The Cambrian

ATHLETIC NOTES. [By "ARGUL-I All communications intended for this column should be addressed, "Argus," The Cambrian, Wind-street, Swansea. CRICKET. SWANSEA v. CARDIFF. On Saturday the Swansea First XI. journeyed to Cardiff to meet the Taffsiders for the second time this season. They took up a rather weak team, the chief absentees being Mr. A. W. Samuel. captain, and Dr. Cameron. The match remlted in a decisive win for the homesters, the visitors being vanquished at every point. A feature of the match was the miserable fielding of the Swansea men. The only one to do any- thing worthy of note in this department was Geoghegan, who. brought off some really smart catches. The chief contributors to Swansea's total of 133 were-H. T. Thomas (31), D. Thissen <27) and J. A. Davies (23). Willgoose was successful with the ball, taking five wickets for 67 runs, whilst for Cardiff, S. Lowe captured six for 56, and D. Smith, two for 19. Scores :— CARDIFF. J. H. Brain, st Thissen, b Ceber. 23 J. Clarke, e Geogkegan, b Willgoose 17 It. Lowe, b Willgoose 5 P. F. Bush, b Ceber 32 H. B. Letcher, c & b Willgoose 15 R. Rooney, e G-eoghegan, b Benfield 32 D. Smith, b Ellis 40 J, P. Cadogan, b Bancroft. 41 C. Colley, b Willgoose 12 T. M. Artell not out 1 S. Lowe, b Willgoose 5 Extras 29 Total. 250 SWANSEA. Bancroft, b S. Lowe 7 H. T. Thomas, b S. Lowe r 31J E. W. Jones, c Clarke, b S. Lowe 9 A. Sweet, b Siniih 12 H. A. Ellis, c Clarke, b S. Lowo 0 Geoghegan, c J. H. Brain, b Smith. 1 D. Thissen, c Clarke, b S. Lowe 27 J. A. Davies, b Colley 23 G. B. Benfield, b Lowe 7 Willgoose not out 8 Creber, b Colley 6 Extras. 2 Total. 133 ? FIRST ELEVEN FIXTURES. Aug. 5-Hampstead (London* Home 12—Llanelly Home 19—Mr. Ebsworth's Eleven Home 25 and 26—Glamorgan v. Cornwall .Home Sept.2-Newport Away SECOND ELEVEN FIXTURES. Aug. 5-Cardiff II Away ° 12-Briton Ferry .Away „ 17—United Banks .Home „ 19-St. Jud6's\ Away Sept. 2—Cardiff II — Home OYSTERMOUTH v. SWANSEA THIRDS. Oystermouth made their hightlstscore of the season on Saturday, when they met, for the first time, the Swansea Third XI. on the St. Helen's Field. Their performance was a very creditable one indeed, especially when it is taken into con- sideration that they did not have their strongest team out. Goiug in first, they ran up a total of 204 runs in excellent style. As the result of sound batting, W. P. Gwynne and Dr. Perkins made 59 and 53 respectively, whilst R. E. Gold also contributed a valuable 21. The homesters only had an hour and a quarter to play, and to they commenced their innings with the set purpose of -making the most of their time. And well did they perform their task, for runs came at a good rate, and at the expiration of time they had succeeded in knocking up 117 runs for six wickets. W. J. Trew contributed a vigorous 45, and T. Powell added a meritorious 44. Scores OYSTERMOUTH. R. E. Gold, c Ball, b Muxworthy. 21 G. Hay, run out 10 E. Jones, c Altixivortby, b T. Powell 1 Waddington, c Rees, b T. Powell 4 Dr. Perkins, c Trew, b H. G. Solomon 53 W. P. Gwynne, b H. G. Solomon. 59 J. Clough, b E. Muxworthy 0 G. Nettell, b H. G. Sclomon 13 F. Trower. b S. J. Cnrnow. 13 W. Law, lbw, b H. G. Solomou 2 Crisp, c & b Curnow. 1 D. Wabborn, not out 11 Extras 16 Total 204 SWANSEA THIRDS. E. Llanders, c Nettell, b Clough 0 T. Powell, b Trower. 44 S. J. Carnow, c Jones b Clough 5 H. G. Solomon, b Clough 9 F. B Rees, b Webboru 0 W. J. Trew, c Gold, b Dr. Perkins. 45 A. Ball, not out 4 Extras 10 Total for 6 wickets 117 P. S. Lloyd, S. Dorrell, O. A. Schenk, G. Dorrell and E. Muxworthy to bat. It is a pity that there was no time to finish the match, for it would have been interesting to see whether the homesters would ultimately have won, or whether the honour would have devolved npouthe Oystermouth Eleven of smashing the un- broken record of the Swansea Third XI. I think. though, that if time had permitted of the game being finished, the homesters would have come out easy winners, because the bowling of the ec' visitors had got very weak. Still, the Oyster- mouth men are to be complimented upon their batting exhibition. Their success with the bat on Saturday should give them more confidence in future League matches. SWANSEA AND DISTRICT SENIOR CRICKET LEAGUE. GOWERTON v. CLYDACH. This match was played under the auspices of the League at Gowerton last Saturday, and ended in a win for the homesters by 86 runs to 64. Scores:— GOWERTON. W. Edwards, not out 29 W. P. Lewis, b B. Lewis 2 W. Holloway, c Austin, b Williams. 1L G. Lewis, b D. IVilliKms 6 W. Bowen, b D. Williams 5 D. Ward, lbw, b D. Austin 11 G. Ellis, b D. Anstin 9 D. Jenkins, b D. Davies 2 D. Williams. lbw, b Austin 1 P. Ward, b Austin 2 D. A. Davies, c Smith, b Davies 1 Extras 7 Total. 36 CLYDACH. D. Arnold, b D. Jenkins 10 D. Davieg. c Ward, b Lewis 7 S. ion, b Lowi-i 2 D. Austin, b Lewis.. 10 J. Smith, not out .n. 16 J. Lloyd, ran out. 1 P. Lewis, b D. Jenkins 5 D. Williams, c Williams, b'Lawis 7 R. James, o Lewis, b Jenkins. 0 D. Thomas, b Lewis 1 D. R. JoneA. b G. Lewis 5 Extras 0 Total 64 t FIXTURES FOR 1899. Ground. Aug. !5-0Ylltformouth v. Clyd:lch. Oystermoutb. ft—.St..Tilde's r. Peullemier Jt. Jr.'le ». I?—Penllergner v. (Jorseinon Penllergaer. 19—ftorselnott v. Ptsnllergaer 26—Olvdach v. Gorseinon Sept. -i—Gorseinon v. Ojsterinouth Gorseinon. v O-Oysterniouth v. Gorseinon oysterinouth. POSITION OF CLUBS TO DATE. Plaved. Won, Lost. Drawn. Point*. Gowerton 9 7 2 0 14 Clydach 8 6 2 0 12 St. Judo's 7 5 2 0 10 Oystermouth.. 7 2 o 0 4 Penllergaer 7 1 6 ° Gorseinon 4 0 4 0 0 EnWIN J. JOSLYN, July 31st, 1899. Hon. Sec. & Treasurer. CRICKET MATCHES OF FICTION. In the enrrent number ot" the )Vtndtor Magazine—which is fully up to the hi<?h standard of its predecessors -Edmiincl B. V. Christian writes at length on tha Cricket Mat,!h as it has been dealt with by novelists and modern makers of notion. "A library of cricket, bcoks has appeared in a decade Dr. Grace has told us how to play and how he playeJ we have had also the reminiscences of Richard Daft and George Giffen; Messrs. Steel and Lyttelton have given most excellent advice to the players; even the latest hero. K. S. Ranjitsinhji, has furnished his admirer* with two booka. Mr. Norman Gale has sung songs worthy of the glorious game; the Chronicleis have been reprinted volumes of all sorts have multiplied." But of all the books he Quotas, none is more interesting than Mr. Snaith a Willow. the King." In this the game is pre- Gented in its true light as the principal nay, the r-ole-businem, solace, and delight of life. Yet the chief character of the book is a woman. Grace Trentham-Fihe was christened LLttra Mary, but they called her Grace, because she kept five portraits of that hero on her bedroom mantelpiece, and was believed to treasure in secret' strands of his beard'—was the centre and I mainspring of cricket's vitality in the parishes of Hickory and Little Clumpton. With two brothers playing for their county, and the third captain of the Harrow eleven, with a father who had been one of the fine-t amateur bowlers of his day, and a circle of curates aud other admirers all fit to play for the Gentlemen, she yet possessed more knowledge of the game's history and science, more appreciation of its rare excellence, more zest in its practice than them all. With a family of brothers like hers, who talk of living cricketers with such complete freedom, and speculate on their sister's marriage in her presence, and always in slang, this is not surprising. Doubtless the mirror is here held true. Cricketers, as a race, are not 'litery and that!' their well of English is not free from trace of some admixture. Probably most readers will consider the resultant beverage more piquant; and to Miss Trentham's friends the slang seems to have been but an added charm. Proposal* poured upon her. To one noble lord who sought Grace's hand, and sank so low as to tell her what his income was,' she had a crushing reply. Now look here, Dick,' said she, I don't care a straw about your income; what's your batting average?' This was unanswerable and conclusive, though the earl sent for Attewell and Brockwell to coach him all the spring." LAWN TENNIS. NEATH v. EATON (SWANSEA). This match, which was played at Neath on Saturday last, 29th ult., in glorious weather, resulted, after a hard fight, in victory for the home team by the extremely narrow majority of 5 events to 4, 11 sets to 10, and 96 games to 88. The following are the particulars :—Rosser and Yowerth (Neath) to Newton and Carlyle (Eaton), 3-6, 3-6. Rosser and Yowerth beat Morgan and De Guerrier, 6-1, 7-5. Rosser and Yowerth beat J. R. Newton and Ryland (substi- tute), 6-1, 6-2. BIt and Curtis (Neath) lost to Newton and Carlyle, 3-6. 2-6. Elt and Curtis beat J. R. Newton and Ryland, 6-0, 8-6. Kit and Curtis beat Morgan and De Guerrier, 1-6, 6-3,6-4. Priday and Rees (Neath) lost to Newton and Carlyle, 6-5, 0-6, 3-6. Priday and Rees lost to Morgan and De Guprrier, 4-6, 4-6. Priday and lLees beat J. It. Newton and Ryland, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.

