Evening Express

Telephone, National. MJ2; Post-office, 95. ) Telegrams, "Express," Cardiff. | I

NOTE S. BY "OBSERVER CARDIFF, Saturday Morning, The Exhibition autlioritiew do wisely in not allowing the grass to grow under their feet. The various sections of management—com. niittees and sub-oommittees—are constantly meeting, and solid work is being quietly pushed forward. Moreover, work at the Cat hays Park is to be commenced forthwith, so it will not be long before Cardiffians have before them a thoroughly tangible sign of the coming exposi. tion. Thefte on a scale of the first magnitude are the order of the day, both local and general. We have, for instance, the Langtry jewel rob- bery, the silver ingot robbery, the Greenmeadow jewellery mystery, and, amongst other local &en- sations, the "conveyance" of no leea than fifteen large pigeon baskets from the Cardiff Great Western Railway Station, and two from the Rhymney. Surely some hypnotic influence must be abroad in order to render such whole- sale seizures possible! Of a still more sensational character is the case of Captain Beckerleg, who, if report be correct, v as treated at Ilfracombe more after the style of the old-time wreckers than of the civilised and humane beings of to-day. It is well for peor Jack that the reception he gets on British soil when his poor, battered, lialf- dead body is washed in after a fierce battle with the elements, is usually of a more kindlly character than that alleged to have been meted out to the ill-fated captain of the Laniaky. Sir,—Now that the Cathedral-road district has become so populous, may it not be a matter for the consideration of the tramwayc com- pany to place, at any rate, a. couple of "busses on this route, as far as Pontcanaa, which will he a welcome addition to the town's improve- ment ?—I am, &c., A RESIDENT. Oct. 10. The funeral of the venerable Mrs. Studt calls public attention somewhat sadly to the erreat children's universal provider in South Wales. There is not a little boy or girl from St. Davids Head well nigh to the Severn whose face does not brighten and whose heart does not beat faster when informed that Studt is in the neighbourhood, Studt being a synonym for round-abouts, swings, and the million other delights so dear to the juvenile heart. Tho Studts have become rich through their successful catering for young Wales, and, to 110 them justice, they have showered their money with lavish hand on many a charity and de- serving object throughout the sphere of their operations. It would be a good thing if other roublio caterers of the kind were as generous and sympathetic as these trusty friends of the rising generation. The Carlylian Society are finding the Bute- street Bridge a harder nut to crack than tlhey anticipated. The Secretary of State confesses himself powerless, and has referred the matter to the Board of Trade, which is still consider- ing the matter. If the Carlylian Society can succeed in bringing adequate pressure to bear they will deserve right well of their fellow- townsmen; but they are much more llka to catch a Tartar in the Great Western Com- pany. "Crime and Insanity" was the topic disoussed by the Cardiff Social Reform Council yesterday. At any rate crime, though one looks well nigh in vain for any reference to insanity. Various papers were read, but one fails to see at finst blush the practical value of suoh a conference. It is one thing to air immorality, and quite another thing to root it out, and there is always the danger of pandering to mere sensation with- out any useful compensating result. If an im- provement m the moral and social condition of the masses follow yesterday'^ conference, good and well, but it is not likely—it was a mere parade of evils, whilst feasible suggestions ae to reform seem to have remained in the back ground. Tho other day Mr. Ralph Insole wrote me on the subject of the disgraceful waste of fruit that has been goimg on this year. The "Parish Councillor", referring to the same matter, says —"Our attention has been called to the deplo- rable waste occasioned by the immense quan- tities of apples which fall from the trees in our English orchards, and are left to rot un- gathered on the ground. In the interests of fruit-growers we have sought the opinions of two high authorities an fruit culture—Mr. B. H. Wells, F.R.H.S., of Crawley, and Mr. H. Hobday, of Rock-road, Cambridge—as to the best method of treating such fruit. Mr. Wells tells us that in America the primitive way is to pare and cut the fruit, string the pieces together by means of a darning needle and thread, a.nd hang them up to dry around the kitchen. Thousands of tons art still treated in this manner, but for dealing rapidly with large quantities, machines have been invented both for the paring and cutting and the evaporating processes. These /ary very much in price, the former costing only a few shillings, while the latter are to be bought for £7 and upwards. Mr. Hobday says that artificial desiccation is necessary in this country, and that the sugges- tion to use dry sand for the purpose is worth consideration; this is the method adopted in Germany for extracting the moisture from the everlasting flowers, which we import thence in large quantities."

SOCIAL AND I'ERSO v > T.. INTEBESTIFG PARS. Air J IN- TEBBSTING PEOPL According to "Woman," it is r than probable that during the next fe-- we shall hear of the engagement of i Ran- dolph Churchill to a. well-known oi'H-i- in the Army. SIr Algernon Borthwiek, proprietor of the "Mornimg Po<$t," who is to soon to become a. peer, has a g-reat penchant fDr collecting every sort of counterfeit pig; he has more china, silver, ar.d other kinds oi pigs than one oan poseiibly reckon up. Exciting n.vs » Prince Edward of York can now stand er&"t without assistance. HIP; grand- father, the Pnnee of Wales, who ruis had the youmg man at Marlboiough Bon>e each day that he ha* spent in town, was the first to make the discovery, anù iruformation of their child's achievement was at once telegraphed to the Duke and Duchess of York. M. Pad^rewski. who is now in England on a flying visit, will not be Sef:1I in London during the coming season. Next week he will leave England for New York to fulfil an engagement, which will be quite on the grand scale of American enterprise. M. Paderewski has arranged for a series of eighty performances during hi8 American season. The Earl of Rosslyn. who was some time ago credited with an intention of going upon the stage (an intention the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland are believed to have had a hand in smothering), has arranged to give matinee performances of "Diplomacy" at the Empire Palace Theatre, Edinburgh, on October 30 and November 2. H is lordship's fellow actors will include Lord Kilmurey, Colonel FitzGeorge, and Lady Marjoribanks. They intend the proceeds for the benefit of the Edinburgh Royal Irfinnary and other charitable institutions. Princess Louise has been taking advantage of the semi-emptiness of Battersea Park lately —such timw when she has been in town—to continue her bicycle lessons. She drives dually to the Trafalgar Club, alights there, and tiien, putting herself into the haaide of the most fashionable' instructor of the moment, goee round 9.l:d round the park in the mo4 eRergetio way possible. Occasionally, still accompanied by her instructor, of course, her Royal Highntss ventures out of the solitude of the park into the traffic of the streets. Prinoees Louise rides in the neatest coa$and ? tnÚ holdg lierae^f gpiefitfidly.

