The Cambrian

SWANSEA, FEBRUARY 35, 1876. PROPOSED INCREASE OF THE EPISCOPATE. MR. BBRESFORD HOPE must have unfaltering con- fidence in the gullibility of his countrymen. At least, he showed something like it last week when he asked the House of Commons to accept a Bill proposed by him for increasing the Episcopate. He possibly agrees with Mr. Carlyle's uncompli- mentary assertion that the inhabitants of the United Kingdom amount to thirty millions, "mostly fools." Otherwise, he would scarcely have shown so much credulity as he developed in his place in Parliament on the occasion referred to. The Ritualistic practices of a considerable section of the clergy in the Established Church have been a cause of disgust to real Protestants, Within and without it. From the time when the sacerdotal proclivities of this party found expres- sion in the Tracts for the Times, and had such champions as Pusey, Newman, and Manning, to the present, it has been educating with much suc- cess both laymen and clerics for the Church of Some. The presentPrimeMinisterdid notrequire half so much time in his scholastic campaign against Toryism as has been employed by Tractarians and Ritualists in sapping the founda- tions of Protestantism, that the mistake" of the Reformation might be corrected and this kingdom be again handed over as a spiritual fiefdom to the Fisherman's successors. Of course, in the latter case the task was more difficult, and required greater caution. Besides, the honours and emoluments were favourable to the efforts of the statesman, but discouraging to the energies of the priest. While, therefore, the one became a temporary Radical to secure place hy taking a leap in the dark for household suffrage, the other saw the impolicy of quitting his position In the absence of a religious revolution. Never- theless, the latter has not been idle. Under his instruction men of high social position have been educed to go whither he has not had either the Courage or honesty to go and this is the reason Jfhy he has done so much mischief and given Par- liament so much trouble. We cannot fancy any character more detestable than that of a traitor. We read of a "memorable one, who lived almost two thousand years ago, whose vile work was so abhor- rent to humanity that noteven thechildrenofthose in whose interest he seemed to act have been dis- graced by bearing his name; and the one most conspicuous in our English annals for this sort of villainy has furnished a nickname for vain fools, and has had more fire used in consuming his than was ever burnt in the Valley of Tophet. Yet truth compels us to state that the Established Church contains in it functionaries" who, instead of "holding the fort entrusted to their keeping, would surrender it to its enemies and who have created in it such an amount of anarchy that its constituted heads lately deemed it necessary to invoke the Legislature to employ its power in controlling them. Now, Par- liament can easily do this, though rebellion on a small scale against its authority has begun. But Parliament cannot change the prin- ciples or proclivities of these men; and, after a very few martyrs have been made, the residue will hold their benefices as tenaciously as the Vicar of Bray, and continue to ply their dishonourable Work with less ostentation but equal persistency. Now. we have a higher estimate of the good sense of our great Witanagemote than to believe it capable of yielding to the solicitations of a few narrrow- tainded politicians in the interest of a huge eccle- siastical institution whose internal condition is such as we have described, and whose influence for good to the community, is daily growing mere doubtful. It may be said, however, that more Bishops, in- stead of aggravating the present state of the Church, would improve it. There are some un- pleasant facts which compel us to regard this as- sertion as worse than problematical. The Arch- bishops have practically acknowledged their in- ability to restrain the lawlessness of the clergy. They devised a political measure whose avowed Object was to put down Ritualism, which in itself is a very emphatic confession of their powerless- ttess to rule, though they seem to be admirable for their high position. But how an increase of bishops could help them is difficult to discover One of the Bishops has done much more to alienate the Church the religious sentiment of the kingdom than the most highly finished Ritualistic boaster of ceremonies in the world. At the recent Meeting of Convocation he was much occupied in relating what had been done towards the further- ance of union with the Eastern Churches, pointing Out that the Filieque controversy was only one of the barriers which stood in its way. About the ^ilioque dispute, ninety-nine per cent. of the inhabi- tants of Great Britain know nothing. Indeed, so far *s the merits of the case are concerned, the same predicated of the principals mthequarrel. But more than half the Christians of Great Britain were insulted in the person of a Wesleyan *ninister by a Vicar in the diocese of Lincoln whose clerical intolerance about an inscription on a grave- stone was aggravated through the attempted justi- fication of it by his spiritual chief. Yet this was too small a matter to claim the notice of the ^pper House." It virtually says—Let the heresies of ^Syrians, Greeks, and Muscovites-stand and insults to aggrieved Dissenters nowhere. •This is well, perhaps, (though it is not very gracious or charitable); for, it is the right way to make lovers of justice hesitate about giving lItlleir votes to increase the Episcopate. And if bneither of these objections to the Bill proposed by Mr. Beresford Hope existed, there is another Which should be felt as much by Churchmen as others. This is that it proposes to remove the power of increasing the number of bishoprics from Parliament, and vest it in the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners. But some of these gentlemen have declined the proposed work and the responsibility attaching to it. And if they had not done so., parliament could not abrogate its own proper Sections without an acknowledgement of its un- ^tness to perform them; and it. could not delegate *0. a small body of Commissioners work which ?*lght be so performed as to increase the dissatis- j2**tion already existing about the failure of the in discharging the duties of a J^wMal Church. In the event of such a delega- .folly might be committed which would have xauch easier to prevent than remedy, and "PPeala would occasionally be made to the House o* Commons originating unpleasant debates and Tetter recriminations. There is still a wore im- portant xeason for regarding the present attempt £ increase the Episcopate as impolitic and wrong. *^t perhaps we have said enough on this subject 'present. Other opportunities will soon be pre- **nted for saying more. Meanwhile, we commend .the thoughtful perusal of our readers an extract **°na the excellent speech of Mr. Dillwyn i* op- ^sxtion to the foolish and unjust proposal on which ^have animadverted. They were desirous, the hon. member for Swansea, of increasing episcopate, and the member for Devonshire that bishops were formerly regarded as pieces |V ^aborate Church furniture, but said nothing {I^t the Deans and Chapters. They were also jJ^orly considered as elaborate pieces of Church cr^Jture, and he ventured to think they were so nsidered now. He should like some of the thft0cates of this measure to give the reason why proposed to continue to establish these of tnalotls and obsolete bodies. They might be in some parts of the country, and he had perhaps, in a more benighted part, where the uJ^t and use of Deans and Chapters was not Not a word had been said in the to J^ion about these bodies. He did not wish Ot if upon the question whether it was desirable' in the interests of the Church that this Bill pass. That was a question for the House itself to settle, and he did not wish to raise any objection on that point. He objected to an increase of bishops upon a ground very different from that taken by the supporters of the previous question. He was one of those that did not be- lieve that the connection between the Church of England and the State could be very long main- tained. He looked around and saw the Noncon- formists, not by any means decreasing in numbers throughout the country—he believed they were increasing—and he did not see that their antagon- ism to the connection between the Church and the State was at all modified. He did not believe there was any antagonism on their part to the Church itself, but their antagonism was to one religious community being endowed at the expense of the whole country, particularly when there was a very large section who did not agree with them. They had no objection to the Church; they were not propagandists; but they did object to Church people being placed socially and in other ways in a position of advantage over them. They had among them men as good and of as honest convictions as were to be found in the Church of England, and they saw no reason why those men should be placed in social or other inferiority to any other body of men in the country. He, as a member of the Church of England, did not wish to see the members of any other religious body placed in an inferior position to Churchmen. Looking to the Church itself, he found it divided by the most various dissensions among its own party. They knew that the Church Worship Bill, two years ago, was passed for the purpose of keeping order within-the Establish- ment