SWANSEA POLICE COURT. SATURDAY. TBefore Dr. J. G. Hall, David Owen and J. L. Rogers. Esqrs.j A PUGILIST CHARGED WITH DRUNKENNKSS. —William Morgan, a resident of Back-street, well-known in pugilistic circles, was charged with drunkenness in Alexandra-road on Friday evening. —The defendant explained his conduct by stating that he was anxious to prevent his brother from taking part in a glove contest at the Niagara Hall.—He had six previous convictions recorded against him, and the Bench imposed a fine of 10s with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment. MONDAY. I Before J. C. Fowler (Stipendiary), S. Goldberg, H. Watkins, D. F. Sngrue and Joseph Rosser, Esqrs.] DRUNKENNESS.—Bridget Thomas and Susannah Williams, two young women of ill-repufe, were sent to prison for a month for drunken and disorderly conduct-Peter Clnnson, a foreign seaman, of St. Mary-street, Elizabeth Rowe, a widow. 18, New Orchard-street; Jobanah Roberts and William James Wilson were fined various small amounts for drunkenness. "MAD MAGGIE" AGAIN !—Margaret Rogers, alias Mad Maggie," made her 236th appearance on a charge of being drunk and disorderly on Saturday in Temple-strept.-P.C. James having given the facts, Maggie, who had only come out of prison on Friday, was sent down for a month. MISCELLANEOUS.—William Hfffron and Ed. Simons, for playing pitch-and-toss, were each fined 3s. 6d. or, in default, 3 days.1R.mes Headdon, Matthew Davies and George Lloyi, three boys, were summoned for doing damage to a fence near the Hafod Iaha Works to the value of 4a The boys admitted the offence and they were each fined Is. and 4.. 6d. damage, and5s. 2d. each for costs, or, in default, 7 days. SEPARATION ORDER. — David Jones, of Pentrechwytb, was summoned by his wile, who is blind, for nersistent cruelty. It. appeared trom the evidence of prosecutrix, a quiet, respectably-dressed woman, that her husband was at times exceedingly unkind to her, and often struck her about the body and head.— An order of separation was made, with 9s. a week towards her maintenance. NORMAN V. NORMAN. — STIPENDIARY S DECISION.—The Stipendiary gave his decision in this case. He said: The point which I have to decide is this: An order was made in 1894, that Mr. Norman should pay weekly to his wife the sum of £1 on the ground of his desertion, but that obligation is to cease on proof of a.n act of adultery by her. Such an act may be proved by direct and by circumstantial evidence, and in this case I have had both. I have heard the whole of the evidence, and the effect of it on my mind is that I find as a. fact that there has been misconduct, and that the order must be cancelled and di-charged. Mr. Hawkes applied for costs, Mr. Thompson opposed, and the Bench refused to make an order. TUESDAY. TBefore J. C. Fowler (Stipendiary), David Owen, and William Stone, Esqrs.] DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—Mary Ann Sterio, 17. Philip--treet, for drunken and disorderly oonduct in High-street, was fined 7s. 6d. THROWING STONES.—Morgan Evans, residing at Fbenezer-street, was fined 3s. for throwing stones in Neath-road on the 14th nit. A SERIOUS CASE —A woman, whose head was profusely bandaged, enteve4 the witness-box and applied for a summons against a man named Coombas, who had been lodging with her. The case appeared to be a very serious one, the appli- cant being in a state of collapse brought about presumably by loss of blood. She stated that Ooombos attacked h >r on Monday evening, and, without any provocation whatever, struck her a violent blow in the face. He then proceeded to lift the woman off her feet and deliberately throw her over his shoulder. She alighted on her head, and was picked up bleeding copiously from an ugly gash the left cheek, which was subse- quently stitched at the Hospital. Ssummons granted. /n. t ABUSIVK LANGUAGE.—Mary Jane Clist, de- scribed as a married woman, of Graig-terrace, for using abusive language towards Giace Shei»her<), was fin-d 10il.-Mary Lodwick, a widow, of 72, Gibbett-hill, was summoned by Mary Ann Jones for a similar offence. The Bench imposed a fine of 10- or in default of payment seven days imprisonment. T, T PERSISTENT CRUELTY.—William Henry Lewis, cooper, resi ling at No. 87, Siloh-road, was sum. cooper, resiHnll at No. 87, Siloh-road, was sum. raoned by his wife for persistent cruelty. After a lengthy hearing a separation or<ier was^nade. 1he defendant to contribute 10s. a week towards the maintenance of his wife. WEDNESDAY. rBefore Dr. J. G. Hall, Win. Walters. T. Davies and D. Owen, Esqrs. 1 DISORDERLY.—Fred Roberts and Evan Davies, two lads, were each ordered to pay the costs for disorderly behaviour in Clyi>a ?h-roid, Morriston. No LIGHTS.—Wm. Gwynn and D. Ba.sett were each fined 15s. inclusive for driving without ^^OLD OFFENDERS.-Catherine Flynn, described as a married woman, residing at Upper Strand, wa* charged with drnnken aud disorderly conduct. She had eight previous convictions recorded against her, and th Bfnoh imposed a fine of 10a. and cost-, with the alternative of seven days imprisonment. — Jane Evans mada hor sixth appearance on a similar charge. Stitt "0 1lI-.teci in a fine of 10<. inclusive or, m dtfUu.t of payment, seven days' imprisonment.

