The South Wales Star

.naIl- ^"1 i' *r- Appointed by jllte' SoapMakers v {\ Spe,cial,, to Her I A ',1. <| Royal Warrant Majesty the Queen J- v 0 ..F With "Sunlight" to help you, ■ I there should be nothing alarming in a large Wash. </ TTtLTTf A MJ13P? SUNLIGHT SOAP i fl1 f saves time, saves labour, and saves your I I 1 if 'ill c'°^^es' By its use the many annoyances | I | 1 I I and troubles incident to an old-fashioned | I I 1 I 1 wash=day are entirely done away with. | I 'M^a) We will not ask you to take our word for it, |. I but we do ask you to give it a trial. |

AT PONTYPRIDD. THE DROUGHT Is causing a good many people in the district to fear that the storage supply of the local water- works companies will soon run out. It is reported that the Mardy Reservoir of the Pontypridd Com- pany has got very low, and the Local Board members intend paying an early visit to the works in order to ascertain whether the extension arrangements are being pushed forward as rapidly as possible. The greater part of the district is now kept on short supply, carefully regulated, with a view to economic use of the water. The Ystrad Water Company's allowance seems to be still shorter, judging from the complaints made and the fact that circulars have been issued by that company warning consumers that the water is only supplied for strictly domestic use. The local authorities are being strongly urged to amalgamate and secure a proper supply from new sources for the whole of the Pontypridd and Rhondda district.

No MOKE GRAY HAIR OK BALD HEADS.—See, the People's Fireside Journal, this week. All news-' agents, Id.; post free, 2d., from 59 Newman-street London,W DO you want your FINGER BILLS, Handbills and Circulars conscientiously Distributed in town and country P—Apply X. X. X., &'tar Office Cadoxton.

REVIEWS. THE COSMOPOLITAN.—We have received the current number of this popular magazine and find it quite surpasses all previous issues. The great feature of the present number is the story Omega, the end of the world," written for the Cosmopolitan, by Camille Flammarian. It ie a wonderful work, and is all that is claimed for it. The facts are placed before the J-eader in a truly marvellous manner, and one is kept interested from begining to end. Lent among the Mahometans" is well written, and contains a volumn of useful information. As the interests of this district is closely allied with the sea and shipping we feel sure that the article on Historic Figure Heads" will be of a very entertaining character. To those who care for speculation, and particularly in mining, they cannot do better than read what the Cosmopolitan has to say respecting the Great Florida Phosphate Boom. Our lady reader will find much to interest them in Mr. S. William Beck's article on Purses, Pockets, and Personal Receptacles," and in the story entitled "Doratus." In last month's issue there was an article on Berlin," and in the current issue we find Berliners deal with it in a very lucid and pleasing manner. There are many other interest- ing features, and as usual the illustrations are exquisite. CASSELL'S PUBLICATIONS FOR MAY are as interesting as they are numerous, and one can scarcely turn over any of their pages without feeling that the works have been compiled with the greatest care. For Sunday reading our readers cannot do better than secure a copy of The Quiver while for every day reading Cassell's Saturday Journal eannot be beaten. Among its volume of well-selected items, the article dealing with mem- bers places in Parliament is one that cannot fail to entertain. The Magazine of Art is a wonderful production, and An Artist's Studio" is a very good sample of its contents. Little Folks' Magazine bears out its title admirably and gives the little ones an insight into the everyday life of many persons whom they would do well to endeavour to follow. CamelVs Family Magazine deals with almost every topic of family interest, and our lady friends will find much to interest them on the items dealing with May Dress." It would be impossible for us to deal with each of the publica- tions of this enterprising firm, and we will conclude our reference by touching upon two of the most popular of their weekly journals. Work is pub- lished weekly at one penny, or in monthly parts, price 6d. It is devoted entirely to giving instruc- tions to mechanics as to the making of various articles. One of its special features is its illustrated Answers to Correspondents." In its pages for this month we find articles dealing with the making of hand cameras, blacklead pencils, printing press, &c., while our pianist friends will hail with delight the description of how to make a pneumatic leaf turner. Chums is a paper which no parent need object to their children reading. It is full of bright, sound, and interesting litera- ture. and everything of an objectionable nature is rigidly excluded from its pages. THE SHIPPING WORLD for May is to hand, and