Weekly Mail

« A STEAMER FOR AVONMQUTH OVERDUE. jf^'r,ave ^ears are entertained for the safety bn British steamer Falls of Bracklinn, ^ro:n Baltimore for Avonmouth. The j. ^»tiinore American," in tlie issue for | j bruarv 6, states that the steamer had then thirty-five days out, and the report pro- that "there axe grave fears for the safety i .f sixty men, the steamer, and her cargo I • grain, 'worth 66,101do#s. She has been re- sured at ninety guineas premium, and is °ut two weeks overdue. The steamer was 97 Rn^ with 147,000 bushels of oats and t ftnH bushels C01'n> shipped by Hammond Z1'* Snyder. It was the largest cargo of eals to leave port during the record-break- ]g shipments of December, and the second gest cargo of grain ever shipped from Balti- ^ore. Xhe steamer belongs to the Steamship y^lls of Bracklinn Company (Limited), Q.right, Graham, and Co., and hailed from go w. 4sgow. As the steamer has not been heard since she left port, the cause of her or probable loss, can only be conjec- ViiSSEL OR FIRE OFF USHANT. to telegram received on Thursday night at rest from the Isle of Ushant states that an it ^ting scene was being witnessed there to 0 west of the Creach Lighthouse. Appa- t.a«y, a vessel had taken tire, as there was a M ^^flagration at sea. The fire was some BEe inS e ouC' ^ut several boats have proceeded ■fr direction of the burning ship. K COLLISION IN THE PENARTH ROADS. B on Saturday morning a rather serious occlirred in the Penarth Roads between ^steamship Sinbad, ooal-laden from Penarth, BK?\ Vh'fu6 inward bound steamship Wileysike, of Si the impact both vessels received *5 tjri *I^ra-bIe damage, and during the morning's j' 0 they were docked at Cardan for repairs. | SHip ASHORE IN THE CHANNEL. i te\c Central News Ventnor correspondent r S^phs that a full-rigged ship, the Alcester, V€rP0°l' from Calcutta to Hamburg, with den' ^"t ashore on hriday night during a fog at Atherfield, near the scene of the fcroff* <saster- The captain declined the t toU ret^ assistance of the coastguard. A later j,j' ^ata states that the vessel has 7ft. of water iold. The captain and crew have been WRECK NEAR MILFORD. ^ubf" 8^eamer Rasoua, of Grangemouth, from of j) Burry Port, struck the rocks west Point, close to St. Ann's Head, near i durinS a dense fog at ten o'clock on tot £ i ay morning. She is expected to be a ^reek. The crew were saved. ^SSEL AND 36 LIVES SUPPOSED LOST. mys .iter's telegram from Boeton on Monday t° t' -A-8 the steamer Galileo was attempting t\v0 ™ tlie German tank 6teamer Diamant the lorH,688^8 were separated in a storm. Captain the Gauileo, thinks it likely that the *hoi,J:foundered with her crew of ? men, ut 280 miles off Halifax. COLLISION AT CHATHAM. got, torpedo-boat destroyer Janus was Woj-kg Q South Look at Chatham extension bo^r T.1„Ii^londay tshe ran into the caisson. Her aad a ni«? vere doubled up by the collision, P^tment y wa-ter entered her fore oom- ^I?ie2w COLLISIONS AT LIVERPOOL touring a lve^S ^orrespondenifc telegraphs: — rn, ■hip faJ.i8 qj galo on Sunday morning the wde th« quay °f Glasgow, moored along- adrift, oollidixjjg Wyre IXook, Fleetwood, went handrails 0{T* and starting the cat-head tlie fOPe Alliance, breaking and and dojm^311* topsail yards, Btanchionf ^u^idera^^davits of the Almora, stvarjier- Tr,1 niaBfa?ama«e to the rails, Falls of /Ul Burdary rigging of the Wall 0f Afcon brought Jiahl1 Fell. The 1 °ln? her own same,, and Cardiff riLoi -I 1 °n ISunrla +h^3i«?OAT irOXINJDEKED. Sir T." P ^-outtar Hope, own*d by {u(|„ AN'llscn, foundered in the Panartfa It Under somewhat peculiar oircuinatances. ,t6naP^ that the cutter went alongside the «.RokUh'ip Enterprise, which wae lying at ^be l m roads, to put a pilot on board, alt},' iwever, had too much weigh on, and, l^gjUgh a fender was dropped, tlie Hope got £ iea th !her v»ater-line, and she speedily cnx i' crew having barely time to scramble ste»mer. The crew qf the pilot- Wero sanded at Cardiff later in the day. Llovd'f^ IT'L-FATED VESSEL Red oia^eixt> tele^apliing from Perim, in i ete»n rf uesday afternoon, states that { ftbto i Oratava, which recently sank m (fl '» Hoc Li ■' ,18 ^hore Sciila Shoal but ^avf Wlng- A steainer, laghtens, and oooliee v^U via- 8ent to ^er assistance. The crew WonT^TV™ a11 welL Th0 Oratava left Uon for Sydney on February 5. (]F tHE CITY OF AGRA. W" Jh-n, asc'ars belonging to the City of th<j k Was wrecked on the Spanish coast i ay Isn i j'"111111? °f the month, were on Tues- erian ^r-at Liverpool by the Pacific steamer ili We +V ,were taken on board at Corunna, y landed in one of the Agra's boats. OF THE ORATAVA. J! jW &t Perim telegraphed on Wednea- r\ rOin ?tun^ as follows:—Information received] J 8tate3 that the steamer Oratava, y 'iTuu.. reP0^ed ashore on Sciila Shoal, must V £ ■ damage is reported, and the 1'fetit f.18 moderate. More lighters will be 'l ^ist Majesty's ship Cossack has gone to f k 10US ACCIDENT TO A TORPEDO- f CATCHER, 4 Wy agpent at Cowes telegraphed on Wednee- "en'nftr as follows:—The torpedo-catcher ■^■r* J• S. White, whilst ^oke' -Der tria^ trlP 011 the measured mile in >1 y on Tuesday, fouled some sub- r ^ile substance about three-quarters of a 4 ^stai ,y F. of the Measured Mile Buoy, and 4 ltled serious damage.

