Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
8 articles on this Page
. COLLIERY ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE.
COLLIERY ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE. ^HIL8T calamities involving such a dreadful loss of hUtnan life as that of Risca are apparently almost beyond human control, there are other agencies silently at work which tell with equal force amongst the mining Emulation and which come within the category of pre* ventible causes. The sacrifice of a hundred lives by an exPlOsiola creates (and properly so) a sympathetic sensa- tion throughout the whole length and breadth of the kingdom; but the one, two and three lives lost by falls of roof, and which in the aggregate are far more than those caused by explosions, pass almost unheeded. In the South Wales district last year there were 70 lives lost by explosions, whilst the number of lives sacrificed by falls Of roof and accidents in shafts amounted to 99. Defective Popping is of course the main cause of the fall of roof, for this the miners themselves are chiefly responsible. An abandaaee of timber for propping is always provided property managed collieries but the men being aeeorAiag to the quantity mt «•»! M *•» Kttle heed Id jimimT mf*y « segUc* prop- POd aeeorAiag to the quantity of sect s-t, << e-* *—- Kttle heed to eI"Ject prop- Ping, and the consequence is that fatal falls of roof con- stantly occur. Nor can we expect any great diminution b1 this class of fatal accident in the South Wales dis- trict so long as the present system of propping is con- doned. In Northumberland and Durham and other large COal districts a far safer and probably more economic jyjtem is adopted. Instead of the colliers themselves entrusted with the work of propping, a deputy" appointed to do the timbering for a certain number of eolherø, and these men being specially appointed to such "ork are naturally more cautious and are far better ac- Jl^ainted with the requirements of the roofs. Our Govern- Inspector, Mr. Wales, is strongly of opinion that if JJ,B system were adopted in this district it would tend J? reduced the loss of life from falls; and Mr. Oadman, Inspector of the South-West District, bas continually Pointed out to the managers of collieries the importance of insisting upon the coal being properly propped and .Pragged when the men are cutting under it. It behoves *«e proprietors and managers of collieries in the South "ales district therefore to give this subject their most serious attention, with the view of ascertaining whether the system which is found to work so beneficially in the Jorthern and midland counties is not equally appliaible *° South Wales. With regard to the question of ln- J^ranoe, which is just now engaging a good deal of at- tention in connection with the Employers Liability Bill. refer our readers to a letter from Mr. H. Hussey Vivian, M.P., in another column. Mr. Vivian is an "dvocate for the establishment of some system of com- pulsory insurance, to which both the proprietor and the forking collier should subscribe in certain proportions, and whleb should provide for the support of the widow children of a collier killed in the pursuit of his occu- A Permanent Miners' Relief Fund is certainly jT Preferable to the somewhat preoarious appeal to the it >■> eases of explosion—in addition to which hes the collier the salutary lesson of self-reliance. • Vivian earnestly contended for this oompulsory in- •waiice upon the introduction of the Employers' Liability "JO, but his views were nid to be impracticable. Further however, hare considerably mrwHU.^ the of those who first opposed the scheme, and that Jttuch was then regarded a* impracticable is now shewn be perfectly feasible. Nor are the proprietor* only in 0f some such system as that advocated by Mr. yi^sn, the eolliers themselves favour the principle—in *»ct about a fourth of the whole of the miners of the JgpRdom have already voluntarily joined the ranks of the Janets Permanent Belief Society. Compulsion and cow- are ugly terms when applied to mankind, but the £ 5ndpleTevery day adopted for the safety of those improvident and reckless. If then Mine system insurance for the miner could be mtro- tu0*1 lnto the Employers' Liability Bill, it would receive o-M.oordial support of the proprietor and the working natiT1'* would form a fund of a far more reliable lih*»Ii than the contributions of the public, hewever lifev when evoked by such dreadful sacrifice of human Wbi v*ich we are again called upon to deplore, and jJ^h occurs far too often in all colliery and under- *™ind operations.
.. WELSH SUNDAY CLOSING BILL.
WELSH SUNDAY CLOSING BILL. Parliamentary phraseology, the U alauahter of the ^ooents" has already commenced. The Session has so far Advanced that the Government has been compelled to annouooe that some measures, otherwise ripe for kgislation, will have to be postponed till next Session, Possibly altogether abandoned. A good deal of just "Appointment will be experienced by all those who advance sobriety and order, at the announcement on Monday night by Mr. Gladstone in reference t° "'ekh Sunday Closing Bill. Mr. H. H. Vivian, one county members, asked the First Lord of the in view of the fact that the Bill for Wal the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday in had reached the stage of Committee, and com- of almost unanimous support of the inhabitants M We^ 48 °* t"ie'r in Parlia- the W(m'c* afford the requisite facilities for passing this Session and whether the right hon. gentle- make arrangements to have the Bin pro- ho^ at a Saturday sitting. The reply which the h* received to this pertinent enquiry must i|^en "wprising and vexatious to himself as it to the inhabitants of Wales generally. The *tH er' 'a answer to Mr. Vivian's question, said— I at all disposed to intimate any unfavourable °* the measure in which my hon. friend is so leaw? ™terested; but I regret to say that on inquiry I *hat considerable opposition would be offered to or although not by the inhabitants of Wales ain afJlij J*P*esentatives of Wales—(hear, hear)—and I b« the plan of a Saturday sitting would not "fans efficient for the purpose of passing the WitK™ Moreover, whatever be the feeling of Wales that w»2?4. mea8ur«. I think it will be admitted hope of kIL*00 *dv»nced in the year to have any *Uch an impartial discussion of the subject Vint would desire. I think, therefore »tak of public hoaiBCis, aad with every disposition to meet the wishes of my hon. friend, that I no benefit would arise frem making arrangements for a I single sitting. At the opening of the next Session I hope my hon. friend and those interested in the subject will speedily bring the question under the consideration of the House." As we have before observed, this will cause a. good deal of disappointment to those who were anxious to give practical effect to this most salutary and ardently wished for measure. The Welsh people have spoken out most emphatically in favour of Sunday Public-house Closing. The Bill has been read a second time, and it does seem rather hard that these efforts at Lelf-reform should be frustrated by those who have no part nor lot in the matter, and who are either utterly ignoraut of the Welsh character, or utterly re- regardless of Welsh interests. Official statistical returns, issued by order of Government, prove that the closing of public-houses on Sundays in Ireland has had the most marked effect in diminishing drunkenness and crime. The number of convictions for drunkenness last year. before the Closing Act came into operation. was 4.555-whilst this year (the first under the new and improved order of things), the convictions fell to 1840. We believe that what holds good in Ireland will apply with equal fores to Wales, and our Monday mornings' police business will be most sensibly diminished when the temptations to Sunday drinking shall have been removed tout of the way. Hundreds who now spend the greater part of the day drinking in public-houses, would then spend the day in social enjoyment with their families, or attend some place of worship. The opposi- tion to the Welsh Sunday Closing Bill comes from foreisners," who are doubtless those English members of the House connected with the brewing trade, wno see in the measure another blow aimed at their interests, and who are afraid that if Ireland, Scotland, and Wales benefit by the Sunday Closing, the same Act will shortly be applied to England, and thus public-houses beclosed on Sundays throughout the Kingdom. We believe it would be a most beneficial measure, one which, whilst it must materially tend to promote sobriety and order, is demanded by the landlords themselves as a day_of rest. Whilst regrettins the postponement of the Bill until next year, we hope those interested in the subject will adopt the suggestion of the Premier, and bring It forward early next Session, so that no further delay shall occur. _———.————