A Cruise in the Channel OUT "SEEKING" WITH A CARDIFF PILOT. How Some Steamer Captains Treat the Couriers of Our Coast when Pursuing Their Perilous Calling. The discussion of the "amalgamation" ques- tion has retarded me in my description of my trip down Channel. which was now drawing to a close: however. I may mention that I shall shortly have to return to the question of "steam" versus "sail," as opinions amongst the Cardiff pilots as a body seem to be greatly divided. I grave expression when discussing this important question to certain facts which struck me, and I inquired into the details attaching to the reform in a careful and conscientious manner; if, then, these who read it and approved of it, but could suggest improvements, would communicate with me, I should feel greatly obliged. Need I say that I shall at the same time cordially welcome contributions on this vexed question of amal- gamation from those of the pilots who disagree in toto" with my views of the inner details of the calling? I cannot hope to ever have the insight that a. pilot of long standing has had; but, looking at the "combination and co-opera- tion" scheme for pilots from a business point of view, I must confess that the members of that "honourable and useful craft" are very muesli behind the times. Whilst other professions have advanced and kept apace with the times, the pilots, from one cause or another, still work on lines that halif a century ago might have suited the requirements of a port like Cardiff; but which to-day leave them at the meroy of masters and owners of vessels. "Rome was not built in a day," and' no reform, however bene- finia.1. it may be hereafter, can ever be intro- duced without Btrong opposition; still, if those of the Cardiff and Barry pilots who were caught in the storm in their frail crafts last week had bcRTi in steam," not only would they them- selves have been in much greater safety, but, by their assistanoe, they oould., with profit to themselves, have saved property and rescued snme who now fre :;),0 more. Well, we were cruising—at the time I branched off into the amalgamation question— off Hartland Point, speaking to such ships as came within hail. I have never seen a prettier Right than I saw that afternoon. There was a lisrht breeze, which just faintly rippled the azure surface of the Channel; the sun was shining on Hartland Point, showing up the lighthouse in bold relief against the rugged background, and, between us and the land, there were five school ers, with all sails set. making down Channel. The latter appeared, to a landsman's eye. to be engaged in a game of "tip." First ens would draw ahead, only to he immediately followed by the remainder, this continuing until the little fleet had rounded the point and been lost to our view. I little thought when I saw the schooners thus disporting themselves that the time was near at hand when one of them would become a prey to "Father Neptune's" anger; yet i* was even so. She was lost with all hands on her return voyage in the Bristol Chanel, in the terrible gale whioh created such havoo in the shipping world at the commence- ment. of last week. There are some of us who would like to pry into the future whioh an All- wise Providence has hidden from us. Joking and laughing that sunny afternoon, the crew of the ill-fated, vessel, unconscious of their im- pending doom, would have acted other- wise had they known how soon their time was to come. It is one of the most distressing things to contemplate. We see a ship sailing proudly along, with all her canvas set; all goes as merry as a marriaire bell, until the gale springs up, and then that vessel, in which so many hopes are centred, which is followed in her voyages by so many anxious hearts, has to con- tend against the fury of wind and water, only later to be reported "Lost with all hands" at Lloyd's. Round the point, Stoke Church tower was pointed out, and "Secundus" told me it was sup- posed to lie the highest church tower in England. We went cruising down for about another two hours, and, not seeing any vessels in sight, put about and returned to Hartland Point. I was wondering- whether we should be enabled to get a ship that night, and was chaffing my host about the bad luck I had 'brought him, when, on the stillness of the air. was borne to us the throbbing noise which the screw of a "light" vessel makes. In spite of our being at our tea, business came before pleasure, and, putting about, we ran down—for the breeze had now freshened—towards a. large steamer which was rapidly "hulling up." Out came the binocu- lars, and before I could much more than maka out that it was a steamer, Chalke and "Secun- dus'' had settled in their minds, not only what line she belonged to. but also her name. We hailed, seeing no pilot flag astern—generally a sure indication that a pilot is aboard-and asked the master whither he was bound. I must confess that I should like to meet the captain of that steamship again, if only for the sake of reminding him how he treated the pilot on board whose cutter I was. First, our hail was not answered, and then, after consulta- tion with others on the bridge, the master re- plied, "Cardiff. I only give roads pilotage." We agreed to take it, and asked him to stop his engines, but, with a sarcastic smile on his face, and flippantly throwing his cigar butt in our direction, the steamship ploughed on her way to Cardiff. My camera., in anticipation of our going aboard the steamer, was not ready, otherwise I should have liked to have taken a. photosrraph of the captain, and immortalised him through the columns of the "Eveninar Express." T said as much, but Secundus" mournfully remarked that he fmred such an attempt would destroy my films. When I returned to terra firma I commented on the way we had been treated, and wa.s told that it was nothing1 unusual among a pertain elass of vessels. "You see," said my informant-who. was the master of probablv one of the largest steamers sailing from Cardiff— "this is how it stands. Some