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------------THE PROPOSED DRY…
THE PROPOSED DRY DOCK FOR SWANSEA. The following is an epitome of the lease granted by the trustees of the Swansea Harbour to Messrs. Poigndestre and Mesnier for the construction of the proposed Dry Dock, and which was discussed by the Chamber of Lommeice at its meeting on Wednesday. The report of the meeting appears in our 3rd page. ] .-The site oi tne UOCK IS tnat mdicated in the map published with the Swansea Tide Table. 2.-The length of the dock will be 600 feet; the width 5) feet. 3.—It will communicate with the Prince of Wales Dock by means of gates. 4.—The works will be carried out in accordance with plans and specifications to be approved by the trustees' engineer, and under his direction. 5.—To be completed within IS months. 6.—The lease is to be for 73 years. 7.—All vessels and persons, using the dock are to be under the control of the harbour master. 8.-The tenants undertake to always have upon the premises ample and suitable plant and tools of the most modern con- struction for shipbuilding. 9.—The following provision as to stemming for the dock is to be inserted:—(/) That the reception of vessels into the said graving dock, and the bespeaking of the said dock for the use of vessels, shall always be regulated according to priority of entry in the stemming book, and otherwise by the regulations usually adopted in the case of public commercial graving docks one of which is that when the dock is capable of taking in two vessels, and the next two entered in the stemming book are sailing vessels, such sailing vessels shall only have a priority over half the dock. That is to say. the tenants shall be at liberty to take in one sailing vessel and the steamer next on the stem (provided it is in readiness to enter), and the tenants shall always keep a stemming book in respect of vessels requiring to use the dock, which book shall he at all times open to the inspection of the trustees, their officials, and agents, who shall be at all times at liberty to make such extracts from and copies of the same as they may think tit, and such stemming book shall be kept in such form as the trustees shall from time to time reasonably require and direct, and no vessel shall be entered in the stemming book until after her arrival in Swansea Harbour at the Mumbles Roadstead, or any port between the Mumbles Head and Porthcawl inclusive, and no changing of turns in the stemming book shall be allowed without the written permission of the harbour-master for the time being of Swansea harbour, which permission shall be granted in case of a vessel arriving in a damaged condition or under such circumstances as may in his judgment and at his absolute dis- cretion render immediate admission to the dock absolutely necessary; and all owners, masters, brokers, and agents of vessels requiring to use the dock shall always have equal opportunity and privileges one with another, and without undue preference one over another in respect to the said dock and the stemming of vessels for the same and the trustees shall, if they so think tit, be at liberty to appoint an agent on their behalf whose duty and powers it shall be to regulate and control the stemming of vessels in respect of the said graving dock, in conjunction and association with the managers of the dock, and the reservation contained in the said lease shall comprise full powers to the trustees by their harbour master to regulate and control the entry and departure of vessels into and out of the said graving dock, with a view as well to the regulation of the traffic of the Prince of Wales Dock as to the due enforcement of the fore- going provisions as to stemming and priority of entry to the gaiefaction of the trustees. 10. The tenants undertake not to demand or take, in respect of any vessel, higher dues for entering, stemming, docking, and undocking, and other dock charges in force from time to time in similar docks in the port of Cardiff. 11. The trustees are to have the option to purchase the dock at costprice at the end of any ten years of the term, on giving two years' notice, but in that case they agree to use the dock as it public commercial dock.
. EELEY, V. POWELL'S DUFFRYN…
EELEY, V. POWELL'S DUFFRYN COLLIERIES COMPANY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,- Your report of this case is not as correct as it should be, inasmuch as the jury gave answers to the questions put to them by Mr. Justice Fry, and it was upon:those answers that the judge himself decided a verdict for the plaintiff. These were not only matters of fact, but matters of law to be decided, and his lordship stated his anxiety, to have the matter settled so securely as to render any appeal unnecessary. As you put the questions allow me to say the answers of the jury were: (1) In consequence of what did the accident happen ?—Answer Winch getting out of repair. (2) Could the accident have been prevented with reasonable care ?— Yes. (3) Under whose order, and control was the man ft the crab at the time of the accident ?-The defendants. (4) Was it a term of the contract that the defendants took the responsibility attached to the men ?-No. (5) Was it a term of the contract that the defendants should supply Haache and Co. with the necessary appliances, and assistance ?—Yes. (6) Assuming damages what amount?—Damages £200.. As the deceased (Eeley) was not a servant of the Powell's Duffryn Co., proceedings could not be taken under the Employers' Liability Act. This and some other circumstances will probably cause it to be used as a reference in future cases. 4i Hosgood's name is "Thomas H. but you put it J. and the same letter is also applied to myself, though I am—Yours truly, THEOPS. CRISWICK. Swansea,, Feby. 25th, 1884.
-. THE SWANSEA TRAMWAYS.
THE SWANSEA TRAMWAYS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRIAN." Fi°reat- Abertr,e for in y°ur P^er of the 22nd inst. there is some looming » that the connection of the Tramway from the bottom of High-street to Gower-street is within the limit of possibility yet This is not only desirable for the convenience of all travellers and would allow the Tramcars to be worked in a more economical way than at present, but would tend to shew there is a desire on the part of the Tramway Company to carry out the engagements undertaken, and which seems to have influenced our Council at the inception of the Tramway into Swansea. It is also stated that the Swansea and Mumbles Rail- way Company desire to compromise with the Highway Board for the running of their busses through the Aherdyberthy Turnpike, but the Board declined to grant the concession at the present. Competition is an excellent thing in its way, but really seems strained when carried to the extent now existing between the Tram and Railway Companies. To ride from the Slip to Great Western Railway Station in High-street, for one penny is cheap indeed, and if it pays the Company to continue so doing, they would be congratulated on the service. But wny run over the metals of the Tramway ? surely, the reduction of the fraction would be compensated for by taking another route. By going through other streets, there would be some objectionable things avoided, and the total distance reduced, but as that would not dig into" the Tramway Company so much as now, there may be but little probability of the alteration. Time will, however, settle matters in its own way, and in the interim, give us an opportunity of patronising the conveyance most convenient. The only thing desirable appears to me. to prevent any increase of fares from that which they voluntarily go to themselves.—Remaining Sir, Yours obediently, TIMOTHY. St. Helen's, Swansea, Feb. 26th, 1884
- THE "OLD SWAN" AGAIN.
THE "OLD SWAN" AGAIN. TO THE EDITOR OF ''THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,—Can you please tell me whether the local laws of this town are defective; i or are they properly applied or is it that there is some occult influence that is not known to the vulgar herd, of which I am so in- significant a member? Some time ago action was taken against the building at the Gower-street end of Dynevor-place. A fine of 40s. and costs was inflicted, and a cumulative one of 20s. a day as long as what was declared wrong remained so. If there has been an alteration as regards the decision, it is unknown to me but occasionally in passing I note there is but a continuance of the matter, and workmen going on completing it, in entire opposition to the magis- terial decision. Is not this something akin to contuma- ciousness ? Even if an appeal is pending, it would only be respectful that everything should remain in status quo; and to use the mildest expression, the work still proceeding is certainly disrespectful. Are we to be the laughing-stock of others ? If not, surely decisions should be upheld. Pray correct me if I am in error, but in my plain way of thinking, if the laws are defective, they should be rectified. If the application of these laws is not proper, make the necessary alteration, and if there is an esoteric power, the sooner it is acknowledged—if it is true, or dethroned if an error—the better for all. Whatever may be said to the contrary, facts such as this ruses doubt as to matters about which there should not be doubt, and incidentally give force to the remarks which Mr. Chapman is generally credited with having made. Waiting correction if there is the occasion, but at least some information,-I remain, Sir, yours truly, A PASSER-BY. Swansea, 25th February, 1883.
