The Cambrian

SCIENCE LECTURES THE SWANSEA J PEOPLE. { There is now making all over the country an earnest and most laudable effort to spread among the people a knowledge of the chief results of modern scientific re- search, and this effort is to be extended toSwan- „ „ bv Ml. James Strick and other gentlemen, under the HiiKiiices of the Public Library. The scope of the scheme now attempted is to have Thursday evening cheap and popular lectures in the Music Hall; the lecturers to be gentlemen whose eminence is a guarantee of their ability to teach mixed audiences the subjects to be such as all classes of the community are, or ought to be, deeply inte- rested in and the verbal teaching to be illustrated and enforced by experiments, the exhibition of specimens, &c., &c. Now it is perfec'ly obvious that such a scheme, if anything like adequately carried out., must, prove of the veiy greatest attraction and usefulness to the petJple, young and old, well-to-do and poor. And this for several reasons. In the first place, nations, like indi- viduals, are subj ct to a competition, in which knowledge is power. The weak hand thelt is cunning (in the old, best meaning of the word), is stronger than the hand of the mere giant. So it has proved in international manu- facture and trade. While we Islanders were singing Rule Britannia," and Britons never shall be slaves, o her nations were educating their growing sons and daughters in book lore and ill the physical sciences, and stepping ahead. The English Government at length s.w our mistake, at'd the Elementary E Hication Act of I.S70 was the remedy they prescribed. This glori >us Act is working well. In a few years there will be scarcely an English man or woman who cannot read, write, and cypher. But this is not enough, xhe age is not one of bookmen and dreamers, but of materialists, capitalists, inventors, factors, and traders. And then the discoveries of modern science all along the line of march are so nu- merous and so important, that if even a well-informed man neglects his studies for a year, he inevitably falls into the rear, and suffers all its disadvantages. It is no mere empty assertion, but a fact of the greatest moment, which all thinkers bear testimony to-that if England is to hold her own in the van of civiHz i'ion, if she is not to be beaten out of the markets of the world, her sons and daughters, from the highest brain workers down to the lowest, lellst intePectual handicrafts' men and women musfbe well inst "ed in the general principles of the physical sciences i the second place, this kind of popular movement ■ the easy spread of knowledge is rendered absolutely ::r'cessary even to the reading, as wdl as to the unstudious I'uhl ic, "y the fact of the enor- mous extent of the scientific literature of our time. It is impossible for any man. unless he devo-es the whole of his time to it, an 1 scarcely then, to become a well-grounded scientific generalist. The only hope of the individua, is to take up a specialty for thorough study, and 'hen to cull what general views he may of other branc es. n this aspect, therefore, these popular science ectures wi be of the greatest utility. I" the third place-leaving out of question the numbers of people to whom consi- derations of trade or of personal oil ure would be of avail -let us look at the great multitudes of folk young and old for whom knowledge must he made pleasant, attractive and amusing, as the indispensable condition of their imbibing it. Now there are hundreds of little coteries and families, even in Swansea, th J members of which, when they tire of the trashy novel, have no inte- resting discourse save that of small scandal. We have known cases where a little insight into the wonders of nature would have proved a god send, because it would have provided for the healthful activity of body and mind, and afforded an ever new theme for conversation, without which subjects of abiding interest no socieoy or com -aninnsnip ci ) hold happily and profitably together. To these, therefore, the Popular Science Lectures will be specially -suitable, offering a-s they will great variety of subject with ability and interest of tre itment. We sincerely hope that one merit of the scheme will not make against its success; we mean the of the course. The prices of a lmicsion will be ld., ;31., 61., and Is. per seat, so as to meet the pecuniary power of all, and exclude none. We therefore deem it n-c^sary to avert the public against supposing that these lectures, like some things they have purchased, are bound to be nasty because cheap. On the contrary, the lecturers are gentlemen 'f high literaiy and scientific status, who are tried speakers, and who possess every appliance ne- cessary for illustrating and experimenting in the sub- jects they treat of. It is only possible to make this course of popular instruction so cheap, because the promoters wish to make no profit they seek not a mone- taiy, but an intellectual and moral result. As soon as these plain facts are sufficiently known, we have not, the slightest doubt that all who can, will attend in propria persona that paterfamilias will send his chil- dren schoolmasters and mistresses their pupils Sun- day teachers their scholars and that many thoughtful persons, who care for the intellectual elevation of the people of Swansea will take means, in scriptural phra-e, to "compel them to corne in," more especially mem- bers of the hard-handed, clear-headed, industiious working classes. The higher priced seats are being taken rapidly; it is very desirable thilt the penny anù three- penny places should be taken. The first Ipcture will be delivered at the Music Hall on Thursday evening next, October 2nd, by the Rev. J. G. Wood, M A. F. L.S., who is well known as an author, and the subject will be Unappreciated Insects." Alderman John Jones JenVins will nre-iide at eight o'clock, and previous to the lecture Mr. urilbert Legge will give an orgrn recital.

jCocal Intelligence, The traffic receipts of the Swansea Tramway Company for the past week amounted to £164. CAMRRIAN INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB.— The hon. secretary has the pleasure to acknowledge, with best thanks, the receipt of £20 from James Rogers, Esq., Mayor of Swansea, as a donation to the funds of the above Institution. THE SWANSEA AND SOUTH WALES INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.—The hon. secretary begs thankfully to ac- knowledge the receipt ot £20. being a donation from James Rogers, Esq., Mayor of Swansea, to the funds of the above Institution. TRADE PROSPECTS IN SOUTH WALES.—Fifty coke ovens that have been idle four years are being repaired for re- lighting at Abersychan. Twelve have geen relighted. An additional blast furnace has also been lighted, ani four are now in full work. DEATH IN A ROADSIDE POOL.—Mr. Edward Strick held an inquest on the 19th inst. at the Joiners' Arms. LIan- rhidian, on the body of William Lewis, a farm labourer, aged 26 years. It appeared from the evidence that de. ceased was subject to epileptic fits. He worked at Pound fold. On the 18th inst., at early morn, he went to work as usual, but was soon afterwards found dead on the road- side, with his face in a shallow pool of water. The sup- position was that he had been seized by a fit, had fallen face downwards in the water, and was drowned. A verdict to that effect was returned. ACCIDKNT.