ves- sels—a good many more than people imagine— sign on a "coasting pilot" as third mate. Well. he is qualified to conduct the d,?n round the coast to the commencement of private pilotage. I need hardly tell you lie very often brings the ship either into port or to some point where the local pilots' fee is small." I asked was this sort of practice common, and whether there was no way of putting an end to it. "It is wrong and dishonest," was the reply, "and it is a cui* tom I should have thought that L^-d's and the underwriters would have investigated in their own interests, for it stands to reason that the only man who can know the ins and outs of any particular place is a local man. or else one who has been at it for years. Yes, there is some sort of law to prevent the coasting pilot bringing a ship into a port where there are local pilots. If the latter can prove the presence of the former in their waters they can Flue the ship- owner for the usual pilotage fee. but it is never, or hardly ever, done. Myself, I have the greatest admiration for the pilots as a body, and my owners are never averse to my taking one from the extreme limit." But to return to the cutter, we were naturally sore at the manner in which we had been treated. An offer had bren mide by the captain of the steamship which we accepted, and, with a contemptuous smile, he sailed away. I know, of course, that there was nothing to compel the master of the steamer to take us; but if he did not intend to avail himself of my host's ser- vices. why did he state he would only pay "roads pilotage," and why, when the offer had been accepted—his offer, mind-did he sail awav? It was a childish trick, to use no harsher term. and one very much on par with HUlt of those whn, beckoning a. beggar to them, and when the latter, thinking he will get a small donation, hurries ujp. laugh in his face. Had it not been a fine night, and had the Bristol Channel been a seething, turbulent mass, with a rapidly falling .glass. I do not doubt but that we should have been more cour- teously treated. Tbere was nothing, however, to be done, so we returned to our tea and discussed our recent experience. T was told that such a thing, though—in fairness to masters of vessels sailing in and out of Cardiff—by ni menns the rule, yet WAS not uncommon'. Who is reA'P()ll¡;:ible 1 However, it is not for me to say; some, later on, sai'd the master: others the owner. Now. as I said a sh-irt while back. I wonder the under- writers with whom the Rhip is insured do lot make it a s'ne qua non that as soon as private waters are entered the local pilot should be tak?n aiboard. Such a course would at least minimise the chance of anything1 happening to the ship and, in the end, would pay all concerned. As a case in point, not very 1on.g- after my retun, a ship discharged her pilot at the NaFn, and, proceeding down Channel, ran ashore on Lundy Island. Now. had the pilot been on board, not onlv would such an accident have been in all probability prevented, but there would have been the saving of the huge expenses incurred in connection with salvage opeorntiOIlA, the loss of time, and. as a natural consequence, the loss of monev to th owners. Niighb, a I^Jautiful starlight night, was coming on when we again heard the throbbing of a sorew our flare was prepared, but unneces- sarily. for the incoming steamer, seeing we were a p'lot-cutter, stopped and awaited our arrival. What did I tell you?" said' Chalke. I knew we should g-et a sihip home," aJI1d, sure enough, as we approached the da.rk mass thp ladder waf< thrown over her side. I do not think T ever had a more unoomfortaMe two minutes than when I contemplated the side of the vessel up which I had to climb. Luckily, the night was fine. and, although the breeze had freshened considerably, I l^ade my preparations to follow the pilot. TIp w*nt Chalke. as nimble as a. lad of sixteen, then up went my belongings, and then T went up. I gripped hold of the "man ropes" with a determination to stick to them through thiok and thin, but, luckily for age, 1 not Rut jjo. a- yery 1w'4 ?- I ?- -?-?- mounted to about the third step, and was think- ing that the ship's company would either take me for an ex-first mate or something connected with a seafaring life, when I happened to look up. If anv of my readers have ever had a similar experience they can understand the start I got. One minute the ladder was lying on the vessel's side, the next-iw> she swung towards me —it separated and left a gaping chasm below. I shuddered- and wondered how oneartk- perhaps I should say, on sea—on a really bad night a pilot managed this "climb." However, there was no time for ruminating, an several heads were peering over the bulwarks, and several pairs of hands stretched—guessing, pro- bably, that I did not care to mount, and still less felt inclined to descend—out to collar me a.t any part that offered. Up I went, as gingerly as if I was treading on a high lv-polished floor, until I felt myself lifted over the bulwarks on deck. Of course, then. I was all right Who would not have been? Yet I did not quite care for the friendly way in which my two "rescuers" told me the number of steps leading to the bridge, and the manner in which they advised me to sæp over the steam pipes which worked the winches. Chalke had preceded: me, and, having acquainted the cap- tain with the cause of my being with him, I v/ns introduced to the latter, who proved—but this must come in the next instalment—to be one of the most entertaining a.-nd most original characters that it has ever been my lot to come across. I have spoken of the manner in which we were treated by the one steamer hut be- fore I left the ftfvip we had just boarded I could not help feeling that Providence must have put it into the captain of the former vessel to serve us :1. he did in order that T mio-h* tho company of the skipper, whose ship was now cnuying mv late home hut a scintillating speck on the water—rapidly too. wards Cardiff- THE "WANDERING JEW." (To be continued.)

