The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

HAMADltYAL) HOSPITAL SHIP. The annual meeting of the friends and supporters of this institution was held in the Exchange-room of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday; J. Boyle, Esn., in the chair. There were also present The Revs. J. W. Osman. C. H. Mellis, and Michael <J-arctti; Dr. Paine; Messrs. Davis, (American Consul); Knight, (Brazillian Vice Consul) Page. (Russian Vice Consul) E. C. Downing, (Netherlands Consul'! Krieger, (North German Consul) Tellefsen, Thompson. E. S. Hill, McAusland. R.X. Captain Johnson, LLX. S. D. Jenkins. J. Morgan, A. T. Lucovich, Ronndfeldt, R. Byrae, W. FL Martin, Dr.. H. M. Dixon, the Medical Superintendent of the Hamadrvad, &c. The CHAIRMAN called on the Secretary to read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which were then confirmed. He also read the following report and statement of accounts :— The committee of the Hamadryad Seamei1\ Hospital present their fourth report for the year ended 31st Dec., 18G0, which they have much pleasure in stating shows a great increase in the extent of the usefulness of the institution. During the above-named period there ha\e been 1.214 cases treated, viz. 450 m-pauetus. 01' an average of -!7\ per month, and 7G-t out-patients, or an average of (n& per mouth, against 421 in-patients and 597 out-patients in lô!¡8, or an increase of 2U in-patients an I I'M) out-patients. This increase in number, coupled with the serious nature of many of the cases, has naturally been attended by a corresponding increase of expenditure, whilst the income has decreased to the extent of £:31 2s. 9d., leaving ajleficiency on the working account of the year of £ .JS 12-4.. d. W hilst this is certainly a subject of regret, tiie committee do not view the occurrence of this deficiency as cause of anxiety, the hospital, on the whole, having, since its commencement, been self-supporting. It cannot be doubted, however, that it arises from the fact of there being some vessels, even those whose crews have enjoyed the benefit of the hospital, which have not contribute.! to tile funds, as the greater number have done. The com- mittee desire, therefore, to call the attention of all captains and shipowners to the above fact, from which it is evident that some are reaping the benefits of what others are pay- ing for, which probably needs only to be pointed out iu order to induce those to contribute to the funds (If the hos- pital who have hithertn nut thought it needful to do St}; it being re membered also that the low rate of 2s. per 100 tons was decided on by the committee on the assumption of its being contributed by all ships clearing from the docks, ex- cept tho«e engaged in the coasting trade, and those steam- ships which trade constantly here. from which classes pay- ment is not expected on each voyage. It is clear, then, th-tt the increased efficiency of the hospital will depend on the funds being more universally contributed, which the co 'imittee hope will be the case, as an unusual amount of disease at some particular time might tax the resources of the hospital to such an extent as to cause grave anxietv to the committee. A plea.3illt; feature in the accounts is the increase of receipts from seamen who were not entitled to admission without payment, the amount being i:-t: fis. against -622 IDs. in 18oo. The benefits rendered by the ho-oitalhave been universally acknowledged with gratitude by the recipients, and the Captain Superintendent of the AnstriaIl Lloyd's Steam Navigation Company has ac- kn nvledged the care and attention bestowed on an Austrian seaman, by a donation of .Ko. in addition to the contribu- tioll maile by the ship to which he belongerl. The deht on the foundation account, which was £.2!)\.Î 4s lid. at the end of 186X, did not include a sum of £ !).>!) lis. lid. due to the trustees of Lord Bute for work done by them in connection with fitting up the ship, forming "her berth, providing moorings, 6cc. the whole of this amount his L .nbhip ha" most generously remitted. Stimuhtèd hy so valuable an example, it was lately resolved by the com- mittee to make a special appeal in order to remove the re- mainder of this debt. This was made by means of several clergymen and ministers of the town, who kindly advo- cated the cause from their pulpits followed by a personal canvass and the committee have great pleasure in making it known that. through the great liberality with which th.; appeal has been met, particularly in the neighbourhood of the Docks, the whole of the debt has been extinguished, and a surplus of iL2oi> remains in hand. The committee have again to acknowledge the obligation felt to the most honourable the Marquis of Bute, to his trustees, and tl the directors of the Taff Vale Railway Company, for their kind- ness in permitting the contributions from the shipping to be collected at the Dock-offices. The following gentlemen retire from the committee, viz.Dr. Paine, Lieut.-Col Hill, Mr. H. Kohn, Mr. S. D. Jenkins, and Mr. A. T. Lucovich. They are willing to serve again, if it be the desire of the meeting they should do so. The statement of accounts showed that in working the institution during the past year there had been expended £ 1,420 17s. I'M. that the receipts amounted to f;l,:jK8 '-¡s. ;jd.; showing a deficiency of £ 38 12s. 7el; bllt, as there was a balance in hand at the beginning of the year of £ 04 10s. 5d., there was now in hand £ 25 17s. IUd, notwithstanding the defi- ciency on the current receipts and expenditure." The CHAIRMAN" said he had now to propose to them the first resolution, that the report which had just been read, with the accounts of the Hospital Ship, be re- ceived and adopted, and lie believed they would con- sider it necessary, and he himself also rejoiced at the opportunity it afforded him of prefacing that resolution with a few words of comiaciit on the position of the institution. It was no .Jon:;t ii subject of congratula- tion to them as it. to the committee, that they Were enable to present such a favourable report, such an alteration in its position as to present it in a very agreeable aspect. In the first place they were able at the last meeting to boast of a small balance in their favour. This year they had a small balance against them on the working account, but he could not say that neither himself nor the committee regarded it with any despondency, or that they had any despair with respect to the future. In the increase in the number of patients, and the increasing sympathy shown towards the institution, they saw an element of success that would ere long turn the balance in their favour and they might be content to take it from him that that future would show those results which lie had always strongly been convinced in his own mind would inevitably accrue from the esta- blishment of that institution. He thought also that the increase in the number of patients in the hospital, and the successful manner in which they had been treated, was a subject of congratulation—(hear, hear) —to all of them as well a.s to the committee. No doubt sailors were very differently treated now to what they were in Cardiff a few years ago, and seamen enjoyed greater advantages than when no institu- tion of this nature was established. In those days they were brought into the town and distributed among the inhabitants, and as a consequence sickness soon spread, and the evil then was greatly felt. That state of things had been removed, and there was no doubt the testimony of physicians would corroborate what he had said as to the change produced. The fact that there was great sympathy felt by oeamen towards the institution, and the impression made upon the agent to the Austrian Lloyd's Insu- rance Company, with respect to the attention and kindness received by the seamen of that country on board, the Hamadryad, were matters of con- gratulation. There were many hard and dry matters of detail connected with the institution which must necessarily be attended to, but unce an interest was felt by seamen in the success of the institution, once their feelings were warmed