—Yesterday morning, as some painters were at work cleaning the walls of the lofty vestibule of the Royal Institution of South Wales, the scaffolding upon which two of them were standing slipped from beneath them, and both were thrown from a considerable height on to the stone staircase. The one who fell farthest sustained least hurt, and was able to return to work the afternoon, but the other fell on his back, and received rather a severe injury, it is feared, to his apine. He was promptly attended by Dr. Pratt, who resides near, and was then conveyed home, where he still lies. ALARM OF FIRE. — Latterly serious and damac-in" accidents by fire have become so rare that frolicksome youngsters, with largely developed bumps of destructive- ness, may be forgiven if they now and then give expres- sion to the heedless wish there was a jolly good fire." On Tuesday night an alarm was circulated which gave promise of fulfilment of the wish, but it happily failed of performance. The careless use of a candle, or some other trifling neglect, set fire to some of the combustible con- tents in the storeroom of Mr. Parlby, chemist, corner of Cradock and Mansel-street. When the police arrived on the spot the flames had assumed rather alarming propor- tions, but they were soon extinguished. THE TIN-PLATE TRADE.—At a meeting held on Satur- day at Swansea to consider the winding up of the Glamorgan and Carmarthen Tin-plate Manufacturers' Association, it was resolved to continue the working of the association as usual.—There is a, threatened dispute at the Sonth Wales Tin-plate Works at Vanelly, owing to the men in the mill department declining to do a make ot 32 boxes a day, instead of the 3 ) boxes which 7 Pleffnt do There is a large contract in hand, completed in propel employOTS t0 haVe the WOlk ORDINATIONS -Th B. I f t.. h' h'. e IS lOp 0 Bangor held an ordina- IOn In 18 cat edral a few da were ordained r-J^Lrnpsorfjo^f0' when following College, Cambridge, curate off Iy £ SSe? Roberts, B.A., Lampeter? cu™te rf1?' edUD 5 J. Lewis, B.A., Jesus College Oxfor-1 JrDaiI°nn dudno; Morris Jones, B curate of Hol = head D. Grimaldi Davies, B.A., Jesus Coile™ rw curate of Glanogwen Evan Jones, B.A., J. sus' evil Oxford, curate of Penmaenmawr. Deacons—John f' Thomas, B.A., Sidney Sussex College, licensed to th« curacy of St. Mary's, Bangor; William Owen, QUeen>s College, Birmingham, licensed to the curacy of Edeyrn • David Davies, St. Aidan's Birkenhead, licensed to the' curacy of Penmaenmawr. CONSECRATION LLANSAMLET CHURCH.— Our ad- vertising columns contain the announcement that the new church at Llansamlet will be consecrated by the o:„ht Rev the Lord Bishop of St. David s and the Right rIv the T ord Bishop of Rochester, on Monday, Oct. 6, ?n ihth o?o»sion services both Biwli.h »d Welsh »U. be held. The consecration service and holy communion be held. The consecration service and holy communion will commence at 11.30 by the Right Rav. the Lord Bishop of St. David's, who will also preach. At 3.30 the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Rochester will preach. Iu the evening the Ven. Archdeacon of Ely will Pfeach. After the morning service a public luncheen will be held in the National Schoolroom, Llansamlet, when the Right Hon. the Earl of Jersey will preside, and addresses will be delivered by several clergymen and others. There will be collections after each service, as there is a sum of about B630 still required to meet the liabilities of the building Fund. A very large congregation is ex- pected, and we hope the public generally will attend in order to shew their appreciation of the great work which has been accomplished by the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Walters. Tu; .'ensrv nJa. Ilali.ü barq e, trOll S -vau^evt for L«$lu» n. ht* _•'»< b*'k P-mrr. R t. >s win rudaer g ."e a-'i .i-sa.r report, >yi leak;. W ll Ik f ,r repair*. EMIGRATION OF WORKMEN.—A Cardiff contemporary says:—'A go.)ri many of Messrs. Booker's workmen, employed "t the P-ntyrch Iron W>rk* have left l'on- gwynlais for Bristol, en route for America, per steamer Arragon. Many more are H iking arrangements to stare in a fortnight. It is the oldest and best workmen who are leaving." LLANSAMLET. — MARRIAGE REJOICINGS AT BIRCHGROVB. —On Wednesday last, tea and cake were given to the children of the above place, by Mr. D. Smith, Birch- grove House, to celebrate the marriage of his youugest daughter, Miss Florence. to the Kev. E. Jenkins, In- dependent Minister of Bethel and Birchgrove Chapels. Through the inclemency of the weather tea. was served out at the Board Schools, where between 200 and 300 were regaled to their hearts' content. The marriage took place very quietly at aron Chapel, which is built on the Birchgrove estate, and the site for which was given free by the father of the bride. Mr. J. Daniel, assisted by the Rev. D. Owens, Ciydach, oiffciated. On their return from their wedding tour, many were the good wishes for the success and happinesss of the newly- married pair, and there was a general manifestation of joy throughout the village, the family of Birchgrove being held in the highest esteem. ORDINATIONS.—DIOCESE OFLLANDAFF.-The following candidates were ordained at Llan l tff Cathedral by the Lord Bishop on Sunday lastDeacons-John Hawke Crosby♦ B. A., of the University of London, licensed to Llansannor; Thomas Lewis Davies, of St. David's College, Lampeter, to Pontlottyn John James, Literate, to Hangynwyd John Jones, St. Bees' Callege. Cumoer- land, to Pelltrebaeh; John Morgan, Queen's College, Birmingham, to Gellvgaer; Francis E Iward Nugee, B A., Balliol College. Oxford, to Roath David Pugh. Theo- logical Associate of Kind's College. London, to Coy- church William Rhys Williams, Literate, to Aberdare Charles Maxwell Woosnam, B.A., Trinity College, Cam- bridge, t.) P-narth; Thomas Phillips, letter dismissary from Bishop of St. David's. Priests -John Lewis Cloughi-r, B.A., St. David's College Lampeter; William Davies. Literate; David Lewis Griffith. Literate; Gower, of Queen's College Birmingham; William j*11- more Kirkham, B.A., Christ Church. Oxford Alfred Wilkiris, of Trinity College, Dublin Thomas Williams, of St. David's College. Lampeter. THE CHURCH CONGRESS AT SWANSEA.—We understand there will he a great display of church fittings. &c at the AgrieuI Ural-ball during the Congress week; Messrs. Richards and Billings, contractors, have covered in the whole of the open space at the back of the hall, boarded the floor, and converted what was once the picture ot desolation into an elegant exhibition building. Several eminent firms will exhibit church furniture, organs, altar rails, altar lights, coronas. &c. The gas lighting is being carried out by Mr. John Legg,—a hundred-light meter beim; fixed, and pipes of large calibre are being carried all through the new building, so that exhibitors will not only be able to show their fittings, but also to exhibit them lighted the designs for church lighting will be most elaborate, and well worth a visit. There will also be a beautifu' selection of stained glass windows; and last, though not least, one flooi- will be devoted to Church literature. Such a building as the above ought not to be pulled down at the close of the Congress. It has been erected in sueh a substantial manner that we thin it would bo worth while retaining for anv similar exhi- bition. or it would, we should imagine, suit the British Association next year. THE LATE WEST OF ENGLAND BANK. The Cost of Liquidation.