- - PRESENT CONDITION OF SWANSEA.
PRESENT CONDITION OF SWANSEA. TO THE KDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,- Upon returning to Swansea after sojourniag in other places. the shortcomings, and its errors, are the more vividly recalled. With the hope that some things that seem to me may also appear necessary for the attention of others, and that improvement will soon follow, permit me, through the medium of your valuable paper, to state some im- pressions caused upon my return. While doing so in a kindly feeling there shall not be any attempt to palliate what must be blamed,—no attempt to screen what is necessary to expose, and no attempt to retain what bad far better be dispensed with. If I might be permitted to allow imagination to guide, I should say that the natural advantages of the place must command themselves; but alas, however advan- tageous its position, however favoured by nature, its very advantages are sadly neglected; and although the pro- pcrty of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses is BO valuable, yet with the exception of an inaccessible park above Landore, and the sheets of water (highly ornamen- ted it is true) at Brynmill and Cwmdonkin, which do (or did) form a portion of its water supply, what has been done by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses?" Oh yes, there is the Swansea Bay Recreation Grounds '-a. strip of land covered with town refuse, to the great bene. fit of the scavenging contractor at that time, with rather an indifferent condition of verdure, and, may I sav with out untruth, trees planted in a straight line on the one side. True, there are some seats—and so far so good— but nothing more." No, Sir, nothing more No means adopted whereby it may be kept within the bounds of decency and propriety. What is the result? While away methinks I read The park (!!) were the road to the goal," but on returning there were other things that met my eye. While approaching I noticed large and ap- parently recently erected works standing idle. Passing these the Landore station is reached. On the platform there is an enamelled screen bearing the words, Lan- dore—change for Swansea;" and to my inconvenience t-ys was found to be untrue. The great delay, however, allowed my reseating myself without jnore than some per- sonal trouble but knowing as to other places, on my way thence into High-street station, it became painfully im- pressed on my mind that as long as Swansea is off the main line, so long will she be a laggard in the race of position and power. Do, Mr. Editor, agitate hereon. I understand the delay j.J*n ore 1!?eK ls from minutes to quarter of PYten^1" °n t "j?uSh trains, and then offing to the ten minutes is wasted on a jour- Swansea ? or is i" tha" the members bei°n 7^° V' pied with other things, and so idenfe °>w, n°CCU; Western Railway, neglect what appears a most legitimate exercise of their duty. Well, Sir, High-street station is certainly improved and now commodious enough but being a terminus can never equal the necessities of the town. Emerging thence the gap honoured by the name of the Princess of Wales is another matter of surprise. Is it that there are Lions in the path," or why the desolation ? Why, Sir, excepting a Coffee Tavern, I do not find one building erected on either side of the road; and yet this cost £ 150,000 From what has been heard the night scenes some short time ago were simply dis- graceful. However well a circus may be conducted, when surrounded with "Merry-go-rounds," "Swings," "Shoot- ing tubes," "Aunt Sally," or kindred things (although one proprietor was so enterprising as to have the electric light), there must be a condition subversive of decorum. and cause sorrow to respectability. The tram cars were not in as clean a state as they could (or I fancy should) be, but as I understand there is no dividend accruing to the proprietors from their working, even the cost of paint, and perchance more labour in cleanliness, may only mean so much out of pocket. As yet the cars go no further than the bottom of High-street, the connection between these and the St. Helen's section yet remaining "a consummation devoutly to be wished." Noteing visible appears accomplished towards the wide- ning of Castle-street, but why in the rebuilding of premi- k1 te fronts have not been set back to allow of e*"8 so, is rather a marvel. Mine own senses show ADORER!11!? T P ,CES' W^Y 80 proper a mode is not nlhen innereA faCkDrledge "V P°*ers of co-n- prehen ion. A friend of mine whispers, Thev build on their ancient lines." What, Mr. Editor' Is it BO » lu ?r.'V.'te en,ds ?lcHe? in this lib«-al town, is there no thought beyond self and the Almighty dollar? Tikine towns of less importance than Swansea I venture to say such a thoroughfare as Castle-street would not be tolera- ted, and in towns of its equality would long since have been altered. Just note the dangerous pitch ".between Temple-street and Castle-square. Then in the centre of the town. as a rule, the necessity arises for puttine on thp. break in driving down. Mand House has gone, but bear in mind in driving to the Town Hall you have the level crossings of railways on one of which a locomotive and goods train often cros- ses, and neither of which have gates as used in other places. Is this a fitting condition ? Clearly not. But 1 there—it s Swansea. -Yours truly, Tk Q O^ IN THE CORNER. St. Thomas, Swansea, 2t>th February, 1884
-----| THE GLAMORGANSHIRE…
THE GLAMORGANSHIRE BANKING COMPANY LIMITED. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,-I shall be obliged if you will insert in The Cambrian the enclosed copy of a letter that I have addressed to the Editor of the Standard.—I am Sir your obedient servant, T. W. ISLAY YOUNG Town Hall, Swansea, Feb. 27th, 1884. TO THE EDITOR OF THE STANDARD." SIR,—I observe the following statement in your issue of yesterday's date, under the heading The Money Market," referring to the proposal of the Directors to issue Preference Shares, and to write down the value of existing shares to meet certain heavy losses in- curred. "We have little doubt that the plan may be carried out, and the existing Bank. with all its bad debts and its obscure history, put quietly out of sight." So far as I am acquainted with the history of the Bank previous to the year ended on the 31st December, 1875, it was the record of a long continued period of great prosperity. My father was the manager for upwards of twenty years, terminating at this date. I have also been in the service of the Company, and I am therefore able to speak with some degree of authority on matters relating to the history of the Bank. I now quote from the half-yearly report of the Directors, issued to the shareholders, and adopted at a. meeting held in Swansea, on the 8th February, 1876 The Directors of the Glamorganshire Banking Com- pany submit to the proprietors the balance sheet of the Company, shewing its liabilities and assets as they stood on the 31st day of December, 1875. And they have to report that after making provision for bad and doubtful debts, they are enabled to recommend that a dividend out of the profits, at the rate of £10 per cent per annum, free from income tax, be declared upon the paid-up capital of £ 250,000. They also recommend that a bonus of C2 10s. per £100 share be paid to the proprietors in addition to the above dividend. "That the Guarantee Fund be increased to £ 170 000 • and that the sum of £3,910 Os. 3d. be carried forward to next half-year. The Board regret that the continued indisposition of Mr. George Young has made it advisable that he should withdraw frcm the management of the Bank, and they desire to express their appreciation of his long-continued and valuable services, and recommend that a suitable retiring pension should be granted to him." The balance sheet referred to in this report was signed by my father, and it has not been suggested that this balance sheet represented other than the true financial position of the Bank at that date. The £ 100 shares were then quoted at a premium of JB138. In justice to the memory of my father—under whose management the business of this bank so Hourished-l have given the above extract from the directors' report, and I am not desirous under any circumstances that the part he acted in connection with the history of the bank should be put quietly out of sight On the contrary. I court the fullest inquiry into all transac- tions of which my father was cognizant during his long tenure of office. I have not entered into the question of the subsequent losses by the Company It is well known that there have been no common difficulties to contend against since the year 1874, in consequence of the badness of trade generally and the heavy failures which have taken place in South Wales. It is, however, a fact that the fullest confidence in the stability of the Bank is still felt by all who are interested in it.-I am, Sir, your obedient servant T. W. ISLAY YOUNG, Treasurer of the Borough of Swansea Town Hall, Swansea, bea- Feb. 27th, 1884.