up, they need have no fear of it in the future when once people's sympathy and liberality had been called out, as had been the case in this instance when once the feel- ing of gratitude to the institution had been brought out, then he himself lost all fear of the future, but saw in it rather an element of success. (Hear, hear.) Touching the matter of the debt on the establishment account, they had much cause for thankfulness, for it had been until very recently a matter of great anxiety to the committee to know where they were, and where they could pinch in the working expenses of the insti- tution, so as to pay off the debt. That debt had been re- moved, and the remarkable and extraordinary liberality with which the appeal lately made had been answered left them quite at ease as regarded their future liabili- ties. The receipts would he believed be equal to their wants, and they might rejoice in having been able to bring the institution into such a position that it would bear comparison with any institution of a similar character in the country. It must also be gratifying to the conductors of the Infirmary to find that this ex": cellent institution was in reality receiving a benefit from one which was at first thought would be a rival to it, and draw away the subscriptions which it required. They would agree with him that it was a source of congratulation to them that the Hospital Ship was now in such a good position, and likely to become so useful, not only to the seamen, but also to the inhabitants of the town. He congratulated the town upon the warm fevling and the handsome response which had been made to their appeal lately, and he felt the greatest pleasure and thankfulness that the inhabitants had shown themselves so well disposed towards the Hospital Ship. The appeal, in which he had the plea- sure of taking some part, brought the benefits of the institution before many who had not previously cared for the success of the institution. One gentle- man had informed him that he could not judge of the usefulness of the institution as he iiad not seen it. He (Mr. Boyle) informed him that there were many ways of rinding out its usefulness without visiting it; and that was probably the case, with many others, as this gentleman had not seen it; but he felt afterwards con- vinced from what he had heard. He concluded by moving the adoption of the report and the statement of accounts but before the resolution was seconded, he called on the secretary to read the Medical Superinten- dent's report. The SixiiETAiiv then read Dr. Dixon's report as follows My report of the cases admittei 1 tor the year ending .'1st December, 1809, which I now bee to by before you. shows an increase of 29 in and 107 Jut-patients, or a total in- crease of 100 patients over the number treated the preced- ing year. Notwithstanding the increased number of cases. however I am thankful to say the deaths have been fewer, the total number being 12 out of 1,213 cases treated, and of tnese, 1 may remark, I, were cases which died almost immediately, or within a few hours after admission. The severe gales in the latter part of the veir tnve.l there- sources of the hospital to a very great Jtent, the accident ward being entirely occupied, and room therefore had to be made for surgical cases in the medical wards Xo less than :)..1 fractures and 0 dislocations have been treated during the year. I am happy to report that the patients, without exception on leaving the hospital, have expressed their gratitude to the committee for the comforts so gene- rously and amply provided for them, as well as to the nurses, for their kind and unwearying- attention. The Sunday services, which have been conducted regularly by myself throughout the year, have always been well at- tended by the majority of the convalescent patients (although it is optional with them whether they attend or not), their behaviour on such occasions has been most devout, and many have expressed themselves very grate- ful T the privilege thus afforded them of attending divine service. The introduction of gas into the lower deck has been a great improvement, and I trust before long that the funds of the institution may permit of a water supply being carried to the ship from the shore. In conclusion, I can only say that a longer residence on board confirms me in the opinion I have already expressed as regards the desireabilitv and healthiness of the present position of the ship. Dr. PAINE said, in seconding the resolution which had been placed before them by their worthy Chairman, he mightbeallowed, as hehopedhecould dowithcontidence, to state how gratifying it must be to the friends of the institution that it had been enabled to perform its work so well. The satisfactory manner in which it had ful- filled the object of its promoters had been already ably alluded to by Mr. Boyle, and perhaps the part that he (Dr. Paine) should take should be one of a more pro- fessional bearing than otherwise, and in a professional point of view no institution had. ever discharged its duties better than the institution whose annual meeting they had that day met to hold, and upon whose success they were able to congratulate themselves. In the medical officer's report it was stated that the number of cases this year were consi- derably in excess or those of the previous year. They could look upon this with satisfaction in more than one aspect. In the first place it told them what he felt satisfied would be the case when this institution was first established, that the seamen would gladly avail themselves of its advantages, and that it would be as great a boon to the seamen as it was to the ship- owners, and this was evinced in the increase in the number of patients, clearly testifying that the sailor (1^'l avail himself of the usefulness of this institution and its ad vantages. He might tell them that the list ot serious cases this year had been greatly iu excess of previous years, and the surgical cases had been more than usually severe, and as a professiollalmau he might say that the result of their treatment has been more tuan usually successful. (Hear, hear.) From the statement which had been placed in his hand he found that there had been no less than seven cases of frac- ture of the skull. He was now only speaking of two or three of the more severe cases that came under theob- servatiou of the medical officer's report. Seven cases of fractures of the skull, a class of cases which were at all times very possibly attended with the most serious consequences, and yet the return of the result of these seven cases of fracture showed that only three had been attended with anything like fatal results. In these cases the time that elapsed between the accident and its ratal result was too short to enable medical aid to be of little avail but as only three of these serious cases had been attended with fatal results, it clearly showed that the cases had met with the most skilful treatment. There had also been two compound fractures of the leg, two compound fractures of the thigh, one fracture of the fore arm, and six dis- locations of the larger limbs. From the medical officer's report he could also speak not only of the advantages which this institution had been to the seamen, but also of the great advantage which it had been to the town. He found among other items contained in the medical officer's books that there had been received into the Hospital Ship 3S cases of fever, and the result of these cases, so far as the treatment was concerned, was most successful, as the mortality in them was only one in :3S, while the ordinary rate of mortality was one in nine. This, therefore, was very satisfactory. It was in the treatment of diseases of this character that the in- stitution had removed from his mind, as it had doubtless from others, any fears whether the wards of a ship were not adapted to the treatment of .epidemic diseases. (Hear, hear.) The institution was furnished with a resilient medical superintendent, who was thus able to bring to bear all collateral cir- cumstances that would tend to the safety of the pa- tient from the moment