—A correspondent, writing to Saturday's Standard, says :—In your issue of Monday last I read as follows: '"The last ctll made upon the shareholders of the West of England Bank has met with a much greater response than was generally anticipated, and the defici- ency that existed at the time of the stoppage of the bank has been more than met. The expenses of the winding up. however, have added between £ 81,ODO and JEIOO.000 (sic) to the original deficiency, the shareholders having also to p iy this sum. The estimated deficiency when the bank stooped was just over £ 310,000, but on Satur- day the liquidators had received JE3r\000. and further sums were known to be forthcoming in response to the last call." It would, I am sure, he a relief t" the public at large, and more especially to all who are in the position of the writer of this letter, to know the re .son of such seemingly euir nons expenses (3) to 35 per cent on the original deficiency). Sur.'ly the unlucky shareholders have bepn sufficiently mulct d by their first losses without having to partially make the fortunes of ac- countants and liquidators. THE SOUTH WAL :S COLLIERS.—At a mnss meeting of South Wales colliers, held near Swansea on Saturday, the question of joining the National Miners' Union, or of forming an association for South Wales exclusively, was discussed, and eventually the latter course was decided upon. This decision, wirh the results of meetings in other districts will afterwards be submitted to a general meeting for adoption or otherwise. A large mass me 'ting representing Aherdare and Rhondda colleries was held on Monday, on LlanwonnoMountain. It was unainiously resolved-a That this meeting is of opinion that we, the workmen of Monmouthshire and South Wales, repre- sented at this mass meeting, feel the necessity of forming a union to defend the rights of labour in" tbe Principality, and consequently unanimously agree to advise the formation of lodges at the various collieries, these lodges to send representatives to the delegate meeting to be held at Mountain Ash on the 29 inat., to form a basis upon which the same are to be carried on." Several speakers spoke upon the desirability of a more geneml emigration from the coal districts, and the sentiment of the meeting was in favour of allying the proposed union with the National Union. <> THE CHURCH CONGRESS.—The first, and certainly one of the most important, papers which will be read at the ensuing Church Congress at Swansea next month will be by the Bishop of Winchester—"The causes of and remedy fOf Dissent-Home re-union." III other words, the Congress are to take into consideration the best means for re-uniting the various sections of Dissenters, those who hold the fundamental truths of our common Christianity, with the Established Church of England. An earnest desire exists am >ngst many of the foremost Evangelists, both clerical and lay, that such re-union should be estabhshed, and in proof thereof special means will be adopted by the Congress to off^r the right hand of brotherhood to all who hold sacred and dear the orthodox tenets of the Christian religion. We are given to understand that with this object in view, a public breakfast will be held, on one of the mornings of the Congress, in the Wal'er-road Congregational Schoolroom, which has been kindly placed at the disposal of the Congress for the occasion, and to which all classes of Christians are cordially invited. We are afraid that in the present divided state of public opinion, the Church will not be able to devise a means by which all sections of Dissenters will join her ranks, but we recognise in this step on the part of the Congress an earnest desire to prove to their Dissenting brethren that they value and appreciate their efforts in the cause of Christianity, and rejoice in the fact that all are working in the same noble cause—the moral and spiritual welfare of mankind, and the support and maintenance of those philanthropic institutions which are our nation's pride and glory. FATAL ACCIDENT THROUGH DRINK AT SWANSEA.— On Wednesday Mr. Edward Strick held a coroner's inquest at the Glamorgan Hotel, Swansea, touching the death of Robert Davidson, a seaman, who on the pre- vious night was found dead, with his he\d smashed under tho wheel of a wagon shunted from Messrs. Cory. Yeo, and Co.'s Pottery Works to the siding of the Oyster- mo .th Railway. From the evidence of Thomas Danover, fireman of the steam-ship Snowdrop, of West Hartlepool, it appears that the deceased was his friend, and fellow fireman on board the Snowdrop, which on Tuesday evening came into the North Dock. Deceased hai joined the ship a few weeks ago at Belfast, where his home was. On Tuesday evening deceased, witness, and another man went ashore to buy some clothes. After making their purchases they had f-ouie drink together. About eleven o'clock at night they were at the Ship Hotel. Strand, where they drank together, and then turned shipwards. The third man left them, and witness and deceased went towards the Pottery Bridge to 3° aboard. It was not till they reached the Fuel Works that witness noticed how much the drink had taken effect on his companion. He tried to get him over the bridge to the slip, but he would not come the straight way he insisted on going through the works. Witness went aboard without him, but, after a while, feeling uneasy about David-oa, he came ashore again to look for him. After searching for some time, and seeing nothing -of him, witness went through the works to make in- quiries. Heie he was told to take care where he went, because a man had been killed that ni ;ht. He said he was searching for a man, and on goinu to the spot he saw the deceased lying on the ground with his smashed head under the tram-wheel. Re must have fallen there m his intoxicati n, and been accidentally run over. The deceased was a smgle man, and 26 years of age. A verdict of accidental death," was returned. OYSTHRMOUTH RAILWAY. — The South Wales Daily News says The litigation which has so long been car- ried on with regard to the ownership of this line ana the rights conferred as to running powers over it seems likely to acquire fresh strength from the steps just taken by the Swansea and Mumbles Railway Company with a vifcw to enforcing their claims on the matter. This com- pany is a limited one, recently formed for the purpose ol taking over Mr. Dickson's rights and claims, Mr. Dickson himself being the managing director and the moving spirit throughout. Some month or so back a decision was given by the Railway Commissioners in favour o the claim of the Swansea Tramway Company to run their cars over the line to the Mumbles, and in that de- cision it was also affirmed that any traders were at liberty to run over the line with their own horses or engines, subject to payment to the owners for the use of the rails, &c., and compliance with such regulation as might be necessary for the public safety. An appeal was promptly lodged against this, and an injunction obtained restrain- ing the Tramway Company from using the line until the appeal had been full heard. The Swansea and Mumbles Railway Company have now followed this up by enforc- ing new regulations, the object of which is to give them e so e control and possession of the line. These regu- a ions came into force on Monday, when a new stopping p ace or passenger traffic was commenced at the Vic- tona-road, opposite the Harbour Office. Steps were also taken, we are informed, to refuse running powers to all engines and horses other than those of the company. These new measures have excited considerable attention, and will almost certainly result in fresh legal proceedi ngs, as, apart altogether from the question whether the right to run passenger can, over the section from the Lock Bridge to Rutland-street has not lapsed through non- usage. there is still the further one as to the line being free and open to all hauliers, on payment of the usual tolls. It is probable that immediate action will be taken either by the Harbour Trust or the Corporation, or both, the attention of these bodies bein^ called to th« matter, as one in which they are directly interested. 