The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

DOWLAIS. WILFUL DAMAGE.-At the Merthyr police-court on Mon- day, John James was charged with wilfully smashing a pane of glass at the Bargoed Inn, Deri, on Saturday morning. Ordered to pay the amount of damage, 2s, and 10s costs. CATHOLIC CONFIRMATION SERVICE.—The Right Rev Dr Brown, Bishop of Newport and Menevia, arrived at the Mission-house, at Gellifaelog, Dowlais, on Friday the 8th inst., when he was received by the Venerable Pastor the Rev P. Millea. Or. Saturday his lordship inspected the church, house and schools, and examined everything re- quired for the services of the church. On Sunday, after the second Mass, he administered the Sacrament of Con- firmation to nearly 200 persons. All were glad, pastors and people, to see bis lordship (notwithstanding his very advanced age,) still looking strong and healthy, and which were evident from the vigorous, impressive, and argumen- tative discourses to the children and people, before and after confirmation. On Sunday evening at 5 oclock, he left Dowlais for Merthyr, taking with him the prayers and sincere good wishes of the esteemed pastor and his congre- gation. -Communicated. ODDFELLONVSHIP. -The members of the Loyal Cadair Ifer Lodge at the Rifleman's Arms, Pantysgallog, met on Satur- day evening, to celebrate a very interesting event in con- nection with their lodge. The Cadair Ifor Lodge was opened some five years ago, and for the first year or two appeared to be anything but prosperous, but mainly through the perseverance of the landlord, Mr Walter Rogers, and the assistance of a few others, the lodge has become one of the most prosperous in the Dowlais district, numbering now nearly 100 members, with close upon JE200 in cash. This lodge has for the last two years given small prizes to those who would exert themselves most to intro- duce eligible candidates for membership, and this year. in connection with this movement, a subscription was got up to present Mr Walter Rogers with some testimonial as a small token of esteem for his labor for the last five years. With this object the members and their friends met on Saturday night to partake of a supper to commemorate the event, when about 90 partook of a sumptuous repast, which was most excellently got up by Mrs Rogers. After the re- moval of the cloth, P.P.G.M. Archibald Lewis was voted to the chair, and P. G. John J ames, to the vice-chair. When the usual loyal toasts were disposed of, the Manchester Unity" was given, and responded to by the chairman, and the Dowlais district" was ably responded to by brother Thomas Jones. Several very good speeches were delivered during the evening, interspersed with capital songs, render- ed by brothers John James, John Jones, Hemmings, Rich- ards, Pendry, and others, but the most interesting part of the proceedings were the presentations. P.P.G.M. Daniel Davies, of the City of Refuge Lodge, a veteran in the cause of Oddfellowship, was deputed by the lodge to present brother Walter Rogers with his portrait, a beautiful photographic oil-painting, elegantly framed, value six guineas, by Mr W. E. Jones, artist, Merthyr, with an artistic design on the top, and the following inscription, March 9, 1872, presented to P.G. Walter Rogers, by the Cadair Ifor Lodge, 5547, of the Dowlais district of LO O.F. M.U., in recognition of gratuitous services."—Mr Davies spoke of brother Rogers in the most eulogistic man- ner, especially in connection with the Cadair Ifor," and hoped that the portrait would be an heirloom in the family. 1ret,urned thanks in a feeling speech, intimating that he had done nothing but his duty as an Oddfellow, and he hoped to live many years to render them every assistance m his power towards making the lodge more numerous and prosperous.-Brother Richard Turner next presented brother Jesse Spacey with a beautiful emblem, neat y framed, the gift of the secretary, as the first prize for bringing in most members to the lodge.—Brother Spacey returned thanks in a very sensible speech. The last of the prizes was given by brother Wm. Richards to brother Thomas Howells, and consisted of an elegant purse of money, the voluntary subscriptions of the members, for his efforts in competing with No. 1.—Mr Howells' re- sponded in a humorous manner, and said that considering that this year was his first in the Derby, he was proud that he had saved his stakes, but should he live to see another year, he hoped, by per- severance and faithfulness, to be the winning horse, and thanked them kindly for their mark of appreciation of his humble services. These pleasant tasks, with a few other speeches and songs, brought a very pleasant meeting to a close. Believing that such meetings as these have a ten- dency to strengthen our benevolent institutions, numeri- cally and financially, we would modestly suggest to those lodges who would wish to infuse new vigour amongst the members to "go and de likewise.Follett. ABERDARE INTELLIGENCE. INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Saturday, at the Crown Inn, Cwmbacli (before Mr Overton) on the body of William Jones, aged 19, a collier, who died on the previous day from injuries received on the 4th instant whilst riding on a tram in the Middle Duffryn coalpit. A verdict of Accidental death" was turned. AN AWKWARD FALL.—On Monday a. man ascended the pit frame at Morfa Colliery Ito oil the sheaves. On descen- ding he leaped from the ladder to a point lower down. This gave way, and he fell to the ground, his head striking against an iron wheel which lay there. He received a fearful gash across the head and face, but fortunately nothing worse. THE NEW HOSPITALS.—The new general hospital near the cemetery is at last roofed in. The small-pox hospital progresses very slowly. If the speed of construction be not quickened we may hope to see tke small-pox disappearing before the hospital is ready. Many people think it would have been wiser to have finished a wing of the general hospital rapidly for small-pox cases, instead of constructing another at a great expense. ° COUNTY COURT.—His Honour Judge Falconer commenced his monthly sitting at the Temperance hall on Monday. There were set down for hearing 350 plaints, 50 judgment summonses, and six adjourned cases. Little business was transacted, the court being adjourned at one o'clock, and no cases of public interest occurred. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A LITTLE TICHBORNE.—On Satur- day a man named David Davis was killed in Blaengwawr colliery. His history has a touch of the Tichborne feature in it. Many years ago he laid claim to being heir to large estates in Carmarthenshire, and induced many people to believe in his claim. He did not get out bonds but pre- vailed upon many persons in this district to lend him large sums of money with which to obtain possession. Deceased managed to live without work and to travel about to obtain the information requisite to the success of his suit, which was never brought to an issue. For some years, however the unfortunate man has had to descend the pit to work. OUTWARD BOUND.—A touching scene was witnessed in the Unitarian Sunday school, Cwmbach, on Sunday after- noon, when Mr Rees Richards, who has been many years a Sunday sohool teacher and a deacon of the church, paid his last visit to the school previous to his leaving the place for America. A handsome Bible and other books had been provided by the scholars, and the opportunity was taken of presenting them to him. Some suitable remarks were made by the Key E, M, Lloyd and Mr J, Morgan. "BLANK MONDAY."—At the police-court on Tuesday (before J. C. Fowler, D. Davis, E. J. Williams, and R. H. Rhys, Esqs.), a number of men were fined for being drunk on the previous blank Monday. PERMITTING DRUNKENNESS. — HEAVY PENALTIES. — Benjamin Rees, landlord of the Cloth Hall, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on Saturday evening —Sergeant Melhuish deposed to seeing two men come out of defendant's house on the evening in question, "staggering drunk." 