wide balls 3 Total 22 Total. 56 YSTRAD MEURIG. 1st Innings. 2nd, Innings. Rev J. Jones, b. Roberts 3 E. Phillips, run out 1 run out 0 1. Jones, l.b.w., b. D. Pierce 3 c. Roberts, b. Lloyd 1 W. I. Davies, b. Roberts 1 run out 3 R. L. Morgan, b. Roberts. 3 not out 3 H. Roderick, b. Roberts 0 S. S. 0. Morris, c. Thomas, b. Roberts. 5 R. E. Jones, b. D. Lloyd. 3 R. D. Lewis, b. Roberts 1 S. J. Evans, b. D. Lloyd 2 J. Morris, not out 0 Byes 6 Byes. 1 Leg byes 1 29 8 YSTRAU MEURIG. I CRICKET MATCH.—Old v. Present Students.-This annual match was played at Ystrad on the 2nd inst. The weather was all that could be desired. A good game was played, resulting in favour of the present students by one run and 10 wickets to go down. OLD. lsf Innings. 2nd Linings. c. J. Morris, b. R. L. W. Jones, b. R. L. Morgan 1 Morgan 0 W. Morgan, b. R. D. Lewis 0 b. R. D. Lewis 0 1. Jones, b. R. D. Lewis 18 not out 5 Rev J. T. Lewis, b. R. D. Lewis 10 b. R. D. Lewis 0 E. Jenkins, b. R. D. Lewis 0 b.R. D.Lewis 0 c. J. Morris, b. R. D. J. Jenkins, b.R.D.Lewis. 1 Lewis 0 J. Jones, c. Roderick, b. R. D. Lewis 0 b. R. D. Lewis. 0 J. Lloyd, c. R. D. Lewis, b. R. L. Morgan 1 b. R. D. Lewis 1 J. Evans, c. Roderick; b. R. D. Lewis 0 run out 0 st. Roderick, b. R. L. C. H. Brown, not out 0 Morgan 0 D. Williams, b. R. D. Lewis 0 c. and. b. R. D. Lewis 0 Extras. 4 Extras 2 35 8 PRESENT. 1st Innings. 2nd Innings. Rev J. Jones, b. W. Jones 2 not out 11 W. I. Davies, c. T. Jones, b. H. Jones 6 E. J. Evans, c. J. Jones, b. H. Jones 2 R. L. Morgan, b. W. Jones 2 not out 8 H. Roderick, c. Jenkins, b. W. Jones 0 E. Phillips, l.b.w. b. W. Jones 1 S. S. O. Morris, c. and b. W. Jones 5 R. D.Lewis,runout. 0 R. E. Jones, b. W. Jones 0 P. Edwards, not out 2 J. Morris, b. J. I. Lewis 0 Extras 3 Extras. 2 3 22 22 ABERYSTWITH. I BOARD OF GUARDIANS. —The bi-monthly meeting was held. on Monday, the vice-president (Mr H. C. Fryer) being in the chair. Mr Lewis Lewis, relieving officer of No. 3 district, sent in a letter of resignation, after 28-1 1 years' service, and his successor will be elected at the next meeting. The repairs and enlarge- ment of the workhouse are proceeding satisfactorily.