4 SOUTH WALES FOOTBALL CLUB.—A committee meeting of this club was held at the Queen's Hotel, Cardiff, on Tuesday afternoon, when representatives attended from Cardiff, Aberdare, Newport, Lampeter, Llandaff. Neath, and Llanelly. Mr. Richard Mullock, secretary of the Newport club, presided. The ties for the challenge cup competition were drawn by the chairman as follows: — First matches—Merthyr v. Lampeter; Llandaff r Llan- dilo; Newport v, Swansea; Aberdare v. Pontypool; Car- diff v. Llandovery College and Neath v. Llanelly. Second matches: A. Newport or Swansea v. Llaneltyor Neath; B. Cardiff or Llandovery College v. Llandaff or Llandilo C. Merthyr or Lampeter v. Aberdare or Pon- typool. Third match Winner of B to play winner of C, winner of A a bye. Final match Winner of B or C to play A. It was proposed and agreed to unanimously that the Llandaff club be placed on the list of competitors for the challenge cup. in the place of the 16th G.R.V. club, and that the name of the Llandilo club be substi- tuted for that of the Pontypridd club. The following important matches were then fixedCardiff and New- port against the rest of South Wales, October 18th; Public Schools against South Wales Football Union, at Cardiff, November 15th. SCREW STEAMEBS FOB SWANSEA.—The handsome screw steamer Laurium, which was launched by Messrs. Schlesin^er, Davis'«uid Co., iron shipbuilders, Wtllsend, four or five weeks a*ro for Messrs Poinxdsstre and Mesnier, h.^d a most satisfactory trial trip on Tuesday. The Lau- rium is a spar-decked iron scraw steamer, and her leading measurements are—length between perpendiculars, 230 feet; briladth moulded ^33 feet; nd 23| depth of hold she classes 100 A 1 at Lloyd's, under special survey. The I arrangements on the upper deck are of the most complete and strong kind, all exposed parts bemg constructed of iron. A strong iron honse, with rounded ends, protect the entrance, and is fitted up inaluxunous and elegant manner. The main saloon, which is very large, extends, the full width of the vessel, and is supplied with every requisite for the comfort and convenience of those who may sail in bel'. The midship house, which is about 80 feet locg, is also formed of panned iron, with rounded ends, and covers the engine and boiler rooms, engineers, and officer's state rtfoms and mess rooms galley, &c. T.vo rounded iron lighthouses—a great improvement on the ordinary method of carrying sidelights-are placed for- ward, and a brid is carried forward between them, thus formmg an excellent look-out. The whole of the deck- fattmgs are of tbe best of their respective kin^s. The Laurium loft the builder's yard about noon, and steamed ont to sea, wjjere a trja] Jtrip 0f speed was made at the measured nulSJ, off Whitby. The engines have been put on buarj by Messrs. R. and W. Hawthorn, Newcastle, *nd ^re of 150 horse power, huh and low pressure surface condensing, and have be-n con- structed undo* the superintendence of Mr. Mead, en- gineer, 0; Cartiff The engines worked without the slightest hitch durin" tbe day, an i the steam steering gear (Harriso. piltPn,) a]so gave great satis-action. A large company Silt down in the saloon to a Innche m. and emongst the number were Messrs. Schlesin-e- ani D ,vjs (builders), Mr Me«nier Mr. Burton, ani Mr. John Hac- quoil, and seyPral j^ntlement from Swansea who had come down special^. for the t The L iurium returned to the ytlH T "h» is now loading for Havr-, und-r the com- mand of Car,t;iin X)„,»;Ulx On Wed"e<day a sisw ship, named tie wai ]a,mched by Messrs. Schlesiuger, Davv", and Co for the same owners. CASTLE-ST&EET CHAPEL.-Oll Monday evening there was a good au,iitory gathered together in the Castle- street Cong»e tional Chapel, on the occasion of the Concert glVen by the choir aud Sunday School, assisted by a^teurs, for the benefit of Mr. VV"m..Tones, the choirmast who hag labouredindefaoigably and unos- tentatiously for more than a quarter of a century for the promotIOn of good music in the town generally and in Castle-street chapel particularly. The musical success which has attended his efforts has been his only reward, u' u tan<1iDg that all round us churches and chapels have )ong adopted the practice of paying choir- masters for their services, Mr. Jones has gone on his vvav, labounng for 10ve not lucre. The only honorarium he he has rec"ived at all. we believe, has been thp very moderate pecuniary proceeds of an occasional concert, the chief hurden of which he took upon himself. And in these concerts Mr.-Jones has not trusted to his Sunday services to win him support, but has always prepared himself and his choir to render pieces well Worth hearmg. It Wlis so on Monday evening, when his Worship the Mayor (Mr_ james Rogers) marked his sense of Mr. Jones s niu»iCal deserts by presiding. The princip al vocahsts vvere Miss j Robinson, Mrs. Jones, Mr. William JOnes, Mr. phiHp Jones, Mr E Morgan. Ihe choIr, xvhich was strong in numbers and well balanced in the parts. occupied an extemporised platform In front of the puW Miss Louie Watkins and Master Horatio Watkins (of RUSSell-street), presided at the pianoforte and American organ. The programme was as follows £ r i; ^hoforfce and Organ Duet (tsjlec ion from %°Z- Au^h°rup. Wake the song of ]oy and gladness." Choir Chorns "Our Father God." Choir Solo, "Bid me discourse,>> Miss Robinson Chorus, 'Daughter of Zion, << A10Ir: Coorus "Vale of the Beautiful. Choir ^rj°iVT n "^ee each living soul Miss^Robinson T i Jones and E. Morgan Chorus O praie ye the Lord, Choir Solo, David singing before S ,ul," M,rs". Chorus, "Shout again the glad Hosanna," [Oho"1; Recit, and Air," "Comfort ye my People." "Every li,?* shall be exalted," .Mr. P. Jones Part 2. Chorus, The city's hum was hushed and still, Ohoir Solo, "I know that my Redeemer," Miss Robinson; Du, i? 'St. John the Baptist"), Messrs. P. Jone and • i» 5 Anthem, "Hosanna to the Son of David, ^hoif. Duet, The Exile's Home," Mrs. Jones and Mrs. l3eyjjon Qii0rU3> "Joy and Gladness," Choir; Duet, ^srs. w. Jones and T. R. Robinson Chorus, e praiSe Thee, "Choir, Solo, Blessed are ye," Mr. W. Chorus, "Wake ye portals of the skies,' Choir; ^ja Jonal Anthem. The opening instrumental djiet wen ojf sweet]y an(j 8moothIy, much to the credit of MISS 'laster Watkins. Miss Robinson sang care- fully in BUl me discourse," &c., and gives promise of becoming a Competent and pleasing soloist when her voice shall have matured. Mrs. Jones, who was erewhile favourably KnoWn as Miss Davies, sang modestly, taste- funy, and capital reserve of her really good voice, and p. jetlce recognised the charm of her singing, Mr. Phlhp Jonea possesses, as we have before stated on severa occasio^ a vojce and a musical taste which deserve e '8h and academical cu'ture which many an inferior organ gets He was not so well supported in trl0 and duet as we CQulfl have wished> And here we canno re rain from entering a protest against the too common falhng of amateur concerts-the overreaching ambition ol y0ung sinoers. No good thins; was ever attained witho„t the 8timuius of proper ambition; but what we excl^im against is the unwise, inconsiderate attempt of tyros to renùer in public the masterpieces of oratorio, &c. In this they do themseIves injustice, be- cause they pr0Voke compaJrigon