011 entering the house, be found a man in the tap-room drunk, with a pint of beer before him. Called the landlady's attention to this, and she said one of the men in question was her brother-in-law, and had come there drunk. Mrs Rees now denied the charge, as the men did not get drunk on her husband's premises.—The Bench did not think defendant a fit person to bold a license, as on the 25th April last he was fined 40s and costs for a similar case. A fine would be inflicted of £5 and costs in the present instance. GIVING HIM A DIP.—John Davies, postmaster of Cwm- bach, again appeared to answer a summons charging him with an assault on Laban Mazey, by pushing him into the canal, on the 17th February.—Mr Bed doe (from Messrs Simons and Plews) appeared for complainant, and Mr Frank James for defendant.—Complainant stated his case, which was supported by two witnesses, to the effect that on the day in question he had some differences with the defen- dant, in his shop at Cwmbach, after which a scuffle took place, aud defendant ejected complainant by pu&hing him from the house with such force that the complainant was thrown into the canal.—Mr James's witnesses for the defence was called to suggest abuse on the part of com- plainant, and that he was drunk, and that his client did not use more force than was necessary in ejecting complainant. —Fined 2s 6d and costs. ALLEGED CRIMINAL ASSAULT.—Thomas Davis and John Thomas were charged with committing a criminal assault on Mary Ann Williams, a young woman employed at the Llwydcoed Works. In her evidence prosecutrix, who appeared to demur somewhat, said that on the previous day Thomas held her. in the Llwydcoed stables, whilst Davis committed the offence charged. Thomas, therefore, stood charged for aiding and abetting. Prosecutrix subsequently contradicted her former testimony, saying that the more serious offence had not been committed.—Adjourned for a week for further testimony. MOUNTAIN ASH. SMALL POX.—We are sorry to say that this dreadful dis- ease is fast gaining ground in the town. Several additional cases are reported from different parts of the district, and among the number suffering is the Rev W. Williams, Baptist minister. It behoves the Board of Health to do everytking in its power to prevent as much as possible the spread of the contagion. THE ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PROVIDENCE. —The Rev. L. Ihompson Maclane has accepted an un- animous call to the pastorate of this church, and began his duties as pastor here on Sunday, 3rd inst. We congra- tulate the friends of the above church in having at length secured the services of a permanent minister, who we have every reason to believe will give general satisfaction in the discharge of his duties. Much praise is due to the congre- gation in their efforts to promote the cause, particularly to Mr Griffiths,of the post office, who has been very assiduous. The church itself, which was established about two years ago. is a handsome and commodious edifice. How SMALL-rox IS SPREAD.—We have just had in the town another instance of the way in which small-pox is spread about the country. Early on Thursday morning, a woman with three children (one in her arms) was seen in the Taff Vale Station waiting for the down train to Cardiff. A little before the train was due, Mr Lewis's (the station- master) attention was called to the appearance of the woman and children, who had visible signs that they had recently had the small-pox, the child in arms appearing to be suffer- ing then from its effects. After a few questions by the station-master, she admitted that they had had the small-pox, but said that Dr James, of Aberaman, had sanctioned their leaving. Dr Morgan, of Abercwmboy, who opportunely happened to be in the Btatioh at the time, was appealed to concerning their condition. The doctor said that it was a shame on the woman's part to attempt to go by train with her children in that condition and that if Dr James sanctioned her going away in that state (which he very much doubted), his coquet was greatly to be de- precated. It was with great difficulty that the woman was prevailed upon to return home. It is probable that the cause of her walking to Mountain Ash to take the train there, instead of at Aberaman, was to evade the officials of the latter place. MEETING OF NAVIGATION AND DEEP DYFFRYN COLLIERS. —A meeting of Navigation and Deep Dyffrya colliers was held last week, at the Allen's Arms, Mountain Ash, to take into consideration the course to be adopted in the face of Mr Brown's final answer to the men's requisition to have the timber and rails placed in the collieries for their con- venience and their further request to be remunerated for the trams of coals which, after being filled, do not reach the bottom of the pit, but, owing to the speed at which they are drawn by the engines, are thrown off the rails, or otherwise emptied of their contents. It appears that the answer con- cerning the timber and rails given by Mr Brown the other day was not final, for he now said that they would not be sent down the collieries unless the men would give him a "guarantee" that they would work the time they lose in going after the timber and rails at night. This the men refused to do. Mr Brown's answer to the men's second re- quest was that lie would not remunerate them for any contingency happening to the trams on their way to the bottom of the collieries, unless their axletree or wheels were to break. Upon this the meeting passed the following resolutions :-1. That delegates be appointed to wait on Mr Brown to inform him that unless this just and reason- able demand of theirs be granted forthwith, a month's notice will be the consequence." 2. That nobody will be allowed to till the coal which is cast out of the trams through breakage, &c., until the colliers are first paid for cutting it." The men appear to be determined to gain this point of the company, for they assert that they lose a great deal of money every month from these breakages, and they ask why this company should act differently towards their men to all the other companies in the Aberdare Valley, who pay for these breakages. PUBLICAN AT FAULT.—Robert Harris, of the Miskin Inn, Mountain Ash, was summoned to the Aberdare Police- court, for permitting drunkenness. Pdice-constable Palfrey- man proved the offence, which took place on the 6th inst., at 4 p.m. Fined 20s. and costs.—John Blacker was also charged with permitting drunkenness in his licensed house, the Bush, Mountain Ash, on the 4th inst. Police-constable Palfreyman deposed to visiting defendant's house about half-past five on the day m question. Found a number of men drunk in one room, which was in a dirty state. The officer then repaired to an upstair room, where he found twenty persons, some very drunk. Police-constable Clay- ton corroborated this evidence, and the Bench having called attention to previous penalties for various irregula- rities, amounting respectively to 40s. and JE5, inflicted a fine in this instance of £5 and costs. PONTYPRIDD INTELLIGENCE. The Pontypridd District Stipendiary Magistrate Bill was read a third time and passed on Wednesday night in the House of Lords. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The usual fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday. Messrs J onws Brothers, contractors, applied for the payment of JE350, being amount for work done in building a new hospital for small-pox patients. The application was accompanied with a certificate from the architect. Mr Robinson, Cardiff, in its favour. £300 was directed to be paid to the firm.— Small-pox in Ystradfodwg-The Clerk read a return sent in by the vaccinating officer for xstradfodwg, by which it ap- peared that during the month of February there were in Dr Rees' district 73 and in Dr Davies' district 65 cases of primary vaccination, making a total of 138. The total number re-vaccinated during that time was 111. There were 24 cases of small-pox in the parish, of which twenty occurred in Dr Rees' practice, and four in that of Dr Davies. The clerk was instructed to write to the vaccinating officers to send regular returns affecting small-pox and vaccination.