Potter's Electric News

TENBY. -0' "W_1' The 1st Pembrokeshire Artillery Volunteers under the command of Quartermaiter Serjeant Thomas Thomas marched from the armoury to the parish church on Sunday week where they attended divine service. At the close were dismissed in the square. ON EASTER SUNDAY the Mayor and Corporation according to annual oustom went to morning service at the parish church together with the Rector and Curatf. A sermon was preached by the Rector from Mathew 28th chap. and 6th verse. ROBBERIES.—On the night of the 8th, or early on the morning of the &th, some thief broke into an outhouse at Wbitewél1, and stole several articles and implements used in agriculture, the property of Mr T. R. William*. On the same night Mr Meyrick, of Lydstep, had several hundredweight of potatoes stolen from an outbuilding. The entrance to Mr Williams's outoffice was effected by breaking a strong new lock on the door. Mr Williams had some implements stolen from his premises about three months ago before. RIFLE CormsT.—The Return Match between the Narberth Division of the Castlemartin Yeomanry Ca- valry and the Tenby Artillery Volunteers came off on the Government range At Penally on Fister Monday. The ranges were 100 and 200 yards, 5 øhotll at each dis- tance. The Yeomanry made 152 points at 100 yards, and 83 at 200 yards; the Volunteers, 176 at 100 yards, and Sl at 200 yards. The Volunteers therefore won by 22 points. The Yeomanry having won the first match and the Volunteers the second, the rubber is to be shot off in the course of a month or two, but the day is not Exed4 The contest was conducted under the superin- tendence of Serjeant-Major Paddonand Sergeant Maslin, of the Yeomanry, and Drill Instructor Shanley, of the Tenby Volunteers. VEStRY MEETING.-On Easter Monday the annual meeting was held in the Church of St. Mary' Tenby, the Rector in the chair. The attendance was numerous. Mr G. Mends was chosen Churchwarden by the Rector. C. C. Wells, Esq, proposed and J. Gwynne, Esq, seconded Mr A. S. Reed am parish Churchwarden. Dr. Dyster proposed and Mr G. Mends seconded the nomination of Mr W. Williams, chemist. A show of bands was taken, which proved largely in favour of Mr Reed. A poll was demanded by .Dr. Dyster for Mr Williams. Mr J. Noot was then re-appoinedt Sexton. An application from the Artillery Volunteers for a portion of the Church meadow to erect a battery thereon was referred to a special vestry. The meeting was adjourned by the Rector to the Town Hall for the purpose of receiving the votes for the Churchwarden. After the poll had been open a short time Mr Williams, seeing that he had not any chance of being elected, retired from the contest. Mr Reed was then elected. CONCERT.—On Monday evening week Miss Binfield's benefit concert came off at the Royal Assembly Rooms, before a numerous and select audience. For this occasion Miss Binfield bad engaged the services of the eminent tenor vocalist Mr Charles Stanton, and we believe every one was much pleased with this very valuable addition. The first piece on the programme was Roseini's Chorus of the Carnovale." Miss Binfield and Mr Stanton next sang Offenbach's duet I'm an Alsatian," which was followed by Mr Charles H. Tasker's funny comic song I'll ask my Mother." Miss Binfield then sang Bishop's ever fresh and pleasing song Should he up- braid," in a delightful manner. Mr Mathias was well received in the eld song The Miller of the Dee." Miss BinfitId and Mrs Marchant won great applause by their rendering of the" Deb Conte" from" Norma." Blumenthal's exquisite composition "The Message" was given by Mr Stanton with great effect. Rose Hersee's song, "A day too late," which, by the bye, improves on acquaintance, was sung by Miss Binfield, which is saying enough. Randegger's trio'II Naviganti,' wassung by Mrs Marchant, Mr Stanton, and Mr Lionel P. Barnas- chone,-in very good style. This concluded the first part of the entertainment. The second part commenced with the charming duet from Benedict's Lily of Killarney." The moon has raised her lamp above," sung by Messrs Stanton and B&rnasehone, which narrowly missed an encore. Mr Tasker was encored in his comic song My dear mamma-in-law." Mr Stanton was most deservedly recalled in Maid of Athens," when he substituted Good night, beloved." Tully's charming song Kate Moyle" was sung by Miss Binfield in such. a way that a most hearty encore was the result, when she substituted the favourite Who's that tapping at the garden gate," which she sang with an archness quite delightful to listen to. Mrs Marchant and Mr Stanton sang the try- ing duet "The sailor sighs" with excellent taste, and were much applauded. This lady was also very success- ful in her duet with Miss Binfield in The Bridesmaid." Mr Stanton was again encored in his song Alice, where art thou ?" as were also Miss Binfield, Mrs Marchant, and Mr Stanton in Balfe's laughing trio I'm not the Queen," The Village Chcristers," by the whole of the company, terminated one of ttie most successful performances we have listened to for some time. Professionals and amateurs exerted themselves to the "top of their bent," and their efforts met with a hearty recognition on the part of the audience. Of the principal artiste we can but say that Miss Binffeld, by her musical talents, and the obligingness of her disposi- tion and behaviour, has become quite an universal favourite in the town, she has endeavoured so successfully to enliven, during the past winter. We wish her simply the good fortune she deserves.