itself, and that proceedings which had been taken under it had given rise to angry and bitter feeling. There was in the Church a section almost in open mutiny against the Establishment, and the rancour between the different sections of the Church was almost unparalleled. If he wanted to see specimens of evil speaking he looked to the Church newspapers. Not evil speaking against Nonconformists, but against those who differed in their own communion. Seeing all this, he could not think that the Church of England was strengthening it,s position, but rather that it was falling by reason of its own internal dissensions, which were rapidly increasing and extending. He could not think that the Church was likely, nor was it desirable that it should continue long. Look- ing at those influences which were operating in the Church itself, he did not think it could continue for many years. He believed the day was not far distant when the connection between the Church and State would be severed, for many members of the Church itself desired it, besides a large class of the community outside the Church. That being so, he did not desire to see the creation of a large number of highly paid officials, who would, at the time of disestablishment, put in claims for compensation. That they would put in such claims there was no doubt; no one could doubt it who listened last year to the hon. member for Dundee, when he spoke of those who had put in claims for compensation under the Irish Church disestablish- ment Act, claims which were never disputed and in ma.ny cases incumbents were nominated for the sole purpose of getting compensation. That re- sulted in the Church putting its hands into the public pocket much more deeply than was contem- plated, and they could not doubt that it would be repeated when disestablishment took place in Eng- land, as it assuredly would," These words develope the clear-sightedness of a Seer, and the courage of a just and fearless man. They will be unwelcome to many, and not a few will pooh pooh them as the dream of a visionary. But, if justice be done to Mr. Dillwyn, he must receive credit for seeing further ahead than most of his contemporaries and even, if his prediction be realized, the event will not be calamitous. Scotland has done pretty well without any Episcopate. Ireland is improving notwithstanding disestablishment. Wales does not make much use of the fraction of an Establishment which she has and England, if put to it, would undoubtedly show that she has intellectual and pecuniary resources not inferior to any or all of them combined. What need therefore for an in- crease of the Episcopate at present ?

A NEW CREED. CHRISTIAN people generally believe that the world has seen enough of these documents. Not that on principle we have the slightest objection to creeds. Creed simply means "Belief," and he must be a very brainless specimen of humanity who has no belief in any thing. Creeds may be worthless or bad or good, but that does not inter- fere with the fact that, written or unwritten, they .exist and are constantly acted upon. They only seem to us obnoxious and oppressive when men are punished for inability to subscribe them, or when they are used to tell who must be damned, instead of encouraging and assisting those who would be saved. We have been reading the principal tenets of two dozen of them, but have found nothing in point of casuistry equal to that with which, if we remember rightly,, Erasmus was credited. In answer to the question, What do you believe ? the reply was I believe what the Churoh believes." And what does the Church believe ? "The Church believes what I believe." And what do you both believe? We both be- lieve the same thing." But nothing approaches in sweet simplicity" that recently propounded in Bristol where the officiating clergyman of a Church refused to admit a gentleman to the Com- munion unless he professed faith in his Satanic majesty 1 When the threat on the part of the clergyman to exclude the gentleman from the Sacrament became known, his wife (Mrs. Jenkins) endeavoured to effect a reconciliation between them, urgingthe blamelessnessof her husband's life. But her testimony is that this made the matter worse and eventually the Rev. Flavel Cook said to her Let him write me a letter—a calm letter, and say he Relieves in the devil, and I will give him the-8acrament." What next ?

THE SLAVE CIRCULARS. THE policy of the Government respecting its noto- rious Slave Circulars is now meeting with general and merited reprobation. The Premier himself, who was accountable for the issuing the first of these re- actionary documents, did not attempt to defend it. Indeed, it was impossible for him to do so; for it di- rected the reversal of a policy, in support of which the peopleof this country have been enthusiastic for the last 40 yean,. About the abhorrence of slavery felt by all England there can be no doubt. Her earnestness to effect the liberation of all bonds- men is beyond suspicion. Her sacrifices in the in. terests of freedom are known over all the world. Class privileges Are not popular in this realm. Mo- nopolies involving injustice are hated. We have not yet been freed from all of them. Yet many have disappeared, and the rest are doomed. But from the sin and curse of slavery we are thoroughly delivered, and no amount of sophistry, legal or other, can make Britons look on human beings as chattels. It was not, therefore, without much indignation that the first naval Encyclical of the Tory Government was read for, it virtually in- structed the Queen's officers to restore fugitive slaves who had obtained a temporary asylum in an English war-ship to their cruel taskmasters, provided their escape had been effected in the ter. ritorial waters of a slave-holding country. The second Circular is more difficult to deal with, on account of the vagneness of its expresions. Sir Henry James, whose masterly speech on the sub- ject thoroughly exposed its contravention of the national policy says—"If I were asked, 'Doesthe second Circular contain any bad law ?' I should say I cannot tell, not because I doubt what the law is, but because I do not know whether this Circular contains any law at all. It has been drawn by or under the sanction of theLord Chan- cellor, voluntarily, without any legal obligation; and he therefore proceeds to discuss it, not as an exposition of law, but as a question of policy, which, he shows in a most convincing manner, to be at variance with that pursued by previous Governments, since the era of Emancipa- tion. It cannot be doubted that while British ships are in the territorial waters of other States, those in charge of them should be careful to abstain from all acts which infringe their laws, or show discourtesy to their authorities; but they should not under any circumstances be called upon to enforce their laws in favour of slavery, or if called on to do so, they should refuse to comply with a demand so abhorrent to their nature. It is evident from the statement of Sir John Hay that this pretty closely accords with what, up to the time when the present Govern- ment tried its hand at "meddling and muddling," was the practice of naval officers. The old belief he observed, was that they did not receive a I fugitive slave on board—indeed, that they ought not to do so but if they did, not only were they not authorized to surrender him, but they would incur a serious responsibility if they did." And Sir Leopold Heath, through whom the present Admiralty blunders were committed, appears to have acted in unison with Sir John in regard to the conduct which he commanded his subordinates to observe towards escaped slaves. Writing of two what had come on board one of her Majesty's ships, he informed the captain that with respect to the demand made by the Government of Mada- gascar for the restoration of the two slaves, I suggest that you should point out to that Govern- ment that every man putting his foot on English sail becomes ipso facto free, that the deck of a British man-of-war is held constructively to be British territory, and that, therefore, those men cannot be restored to their masters. But as England, while waging war against the Slave Trade, does not profess to interfere with domestic slavery, it is possible that the English Government, if applied to, may grant the owners compensation. But the obnoxious circular against which the Liberals chiefly are now waging war so far differs from the course of duty pursued by these gallant Admirals, that captains in oommand of the Queen's ships are enjoined to exercise great caution against receiving on board a slave, even on the high seas, where slave-owning States have no jurisdiction, and are commanded not to receive him unless his life be in manifest danger. Surely this is a recognition of slavery which the people of this country will never tolerate, and it involves a helpless fugitive in perils which dastards only could view with complacency. We feel certain that whatever may be the termi- nation of the present discussion—whether it end in adopting the resolutions moved by Mr. Whit- bread, condemnatory of the Circular, or in the ap- pointment of a Royal Commission to report on the international laws of the question—this miserable pro-slavery document is doomed to infamy; for the voice of millions of freemen will demand that the stain of slavery shall not rest on the meteor flag of England, though refusing asylum to a wretched bondsman, or consenting to surrender him to the inhuman vampires who wish to have him, that they may suck his blood.