of his admission. Having said so much as regarded the advantages of the institution to the patient, lie might be allowed to allude to its advantages to the town. He need not tell them that fever cases introduced, into the town from vessels from foreign ports gave an unusual amount of danger to the town and from the serious consequences of the im- portation of epidemic diseases in this way, he was enabled to tell them with confidence that the town had escaped in a very wonderful degree. Of the thirty- eight cases which had been received in the ship, he had, from inquiries, perfectly satisfied himself that no spread of the disease had taken place in the locality from these being admitted to the institution, and the town had not suffered in the least. From inquiries he had made for other purposes he had found that the mortality of the town during the past year was lower than in almost any other town in the kingdom. (Hear, hear.) He niigiit also allude to another circumstance which he thought could nut be placed too strongly beiore the town, as illustrative of the advantages of this institution. He saw from the list of diseases that had been treated in the Hospital Ship there was one case of small-pox. Now, had the town escaped from small-pox altogether, it would not have been a matter to congratulate themselves, not because of the services rendered by this institution, but from the simple fact that the disease had not been introduced into the town. However, from this simple fact it showed that the disease had been introduced, and it had therefore an opportunity of spreading but the treatment of it was perfectly successful, and the disease was confined to the ship, the town in no way suffering from it. (Hear, hear.) He could., from his own knowledge, speak of the fatal effects of the disease upon a former occa- sion, when small-pox was introduced into the town by a foreign vessel, when this introduction of the disease was followed by 170 fatal cases and it was a clearly establisned fact that this disease was introduced into the town in the way he had described. He could, therefore, with confidence assertthat this institutionhad been most unmistakeably beneficial to the town. Their Ciiairman had alluded to the circumstance that the committee had been somewhat disappointed that there were several shipowners who had not contributed, but he (Dr. Paine) was of opinion that that difficulty could be soon overcome. He had 210 doubt, from the remarks made at a recent committee meeting, that one of the ciicumstances was that of a shipowner who was the owner of several vessels frequenting this port, and from the circumstance that the crews were discharged un arriving they did not receive the benefits of this institution, and the shipowner therefore did not feel called upon to contribute. But he felt quite satisfied, that, with proper information afforded to them, all shipowners might be induced to contribute. One great advantage to the shipowner was that many of the diseases treated here would become constitutional, and would thus most seriously affect the capabilities of the seamen for labour, and this would affect the shipowner himself. The institution was therefore of advantage to the sailor, and not merely to the shipping interest, but in the in- terest of everything connected with it. As a medical man himself, and as a member of the committee, he could but repeat what he had stated before, that he was extremely gratified with the way in which their Medical Superintendent had discharged his duty. He attributed much to him, the good bill of fare that had been provided to them that day in the report that had been read by the secretary. He had much pleasure in seconding the resolution, and he hoped that they would find at the next annual meeting that the insti- tution had been as beneficial to seamen as it had hitherto been. (Applause.) The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. C. THOMPSON said from the very favourable position of the institution, it must be owned that they had a very trustworthy committee, and he had there- fore much pleasure in proposing that Dr. Paine, Mr. E. S. Hill, and Mr. A. T. Lucovich, who retired from the committee, be re-elected. As one who took con- siderable interest in the success of the Infirmary, being more intimately connected with it, he did not mean in sympathy, but as taking a more active part in its management than in the Hospital Ship, he thought they had great cause to congratulate themselves that both institutions were for the first time free from debt. (Hear, hear.) Through the great liberality of Lord Bute, combined with other extraordinary efforts, the Infirmary had now for the first time a considerable balance in hand. That institution was never in so efficient a condition or so well provided for as now, and he could but feel that the town had been very largely benefited by the establishment of the Hospital Ship. The Rev. J. W. 0.s;.[AX seconded the proposition, which was adopted. Mr. K> [GUT moved an enlargement of the com- mittee, which had power to add to its numbers, and proposed that Mr. M. Kreiger, Consul for the North German Confederation, be added to the committee." Mr. TELLEFSEN seconded the proposition, which was then adopted. Mr. J. MORGAN moved a resolution, which he said would commend itself so thoroughly to all present that anything he could say would be almost a work of supererogation, for he could not conceive of any work so thoroughly charitalde—so thoroughly exhibiting an abnegation of self—so thoroughly illustrative of the hignest principle of action, going about and doing good without any possibility of fee, favour, or reward, as tne services rendered to this institution by the hono- rary medical staff. He therefore had very much plea- sure in moving the best thanks of the meeting to W. T. Edwards, Esq., M.D. H. J. Paine. Esq., M?D. J. K. Reece, Esq. and \V. Taylor, Esq., M. D., for tne valuable services they had rendered to this insti- tution. Mr. BYR-E said he had never more pleasure in seconding a resolution than he had the one which had JUSI I6011 PREP<!Se<T -HE thought they should also con- at.e themselves upon tiie very pleasant position or tne institution and its future prospects Were it not for the medical staff he could only compare their institution to a slap at sea without a compass and for the benefit which these gentlemen had conferred on tae institution they not only deserved their thanks but tiieir gratitude, and they should also show them their desire to do everything they possibly could, and to assure the medical gentlemen that in future they would be well supported by them. He was never more pleased in his life than in hearing the detailed statement of the position of this institution. It would be a stimulus to them and after what had taken place at the Docks, should the necessity arise, they would be willing to do it again. The resolution was adopted. Mr. E. S. HILL, in proposing the next resolution, said they must all feel quite satisfied at the great ex- tent and usefulness of the institution. He did not con- sider that there was any cause for despondency be- cause the receipts were a little below the expenditure. The chairman nor yet the committee had not viewed it with any degree of regret, neither did he. Both re- ceipts and expenditure would fluctuate from year to year, and no serious difficulty would arise provided matters remain as they were now but that was a re- suit they could scarcely look for, and they must look forward to some period when there would be an ex- traordinary demand made on their resources, and for that purpose they wanted a balance in their favour. He thought if all the ships would contribute the very small sum that had been levied of 2s. per 100 tons as the basis of contribution laid down by the committee, that would be sufficient but there were some who did not contribute. Dr. Paine had very properly given a broad view of the duties of a British shipowner, but the excuse of the shipowners why they did not con- tribute was that their crews did not remain on board their vessels during the whole time they were in port; but