-1 CASE AT ABEETS- f TWITH. interest was centred in a seafaring ^lianTt/0'1 came before his Honour Judge ia ^vans Aberystwith County-court J, uy" It; was tlie first oaae under the I jurisdiction of the court, the j ln tho action being Captain William ?f '^rs ^'ma Cottage, Borth, who sued f. °f jjg WilHam Morris and Co., shipowners, ttQ ^oith-paiade, Aberystwith, for the » 'f ot being balance due > and moneys erpended by him while li r °^the schooner Ivanhoe, of Aberyst- i'I ?^ 'of J!10 defendants counter-claimed'tlie ^1 f°r and damages sustained J Ntou^l tlle plaintiff's negligence and gross '■ >, 6 t ct as °f the said vessel during iu respect of which he claimed kHltitiff W- l)wen appeared for the ?* • 4>+Lt defendants being represented bv Hughes. A jury, composed of i t raa^ Bennison (Terrace-road), [ A 1'^vans (Portland-street), Mr. i fn 0Iles (Marine-terrace), Mr. J. D. h ,V Jl'eat Darkgate-street), and Mr. Hugh < l V of ?Ua.nce a^ent)' were sworn with the t i> f co-n with the case, but, after a 4 j.>^nsultation between the solicitors acting the court was informed that an 1 u,e ariangement had been arrived at, V^abl^'l 0;t, ^iiicli they did not deem it v*U\ bo oisclose. The court was crowded in^ foilc anxious to follow the Vl»tl ani^ an abrupt termination caused much dissatisfaction. ■ w'lub*1SHlp aotiow AT CABDIPP. was engaged for several hours I ii7 ^unty-court on Frida.y m hearing W-' w'llch Messrs. Jiohn Shearman and C^»of.ters- ^ute Doc^ts, Cardiff, sued the W ^r6 steamship Biscaye for £ 25 17e. 2d., ^he, J 0er1"ta-in work which they performed e8Srn —r" J°^n SiUikey (mstrticted | Sy i'tijf. aohell and Co.) reprtwezstrd th« f ^r,^«8sr» r ^r- C. M. Bailhache (3Tmtrucr<>d ?—-Fn,. „R,edew ™d Sons) fiar the defen- ^t^'8 dpfemoo it was urg*d tJhat the [J gently nnd improperly .ft ,{n "?i>*oquenoe of the *iJ«^f«d im. !i ]^k? ? fchlP had been delayed fowr days ■ Si., for *1!° amd that they ww» not I a amtnTnt claimed. Tbey alao 5 0x A^'un|'ar-claim for £ 80 demurrage in ''in f ^Hod ? --Several expert witnesses I >]i, ,th« their evidence went- to show I and fake face of the I V, "'>t properly planned, and that 1 ^r,c,tt ^Vr,K +l a*e was leaky. The q-n- 1 at there was nn almormal back 'A ^reTe!Ued the engines working :mI.. "'c're called to d»ny these it hxri lrl t end his ETonomr said he [Si- Oror^wi0^t been shown that the repairs difxae, and he, therefore^ jtave judgment for the plaintiffs on the claim and ooiuiter-olaim, wirti costs.—Upon the applica- tion of Mr. Bailhaoho the judge granted a stay of execution far » week. SHIBOWNBR AND CORll MER. CEAJBfT AT CAJEPIFF. At Cardiff County-court on Frida.y an action was brought by the owners of the steamship Llanthowy (Newport) against Ml} John Bawden, hay and corn merchant, Neath, for Bit., in raepeot of his taking a. consignment of potatoes at Briton Ferry instead of at Neath.— Mr. C. M. Bailhache (instructed by Messrs. Dtwuing aaid Hundcook) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Arthur Lewis (instructed by Mr. Tom Williams, Neath) for the defen- dant.—Plaintiffs contended that the ailJowance of £1.1 was to be made only if the chip's cargo was discharged on a. particular Saturday night, ar.d in oa?e of the ship proceeding to sea. by the Saturday night's tide. The ship, however, did not g-ot to Neath as by arrangement-.—For the defendant it was contended tha.t he had done all he could in order to discharge the cargo, but that the chip's crew refused to work after seven o clock on the evening in question. Owing to breakages and stoppages there had been a delay of two and a half hours during the day, otherwise the ship would have been Discharged prinr to seven o'clock.—Judgment was given for the defendant. —mmiu ikiiiu——wo—<—a

