The South Wales Star

IN AND AROUND BARRY. It has always struck me as being a great misfor- tune that we haven't yet a common, easy name for the whole district. The old name for Cadoxton was Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, while what is known now as Barry Town was called East Barry. I be- lieve that a movement was once started to call the railway stations by one genuine name :—Cadox- ton. -11 East Barry Station"; Barry Dock, Barry Dock Station and Barry, West Barry Station." That movement failed on account of the opposition of several local gentlemen, who rightly protested against changing old East Barry into West Barry. All the same, it was a great misfortune that this obstacle to a much-desired end-should have existed. However, what is is, and we must accept the facts as they are. Another effort was made to change the name of Cadoxton into Barry Dock Town, but the utter failure of the effort is still fresh in the memory of my readers. The hideous name is now seen only over certain potatoe stores and sky signs, and until lately in the imprint of our Barry con- temporary. The post-office people would have nothing to do with it, and it was foredoomed to failure. Some ingenious people they tried another dodge. They had their letters addressed to them -to Vere-street or Main-street, Barry, and not to "Vere-street, Cadoxton, near Cardiff. But they found that by so doing they lost a post and some- times two or three posts and if a telegram were .addressed to them in that way, they had to pay an -extra charge for having it sent on to them from Barry to Cadoxton. This seemed an awful shame. Here was a large :and growing district, which was known to all the outside world only as Barry, possessing not one .common name, but two or three. I know that letters and telegrams were addressed to me to the .Star Office, Barry, and had to suffer for it either in time or in money, and sometimes in both. I am glad to hear that the Old order changeth and giveth place to new." The Post-office authorities are now willing to recognise 14 Barry as the name of the district, so that letters or telegrams may now be addressed to Vere-street or Sham-street, or Kenilworth-road, Barry, without naming Cadox- ton. Not only that but all North country letters Addressed as I have indicated will be delivered a post earlier. Mr. Arnold, the courteous and able Barry Dock postmaster, is much to be commended far converting the authorities to a more sensible •way of thinking. The Post-office at Cadoxton is now a branch office — Vere-street office, Barry, and the same is the case with the other offices in the district. I, for one, hail with satis- faction a much-needed reform. Barry can now be used' as the name of the district, which will be divided into wards-the Cadoxton Ward, Holton Ward, and East Barry Ward. I went to see the little Georgia Magnet" on Monday night, but where the little" and the ii magnet" come in I can't make out. Why, she looked rather taller than ordinary girls, and prettier, though you could see she had been elaborately made'up. And as for arms, why, they were not .only the loveliest, but also the most muscular- looking that I have ever seen worn by ladies. The" magnetism or electricity struck me as .being conspicuous by its absence. It was true that she did lots of things that appeared at first sight strange, but when you saw a gentleman, who certainly didn't seem to be as muscular as she, do exactly the same things, and even more easily, one was inclined to doubt the "magnetism," and only believe in the clever study of leverage. Of course opinion differ as to Mrs. Abbott; but I can claim for my own that it is an unbiassed and an unprejudiced one. I went there without having given the matter much thought either way, and I was prepared to believe in the genuineness of her feats. I don't run la rival show, so I didn't go there on purpose to dis- believe nor was I near enough to her to come tinder the influence of her 44 magnetic" smile (whlCh was really charming) so that I was not in a very uncritical state of mind. A. paragraph appeared in this column a short time ago to the effect that certain members of the School Board had sent their children to school with orders to the teachers that they were not to allow their children to clean the dirty slates. The teachers, we now hear, have obeyed the mandate, and made other children clean their lordships' children's slates, and there is a probability of a strike on that account. Curiosity is rife as to the identity of these member or members, and the Only Bachelor laughs in his clerical sleeve, and thanks Heaven he is single. The letter which was read from the Local Government Hoard at the meeting of the Public Works Committee did not come as a surprise to anyone who attended the inquiry which was held a few months ago by Mr. Smith, the Local Govern- ment Board Commissioner. In some of their de- mands the Board are successful in others their opponents. I think I am right in saying that the Board have gained all they wanted. It was too late to do anything with the Barry-road, for the contracts had been let before the inquiry was held. A loan has been granted for the kerbing and channelling of Holton and other roads, and though a mortuary and slaughterhouse have for the time been refused, they have only been postponed until plans of a permanent building have been prepared. After the inquiry. I don't think anyone expected that the loan for the widening of the road at Barry would be granted just yet. I was very glad to hear that the Welsh people show signs of waking up. They form a very appreciable percentage of the population, and though I would be the last to cry" Wales for the Welsh," or any such silly thing, I believe that it is only right, that they should combine for certain objects. For instance, the Welsh language can be utilised—and cheaply utilised—as a means of edu- cation. as a training for Welsh children and I consider that Welsh parents would be lacking in their duty to their children if they don't send re- presentatives on the School Board who sympathise with the objects of the Welsh Utilisation Society, and will endeavour to enforce the provisions as to the teaching- of Welsh in schools which have been included by a Conservative Governmeut in the Education Code. I don't say that such a represen- tative must necessarily be a Welshman, but I say distinctly that it would be criminal in Welsh parents not to combine to secure the return on the Board of men who think with them in this matter. I therefore hail with pleasure every step that is taken to bring