Weekly Mail

THE STATE OF IRELAND. GOVERNMENT PROSECUTION OF MR. DILLON, M.P. II In the Queen's Bench Division. Dublin, on Tues- day (before Justices Lawson, O'Brien, and John- j son) Mr. John Dillon, M.P., appeared to answer a summons tarred on him at Ballaghadereen, to show cau.. why he should not be called upon to provide bail for his future good behaviour. There was a large attendance inside the court, including j several members of Parliament, Mr. Dillon was cheered as he entered the court in company with the Lord Mayor of Dublin. ,01 On the opening of the proceedings Mr. Healy applied, on behalf of Mr. Dillon, for a. postpone- ment of the case for a period of ten days, on the i ground that there had not been time for Mf. Dillon to prepare his reply to the summons ngainsl^um. He (Mr. Heaiv) had only that day been instHffed,. and only two days had elapsed since the summons was served, and he submitted that that was not a reasonable interval. He quoted the case of Seymour 11. Davitt as a precedent for granting a postpone- ment, when Mr. Davitt asked for time to instruct j counsel. The Attorney-General, for the Crown, admitted that tho request was a reasonable one. Mr. Healy suggested a postponement for ten days, and. after some discussion, it wa.3 decided that the case should stand adjourned until Satur- day week. An argument ensued, in which Mr. Healy urged that evidence shnuid not be given by affidavit, but orally. The Attorney-General submitted that affidavits j were customarily filed, and be contended that the custom must be observed in this case. Mr. Healy declared that the action of the Attorney-General was unfair and ungenerous, and declared his intention not to tile anyamdavits, but to raise the question when the case came on again. CONT PROTEST BY THE NATIONAL LEAGUE. The Central News" learns that it is in con- temptation by the Irish National League to eon- test the legality of the action taken by the Sligo police on Saturday. It d contended that the j Lord-Lieutenant's proclamation referred solely to the Sunday meeting, and it is asserted that the; local authorities at Siigo exceeded their instruc- tions when They forcibly dispersed the meetings on Saturday evening. THE DUBLIN TOWN COUNCIL AND1 THE GOVERNMENT PROSECUTION. At a meeting of the Dublin Corporation on Mondav the Lord Mayor said that a requisition had been presented to him, asking hiui to call a special meeting to take into consideration the action of the Government in suppressing public meetings and arresting leaders of the people. He would summon a meeting fur Friday next. INTERVIEW WITH ML. O'BRIEN, M.P. The Press Association" special correspondent had an interview with Mr. O'Brien, M.F., iu Dublin on Monday en the subject of the Govern- ment prosecution of Mr. Dillon. Mr. O'Brien expressed the opinion that the Executive were acting in a manner which would bring defeat on themselves. They were trying an impossible Biove in at tempting to stem the tide of opinion which was supporting the movement for the reduction or existing rents. The Government were convicted out of the mouth of their own agent, General Bulier, who had declaiyd in favour of a produce rent, which, if adopted, would mean that the tenants would pay no rent at all, as the bnd, especially in the West, no longer ptoducv.d the rent. Mr. O'liricn observed that the poorest tenants fared worst, and tltose landlords who could afford to reduce rents had done 80. Therefore, it was ail tue mote necessary to protect those tenants who could not defend themselves. He was apprehensive that tiie present prosecu- tions and the suopression of the National League, if curried out, would lead to months of troublous times, but he expressed his confidence in the judgment of the English people that they woutdheKtn to see the justice of the claims of lite Irish peasantry, and that if a repressive policy were adopted in the immediate future it would speedily be followed by a revulsion of feeling against such expedients "f a Government con- trulied bv ins0lvelJt, landlord?. ne took it as" logical consequence of tha policy initiated by the impeachment of Mr. Hilton that other prosecutions would follow. THE NO-KENT AGITATION. The "Fre«? Association" correspondent tele- graphs that, from inquiries made on Monday in official quarters, it doe* not appear tint any steps will be taken at present by the Government against the leaders of the no-rent movement b.yond the prnspcut70ns now pending against Mr. Dillon, or. at least, not until those prosecutions lave been determined. In fact, there is a strong fueling, which ili shared by loading iren cf all shades of opinion, deprecatory of such prosecutions, on rue ground that they are likely to serve any useful pur- snJ are iiieiik-acicus to prevent the spread of the movMuenr. At the same time there is a Dounlnr irfaa chat » "Uses against- M> Oill/in win o« io.mweo oy stronger assures directed against, the machinery of 'he whose National move- ment, anc; that, t.her»fort, r;P-5!t troubles will ensue. Titfrfi ia plenty of evideitfse that the plan of campaign" has captivated the minds of the tenants ,'n many estates where rack rents are in force, ami there is iln apprehension amon* the landowning cia»3 that the idea way betaken up still further it no check be pl.tcci on the spread of the movement. In Ulster, as well as in wilier purrs th« country, a disposition :s »liown to deiiiitnd substantial reductions. The facts have J^-en placed before f.he Government, and that the unexpected growth of the new agita- tion hus impelled the Executive to iht course indicated by tiJa prosecution of Mr. Dillon. The succession to ti><» Irish Secretaryship is still in abeyance. Sir Rnbert Hamilton's tenure of ofiica ceases at 'he end of this month, hue it is believed that his successor will not be appointed at present. ANOTH MEETING DISPERSED BY THK POEICK. An open air meeting, organised by Mr. John O'Connor, M.P., for the purpose of intimidating the jurors at, Munster Winter Assizes, was on Monday night disDersed hy the police The crowd paraded the streets, headed by Mr.- O'Connor, for soma time. After singing "God Have Ireland," they were followed bv the police wherever tl-.ev went, and not, to re-assemble. Mr. O'CemnOr advised them to go home, and not give the police the chance of beating tiletl1, but called on them to attend a. meeting on Skwdar to denmince jury paekiv.p. d THE STATE OF THE WEST AND SOUTH DISTRICTS. On }Iou«Uy afternoon in Dublin Castle Sir RL Hick3- Beaeh had an interview with resident magistrates from the West and Smitli of Iral-.in,-j concerning the of their districts. rLLLL OE MOONLXG RTERS. M t.' H £ )i-; UKRS (.'HKKSEO. Un Monday;evening over 50 prisoners connected with Moonlighting offences in Kerry and Clare readied Cork, under strong police escort, to undergo trial at M: un:3ter A "s:z.,s, which opeu on Thursday. Th. y were met by Mr. John O'Connor, ;.i P., and a lartre crowd, who accompanied them on foot to the gaol, Mr. O'Connor calling for cheers for Poff and Barrett, recently convicted at Cork for a murder in K?rry. The jurors were bt-fpri. OUTRAGE ON A FA MMER. A FORTUNATE ESCAPE. Tha "Prfas Association" Sewry correspondent telegraphs that a murderous attack was made on Monday night upon farmer and shopkeeper named James Wilson whilst on his way from Xiathelr.iiind too Custltcwellan. Wibon, woo was on hunreliiick, was only a short, distance, wit. of Kathefriland when he was attacked by men, who commenced to heat him with sticks, and tried to pull him off the iiorse. Wilson retained his seat in the saddle, and the horse bolted, thus in all probability saving tho man's life. Wilson was Boycotted for having taken a house in Castle- wedan from which a tenant was evicted. Sill 11. HAMILTON'S SUCCESSOR. The Daily Express says that Genera' Bulier has been appointed to succeed Sir Robert Hamilton as Under-Secretary for Ireland, but, the Dublin corre- spondent of theCentral .sews" has ascertained that no permanent appointment wiH be imme- diately made, and that Sir Kobert Hamilton will remain at Dublin Castle till the end of December. There are at least a dozen candidates for his post. The Under-Secretary's Department is being; re- organised wi.'b a view to a division '>f the duties. E OF .MAYOR OF BELFAST. At a meeting of the Belfast Town Council on Tuesday Alderman Haslett, who unsuccessfully contested West Belfast at the recent election, was un;)ni'v.o.jsiv {i-f.r-ted mayor for the ensuing year. N -i TloN ALIST DEMONSTRATION. A Nationalist demonstration was held at Castle- blansy on Tuejdav, and was addressed by Messrs. W. Redmond, Nolan, Pinkerton, and Patrick O'Brien. M Resolutions were passed adopting the United Ireland plan of campaign, and condemn- ing the action of the Government in prosecuting Mr. Dillon. Mr. O'Brien said he was prepared to endorse everything :\1r, Dillon had said and done. A Government reporter was present: FIRST FRUITS OF THE GOVERN- Ml:NT'S NEW POLICY. A "Sligo Landlord" thus writes to Tuesday's Times'.—On Friday last my a^ent attended a market town in Connaught to receive rents. Would he give an abatement on judicial rents? JCo. Then no rent would they pay impossible titnes were too bed; they had not. got the money it could be made. Very well, replied the nsrent, shutting up his books and going off to his dinner. Meanwhile the mail train from Dublin caine in with the news that Mr. Dillon, M.P., had been cited bv the Crown to appear in the Court of Queen's Bench on Tues- day and show cause why criminal information should not be taken ag-'inst, him for intimidation. Within an hour of the papers being so distributed every penny was paid. These impecunious tenants even came knocking at the window of the room where the agent was dining, to urge him to come out and receive rents that an hour before ttiev de- clared they bad not got at all. THE IIHSH SUNDAY CLOSING ACT. On Tuesday, at :11. annual meeting of tha Irish Grocers' and Vintners' Association in Dublin, a report was adopted against renewing th* Sunday Closing Act, recommending the prosecution of sham clubs, and that the Excise should resume tha system of registering transfers of the ownership of spirits in bonded stores. Resolutions were adopted to give a preference to home-grown barley as against imported grain. FORMATION OF A HOME RULE UNION. The Central News learns that the two societies known as the British Hom& Rule Association and the United Kingdom Home Rule League respec- tively have arranged to form themselves into an entirely new organisation, to be called the Home Rule Union, and having as the single object To support Irish people in their demand for Home Rule, entirely new organisation, to be called the Home Rule Union, and having as the single object To support Irish people in their demand for Home Rule, and to secure such a solution of the question as I may satisfy the Irish nation without impairing the rights of the Crown or the integrity of the Empire." The first meeting will be held on December 9. CONFLIC BETWEEN A MOB AND THE ¡ POLICE. I During the row between the people and the police when dispersing a meeting held to intimi- date jurors on Wednesday night at Cork several persons were injured; amongst others Dr. Tanner, M.P., was wounded in the head by a policeman's baton. Mr. O'Connor, M.P., Mr. O'Shea, M.P., and the mayor-elect received rough usage, whilst the ¡ police were stoned. OPENING OF THE ULSTER ASSIZES. JUSTICE LAW SON ON THE BELFAST RIOTS. ¡ Mr. Justice Lawson opened the Commission of the Ulster Winter Assizes at Omagh on Wednes- day. Addressing the grand jury, his Lordship expressed regret that the business before them was of a very serious character, and that their duty would be important and prolonged. The principal cases coming before them had reference to the riots at Belfast, which had been the subject of recent investigation. The catalogue was of a formidable character, for there were no less than 73 cases to be tried. These cases could not with propriety be tried in the atmosphere of Belfast, and, therefore, the Crown, in its discretion, brought them for trial to Omagh. His Lordship con- eluded by advising the grand and petty juries to discharge their duty carefully and dispassionately. POLICE APPOINTMENT. Mr. Henry Thynne, resident magistrate of Kil- kenny, well-known as an expert rifleman, has been appointed Deputy-Icspector-GeneraI of the Irish Constabulary. ELECTION OF LonD MAYOR OF DUBLIN. On Wednesday at a meeting of the corporation hold to consider the question of the incoming Lord Mayor it was decided that Mr. T. D. Sullivan, 1 M P., the present Lord Mayor, should continue his tenure of officc. AMERICAN SUPPORT FOR MR. PA UN ELL. Mr. J. Fitzgerald, President of the Irish National League, America, cables to the National League in Dublin that twenty millions of Irish Americans will support anv poiicy that Mr. Parnell adopts. Mr. Fitzgerald h.is also issued a circular to ali the branches calling upon them to make special efforts to assist their brethren in Ireland in view of the threatened prosecutions. APPOINTMENT OF THE GRAND M ASTER OF THE ORANGE LODGE. On Wednesday, at a meeting of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, in Dublin, the Earl of Erne was selected to succeed the late Earl of Enniskillen as Grand Master of the Orange lttati- tution. CHASING A GOVERNMENT REPORTER. An extraordinary scene occurred in the concert hall of the Literary Institute of Clonmel on Tues- i day night, when Father Sheehy, a parish priest, lecluied in aid of some evicted tenants. Mr.Condon, j M.P.. in putting a vote of thanks to the meeting, remarked that he saw a shorthand writer from the t Tory Government taking notes in one of the side ■ galleries. (Groans, and a voice: Throw him out.") Mr. Condon continued. Little Cistlereagh has sent a gleuthhonnd to follow Father Sheehy. (More groaning, and several voices: "Throw him out," Teat. up his notes," Don't let him escape.") A number of persons made a rush towards where thfl Government, reporter was sitting, but he jumped up, and by running along the seats escaped into the street by a side staircase. He was followed through the streets by a large crowd, but succeeded in reaching the police barracks. BAILIFFS CHASED BY GIRLS. The bailiff employed by Lord Dilion proceeded with an Assistant, to Tullaghana, near Ballyhnunis, on Wednesday, 'o servo ejectments nn tenants. Tiveir mission being anticipated, nbout 200 young girls pelted them with mud Itnd tried lo capture them. They escaped, however, by crossing the river, leaving their horse and car, coats, and eject- ments behind them. The horse nnd car were after- wards recovered bV the poliœ. PURCHASE OF HOLDINGS BY IXS.ltlTC, Ail tenants on the Armagh estates of Mr. Ferdi- nand Loujdiran have purchased their holdings, under Lord Ashbourne's Act, .t 19 years; PAYING RENTS TO AGENTS OF THE LEAGUE. The Press Association Lotighrea correspon- dent telegraphs that Uie tenants on tho Dnnsandle Estate on Tuesday offered the rent less 25 per cent. The agent offered a reduction of 15 per cent., but, the tenants refused, and subsequently lodged the half-year's rent, less the reduction, in the hands of the trustees appointed by the tenants, Mr. Sheehy, M.P., who was present, giving receipts for the same. After receiving the money, Mr. t-Mipehv proceeded to Tynagh, where he was joined by Mr. Harris, M.P.. and they collected rents, less the reduction, on the Earl's Westmeath estate,