[No title]
MONEY MARKET, Thursday. — The Directors of the Bank of England met to-day, but made no alteration in the rate of discount. The directors of the South Wales Wagon Company recommend the usual dividend of 10 per cent. per annum for the last half-year. SWANSEA TRAMWAY.—The traffic receipts of the above for week ending July 16, 1880, were £ 252 0s. Id.; corres- ponding week last year, J6167 Is. 6d; increase £ 8418s. 7d. SWANSEA HOSPITAL CLOCK.—We are pleased to hear through the secretary to this fund that Mr. John Smith, of the Midland Works, Derby, has been favoured with the order to manufacture the above named clock, and that it is to be erected about the last week of next month. JESUITS IN WALES.—A section of the Jesuits expelled from France has this week entered upon the occupancy of the Corbet Hotel, Aberdovey, a large structure erected at the time of the formation of the Cambrian Railway, and untenanted for the last nine years. They have secured the lease upon the house and grounds for 21 years, and it is stated tha.t they intend utilizing the hotel as a large school. 0 SAVAGE CLDB BREAKFAST.—The hon. sec. of the Savage Club, London (Mr. E. J. Goodman), has just issued a circular to the members announcing that a Breakfast will be given at Messrs. Spiers and Pond's Criterian Restau- rant, on Friday the 30th inst., in honour of several dis- tinguished American actors now visiting this country. Mr. Barry Sullivan will preside, and the Hon. James Russell Lowell, United States Minister in London, will ^SUDDEN DEATH OF A SCHOOLBOY.—A lad of 12, named Thomas White, a boarder at the St. Andrew's College, St. Helen's Road, was seen to have fallen into what appeared to be a fainting fit. Mr. Sutherland, the head- master, and two medical men who were sent for, did all that could be done under the circumstances, but without avail, for the youth died almost immediately. The evidence adduced at the inquest showed that deceased was the son of Mr. Thomas White, engineer, Llandilo- talybont, and that he had died from rupture of a blood- vessel. HONOUR FOR LIFE.SAVING.-The Royal Humane Society has been pleased to transmit to Swansea for pre- sentation to P. Cameron, chief Engineer of the 8.8 Baron Selborne, the Honorary Testimonial of the Society inscribed on vellum "for having on the 29th of May, 1880, jumped into the North Dock, Swansea, to the rescue of James Owens (aged nine years), who had fallen therein, and whose life he gallantly saved." The parch- ment, which is signed by the Duke of Argyll as Presi. dent, will be presented to Mr. Cameron by the magistrates upon his arrival in port. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.—The following, from semi- naries in this district, passed the Matriculation Exami- nation in June:—Honours Divisi,-)n. -Ellis George Edwin Rees, Carmarthen Grammar and University College Schools; Rouse, William Henry Denham, Haverford- west Grammar School and Private Tutor. First Division. -Birrell. David Anthony, Cowbridge Grammar School; Brodie, Walter William, University College of Waies; Davies, John Mathew, University College of Wales; Fish, Charles Frederick, University College of Wales; Jenkins, John, Ardwyn Grammar School. Second Division.—Griffiths, Thomas. Wojflttrs tlBIHSAlWS AHOCMWK.—Tbe cause of temperance is slowly but surely progressing throughout the country, all classes becoming more and more convinced of the evil effects of indulging too freely in intoxicating drink. There is, however, much room for persevering work by temperance reformers, and our advertising columns announce a lecture in the Music-hall on Friday night next, the 30th instant, by Mrs. Lucas (sister of the Right Hon. John Bright), in connection with the Swansea branch of the British Women's Tem- perance Association. Mrs. Lucas is described as a most able speaker, and doubtless there will be a large atten- ^CMCKET.—Fynone School lv. Uplands School.—This match was played at the grounds of the Swansea Cricket Club, on Wednesday afternoon, and resulted in an easy victory for the F.S.C., they having defeated their oppon- ents by two runs and six wickets to fall. It must be mentioned that the batting of Mr. G. B Harris, for the Fynone School was exceedingly good. he having made a first-rate score of 31 runs, as was also his and Mr. T. Jenkins's bowling, the former of whom took seven wickets in the course of the afternoon. Such play as this is very seldom witnessed in School matches, and indeed not frequently in larger ones. MUMBLES.—The Congregational Church Sunday School Anniversary took place on the Lord's Day, July 18th, under the most auspicious circumstances, when the vete- ran prince amongst Welsh preachers, the Rev. T. Rees D.D., Swansea, preached at 11 a.m., and the newly-apl pointed minister of the Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel, preached at 2.30 p.m. A children's service was held at 6.30 p.m., ably presided over by the Rev. J. Carvan Davies, pastor, consisting of recitations and singing by the Sunday School children. The elegant building was literally crammed at each meeting. On Monday after- noon, the children accompanied by their respective teachers, &c., paraded the streets, bearing beautiful bannerets and flags, and afterwards partook of tea and cake at Langland Bay. SKETTT.—On Saturday last the employes of Mr. Joseph Gwyn, contractor, of Sketty, had their annual 'outing. Accompanied by their employer and his son, the party left in brakes, supplied by the Messrs. Bullin, of Swansea, for Porteynon, at which place they arrived at 1L30 after a very pleasant drive. A capital cold luncheon at the Ship Hotel having been done full justice to, the ex- coraionists set out for the beach, where numerous games imrovised by Mr. Roberta-were engaged in, and the principal places of interest in the neighbourhood visited. After attending to the wants of the inner man, the 166 oommenoed their homeward journey, which they completed at an early hour. An excellent string band, under the oonduetorship of Mr. Philin Ace. was in attendance throughout the day. SWANSEA following is an abstract of the Resident Medical Officer's Report to the Weekly Board, fro™ _2^y July 22:—Indoor patient—re- mained by last report, 41; admitted since, 13 discharged —cured and relieved, 9 died, 0 remaining, 45.—Out- door patients—remained by last report, 270; admitted since, 44 discharged—cured and relieved, 44; died, 0 remaining, 279. Medical Officers for the week Physi- cian Dr. Paddon surgeon, Mr. J. G. Hall. A. H. O. Philiins L.R.C.P., Resident Medical Officer. Com- mitteT who attended Messrs. Thos. Phillip F. J. C. Scott, Wm. Stone, Thos. Hall. Sunday rel.gious ser- vices conducted by B. Williams, Messrs. Parnell and Glover and in the week by Revs. J. E. Lloyd, O. T. Smelling, and John Thomas.- J. WJ. M°RRis, Secretary. CASTOB-STBEBT CHAPEL.-The Rev. Mr. «*bon, of Trelech, Carmarthenshire, has just mou« call of this chnrch to become its pastor, In 1the place of the Rev. W. Jones, resigned. Castle-street is one of the oldest English Congregational churches in the Principality, and the Rev. W. Jones, who resigned the pastonal charge some eight months ago, is the oldest living minister in Wales. He was an eloquent preacher haewcupied the pulpit of Castle-street for upwards of 45 and beloved by all classes. Mr. u,profni!,ine young man and will prove a freo^ilfnot" be^M° ?WanBea in more respects than one. He will not be able to enter noon hia aflted ministra- tions in wnnTOted with Castl^treet for three mODths M^evenSig a Sanday next, morning anExcUKSlON. exc™n in connection with the "Loyal David Davis Lodge M.U.P.I., No. 375," held at the Duke Inn, Mornston, and the workmen of the Beau- fort Tinplate Works, of whom the lodge is almost wholly comprised, left Landore for Merthyr on Saturdav morning last, the passengers numbering 1000. Upon arriving at Merthyr, the e/cursionis: vwited the Art inhibition, now being held at the Drill Hall, spending M enjoyable as well as instructive hour or so there; after which, by the kind forethought and hospitable ot M,. W' Itavi, the whole of the party wore British Schools, which had been very ted by the ladies in connection with the scho willing and tried friends, to whom the thianks ArtiUerv mittee are doe. The Band of the 1st Glamorgan Artillery Volunteer accompanied the excursion and cellent selection of music during the day at Merthyr both at the British School and the Market-square. I ne excursionists returned to Landore about 8 o'clock tho- roughly well pleased with the day's outing. It is worthy of note that the lodge, which has been only in existence 11 months, numbers nearly 100 members. This augflrg well for its future success and the sucotss of philsnthropy in thfa an^the atoning dbtrictt—ftr, SWANSEA TRAMWAYS COMPANY AND THE COUNTY ROADS BOARD.—The long-standing dispute between these bodies has come to an end. The latter does not insist on the hitherto prohibited toll*, and the former agree to pay JMOO per annum in lieu of tolls. This will much improve the position of the company, and the public will feel the benefit of the concession in a better service of trams. A GOOD EXAMPLK TO LANDOWNERS.—Mr. J. T. D. Llewelyn, Esq., of Penllergaer. has given Mr. David Reeø, Penygoiallt, Llanegwad (one of his tenants), a gift of £ 15, in consequence of a loss sustained by a thunderbolt, which killed three of his best milch cows, on Saturday last, on the above farm. They were found dead by the servant girl that evening. Mr. Rees has been a tenant to this family for forty years, and his father was also their tenant before him. GLAMORGAN CLERGY CHARITY SOCIETY.—The annual meeting of this society was held at the Cardiff Town-hall on Tuesday, the Lord Bishop of Llandaff in the chair. There were also present-the Right Rev. Bishop Perry, Archdeacon Griffiths, Canon Hawkins, and a number of clergymen and laymen. The treasurer, Mr. J. C. Nicholl, presented his statement of account. The annual sub- scriptions and the interest from dividends were about the same as last year, the stock invested amounting to over £ 3,000. Subscriptions amounted to over £300, which with the dividends amounted to nearly PW3 for the past year. The case of each recipient was reviewed, and a reduction in the grant to two persons from £30 to £ 15 was made. With these exceptions the grants renewed, and two vacancies supplied. The grants to 1U widows of clergymen amounted to M). Grants were also made to 12 orphans of clergymen, making the total amount of grants equal to £400. The balance in the hands of the treasurer was very small. SWANSEA BAY REGATTA.—On Wednesday afternoon, at the somewhat inconvenient hour of four o'clock, a meeting was held at the Castle Hotel, to consider e advisability of holding a Regatta this year in Swansea Bay. There were only fourteen gentlemen present In the course of the discussion which took ^P" peared that there is a pretty general feeling tna regatta should be got up this year on a greater an, attractive scale than those of past years, should be held on the 2nd day of September, m the weeK when the British Association will be at Swansea It is hoped that a pltze list of something like JE200 will be sub- scribed, so as to make the event as attractive as posslble to yachtsmen from other parts of the English • Captain William Griffiths, of Wind-street,, to act as hon. sec. to the affair, and notices^ a on issued, convening another meeting for 11 o cioc Monday next, at the Guildhall, when a larger number of those who are interested in the regatta will have an op- portunity of attending. THE GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION IN WALES. C believe that an understanding has been arrived at Deweeu Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Vivian, acting for the members, on the subject of grants for higher and intermediate education in Wales. Mr. Vivian, probable, will on an early date put a <lue?'il,t!n Prime Minister on the subject, and we shall then the actual facts of the case. It is probable, however, that Government will appoint a committee of nve to report on the present provision for and actual require- ments of intermediate and higher education in thefrmd- pality, and they hope to receive the report in time to make a proposition on the subject next session. Two of the five members, we understand, will be taken from the Education Department and the Charity Commissioner and the other three will be independent men connected with the Principality. The Welsh members have dis- cussed the matter carefully and fully, and t think they will be disposed to agree that the arrangemen which we have mentioned is the best that co"^ t;on in the circumstances of the case. The friends of education in Wales may place confidence in Mr. Gladstone s desire to do all he can to promote the objects they have in view, consistently with his duty as the guardian of the national revenues.—Owestry Advertiser. Mr. DiUwyn has carried through the House of Com- mons his very useful Wild Birds' Protection Law Amend- ment Bill, which repeals and incorporates in itself the previous Seabirds and Wild Birds Acts, and extends the protection during the breeding time to all wild birds, so that birdcatchers can no longer depopulate the rural dis- tricts of nightingales, under the plea that they are "only" catching chaffinches,-which chaffinches, by the way, they often brutally blind, in order to render their song the livelier. The measure is none the worse that it leaves owners and occupiers to kill the birds on their own land, if they will. The truth is that the former enact- ments never could be enfo. ced as against owners an J occupiers, and it was idle to attempt, with such machi- nery as the law has at its disposal, to control their action, however foolish, in matters which they thought of vital importance to their own interests. But the present Bill, by including all birds within its scope,-and we trust the House of Lords will strike out the discretion accorded to the Home Secretary to exempt some birds altogetner from its operation, for such would really deprive the Bill of all efficacy, ™ p vent birdcatchers from rooting out, as they have re- cently done, some of our prettiest wild birds almost com- pletely from the metropolitan counties, and so depriving the country of some of its best and most innoceut pleasures. THE HAY-BRIDGE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—The report of Colanel Rich to the Board of Trade, dated July 1,1880, on the causes of this accident has been printed. After recapitulating the facts of the accident, and giving in detail the evidence of the witnesses who were called, Colonel Rich remarks, in summing up the case, that the railway was opened for traffic in 1864. *nd the bridge appears to have stood well from that time. A. dwarf wail was built about five years ago in prolongation of the wing wall of tOe western abutment, 80 as to prevent the river encroaching on the west bank. The waterway next the western abutment was subsequently pitched with stone, like the centre opening, to prevent the bottom of the river from being scoured by floods. Up to the day when the bridge fell it had not shown the slightest signs of giving way. The conclusion of the report is as follows: —" The accident was caused by an unprecedented flood in the Llanigan brook, which appears to have risen so high as to get at the back of the wing and abutment wall, and also to have scoured the bed of the river from under the wing wall, from under the pitching of the western waterway, and from under the western abut- ment, which consequently fell forward into the liver, knocking down the pier adjacent to it, which was 12ft. distant. This pier stood in the centre of the iver, which ran through a 12ft. opening at each side of it. The platform of the bridge which carried the railway was about 21 feet above the liver, which in ordinal/times has only about 1ft. of water in it. The foundations of the abutment and pier that fell were about 2ft. 6in. to 3ft. below the bed of the brook, and the two waterways under the bridge were pitched with stone. The bed of 3ft. below the bed of the brook, and the t^owaterways under the bridge were pitched with stone. The bed OT the Llanigan brook consists of gravel and stone, which has been washed down from the mountains, ana although this is pretty hard and firm at the level of the bridge foundations, which had not moved during the 16 and 17 years that the bridge had been built, it was not sum. oiently strong to resist the scour caused by the unprece- dented flood on the night of the 17th ult. A clergyman who lives higher up the stream stated that there was a waterspout that evening which broke on the mountain where the brook rises." MoMMSTON.—The annual treat in connection with St. John's Church Sunday school, came off on Thursday, the 15th inst. A'thonghHsmom'ng was very threatening the watery clouds disappeared, the thunder and lightning ceased, and the sun came forth in all its splendour and brilliancy, which gave a lovely aspect to the beautiful seeneiy of Llandilo. The school headed by the band of the Glamorganshire Artillery marched from the Church to Landore station, where there was an ex- cursion train specially arranged for conveying the schoo! teachers, friends, &c., numbering about 50 to Llandilo. On arriving at Llandilo a procession was made through the streets to the National schoolroom, where all the school was treated with tea and cake of no unworthy make. There were besides the usual retinue of kettle and pot-beaung helpers, the following ladies fencing their £ *P<*tive tables Misses Naysmiths, Misses Williams.Miss Row- lands, Miss Walters, Miss Thomas, Miss Johns, Miss Jones, and Miss Frances. Of the spreacl no more need be said than the whole was worthy of the above phalanx experienced tea caterers. After tea was over started to Dynevor Park, when the children enjoyed themselves to their heart's content in cheerful and innocent amusements, racing, jumping, waltstng, whilst others betook themselves to the Castle wnicn commands an extensive view of Llandilo and the neigh- bourhood. Retracing their steps at 6 o'clock all arr-vea at Landore at 8 p.m., having spent a very enjoyable day. Among those present were seen Mr. Thomas, Lan Mr. and Mrs. Naysmith Rev. J. Jones, Llandilo; Rev. E. Evans, Llandilo; Mr. Glasbrook. Swansea Bev. J. Jones, St. Anne; and Rev. D. R. Mathias, Mornston besides some ladies and gentlemen of Llandilo and the neighbourhood. Mr. Thomas's liberality on these OOOA- sions have become proverbial. Great praise is due to Mr. Naysmithj Church warden, for his indefatigable labour of love in spite of almost insurmountable diffi- culties. Praise is also due to Mr. T. Williams for the efficient and satisfactory way in which eveiyth-'ig was carried out under his superintendanoe. LLANDOVERY v. SWANSEA.—A match was played on the ground of the former on Wednesday last, which resulted in favour of Llandovery on the first innings Harrop and Doggett for Swansea completely mastered the fine bowling of C. P. Lewis, Harrop taking ont his bat for a weU played 42, without a chance. The following is the SCORE' SWANSEA. 1st Innings. 2nd Innings. T T R Harrop, b. Thomas. 1 not out 42 TOT? pprkins b. C P.Lewis.. 0 c. Lea j, b. O.Jones.. 0 W^rifflths,'c O.Jones, b. 0. c b ThomM.. 0 TPA.B^n.on;ra'P.Lewi. 1 b.^omas. J Handley. b. C. P. Lewis 0 b. O. Jones i» Bennett, b. Thomas K r TW* 0 T. Kneath, b. C. Lewis 2 hit wicket, b C. Lew s 0 A. Davies, b. C. P. Lewis 1 b. C. P. I^wis W. Roberts, not out 0 b.O. Jones Extras. 6 » Total 28 Total LLANDOVERY. R 1st Innings. 2nd I' lg8- T. Rees, Lb.w, b. Harrop 4 b. Trower i x. A. Bees, run out » b. Bennett 0 11^ | T. Phillips, b. Kneath a O. Jones, b. Bennett a h 0 Maybery.notout. t McCellan, b. Bennett .| L. Lewis, c. Roberts,b. Griffiths 4 Bellison, b. Bennett j Extra* « 1 Total j.ot>| BSTHBSDA CHAPEL PICNIC.—The annual public picnic in connection with the Welsh Baptist Chapel, Bethesda Street, took place yesterday. The rendezvous was at the Bays just beyond the Mumbles, and the tramways were crowded all day with passengers to and fro. The gather- ing at the seaside was an unusually large one. The death is announced of Mr. George Simpson, of Manchester, who many years ago was associated with the Bscial and philanthropic schemes of Robert Owen, and acted as secretary of Owen?s Settlement at New Harmony, in Hampshire. He subsequently bectne the cishier and financial manager of Sir Joseph Whitworth. DEMONSTRATION LECTURE ON COOKERY.—It will be seen by advertisement in another column that Miss May Vincent, the well-known lecturer on cookery, will deliver an inaugural demonstration lecture on this subject (by kind permission of the Mayor) at the Town Hall, on Thursday evening next, July 29th, from seven to nine o:clock. The great importance of the commonplace,1 but little understood subject of cookery, should attract a large audience, in whose presence the fair lecturer will prepare the dishes she explains and commends. FORTHCOMING EXCURSIONS FROM SWANSEA. The London and North-Western Railway Company advertise a cheap excursion to London and intermediate stations on Friday, July 30th, at 16s. 6d. fare, and less according to distanoe, to Dublin, Chester, and Holyhead on the same date at equally low fares. The Great Western Railway Company announce for July 27, 28, 29, and 30, cheap excursions to the Glamorgan Agricultural Show at Cardiff, to London and Reading from Milford and all stations between, to Teuby Regatta, and on July 31st and A-ugugt 2nd, to Liverpool, Manchester, Ate. The Velin- dra puddle-passenger steamer will run on Saturday (to- morrow) to Oxwich Bay, on Monday to Ilfracombe and Clovelly, on Tuesday to Minehead, for the West Somer. set Races. THH BOROUGH POLICE PICNIC. Wednesday and yesterday were set apart for the annual outing of the Borough Police Force, and no better days could have been found in the whole year. At a quarter to eleven each morning, the lively strains of the Police Bind announced to the southern quarter of the town that something unusual was happening, an(* the crowd that collected by the terminus of the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, in Rutland-street, saw car after car filled with holiday makers, old and young, men and maidens, Magistrates, aldermen, and councillors. The place pxed upon was of course Clyne Valley, than which no lovelier spot could be found in the Principality, as it has the rare advantages of being near the town, entirely shut in from the sea, and easily reached by railway. At 11 0 clock prompt, four carriages of the Swansea and Mumbles Railway Company, with Mr. John Dickson m charge, started with a crowded company for the picnicing ground. The police band was in front, their music en- j j^'ng the way, and their strange collection of hats aading much to the amusement of all beholders. After having the Oystermouth-road with its familiar land- marks, the run through the woods of Clyne was very enjoyable, the foliage affording grateful shade, and the lower branches coming down against carnages and pas- 8engers with an exhilarating whisk as if to give hearty wel- come to the visitors. The field this year had been cle»rel of the hay crop, probably because Mr. Barron s experi. ence of the picnickers' haymaking of last year was no?e the most pleasing. At the tent, ready to welcome the visitors with Captain Colquhoun were •superintendent Holland, Sergeant Davies, and A.P.S. James Smith, than whom no better men could be entrusted iTtti commissariat arrangements. After partaking of a 1 ,'e refreshment, the company dispersed about the large KIIT' some F0 seek shelter from the sun, some to search the ^fterows for botanical specimens; somo to pl*y at quoll« S3 °!her 8*mes. The dinner trumpet sounded about 2 when the whole company sat down to a i°.' £ good1 spreadPlay was then resumed and kept np with ™uch spirit and priZ39 were awarded to the successful ^Petitors. It is needless to tell of the many happy method devised for the pastimes of the guests. As usual and ,H/ternoon and evening slipped away all too quickly, r™ the return home was made in good order, but not Jfiore cordial votes of thanks were passed to the H-«d Loostable and Mr. Barron, of jNew Mill Farm, for the Pieasure8of the d Thursday was a repetitonof Wed- i.ay»and«'lwrfntwell.. u M xi CLOSING.—An influential meeting was held at tne Welcome" Coffee Tavern, {High-street, yesterday rnu _Ul?d?y) afternoon, presided over by J. C. Fowlev.Esq. chairman, in opening, expressed his strong feeling of VA P^hy favour of early closing, bnt be felt it was ry difficult to obtain owing to the many obstacles in tne way. Evidence had been collected to show that late nouvg Were quite jncompatible to the requirements of fVi«uuts' Physically, mentally, and religiously. Dr. In J Produced medical evidence of ill-effects of ZLhours, illustrated by the case of a young man in a corn ^^klkhment in this town, who stated that he Uajlnenced business at seven o'clock in the morning. ■ hour was allowed for meals, which were very nhiiH an^ subject to interruptions. At night the (n(n j were put up at eight o'clock, but work was not pended until deparments were straightened, which equently meant ten o'clock before leaving. This is by no ,,6ana a solitary oase—out-door exercise was impossible, o 6 u y. alternate was to take supper and retire to rest. cn a life could not be conducive to health, and is the couse of go many young persons engaged in shops be- ming consumptive and meeting with a premature death. R'8° stronly supported the movement on the score of economy and morality. The Rev. J. G. Gauntlett, M.A. said that bis sympathy had been elicited in the work by meeting, with so many cases in bis church from time to time, inasmuch as many who might have taken an active Part in Christian work, had been compelled to witb- ^toðer in consequence of the late hours. 4.~lJ*"ye8 Owen stated that he had made repeated from the pulpit on the subject, urging upon f. n*ce*8ity of earlier shopping. Had young r,. time they would be the fitter for scaling the William. spiritual food.—Rev. William men with 2^ V? Bece*8lty unity amongst trades- 5!,° dosing, and .aid that tfai. meeting —Dr *• *°lne Plan to obtain the object in view. y mentioned the cruel strain imposed npon ,g Won*en, both in workrooms and behind the counter, MV T6r^°ald 8i»o his hearty support to the matter.— President of the Early Closing Associa- nliahJT ,and "bowed that much had been accom- pxished by hard work during the past twelve months, but iriil 87 ^irea the support of such gentlemen as 'Present to give additional impetus to their efforta that^ vlnP1 "Poke of the abuse of the Lords Dav, and wtth often ceen the Mumbles Tram Care loaded .Z;'0.? people from shops; again bu8»neas were so fatigued that instead of taking ET*eXer°ise they betook themselves to the puWic- McAll r 8ake of drowning their weauness. Rev. McAilan related his exnerience as President of an Early Closing Association in Norwich and Aberdeen, where he had been instrumental inconsiderably reducing the hours be "Some ij? SwanSl ty VnVrg"tiT and persistent Dr. RawlwV' JVG' Bev^S. Higman. Rev. j! Ossian Davies K*' ^xrir^ Williams, and Dr. Griffiths, to wait un £ f ^v*T'Uu to induce them to unite in elrJ-* that at an adjourned meet- ing the retnU vL61 Unown -J- C. Fowler, Esq., brought forward^f v^'foible "S^ion to influence public opinion1?that ^co^ersszione be held some time in Septamho- A -LM. addresses on the subject should fife Wfthat few remarks «« to thr^ r^„?rt.e wheme. A hearty vote of thanks to ifaj £ >rminated the proceedings. EM^LOTBL* T MT H. Hussey Vivian, M.P. has Tim zs:—Sir,— I see in -1 a letter advocating the enactment »f' insurance fund for the assist- ance of worLt in c e <>f injury or fatal a?,f u ^nloyers and workmen should be alike bo^A *° ft may not be inopportune *hi« ou the eve of discussing the Employ-^? HiliH? Bill in Committee, to state clearly how Lla^,l^JI«ds. It is, I believe, gene- admUtS,thTteSn^o,f ^n sccidenU whieh happen, nine areaSiJSfS.2? £ rfeali-enoe on the part of an employe, or hi«^^tho^verremote' and consequently, m that lar»s^fi!^ -ccidents, a workman could not recoreroi^^° i! from his employ" under this or any i^P^eet this manifest defect, and to relief Jfrom the possibility of ruinous liability be employer fro insurance clauses have been and notably one which stands in th«^^ ° Bowles, to which the great body of n*me,of Mr-K?^ their adhesion. That clause hare signified Q^tributed one-third to for compensating his worwLa "ancient kind, an action shall nnij? against accidents of the sum re- oeivable from,a*1?Klne^.a*?inll,ti1.n the workman could recovet fund ig less twn tnc j f th surance of^L!rork?lan mU, n^Ul be observed-l, that the ck?,^ r 2 thS it deals with and covers all is Permissive; Z, tn« „ tb4t the em- his Iiabilitv to contribute threefae workma? does S&r Kma sjH'SS "SS: men WOSh ¥* Uti8?*«>n between empl^lasted thereby. As I befcS ^i«°a« imost unanimously ready to nndo^'i, fufmp hntlen. So far as miners are eonc« £ tMs ex,trabv 117,588-already belong to the iif* »« n6 i^t Relief Society, to which the Miner^eiTTn iarioW proportions, but from wffi" m.,T^thdi»w if the addi- ss present. conditiona of workmen compensation would not sai. W. a SSJi'E, SBtttsSftSifWit '2TS3SE •He.' jnd «« a&avcndaue the BUI gi^» nothing, and to aid the isolated oharitr orovides naught. From what I hear, 1 fear the tradw'^ion delegates take a different view, and intend to oppose an insurance chmre, even though permissive, andnot compalso^- JVhatever fonrse the Government may determine to take will pro- h*My decide thU question in the division lobby. I earoestly hope that they will allow no consideration to induoe them to oppose the introduction of a clause which will to a very large extent make or^^ked, adequate, and permanent provision for the maimed, the widow, and the orphan. I am. Sir, your obedient servant,— B. Huatiy BeJinfHCJuro, July 17, THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION AT SWANSEA.—At a recent meeting of the Local Committee a vote of thanks was passed to his worship the Mayor, Alderman J. Jones Jenkins, for his kind efforts to defray the expenses of the first or reception Soiree. Mr. leaver was appointed hon. sec. of the mechanical section. Mr. Thornton Andrews on the part of the Gas Co., undertook to pro- vide sufficient lighting for the pavilion for Eisteddfod and Association for JBSO. Mr. Andrews and Mr. Capper reported that they had arranged excursions to Pembroke Dock on the one hand and Dowlais on the other. Mr. G. W. Clare undertook the catering of refreshments at the soiree on the same terms as at Sheffield. A meeting of the General Committee was fixed for Wednesday, July 28th and of the Executive Committee on the 26th inst. We append a further list of the members of the Association who have notified their intention to be pre- sent, and it is hoped the local community will select those whom they intend to entertain. Ayrton, W. E., Esq. Armstrong, Sir Alexander, K.C.B.. L.L.D., F.R.S.; Angell. John, Esq.; Bateman, Daniel, Esq.; Barrett, W. F., Esq., F.RS.E.. M.R.I.A.. F.C.S.; Bottly, William, Esq., F.S.A.; Braham, Philip. Esq F.CS. Burther, P. L.. Esq,, C.E.; Croke, J. O. Byrne. Esq., M.A.; Crewdson, Rev. Geo.; Cartwright, Henry, Esq. L.L.B F.S.A. Chaplin, Rev. Ayrton Dixon, H. B. Esq.; Dry, Thos., Esq.; Elliot. Robt., Esq., F.B S.E.;Frost, Wm., Esq.; Frost, Edward, Esq. J.P.; Fairley, Robert F. Esq.; Gavey, J., Esq. Huntington, Professor, and wife Har- court, A. Vernon, M.A., F.R.S., F.C.S., &c.; Hull, Pro. feasor Edward, M.A., F.R.S., F.G.S., &c.; Henderson. William, Esq.; Hooper, S. F. Esq.. B.A.; Hart, Thomas, Esq.; Hart. Mrs. Thomas; Hicks, H., Esq., M.D., F.G.S.; Ladd, W., Ejq.,F.R.A.S.; Lodge, Oliver J., Esq., D. Sc. Lebour, Professor G. A., M.A., F.G.S., &c.; MacAndrew. J. J., Esq. MacAndrew. Mrs. J. J.; Mott, F. T.. Esq.. F.R.G.S. McLeod, Herbert, Esq., F.C.S.; Mello, Rev. J. Mogeus. M.A., F.G.S.; MacAdam, W. Ivison, Esq.. F.C.S., F.S.C.; Muishead, R. T.. Esq., B.Sc.; Morton, G. H., Esq., F.G.S.; Noissent, Professor; Neville, Parke, C.E., M.R.I.A,; Orper, J. H., Esq., L.L.D., M.R.I.A.; Osier, Miss A. F. Perry, John Professor; Plant, James, Esq.. F.G.S. Parnell, E. W., F.C.S.; Rowe, J. Brooking, Esq., F.L.S., F.S.A. Roberts, W. R., Esq., Dublin Russell, Geo., Esq.; Spiller, John, Esq. F.C.S.; Spiller, Mrs. John; Stirrup, Mark, Esq., F.G.s.; Thomson. Sir William. M A., L.L.D., D.C.L., F.R.S.; Thomson, Lady; Torr, Clive Hawley, Esq.
♦ SW ANSEA. POLICE COURT.…
♦ SW ANSEA. POLICE COURT. SATURDAY. [Before Messrs. G. B. Brock, J. G. Hall, R. Richards, and T. A. Marten.] BEGGING.-Ev.an Hughes, a tramp, was charged with begging in Wind-street on Friday. He had been pre- viously imprisoned for a similar offence, and the Bench sent him to gaol for 14 days with hard labour. COUNTY CASEs.-David Thomas, tinman, Pontardulais, was fined 15s., including costs., for being drunk and dis- orderly at that place on the 21st of June.—Wm. Griffiths, farmer, was ordered to pay 10s. 61. costs for being incap- ably drunk at Hanrhiddian.—Evan John was charged with damaging a hedge belonging to Mr. Thos. Glasbrook. He was ordered to pay 6d dam ige, and lth. costs. MONDAY. [Before Messrs. the Stipendiary, John Buse, T. Cook Davies, and J. Glasbrook- STEALING ROPE FROM SHIP-BOARD. — Freeman Alexander Henry, the second mate on board the steamer Sir Galabad, was in custody for stealing 2 cwts. of r"Ih', of the value of 16s., the property of Messrs. Richards Power and Co. A seaman stated that on Thursday be heard a noise in the fore peak, and aftewards saw' pIi- soner receive 10s. 6d.,from a man who went about buy ing rope. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he was very sony. He was drunk at the time. The Bench said they were disposed to treat him very leniently, but they must pass a sentence of 21 days hard labour on him. DRUNKEN EXCURSIONISTS.—Some of the hilly folk who came to Swansea for a day's excursion will have cause to remember the outing.-D. Thomas, bricklayer, Dowlais, was fined 5s. and costs for being diunk in Waterloo-street on Saturday.—Patrick Neil, pitman, and John Burns, labourer, both of Dowlais, were charged with being drunk and riotous, and refusing to quit the Black Cock public-house, High-street. Sergeant Kieft deposed to finding the prisoners fighting together. He took Neil to the station, and left P.C. Willis to deal with the other. Willis said he took Burns to the station, and on the way the prisoner tripped him up and kicked him twice in the stomach. It took five men to lock him up. C.iptain Co'quhoun said these excur- sionists set the town in an uproar on Saturday night. They were all more or less drunk. Burns was fined 20s. and costs, and Neil 10s. and costs.-Waltel. Burke, labourer, Bargeman's-row, was charged with being drunk and interfering with P.S. Kieft in taking Neil to the station. Defendant was fined 20s. and costs.-Thoma.s Ryan, labourer, another D jwlais excursionist, was fined 10s. and costs for being drunk and llotous in High- street. He struck an old man in the street, and wanted to fight with everybody.-Timothy Shean, also hailing from Dowlais, was charged with being drunk and riotous, and assaulting P.C. Pengelly in the execution of his duty. The constable said prisoner was very violent, and caused three or four fights near the railway station. He also used fearful language. Other people in the crowd were fighting like dogs. The Bench sent him to prison for 14 days' hard labour. DRUNK IN A TBAMCAB.—Charles Wilson, labourer, Landore. was charged with being drunk and riotous, and assaulting a tramcar conductor, named George Evans, and Rees, the Tramway Company's inspector, on Satur day night.. He was fined 20s. including costs. INDECENCY.—David Evans, puddler, Pontardawe, was fined 20s. and costs for being drunk and indecent in Pottery-street. DISORDERLY CONDUCT.—EUen Jones, Quarry-street, a woman of evil repute, was sent to gaol for ten days for being drunk and disorderly in Victoria-road early on Sunday morning.James Heally, labourer, Pentre, was toed 5s. and costs for Mag incapably drunk in High- strrri, -Beojamin Williams, butcher, Plasm a rl, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in High-street, and fined 10s. DISGRACEFUL BzHAVMUP—James ConneU, labourer, Well street, was charged with using indecent and obscene language on the Sands on the morning of the 12th May last, Fined 40a. and costs or a month's imprisonment. VAGRANCY.—William Soourfield and Mary Leyshon, old offenders, were charged with sleeping in an unoccu- pied house in High-street. They were each sent to prison for a week. TUESDAY. [Before Messrs. the Stipendiary and Thomas Phillips. STEALING A FLUTE.—Jno. Allen, aged 17, Richard1 s-place, and Edwin Webbem, aged 20, Swan-street, the former a grocer's assistant, and the latter a porter, were charged with stealing a flute from the shop of complainant, i Calvert-atreet, of the value of 5s., the property of Henry Mallam. Prosecutor identified the flute, and said it had been taken from the window of his shop, in Calvert- street. One of the prisoners, on being taken into custody, said he had bought it on the Strand, and then sold it to a pawnbroker named Henry Cohen. The case was adjourned for further evidence. THURSDAY. [Before the Stipendiary.] DRUNK AND VIOLENT.—James Watson, labourer, who had been drunk and disorderly, refused to quit a public- house when ordered to do so, and damaged the police in which he was confined, was sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour.
[No title]
We seem to be on the eve of the recognition of Abdul Rahman as Ameer of Afghanistan. According to the Cabul Correspondent of the Daily News, a Durbar was to he held at Sherpur to-day for the purpose of announcing the British recognition of Abdul Rahman as Ameer. The people will be told to deal direct with Abdul Rahman, we having no further concern with State affairs. In like manner, Mahomed Jan, who had tendered his submission to the British, has been advised to proceed to Abdul Rahman, and has gone to Chariker with two thousand men to join the Sirdar. Dr. Tanner has taken a turn for the worse. He has now fasted for twenty-four days, but he is becoming listless and chilly, and is losing weight. On W; dneeday his pulse was 84; the temperature of the mouth 99 and the dynamometer 84. Even the water, which he still drinks freely, seems to be losing its nutritive effects. partly, however the change for the worst which has taken place in the doctor's condition is attributed to the damp andl sultry weather; but the change is very marked. The «onda«r<r correspondent notos, as the most curious fact in connection wUh the case, that Dr. Tanner is acmrar ATLADT'8 STRUGGLE WITH BURGLARS.N extraordi- oarage was committed in Manchester tl,e I^T, Red Bank, after the inmates had retired to rest. There were only Mrs. Butler, the landlady, a Mrs. Hadley and wu nine years, in the house. Mrs. Butler was aroused from her sleep by the noise of the burglar* leaving her bedroom, and putting her band dwk 3t^whicb 001x1(1 not distinguish in the S ?he £ uched » man's throat. The two men were ^dvthey instantly seized Mr*. rTfV.l i covering her mouth with his hand and the SJmSSSJ doT„g1ing fer hJ "ei&t She with oSfU? ? htr an<l afterwards rolled to the Inhhv fl!Sfn down stairs, and then on Hadl«v ? r*e banisters being broken. Mrs. drnuifen +v. from her bedroom window in her night- below» dePth of about 25 feet, and „ „'1 splintered ancles and a severe shock to the i Mra. Butler was badly bruised about the neck, na legs, and bled a good deal. The ruffians obtained *ndsome ear-rings, and afterwards escaped." MK. BRIGHT ON MINORITY MEHBBBS.—At the opening of a new Liberal club at Piatt Bridge, near Wigan, on Tuesday night, the following letter was read from Mr. Bright I cannot hope to be present at your meeting; but I may congratulate you on your activity and upon your resolve to do something to change and improve the representation of your division of our county. Much may be done by labour bestowed on registration and organisation, and you have a good field before you. In our division of the county a great change has been made. There is now, I believe, only one Tory member re- turned from the constituencies of the South-east division, and he is in the humiliating condition of being the minority member. He sits by virtu re, not of the goodwill or vote 'of majority of the electors of Manchester, but by a contrivance invented to cripple the Parliamentary influenoe of the great population and con- stituencies. His sitting in Parliament is by a direct violation of the ancient principle of the constitution which in all past time gave to majorities the right to select and to elect members of the House of Commons I hope you will be able, by the time another General Election occurs, to plaoe vour division in a position M ^cartas'
! MADAME ADEL1NA PATTI'S HOM…
MADAME ADEL1NA PATTI'S HOM i AT CRAIG-Y-NOS. A week or two ago we gave a 1 "st of the f ngage- ments of the t,t-eat pima donni, Adel;.na Patti, rid stated that in a short iuterva' between her English and foreign appointments she would visit the mansion* which has been some time in preparation for her, at the hea'1 of the Swansea Valley, in Breconshie. Ttie sit took place on Monday last, and there was an unex- pected but successful attempt made to celebrate the occasion. Craig-y-nos, or The Rock of the Night," is a grandly rugged hi'l of Carboniferous Limestone, which shut4 in the northern side of the Ta wey Valley, about 22 miles from Swansea, and only four miles from the Van Pools of Kreconihire. Its name, rich with the suggestions of romance, points to the fact that the Valley, at this point, is narrow and deep, and that this especial hill is so hi%h as to exclude the daylight, while it nurses the tenebrous presence of the ni-fht long before and after the sun-rays have found their way over the surface of the surround- ing country. On this wild hillside the ncbie castle stands-above it. nothing out the almost inaccessible steep of sparsely verdured grey limestone. a darkly frowning sky liBe ;-below it, the rocky, pebbly bed of tbe River, small and gentle enough in Eummer drought, but wayward and overwhelming when the winter rain- storms fall, us the drifted masses of tangled vejetation, great roots and trunks, as well as branches, sufficiently testify ;-opposite it,, the twin hill, Craig-y-rbiw-arth, or Brock, near the lofty summit of which, a mile and a. half off, is the Penwyllt station of the Swansea Valley Railway ;—near it, no human habitation save the farm house of the courteous and hospitable Morgan Morgan. Welshman, farmer, and geologist, who can and will. if approached aright, tell the visitor all about the neigh- bourhood, and its history. From the hillside near the Castle issue streams of beautifully limpid water, which suffice for the domestic uses of the place, and the openings of some of these natural conduits are grand caverns, with roofs of grotesquely pendent stalactite, and grand stalag- mitic floors, under which in all probability lie the bones of Mammoth, and Bos and Rhinoceros, and other of the extinct cave Mammalia. The whole valley in this part is dark and mysterious, full of a rare wild beauty, unin- vaded by the smoke of works, the rush of railways, the unhallowing shouts of pic-nic parties, or the broken bottles they leave behind them. The castle was built some thirty er forty years ago by Mr. Rice Powell, who, being a devout Roman Catholic, used to drive to Swansea every Sunday to attend Mass at St. David's. It remained in the hands of the Powell family until 1878. when Madame Patti purchased and commenced to enlarge and beautify it. The original structure was a castellated mansion built of limestone in rich domestic Gothic style, but not of great extent. Some of the windows, and the flanking towers and turrets are exceedingly pretty. To this house, considerable additions have been made under the direction of Madame Patti. A very large east wing has been added, which affords ample space for a fine billiard room and suites of other apart- ments, but. unhappily,the original style has been departed from, and instead of Gothic windows the new portion of the house has commonplace square-headed lights. Into the chief or south fagade of the castle, overlooking the greensward terraces and the river, has been inserted a large bay window, to light the handsome drawing-room, but in this too has the architect departed from his text, by making the external framework of wood instead of st jne. On the west side of the castle, and opening into OLe end of the dining-room, is a fine conservatDry, about 120ft. long, filled with rare plants, ferns and flowers. Fur- ther off, but detached, are extensive vineries, pine, and melon houses, &c.. with choice and vigorous plants in full bearing. In the rear, &c., are the commodious stables and coach-houses, in which are the necessary stud, as well as Madame's quartet of rare and handsome ponies. In the rrar are also the kitchens, and servants quarters. Gas is made from petroleum, &c., in a well constructed small gas works fOlllp distance off among the trees, and, on the other side, at about the same distance, is a fine kitchen gard n, with innumerable fruit rows, fowl and pheasant houses, kennels, &c. Some of the tenants of these kennels are not in such a state of tameness that it would be safe to let them lick a stranger's hand. In front of the Castle. it should he said, the grassy hill is admirably terrac- -i down to the tree shadowed river-side. The "ttle "fyno .'— a crystal spilng of rare purity-in the spreading overflow from which is an inexhaustible bed of de"cious water-cress. From the shive.y rustic bridge which crosses the stream you may look at the trout jumping, and envy Signor Nicolini's four miles of preserved fishing, or you may cross over to the bosky covers on the other side where may be seen the glancing golden plumage of the pheasant i which none but he and his friends may shoot. Returning to the Castle, and entering it from the spacious courtyard by the great door, we must confess that if nature has done much for th eouter scene, money and art have b en lavishly expended upon the interior. A few steps lead to a long corridor, u['on which opers, lghtin front of you the grand drawing-room while one end extends to the domestic offices, the other leads to the hall, the great sti'ircsue, the billiard room, the boudoir. &c. At the time of our visit, though the internal decorations were tolerably complete, the furnishing had scarcely begun, but what was there was of extreme value and beauty. The Drawing-room is a fine spacious apartment with acomewhat hpa, ce;ng, divided into nine or twelve large bays. The deep dividing framework is tinted and gilded, and into the e recesses it is intended to paint scenes from the favourite operas. From ti,e centre depends a gorgeous brass gaselier, full of fine scro" work and orncment. The large window, as we have said, looks out upon the .lver. The fire grate which is of br; is, stands in a Minton tiled recess, the t' bear- ing beautifully painted pictures of Art, Literature and Music. The mantel-piece is of carved satin wood, bear- ing numerous pretty » binets and a large in-let pier glau, with bevelled edges, which di\ Ide the hghts and send them back in plismatic va. legation. The upper part of the walls are covered with "azure silk" panels, relieved with neutral t-'nted and gold figures of rare design and the dado is charmingly stencilled. The oaken floor, bare round the edges, is laid with a specially made Axminster carpet in azure and cream, and the hanging of the windows are of equal llchness and in good, harmony. The Dining-room is certainly a magnificent apartment the tout ensjmble cannot but be considered a perfect work of art. It will be seen at a glance the task of the designer was to serve up," so to speak Tudor gothic for domestic purposes, without being too ecclesiastic in treatment. Made in old English brown oak. finely figured, vigorously carved, and sparkling with bevelled plates, it is certainly in keeping with the details of this noble dining apart- ment, the other items of which are a massive 8ft. 6in. sideboard of similar design and carving, table, small chairs, carvers, easy's, coal box, and vinarette to match, all lavishly enriched. The commodious billiard room, expressly built by the present owner is in keeping with the general luxury of the other household appointments, large enough to r( neve two tables, French and English. It is furnished with comfortable settees, that do not partake of the character of a general billiard room. The wood selected for the tables and furniture in white and brown oak, which stands out well against the rich tones of the covering, curtains, and wall decorations. But the chef d'oeuvre is Madame Patti's exquisite little boudoir, where the concentrated essence of comfort and luxury is to be found. With mantel, tables, cabinet, kc., of richly inlaid ebony grate surrounded by deiicately printed butterflies, and the whole enshrined in rose coloured silk plush velvet, it is a beau ideal chamber of the kind. On Monday evening Madame Adelina Patti, in com- pany with thirteen distinguished visitors, arrived at the High-street Station, Swansea, and the whole party was conveyed by vehicles supplied by Mr. Small, of the Jef- frey's Arms Hotel, to Craig-y-nos Castle, where a con- siderable number of people had gathered to give the Prima Donna a hearty welcome. Upon reaching the castle Mr. Brock, Jun., of the Crystal Palace firm, let off a magnificent display of fireworks and illuminations. The fireworks consisted of balloons, rockets, Roman can- dles, stars, kc., as usual, but the grandest display was a likeness of Adelina Patti and Signer Nicolini. On the terrace were shown the words "Romeo and Juliet," "Norma," "Traviata," Semiramida," and "God bless Adelina Patti/' There was a large gathering of visitors, who were allowed into the castle grounds on the occa- sion. After inspecting her new home, Madame Patti and her friends expressed their warm appreciation of the way in which the whole of the furnisning and decora- tions had been carried out by Messrs. B. Evans and Co., of Temple-street, Swansea; and, later in the evening, the marvellous voice that has won its possessor so much fame and wealth was beard singing the touching melody of M Home, sweet home."
[No title]
The Royal Agricultural Society will sustain a loss of about L'W by their show at OsriWe. BISMARCK'S MOVB » TUMXT. — Europe has been startled this week, declares the Statist, by the unlooked- for announcement that a German official nominated by Prince Bismarck, at the request of the Sultan, has been appointed Deputy Finance Minister of Turkey, that another German offieul is to be Director General of Customs, and that others are to fill various important posts. The first two appointments give Germany control bf the finances, and as the finances are the key of the political situation, practically this enables her to take a oommanding place in the settlement of the question which has so long agitated Europe. Naturally, the world is speculating how Prince Bismarck obtained so decisive an advantage over the Powers which for generations have been striving for the mastery in the East, and what is his motive for interfering where he has so often and so emphatically declared that Germany has no interest. It is notorious that the Sultan's bugbear is international intervention He sees what it led to in Egypt, and he is resolved that it shall not get a footing in Turkey if he can help it But he is also fully aware that he can defeat JS* him |w»°V. £ now ab°Qi ^8 objected 5 and EngUsh mains tV^7 Y dAsta8teful Kussikn. There re- bv tbA in hi „ ^"n^n» and it is recommended th« .Prestige of the illustrious Chancellor, by armed might of which he disposes, and by his oft-wpested declarations of disinterestedness in the matter. Under bis protection the Porte may safely defy Slaves and Greeks and their foreign sympathisers; while, doubtless, tbe Sultan flatters himself that Prince Bismarck will not be an exacting taskmaster. In this, we suspect, he is doomed to bitter disappointment. Whatever else the German Chancellor may have in view, we may with confidence predict that the perpetuation of Turkish misrule and mal-adminktmtkm is no part of his object. To this extent, at any rate, the Stock Exchange was I ight in its first interpretation of the move; it undoubtedly helps forward better government in Turkey.
SWANSEA, JULY 23. 1880.
at least for minimising tbem. It is too much the fashion to say that these terribly destructive ex- plosions are brought about by the blind careless- peas or stupidity of some poor collier who, In spite of all rules and warnings and past nar- row escapes, will strike a light for his darling pipe, even when he is surrounded by the most dangerous gases; but this vulgar theory does not meet with a very respectful hearing from those who really understand the working of a coal mine, and who desire to make an honest utterance on the facts. In Consequence of the regulations enforced under Accent statutes mines are now so well ventilated that, save under exceptional and unlooked-for con- ditions, a naked flame may be carried through them without danger but then these exceptional 11 conditions are always liable to occur, and no legis- lation can altogether prevent them. The exposed surfaces of the coal in the workings are continually giving off small quantities of inflammable gas, ^hich the ventilating current is sufficient to sweep away, but here and there in the coal seams an ac- cumulation of gas is confined under enormous Pressure, and when these volumes of compressed gas find their way into the workings they are lastly too much for the ventilation, and no safety lamp is proof against the suddenness and power Of the gaseous irruption. These accumulations and sudden irruptions of inflammable gas, which are very appropriately called "blowers" by the colliers, most frequently appear when the atmos- pheric pressure is reduced, as indicated by a low barometer. Lessened atmospheric pressure may a cause of the irruption of the blowers," but they are sometimes released by the pickaxe of the collier himself as he cuts away at the coal. The gases thus freed from their imprisonment travel *rth such velocity that the gauze shades to "e lamps no longer afford sufficient protection, ignition takes place, and an ex- plosion more or less serious follows. At the present moment, the report of the In- spectors of Mines is sorrowfully interesting. It 18 therein stated that during the year 1879 no less than 476,810 persons were employed in connection with coal mines of this number 385,179 were employed underground, the remainder—in which are included 4,842 women—being above ground Workers. Compared with 1878, this army of sturdy toilers shows an increase of 1,481 persons, and by their exertions nearly 134 million tons of coal, I" million tons of fire-clay, 9 million tons of iron-stone, and nearly a million tons of shale were produced. Coal alone shows an increase over 1878, there being a diminution in all the other Products. The number of fatal accidents was 782, QSQ ^ea^8 resulting therefrom amounted to —figures which are still far too high, although he7 show a reduction of 29 and 440 respectively compared with the last report. For every **9,400 tons of coal raised, a human life was lost, and a death by accident took off one in every 490 eroployds. The metalliferous mines of Great I Britain and Ireland are shown to have employed in Great Britain 27,374 persons below ground, and 18,266 above and in Ireland 891 underground, and 529 on the surface. Sixty-one fatal accidents, causing 64 deaths, occurred, and out of every 735 persons employed during the year one life was ost. All this suggests the absolute necessity that thee should be done by those in power for better protection of the lives of our miners. it remains for all of us to do what we can by pecuniary subscription, to alleviate the ^offerings of the poor widows and orpbans of Eisca.