among its interesting notes from the editorial pen we find Barry a'rain to the front, while A Special Correspondent" has dealt in a very lucid manner with The Bristol Channel and the Midland Navigation." Under the heading of Board of Trade Notes we find dealt with the question of the Inspection of Ship's Provisions and Water, together with the engagement of seamen. In the columns devoted to the Industrial and Shipping News the recent decision of the County Court Judge at, Cardiff with regard to Barry being a separate port is dealt with, and in the same columns the announcement is made of the appointment of Mr. A. H. Case, as resident engineer of the deep water lock works at Barry Dock rendered vacant by the departure of Mr. J. Robinson. In con- conclusion we give the paragraph above referred to respecting the new works at Barry :— THE PROGRESS OF BARRY.—Scarcely a month passes in which The Shipping World has not to record a new advance on the part of aggressive and progressive Barry. It is a continual story of something attempted, something done but, unlike the case of Longfellow's blacksmith, this work does not bring in its train repose. The new port has recently opened the largest graving dock in the Channel it is seeking powers to make a new dock and the other day the foundation-stone was laid, with much natural jubilation, and amid all the rejoicings of a public holiday, of a deep water-entrance lock, which Mr. Wolfe Barry describes as offer- ing conveniences afforded by no other dock in the Bristol Channel. The calculations of engineer and contractor are that it will be com- pleted in twelve months, whether or no," as the old Scotch skipper used to say it will be 617ft. long by 65ft. wide, and the depth of water will be 14ft. at neap and 22ft. at spring tides, Which, taking the draught of the average-sized steamer entering light for cargo at from 12ft. to 15ft., will permit of free ingress and egress at most hours of the day. The cost is to be £ 210,000, and it is estimated that if only 200,000 tons of extra shipping take advantage of the increased accommodation, this important addition to the Barry undertakings will defray its own expenses. Surely it is time the Cardiff Dock authorities bestirred themselves, if they would not be left laggard in the race. THE ENGLISH ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE.—IN the May number of this publication there is much to interest all who take an interest in everything English. It opens well with 9 1 an article by Mr. Harry Quilter entitled" The Royal Academy Exhibition; its Making and Makers." It also contains; fae similies of the origininal study of Sir Frederick Leighton's pic- ¡ ture, "Hit," together with other sketches from drigba1 paintings. A Song of the English" deals with the opening of the Imperial Institute, and is decidedly worth reading, while the article by Sir Somers Vine, F.R.G.S., F.S.S., describing that splendid piece of architecture will give one a good idea. of what the building really is. Lord Macaulay's Some Rhymes by a Little Girl are very interesting, and those who are fond of adven- ture should certainly read Mr. Fred James's voy- age from Queenstown to Sheerness in Torpedo Boat No. 65. To those who have a love for novels we recommend their perusal of The Toad's Treasure" and Lady Kilpatrick." The articles descriting the various pieces running on the London Stage cannot fail to interest and enlighten all theatte-goers. We learn that there is much in preparation for the June number. -m_

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. lie CYCLE-REPAIRING ESTABLISHMENT. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—In your issue of April 28th a Cyclist complaiiis of no repairing shops at Barry for cycles. I beg to state that the gentleman referred to is mistaken; there is one at 30, tLewis-street, East Barry, which has been there for the past twelve months, where all kinds of cycles are re- paired. Thanking you in anticipation.-I am, &c., D. WILLIAMS. 30, Lewis-street, East Barry. THE BARRY RAILWAY BAND CONCERT. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-In your last week's issue, I notice in your report of the above concert, held at the Barry Market Hall on Wednesday, the 25th ult.. you paid a well-merited tribute to the respective artists who performed thereat with the single exception of Mr. John Thomas. I feel persuaded that this omission can only be accounted for by an oversight on the part of your reporter, as he sang his songs in a manner that reflects the highest credit to himself and also to the delight of the audience. I must say on behalf of many friends, that our sense of a obligation to Mr. Thomas, for the very generous way in which he has given his valuable services, is more than can be expressed here, and justifies me in claiming for him the recognition he deserves. Thanking you in anticipation of your giving insertion to the above,—Yours &c.. BARRY LOCO.