THE CHARGES AGAINST COLQUHOUN. FURTHER PROCEEDINGS AT THE CAPE. At Johannesburg on January 28 (before the Landdrost, Mr. Van. der Berg) Mr. George Chalmers Colquhoun was charged on remand with fraud. Mr. C. C. Mathey defended.— Mr. John Roger said: I work for Oodford, Curran, and Co., plasterers. I know the accused. I liad business transactions with him during 1896. On the first occasion I entrusted him with £33 on behalf of mv brother and myself for investment. A few days later I gave him £37, a.nd altogether £10, for investment in the Brugspruit Col- liery. :He said he had lea.sed the colliery for three years, and he had formed a syndicate to work the mine, and our money wa,s to be spent in th:-t.1j way. I do not know the amount of the capital, or what share we were to have. The money went in one round sum. Witness produced the following receipts:—August 39 £33; August 25, £37; October 8, £ 60:' November 20, £100; November 25, £40. Continuing, witness said: I asked the accused on one occasion how things proceeded, and he replied, "Good." The accused handed me a report, which I produce, showing JB119 Is. 7d. profit for four months. Accused put the amount to capital account. Subsequently I paid several sums to him which he was to invest. He said tha.t some claims in Swazi- land would prove a desirable investment. He never rendered me any account of the money On November 25, when I handed him £40, he said that that money would be invested in trolleys and mules. I heard later that he had "cleared" to Durban, and I made a complaint, and I learned t-Îlat he had been arrested. By Mr. Mathey: We arrived here from Edinburgh on June 11. We are two brothers. My other brother, Charles, has only just arrived. William Rodger said: I know the accused. I had transactions with him. The receipts handed in were given by the aocused. The amounts named therein were handed to the aocused for investment. I could not obtain any explanation from him of what became of the money. At tliis stage the Public Prosecutor asked for a further remand for a week. There were a lot Off witnesses and doouments to go through. Mr. C. C. Mathey asked the court to state the bail. Mr. Van Leggelo demanded two good sure- ties of £500 each.