TTifl CTST lID tn^ SWh or 60,0C0 roubles to the Russian Academy of Science for the purchase of a ship and to fit out an expedi- tion for the exploration of the New Siberian Islands and of Sannikoff Land. Chief-inspector William Horsley (of the Metro- politan Police), who has for some time past been attached to the House of Commons, is now retiring from the force on a pension after full service. The district coroner has received information of the death of William Gardner, aged seventeen years, late of Stewart-road. Gann Hall, whose death is alleged to be due to a blow in the stomach from a cricket ball. A daring burglary took place at Talavera Barracks, Aldershot, on Friday night. Captain Lyall's (lit West Yorkshire Regiment) rooms were broken into, and many valuables stolen. Some workmen engaged in excavating at Sandy-lane, Hampton Wick, just outside Bushey Park, have discovered a male skeleton 5ft. below the surface. Near it were a pair of buckles, several brass buttons, and apart of a sword hilt. It is thought probable that the skeleton is that of a gipsy;, for an encampment existed near the spot many years ago. The announcement made a month ago that John Roberts, billiard champion, contemplates retiring is now confirmed. Roberts recently consulted a famous oculist in Germany, and, owing to failing eyesight, states that next season will be his laqt. He »?. £ ?^er'pr? £ concede Dawson 5,500 in 21,000 up, the mateh to be played in October. Four registered mail packages have been received in New York containing the heads of four Filipinos, which were severed from bodies on the battlefield. These gruesome trophies of war have been sent by soldiers to friends in New York, and have been placed on exhibition iu_a Ahofl jryxtaXs- —

CONTEMPORARY CHAT. Owing to the action of that useful organisa. tion the State Children's Aid Association, tha Government has taken up a little Poor Law Bill, which, if passed, will help boards of guardians out of a difficulty and confer benefits on children now suffering from the workhouse taint. The chief object of the bill is to deal with the ins and outs "—the children who are thrown on the guardians by turas as their lazy, vicious, and depraved parents happen to seek relief. The guardians cannot deal with these children by themselves. This bill will give them power to retain such children should they be of opinion that, "by reason of mental deficiency, habits, or mode of life," parents should not have control of them. Visitors to Rome, especially Catholics desirous of obtaining an audience of the Holy Father, cannot be too careful, writes a Rome corre- spondent of the Catholic Times, in avoiding all dealings with a particularly wily and dangerous species of the genus shark, indigenous to the Eternal City, where these beasts of prey thrive and lloui isii extraordinarily at the expense of the confiding forestiere who allows himself to be captured by them. I am alluding to the numerous loafers who hang about hotels and other places frequented by English people, and who, when they spy some Verdant Green suited for their piratical operations, accost the unsuspecting victim with the most tempting offers of guidance and aid, their favourite plan being to boast of their numerous acquaintance. and relations at the Vatican (for they are often well-dressed, soft-spoken, gentlemanly-looking rogues) and to proffer their services in order to obtain an audience of the Pope. A few francs will be necessary, they say, to tip subordinate officials, but the generous ciceroni invariably, scorn the very idea of accepting money for them- selves. When they have succeeded in obtaining the money destined to bribe the Papal house- hold, these swindlers either decamp or add insult to injury by giving their delighted victims a forged document purporting to be the coveted, authorisation to visit the Pope. This paragraph, taken from the Hospital, con- veys its own moral unmistakably: A medical practitioner in an outlying suburb of the metro- polis remarked the other day that numbers of maternity nurses ask him for work. His first question is: "Are you qualified ?" and in reply they display important parchments stating that they have been trained at a particular hospital for three months or six weeks, as the case may be. His next question: "Can you make vbeef tea or a custard pudding ? as often as not elicits the answer: "No, that is the cook's work." What are your terms ? he then inquires, and the answer usually is: "Eight to ten guineas the month"; and, adds our informant, "they cnnnot nurse, either." This is a state of things that requires to be altered. The love of books is increasing in White- chapel, thanks to the free library agencies that have been provided. The Commissioners have just issued their biennial report, which shews that the attendances at the reading-room num- bered a million and three-quarters, the number of books issued from the lending department increased by 15 per cent., and those from the reference library by 35 per cent., while tho daily attendance at the museum also increased. Among the new developments is the establish- ment of delivery branches, where books are issued to people who cannot or will not take the -trouble to come to the central library for them. Over 5,000 volumes have been issued in this manner. Mixed bathing seems to have been generally countenanced this year by the authorities of all the principal watering-places along our coasts. It is gratifying, writes "Miranda" in the lady's Pictorial, to find that the common sense of most is at length prevailing in this matter, and there is very little fear that English people will abuse their privilege. Before the seaside season fully sets in, however, the authorities at each water- ing-place would do well to lay down laws re- specting costumes to be worn. Ladies, almost without exception, dress becomingly ponr le bain, but men's dress is not always suitable; and as mixed bathing is becoming the rule, and not the exception, at our resorts, it is distinctly advis- able that each Town Council should lay down specific rules respecting the bathing dress per- missible for men, which should in no case be less in extent than that adopted by the other sex. The mosquito is not the only insect plague in and about London this year. The clothes moth has appeared in immense quantities, and promises to destroy furs and clothes of all sorts. The earthquake which occurred in Rome on Wednesday, apparently due to fresh eruptions of Mount Etna, is described as by far the most severe of modern times, the damage done to Rome and the district being enormous. It is particularly unfortunate that the remains of ancient Rome have suffered greatly, Etna has been doing this kind of thing for over three centuries and a half now. Eruptions are I mentioned by Dioiorus Siculus as happening in 1693 B.C., and as lately as 1886 A.D. a violent eruption, with earthquakes and much damage, took place there. Earthquakes, accordingly, are frequent in Italy, but Rome itself has on the whole escaped fairly well since the great shock of 1819, when its buildings were greatly damaged and thousands of persons perished. It is stated in a journal which is supposed to devote itself to the interests of women that the friends of Lady Hermione Blackwood rathur fear" the result of her admission to the London Hospital. Our contemporary avers, in tearful tones, that the hospital is "in the worst quarter of London"; and adds, in a horrified manner, that some of the sights Lady Hermione will encounter "are too dreadful for description." We do not believe for a moment that this sort of rubbish meets with the approval of Lady Hermione, or of Lord and Lady DufTerin, remarks the Hospital. The sights the former will en- counter are encountered by any number of ladies as refined and carefully nurtured as even the daughter of a distinguished peer. No one who shrinks from witnessing the most painful spectacles should dream of joining the nursing profession. A soldier who wanted to run away would be of little use on the field of battle; and a nurse who wishes to pick and choose her patients has mistaken her vocation. If we may credit the message which the correspondents in Manila have drafted and sent to the American Press, their previous telegrams must have been so freely edited by the Censor as to give a very different notion of the state of affairs in the Philippines from that which they intended to convey. They appear at last to have forced the hand. of General Otis, and the American people will now have some chance of finding out how utterly untrue it is to describe that commander as having the situation "well in hand." It seems that the insurgents are nothing like so weak nor the American volunteers so ready to serve against them as the censored telegrams have led them to suppo&e. The question of the provision of accommoda- tion for the insane in London is yearly becoming a more serious question, owing to the growth of insanity. It is officially estimated that should all the asylum accommodation now contemplated be provided by January 1st, 1901, there would be 16,538 beds, calculating on normal numbers, at the existing asylums, which are much over- crowded at the present time. Allowing for an increase of 600 patients per annum, the number of patients requiring accommodation on the date named will be 15,918. This gives a surplus of only 620 beds, a very small margin having regard to the time necessarily occupied in building a new asylum. The London County Council authorities consequently are taking serious thought for the future, and as a preliminary to a further substantial increase in the accom- modation have authorised the expenditure of £1,000 for inquiries as to the best means of providing for the inevitable demands upon them. It is intended that a portion of the money shall be spent in enabling officers to visit foreign asylums with a view to reporting upon them. The Grenadier Guards, the first regiment in the British Army, "a pattern," as the Duke of Cambridge once said, "to the rest of the army," have a grievance. The 1st Battalion was ordered to take with it certain stores for the use of the coffee-bar in the Khartoum Expedition, and, through the upsetting of a boat on the Nile, these were lost. The General Officer com- manding the Division of which the Grnadiprs formed part recommended the payment by the War Office for these stores, and yet the matter has had to be brought up in the House, and the claim is "being considered." That a regiment on war service should be held liable for the accidental loss of stores, and that the rank- and-file should have to pay for them out of their slender allowance, seems like an item of Gilbert and Sullivan topay-turvydom. remarks the Skttch. Vet that is how matters stand, and the Queen's Guards have to appeal, through Sir James Fergusson, to the Mother of Parliaments, the Parliament of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen, for the paltry sum of £34C to pay for stores lost while campaigning. ø