together Welshmen, and unite in one common bond, men who are too apt to be separated by sectarian, social, or political differ- ences. Wherefore I am glad that we are likely to have a successful eisteddfod on Whit-Monday, and a Welsh dinner on St. David's Day. The Eisteddfod, especially if the committee succeed in getting Lord Windsor to preside at the morning meeting, is likely to prove a great suc- cess. We have had eisteddfodau here before this, but the objects for which they were held—credit- able and worthy as they were—did not appeal to everyone indiscriminately. It may, however, be expected that even those who know little and care less for the eisteddfod itself, will subscribe liberally towards it, as the proceeds will be devoted to such a noble purpose as the erection of a Cottage Hospital in the district. The committee is a representative one, and is composed of men who are thoroughly in earnest and whose heart is in the work. They have been happy in the choice of their secretary, Mr. E. LI. Morgan, of the Local Board office, who has already shown himself to be most able and efficient. And if they can also induce" Lleurwg," whose name is a house- hold word in Wales, but who is not personally known to very many of the younger generation of Welshmen, to act as conductor, the success of the proceedings will be ensured. Of the success of the Welsh dinner, which will be held at the Barry Hotel on March 1st, I also feel very confident. At all events, judging by the enthusiasm with which the suggestion was taken I up on Tuesday night, I don't think it can turn out to be anything but a success. I am glad the suggestion I threw out last year has taken root and blossomed into a good dinner. Irishmen always celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and the sons of the Land of Cakes always keep high revel on St. Andrew's. And all the world over, wherever two or three Welshmen are gathered to- gether they meet to sound the praises and clink their glasses to the immortal memory of Dewi Sant. And here we are in Wales, in a town, which though largely English, still numbers among its citizens hundreds, aye thousands of Welshmen, and until this year we have made no attempt at keeping our National Saint's Day. I trust every Welshman and every Welshwoman will do their utmost to help the dinner by their presence at the Barry Hotel on the evening of March the first. The tickets will cost but half-a-crown, but all who have experienced what a half-crown dinner means when it is served by Mr. Davies are already smacking their lips in anticipation. And you can bet your bottom dollar that Mr. Davies' catering will be none the wor^e because we will begin with leek soup and end with Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." To make the thing a complete success, only the presence of the genial squire of Miskin is required in the chair and I hope that by next week his support will be secured. I should add that tickets may be had from the secretaries, Mr. J. R. Llewellyn, of the Barry Dock and Mr. W. Llewellyn Williams, of the South Wale* Star. Mr. Mursell's lecture on Charles Dickens was aptly termed a Tribute." Needless to say that Mr. Mursell's old fluency of speech has not deserted him. Indeed he was too fluent. Speaking for my- self, it was rather annoying to me to listen for an hour and a quarter to an unchecked flow of neatly- rounded sentences, with every word in its place and an adjective before every noun. Mr. Mursell would be just the man to write an English "Gradus ad Parnassum," for a more copious supply of epithets, good, bad, and indifferent. I have never heard. The lecturer began by denouncing critics, and it was rather hard lines on our contemporary that Mr. Mursell should pick out of the whole of English literature for soecial opprobium the motto which adorns its leader-page, For I am nothing if not critical." The rest was made up of undoubting praise of Dickens' genius, and of bitter denunciations of all who did not love his works as blindly and fanati- cally as the lecturer. That was rather hard lines on them. I confess to an intense admiration of Dickens' genius, on grounds somewhat different to the lecturer. Of course I recognise what Dickens has done for charitableness and philanthrophy. But I think Dickens' greutest claim to immortality rests on the sympathetic way in which he has pourtrayed the dreary lives of the poor, and has made their amelioration a matter of primary im- portance. I never heard it denied before that Dickens was a caricaturist, who exag- gerated the peculiarities of his characters. Of course, caricature is not the highest form of art, but it is still sufficient to make Dickens known for generations, though it does not place him on a level with Shakespeare or Spenser. To confess the candid truth. I must admit that I was rather dis- appointed in the lecture. There was much fluency and glitter, much alliterative epithets and onomatopoetic sentences, but it was, after all, rather shallow, and the brilliance and glitter was not all gold. I have received the following letter from the Rev. R. Usher with regard to the Public-hall, Barry Dock :— Dear Sir,-Many thanks for your kind and conside- rate admonition with respect to the advisability of screening our altar on the occasion alluded to in your columns of last week. As it so happened, I was abso- lutely ignorant that the hall had been taken on the eveningof the 15th for a public meeting, otherwise I would certainly have made arrangements for the re- moval of all the Ecclesiastical furniture from the gaze of the assembled ratepayers.—Hoping that the above offers 11 satisfactory explanation, I am, yours sincerely, Jan. 28. R. USHER, Curate-in-Charge. I confess that the decision of the magistrates yesterday in the intimidation cases at the Barry Dock Police Court came as a surprise to me. As far as I could see. the evidence of the plaintiffs was entirely unsubstantiated, while there were at least four or five witnesses for the defence, who swore that they saw nothing of the alleged dis- turbances or intimidation. It is all very well for magistrates to say that cases such as this should be reserved for a jury to decide. I am at one with them when there is a conflict of testimony among the witnesses for the defence but in the present case there was no such conflict of testimony. The three plaintiffs were, not only incorroborated, but were flatly contradicted by four or five witnesses, and a dozen more were bound over to give evidence. I consider that the magistrates should have decided the case yesterday one way or the other.