CHARGES AGAINST A BRIDGEND MAN. ALLEGED FALSE PRETENCES. At the Cardiff Borough Police-court—before the Stipendiary, Dr. Paine, and Mr. Alderman T. Rees—a respectably-dressed young man, named Thomas Howells, tradesman, of Bridgend, was charged on remand with obtaining, by false pre- tences, sums of < 2s. 4d. and 12s. fd., belonging to Thomas Evans, grocer, of Bute-street, on the 6th April. He was further charged with obtaining of Thomas Colston goods to the amount of 7s. 6d. and 8s. in money by means of a forged cheque.—Mr. George David appeared for the defence. On the first-named accusation Morgan Lake, an assistant with Thomas Evans, of Bute-street, stated that on the 6th April prisoner called at the shop, and made purchases to the amount of 2s. 4d. tendering a eheque on the Bridgend branch of the London and Provincial Bank for 15s. Wit- ness gave him 12s. 6d. change, but on the cheque being presented for payment the bankers refused to cash it. William Jones, cashier to the Bridgend Branch of the London and Provincial Bank, stated that prisoner had formerly an account with their bank, but on the 6th April he had no assets. The last transaction was made on the 5th October, 1892, when the bank paid on his account a cheque. Since then he had had no cash to his credit. Examined by Mr. David—Prisoner may have thought that on the 6th April that he had an account at the bank. He had given no direction to close the account. The Stipendiary-On the 5th October last, when the account closed, did you write and tell him of it ? Witness-No. Then so far as you know no intimation was conveyed to him that the account was closed ?—No, not that I know of. The Clerk-After this latter cheque had been presented, did you inform prisoner of the fact ?— No, we have had no communications with him at all. .Daniel Richards, an assistant in the employ of Mr. Williams, butcher, of Bute-street, stated that on the 11th inst. prisoner bought at his shop goods to the amount of 2s. 5d., and tendered a cheque on the London and Provincial Bank for 20s., witness giving him 17s. 7d. change. The cheque had since been returned, marked No account." He subse- quently met the prisoner in town, and asked him whether the cheque was all right, and the latter assured him it was, explaining that he was a draper in business at Port Talbot. On the third charge Thomas Colston, assistant to his father, a jeweller of the Royal Arcade, Cardiff, stated that on the 8th April prisoner called at the shop and purchased a ring valued 7s. 6d. He tendered in payment a cheque on the London and Provincial Bank for 15s. 6d., being given 8s. change. On application for payment of the cheque, it was found that there was no account to the prisoner's credit. Detective Gretton deposed to receiving the prisoner from the custody of the Bridgend police. In answer to the charge he said, I was not aware that my account was closed." The defendant was committed for trial at the next assizes to be held at Swansea, probably in August, prisoner being admitted to bail, himself in £50 and two sureties of a like amount.