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LOCAL NEWS. NEATH. NOTES AND NEWS. [BY NUNQUAMJ. The wheels for the new gas motors have arrived. I fully expect that the asks will be in evidence sometime during next century. r For many years Neath people have had to put up with fill hy water—mud in solution is a better term for what the ratepayers have had to pay. JVhen the new reservoir was opened quite a change was predicted. Yet things remain just the same. What is the reason P Can it be true that the new reservoir is a failure? Is it true that it leaks like a basket, and that it is practi- cally useless ? If so, and there appears to bo some foundation for the statements, those in authority should be called to book very sharply. Quite a delightful day was ppent at Southern- down by a party of Neath gentlemen on Thursday. The picnic was organised by Mr. James Allen. The arrangements were perfect, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed himself. Among those pre-ent were the Mayor (Councillor James Glass), Coun- cillor Johu Lovett, Mr. E. C. Curtis (town clerk), Mr. Richard Browning. Mr. Richard Owen, Mr. J. P. Reynolds, Mr. Harold Kendall, of Sale, Cheshire, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. James Allen, Mr. Ellson Allen, Mr. R. G. Davies, Mr. Sam Boberts, Mr. Frank Dickens, Mr. A. F. Lowry, Mr. Joe Wilcox, Mr. Henry Thomas, F.R.S.S Mr. J. Hemming, Mr. E. Hemming, Mr. Karl Cappell, Mr. Jack Davies, &c., &c. Before lunch, the grounds of Dunraven Castle were visited. The flowers were simply beautiful, but what was even more enjoyable was the rustic walk along the seaboard to Witches' Point. Upon returning to the Marine Hotel, an excellent luncheon was served, Mr. James Allen presiding. In the afternoon, the party drove to Llantwit Major, passing on the way the picturesque vil- lage of St. Bride's. The old church of Llantwit Major, rich in historic associations, was vi<ited, after which the party drove to the Nash light- bouse and inspected it. A return was made via St. Donatts and Brought on, the hotel being reached at 5.30. The cornfields en ronte were rich and ripe, and in some cases the reapers were actually at work. The drive is certainly one cf the prettiest to be had in South Wales. In the evening an excellent dinner was enjoyed, and the party, after an hour's rest. returned home satiated with the pleasures of the day. The most amusing item dealt with by the Neath Borough Magistrates on Monday was the case of Alford v. Glendinning. Both ladies are married and live quite close to each other in High-street. Not many evenings ago, or nights rather, for the hour was nigh unto midnight, Mrs. Glendinning assaulted the complainant, whom she relieved of a quantity of hair—perhaps an advantage this hot weather. The case was one of assault. The ladies had been friends, but a light word had evidently parted them. Mrs. Glendinning, who was defended by Mr. Powell, denied the assault, and alleged that as Mrs. Alford had bpen saying things reflecting upon her character, she merely walked across the street to seek an explanation. Instead of acceding to the request Mrs. Alford kicked her, and she had to be carried home. The Bench decided that Mrs. Alford's was the correct version and fined the defendant 10s. and costs. The complainant was so overcome, presumably with joy. that she went into hysterics and had to be helped out of ccurt by two lady friends. The Neath Guardians met on Tuesday. The weather was hot, superlatively so, and what business there was was soon disposed of. The report of the Asylum committee, was read. As usual, the committee had nothing special to report. Whenever have they had P To my mind it is a sheer waste of money to send five guardians and the clerk to Bridgend once a year to do nothing in particular and report about the same. I have not yet been able to get hold of the cost of this trip, but I intend to do so. Admitting that a formal visit is necessary, why not let one, or at the most two go ? Surely five and tho clerk are not required to do nothing once a year at the ex- pense of the ratepayers Truly, spread over the whole parish, the cost is little, bnt it's the un- derlying principle that must be made a target of. The annual meeting of the Neath Football and Athletic Association passed off very quietly, in spite of rumours to the contrary. Mr. J. E. Moore presided, and it was entirely due to his good office that Charlie Powell consented to be captain for the ensuing season. The Match Committee was done away with, and Messrs. Gabriel and J. E. Jones were added to the Management Committee, which in future will select the teams. The Association intends enlarging the ground and constructing a cyclin track in short, they purpose converting the land into a proper athletic ground. May their proposals be speedily and effectively realised. The second fifteen has been done away with. And a good job, too. For years the Neath A team have been nothing but a millstone hanging about the back of the club. In its stead a junior league is suggested. The formation of such will receive my hearty support. The last meeting of the Llantwit Lower School Board, as at present constituted, was held on Wednesday, under the presidency of the Rv. T. W. George (chairman). The principal business before the Board was a notice in the name of Mr. Law to the effect that the resolution reinstating Mr. Brown as head-master of the Tonna School be rescinded. Mr. David Rees seconded on the ground that Mr. Brown, since his rp-inatatement. had continued to create and foster animosity at Tonna. The Sev. R. O. Evan opposed the motion, but the Chairman declined to vote. He had, he said, suffered greatly by supporting Mr. Brown, and as the meeting was the last undor the old Board he should remain practically neutral. The motion was carried by two votes to one, and Mr. Thomas Williams of 2, Mile Hill School, Bristol, a native of Aberdulais, was appointed to succeed Mr. Brown. In my opinion the proceed- ings were illegal, for any such motions must be carried by the majority of the members present. Now in this case there were four members present, and three voted for and one against. It is quite within the range of possibility that the Board may land their successors into a law-suit, i.e.. if the new Board does not rescind Mr. Law's motion dismissing the head-master. LAW.—Mr. Trevor H. Hunter, of Briton Ferry, who is articled to Mr. Edwin Curtis, the Town Clerk of Neath, passed with honours the final examination of the Incorporated Law Society, held in June last.