— Unfounded Charge against a Relieving Officer —A communication was read from the Clerk of the Neath Board of Guardians, complaining of Mr William Phillips, relieving officer, Pontypndd, in that he, by threats, had compelled a widow and her children, paupers, to leave this Union, and settle in Neath Union. Mr Phillips, on being called in, emphatically denied having used a threat, or offered an inducement by which the widow and her children left this Union. The Board was satisfied with this denial, and the clerk was instructed to answer the communication in this sense.—The Ystradyfodwg Collector aud hit Salary —An application was made for an increase of salary, by W. Davies, collector, Ystradyfodwg. After a motion had been made to increase the salary from I:l0 to £100, it was with- drawn, and notice of motion given to increase the stipend by £30 per year.—Notices of Motwn-Mr Penn gave notice that he would, at the next Board, move that the hour for commencing public business at the Board be one o'clock and that a return be furnished of the list of sums owing by relatives and others to the Board for expenses attending the mainteance of lunatics and others,—Mr Rickards gave notice that he would, at the next Board, move that no in- toxicating liquors be supplied to the officers of the work- house. „ „ THE YSTRADYFODWG SEWAGE BOARD AND THE SMALL- POX.—ENERGETIC MEASURES. At the last meeting of the Ystradyfodwg Sewage Board, held at the Pentre Hotel, Ystradyfodwg, there were present-Messrs David Treherne, Evan Evans, George Evans, John John, Evan Williams, William Lax, J. R. Thomas, John Williams, William Richards, David Davies, Evan Morgan, and Dr Phillips- Mr David Treherne was elected chairman, and Dr Phillips vice-chairman for the ensuing year. In reply to the anxious inquiry of the board, the Inspector stated that Mr David Morgan would in a very short time be ready with the house for isolating those suffering from small-pox in the district. The house is in the immediate neighbourhood of Pentre, but a proper distance from the houses to prove a perfect isolation. It was decided to make a suitable road to the place. The Inspector was durected to procure immediately a zinc box, for the purpose of carrying into the building all articles requiring to be disinfected. Some conversation here took place as to the ad viability of erecting another means of isolation at Treherbert, in consequence of the alarming spread of the disease in that part of the parish but the question was left to be decided at the next meeting, some being of opinion that one house in the centre of the valley was sufficient. The Inspector wa8 directed to give two days' notice to Messrs Ricnard Rees (Treorky), Jenkin Jenkins (Heolfach), and John Williams (Tylacelyn), to commence the necessary privies and drains at the Red Cow and Penygraig, a request them to complete them as quickly as possible. But should they neglect to comply with the request of the board, to take out summonses against them on Wednesday the 13th inst. The Board expressed themselves determined to effect an improvement in the sanitary condition of the parish.—The Inspector was requested to apply to the magistrates' clerk for the order against Mr o.■ W. Kelly, Pentre Colliery, which was granted some monuis ago, to compel him to build the necessary privies, &c-, at his houses at Incline-row, Heolfach, and if that order could not be obtained, to take out a fresh summons against him.—it was decided to supply the necessary disinfectants required by the medical men at the cost of the parish, the inspector to superintend the pro- cess of disinfecting in accordance with the instructions given by the medical men.—I* w.as stated by Dr Jones, of Dinas, that in consequence of patients who were not quite cured going about the Valley, to the great danger of the com- munity, it was absolutely necessary that some means should be adopted to put a stop to such persons going among the public until they were completely free from the disease. He suggested that no small-pox patient should be permitted to leave home until a medical man had granted a certificate. He advised that books of certificate forms should be printed and given to each medical man; and also thought the Board ought to punish any patient found out without a proper certificate.—The suggestion was adapted by the Board, and instructions were given to get proper forms printed at once. The inspector was instructed to inform Mr Superintendent Mathews, of Pontypridd, of what had taken place at the meeting, and to solicit hia co operation in endeavouring to check the direful epidemic. The small-pox is spreading in the lower and upper parts of the pariah the middle part of the valley is as yet comparatively free, there being only three cases, and these of a very mild form. The Board ap- peared to be determined to apply all the energy at their command to stamp it out. It is to ba hoped that all classes will second their most laudable resolve. It is but too well known that much remains to be done to place the sanitary condition of the district above reproach. PETTY SESSIONS.—The weekly sessions was held on Wednesday, before Messrs. E. Williams and W. Pritcbard. Richard Harard, Pentre, was summoned for having a ferocioas dog at large to the injury of passengers on the road. P.S. Noot proved the case, and defendant, whOfe wife appeared for him, was ordered to pay costs, and have the dog destroyed.—James Morris, an elderly man, was summoned for assaulting Elizabeth Scott, daughter of W. Scott, Treforest, by striking her. The Bench decided that an assault had been committed, and fined him Is. and costs.—Frank Thomas, Pandy, haulier, was charged with assaulting P.C. Wells on the 11th inst. Fined 10s. and costs.—Henry Harris was brought up charged with stealing a leather apron. He was committed for ten days.— Margaret John, a young girl, though an old offender, was charged by the Guardians of the Pontypridd Union with stealing the Workhouse clothing she was wearing while an inmate of the house. The prisoner had made her es- cape from the house by climbing over the wall of the garden. This being the third case, she was sent to Cardiff gaol for two months.—A woman named Rose, livin? in Llanganna, was charged with damaging the house of D. Roberts, a model" lodging-house-keeper, living in that part of Pontypridd. She was sent to Cardiff gaol for seven days.—John Johnson, an Ethiopian, was charged with ttealing a coat worth 20s. the property of Thomas Thomas. Sent to Cardiff gaol for 14 days-A large number of cases of drunken and disorderly conduct were also disposed of. ♦ TREHERBERT. ST. MABY THB VIRGIN.—We regret to hear that the Rev S. Pryse has resigned the curacy of the above church. Mr Pryse has been curate here for about six years, and during that time he has laboured unceasingly for the prosperity of the church. YSTRAD RHONDDA. ANOTHER STRIKE.—It is to be regretted that the colliers at Ton are again out, and that the works are at a stand- still. It is to be hoped that some arrangement may soon be made with a view of settling the dispute. Both men and masters must have bad sufficient of the late strike, which lasted nearly four months, and caused great depression in the district. GILFACH GOCH COLLIERY.—The colliers and all concerned at the above pit, have been out since Wednesday last, in consequence it is said of Mr Paterson, the manager, having discharged one of the engineers, and replaced him with another, under whom the men declined to go down to work. The Glamorgan Colliery Company Limited owns this colliery as well as the Llwynpia, in the Rhondda, and the work has been going en well during the past strike where the men from the Rhondda obtained employment. We hope the matter will be speedily settled in a satisfactory manner. I ♦ YSTRAD. The managers of the Weet of England Bank are about establishing branch here. Ystrad being the central portion of the district, there cannot be a doubt as to its being the most convenient spot for banking operations. MARKET HousB-An energetic effort is about being made by the shareholders, to re-open their long clesed building, which has not hitherto proved a satisfactory in- vestment to the promoters of the same. PENTRE-Y8TRAD. BRANCH BilL-The directors of the London and Pro- vincial Bank opened, on Tuesday, a branch establishment at this place. This will be a great boon to the tradesmen and other business men in this very thriving and flourishing part of the Rhondda Valley, who will, there is no doubt, duly appreciate this wise step on the part of the directors. For the present, attendance will only be given one day per week from 12 30 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. The premises taken are very central, being those occupied by Mr George, chemist. TREDEGAR INTELLIGENCE. WAGSS AGITATION.