CHIME AND INSANITY. A PUBIjIC CONFERENCE AT CARDIFF. A public conference connected with the Car- diff Social Reform Council was held in the LfMfr Park-hall. Cardiff, on Friday night, when addresses were delivered by Mr. J. Glenelg Grant, Dr. T. Garrett Horder, and others. The president of the council (Mr. John Cow) w»s in the chair, and the attendance num- bered not many more than 100. Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., was presenS but had to leave oarly in the proceedings.—In his opening re- marks Mr. Cory said they were not interested in wry party or sect or with any particular institution, but were there on a common plat- form, laying aside political and religious distinctions to promote the social and moral welfare of their fellow-men. They had a deep sense of the evils existing ,)n every hand, and a. strong conviction of their responsibili- ties as citisens—that had given birth to tne reform "ouiM'l, which had done good work sinoe its formation, and made its influence felt at ths brewstBr sessions, opposlng any increase in tJiq number of public-houses, of whifih they had too many for the general welfare of the community. The society had also done effective work in dealing with publio hoardings ;■ nd indecent posters. They were grateful too their secretary (Mr. Percy Thomas) for the earnest- ness ana energy he manifested in seeking to raise the moral toDe of Ahe town. He (Mr. Tkoaaao) had reaped the reward constantly given *11 wnu championed the cause of rigiiteou/s.e&s by those who bad rested mtereets in the evils protested against. Mr. Grant had also shown self-saorifioe in his investigat ons amongst the den.i of iniquity in Cardiff. He rejoiced at the sympathy shown m the work by the Cardiff press, sjidl trusted that the outcome would lie the removal of the foul spots of Darker Cardiff. —Mr. J (i. Grant rood a graphic paper on "Seamen's Boarding-houses," in which hs appealed for the compulsory enactment of the corporation bye-la.ws. Glamorganshire had the unenviable distinction of being the most crimi- na1 county in England and Wales, but was it always to be so ? He hoped not. They hoped to remove the stigma. As hon. superintendent of the Cardiff Sailors' Rest, Mr. Grant said there were 200 bowrdiug-hoiues in Cardiff, and the number WM increasing. He alleged tha> many of t.hese bouses were httle better than houses of ill- fauie, and urged' that licences should, not be granted without the approval of representatives of the Board of Trade and the police. He also pointed' out that the police could not- interfere with drinking in these houses after closing hours.—A vote of tbank.3 was proposed to Mr. J. Jenkins and other members of the corporation for the a^sirianct) thev had given in the matter.—Tho Rev. J. D. V13i1ters, one of the deputation who waited upo*> tlhø health committee, seconderl, and the vote was carried Jenkins, in reply, believed that those interested in this wrrk, if they were not too hafty, would o'>ta:i» the object* +hey had in view. He hoped shipowners wouM see their way to pay a rate ,of w»«es which would enable men to lire comfortably io respectable houses.—Dr. Gar- r-ftt Hord«r next read, a paper on "Onr Waifs and StrvV in which he described the work of the Cardiff society in relieving destitute childhood, wid suggested a day industrial seLoo!.—The Rev. W. Spurgeon fol- lowed upon the same lines, adding that thq looal. pooiety had found 69 Cardiff children who oould neither read nor write.—Mr. Lewis Williams (chairman of the Cardiff School Board) disputed this entirely, ar»d maintained that the school board was doing ite duty as bast it could.—County Councillor Hughes (chairman of the asylum committee) brought forward statistics allowing the increase of hnaoy iT! GJr> morgan shire, 1u common with the increase in the country as a whole, but at a, much less ratio in comparison.—Mr. Percy Thomas wound up the proceeding* with an iv- diotment of the Rhondda vor laxity of morals. The remarks of Dr. Williams (county medical officer of health) were, he said, amply bome out by the speaker's observations. There were hoi'sos in an inssflvitary condition—bonces in which horses ought not to sleep. To remedy the condition of things in these hills and valleys of Wales t.,hey must strike r- the ioot, and return to the public authorities men pledged to reform abuse*. ~t WM A common, occurrence for ?. family of five or six to have three or four men lodgers—-which was a terrible Mtoia of affairs in a civilised nemmunity, pl&c. ing a bar, as it djid, praitiorally upon privacy ic.«d defcenfc living1. These »odging-houBes ahould be rogiater^d, and brought under roob. supervision as would prevent overcrowding. Dr. Williamd, he went on, called special atten- tion to the terrible amount of bastardy fostered under these conditions, and which, in the speaker's opinion, was inextricably mixed up with tho high rate of infant mortality.—On the motion of the Rev. J. D. Watters, a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and the speakers.