THE FREE LIBRARY.-The monthly committee meeting of the Pontypridd Free Library was held on Tuesday evening when the Chairman was authorised to see Dr. Vac-hell, Cardiff, and obtain his opinion as to the value of some geological specimens for disposal by Mr. Payne, of Cardiff. Two new tables and a dozen seats were also ordered for the reading-room It is intended to erect Science and Art class rooms behind the present library, and the preliminary arrangements were ordered to be made. The thanks of the com- mittee were also ordered to be conveyed to the Rev. W. Parry for a presentation of books which that gentleman had made to the library.

ROUND THE TOWN. The Artistic and Literary Association Limited," whose registered offices are at 158. Strand, W.C., is the designation of a new publishing company, whose object is to afford to those of its member? who are artists or authors the unique advantage of sharing as publishers as well as originators in the profits accruing from their own works." The Ystrad Local Board are a sensible lot of men, for at their last meeting they proposed, seconded, and unanimously carried that Mr. W. H. Matthias should be chairman for the day.- Councillor Matthias did not reply, or he would probably have had resource to the mother tongue. Having elected a chairman the Board proceeded with its work in English. Mr. Tom John, Llwynpia, objects to the para- graph in our Barry contemporary, that he was elected a representative of the N.U.T. Our readers will probably notice that he objects to be the re- presentative ofaXuT when he is such an active member of the N.U.E.T. For newspaper partiality commend us to Mr. David Leyshon. the Chairman of the Pontypridd Local Board. Not long ago the ordinary meeting of the Board, which is usually held on a Friday, was held on a Thursday. No intimation of the change was given tG the reporters, and noticing that the gentlemen of the Press were absent, the chairman asked the clerk if he had notified the re- porters of the change. That gentleman replied in the negative. 44 Then," said Mr. Leyshon, please send over a note to the office of the rr- F ]' "-No, no," said Councillor Roberts, "if you send to one office send to the lot." That is the reason why the report of the Local Board meeting for that week was not published, Mr. D. W. Davies, J.P., and a member of the Ystrad Local Board is a kind and sympathetic gentleman. It was reported that one of the in- spectors of nuisances was getting old and feeble, and Mr. Davies at once suggested that as he had spent the best part of his life in the service of the Board, and had done his duty conscientiously and well, that he ought to be pensioned. Such philan- thropists are unfortunately very rare. The Rhondda Valley doctors refuse to notify infectious diseases in their district to the officialll of the Board of Health, because they feel that the notification of Infectious Diseases Act should be put in force. This would give the doctors or any- body else 2s. 6d. for every case notified, but it would, at the same time. tend to lessen the spreading of the disease. The Barry Local Board have adopted the act. We take this opportunity to thank the members of the Glyntaff Burial Board for changing their day of meeting in order to meet the require- ments of the reporters. They may take it for granted that. as far as the Star is concerned, the suggestion of the Rev. S. R. Jones that as full reports as possible will be well considered. In the last issue of the Wd*h Weekly appeared a portrait and biographical sketch of Alderman John Cory, J.P. Saturday night's labour meeting at the Barry Dock Public-hall was a splendid success. Ben Tillett was as earnest and forcible as ever, and Ted Humby was also in good form. While labour organisations have such excellent leaders, they have nothing to fear. Business at the Glyntaff Burial Board meetings at its best is very dull. It was inexpressibly so at the last meeting, which was the first of the newly- elected Board, although Father Smyth, a witty Irishman, was present. The chairman was re- elected, of course, and blandly presided over his dull colleagues. Mr. Councillor Roberts was as sarcastic as usual when referring to Mr. James Coombes, who aired his grievances in a right elo- quent fashion. Mr. Judd is an undertaker, and he, of course, could not be expected to look any- thing but glum. Mr. W. Morgan and Mr. Hiscocks fought hard for an increase of salary to the work- men at the cemetery, and won their case. The Rev. S. R. Jones waxed indignant at the thought of dropping the extension scheme, but the members willingly agreed, with the exception of Mr. William Jones, who expressed no opinion to the reasonable request of the reporters that the days of meetings be changed. Mr. William Jones can sneer when he wishes caustic he always has been, but he listened in silence, though with scornful lips, to the valiant attack made by Mr. Coombes on his (Mr. Jones's) pet hobby. Mr. W. Morgan placed his nose in a wasp's nest when he seconded Mr. Coombes' motion, and we may soon hear of some lively times when his electors meet to con- sider the. question. At the meeting of the Barry Public Libraries Committee held last week, the secretary failing to read the titles of a couple of Welsh newspapers, was twitted with the exclamation of one of the mem- bers. 44 You'll never do for a county-court judge." The Board smiled, but the clerk replied, "They don't appoint solicitors as county-court judges, sir." 44 But they make solicitors barristers, and barristers stipendiaries, and stipendaries county- eourt judges, don't they 1" queried the determined one. When the clerk replied I could learn Welsh by that time," everybody admitted that he had had the best of the deal. We are unable to corroborate the statement which has been going the rounds, that all the rejected Local Board candidates for the last three pears at Barry intend standing for the County Council. It does one's heart good to go into the Barry Public Reading-rooms on an evening. All the tables and reading desks are generally occupied with earnest readers, and it is so very gratifying to observe that the vast preponderance of those who appreciate such excellent institutions belong to the working classes. Mr. J. Gwenogfryn Evans, Oxford, has found out that Oliver Cromwell is a Welshman. He writes to the Athcntrum the pedigree which he has un- earthed in the Bodleian Library. Old Noll's great grandfather was Sir Richard Williams, but, like a good many Williamses and Jones and Rowlandses do even in these days, he altered his name to Crom- well, which was his mother's maiden surname. This Sir Richard Williams, of Newchurch, Glamor- ganshire, was of a well-known old Welsh family, so that Oliver Williams, alias Cromwell, is in direct line a Welshman. Hence his success. The private improvements contract so far as Thompson-street, Barry Dock, and the neighbour- ing thoroughfare are concerned, has been com- menced by the contractor, Mr. G. Rutter. The Barry Company have not yet decided to connect gas with their railway stations, but Messrs. W. H. Smith and Sons have done so, so far as their Barry Dock bookstall is concerned. We notice that the Barry Company have erected lamps on their Cogan station approaches. It is a pity they are not lighted, and we may inform the company that there have been several complaints. Barry barmaids, while hurrying to business in the morning, are politely requested to complete their toilets at home, and not while tearing through the streets. Iti remained for the cruellest blow ever adminis- tered by one Local Board member to another to be given at the Barry Public Works Committee on Tuesday evening. The caretaker asked to be sup- plied with such articles as buckets, brooms, coal scuttle, soap, soda, washing flannel, &c. When Mr. T. suggested that Mr. B. should be authorised to procure them, the sensation was tremendous. Even the reporters, who are generally able to stand a good deal, were flabbergasted. Buckets and coal scuttles were bad enough, but to ask a gentleman representing the noble 15,000 of Barry and Cadox- ton to purchase a pound of soft soap and a yard of house flannel even made them feel faint. An Eminently Respectable gentleman from Barry was seen the other day journeying eastwards to Cardiff in a compartment, the other occupants of which were a young and rising Welsh M.P., and three pretty girls. The Hope of his County and the aforesaid three pretty girls were smoking cigarettes. The Eminently Respectable one smoked a. pipe. Still another impression of Barry 4i What a number of notices you see," said a stranger on his first visit to Barry to a friend, in empty shop windows, 'A trial solicited! "Yes," said his friend, "the allusion is to County Court trials." The Cadoxton Eisteddfod Committee are a humorous lot. Someone objected to the inclusion of ministers on the committee, on the ground that it would be taking them away from weightier and more important matters. Another said that they were not, as a rule, characterised by much busi- ness-like faculty, and another answered the ob- jection by suggesting that only only those of them who were members of syndicates should be asked to join. j There is a wood near Porthkerry called Knock- emdown Wood. For corroboration see ordnance map. Glamorgan choir conductors should keep an eye, so far as Whit-Monday engagements are concerned, on the eisteddfod to be held at the Cadoxton Market. The conductor of the successful choir will get two guineas in addition to the choir gaining the prize, and the conductors of each unsuccessful choir will j receive a guinea each. The railway carriages on the Barry Railway Company have been very much improved during ] the last week or so by excellent photographs of the Barry Hotel being placed just beneath the rack. J The Barry tennis club have taken an acre of land next to the Coast Guards Cottage and opposite Mr. Meggitt's houses at Barry. Mr. Rutter, con- ] tractor, has already commenced the work of levelling and laying down two courts. The Bridgend footballers appeared on the field í on Saturday last all attired in the new colours of the club. They were previously photographed. < This latter was a wise step, since the fact of their appearing m the same colours is unprecedented in the annals of the club- How long is it to last! Mr. Francis, in describing the circumstances under which the Bridgend Local Board horse did his work. said about the shaft, It is too narrow, too short, too everything." He evidently forgot that it was not too long or too large. Pontycymmerites are already preparing for their Chicago trip, and busily cultivating a Yankee account. A Barry medical gentleman said on Wednesday night that quite 50 per cent. too much food was eaten by everybody. There was an absence of mottoes adorning the walls of the dinner-room at the annual flare-up of the Barry Cricket Club on Wednesday night. Our representative thought he saw something in the shape of an inscription over the mantel-board, especially as he discerned in large letters the word 41 Barry." Judge of his unmitigated annoyance when after walking the entire length of the room to dot it down. he found himself face to face with Glen Barry Malt Whisky." It is rumoured that the Theatre Royal, Cadox- ton, will in future be worked as a limited com- pany, of whom Dr. Treharne and Mr. Jones, of the South Wales Union Bank, will be directors.