BRIDG END NOTES. IN THE POLICE COURT. COLLIEITY OFFENCE. At Bridgend Police-court on Saturday—before Mr. R. W. Llewellyn (chairman), Col. Franklen, and Mr. C. P. Davies-John Davies, haulier, Aber- gwynfi, was fined 40s., including costs, for neglect- ing to clAse a door, at the Avon Colliery (Mr. J. Gibson Morris, manager). COAL STEALING. Wm. Phillips, sen., Edwin Phillips, William Phillips, jun., John Walters, sen., and John Walters, jun., were charged with stealing coal, value Is. 9d., from a disused level belonging to the Ffaldau Colliery Company (Messrs. Pyman and Watson).-Phillips, sen., and Walters, sen., were fined £ 2 each including costs, and the younger defendants were discharged with a caution. CRUELTY. Morgan John, collier, Laleston, who did not appear, was charged by Inspector Warr, S.F.C.A., Cardiff. with cruelty to a mare pony by- not pro- viding it wiffh sufficient nourishing food.— Ordered to pay £ 2, or seven days in default. ATTEMPTING TO DAMAGE TELEGRAPH WIRES. William O'Neill, W. D. Pugh, and Thomas Williams, boys, were ordered to pay 15s. each for throwing stones at the post-office telegraph wires at Port Talbot. MORE COAL-STEALING. Matthew Cooke, labourer, was ordered to pay £ 2, or ten days in default, for stealing coal from a railway truck at Blaengarw, the property of the t, Ocean Colliery Company. CARRIAGE ACCIDENT. On Monday morning, as Mr. Francis, builder, Bridgend, and Mr. J. C. Rees. architect. Bridgend, were driving leisurely along the Southerndown- road, they became aware of the fact that they were being followed by a horse and an empty trap. The horse was galloping at a furious speed. Spite of all efforts, the terrified animal gained upon the gentlemen named, and after a run of a few hundred yards they were dashed into. The run- away horse was stunned by the force of the collission, the shafts of the trap it was attached to smashed, and one of the wheels of the trap run into was damaged. Presently Miss Nicholl, of Merthyrmawr, appeared on the scene, with ex- planations that whilst she was opening a gate the horse bolted. Happily, the injuries received were no greater than the injuries described above. The horse soon recovered, METHODIST CONFERENCE. 7 The ordinary monthly meeting of the Calvinistic Methodists of West Glamorgan was held at St. Bride's, Bridgend, on Wednesday, under the presidency of the Rev. Thomas Richards. The Rev. D. M. Davies, Penclawdd, and Mr. D. Davies, Liverpool House, Maesteg, were elected presidents for the year. Resolutions were passed approving of the Suspensory Bill, the Enfranchisement of Places of Worship Bill, and the measures dealing with liquor traffic.

PRINTING ORDERS of Every Description a t _tne Office of tni» Pa^or.

BARRY AND DISTRICT TRADES' COUNCIL. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] The attendance at the ordinary meeting of the above body at the Victoria Hotel last Friday even- ing was of an average character. As the President was unavoidably absent at the commencement of the business—behaving to attend to some matters relating to his own branch—Mr. Ivor Thomas, ex-president of the Barry and Cadoxton Typo- graphical Section, was voted to the chair, and his conduct in that capacity, though but a young man, p was commanding and dignified. The routine business having been disposed of, it was announced that a new delegate had been appointed to represent, together with a colleague, the Railwaymen's Society. la giving his School Board report, Mr. Rees said he had attended two committee meetings, the School Management and Finance. In appointing monitresses, the Board had selected the children of working men resident in the district. EVENING CLASSES. It was with deep-felt regret Mr. Rees made known to the Council that the evening classes held during the past winter had been far from satisfactory-in fact, a failure. This failure was entirely due to the lack of attendance and applica- tion on the part of those whom the classes were intended to benefit, as the teachers had worked assiduously. The loss sustained by the establish- ment of those classes had been £ 3 6s. If our young men were imbued with higher notions, street walking and night maraudings would be abandoned, attendance at night schools would be substituted, and the Government Inspector's re- port would contain more of that which is laud- able. Next winter the working men of the district will again have an opportunity of showing whether they prefer culture and refinement to boorish habits and ignorant bliss. COAL. Hitherto the coal used at the Barry, Holton- road, and Cadoxton Schools has been supplied by local merchants. It was stated that the article had not, at all times, been of the desired