GOWER AND DISTRICT. KNELSTONE CHAPKL. GOWES.—The annual tejt meetii g was held on Thursday. It was well ultended. The Swansea Churches sent down a party of about 120. After tea an open-air meet- ing was held, when addresses were delivered by the Revs. James Owen, D. Davies, G. Howard James (Derliy), J. Williams <C M.), J. Rhjs Daviea.and S.Jones (pastor). The meet- ing over, the brakes and cycles returned to Swansea, after a very enjoyable day. 1.

ABERAVON AND PORT TALBOT NOTES AND NEWS. LEy RAMBLER.] There was a show of cases down on the charge sheet at the county sitting of the JusticP8 on Monday, but the interesting V ones were all settled < ut of court. A batch of School Bon i d was quickly gone through, and the usualdrunk calendar was treited in similar fashion. Mr. Lloyd Edwards, the connty surveyor. wa" present in court, in consequence, no doubt, of Ct mplaiuts as to the acoustic properties of the Court House. The chairman of the day (Major David) told Mr. Edwards that there was certainly something wrong. He could not hear the clerk nearly so well as at the old court house in Aber- avon. Mr. Edwards thought that if the court were full the difficulty of hearing would be got over. Perhaps so, but Port Talhot must hurry up with their police-court cases. It is a lona- way behind in contributing its quota of police-court work. It has been a trifle warm during the week, even for Aberavon. The temperature was 85 deg. in the shade on Monday, and the general cry was what can we drink! The Aberavon Provisional Order Confirming Bill received the royal assent on Tuesday last. The unexpected death of the Rev. J. Foulkes caused a profound sensation in the town where he had lived so many years. His death causes a vacancy on the School Beard and also in the representation of the Borough on the Neath Board of Guardians. The vacancy on the School Board will be filled by the members of the Board. The Brighton" paid the port visits on Saturday and Sunday last, journeying to IlÎra- combe on Saturday with a full complement of trippers and 011 Sunday running down to Tenby. The weather on both occasions was delightful. The pier at Tenby, as I understand other piers on the coast are, was closed for the landing of passengers, although, mind you, quite a little army of boats and boatmen are allowed to employ their Sunday labour in the port in landing and embarking the passengers. What a farce it is to be sure, this retusa.1 of the Pier Authorities to allow pleasure steamers to use their pier works on a Sunday. At the same time they hold out their hand for the tonnage dues almost directly the ship's anchor is dropped in the Harbour, and permit boatmen to swarm the boatside, plying for hire. Oh the hypocrisy of the business. A well known character named Rees Rees. a seafaring-man of Aberavon, better known as Rees Nell," was fined JE1 and costs for being drunk and disorderly in the streets on Monday evening. Rees is a great nuisance in the town when in drink, and cuts all kinds of capers, insults females, stops cyclists, and what not. He is now detained at Swansea for a month. The annual licensing sessions for the petty sessional division will be prolific in applications for new licerses—chi» fly grocers' off licences—at least half-a-dozen new applications will be made. DEATH OF THE REV. J. FOULKES. By the untimely death of the Rev. John Foulkes, Congregational minister, which took place at his residence, Arvon House, Aberavon, on Sunday last, Aberavon has lost one of its oldest ministers. Mr. Foulkes had been con- nected with the town for something like 20 years, occupying the position of pastor of the Taber- nacle Chapel, in the Cwmavon-road. He was a very successful preacher and a hard worker. During his ministry the church made rapid strides, so much so, that two additional school- rooms had to be constructed for the use of the young members of his flock. As a preacher, his services were in much demand, and he was to have preached the sermon at the Congregational meetings held recently at Llanelly, but on that very day he was stricken down with the illness which so unexpectedly proved fatal on Sunday. He took a "reat interest in educational matters, and, in conjunction with the Rev. Waldo James, was the pioneer of unsectaiian education in the town. When the Nonconformist party won the recent School Board election, he Wa ap- pointed chairman of the Bnard. He was al-o a Guardian of the Poor for the parish, and a very z alous member. So recently as last Sunday week he occupied the pulpit of the Tabernacle Chapel, but on the following day he was taken ill, and symptoms developed rheumatic fever, which, reaching the brain, caused the fatal ter- mination. The rev. gentleman was an enthusi- astic Radical and a staunch teetotaler. He was 56 years of age, and he leaves a widow (who is a daughter of the Rev. — Samuel. Congrega- tional minister, Swansea) quite prostrated with grief at her terrible lo-s.

ABERAVON BJEOUGH POLICE COURT. THURSDAY. Before the Mayor (Councillor H. Wood) and Messrs. J. M. Smith and W. Williams. DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES. — Jame Richards, landlord of the Sailor's Return," Church street, was summoned by the Police for being drunk on his licensed premises on the 11th inst. Mr. Russell Thomas. Neath, appeared for the defence. Thr?e other men named Wm. Jones, Samuel Jones, and Thos. Jones, all of Aberavon, were also charged with the same offence in re- spectof the Sailor's Return." Constable Boyce pave evidence. Dr. J. H. Williams, Mr. Charles Jones..T.P and Aid. H. J. Stokes, whom Richards saw half an hour the visit of the police spoke as to de- fendant's absolute sobriety, though they thought he appeared a little excited. The case was dismissed as against Richards, but the others were each fined 10s including cot". A CRUEL HUSBAND.—An order of 7s. 6d. per week wall madeaail1st R. donk labourer named Alfred Heard, to contribute towards the support of his wife and child whom he had illtreated and compelled to live apart from him. BRAWLING IN THE STREET.—For shouting and brawling in the public streets at 5.30 in tho morning, Wm. Carpenter, Jno. Carpenter. Owen Griffiths and Thomas Thomas were discharged on payment of costs.