gateUifletice. The Rev. W. Davies, vicar of Llanwonno, South Wales) died on Sunday at his residence in the Rhondda Valley. The London Gazette announces that the Queen has ap- proved of Don Thomas Elford as Viee-Consul at Swansea for the Republic of Peru. The Penllergare Hounds will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 29, at Cefngoleu; on Friday, March 3, at Glyn Abbey- each day at 10.30. RESIGNATION OF MR. ANDREW DOYLE.—The Globe states that "Mr. Andrew Doyle, Local Government Board Inspector for Wales, has just sent in his resigna- tion of the inspectorship." SHIPPING.—SWANSEA, Feb 2L — The Sketty Belle, hence for Carloforte on the 7th of February, has put back this tide with stanchions and covering board gone, hav- ing been in collision with a large steamer on the 16th inst. in lat. 45 N., long. 10 W., bound appearently for St. George's Channel the steamer proceeded. THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE —The announcement of a termination on Saturday of all contracts at the Bryn- mawr works has caused much uneasiness in the district. The price allowed for cutting coal at Llanfabon has been reduced 8jd. a ton. A rumour prevails that the coal levels belonging to the old Llanelly Works Company are about to be re-opened. THE GREAT WESTERN DIVIDEND.—Mr. F. G. Saunders, secretary of the above Company, writes as follows :— With the view of making the public aware at the ear- liest practiceable period of the dividend likely to be de- clared by this Company at the ensuing general meeting, I am authorised to state that the accountsw hich have been this day submitted to the directors show a balance sufficient to admit of a dividend for the past half-year on the Con- solidated Ordinary Stock of the Company at the rate of 41 per cent. per annum, carrying over a balance of about £9,000. JEWISH WEDDING.—On Wednesday, a Jewish wedding took place at the Synagogue, in Goat-street, the contract- ing parties being Mr. Charles Coleman Moses, of London, and Miss Goldstein, daughter of Mr. Morris Goldstein, pawnbroker, High-street. The affair created consider- able interest, and some hundreds of persons assembled in front of the Bush-hotel, were the bride and bride- groom, with their relatives and friends, dined after the ceremony. A ball took place in the evening, at which a large number of relatives and friends were present. THE SWANSEA SHIPPING QUESTION.— In the Exchequer Division of the High Court of Justice sitting at Nisi Prius, at Guildhall, London, on Monday, Baron Pollock and a special jury had before them the case of Daniel Jones, Swansea, and the Cape Copper Mining Company. The defendants, it appeared, chartered Mr. Jones's brigantine Lizzie to take a cargo of goods from London to the West Coast of Africa, and to bring back to Swansea a cargo of copper ore. The port of destination was Nolloth, and there the vessel was lost. The ship was fastened to permanent moorings, but the cable broke and it drifted on to the recks close by, and vas wrecked. The question in dispute was whether the defendants were liable. The captain, John Jones, gave evidence of the loss of the vessel, and the court adjourned until the following day, when after a long hearing, a verdict was re- turned for the plaintiff. The damages are to be arranged. [A more lengthened report is crowded out until our next.] THE MUMBLES OYSTER DREDGERS—Probably those who sit at home at ease, and the public generally of Swansea, have little or no idea of the distress and pri- vation which have existed amongst the oyster dredgers of the Mumbles over the past winter months, and which existed at the present time with equal if not increased severity. For years past the oyster fisheries have been wretchedly bad, and when the late precarious weather is also considered, it will be seen how slender has been the means of obtaining anything like a livelihood. Fa- milies averaging from seven to ten persons, have been unable to earn more than from 8s. to 10s. per week, and may not even earn this amount, and much poverty and distress consequently abound; in fact, we have been credibly informed that many families have been com- pelled to live upon bread and water, and even of that scarcely enough to sustain life. We are glad to hear that in the midst of so much reai pinching poverty, resulting from circumstances beyond control, a few benevolent gentlemen have inaugurated a soup kitchen, from which some fifty gallons of good nutritious soup are weekly distributed amongst the more necessitous. It is intended to continue this Christian work until the end of March, if not later; but the help of the charitable of Swansea and neighbourhood is urgently needed for that purpose, and we are sure we shall not quake this appeal in vain. Mr. R. H. Hancorne, of the Mumbles, will gladly re- ceive subscriptions and see that the money is carefully .expended. WAUNABLWYDD BOARD SCHOOL.—On Tuesday after- noon the enlarged and renovated day schools at the village of Waunarlwydd were re-opened, and the day was made a fete day for the children. The population of the place has so increased lately that additional school accommo- dation had become a necessity. The old school was capable of accommodating 132 children, but by the ex- tention just made it will now contain 170 additional scholars. The school is now under the supervision of the school board of Swansea Higher. The new structure has been built by Mr. Edwards, of Waunarlwydd, Mn Buck- nell, of Sketty, being the architect. Mr. D. Eo Williams is the schoolmaster the schoolmistress has not yet been appointed. A tea meeting in connection with the opening of the schools took place on Tuesday, when all the children of the neighbourhood were invited, and they thoroughly enjoyed the treat. The cost of the tea party was defrayed by the voluntary contributions of friends. The school at present is a mixed one, but is intended at an early date to have separate departments. There is ample space at the back for playgrounds, and when the schools are in active operation they will compare favour- ably wHh any that come under the cognizance and super- vision of the school board. Mr. H. H. Vivian, M.P., and Mr. J. J. Jenkins, had promised to attend the open- ing meeting, but in their absence the chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr. Bolney, of Sketty. Addresses were de- livered by Messrs. Thomas, R. Rees, Wm. Evans, D. E. Williams, and the Revs. Davies and Bevan. ODDFELLOWS AT LANDORE —The annual balance sheet of the Loyal Landore Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., held at the Landore Inn, Landore, has jast been presented to its members for the year ending December 31st, 1875. The statement shews that the receipts for the sick and funeral fund during the year was J6272 Os. 8d., and the sick pay and funeral donations amounted ita £192 4s., thus shewing that a large amount is paid out of the funds to those of its members who are so prudent to provide for the rainy day. The total value of the lodge, 1st January, 1875, was £1,222 5s. 7d., and that of the 31st December, 187o, was dBl,247 17s. iStd., shewing an increase during the year of £25 J Is. 8id. The total number of subscribing members is 189, with six honorary members. The average value per member, £6 12s. Average age of members, 30 years, 1 month, 18 days. As regards age and value per member the lodge is considered the beat in South Wales. The success of the lodge during the last year is mainly due to their respected secretary, brother Llewellyn Davies, who is also the C.S. of the Morriston district; and in token ef the respect which he is held amongst them he was presented last August with his portrait in oil painting and also an address. The committee which carried out the arrangements with regard to the above object met last Thursday evening, at Brvngelly-house, to present Bro. Davies with the address (which was not ready on the night of presenta- tion) also to present Mrs. Davies with an elegant locket an<f ring bearing the following inscription Pre- sented to Mrs. Paviee, by the Oddfellows of Mornston District, M.U." Value about .