LIVE AND LEARN. Consumption is never called hopeless by the doctor until the germs have mastered the power of lesistuaee :n food. As long as the system can assimilate enough food that gives vitality, Nature will 'have a good chance to nght for life. But will any food answer Nature's purpose ? you ask. Certainly not. If it would there would be much less consumption in the world than there is to-day. As things are, consump- tion is the deadliest foe physicians have to meet, and the most discouraging as well, because it could be prevented if people were only thoughtful. Now let us see. When a person becomes weak, thin. and begins to have that hacking cough 'hanging about, the powers of the system to digest and assimilate food a.re lessened. It ie not consumption yet, but it soon will be, unless the downward tendency is checked. In this weakened condition, when ordinary food does not do ita work, and consumption threatens, there is only one ritfht way to get the needed nourishment into the blood. I have before me a letter which has a direct bearing on this subject. It reads :■— "Allow me to testify to the great benefits I have derived from your celebrated a.nd popular Scott'8 Emulsion. In May, 1895, I was taken seriously ill with bronchitis, pleurisy, and con- sumption, and was in bed for three weeks, and only able to sit in a chair in my bedroom for another five weeks. As the warm weather came on I seemed to get better, but in the fol- lowing October I was taken very bad again, and confined to my btd. I did not meud at all until July 6th of this year, '96. About this time I was advised to try Scott's Emulsion. I at last thought there would be no great harm in trying and at this time I feel all entirely new man. Previous to taking the Emulsion I could not walk twenty yards without extreme fatigue. I can no,v walk five miles without any trouble whatever, and hope with the aid of .Scott's Emulsion to be able before long to douHe that distance, as I am daily improving. I. therefore, beg, gentlemen, to sincerely thank you. I most certainly owe my recovery to Scott's Emulsion. I am, yours sincerelv a.nd gratefully, (signed) ROBERT EVANS, 2, Poplar-street, Tyldcsley, October 23rd, 1896." Is not the foregoing case a typical one? Mr. Evans needed two things which he got from Scott's Emulsion. One was an effective nourishment in an easy form for his weakened system, and the other Q. specific for the. local affection. He not only got in Scott's Emul- sion a pala.table and easy form of the best Nor. way cod-live.- oil. bu^also the hypophosphites of lime .and soda., w'hich help to tone up the digestive organs, nervous system, and trive mental force. Scott's Emulsion helps the whole system to regain health. 1.13630-2

BANKEUPTCY OF SIMS BEEVES. At London Bankruptcy-court on Wednes- day morn rag the creditors of Mr. John Sims Reeves decided to leave the estate in the hands of the Official Receiver to be administered in bankruptcy. The debtor returns his liabilities at £1,04-9 and his assets at £.3. He states that he has been a publio vocalist from boyhood. His income has varied considerably in late years, and last year it a-mounted to £ 800. He attributes hit. insolvent' to his liability on a bill accented by him in blank on behalf of a relative, who he alleged filled it up for a con- siderable sum in excess of the amount authorised. He adds that sums paid by him to another for household and personal expenses were used for other purpose, without his authority, with the result that in 1895 unexpected claims to the extent of £800 were made upon him by trades- people. Debtor stated about November, 1895, ne effected an arrangement with his creditors, under which he had since paid them, partlv from proceeds of the sale of his house and furni- ture, and from other sources, some lis. 6d. or 12s. in the £ out of 15s. accepted, and they now appeared as creditors for the balance. The debtor has consented to an adjudication. The Official Receiver had suggested the offering of a minimum composition otf 7s. 6d. in the £ but the debtor replied, stating that, although he had no doubt his many friends would have helped him to tha.t end, yet, having regsrd to the fact that the claims were mainly those for whioh he did not consider himself morally responsible, he did not see why he should ask those friends to assist him.The case was, consequently, left in the hands of the Official Receiver to wind up in bankruptcy.

WESTON DIVORCE CASE. In the Divorce Division OlD. Tuesday a oa.8I! was heard in which the Rav. Henry Robert Ditvies, an unbeneficed clergyman, residing at Weston-super-Mare, sued for a divorce from his wife on the ground of her adultery with Mr. Robert Stuart, stated to be a member of a troupe of negro minstrels, whose professional name was Vorno Voyce. The suit was undefended. It was stated that petitioner and his wife were married at Eye, in Herefordshire, in 1879, and in 1894 they went to live at Weston-«ruper-Majw. In 1896 petitioner, being in ill-health, went with fads wife to Aberystwith, and there the wife made the acquaintance of the co-respondent. She introduced him to her husband 84!1 being a of good family. He visited them afterwards at their own home, and the husband suspected no wrong. In September last the wife went to London, telling her hus- band she was going to see about some money which had been left to her. She had since left her husband aild had been living with co- respfindent. in Euston-road. Petitioner stated ho was now 72 years of age. and he believed his wifj at the time of marriage was seventeen years old. Evidence having been given, a decree nisi was grant eel with costs against the 00- reepondent. f'