witb the gre it cultivated s'n^fr^i- I q° must suffer perforce. T'lere is a wealth of B,n,g £ otch, Irish, and Welsh ballad music which would better Suit singPrs. and more surely win them applause The chief attraction of Monday evening's concert were the hymns which were nearly all new, and fTtinn by the choir in excellent tune, tune, mo- dUi W expression. The anthem was parti- cularly well done We must compliment Mr. JreS°r.s ^reful training, and the choir on the way Fe vinf l v it- Miss Louie Watkins and Master H. Watkins fulfil^ iu that was commendable for such young mUsicianSi the Jduous duties o: accomp mists. EXPLOSION IN THE BBISTOL CHANNEL. »n b»n O *as held on Monday and Tuesday at the T^ol A' v rci'ff (before Mr. R. O. Jones as judge and v and Mr. Ravenhill as nauticil assessors), u Vr n? tt 'ClJnristances attending the bursting 0f the Oth Aueu t S*earoship Brittany, on the morning of the 9th August, lQ the Bria(oi channel. Mr. Ingledew represented the ownerg Mr. Stephens appeared for the chief engineer, d M Downing represented Mr. Mead, 6,,(li»g engineer. The Brittany was built of iron in 1»7L. jj registered tonnage was i>49 tons The boilers were byEssrs R. and W. Hawthorne, of nTl™ 4bout years ago they were re-tubed, ,anl n^a'y «ome further repairs "eredone to the tn v the 6th of August last, she left Bilbao on a fine aiXS*port with a car*° of iron °TC' ofthe Q?kal1 proceeded well until early on the morn- ing of the 9th of August. The vessel was then off Nash wW t captain, Mr. John Blanfield. was then on i.| „ f+l^e heard an exp'< s' > and f''lt a violent deck, followed by a lush of steam from the II lo r»n' ?Wo men rushed on deck from the stoke- ■Jaa in tliif 1 ^enl was the deceased man Griffith. He when the explosion occurred. He Tit9v^«Cd^Cal(ied and was taken into the cabin where i 6 for him that could be devised. He was to the Hospital ship on the vessel arriving i he died there on the following day. The ,Joseph Brewer, was examined, and he TVio hnilAr i!16 vessel was working under 2olb. of steam. tii 8 been previously tested, under the direc- anro h,,f 6 cers for the Board of Trade, to 851b. pres- sure, but no rneans had been resorted to test the strength of tnepiate by testing the thickness of the plate at the qummor0 S3ac Hadden, foreman to Messrs. Paynter and • and boiler makers, Newort, was aft t>i i e superintended the repairs to the boilers exl''°sion. The piece of dome produced was Fiiat ™ 8 1116 which had burst. The plate w;iS so thin ■ i not in a safe condition. Outside the anfl Vv il°ii VVe^ enough, but inside it was much pitted, i ♦v,1 ,een Worn away by the action of the fire out-ide A111 within. Originally it was, like the rest of of 1 '?ree-eight,hs of an inch thick, now it was only This was far from being a satisfactory r> Th a b°iler plate, especially the dome over the r + • J thickness of the plate could have been driiwm xrby rapping on the outside or by ji ■ other plate in the boiler was so one that broke. Mr..Sampson, inspecting cnglRebr for the Board of Trade, was next examined. e m e a purvey of the vessel on the 18th August, at alif>0ri' i he boilers were constructed originally with i|S,P ,8, There was a hole under the boiler, but so small tnat it would have been difficult for a man to have got mto the toiler. The safety valves were weighed to j i?', f Part of the dome that was blown out was tn inch thick, and this thinness extended over a surtace of about foot square. This was a part of the dome which he would expect to find thin, in consequence K °f the fire and water at this point. At the back the plates were 5-16th thick, and were quite safe. He tound the dome of the other boiler corroded, but not so much so as the one that burst. The plate at the time he saw it was dangerously thin, and this might have een discovered by hammering. The plate had been getting gradually thinner for a long time, and must have been dangerously thin for over twelve months. With ordinary care this dangerous state of the dome could have been discovered by hammering the outside. A formal charge was then made againstjthe owners of the vessel, for not exercising reasonable care to keep their vessel in safe condition and whether John Griffiths, the chief engineer, had neglected his duty in not ascertaining from time to time that the dome of the starboard boiler, which had not been repaired for six years, was in- a safe condi- tion, and that his certificate be dealt with. The Court then adjourned. BICYCLE RACES AT SWANSEA—On Tnurtdsy last three bicycle races took pi ice at the Swansea Oric.i .t Field, m connection with Christ Church Bazaar. In Lhe first race, a mile (handicap). J. Pritchard came in fii 2nd. Two miles handicap (;:riz ?s given by IHellbers i f the church). Seven started— Colquhoun and B- adfor 30 yards Thomas, 20 yards Green, 15 yards • Leaker and Foy, 10 yards; S-veet. scratch. In the first Ian Bradford came to g,"ef, then Foy just came in colli- sion with Leaker and Thomas. He gave up in the third lap. Green also gave up, his tyre ha ving come off. A tight race now ensued between Leaker, Swee:, and Colquhoun. Sweet came in first (prize, value £2 10s.) by a yard. Leaker following closely bebin t came in second—prize, value £1 10s. Colquhoun third—prize, value Sl and Thomas, taking it easy, came iu fourth— prize, value 10s. 6d. The third was a two miles handi- cap, Watkins winning by five yard. Pritchard second. WANTED—A RRFUGB FOB FALLEN WOMEN !—After the Bench had, on Monday last, dealt with a pitiful case wherein it was shown that a young girl of 17 years, in company with others, had been guilty of indecent solici- tation in the streets, the Stipendiary took the opportunity of saying that the Bench did most deeply regret that there is no place to which they could send these young women, when an occasion arises—when these women give evi- dence of a desire to change their mode of life. In such cases, now, the Bench were completely at a loss what to do. And if he cuuld by a few words light a spark in the hearts of the people of the district, which would even- tuate in the foundation of some kind of penitentiary establishinent, he was sure it would be of the very greatest advantage. The Mayor (Mr. James Rogers) said, in addition, that the Rev. J. G. Gaumlett takes very great interest in the reclamation of fallen women, and any poor girl or woman requiring advice or assistance would be put in the way of reclamation bv Mr. Gauntlett —The Stipendiary rejoined that Mr. Gauntlett unfor- tunately finds his hands tied for want of a foundation or place to send them to. He had received a letter from Mr. Gauntlett only that morning, in which he asked "what can you do to assist in this ruatter? Two or three young girls of 14 years of age, begged to be put somewhere with a view to a better life." Now it is very lamentable that we in Swansea have no means of meeting such a penitent wish. He (the Stipendiary) thought, he might venture to say that if we could get a public meet- ing the Mayor would take the chair, and he (the speaker) would be delighted to stand there and advocate the es- tablishment of a new foundation. The gre'tt difficulty which has hitherto stood in the way is to find suitable premises. If premises could be found, he did not think there would be any difficulty in finding the money in such a wealtby town as ours to support so necessary an institution. COLLIERY EXPLOSION IN THE EBBW-VALB. —TH'^ES M EN KLLED -An explosion of gas occurrel early on Monday morning at Waun Llwyd Colliery, Ebbw-vale. At twelve o'clock 00 Sunday night two firemefl ven' down to examine