ABERAVON BOROUGH POLICE COURT. FRIDAY. TBefore the Mayoi (Councillor H. Wood) and Mr. H. Walsh."] A DRUNKEN COUPLE GET THEIR DESERTS — Wm. Willoughby and Julia his wife, described as of no fixed abode, got violently drunk in Water-street on the night of the 27th July. so much so that the services of several constables were requisitioned to maintain order. The Wil- loughbys' were merely tarrying awhile in the ancient borough on thf-ir pilgrimage through South Wales, when, no other attractions offering, they got beastly drunk, and at stop tap they went out into the night, and, in police court parlance, "created a great disturbance." Mrs. Willoughby was frantic with drink, eo acting- sergeant told their worships, and it was whilst endeavouring to pacify her uproarious conduct that the male defendant "chimed" in with his little arguments. H« set about the police in quite a bu-iness-like manner, kicking on th« side of the he id. He was finally overpowered by numbers, and a civilian named Mr. C. J. Shenton knelt npon his manly chest while the process of handcuffing was goi:.g on. Wil- loughby appeared before the Bench in a very meek manner, and trembled violently during the recital of the facts which led to his arrest.—The Chairman, in passing sentence of 21 days' hard labour on the male defendant, said that, the police and the pnblio mu-t be protected from such ruffians. The female defendant would also be sent down for 7 hard." Mr. Shenton was complimented by the Bench for assisting the police in the manner he had done.

LLANDILO. The Llandilo Company of the 1st V.B. Welsh arrived home from camp at Minehead by the 6.30 train on Saturday morning, and were met by the band of the company at the i-tation and a large number of townspeople, to give them a welcomn hOlll". '1 be ineu looked well after their hard week's work, and their uniforms bore unmistake- able sig-tls of heavy drills. Having been marched to the Drill Hall, Major William* thanked the men fo" the uniform good conduct and z al with which they had gone through camp life during the week, and hoped they would be none the worse for their outinar. Previously to leaving camp on Friday, Col. Picton Evan-" addressed the battalion, thank- ( ing them for musterinyr in such large numbers, and 8..id the way in which they had carried out their arduous duties during the hot weather was surpri-ing. A meeting of the Llandilo Urban District Council was held on Tuesday, August ht. when there were present Mr. J. W. Nichoils (in the chair), Messrs. W. Griffiths, E. A. Robert- T. E. Thomas, David Stephens. W. Jones, Evan Jones, Rev. W. Davies, and Thomas Hopkins. Mr. T. S. Griffith-, of the Railway Tavern Stores, hawing offered to rent the vacant store ro m near Bank House for 10s. per month, and undertaken to up possession whenever required, it was resolved that the same be let to him on those terms. It was also agreed that the tender of Mr. Pritchard Davies for laying 3-iuch pipes, etc., in Latimer-road be accepted. The Surveyor was directed to see that the owners of property in Greenfield-place repair the road adjoining their premises. It was resolved that the tender of Messrs. W. and J. Thomas for winding, etc., the town clock for one year ending the 30th June, 1900, for the sum of £2 10s. be accepted. FOOTBALL POACKING.—We have heard that Llandilo is noted for game poaching, but never heard of men poaching. A man named Mitchell, of Llanelly, instructed by Mr. Skinner, secretary of the Halifax Football Club, trespis<ed on our preserves by trying to steal our little Georgie. He was going to have £10 himself, so he told us. if he could only get Georgie away, and also hinted at a bigger sum for Georsie. Anyhow his instructions were. get George Davies and T:ew but get George Davids at any price. We hope Mitcbell nor Skinner will be very much put out we are sorry George cannot go. t

DR. RAWLlNGS AND THE STAGE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRIAN." SIR,—Dr. Rawlings is an intensely earnest man. His convictions are deep-rooted, and few men in Swansea command the respect he does. Probably no other member of the Corporation would have been listened to so attentively as he was on the occasion of his recent protest against the introduction to the Grand Theatre of The Gay Lord Quex." I refer to this subject because of the worthy doctor's letter to The Cambrian last week. It is an admirably-written letter, and it by no means lets the Daily Tele- graph off lightly. Dr. Rawlings quotes the Telegraph's own dramatic critic to prove that The Gay Lord Quex" is what he says it is. And the proof is not inconclusive, if the Tele- graph's dramatic critic be right. But what I take exception to—and .vhat the great majority of people take exception to—is the doctor's wholesale condemnation of the stage. The Gay Loid Quex," brilliant though it be, may not be so elevat ng as many of us would like it be; hut as one swallow does not make a summer, so one sugges- tive play does not make the whole stage sugges- tive. To give genuine and wholesome entertain- ment is a. very large function of the theatre, and without that entertainment very many lives wou d lose a stimulus of the very highest value. If recreation of every legitimate kind be valuable to the worker, especially so is the recreation of the drama, which lightens bis faculties, enlarge 1 his vision of the picturesque, and, by taking him for a time out of this work-a-day world, braces his sensibilities for the labours of life. The art which does this may surely cla'm to exercise more thun a fleeting influence upon the world's intelligence. But in its highest developments it does more it acts as a constant medium for the diffusion of great ideas, and by throwing new lights upon the best dramatic literature, it largely helps the growth of education. It is not too to say that the interpreters of Shakespeare on the stage have had much to do with the widespread appre- ciation of his works. I agree with Dr. RtW- lings that many forms of stage work-" Tho Gay Lord Quex may be one of them—are not parti- cularly elevating. But are there not countless fictions coming daily from the hands of printer and publisher which nobody is the better for reading ? We cannot have a fixed standard in any art and though there are masses of people who will prefer an unintelligent exhibition to a really artistic production, that is 110 reason for decrying the theatie, in which all the arts blend with the knowledge of history, manners, and customs of all people, and scene" of all climes, to afford a varied entertainment to the most exact- ing intellect. It is admittedly unfortunate tor the stuge that it has a certain equivocal element, which, in t he eyes of some judges, is sufficient for its condemnation. But is not that element slowly but surely disappearing? I think it is, and it reinuius for the public to, hasten its complptc di-appearance. The immortal part of the stage is its nobler part. Ignoble accidents and interludes come and go, but this lasts on forever. It is—and I say it again—associated with much that, is inferior, and hampered hy many hindrances—" The Gay Lord Quex" may be one of these hindrances— but it npver sinks into nothingness, and never fails to find new and great work of creations of permanent and memorable excellence. — Your-, &c., A LIOVKR OF THE BEST IN ALL THAT IS. Swansea, Aug. 2nd, 1899.