PEMBROKE. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. [Saturday, April lIth, before H. P. Jones, EFq, mayor, J. Cocks, Esq, and Rev R. J, H. Thomas 1 John Harries, 12 years of age, was charged by George Naish. of Morikton, grocer, &c, with stealing one parse, one X-5 note, and one half sovereign, of the moneys of the complainant, on the 6th inst, from the till in his shop. Ellen Naish deposed.: I am the wife of George Naish, a grocer and baker, at Monkton. On the afternoon of the 6th inst, I was in the shop between three and four o'clock. Mrs George Lewis came to pay a bill: she gave me a £5 Bank of England note, and a half-sovereign. I put the money into a purse by itself, and put all into the till in the shop. I was backwards and forwards in the shop during the afternoon, and when going to the till, about five o'clock, to change gold, I saw the purse, and the money was ip it. About seven, or half-past, I went to the till to put another half-sovereign in the purse, and it was gone. I cannot identify the note or half-sovereign, but the purse produced is the purse that was in the drawer. I did not leave the house. I informed my huiband of what had happened, and the loss. George Naish deposed Last Monday evenirg my wife informed me of the loss. I went to enquire of George Lewis the number of the note, and then gave information to the police. On Tueiday morning I went to the cashier in H.M. Dockyard. I asked him if he could tell me the number -of the note he had paid George Lewis. He gave me the date and number; it corresponded with the number of the note produced. Maria Howells deposed: I am the wife of Richard Howells. On Tuesday evening I met my son and the other prisoner coming down the Main*, I had heard of the loss, and that they had it. I asked the boys if they had the note, and to give it to me and I would take it back to Mr NaIsh. I left the boys a step or two, and prisoner came after me and gave me a £ 5 bill, and asked me to take it back. I was coming along with the note in my hand, when the police came up to me and asked me to see it. The police took it. P.C. Herbert deposed: On Monday night last, Mr Naish gave information of the Ions of the purse, note, and a half-sovereign, and from information I received on Tuesday, I went to the Mains. I met the last witness, of whom I had a X5 note. which corresponded with the number given by Mr Naish. The note produced is the same note. I went to prisoner's father's house, and saw prisoner, and cbartred him with stealing a purse, half- sovereign, and a £ 5 note, and brought him to the police station. He then said he had bought a halfpenny worth of lozenges, and had no paper about them. He ran into Mr Naish to get another halfpenny worth, and a bit of p iper: he knocked, got no answer, and saw the note on the counter: thought it was paper, and wrapped the lozenges In it, and that be gave it to Mrs Howells. On Wednesday morning he said "I have not got the purse here: it is hid in ivy, down by our house," and that! could not find it without him. I brought him down to the shore, and he went afid picked it up off the mud. This is the purse, and I took possession of it. At the same time he told ta^ where the haif. sovereign war, and I took it from under atone in his presence. I then took him back to the lock-up Committed for one month to the House of Correction, and ordered to be once privately whipped, with 12 strokes with a t ireh rod. Richard. Griffith* was charged by Superintendent Evans with being drunk and riotous on the 4th inst, at Pembroke Committed for seven days, and ordered to pay costs, or B further imprisonment for seven days. Colits paid.