although the crews did not remain on board, the vessels brought a crew into the port and shipped a fresh crew ou leaving. The vessel was, therefore, en- titled to the advantages of the institution for the first crew and also for the second, and the advantages of getting the second crew in health was a consideration not to be overlooked. He could not help feeling that when this was properly laid before the shipowners that they would contribute even if their crews did not re- main on board. They had some grounds for this, as the shipowners were all expected to contribute when the small tonnage fee was tixed. He wrote to one of these gentlemen who did not contribute, and he at first considered it rather hard that his vessels should be taxed, but after hearing what he (Mr. Hill) said on the matter, and how he should be very glad that his vessels did contribute, at any rate, for a time he complied. If the matter was properly urged upon the shipowners when they objectedtocontribute, he thought the opposition would be overcome. He was connected with the canvass that had been recently made, and he was quite sure that there was a very warm feeling towards the institution, and the opposition of sonic of the shipowners and captains would be removed. rlhere was one matter that was a great cause of satisfaction, which was the manner in which Mr. Thompson, in pro- posing a resolution, alluded to the state of the sister institution—the elder sister the Infirmary. It was, no doubt, a matter of very serious consideration if this or any other institution was at all likely to injure the Infirmary. But from the medical report, which Dr. Paine had read, and from the large number of fractures which had been received into the Hospital Ship, in- stead of being, as was at first anticipated, a rival in- stitution, it had been a great relief to it, for several of these cases of fracture would, Ili) doubt, have been sent to the Infirmary. In proposing the resolution, it was scarcely necessary for him to say anything in praise of their Medical Superintendent, as it had been so ably done by Dr. Paine; but the great success of the institu- tion was largely dependant OIl the eminent professional skill, the great attention Dr. Dixon had paid to his duties, and he for one could bear testimony to the beautiful order in which everything was kept. Dr. Dixon paid also considerable attention to the Sunday service, and to the library for the amusement of the patients and the manner in which he discharged the whole of his duties must be a very great source of gratification to all of them. He had, therefore, very much pleasure in proposing the thanks of the meeting to the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital Ship. (Applause.) Mr. PAGE said he had great pleasure in seconding the proposition, but, after the manner in whIch, Dr. Paine and Mr. Hill had alluded to the medical officer, Dr. Dixon would not wish him to say anything more. If Dr. Dixon were not present he might dilate 011 his good qualities. He was quite sure that they could only wish to be able to retain Dr. Dixon's services for many years. The motion was carried with acclamation. Dr. Dixox, in responding, said he felt it would be unbecoming in him to allow so kind a vote of thanks to pass without notice. He was not however accustomed to long speeches, his motto being—Jtt'.x, non verba. He could however express his utmost obligation to the medical staff for their ready and cordial assistance to him. Whenever he wanted to consult them, whether by day or night, they were always most ready to give him their assistance. He therefore tendered to them his sincere thanks for the services they had rendered to him. He admitted that he took a great interest in the success of the Hospital Ship, and the letters he had received from sailors who were formerly inmates of the institution showed that they did not forget Cardiff after they had left it. Mr. PAGE proposed a vote of thanks to the Chair- man, not only as the president of the institution, but as one of the most zealous supporters of it from its foundation. His interest in it had never flagged from the beginning. Mr. S. D. JENKINS seconded the proposition. The CHAIRMAN, in acknowledging the vote, said he did not know that there was any institution in Cardiff in which he felt more interest, or whose success gave him more pleasure and more satisfaction in every way than this. The meeting then separated.

CARDIFF CORPORATION. A special meeting of the members of the Town Council was held at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, for the purpose of adopting tbe Early Closing Public- house Act, as regarded Cardiff. Tho Mayor pre- sided. There were also present the Ex-Mayor; Alderman Bird; Councillors H. Bowen, C. Thompson, P. Bird, H. North, D. Jones, and W. Vacl ell. The TOWN CLERK read the notice convening the meeting, and also the requisition, which was very numerously and respectably signed, to the Mayor, asking him to call a meeting of the Town Council to pass a resolution to adopt the Act for Cardi: The Town Clerk also read the clauses of the Act which would effect the town, and which, if adopted, would close all pubiic and refreshment houses from one o'clock till four in the morning. The MAYOR said the meeting had been called for this special purpose. They were aware that he had brought the matter before them in January last, in consequence of having received a great many letters from various towns, many of them the principal towns in England, where the law had been adopted, and speaking of the very great benefits arising from its adoption, and he had no doubt if the Act was adopted in Cardiff they would be greatly benefitted by it, as the policemen would then be able to attend to ti.eir proper duties, the protection of people's pro- perty, instead of having to attend to the drunken and loose persons who, on leaving these houses, take up a very great part of the policemen's time, Mr. P. BIRD mentioned that the Act would only have the effect of closing the public-houses between the hours of one and four o'clock in the morning, when but very few of these characters were about. The SUPERINTENDENT of POLICE said there were many characters of this kind about at these hours. When the public-houses and the beer-shops closed at eleven o'clock, those persons left these places and rushed to the refreshment-houses in Bute-road, which were open all night, and they knew well there was a greater traffic in intoxicating liquors there than in the licensed victuallers' houses. Mr. P. Bine feared that it might be a reflection on the licensed victuallers, who, as a body, conducted their houses very respectably. The MAYOR hoped it would not be considered in that light. Mr. JENKINS thought the licensed victuallers would really appear to be protected by the Act. The EX-MAYOR alluded to a case that had recently come before the Bench, where a woman was charged with robbery, and there was no doubt that the parties had come from a refreshment-house. The Act did not at all reflect upon the respectable licensed vic- f tuallers, but it would be a protection to them, because now the persons, after leaving the public-house, went to these refreshment-houses, where more spirits and intoxicating liquors were consumed than at the licensed public-houses. He begged to propose that tbe Act be adopted for this borough. Mr. P. BInD said he should be very glad to second the proposition. No man knew more about these refreshment-houses ill Bute-road than he did, having lived there for some time himself, and he was per- fectly confident that more wine and spirits were consumed at these places than at the licensed public- houses. Mr. JENKINS said the Act would be a great boon to Cardiff. b Mr. JoxES asked if by this Act the licensed victuallers could keep open till one o'clock. Mr. P. BIRD They can now but the beer-houses close at 11 o'clock. The SUPERINTENDENT The beer-houses must close at 11 o'clock. Mr. P. BIRD But the licensed victualler can keep open al) night if he likes. The MAYOU A great part of the policemen's time —between ] and 4 o'clock in the morning—is taken up in looking