£16, being the surplus of the subscriptions towards the testimonial After the Pre- sentation had been mad., Bro. Davies su'tably acknow. ledged the svne f,r 'If md JJ™- The brethren present partook or the provided for them; after which the addressed by P.P.G.M., Isaac Davies, chairman fj > Henry Brown; P.G., W. Williams; P.G., W. Hfchards; and others, the proceedings being interspered wiij? songs by Mr. J. Jones, &c. A vote of thanks to the chairt?*aQ and also to Mr. and Mrs. Davies, for the kind manner in 'which they had entertained them, brought the meeting to a close MORGAN v ELFSRD — We are informed that an appeal is pending against the decision of the Vice Chancellor Richitnt Malim. Vice-Chancellor Sir Richard Malins has appointed M • Sir Frederick Warwick, of X o. 25, Buclcleiibu;y, London, the official liquidator of the Eskern bLite and Slab Com pany (Limited). A STRIKE.—The men employed at the several collieries in Waunarlwydd have struck against a further reduction of 11i per cent. By the award of the sliding scale com- mittee the reduction is 21i per cent. About a fortnight ago they submitted rather unwillingly to a reduction of 10 per cent. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Monday, Mr. Edward Strickheld an inquest at the Commercial Inn, Pentre Estyll, on the body of a widow named Hannah Phillips, aged 68 years, who died suddenly, on the 19th inst. The medical evi- dence went to show that death had resulted from apo- plexy, and the jury accordingly returned a verdict of— "Death from natural causes. ACCIDENTAL DEATH of A PIT SINKER.—On Saturday Mr. Edward Strick, the deputy coroner, held an inquest at the Star Inn, Llansamlet, on the body of Jno. Andrews, who came by his death suddenly on the 17th instant. From the evidence then adduced it appeared that the de- ceased was a pit sinker and forty-three years of age. While engaged in his vocation of coal pit sinking, he accidentally fell down the pit into the water and was instantaneously killed. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. ST. ANDREW'S PRESBYTBRIAN CHURCH.—The Rev. P. Crole, of Gloucester, Moderator of the Birmingham Pres- bytery, preached at the above church on the 20th inst., and read the official edict declaring the pupit vacant on the translation of the Rev. Mr. Gullan to Reading. The Rev. John Clark, M.A., of Belfast, a probationer of the Irish Presbyterian Church, occupies the pulpit for two Sundays. A bazaar, the proceeds of which is to be devoted to the erection of galleries and an organ, will take place at the Music-hall, on May 10th and 11th. VOLUNTEER CONCERT.—It is not often that a more attractive concert is advertised than that which we announce in our columns to-day, to take place in the Music-hall or the 16th March, on behalf of the band of the First Glamorgan Artillery Volunteers. The vocalists are amongst the most popular and talented of the day, comprising Madame Barton Edmonds, Mdlle. Enriquez, Vernon Rigby, T. Brandon, and the celebrated John Thomu, the world renowned harpist to her Majesty, the conductor being Mr. Alexander Phipps, R.A.M. The patrons include the leading families of the town and neighbourhood, and the programme being a most attrac- tive one, the hall will doubtless be crowded.—See advt. Miss LIZZIE WILLIAMS'S CONCERT.—Miss Lizzie William (Llinos y De), a young artiste of considerable ability and of rising merit, announces her annual evening concert to take place at the Music Hall, on the evening of Monday, the 13th of March next, upon which occasion she will receive the patronage of many of the leading gentry of the town and district. In addition to herself, Miss Williams has secured the services of Miss Martha Harries, R.A.M. (who made a decided "hit" in Swansea, a few weeks sine"), Mr. James Sauvage, R. A.M., and the Misses Fricker, also favourably known, Mr. Fricker being the accompanist. We hope to see a crowded house, as a testimony that the ability of Miss Williams is duly appreciated.—See Advt. PATENT FUEL.—Another patent fuel works has just been started by Messrs. Nixon and Bell, of Clydacb, for the purpose of using up the small from their celebrated Western Merthyr Steam Coal, which is known to be so well adapted for fuel making. The works are capable of turning out from 500 to 600 tons per day, and it appears there is already a good demand. The works have been erected from the plans and under the direction of Mr. James Bolton, St. Helen's Engineering Works, Swansea, who makes a speciality of this business, and the whole of the machinery was manufactured at his works, under his patents. From the first start everything went smoothly and perfectly, showing the care and forethought which had been brought to bear on the plant and arrange- ments. A very simple contrivance is adopved in manu- facturing the fuel, which enables the blocks to be readily broken without waste, into suitable sizes for putting on the fire. This is also part of Mr. Bolton's patented ar- rangements, and is found to answer thoroughly. THE ELECTION OF PROPRIETARY HARBOUR TRUSTEES. —It is satisfactory to find that the election of proprietary Trustees of the harbour is creating a good deal more at- tention than in days gone by. The election takes place on Wednesday next, the 1st of March, and there are six candidates. Four members retire, viz., Messrs. P. St. Leger Grenfell, Alfred Sterry, C. Bath, and L. L. Dillwyn, M.P. The two first-named candidates do not seek re- election, and for the two vacancies thus caused there are four new candidates—viz., Messrs. F. A. Yeo, l'homas Ford, S. B. Power, and J. Francis Richardson. There are about 250 persons entitled to vote in this election, and all we can lay is that we hope the electors will well weigh the responsibilies which are imposed upon them and vote for those gentlemen whom they believe will best dis- charge the important duties committed to their trust. DROWNED IN THE NORTH DOCK.