Boawics's Raxing Powiiku. Best Bolt m<r Powder Bonwlc¡¡'¡; H.uu!<7 l'oll,r'}-:¡t. in the World. Borwick's Bakikg Povrifiut. Wholesome, BORWICK's ITAKING I'OWX)LU. Pure, and Bokwicx's Bajuhg Powdeu. Free from Alum. I.cUí6II

BOILER EXPLOSION AT MBBTHTE Early on Friday morning a terrible acci- dent, involving injury to twelve persons, occurred at the Cyfarthfa Works, Merthyr, awl, having regard to the nature of the disaster, it seems absolutely marvellous that it should have been unattended with serious loss of life. It appears that at about two o'clock the boiler of the travelling engine which forces out the coke at the coke-ovens exploded whilst stationary, with no one upon it, most of the men engaged at the ovens being in a lodge close, by, where they had gone to get their supper. The pressure of steam was not high, so that the explosion is attributed to some unobservable flaw. The fire swept in one vast flame into the lodge, and the following persons were burnt, for the most part about the head, neck, arms, and legs:—William Hawk, and his two sons, Richard and Thomas; James Jenkins, and Thomas, his son; Isaac Andrews, John Evans, Dan Murphy, David Evans, and three boys, known as "Loughlin," "Fly," and "Ben." The in- jured, none of whom were dangerously hurt, went to the engine-room, where oil was applied to their burns, and subsequently they were attended to by Dr. Burke, assistant to Dr. Webster, the works surgeon. There were other persons about outside the lodge at the time, but these escaped scatheless.

INQUESTS AT BARRY DOCK. Mr. E. B. Reece, district coroner, held three inquests at Barry Police-court on Monday afternoon. The first case was that of Samuel George Spooner Cutler, aged 22, son of Mr. George Cutler, mariner, 76, Graving Dock- street, Barry Docks, who was killed on Thurs- day evening while working as labourer at Barry Graving Dock. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.—The next case was that of George Edward Weaver, living at 21, Adeline-street, Cardiff, who died on Saturday night at Barry Accident Hospital from the effects of burns sustained on the previous morn- ing while at work on board ship at Barry Dock. The jury brought in a vcrdict of "Accidental death," but the coroner drew attention to a report issued by the Departmental Committee in connection with the Home Office last year prohibiting the use of naked lights while using oil paints the flashing point of which was lOOdeg. Fahrenheit. The jury recommended that in future safety-lamps be used when using this solution.—The coroner and joiry then proceeded to inquire into the circumstances attending the death by drowning of David King, 27, a boat- man, living at 17, Lower Morel-street, Barry Dock. A verdict of "Found drowned" was returned, there being no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.

PATAL ACCIDENT AT ST. J £ ELLON'S. Mr. R. M. Jones, coroner, on Monday held an iuquebt at the police-fetation, Sot. Melions, on the body of William Eades, 48, wagoner, Chapel-row, St. Mellona, who died on Saturday at live o'clock from injuries received two hours previously bv a wagon passing over his body. A verdict of "Accidental death was returned.