MORE FASTING. The Palis correspondent of the Daily yews writes:—Succi has begun his fast. He propared himself for it by a lunch consisting of half-a-dozen Marenne'j oysters, a fried soie. a beefsteak a la Chateaubriand, .t. bottie of Bordeaux, and a cup of coffee. At six in the evening he took a dozen large Marennss oyster?, drank a mug of German beer, and smoked. At midnight he wis weigher!, and examined by five French doctors, one of whom was the illustrious Charcot. The other members of the Paris faculty who were invited to come stood aloof. Before midnight he smoked a cigar. During his fasting trial he is not to indulge in tobacco smoking in any form. The conditions under which the trial wsis to be made were read aloud by Dr, Bordiaue, and signed by Succi and tile members of the medical committee which is to watch him. It is stipulated tnat he may drink aerated waters and that he may as often as he ple-ises have his body rubbed with camphor.ted IJ¡¡V¡; oil. He is to drink daily of the famous liquid, but he refuses to let it be analysed. This, it was re- marked to him, exposed him to suspicion, inas- much as it might contain nutritive principles. Every day Succi undertakes to walk or ride out, and on the 27th day, it the committee of surveil- lanca allow him, to swim for an hour either in a swimming bath or the Seine. Two or three days before the end of the trial he will driHK 60 j grammes weight of a liquid of which he will hand an equal quantity to the committee for analysis. This liquid is a violent poison, but he claims for his fasting fluid the power to net- tralise its noxious qualities. A drop of it would kill a rat. Succi weighs 130 pounds avoirdupois. His pulse beat last night 62 a minute. His heart is normal, and the lungs and abdominal organs are sound. His general condition is good, and he is of a clean, muscular build. There is in his left eye a posterior staphyloma of the cornea with CGn- junctivity. The right eye is perfect. The pupils j are very sensitive. The teet hare strong. Succi exhibits himself for money in the room in which he sleeps, in the Rue Lepellstier. There is a turn- Mile at the lobby door, where those coming-to see the fasting m;in pay two francs, liitlr of which is given to the fund to relieve the victims of the inundations in the South. The bed in the middle of the- toom has spread upon it a leopard's skin, and there is a lion's skin beside it. Succi allowed his bed to be examined to show that there was no food hidden in it. He was dressed in bathing tights. A large number of journalists were present, some of whom were from illustrated papers, and sent to sketch i the fasting man and his room, the walls of which are adorned with trophies of swords and pistols,' and outlandish weapons picked up in Africa. If a paving crowd be not drawn it will not be for want of advertising bills and placards, which cover the front of the house, and the stairs also. There is a great show of French and Italian Hogs grouped round shields bearing the name of Succi nnd nothing else. The Brussels correspondent of the same paper also writes:—A Swiss named Simon, emulating! Succi and Meriatti, began a fast hove at midnight on Mondav, which is to last for 31 dav«.

THE PRIZE FIGHT FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP. POSTPONEMENT THROUGH MUTUAL DISTRUST. The Press Association learns that the prize light for the championship between Smith and Knifton had been arranged to come off in the grounds of a French sportsman in the neighbour- hood of Paris on Tuesday morning, but in con- sequence of a dispute as to the numbers on the "round, it did not come off. The principals, their seconds, and backers had crossed the Channel and met at the phce appointed. It bad been arranged that the men should have oniy ten supporters each, but Smith's party turned up nearly one hundred strong. In these circumstances Knifton's party declined to proceed with the contest. After considerable discussion on tho ¡ subject, and the Knifton party persisting in their refusal under such conditions, it was decided to abandon the light for the time. It is not known when the affair will ba brought off, as it is feared a difaculty will be found in eluding the large number of Smith's supporters who are fnxious to be present.