—On Wednesday Mr. Edward Strick held an inquest at the Coach and Horses public-house, on the body of Patrick Bryan, aged 28 years, and a resident of Llangafelach-street. Jeremiah Bryan, brother of the deceased, stated that they were both in the employ of Messrs. Cory, Yeo, and Co., at their fuel works on the North Dock. About half-past eight o'clock on Tuesday night they were at work. The deceased was sent to move a lighter full of fuel down the dock from the works to the side of a ship. The moving was accomplished by means of a boat hook, with which the lighter was pulled along by the side of the vessels. It was work enough for two men, but one man sometimes did it. On the night in question witness and his brother were engaged op job work, ana JSeceasad .enj¡ away alone to bring down the lighter. After some few minutes'absence a cry was heard from one of the vessels in the dock that a man was overboard. Witness and some others got a boat and some lights, for the night was a dark one, and went on board the lighter. They could find neither the deceased nor the boat-hook. After a search in the dock the hook was found and the body was recovered after several hours' grappling. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." SWANSEA VALE RAILWAY.—The forty-second half- yearly meeting of the directors and shareholders of this company was held at the Swansea Station Office at noon yesterday. The attendance was small Mr. Starling Benson occupied the chair. The secretary read the report as follows :—" Your directors have to recommend that from the rent payable by the Midland Company to 31st December, 1875, the usual dividends on all pre- ference shares, and six per cent. on the original shares of the Swansea Vale Company be paid, such payment to be made on the 1st March next. The lamented death of their friend and colleague, H. J. Bath, Esq., causes a vacancy on the Board of Directors. As the Swansea Vale Railway is now transferred by lease to the Midland Company, who propose to obtain further parliamentary powers during the present session, your directors do not consider it necessary that this vacancy should be filled up. Three of your directors, S. Benson, Esq., A. M. S. Maskelyne, Esq., G. B. Lloyd, Esq., and one auditor, W. H. Francis, Esq., retire by rotation, and all these gentlemen, being eligible, offer themselves for re-elec- tien. The report was adopted, the dividend declared, the directors and auditors were re-elected, and the meeting came to a close with a vote of thanks to the chairman. SWANSEA FREE LIBRARY.—The Librarian begs to ac- knowledge the receipt of the fallowing donations to the Library From Dr. Rees, Brown on Christianity; Mr. —vans, Aberavon, 7 vols. Mr. W. Penrose, Swansea, icn vols., in which are included, Shakespeare's Works, Muton's Works, Life of the Countess of Huntington, Year Book of Facts, Scripture Gazetteer, Jameson on Eastern Manners, Bonnycastle's plane Geometry, Johnson's Agri- cultural Chemistry, Tresinus' Chemical Analysis, Fownes' Chemistry, Faraday's Chemical Manipulation, Watson's Chemical Essays, Muspratt's Chemistry, Daniel's Intro- auction to Chemical Philosophy, Richardson's Geology, n i? E'en,ents °f Geology, Lindley's Botany, Lauries' Golden Ready Reckoner, Klapwroth's Analytical Essays, ,T"iiar1Vm>8 Parliamentary Gazetteer, Gazetteer of Scotland, McCulloch's Attributes of God, Bridge's Miners' Guide, salmon on Mining and Smelting, Lardner on the Steam Engine Phillips' Metallurgy, Rollin's Ancient History, Bell s System of Geography, &c.; from Mr. R. Rice Da VIM hon sec. of the Free Library, copies of his works, viz., Tales and Sketches of Wales, Essays on Recreation Groundsifor Swansea, Havel ock the Christian Hero, Adam Smith s Wealth of Nations, Tenant's Peoples' Blue Book, Maurice on Local Religion, and Blackie's Carpenter's As- sistant; from Judge Falconer, Usk, Life of Wishart: ftom the Cobden Club, Free Trade and Free Enterprise, Report of the Commissioners of New Works, Commercial Treatise, Local Government and Taxation (Essays), Bastiat on Political Economy. DARING BURGLARY AT SWANSEA.—On Sunday morn- ing last a burglary of a most daring kind was committed In a house in one of the leading thoroughfares of the town, and unfortunately no clue nas been found to the perpetrator. About four o'clock on Sunday morning, Mr. George Davies, grocer, 12, Castle-street, Swansea, was awakened by the noise of the breaking of glass at the back of the house. He immediately got out of bed and turned on the light which had been lowered during the night. Thereupon he heard a second noise in the yard below, and proceeding to the landing he found the stair- case window had been broken, the clasp turned back, and the sash pulled down. He then made his way to I J- er the house, and found the back door leading to the yard had been bolted and blockaded with casks and planks so as to prevent the speedy egress of any pursuer. The kitchen window was open, but not broken, the oatch having been slipped ba9k with the aid of a rusty knife which left its marks on the wood. The thief had made bis way into the parlour and had broken open a cupboard, &c., but had not touched the contents, eatables, drinkables and clothes, nor had he carried off the silver spoons that were near at hand. In the yard at the back there were casks and bakers' trays piled up, *vFIi10Un.ted by a ladder which reached to the window of the landing. The thief had evidently been in search of the money that would be certainly kept on the premises on Saturday night, and not finding any downstairs he had sought the best means of getting into the upper floors. There were found on the premises a rusty carving knife, and a morticing chisel, and the impress of a foot ui one of the flower beds in the garden, indicating the direction the thief had taken, namely, over the walls mto Bunker's lane by the side of the Wesley ChapeL Had the landing window not been one of the old- fashioned kind with a beading in the sash, the catch might have been slipped back with a knife as was that of the kitchen window without breaking the glass, but fortunately the noise of the glass awoke Mr. Davies, and the turning up the light warned the thief. Nothing was carried off, but favoured with the deep darkness that Prevailed at that hour the depredator himself got away, 'rom the nature of the accomplished procedure it would seem that the thief could be no atoftpger to the intricacies of the premises, and it is to be hoped the offence will P? brought home to this daring burglar. -c- I SWANSEA BOARD OF GUABDIAN8. At the usual weekly meeting of the Board, held yes- terday, there were present—Mr. J. T. D. Llewellyn (chairman), Mr. E R. Daniel and Mr. E. Bath (in the vice-* huirs), and Messrs Philip liwger?, John Lewis, W. Richard*, J. I. Evans, M. B. Williams, John Buse, Philip Jenkins, l'homas Powell, Thomas Trew, Dr. J. A. Raw- lings, Messrs. Bircham (Local Government Board In- spector), Richard Richards, W. J. Rees, Isaac Davies, John Davies, Thomas Freeman, and Henry Bowen. The Chairman commenced by moving that the Board resolve into a committee to consider the adoption of the report on an industrial school for children in the house. He explained that the sub-committee which had been ap- pointed had worked hard, and had brought up a report which had been received and ordered to be printed at last week's meeting. Now the committee of the whole board would consider the adoption of the recommendation of the report. If they decided to adopt the report, they could at once resolve themselves into an open Board again, and confirm the action of the committee. He re- minded them that the principle of removing the children had been admitted already. He then read the report, o' which the following is a summary — "1h? committee of the whole board, appointed to consider the desirability