[No title]
BELT V. LAWKS -The court of Appeal on Tuesday decided, with the acquiescence of Sir Hu'dinge Giffaid, Q C as counsel for ^chanl Beh thp Iw S f I' n'r'r RnsstllI> Q-C for the defence that the appeal shall be heard on Monday next. It is an appeal by the plaintiff from a judgment of the Divisional Court, directing that there shall be a new trial cf the ciuse unless the damages of £ 5,000, awarded him by the jury were reduced to £ 500.
Family Notices
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. BIRTH. On the 7th inst., at 20, Henrietta-street, the wife of W. Abraham, of a daughter. MARRIAGE. On the 24th inst., at St. Mary's Church, Swansea, by the Rev Mr. George. Isabella, youngest daughter of the late Can tain" Thomas Boden, to John Augustus, youngest son of the late Captain William Boden. DEATHS. On the 18th inst., at Ivor Villa. Swansea, John iVOr Evans born 20th Auaiist, 1857, and was interred in the family vault in Cadoxton Churchyard on the 22nd instant. 3 On the 18th instant. at 12 Calvert-terr ice Mvai=ea G. W. Jones, of the South Wales Daily Telegram. p,)rt, Nfon., the second and lasts urvmng son 0f the Jat- Rev. W Jone«' of castle-»treet Chapel, in this town, a-ed M Jone., On the 20th inst.. t 3, Granville Vill,is'' Swansea Francis Pryor (Frank), youngest and oearlv-'oved *on of thl late Matthew Rogers, senior, acedSo years. tne late T ^'Ju- 1<ifh VJst" !lt 21' >"elson-stieet. Swansea, David James, Woollen Manufacturer, aged years. February 2!rd, at his daughter's residence. London, Fedele Pnmavesi, of Kings Hill, Newport, Mon., in his 73rd year. On the Isth inst., after a few hours' illness, John Llewellyn, builder and contractor. of Sketty. He was a kind husband an affectionate father, and a sincere friend. He was just and u right in all his dealings, and will long be missed by it large circle of friends and acquaintances. On the 25th inst., in the 60th year of his age, Mr Evan Jones, of the Bush Inn, Sketty. A long ill, ess was borne with patient resignation. He held the office of Assistant Overseer for the parish of Swansea Higher and Lower for 20 years discharging the duties with strict honesty, courteous to all. Tie will be regretted by a large cncle of relatives and frIends. February 24th, at Frank Coopy Good, M.R.C.V.S., son of John Good, Fsq., Hutton Court, Hutton Somersetshire, aged 72. On Thursday, February 21 suddenly, Margaret, the beloved wife of Griffith Lewis, of Allty-chara, Pontardawe, in her 71st year. Printed J'y ?10 Pp°^,er. and Published by HOWEL WALTER WILLIAMS & ^o., at THE CAMBRIAN Office, No. f 8, Wind-streia J^^sea, jn County of Glamorgan — FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1884.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.
GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. We have been requested to publish the following cor- respondence between the Town Clerk of Swansea (on behalf of the public) and the Great Western Railway Company in respect to reduction of fares and accelera- tion of speed. We regret that the Railway Company cannot see their way to respond to the requirements of the public beyond the acceleration of speed consequent upon the alteration of the mail trains. Until Swansea is placed on the main line, so long will the public have to submit to all the disadvantage and inconvenience arising therefrom — Town Clerk's Office, Swansea, 16th January, 1884. Dear Sir,-Enclosed I send you Memorial of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of this Borough, ad- dressed to the directors of the Great Western Railway Company, respecting the train service between Swansea and Paddington and Swansea and Bristol.- Yours faith- f ally, (Signed) Jom, THOMAS, Town Clerk. Great Western Railway, General Manager's Office, Paddington Station, London W., 21st January, 1884. Dear Sir, I have to acknowledge receipt of your let- ter, enclosing a memorial from the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Swansea, respecting unTm and fares to and from that place, which shall be submitted to the directors at their next meet- nag, after which I will communicate with you again.— Yours truly, J. GKIERSON.—J. Thomas, Esq., Town Clerk, Swansea. Town Clerk's Office, Swansea, 31st Jan 1884. Dear Sir,—Referring to my letter to you of the 16th mst., as the next meeting of the Swansea Town Council takes place on the 13th proximo, I shall he g-lad to re- ceive, if possible, the reply of your directors to the memorial before that date-—Yours faithfully, Jonx THOMAS, Town Clerk.—Jas. Grierson, Esq., General Manager, Great Western Railway, Paddington. Great Western Railway, General Manager's Office, Paddington Station, London W., 31st January, 1884. Sir,-In further reply to your letter of the 16th inst., enclosing a memorial from the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Swansea, on the subject of the train service and fares to and from that place, I have now to inform you that the subject was submit- ted to, and considered by, the directors at their meeting yesterday. i am desired to explain with regard to the first sug- gestion set forth in the memorial, that it is not possible to start the 4.5 a.m. train from Swansea later than at present, or to make the detention at Landore less, inasmuch as the branch train has to be run to Landore in time for the down mail which arrives there at 4 14 a.m., while the up train is due to arrive there at 4.39, and if a special trip were run in connection with the up train, the latter would have to be made later from Landore which is not practicable,-or another engine would have to be employed on the branch and the directors are clearly of opinion that the traffic is not sufficient to justify this expense, in which view I trust you will concur when I state that the average number of passengers conveyed from Swansea to London by the 'y 4.5 a.m. train during the past year only averaged about three per week. I may add that the number of passengers from Swan- sea to all places by this train is so small that no train would be run from Swansea at or about the time in question if the Company did not run a train in con- nection with the steamer from Waterford. With regard to the 6.55 a.m. up train, I have to state that the detention at Cardiff has hitherto been unavoid- able, on account of the Bristol train having to precede it; but in consequence of other alterations in the train service, on and after March 1st the detention at Cardiff will cease, as the train will only stop there five minutes. With regard to the suggestion that the mail train should not be delayed at Gloucester, but that it should be despatched so as to arrive in London at about 1 a.m., I have to i!lform you that from March 1st the train will be timed to leave Gloucester at 10.50 p.m. and to reach Paddington at 2.2d a.m., the train running narrow gauge throughout, thereby avoiding the change at Swindon. vvita regard to the suggestion that the 11.5 a.m. and 3.50 p.m. up trains from Swansea, and the 5.45 p.m. down train from London should