after the girls and drunken wen from these houses, and if this Act is adopted these houses would be closed, and the police can give their whole attention to the protection of property. The motion was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. WATCH COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the Watch Committee was then held. Police-constable David John was reported for sleep- ing on his beat, in Loudon-square, at three o'clock, on the morning of the 22nd ult. On investigation it was found that he had been asleep but a very short time, and he was cautioned only. Police-constable Hawkins was reported for being absent from his beat on the night of the 24th ult. The constable denied the charge, aud the Committee, after hearing the statement of the sergeant who reported him, and also that the constable had been in the force for seven years, was a most efficient officer, and had never been reported pre- viously, considered that it was possible that the ser- geant had missed the constable while walking the beat, but that he was still on some other part of it. The charge was therefore dismissed. A letter had been received by the Town Clerk from tbe Secretary of State, saying that the report from the Government Inspector of Police had been received by him, stating that the Cardiff police force was still main- tained in a most efficient manner, and that the usual allowance from Government will be remitted to the Borough Treasurer. Mr. NORTH called the attention of the Committee to the employment of the police as regarded public- houses, as they were no doubt aware that the police were invested with great power over public-houses, and with advantage but if that power was exercised arbitrarily it became nothing less than a police per- secution. He was very pleased to hear that morning of the favourable expressions used towards licensed victuallers generally, and he thought there had been a want of consideration for them here, and that they did not in Cardiff occupy the same position that they occupied in other towns. He thoroughly disapproved of the practice of policemen disguising themselves and visiting public-houses for the purpose of en- trapping the landlord and laying information against him. He thought this was very reprehensible conduct. The MAYOR said Mr. Stockdale informed him that it had never been done. Mr. NORTH continued, that he thought he should be able to show them by evidence that he was not far wrong. There was no one present who had a greater respect for Mr. Stockdale or his duties than he had, but he certainly disagreed with the practice of dis- guising policemen for the purpose of entrapping a publican into committing a breach of the law. He was not there for the pujjose of advocating anyone to commit a breach of the law, but he did protest in the strongest terms possible against anything so un- English, and he was as strongly of opinion that a policeman should never enter a public-ho.ise except in uniform. He did not know the law on the matter, but he questioned if the policeman had a right to do so. The policeman, however, went in at all hours. They must bear in mind that the licensed victualler paid his fair share of the local rates and taxes he almost thought that in some cases the publican paid more; and he was there- fore of opinion that he should not be subject to such annoyance and such un-English treatment. If the police had 110 better duties to perform than to watch these public-houses, he was of opinion that they should do with one-third less than they had now. If in order, he should move that no policeman should enter a public-house except in uniform. The MAYOR If I understand you rightly, you say the police have exceeded their duty. Mr. NORTH: In some cases I do, and I think there will be a case brought before the Committee this morning that will show such to be the case. The MAYOR I am sorry to hear it. Mr. STOCKDALE denied most strongly that a police- constable ever entered a public-house in plain clothes for the purposes stated by Mr. North. Thieves were in the habit at times of imitating gentlemen, and of going to most respectable houses. The policeman went to watch him sometimes in plain clothes. Were he to go in uniform he would give notice to the thief of his intention, and afford him the opportunity of escaping. In the whole course of his connection with the police force in this town, now a period of 35 years, he did not think there was a single instance of a policeman going to a public- house in plain clothes to induce the landlord to com- mit a crime. Mr. KORTH: I hope I am wrongly informed, but we shall hear by and by whether I am or not. A letter was read from Mr. Eobinson, the land- lord of the Lock Hotel, Herbert-street, complaining of the annoyance he was subjected to by Sergeant Lewis, who visited his house on Sunday mornings, and had set police-constables to watch his house. Lewis had also visited the house on Sundav morn- ings while the family were at meals and" entered his private kitchen, to the disturbance and annoy- ance of his family arrangements. Mr. Robinson was called in, and on being questioned said that. there had been two visits paid by the police-sergeant, one was on Sunday morning and the other was about six weeks ago. The Police-sergeant explained the cause of his visit six weeks ago, which was that he had seen three men enter by the side door, and on knocking and gaining admission he saw the counter was wet with beer, but he could not find the men although he heard heavy steps upstairs. Mr. NORTH wished to ask the police-sergeant whe- ther they ever disguised themselves and entered a public-house for the purpose of entrapping the landlord ? The MAYOR: I don't think you can ask that ques- tion. Alderman BIRD There must be a specific charge. Mr. VACHELL moved, and Mr. S. D. JsNKiNS se- conded, That the charge against Sergeant Lewis be dismissed." Mr. NORTH moved as an amendment, That the charge had been substantiated." Mr. P BIRD said if every public-house in Cardiff was conducted as respectably as Mr. Robinson's there would be no occasion for any police-constables. The MAYOR asked the Superintendent respecting the character of Sergeant Lewis. The SUPERINTENDENT said he was a very thought- ful man, had been in the force nine years, and there was not a single complaint against him. Mr. ELLIOTT and Mr. THOMPSON spoke of the very respectable manner in which Mr. Robinson's house was conducted. Alderman BIRD thought the best certificate of cha- racter was given him by the magistrates in trans- ferring his house to a double-licensed house. Mr. VACHELL'S motion was then adopted. Mr. D. JONES asked if the police had any authority to attend the Theatre, as it was announced on the bills that the police were in attendance. The SUPERINTENDENT replied that they had no right to-be there, except in case of a disturbance. When off duty he did not object to their attending. The line in the bill had been inserted without his authority. Sergeant Lewis's salary, which had hitherto been 26s. a-week, was increased to 28s., as he had completed his three months' probation. BOARD OF HEALTH. A special meeting of the Board of Health was then held, to receive the report of the Lighting Committee with respect to the New Gas Bill of the Cardiff Gas Company. The report was in substance what was adopted at the last meeting. The only clause in which any important modification was made was that in the event of any proceedings being taken before the magistrates to enforce a penalty on the Gas Company, and in the event of the case being diemissed, the costs were to fall on the Board of Health. This was objected to by Mr. D. Jones, who thought that it was quite possible that there might be a cause sufficient to justify them in taking pro- ceedings before the magistrates, but not sufficient to justify the magistrates in imposing the penalty, and that the decision as to which party should pay the costs, or whether each party should pay their own costs, should be left to the decision of the magis- trates who heard the case. This was agreed to and the report adopted. The meeting then snparated.

