Evening Express

LOCAL LAW CASE, I DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT.. John Dyer v. William Jones.—On Thursday, in the Admiralty Division of rhe High Court, Mr. Justice Barnes disposed of this action for damages for alleged breach of a charter party. The plaintiff, Mr. Dyer, is a corn, merchant carrying on business at Swansea, and he was the indorsee of a bill of lading, dated September 12, 1896, by which. the property in 763 barrels of black oats, shipped by Messrs. Patrick M'Cormack and Son, of Cork, passed to him. The defendant, Mr. W. Jcnes, was the roastea and owner of the ship Waterloo, of Carnarvon, I which carried the oats from Cork to Swansea. The plaintiff's case was that the oats were not delivered in good order and condition, and he I claimed damages to the extent of £ 283 19s. 2d., being the decreased value of the cargo. This was caused by the vessel, while entering the 1 North Dock at Swansea, talking the ground on the mud bank off the Coqiolation Pier, causing the water to flow into her hatches. The defence was that what happened was a peril of the sea covered by the exceptions in the bill of lading, and, consequently, the defendant set up a counter-claim for pfcumiff's share cf the general average loss.—Mr. Justice Barnes held Lhat the damage had been caused by the negligent navi- gation of the defendant. The judgment would be for the claim in the sum of JE283 19s. 2d., and also for the plaintiff on the counter-claim, with costs.

CADBURY'3 COCOA is absolutely pnre. with- out alkali, as in many so-called "pure" cocoas. It has a world-wide reputation as a delicious, (Strengthening beverage, and a valuable nutri- tive food. Cocoa must be pure and unadul- terated to ensure the fullest beneficial effects. The Lancet says:—" CADJ3URYS represents the standard of highest uurity." e3435-2

CARDIFF INFIRMARY, THE INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE. The committee appointed to make an in- vestigation into the management o2 the CardiiF Infirmary met at three o'clock on Thursday, when, in accordance with an advertisement which appeared in the local papers, they expressed their desire to ;-¡ee governors or subscribers who were desirous of making any complaints on the past or suggestions as to the future administration of the institution. As no one attended!, the committee proceeded with the ordinary business which had been delegated to it.

SWANSEA BANKRUPTCY COURT, At the monthly Swansea Bankruptcy-court on Thursday (before Mr S. Home, registrar) a warrant was issued against Richard Thomas, a builder, of Abercrave, Swansea Valley, who, it was stated by the Official Receiver, had left the country after bankruptcy. The cases of O-.vcn Morgan, of the White Hart Hotel, Oxford-street, and Peter Hopkins, timber merchant, Wellington-street, were. after some further evidence by the debtors, closed. In the case of George Jay, proprietor of the Sawmills, Oystermouth-road, the gross liabili- ties were £ 4,926, of which only JE818 was exr-ecled to rank, the assets to meet which were only £ 16 cdd.-The debtor said his failure was brought about by a iire at his sawmills, by srer illation as a builder, and depreciation of the value of the property. Nearly the whole of his books were destroyed by the fire.—The exami- nation was provisionally closed.

LINSEED COMPOUND" (Trade Mark) for Coughs and Colds, 9id., 13id. Sold by Chemists only. e6459—2

News Gleanings A SUMMARY OF GENERAL ITEMS. Teleerraphic and Otherwise, Obtained from a Variety of Sources. A Reuters telegram from Paris on Thursday says: —The death is announced here to-night of M. Alphonse Daudet. » *• • • The latest report as to the condition of Mr. Charles Clarke, the well-known Cardiff accoun- tant, is that he is now slightly better, though still unconscious and very dangerously indis- posed. • » Mr. Hopkinson, M.P., the newly-appointed principal of Owens College, Manchester, writing to the chairman of his election committee, in the Cricklade Division of Wiltshire, states that the requirements of his new position make it necessary that he should give up active participation in political life, and that at no distant date he would resign his seat in Parlia- ment. The following candidates for election to the vacancy on the Newport Town Council (Central Ward) were- nominated on Thursday — Louis Hy. Hornby, solicitor (Conservative). Wm. Evans, boot manufacturer (Liberal). John M'Ginn, doctor of medicine (Liberal). Hy. Jas. Thomas, piumber (Trades Council). As before stated, the election takes place on December 24. The sale of work in aid of the fund for the extinction of the debt on Longcrpss Baptist Chapel, which was opened on Wednesday it Stacey-road-hall, was continued on Thursday afternoon, when the bazaar was opened by Mr. Clifford Cory. The sale on Wednesday was a very successful one, and it is expected that there will bs a material reduction in the debt, whicn r.ow stands at JE900. On Thursday morning, about 7.45, a fire broke out in a second-hand clothier's shop at Broadway, Cardiff, occupied by Mr. Cam. The steamer was turned out at the Fire Station, and was about to start for the scene of the outbreak when a telephonic message was re- ceived that the fire had been extinguished by the firemen and reel belonging to the Roath livision. The stock, which was considerably jamaged by fire and water, is covered by insu- rance. The- adjourned case of Samuel v. Oliver for mcneys alleged to have been wrongfully obtained and upon an account stated, whereby inipu- tatkns had been made against the defendant, Mr A. H. Oliver, solicitor, Newport, with regard to the sum of £43 13s., money left either by deed of gift or under a will to Mrs. Samuel, was concluded at Newport County-court on Thursday, judgment being given in defendant's favour.—The facts were not gone into, Mr. Hornby, who appeared for defendant, stating that sinoc the adjournment from November 11 he had gone over the books with the plaintiff's solicitors, Messrs. Ensor and Co., and had con- vinced them that the action against Mr. Oliver was misconceived, his Honour concurring in the settlement. Wrottesley Hall, the ancestral seat of the Wrottesley family for the past two centuries, has been entirely destroyed by fire. The flames were first discovered in his lordship's dressing- room shortly after midnight, and before avail- able help could be obtained the entire west front was in flames. A mounted messenger was despatched to Wolverhampton for the steam fire engine, but under recent regulations of the borough authorities, the police brigade, are pro- hibited from attending fires outside the borough, and, consequently, the engines were not sent. Lord Dartmouth's private engine from Patshull arrived about two o'clock, but was unable to check the progress of the flames, and the entire mansion was completely gutted, and its valuable contents of furniture, family heirlooms, pictures, and an extensive library of books, almost wholly destroyed. The "old boys" of Christ College held thcir annual dinner at the Cnstie Hotel, Brecon, on Wednesday evening. The senior steward was Mr. D. Parry Williams, chief of her Majesty's Customs, Liverpool, and the junior steward Mr. F. Grundy, London correspondent cf the ''New York Sun." There was a large attendance, and the proceedings were' very enthusiastic. The Rev. R. H. Chambers, headmaster of the college, announced, amid cheers, that the number of boys in the college at present had i nly been exceeded in two previous periods, and they had a record number of boarders. During the evening the "old boys" presented Mr. Percy Morion, M.A., one of the assistant masters, with a silver ii kst snd and other gifts. At the football match m the afternoon between the Past ard Present boys the P.c;t proved successful by two goals (one dropped) and two tries, to Christ Collets two tries. Mr. Joseph Richard Cobb, F.S.A., who died on tho 6th inst., at Nythfa, Brecon, was a Parlia- mentary solicitor who was known as one of the pioneers of railway enterprise in South Wales, and a learned antiquary who spent large sums in the pr 2 sanation of ancient structures. Ih 1858 he promoted the Brecon and Merthyr Rail- way, to which he contributed largely, and when the contractor failed he carried on the works for some weeks at his own cost. For the next 30 years there was haidly a Bill affecting South Wale3 railways on which he was not engaged, and several schemes he promoted largely at his own expense. He was director of many trading companies, most of which owed their origin to his enterprise and capital. His antiquarian work included the restoration of the Priory Church at Brecon, which was chiefly due to his exertions and expenditure, the undertaking of large works of excavation and preservation at the Castle of Manorbier, which he leased for the purpose, the saving from imminent destruction of an interesting twelfth century house at Pem- broke, and its complete restoration, and the pur- chase of Caldicot Castle, in Monmouthshire, the home of the De. Bohuns, which has been used as a quarry for three centuries, and which he restored as a residence. In 1892 he bought from a German shipbreaker Nelson's old ship, the Foudroyant, and restored her as a seagoing ship of war of the last century. On this he spent JE25,000, and it was a source of profound indignation to him that, not only did lie receive no help in this undertaking, but that his work was described as a commercial speculation. He survived by only one week the gale which finally destroyed the Foudroyant.