NARBERTH. NARBRRTH FAIR was held on the 13th inst, (Easter Monday.) The supply of cattle. sheep, and horses was limited. There was a slow demand at previous rates. The pig fair was held on the following day with a good supply hut slow demand. MATCH AGAINST TIME -At Stepaside Bridge, on the 7th of April, a gentleman generally known as "Welsh Deer(oot,' ran a match for a I fiver' against time. Dis- tance, one mile, time 6 minutes. Deerfoot ran the di.- tance in 5 min. 15 sees., heating time by 45 sees. Time was backed by a respectable master butcher, residing not a hundred miles from Saundersfoot. SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES.—The anniversary of the Independent Sunday School took place on Friday last, (Good Friday ) The children, numbering about 460, met at two o'clock. They proceeded through the town, headed by the Superintendent, Mr Morgan, Mr Jon'-s, the pastor, and the Rev Mr Davies, of Llanelly. At the Market-square they halted and sang a hymn, after which they returned and took tea. In the evening the children, teachers, and friends returned to witness an exhibition (magic lantern.) During the evening the children sang several pieces, which had been taught them by Messrs Dawkins and Lloyd.

NARBERTH PETTY SESSIONS. [April 9th, before J. L. G. P. Lewis, Esq, chairman, and R. H. Buckby, Esq.] P.S. Edward Irving v. John Toohig, for harbouring a police constable, while on duty, in a beer house. E. Irving, deposed: On the 2lstof March la-t, Narberth Fair day, I put P.C. John Campbell on duty in the horse fair at 10 a.m., at Narberth. I went to visit him it one o'clock, and found him absent from his beat. I enquired of the other constables if they knew anything of him. I then saw PC's I &24; they told me they had been looking for him, and had seen him in the Plough Inn beer-house. I went there and met him coming out through the passage. He told me he had been having a glass of beer there. I had then missed him about three hours from his duty. When I met him he was in beer,- muddled. P.C. Harts deposed; On the 21st of March last, I was on duty in the fair at Narberth. Between three aud four o'clock in the afternoon I met Sergeant Irving: he asked me if I bad seeti P.C. Campbell. I then, stated that I had seen him in the Plough- beerhouse: be appeared to be under the influence of liquorhe was drunk. Defendant was fined 5s, and costs 7s 6d, or 14 days. John Thomas, assistant, clerk of the Board of Guardians, of the Narberth Union, 11. Evan Phillips, for disobeying order of Justices. I Mr Thomas, being sworn, stated: I produce a certifi- cate. signed by W. W. Williams, Esq, on behalf of the Treasurer of Narberth Union, showing that no money has been paid by E. Phillips, of the parish of Lampeter Velfroy, now present, towards the maintenance of. his mother, in obedience to an order made on him by two Justices of the Peace (John Lennox Griffiths Poyer Lewis, and George Richards Graham Rees, Esqs,) for the County of Pembroke.. A distress warrant was ordered to issue, and Phillips to remain in custody until the warrant was returned. The amount was afterwards paid. P.S. Irving v. Daniel Thomas, for exposing for sale unwholesome meat. P.S. Irving, being sworn, deposed I am the Inspector of nnisances for the parish of Narberth North. On Thursday, the 26th of March last, I saw one hind quarter, one loin, and one leg of veal exposed for sale at the standing of Daniel Thomas, now present, in the market place at Narberth. I proceeded to look at some other veal, when the defendant pulled his off the crooks, and was running off with it from the market house. I fol- lowed him and took possession of the above named meat, and took it before two Justices, when I had an order to destroy it as being unfit for human food. Owen Howell deposed: I am a butcher, residing at Narberth. At the request of P.S. Irving I inspected the veal seized by him in the market this day fortnight, belonging to D. Thomas, (now present) I consider the said meat unfit for human food. John Davies, butcher, of Templeton, corroborated the evidence of P.S. Irving and Howells. The following letter was put in for the defence. "Penblyn, April 8th, 1868. I Caleb Phillips sold a calf to Daniel Thomas, bucher, hifers calf; this calf was born on the 5 of March, and f sold it to Dav. Thomas on the 25 of March: it was a little calf as hifer's calf are in general. fit was quite healthy. It sucked its mother all this time, and had all the milk she had. its runnet is very good. Its mother was and is quite healthy. I, Caleb Phillips will take my oath on the above sayings." The defendant was fined 30s, and costs 13s, or s:x months' imprisonment with bllrd labour. Same complainant charged Griffith Davies, butcher, Narberth Road, with a similar offence. The case was proved by the same witnesses as in the previous case, and the defendant was fined 50s, and lls6d costs, or three months' imprisonment with bard labour.