RAILWAY AND OTHER MEETINGS. PEXARTH HARBOUR, DOCK, AND RAILWAY. The twenty-eighth half-yearly meeting of the proprie- tors of this company was held at the Royal Hotel on Monday. There were present the Hon. G. H. W. W. Clive, M. P. Messrs. W. S. Cartwriglit, H. J. Evans, L. Davis, W. S. Cartwright, jun., C. Bailey, jun., E. Vachell, C. H. Page, J. Ohisen, C. Thompson, W. P. Stephenson, &c. In the absence of the Chairman, Crawshay Bailey, Esq., Mr. W. S. CARTWRIGHT was called to the chair. In commencing the proceedings, he regretted the ab- sence of the Chairman of the Directors, and also the cause of his absence, which was a severe indisposition from cold. He, however, considered that there were one or two things in the report upon which they might congratulate themselves, and one was the steady progress of business at the Penarth Dock, and the way in which it would affect them was that they were entitled to a moiety of the profits, after they exceeded 4 £ percent., the sum which the Taff Vale Company had guaranteed to them. As compared with the corresponding half-year of 18GS, there was a considerable increase in the traffic-an in- crease of £4,56(;; and there had been also a decrease in the working expenses of £G27, besides a considerable reduction in the rate of interest on the debentures amounting to something more than £400, so that on the one hand, while there was an increase in the receipts of £4,56G, there was a decrease in the working expenses of nearly £1,000, and thus the time was more rapidly approaching than they had anticipated, when they would request the Taff Vale Company to furnish them with a more detailed account of the working ex- penses, which this half-year appeared very large, amounting to 61 per cent., although a portion of it was beyond their control, they having been required to re- pair at a cost of £I,25G, a subsidence to the viaduct and the embankment adjoining leading to the works at Penarth. This was, of course, an exceptional case. In working out the figures, he found that tlw Taff Vale Company, in maintaining the works, payment of rents to the trustees of the late Baroness Windsor, had spent £ o'J,751 in the past half-year, while their receipts only amounted to £:Ji3,593, showing a loss of £0,128. It would, therefore, be of no use to complain of any ex- cess they may have gone to, because no such excess could equal £6 128 and the proper time had not yet arrived when they could go to the Tag Yale Company and make any complaints as to expenses, because no prac- tical good would result from it. The arbitration with the assignees of Messrs. Smith, Koight, and Co., was still pending and he considered it would not be pru- dent, and the directors were also of opinion, that it would not be expedient to discuss the matter with the proprietors. It was a matter III which he could only say that the directors had the same confidence in its results as they had from the beginning, and that they firmly believed that a very considerable sum—a very much larger sum than the assets of Messrs. Smith, Knight, and Co. would realise—would be awarded to them. He could only assure them that no effort would be wanted by the directors to bring the matter to a speedy settlement. The directors only recommended a dividend of 4 per cent., because though the Taff Vale directors paid them a dividend of 4k per cent., yet the arbitration was still pending and the directors con- sidered it prudeut to recommend only a dividend of 4 per cent. In conclusion, he expressed his deep regret at the melancholy fate of Mr. T. Powell, who had a very large stake ill the company, and who had been associated with them from the very beginning of the undertaking. He begged to move that the following report be received and adopted. The directors present their twenty-eighth half-yearly report, to 31st December, 18G9, with statements of ac- count, prepared as required by The Regulation of Piail- ways Act, 1868.' They recommend that a dividend for the half-year at the rate of 4 per cent, per armuin as shown in account No. 2, payment thereof to be made on the 7th day of March next. Your directors report that during the past half-year several meetings have taken j place before the arbitrator in the matter pending be- tween the company and the assignees of Messrs. Smith and Knight, the late contractors for the dock. Every effort will be made to expedite the settlement of this case. The published accounts of the Taff Yale Company show that the traffic 011 your undertaking is steadily pro- gressing this fact must be satisfactory to the pro- prietary. Since the last half-yearly meeting, the sad fate of the late Mr. Thomas Powell, of the Coldra, has been ascertained. Your directors have the melancholy satisfaction of expressing their deep regret in the decease of a most esteemed and valued colleague, the loss of whose energy and excellent business qualifications at the Board, cannot be sufficiently estimated by the proprietary. The directors retiring in order are, the Hon. George Herbert Windsor Windsor Clive, M.P.; Walter Powell, Esq., M.P. and Lewis Davis, Esq. These gentlemen are eligible and offer themselves for re-election. The retiring auditor is Mr. W. P. Stephen- son, who is eligible for re-election, and offers himself accordingly." The Hon. G. H. W. W. CLIVE seconded the motion. Mr. PAGE, before the resolution was put to the meeting, expressed a hope, as the directors would not discuss the question of the arbitration between Messrs. Smith and Knight and the company, with the proprietors, that the directors would press upon the arbitrators the desirability of a speedy settlement, for he felt that it was something like the oyster, the lawyer would swallow it and leave them the shell, while it affected their shares in the market. He expressed a desire that the Taff Vale accounts re- specting the cost of working the Penarth Dock, &c., should be published in their own accounts. He would also ask the directors what they proposed to do by way of constructing a graving dock at Penarth, as it would much increase the traffic at the dock if graving dock accommodation was afforded, and mentioned that a large vessel had lately come to the East Dock because there was graving dock accommodation there and not at Penarth. The CHAIRMAN replied that the directors would be very glad to see graving dock accommodation, but it was a matter that was entirely in the hands of the Taff Vale Company. The Penarth directors had ex- pended the whole of the Parliamentary capital, and had no funds for the purpose, while a gateway had been left in the Penarth Dock for the entrance to a graving dock. The construction of a graving dock would be a material advantage to the trade of the dock, and in this the Taff Vale Company were deeply interested. He could not see any objection to the Penarth directors bringing the matter before the directors of the Taff Vale Company. With regard to the arbitration, there were many obstacles in the way, but the directors were urging on the matter as fast as they could. He was also of opinion that the Taff Vale accounts could not be published with their own, as they only saw their accounts but a very short time before they published their own. No practical good would result from it, as the time had not ar- rived when they could derive any benefit from the proceeds of the dock and railway. The report was adopted, and a dividend of 4 per cent, was declared. The Hon. G. H. W. W. Clive, Mr. W. Powell, and Mr. H. J. Evans were then re-elected directors. Mr. W. P. Stephenson was re-elected auditor. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the pro- ceedings.