Thk Ju3TLEE Year is emphatically a year for rejoicing, and there is nothing so well fitted to make glad the heart as that unrivalled liqueur Grant's Morella Cherry Brandy." To be had of Thomas Grant and Sons, Maidstone, and of all Wine Merchants. Look to the branded corks, bottles, and capsules, and distinctive labels, and beware of substitutes. For the temperance com- munity, "Morena," a new strictly non-alcoholic drink, is provided from the same" cherry. Urge jour grocer to keep it, 722S7

Hi! THE CONVEYANCE OF THE! AMERICAN MAILS. LETTER FROM THE POSTMASTER- GENERAL. Mr. Baden-Powell. M.P., has received the follow- ing letter from the Postmaster-Generalj General Post-office, Nov. 23. Dear Mr. Baden-Powell,—I need hardly assure you, in reply to your letter of the 20th inat., that the question of the American mail service has had my most anxious consideration, and that it has been my wish to maintain, if the public interest permitted it, the transit of the mails by the quickest steamers sailing from Liverpool and call- ing at Queenstown as the terminal pert. If I have not on this occasion completely suc- ceeded in establishing such a service it is entirely due to the action of the Cunard and Oceanic (White Star) Steamship Companies, whose tender demanded the exclusive conveyance of the mails by their own ships, and on two days of the; weekoniy; for their subsequent offer to carry a. third mail a week by their Boston line was virtu- ally useless, because the ships are so slow that they would frequently be outstripped by the following ship of the White Star Line. The arrangements which I have made with the new Inman Company and with Messrs. Guion and < o. will provide a regular service on two days of the week from Liverpool and Queenstown, and 1 have secured a third service, via Southampton, for a period ot three months. This servico may be subsequently continued or not, as the public inte- rest shall require. I ought to point out, with reference to the con- cluding paragraph of your letter, that the more continuous mail service which you hope may be devised would very probably preclude the Post- office from availing itself in the future of the fastest ships, an arrangement which, in view of the constant improvements in shipbuilding now tak- ing place, would be verv undesirable. I am aware that the chief seats of the American trade are in the North-West of England, and that the route through London is not in all cases the most convenient that could be adopted for the American mails. Put I may tell you that in July, 1884, when the question of the American mail ser- vice was last under consideration, memorials were sent to tlte Post-office, not only from London, but also from the Chambers of Commerce of Man- chester, Hradford, and Huddersiield, praying that a mail rniglit be given t.o the woll-known express steamers of the North German Lioyd sailing from Southampton on the Thursday in every week. [See Parliamentary Return No. 99 of 1384-. Con- veyance of Mails to New York." 1—Believe me, very faithfully yours, Hknkt CECIL KAIKES. LETTER FROM LOUD SALISBURY. The guardians of Belfast. Union having commu- nicated with the Prime Minister relative to the proposed changes in the American mail service, pointing out that in their opinion they would be detrimental to the commercial interests of Ireland, histordshiphas replied, informing the guardians that, so far as circumstances would permit, the Postmaster-General had arranged that the route via Queenstown should be retained. NEW TENDERS TO BE ISSUED. Replying to the protest of the Liverpool Provision Trade Association against the American mail contract, the Postmaster-General, after re- capitulating tho reasons already advanced in favour of the change, says that new tenders will shortlv be issued for public competition, and the Cunard and White Star companies will have the same opportunity as others to tender on open terms. THE FEELING IN LIVERPOOL. The Press Association Liverpool correspon- dent telegraphed on Wednesday evening:—The Council of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce having sent to all the members of farlia- ment representing Lancashire constituencies copies of the memorial adopted by the chamber against the change made by the Govern- ment concerning the carrying of the American mails, and asking thoin to support in Parliament the prayer of the memorialists, the chamber tide afternoon received replies from tb" C'han- cellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Gibson (Solicitor- General for Ireland), and Mr. David Duncan, M.P. The Chancellor of the Exchequer simply acknowledged the receipt of the resolu- tions cf the chamber against the mail arrangements, and expresses no opinion. Mr. Gibson said the subject had had his anxious attention since the proposed change was mf-n- tioned, and he hoped the opinion expressed at the meeting would receive the careful consideration that interests of such importance demanded. In a subsequent letter Mr. Gibson said he would at once bring the feeling of the chamber betore the Postmaster-General, whose arrangement was a temporary one, and he was sure Mr. Raikes would give due weight and effect to the opinion of a body entitkd to speak with authority, and repre- senting such enormous interet!"s. 'Ilia first des- patch <> of mails via Southampton takes place on Thursday. Much indignation was expressed with the change that letters which it was desired to send by that mail must, leave Liverpool tlii" evening, in order to catch the German steamer at Southampton, whereas, under 1 the old arrangement, latters wou!d not require to be posted for Liverpool steamers until Thursday oc.r.in„. rmd would hp delivered in New York as speedily as by mo new arrangement, which lianiii- i caps Liverpool merchants by 24 hours. A meeting of working men was held at Liver- pool Docks this afternoon, about 1.000 being pre- sent, to protest against the action of the Govern- ment. The Liverpool Jmrnnl of Commerce of Thursday says that the apprehensions in con- neciion with the altered arrangements consisted in tho difficulty to shippers by the fast, lines get- ting their invoices PO board in time for their sail- ing from Liverpool instead of from Queenstown. Mr. C. T. Russell, the American Consul at Liver- pool, has intimated his willingness to open his office at any hour to facilitate the merchants swearing their invoice?, and if his considerate ■ acfion is followed at the other American Consu- lates, the inconveniences of tltg new system will be obviated. "A HARBOUR OF HEFUGE FOR THE BRISTOL CHANNEL. ACTION OF THE CARDIFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. It will be remembered that at the last meeting of the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce a committee was appointed to take into consideration thp ques- • tion of forming a harbour of refuge in the Bristol Channel, it being felt that, as energetic action had been takpn bv the Swansea people in the matter, an effort should be made on the part of Cardiff to secure the location of the harbour at a point that would be equailyarivantrigeous to all the Bristol Channel ports. This committee met at the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning, when Mr. J. Gunn presided, and there were aIM presentColonel Guthrie, Colonel Mar- tin, Captain Hegg, nnd Messrs. Trounce, T. Morel, W, Ifry. and W. L. Hawkins (secretary). The Chairman having briefly pointed out the necessity for providing a harbour of refuge for the Bristol Channel, as evidenced by the disastrous results of the recent gale, the committee proceed-jd to con- siiler the subject in rill its bearings. It was generally conceded that at that stage of the move- ment it would not be juriicious for tltem to indi- cate a particular location, as it was desired that the proposal should receive general support. It was pointed out, that, whenever UIA. Government took the question into consideration it would be for tham to send down a Commissioner and decide upon the best position for such a harbour. A resolution was unanimously carried to Hie effect that the question of providing a harbour of refuge for the Bristol Channel should be brought up for discussion at the meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce in February next. We learn that Mr. Trounce, who introduced the subject to the Cardiff Chamber, has received a communication from Mr. T. Johnson, the founder and secretary of the National Harbours of Refuge Society, asking him to use his influence with the Mayor of Cardiff and others interested In the trade of the pnrt, with a view to holding a public meeting in support of the scheme for providing harbours of refuge wherever they are needed.

TELEGRAPH CLERKS AND THE ROYAL COMMISSION. One of the largest and most enthusiastic meet- ings cf Post-offica telegraphists ever held in Liver- pool took place on Saturday evening, when grent satisfaction was expressed at the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the working of the Civil Service. Discontent and agitation had, it: was stated, been rife in the telegraph service ever since its transfer to tho State, and the staff were determined that, so far as their department was concerned, no effort on their part should bo spared to enable the inquiry of the Commission to be searching and thorough. A mass of impnrtant information would be bid before tto Commission, but it was necessary that it should include statis- tic, which could only be furnished with precise accuracy by the Post-office surveyors. Applica- tion would be made to these officials, and as it was plain that all the evidence which the buiic of the staff thought necessary to lay before the Commission would pass through the careful hands of <-hesa individuals, a refusal could scarcely be anticipated.—Resolu- tions were unanimously passed condemning in strong terms the present system of promotion by selection, ItS giving opportunity for favouritism and injustice, and an earnest hope was expressed that the Commission would not only recommend a more equitable system, but tn.iko close inquiry into the fairness of past promotions and into the mode of exercising those absolute powers in this and other directions which the surveyors practi- cally, though not nominally, possess.—A com- mittee was then appointed to prepare and lay before the surveyor of the district a statement of the information wanted.

THE DEFICIE^OYON THE LIVERPOOL EXHIBITION. ANTICIPATED CALL UPON THE GUARANTORS. The Liverpool City Council refused on Wednes- day to allow the use of the land on which the Liverpool Exhibition now stands for the Jubilee Exhibition in the same building next year. By this refusal the guarantors will have tó make up the deficit of £ 15,000, which they hoped to clear by next year's Exhibition.

A CARD.—To all who are suffering from the errors and indiscretions of youth, nervous -weakness, early decay, exhausted vlt&Jity. loas of vigour, neryOUS debility, fas., I wilt send A prescription that will cure you free of charge. This great remedy was discovered By a Missionary in Old Mexico. Send an addressed •tamped envelope to the Rev. JostpK T. HoutM. Bloomsbnry Mansion, Bloaoasbury-square, London, W.O.