the state of the workings. Nothing was heard, and all proceeded as usual. At five o'clock on Monday morning two osslers, William Griffiths and his son William, aged 19 years, went down, and in a short time an explosion was hea'd. The manage:' of the colliery, Mr. Joseph K-dsal. was sent for and measurrs were taken to go d JWll. About 293 colliers were waiting at the down cast to resume work. A current of air was sen*, down the colliery, and an exploring party under the direction of Mr Kelsil descended and found r.he colliery on fire near the stables. Water was sent down aml the flun-s extinguished, and then the bodies of G -:ffi-Ji an.1 his son, as well as the fireman, John Jones who h <1 been down some hours, were foun.1 hurnt to cinders, Griffiths and his son by the side of tbe horses and Jones hy the flue. The bones of s'xfeen hor.;e8 were found, the fksil having been burnt off them. The bodies of the men were frightful y charred. The pit is m ich damaged wh-ire the explosion occurred, but two night overmen some distance otfandaboy ani h irse did not feel the shock. It is generally believed, although nothing deli lite can he ascertained at present, that the explosion was c us"d by an accumutatÏ-1n of gl8 can ed hy som eons Ie-IVillg a door open on Saturday nuhfc, and so altering the current of air. This gas was in some way suddenly driven in t:1e direction of the stables, where it caine in contact with the naked lights. Had the explosion occurred an hour later many more lives would hive been lost, as the colliers were waiting to descend the pi". Tie collie y is one of the finest in the district, and h lon^s to the E')hw Yale C <mpany. It has heel optne I three years. All the workings are confined to a smad area. CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WAI.ES.— The autumnal session of the Congregational Union of England and Wales will be held in Cardiff during the week commencing 13th October. The Rev. Dr. Mellor preaehes the opening sermon. On Tuesday the Rev. W. Cuthbertson, B.A., delivers the prpsidelltial address, followed by Mr. Henry Spicer. who will sub nit a paper on questions connected with the reform of the pxisting college system, and a resolution upon the subject will be passed. The removal and settlement of ministers will be next discussed, and a resolution moved recommending j the county associations to consider the desirability of appointing a confidential committee, with whfch vncam churches and unsettled ministers may correspond. A resolution on the closing of public-houscs in Wales on Sunday will follow. At an afternoon sectional meeting the subjects will be the value of colportage as an evan- gelistic agency, and the importance of its systematic local operation, also the application of business methods to church administration. On Wednesday the Rev. G. S. Reaney, of Reading, will submit a paper on special missions, and it will be proposed —" That the a8sewbly commends the question of special missions for the revival of spiritual life in churches to the consideration of county associations, with the view of determining whether they should take steps within their several Itm1ts for the- conducting of such missions by competent anù well certified ministers, and suggests that the j Council of tbe Oburch Aid and Home Missionary Sudety might render good service to churches, if in correspon- dence with the executive committees of the several associations it undertook to aid them in making the necessary arrangement." A paper on the position, pros- pects, and r soonsibilities of Wehl] Congregationalism, by the Rev. T. Rees (Swansea), will follow. On Thurs- day, the resolution, postponed from the annual meeting, in regard to home missions, will be produced. Mr. Alfred Barnes, J.P., will read a paper on the connexion between Spidtunl life and the consecration of money; and the Rev. Henry Oliver, B.A. (Newport}, on the Sunday-school in the Welsh Church life. Amongst other gatherings will be the joint meeting of the Church Aid and Home Missionary Society and South Wales Association, at which Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., the Revs. W. Clarkson, B.A. (Birmingham), B. Williams (Swansea), Joseph Waite, B.A. (Cardiff), and E. G. Hartland wdl be speakers. A meeting for working men chairman. Mr. C. R. Jones, of Llanfyllin addresses by the Revs. J. Thomas. D.D. (Liverpool), R. S. Williams (Bethesda, Carnarvonshire), and Simon Evans (Hebron). A meeting for the exposition and enforcement of the Free Church principles, at Newport; addresses by the Revs. H. E. Arkell (Southsea), W. M. Statham (London), and J. Guiness Rogers, B.A. (London). The Rev. J. Baldwin Brown, B.A., will preach at Newport, and the session will be concluded by the meeting for the exposi- tion and enforcement of Free Church principles at Cardiff, addresses being delivered by the Revs. W. Spensley (Loudon), J. Morlais Jones, and others. j WELSH CONCERT PARTY'S Toua.—It is pleasant to see that distance does not cool us, but makes the he rt grow fonder" in the case of the Welsh people who have emi- grated, and those who remain at home. If love of home and mother tongue can win them patriot meed, they have it. Scarcely does there breathe a Welshman, wi'h s{ ul so dead who n^ver to himself hath said''—while con- templating the hills and valleys of Wales—" this is m 7 own, my native land Eisteddfod HI foster the national spirit, which is imbibed by the children as their Welsli mothers lull them to sleep with minor-keyed wailiogs of Celtic music and the sentiment, when transp'ante to foreign lands, seems evei^to point to the land of bir'h, like needle to the pole. So that there is no fear of their inheriting the poetic curse fulminated against the unpatriotic — Despite his titles, power, and pelf, The wretch, concentred all iu self, Living, shall forfei fair renown, Antl, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile ,t;.st, from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhoiioured, and unsung." And never perhaps were bonds closer than those which now bind together the hearts of Welsh folk at home and those abroad, especially those in the United States of America. Kindliest greetings in manusciipt and in print cross and recros.s the great Atlantic Ferry with every post, and the proportion of passengers coming and going is largely Welsh and so the interest is kept up. But more recently the people on the other side have shown a willing- ness to enter with us into a community of artistic taste and endeavour which is most gratifying in itself, and which must have potent effect for good upon all who participate in it. The claim of the Welsh to be a people of genius in statesmanship, in law, in literature, and in social life is pretty well made out, notwithstanding what ignorant detractors may say, an,J tnl" c.aim is easily sub- stantiated to the satisfaction of any candid mmrl that is wiMin" to admit the drawb ,aks of a small vanquished race and duality of language, and ecclesiastical neglect in times past. But though one should take upon himself to differ on this point, yet will it be most readily con- ceded that the Welsh are a musical people, with a tradi- tional music that is highly charae.tistic, and a present taste for and ability in the practice of music which does them infinite credit. Many avenues of art have been closed to the people of the Principality, and it seems as if their energy, refusing to be restrained, had gone forth to luxuriate in the world of music. And very fitting is that the sympathy existing between the Welsh population of America and ourselves should