BARRY. THE LATR CARDINAL MANXIXG.—At the Barry Congregational Church last Sunday evening the Rev. J. H. Stowell, M.A., delivered a special sermon before a crowded congregation, on the life of the late Cardinal Manning. PRESBYTERIAN CHUSCH.—The Rev. Christmas J. Lewis, who has accepted the call to become the minister of the Barry Presbyterian Church, preached at that place of worship last Sunday. The rev. gentle- man commences his pastoral duties on March 1st. NURSING ASSOCIATION.—General Lee informs us that the first annual general meeting of the subscribers to the Barry, Cadoxton and District Nursing Associa- tion will be held on Thursday next, February 14th, at 3.45 p.m. CONFIRMATION.—The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Llandaff attended at the old Parish Church, Barry, on Monday afternoon, for the purpose of confirming a large number of candidates from the different churches. Before the ceremony his Lordship delivered a suitable address both in English and Welsh. ATTENDANCES OF COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS. —In view of the forthcoming County Council election in Glamorganshire, the following record of the atten- dance of members at County Council meetings held since the Local Government Act came into force three years ago may be of interest. The number of council meetings held was 13:—Alderman John Cory, 8: Alderman Rees, Cowbridge, 11; Councillor Meggitt, 11; Councillor O. H. Jones, 13; Councillor J. S. Gibbon, Cowbridge, 12 Councillor Robert Forrest. 8 Mr. H. O. Fisher, 11 Mr. J. S. Corbett, 7. Aldermen i, en. J. Cory and T. Rees arc among the retiring aldermen. Of course, all the councillors have to be re-elected. CONFIRMATION.—On Tuesday the Lord Bishop of Llandaff held a confirmation service at St. Paul's, Barry. There were 20 male and 20 female candidates for confirmation, and there was a very good attendance in church. Before commencing the service the bishop delivered an excellent address on the necessity of living up to the vows which were taken at confirma- tion. Among those present we noticed the Revs. Canon Edwards, Canon Allen (who acted as chaplain to the bishop), A. T. Hughes (Llancarvan), — Morgan (Penmark), J. Price (Barry), R. Usher (Barry Dock), and A. E. Couch (Cadoxton). The Rev. Ebenezer Morris was unable to be present through illness. The choir mustered in fair numbers, and the well-known confirmation hymn, Oh, Jesus, I have promised," was very well rendered. The number of candidates, as well as the attendance at the church, epeak well of the activity of the church in the district. BARRY PAHISH SUNDAY SCHOOL.-The children of this school held their prize distribution at East Barry House, the t'residence of Mr. John Robinson, M.Inst.C.E., who very kindly placed some rooms at their disposal. The prizes were distributed by Canon Allen, assisted by the Rev. de Heaume, Mrs. de Heaume being also present. The proceedings were en- livened by Mr. Albert L. M. Bonn (who was ably assisted by Mr. F. E. P. Haigh, and Mr. W. D. St-rad- ling) exhibiting his" Diorama," consisting of a Trip round the World, also the Egyptian and Soundan War," which was greatly appreciated by all. A vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Canon Allen, Mr Bonn, and friends concluded the entertainment, which was very enjoyable and interesting.

BARRY DOCK. IRISH NATIONAL LBAOUE. — At the Victoria Coffee Tavern, Holton, Barry Dock, on Sunday after- noon last, a lecture was delivered under the allspices of the local branch," John Mandeville," of the Irish National League, on the subject, Love of Country." The subject was dealt with in a very able manner, being replete with historical inci- dents. The lecturer held the attention of the audience closely for over an hour. At the conclusion, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. McCarthy, on the proposition of Mr. McCann, seconded by- Dr. Kelly, and supported by Mr. J. McDonnell. A committee was formed to carry out the arrange- ments for the St. Patrick's Day banquet, which is to be held. 41 THE ELLIOTT."—Mr. J. W. Bowen. shipbroker, Llanelly, has recently purchased the iron barque bearing the name of The Elliott," which carries a cargo of 1,600 tons, and is now lying at the Barry Docks. She will trade chiefly to foreign ports, and will be about the largest vessel owned in Llanelly. BARRY RAILWAYS BILL.-This Bill, as before mentioned in our columns, is one to enable the Barry Railway Company to construct a new dock, new rail- way*, and for other purposes. It came on Friday last, before Mr. Campion, one of the examiners of the House of Commons, for proof of compliance with the preliminary Standing Orders relating to notices, &c. There was no opposition at this stage, and the neces- sary formal proofs having been given, the examiner decided that the preliminary Standing Orders had been duly complied with. The Bill will, accordingly, be allowed to be proceeded with in due course. COAL AND COKE SHIPMENTS.—The exports at Barry Dock for the week ending Saturday were as follows:—Coal, 98,129 tons 12 cwts.: coke, 1,197 tons 17 cwts.; total, 99,427 tons 2 cwts. This was shipped on board 52 steamers and 18 sailing vessels—total, 70. The imports during the week consisted of 1,511 tons of pitwood, 50 tons of rails, and 180 tons of building ma.teria.It. Exports—160 tons of iron and iron ore, and 21 tons of general merchandise. The number of vessels in dock on Monday morning last was 26 steamers and 31 sailing vessels; total, 67. THE "WESTERN MAIL" AND BARRY DOCK.— Ben Tillett, the labour leader, in the course of a caustic criticism of the Western Mail says that in all the reforms agitated for during the last three years that paper had been on the side of the loser. They fought against the Barry Doek; result-win for Barry, and defeat of Sir W. T. Lewis.