be expedited, I have to state as respects the first train that it cannot be ac- celerated without running additional trains at a con- iderable expense, which the directors are satisfied the raffic would not justify while the 3.50 p.m. train is a mail train, running in connection with the mail from Gloucester to the North, and could not be altered with- out the consent of the Post Office. It is not at present possible to expedite the 5.45 p.m. down train, which however is already about as quick a train as could be run. As respects the suggestion that the whole of the trains between Swansea and Bristol should be expedited, I have to state that the matter has been carefully looked into, and it is considered that the present service, which affords five connections in each direction daily, is a reasonably good one, considering that the number of passengers carried between Swansea and Bristol during the past year only averaged ten per day, and in the opposite direction only nine per day; and it is not pos- sible at present to effect any alterations to meet the suggestion. With regard to the last suggestion that the fares should be reduced so as not to exceed in proportion those charged between Paddington and Chester and Paddington and Warrington, I am desired to state that my directors are satisfied that you could not have been aware of the facts, otherwise you would not have made such a comparison, inasmuch as you have given the distances by the circuitous route instead of by the direct routs, on which the fares are of course based. I may inform you that on March 1st a new fast train will be put on, leaving Swansea at 8.35 a.m., arriving at Paddington at 245 p.m and further, that a new train will, from the same date, leave Gloucester at 5,15 a.m., carrying the North mail, arriving at Swansea at 8.42 a.m.-Your obedient servant, J. GRIERSON.—John Thomas, Esq., Town Clerk, Swansea. Town Clerk's Office, Swansea, 6th Feb. 1884. DEAR SIR,—In reply to your letter of the 31st ult., I thank you for the improvement in your train service therein mentioned, but at the same time it is very disappointing that your Directors have not seen their way to reduce the present excessive fares, or to more extensively improve the service so as to meet the reasonable requirements of the travelling public of this district. I must point out to you that the paucity of passengers referred to in your letter as a ground for not justifying your Company in risking any increased expenditure in providing a reasonable train service between Swansea and Paddington, and Swansea and Bristol, is I contend entirely the result of such defective service, for at present the journey between either of these places is so tedious, so unreasonably lengthy and expensive, con- lidering the distance travelled over, that the majority of people for these reasons endeavour to avoid travel- lino- and prefer even at some risk to their business, to ° transact such business by post rather than by a personal interview attainable only by in- curring the disadvantages of travelling over your system. I feel confident that if the improvement suggested in the Memorial to your Board were to be fairly and reasonably conceded, it would not only immensely benefit this district, but your present complaint of a scarcity of passengers would soon be removed, and a traffic would arise that would fully compensate your Company for any such concessions. With regard to the distance between Swansea and Paddington, when compared with the distance between Paddington and Warrington, and Paddington and Chester, in relation to the respective fares charged by your Company, the measurements stated in the memorial were obtained from what were considered to be authentic sources, and from further enquiry made since receiving your letter, I cannot find in what re- spect they are incorrect. Apart, however, from any comparison with other fares on your system, the fares complained of are of themselves grossly excessive, and I trust that before I have tc lay before the Town Council your final reply to their memorial, you will be able to bring the question again under the consideration of your Board, and secure at least some reduction from the high fares now charged, even though you may not at present be able to recommend additional improvements in the ttain service itself. I will only further add that with respect to your remark that It is not at present possible to expedite the 5.45 p.m. down train," those who travel by that train are most unanimous in condemning the apparent waste of time at the several stations after the train arrives at Newport.—I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully, (Signed), JOHN THOMAS, Town Clerk. James Grierson, Esq General Manager, Gt. Western Railway, London. Great Western Railway, General Manager's Office Paddington Station, London, W. 18th February, 1884 DEAR SIR—In further reply to your letter of the 6th instant, in regard to the train service and fares between London and Swansea, I have to state that I submitted it to the Directors at their last meeting, when the subject was again considered. With regard to your observations as to the fares charged between London and Swansea, as compared with those charged between London and Chester, &c., I have to state that I fear you do not even now under- stand that, as illustrations, the fares between London and Chester, and London and Warrington, do not apply, inasmuch as you appear to assume that the fares are based upon a distance to Chester of 213 miles, and to Warrington of 231 miles, whereas the actual distance on which of course they are framed is only 179 miles to Chester, and 182 miles to Warring-ton. With regard to your suggestion as to the acceleration of the 5.45 p.m. train, the matter has been again con- sidered by the Superintendent of the Line, and the Divisional Superintendents, and they report that they cannot at present recommend any means of expediting the train except by taking out stops, which could not be done without giving rise to complaints from the places which would be deprived of the present accom- modation afforded by the train stopping. From the experience which the Directors have of such matters, they are satisfied that any reductions in the fares, such as those you suggest, would not lead to any material increase in the traffic between Swansea and London and considering the number of trains now run, and the accommodation afforded, they are unable to see their way to make any alterations at the present time, other than the improvements which will take effect on the 1st of March.—Yours truly, J. GRIBRSON. John Thomas, Esq., Town Clerk, Swansea.
:OUR LOCAL TRADE, MANUFACTURES,I…