SAD FATALITY AT PONTYCYMMER. On Wednesday afternoon a sad accident happened to Mrs. Ann Faulkner, a. widow, whoso fritinds reside at 5, Singleton-road, Splott, Cardiff. She had, for about five weeks, b^n housekeeper to Mr. Sidney "Vayne, fruiterer and butcher, at Pontycymmer. On the day named Mr. Vayner gave the deceased and his salesman, Charles Wich, a. hauf-day's holiday. and they drove to Bndgend. Ou returning in the evening, when about five miles from Bridgend. the horse shied, went over the slope, and pitched the occupants out. Wieh lost cioneciousness, and on ret.-orcring found Mrs. Faulkner lying close by dead.—At the inquest on Wednesday (before Mr. T. H. Stockwood, coroner) the medical evidf-noe showed that there was no dislocation, and the doctor gave it as his opinion that death resulted from shock, followed by exposure.—A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned, a.nd, at the request of the jury, Mr. Sta-jekwood severely censured a man named Davies, a mail-cart driver, for not ren- dering assistance in any way when asked by W ith. On Tuesday morning a. little boy, three yeans old, named John Rees Thomas, whose parents reside at 22, Ash-road, Troedyrliiw. accidentally fell into the Glamorganshire Canal near the Dynevor Bridge, in that village, and was drowned. William Jones, foreman sinker, and William Davies, 7, Dean-street, Abcrdare, were engaged on Monday sinking a new pit at Werfa. At six o'clock they had charged three holes and fired a fuse, making their way to the top of the pit. As they reached the top Davies fell a distance of 100ft., being killed instantly. Mr. W. Wallace, M.A., fsMow and tutor of Merton College and White's professor of moral philosophy in the University of Oxford, Who was thrown from his machine whilst bieyoLirnr at Bletchington, near Oxford, on Thursday afternoon, died from the effects of his injuries on Friday morning. On Saturday the body of Andrew Grahame was found in the water at the foot of a. preci- pice near Dunglass. Tho deceased, who was groom to Sir Basil Hall at Dunglass, had been missing since Thursday, when he went to the village of Cockburnepath. It is supposed that he fell over the precipice whilst returning at night. Six men were injured on Saturday through a scaffold on whinh they were a.t work, erecting new stables for the Loudon and North Western Railway Company at Manchester, suddenly giving way. They were conveyed to the Royal Irfirmary, and all but one had to be detained %s in-patients. None of the injuries are likely to be fatal. An inquest was held at the Co-operative-hall, Cross Keys, on Saturday morning, before Mr. Roberts-Jones, coroner, on the body of Edgar Muman, who vas killed by a fall of coal a.t Celynen Colliery on Wednesday last. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and expressed their regret at the large increase in the number of fatai colliery accidents in the district. Mr. James Probert, Penfcrebaca, son of the late Dr. Probert, was riding in High-street, Merthyr, on Tuesday afternoon when his horse bolted into Castle-street, where Mr. Probert lost control and was thrown. The unfortunate gentleman was dragged along the roadway for a short distance. He was ultimately picked up and taken into the Castle Hotel, where he was attended by Dr. Ward. One leg and an ankle were broken. A fearful aooident happened at the Oakfield Wireworks, Cwmbran, during Monday after- noon. A lad named William Clarke. thirteen yearg of age, living at 16, Tranquil-street, and who was employed at the wireworks, became entangled in the coils of the red-hot wire as it issued frcm a roller. He could not be extri- cated for some time, and them only with great difficulty, he was badly burned about the legs. The unfortunate lad was admitted to, and detained at, the Newport infirmary.

DYNAMITE EXPLOSION. SIX MEN KILLED. The Press Association Stevenson, Ayrshire, correspondent, telegraphing on v. euneeday morning, says:—At six o'olock this morning a violent explosion occurred at Nobel's Explosive Works here. The streets were thronged with in- habitants. who made a rush to the works, but the officials bad closed the place and refused to answer any inquiries. The detonation was heard and felt at Irvine, which is seven miles off. the town being, in fact, shaken to the foundations, while at Kilwinning, which is three miles away, the street lamps were extinguished by the concussion. A later telegram says:—Six men were killed and iwo injured. The Press Association Stevenson corre- spondent telegraphs.—The following is the official list of the killed at the ardeer explo- sion: Robert Fulton, chemist, Glasgow; Samuel Graham, nitro-giycerine foreman; John Hopkins, Stevenston; William Aitkin, Saltcoats; John M'Murray, Saltcoats; and James Neateon, Stevenston. Two blacksmiths, whose names are not given, were injured. The men killed were blown to pieces, a.nd could only be identified by their wearing a.pparel. Of the two blacksmiths injured, one WM hurt on th* head a.nd arm by an iron girder, whioh fell from the roof. The other had a foot injured. HOUSES SHAKEN TWENTY-FIVE MILES AWAY. Houses were shaken at Cumnock, 25 miles away, and a passenger train near Johnstone had the windows broken, while plate-glass was smashed at Paisley. THE MANAGER'S ACCOUNT. The Press Association Stevenston corre- spondent has had an interview with Mr. Lund- holm, manager to the company. Mr. Lund- holm said he was sitting in his office early on Wednesday morning, when the windows were blown in, and on going outside he could tell by a glare where the mischief had occurred, but he had difficulty in inducing workmen to follow him to 'the spot. He found, subse- quently, that the entire hut, with six men who were in it, had been blown to atoms, and but for his and Mr. Findlay's speedy action, half a charge of nitro-giycerine in another hut would have exploded. They succeeded, however, in "drowning the material. Before the men started work on Wednesday morning there were 4,200 pounds of nitro-giycerine in the hut, but a.t the time of the explosion, this had been red'uced to 2,400 pounds, the remainder having been carried off by runners. The material which exploded was lodged in 22 boxes of 115 pounds each, a.nd stood on a bogie, which, together with the rails, was blown up. Mr. Lundholm stated that nothing would be touched GDSil the arrival of her Majesty's inspector.