and best means of providing an industrial school for the pauper children of this Union, and also as to the desirability of increased facilities for boarding-out, now report that the best means of removing from. and providing for the children out of the workhouse, will be to build cottage homes, to contain not exceeding 20 children in each. That it will now be necessary to provide for about 60 children. That any provision made should be of such a character as to be capable of exten- sion, so as to provide for a larger number, if necessary, at any future time. That we recommend the erection of three blocks or cottages, to contain 20 children each. That each cottage should have on the ground floor a kitchen, a general dining-room, a workshop, lavatory, small store- room, a coal store, &c and on the first floor a girls' bedroom, boys' badroom, spare bedroom or sick room, and bedroom for the female superintendent, or for the married couple proposed to be appointed. That we recommend the adoption of the sketch or plan of cottage hereto annexed, subject to some slight alteration. That no schoolroom be built in connection with the cottages, at any rate not for the present. That the children be sent daily to a board or other efficient school; and having this in view, a site should be selected within a reasonable dis- tance of such a school That sufficient land, not less than ten acres, be purchased, to provide for future extension and for the keeping of a cow, or cows, and for the indus- trial training of the boys. That for one cottage the services of a married couple should be obtained, at a joint salary of JE30 with rations, the man to act as superinten- dent over the whole. That for the other cottages one woman should be appointed to each, at a salary of JE15 each and rations. Having on the 29th ult. visited and inspected various eifes, we recommend one situated adjoining the parish road leading from the Cockett Rail- way Station towards Sketty. We estimate the cost as follows:—Land, £1,000; three cottages for 20 children each, £ 1,800; furniture, B300 total, £3,100. This amount can be borrowed at 4;i per cent repayable by annual instalments in 30 years. The carrying out of this system of cottage homes would, we estimate, entail the following annual expenditure for 30 years, viz. :-Annual instal- ment of principal, about B103 average amount of interest, j368 total, JE171. And permanently, salary of married couple for one cottage, £30; rations, £50; two women for the other cottages, salaries at £15 each, jE30 rations at £25 each, £50; Maintenance and clothing of sixty children, £480. school fees, £3(); total, JS841. Against which we put the following, viz. Value of school build- ings at present occupied by children, £2,000 at 4;i per cent., £85 salaries of schoolmaster and industrial trainer, S70 rations, £50; maintenance and clothing of sixty children, £480; total, £685; showing an increased ex- penditure of j6156 for thirty years, after which time (the amount borrowed will then have been paid off) there will be a decreased expenditure of j615 per annum. We further recommend that an extension of the boarding-out system should, in certain casea, be encouraged.—JOHN T. D. LLEWELYN, Chairman Sub-committee, Swansea, 15th February, 1876." The Chairman continued: The figures in the report were approximate, and the estimated number, namely, 60, was too small. They had already 60 children on their hands, and had for a long time done all they could to prevent children coming into the house, pernaps detrimentally to the best interests of the matter. With an increasing union such as theirs, they ought to make provision for a larger number. The matter had been considered for a long time, and schemes had been mooted, some of them perhaps cheaper than this, but not better. As to the site of the schools, it should be neither too near the workhouse, to allow of the permanence of the workhouse taint, nor too far to cause difficulty of transit. It had been stated that the public outside were afraid of the amount of expenditure involved in the erection of Industrial Schools. It seemed to be thought that gentlemen, who were pretty well off in the world, did not feel and did not care for the amount of expenditure and consequent taxation. This was a mistake, for he assured them that he, as one of the largest ratepayers, did care for and look after the expen- diture and he believed that a little expenditure care- fully made now would go a long way towards future reduction of rates. He therefore formally moved that the report of the sub-committee be adopted. Mr. Philip Jenkins seconded the proposition with all his heart, because he thorougly believed in it. He had had considerable experience of schools, and had rejoiced to see the old Ragged Schools superseded by Board Schools, and he hoped to see Workhouse Schools super- seded by Industrial Schools of that sort. He enumerated the amounts of expenditure lately made in Swansea for free library, and recreation purposes, and contended that the claims of the pauper children were greatar than the claims of the people for books and recreations. JJe believed the scheme a good one, and the proposed 81_fcf, at Eycitnf ■ and that the adoption of the scheme would be a benefit. Mr. J. I. Evans moved as an amendment that the matter be deferred for six months. The question had been several times discussed, and the erection of Indus- trial Schools negatived, and he did not think that if the boarding out system were fully adopted there would be any necessity for the proposed schools. The Swansea School Board had launched forth into large expenditure for the erection of schools, and these schools were in- tended ultimately to reduce pauperism. This was one reason why he did not see his way to support the recom- mendation of the sub-committee. Then again, it had been stated, and not without foundation, that Indus trial Schools were not more free from the pauper taint than the workhouse itself. He also questioned the ac- curacy of the figures of the report. The land was worth more than £100 per acre, and he did not believe they could get a man and wife suitable to look after the cottages for a salary of JE30 per annum and rations, ner could they get two old Women for J615 each. Then they ought to consider the religious difficulty that would be sure to crop up between Churchmen, Dissenters, and Roman Catholics, and they had made no arrangements for the medical treatment of the inmates of the schools. Up to the present time the boarding-out system had answered admirably. It could be further extended, and, as had been hinted to him, we should soon have a training ship in Swansea. Besides, the number of children in the house who could be sent to these schoels was very small, and, as proved by the statistics of the last few years, pauperism is decreasing in the union. Therefore he moved that the matter be deferred for six months. No one seconded the amendment. Mr. Philip Rogers fully agreed with efforts to de- pauperise the children. The cost of children now in the house was less than would be the case in the proposed new schools, and he could not help thinking that if the Guardians only increased the premium offered unto the children boarded out, they would get better houses for them, and