FAIR PLAY FOR FISHGUARD. SIR,-l quite agree with Mr Robertson that 'an anonymous writer may assume any character ingenuity may prompt,' In the same manner as a man may make a profession of patriotism in his advocacy of national expenditure in a particular locality when his real motive may be to benefit himself. In like manner, too, a man may assail the representative of a neighbouring consti- tuency in order to advance the cause of a friend who may be desirous of occupying the seat. Mr Robertson affords me a specimen of his powers of assumption when he favours me with his speculations as to where my interests lie, and gives me a not less remarkable illustra- tion of his ingenuity when he insinuates that I write anonymously to avoid responsibility for • misrepresenta- tions.' Mr Robsrfson evidently wishes to know why I write anonymously. I will tell him—I do so becau-e 1 have no wish to give him an opportunity of writing my biography in his own style, which I think I may say is too vigorous and familiar to be acceptable. Those who remember his talent! in the biographical line, as dis- played in his famous 'pot and kettle' controversy with another representative of the shipping interests on the Haven, will, I think, say I have exercised, on this occa- sion, a wise discretion by sheltering myself beneath a 'mask.' I must confess, sir, that I am at a loss to perceive the bearing of his reference to Sir James Graham's vote on the Fisbguard Harbour Bill, and his reproduction of an abusive article on a deceased man. Does be desire our local members to follow Sir James Graham's example, and so legislate as to put pelf into the pockets of private individuals? or does he merely cite Sit James's vote on that occasion as a set off for the inactivityot Sir Hugh Owen in all that relates to Milford Haven? I cannot conceive what lesson it is Mr Robertson's wish I should learn from his reference to this particular incident in the somewhat chequered political life of a late member for Pembroke. If Mr Robertson had told us how the Dock- yard came to be removed from Milford to Pembroke dock, and how theTrinity establishment was transferred fro-u the same place to the vicinity of Pembroke Ferry, he would have enabled your readers to form an opinion of the character of the inducements which have been held out to the Government to avail themselves of the advantages of the capacious and noble harbour of Mil- ford. A sketch, too, of the proceedings in reference to the acquisition of land on the Haven for imperial purposes would be interesting; and a true and impartial account of these matters would enable the public at large to judge how far the residents on the Haven are anxious to promote national expenditure there, Do not let me be I understood to insinuate that Mr Robertson b«s been de- ficient in generosity, and that in any dealings he may have had with the Government he has not behaved in accordance with the spirit of his professions. Judging from the, tone of his correspondence, and his lament at the, indifference with which the claims of our great Harbour are treated, I should imagine that be would inake any sacrifice to secure its greatness. Considerations of private profit cannot exist where there is so much burning zeal, for the prosperity of the Haven; If he possessed property required for public works, I am willing to believe that be would not wrangle with the Government if any reasonable terms were offered him, nor would he insist upon having his pound of flesh," and his claims satisfied to the uttermost farthing by the, arbitrament of a-jufy; But it is currently reported that the endeavours to obtain there lands necessary for this, national purposes have in some instances not been liberally met, and that in other cases the Government were compelled to resort to expensive proceedings in order to obtain a settlement of the differences. My object, however, in writing to you. Mr Editor, was not to damp Mr Robertson's arlour in behalf ot Milford Haven, but to protest against bis attempt to appropriate the services of our representative. If Mr Robertson is satisfied with the representation of Pem- hroke, I think we have abundant reason to congratulate ourselves upon the representation of our own Boroughs. If, however, he thinks the prospects of the Haven may be improved by a change in the political representation of the whole county, I hope he will commence the reformation in his own locality, and offer himself at the next election for the Borough of Pembroke. The electors surely desire the advancement of the Haven. In Mr Robert. son's view, it is merely a matter of speech-making in Parliament by local members, and the Pembroke con- stituency, seeing that the desired end is so easy of accom- plishment, ought certainly to return Mr Robertson to the House of Commons. Should he become tht* member for Pembroke, and practice what he now preaches, I have no hesitation in predicting that the parliamentary de- bates will speedily become interesting—perhaps, amusing -and lie