BRECON AND MERTHYR TYDFIL JUNCTION. The half-yearly meeting of this Company was held at the London Tavern on Monday; Mr. A. H. Phill- potts in the chair. The report stated that a scheme of arrangement having for its object the creation of .£60,000 additional A debenture stock, and an arrange- ment among and between the debenture-holders "by which reduced rates of interest would be accepted for a period not exceeding five years, with a provision for the issue of deferred interest warrants in respect of any unpaid balance, had been confirmed by the requisite number of shareholders and debenture-holders, and en- rolled in the Court of Chancery. The total traffic re- ceipts for the half-year ending the 31st of December last amounted to £30,568, and for the corresponding half of 1868 to £24,962, showing an increase of £5,GOG. The expenditure on revenue account amounted to £19,800, or 64§ per cent., against £ 18,567 or 74| per cent of the receipts in the corresponding period. The net result of the half-year's working was an available surplus of £10,768, agninst £G,395 in the same half cf 1868. After some discussion, the report was adopted. Mr. Phiilpotts, the retiring director, was re-elected, and also Mr. J.Waddell, the retiring auditor. Subsequently the debenture-holders re-elected Mr. T. Bait, jun., M. P., and Mr. F. Francis to represent them at the Board. ———— ABERDARE. The half-yearly meeting of this company has been held at Bristol Mr. J. Poole in the chair. A di- vidend of 10 per cent. per annum, less income-tax, was declared for the half-year ending December 31, pay- able March 8. The Chairman and Mr. R. Vaughan were re-elected directors. BRISTOL AND EXETER. The half-yearly meeting of this company has been held at Bristol the Earl of Devon in the chair. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said the directors were happy to meet the proprietors with an available balance affording a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, and to carry forward to the next account £ 2,064, as asrainst £ 695 in the corres- ponding period. There had been an increase in the number of passengers in every class. There was good ground for confident expectation that the affairs of the company would continue to advance. As regarded the current half-year, of which two months had elapsed, the prospects were highly encouraging, and if free from accidents he beiieved that it would°show at its close a very satisfactory resul:. Mr. M. Castle seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. Major-General Simmons advocated the closing of the capital account. The report was unanimously adopted. A resolution declaring a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum was passed, and Messrs. W. Barnes, W. H. Wills, and G. Miller were re-elected directors. PEMBROKE AND TENBY. The half-yearly meeting of this company was held on Friday, at Raymond's-buildings, Gray's-inn Mr. Owen in the chair. The report stated that, owing to the depression which had prevailed in the district, the gross revenue did not show the usual increase over the corresponding period. The directors had made application to Parliament for powers to extend the line about half a mile into the Royal dockyard. Under the arrangement wÜh tlw lessee, a dividend fov the half-year ending the 31st of December last, at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, on the preference and ordinary shares, would be payable on the 25tb of March. The expenditure on capital account amounted to £3;)0,31H. Resolutions were passed adopting the report, declaring a dividend, and approving a Bill for extending' the company's line into Pembroke dockyard. A man and his wife and three children have been suffocated in the cabin of the ship Sarah, of Goo'e, at Hull, by fumes from gas water. The death is announced of the Countess of Brcadal- baue. She was the daughter of Mr. J. F. Edwards of Dublin, and was married to the Marquis of Brcadalbaue in 1850. IMPORTANT CHANCKRY SUIT.—In the Vice-Chancel- lor's Court, before Sir R. Malins, the case of Wother- spoon v. Currie was disposed of on the 25th ult. It was a motion 011 behalf of William Wotherspoon, of Quceu- street, Cheapside, and of Paisley and Glasgow, and on behalf of Alexander Abercrombie, starch manufac- turers, trading under the style of Robert Wotherspoon and Co., for an injunction to restrain the defendant, John Currie, trading as Currie and Co., of Paisley, from applying the word Glenfield to or in connec- tion with starch" manufactured by or for him, and from using the word Glenfield upon any labels affixed to packets of starch manufactured by or'for him, and from selling the same as Glenfield starch. It ap- peared that for several years before 1847, Messrs. Pulton and Co., of Glenfield, near Paisley, manufactured pow- dered starch, principally from East India sago, called "Glenitelù patent double-refined powdered starch," commonly known as Glenfield Starch." In January, 184ï, the plaintiff, William Wotherspoon, purchased of Messrs. 1 ulton and Co. their business and works at Glenfield, and the exclusive right of manufacturing starch and selhng it under the name of "Glenfield Patent Starch." The plaintiff afterwards removed his manufactory to Maxwellton, near Paisley, where his starch is now made and sold. The defendant Currie rented from Messrs. Fulton and Co. a small building attached to their dyeing works at Glenfield, and had manufactured starch, which was sold in packets of a similar size and appearance as those of the plaintiff, labelled The Royal Palace Double- refined Patent Powder Starch, manufactured by Currie and Co., Glenfield. The plaintiff's case was that the de- fendant had taken the small cottage or building at Glenfield for the express purpose of inducing people to believe that his starch was the article made by the plaintiff. For the defendant it was urged that, as he was an actual resident at Glenfield, and his manufactory was there, he had as much right to put Ins address upon the labels of starch as the plaintiff had, who did not actually reside at Glenfield. The Vice-Chancellor, in giving judgment said he had never seen a case in which the defendant had been guilty of more reprehensible conduct as a tradesmen. He should, therefore, grant the injunction in the terms asked by the bill. BHEAKFA:or.-hl'PS S COCOA. — GKATEIUL AND COM- FORTING. The very agreeable character of this prepara- tion has rendered it a general favourite. The Civil Service Gazette remarks :—"By a thorough knowledge of the natu- ral laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine proper- ties of well-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills." Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in tin-lined packets, labelled James Epps and Co., Homeopathic Chemists, London. Agent for Cardiff for other Homoeo- pathic Preparations, Williams, Bute-street. See that each phial is secured by a band over the cork, bearing the signature, James Epps and Co., without which none are genuine. [4715