HOW TO TAKE OUT PATENTS. Many useful and novel appliances are from time to time devised which are not turned to practical amount ov/in" to want of knowledge on the part of the inventors as to how to patent their inventions. We constantly receivo jotters asking our advice, and. with a view to afford- ing information as to costs and rncdes of pro- cedure in applying f)r provisional protection and patents and registered designs or tralJe marks, we have made arrangements accord- ingly. Any of our readers who desire such information should send n, stamped envelope, enclosed to the Patent Editor. "Western Mail." Cardiff, by WhOI" it will be handed to a thorcng-ily trustworthy and experienced patent a?ent. wbo will reply fully to our correspon- dents; or an interview can be arranged, on giving a few hours' notice.

"LINSEED COMPOUND" (Trade Mark) foi Coughs and Colds, 9id., 131d. Sold by, Chemists only. e6459-l GwiJym Evans' Quinine Bitters, the "Vegetable Tonic. Is sold in bottles 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each. Beware of imitations. See the name Gwilym Evans on Label, Stamp, and Bottle. e4919—4 PEPPER'S QUININE AND IRON" TONIC, embracing, vivifying. sustaining, dispels depression, cures indigestion, neuralgia, and all aches or pains. Pepper's, the only real toiiic. Shilling botUes. e-5 "ADVICE TO MOTHERS."—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain by cutting teeth? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. it is pleasant to taste; it produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes' as bright as a button. Of all chemists. Is. lid. per bottle.

LINSEED COMPOUND," a demulcent ano- dyne expectorant for Cdughs and Colds, 9id., md., of Chemists only. e5459-4 •

The Pathan Revolt. SNAP SHOTS BY A SWANSEA OFFICER Captain Herbert Colquhoun, son of Captain Colquhoun, of Swansea, has just sent home some interesting photos of our soldiers in action in India. Captain Colquhoun, who is with the Kurram Movable Column of the Tirali Expedi- 3rd Field Battery Faring on Village of Tereili, Kuramana. tionary Forc6 at Camp Sadda, was first attached to the 41st (Welsh) Regiment, with whom he served in South Africa and Egypt, and s;nce had been in the Indian service for the past twelve years. His regiment is the 24th Madras Native Infantry, with whom he has served in Upper and Lower. Burmah and in different parts of India. He was appointed brigade transport General Hill and Some of Staff Watching Fire of 3rd F.B., I!.A. officer to General Symond's brigade on volunteering for active service when the present war broke cut, and was after- wards transferred into the Klioiat Kurram Field Force, employed at Hunga and on the Sumana. Several letters have been received from Captain Colquhoun. In his last he speaks of one of their picquets, consisting Maxim Gun Detachment of Royal Scots Fusiliers .in Action. of one native officer and 35 m'cn, being cut to pieces, and says: —"No British officer was hit. The enemy have been pretty sharp in picking out the British officers, as they distinguish us by our helmet. Now, most of us are going to wear puggaries like the men." Captain Colquhoun's last letter is dated September, and it is quite probable that he will have more stirring news to relate in his next. The titles underneath the photos sufficiently. explain what they represent.