CADOXTON. BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL.—We are glad to hear of the continued success of the Boarding and Day School for Girls, which is kept by Miss Small, at Rectory-road. It is an immense boon to a new locality bo have a thoroughly good, sound, efficient school of bhis nature, and we are glad to be able to recommend Miss Small's schools to all parents. There is also a :Iass for little boys. PROPERTY SALE.—At the Wenvoe Arms Hotel, Cadoxton, on Thursday afternoon last, Mr. William Thomas offered for public competition five lots of villa property, situated in Station-terrace, Cadoxton. There was a good attendance, and the solicitors of the sale were Messrs. Spickett and Sons, Pontypridd. and J. A. Hughes, Barry and Cadoxton. Lots 1 and 2 were sold for £ 210 and £215 respectively, and Mr. William Evans, Bovill Farm, Dinas Powis, was the purchaser of Nos. 3 and 4 for f.205 and £ 210. Mr. Ray, Cadoxton, purchased for a buyer lot 5 for C197 10s. A partly erected dwelling-house and shop was also put up, and a bid of t:350 was offered. The reserve price was £ 500, consequently ilie lot had to be withdrawn. The solicitors were represented by Messrs. Williams (Messrs. Spickett and Sons), and G F. Willett (Mr. J. A. Hughes). COMMONS COMMITTEE.—A private meeting of the Lbove committee of the Local Board was held on Monday afternoon, General Lee presiding. TRADESMEN'S BALL.-The Cadoxton Tradesmen's Ball, full particulars of which appear in our adverti- sing columns, will be held at the Cadoxton Picnic Elall, next Tuesday evening. There is every prospect ;hat the affair will be a. great success. CANTATA PERFORMANCE.—As previously an- lounced in this column, the grand performance of the ;acred cantata 41 Esther, the Beautiful Queen," will ;ake place on Wednesday next, February 3rd, at the Cadoxton Market Hall, by the Cadoxton Choral Union, inder the leadership of Mr. W. C. Howe. The pro- seeds are in aid of the Nursing Association funds, and jromise to be exceedingly successful. The following vill be the artistes :-Estber, Miss Annie Williams, Cadoxton Zeresh, Miss B. David, Cardiff first maid )f honour, Miss C. Loughor Mordecai, Mr. Afanlais jewis Haman, Mr. Sandford Jones, Merthyr King, Iir. W. R. Price, Merthyr Tydfil; Reg-ai, Mr. J. Petty, 3arry Dock Harbonah, Mr. J. H. Spinks. Miss Alice 3arstow will preside at the piano, and Miss R. Howe t the harmonium. THE CADOXTOX COMMONS QUESTIOX.-As will oe seen from our advertising columns, the public meet- ng of Cadoxton commoners, called by the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board, will be held at the Cadoxton ioard Schools this (Friday) evening. THE SATURDAY EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS. Che fifth entertainment in connection with the series f Happy Evenings for the People," given at the tarket-hall, Cadoxton, in aid of the Barry and Cadoxton Nursing Association, was held on Saturday vening, when a capital performance was given by the toyal Alexandra Handbell-ringers, together with Mr. lees, Cadoxton, and the local brass band. The chair ras occupied by Mr. J. J. Williams, Tynewydd, and liss Small, of the Cadoxton High School for Girls, ras an efficient accompanist. There was a large at- endance. On Saturday evening next the proceedings rill take a. very interesting form, as a miniature eis- eddfod is to be held, besides the usual musical pro- ramme, which on this occasion will be performed by party from the Cadoxton Choral Union, under the sadership of Mr. W. C. Howe. THE LOCAL PAINTERS' STRIKE.—Towards the nd of last week the members of the Barry District Trades' Council issued a circular in connection with the painters' strike in the Barry and Cadoxton die trict, in which they say that the Trades' Council are of opinion that the dispute has now arrived at such a stage as to render it imperative on the part of all friends of Trades Unionism in the district to come to the assistance of the painters who are still out in cou- sequence of some of the master painters of this dis- trict refusing to take back all the workmen who came out on strike six weeks ago, thereby endeavouring to throw the Union men out of employment. In order to do this the Council ask and recommend that all painting work be given to certain firms, who recognise the Painters' Union and the working hours as agreed upon between employers and workmen. The firms of Messrs. Dando and Sons.and Morgan Brothers. Cadox- ton, are the only two not mentioned in the cirtular. MINISTERIAL GALL.-The members of Philadel- phia Welsh Baptist Chapel have unanimously decided to ask the Rev. Morris Isaac, of Llanfaircaereinion (Welshpool), to become their pastor. We trust that Mr. Isaac will consider the matter favourably, but as yet no reply has been received. We are informed that Mr. Is aac possesses some excellent qualities as a minister, and we believe in the event of his accepting the above pastorate he will be an acquisition, not only to the church, but also to the locality. Our friends are making strenuous efforts in collecting funds towards the erection of a new chapel, and we trust the public will assist them literally in their endeavours. HEALTH OF THE DrSTltICT.-H The general health of the district." said Dr. Xeale, the medical officer of health, in making his monthly report to the Health Committee last Friday. 4;is in common with the rest of the country—unsatisfactory, this being due to climatic causes. Influenza, which seemed to have nearly died out, has become more prevalent since the last meeting. but not to any serious extent." GUAXD EISTEDDFOD AND COXCERT.-On Tues- day night a committee met at the Shaftesbury Hotel, Cadoxton, to discuss the advisability of holding an eisteddfod and concert at the Marke't-hall. Cadoxton5 on Monday, June 3rd, which is Whit-Monday. Mr. Lewis Lewis was voted to the chair, and there were present besides—Messrs. E. LI. Morgan, J. Rees (Barry Board School), D. Griffiths (Barry), J. D. Davies. Smith Jones, T. G. Williams. D. W. Thomas, J. Phillips (Vere-street). J. R. Llewellyn (Barn/Dock Xeic?), W. Llewellyn Williams (South Wales Star), Ac. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. W. L!. Williams, and seconded by Mr. D. Griffiths, to hold an eistedd- fod and concert at the Market-hall on Whit-Mondav. It was further decided to ofTer a prize of £ 25 for the best choir, with £ 2 2s. to the successful and £ 1 Is. each to the unsuccessful leaders. Messrs. Lewis Lewis. E. LI. Morgan, and Llewellyn Williams were deputed to wait on Lord Windsor, Mr. John Cory, and Mr. Fred Davies, to ask them to act as presidents of the two meetings of the eisteddfod and of the concert.— The proceeds of the eisteddfod will be devoted to the erection of a cottage hospital in the district, and we hope that the committee's efforts will be furthered by every inhabitant of Barry. WELSH DIXXER-At the close of the meeting of the Eisteddfod Committee, who met last Tuesday at the Shaftesbury. Mr. W. Llewellyn Williams (Sonth Wales Star) suggested the desirability of holding, a Welsh dinner at Barry on St. David's Day next. The proposal was warmly accepted by those present, and it was unanimously resolved to hold a Welsh dinner at the Barry Hotel on March 1st. Mr. W. Llewellyn Williams (South Wales Star) and Mr. J. R. Llewellyn (Barry Deck JVeics) were appointed secretaries, and were requestad to write to his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, inviting him to take the chair. It was fur- thermore determined that the price of the tickets should be half-a-crown, and that ladies be admitted. It is uncertain at what time in the evening the dinner will commence, but it is hoped that the Barry Com- pany will make arrangements to run a late train to Cadoxton. This is the first attempt at holding a Welsh dinner in the district, and when we consider the cheap- ness of the tickets, nncl the excellence of the programme (for the services of several excellent singers have been already secured) the attempt will be certain to be crowned with success.