—A large meeting of the firemen of Tredegar and Rhymney was held on Saturday last, at the Red Lion Inn, to consider the following propositions, w hich were unanimously carried: —1st, That the firemen should work five turns.. week, instead of the nine hours system. 2nd, That the workmen should receive the 3d which was kept from their wages as a reserve fund, and choose their own doctor. 3rd, That the men should receive the promised advance from she 26th February, instead of from the 1st of March instant. Before the men separated a meeting was convened for the 24th instant, so as to arrange matters for the general meeting, which is to be held at the Glebe Inn, Brynmawr, on the 11th April. GETTING oN IN LIFE.—About twelve years ago Mr J. B. Eade, assistant teacher under the late Mr Sergent, at Tredegar Company's school, vacated his post here for a more lucrative appointment in the sunny south. He soon rose to be head-master of Kimberley School, Falmouth, and on the 24th ult. we gather from a Falmouth paper that he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society by the president, Major-General Sir Henry C. liawlinson, Bart., K.C.B., D.C. 1. Mr Eade's nomination was 8upJ"Orted by Rear-Admiral Sir J. C. Dalrymple Hay, Major-General Sir Andrew Scott Waugh, and other gentlemen of eminence in the literary world. Tredegar has in Mr Eade's case proved a stepping-stone to something far above mediocrity, and we gladly chronicle the same for the gratification of his numer- ous friends in the district. EBBW VALE. ON Sunday last the English Congregationalists of this place held special services, when the Revs T. Lewis, B.A., of Cardiff, and D. E. Jones, M.A., of Sirhowy, officiated. The meetings were well attended, and liberal collections were made at the close of each service towards the fundi of the church. The singing, which has greatly improved of late, was excellent on the occlusion, and proved that special attention is paid to this devotional part of the service. A LITERARY MEETING.—A very interesting literary meeting was held at Brynmawr chapel under the presi- dency of the Rev David Oliver Edwards. Several prizes were competed for in prose and verse, and in reciting and singing. The prizes for three different essays were taken by Mr T. D. Williams, London House. Mr Job Rogers was awarded a prize for the best poetry. Several solos, dueto, trios, ana quartettes were very well rendered by different parties. The juvenile choir sang several pieces under the leadership of Mr J. O. Mason. The whole pro- ceedings passed off most satisfactorily. The adjudicator of the essays, speeches, and recitations was the Rev D. O. Edwards of poetry, Dr Emlyn Jones and Brwynog and of music Mr D. Bowen and Mr D. Evans. The commodious chapel was filled to overflowing. It is contemplated to have a similar meeting shortly again. BRYNMAWR. EXPLOSION or GAB IN THE NEW CHURCH.—On Sunday evening, as the people were leaving church, an explosion of gas took place. Some damage was done to the ceiling and tiling, and the floor was shaken a bit. Several ladies screamed, and considerable alarm was experienced by the few who were neanng the door when the report was heard. The cause of the explosion is attributed to an accumulation of water in the pipe.

¡ THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. The Mark Lane Express says:—If "rough and un- settled weather" was to continue by planetary prognos- tications and sun-spots, these prognostications have been strangely falsified by facts during tho past week; for more beautiful weather could never have ruled in March than during the last few days. Field work has therefore been resumed in many neglected fields, beans and paas being freely planted, but much soil remains too thoroughly sodden for other seeds and spring wheat. The meadows have the verdure of spring, and vegetables, in- stead of rotting as usual, have become evergreens and are abundantly present at every table. But the increased power of the sun has often brought a morning's mist, and newly-thrashed samples shew very little improvement, and our granaries begin to feel the constant draught on foreign stocks. Paris, where we began to think the decline had ) reached its bottom, has again gone down in flour 4 francs, or 2s. 8d. per sack, bringing the top price there to 44s. 2d., while ours in London remains at 50s.

THE BANQUET TO LORD NORTHBROOK. At the farewell banquet to the new Viceroy of India, Lord Northbrook, in the city of Winchester, his lordship, in response to the toast of the evening, paid a warm tribute to the memory of the late Lord Mayo, and in brietly glancing at the principles which should govern the policy of Indian administration, took his stand upon her Majesty's proclamation of 1858, on the transfer of the Government from the East India Company to the Crown. He had served for some years in the India Office, and had at all events learnt one great lesson, viz., the difference between East and West, and between eastern and western civilization and the danger of being carried away by ideas of what may be right, politic, and wise in this country when one was brought to deal with a country and people of different sentiments, religion, edu- cation, and tone of thought.

THE BANKRUPTCY OF "THE CLAIMANT" IN THE TICHBORNE CASE. It will be in tho recollection of our readers that some time before the great trial of Tichborne v. Lushington came on, the claimant in the case was adjudicated a bank- rupt, and the petition was allotted to Mr. Registrar Ilazlitt. The fii-st meeting has not yet been held, the proceedings having been stayed from time to time pending the trial, because if the person styling him- self Sir Roger succeeded there would have been ample means to pay his creditors 20s. in the £ Immediately on the non-suit of the claimant and his incarceration in Newgate the proceedings in bankruptcy revived, and on Saturday last a messenger was sent from the Bankruptcy Court at Basinghall-street, to demand the surrender of any property which the claimant might have in his possession; a second messonger was sent to the Waterloo Hotel, ,Termyn-street, and a third to his private residence at Harlev-street, Brompton. The Governor of Newgate informed the messenger that he could not part with any of the property of the prisoner, because he was only an officer of the Sheriff of Middlesex, but he would give an undertaking that nobody should deal with it with- out an order from the Court of Bankruptcy. It should, therefore, remain in the custody of the Sheriff until after the trial, and an order was consequently issued to the effect that the prison allowance only was to be issued to the claimant." On arriving at the residence of the claimant," at Brompton, the Bankruptcy Messenger was told by his wife that the rent of the house was paid by a gentleman named Bloxam, who had also paid for the furniture and other articles used by the bankrupt, and that the receipts of the rent, and for the purchases in question, would be produced. There was no property at the hotel. On the bankrupt being told that he must surrender his property; and being served with the necessary papers, he took the matter very coolly, and said he supposed the law must have its course. The next step will be the first meetting for the choice of trustees, before Mr. Registrar Ilazlitt, when it is expected that further details of this case will be forthcoming.