quality. With a view to a reform in that direction, as well as an observanoe of economy. Mr. Rees asked the Council's permission to move, at the Board's next meeting, that. at the expiration of the present con- tract the Board itself negotiate with the colliery proprietors, thereby paying, instead of 16s. 6d. per ton, as at present, about 11s. Anyone having the interests of the ratepayers generally at heart cannot fail to see the utility of this much-needed reform. It is worthy of mention that the above reform would not in any way lessen local trade, as the haulage would still have to be carried out by residents. The Council granted the Board member's re- quest, trusting, at the same time, the motion would be unanimously passed. BARRY SCORES. For the supply of iron standards for desks in the Barry Schools Mr. Kyte's (of Cardiff) name was put forward, he having executed local contracts previously. The burly Labour member, failing to see why contracts which could be well done in the district should go to Cardiff, proposed that the con- tract be let to Mr. Gould, Barry. Mr. Rees so far succeeded with his motion that the Board has invited Mr. Gould to state his price. A SIXPENNY RATE. Though our district is so well supplied with all things educational, the call upon the ratepayers for the last half-year will no j be a heavy one—a sixpenny rate being sufficient to cover all ex- penses, This result is due to the excellent staff of workers the Board have in their employ. IN FOR A RISE. Mr. J. M. Davies (assistant attendance officer) having applied for an in crease of salary, Mr. Rees wished to be instructed as to what action he should take in the matter. After ascertaining Mr. Davies' present salary, and viewinz the admirable way in which he carried out his duty (as statistics in last week's Star will show) the Council, by an unani- mous vote, instructed its members to support Mr. Davies' increase. WILL HOLTON-ROAD SCHOOLS BE USED FOR WORSHIP. The members of a Dissenting Church at Barry Dock having applied to the Board for the use of Holton-road Schools for Sunday gathering pending the erecting of a chapel, the matter was laid before the Council for discussion. Finding that the present appeal, if granted, would set a pre- cedent to gatherings for other purposes than to worship, the matter was deferred for a fortnight. Providing the Board decided to grant the school's use, it would be manifestly unfair to compel the caretaker, after scrubbing the school on Saturday, to perform the same task again on Monday morning. BURIAL BOARD. The Labour members on the above Board were not present, consequently there was but a partial report. A SNAKE IN THE GRASS. In the South Wales Labour Times for April 21st a Barry correspondent sigainghimself "Observer" asserts that the Council, though active and effec- tive in its work at the start, was now gradually emerging into a Ratepayers' Association and a Building Trades' Committee—a statement un- doubtedly meant to dishonour the Council and its work. Observer" continues by saving that over- tures and proposals emanating from political wire-pullers should be entirely disregarded. Noble sentiments It was thought that it would be well if this individual was to cast away" Observer's cloak and show himself to the Unionists of Barry. CALLED BACK. As most of the readers of the Star are aware, the Engineers, after twelve months' representation on the Council, retired. The cause of their retire- ment was pever known. In consequence of certain overtures, the Council unanimously decided to instruct the secretary to write to the Engineers' Society extending to them a hand of fellowship once more. It is also hoped that the Moulders', Boilermakers', and Shipwrights' Societies will also seek admission,thereby strengthening their position materially. The Moulders' Society, though not represented on the Council, have received substan- tial help from that body very recently. THE LABOUR MEMBER'S ELECTION EXPENSES. At the request of the lodges affiliated to the Council, Mr. Brock's expenses at the late Local Board eleetion were made known. The secretary Aid the total amount expended was only 17s. 5jd., being composed of the following items :—Ratepayers Voters' List, 2s. 6d. postage for calling meetings of committees, 2^-d.; foolscap 2 paper for checking notes, 3d.; printing-750 elec- tion cards, 7s. 6d.; 500 copies election address, 7s. The South Wales Labour Times, being an organ entirely devoted to the cause of Labour (and pub- lished by Mr. J. Martin—an old veteran of Unionist fame). it was decided that. in addition ta the local Press, it should also be favoured with reports of the Council's meetings. This was all the business of importance.