the boarding out system would prove a greater success. Mr. M. B. Williams supported the resolution of the chairman, because he believed that with the new schools, in conjunction with the boarding out system, they would be able to remove the children from the workhouse taint, and would have more space for better classification of the house. The expenditure incurred in this proposed scheme would amount to only one-fifth of a penny in the JE, which they would admit, was not alarming expenditure to ensure the great advantages that would sure to follow. Mr. Edward Bath supported the proposition. They were already in want of increased accommodation in the house, and they had agreed to remove the children. It struck him that the plan proposed by the chairman was the best that could be adopted. He was thoroughly in favour of the boarding out system, and he did not wish to restrict its working, but when it was utilised fully there was always a residue of children who could not be dealt with in that way. Mr. Thomas Powell thought, as Mr. Bath had stated, it was almost an insult to enter into argument to recom- mend this scheme to the approval of the Guardians. The necessity of removing the children from the house had been admitted, and a resolution had confirmed it. He therefore supported the proposition. Mr. John Davies thought they were all desirous of doing the best thing for the children, and he thought they were indebted to Mr. Llewelyn for the suggestion and fer the offer of the land at Cockett. At the same time, he was greatly in favour of boardlng-out, and he believed that if a larger premium were offered with the children the boarding-out system would meet nearly all wan ts. replying to the remarks made, said that then-real difficulty, and the one which was at the root of this scheme, was that of dealing with illegitimate children, whom, by law, they could not board out. He was as much In favour of boarding-out as any member of the Board, but they could not board-out either illegiti- mate children or casuals. The number of children to be dealt with were not only those in the house, but those outside, about 1,167 altogether. The proposition was then put to the meeting and de- clared carried, 13 voting for it and 1 against it. ORDINARY MEETING. The committee then resolved itself into an ordinary meet- ing, and the minutes of the last week's meeting were read and adopted. The report of the sub-committee in relation to industrial school was then brought up and formally adopted. A GIFT BY MR. LLEWBLYN. lhe Chairman said his father wished him to state that he would not accept any payment for the land at Oockett, selected as the site of the industrial schools. (Cheers). His lather and himself had talked the matter over, and being very anxious to relieve the ratepayers as far as lay in their power, they had determined upon this course. He was quite sure they would understand his reason for wishing not to say a word about this until the Guardians had de- cided the question upon its merits. He thought 10 acres would be sufficient for the purpose of the industrial schools, but eventually he had no doubt it would be necessary to make it a larger scheme than the present. He thought also that he might now mention that when the Guardians of three unions ef Bridgend, Neath, and Swansea were dis- cussing the erection of joint industrial schools, Mr* Talbot had written him a letter marked private," in which he expressed hit intention, provided the Quardiane selected the site which belonged him, not to accept ptyoient for it. (Hear, hear.) Of course that matter had now fallen through. His father and himself had adopted the course of not mentioning the gift at the time, believing that tile Guardians should first choose the site and adopt the scheme, without regard to anything like a bait or any other influence than the necessity of the case demanded (Hear, hear). Mr. J. I. Evans, as the principal opponent of the saheme, begged to move a vote of thanks to the chairman and his noble father for their great liberality to the public Aiter several members had spoken on the point the reso- lution took the following form :—That the special thanks of j the Board be given to John Dillwyn Llewelyn, Esq., and his son, for the munificent gift of 10 acres of landte this union, for the purpose of industrial schools, and that the resolution be entered upon the minutes of this Board." The resolution was carried amid loud applause. DEATH OF MR. TCCKFIELD. The Chairman moved the Guardians beg to express to Mrs. Tuckfield their sincere sympathy with her and her children, on the death of her husband, Mr. Oharl. Tuckfield, for many years past one of the relieving .Oi- cers of this union, and to condole with them upon tlwir severe loss." A question arose as to whether the duties of the two relieving officer's districts could not be performed by one officer, and a smill committee was appointed to oouider and report upon the matter. On the motion of Mr. M. B. Williams, it was agreed to form small district committees of the guardians to visifc and report upon the pauper children now boarded out in the union. The relief lists were afterwards resumed.

PROVINCE OF SOUTH WALES (EASTERN DIVISION). CONSECRATION OF A NEW LODGE AT SWANSEA. The ceremony of consecration of the "Caradoc" Lodge, No. 1,573, took place on Thursday last, the 17th inst., at the Masonic Hall, Caer-street, Swansea. There was a large gathering of brethren, every lodge in the province being represented, together with an unusually large muster of visitors from the sister province and the neigh- bouring towns. The lodge was opened at two o'clock by Brother George Bradford, P.Prov.G.Sup. Wks. P.M. No. 237 assisted by the P.M.'sand officers of the same lodge. The lodge having been opened in due form, the R.W.. the Provincial Grand Master Brother Theodore Mansel Talbot; tbe W. the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Brother Edward James Morris and the officers of Pro- vincial Grand Lodge, entered the lodge in proc^s-ioa, marshalled by the Prov.G D.C. Brother Evan Thomas, W.M.. No. 679; the following officers being in attendance: —Brothers W. Whittington, Prov.S.G. W.; James G. Hall, P.Prov. S. G. W.; Marmaduke Tennant, P. Pro v. S. W.; George B. Brock, P. Prov. S.G.W,; Rowland Thomas, P. Prov. J.G.W. George Allen, P. Prov. J.G.W.; T. D. Daniel, P. Prov. J.G.W. Rev. J. J. S Moore, LL.D., Prov. G Chap. John Jones, Prov. G. Treasr. Jamee Goodall, Prov. G. Regr. Lawrer^e Tulloch, P. Prov. G. Regr. Samuel B. Power, P. iTov. G. Regr. Charles Taylor, Prov. G.D. Seigmuwd Weichert, P. Prov. G.D.; James Hurman, P. Prov. G.D. W. H. Tucker, P. Prov. G.D. W. H. Davies, P. Prov. G.D. Edward Daniel, P. Prov. G.D. W G. Davies, P. Prov. G. Sup. Wks.; Geo. Bradford, r. Prov. G. Sup. Wks. Evan Thomu, Prov. G.D.C. W. L. R. Jackson, Prov. G.D.C. Thoa. Powell P Prov. G.D.C. J. Jones-Hewson, P. Prov. G.DC. E. F. Daniel, Prov. G.S.B.; John Rogers, P. Prov. G.S.B. Arthur Ll. Struve, Prov. G. Org.; Howel W. Williams, P. Prov. G. Purst. Thomas G. Glass, P. Prov. G. Purst. Thomas Thomas, William Little, Thomas McKimm, D. R. David, G. H. Whiter Prov. G. Stewards George Bullerwell, Prov. G. Tyler. Also Brothers W. J. Morgan, P. Prov. J.G.W., Western Division