OUR LOCAL TRADE, MANUFACTURES, I AND COMMERCE. Trade during the past week has shown great activity, and the result is in cheerful contrast to the depressive character of the operations of recent weeks. Ship- ments of coals for foreign ports have been fully 10,000 tons more than in the preceeding week. In other departments also a satisfactory amount of business has been transacted, noteably in the shipments of Tin-plates and general Merchandise. For Baltimore, Messrs. Burgesss & Co. have cleared the Otway Tower s.s., her cargo consisting of 1,300 tons of tin-plates, bricks, &c., and in addition 427 tons of bunker coal, also the Marbella s.s., for Genoa, with 760 tons coals, and 75 tons sundries. The Great Western Line steamer Cornwall, has cleared for New York with 1,000 tons of tin-plates. Importations have been large, the bulk as usual con- sisting of minerals and metals, the total quantity being about 9,000 tons, The arrivals of vessels in ballast have not been large, and the surplus tonnage at disposal of shippers is not sufficient to make good the clearances. The tin-plate trade continues to display a very quiet tone, and there is but little buying or selling doing, except for immediate requirements with cokes at 14s. 9d., and 15s. It is evident that there is but little margin for profit, and the question of restricting pro- duction is being mooted. Works are in full employ, and makers appear hopeful of an improvement soon. tf.Surpri.se and disappointment are very generally ex- pressed at the announcement that the London and North Western Railway Company have withdrawn that portion of their Bill relating to the extension of their line to the Mumbles, and that the Harbour Trust will follow suit. Imports Coast wise.—Pig iron, 1,583 tons tin-plate bars, 400 tons blende ore, 696 tons spelter, 17 tons tin, 104 tons pitch, 942 tons pitwood, 70 tons flour, 68 tons barley, 530 qrs. malt, 12 tons oats, 126 tons maize, 120 tons potatoes, 120 tons. Imports Foreiyn.-Pitwood, 450 tons. and 1 cargo sundries Huelva, copper precipitate, 760 tons Bilbao, iron ore, 2,610 tons La Calle, copper ore, 1,529 tons Port Nolloth, copper ore, 1,010 tons; New York, hemp, 80 tons zinc, ashes, 31 tons. Foreign Expo)-ts. -Coals, 24,221 tons; patent fuel, 4,600 tons tin-plates, &c., 2,300 tons iron, 110 tons bricks, 700 tons general merchandise, 150 tons, for Bassorah. A 1 I Arrivals during the week, 49 steamers, iy,oiy tons, 47 sailers, 5,006 tons Total, 24,585 tons register. SWANSEA FREIGHT LI3T. — FREIGHTS ON OFFER. -LATEST QUOTATIONS. For Steam Tonnage and Coal Cargoes, unless otherwise specified. COASTING AND FRENCH. Belfast 3/9 Newry 4/9 Charente 7f. Rouen 6/- Caen. 6/- St. Nazaire 5?f. 4 Dieppe 5/- Sables de Olonne 7f Gravesend 5/6 St. Malo 53 Havre 5/- Warren Point 3/9 Hoafleur 5/6 Workington 3/9 La Rochelle. 7 if. FOREIGN. Algiers (fuel) 13|f. Lisbon 6/9 Ancona 13f. Madeira 11/- Baltimore (general) 10/6 Malta 10/3 Barcelona 13,6 Marseilles (fuel) 14tf. Bilboa 5/6 Messina 10/6 Bordeaux (fuel) 6ff. Naples 12/6 Cadiz 9/- New York (general) 10/6 Cape Verds 11/- Oporto 8/6 Carthagena 10/- Odessa (fuel) 12- Catania (fuel) 12/- Patras 11/- Cette ]2f. Phillipeville (fuel) 15f. Civita Vecchia (fuel) 11/- Pirajus 12/- Copenhagen 6/- Port Said. 13/- Flensburg 6/- Rotterdam 7/6 Cralatz 12/- Seville 9/- Geno.i, (fuel 12/6). 11/- Stettin ü!- Gibraltar 8/0 Stockholm 7 6 Huelva 7/- Sulina 10 6 Jamaica 10/- Teneriffe 11/- Leghorn, (fuel) 10/6 Valencia (fuel) 10/3 SAILERS. Aarbus, 7/- Malaga 11/- Acapulco 23/- Marseilles. 13f. Akassa 26/- Messina 10/6 Aspinwall 16/- Malaga Il/- Bombay IN/6 Montevideo 23/- B.thia. 2G/- Manilla 26/- Buenos Ayres 26 6 Norkopping. 7/ Barbadoes 14/3 Naples 9/6 Cadiz 8/6 Palermo 8/6 Campana 29/6 Pelotas 49/- CapedeVerds 12/- PortoRico. 10/- Catania 12/- Para 17- Calcutta 16/- Pernambuco 19,- Chiistiansund 7/- Ronne 7 — Cape Town 21/- Rio Janeiro 23 6 Colombo 19/6 Rio Grande de Sul. 48/- Dakar 12/- Rosario 30/- Demerara 14/6 gt. Catherine's 27- Diego Garcio 21/- St. Jago de Cuba 10/6 Dronthiem 7/- St. Paul de Loando 28/- Ensenada 28/- St. Thomas. 10/6 Faro. 10/— San Francisco 20/- Flensburg 7/- San Nicholas 28/- Fernando Po 24/- Saigon 21/- Frey Bentos 27/6 Stettin 9/- Halifax 6/- Santos 23/6 Havanna 12/6 Seville 10/6 Hong Kong. 25/6 Sierra Leone 11)/- Huelva 8/- Swinemunde 6/- Imbetiba 23/6 Teneriffe 11/- Jamaica 116 Trieste 11/6 Java. 226 Toulon 15f. Lisbon 7/3 Tunis 12/- La Guayra 17/- Valparaiso 22/6 Maceo IS/- Yokohama 21/ Madeira 9/6 MOVEMENTS OF SWANSEA VESSELS. ARRIVED FROM SWANSEA.—At Dunkirk, the Ivy Holme (s), Feb. 21. From Pauillac, the Theodor, Feb. 19. At Rouen, the Gervase (s), Feb. 20. At Santos, the Syringa, Feb. 10. At Dieppe, the Maria A. Hinde (s), Feb. 22. At Corunna, the Norma (s), Feb 22. At Buenos Ayres, the Giorgina, Jan. 25. At St. Malo, the Coniston Fell (s), Feb. 21. SAILED FOR SWANSEA.—From Bordeaux, the San Carlos, Feb. 20. From Caen, the Carl Konow, Feb. 19. From Gibraltar, La Calle, Feb. 21. From Bilbao, the Alster (s). Feb. 21. From Dieppe, the Marie A. Hinde (s), Feb. 25. From St. Malo, the St. Joseph, Feb. 22. SPOKEN.—The Broughtou, of Swansea, to Tocopilla, Dec. 11, 56 S, 87 W. CASUALTIES. ( Continued from Page 2.) The barque Maxima, of Swansea, from Garson to Val- paraiso, put into Fishguard on the 22nd, disabled, having lost second mate, with decks swept, companion, sky- lights, and compasses all gone, sails split, and cargo shifted. The steamer Phoebe Gertrude, of Cardiff, towed a dis- abled steamer into Milford on the 19th, which she had fallen in with off the Land's End on the 14th.
-------+---THE IRON AND COAL…
-+-- THE IRON AND COAL TRADES. (Specially reported for The Cambrian.) Coal does Dot show much increase of sale at the various collieries, and of South Staffordshire and East Worcester- shire a. certain amount of stagnation continues to exist in the demand for furnace, forge, and manufacturing qualities. As a result, too, of the continued mild weather, the household coal trade does not show much briskness and Cannock Chase co ilmasters share the trade with local colliery owners. Prices keep somewhat erratic but "list" rates are unchanged on the basis of 9s 6d and 10s per ton for furnace and household sorts. Thick coal colliers' wages are maintained at 3s 8d per day, those of thin coal miners at 2s lOd per day. The pig iron market continues to be marked by weakness and, although consignments on account of contracts are proceeding, there is little new business to report, except for small parcels. All-mine, hot-air, pig iron is quoted between £ 3 and E3 7s 6d per ton, cinder iron, Bl 17s 6d to £ 2. The finished iron trade does not exhibit im- provement; the tendency seems rather in a contrary direction. Makers of best branded iron have been making less time, owing to a falling-off in the number of orders received. On the other hand, second-class makers have received an accession of business, and are more actively engaged than has been the case for some considerable period. Angles, tees, and girder iron are in fair request. The principal makers of tire iron and shoe iron are doing pretty well, but chiefly on "home" account; export orders having fallen off. Enquiries are stirring for hoops and strips. The bridge-building trade is active, and makers of chains and anchors are busy. The fire-brick trade keeps very fair.