manifest itself in the pleasing art of music. That such is ihe fart we lea-n in- dubitably from the growing frequency witii which Weish musicians make pilgrimages frolll Wales to the homes of their American cousins, and return all the richer in money and knowledge of the world. It IS buo a tune ago we referred to the American Concert Tour or Mr. Robert Rees of Swansea (Eos lI1(\rhlls) who is now returned. We now hear of the fon.iaf.on of-a pary comprising Miss Marian Williams (soprano), Miss martna rlarus (con- tralto), Mr. Silas Evans (tenor) Mr. Lucas Yv ilhams (bass), Caradog (solo violinist), and Mr. Bowen, of Merthyr (pianist). Toese names are known pretty well all over Wales and farther, 0, and they will doubtless win the hearty patronage of their kinsfolk ar yr oeh,)!. draw Their present intention, we believe, is to make a tour of a fortnight's duration in North and South Wales before starting for America, and the last concert before embarka- tion will be at Liverpool on St. David's day next. The first concert in America will be given at Hyde Park, Scranton, Pen., the chief centre of the Welsh settlers in America. The stay in the States will probably extend over about three months. It is hoped the enterprise may afford the party not only a holiday trip, but may also fill their pockets, in return for the hard musical work they will reader by the way. jz=ssm >I-V> ./I-AIA ■VU.I.IXMSS ISCC .r. -WE N- ctll I.E: R.. ;HEU -r. -x! -J ,nu u O IU VAOITIE. C..ia »n, MISS WI li.riis's CONCERT ON T U SD^Y, Ootobar 23 T, AT hJ SWI S I DUDE HDL. C-ff-e taverns are bromine veiy plentiful in Bristol. O-I Frid y aoo her. under the t.ï .Ie of trie Castle C-ffee P DACRI, w IS o.ueued B^ Miss RIWR-TRDSON, memoer of THE BRISTOL tschool Board. STAR THEATRE.— VIr. A. Emm and HIS capital com- pany are his week playing the interesting and amusing drama "Ship Auoy based on :H-? lines of Mr. Pim- soU's patriotic agination, and put on the stage with re- markably realistic scenic and other eff- cts. "Jeremith B;salt," and." Solomon Fudge" should be seen; they are excellen' impersonations. ANOTHRS CHILD DROWNED IN THE CANAL.—On tbe h inst. the Coroner held an inquest at the Red Lion, Mornston on the body ,Ji Margaret Ann Powell, a child, 21 month" old. of David William Powell, tinman, Pentie. poth The evidence was to the effect that after being nnssed for a quarter of an hour, tÙQ child was found dead in th-waters of the canal, but there M-H, no evidence to .how how got had there. The j ury returned a verdict of found drowned." "FRENCH RKVJLUTION" LRcruREs. The autumn course of lectures in connection with the Cambridge University Extension Scheme, was commenced in the Theatre ol the Royal Institution of South Wales last evening. The lecturer this session is the Rev. J. E. Symds, M. A., Christ's College, Cambridge, and HI3 sub- ject the tngrossingly interesting one. "Tne French Revo- lution." There was an encouragingly good attendance of ladies and gentlemen, and young students of both sexes, notwithstanding the serious counter-attraction exercised by the amateur theatricals at the Theatre Royal. The lecturer dealt with his theme in an interesting manner and was listened to throughout with the closest attention. Next week's lecture will be preceded by the class at 7 o'clock. Sourii WALFS TGMPSRANCE ASSOCIATION.—A series of IN-ERI'IGA t >ok 'DICE on >VR.<in--s Uy aud ye-terlay, with the OBJECT of reinvigora! ing the AH .VH association. The oroe e l uns wer» conducted in iho Welsh LANGUAGE. On Wednes lay evening a public <U<RETMG S-AS J-.el-I at B • hes- •H Chapel, when t:ie chair w 's take y Mr. J. \Vi linns, J. P., ofMe 'thvr. A idres-es VI ERE d-div»r»d by Mr. H. Jones, th-GRIND Wortnv C '.i f TE UI lir of WALES the ^'EVS. H. J, MR illiams, Dr. TU-'INA* (Liverpool), and D. .H. R".bert.- (iJtrIlHfth"n) ABOUT 70 DELEGATES, R-PRESENT- 'NG oitif. r.-nt districts from L an llv to Rhyuioey, *s- s ioble I at Trinity Chanel, at leu O'CLOCK '>n TAII'-slay morning. Th ■ IW. D Yom. la'e of M Rhvr, '-upi'd'he ch iir, and the SECRET irv, Mr. J. Bowen, of M-Vthyr, READ the REPORT, which s'a-e-L that a d 'OUTITION w\s POINTED to wait up.n Mr. Rich lrds, M. P. for .\I.thyr, asking HT-N to uti le take the ?.R.-WEAR, iti >n OF » b-11 to P uliaaient., p'ayiuz fir the cio-ing IIF pu'dic-h -us-s 0" S\\ud :Y in WAL- s Mr. ItiehiHs 111'" TH" d -pilf- ■'I 'U at M r'IN-R. and said that he thought it was inconvenient at that TIME to propose such a Bill Referring to the sta'e of the tem- perance cause in the district, the report stated that, it had been swallowed up hy Good Templary, but the latter now appearing to be ill a retrogressive state. it had been thought desirable, at the request of some Swansea friends, to resuscitate this association. The finance committee's re- port showed that after the withdrawal of a grant, of T'LOO yearly by the Alliance, owing to the appointment, of Dr. Scholfield at Cardiff, there was in hand a sum of JES5 Is. 2JD oiscus.-iou took place as to ihe future loeak of the central c-mimitt -e, and it WAI decide') to continue it at Merthyr. Mr. W. L. Daniel proposed the best thinks of tbe meeting to Mr. J. Roberts, M P for the Flint Boroughs, inasmuch A-* he had ^IVEN notice of his iineniioil t,) draw the atFont:on of Parlia "ent next Session to the qu. S -i..n of Sunday-closing in Wales. The mo'ion was seconded and carrie 1 unanim lUslv. The f-'liowin^ oiffcers were > lected —President. The Rov. -). J. Parry, Swansea treasurer, ttr. J. vViiliatns, J P., U'-iiliyr; hon. secretary, Mr. W. L Daniel; seere ary, Mr. J. Rowen. A public meeting was h.1.1 in th-af.er- noon The PROCEEDINGS commenced wi'h an inau^ur^l addiess by the ch liririan, R v. D. Young, of laniriloes, and other gentlemen addressed he IUt!Ci.iU..{ in Welsh. RE OPEMXG OF TEWKESBURY ABBEY. — C-^K ^>URY Abb -y OliU'CLI, which has for some ve us O en und r_ing extensive alt-rations, according to Ib> phn" f:I!'ni,.h.j by thehtc Sir G .!t»-rt S'off, was reop< NOD on Tuesday. The ed fice was erected seven and a half centuries ASRO by a k nsman of William the Conqn. ror, and has B 'JEN tong considered one of the finest Norman SU-uour-S in h.' L »n<i. The clersy roL-«td in one of the chapels at tho ex're-nity of the nor;h tr-nsce-1, which has just been SPL -ndi-liy re- shnd ly the FREEMASON? of Gloue-so-rsli're, and the choirs in an adjacent school-bouse. A prece-sion was then formed. The mayor and corporal inn, prec-d^d by their mace, let the wav the I followed 120 chorist-rs, m-n Iud b >ys, a~:d about GO clergymen, all in surpli-es. As soon as the procession moved approoriat" psa'MS were clHnted. Near the middle of the choris trs two lay clerks iceom- panied the singers wilh cornets, which enabled TOE long line to ke-U good time and tune. They then p>*S8'd by the «h le 1. nsjth of the church, and by the PATH SKIVING t ie I-;I vt- v ;I d .0 »h-> vie T:IG-\ whU: e *be.V w»re joined by the Bishops of Gloucester and Hereford, the Archdeacons o (jr 1 )Uet*S" e." aTia .13 r-s f. ul I ih'iui -r-fr-o. J1 j)rO» cession (he singers S Dili c1¡ ¡ntin!! psalms) then c Imp'ts8f'd the OTNT side of the T-raveyard to t ie trreat eat-S, pas- s n r down the avenue to the nor'h porch. On ENTERING thechu ch a procession d by-nn was suns, "ND THE full body of voics, still acc nnpauied by the cornets, wis ve'-y effective. When the clergy and choir hid taken thur plac s in the st ills, the service, which was choral, com- meneed, and was admir ibly rend-red, a very lartre con- gregation—not fewer than 1,500 in number—joining in most heartily. The sermon w-*s then pieach^d bv tha B shop of Giouc-st-r, from the words or the Psilir, Peace be within thy w ills." Tbe rl'stival of re,d,.diction will BE continued for EITR'NT days, speeiil services aud ser- mons beimr arrangwo for the whole octave. AMATEUR THEATRICALS AT SWANSEA.