THE RAID ON BOGUS CLUBS. IMPORTANT CASE AT CARDIFF. HEAVY FINE. At Cardiff Police-court on Wednesday (before Dr. Paine, Mr. J. W. Vacbell, and Mr. W. Sanders) John Evans, the manager of the Cathays Working Men's Club, 35, Cathays-terrace, was summoned for selling baer without a licence. Mr. Collingwood, deputy town-clerk, prosecuted for the police, and Mr. Lancaster, barrister, London, defended the case. Inspector Cox said that on the 13th of last month he, in company with Police-Sergeant Damm, went to 35, Cathays-terrace. The premises were used as a club. He found there four men in the back room, four biues, and two glasses on the mantelpiece containing beer. He saw the defen- dant-, who said he was the manager. There was a bagatelle table and boards for draughts, and a box of dominoes. In the front room there was an eighteen gallon cask, in front of the counter, and five eighteen gallon casks behind, with one on tap. There was a large number of blues and glasses and spirit measures. He asked defendant if the men present were mem- bers, and he said they were. He spoke to the men present, and they said that they were members. He seized all the beer, spirits, measures, &c., under the warrant. When cross-examined by Mr. Lancaster, the Inspector said that he bad known that the house was opened as a club over two years ago, but he did not take any steps against it until the 13th of November. He seized all the beer, a jar of whisky, and 40 blues and pints. He had been a member of the police force for over 24 years. Mr. Lancaster: Then, what right had you to seize the blues and glasses when the law only allows you to seize the beer and vessels containing beer or liquor ?—I don't know. Will you say upon your oath that all these vessels contained liquol" ?-No, I won't. Then you went in and seized everything that you could lay your hands on.—I took all. Mr. Lancaster said that, first of all, his friend, in opening his case having stated that the place was a club, the onus was diverted from him to Mr. Colling- wood, who had now to show that the club was not what it pretended to be, a bona fide club, and that the property of tha drinks sold and the articles seized was not in the club, but in the defendant or someone else, and in this way bring the case under the Act. If the property was vested in the club, then there was no sale under the Act. Besides, there was no sale bv Evans proved. The evidence rf the inspector showed no sale by Evans. If the police found on entering persons drinking beer and a person serving them, that would be evidence to bring the case within the meaning of the Act; but there was no evidence to show that Evans sold one farthing's worth of beer as the manager of the club, and, if so, any sale by a servant of a club was not a sale by retail contemplated by the Act. It had not been shown that the defendant was the owner or occupier of the premises, and his friend had not even troubled himself to show whether the defendant had a licence or not. { Mr. Collingwood: It has not been usual, but it can be done. Mr. Lancaster said that that only showed the high-handed manner in which the proceedings had been previously carried on. In this case there was no evidence of sale of beer, kc., by Evans, and it had not been shown that he was either the occu- pier or the owner of the premises. The only evi- dence was that beer had been supplied by some- body to somebody. He asked the bench if his objections were allowed, as, if eo, the case was at an end. Dr. Paine said that the bench would not allow the objections to over-ride the case, which must go on. Mr. Lancaster said that he hoped the bench would make a note of his objection, as it might be necessary iu future proceedings upon the present case. The defendant, John Evans, was then called by Mr. Lancaster. He said in the beginning of the year 1883 lie was with some of the members of the Working Men's Club at the Mackintosh Hotel. They theu determined to start a club, and he was appointed manager, at a salary of one guinea a week, with house, coal, and gas. The secretary hired the house, and he was handed £6 5s, by the members, and directed to procure the necessary furniture. There were about 180 or 200 members belonging to the club. There was a committee, secre- tarv, and treasurer, and he purchased goods by the direction of the committee. The front room was utilised as a bar. In the back room there was a bagatelle table and boirds for chess and draughts, and upstairs there was a reading room supplied with newspapers, books, He did not open the door to Inspector Cox. A member of the club did so. Every person present was a member of the club. Ali the beer, liquors, &c., belonged to the cJub. Nothing belonged to him, and everything seized by Inspector Cox was tha property of the club. They had a box for fines, which i were hand.'d to the Infirmary, and tliey subscribed as a club one guinea to the Infirmary from the funds. The next witness, the secretary of the club, then haiidud in a number of books—members' proposition book, subscription book, &e. The manager received subscriptions and entered them wit.ii his weekly receipts and expenditure. A minute book was handed in showing the name of everv member, who proposed him and who juoo-Jcii him, and aiso resolutions passed at committee meetings. Copies of the original rules were handed in and the alterations in them,S' owing i that ail She alterations had been duly certified and approved at. a subsequent meeting of the committee, The manager was then re-called and cross-ex- amine. by Mr. Collingwood. Tho first sum handed to him, £6 5s ,w;is subscribed by the original members, and wiUI ihis he purchased chairs, tables, &e. At the second meeting he was directed to order the liquors, &e. He also admitted that the rules were only revised on the 4-th of the last month. A special meeting of the members of the club was con- vened lor the purpose. The rent paid was 12s. a week for the first three months and 16s. per week afterwards. Mr. Collingwood proceeded to question the witness respecting the object in view when starl ing the club. Mr. Lancaster objected, on the ground that the object of the club was not at all relevant to the present proceedings. The oniy questions that could he asked related to the ownevsuip of the beer and liquor seized. Tho question was as to the co-ownership of the liquor, &c., in the members. There was no sale of beer to the memhers if they had a co-ownership in it, and the only ques- tion that could be asked was whether this was a bona fide affair or not. Ha objected to any ques- tion not relevant to this point. The Clerk thought that Mr. Collingwood's quest ions wero admissible. The witness was then examined as to the object of the club and the refreshments supplied and amusements provided, the object of the club being to provide rational recreation, and means of social intercourse among the members." Mr. T. Rees, the former secretary of the club, was called, and also Mrs. Martin, the owner of the premises, who let the premises to the club, not to the defendant Evans. The present secretary was also called, and gave evidence respecting the manner in which mem- bers were admitted and the formation of a com- mittee and the orders they gave to the manager, who ordered everything, but only according to the directions of the committee. Mr. Lancaster then addressed the bench for the defence. He said th.1t it was a prosecution under the Licensing Act of 1872, the 3rd Section of which dealt with the illicit sale of beer. But this clause was only applicable to persons who sold their own liquor, and could not he applied to persons selling the beer of another person. If the manager had sold beer to a man not a member of a club that sale would not be a sale within the meaning of the Act, for it was their beer, not his beer. There was a prima facie case that beer had been sold, but there was no evidence that Evans sold It, even if he wis the owner of it. If I'.vans sold beer as the manager of the club, then he might be acting under the orders he had re- ceived but, as there was a rule against, this, then the club would not be liable, as he was acting against orders. The first thing necessary to prove was that there was a sale of beer, and that Evans sold the beer as owner, not as manager. If he sold us manager, then the same charger might be brought against every club1 in the country, the Cardiff and County Club among them, and such clubs ought to b" visited by the police, and the managers, secre- tat ies, treasurers, and committees dragged to the police-court and subjected to a longcross-examina-1 tion to show t hat a man who had not, perhaps,; paid his subscription at th« proper time had beon supplied with liquor. Ttie whole question in this case for the bench to decide was the bona fides of the club. Some remarks or comments had been made in one of the local newspapers (the H'e'ieni Mail) by a magistrate of a neighbouring town respecting certain tests to he applied as to the lona fides of a club; but his suggestions on these points tfere the most extraordinary he had ever read. If persons consumed beer in which they had a co- ownership there was no sale. They must find that the owner of the beer who sold it was another person than he who consumed it. There would be no sale if there was co-ownership. Sir John Hcrschell had hold that to be tho case. If tWO or more persons clubbed together to buy a cask of beer, and hired a room in which to drink it, no matter if fitey had no other object in view, j the law couid not prevent them, even if, as bad been alleged in some of these cases, it was done to avoid the Sunday Closing Act. They could buy the beer, hire the room, pay for it hack as they consumed it glass by glass, and the law could not reach them. This was the law of the land, and the bench were bound to administer the law as it stood, and not the law of Local Option. There was no evidence to prove that this was not a bona fide club, and the bench, under the circumstances, were bound to dismiss the case. It was, in his opinion, a monstrous thing that the police should break into working men's clubs. They would not do so with other clubs, and as loDg as they confined themselves to the working men's clubs it would give a kind of foundation to an oft- repeated remark, that there was one law for the rich and another for the poor. Mr. Lancaster's address was much applauded at I the close. The Bench retired, and after an ahsence of a quarter of an hour returned into court, and Dr. Paine stated that the bench considered the case proved, and fined the defendant £ 25 and costs. Mr. Lancaster asked for judgment to be stayed,, and in the meantime a case would be prepared on the points raised for the judgment of a superior court. The Court consented to stay judgment for the purpose.

G BRIDGE COMMITTEE A meeting of theGrangetown Bridge Committee was held at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Monday. Mr. W. Sanders presided, and there were present.: —Messrs. Stevens, Hurley, Mildon, Brain, Vaughan, Morel, D. Jones, P. Price, Trayes, and Dr. E. Jones. Mr. PETES PEICE, who took his seat for the first time on this committee, put his ideas on the sub- ject in the form of a letter, which was read by the town-clerk. He thought it very desirable that such a road should be made, independent of the ques-1 tion between the town and the Tuff Vale Railway. ] It would he necessary to prepare the Bill before the 30th inst. He suggested that the corporation build the bridge and make the roads without seek-1 ing the co-operation of the Bute or the Windsor Estate. Powers should be sought from Parliament to acquire land on the side of the proposed road, which could be bought now at its present value, and re-sold at the vastly increased value which it would attain when the new road was made, as was done in Custom House-street, by which means the road would not cost the town a penny. Mr. BltAIN was of opinion that this suggestion was not feasible. It would at the same time be opening the question on quite a new basis. Mr. VAUGHAN said that no doubt the scheme would recoup the corporation ultimately if they could get the land, but it would cost as much as the land to get the Bill through Parliament. Ultimately it was unanimously decided not to move from the position alrendy taken by the com- mittee, which they considered of the highest im- portance. The CHAIRMAN reported that on the 19th inst. tho mayor, town-clerk, boroujh engineer, and him- eelf had an interview with Sar W. T. Lewis, when it was arranged that a nev road should be in- serted in the Parliamentary notice for the Bill, the road to run from Kent-street to the new main road. The committee, having confirmed this, re- considered the question as to the width of the pro- poseci bridges over the River Taff and the Glamor- ganshire Canal, and adhered to their former resolution that the movable portions of the bridges should be 30ft. wide, and the fixed portions 40ft. wide. The committee then discussed in private the negotiations which had taken place with Sir W. T. Lewis, tho agent of the Marquess of Bute, and Mr. Forrest, agent of Lord Windsor,on the subject, and the following resolutions were eventually passed :— That Lord Bute be respectfully requested to comtrnct all the roads upon the 11\1111 belonging to his lordship, cUllcurrelltly with the cOllstruetioll of the bridges which are required for thó purposes of the new roarls and bridges; to give reasonable access by means of roads from Lord Windsor's property over tiie lands of Lord BULe to the new road, No. 3, proposed to be made; also that Lord Ðute convey to the curpcration all pro- perty or lauds. including ground rent.s, of four houses in H..rro.by-streol" and that vested in the Glamorgan- shire Canal Company, which may be required by the corporation for the new roads and bridges, in which his lordship and his trustees have the reversion that Lord Bute and his trustees do everything in their power to assist 1he corporation in obtaining Parliamentl1.ry powers for the purposes included In the Parliamentary notice. Resolved that the town-clerk communicate the effect of the above resolution to Lord Bute, and, in case it i9 necessary, that the chairman, deputy-chairman, with the town-clerk and borough engineer, be appointed a deputation to confer thereon with Sir W. T. Lewis. That Lo d Windsor be respectfully desired to increase his contribution towards the cost of the bridges, as the amount promised by his lordship will be the entire cost thereof to him, especially as he is not rated to any great extent in the borough. That Lord Windsor and his trustees do everything in their power to Msist the cor. poration in obtaining Parliamentary powers for the purposes included ill the Parliamentary notice. That the secretary of the Taff Vale Railway be written to. asking him to request his directors to receive 11 deputation from the corporation to discuss the pos- sibility of devising some arrangement by which the Grangetown Bridge toll for toot passengers could ba abolished until the proposed new bridges and approaches shall have been constructed. There was no other business of interest;