PROPOSED PILOTS' UNION. THE EXPENSE OF A STEAM-CUT- TER DISCUSSED. To the Editor of the ''Fvening Express." Sir,—In a recent iseue I observed an article Ihaaded "A Pilots' Union at Cardiff," and signed by "Wand-ring Jew." Being a directly ir-.tercsted party, l at once conmunced it. perusal, and) soon found it was not from the jp'in of a Otrdifl pihJt, hut from one who had be&n instruiated by a number of the Cardiff pilotage body. On the earlier part of this effusion I .Jhail make no comment other than to say tihait tiie combination and co-operation he mentions have no reference to the system of amalgamation of pilots in their profession and working property, but, ratfrer, to tihe system of Trades Unionism of which we hear so much from time to time. But to ccme to the prac- tical part. Jew" givos us no infbrmatti'on as to amount of purdhase or coat of workimg on tihe lines he advocates. He merely alludes to a custom prevalent among steamship a fimall sum down and the rest on mortgage—not a word of what per- centage on the amount mortgaged. Of the Laitter I have hiad a little experience, and in fnbTe. if possible, intend to keep clear. Once the steam cutter is adopted the JS55,000 wortfh of property a.llud«<d to in tihe artrrle is abso- lutely worthless. Then, whence win come tihe siml'l saum down ? N«-xt, for the small item of expense of working tihe steam outiter. Thie wesemt pilotage system from Cardiff to Lundy Island cannot be worked by less than four cutters. I sHnsVl not take into consideration one to be kept in reserve. P it thiem at tihe lowest figure— £ 8,000 each, carry- ing fourteen hands; £1.400 per annum for wa#e8 and provisions; £ 1,605 for coal. oil and wear arud tear, and insurance aot 7 peT oont., £ 560. Multiply this bv four; then I ask "Wandienntr Jew" how he arrives at tftie saving of £ 12,000 of the present £ 18.000 expended in wa«?es and provisions Further sums to be added to the above purdhase money are £ 32,000 at 8 per cent., i.e., -R2.560 per asraiim. and £ 35,000 on obsolete boats at 5 per cent, per annum, i.e., £l. 750. MIO the latter sum would have to be ryaid II¡nnu:al!1v for twenty years, unless on suoh boats as may be sold during that pariiod. I would a.1k the Cardiff pilots to total up those figures, or calculate for themselves what the cost ma.y be, before rusihing into a system of working ae to which tfhey hOlVe n0 idieta eitiher of the cost or what the ultimate resuU may be. In the above estimate I have mot taken into consideration £350 a year for manager and £'2;0 eaieh for two agents to look after tfhe bu-iness ashore. T could mention mam* more sU-œte,n.f].d objections to trhe flYRtem beside th-. crowcSing of «. )Si»s number of pilots and a crew of foKirteen into one vesseL Pro- bably T shall shortly give a more detailed and accurate a^tcorn** of cost after making neces- sary inquiries.—I am, &c., A CARDIFF PILOT.

Sir W. Davies's Affairs PETITION FOR RECEIVING ORDER IN BANKRUPTCY. Petitioning1 Creditors Authority Ques- tioned and Registrar Re- serves His Decision. The petition lodged by Mrs. Myers, of Hazelbeach, Nevland, for a receiving order in bankruptcy against the firm of Daviee, George, and Davies, solicitors, Haverfordweet, was heard at Pembroke Dock on Friday, before the registrar, Mr. S. H. Owen. There were a laige number of creditors in the vicinity of the county-courfc office long before tho time ap- pointed fcr the commencement of the hearing. The original intention was to hold the sitting in the registrar's chambers, but, tiie accommo- dation there being inadequate, a move was m»d« to the Temperance-hall. The member* of t,he firm present were Mr. W. D. George and Mr. Colin Rees Davies. The latter and Sir V m. Davies tvere represented by Mr. S. T. Evans, M.P., and Mr. George looked after his own interests. Mrs. Myers, tho petitioning creditor, was absent, and was represented by Mr. H. Jones Lloyd, solicitor, Pembroke Dock, who acts as agent for Mr. Sound, Great Turnstile, London, the petitioning solicitcr. Mr. Eaton Evans (of the firm of Eaton Evans and Williams, solici- tors, Haverfordwest), the gentleman who called together the creditors, and Air. Martin, of London (Mrs. Myer's nephew), and a large number of interested parties were also prese.it. Mr. Jones Lloyd, in opening the application, referred to the petition on the file, whereby it was alleged that the firm of Davies, George, and Davies were indebted to Mrs. Elizabeth Myers for the sum of JB468 12s. 3d. That was, he presumed, the point that would be disputed by the learned counsel. The next point wis that the same firm committed acts of bank- ruptcy on August 31. 1895, September 9, September 23, September 30, and divere other days. The third point was that the firm had given motice so the creditors that they had suspended, or were about to suspend, payment of their debts, including the petitioner's debt. Hence the act of bankruptcy. It -was only necessary, he thought, for him to prove at that hearing (1) service of the petition, (2) debt, and (3) act? of bankruptcy. Having done that it would be for the debtors to show cause against him. The Registrar then made a reference to the affidavit on the file, about which Mr. S. T. Evans stated there was no question. Mr. Jones Lloyd then proceeded to prove the debt. This was simply an affidavit that the firm was indebted to Mrs. Myers to the sum named ahove. Mr. S. T. Evans, M.P., said he had had no notice of it, neither had he a notice of any application to be made to dispense with the personal attendance of the pet tioning creditor, and, therefore, he objected to that being taken as an affidavit, seeing that the petitioning credi- tor's representatives had not obtained any order from the registrar which would permit of the petitioning creditor absenting herself. Mr. Jones Lloyd said he was not supposed to bring the petitioning creditor 300 or 400 miles, or to cart her all over England. Mr. Evans: What ? Not to present