—The dramatic amateurs of S w,inse I H re a body who combine artistic taste with charitable action. Their readiness at the call of local benevolence has beell seveml times proved hefore last night, wbet, the perforlTlflnCe at the Theatre Royal, Temp e-s reet. was for the purpose of raising funds for the erecion of cabmen's shelters in Swansea. The I,1 111: or and Corporation of S-w-Awsea, and the. leading families of ,1u neighbourhood," lent their countenance find tbe support of th ir presence t.o the enterprize, and the use of the theatre was kindly granted by Mr. A. Melville. There was a fair y go ,,1 attendance (though not so large as we should like to have seen), and the effect of the evening costumes of the ladies, as seen against the newly re-decorated interior of the the .tre, was very pleasing. As usual, the pit had been boarded an,1 raised, and converted into stalls. The orchestra, which WAS mainly In Hie up of amateurs, widl Mr. Hulley, of Page-street, AS musical director, having led otI with a nicelv-rendered piece of music, the curtain rose to Dance's one-act comedy, The Victor Vanquished." which was cast as follows :—Charles XII., King of Sweden (under the assumed name of the Count D'Olfen), Mr. M. 1. E. Morris; Baron De Gortz (his secretary). Mr C. H Glascodine; Ilka (niece of the Baron-a Tartar Princess,) MissJConstance Lewis. The plot of the comedy is concerned with showing how the mighty warrior of the north, invincible in war and severe in state policy, is swayed like a river-bank rod by the breath of a clever coquettish woman, whose love prompts her to risk all to save her lover, as Esther of old to save her people. M'ss Constance Lewis, arti ed in the splendid costume of the Tartar women, played the part to perfection, with a display of vivacity and resource that was as potent of effect upon her audience as upon his dramatic Majesty. Mr. G "lscoùiue trembled and shuffl-d before his royal master, and flattered HIM in the most approved comedy style and as he was EN„AHED in writing the memoirs of the redoubtable Charles, he failed not to remind that frequently irate ruler, that if he shortened his, de Gortz's, natural life, he would theiehy be enttinJ short his own. Mr. I. Morris, as king, hidden behind the name of Count, was loud and soft in turns, and gave much satisfaction. Looked at as a wbole, this piece was wanting in crispness of rendering, and the voice of the prompter was heard more than once. A very LITTLE more rehearsal would have dene no harm. I hen the Police Band played a musical medley, enti.lrd Afghanistan," introducing numerous popular airs, and the Minnie" valse, both of which were applauded. Tha band is making commendable progress, but the payers do not yet seem to appreciate the necessary difference between chamber and open-air performances. A less o-enerous expenditure of wind would have been an improvement, and in future that realy important, though trivial looking instrument, the triangle, should not be entrusted to a small boy destitute of the genius of musical time. The second play, the piece de resistance, was the comic drama The First Night," which was cast as follows The Hon. Bertie Fitz langle, Mr. M. I. Morris ''§YLLC1D Parnassus" (Dramatic Author), Mr. PS°RR' Theophilus Vamp" (Theatrical Diiector). • • Glas -odina Timotheus Flat" (THEATNCA Manae Mr. (5-Willi,N Achille Talma DUFARD^ (AN old Fiench Acto ), MR R' Beck G^E" MR. C. D. Monce M1SS Arabella Fitzjames" (A Prima D^NA). Miss ^aughan; Umi ie Antoinette llose" (D^rd s Daughter,-RAE Debutante), Miss Cons'ance Lewis, B-ene I., Dufard'.? Lodgings. Scene II.THS. ^HEAISAL AT THE Theatre. Seme III. BEFORE the Dramatic A ithor. ^>cene IV., The Debnt.-The choice of this difficult play will apoear, to ANY OCE .W'10 knows it, to have been decidedly PLUCKY '■> it would have been unpardon- ably indiscreet on the part of any company of amateurs who could not give it tkorough study, and patient re- hearsal. Looked at as a whole, however, last night's rendering must be pronounced very successful, some of the parts standing out in high relief. Here again. Miss Constance Lewis 0 won the unfeigned admiration of the theatre for her spirited and clever iuterpietation of the part of the Debutante, in which she fully :sus.aine I the artistic reputation of her family, and^fulnlled her own individual promise. The modesty of tiie old man's child, the trying recitations before the GIEAO diamatic author, the specimen of operatic duet with her fond designing old father, and the triumph of the debut were not only levelly realistic, but finished performances, in acknow- ledgment of which the theatre did not restrain its ap- plause. Miss Vaughan also, did her part of the jealous prima donna in good style. The most important role, that of Achille Talma Dufard,"—the artist vho had been hissed off all stages for twenty-five years and did not mind it who was determined to bring out his daughter in London, and who knew the potency of well-directed flattery,—fell to the lot of Mr. Roger Beck, who, to a capital" get up," added much pathos and humour. If anything was lacking, it was just a thought more of the légereté of the French-English- man, and a clearer enunciation. So much for the de- fects for the merits, they were abundantly discriminated and applauded by the audience. The other parts were well rendered, and the piece went off without a hitch. The performance will be repeated to-night (Fiiday) at reduced prices, and as the pecuniary proceels are for the charitable object of erecting cabmen s shelters, we hope there will be a full house. We can promise those who go a dramatic treat.

There is something royal in the hearing and con- duct of this barbarian Ruler. He defended the independence of his country when it was wantonly attacked. To maintain it he risked his life and liberty and when he lost the latter, it was with as much dignity as if he had been an old Roman. We do not the less admire Queen Bess, because; she placed herself at the head of her troops to lead: them on the battle field, when the subjugation of this country was attempted by Spain. The Dutch might well be proud of their Statdholder who de- clared that he would never witness the conquest of his nation, for, sooner than this, he would die in the last ditch with its defenders. Caractacus, a captive in Rome, won the sympathy and admi- ration of those who had vanquished him, and he must in the annals of our island history be veue- rated as an Ancient Briton worthy of the name. The chief drawback on Boadicea's desperate effort to save Wales from the humiliating presence of the Roman legions is that it was fruitless- If she inflicted needless slaughter on her enemies, a similar accusation cannot be brought against the Zulu King. With noble self-restraint he kept his army "within his own territories, when Natal and the Transvaal might have felt the fierceness of his wrath. Even when deprived for ever of liberty he maintained the same kingly demeanour, with his hind waving back the white soldier from touching him. This man cannot be further punished. He must become a pensioner on tax- ridden England—that John Dunn and people of that ilk may reign in his stead, giving another view of spirited policy," showing its cost, in the Zulu as in the Afghan case, and demonstrating the blundering blustering incapacity of Tory rule.