SOUTH WALES AND MONMOUTHSHIRE QUOIT ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL DINNER. The first annual dinner of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Quoit Association was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Monday evening, when an excellent repast was provided by Host Bland. Colonel T. Wood, J.P., Brecon, presided, and there were also present:—Mr. W. Tainsh (treasurer), Mr. T. Ward (secretary), and representatives of the Cardiff, Barry, Pontypridd. Llwynypia, Gil- fachgoch, Brynmawr, Abersychan. Waunlwyd, Cwm, Maindee, Ton Ystrad, St. Fagan's, Ebbw Vale, and other clubs.-The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly honoured, Mr. Tainsh, in a felicitous speech, gave The Health of the President." and Mr. W. H. Price that of The Vice-President."—The Chairman proposed the toast of the evening, Success to the South Wales and Monmouthshire Quoit Association," to which Mr. T, Ward responded.-The other toasts were The Committee" and" The Visitors and Absent Members."—During the evening several excellent songs were rendered, the proceedings thtoughout of a enjoyable

UP TO DATE. [BY PETER.] Tlie agitation against foreign-made goods being passed off on the unsuspecting public as the penuine English article has, I am pleased to say, made very substantial progress, and to-morrow, I understand, a deputation of representatives of various trade unions, &c., from all parts of the country will wait upon the President of the Board, of Trade to urge the necessity of a mark of origin being placed on foreign imported goods to distinguish them from English-made goods. I feel sure that many thousands of mechanics will any 'ously await the result. -0- A very important step was taken on Friday last by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Law with regard to the Places of Worship (Sites) Bill. I understand a proposal that an order for the compulsory acquisition of a site for a place of worship should be laid before Parliament, and like a private Bill, be subject to opposition by counsel, was negatived by 20 votes to 16. It was agreed that if the site obtained under the Bill shall cease to be used for the purpose for whicn it was granted, the landowner may re-enter into assesion upon payment of such sum as, failing agreement, shall be determined by arbitration.— Mr. Isaacson as one interested in land on which sites for places of worship had been granted at only half-a crown a year, urged the insertion of a clause to exclude existing leases from the opera- tion of the provision just passed. The land to which he referred was now, owing to the growth of population, worth £ 3,000 per year, and it would be manifestly unfair to compel him to pay the present market value for sites which he had granted at a peppercorn r3nt. The chairman ruled that the point had nothing-to do with this Bill Mr Isaacson declared that he was not con- Weed of that. The Bill as amended was ordered to be reported. —o— Just now the various Port Sanitary Authorities of Great Britain are doing all in their power to prevent cholera obtaining a footing in this country. The expenses of. such precautions is naturally a very heavy one, and particularly when it is remembered that it is borne only by those parishes adjacent to the seaboard. An appeal has foeen made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the expenses incnuedon the prevention of cholera should be a rational and not a local one. But, I regret to say. that while Sir William Harcourt is prepared to consider the possibility of deflaying certain incidential expenses he will not under- take to relieve Port Sanitary Authorities of their responsibilities. This is a question which affects Barry to a very large extent, and it is estimated that no less a sum than £1,000 will be required to thoroughly carry out the work connected with the prevention of cholera during the next six months. 11 ■ »<"Y — In the last issue of the Star there appeared a copy of the memorial addressed to the Charity Commissioners respecting the Welsh Intermediate Sehools. I find that since last week Mr. J. Lloyd- Morgan has raised this question in the House of Commons, and Mr. T. E. Ellis (Junior Lord of the Treasury) has sfited that the upper limit of age fixed by the large majority of scheines was seven- teen with an extension in special cases to eighteen, a limit adapted to the case of scholars proceeding to the Welsh university colleges. In schools •which provided for the older, universities the« tipper limit-of age was fixed at eighteen, with a like, extension to nineteen.' To meet the cases, special to the present condition of secondary educa- tion in Wales, of scholars desiring to attend school jn order to supplement a defective education or to resume education interrupted by work or business, a temporary extension of the limit of age had been provided in some schemes, but it was considered tbat when the 70 new schools under the Welsh Act had brought secondary education at a suitable age within the general reach these special cases would not be numerous. -0- There are a large number of districts like Barry and Cadoxton where the inhabitants are anxiously awaiting 'tfhe passing of the Parish Council's Bill, and consider that it will confer on them many benefits which they have not hitherto enjoyed. I