your petition to prove your debt? Mr. Jones-Lloyd said lie was backed up by the practice of tha.t court. The Registrar, replying to Mr. Evan3, admitted that he had made no order dispensing with the petitioning creditor's appearance. Mr. Evans: Then in that case I object to any affidavit being filed. The Registrar asked if it could be shown whether he could dispense with it. Thereupon followed an exhaustive inquiry, and after about an hour's discussion the Regis- trar ruled that the petitioning creditor's appear- ance was absolutely ind:spent3able. Mr. Lloyd Will you then adjourn for quar- ter of an hour or twenty minutes, and I will produce her. The Registrar (amazed): What! have you got her here ? Goodness! why have you wasted aN this time ? I will give you a quarter of an hour, and no more. On the resumption of the sitting, Mrs. Elizabeth Myers was sworn. Ex- amined by Mr. Lloyd, she stated that from time to time she had deposited moneys with the firm of Messrs. Davies, George, and Co., soli- citors, Haverfordwest. She ha nd.'xi in at the office of the firm to a Mr. Wilham John the sum of JB160 on De lamiber 30 1880. On De- cember 27, 1881, she deposited £ 8, and on D- cember 19, 1882, a further sum of £90. Her account was with the firm of Mtssrs. Davier-, George, and Co., from whom she gok th:? state- ment (.prodl1œd), together with II book which was supplied to her son two years ago, in whidh 'an account of the interest was tc lie' entered "1t tlhe office in question,. At tha.«i time he had to carry some papere to the bank. By adding inte'rest to the three sums named, there was a sum of JE468 12s. 3d. now to hm- fmm the firm. She never received :\>ny initerest from the firm, and hud left it until she thought she mig'ht want it. She received by posrt a. circular oonvenang a meeting of creditors. It was d:i ted September 1 la^t. Mr. S. T. Evans was now called upon to produce ledgers of the firm and the list of creditors, and, althoi gh notice had been given to produce, srtill Mr. Evans declined to com- ply with the request. Mr. Lloyd asked the registrar to particularly note this foot. Mr. Evans said he had always understood that a general notice to produce was useless. Mrs. Myers, reipiying to Mr. Lloyd, paid the debtors owed her JB468 12s. 3d., for which she did not hold any se> writy. Mr. Evans cross-examined as to the marriage settlement, and asked: You know that this is your marriaee settlement ? Witness: Yes. Are you aware that, under your marriage settlement, you appointed Mr. Wm. John your trustee ? Mr. Lloyd: Don't you think it would be fairer to the witness to put the document in as a whole? Mr. Evans contended that the witnes? knew who her witness was, and protected against auyene of the witnesses who attended her whis- pering the answers which they desired her to make. The v itness, replying to Mr. Evans's last question, said that she could not remember any- thing about tl1e to whether a. trustee Was appointed—because it was so long ago. She, ho.yever, admitted that she had some free- hold and leasehold property at that time, which was included in her statement. Mr. Lloyd raised an objection to the learned counsel examining the witness upon the docu- ment in question. Mr. Evans thought the objection a romÐl one. If the witness did not remember she could say so. Mr. Lloyd again contended that the dooument ought to be proved. have you not asked Mr. William John for authority to bring these not a4; all; he has nothing to do with them. Mr. Lloyd: What position does he occupy? Mr. Evans The signature is evidence of it. Mr. Lloyd: Does Mr. John admit himself to be your trustee?—No, he does not. I have never spoken to the man on the matter since the money was put there. The Registrar stated that there was evidence of an account with Mr. John as a trustee. Mr. Lloyd As regards the J690, what was that for?—It was my own earnings, and was de- posited with the firm by my husband. Mr. Lloyd asked her what the gentlemen went to her houee for recently, and Mr. T5vans replied that they went there for the purpose of preventing the estate being squan- dered in bankruptcy. Mr. Lloyd: Did they bring any pressure to bear upon you? Witness: They said they thought it best fe- me to withdraw the proceedings. Did they make any offer with regard to the costs?—I can't remember. As a matter of fact, you have not withdrawn the petition?—No. Mr. Evans said it appeared from her marriage certificate that she was married in December, 1880, and she made the marriage settlement some time afterwards, and her signatory to the document was "Elizabeth Martin." Mr. Lloyd asked Have you since the failure oi' Davies. George, and Davies, applied to Mr. John for information concerning the money mentioned in the deed? Witness: I wrote once to him. and he said he had nothing in the world to say. Mr. Evans objected to the letter being put in. remarking it would be backstair evidence. The Registrar ruled in Mr. Evans's favour. Mr. Llovd then put in three letters and an affidavit bv Mr. Alton, chartered :i<xxmntant, London, "-tii related whait transpired .at a nieftlntg of the creditors. Mr. Evans obj eted to it on the ground that it was irrelevant, and Mr. Llo,vd' showed that it was proof of an act of bankruptcy. The Registrar was afraid it could not be received in face of his ruling that the presence of Mrs. tylyiTs oould not be dispensed with. Mr. Alton should have been present. Thomas Plunkett Martin, son of Mrs. Myers, WM otIhen called'. He said he was present at the first meeting of creditors, on the 9th ulit., representing his mother. Mr. Taylor, chartered accountant, Swansea, was there. Mr. Lloyd: Is Mr. Taylor in the room? Witness (pointing to Mr. W. D. Gtorge, one of the debtors): Yea, sir; that is hie. (Laugh- Mr. George: Fancy, Mr. Registrar, he takes me to be a chartered accountant. (Laugtlvter.) Mr. Evan#?: That shows the value of this witness's evidence. Witness: Well, he is similar to that gentle- ma.n I think. (RF newed Ian#liter. )^ Mr. Lloyd Was Mr. Earton Evans tn-ere. — Yes. ? Was he the acting solicitor to the firm Mr. Evans How can he say tJhait ? Mr. Lloyd: There is the circular letter, j How can you dispute it? It comes from. 1 Eaton Evans and Williams, aolicitore. (To ?