MURDER AND SUICIDE AT SHEFFIELD. Shortly after noon on Wednesday a German named Husnic, who is said to be an engineer, shot Mrs. Jubb, landlady of the Royal Hotel, West- street, Sheffield, and then killed himself. It appears that before Mr. and Mrs. Jubb came to the hotel Husnic lived with them. He entered the hotel and commenced a conversation with a man in the bar. He then tapped on the counter, and the landlady, thinking he was calling for a drink, went to him. He immediately drew a six- chambered revolver and fired at her, the bullet entering her breast. 8he rushed from the bar into the kitchen and fell in front of the fireplace. Shortly afterwards four or five shots were heard from the bar, and the man was found lying on tho floor dead, with two bullet wounds in the left breast and another in the mouth. Mrs. Jubb was taken to the hospital, and shortly afterwards expired. The reason for the crime is as yet un- known.

FATAL FIRE IN LONDON, A TERRIBLE LEAP. A fire, attended with fatal results, occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the private bouse of Mr. E. Clarke,61,St. Peter-street,Essex-street,Islington. A spark flew from a grate and set hre to a back room on the ground floor, and when the firemen arrived the flames had obtained a good hold of the premises. Frederick Simons, a middle-aged man, who was in the upper part of the house, did not become aware of the fire until it was too late to escape by means of the staircase. He appeared at a front window on the second floor, and after piteously appealing to the bystanders for help jumped to the pavement.He fell with a terrible thud, being dreadfully injured. He was conveyed to a hospital, where he died shortly afterwards: The fire was soon extinguished.

THE MAIDEN LADY AND HER I PASTOR. A LEGACY OF £20,000. A Nonconformist minister in the north of London, whose congregation, owing to deaths and removals, has of late years diminished in numbers nnd wealth, has just become possessed of a re- spectable fortune. A maiden lady, who had been a member of his congregation for many years, and who lived in one ot those old-fashioned houses in the vicinity of Mr. Samuel Morley's early home at Clapton, has recently died, and left him a legacy of £15,000 and all her plate and pictures. She has besides made him residuary legatee, and there is a lapsed legacy of £4.000 that will at once accrue to him.

MR. WILSON BARRETT IN AMERICA. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. The Times Philadelphia correspondent, telegraph- ing on Tuesday, says:—Mr. Wilson Barrett opened his engagement in Philadelphia last night by the representation of Hamlet" before a large and fashionable audience. His novel and attractive method of impersonation created a profound impression. He was called for repeatedly at the close of each act, and received warm applause throughout, while at the end of the play a speech was demanded from him. Mr. Barrett briefly ex- pressed his thanks for the enthusiastic reception accorded to him. His American tour will be a successful one. At Boston his three weeks' engage- ment is regarded as the event of the season, and the financial results will be fully satisfactory. After playiog for two weeks in Philadelphia Mr. Barrett's company will visit the western cities and give performances throughout the winter.

SUICIDE OF A FARMER NEAR DERBY. DEATH OF THE WIFE FROM THE SHOCK. A farmer named Wood, of Postern, near Derby, committed suicide by hanging himself on Monday night. His wife was so overcome the news that she died within a few hours. Both were about 60 she died within a few hours. Both were about 60 years of age.

CURES of Asthma, Coughs, &c., in Bangor, by I Dr. LOCOCK'S PCUHONIC WAFERS.—Prom Mr. Eleazer Jones, Bethesda, Banzor.—"Many who have for years been aatiotedwith asthma, coughs, and other complaints of the chest are ready to give evidence of the wonderful relief and cures they have obtain-d." They give instant relief, a rapid cure, and taste pleasantly. Sold by all druggist* at 18. lid. and 2s, 9 £ *$itr box. Lc78-2

ALLEGED HORRIBLE CRUELTY AT SEA. A SAILOR SEVENTY-FIVE DAYS IN IRONS. The Halifax mail dispatches, which arrived at Queenstown on Monday, brought particulars of the arrival in that port of the British barque Ivy from Java, under the command of Captain Glen, who is charged by the sailors of the vessel with having brutally treated one of the crew, a seaman named Pierce, of Dublin, from the effects of which he died during the voyage, and was buried at sea. The sailors affirm that Captain Glen refused to pay Pierce the wages due to him, and when Pierce demurred Captain Glen put him in irons fastened to stanchions on the deck, and kept him thero four days and nights, during which time the captain struck him on the head several times with a belaying pin, and beat him unmercifully with a loaded whip. Pierce pleaded pitifully for mercy, but in vain. He was kept in irons altogether for 75 days, and fed on bread and water. When Pierce pleaded for different food the mate's reply was, Let the scoundrel die." The poor fellow died a few days later, the irons being taken from him as he was dying. The captain and mate deny the charge, but they have been arrested.

DISASTROUS GAS EXPLOSION AT BRISTOL. THREE PERSONS INJURED. ,0c Monday evening the inhabitants of Park- street, Bristol, were startled by a terrific explosion in the stores of the British and Foreign Bible Society, situated in the street. An escape of gas was observed by the manager, and he sent for a gasfitter, who, having opened the windows to admit of the gas escaping, struck a match. An explosion followed, blowing the front of the shop into the street, and smashing the windows of the houses along the side of the street. A workman named Flowers, and the manager's wife and daughter were terribly burnt about the face and hands, and were removed to the Infirmary.

SHOCKING DEATH OF ABRIDEGROOM. CUT IN TWO BEFORE THE BRIDAL PARTY. On Monday night a shocking accident occurred at Chorlev. Thomas Lovdell, a bleacher, who was only married in the morning, was returning from Preston with his wife and some friends, and while attempting to pass the level crossing at Chorlpy, during shunting operations, he was knocked down by a loaded coal wagon and his body was cut in two. His newly-bedded wife and the party had just safely crossed, and witnessed the terrible scene.

AN Excellent CHRISTMAS Pwjm PCDDIVG.—Take three-quarters of a pound of Sour, two large teaspoonfula of floawicx's HOLD Medal Baking POWDKH, two ounces of bread crumbs, one and a half pound of suet, two pounds ofraieins. one pound of currants, ten ounce* of lugar. two ounce* of almond3, one pound of U1ised candied peel, salt and spice to taste, mix ingredients weli together, and add iix eggs well beaten, Ilnd three- quarters of a pint of milk, divide in two and boil eight lioun. 878to