RAILWAY AMALGAMATION. The joint committee of the Lords and Commons ap- pointed for the purpose of inquiring into the various schemes of railway amalgamation now before Parliament met again on Monday, in a room of the House of Lords, Mr. Chichester Fortescue in the chair. Mr. Allport, general manager of the Midland Railway Company, was the first witness called. He described at length the character of the Midland Bill by which it was proposed to amalgamate with the Glasgow and South- western line. Their line at present had an agreement with the Korth British line under which they had running powers to Glasgow, and the North British in return had running powers to Bradford and Leeds. The North British line and others running into Glasgow would not be affected by the proposed amalgamation. In fact it was the desire of the Midland to be on the most friendly terms with the North British. Supposing an amalgamation took place be- tween the London and North Western and the Lancashire, there would still be other lines in connection with the towns of Leeds and Bradford, and some other of the principal towns in the North. At present the Midland exchanged a considerable amount of traffic with the Lancashire and Yorkshire. A great change for the worst would take place in their relations with the Lancashire and Yorkshire if special and very extensive powers were not given to them. He was not opposed to the principle of amalgama- tion but, on the contrary, thought that if the country were divided into four or five districts with competing lines to the principal towns in the kingdom, the system would work well. He diJ not object to the LanC8.8hire and York- shire amalgamation, supposing that certain facilities would be offered to the Midland. What the terms of arrangement ought to be, he was not in a position to say at the present moment. It was a question which would have to be considered by the committee. He had not pre- pared any clauses to be inserted in the bill. In the north-east of England, one line had almost an entire monopoly in consequence of its amalgamation with several small lines, and, as a general principle, he thought that such important towns as Newcastle and Sunderland should be opened to other systems. In the event of the proposed amalgaJ1}fl.tion of the North-Western and the Lancashire and Yorkshire, the district through which these two lines passed would be much in the same condition as the North- Eastern districts are. In the event of amalgamation the Board of Trade should have certain powers granted to them to settle question of facilities in the event of one company throwing obstacles in the way of others. With regard to the question of votes, and changes, it would be a very serious thing for power to be given to the Board of Trade to interfere with them. Many disputes which arose between railway companies would, in his opinion, be yery much better settled by an independent Government Board than by a resort to arbitration or to legal proceedings. He did not think the Board should interfere in making arrangements for the despatch or running of trains. At the same tim" he thought that if the Board of Trade saw good grounds to interfere on behalf of the public, no Rail- way Company would withstand the expressed wish of the Board in this respect. The wish of the Board would be sufficient to cure any irregularity, without their having any special authority to deal with them. By the Earl of Derby: In the event of amalgamation to such an extent that the country would be divided into four or five districts, he would secure free competition to the principal towns by granting running powers. By Mr. Ward Hunt: He believed that their maximum rates were now higher than the North-Western, but the actual rates for fares were the same between the two towns at which they met. They had no agreement with the London and North Western. It would never do to have less than two routes to Scotland, and he thought that there should always be two routes to every important town. He objected to a large district being shut up by one company. There could not be competition every- where, but it was most important to have an active competition to manufacturing towns and important com- mercial centres. If the Midland Company were to amalga- mate with the Lancashire and Yorkshire, they would willingly gire the London and North Western facilities over the lines. By Mr. Cross It would not be fair to the public to close a large district like that of Lancashire by amalgamation. He also objected to it on the ground that the Midland had spent very large sums of money in perfecting their system, and that they should not now be shut out. The amalgamation of the Lancashire and Yorkshire with the London and North-Western would stop competition, but the amalgamation of the Midland with the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company would be of advantage to the public. He desired competi- tion because it would give the public much greater accommodation. In the North-Eastern district he could t not say whether the rates were higher than in those dis- tricts where there was an active competition. In certain places these rates would necessarily be low, in conse- quence of their being obliged to compete with the sea traffic. It would be a most fatal mistake, if amalgamation became general through the country, to carry certain classes of goods at a uniform rate per mile all over the United Kingdom. He thought that it would very unfortunate if ever the State took the railways under its control. The Government could not manage railways nearly 10 satisfactorily as the companies do now. As a share- holder, however, he would be in favour of the State taking over the railways but as one of the general public, he believed the experiment would prove very disastrous There would be no saving in the working expenses, or in the cost of management. The witness further said that in the event of the State taking the management of railways into their own hands, he thought that the House of Com- mons would not have so great a control over the Ministers as the (shareholders now had over the directors of a company, and therefore that there would be no saving in the working expenses. The public would be constantly demanding new lines, and the Government would find that they would have to do exactly the same as they had done with respect to the telegraphs, carrying them to places where it was impossi- ble they would ever pay. The examination of the witness was continued by the Marquis of Salisbury, Lord Redesdale, Mr. Childers, and the Chainnan. The Committee thei) adjourned.

CATHEDRAL REFORM.—A number of questions bearing upon the subject of cathedral reform, and inviting suggestions in relation thereto, have been submitted to the Chapters of the several Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, under the sanction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, The questions were drawn up by a committee appointed at the adjourned conference of Bishops, Deans, and Canons, which met at Lambeth Palace on the 1st inst. Garibaldi has made another energetic protest against the International. In a letter to a friend, he de- clares that he is a Republican, but belongs in no form to the International. TKE AEYSSIKIAX TROPHIES. — It has been notified from the War Office that a sum of £2,000, given by Government for the gold Crown and Chalice taken at Magdala, will be distributed among the troops, as in the case of the proceeds realised by the sale of other property captured at that place. Discharged soldiers who partici- pated in the previous distribution should at once apply for a share to their regiments, but no claim will be enter- tained which does not reach the reeiment concerned on

bound to consider these convictions, instead of obstinately pursuing the undignified course of paying no attention to them. It appeared to him that what they were about to do in proposing to pay out of the rates to denominational schools, was simply to avail themselves of the power of wasting public money, and squandering away the rates, for that was what it amounted to. It would enable parents whose children were now being educated by voluntary contributions, te educate these children at the expense of the ratepayers, so that in the case of any child hitherto educated free, the parent of such child may come to the board and say-" I shall have my child educated at the expense of the ratepayers,"—and the consequence will be that those who have been supported by these denomina- tional schools will not be called upon to the same extent, and the ratepayers will have to bear the difference. He could assure the board that there was already much dis- satisfaction in the public mind on account of the expendi- ture already incurred. They must remember that there is a strong feeling in the public mind against anything like inadequate expenditure, and when the public felt that the money paid had been out of alt proportion to the result obtained, they had an enemy to contend against whose opposition would bring the Board into discredit, and pre- vent it working fairly in the district. He happened to go to a public meeting of ratepayers, held on the previous night, to discuss a subject altogether apart from the one before the Board. It was mentioned there by one of the speakers that the School JBoard had already spent, or at least received, from the ratei^tbe sum of £ l,loO. The Clerk No, not yet; £900 up to the present time. Mr Johnstone: I am merely saying what was stated at the meeting. Certain dates were there quoted, and he was