INDIAN FRONTIER WAR. RECENT CASUALTIES. A special Press Association telegram from Mamani, dated Wednesday, says:—The total casualties of the fourth Brigade on the 13th were 72 wounded, and yesterday seven. The total casualties of the torce since leav- ing Datoi have reached 150 odd, including iilg seven officers. Part of the force will now visit the Bazar Valley and tie Klivber Pas. MAJOR DOWNMAN'S REARGUARD ENGAGEMENT. A special telegram from Mamaine. dated Wednesday, says —Further details regard- ing Major Downman's rearguard action on th-3 11th show that the party became separated from the. main body owing to the difficulties of the rjver bed route, and mis- took the track over the swamped fields. The men were all tired out with continuous fighting, and the animals with the rear transport were thoroughly jaded. In these circumstances the force was hard pressed by the tribesmen, who had been hanging on their flanks and rear all day. Four com- panies of the Gordons, two of the 2nd and 1st Goorkhas, and one of the 2nd Punjaub Infantry found themselves practically cut off, the enemy engaging them at close quar- ters, and the men dropping fast. As dark- ness was closing in, Captain Uniacke, of the Gordons, saw that it was impossible to gain the camp, hampered, as he was, with his wounded, and with only four men he rushed a village which was occupied by the enemy. Tho latter fired one volley, and then fled, being deceived as to the number of their assailants. Captain Uniacke blew his whistle continuously, and thus attracted the remr incler of his rearguard, all being even- tually got safely inside the village. The wounded were placed in a little shed, and two doctors who iwere with the party. rendered all assistance that was possible in the circumstances, both medical men, like the rest of the force, being wet to the waist from wading in the river. An anxious and terrible night was spent. It was im- possible to light any fires, except a small one in a shed where the wounded 'were sheltered. In the morning the enemv. who hacfr crept on to a spur commanding the village from one side, resumed the attack. Through a breach in the wall they killed one Highlander and wounded four with their first volley. Eventually the party was relieved by the force sent out from camp.

nr AN POWIS FOOTPATH DIFFICULTY, PAVING THE WAY TO A SETTLEMENT IMPORTANT ACTION BY THE DISTRICT COUNCIL. The question of the disputed footpath near Dinas Powis is one which, owing to the prominence of its treatment in the press during the past few months, has aroused considerable public interest. It is satisfactory to find, therefore, that on Thursday afternoon an authoritative step was taken in the direction of a satisfactory and permanent settlement of the difficulty at any rate, so far as free and undisturbed user by the general public is concerned. In accordance with a resolution of the Llan- daff and Dinas Powis Rural District Council, the district surveyor (Mr. J. Holden, C.E.) convened a meeting of the parties prominently interested and the oldest inhabitants of the neighbourhood, with the view of "befeting the boundary" of the alleged public footpath, in order to arrive, if possible, at a definite line of demarcation of its historic course. The assembly took place at two o'clock near Spring Cottage (the residence of Mr. D. R. Morgan), amongst those present being Mr. J. Holden, C.E. (the public surveyor), Mr. T. Cram (the district councillor), Mr. John Gratrex. Mr. and Mrs. S. Blake (the tenants of the first field through which the purported footpath runs at this point), Mr. D. R. Morgan, Mr. Robert Harry, and Mr. Edmund Gratrex jfwho, with his brother John, remembers the land; in dispute being farmed by their late father more than forty years agoi, and Mr. George Hiirtland. These parties, accompanied by representa- tives of the press, starting at this point. proceeded through the first field from the highway near Spring Cottage—now tho property of Mr. George Shepton, who stoutly denies tho right of public use of the so-called footpath—and the entire line was traversed as far as the Baptist Chapel at Llandough, the evidence given by the old inhabitants present being to the effect that r. pubiic footpath existed over the entire distance from Spring Cottage to Llandough. They were also agreed as to the contentions of Mr. P. R. Morgan, that the unclimbable spiked barrier gate at the Spring Cottage end, the erection of a hav- guard at the side of the hedge in the first field. and the fencing put up at the opening ot Mr. Hornblow's two fields were un- doubted obstructions over the course of the old footpath. Evidence was also taken as to the point where the path joined the old Michaelstono path, continuing on to Llan- dough. Mr. Holden will now report to the district council the result of his inquiries.

EPPS'S COCOAINE.—Cocoa-Nib Extract (Tea- like).—The choicest roasted nibs (broken up beans) of the natural Coc.qa, oil being subjected to powerful hydraulic pressure, give forth their excesq or oil, leaving for use a finely-flavoured powder—"Cocoaine," a product which, when pre- pared with boiling water, has the consistence of tea, of which it is now beneficially taking the place with many. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, supplies the needed energy without unduly exciting the system. Sold only in tins. by Grocers, labelled James Epps and Co> (Ltd.). Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Agents: Stranaghan and Stephens, 3, Castle-street, and T. Phillips and Co., Tudor- road. e6395—f.