- witness): Was Mr. Eaton Evans acting fof the firm ? Witness: As far as I aan aware. And did be make a statement at that meet.. ing of creditors, and did Mr. Taylor, of Swan- sea., read a Hbatemenit of ass«te and liabilities ? Mr. Evans interrupted, and said that it muMt be proved that these gentlemen were adting at aH, as the firm oould not be held responsible for everything that was raid at the • meeting1. The witness, continuing, said the meeting WM held at the Temperance-hall, Haverford- west, and Mr. Bowen Rowlands was the chair- man. He was not a.ware that Sir William Davies or Mr. George or MT. Colin Davios was present at it. At th<< third meeting Mr Eaten Evans wa.fi present. Mr. Llovd: Did he state at that meeting whether the estate could pay 20s. in the £ or nQt ? Witness: He said the estate could pay from 6s. to 7s. in the JE. Mr. Evans again objected, on the ground that no proof had yet been tendered that Mr. Eaton Evans acted for the firm, and the Regis- trar ruled that it was not admissible. Mr. Lloyd said that anything that transpired at the meeting of creditors could be put in as evidence. He alluded particularly to the state- ment of affairs prepared by Mr. Taylor. The Registrar sa.id no question oould be asked on that. It would only be a waste of time, because it had not been proved that he was acting for the firm. Mr. Lloyd: Was anything said as to whether the family of Sir William Davies were going to give up anything?—It was said the family were going to sacrifice a certain amount for the creditors. On what condition ?—Provided that the estate should not go into bankruptcy. Did Mr. Colin Davies get up to speak?—Yes. I could not tell what he was saving. I think some of the creditors walked out when he started speaking. In cross-examination by Mr. S. T. Evans, witness said he could not take an oath as to what Mr. Eaton Evans had said, but he could swear to some things that were said there by others. Air. J. Aleyler Martin, nephew of the peti- tioning creditor, who deposed that he was engaged as solicitor's clerk at 11, Great Turn- stile, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, gave evi- denre as to the proceedings at the third meet- ing of creditors, on the 30th of September. Cross-examined by Mr. S. T. Evans, witness, said he was an old' clerk of Sir Wm. Davies, in whose employ he had been for 37 vear.i. He would not say that he was the instigator of those proceedings. He was present that dav on behalf of Mr. Charies Lound. of Great Turnstile, London, who was the petitioning solicitor. Air. Lound, your employer, takes trustee- ships in bankruptcy?—Yes, a great many. And he s very anxious to get this?—I don't know. Are j ou interested in Mr. Alton, chartered accountant7—Well, yes. How ?—Well, I will tell you how it is. My son is ongagod as an accountant in hia office," ard. seeing the report of Sir William Davies's affairs in the local papers, he conoeived the idea that it would be to his advantage to take the matter up—that is to say, to the advantage of Mr. Alton and son to have some of the You wapt him to comfcj into some of the estate?—It may result in some costs. That is thp advantage to which you Y HI; we all have to live, you see. Yes, yfes, I know, and in order to do thia good turn to Air. Alton. and your son you ir-stigated these proceedings?—Well, nn: that is not fo. The work was put at my door. It has been dPne to make moiney. Mr. Lloyd said that was all the evidence he had to submit. It mjght. be necessary a.t a later stage to ask the registrar to amend the petition in some shape or form. Air. S. T. Evans then addressed the court on behalf of the debtors. Ho suggested that the petition had been instigated by Mr. Martin, although he had madfe a denial, and, in con- nection with it, that the gentleman lmd can- didly said he hoped to gain. advantages for Mr. Alton and his son, but whether the advantage, in the event of bankrupltcy, would tum oui better for the general body of creditors was another matter. In the interest of the alleged cielittors them. (Ives, and in carrying outi, aa they thought, the wishes of the general body of crEditors. the firm thought they are entirely wiihin their rights in opposing thp petition for a receiving order. Alr too who instigated theee proceedings, and as to whose advantage they were instigated, w^te not very important fitters. The question was, whether Mrs. Myers had proved her title to have a receiving order a nd whether she had proved a debt which waa sufficient to warrant her to file a petition in bankruptcy. That was a point the court had to decide. He submitted that she had not made out her case as against any of the respondents. As to the alleged acts of bankruptcy, he sub- mitted there was no satisfactory proof at all of them. and quoted several cases to prove his contention. Air. W. D. George said it would be quite idle to waste the time of the court, as he endorsed all the learned counsel had s-aid. The Registrar said he would reserve the points for consideration. Mr. George suggested that the term of adiournment should be as short as (possible, as it might well be imagined that a pending) bankruptcy proceeding interfered with hiw opprations. The Registrar intimated his acceptance at the susrgestion. Mr. Jones-Llovd then dealt at great length with the arguments of the learned counsel, I ari<^ The Registrar reserved his decision until Werlnesdav next. Mr. Lloyd: If vou hold that the two junior partners were not liable for the acts of the senior partner that would not make the peti- tion invalid a* against the senior partner. Tiie Registrar: I will consider it. The court rose at 4.20.