THE QUEEN. DEPARTURE FROM WINDSOR. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION IN L xxJJOlN. T-be Queen, accompanied by the Empress irtxitrick ana Prince** Vic;<.u .a ot Schiesvv;.g- ilolstein, ana aHulUEd by U.t, loriis and i&die^ L of uuj Court, lett \> in a.-or buuoa by syixial tram on luesclay ruoioung for London, wnere lifer ilajcsty remained until Tnursoay even- ing. J.ne iCoya-i train reautied l'atidl¡,gton at noon, and tne wue,-Ii waa driven to Buckingham Palace. An exceptionally bitf crowd assembled in mo vicinity Pad- UmgLon Station to witness tne s arrival, and the Great Western terminus was thronged long before tne tram was due, so that a. large force of police was necessary to keep the carriage way clear. Within tne station enclosure Darners liad been erected, behind which stood UKise privileged members of the public who had been allow od on the platform. Princess Henry of Battenberg, who travelled trom Wiudcor by an ordmary tram, reached Paddmgton at 11.10, accompanied by the Princess lina, her daughter; Countess Erbaoh, Lord Edward Pelhaui-Uhnton, Lady Eva Greville, and practically the whole of the ladies and gentlemen attached to the Royal household at Windsor. These were driven to Buckingham Palace in pair-horse landaus and clarences, while omnibuses and coaches served for the servaritb and the luggage. As soon as this party had passed out oi the station pre- parations were made for the Queen's arrival.1 shortly after half-past eleven an eocort of the 2nd Life G-uards, commanded by Lord Kensington, elaittered into the station vard, the sunshine showing to advantage the contrasts supplied by their bright uniforms and accoutrements, The escort was followed by the Royal carriages from Buckingham Palace. Two landaus, each horsed by four bays, with outriders, led the way, and then came a number of other con- veyances. Upon the platform, to receive her Majesty on behalf of the company were Lord Emlyn, chairman, and several other officials. At about noon the escort was called sharply to attention as the train steamed into the station, the engine having upon its front the word "Queen" in gold letters, and beneath this the Royal Anns. Major LoKJfe and Sir John M'Neill, V.C., equerrits in attendance, were the first to alight, and were followed by some of the Queen's Highland and Indian atten- dants. Her Majesty shortly afterwards stepped an to the crimson carpeted platform. She was dressed in black, and looked very well; indeed .-he, as usual, carried a stout cane, which she uied in walking to her car- riage, but she required only the nominal assis- tance from her Munshi and Indian secretary, ilafiz Abdul Karim. Having seated liersclf facing the horses, she was quickly joined by the Empress Frederick, also in black, who sat on the Queen's left, Princess Victoria. of Schleewig-Holstein sitting 'opposite. The sun was shining with considerable power, and her Majesty made use of a. small sunshade, which, whilo affording protection, did not prevent the assembled crowd from getting a good view of her. A eoupie of Highland attendants here scrambled into the rumble seat. The word to start was given, the esoort closed up, and tho cavalcade moved slowly out of the station. There was a good deal of cheering and enthusiasm, and the Queen appreciated the warmth of her wel- come, for she bowed an.d smiled as she was driven through the crowd. The rouite lay along Load'on-street, through Hyde' Park, and down Constitution-hill. London-street was densely packed, like the station exit, while in the park and along the remainder of the drive were con- siderable assemblages of people. All along the route there were demonstrations °f loyalty and publio aifection, and the Queen n°t fail to acknowledge on hand the warmth of her greeting. QUEEN'S DRAWTNG ROOM. The Queen held the first Drawing Rc-om of the season at Buckingham Palace on Wednes- day. The weather was fine, though the sky was somewhat overcast and a chilly wind was blowing. From an early hour persons anxious to witness the arrival of the debutantes and Royal personages began to throng the -iai' and by the hour fixed for the ceremony large crowds had gathered in the neighbourhood of the Palace. The carriages convey^# c^"1<~ for preseaitaition to the Queen conim^icw to arrive shortly before one o'clock, but the public could not get as good a. view of the debutantes as is usually the case, later in tne season, owing to the carriage, windows being oiosf d. The presentations numbered about two hundred. The dresses of many of the ladies present were unusually handsome- Among tne materials employed, velvets were in much de- ma.nd. At to colours, pale green and the exceedingly effective and newest shade of lavender were pp miinent. Br^^d^s wcro of rare and novel designs. Bouquets, usual, formed a very pleasing feature. They were very handsome and varied, there being a great ruu upon rare orchids, which at present are in splvtndid bloom. Rotei- of all kinds, par- ticularly pale-pink tints, were plentiful, and carnations of varied colours, prominent among tiicm "Maimaison," were largely used. The bouquets of the coachmen and livery servants .were as large as ever, spring blooms of daffodils, narcissus, :md lilies of the valley predominating.