CARDIFF POLICK COURT. MONDAY. (Before It O. JONES, Esq., the Ex-MAYOR, and Alder- man PRIDE.) DISORDERLY. — Antonio Swantoge, a Greek sailor, was charged with being drunk and creating a disturbance in Bute-street on Sunday evening. Pined 5s. and costs. William Mullins and Richard Bryant, two men em- ployed at the docks, were each fined 5s. and costs, for fighting and creating a disturbance in front of the Mount Stuart Hotel on Saturday. ASSAULTING A WIFE.—Thomas Sheppard, a labourer, of Womanby-street, was charged with assaulting and beating his wife on Saturday evening. The defendant alleged that it was entirely owing to a jealous feeling be- tween him and a lodger whom his wife would not get rid of. Sent to prison for ten days. AN UNGRATEFUL DAJGHTER.—Louisa Parry, a girl of sixteen years of age, was charged by her father with illegally pawning a very large number of articles, the property of her father. The complainant is a widower, and is employed as a watchman on board vessels. On several occasions while he was away, according to his own statement, she pawned his clothes, left, and went to Newbridge, and then returned and broke into the house again. He had found a very large number of pledge tickets on her at various times. The Bench, con- sidering her youth, recommended her father to make some arrangement with the Superintendent of Police. STEALING A PURSE—Hannah John, an unfortunate, was charged with stealing a purse and 24s. in money, from the person of a young sailor named William Aiming, in Bute-street, on Saturday evening. Remanded till Wednesday. SELLING BEER WITHOUT A LICENCE.—Antonio Levanti, a boarding-house keeper, of 19, Tyndall-street, was charged with selling beer without a licence. A police-constable in plain clothes went to the house on Tuesday evening, and found about thirty seamen present. One man was playing a violin, and others were dancing. He sat down, and very soon afterwards the defendant brought in a quart of beer from a kitchen, and received 6d. for it. Tile constable went into a back-room and found others there. The defendant brought in another quart of beer, and received a 6d. also for it. Both quarts of beer were brought from the lower kitchen. The defendant said he kept beer for his boarders. The Superintendent of Police said he had a great deal of trouble with the house, and they had been for some time aware that beer was taken into the house in casks and sold to the boarders. Fined 40s. and costs. STEALING COAL. — Elizabeth Ormandale, a mar. ried woman, was charged ou remand with stealing one cwt. of small coal, the property of the Crown Preserved Coal Company, Maindy Patent Fuel Works. The evidence was completed, the ownership of the barge being proved. The prisoner, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. TUESDAY. (Before the E. WHIFFEN, Esq. (Mayor), 1. EVANS, Esq., and Alderman PRIDE.) THE DRINK.—Martin Cohen and James McGrath, two seamen, were charged with fighting and causing an obstruction in Bute-terrace on Monday night, lined 5s. and costs eacn, or seven days. Louisa Alderman and Mar- garet Evans were charged with t.isouleily conduct in Bute-street, on Monday night, by Police-constables 36, 47 and 49. Margaret Evans, having never been before the Bench on a previous occasion, was discharged, but Alderman was sent to prison for ten days with hard htlJour. WEDNESDAY. (Before R. O. JONES, Esq., Alderman PRIDE W. D. BUSHELL and A. BASSETT, Esqs ) SHIP DESERTION. -George Newton, anchor badge man of the Isaval Reserve, was charged on remand with deserting irom the ship Star of England, belonging to Liverpool. A certificate from a surgeon in Bristol, cer- tifying that the prisoner was unable to proceed after he signed articles, was put in, and he was ultimately discharged. ROBBERY FROJI THE PERSON.—Hannah John was charged 011 remand with stealing a Post-office order and a purse from the person of a seaman named William Haley. Deputy-Superintendent Home said that the i^-omee order and the purse had been picked up in Whttmore-lane, by a girl named Davies. There was, however, no further evidence against the prisoner, and she was discharged. LOARDIXG-HOUSE IloijBERY.—Herman Lester pleaded guiuj to stealing two shirts and a pair of stockings, the pioperty of his boarding-master, Frederick Ottiker. Sentenced to seven days' hard labour. SUSPICIOUS.—John Jones was charged with being in possession of four keys and two Dutch cheeses, and not giving an account of them he was taken into custody by Sergeant Lewis. Remanded until Friday. THURSDAY. (Before Alderman PRIDE and A. BASSETT, Esq.) ALLEGED ROBBERY.—George Pike, a boatman, was charged with stealing 2s. 8d. from the person of a young labourer named Charles Morris. The complainant, while in a state of intoxication, about one o'clock on Thursday morning, sat on a door-step in Whitmore-lane, when the prisoner came up to him and put his hand into his (complainant's) trousers pocket. This aroused the complainant, who got up, and they had a scuffle together, when a policeman came up and separated them, and he then found that 2s. 8d. had been taken from him. Prisoner denied that he had taken anything from the complainant. The money found on the prisoner did not correspond with that lost by the complainant. The Bench did not consider the evidence sufficient, and gave the prisoner his discharge.