WALES DAY BY DAY Mr. H. M. Stanley is a passenger by the Union Line steamship Moor, which sailed for England on Wednesday. A Welshman, the Rev. A. J. Griffith, M.A will occupy the chair of the Australian Congre gi'tional Union during the coming year. The lecture of the Rev. John Morgan Jones on "What is the True Church?" is to be pub- lished in the series of "Papers for the People." Policemen appear to be unfamiliar personages to the folks in Stacey-road, Cardiff, for, accord- ing to a yarn spun by a resident in that eastern suburb, the appearance of half a dozen men masquerading in constable's clothing in that road on Wednesday night created a sensation. The Duke of Westminster, who bears an un- common likeness to Mr. Justice Grantham, who has lately been so much in evidence at Cardiff, cleared out from the "St. Asaph policy" meeting yesterday immediately he had spoken, and seemed to say by his going, "Come aiong, boys, the bishop is all right; he wants no more back- ing." I In an account of the charity concert held at Abergwili last week a local paper says that the "get-up of Mr. Grismond Phillips consisted of an old punched hat, a broken umbrella, and other comical equipments." No more? It is to be hoped he wore a waistbelt and a pouch. His appea-ance, it is stated, "created roars of laughter." No wonder I According to our contemporary up the street Mr. J. Grace distinguished himself at the Porth- cawl ratepayers' meeting by declaring that the members of the council "were not there to be cross-examined like criminals by any hired lawyer." "Cross-examined like criminals" is good, and so struck our contemporary's fancy that it was emphasised in a small-cap. cross-line. Mr. J. Grace probably knows by this time that criminals are not cross-examined. That is not the English method of treating criminals. No wonder Mr. D. A. Thomas is so angered if you spell North Wales within a mile of him. The "Baner" this week boasts that pigs in North Wales have more intellect than some public men in the South. It bases its libellous allegation on the fact that a couple of store pigs, the private property of a local solicitor, and not on the auctioneer's, catalogue, voluntarily entered the yard where the Christmas fat pig sale was in progress. When the auctioneer declined to put them on the block, they superciliously curled up their tails and grunted their way out again. Who savs that the Post Office authorities in Wales don't understand Welsh? A well-known Welsh journalist always makes it a point of sending his telegrams in Welsh. On one occa- sion in London lie had to throw off his coat and turn up his shirt sleeves before lie could persuade the clerks at the West Strand Tele- graph Office that Welsh was not a foreign lan- guage and to be charged for at double rates. After he had wiped the floor with one of them, and locked another in a private letter-bag, the officials admitted the force of his arguments, and transmitted his Welsh message at ordinary rates. "It is scarcely to be wondered at that the Taff Vale Railway is not popular with passengers," writes a Penarth correspondent. "The Barry Company, on the contrary, has just given fresh evidence of its interest in the public by securing for third-class passengers freedom from the com- pany of coaltrimmers who are in their working clothes in the trains which have not trimmers' coaches attached, by not allowing them to travel by those trains. On the Taff, third-class IICR-' sengers are never safe from coaltrimmers or smokers in carriages which are supposed to be set apart for the use of others. The filthy third- class accommodation is a standing disgrace." "Though the loss of life at the Merihyr rioij of 1831 was as great as at many a real battle,' said an old inhabitant lately, "yet it was singular how really few of the villagers suffered. Mr. William Crawshay sent an agent to look at the long rows of dead in the castle stables and out- houses, and he failed to recognise one Cyfarthfa. man. Most were from Tredegar. Asked what became of the bayonets wrested from the High- Iai ders, the reply was Buried, or thrown away.' People were afraid to have them in their houses. One man of peace said he had a bayonet and also a sword. They were safe with him. One bayonet was discovered years after- wards in a hedge, thrown away in flight." No one has, yet discovered that peculiarly virulent form of microbe to whose ravages the native-born Welshman is so susceptible, and which breaks out :n an eruption of stanzas, tribanau, and the like. A man in Pembroke- shire, down Solva way, has had it bad. He sent a letter this week bearing the following address: — "0 citha'r De anfonaf di I'r Gogledd ar dy union, I geisio 'r Parch. D. Stanley Jones, Sy'n byw yn nhre Caernarfon." The sorting-clerk in the railway post-office van who handled it caught the contagion so badly that he has applied to the Cardiff Eisteddfod committee to be appointed adjudicator on the chair odes. The London "Daily News" appears to have just discovered—and even now is not quite sure of it—that "the Marquess of Bute is reported to have gi-en £1,000 to the Cardiff Corporation in order that the interest of it may provide dowries for girls who cannot get married for want of money," and remarks:—"St. George's- in-the-East once had JE4,000 left for a similar purpose, and twice a year there was, until recently, and we presume there still is, a draw- ing of lots for a prize of jElOO. In enjoining his executors to invest the money for the pur- pose, Mr. Raine, the testator, says of his injunc- tion 'I doubt not my nephews would cheerfully fulfil it if th?y had seen, as I have, six poor innocent maidens come trembling to draw the prize, and the fortunate maid that got it burst into tears with joy.' Whether the other five did not also do a little weeping Mr. Raine does not say." "Dear "Vales Day by Day,Jl;st a. word about your paragraph as to the four records of Carmarthen. I do not deny your facts, but they require explanation:—(1) 65 per cent. of voters are women: That shows that the supply of St. Peter's boys has run short in the old town. The disconsolate widows and maidens should ambus- cade the crowd which will be at the St. Peter's bc\s' dinner in Cardiff. (2) Public-houses are very numerous, we know, but this does not prove more drunkenness; at any rate, the ancient borough is free from shebeening and cwrw bachs. That's up against you, Cardiff. (3) More chapels per head of the population: I have yet to learn that this is not a feather in the cap. (4) More lunatics* Yes, but they are all con- fined in one place, which is more than Cardiff can boast of.-Yours, &c., ST. PETER'S BOY." The difficulty with explanation is that it does not explain. It will be news to Carmarthen peopie that they have no "cwrw bachs" in their midst.

LINSEED COMPOUND (Trade Mark) gives Expectoration without strain. 9id., 13Jd. Sold by Chemists only. e5459—3

Invalid Chairs, Mail Carts, Perams. on Hire by Week or Month.—Spencer's. The Cardiff Machine Depot, St. John's Church-sq., Cardiff. ONE OF THE WONDERS OF THE AGE is Spencer's New High Arm Hand Sewing Machine, with walnut cover and full set of appliances, for L2 18s. 6d. cash. Money returned if not approved. Best value in Sewing Machines.— Spencer's Domestic Machine Depot, St. John's- square, Cardiff. m59wo7f. LIVER COMPLAINTS.—Dr. King's Dandelion and Quinine Live- Pills, without Mercury, are a patent remedy: removes all Liver and Stomach Complaints. Biliousness, Headaches, Sickness, Shoulder Pa ns, Heartburn, Indiges- tion. Constipation e-3 The Dorothy. The Grosvenor, and 136, Queen- street, Cardiff, have a. splendid Selection of Chocolate, Bon-Bons, Cakes for Christmas Pre- sents, now for Sale. New and novel. e6267 Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters give Tone, Strengthen the System, Improve the Appetite, Revive the Spirits, and Steady the Nerves. Sold \n bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each. Avoid imita- tions. e4919—3