will then see what disposition there is on the part of the House of Commons to have their ignorance removed in regard to the capabilities of Milford Haven. I am, Sir, yours truly, A FISHGUARDIAN. SIR,-fn a letter dated 24th ult., I drew attention to a speech of the Member for Liverpool in tlif- House of Commons, when he stated that ships disabled in the North Sea or Baltic should proceed to the nearest port, or to Chatham for repair: that ships in St George's Channel should goto Devonport or Portsmouth, and those from the westward to Cork-Milford. Haven being not only entirely ignored, but the Dockyard recom- mended to be sold, the upeaker stating that from-the hardness of the work it woulc ba difficult to obtain addi- tional accommodation there.. When statements of such a description are made before. the House of Commons it appears astonishing thev should have passed unnoticed or uncontradicted. A mete glance at the charts would exhibit the absurdity of such mis- statements, How would it be possible for a ship crip. pled in action, with her rudder or screw gone, or ma- chinery damaged, to get from the Baltic to Chatham? or to Devonport or Portsmouth from St George's Channel? Crippled ships cannot proceed iu the wind's eye or make progress against the prevailing winds round the Land's End. It has b".en said in some of the papers that the member for Birkenhead was in close proximity to the member for Liverpool when he delivered this upeech and it is a curious coincidence. that the former has sug- gested that the Government should purchase the docks at his place for three millions, while the membsr for the latter place stated the four dockyards he proposes to abolish would fetch this identical sum. If these gentle- men were to purchase Pembroke Dockyard there is but I little doubt they would turn it to better account than the Government have hitherto done, not merely for ship- building, but refitting and manufacturing purposes, for which latter it is much more eligibly adapted, from its great natural advantages and geographical posi'ion, Both of these gentlemen have spoken highly of Cork, while they deprecate Milford Haven. Can they give any reason for such preference? Do they think ships even from the westward cannot reach Milford as eatily,a-is Cork ? I now wish to duw attention to the report of a select committee of the House of Commons on Dockyards in 1864, and the evidence given before it is of such an extraordinary character that I send you the Blue Book in which it is reported. I have only had an opportu- nity of inspecting it; within the last few days, and it has certainly astonished me, as I doubt not it will all those who are acquainted with Milford Haven, as well as the other ports alladed to. Lord C. Paget stated he had put Mr Hennesey on this comtnittee to represent Irish interests. This gentleman examined and put leading questions to the witnesses as to the capabilities of Cork. The Mayor of Cork stated that all the people of Ireland demanded a dockyard at Cork, where coals could be put on board ships at 12s per ton, and that labour was cheaper there than at any English port. The harbour master of Cork stated that they could moor 600 or 700 ships of the line at Cork, from Passage down to the harbour's mouth, and that they would swing there. Some of the Naval officers examined gave quite oppo- site accounts, and so do the Piloting directions. 1 The captain of the flagship at Queenstown stated, '1 consider the capabilities of Cork harbour are much over- ( rated. If you examine the harbour you will see that the really navigable extent of Cork harbour is merely the channel formed by the river Lee. The whole distance from Camben Fort np to Passage, where the deep water ends, is a little over six miles, with a mean of twelve measurements of width, of about a quarter of a mile, and although apprtently a very fine harbour, yet if you look at the chart, you will see that the greater part of it is a mud flat, and only suitable for small vessels to anchor.' This same officer on being asked by the member for Portsmouth whether hostilities were more likely to take place in the vicinity of the French arsenals than on the extreme west of Ireland, replied, I I think not, the most probable foreign enemy of this country is the United States; I never expect to see a French war myself.' The evidence as to the comparative merits of Chatham, J Portsmouth, and Devonport, are most contradictory, and principally confined to the superintendents, who speak in favour of their respective ports ind against others. Tbe superintendent of Devonport (Rear-Admiral Symonds) stated that they bad only one first-class dock at Devonport, and he did not consider the one at Key- ham was a first-class dock, although a million and a half had j been spent there. He further stated, in answer to questions which I copy verbatim, as follows:— 'Question—1808. Are you of opinion that Plymouth is one of the most important ports?