careful to take them down, as some of them referred to a period before he became a member of the Board. It was there stated that on the 4th July, 1871, there was a precept for B300. On the 3rd of November again, a precept for JE300. On the 3rd of January, 1872, another precept for jE300, and on the 9th of February a precept for £250. Those were the dates, and the sums made an aggregate of £ 1.150. The Clerk (interposing): I should state that the JE250 is not to be paid till the 9th of March. Mr Johnstone said that was a very small discrepancy, and only proved that the statement made on the previous night was virtually correct. So loud were the cries of indig- nation at that meeting that he began to feel exceedingly uncomfortable, and looked round to see how far be was from the door, in order if necessary, to make his escape from the storm. He did not mean to say that the expenditurebad actu- ally been extravagant, but it was very natural for the rate- payers to become alarmed when they learned that so large a sum had been expended, and not a single new school built, or a single child educated, whose education was not being secured before. What, then, would the ratepayers have to say when they found that the Board had decided positively to throw away public money by compelling them to support denominational institutions which denominational zeal was now voluntarily supporting ? Besides, they had to bear in mind that the education given in denominational schools could not be so economically or so satisfactorily administered as in Board Schools. He had recently found, from admis- sions made by those who could obtain accurate information, that the denominational schools in their own district were not now giving, and were not able to give, that education which could be given in Board Schools. Then, again, it must be borne in mind that the schools belonging to the ratepayers were not full, and they would be perpetrating a gross injustice on the ratepayers if they proceeded to pay fees at denominational schools when they had accommoda- tion in their own schools to enable them to educate many poor children without any additional expense. At the Troedyrbiw Board School there was accommodation for nearly 100 children more than were in attendance; at Penydarren, for between 20 and 30; and at the Board School on the tips—called the British School—they could accommodate 260 more. If, then, while they bad these 400 vacancies, they paid fees in denominational schools, they would be simply throwing away money for they would not only be paying fees when there was no need for so doing, but would also be losing the Government grants which the children would earn on examination. Mr Johnstone then referred to the imputation of those who accused himself and others of wishing to prevent Catholic children from be. ing taught by Catholic teachers, or in Catholic doctrines. He denied this charge, arguing that, if the Catholics chose to put their school under the Board, he would never think of thrusting a Protestant teacher on them, or of preventing them from making the arrangement provided for in the Act by which they might reserve to themselves the right to use their schools for religious or other purposes when the Board was not using them. He would extend the same privilege to the Church of England, but would never accede to the unprincipled and immoral proposal to compel ratepayers to support schools over which they had no control, and in which doctrines were taught which they abhorred. Advert- ing next to the pauper children, soon to be throw n upon the Board in consequence of a resolution of the Guardians, he thought they could easily dispose of them. He hoped, however, that they were not to be asked to deal with these children as the Guardians dealt with them. He con- sidered the conduct of the Guardians deserving of censure on this score. Turning to the "Abstract and list of Paupers" for the half year ended Sept. 1871, he found certain facts not altogether creditable to the Guardians. No one would pretend that the majority of poor children in this parish belonged to the Established Church, or were the offspring of persons who did, and yet the National schools had been receiving much larger allowances from the rates than those which were undenominational. For that half year the St. David's School managers had received X12 13s lOd while the British School received only f 9 9s 2d the Pentrebach National School received f-5 13s Od; the Abercanaid National School, 6s the Roman Catholic School, Merthyr, £ 6 lis 8d the Catholic School, Dowlais, S2 Is 6d and while the National School at Troedyrhiw received .£1 5s lOd, the British School in the same place received only 4s 9d. In short, excluding the ecclesiastical dntrict of Dowlais in which there wasno National School, there had been 226 10s 4d paid in the half year to denominational, and only X15 Os 9r1 to British Schools. Now, could the Guardians pretend that the money paid in this way was paid from respect to the religious scruples of the poer parents ? Or was this Board to be asked to pay for children at denominational schools, not because of the religious opinions of the parents, but simply because the children had been hitherto going there ? If that was the case, those who wished to affix the seal to the bye-laws had no ground to stand upon, for their argu- ment was that they could not force the child of a Churchman or a Catholic to a Board School, whereas this was a ques- tion of paying the fees of Nonconformists at Church schools. Did they mean to tell the ratepayers that as the children had been going to these schools, they must keep them there ? Were they bent on outraging the principles of Nonconformity in that manner, when they knew that the majority of these pauper parents were not Church people ? So far as St. David's Schools were concerned, they could easily be dealt with. He was sorry Mr Griffith, the rectcr of Merthyr, was absent, for be had made an important statement at a public meeting held in the Temperance hall on the 13th of March, 1871. He would give his own words. The rector said that the managers of these schools would not come upon the rates for help. They "won't touch a penny," he said "of the rates of this parish they won't put their hands into the pockets of any ratepayer, and they were determined to carry out the schools as they have done hitherto, by their voluntary contributions from Church peo- ple only, and the children's pence, and Government grant. That will save the parish a matter of at least JE150, or per- haps jE200 a year. I think this is something, considering we are so heavily rated. So that instead of putting our hands into your pockets we shall save your pockets to the extent of £ 200 a year." He had no doubt the rector would keep to his word, and in that case a considerable part of the burden would be removed. Then they could accommodate 260 children in the Tips school, and one hundred children at Troedyrhiw. As for Dowlais, a free school could be built there if necessary, and the few Catholics would be provided for by the increased grants which the Government had promised them. There was no need there- fore to come upon the rates at all; and if, in spite of these provisions, they persisted in passing this bye-law, they would, as it seemed to him, be only determining to say We have the power to do it, and we will do it," But appeal might be made to a still higher court-to the present Government. The Government, as they must have seen from the debate in the House of Commons on the previous Tuesday night—the Government admitted that the 25th clause would net work, and must be altered. He would quote Mr Forster's own words. He said, I admit the difficulty this clause has raised, and think that when we pass one general compulsory law we may try whether in some way we cannot obtain a substitute for these two clauses which would meet the object we have in view. But I am persuaded that it is impossible to do BO this year, and I think that nothing would help the question so much as the experiment which is being tried by the School Board of London. They seemed to have met the matter practically, and I think from their experience and the experience of other boards we shall ascertain how the difficulty is to be met. We are perfectly willing to consider modifications of this clause, and there is notning to prevent that being done this session, though I think it would be far better done next year." The Board was therefore proposing to make use of powers which would soon be taken from them, and what excuse had they for legislating against the ratepayers on a princi- ple which even the Government itself had been forced to abandon? Then, how were they to enforce compulsion, especially in a district like Abercanaid, where there was no choice of schools ? Were they to compel some, and leave others alone? They would soon find what a storm they were raising. As he had told them before, it was impossible to legislate in defiance of the majority. They might be tyran- lucal, and force immoral principles on the people, but they woaid raise a storm on which perhaps they ad not'Calcu- lated. He thought that if those who advocated the'obnox- ious byo-law acted as they ought to act, they wo five way to the popular demand, or resign their seats, ne felt that if he were in their position, unable to bow to the will of the great majority outside, he could not honourably retain his seat upon the Board. If, however, they meant to sit there, and defy the people, they must expect and opposition. He knew that some would resist the ra