Letter from Rhodesia. RAND CAPITALISTS ASTONISHED • GOLD MINING EXHIBITION INTERVlEWSWITH ENGLISH MP'S. SINTH LETTER. [From Mr. R. N. HALL, author of "Gilbert Vince-Curate," ''Owen Tregelles—Bank Clerk," "Veldt and Kopje Tales, &c.] Only 'a fortnight before the festivities was it decided to hold an exhibition of the gold products of the Matabeleland portion of Rhodesia. The shortness of the notice prohibited many of the more distant mines from sending in specimens, as some of these workings take ten days to reach. Yet what was exhibited has already, judg- ing by African newspaper reports, and the openly-expressed opinions of the gold experts of the Rand who are here, taken tha mining world by sheer astonishment, and, this being the first ocular demonstra- tion of this portion of Rhodesia's enormous wealth that Matabeleland mineowners have been able to secure, we must forgive their pardonable pride and unconcealed delight. in that what hitherto was in each indi- viuuaJ case a personal, though positive, opinion has now become the favourable ver- dict of the whole of the South African mining world. Had a longer time been allowed for preparation, the evidence of successful mining adduced could easily have been overwhelmingly strengthened. But the exhibition, such as it was, has dis- paraged and "shut down the show" of the laboriously busy critics of Rhodesia. WHAT WILL IT COST TO WORK? This is the question asked by all, and the teply unanimously given by the gold experts and the practical miners of Matabeleland is as emphatic as it is unanimous—seven to eight dwts. per ton on a narrow reef, and four dwts. on a wide reef. Bearing this conclusion in mind, and also that this esti- mate is not disputed by mining critics, I would invite your readers to scan a brief list of some of the average certificated exhibit j shown — WHAT ASTONISHED THE RANDITES. I gnu the names of reefs only with avora^o assaying and width of lode.—Pipers, 2odwts. Adventurers, loz. Marlborough, 1-ooz. Ulswater, lodwts. 5oz. Matabele Sheba, 2oz.; Mount Cecil, 8oz. 17dwts, 2 -3 feet; Davie, ooz. 4dwts, 2 feet; Bolan, 8oz. 14dwts, 2 feet; KirkcubbinNo. 1, 62oz 16dwts, 2 feet; ditto No. 2, 24oz. 14dwts, 2 feet; El Diploma, 15oz. 18dwts., 2 feet; Lady Midas, more than payable Thirkleby, ditto Extension and Satchell, 3oz., 3 feet each; East Star, 4oz. 12dwts. Awkward, 4oz. Masterdon, loz. lOdwts.; Abolozwe, 6oz. Garka, loz. lldwts; Bonsor, 18dwts, 30 inches; Dunraven, 18dwts., 30 inches; Queen's, 18dwts., 30 inches; Integral, lodwts., 49 inches; May, 5oz., 2 feet 3 inches Nicholson-Olympus, over loz.; Ellen (1), loz. 4dwts., 3 feet 9 ia?hes; ditto 2, ooz. lldwts., 3 feet 6 inches; C'mn- perdown, 5-6oz., 4 feet; Criterion, 2oz., 30 inches; Nellie, 3T1-4OZ. Lion, L'dwts., 10 feet: The Geelong, the most fiyvous of Rhodesian gold mines, is also splendidly represented. This mine is nearest to the crushing stage. Also more than paying quartz were sent in by the Dream, Leech- dale, Gloster, Ethel, Globe, Phoenix, Unit, Unicorn, Edith, Rose, West Glen May, Standard Constance, Matabele, Scotchman, Gem, Balmoral, Zimbabwe, Pioneer, and Moonie reefs. Most of the exhibits are certificated by the assay office of the Stan- dard Bank of Africa. THE CATALOGUE. I was invited to prepare a catalogue (this appears in the "Rhodesia Weekly Review" more fully than in any other paper- whether South African or English—the '■R. W. R." being the organ of mining interests in Rhodesia), upon which the hon. curator, Mr. Wallace Broad, the Government geologist, Mr. Ar:iold, sec- retary of the Chamber of Mines, Mr. Brown, the representative of the Cape Town Chamber of Commerce, the English M.P.'s, many of the mine managers, and the representatives of financial papers and Rand syndicates have been good enough to congratulate me, prpncuncing it to be the most complete isstted. A SWANSEA MAN IN EVIDENCE. Yesterday I also interviewed Mr. Lionel Ludlow, whom most Swansea business men will recollect as having been articled to Dr. Morgan, the public analyst of that town. Mr. «Ludlow came to South Africa o/er six years ago, and has assayed for copper companies in the Colony, at Johan- nesburg for the Bank of Africa, and ft Bu'uwayo, where he is the a.ssayer for tho Standard Bank. He has acquired a wo J- earned title to speak with authority on Matabeleland gold undertakings. During the festivities he gave an exhibition of panning and assaying before Sir Alfred Milner and the Deputy Administrator and Colonial officials. At the exhibition he also assayed, before a crowd of ixpe'rs. prospectors, managers of mines, and visitors, several.pieces of quartz containing no visible gold. and, therefore, impossible to be conveniently selected) for favourable assays. The specimens were taken ftom the exhibition in a haphazard way by a visitor who knew nothing of quartz or of gold mining. The results showed by panning were:—Antelope reef, 26cz. per ton Kirkcubbin reef, 60oz. and Nelly reef. 3toz. to 4oz. Mr. Ludlow is perfectly 4 satisfied with the exhibition. He declared it was not a "spoof show." Some companies had held aloof from it, but now these were vexed with themselves for their short- sightedness when they saw tlu effect of the exhibition on the visitors of practical expe- rience. Mr. Ludlow assays by fire some hundreds of specimens a month for the customers of the Standardl Bank, and he assures me the general average of all is exceedingly good. He met many Randites among the visitors, and representatives of the largest financial houses in the Trans- vaal, all of whom were astonished at the evidences of the good quality of the gold. Some mines were proved to 300ft., and they must be assured successes. Practically, the virgin reefs in the country were as yet untouched. Several Randites have been investing largely in land stands since the railway was'opened last week, while many tradesmen are coming up at once to com- mence business here. He thought, had it not been for the Rand and Klondike, the mines of Matabeleland would have been the wonder of the world. MR. E. H. LLEWELLYN, M.P. The hon. member for North Somerset informed me he was greatly struck with the extraordinary fine climate of the Mata- bele highlands, its healthiness and general temperate air. He thought one could not but be in the best of health on those breeze-swept heights, notwithstanding the broad glare of a tropical sun. The gold- minmg exhibition particularly interested him, and he was of opinion its exhibits were sufficient to convince* the most sceptical of Rhodesia's critics. He strongly urged the' removal of all the specimens bocfily to London, where their display would be of incalculable service to Rhodesia in dis- pelling erroneous opinions. He mentioned the want of information or ignorance which existed among public men at home on the affairs of South Africa, but now their in- terest was being kindled, and, in this respect, a change for good was coming over the people of the British Isles. Of one thing his visit had made him assured, that the home country should not adopt a policy of interference with the affairs of South Africa, as such a policy would be both wrong and harmful. Mr. Llewellyn, though he has not yet completed his tour of inspec- tion. spoke most enthusiastically of the result of his visit and of what he had seen in Matabeleland. MR. H. M. STANLEY, M.P. fr. Stanley, on being handed my "Western Mail" card, at once gve me an interview, and. after observing that he had the "Mail" on his table at Cadoxton Lodge, Neath, regularly, plunged in medias res into Rhodesian topics. He expressed himself