am firmly of opinion that it will be a blessing to many rural districts, and that it will remove much of the abuse which at present exist. Unfortu- nately, there is but little prospect of the measure being immediately dealt with, as Mr. Gladstone has informed the House of Commons and the country at large that the Parish Council's Bill will not be further proceeded with until the Government of Ireland Bill has passed through Committee. With all the obstruction which the anti-Home Rulers will resort to, it is highly probable that this par- ticular Bill will remain rather long in the Com- mittee shge. I notice with pleasure that the Welsh members iaave appointed a committee to safeguard the interests of Wales in connection with the ap- WnSients of the Committee by the Lord Chancellor on the subject of County Court areas. I hope they will not forget that the Barry District is sadly in need of a County Court of its own. It firmly believes in Home Rule. -0- ■jjy cycling enthusiasts had better loolc to them- selves. Last week I referred to the attempt that was being made to tax their machines, now I find that the frequency of serious accidents caused by reeklesB cyclists is occupying the attention of the Marquis of Granby. He has tabulated a series of eases in most of which the cyclists escaped. He proposes that there should be adopted in this eeutttry a scheme, long at work in Pa-ris, whereby bicycles and tricycles are registered. He has given Mr. Asquith notice of his intention to inquire whether he sees any objeetion to adopting the system in this country. -0- I learn that every member of the House of Com- mons has received the following appeal signed by the various co-operative authorities of the kingdom The Industrial and Provident Societies (Pur- chase of Fee Simple) Bill has been drafted and introduced to carry out the unanimous recom- mendation of the Town Holdings Committee, in their report of 1889, that industrial and provident societies should be empowered to en- franchise their halls and other buildings which rray be held on leasehold tenure. The evidence given before the Committee showed how severely the work of these societies has been hampered because in many instances they could not obtain security of tenure for the buildings they desired to erect. The bill, which is altogether of a non-party character, is promoted by the whole body of co-operators throughout the United Kingdom, and its provisions would be of great value to the thrifty industrial classes. The present Government have shown their interest in the cause of labour on every hand, and I find that it is intended that the first edition of the Labour Gazette, which will be published by the Board of Trade and give official reports of the work undertaken by the new labour department, will be issued to the public on the 15th May. An advance copy has already been issued for private circulation. Dr. Giifen, of the Board of Trade, and Mr. Llewellyn, of the Labour Department, have contributed largely in the production of the new official journal, which is to be sold at one penny. -0- In every part of the United Kingdom efforts a.re being made to secure working men magistrates, and I am pleased to learn that the Lord Chancellor has not only expressed his willingness to recei ve a deputation from Bristol upon the subject but has already intimated his willingness to consider any recommendation from the Trades Council. —o— There are many persons who have expressed a fi-m belief that the Government will drop their Liquor Traffic Veto Bill. Perhaps they hope that such will betthe case, but I don't think there is much prospect of such a change at present. In fact Mr. Campbell-Bannerman, the Secretary for War, has stated in a letter as follows It may be possible to pick holes in the Bill but it is a great step in advance to see the Government of the day recognising in a delibe- rately framed legislative measure the principle of local control. This is one of the many ques- tions on which opinion is more advanced in Scot- laud than in England, and I am sure that the principle embodied in the Bill will be trium- phantly approved in every part of Scotland, and this not only by politicians of the more reform- ing school, but by a great number of quiet and earnest men and women who are waiting anxiously for the power which the adoption of local control would give them, and check the evils attending the present aburilant traffic in drink." -fl- 6' There still appears to exist considerable doubt as to the working of the Free Education Act, and I find that Mr. Acland has once again endeavoured to clear matters. In reply to a question in the House of Commons that gentleman said that managers of schools in receipt of State aid, whether free schools or not, had no right to claim payment of,any kind from parents for books or school materials as a condition of their children's admission to school. All children had a right to absolutely free education. But the Education Department could not compel the managers of a school which had the right to charge fees under the Act of 1891 to admit children free. If in consequence of such a right being exercised by the managers any children in a school district could not obtain free education, the Department would eause free accommodation to be provided in accordance with the Act.