e, and allow their goods to be distrained. He and those who sympathised with him at that Board bad no course but to take every opportunity of opposing the bye-law, and not a single occasion would be allowed to pass without the un- righteous legislation being assailed. Members who were not prepared to legislate for- the people were in the wrong place when they sat at the Board, but those who knew that they had the people behind them would resist, and go on resisting, even at the risk of being deemed vexatious, for it was intolerable that unfair and unjust measures should be forced upon the ratepayers by men who were regardless of public opinion; (Hear, hea,r.) Mr C. H. James said he did not think it worth while to to through the old argument. His violin argument, which ad been so much ridicu.led. had never been answered. justice towards the Catholics of this parish and the Church of England people if they did not let them have that portion of the rates which was justly their due, beciuse in all these cases they had the power of watching that there was no imposition. He was simply steering the course hitherto adopted hy Nonconformists that of fairness to all sects. The Rev Cornelius Griffiths said he was quite surprised that a gentleman of the ability of Mr .Tames should still persist in calling the Board Schools British Schools," and "our schools" as Nonconfoinrst school*, when in fa t they are neutral schools, which do not bdong to one far y more than another. They are no more Nonconformist than Roman Catholic. The Board Schools are nder the control of the Board, and the Roman Catholics have two members of their own persuasion on the Board who have as much right to go to these schools and see that their children are properlv dealt with as any Nonconformist or Churchman has. No one has a right therefore to c ill their schools Non- conformist schools. (Hear. hear.) Mr James's arguments, therefore, fall to the ground most completely. When Mr James says that there are some things of more importance than sectarianism, I quite 'agree with him. But the con- clusion that I take from this fact is quite different from his. He says there are some things of more importance than de- nominationalism, and therefore let us sacrifice everything else in order to perpetuate denominationalism But I say, inasmuch as there are some things of more importance than denominationalism let us agree to do away with denomina- tionalism altogether, and grapple with the more important things, and meet on [common ground to educate the chil- dren. In fact the strongest argument that has ever been used en the denominational side of the question i the con- science of the poor man. But when you look at that also, from a proper point of view, it fails most miserably. Take an illustration in order to show this. Here is a poor man in want of bread there are two shops in his neighbourhood which sell bread, but in one of the shops a glass of gin is given in the bargain. Now, a teetotaller is asked to pay for this poor man's bread, and the teetotaller says, I will most readily pay for his bread, but on condition that he shall get his bread where the gin is not given." The poor man may say that he likes the gin, and would prefer to go where the gin is given, but the teetotaller replies, I am conscientious in my restriction, and tell you plainly if you must have yeur gin you must have it at your own expense. I will only pay for the bread, and that in the shop where the gin is not given." The question is then, would you be prepared to go to the pocket of that teetotaller and compel him to pay—not for the bread of this poor man, for he is willing to do that— but virtually for his gin ? "But," you say, "you do not mean to compare religion to gin, do you ?" No but for my own part, much as I abhor the evils of our drinking customs, I would ten times prefer to give a glass of gin to a child than a draught of popery. I look with abhorrence on that system. I do not wish to offend the Catholics on the Board, but I must speak on the subject from my convic- tions. and I say that I consider popery to be the very curse of Ireland in these days, and the curse of every other country where it prevails. I cannot, therefore, pay a penny for perpetuating such a system in the world. Why, I would rather go to gaol to-morrow morning than do such a thing, and you may depend upon it, gentlemen, if you persist in passing the bye-laws as they are, you will have the goods of many gentlemen to sell in this parish—not of Nonconformists only, but of Churchmen as well—for some of them have declared that they will not pay a penny of this obnoxious rate. 1 ask you, therefore, gravely to consider what you are doing, before you will attach the seal of the Board to the bye-laws. With these views I most heartily support the motion now before the Board. The Chainnan said that in respect to one matter he must confess to the other side that he had been the greatest offender. He referred to the support he had given to the introduction on the Board of Guardians of Denison's Act, under which the children of paupers had been educated. He must admit that he still felt proud that he had had so much to do in the application of that Act. Very plain language had been used by the gentlemen who opposed the bye-laws. He was not disposed to blame them, as he believed they were acting from deep conviction, but it was a happy fact that hard words broke no bones, and although they must naturally feel somewhat under severe rebukes he was quite sure that like himself the members left the Board-room with no desire to remember that which was unpleasant in their discussions. He was quite alive to the opinion of the public on the question of the payment of fees, and he did his utmost to weigh the arguments on either side, but at present it was a question of principle with him, and he thoughtJ entirely with Mr James that the payment of fees was demanded on the broad ground of equal religious liberty. The question was submitted to the meeting, when the Chairman, Mr Charles James, and Fathers Millea and Bruton voted against Mr James's motion, and the Revs O. W. James, F. S. Johnstone, C. Griffiths, and Mr T. Wil- liams in its favour. The numbers being equal, the chair- man gave his casting vote against the motion, which was accordingly lost, and the official seal was affixed to the bye- laws. The Rev F. S. Johnstone then gave notice that at the next meeting he would move a resolution that no school fees be paid by the Board on account of the education of children of indigent parents, until certificates be produced from the manager or managers of denominational schools, that they refuse to receive such children without such payment of fees from the public rates. A long conversation ensued on this notice being given, and it was evident that the Board felt that the difficulties of the question, although the bye-laws had been sealed, were only about to commence. A suggestion was thrown out that the relationship of local managers with the School Board might be discussed under the same resolution, but Mr Johnstone declined the suggestion, though he fully concurred that that relationship, and the powers of the local managers, should be defined as soon as possible. The Sites Committee presented their report, and in doing so Mr C. H. James and the Chairman passed a very high compliment upon Mr Thomas Williams, of Goitre, for his generosity in granting land at half its market value for a school at Penydarren. The report was received and adopted. The sum of £25 was granted towards salaries at the Troedyrhiw Board School. This was all the business. ♦ MERTHYR BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The usual weekly meeting of this Board was held on Saturday. Present—Mr Clark (in the chair), the Rev John Griffith and Dr Price Messrs D. Davis (vice-chairman), Rees Davis (barrister-at-law), James Lewis, R. H. Rhys, B. Kirkhouse, T. Hosgood, Henry Thomas, Jenkin Matthews, D. E. Williams, John Williams, John James, Rees Lewis, Thomas Jenkins, William Gould, John Rees, and Jenkins. The minutes of the last meeting were read and con- firmed. The Master's report was also read, from which it appeared that there were 286 inmates, as compared with 3V5 last year for the corresponding week. THE COTTAGE OWNERS' GRIEVANCE SATISFIED. A large deputation, headed by Mr William Simons, attended before the Board for the purpose of urging the impropriety of at present interfering with the allowance made on cottage property in the parish in reduction of its assessable value, which has of late given rise to so much feeling. Mrs Simons, who represented the cottage owners, said that in January, 1871, there was an alteration made in the principle of the allowance for the purpose of rating in Aber- dare and Merthyr. That alteration was proposed to be made upon the footing of the actual rates paid in Aberdare and Merthyr, in the then preceding year. The amounts of the Board of Health rates and poor rates in each of the two parishes were ascertained, and it was found, beyond all question, that an inequality had existed in the proceding year's allowance. With a view to adjusting that inequality and putting the property in the two parishes on a similar footing, it was directed that in the new assessment list then about to be made, the officers in Merthyr should reduce the allowance in Merthyr to 4s 6d in the pound that was 22 £ per cent, there having been before the full allowance of 5s in the pound. Now that was based upon the assumption that the rate in the preceding year afforded a fair average criterion