VENTILATED SHORS. VENTILATED SHOES. The ventilated shoe is the invention of a Canadian, and the ventilation is obtained by an air-pump worked automatically by the action of the feet in walking. There is a collapsible centre sole of pure rubber between the leather lining of the shoe and the sole, and this occupies the place of the ordinary filling, without adding to the size or weight of the shoe. This rubber sole is moulded in the form of transverse grooves and ribs, placed alternately over each other, so that when the leather lining is compressed by the foot the ribs sink into the grooves, stretching the thin central web of rubber so that a kind of spring is formed, which throws j the ribs back into position and expands the sole when the foot is lifted. In the heel of this ventilated shoe is provided a small valve, which admits air when the sole expands and closes when it contracts. The air thus constantly j pumped into the sole and retained there by the action of the valve is distributed round the foot by a number of perforations in the leather lining" and serves to keep the foot at all times cool and dry from perspiration. PERFECT HUMAN PROPORTIONS. A writpr in the July number of Pearson's gives j mltllY interesting particulars about the proportions of the perfect human figure,. illustrated with I explanatory photographs and diagrams. A man's hand. he says, is precisely equal to the length of his face, from the top of the forehead to the chin. The index finger is about half the length J of hand IInd wrist combined, while the two small points of that finger are equal to the length of I, the longest, and are also equal to the length of the nose, which measures about two inches. In the feminine hand the fingers are comparatively longer, the hand narrower, and the wrist bone r-maller than in the case of a man. When the hands are folded before a figure they should just cover the centre of the body. Again, when the arms hang at the sides in man, the finger tip should reach half-way down the thigh. This, however, is seldom found to be the case when a negro or other black man is measured, while it t is interesting to note in this connection, that the | arms of the gorilla reach almost to his feet. To illustrate the fact that the length of a man's hand equals the length of the face, and that the face is a tenth part of the body's length, a diagram is sometimes placed before art studants shewing a figure down the length of which^ ten hands are indicated, the first covering the face. In the olden days the generally accepted theory was that the perfect human body should mea-ure eight heads in height. Thus the Venus de Medici satisfies the law accurately, and also the Venus de Milo and the Achilles of the louvre. In the j two Venuses. de Milo and de Medici, we l ave I the one majestic, tall, and heroic, the other ¡ petite and full of grace. Nowadays, however, only the very tallest women measure eight heads, seven and a half being accepted as the general i average for a well-developed woman.

Mr. John Morley has arrived at the Red Houpe, Hawnrden, where h will re-ide fo!' several months, in order that he may hive readv access to the p tpers in Hawarden Castle, t'le study of which is necessary in connpction with the right hon. gentleman's preparation of a biography of Mr. Gladstone. The Hed House was formerly the residence of the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone, and was recently occupied by Lady Frederick Cavendish. Mr. and Mrs. Rudyard Kipling are expected to go for a few weeks to Scotland. They will probably'reside at Creich Manse, Sutherlandshire. Mr. William Waldorf Astor, the well-known millionaire aud newspaper pro- rie'or, has re- nounced his American citizenship and has become a Briti-h subject. The necessary certifi- cate of naturalisation was granted t,) Mr. Astor on July 11th last Sir Charle-s and Lady Shelley have gone to, A yit g-tun Park, near Winchester, for the season. TIe Hon. St. John Brodrick, M.P.. and Lady Hihli Brodrick have taken Holuibury, near Dorking, for a few weeks. THE SWANSEA DOG Stfow.-Thi- great show will be held at Mumbles on August 7th.

SWANSEA COUNTY COURT. The August sitting of the Swansea County Court was held rather earlier in the month than usual, his Honour taking his seat on Monday. Owing to the holding of the Assizes at the Guildhall, the court sat in the Royal Institution, Mr. Registrar Home taking the interpleader cases in the Sailors' Rest, opposite. SOUTH WALES DEBT RECOVERY V. LAW.— This was an action arising out of a case at the last court, in which Edmund Law, finarcier, of Neath, claimed £18 from the South Wales Finance and Debt Recovery Company. Plain- tiff had applied in the High Court to prohibit Judge Williams from hearing the case, on the ground that it ought to be heard at the Neath Court. Mr. Justice Channell dismissed this application, and the claim was afterwards admitted. His Honour Judge Williams now heard a counter claim brought by the South Wales Debt Recovery Co. as the assignees of certain book debts of a Mrs. Jane Davies, against Mr. Law. Mr. Yilliers Meager, who represented the company, stated that a num- ber of years ago the Mrs. Davies referred to asked Mr. Law to collect certain debts, but she had never received a single penny from him or an account. She subsequently assigned the debts to the Debt Recovery Co., who found out that certain of the debtors had paid Mr. Law, and on searching the records of the Neath County Court, they found out exactly how matters stood.—Mr. Edmund Law stated that he had brought actions in the Neath County Court in respect of the debts, and in a number of cases spent money which he had not credited, while a lot of the cases had proved abortive,—Judge Williams observed that if there was no intention to defraud on the part of Mr. Law, it was very irregular. Accounts ought to have been delivered to the woman.—Mr. Law I always told her husband that my out-of-pocket expenses exceeded what I received. He only lived a stone's throw from the debtors, and never asked for an ac- count.—Judgment was given for plaintiff for £14 8s-, being the amount admitted- by the defendant. Judgment for defendants on the counter-claim for £39 8s. Id., the money to be paid into court in seven days to abide any further order, plaintiff to supply accounts in a month, and an affidavit of documents, 10 per cent. commission to be allowed plaintiff on the counter-claim and costs allowed the defendants. DAVIES v. THICK.—In this case, Evan Davies, a grocer, sued Thomas Trick, board- ing-house-keeper, for -81 11s. 9d. for gro- ceries supplied. The goods had been ordered by a brother of the defendant for four sailors who had been lodging with Trick, to whom the goods were debited. Plaintiff said Mrs. Trick had promi&ed payment on behalf of her husband, but this was denied, and defendant said his brother had no authority to order goods for him. — Judgment was given for plaintiff.

TUESDAY. HIS HONOUR DECLINES JURISDICTION AS A MATRIMONIAL COURT. A curious point was raised before the judge upon a motion by Mr. Villiers Meager regard- ing the case of Alfred Alexander v. Annie Atkins. council making application to amend proceedings by striking out the words mar- ried woman," and describing her as a widow in such proceedings on the grouud that the person to whom she is married is her deceased husband's brother, and therefore that such marriage is null and-void.—His Honour re- fused point blank to do anything of the sort, and remarked, I won't constitute myself a court for matrimonial proceedings. Go and get a mandamus."—Mr. Meager proceeded to argue the point, remarking that unless bis Honour gave a decision they could not go to another court.—His Honour I am not going to decide the point. She has gone through a form of marriage. The question as to the legality of that marriage I am not going to decide. His Honour intimated that he would do anything counsel liked to help him to get a decision, but added, I won't decide it my- self. I'll assist you to get the authority to compel me to do it. I'd break your window to do that. (Laughter.)—Mr. Meager asked his Honour if he would make a note of the objection, and Judge Williams consented to do so.—Later on, Mr. Meager reverted to the subject, whereupon his Honour remarked, "I tell you it appears to me to decide that. Mr. Meager: If your Honour will spy you have no jurisdiction His Honour Yes you had better put it that way, and I decline to alter it on the ground of want of juris- diction. STOLEN TUBNIPS. Mr. Joseph Aubrey Saunders, a farmer, re- siding at Norton, sued Mrs. Fanny Davey, a neighbour, for two guineas for damage to a fence, and four guineas the value of certain turnips consumed by defendant's cattle.—For the defence, it was contended that the gap in the hedge was caused by mountain sheep, and that the turnip crop in the field had been gathered before the time of the alleged raid. —His Honour, in giving judgment of £1 for the damage to the fence, remarked that it was perfectly absurd for farmers to bring such actions. There should be give and take on both sides. Why," he added, I should be continually quarrelling with my neigh- bours at home if I did so."