BOXVILSTOXE. ECCLESIASTICAL APPOINTMENT.—At a special service held at the Palace Chapel, Llandaff. on Satur- day morning last, the Lord Bishop licensed the Rev. John Howaid Lewis, B.A.. to the curacy of Peter- stone-super-Ely and Bonvilstone.

WENTOE. ILLNESS OF MISS JENNRR.—On Saturday morn- ing week, Miss Jenner. of Wenvoe, called at-the Law Courts. London, to transact some legal business, and was most courteously greeted by one and all through- out the court" on her re-appearance there and in such good health." Before she could reach the summons department from the central hall she was seized with sudden giddiness and nausea and a cold chill at the back of her neck, compelling her to drive home as quickly as she could. She has since, says a daily paper, been suffering from complete loss of appetite and great prostration.

DIXAS POWIS. MR. D. T. ALEXANDER AND WORKHOUSE SER- VICES.—At the usual weekly meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians on Saturday (Dr. Paine presiding) anttpplicationwas received from the Salvation Army asking for permission to pay religious visitations to the workhouse.—The Chairman said he thought that if the doors were opened too wide it would be prejudicial to the interests of discipline. So many religious visitors would not be allowed in any other public institution. —Mr. D. T. Alexander could not see how they would be justified in excluding one religious body if they admitted any at all besides the chaplain.—The Chair- man said the House Committee might deal with the application.—Mr. Alexander thought it would be the most satisfactory way of dealing with the matter. He did not like to make fish of one bofly and fowl of another."—The Chairman said that if there was a dearth of religious services, by all means let them be extended, but he repeated that care must be taken not to open the door too wide.—The application was re- ferred to the House Committee.

ABERTHAW. FOUR HUMAN SKULLS EXCAVATED.—Early on Thursday morning of last week, Mr. R. J. Mathias, manager for Mr. W. H. Mathias, the contractor con- structing the Cowbridge and Aberthaw Railway, sent to Mr. Daniel Owen, J.P., Ash Hall, the chairman of the company, part of a strange 4: find made at Kings- land, midway between Cowbridge and Aberthaw. It was a human skull, one of four discovered while ex- cavating for the foundations of a station. The bodies, contrary to custom, were lying with the heads toward east. Judging by the condition of the remains, it would appear as if they had been interred many cen- turies ago. The teeth, however, were perfect. Singu- larly enough, the remains were only about 12in. below the surface; a circumstance suggesting such hastily and roughly carried out interment as followed the dis- posal of the dead who had fallen in battle. What adda interest to the grim discovery is the well-authenticated fact that a great battle took place at a spot about five or six miles from the excavation shortly before the period of the Norman Conquest. --=-

THE REV. ARTHUR MURSELL AT CADOXTON. On Wednesday night the Rev. Arthur Mursell delivered a lecture on Charles Dickens at the Market-hall, Cadoxton. Councillor J. C. Meggitt took the chair. The attendance, owing to the un- favourable state of the weather, was somewhat meagre, and did not come up to the expectations of the promoters, the committee of the Cadoxton Recreation-rooms. The lecturer dealt long and eloquently on the services which Dickens had rendered to the cause of humanity, phil- anthropy, and the brotherhood of man; how he had helped to soothe the sorrows of childhood and the troubles of maturity, and how he had taught the weary and heavy- laden to bear their burdens bravely and cheerfully, and to look for comfort to the right place. He de- nounced in scathing terms those contemptible critics who said that Dickens' influence was against religion and Christianity. The man who could describe the scene of Alice Morwood's last moments when Helen Carter led the wounded and sin-stricken woman to the place of healing, and who could explain the life of Jesus in language simple enough to touch the poor crossing-sweeper's heart, could not be devoid of Christian feeling. Dickens battled only against the sham and hypo- crisy of men like Stiggins and Pecksniff, and it was only the Stigginses and Pecksniffs of the world who disliked his works. Councillor Meggitt, in thanking the lecturer for his most able and interesting address, apologised for the meagreness of the attendance. He was sure, however, that all those present would agree with him in saying that a rare intellectual treat has been provided them, and he would thank the committee of the Recreation-rooms for the enter- prise they had shown in bringing Mr. Mursell among them. (Loud applause.) Mr. Lewis Lewis, in proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman, said that Mr. Meggitt had always been most kind to the members of the Recreation Society. It was Mr. Meggitt who first started the Recreation Rooms, and he had ever since the com- mencement shown a lively interest in their pros- perity, but he felt it was due to the chairman, who had subscribed half the lecturer's fee himself. (Loud cheers.) He (Mr. Lewis) did not as a rule believe in thanking public men for their services. (Laughter.) Mr. Meggitt had already been raised to the highest public post which was theirs to give him as their representative on the County Council, and he hoped that he would be again re- turned without opposition. (Loud applause.) The Chairman thanked the proposer and the audience for the cordial way in which they had accorded him a vote of thanks. He hoped that many another would subscribe his two guineas to the funds of the Recreation Rooms, and help to lighten the load which still weighed on the shoul- ders of the committee. (Applause.)