CLEVELAND BICYCLE An American Machine of the Highest Grade. ¡ HE great point in favour of American-made Machines is their extreme lightness as T" compared with English-made Machines. THERE IS NO DOUBT WHATEVER THAT 'J AMERICAN-MADE MACHINES OF THE HIGHEST GRADE ARE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND "DESIRABLE MACHINES." -Extract from "Ten Years of Cycling," by ROBERT MACHRAY Windsor Magazine, September, 1897- LOOKOinMFOB Evening Express Great Bicycle Gift Scheme Which will shortly be announced. I m SPECIMEN BICYCLES (Ladies' and Gentlemens) ON VIEW IN CHEAT RECEPTION AJ4D ADVERTISEMENT HALL, o 1 1% N WESTERN MAIL OFFICES St. Mapy Street, CARDIFF

WELSH INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION, THE CARMARTHEN GIRLS' SCHOOL. The annual distribution of prizes in connec- tion with the Carmarthen Girls' Intermediate School took place at the Assembly-rooms in that town on Wednesday evening. The chair was occupied by Mr. Charles Lloyd (Waunifor), and the large hall was crowded with an enthu- siastic audience. On the platform were seated Principal Roberts, vice-chancellor of the Welsh University; Principal Evans, Presbyterian Col- lege, Carmarthen, and other local educationa- lists. Miss Holme, the headmistress, presented a report which stated that the health of the pupils had been remarkably good throughout the year. It was hoped the new school btiildings would be ready for occupation twelve months hen\;e.—The Central Welsh Board examiner's report stated that 70 presented themselves at the examination, and that there was abundant promise for the future. Principal rtoberts then distributed the prizes according to the following list: — Form if I. English, U. James. Form V.: English, G. Davies: mathematics, G. Davics; science, O. Roberts; languages—French and Latin L. Lewis, German G. Bowen; gener.il work, 0. Roberts and F. Morris. Form IV.: English, D. Saph: mathematics, R. Llojd; languages, R. Lloyd. Foifm III.: English, W. Thomas and M. Roberts; mathematics, \V. Thomas; languages, M. Lloyd: general work, E. Lewis. form II.: English, E. Morris; arithmetic, I). Evans; botany, E. Morris; general work, M. Mills and L. Richards. Draw- ing 1st, F. Thomas: 2nd, K. Roberts and F. Morris; 3rd, M. Rees. Singing: 1st, G. Thomas; 2nd, M. Shovell; 3rd, B. Phillips. Sewing: ?st, S. Gower; 2nd, K. Thomas. Music: Piano, M. Jelfreys. Certificates: London matriculation, G. Jair.es. South Ken- sington—Mathematics, Gwladys Davies; draw- ing, F. Morris, R. Roberts, and F. Thomas. Trinity Collegc—Intermediate, G. Davies; junior, M. Jeffrey^T G. Bowen, and Elsie Davies. London College of Music-Senior, G. Davies intermediate,1 JVL Jelfreys, F. E. Davies, May Lloyd, and D. Saph; preliminary, L, Richards. Principal Roberts, in a lengthy address, said that no one, however critical, could examine the report without coming to the conclusion that the school was lemarkablv efficient. Speaking generally, he remarked that the wide and national features of the educational progress of this generation in Wales were of absorbing interest, and to those who had eyes to see and hearts to understand it was of no less interest to observe and to take part in the working out of the new educational movement as it was revealed in every individual district throughout the country. The work was at their own doors and in their own hands. Let nothing blind their eyes to this fact—that the small towns and countrysides of Wales, like the great centres, were advancing on the path of a broader, a wiser, and a brighter combined life. They w«re working out their own problems and wcmld achieve their own triumphs. (Applause.) And it might be, and at no long distance of time. that life spent in those districts would be as full of interest., of opportunities for culture and the use of culture, as in any country in the world. After the customary votes of thanks the pupils displayed their musical and histrionic abilities, the piano accompaniments being undertaken by Mr. A. J. Silver, F.R.C.O., the newly-appointed organist of St. Peter's, and .the Misses M. B. Shovell and Marian Jones. t t

CRICKHO WEILL PARISH CHrilCH: RE-OPENING SERVICES. The re-opening services in connection with the Parish Church, Crickhowell, which has been closed for restoration, took place on Tuesday. The church, which is built in the Transition Decorated style and dedicated to St. Edmund, King and Martyr, was founded and endowed by the munificence of Lady Sibyl Pauncefoot, and consecrated in 1303 by David Martyn, Bishop cf St. David's. It consisted of a chancel, nave, transepts, and north and south aisles, with a central tower. This edifice was re-built in 1765. During the present year the walls of the interior of the nave, transepts, and aisles, have been stripped of plaster and pointed in cement and the ceilings panelfed in pitch-pine, to be in keeping with the chancel. The windows, which were very dilapidated, have been re-placed in the aisles by substantial ones, the style being the same as the original window in the north tran- sept, and on the west side in each aisle a new window has been placed. At the bottom of the spring of each window arch are sculptured repre- sentations of the twelve Apostles, six on either side, while the west windows have St. David, St. Edmund, St. John the Baptist, and the Lamb. Each of the windows has been given by separate donors in memory of departed friends, the cost of roof and other restorations being defrayed by private subscriptions. The lord bishop of the diocese took part in the morning service, which was fully choral, and was intoned by the rector. The Rev. T. P. Powell read the first lesson, and the Rev. T. J. Bowen the second. The preacher was the bishop. No sooner had the procession left the church than the organ pealed forth the "Overture to Lobegesang" (Msndelssohn), the organist being Mr. F. Dockry, F.R.C.O. The bishop was entertained by Mrs. Percy Davies, of Porth- mawr, who also invited the clergy to lunch. The evering service was also fully choral, and was intoned by the rector. The Rev. E. L. Beva., vicar of Brecon, preached, and there was a large congregation.