-----------LIVERPOOL TIN-PLATE…
LIVERPOOL TIN-PLATE MARKET. (Specially reported for The Cambrian ) Without any marked improvement in price of coke tinplates, yet the market is firmer in tone this week, the same as it was the closing days of last week. Enquiries are more numerous and orders have been placed more frequently than usual. As the result of those inquiries very little business was done at 14s. 9d., and the brands that were sold at such a figure are of but poor repute-or are but little known. Fairly good cokes may, however be purchased at 15s. and very good ones at 15s. 3d. to 15s. 6d. Others again, of a superior sort, are still not obtainable under 16s. I.C. There has been a little more buying of ordinary sizes, but the bulk of tke business has been in owtsizes for which a better price is obtained. Ordinary qualities are 15s. 6d. to 16s. I.C. basis price. The raid made by Liverpool and London buyers on the various works in South Wales last week, has not had a bad effect here. It has tended to strengthen sellers' bands somewhat. Such an invasion of works by mer- chants has not been known for many years. If it was thought possible that there were abundance of cheap lots to be picked up they were disappointed—makers on the whole are in a position to be firm and not give way, otherwise numerous large bids may have been booked last week, if the low figures offered were accepted. But such was not the case, and this has altered the tone of the whole business, and we may now confidently look forward to an increased business in tinplates all round. Though the demand for cokes is not at all brisk or any- thing so brisk as we should expect it at this season, yet the demand for charcoal and steel tinplates of various grades and sorts is decidedly improving. The enquiries are very numerous, and there is an eager disposition shewn to buy at the present time. And though prices have been forced down very much of late in consequence of the drop in cokes, yet steels with coke finish, and charcoals of ordinary kinds are saleable at 169. 3d. to 18s. I.C., and best charcoal 18s. 6d. to 19s. 6d. I.C., in assorted specifications with the usual extras for crosses. There is no improvement to report in ternes, very few inquiries coming forward, and what orders are placed are J chiefly what are taken just to hold on until the season opens up when they should be largely used, unless this Spring season is going to differ from all previous ones. It is quite possible that there will be a sudden improve- ment in the tinplate trade, and that very shortly when it does come it will not come a moment too soon. Tin and pig iron still continue at low figures. Former is £ 82, and latter in the Scotch market has receded to 42s. Hematites may be bought at 47s. 6d.
» THE GLAMORGANSHIRE BANK.
» THE GLAMORGANSHIRE BANK. PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BANK. Since our last issue the position of the Glamorgan- shire Banking Company has assumed a new phase- It will be remembered that the last meeting of share- holders assented to the proposal which had been made by the directors, that the capital of the Bank should be reduced to one half, and that new capital should be raised by the creation of preference shares. Further investigation has revealed two unsuspected facts, firstly, that a farther reduction of capital is desirable; and, secondly, that preference shares cannot be created without a reconstruction of the company. Under these circumstances, the follow- ing notice, convening an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders, has been issued by the manager: THE GLAMOKGANSHIRE BANKING COMPANY, LIMITED. Notice is hereby given, that an extraordinary general meeting of the (xlainorgansnire Banking Company, Limited, will be held at the Mackworth Hotel, Swansea, in th? county of Gla- morgan, on Monday, the loth day of March, 1884, at two o'clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of considering, and, it thought lit, passing the subjoined resolutions, which resolutions, if passed by the requisite majority, will be submitted to a sub- sequent general meeting, so as, if duly confirmed, to become special resolutions. RESOLUTIONS. 1. That, in order to provide for the issue of preference shares, and for the reduction of the capital of the company, and for an alteration in its constitution, it is desirable to re- construct the company under section 161 of the Companies Act, 1S62, and that, with a view thereto the company be wound up voluntarily, and that John Henry Rowland, of Neath, in the county of Glamorgan, Esquire, and Thomas Dryslwyn Griffiths, of Swansea, aforesaid, doctor of medicine, be and they are hereby appointed joint liquidators for the purpose of such winding lip. 2. That the said liquidators be and they are hereby autho- rised to consent to the registration of a new company, to be named "The Glamorganshire Banking Company, Limited," with a memorandum and articles of association, which have been prepared with the privity and approval of the directors of this company. 3. That. the draft agreement submitted to this meeting, and expressed to be made between this company and its liquidators of the one part, and the Glamorganshire Banking Company, Limited, of the other part, be and the same is hereby approved, and that the said liquidators be and they are hereby authorised to enter into an agreement with such new company when in- corporated in the terms of the said draft, and to carry the same into effect. Dated at Swansea this 22nd day of February, 1884.-By order of the Board, R. J. LETCHER, Manager. A small committee, consisting of three directors, viz., Messrs. T. A. Marten, J. H Rowland, and Chas Bath, and four shareholders, viz., Dr. T. D. Griffiths, and Messrs. W. J. Rees, James Kempthorne, and William William*, have appended to the above notice the fol- lowing explanatory statement:— The committee, consisting of the undersigned three directors and the fonr shareholders, appointed at the general meeting on the 12th instant, have taken into consideration the steps neces- sary to carry into effect the resolutions of the shareholders adopted at that meeting. To carry out the desired objects in the manner proposed would involve changes in the deed of settlement; and the committee having been advised that, under their present constitution, the company cannot issue preference shares, have arrived at the conclusion that a reconstruction, by the establishment of a new company with enlarged powers, and a transfer to that com- pany of the business of the present company, would most satis- factorily allow all necessary changes to be made, and enable the business to be carried oil without any break or interference. The new company, which would bear the same name as the present, would be constituted by its shares being allotted to the shareholders in the present company according to a proportion to be agreed upon, the re-construction being carried out under the special provisions and protection of section 161 of the Com- panies' Act, 1862. The new company would also have further capital powers, capable of being issued with a preference dividend. The committee, having thoroughly considered the financial position of the existing business, have decided to propose that of the ordinary capital of the new company one ordinary share of £30, with t2 IUs. paid, be allotted for every existing share of X40 with £10 paid, and one ordinary share also of £30, with It 17s. 6d. paid, be allotted for every existing share of £40, with 1:7 lus. paid these last-mentioned shares to be under a liability for calls of 12s 61. a.share; the remaining sum of f27 10s. per share to be under reserved liability in the same manner as with the present capital. The shareholders will, therefore, see that their liability will not be increased. There would also be a further capital of £ 250,000 in 50,000 preference shares of £ ."> per share, entitled to a preference dividend of 5 per cent., and participating rateably with the ordinary shares when the latter have also received 5 per cent. The estimates on which the committee recommend this proposal are based upon the whole of the £ .68,806 mentioned in the balance-sheet recently submitted to the shareholders being written off, and of a sum estimated at £100,000 being carried to a contingency account to meet any deficiencies which may arise in the realisation of the assets taken over. In conclusion the committee desire to impress upon the shareholders the great advantage of unanimity and agreement in carrying the reconstruction into effect. They are glad to be able to state that the applications for the preference shares, as pro- posed at the late meeting, have already reached a considerable amount. Dated at Swansea this 22nd day of February, 1884. THOS. A. MARTEN, 1 J. H. ROWLAND, > Directors. CHAS. BATH ) T. D. GRIFFITHS, WM JNO. REF.S, ( O. JAS. KEMPTHORNE, /•Shareholders. WM. WILLIAMS. J It is a pity that counsel's opinion as to the feasibility of issuing the proposed preference shares had not been taken before the last general meeting of shareholders, because the further consideration of the subject is cal- culated to prolong the matter, and give rise to un- necessary doubts in the public mind; but we under- stand there was not sufficient time beforo the meeting to obtain the required legal information. The stability of the great bank- systems of this country depend upon confi- dence. Confidence and credit are to business what loyalty is to a Government, says Walter Bagehot; and the remark is worth the consideration of all who are interested in, or who have any dealings with, banks in general. Credit is a thing that is easily destroyed, but very difficult to create, since it is of slow growth. The same authority, in his book on Lombard-street," says An immense system of credit, founded on the Bank of England as a pivot and its basis now exists The English people, and foreigners too, trust it implicity. Every banker knows that, if he has to prove that he is worthy of credit, however good may be his arguments, in fact his credit is gone. But what we have requires no proof. The whole rests on an instinctive confidence, generated by use and years. Nothing could persuade the English people to abolish the Bank of England and if some calamity swept it away, generations must elapse before at all the same trust would be placed in any other equivalent. A many-reserve system, if some miracle should put it down in Lombard-street, would seem monstrous there. Nobody would understand it or confide in it. Credit is a power which may grow, but cannot be constructed. Those who live under a great and firm system of credit must consider that, if they break up that one, they will never see another, for it will take years upon years to make a successor to it Though the further reduction of the capital from one- half to one-quarter is felt as a serious blow by all the shareholders, yet everyone interested in Swansea and the district will be glad to know that there is a generally expressed determination on the part of the losers to stand by the bank and wait patiently until it pulls through the present emergency and this there is a confident expectation it will do within a reasonable period, since it enjoys a large and lucrative business.