THE TITHE AGITATION. A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. We learn that the audits for the receipt of tithe rent-charges payable to the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners in tha parish of Pendoylan, Llantrisant,, Llantwit Vardre, and elsewhere have been held within the last few days, and that the attendance 1 of payers was even better than usual. In the two first-named parishes petitions for allowances were presented, but the payers were informed that the Commissioners were not in a position to make any abatement. CONFERENCE AND MEETING AT LIVERPOOL. 1 On Tuesday a conference in Liverpool, attended by delegates from every place of note in Wales and by Welsh members of Parliament, passed resolutions to the effect that, in the present state of agricultural depression, it was necessary: that there should be an alteration in the tithe system, which was unjust to the Welsh people, but, which could not be satisfactorily dealt. with except in connection with the Disestablishment of the Church in Wales that Disestablishment in Wales could not any longer be excluded from the objects of the Liberal party, and that the agitation in the Principality for that purpose be carried on with increased vigour. In the evening a very largely attended meeting was held in the Rotunda-hall, William Brown- street. Mr. L. L. Dillwyn, M P., occupied the chair, and there was again a number of Welsh representatives on the platform. Letters were read from Mr. Osborne Morgan, M.P., and Mr. Henrv Richard, M.P., who were unable to attend through indisposition. Both lion, members wrote strongly in favour of Disestablishment. Dr. Thomas moved a resolution acknowledging the valuable services rendered by Mr. Stuart Kendel, M.P., to the cause of Disestablishment in Wales by his appeal to Mr. John Morley to make an explicit declara- tion as to the future attitude of the Liberal party. It also expressed the greatest satisfaction at the important declaration made by Mr. Morley.—Mr. A. C. Humphreys Owen, of Montgomeryshire, seconded the resolution, which was carried with enthusiasm.—The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Stuart Rendel, M.P., Mr. S. Smith, M.P., Mr. T. Ellis, M.P., Mr. Rathbone, M.P., and others. THREATENED DISTRESS IN FLINT- SHIRE. I The struggle between the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners and the Welsh Anti-Tithe League has begun in the parish of Whitford, Flintshire, where some farmers, including the chairman of the Farmers' Club, have received the statutory ten days' notice that their goods will be sold. The action of the Commissioners will be resisted. LETTER FROM THE BISHOP OF OXFORD. The Bishop of Oxford has written the following letter in answer to an address from Berkshire farmers asking his lordship to press the clergy to remit 25 per cent. of their tithes :— Cuddesdon, Nov. 29. My dear Sir,—In reply to your tatter I must assure you that I am very sensible of the respect and trust implied in the readiness of the Berkshire tarmers to take Counsel with me on the subject of the distress under which they are suffering. They are quite right in their belief that I enter heartily into their trouble and that I would gladly, adopt any rational plan for the relief of it. I know how loyally many of them serve the office of church- warden and in other ways promote the good of the parishes in which they live; and I should be ungrateful if I did not, as bishop of the diocese, take every opportunity of acknowledging the value of their help. The tithe-owners are also very important and valuable members of the diocesan community and I must try to look at the question iu u. spirit of candour and justice to both classes, 1. I do not understand why your memorial dis- tinguishes the "pastors of the diocese from lay- men who.are owners of tithe. Lay tithe-owners have not been obliged to pay for an expensive education as the clergy have, they have no obliga- tion to reside on the land which pays them tithe; nor have they any duties to perform. It looks as if their freedom from those and other like deduc- tions from profits would make it equitable that they should abate a very much larger amount ot their tithe than that which the clergy are asked to sacrifice. Possibly the memorialists agree in this view; but they do not say so. 2. I feel that I should not help your cause by advancing arguments on your behalf to whicn practical and well-informed persons would pay no attention. The plea that a thousand years ago in some parts of Europe some tithes were given partly to the repair of churches or to the support of the poor can have no bearing on present obligations of English tithe-owners. Lay tithe-owners, it is true, obtained possession of their property at a much later period; but they too have Jong since acquired a good title to it. It is of little use to go behind the Act of 1836, nor is it likely that anyone who has signed the memorial has any interest of an older date than this. We must look at facts. 3. It will be said, then, by the tithe-owner that the Act of 1836 ratified an arrangement between himself and the titlie-payer by which both were gainers. It was felt that the old plan of taking a tenth of the produce of the land had vexatious incidents from which a corn-rent would be free. The tithe-ownnr gave up his right to tithe the pro- duce of newly-cultivaied land he had some com- pensation in the improved mode of recovery and in the abatement of excessive fluctuations in the amount of his income. It was a bargain to which both parties agreed, and by which both hoped to be gainers. I shall be asked whether this bargain is to be set aside in the interests of one party only nnd without joint consent; what am I to say? If I reply that Parliament can over-ride any bargain, they would naturally reply that this would be unfair—but that whether fair or unfair, until Parliament alters it, the bargain stands. To this I can and no answer which I can decently give. 4. Assuming, however, that the bargain was unjust and that it ought to be cancelled (which he does not admit), the tithe-owner asks me what is to happen in the event of a sudden recovery of the prices of agricultural produce from a great dis- coverv of gold or any other cause. He says that in 1868 he received only £100 134" although the actual value of that year was JE125, and the tithe- payer did not make up to him any part of the loss of 25 per cent. on that year. Of course he did not, because the system of a septennial average provided that the loss of one year should be compensated for by the gain of another. If the tithe-owner is to be forced to surrender a quarter of his income in 1886, will the tithe-payer guarantee him against an equal, or greater, loss by the possible operation of the averages in years to come? Here, again, 1 do not know what answer to give. 5. Probably, however, you are not much dis- posed to enter into these arguments. Briefly, you wish the tithe-owner to understand that the tithe- payer is in distress, that he must be helped to get out of it, that the tithe-owner is able to help him. The tithe-owner replies that all tithe-owners are not rich and all tithe-payers are not poor, that there are some clergymen so poor that they cannot find means to pay their rates and other charges on their income—heavier charges than those which are levied on other kinds of pro- perty—and that they are utterly unable to afford pocial and personal expenses which some of the neighbouring tithe-payers seem to defray without difficulty. I can only say to them in reply that I know very poor farmers too. But, then, it is answered that a return of 25 per cent. all round would be quite unreasonable. What would be kind and fair on the part of a rich tithe-owner dealing with a. poor tithe-payer would be unfair and irrational on the part of a poor tithe-owner dealing with a wealthy payer of tithe. It is, after all, a matter of personal charity between rich and piot- in each particular case. Certainly tho clergy ought not to be backward, according to their means, in considering the poor and needy; and I do not think that they are. 6. The question of present "purchasing power" of money is one which I am not competent to discuss. Personally, I know that, although bread is cheaper, I pay much more for meat, poultry, and many other kinds of produce than I paid years ago, and that in many other branches of expendi- ture the period of agricultural depression has brought no saving to mo. How it is with others I cannot tell. 7. If you think that I can be of service to you by meeting a small committee of practical and well-informed farmers for the consideration of the present distress, I will gladly meet them. I can- not think for a moment that honest Berkshire farmers would propose to me, or to one another, to "combine and resist the payment" of lawful debts; nor, if such a conspiracy were found to exist, could I advise any Englishman to submit to it, much less to give it his nid. Let me again say that in taking any course which is lawful and right you may count on me as your friend.—I am, yours most truly, J. F. OXON. G. Bayiiss, Esq. WAGING THE WAR WITH DYNAMITE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "WEEKLY MAIL." SIR,—1 send you the translation of a Welsh anonymous letter I received recently, showing how Irish notions have been imported into, and have apparently taken root in, hitherto peaceful, law- abiding Wales:— Mr. Wil1\am8,-Sir" this note is a warning to you to inform you that if you do not make a reduction of £25 per cent. in the tithe of your parish your bouse, your- self, and all you possess will be dynamited and blown up, Whitt will a man give in exchange for his life ? Tube this as a warning, for in the hour y"u think not the Son of Man will come. ("The Lord Rpigneth.") Justice to Wales.—Yours, Two HOME HunM. WELSH. DKTEHMIN*D. We are willing and determined to sacrifice our lives for the rights of our country (Wales and Welsh for «ver). I cannot sav I was alarmed, but must ndmit to being much unnerved by the above cowardly letter, as it reached me at a time when I had re- ceived a severe shock by the total destruction by fire of my church and all its contents. I think such a dastardly attempt at intimidation ought to bo made public. I have offered a reward for such information as will lead to the conviction of the evil-minded author. The matter is in the hands of the police.—I am, &c., < WM. YENABLES WILLIAMS. The Vicarage, Colwyn Bay, N.W.

HOLLOWAT'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—Female com- plaints.—On the mothers of England devolves much and serious responsibility in securing for their daughters robust health, frequently, alas 1 thoughtlessly saoi-inoed by culpable "baehfulneM at a particular period of wneii all important changes take place in the letnale constitution, upon the changes take place in the letnale constitution, upon the management of which depends future happiness or rntaeiy. Hollowly'a ViUs, especially if aided with the Ointment, hav6 the happiest effect in establishing those functions upon the the happiest effect in establishing those functions upon the dne performance of which health and even life itself depend. Mother and daughter may safely use these powerful deob- Btruent remedies without consulting anyone. Universally adopted as the one grand remedy for female complaints, theiM Fills never fall, never weaken the bystein, and always bring about the desired result. L5005