GAZETTE NEWS. PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED. Q-jt rge Priir,Iia.fi and J. r;, Thomti, trading M tit" Llanellv Vn«e and Stone Company, at jJaaellyi "'11i Abergavenny, 'Sm»and stone merchants. RAXKRlirrOY ACTS, 1883 'ATD 1890.—RECEIVING1 ORDERS CpcrfO K'-vter. fjrove-sti'oet. 'TSwt.h. near Maestejj, Isie'.v Cuckoo-street, TVmtyrwnmier, both Glamorgan- shire painter, Icoralor, ant' huteKcr. T>!NK«.n Robe'teon, Manor.Tfcr**>t, Biaengarw, t fHanionjpwstairp, outfitter nod dealer. Wytwrt Heitznian, Taff-street, Pontypridd, watch-, rn&kc.r and • fitST MEETING? *NI> DATES OF PUBLIC RKAMTXVTTOVS. rlliur OoTcn. trpdins; AS K crrisoTi ami SOT, Clinrles-^rect, Wrexham, jruntfiP'th .and naturaltot; rrifet'ug O. '!nh»r 1.8, it nooli, "lie Priory, Wr«:fliam p'ihl-> pxaniinauoni November ,12, at noon, tfir Conntv-haU, Wrrxbam. Jobn Aureiias. Oommereial-road, Newport, Moil., licensed victualler: 3rs+ meeting October 22, at tbree ii m %t tbc. Official Recewer a Room public axami- ■)<U'ir«n October ??, at eleven '1., st t,}- Town-hall, Vs?V;n.<m Plrllips, ,v ^ryngwyn-road, Vew- T.art, Mof.. MKI trading it George-street. Pontypridd, H'.eh-strort. *ontyr'-Md. W-ndy-sqtiare, tony- mndv, clothier, outfitter, and hoot merchant; nrst meeting Octeber 18, at three p.m.. at 23, Cohnore- ow, R.rnrnglwm public ".xaminatinn November IZ, i-wo p.m., at Court-he use, Pontypridd. .Toeenh P. Piuinett, Oxford-etreet and Oaer-street, Swansea, stationer a.nd newsagent: first meeting OHnhor 18. at ?',3n p,m., at the Official Receiver s, Swansea", public examination October 24, a.t 11.30 a.m., at *h- Town-halt. Smuieea. William Roe*. stwwifW'a-nMid. Pontftidulais, u-Ia- jporc&r.shire, ^iMnner first meeting October 13, at U 710 i m a' the Official Receiver's, Swansea public rwnir.'ition October 24, et 1T.30 a.m., at the I own- ball. Swansea.. „ .Tfijr.Pfl WHataB, NVafh-road, Hafod, Swansea, J.vldlpr; first meetine October 18, at noon, lit the OfflH'l RpcMvc'r, SVSIISCE public examination October ?4, sf. 11.30 a.m., at the Tovm-hall, Swan- V^iu^n Pobbc, of Croft-street, l:1oat,h, Cardiff, v^ and f\,?'h Scaler: Pr»i- meeting October 22, at rV-n .•». ip., 't ?}- Official Receivers, Cardiff; publio rvomir'.Knti Or fob ::1 5*i, st fen -vm., at the Town- ¡"I1, Cvdiff..„ 4r.f. a^ter. of 0"owrtr?st, Tywitfi, near Mrcsteir. i».fcclv 'Oickor-^tteef, Pontynwmmer uto- mwr*-Mlii>e, vwl decorator end butcher; neetinsr Ortohe.7 82. 7.1.W a.m., OfWciai jjpoeWct's, Cardiff: public examination P' i'.ivT ''5. "t *ni, a.in., "t !p "\iwn-ha!l, Cardiff. yoiTOvr or DIVIDENDS. .lone-, '.nd 'rboiris* (Tones, carrying on 'vmineer. ft MarifivL, Mid Tbr>mas Jtmes, both of firm, Marg^m. 'Uamorpmetnro, (armors; first, and 'ina.1 dividend, 5s. M. in the B, payable. .t ORTIRIAL VOCOIVER'FL, SWANSEA. tMwar^ RaWrin, ot BrKlgp-atrcct, BuiK-h, Bmcou. -4iir- ♦jsfkl'cr; irat- a,nd final divdend, :31!. in the' r- mvrble *t the OflV-ia! Receiver's, Uanidioetu VrVrrr Put,lev, o» Higb-Htreet, Ruilfch, Jeweller; fi-st and '«! div'-d.end, 1 3-lc.d. in the £ t*ayablo at the Official Receiver's. L'anidloes. Da.v;d Wi'liamo, ot V/ooff(icld«trccu, Morristpn, G,imor''anihire, ironmonger; first dividend, 4d. in the £ iK'.vabb at the offi.ee of the Wholesale Traders Asff-clation, ';6, Oorpomtion-street, Birmingham. NJTICES OF INTENDED DIVIDENDS AND LAgrI DAYS TOR RECEIVING PROOFS. High E. Watts, of Monkton, Pembroke, Pembroke- shire, eroeer fvnd baker; October 26. Tl on-as J Powell, of Llanelly, Carmarthenshire, ironmonger October 26. Obnrloe A. Davies, lately Helen # crescent, sow St. Helen's-avenue, Swansea,, and lately trading at the I Stores, Oxford-street, Swans>», h",y and com dealer; > Octrb-r 75. ADJUDICATIONS. Dnncan Robe'ftixio, cf Marion-afcrccfr. Blaengarw, (r!ar>!orjransh''rc, outfitter and hoot dealer. C ^orr^. Slater, 72,, C4roT<trect> Tywifcn, near M»/*teg. Htely Cuckoo-si.reet, Poutycwmmer, Gla- morganshire, fainter and decorator and butcher. John Iwrelius, of the OMMe Motet, Commercial- road, Newport, licensed victualler. .Tn-hn Tliomas, o* "ot+li "nd Pcoygraig, (Jteuiorgaa* .hi o:c, end contractor ?.

MACEDONIAN" SITITATIOlf. A Reuter's telerrram from Athene on Thurø. day saya :—Appr ehension is expreaaed among tbc public and in the press regarding the IIltua. t;on in Macedonia. The newspapers fear :100 Bulgarian invasion of that province.

The Treorky Male Y crioe Choir met ws4v splendid reception at their concert in Gwyn-hall, Neatb, on Thursday; nigfa^t.