SWANSEA BOARD OF GUARDIANS.
SWANSEA BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The usual weekly meeting of this Board took place yesterday (Thursday) at the Workhouse, when there were present-Mr. J. T. D. Llewellyn (in the chair), and Messrs. Edw. Roberts, Thos. Hall, J. Griffiths, Philip Jenkins, John Lewis, —. Lewis, Philip Rogers, H. A. Chapman, Ebenezer Thomas, Thomas Glasbrook, John Davies, David Smith, E. Rice Morgan, &c. The minutes of the last meeting having been read by the Clerk, Mr. Chapman said that with regard to the minute for the erection of the new Workhouse, and the large amount of money which was to be borrowed for that purpose, he should enter his protest against it. The Chairman explained that they tried to spread the repayment of the borrowed money over a longer period, and they were now in correspondence with the Local Government Board on the subject. Mr. Chapman I have never had an opportunity of speaking upon the matter. I do not object to the erec- tion of a new Workhouse, but to the extraordinary amount of money borrowed. I think posterity should bear some of the burden. The Chairman said he had given three weeks' notice of his motion, and the matter was discussed each time. Mr. Chapman had plenty of time to speak upon the matter. f Mr. Jno. Lewis: This question has been brought up tor a considerable time. Mr. Chapman knew it, and therefore he ought to have been present. Mr. Edward Roberts said that the question had been before the Guardians many times, and they had been very much pressed by the Local Government Board to get this work done, and they had been obliged to do it. the contract was only JE;29,000, and the money would not be borrowed unless it was really needed. The matter then dropped, and the minutes were adopted. THE COTTAGE HOMES. Mr. Thomas Hall brought up the report of the Cottage Homes, which stated that everything was satisfactory. Two or three persons had applied for boys from the Homes, and the permission of the Board was given. Mr. Grossmith, the master, had written to the Board stating that two gentlemen, Mr. Howells and brother, of Cwmbwrla, had given a magic lantern entertainment at the Homes for the amusement of the children, which was much enjoyed. The Chairman said he had great pleasure in propos- ing a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Howells. ivir. Thomas Hall seconded, and it was carnea unanimously. Mr. John Davies said he was surprised to see the number of small items in the paupers' list under various heads, notably the fee charged by the doctor for certi- fying whether a man was a lunatic or not. These items and several others ran up to a considerable amount, and he thought they could be avoided- The Chairman said that everything was dealt with by the Finance Committee, and it was brought up each time by the committee. The speaker also explained that they were bound by Act of Parliament to have them certified. The cost of maintaining lunatics had reached a large amount during the last few years, which was very sad In reply to Mr. Davies, the Chairman said that they were bound to put the vaccination stations in the most convenient places for the public. Mr. Davies's com- plaint had been brought up before a special committee again and again, and when they saw fit they would make the alteration. There being no other business of any public interest, the meeting came to an end.
. SWANSEA MISSION" TO SEAMEN.
SWANSEA MISSION" TO SEAMEN. I J' 1 .The annual meeting of the inenas 01 "tfilS society was held in the National Schools, Oxford-street, on Tuesday evening, Mr. C. Bath, the hon. treasurer and secretary, presiding, and supported by a large gather- ing of ladies and gentlemen. The chairman made a few appropriate remarks, after which The Rev. E. J. Wolfe read the report of the Society for the past year, from which we extract the lollowing: The work of the year just ended has been apparently more blessed than that of previous years, in that evidence has been given by many that they have received spiritual good by means of the ministrations of this agency. A considerable number of seamen have professed themselves changed characters, and have been enabled by grace to give up a life of sm and levity, and to lead lives of purity and devotion. This religious awakening has also been manifested among the elder scholars of the Sunday School, and of the Band of Hope, many having professed a desire to be confirmed, and to become communicants. Of actual visits to ships, nearly 2,650 have been recorded by the chaplain, and more than 5,200 by the reader. And sailors homes have not been neglected in the daily round of spiritual ministration, for the chaplain has paid 646 visits to sailors' homes, and the reader 424 more. Every week a service has been held in the large Sailors' Home by the reader and Miss' Newnham, a lady who has devoted herself with much energy to this work among seamen, and of whose efforts the committee wisll to express their sincere appreciation. In addition to this Friday night's service at the Home, a more regular service has been held once a fortnight by the agents' of the society on a Wednesday evening, in order to get at men who are either too shy or too careless to be induced to attend a service, outside the walls of the Home. With respect to attendance at church, the committee have to report that year by year there is less and less reluctance on the part of sailors to attend. The church is now found to be so inconveniently small, and the numbers attending so large, that the wonder is that any should come a second time, after the heat, the discomfort, and the inconvenient crowding to which they are subjected when they do attend. But the services are so heartily joined in that sailors forget the iuconveiiiencies, and put up with the discomforts with good will and grace. The growth of the port and the addition of the dock on the east side of the river, wsill ultimately necessitate the building of a Seaman's Church and Institute on that side. And it would be a really Christian and graceful act if some one would come forward, and win favour on earth and good will in heaven, by building a church and institute for seamen near the Prince of Wales' Dock. As a beginning, services have been held, since December last, in the Golden Griffin Coffee House, at the en- trance of the new dock, in a room kindly lent by Miss Grenfell, of Maesteg House. And these services have been well attended. With a proper room there would be a great increase in numbers, and extended sphere of usefulness would be opened to pious lay- men who have conducted this work up to the present time with great success. The committee have still to report a small but steady increase in the number of communicants; and still as before, the male communicants outnumber the female. The number of communicants last year was 1,860. The weekly offerings of the worshippers have been sufficient to pay all church expenses, and to send also a substantial amount, more than one-fifth part of the whole, to other religious societies. Of the j6139 collected, by far the greater proportion was con- tributed in copper coinage. Thanks are given by the committee to the voluntary choir of the church to the sidesmen to the conductor oi the Band of Hope, Mr. Hare, who is also secretary for the penny-a-week collecting bluld for the society; to the superintendant of the Sunday school, Mr. Biddle, and all the teachers. to Mr. J. Rosser, Mrs J. W. James, and Mr. Capper, for the papers they kindly supply to the reading room, to the churchwardens for their attention, oversight, and good will; and especially to Captain J. Rosser, for covering the chancel with new linoleum at Christmas; to the harbour superintendent, Mr. Capper, for presenting a new vane for the church steeple to the laymen who conduct the service at the East Dock to the subscribers for their liberal support; to the increasing number of clergy who are giving collections and to many kind friends who have, from time to time, given presents of books for the library boxes sent away in ships, and periodicals and magazines, and tracts for distribution to sailors. The ladies who interest themselves at the mothers' meetings, held weekly, have been most devoted and attentive to this branch of the spiritual work going on among those women, who can use their influence for good, in improving the seafaring classes of the port. Too much praise cannot be given to Mrs. Capper for her kindly gifts to the mothers at the beginning of the year, and also to the ladies who assist her at the mothers'meetings—viz., Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. Monger, and Miss Rosser. The meeting was subsequently addressed by the Rev. Mr. George, Mr. Capper (the general superintendent of the harbour), the Vicar, &c the proceedings being interspersed with vocal and instrumental music.