THE SOUTH GLAMORGAN CONSTITUENCY, MR. ARTHUR WILLIAMS. M.P.. AXD MABOX, M.P., AT PEXYGRAIG. A meeting -.vas held at the Tai Schoolroom, Penygraig, on Tuesday evening last, under the auspices of the Dinas and Williamstown Liberal Association. The principal speakers were Mr. A. J. William, M.P., and Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon), M.P. Dr. H. X. Davies, Porth, presided. Mr, W. Phillips proposed the following resolu- tion That this meeting ex presses its unwavering loyalty to the great leader of the Liberal party,-Mr. William Ewart Gladstone, and its confidence that at the next general election he will be returned to power with such a ma- jority as will enable him to carry oat the wise and just reforms embodied in the Newcastle programme. Mr. Charles Cole seconded the resolution, and said it was not likely that Mr. Gladstone would live many years longer, but he hoped he would be spared long enough to carry out the great reforms in the programme referred to. (Cheers.) Mr. Arthur J. Williams. M.P., supported the resolution, and commenced his speech by saying he had come amongst them at a stage in the history of this Par- liament, probably the most dramatic that would ever be known. He came to support the resolution, which said that they. as Weteh people, were waiting with confidence for the moment— which could not be long deferred—the' moment when justice would be meted out by the conscience of the country, and the great man should be re- turned. the resolution said, by a majority, but he said, with Rossendale ringing in his ears, by an overwhelming majority. (Loud, cheers.) He thought they would do him the credit of admitting that he was perfectly frank and outspoken when occasion required, and he could assure them that he did not flatter his constituents when he said that whatever might be the defects of the Liberals of South Glamorgan and the Rhondda Valley, he thought they might claim that they had fought 1 0 t out their political opinions and had worked out their political salvation just as they had worked out their spiritual salvation, by their-own efforts. It was a source of pride and satisfaction to him that he represented a constituency of which so large a part was composed of working colliers. (Cheers.) He always felt when he came to addrest; a meeting of that sort a little diffident, because he knew there were few of the burning political questions of the day on which he could say much that was new to them, for the very good reason that they, like himself, had thought out the matters. It seemed to him like coming to con- vert the converted when he came to address a meeting in the Rhondda Valley. (Cheers.) He thanked them for having assembled in such large numbers that evening for it was doing him the greatest kindness to give him the right hand of fellowship, and to encourage him in the performance of his representative duties. (Applause.) Proceeding. Mr. Williams spoke in favour of the payment of members. They had to fight the brutal power of money in their future political contests, and it was necessary to en- deavour to meet that by placing the expenses of election contests on the rates, and thus affording able working men an opportunity of getting into the House of Commons. (Loud applause.) Wher- ever wealth might be intelligence must always remain in the Liberal camp. (Hear, hear.) The Liberal party had conquered the kingdom for for the democracy not by money bags, not by acres, not by parsonic and squirearchical in- fluence. not by Established Churches, but by the force of intellect permeating the masses. (Loud cheers.) He felt proud that he had inherited the truths which had built up this grand, this noble, this eternal powerful good in their land. (Applause.) The hon. member then went on to deal with electoral reforms, and put forward an eloquent plea in favour of one man ) one vote." He then dwelt with the House of Lords. whose constant refusal to carry out the wishes of the people had brought them into disrepute. He did not believe in any second chamber. (Loud ap- plause.) They were a drag upon the wheel of legislation. (Hear, hear.) The history of the House of Lords was an ignoble history. (Cheers.) The country would not stand being threatened by the House of Lords, and if that chamber came into real conflict with the country, its days would be numbered. (Hear, hear.) The wretched Govern- ment of broken pledges and coercive laws which was now in power laid claim to having passed a large number of measures which aimed at better- ing the condition of the people, and among them was the Coal Mines' Regulation Act. But did the Mines' Regulation Act come from the brain of Mr. Henry Matthews No. It was taken out of a pigeon-hole in the Home Office. Who put it there ? Mr. Broadhurst. (Applause.) Then. again, there was free education. But what effect would the free education measure given them by the Tory Government have ? This free education was formed to establish the Church schools for ever. It was given in order that. by the assis- tance of the rates of the Church schools, might flourish and continue to prosely- tise children. (Applause and cries of "flhame.") He then dealt with the question of Disestablish- ment, and hoped they would be able to effect this reform with out any unfair compromise. (Cheers.) In conclusion he remarked that he considered it to be the greatest privelege of his life to represent so important a constituency as that of South Glamorganshire, and he assured them that if they did him the honour to elect him for the third time he would not betray his trust. (Loud and pro- longed cheering.) Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon), M.P., in the course of an eloquent Welsh speech, said that when the Liberal party were returned to power the claims of Ireland as a nation would have to be dealt with. as also the question of granting to Wales local self-government. (Applause.) The Disestablish- ment of the Church was ripe for legislation, and he looked forward to the result of the campaign recently commenced with the greatest confidence. He then proceeded to urge upon the meeting the importance of electing men imbued with Liberal and true Radical principles as members of the County Council. (Loud applause.) Mr. Moses Moses proposed and Mr. William James seconded a resolution expressing the confi- dence of the meeting in Mr. Arthur Williams, M.P., and pledging itself to use every legitimate "I Iz, means to secure his return to Parliament at the next election. Mr. A. J. Williams, in returning thanks, said he had corresponded with Mr. Lambert, the manager of the Great Western Railway Company with re- gard to the running of passenger trains on the Ely Railway in order to prove that he had not neglected the claims of his constituents. He had also presented a petition of the inhabitants in 1888, and had followed the question up until now, but had not been able to succeed. He was of opinion that railways ought to be under State control, and thought that the House of Commons should take up the matter of the Great Western Railway monopolies and legislate upon the ques- tion. (Loud applause.)

BLAENGARW NEWS AND NOTES. [BY WAYFARER.] After writing you my notes of last week, events have taken a very happy turn with regard to the County Council election. Our esteemed and much-respected representative, Dr. Parry, has made up his mind to address his constituents, and on Tuesday evening at Blaengarw he was ac- corded a right royal reception. A unanimous vote of thanks for past services was given him, and a vote of thanks for past services was given him, and a vote of confidence as the future councillor for the next three years was passed. This will put an end to the Pontycvmmer hubbub and noise, pull down the castles of air built by the youthful and would-be aspirant from that place, and will please the whole valley and not a fraction of it. All the people know that the Nonconformist spirit is strong amongst us, but who would have thought that its sturdy, independent manliness would permeate even the members of the local Established Church. Here they defy not only a poor curate, but the big guns, such as the vicars and rectors, and rather than submit to oppression and tyranny, will march out of service to show their hatred of such an ugly thing. I hear that there is likely to I)e a recurrence of this act unless things go on more smoothly than they do at pre- sent. I am not well versed in the whole affair that now gives ofieRce, but I know it is something xbout the organ. To be sure we Radicals cannot know all, but should expected developments be such as anticipated, I shall not fail to make them public. Passing from these things, I wish to call the Attention of the Local Board to the bad state of ihe roads, especially Blaengarw road. One can ,,o knee-deep in mud and get fast there. Then, igain, the light we are served with would be far better in its utility were the Board, instead of liaving the lamps lit, to send the contractor to listribute halfpenny candles to pedestrians. One light, as I was passing a lamp, it was difficult to lay whether the lamp was lit or not, or whether, jeing lit, the glass was daubed with black paint. 1B to its value in either case I leave\my readers to udge.