tXwirig to Tne nanorMat epmaner ror ice by butchers, fishmongers, restaurateurs, and publi. cans, the price rose 50 per cent. during the past week. It is now selling at 35s. to 40s. per ton. or double the price of coal. Publicans who take smaller quantities have been paying 3s. per cwt. and Is. a. pail for the cooling luxury. The daily consumption of ice in London just now is 2,000 tons. The body of John Henry Harley Parsons, nine- teen years of age, who lived with hid parents at Aylestone-park, Leicester, has been found in the canal at Syston. Upon him were found photo. graphs of two young ladies and some original poetry, which left no doubt as to his state of mind. It is reported in Paris that the Shah of Persia has gone completely mad, and is unable to attend to the affairs of State. His sole occupation now is that of playing with the telephone which he has had put up in every room in the palace. A disastrous explosion has occurred on board the Austrian torpedo-boat Adler. While she was in the Canale Curzola, off the island of Torcola, her boiler burst, killing a lieutenant and four men of the crew, and wounding two others. The boiler was hurled overboard, aud the hull of the: <■ boat was badly damaged. At Marylebone, a man named Maguire, whose r wife obtained on Thursday a decree nisi for a divorce from him, was charged with breaking a pane of glass at her house on Friday. The de., fendant broke the glass in order to get into the house; he said he had nowhere else to go. The magistrate told Mrs. Maguire that, if she let him remain, she would not get her decree made absolute. Eventually a remand for a week was granted in order that Mrs. Maguire might arrange for the defendant to be looked after. Portsmouth was visited on Sunday afternoon by terrific thunderstorms, accompanied by torrents of rain. In a short time the whole of the tramway service was suspended, and the railway line near Fratton station was under 2ft. of water. In front of the Town Hall the streets were flooded to such an extent that boys were able to swim. The damage done must amount several thousands of pounds. Reports from all the Scottish grouse districts h id out glowing prospects for the "Twelfth." Only very bad weather during the next threa weeks can mar the certainty of good bags. A thunderstorm of unusual severity burst over Clare on Saturday, causing much damage to property of every description. A harvestman named Shannon had a miraculous escape, a portion of a scythe with which he was working carried away by the lightning. A boulder weighing several tons was struck an shattered to pieces. The Russian Minister of Public Instruction has issued a proclamation by order of the Czae to the effect that all students who took part ia the disorders last year are pardoned, except*, ing those who are entirely excluded from visiting the high schools. PROPERTY DISPUTE.—In view of a dispute between the Corporation and Mr. Jo-eph Evai s. of Trehoeth, as to the ownership of sortie land adjacent to the Cwmgelly Cemetery, the Corpora- tion instructed som officials to pull down 8"m(\ fences, and on Saturday a ffanpr of mm carried out the order. and in an hour all were levelled. Tiiis ia preparatory to an action to St.ally settle the qnestiin. iLLTTDS CHURCH. PESIBREV Its History and its Architecture," by Mr. Edward Roberts and Mr. H. A. Pertwee. is a well-written and reliable work it is pr< fusely illustrated, and should be in the hands of all intarested in Chnrch history. Order at once Price one shilling.—See advt.

NEATH BOROUGH POLICE COURT. MONDAY. .[Before Hopkin Morgan and S. C Gardner, E8qS.} MAN AND WIFB.— Humphrey Tnomas, collier, of Penydre. was summoned for deserting his wife and neglecting to maintain her nnd his children, —Mr. Edward Powell appeared for the com- plainant.—The wife gave evidence, showing that the defendant deserted her a fortnight ago. Hi* had been in the habit of ill-using her, and was of drunken habits. —The Bench made an order of reparation, giving the custody of the children to the wife, and adjudged the defendant to pay 10s. a week towards their maintenance. ALLEGES ASSAULT.—Charlotte Alford. wife of Robert Henry Alford, baker, summoned Catherine Gleudentdng for an assault committed on the night of Wednesday, July 26th. Both parties live in High-street.—Mr. Edward Powell ap- peared for defendant.—Complainant said that she was talking in her house with some neigh- bours when defendant came in and committed an unprovoked nssanlt upon her, tearinsr a quantity of hair from her head.—The Bench inflicted a fine of 10s. and costs. TRANSFER OF LICENCK.—Mr. Chas. Edward Steer applied for the temporary transfer of thp licence of the Shakespeare Inn, and the Bench granted the same. Music LICKNSES.—The landlords of the Wynd- ham Arms and Swan Inn applied for music licences during Bank Holiday week. The Bench granted licences in each case for the Monday only. DRUNKENNESS.—Edward Ryan, of Duck-street, Cllarles Jane", 99, Old-road, Skewen. and Chas. Mellin, East land-road, were fined 5s. and costs for being drunk and disorderly.—John Connell, 7, Cecil-stree*, was fined 10s. and costs, and Richard Stokes, 6, The Green, 7s. 6d. and costs for like offences. — Hannah Jenkins, an old offender, was sentenced to a month's imprison- ment for drunken and disorderly conduct.

PONTARDAWE. lBy OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY. On Tuesday at the Workhouse Board Room, E. A. Fawcett. Esq.. A.M.I.C.E., who was appointed by the Local Government Board, attended to hold an inquiry into the subject mat- ters of the Works of Water Supply for Yny"- meidw. and the Public Lighting nf Pontardawe, application having been made for sanction to borrow £750 for the former, and £200 for the latter. Councillors Herbert Lloyd, J. Hodgson, D. Jones, D. Lewis, A. Samuel attended, also J. Morgan, Surveyor, C. B. Jenkins, Clerk, Mr. David Smith, resident and ratepayer. The inquiry was very thorough, and there was no opposition. At the close Mr. Fawcett and Mr. Morgan the Surveyor visited the springs and the locality of the proposed new reservoir. ATHLKTICS.—It is rumoured that for Lliefuture the Athletic Meetings held at Portardawe. are to be confined to residents, the conduct of visitors does not seem to meet with the approval of cer- tain parties. EI.OPEMENT.—A little flutter of excitement was caused last week by the newa of a married woman going off with the lodger. The husband Worked in a totally different locality and returned home weekly. He has got places for the elder of the children, and taken the youngest with him. and broken up his home.

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