.LINUM CATHARTIC UM PILLS, digestive, corrective, and agreeable aperient, 9id.. 13!fi. Of all Chemists. e6459-7

MASTER BUILDERS' DINNEi AT CARDIFF, ANNUAL GATHERING. The annual dinner of the Cardiff Master Builders' Association was held on Thursday night at the Royal .Hotel, Cardiff, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. E. Turner, president. The gathering is always a pleasureable reunion of local architects and builders and members of allied professions and trades, and on this occa- sion there was the same festive gathering at the well-laid tables. The arrangements, which were in the hands of Mr. C. Wells (hon. secre-. tary of the association) were perfect in every sense, and the viands and waiting arrangements also left no reason for complaint. After the loyal toasts had been honoured the Chairman read letters of apology for non-atten- dance from Mr. Ruttcr (of the Barry Master Builders' Association), Mr. Latty, and Mr. Harpur (Cardiff borough engineer). Mr. A. J. Howell proposed "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," and Major E. M. Bruce Vaughan responded. In the absence of Alderman D. Jones, Mr. D. Davies submitted the toast of "Architects and Engineers." In some humorous reminiscences of his experiences 30 years ago, lie said present- day architects were more democratic than tneir forefathers, and were now prepared to take sug- gestions even from builders. (Laughter.) Mr. Edwin Seward, in responding, made some remarks upon the growth of the association from year to year, and also spoke of the uniform good feeling that had continuously prevailed. As Mr. Davies had pointed out, they were "get- ting forrader" in these halcyon days. They agreed that an architect who was churlish to a builder was a prig. In carrying out the works in which they were jointly engaged the advice of an experienced contractor was often, of the utmost importance. They might congratulate themselves that in this borough Cardiff archi- tects had held their own always. The great building works that had been carried out, especially within the last few years reflected credit upon them, who claimed to be representative in this repre- sentative town. (Hear, hear.) They had fre- quently been in competition with outsiders, and had held their own on all occasions. Now, for a. parallel picture. They had just had an architec- tural competition for the new municipal build- ings. The public was deeply interested in the result. Some said it had all been happily settled, and that they were not to have a chance of saying anything from their standpoint. On the other hand, a large number of broad-minded people urged that in a matter of this impor- tance their voices should be heard. The gentle- man who had been called in to advise the cor- poration. had not yet spoken authoritatively, but they expected him to speak soon. As to the upshot of the competition, he thought it would be best and most judicious and discreet to say nothing. (Hear. hear.) He might say, however, that Cardiff architects had been' put upon their nct-te. and had responded worthily and -.vel.], He referred individually to certain of these gentlemen, and extolled the excellences of the plans they had sent in, adding that Swansea. architects in this competition had also acquitted themselves with credit. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Fawckner (Habershon and Fawckner) also replied. Mr. W. Symonds, in a humorous speech, pro- posed "The Cardiff County COllncil." Councillor F. J. Veall, in acknowledging the compliment, said every member of the corpora- tion thoroughly realised his responsibility in leaving the plans for the erection of new muni- cipal buildings in the hands of Mr. Alfred Water- house, R.A.. whose name and character was absnhitelv above suspicion. (Applause.) That he thought, was the spirit thai should animate local architects, and if the speaker had felb disappointed, he certainly would not have written a leiter to the newspapers. (Hear, hear.) Mr. J. W. Courtis also appropriately responded. Mr, E. W. M. Corbett, in giving the toast of "The Cardiff Master Builders' Association," congratulated the builders of Cardiff upon the artistic fashion in which they carried through large public buildings with credit to them- selves and satisfaction to all concerned. He hoped that before long they would see erected in Catliays Park by Cardiff builders a fine architectural structure, in which the municipal buildings, law courts, and university college, &c., would be located. (Applause.) He also congratulated them on the character of the speculative building work carried out now in Cardiff. The President, Mr. J. Seymour Chubb, and Mr. Lee Couzens spoke suitably in response. Mr. John Cibson proposed "The Visitors" and Messrs. A. Krauss and T. W. David replied. Other toasts followed. During the evening musical contributions were given by Mr. T. Armon Jones, Mr. O. Leon, fnrl Mr. T. Lucas (bird-mocking whistler). Mr. M. A. Richards being the accompanist.

FOR SAILORS' FRIENDS. FOREIGN ARRIVALS AND MOVE. MENTS OF LOCAL VESSELS. Camrose left Rotterdam for Cardiff 12th. William Symington left Gibraltar for Fuelv 12th Lady Lewis arrived London 15th. Volage left Cape de Verdes for Galveston 14th. Cvfarthfa arrived Huelva 13ta. Forest left Pomaron for Rochefort 15th. Dowlais arrived Chantenay 15th. Hart left St. Nazaire for Bilbao 16th. Castanos arrived Cape de Verdes 15th. Lavernock arrived New Orleans 14tli. Lyndhurst left Barry for Las Palmas. Alacrity arrived St. Malo 16th. Mandalay arrived Gibraltar for orders 14th. Cosmopolitan arrived Genoa 15th. Rhyl arrived Ayr 16th. King's Cross arrived Sulina 15th. Cyuirodorion left Portland for Leith 15th. Afonwen left Barry for Colombo 15th. Blodwen left Rotterdam for Barry Dock 14th. Glendower arrived Gibraltar 15th. Elpis left Stornoway for Aberdeen 14th. Thornaby left Spezzia for Alexandria 15th.

LINSEED .COMPOUND for Coughs, Colds. Asthma, and Bronchitis. Of Chemists only. e6459-6

A SPOTLESS COMPLEXION.—Salpholine Lotion clears off all imperfections in a few days Pimples, Roughne.s, Tan, Uncomfortable Skin Disfigurements, entirely fade away, leaving a bea,utiful skin. Shilling Bottle of Sulpholine everywhere. e-4 Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters is the Best Remedy of the Age for Weakness, Nervousness, Indigestion, Low Spir.ts. Sleeplessness, and Chest Afffttions. Sold in bottles, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d. each. Avoid imitations. e4919-1

KLINX.—New White Inorganic Cement for Pottery. Porcelain, &c., 6d. and ls.; postage. Id. Of C'hemists^mm Printed by the Proprietors, Western Mail Limited, and puolished by them at their offices, St. Mary-street, Cardiff; at their offices. Castle Bailey-street. Swansea; at the shop of Mrs. Weslev AVilliains, Bridgend-all in the County of Glamorgan; at the "Western Mail" Offices. Newport; at the shop of Mr. J. P. CafTrey, Monmouth. both in the County of Monmouth; and at the shop of Mr. D. Daviv Llanellv. in the Conntv of Carmarthen. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1897.