to fix the amount which should be allowed thence- forth. Now, unquestionably all the data before the Assessment Committee at that time quite justified the directions then given, and if the assessment list had imme- diately been made at that time, carrying out the directions then given, there would have been no complaint, because the last condition of things, the last data given fixing the amount, would fully justify the order. It now transpired that the list was not made as intended at that time it was for various reasons postponed until the spring of this year. Now, the list was made out upon the footing given for assessment at that time. But since 1870 they had had another year's expenditure, which afforded new data for fixing the amount of allowance. He spoke it with regret —as a person paying taxes in Merthyr—that the unusually favourable year of 1870 had not continued its blessings. In the year 1871 the public charges had amounted to 6s in the pound—being Is in the pound more than previously allowed. Now, that being the case, it was clear that the assessment list about to be framed upon which all rates would have to be made for some time to come was based upon data which could not be reasonably supported. If made in January, 1871, they would have had the data of 1870 available for the purpose of fixing the allowance but now they had the data afforded by 1871; the data of that year, instead of supporting an abatement of 4s 6d, shewed that the sum allowed, even before the 5s, was too small. That being the actual state of things, they came here to discuss the matter with a view of solving the problem in such a way as should do fair justice to all parties contributing to the rates, and fair justice to the owners of this class of property. He might mention at once that the gentlemen he represented had no desire whatever to relieve themselves of any of their proper contribution towards the public burdens. The simple question before the committee to-day was to ascertain exactly what the proper rate of allowance under all condi- tions should be. They were meeting the Assessment Com- mittee to-day in a perfect spirit of candour, and with a desire to have the matter adjusted in the same temperate way as all matters were disposed of here; and they had nothing to urge against the disposition the Board had shown to carry out the law, regardless of localities or personal interests, m this district. Now, looking at the differences -the altered circumfctinces of the last two years-it struck him that it would be wise to lay down a rule which should not only govern the present case, but afford data for the future. He thought it an unwise principle to take the allowance any one year as a rule. Having referred to the varied seasons of the year at which rates were made Mr Simons said it struck him, having regard to these differences and putting the matter on a sensible basis, that it would be wise to take an average of a number of years-say not less than three. That period he thought, would afford a fair average, and there would be an opportunity for adjustment at the end of every such period—the list could run very well for three years. He found that, taking the average of the past three ye'Brs, the rates which had been paid in the parish of Merthyr amounted to 4s 10d in the pound—that would show that an allowance of 2;) per cent was a really fitting allowance. For these various reasons he urged on the Assessment Committee that it would be wise not to interfere with the principle resulting from the examination of the rates for these three years. If the committee should sanction an allowance of five per cent, and make it a. rule to have a revision every alternate year, or, if they liked every third year, the committee could enunciate their inten- tion to act upon that principle, and the public would know what to expect. Some discussion here ensued upon the rates quoted by Mr Simons, one of which was a Local Board of Health rate of Is in the pound, made in 1871; Mr R. H. Rhys remarking that little of that could be collected in the year 1871. Mr David Davis urged that such a rate made at an ad vaned period of the year could not apply to that year. Mr Simons replied, and in the course of his remarks said that the same would apply to the poor rate, and was an argument in favour of his proposal as to making the list every three years. Then the committte could not be blind I the fact that a large class of the property in Merthyr was old and decayed more so than in any other part of the union. They would consider this, for it struck him, look- ing at the general character of house property here, that some extra allowance should be made in respect of repairs, as compared with Aberdare property. Mr Simons then pointed out that although one rate in the last year was made at the close of the year, yet that the first rate in that year was not made until the end of February, 1871, so that the rate made in December, 1872, would not do more than cover the outlay to February, 1872, showing that all the rates would be suspended within the period of twelve months. Further discussion ensued, after which the deputation were requested to retire, in order that the committee might consider the matter with closed doors. After an absence of half an hour, the deputation returned. The Chairman said the committee had considered the case put before them, and he only expressed the feeling of the committee when he thanked Mr Simons for the lucid and complete manner in which he had brought the case btfore them. The committee had come to the conclusion that the instructions given in 1871 were justified by the facts at that time adduced. The committee approved of the three years average as a good one, but conceived that there were con- siderable difficulties in carrying it out. And although they could not bind their successors to such a practice, still the committee would bear that principle in mind, and ninke it the basis of future proceedings. It had been moved, and agreed to by the committee, that in the assessment of cot- tages the allowance to be made in respect of rates in Mer- thyr parish be 5s in the pound. They proposed to consider the matter this time twelve months hence, but could see no reason for reducing at present the past allowance of 5s in the pound. He thought they had now evinced a disposition of fairness on all sides. The committee, he might say, had come to this conclusion without any serious difference of opinion. The deputation here retired, having succeeded in their object. This concluded the business of public interest. GLAMORGANSHIRE SPRING ASSIZES. These assizes commenced on Monday, and the following cases were disposed of on that day FELONY AT MERTHYR-TTDFIL. Catherine Edwards, 19, indicted for stealing a quantity of personal clothing from David Thomas, at Merthyr- Tydfil. pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to twelve months' hard labour, as she had been previously convicted. The Judge, in reproving her, expressed a hope that the chance he gave her then would teach her such a lessen as she would never forget. If she appeared before a court of justice again, she would be severely dealt with. WOUNDING AT DOWLAIS.—James Donovan, aged 31, labourar, was charged with maliciously wounding one William Yardley at Merthyr Tydfil on the 2nd of March. —Mr B. F. Williams appeared for the prosecution, the prisoner being undefended. From the evidence of the prosecutor it appeared that he and the prisoner lodged together at Dowlais. On the day in question they quarrelled, when the prisoner, taking up a poker, beat the prosecutor about the head with it, inflicting the injuries for which he stood charged.- Ellen Lloyd, a neighbour, who, hearing a row in the defendant's lodgings, opened the door and went in, corroborated the evidence of the prosecutor.—Mr P. R. Cresswell, surgeon, Dowlais, spoke as to the nature of the injuries received by the prosecutor. —William Thomas, Inspector of police at Dowlais. proved arresting the prisoner at his lodgings. The poker had been washed, and so had the flnor, both being wet.-This was the case for the prosecution. Mary Samuel, keeper of the house where the parties lodged, was called for the defence, and stated that the two men quarrelled about who was the best workman, and also about religious subjects. The prosecutor struck the prisoner several times, and fell twice upon the fender. There was no blow struck with the poker at all, and the row was over when the police came in. There was blood upon the floor, which she washed off. The blood came from the prisoner's eye, which was kicked by the prosecutor. The poker was not touched from first to last. Mrs Lloyd was not in her house at all. She herself was perfectly sober, and was never drunk in her life.-Inspector Thomas (recalled): When I went to Mrs Samuel's house, I saw her sitting at the table with a quart jug of beer and a glass before her. She was quite drunk-staggering drunk. (Laughter-)— Mrs Samuel (turning up her eyos): Oh my gracious How can you say so ? I come of a respectable family, and was never drunk in my life.—Mr Williams: Do you remember Inspector Thomas coming to your house. —Mrs Samuel: No, indeed-not 1. The police aru strangers to me. My house is too respectable to require their presence. (Laughter.) —Mr Cresswell was recalled, and, in answer to questions put by his lordship, said that one of the wounds on the prosecutor's head might have been caused by falling on the fender, but the wound on the top of the head could not be.—The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour.