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ANOTHER LEAK IN THE LLIW RESERVOIR.
ANOTHER LEAK IN THE LLIW RESERVOIR. THE local public have been startled again this week by the news that another leak has broken out in the embankment of the Lliw Reservoir, at Velindre, the chief storage lake of the Swansea water supply. It will be remembered that this reservoir was com- menced in 1863 from the designs of Mr. Rawlinson, as consulting engineer, and was completed in 1866. Its storage capacity is no less than 300,000,000 gallons, and the conduit from the reservoir to the Borough is 31 miles long. The original cost of its construction was £ 70,355 13s. 8d. But in January, 1873, just ten years ago, a leak was discovered beneath the dam, which sunk considerably in the middle. The repair of that was a long and tedious work which cost another JEH.OOO or £ 12,000. The method of stopping the leak was a somewhat curious one. It was believed that the leak was due, not to the infiltration of the reservoir water itself, but to the presence of natural springs in the strata beneath the embankment, which found their way up by percola- tion through the dam, and so washed a portion of the centre of it away. A deep cutting was made to the depth of 30 feet, and then a shaft was sunk to a fur- ther depth of about 70 feet, and, in the course of this work, most elaborate drawings and sections were made of the appearances of the bank and its subsi- dence. The springs that were found were properly Piped and led along to two masonry culverts, which discharge the water into the waste-water brook. The shaft was then filled up with clay puddling, and the Wedge-like cutting in the embankment was filled up with earth as before. When this had been done, it was said the reservoir was as good as, if not better than when new, and every confidence was felt that our chief storage lake was safe for generations to come. Great surprise and disappointment were therefore felt by the Borough Officials a week or ten days ago, when the little overflow stream of water was found to be considerably increased in quantity and also discoloured with sediment. Soon afterwards the top of the embankment was found to have sub- sided, as before, only to a wider extent, and this went on rapidly increasing for some days. Mr. E. Cousens, the Consulting Engineer of the Corporation, and Mr. Wyrill, the new Borough Surveyor, were at once and almost constantly on the spot, and took all Possible precautions. The supposition is that the material in the puddle trench has subsided, and left a gap between the top of the clay and the earth of the dam above. This theory is apparently borne out by the fact that, as soon as the water was lowered to the depth of 30 feet, that is to say, to below the top of the puddle trench, the evidence of the leak in the shape of sediment-laden water ceased. At the present moment there is said to be not the slightest danger, because the water is sufficiently lowered to take off all perilous pressure. There has been no further subsidence of the bank during the last day or two, and now it remains to sink a trial shaft to the top of the puddle trench, to see whether the mischief is really due to a natural subsidence there, or whether it must be traced to a more deeply-seated cause. We hope the leak may not be so serious as has been supposed at first sight, but in any case it is sure to limit our water-supply during the next summer, and to cost the Borough a great deal of money for repairs.
SIXTEEN YEARS OF SWANSEA'S…
SIXTEEN YEARS OF SWANSEA'S SAVINGS. MR. E. J. MORRIS, the Actuary of the Swansea Savings Bank, has just compiled and issued a short but very instructive tabulated statement of the affairs of the banks for the past 16 years, from 1867 to 1882, which, it is thought, may be interesting, not merely as an indication of continued progress, but also of barometric financial irregularities—the swing of the pendulum from inflation to depression, &c. in local savings. It may be remembered that Sir Hussey Vivian referred to this subject at the annual meeting of the bank a fortnight ago, and made special mention of the value of these statistics. In 1867, we find the Bank had invested with the Government £175,425 Os. lOd.; the deposits at the bank for the year ending 20th November were jE33,732 lis. 5d. the payments were £40,101 4s. 8d.; the average amount of receipts was £6 8s. 7d.; average amount of payments, £8 2s. 5d.; the num- ber of receipts, 4,697; the number of payments, 3,944; the total number of cash transactions, 8,641; the new accounts opened were 731; number of accounts closed, 742; and the number of accounts remaining open was 4,514. In 1867, therefore, we might conclude that we had an example of an unfor- tunate year, because the thrifty classes withdrew more from the bank than they put in. Such an inference would generally be correct, we presume, but the fact might be accounted for much more satisfac- torily by supposing,—what has often happened,— that the depositors drew their comparatively large totals of savings from the bank in order to invest them in more profitable and permanent ways. The contrast between 1867 and 1882 is very markedly in favour of the latter, because in the year just closed the total amount invested with the Government was £259,003 2s. 6d.; the deposits were £62,364 4s. Od.; the payments, £58,822 15s. 8d. the average of receipts, £5 14s. lOd.; average of payments, £8 Os. Id. number of receipts, 9,996; number of payments, 6,726 total number of cash transactions, 16,722; number of new accounts opened, 882; num- ber of accounts closed, 428; number of accounts remaining open, 9,063. The largest amount ever invested with Government was £286,407 11s. Id. in 1875; the largest year's receipts were £77,146 19s. in 1874; the largest total of payments was £81,146 4s. 3d. in 1876 the largest number of new accounts opened was 1,281 in 1873; the largest number of accounts closed was 916 in 1876; and the largest number of accounts remaining open was 9,063 in 1882.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
NOTES AND COMMENTS. WE are asked to announce, as per advertisement in another column, that the Swansea Hospital Ball, which had been fixed for Thursday next, is postponed until the Easter week. The committee have taken this step advisedly. The success of the Ball has de- pended for some years past upon the attendance of the leading county families, and it happens at the present moment that several of the most important families at this end of the county are prevented from patronising the ball by reason of recent bereavement or present sickness. ———— WHY cannot Swansea get up and maintain a good annual tradesman's ball, such as would give pleasure to a large section of the community, and yield an appreciable donation to the funds of our local chari- ties ? The question has often been asked, but not yet satisfactorily answered. On this subject a corre- spondent writes Nearly all the public balls I have been present at in Swansea for some years past- with the notable and gratifying exception of the two Masonic Balls—have been too exclusive, or at least too "bumptious." Swansea can boast of little or none of the true nobility or aristocracy, and, therefore, in its absence, the middle-class folk give themselves airs and erect paltry distinctions. A respectable tradesman, or his wife or sister, does not wish to dance with self-styled "gentility;" does not even desire to stand up in the same set; but if such a thing should happen in a crowded ball room, that is no justification for the disdainful tip-tilting of noses, or for the display of ill-breeding in any way." ————— OUR sarcastic correspondent goes on to say that "the Hospital Ball would all the better attain its object in augmenting the funds of that noble charity if the empty space on the room floor were filled up by such of the respectable commercial people as can afford to pay for the tickets, and who know how to behave themselves becomingly;" and that "the recent Fancy Dress Ball would have been all the more enjoyable had it been more largely attended." He fully admits the difficulties and the thankless- ness which hon. secretaries and committees of management have to put up with in these matters," but he fearlessly asserts" that all our balls would be the better, financially and socially, if there were only a more thorough blending of the townsfolk in the delightful recreation of the dance." In con- clusion, he hopes the Freemasons will see their way to a repetition of what they have twice so success- fully undertaken in the way of providing social amusement for the public during the winter months." THERE is certainly evidence of considerable neglect in the case of the footpath round St. Mary's Church- yard on the Frog-street side. The Corporation has done the town a great benefit in the taking down of one side of Frog-street, and opening up there a fine wide thoroughfare. The traffic which has grown there is the best proof of the wisdom of our governors in making-that improvement. But what in the name of wonder are the officials thinking about, if they are thinking of anything at all? The footpath on the Frog-street side of the Churchyard wall is one suc- cession of water and mud pools, and, in fact, is so bad that no one can walk over it. Of what use has been the great expense we have gone to in the widening of the street and the erection of the handsome wall and railing, if the footpath is to remain in its present impassable state ? THERE is evidence of a welcome and commendable activity in the Swansea Chamber of Commerce since its revival. The appointment of Mr. E. P. Jones as secretary, in succ ession to Mr. Carr, bids fair to be a judicious one. One of the minor things that should always be carefully attended to is the sending of due notice of each meeting to all the members, and to the Press, so that there may be no cavil about formalities of convention and transaction of business. The Chamber has done some little public service since its re-establishment, and it is capable of doing a great deal more, under the presidency of so genial and conciliatory a man as Mr. Charles Bath. But the pro- ceedings of the annual meeting, held on Monday last, display an amount of "go" which we had hardly expected, but are thoroughly pleased to see. The Chamber has decided to celebrate its corporeal exis- tence by an annual banquet. The banquet seems to be about the only social pleasure which the mature Englishman enjoys; not because of the edibles and the potables, but because it affords opportunities of inviting distinguished guests to partake of hospi- tality, and to make useful and suggestive speeches. It is to be hoped the Chamber may this year succeed in inducing the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain and other distinguished guests to dine with them and talk to them on the 2nd proximo. And, inasmuch as we shall have had a full flood of Liberal and Radical oratory on the 1st prox., and as the Chamber is wholly commercial and not political, it would be wise perhaps to invite a few leading Conservative speakers also. Now that the Harbour Trustees are in the full tide of prosperity, having brought to a successful com- pletion the great work of the Prince of Wales Dock, we hope they will direct their immediate attention to the wretched approaches to our really splendid sea- promenade—the West PiAr. Probably many of our readers have been in a "maze," the difficulty being how to get out of the cunningly-devised shrubbery but the Swansea Pier presents a complex maze—the difficulty being not only how to get there in safety and comfort, but how also to get back again. It is no wonder that this beautiful esplanade—running out 2,000 feet into the ocean is not more appreciated, when we consider the risks and dangers which have to be encountered by the pedestrians, and the ankle-deep muddy roads which have to be traversed. Swansea people are proverbially a patient burden-bearing com- munity. They are as easily and as quietly done out of their rights as a too-confiding client by a money- lender. Practically the Sands have been filched from the people and in this question of the approach to the Piers, the public have rights which, if enforced, would soon give an easy and convenient approaoh thereto. But much can be done in the meantime to improve the present approaches. The summer months will soon be here, and visitors will be flocking to the town. Let us do what we can to render the town attractive, a.nd assuredly one of the greatest would be our splendid sea promenades, provided there was anything like a decent approach thereto. THERE is good news for "aweetlipa" and sugar sellers. A new source of sugar production has been discovered. It seems that the successful application of the process for making sugar from sorghum, dis- covered by Professors Scoville and Weber, of the Illinois State Industrial University, has caused great excitement all over the States. Farmers are eagerly preparing to go into the sorghum sugar business, which will give them a larger profitito the acre than any other product. On 250 acres, the company who have been using the new processes have produced no less than 125,0001b. of sugar and 22,500 gallons of molasses, valued at 19,000 dollars, or an average of 76 dollars to the acre. UNDER the heading" Wanted a Name!" A Water- drinker" writes thus to the editor of The Times:- Sir,—There is a great and growing need of some one definite and suggestive term wherewith to desig- nate a person who abstains from the use of fermented liquors as beverages. "Teetotaller" is absurd, "Good Templar" unmeaning, "Total abstainer" is long, clumsy, and (a fault it shares with" ab- stainer ") vague. Why not dedicate to the purpose a word made ready to hand, hudropotes, which, in the shape of its derivative verb, occurs in 1st Timothy, v. 23? The form to be adopted would require careful consideration, for that which first suggests itself, "hydropot," would be apt to degenerate into "waterpot." I commend the subject to the con- sideration of word-builders." If Water-drinker does not like his own coinage from the Greek, would he be satisfied with aquabib, from the Latin, or, ufwr-divr, from the Welsh or bois-de-l'eau, from the French. Perhaps the best of all would be an adapta- tion from one of the Signs of the Zodiac, namely, Aquarius, "the man that bears the watering-pot," as Dr. Johnson rhymed it. The noisy abstainers from alcoholic drinks might then call themselves "Aquarians." THE English, and especially the Welsh, are a long- suffering people. They make stringent laws binding themselves down in the most rigid manner to certain social observances, and they then set themselves to obey those laws in the most peaceable and amiable manner. But that is not enough. They pay police- men to keep a sharp look-out upon them, to see that, in some hour of jovial forgetfulness, they do not over- step the narrow limits they have allowed themselves. They also pay other public officials to use their utmost ingenuity to tighten still further the thongs that bind them down. These reflections are sug- gested by the "test case" which came before the Swansea magistrates on Tuesday, where the Assistant Solicitor in the Town Clerk's office, acting under the initiation and instructions of the police, proceeded against a local publican for keeping his house open for the sale of liquor on Christmas-day last. There has been some doubt m the public mind as to whe- ther the provisions of the Welsh Sunday Closing Act apply to the two religious holidays of Christmas and Good Friday, and this action is said to have been taken to settle the point. Thus logic is used to strain the already stringent provisions of the law on Sunday observance. The old Sabbatarian feeling, which our Puritan forefathers so misapplied, is again evidently rampant under a new name, and we fear it is little better than futile for anyone of moderate views to suggest the historical warning, that, if the pendulum is pushed too far one way it is sure to swing back again to the opposite extreme. After the gloomy and forbidding Sabbaths of the Common- wealth camo the too licentious Sundays of the Stuart Restoration. MEANWHILE, things are proceeding at a surprising rate. Mr. W. R. Smith, the solicitor to the Licensed Victuallers' Association, said his clients had no ill- feeling towards either the Head Constable or the Town Clerk for the part, .they took in raising the aforesaid test case, but they did draw the line of their forbearance somewhere, and they did not like teetotal constables or other public officials, when they got up to speak at public meetings, to denounce all public-houses as "dens of infamy." We should think not, indeed What is Old England coming to ? The gin palaces and kiddle-winks are of modern growth, and they cannot be too much decried. But the ancient hostelries, and respectable taverns and hotels are wholly different in their use and their management, and they ought rather to be admired and conserved than denounced and degraded. But, in the name of decency, whoever may think fit to speak impatient intolerant words in publio about our better-class taverns, it is not for teetotal Police- constables and Public Officials to do so. Shall the fount of justioe be muddied by the intrusion of igno- • ranee and passion? It is the fashion just now to listen with wonder and applause to "converted Clowns and Prize-fighters," and to pay their opinions more popular jdeference than is accorded to the sayings of educated and philosophic Bishops. We trust the day is not coming when the people will take their light and leading in social ethics from the mouthings of "converted constables!" The intem- perate frenzy of the miscalled "temperance" cause is not exactly the quality of mind that can give fair and honest testimony against an offending publican, or an unfortunate benighted toper. Josh Billings wrote in a moment of indignation "the public is a ass." But we cannot allow the Dogberries of the Borough Watch to write down the Public, their Masters, as arrant asses, and then proceed to drive them according to their unlettered will with cruelty and the cudgel. THE people of Birmingham have set an example which Swansea might imitate with advantage. When the various Board Schools are not required for school purposes, they are utilised for holding political, social, and religious purposes. And why should they not be ? The ratepayers of Swansea have been taxed heavily enough in all conscience for the erection of these schools, which, we suppose, on an average are occupied about six hours a day, being entirely closed on Sundays. Why should not some of our most spacious and conveniently-placed schools be utilised for holding scientific or literary lectures, or innocent recreations on evenings and why should not the schools be devoted upon Sundays to holding religious services? We find that in Birmingham there are seven adult morning classes, seven evening services, and 27 Sunday schools held in the Board Schools on Sundays. Will no member of our Swansea Board bring the matter under discussion at the Board, so that our costly schools may be far more beneficially utilised than at present? —. WE suppose the most sceptical will not attempt to deny the fact that there is at the present moment a good deal of real want and distress amongst the labouring classes, consequent upon the stoppage of the many tin-plate works in the district. In Briton- ferry, in Llangennech, Penclawdd, and other locali- ties, whole families are on the verge of starvation, and a great deal of distress exists amongst the small shop- keepers, who cannot possibly afford to give the work- people more credit. All sorts of suggestions, as means of affording relief, have been made, and one or two of the more wealthy have distributed food, coal, and clothing; but practically the masses have not been reached. A Quaker gentleman once saw a crowd around a famishing, half-dying man in the streets. The crowd was loud in its protestations of sympathy; but the Quaker, doffing his hat, passed it round, saying, Gentlemen, my sympathy amounts to half- a-sovereign; how much is yours ?" And thus it has been with respect to this present distress. We pro- fess our sympathy, but there are no practical results. A suggestion is now thrown out that there should be collections in every church and chapel in Swansea, Neath, Llanelly, and other towns in South Wales, to collect relief funds for our distressed fellow-creatures. We trust, indeed, such will be carried into effect. A very large sum could be easily and promptly collected. Christianity is never seen to better advantage than in administering to the wants and alleviating the dis- tress of the suffering, and the present crisis calls for such practical sympathy. THE re-distribution of seats is once more upon the political horizon, and should the House have a little respite from its interminable discussion upon Irish .affairs, it will probably come on for early discussion and settlement. And .when this question is before the Cabinet, the unanswerable claims of Swansea and its contributory boroughs of Neath, Aberavon, Loughor, and Kenfig should not be over-looked. According to the latest return, Swansea had a popu- tion of 105,949, with 14,321 electors, and an assess- ment value of £1,017,663; whilst Bath, with only 53,761 population, and 6,017 electors, and an assess- ible. of £727,819 returns two members. Merthyr, with a population of 91,347, and with 14,200 electors, and £453,306 assessment also returns two members. ) Other glaring instances of unequal Parliamentary representation could be given, and we cannot forbear giving one more—that of Carmarthen. It has a population of 30,529, with only 5,742 electors, and an assessment value of only £347,972, and yet it returns two members to Parliament. Our Liberal friends would do well, therefore, to urge upon the County and Borough members the undoubted claims which Swansea possesses for dual representation. THE sale in fishmongers' shops of poached salmon during the closed season, is a question which ought to receive attention from the authorities. A writer in Land and Water says ;—"In the fishmongers' shops in London I saw salmon being freely sold. They were stated to have been received in ice from foreign countries, and therefore not amenable to the: English law of close season. Anyhow, nothing, so far as I know, has been done to stop the sale. To-day I examined externally a salmon exhibited in a fishmonger's shop in", the country. This was evi- dently recently captured, while the number of scales from the adipose dorsal fin to the lateral line being eleven, showed it was a Salmo salar, possibly from the Severn. I would ask the experience of others as to whether the same proceedings occur in different parts of the country, as nothing would be easier than to receive a foreign salmon with a bill of lading from a London firm, and such would do duty for any poached local fish when inquiries were made." ONLY those who use hotels frequently know what a nuisance and injustice is inflicted upon the public generally by the system of fees to waiters and servants. These are practically insisted upon, though the manager or proprietor charges, and charges heavily, in the bill for attendance." Of course managers and proprietors allege that the imposition is without their saction or connivance, and that the remedy rests with their guests, who should refuse payment beyond the amount for attendance charged in the bill. But surely hotel managers should help the public in this respect, and this assistance could be efficiently rendered by the display of notices prohibiting fees, as is done in many theatres, where the system works to the comfort and serenity of visitors. When it is a question involving their own interest? or the business of the hotel, managers can find space for notices. The general introduction of the American system of paying bills to a clerk at an office would materially aid the desired end, and the same method might be adopted at restaurants. It is done at many of the latter in large towns, and much saving of temper, shamefacedness, and disturbance of that tranquillity which should follow on good cheer, result.
JCor&l Intelligence.
JCor&l Intelligence. ST. PAUL'S CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—We are in- formed upon what we believe credible authority, that the Rev. J. Bloomfield James, the Pastor of St. Paul's Congregational Chapel, has been offered and accepted the pastorate of a church in Wolverhampton. DIOCESE OF LLANDAFF.-The living of Llanmihangel, vacant by the death of the Rev. Edward Evans, B. D., has we understand, been conferred by the Earl of Dunraven, the patron, upon the Rev. tRees Williams, M. A., the rector of Welsh St. Donats, near Cowbridge, as well as the Lectureship of Llantwit Major, in the gift of R. O. Jones, Esq, of Fonmon Castle. The Hon. Rosamond Lady Style, eldest daughter of the late Lord and Lady Tredegar, died at Mansion House, Brecon, on the 15th instant, having outlived her mother, Rosamond Lady Tredegar, just twelve days. The deceased lady married in December, 1843, Sir W. H. Marsham Style Bart., of Glenmore, county Donegal. Mrs. Ivor James, the favourite niece of John Keble, the author of the Christian Year," and to whom the poet bequeathed his manuscripts, died on Tuesday at Bishopston, Gower, near Swansea. She had recently nursed her husband and family through a succession of severe illnesses, and her own illness was brought about by devotion to them. REMOVAL OF THE FRENCH CONSUL.—The local trading community will hear, not without regret, that M. Follet, the genial and respected French Consul at Swansea, is about to remove from our port to Bombay, where he will hold a similar but much more lucrative position as representative of his country. Since he has been at Swansea M. Follet has won the good opinions of all. THE LATE FIRE AT PORTLAND BUILDINGS.—We are given to understand that the London Assurance Corpo- ration, through their agent, Mr. J. S. Merry, F.C.S., assayer of this town, have, in their usual liberal manner, promptly paid Messrs. Nicholls and Son the full amount of their claim. The promptness and liberality with which this has been settled, speaks highly of the Com- pany. The society is one of the oldest, having been esta- blished as far back as 1720. ALLEGED EFFECT OF THE SUNDAY CLOSING ACT.—At a meeting of the Cardiff Watch Committee on Wednes- day. the Head Constable again stated that Sunday drinking had very much increased in the town since the Sunday Closing Act came into operation. Not- withstanding the efforts of the police, the increase had (he said) been from 40 to 50 per cent. He atttributed this state of things to the formation of artisans' clubs, over which the police had no control. FUNERAL OF MR. THOMAS PROTHEROE.—On Tuesday afternoon, about two o'clock, Upper Goat-street was thronged with mourning vehicles and men and women in mourning habiliments, who bad gathered together to pay the last tribute of respect to the above deceased townsman by following his remains to the graveyard. Among those present were a large number of representa- tives of the friendly societies of the district, especially of the Oddfellows. The deceased was buried in the graveyard on the south side of York Place Baptist Chapel, of which he had for so long a period been a leading'member and church officer, and the funeral pro- ceeding were marked by all the solemnity of which the Nonconformist burial rite admits. THE BRITISH COAL COMPANY.- The first annual general meeting of the shareholders of this Company, was held last week, at the London offices, Edgware Road, when the report presented was of a highly satisfactory character. The quantity of coal sold and delivered by the company during the past six months was 17,732 tons, the profits resulting from which shewed a return upon the subscribed capital of no less than 12 per cent. In moving the adoption of the report the Chairman (Major-General Pyn, C.B.), paid a well- deserved compliment to the ability and indefatigable exertions of the managing director, Mr. Alphen Smith, and congratulated the shareholders upon the reallv valuable business which they had in hand. The report was unanimously adopted. THK WINFORD MURDER.—We. have already stated that a brutal murder was committed in the parish of Winford, Somersetshire, on Sunday, the 7 mst., a young man named Mark Cox having been brutally llltreated and left dead on the road side. A man named W estlake has been apprehended on suspicion of having committed the foul feed At the inquest held on the body of the murdered man, Dr. Willian Richardson Esmond of Chew Magna, formerly assistant surgeon at the bwansea Hospital, and cousin to Mr. John W. Morris, gave most important medical evidence, and was afterwards compli. mented by the coroner (Dr. Lionel A. Weatberly) in these words:—" Rarely_ was it that a medical man met with such extensive mischief and with such a mass of fracture, and he complimented Dr. Edmond on the careful way in which he had conducted the examination." Mr. Collins, who assisted Dr. Edmond in thepost mortem examinatios said he had never in his life examined a body with such extensive fractures, and he confirmed all the evidence of Dr. Mdmond. THE BISHOP DESIGNATE OF LLANDAFF.—The Ven. Archdeacon Lewis, of Lampeter-Yelfry has now definitely accepted the offer of the vacant see of Llandaff, which was made to him a few days since in an autograph letter from the Premier. He is the second son of the late Mr. John Lewis, of Heallam, Pembrokeshire, and was born in 1820. He was educated at the Broomsgrove School and Wor- cester College, Oxford, was ordained priest m 1846, and was appointed to the rectory of Lampeter-Yelfry, St. Davids in 1857 The Archdeacon understands the Welsh laneua»e and enjoys a fair share of popularity.-The oaira •' Archdeacon Lewis, to whom the Bishopric 5 lVn^ff_hat been offered, comes of an old Welsh of Llandaff h maternal side is descended from a Roy a Hat1 commander who.was executed m the time of the Commonwealth. The ^-rcT J,0ijt;ca he :a jluainted with the Welsh language. In Pol^Ca 18 £ Conserva- tive." He is father of Arthur Lewis, Esq., barrister of the South Wales Bar. SHOCKING CASE OF DOUBLE BIRTH IN THE STREETS. -Early on Tuesday morning a very shocking incident occurred in the Swansea streets a case wh:ch is a serious reflection upon local mora lty, and which shows how far destitution and distress may go even in such a community as ours. It appears that about one o'clock on Tuesday morning, Mrs. Griffin, of Rutland-street, saw a girl leaning against a wall m the Oystermouth Road apparently in a very exhausted condition, and having a bundle in her arms Upon kindly taking the girl to her house Mrs. Griffin found that the bundle con- tained the dead body of a newly-born child, wrapped up in a piece of torn dress. With the aid of a Mr. Murphy the police were sent for, and Dr. Davidson, who resides in Somerset-place, was fetched. The doctor ordered the girl to be taken at once to the Hospital and put to bed, where we believe she is progressing favourably. In answer to the interrogatories which were put to her, the girl said her name was AUce Robertson, her age 19, and that she was entirely destitute. Until a few weeks ago she was in service in Catnden-piace, Swansea, and when she left there she became destitute. Between 9 and 10 on Monday night, feeling very ill, she went to the back of No. 2, Oystermouth Road, where she was shortly afterwards delivered of a still-bora child. This she wrapped up in a piece of old dress, but on leaving the spot and coming into the road she gave birth to another, alao dead. The body of the second one she threw behind some railway trucks in a spot where it was afterwards found by the police. Tne medical opinion is that the delivery was premature, and that both children were born dead., NEW THEATRE, WIND-STREET.—The grand spectacular Pantomime of "St. George and the Dragon" continues to run its merry course at this fashionable house of entertainment. During the present week the leading performers take their benefit* previous to the withdrawal of the Pantomime. To-night (Friday) the "Dragon' takes his benefit, and to-morrow (Saturday) evening the Clown appeals to his Swansea friends. -See advt. SEASONABLE CHARITY.-This season of the year affords a special opportunity to those who wish to bestow gifts on the deserving poor in their immediate neighbourhood. This we are glad to learn has been carried out as usual by Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, of GUnbrydan Park, in the parish of Manordeilo (Carmaithenshire), where a large quantity of blankets, clothing, tea, and coal, has been distributed. WESLEY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN AND LITERARY ASSOCIATION.—At a meeting of the above held in the Schoolroom of Wesley Chapel, College-street, on Tuesday evening last, presided over by the Rev. J. Howell Jones, three most interesting papers on the following subjects were read before a large audience:—"A Peep at the Salvation Army," Mr. A. L Goldsworthy Kindness," Mr. G. Carrick "Temperance," Mr. F. Treweake. A spirited discussion followed, which was sustained by Messrs. George, Bellamy, Roberts, Buller, Hall, Leak, and Carrick. The subject for next Tuesday is "Man- liness," by Mr. Buckle. ST. THOMAS BAPTIST CHURCH.—The members and friends connected with the above church continue to hold their services as usual in the Cemetery Chapel, kindly lent for the purpose by the Swansea Burial Board, to whom they desire to express their heartfelt thinks and also to Miss Grenfell for granting them the use of Danygraig House. The Church is rapidly increasing, under the able leadership of Mr. Rowland R. Bass, whose labour during the last two months has been crowned with great success, the total number of candi- dates for church membership during Mr. Bass's stay being thirty-four. The church contemplates erecting a suitable place of worship as soon as possible, and desires the sympathy and support of all Christian friends. CWMAJIMAN.—The Turnpike-road authorities ought to have convenient depots for their use in this place, as it is very distressing to individuals, after building walls to protect their respective premises, and to have a decent and respectable appearance by the roadsidt, to see such walls covered up continually by large heaps of stones for the use of the road. This complaint is general in the place. In most other plac?s there are depots for the pur- pose to prevent this grievance --The Raven Colliery has been at a stand-still since the 8th ultimo., owing to the failure of Mr. Forester, one of the proprietors. The workman had to wait some weeks for their money, which caused them to be rather uneasy and all were paid with the exception of 15 per cent., which the workmen volun- tarily allowed in consideration of Mr. Forester's mis- fortunes. MORRISTON AND THE PROPOSED COLEEGE.-A meeting was held on Tuesday evening, at the Martin-street School-room, Morriston, for the purpose of devising means to raise funds in aid of the movement to secure the proposed South Wales College at Swansea. In the absence of Mr. Councillor William Williams, of Forest Hall, who had been called away on business. Dr. Morgan took the chair, and read a letter from Mr. Williams, in which that gentleman promised to subscribe C30 towards the College fund. The meeting, which was a large and enthusiastic one, and chiefly composed of working men. was addressed by the chairman, Mr. Jas. Jones, Mr. William Jones, and others. Some of the workmen stated that a movement was on foot to get up a small but continuous subscription towards this great obj ct, afcd the meeting concluded with the appointment of a committee of workmen to carry out a house to house canvass in the North Ward district. PRESENTATION TO MR. H. RADCLIFFE.- Mr. Henry Radcliffe, (late organist of All Saints', Llanelly, and now of the Parish Chur h Swansea) received on Tuesday evening a very pleading and appropriate token of the respect and esteem in which he is held by the choir with which he was so long connected at Llanelly. The meeting was held at the Salutatiou Hotel, and Blr. Anfield (as the oldest member of All Saints' choir present) was voted to preside. The Chairman briefly railed npon Mr. Meredith to present the testimonial to Mr. Rulcliffe. Mr. Meredith said the duty that devolved upon him was a pleasant one, and afforded him uninixi d satisfaction. At first he thought it might not be unmixed pleasure, because Mr. Radcliffe's leaving might mean the total severing of all connection with Llanelly and All Saints'. This however was not so, and he trusted Mr. Radiliffe would often come amongst them again (cheers), as a friend, and perhaps to instruct them as in years past. Mr. Radcliffe's whole connection with All Saints' choir was a very agreeable one, and the speaker could assure him that it was with great regret they bid him farewell as organist of All Saints' (oheers). He need scarcely say that at all times they would be most delighted to see Mr. Radcliffe amongst them. and to welcome him as an old friend (cheers). It was their united hope that his new sphere would be a most prosperous one; it was certainly a more extensive fielti of labour than he occupied at Llanelly. There might be difficulties at the outset, but he was sure that in time Mr. Radcliffe would make his mark in Swansea. Mr. Meredith then referred to what, the All Saints'choir owed Mr. Radcliffe in the matter of efficiency, and closed a neat speech by pre- senting the gifts to Mr. Radcliffe in the name of the choir. The testimonial consisted of a large and very handsome timepiece in black marble and an illuminated address bearing the following inscription DEAR SIR, —We the undersigned being past and present members of All Saints' Church cboir, Llanelly, desire to express our ex- treme regret at your retirement froiw the sphere of work in this town with which you have heen so long associated, as well as our appreciation of the high esteem in which as organist of the above church you have been held by the inhabitants of this town and neighbourhood. We likewise desire to assure you of our heartfelt wishes for your future happiness, and that you may be long spared to fulfil the duties which you have undertaken We feel that any distinction which the choir may have gained is chiefly owing to the earnest indefatigable way in which you have worked with us, and we take this opportunity of recording our sense of the very many kindnesses which we have received at your hands. To some of us you have been a kind teacher, to many a pleasant companion, to all a valued friend, the loss of whom will be severely felt. It is a source of much gratification to us to know that we sball not lose sight of you altogether, at least for a time. In token of our own feelings respecting you, we desire to present you with this address and testimonial, which may serve to remind you of the old friends whose names are attached."—Here follow 56 signatures. Mr. Radcliffe responded in appropriate terms, and isaici they had spoken a great deal too highly of him-(No. no) He referred to the regret he felt at leaving All Sains' choir, and expressed a hope that he might very often in the future visit them and perhaps assist them at their annual dedication festival. They on the other hand might perhaps come over and pay him a visit at the Parish Church, Swansea. (Cheers.) All Saints' choir had gained a considerable reputation, and he had heard Swansea gentlemen of position declare that they wished they had such singing in their own churches. He thought very highly indeed of the address they had presented to him, but had he known they were going to the expense of providing a timepiece he should certainly a'n have prevented it as far as he could. Another testi- monial, consisting of a tea and coffee service and a diamond ring, will shortly be presented to Mr. Radcliffe by Dr. Buckley on behalf of the congregation of all Saints' Church and his Llanelly friends. THE ANNUAL COURSING AT CARN GOCH.-On Monday last, through the kind invitation of the popular squire of Penllergare, about 60 gentlemen from Swansea and the district, as well as several tenant farmers, had their annual outing on the famous common of Carn Goch. The rendezvous was as usual, at the ancient hostelry of Gorseinon, the vicinity of which presented quite a bustling scene from the arrivals of so many of the sport- ing fraternity with their sleek and favourite flyers,' on coursing bent. The meet" was fixed for eleven o'clock, at which time it was announced that Mr. John Talbot Llewelyn was confined to his room and would not be able to be in his usual place that day at the head of the beaters. Much regret was felt at his absence, and especially as to the cause of it. The young squire and his brother, and Mr. William J. Rees, the Estate Agent, however were present, and greeted all those invited with a cordial welcome. The weather during the morning was most unpromising, Jupiter Pluvius being in his worst mood. As the forenoon advanced the clouds fortunately broke, and the sun illumined the sky now and then with his brightest beams, rendering matters both pleasant and cheerful. There were about 25 dogs on the ground, all eager for the fray," and these having, been entered and coupled by the expe- rienced manipulation of Mr. Thomas Glasbrook, the common was soon reached, with a couple of greyhounds leashed on each flank. In a few minutes the keen eye of Rosser, so well known in connection with Mr. Llewelyn s famed fox-hounds, discovered a See-ho" and the sport began, and was kept up with much spirit until lunch time. The state of the old common, after the late rains, was, as might be expected, very wet and dirty, and it was feared in consequence that the hares would be few and far between. There was, however, a capital sprink- ling of them, lying very close, and many of them of the hardy good old sort, as the dogs found to their cost. Abnut a dozen splendid courses followed in quick succession, without a kill," the hares beating their pursuers with comparative ease, and getting away to their old haunts on the higher grounds. This was the case during the whole forenoon. Two o'clock having arrived, a sumptuous lunch, washed down with copious libations of champagne, cwrw da, &c., was served up by Host Clare, of the Cameron Arms Hotel, Swansea, in a tent overlooking the common. With such appetising work, we need hardly state that ample justice was done to the good things provided. After lunch, Mr. John Glasbrook, as the senior present, rose and proposed the health of Mr. John Llewelyn. Referring to the cause of his absence, which all much deplored, he wished him better health, and long life and eveiy happiness, as he was a country gentleman of the true sort, and a thorough sportsman. The toast was drank in a bumper, and with much enthusiasm, after which the young Squire, a chip of the old block," gracefully and very neatly responded on his father's be- half. The health of Mr. W. J. Rees was also duly honoured, on the proposition of Mr. Thomas Glasbrook. The sport was then resumed, and after some very spirited courses, the "Dead, 0" was heard more frequently than in the forenoon, seven hares having succumbed to some of the best dogs on the ground. Although the number killed was rather disproportionate to the number coursed, still the sport throughout was excellent this year, the runs being unusually long and trying, and drawing largely on the staying powers of both hare and dogs. After having had a most pleasurable day, the party separated about five o'clock, the only serious coutrctemps we'heard of was that of a gentleman having got bogged," but as he was an Irishman there was little sympathy excited, as he had only found an old acquaintance, and escaped, both horse and rider, better than might be expected. THE PROPOSED UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FOR WALES.— An agreement has at length been arrived at between Cardiff and Swansea on the question of arbitration be- tween the two towns with reference to the site of the proposed Welsh University College. At a meeting of the Cardiff committee on Monday, letters from the Mayor and the Town Clerk of Swansea were read, to the effect that Swansea was willing to ask Lord Spencer, Lord Bramwell, and Mr. Mundella to act as arbitrators, and it wss unanimously agreed to adopt a similar course on behalf of Cardiff. The Dean of Llandaff and Mr. Lewis Williams were appointed deputies to promote the Cardiff case, if such a course were necessary. THE SWANSEA BANK (LIMITED).—The following is the report of this bank for the year ending 31st December, last :-After payment of all expenses, allowing for interest and rebate, and making provision for bad and doubtful debts, the net profits for the year amount to £ 18,473 9s. 2d. The 6 per cent. interim dividend paid in July last absorbed JM.108 Hk, leaving an available balance of £12,364 10s. ld., which the Directors would recommend to apply as follows, viz:— £ 8,025 9s" 8d. to dividend for the past half-year at 8 per cent. per annum (free of Income Tax). £3,000 Os. Od. to reserve fund, thus raised to £ 40,000. £1,339 Os. 6d. to profit and loss (new account', together, £12,364 10s. 2d. as above. The Directors retiring by rotation are Messrs. Edward Bath, John Glasbrook, John Powell, and F. A. Yeo, who, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. The dividend will be payable on and after Monday, 5th February proximo. TAYLEURE'S NEW IRON CIRCUS, ALEXANDRA ROAD.— i Here has been a crowded house every night this week at Mr. Tayloure's grand new iron circus in the Alexandra- road, which was opened on Monday evening with a very vaned and highly attractive programme of equestrian, gymnastic, musical and comical performances. There is a fine stud of really excellent horses and ponies, a troupe of clever riders and daring acrobats, and several merry clowns. Mr. Wells, the bare-back rider and general gymnastic artist, is a really accomplished circus- performer, who knows his work and does it well, and a word of praise is due to the musical marvel, the Lady Balancer, the Trapezist, the Dog and monkey Trainer and the clowns, especially Little Jo." The new circus is somewhat less in dimensions than that in Richardson- street, but it is comfortably arranged. and in a good position, while the performances, especially if the clowns be brightened up a bit, will be sure to attract large houses. NEW MEN AND OLD ACRES.-It will seen by adver- tisement in another column that the committee of the newly inaugurated Swansea and South Wales Nursing Institute have secured the services of several local amateur and friends, with the addition of some pro- fessional actresses from London, to give a dramatic per- formance at the Theatre Royal, Temple-street this (Friday) evening, Jan. 19, 1833. The performance will consist of the admired comedy, by Tom Taylor and A. Dabourg, entitled "New Men aud Old Actes, and amon); the performers the leading- parts will be thus allotted — "Brill," Dr. T. D. Griffiths; "Gantry," Mr E S. Richards; "Leaker," Mr. S. P. Wills; "Marmaduke Vavasour," Mr. Morgan Williams, jun. "Bertie Fitz. nurse," Mr. F. Cory Yeo "Samuel Brown" Alr. J. P Morgan; "Mr. Bunter," Mr. T. H. Court; "Berthold Biasenhaig." Mr. Jefferson Lowndes Turbut." Mr E Rice Morgan Montmorency," Mr. J. T. Le Feaux voted towards the funds of the ,u,„ J,tIt!n. MVANSEA PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING SOCIETY -This useful and amusing organizuion, though it has n'ot been so numerously attended perhaps this year as last has really got up several debates of an entertaining and in structive character, which have been much appreciated by visitors, and which must have had an influence for good upon those who have taken part in them. The present session, we umh rstand, is to be signalised'by the holding of a grand Conversazione, which will take place at the Albert Hall in the last Monday in this month, when there will be an unusually excellent promenade concert of instrumental music. The band, under the con- ductorship of Mr. W. F. Hulley, will include most of the local professionals and amateurs, reinforced by some of the leading professionals from Bristol and Gloucester, and the orchestra of the Swansea Choral Society. Among the specialties in the musical selection will be Haydn's • Surprise symphony. The later part of the evening will be devoted to more exacting pleasures, a programme ot 20 dances having been prepared The hall too wi 1 be unusually well decorated, and there will be card and smoke rooms fur those who do nnt ,lJn„ A. the reunion bids fair to be a 1 Altogether pleasurable one. nolus^et^ most A.fadveLrtiAC,;VLocal Examinaiions.- wish to pntp 1 •" la )S lssue reniiuds all those who ah to enter as candidates at the aimroachino- L cal i^SwanstTf Royal,JAcademy of Music to°be held LeJt that' lblhWa]T:i Hnd S°uth Wiiles> some in Thursday Feb 1 miUSt be m:'de 011 or before ursoay, *eb 1, to the local examiner, Mr. W. B. Broad educat'i'oaeiisvel'vtVal/le °f, 'h°Se examinations as tests of that their nmmw'f •'3 is.matter for congiatulation better known \v*' 'ncreasing as they become narent' will t t ± SUre t*lat a large number of tak.e advant«ge of them for the purpose of testing the musical education of their children, for with an examiner holding such a big-h position in the public confidence as Mr. Brinley Richards, acting for the highest music scheol in the empire, there can be no doubt of a just and linpaittal opinion. We are glad to bear that prizes have been offered by gentlemen in the town and neighbourhood for the best candidates, and we hope that others who have not yet done so will come forward to increase the number and enable each successful student to be presented with a special prize as a public local recognition of the time and care they will have bestowed on a "tudy of this most charming art. The local examiner will be glad to receive offers of prizes. Frederick E. Sawyer calls attention in Notes and Queries to the following folk-lore, which occurs in the Rev. Paxton Hood s book on Chiistmas Evans, the Preacher of Wild Wa)es: —"The superstition of the Sin-Eater is said to linger even now in the secluded vale of Cwm-Aman, in Caermarthenshire. The meaning of this most singular institution of superstition was, that when a person died, the friends sent for the Sin-Eater of the district, who, on his arrival, placed a plate of salt and bread on the breast of the deceased person he then uttered an incantation over the bread, after which he proceeded to eat it-thereby eating the sins of the dead person this done, he re- ceived a fee of 2s. 6d. — which, we suppose, was much more than many a preacher received for a long and painful service. Having received this, he vanished as quickly as possible, all the friends and relatives of the departed aidino- ^°WS aDd kv!Ck?' 5nd other indications of their faith in the service he had rendered. A hundred years since, and through the ages beyond that time we suppose this curious superstition was everywhere prevalent. PUBLIC SPIRIT IN BUECONSHIRE !-A correspondent sky, Sive me from my friends" is a well-worn truism and the good people of Brecon will ere long realize the truth of the same. "Most of your readers are probably aware that at Craig-y-nos Castle resides Madame Patti, the gifted singer, who so generously gave a morning concert at Swansea last autumn in behalf of our Swansea Hospital, which realized a considerable sum. For the information of some of your readers, I may say the nearest railway station to the fair dim.s castle is Penwyllt, which is about one mile, but to which there is no carriage road, Craig being the nearest to drive to. Some time ago representations were made by the farmers and others residing in that locality, and Madame Patti was asked to subscribe towards a public road from the turnpike road to Penwyllt. She most generously responded, and promised, I am told, JS400 towards it at the same time intimating her intention to sing at Brecon for the charities of the neighbourhood some time this year. So far all progressed well: Mr. Howell Gwyn kindly promised a donation, and offered the rr^hr ,WaS re^UUed through his estate free. The slffiill Company also promised to assist, and thf mdv trey WaS '!r°mised t0 carry out thescheme- TW ne,eded was the co-operation of two on gentlemen through whose property, for about a stones throw the road would run. One would have thought that the benefits and advantages which would acrue from having a thorough means of communication would have induced one and all to put their shoulders to the whtel and finish the road straight off. Not so, how- ever, the minerals that might be under this particular small plot of Limestone Mountain so preyed on the minds of our two Brecon friends (and well aware of the generous disposition of Madame Patti), that the ground was not only refused to be given, but a handsome sum demanded for the same. The result is the Brecon folk will not only lose the road, but the concert, as both are to be abandoned. The Midland Railway, it is expected will now shortly open a new station at the Bwllch siding' to which there is a good turnpike road. SWANSEA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.— The annual meeting of the Swansea Chamber of Commerce was held at the Guildhall on Monday afternoon. Mr. Charles B tth, the president, occupied the chair. The attendance of members was small. Mr. E. P. Jones, the secretary, read the report of the directors for the past year, which gave a resume of the proceedings of the chamber, and stated that the number of members was 104. The financial statement showed that the balance at the bank was £ 4 19s, "2d., and the outstanding liabilities £ 1G 17s. The Chairman said he thought the work of the chamber dnring the past year had not been altogether without result. No doubt the action of the chamber did a great deal to stimulate the promoters of the two schen.es for railway communication between Swansea and the Rhondda Valley. They kuew that one of those schemes was sanctioned by Parliament, and he hoped the new line would shortly be commenced. The question of facilitating the delivery and despatch of the North Mail was still before the Post-office authorities, and he hoped the request of the chamber would be complied with. He aiso trusted that the railway companies and the Harbour Trustees would meet the views of the chamber with regard to increasing the facilities of the town and port. He moved the adoption of the report.- Mr. David Imrie seconded the motion.—On the propo- sition of Mr. T. R. Robinson, seconded by Mr. H. Goldberg, it was decided to hold the ordinary meetings of the chamber on the second Monday in each month for the future.-Air. A. W. Halden moved that the chamber should support the efforts of Lloyd's Com- mittee in their endeavour to establish a telegraph and signal station at Lundy Island. He said there was every probability of the station being established.—Mr. William Howell seconded the proposition.—Mr. Essery said it was estimated that the station would cost £1.000 a year, and Lloyd's Committee expected to be able to contribute £500 or JE600 of that amount —Mr. Howell stated that the chamber should hold an annual banquet, and that the first should take place on Friday, February 2, and that the council should take steps to secure the presence of the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., President of the Board of Trade, as a guest.—Mr. Jones seconded the motion, and it was J adopted.-This concluded the business.
SWANSEA HARBOUR.
SWANSEA HARBOUR. Mr. Robert Capper, the indefatigable General Superintendent of the Swansea Harbour, has just pre- sented the 'customary return of the trade of the har- bour for the past year. Notwithstanding the depres- sion which has characterised the great staple industries of the town and district, it is most satisfac- tory to find a steady increase in the trade of the port. The tonnage of shipping sailing out of Swansea for the year 1882, as compared with the year 1881, shews an increase of 21*35 per cent. The rapid change in the trade from sailing vessels to steamships has added con- siderably to the registered tonnage of the port. For instance, in the year 1872 the trade done in steamers represented 16*61 of the trade of the port, whereas last year the trade done by steamers was no less than 35*62 per cent. Summarising the official returns, we find that during the past year 5,010 vessels, registering 1,017,006 tons cleared from the harbour during the year 1882, the tonnage rates received therefrom being £27,934 17s. 8d. In the year 1881, the number of vessels clearing from the port was 4,790, registering 838,107 tons, and the tonnage rates amounted to £23,382 Os. 9d.—the increase during the past year thus being 220 vessels, 178,899 tons, and £4,552 16s. lid. The whole of this increase has been in the European and foreign trades, there being in fact a small decrease in the coasting trade during the year as compared with that of its immediate predecessor. The imports during the past year were :—Gas, coals, coal tar and pitch, 35,343 tons, as against 29,546 tons in 1881; copper and other ores, 139,444 tons as against 125.456 tons in 1881; zinc, its ores and alloys, 49,363 tons as against 60,042 tons in 1881; iron ore, 120,827 tons as against 91,504 tons in 1881; iron, steel, castings and machinery, 116,140 tons as against 85,928 tons in 1881; timber and pitwood, 57,854 tons as against 57,386 tons in 1881; bricks, slates, &c., 28,469 tons as against 57,109 tons in 1881 sulphur ores, pyrites, brimstone, &c., 24,900 tons as against 15,473 tons in 1881; flour, grain, potatoes, &c., 46,475 tons as against 52,795 in 1881; Esparto, oils, &c., 1,413 tons as against 1,876 tons in 1881; sundries (not classified) 49,000 tons as against 46,000 tons in 1881. Total, 669,318 tons during 1882 as against 623,115 tons in 1881. The exports of coal and patent fuel shewed a large increase in favour of the past year as compared with its immediate predecessor or any pre- vious year in the history of the port. During the year there were exportedtl,217,756 tons of coal, and 285,696 tons of patent fuel, as aeainst 1,003,133 tons of coal, and 216,248 tons of patent fuel in 1881. The total trade of the Harbour (import and export) for the years 1872, 1881, and 1882 respectively, was— .,W'I 1872. 1881. 1S0/ TONS. TONS. TONS. Coaland patentfuel .904,800.1,248,927.1,538,795 Metals and their ores (notiron).164,000.210,218.206,357 Iron, steel, iron ore and tin plates .233,000. 219,166. 283,717 Timber and other build- ing materials 96,000. 120,337. 98,017 Materials connected with the chemical trades 33,600. 25,450. 37,852 Agricultural produce (Food) 35,400 53,355. 46,720 Vegetable and animal pro- duce (Manufactures) 4,200. 2,372. 1,959 General merchandise 83,000. 85,000. 96,000 1 554 000 1,964,825 2,339,417 The opening of the new Prince of Wales Dock has, of course, added considerably to the trade of the port, but nothing like what may reasonably be expected during the current year, when the drops and other facilities are in thorough working order, and the great advan- tages which these docks present to the shipping an<l commercial world more widely known and appreciated.. The number of vessels entering these docks since the opening, including their repeated voyages, has been 156, of a total tonnage of 74,247 tons the average size of the steamers all round being 620 tons net register each, the largest was 2,203 tons net, 3,452 tons gross, 352 feet 6in. long, 41ft. 6in. broad, and 22ft. draught of water. As far as the financial position of the Harbour Trust is concerned, it is eminently satisfactory to find that, notwithstanding the neces- sarily largely increased expenses consequent upon the opening and working of the new docks, not only have the receipts been sufficient to meet the whole of the current expenses (including the payment of interest upon the whole of its bonded debt)), but to leave a substantial balance in hand. The total income of the Trust from every source for the past year was £79,696 12s. lid.; whilst the interest paid amounted to £39,634 Os. 4d., the ordinary expenditure, including dredging, being lzC29,303 18s. 2d., and the extraordinary expendi- ture JE3,009 5s. 7d., or a profit on the year's working of £ 7,749 8s. 10d., which has been added to the surplus fund, which on the 31st of last December, amounted to no less than JE37,579 15s. 4d. It will thus be seen that the shipping trade of the port has prospered during the past year in spite of the general depression of the great staple trades of the district—a proof that the spirited policy of the Trust is sound in principal and satisfactory in result. a
SWANSEA, JANUARY 19, 1883.
benefactions at present, waiting only for a satis- factory settlement of the question in dispute, for they think (and not without reason) that a better site for the College than either Swansea or Cardiff could be obtained. As, however, our choice is limited to these two places, it is to be hoped that they will unite with their countrymen in removing from the Principality a grievance which it has long suffered. At any rate with the amount of subscriptions recorded before the first of February those to whom is confided the important work of selecting the sits have nothing to do. Money matters lie outside the question given them to determine. Their simple and exclusive duty is to name what they consider the best site for an institution, the establishment of which will form an epoch in Welsh history. Cash sufficient to make it thoroughly efficient will not be wanting. Indeed, if patriotism were driven from its long cherished home in the hearts of the Cymry, there is a large debt of justice which our fathers neglected to claim frooi their rulers still due to Wales—a debt which cannot be wiped out by the insignificant dole now offered to plant among us a University for Wales and we cannot believe that the present substantial instalment of oar rights is to silence our demands for something more. An occasional reminder by our represen- tatives in the legislature would be sufficient to prevent it from treating with neglect the most loyal and law-abiding people in the Empire. As to the best site for the new College-local senti- ment and money contributions apart-there cannot be the least doubt that Swansea is the place. We have superior claims and attractions on all grounds, such as the extent and variety of our manufacturing industries, the far-famed charm and diversity of our sea coast and inland scenery, the centrality of our position, and the convenience of approach from all sides by road and by railway.