GRAND BAZAARS AT CARDIFF. ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH. UNIQUE DISPLAY AT THE PARK- HALL. A bazaar in aid of the enlargement fund of St. Andrew's Church, Cardiff, was opened at the Park- hall on Wednesday afternoon by the Lord Bishop of LlandatT and Mr. Howel Gwyn, of The Duffiyn, Neath. As already announced, the object of the movement was to clear off tha debt due to the architect and builders who enlarged St. Andrew's and St. Teilo's Churches. The former, which previously seated 534 persons, was by its enlargement made capable of accom- modating 824, whilst at the latter the sitting space was increased from 240 to 600. In addition to these enlargements, which were equivalent to the erection of an edifice capable of seating 650 per- sons, another church, St. Illiyd's, has been erected in the Crwvs-road since the advent of the present vicar, the Rltv. G. W. Hanford, and this gives accommodation for 210 more. The indeiatigable vicar, with the assistance of his parishioners, succeeded in raising nearly £3.000 towards the cost of these works, but there is still a balance on the wrong side of £320, It is fully expected that this sum will be realised by the bazaar, which, if it meet with a tithe of the sup- port it deserves, will leave a substantial balance for cleaning the interior of St. Andrew's Church and for forming the nucleus of un organ fund. We have in Cardiff had from time to time countless fancy fairs and kindred devices for raising the necessary capital for extending or improving the sacred edifices of the town, but never before has a bazaar been arranged which for novelty, variety, and altracti\"tmeS8 in any way approached the one under notice. A good deal of hard work has fallen upon the shoulders of the vicar, who, however, has received most encourag- iog support at the hands of many of ibis parishioners, and the result has been a complete transformation of the large Park-hall into a scene having more resemblance to an Eastern display than an ordinary linglish fancy iair.. It is really a kind of miniature Foreign and Colonial Exhibition, with all the hotuo attractions thrown in. The space under the balcony round the hall has been partitioned off into stalls most picturesquely arranged, and draped with Indian, Maltese, a td. other curtains appropriate to the nationality represented in the exhibition, whilst the centre of the hall is occupied by a large liower pavilion, surmounted by a beautiful palm, and adorned by a numbar of exhibition plants sent trom The Duffryn by Mr. Howel Gwyn. Of course the main features are the Indian, Egyptian, Italian, and Spanish stalls, which contain the curios, fancy and useful articles secured, through the agency of friends of articles secured, through the agency of friends of the parishioner's, from the countries named, but there are, in addition to these, all the customary attractions of an English I bazaar, including a live stock stall, devoted to fancy specimens of the feathered and animal tribes; the children's stall, at which toys, scientific, mechanic, magie, and Dumberles8 other specimens equally attractive to the juvenile mind, may be purchased; an American stall; stalls allotted to the sale of needlework, Christmas cards and sta- tionery, photographs and pictures, and a more useful stall for packing tha purchases in con- venient parcels. The stalls were presided over by Mrs. Howel Gwyn, Mrs. North, Mrs. Morgan Wil- liams, Mrs. liradley, Mrs. Christie, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Gooch, Mrs. Thackeray, Mrs. Birkbeck Terry. Mrs. Forster Brown, Mrs. Kranklen Evans, Mrs. Fred Evans, Mrs. F. Edwards, Mrs. Hanford. Mrs. Joseph Moore, Mrs. Reuben Norton, Mrs. Jack Leigh, the Misses Heard, Mies Hacquoil, and Miss Fisher. Among the ladies wHo assisted were Miss Gregory, Miss Anning, Miss Nicholson, Miss M. Moore, Miss Mina Douglas, Miss J. Douglas, Miss Aslwood, Miss Somervell, Mrs Saville, Miss Ingledew, Miss Liddofi, Miss Rhind, Mrs. Biggs, Miss Tellefsen, Miss Evn. Heart, Miss Lock, Altss Moore, Miss Maddison, Miss Helen Evans, Miss Tritton, Miss Nicholl, Miss Strong, Mrs. Loveli, Miss Baginall Oakly, Miss Franklen Evans, Miss Wells, Miss A. G. Pride, Miss Hardass, and Miss Boulton, The Lesser Park-hall has also been called into requisition, and is devoted to entertain- ments, concerts, waxworks exhibition, picture gallery, &c. At the hour appointed for the opening ceremony —two o'clock in the afternoon—there was a good attendance of ladies and gentlemen, amongst the latter being the Revs. G. W. Hanford, H. Honder- son, E. Morgan, F. J. Beck, G. A. Jones, D. Davies, W. Downing, N. D. M'Lrfod, Usk Jones, Lewis Jones, R. Gibbings, V. Saultz, — Johns, Alderman M'Connochie, and Messrs. W. P. James, — Galloway, Arthur Lewis, R. Hooper, C. Gooch, Birkbeck Terry, L. Shirley, H. F. Lynch-Blosse, and H. O. Fisher. Shortly after two o'clock the Bishop of Llandaff and Mr. Howel Gwyn, accompanied by the Vicar of St. Andrew's, ascended the platform. The Right liev. Prelate, in declaring the bazaar open, expressed his sympathy with the great and noble work Mr. Hanford, with the assistance of Mrs. Hanford, bad accomplished since he had been incumbent Of the parish. He had not only largely increased church accommodation in St. Andrew's parish, but had increased thp. congregations as well. His lordship then banded to the Vicar two donations of £5 each, which had been given him for the purpose by friends, and declared the bazaar open, with best wishes for its success. He added that it would not be disgraced by a feature whichsometimes disgraced bazaars that were made a channel for imposition. Every article was marked at cost price or something like it" so that purchasers would know they received value for their money.—Mr. Howel Gwyn congratulated the promoters upon the attractiveness of the bazaar, and ventured to predict that it would meet with the support it merited, and result in a satisfactory sum being handed over to the Church Fand.—The Vicar having thanked those present for their attendance, and explained that the mayor was unavoidably absent through business in London, sales commenced with a briskness which indicated unqualified success. Throughout the afternoon visitors poured in, and towards the evening the hall was well filled. Immediately after the opening ceremony St. Andrew's Brass Band gave a selection, which was followed by a trinand chorus from "The Mikado," given by the girls of St. Catherine's School. At half-past four a short dramatic entertainment, A H 'ppy Pair," was given by Mr.F. J. Lowe and Miss L. Kingston, of the Irving Club, London, which was followed by a pianoforte solo by Miss Taylor and several selec- tions by the St. Andrew's Brass Band. In the evening the band of the 2nd Glamorgan Kifles, under the conductorship of Mr. Johnson, went through a varied programme of music. A Happy Pair," was then repeated, and the evening closed with a short dramatic entertainment, "Boots at the Swan," given by the members of the St. Andrew's Histrionic Society. The bazaar will remain open for the remainder of the week, an equally varied and attractive programme being provided for each day, and, from present appear- ances. it promises to meet with a measure of suc- cess far in excess of the most sanguine anticipa- tions of its promoters. The gross receipts on Wednesday amounted to J6302.

llOATH- CONGREGATIONAL CHUUOH. A bazaar, the proceeds of which are to be de- voted towards liquidating a small debt still re- maining on theRoath-road Congregational Church, Cardiff, was opened on Wednesday in the Stacey- road-hail, and will continue open to-day (Thursday). Mr. Alfred Thomas formally inaugu- rated the proceedings on Wednesday, and was supported by the Revs. J. Lloyd Williams, B.A., J. Williamson, M.A., R. T. Howell, and O. L. Roberts Messrs. James Munn, R. Sutherland, J. L. Gee, Roger Price, W. Teesdaie, A. H. Redway, H. Cuae, J. Bridgeman, John M. Lewis, &c.— Mr. James Muun said that during the past four years they had raised for all purposes £1,239 12s. 7d., out of which JE305 had been devoted to building pur- poses, the remaining debt being only £215. They would be sadly disappointed if any of this remained after the bazaar. (Cheers.)—The hall is tastefully decorated, and the well-furnished stalls are distinguished by the colours red, white, and blue, the red being presided over by Mesdames John Williams, W. H. James, and W. H. Tassell; the white by Mesdames Carver and Llewellyn, and Miss Leon; the blue by Mesdames Lyons and Teesdaie, and Miss Galsworthy. There is also a well-stocked refreshment stall, distinguished as the Green Stall, which is attended to by Mesdames Cude, P. Thomas, J. L. Gee, C. Morgan, and J. Bridgman. A museum of really excellent works of art and rare curiosities, a Fine Art Gailery, and other attractions are also provided. The pro- ceudings are interspersed with instrumental music.

THE TYNM V. THE TAFF. Mr. R. Urwln thus writes to the Shipping World: —On previous occasions it has been found neces- sary to point out and correct misleading com- parisons between the statistics of the trade of the Tyne and of Cardiff. This still appears to be requisite, as I see tttatundertlie heading Pro- gress of the Port of Cardiff," at page 191 of the Shipping World for November, the two ports are again contrasted, and, as in former cases, on the basis of partial figures only, taken from the Annual Statement of the Navigation and Shipping of the United Kingdom, and it is stated that Cardiff oCCupies" the position of the second largest port in the export trade of the United Kingdom." If. in quoting the fig ares givett in his communication, your corre- pondfent's object is to indicate the actual volume of trade out. of the respective ports last year, and not merely a portion of such trade, it is somewhat curious that hu should deal with the tonnage of vessels cleared with cargo to foreign ports and British possessions only, instead of the entire clearances of vessels with cargo to all places. These are shown at page 191 of the return referred to, and are as follow Tyne ports, 6 422,199 tons Liverpool, 6.391,112; London, 6,012,415; Cardiff, 5,252,540 Newport, 1,856,438 Swansea. 1,247.699 tons. "So: that tha- Ty-m ranks first accord- ing to this list, and Cardiff fourth. Similar means are not at han'd for testing your correspondent s statement of the coal shipments at Cardiff in 1835, which presumably include bunker coal; but with- out disputing its accuracy or seeking to disparage the grf'at Welsh coal port, it is interesting to observe that, deducting from his figures the ship- ments according to ''Browne's Export List" (8 484,994 tons), the bunker coal is represented by a total of 1,181,000 tons, or nearly 14 per cent, of the quantity shipped as cargoes sgainst lOf par cent. (neajlvj in the Tyno. The well-wishers of Cardiff may be excused for their anxiety to see it attain to the proud distinction of being the premier port in the United Kingdom, but "facts aro chiels that winna ding," and no manipulation of statis- tics or incomplete or invidious fcomparisons will promote or expedite the realisation of their desires.