—I look upon it as the only dockyard port in Great Britain, as a port; it is j the only harbour into which a ship can come every d -i v.' 'Q. 1810. Then you think that it Is of even more im- portance than Portsmouth ?—Yes, than any other port.' Q. 1811. Is it your opinion that we ought to have, at all events, an equal amount of dock accommodation at Plymouth as at Portsmouth ?-Most certainly; we have actually the same establishment of men; and all lame ducks' from east and west come to Devonport.' Surely such evidence as this must astonish anyone who knows, or ought to know, the history of his country; and that the officer of the high position of an admiral should be ignorant of the existence or capabilities of the tinest harbour in the British dominions is certainly re- markable. These and similar statements, either from ignorance or prejudice, in favour of other ports, have remained uncon- tradicted up to the present time. Does it not prove what was stated at the Pembroke and Tenby railway meetings. I that our Representatives in Parliament had not devoted that attention to these subjects which not only the in- terests of their constituents, but that of the nation at large and British taxpayers demanded.' If our representatives are silent on such occasions, it cannot be surprising that the great body of the members of the House of Commons should imagine Milford Haven to be a Bar Harbour, and which can only admit ships at high water. Let it be snpposeft as an Illustration, the advocates of Chatham stating the Intention of the Government to make that place lone of the wonders of the world,' and jn- ducing the House of Commons to believe that it was so- and millions are spent there inconsequence—and that other naval ports are similarly patronised—not for the benefit Of the nation, but to bring into Parliament parti- zans of the Governments of the day. If our representa- tives were to draw attention to the rumours now so cur- rent, that the Med way is being choked up with mud— and that instead of Mitford Haven betnir unapproachable, the Great Eastern had entered and proceeded a distance of nine miles up the harbour at dead low water spring tide, and, if necessary, could have proceeded six miles higher up, or fifteen milea from tbe harbour's mouth, Such facts as these may have been beneficial, not merely to local interests, but to enlighten such officer^, ■>r others, as appear to be ignorant of such facts. An eminent naval officer, Sir Thomas Hastings, gikls evidence before a select committee of the House of Com* riaons in 1848, and stated: "The probability is that whenever we have a war, some western port -wou.ld,bO, come the great port of entry for our foreign tradet because no man who could take his merchandize tOI, western port, if be were in his Senses, would hazard sail- ing a ship up the channel, where, if there is a foul wind, the vessel must go from one side of the channel to other. If she does that, she stands a great chance being taken. I entertain the opinion (which I kno" Is not generally entertained) that England, so far from having lost by the introduction of steam navigation, bat gained greatly by it in warlike power. They might also have told the House that Governmeø,* have large quantities of land here not devoted to ptibfa purposes for which it was bought, but let out at nominal rents, some portion to the officers themselves and who for many years occupied it reiitfree. They may further have represented to the House that there ate in the various parts of Milfurd Haven from to 30 sites eligible for the construction of Docks, capable of taking in ships of the Warrior Class, and that tbe Dock Yard is situated entirely on a bed of limetteae, out of which they could be excavated, and used for docks or basins in any other parts of the Havefli or for other public works. An inspection of the report" of one of the most eminent civil engineers on Milford ,I Haven (Mr Page) clearly proves its pre-eminence P0' only for shipbuilding, but for refitting and manufacturing purposes, which there is no doubt any competentaDct. unprejudiced judges would fully confirm. The only dock at Pembroke cost three times as much as it ought to have done, and there is but little doubt three docks could have been made for less than this onti if the contracts had been made open and free. Secresy, and the system of believing no one but theif own officers, have been the cause of millions being-ilo" properly expended. The Ordnance £ Board are supposed to pay fair priett in their contracts; but for every £ 1,000 paid by that Department by public tender, the Admiralty paid ? precisely similar works £ 2,000—by private treaty, Generally speaking, the Admiralty have no knowledge of buying or selling, and it appears unfair to draw onJJ1" parisons between Public and Private Dock Yards till remedy is discovered (which may easily be done) fr* sucb. „ W. ROBERTSON. Hazel Hill, 14th April, 1868. Subjoined are a few extracts from the Blue Bookø, referred to in the above letter. We have been unablf, to find space to quote at greater length in to-day's ioso i, but will refer to the subject in our next impression* The following evidence was given by Rear-Admits j." Robert Spencer Robinson :— "J Why do you think that Portsmouth requires six class docks, and that two would be sufficient at DeW* port ?