RE-APPEARANCE OF Russian Influenza. Thousands ef Patients in different parts of the country are now down with INFLUENZA. This is testified by the experience gained, both in Loudon and Paris, when IFFLUENZA first appeared. It was also clearly established that, the most convenient form to exhibit QUININE was in the form of GWILYM A NS' QUIXIXI; BITTERS. GWILYM EVAXS' QUININE BITTERS. This preparation has been before the public for twenty years, and has succeeded in gaining the highest reputation as an UNFAILING TONIC, being so much appreciated, in all places where it has been given a fair trial, that the demand for it is in- creasing day by day. GWILYM EVANS' BITTERS contains a full dose of QUININE in each tablespoonful, besides the active principles of the following well-known medical herbs :— SARSAPARILLA, GENTIAN, LAVENDER, BURDOCK, DANDELION and SAFFRON, scientifically prepared, and combined in such happy proportions, as to be suitable to all ages at all seasons of the year, and forming a Tonic Bitters POSITIVELY UNEQUALLEDI GWILYM EVANS'BITTERS has treated SEVERE CASES of INFI.CEKYA and heavy colds with greater success thau any known remedy. MODS OF ACTION. They strengthen those parts of the system which have been weakened by disease, and thus make the constitution LESS liable to future attacks, and they are specially recommended to those who have already had an attack of influenza. AFTER THE INFLUENZA. AFTER THE INFLUENZA. The after effects are often more disagreeable than the malady itself. The feeling of depression, low spirits, helplessness, and want of go," which afflict, the patient when recovering from an attack of Influenza, are often unbearable. A few doses of GWILYM EVANS' BITTERS taken in time will effectually drive away this sense of extreme helplessness and feeling of misery and weak- ness. SPECIMEN OF TESTIMONIALS. INFLUENZA. Berkeley-road. Bristol, June 18th, 1821. Gentlemen,—I Lave been very ill with Influenza, followed with Con- gestion of the Lungs. Three weeks ago my condition was critical, and INFLUENZA, when the dunger passed I was very low and weak. About a fortnight INFLUENZA, ago the Doctor «aid that I should take a goo 1 tonic. I suggested INFLUENZA. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters." The very thing." he said, take it INFLUENZA, three times a day." Since then I have taken it regularly and feel won lerfully benefited. It has res- tored strength to my limbs, and piven tone to my whole nystem.— Yours eincerelr, D. P. CHICK. GWILYM E V A N S' BITTERS. G W I L Y M E V A X S' BIT T E R S. UNPRINCIPLED IMITATIONS tST CAUTIOV.—The great success of Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters" has tempted many to bring out imitations of this renowned preparation, whicli they endeavour to palm upon the public under the title of Quinine Bitters. l?AT See the name. "GWILYM EVAKS," on la.bel, stamp, and bottle, and remember that any preparation offered as Quinine Bitters which does not bear this name (as above stated) is a fraudulent imitation and Sold by all Chemists in bottles at 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each, and in cases containing three 4s. 6d. bottles at 12s. 6d. per case or it will be sent tie above prices, post free, to any part of the world direct from the Proprietors :— QUININE BITTERS MANUFACTURING CO. (LD.), LLAXELLY, South Wales. American Depot :—Mr. it. D. WLLIAMS, PLYMOUTH, Penn. THE GLOBE FURNISHING CO. AT Barry DOCK. Opening of New and Extensive Premises in Holton-road. THE GLOBE JjlURISHING COMPANY Are the actual Manufacturers, and will sell for I CASH ONLY, AT STRICTLY WHOLESALE PRICES. THE GLOBE JJlURNISHING COJIPAXY Will Show the LARGEST, CHEAPEST, and BEST Stock of Furniture in the Barry District. Reserve your Purchases until you have seen the JLOBE FURNISHING COMPANY'S New and Magnificent Stock. 9 THE GLOBE FURNISHING COMPANY, D EFIA-NCE TTOUSE, JJOLTON-ROAD, BARRY JQOCK. AND CUSTOM rTOUSE STREET, CARDIFF

work. And if he, on the eve of victory should fall, his followers will, like the Thebans at the battle of Leuctra, be rendered only the more resistless by the knowledge that the cause for which they fight has been consecrated by the loss of their leader's life. "Lead us not into temptation" is the daily prayer of the Christian, and we are sorry that certain well-meaning-, but ill-advised Christians in Wales are now and then placing stumbling blocks in the way of their weaker brethren. In certain parts of the county, the Methodist con- nexion have sent out a paper which has to be signed by all the ministers of the denomination' denying that they have ever applied for admis- sion into the Established Church. We cannot too strongly condemn this way of protesting against the charges of the Bishops of St. Asaph and Llandaff. For our own part, we care not whether the Bishop of St. Asaph has received applications for episcopal orders from his boasted sixteen distinguished ministers or not. We can easily conclude from the calibre of those who have gone over, and those who are known to have intended to go over to the Church, the amount of distinction" to which these ministers can lay claim. However much we may deplore the fact that there may be some in the Nonconformist ministry who are ready and willing to desert the cause which they profess, we shall only be casting a slur on our Nonconformist freedom and bringing back the inquisitorial system, which Protestants have so long and so earnestly de- nounced, if we make it imperative that every minister should sign a declaration that he has never applied for Episcopal ordination. It is those who were weak enough to apply for admission into the Church who will be weak enough to deny that they ever did so. The Rev. WMkin Powell, of Maesycymmer. is one of these weak brothers. In his anxiety to conceal the fact that he thought of deserting, he signed the declaration referred to. The vicar of Mynyddislwyn wrote to the Went cm Mail to expose the Rev. Watkin Powell's weakness and guilt: and the East Glamor- gan Methodist Association have suspended Mr. Powell from his ministry. We have no manner of sympathy with Mr. Powell, but we think it criminal and sinful that such a strong temptation should have been put in the path of a weak, erring, terrified man. The Methodist connexion and other Nonconformist bodies have a better answer to the Bishop's charge. They know that the Church of England would only be too glad to receive with open arms any distin- guished minister and we can only recall to mind one instance of a distinguished Welsh Nonconformist minister going over to the Estab- lishment. The Gas Company in Pontypridd seem deter- mined to draw attention to their inability to meet with the demands for light in Pontypridd and dis- trict by allowing the lights to go out at the most inconvenient times that could be found. On Christmas Eve last the supply of gas stopped in the principal part of the town, and at the busiest time tradesmen had to procure candles and lamps to do their business by, and resulted in a great loss to those who were unable to dispose of their Christmas stock. On Saturday night last the town was again enveloped in darkness, and the Rhydfelen district does not appear to have been supplied with public lights for some time past. There seems tto be no reasonable probability that he present state of things will be remedied for some considerable time if the lighting of the town is left in the hands of the present company. At present those interested are waiting to see what the Local Board will do. — The shop assistants in Pontypridd are agitating for shorter hours, and deserve to be successful. Their demands are very moderate, and half-past seven for shop closing is certainly not out of the way. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and we are sure that when the young men and women leave their work earlier their em- ployers will find that they also will experience the benefits of the early closing.