PAfcRT iNB RacKK'S Welsh Knitted Sttckidgs are he best. 7»03tf

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY AT CARDIFF. THE CHARGES AGAINST DR. LOUGHER. An inquiry, by direction of the Local Govert ment Board, was held at the Cardiff Union Worh house, before Mr. Birehain, district inspector fo the Local Governmont Board, on Tuesday, inti charges of incivility and discourteous treatmen of a pauper by Dr. Lougher. Titere were present besides Mr. Bircham, Dr. Paine, the chairman o: the guardians; Messrs. Wride and Phillips, guar dians of WhifclTurch, where the pauper resided Dr. Morgan Williams. Dr. Evans (CrockherbLown), Dr. Lougher, Mr. Harris, clerk to the board, aati Mr. Hopkins, relieving officer for theWhitchurch district. Mr. Bircham briefly explained the purport oi the inquiry, and read the letters sent by tha guardians to the Local Government Board asking for the inquiry to be hetd.and also the letter of ex. planation forwarded to the Local Government Board by Dr. Lougher, a copy of which had been sent to the guardians. He also stated that it was not hia intention to hear any evidence respecting previoua charges of negiector incivility or want of courtesy on the part of Dr. Lougher, beyond receiving 1 copies of the minutes as recorded in the minutes of the proceedings of the guardians at the time the cases cams before and were dealt with by thmn. The complainant,Thomas Edwards, an old and infirm man, who walked with difficulty, was then assisted into the room by Mr. Hopkins, and had to be accommodated with a chair. He said he was a labouring man, and lived at Whitchurch. He was 76 years of age, and his wife, who died a few days since, v<"<8 71 years of age. She had been ill for years, but had not been attended by a surgeon. On the 23rd of October, as she was in a surgeon. On the 23rd of October, as she was in a good deal of pain, he sent a no'e asking Dr. Lougher to attend her. He and his wife had been in receipt of parish relief for nearly two years. The 23rd was a Saturday morning, and one of hi4 neighbours wrote a note, and he sent his grandson with it to Dr. Louyher's bouse, with instructions to wait there and see Dr. Lougher. The bov waited nearly two hours, then left the note, and returned home. He should have sent to Mr Hopkins for an order, but he knew that Mr Hopkins was in Cardiff on Saturdays. Dr. Louohet between one and two o'clock 011 Sunday knocked at the door and asked if Thomas Edwards lived there, and, on being told "Yes," he came in and said, What is the ,matter r" He then stepped inside about a yard from the door, and began to seolù. He asked in a very rough way what business they har] to Bend a private note to him, when tiley ought to have obtained an order from Mr. Hopkins, When Dr. Lougher begin to scold he used some very bad language. He said that they were a parcel of d- fools. He then went up to com plainant's wife, and asked her what, was her com- plaint. He kept on scolding them all tha time. Complainant could not remember what. his wife said to him in reply to his questions, neither could he distinctly recollect all that took place between the doctor and himself, as he was in such a. puzzle" at seeing him and hearing him scold so. Dr. Lougher asked for a piece of paper on which to write a prescription. His (complainant's) grand- daughter had left the house as soon as Dr. Lougher began to scold them because she was frightened, and he could not find the ink and paper. Then his wife got up to look for them, and while she was speaking to Dr. Laugher he re- plied a dozen times, Don't talk to me, you d——« old fool." He wrote the prescription, and told wit- ness to send it to the surgery on Monday morning. He asked Dr. Lougher if his wife ought, not to have tha medicine before, and he replied, If you like," but did not tell him at what, time the surgery was open on Sundays. He never went up close to his wife, felt, her pulse, or did anything. Dr. Lougher told him that he had made enough fuss" and noise before when his grandson was ill, and when he sent for him, because he (Dr. Lougher) did not come up. That was ou a Saturday also. Dr. Lougher said at that time that he would not come, and did not, although tha boy was very pad, and it required four men to hold him that night, as he was delirious. He then sent for another doctor, and Dr. Treharne came up. Dr. bougher did not come up for eight or nine days after the visit on the Sunday when he scolded them so, and he sent for Dr. Evans; but on the day Dr. Evans was expected Dr. Lougher came, and was very attentive and since then he had behaved like a gentleman. On the Sunday Dr. Lougher called him and his wife also" d- old paupers." Ha complained that the note was not sent before nina o'clock in the morning, and said if the note was not sent before nine o'clock in the morning another time he would not go up, not if death was on the bed." In reply to Dr, Lougher, the old man said he thought that he must have been either mad or drunk when he came in. He denied walking up and down the room and saying, I have shaken hands with the Marquess of Bute and Mr. Thomas, and am a d —— sight better man than you are." He denied calling Dr. Lougher a fonl, but when Dr. Lougher called him a fool he replied, I'm not a bigger fool than you." He denied that he waS ever asked to pay the fees. Dr. Lougher knew lu was a pauper. Mary Woodward, a girl thirteen years of age, said that she was in the house when Dr. Loughei called to see her grandmother. As soon as h< entered he began to make a noise and talk savagely at her grandfather, before her grandfather spoilt to him. As she was very nervous and subject tc fits, ghe theu went outside anL1 heard no more, Mr. Phillips, one of the guardians for Whit- church, said that the old woman before she died related to him the circumstances of Dr. Lougher' visit, and her statement corresponded almost word for word with the old man's narrative that day. He went to see her owing to the rumour respect- ing Dr. Lougher's conduct in the village. The Clerk (Mr. Harris) then handed to Mr. Bircham a number of extracts from the minute: of the proceedings of the guardians when chargei of want of attention or want of civility had beec preferred against Dr. Lougher. One case occurred on the 13th of February, 1875; another on the 3rd of April, 1875; another on the 31st of August, 1878; another in 1882, another in 1883, another in 1885, and another in 1886, but the guardians, with one exception, when there was a Local Govern- ment Board inquiry, only desired liim to be mora cautious in future. ¡ Dr. Lougher was then examined, and said that he adhered to the letter he had written to the Local Government Board (which has already beer published). He then said that he went to tht house of Thomas Edwards on the 24th of October, Not knowing hiin, he knocked at the door and a'ked if Thomas Edwards lived there, and on being told" Yes he said that he had called to seo Mrs. Edwards. He found her reclining on a bench just inside the room. He inquired of her her symptoms then he inquired if they were able to pay his fees or whether they had sent for him as paupers, because they had sent him a private note. Edwards replied that they were in receipt of parish relief, and were entitled to his attendance when they required him. The old man then spoke very im- pertinently to him, and told him he ought to have come up on the Saturday night when he sent tha note. He (Dr. Lougher) told him that he did not receive the note till half-past five on the Saturday evening, and he had then been out since ten in the morning, and he could not possibly come up that night. Edwards again repeated that he ouyht to have got another horse, if his horse was tired, and have come up. He said, iu an impertinent tone, "You ought to have come up when you were sent for." He (Dr. Lougher) then explained that had the note been delivered betore ten o'clock in the morning he would have beon visited during the day. He also told him that he should have sent an order from the relieving officer, and not, a private note. Edwards repiied. stiu in an impertinent tone, "Supposing I had broken my leg, what was I to do then?" He also said, I suppose it's because we are paupers we must not write notes." He was at times very insolent, and said I have never troubled you yet, but I mean to do so for the future," and he walked up and down tha room in a great temper, and called him (Dr. Lougher) a fool. He (Dr. Lougtier) replied, Unless you conduct yourself properly I shall ieave tha houae," and Edwards said" You may go if you like; I can get Mrs. Ingledew's doctor to come up." There was then an altercation between them, and he (Dr. Lougher) lost his temper, and threatened to leave the house, the man's conduct was so bad. He denied that he ever said that; unless the note came before nine o'clock in the morning he would not come up, even if the person were dying. That was a misapprehension from his saying that if the note came before nine o'clock in the morning ;1 would ensure his visit that day. He also dei icd calling the old man or his wife a d fool, he .v«s also positive that he never used an uncivil word until the man's abuse upset him. The woman was suffering from chronic inflammation of the bladder. He attended her on the 24th, 26th, and 30th of October, sevetal times in November, and visited her the day before she died. In reply to Mr. Phillips, Dr. Lougher admitted having attended the old man as a pauper, but at the time that he received the note lie had forgotten it. He had a conversation with Mr. Hopkins, the relieving officer, on the Suuday morning before he went to see the Edwardses, but he could not recollect whether any reference was made to their by Mr. Hopkins. Dr. Evans, as his name had been mentioned, desired to give evidence respecting the imper- tinent character of the oldfttian Edwards, but 11.9 Mr. Phillips and Dr. Paine then desired to go into the previous charges against Dr. Lougher, the evi- dence was refused. Mi-, bircham stating that ho sllould send his report to the Local Governmenll Hoard, and add the extracts given to hÏil. by Mr. Harris with reierence to Dr. Lougher, but without any comment. The proceedings then terminated.

SNOWSTORM IN NOWCn WALES. T^e ^'st snowstorm 0f the season burst ovei North Wales on Tuesday morning. For soma weeks past the weather has been abnormally fine and mild, primroses and other wild flowers and fruits being gathered in the Welsh valleys. On Tuesday extreme cold prevailed and the sky wai overcast, indicating a further downfall. The lofty peaks are all capped with snow. —

FOUR THOUSAND WEAVKfiS LOCKEE OUT. Messrs. Cox Bros., jute spinners and manufao turers, Camperdown Works, Lochie, near Dundee have locked out their workpeople, about. 4,000.)1: number, in consequence of a partial strike whict took place among their weavers on Monday f"r increase of wages. No intimation was given tha. tins ektreme step would be taken, and no tion has been given as to when the works will b1 re-opened.

To STOT>ENTS.—To all those whs bars Midnight. Oil engaged in mental labour, we recommend Caibury's Cocoa, it» comforting, rating, mid suntuiniug poorer* are txtra»r4uuurv. £ «**ar at imitation*. 697*°

HEAVY FINES AT PENARTH. At Penarth Police-court on Monday three cases of illicit beer selling were brought before the magistrates. A cwaw BACH AT M1CHAKLSTONE-SUPEB-E17. Thomas Perrit was charged with selling beer without a licence in a wooden but at Calverhill House, in the parish of Michaelston-super-Elv, on the 20th inat. Police-Constable Urinson said he visited the premises in company with six other officers. In the hut they found 21 navvies, with six quarts and thirteen pints containing beer in front of them.—Defendant said that he kept a provision shop, and that the men came there every Saturday night to pay their accounts, and he made it a rule to give them a pint of beer. He had a wholesale dealer's beer licence, and supplied the beer in small casks to the people living about there. — The police said there were four long tables and benches in the room, and in the adjoining room they found three 36 gallon casks on tap, and one full on its end. There were also jars containing whisky and rum. There were a number of measures, principally pints and quarts, about the place. Defendant said the men bought some bread cheese, and he gave them the beer.—The officers stated that the only signs of a provision shop were a few jam pots in the window. There was no sign of bread and cheese or butter, or anything else. —The defendant, his wife, and daughter stated that they kept the spirits for their own use.—Mr. Belcher appeared for defendant, and Mr. A. W. Morris prosecuted.—The Bench said they could not possibly have a clearer ,case, and fined defendant £25 and costs, or one month's imprisonment. THE EASTJSROOK CLUB. John Evans was brought up charged with selling beer without a licence on the 17th of October. This case had been adjourned on two previous occa- sions on accountof the defendant beingin ill-health. —Police-Constable Lawson said he visited the club at the time named and found a number of men drinking. He asked defendant how it was he supplied the men with beer, and he said thev were members of the club.— Dr. Bird stated that defendant was suffering from a slight seizure, which appeared to have affected his memory and his sight.—In answer to a question from the bench, he stated that it was undoubtedly due to drink.—The Bench said they considered it a very bad case. The club had been opened ever since the adjournment and re-organised. The time spent in prison would possiblv do defendant good. He was fined JE50 and costs, or one month. THE PEOPK CLUB. Thomas Evans, sen., Thomas Evans, jun., and Mrs. Evans were charged with selling beer without a licence. Mr. Gorath appeared for defendants and pleaded guilty, but applied for the charge against Mrs. Evans to be added to that of the husband.—It appeared that the senior defendant, had applied for a licence and been refused, and had then opened the club.—The Bench said it was a bad case, and inflicted a fine of JE50 on Evans, sen., and £10 on Evans, jun.