—Because I apprehend that the great use in war these docks which I am now advocating would repair and get ready a fleet after an action. I, pre!!lI1J)6;: that an action with iron-clad ships is likely to takeplaClS, J in the Channel. I presume that it is likely to take between Portland and Cherbourg, more likely than any other place and I think that under these stances Portsmouth would be the place to which yoOt., ships would immediately resort to be repaired so as to be ready for aoother fight. If you had six first class your whole fleet would then t,o into dock at once come out of dook ready for an engagement. What would be your opinion as to making the principal yard for repairing our ships. There is advantage on one side of its security from an enesoyi but on the other side there is a g!eat disadvantage t" inconvenience of situation for ships seeking the nearer port in the event of a war?—It has that disadvantage 1 but I think that the advantage of being perfectly from insult, and of being perfectly udapproachable bfT coup de main, renders Chatham the most valuable in England, especially for keeping stores, and for bai ing. I look upon Chatham, ultimately, when the^S.' posed extension has beencirried out, as becoming, tte principal building arsenal in England. Is there not an advantage, navally speaking, in repairs done at the westernmost port ?—.Yes, to a certain extent, as regards operations abroad. Admiral Sir William Martin, K.C.B., examined answer to a question which the Noble Chairman you a short time ago, you were going to refer to mouth, and the Noble Chairman stopped you and saio^ Let us finish now with Portsmouth." As you riot be called again, I should like to hear what yPu view is with reference to the extent of which you think ought to be provided in respect of jlass docks at Devonport ? Considering the position Devotoport, to windward as it is at the entrance of t« Channel, what is your general opinion as to the sf tbe accommodation in first-class docks which to be provided at Devonport?—I consider that tb capabilities of Devonport as an outfitting and repai«Dft. yard ought to be equal, or nearly equal, to thos6 Portsmouth. A baffled or beaten fleet in the Chants must rendezvous at Por'smouth or Plymouth would not, under the circumstances, be able to go to eastern port'* nor to go to Liverpool, and therefore Porfr mouth and Plymouth are their only resource. ,1 You have stated that ships or fleets so could not go to the eastern ports. You think, I presu^ that it would be a great misfortune if a baffled or damagj^i 3eet putting into Devenport for repair found that wb £ aver dock accommodation there was there was iccupied, and if it was obliged to run the gauntlet of Channel and find its way round to Chatham ?— A baffled fleet under sueh circumstances, in the »f an enemy, having to go to Chatham, would probab™ be a lost fleet. » ALLEGED ATTEMPT TO SCUTTLE A SHIP_TbØ- barque Sir James, of Bristol, 588 tons, TofT master, from West Hartlepool, for Madeira, iron and coal, was picked up abandoned on 3th instant by the steamship Atlantic, bound v Liverpool, partly dismasted, in 46 46 north tude, 9 45 west, and has been towed into mouth, since which a survey has been made, it is said that in some part of the vessel an a.ug jt. hole was found below the line with a plug 1;1 The plug has been taken out and conveyed, the collector of her Majesty's customs at a mouth, in consequence of which a private exadii11 tion of the crew who have been picked ap is v.° ( being held by Captain Nott, Lloyd's special a¡re o( at Falmouth, assisted by Mr Jenkins, solicitor, Penryn (we believe on behalf of the underwrite1^ the purport of which has not yet transpife{1. Western News. J1 A- WORKING BISHOP.—Tbe Bishop of Oxford 0. Good Friday preached at Cuddesdon in. the ing, and held three Confirmations in Oxford same day-tbe first at St. Mary the ir I three p.m.; at St. Thomas the Martyr later1'1 afternoon, and at the Holywell Penitentiary 5 same evening, at 7 p.m. Having already PrSa„fir» at Cuddesdon, besides having two more £ ° mations in prospect for the same afterno^'jjjg might reasonably have been expected jjgsS Lordship would excuse himself from any ^ed' addition to the service but with his acCU u0rc!> zeal and energy, seeing the fulness of the when the Confirmation service was at an en ascended the pulpit and delivered an earR.eSt most impressive sermon from the text man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a jjoO Over 400 persons received the rite of Confir at the three services. I' ——— Printed and Published by the Proprietors, their I at LLEWELMN and THOMAS WHICHER DAVIES. TFTIIFR Uffice in High-street, in the Parish of Sa n la the County of the Town of HaverfordweB. Wednesday, April 22, 186&r