[No title]
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions and sentiments expressed by our Correspondents.
ROYAL INSTITUTION LECTURE.
ROYAL INSTITUTION LECTURE. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,—Just a word, and that in all gentleness, and in S reply to Mr. Leaver, M.C.D.I.C.M.E. It is a sorry way, this of his. of getting out of the mess. He charging me with mis-stating his question is as unfair, I should think as ineffective, for of course others besides me heard the question as he put it, and it was so reported in The Cambrian in the issue preceding that in which my letter appeared "All is well that ends well." Mr. Leaver tacitly admits the absurdity of his original question by correcting it, or getting it corrected. Had be put the question he now puts, I am sure he would have bad the matter explained to him by the lecturer, if that was what he wanted. I hope Mr. Leaver has learnt a lesson. I would probably fee) bound to compliment him on the wit of his letter, if I quite understood what it all meant, but I do not.—Yours respectfully, PENDULUM WAG, A. B. C. Z.
CHURCH OF ENGLAND AMENITIES.
CHURCH OF ENGLAND AMENITIES. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." I SIR.—It appears from a letter in your last issue, signed "H. E. Rackbam," that the ignorant and vulgar letter addressed to me, dated from the Vicarage, Witchford, Ely. was not written by the Vicar of that place. I am sorry that, misled by the unprincipled audacity of the writer, I should have fathered the letter upon an innocent person.. My contention, however, is not with Mr. Rackham- (I was not aware of the existence of that gentleman until this week)—but with J. Davies, whoever he may he. I do not bdieve the letter to be a hoax. It was written by some persons evidently in the habit of careless and slip- shod writing, and if it was not written by a cleric il pen, it is an exceedingly clever imitation. The tone and style are very characteristic. As to the liberty Mr. Rackham complains of, it is not I, but J. Davies, who is to blame. He either wrote the letter at the Vicarage, or took the unwarrantable liberty of dating from it with the intention of misleading. Can Mr. Rackham give us no clue .—Yours very truly, •J. E. MANNING. Glanmor Terrace, Feb. 27, 18S4.
TO THP. EDITOR OF TH*5 " CAMBRTAN."
TO THP. EDITOR OF TH*5 CAMBRTAN." SIR —I am delighted to see by last week's Cambrian that the Vicar of Witchford has been apprised of the unwarrantable liberty Mr. Manning took in inserting a letter purporting to emanate from him, but which was, as might be seen at a glance, a barefaced forgery. No good can be done to a cause by indulging in inaccurate statements and indefensible argument*; and it is astonishing that, people can write such utter rubbish and such palpable mis-statements as so often appear in the papers, and expect editors to publish t-iem. I When discussing the position and usefulness of the Church, it might be well fur some of your correspondents to take to heart Gamaliel's edvice to the council at I Jerusalem respecting the Church a work.—I am, yours fcc, Z. Y. X. Reading, 27 Feb. 384.
SWANSEA VALLEY RAILWAY SERVICE.
SWANSEA VALLEY RAILWAY SERVICE. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." ~a"ow.B1e to call the attention of the Midland Railway officials to the very unsatisfactory arrangement of the trains to and from the Swansea Valley. There is certainly a great necessity for a re- arrangement of the train service on this branch, and the inhabitants of Clydach, Glais, Pontardawe, and Ystaly- fera, invite the managers to make inquiry into the matter and give us some kind of fairplay, to enable us to get about and do our business. A little enquiry will prove to the management how widespread the dis- satisfaction with the present arrangement is.—Yours truly, MERCHANT. February 27th.
♦— OYSTERMOUTH LOCAL BOARD.
♦— OYSTERMOUTH LOCAL BOARD. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMRRIAN." SIR,-The ratepayers of the parish of Oystermouth are very much indebted to your enterprise in reporting the transactions of the above-named board. In your paper of Friday last I find the following :— "The Board afterwards had under consideration the question of the waterworks, which has occupied their attention for some time past. A long report was read as to the advisability of constructing the waterworks, in which it was stated, among other things, that the waterworks could be made to pay better if under the jurisdiction of the board than under the control of a private company. The report led to a considerable amount of discussion, the sum and substance of which was, whether or not the board were acting too hastily in a matter of such importance. The chairman replied that the resolution of the board was passed, and there- fore the work must go on, But before the work would be actually commenced the Local Government Board would send down an Inspector to report upon the sub- ject, and it all depends upon what he said. It was proposed by Mr. Beynon that a small committee, to consist of the chairman and Messrs. Collins and Ben- nett, be appointed to wait upon Mr. Plant, with full power to carry the matter through. The proceedings then terminated. Now, Sir, I ask can anyone with common sense come to any other conclusion on reading the above, than that the Chairman of the Board is pushing the scheme on against the wish of the Board, and certainly against the interest of the ratepayers. Permit me to ask the ratepayers of the parish, if they intend to let the Board, or its Chairman, carry through the purchase of the Water Works, without protesting against it. It is a well known fact that this Water Works does not pa y, and I ask how can the Board make it pay P By the purchase of the Water Company's rights, the Board will have no power to compel the inhabitants to take the water in—and no one will do so volun- tarily, as it is so hard as to be unfit for domestic purposes-and the Board can only obtain compul- sory powers by applying to Parliament, which means additional cost and again the reservoir will have to be enlarged, as it is quite inadequate to the supply of the parish, supposing the Board obtained powers to compel the water being taken. Again, if the power is obtained, it will only apply to cottage property, as it is well known that every house in the parish of a rateable value of C12 and upwards has an ahundant supply of pure water stored in tanks and cisterns, and it is just this class of house property that will have to bear the expense. What can the ratepayers be thinking about, that they allow one or two individuals to rule them in this and other local matters in this shameful way. Will not some of the influential ratepayers of the district take up the matter, and by calling a meeting of the ratepayers, give the Board, or its chairman, plainly to understand that they are going too fast. Now is the time to do it, if it is to be done, and as the election of new members takes place next month, they will also have time to select candidates who will not be ruled by the chairman, in the way that the present Board are ruled. Do the ratepayers know, as they ought to know, that only one member of the Board refused to sanction the course taken bv the chairman in op-posing the London and North West-orn Extension and Harbour Trust Pier Bills. In conclusion, 1 asK is the whole parish to be ruled to please the w/nms and fancies of a certain family, by their acknowledged agent, or to be ruled for the best interests of the community.—Yours truly, Mumbles, 28L1I Feb., 1884. RATEPAYER.