Rev. A. H. P. Trewman, P. Prov. G. Chap., Somerset; C. V. Harding, Prov. G. Org., Western Divi- sion J. B. Hall, Prov. G.D.C., Leicester; W. Harriee, Tenby E. W. Fenton, Hereford J. Edwards Price, W. Paxton Garrett, E. S. Hartland, W. Aubrey Esseiy, J. C. Sladen; J. L. White W. Michell; D. C. Jones; J. R. Davies; D. Rosser; J. Bowen; W. Morgan; W. Dobbs W. Watkins D. Jenkins; G. Shaddich H. Simons S. Thompson R. Maine J. S. Woolley; G. J. Alexander; M. Wayne Morgan; H. K. Bill; A. F. Bayntun; H. A. Latimer; R. D. Burnie; John B. Richards John Rhys; J. Moody; W. Garland; and many others. The chair having been taken by the R. W. Provineia Grand Master, Brother James Goodall, Prov G. Regist.and P M. No. 237 read the petition and warrant of constitu- tion after which the ceremony of consecration was per- formed by the R. W. Provincial Grand Master in his usual masterly and impressive maniser, assisted by the W. the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and by Brothers Marmaduke Tennant, P. Prov. S.G.W. and P.M. No. 833; Rowland Thomas, P.Prov.J.G.W. and P.M. No. 364 and S. Weichert, P.Prov.S.G.D. and W.M., No. 36; Brother Evan Themas ably assisting as Prov.G.D.C. Theoration was delivered and the customary prayers were offered of by the Prov.G.Chaplain Brother the Rev. J. J. S. Moore, LL.D. and Brother Arthur L. Struve presided with great ability at the organ. At the conclusion of the consecration ceremony, the W.M. designate of the Caradoc Lodge, Brother John Rogers, P. Pro. G.S.B., was presented to the R.W. Provincial Grand Master, by the W.H. Deputy Provincial Grand Master; who referred in terms of high commenda- tions to the zeal, ability and masonic knowledge displayed by this Brother, who was accordingly installed as First W.M. in accordance with ancient custom. The ceremonial observances being conducted throughout by the R.W. PrOT. G.M. T. brethren were the. appointed and in- verted as officers for the year:—Brothers James Livingsta* (Mayor of Swansea), S.W. Rev. John J. Stevenson I Moore, L.L.D., Prov. G. Chaplain, J. W.; W. Miche Treasurer; J. L. White, Secretary; J. C. Sladen, S.D. W. Dobbs, J.D. W. A. Essery, D.C.; D. C.Jones, I.G. W. Watkins and David Rosser, Stewards; and George Bullerwell, Prov. G. Tyler, Tyler. Votes of thanks having been proposed agreed to and acknowledged by the R.W. Prov. G.M., the W. Deputy Prov. G.M. several candidates were proposed for initia tion, and after some routine business the Lodge was closed. The brethren afterwards dined together at the Mack. worth Arms Hotel, Bro. W. Stone catering to the satis- faction of all concerned. The W.M. Bro. John Rogers presided, supported by the R.W. the Prov. G.M. the W. the Dep. Prov. G.M., and an excellent attendance of Prov. G. Officers and other brethren. The usual loyal and masonic toasts were given with marked ability. Bro. Harding, of Carmarthen, presided with great ability at the pianoforte, and favored the brethren with a few of his choicest songs. The harmony of the evening was further contributed to by Brothers H. W. Williams, J. Jones Hewson, and others, and a most agreeable and en. joyable evening was spent. The Caradoc Lodge thus takes its place among the established lodges in the pro- vince. It starts on its career with the hearty good wishes of the brotherhood, and that career, it may be predicted, will be one of usefulness to the craft and honour to the province. The lodge will be presided over by one of the most capable masons in the district, one who has already won golden opinions for accurate work.. ing, skilled in the noble science, and admirably qualified for the position to which he has been elevated by the suffrages of the brotherhood, and aided by a carefully- selected staff of officer*. We doubt not the lodge will soon earn a repute for being a thoroughly well-worked, well-conducted, and prosperous one. t —————,

A memorial to the employers of shop assistants in Bristol and Clifton, requesting them to provide seats for their assistants, has received more than a hundred and twenty signatures from the ladies of those parts. The memorial also advocates early closing. A meeting of tenant farmers under the Earl of Derby has been held at Pickerstaffe, to consider the Agricultural Holdings Act. One of the speakers said the Act had beem passed to make bad landlords good ones, and if it only made them as good as the one they had the honour of living under, the object of its promoters would be fully gained. A motion was unanimously passed desiring that their contracts of tenancy might remain unaffected by the measure. SWANSEA CRICKET CLUB.—The annual meeting of this club was held on Saturday evening, for the purpose of electing officers, for making arrangements for the ensuing season, and for other general business. The chair was taken by Mr. H. W. Perkins, and there was a large attendance of members. Mr. Chambers, one of the honorary secretaries, read tbe report, from which it appeared that, after paying all accounts for last year, there was a small balance left in the hands of the treasurer. A letter was read from Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn, president of the club, expressing his regret at not being able to be present. Messrs. C. C. Chambers and S. Thomas were re-elected honorary secretaries to the club, and Mr. A. Walker was re-elected captain. Mr. Livingston (Mayor) was elected vice president, Mr. Llewelym being the per- manent president of the club. Treasurers and a committee were appointed for the ensuing year, and arrangements were made for the forthcoming cricketing season. A LANCASHIRE FASTIKG" GIRL.—Considerable curiosity and wonder have been evoked at Culcheth, a village about three miles from Leigh, by the statement that a fasting girl, who had not spoken for about four years and a half, had recovered her accuatomed pewera of speech. The following are the leading points in the extraordinary affair. Five years ago Ellen Sudworth, then a girl of eleven years of age, daughter of William Sudworth, shoemaker, was taken ill, was soon after- wards confined to bed, when she ceased takiDg food, and in a few months gradually lost her voice. From that time until last week she remained speechless, her parents, who are respectable wooking people, believing their daughter had become absolutely dumb. Prior to the recovery of the voice she had been unable to open her eyes-so state her parents—for at least ten weeks and the girl's own statement is—and in this also she is partly confirmed by the inmates of the house-that the recovery of her speech and the strength to open her eyes was preceded by a shook in the nead, whieh was followed by bleeding from the eyes and nostrils. During the girl's long illness it is affirmed that she has partaken of no solid food, all the nourishment that she had being from the moistening of her lips with wine, brandy, &c. Frequently strangers believed her to be dead, as breathing was all but imperceptible, though she affirms that she never during the four yean and upwards once lost a perfect consciousness of what transpired around her. The case is exciting a good deal of attention. Dr. Sephton, a physioian, of Cul- cheth, has attended at various times upon this fasting girl, and so far as he has been able to arrive at a con- clusion, he believes the case to be one »f hysteria.