IN C0WBBID&E. — THE WEjLSH LAND COMMISSION. There was a large and representative meeting of tenant farmers, comprising the committee ap- pointed to consider the evidence to be given before the Welsh Land Commission on Tuesday, in the Town-hall, Cowbridge. There were some forty* farmers present from different localities, including Roose, St. Fagan's, St. Athan's, St. Donatt's, Bridgend, Llantwifc-Major. and the dis- trict surrounding Cowbridge itself. Mr. Edward John, of Cowbridge, presided, and in his opening speech demonstrated theimport-uicc of collecting evidence to lay before the commission. The farmers, as a body, should work unanimously and put forward as strong a case as possible upon the important points to be dealt with. He regretted that the syllabus of the commission was not to hand. Tnis was all the more disappointing as there was so little time to deal with the subject. He had received a promise from Mr. Lleufer Thomas, secretary to the commission, that the moment the syllabus was ready copies would be sent to him (Mr. John) for distribution. Considerable discussion toox place regarding the decision- of the commissioners to hold only one day's meeting in the Vale of Glamorgan, and a very strong expression of opinion was made that if two meetings could be held at Swansea, surely more than one should take place in the Vale of Glamorgan, the most important and largest agricultural centre in Wales. It was decided that the meeting should be adjourned until 8 p.m. on Tuesday next, to dis- cuss the syallbus and select thereat farmtrs to appear before the commission. Mr. Wm. Thomas (Llantwit-Major) moved the following resolution That this meeting of tenant farmers strongly urges the members of the Welsh Land Commission to reconsider their decision as to holding only one day's meeting at Cowbridge. Seeing the importance of the agri- cultural area interested, this- meeting considers that one day'will not in any way do justice to the evidence likely to be given." Mr. Edward Wylde (St. Donatt's) seconded, and the resolution was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings. The committee appointed by the Cowbridge Farmers' Club for the purpose of preparing evi- dence for the Welsh Land Commission, which consists of the Messrs. D. J. Jenkins (vice-chair- man), R. T. Bassett, W. V. Huntley, Rees Thomas (Boverton-place). Edward Lewis (St. Mary Hill Court), George Thomas (Ely), Edward Akers (St. Fagan's) Edward Knox (Margam), and D. Spencer (Picketston), met on Tuesday afternoon at the Bear Hotel,,Cowbridge, but owing to the non- arrival of the syllabus of the commission, adjaurned until Tuesday next. HIGHWAY BOARD. The annual meeting of the Cowbridge District Highway Board was held on Tuesday, when Mr. Rees Thomas, Boverton-place, was re-elected Chair- man, and Mr. E. Wilde and Mr. D. Spencer, were elected vice-chairman and deputy-vice-chairman respectively.

LLANDOVERY COLLEGE. At the scholarships' examination at Jpsus Col- lege, Oxford, this year, three pupils from the above school were sucoessfnl. D. E. Roberts, son of Cancn Roberts, of Llandaff. obtained an Open Classical Scholarship, 2C80 a year J. W. Forbes, a History Scholarship, 2C80 a year; and G. H. Havard, a Classical Exhibition, £ 50 a year.