greatly pleased with the high moral tone and the gentlemanly conduct afid solid character of the men of Bulawavo, where he had noticed none or very little of that "sharper" class which thronged American mining camps. lie thought Iluluwayo might, instead of being built on a laxy wave of prairie, have been founded on even higher ground, and!, if possible, nearer a large supply of water. The open- ing of the railway to this point was a marvellous achievement even among the great railway enterprises, and Mr. Rhodes and his pioneers deserved some of that blessing prayed for by Livingstone upon his knees when dying at Lake Bang- weolo, as having so greatly contributed to the healing of the heart-sore of Africa. Mr. Stanley's speech, later in the week. is stili considered as a splendidly authorita- tive pronouncement on the prospects of Rhftdesia. He very kindly gave me a long and interesting description of Central Africa, which he termed "My Africa," as opposed to "Moffat's Africa." Of course, "My Africa" was the better. He looks older than when I saw him last, three years ago. but he was the picture of health and in the best of buoyant spirits. He thanked me for my catalogue of the exhibition. In the group of journalists immortalised, Mr. Stanley occupies the cc-ntre place, and I was invited by the local and South African journalists to stand at his side. AN OLD LLANELLYITE. Mr. David Rees, the mayor of East London, being among the Colonial visitors to Bulawayo, I met this gentleman tp obtain the expression of an opinion of one so well known and respected in Carmar- thenshire, and, I may say, throughout South Wales. "I came out," said Mr. Rees, "in 1881, beir.g aclVised that I had only twelve months'lease of life left to me, but in this splendid country I not only found health but the besD enjoyment of it, and now I have travelled 1.400 miles to witness the opening of the rail to Bulawayo. Mr. David Randell, M.P., is an old) school- fellow of mine, and Messrs. J. Mayberry, W. Howell, Ernest Trubshaw, and Dr. Howell Rees are all old friends of mine. As a Liberal, I used to take an active part in East Carmarthenshire elections." Mr. Rees found the climate of Bulawayo infi- nitely superior, to that of Johannesburg; he believed Rhodesia's future was distinctly a bright one; the exhibition, excellent and representative as it was, was but a slight reflection of the unquestionable wealth of the country.gMr. Rees gave me several messages to deliver to South Walians on my return. FROM POET TALBOT. One gentleman has done much to assist your correspondent, and he is Mr. C. W. Bloomfield, formerly the accountant for the Port Talbot Railway and Docks Company. HJ and his partner, Mr. Baxter, acted as secretaries for the railway celebration com- mittee, and both these gentlemen have won considerable praise by the splendid manner they carried! out their arduous duties. THE CRITERION MINE. Anyone who wishes to visit gold mines and penetrate to the depth of their work- ings must take old clothes, and be prepared either to be let down some hundred feet in a small iron bucket or standing with feet in the rope's loop, or to climb down the timbered sides of an almost vertical shaft for, say, some sixty feet. These were m,y*experienees on visiting the Criterion, with the mine-engineer, Mr. M'Andrew. This mine is on the Bulawayo gold belt, and has nine shafts of from sixty to one hundred and fifty feet in depth. Samples are panned every three feet, and show an average on panning of 20dwts. to the ton, but the fire assay at the Standard Bank shows an average of at least 30dwts. The quartz is of a high grade, containing rich shoots with an average width of reef of thirty inches. I noticed that wherever the reef was inclined to "pinch in" it soon made its average face again. At the lowest ooint of' working the reef shows a steady face of two feet. One thousand six hundred feet of ancient workings on the outcrop of the quartz can be seen. In May the owners hope to commence crushing operations; meanwhile the development work is being pushed forward) rapidly, so as to hasten an output. THE LADY MIDAS MINE. Continuing my round of visits to the gold mines lying on the Bulawayo Gold Belt, I found myself in company with Mr. Clem. AVebb, editor of the Johannesburg "Mining Journal," and Mr. A. O'Flaherty. assis- tant-editor of the "Standard and Diggers' News," at the Lady Midas Mine, which is situated about fourteen miles south of Bulawayo. and three miles from the Khami Station. This propertyt of ninety claims is owned by the Rhodesia Gold Reefs (Pur- don's) (Limited), by wliose manager, Mr. Purdon, and mine-manager, Mr. Mallett, we were taken out and shown over the workings. The mine is known about here as a test-mine for the gold belt of this tdistrict. Its reef is very rich, and the result of the workings average, on assay, 30dwt. to the ton. and the reef has been proved to be highly payable for many hundred feet. Over seven hundred feet of development is completed, and the mine proved to its lowest depth of one hundred and ten feet. The reefs have already been followed for a distance of five miles. Ancient workings extend on the line of the reef to an avernge depth of thirty feet. There is very little visible gold, but the gold is of a very fine and floury nature, and1 carries an easy average of from 14dwts. to 30dwts. We descended No. 3 Shaft to a depth of 60ft., and found the reef lyino- exposed the whole length of the drive --210ft. The position of the mine so near the railway station will greatly lessen the expense of transport and price of work- ing being thus so easily accessible from the coalfields of Palapye must make for a speedy start and economical working of the mine. Water is in abundaiiee. The owners, being so assured of the abso- lute value of the mine. intend to, sink to the 150ft. level before floating their com- pany. DE OMNIBUS REBUS (3). A hon was seen this week close to the Umguza Hotel, six miles from Bulawayo. Last week, on the Bulawayo Railway, a mass of green caterpillars, extending for V-' over two miles, settled on the rails, and delayed the train to Bulawayo for some con- siderable time. The first spring rain has fallen, and beetles and ants-black, white, and "soldier" -are now in evidence everywhere. To-day, in the streets, the air was full of myriads of small grey butterflies. Yesterday, driving to the Matoppo Hills, we caught a chameleon which was walking aristocratically along the road. They are harmless, and soon get to know you well and become great pets. The notoriously peaceful "Colonel" Saun- derson, M.P., is in love with Matabeleland. He is great in sketching and kodaking the rebel chiefs, and has no intention of advis- ing the Rhodesians to kick the Queen's ?rown into the Crocodile River, notwith- standing that Rhodesia will soon have self- government on a representative basis.