BO Ell GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDGES. A GRAVE SITUATION. A Centra t. News telegram from Cape Town on Wednesday says: —The extraordinary dis- pute between the Transvaal Parliament and the High Court judges is being followed throughout South Africa with the keenest interest. The new draft law introduced bv President Eruger and his Executive Cabinet in the First Raad to restrict the traditional powers and independence of the High Court 0 is generally considered as a very serious blunder. Hitherto the High Court has had the supreme power of interpretation of the law of the South African Republic. It is not denied that the new law has been intro- duced in consequence of the fearless conduct of Chief Justice Kotze in deciding that the resolutions passed bv the Volksraad in con- nection with the now famous Brown oase were not in aoeordance with the Constitution. All the Transvaal judges have appealed against the proposed law, which, in effect, directs that they shall merely carry out the commands of those above them. The opinion of leading Colonial newspapers and politicians is to the effect that if the new law should be passed it would be the worst day's work that the Rand has eve- done. A Renter's telegram from Pretoria on Tues- day states that President Kruger. during the discussion on the subject that day, said Mr. Rhodes had been trving for years to under- mine the Republic, and had only been kept at bay by the Volksraad resolutions, by means of which. also, the burghers had been prevented from joining the Uanjaland trek. The sovereigi ty of the Republic must be main- tained, or else the Convention would be broken, and then war might ensue.

AN IMPORTANT DECISION. The House of Lords on Tuesday gave an important decision, reversing1 that of two courts below. The a-ppellant, who lent £ 1,600 to Veuve, Monnier. and Co., champagne dealers, received as security what purported to be certificates for 16,000'fully-paid shares. These were given as collateral security, but the recsretary of the oompany transferred the shares into the name of the lender on the register of shareholders, and when, the company was wound up the lender was pub upon the list of oontri- I butories for 16,000 shares on which no money had been paid. The lender asked to have his name removed, not being a shareholder, but the oourte below ruled against him, saying he cught to have known the shares were not oaid. The Lord Chancellor said the lower courts had taken an entirely erroneous view of the law, and the appeal 'was, therefore, sustained, the liouidator being ordered to pay the appellant all costs. Lords Herschell, Maouaghten, Shand, and Morris concurred.

t THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. Mr. Gibson Bowles has ascertained that, out of the fifteen and a. half million dollars awarded in 1872 by the Geneva. Tribunal to be paid by Great Britain to the United States, as damages in the matter of the Alabama claims, a. little more than ha!f remains in the hands of the United States, the claimants for com- pensation to that extent Dot having made out their case. Mr. Bowles has given Mr. Curxon notice of his intention to ask whether there is any prospect of the United States re-paying this amount to the Imperial Treasury.

CHECEtTSEY EJECTION. The result of the polling in the Chertsey elec- tion was declared on Friday afternoon as fol. lows — Leigh Bennett (U.) 4,845 Baker (R.) 3,977 Maioritv 868 PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. Previous contested electioi^Juive resulted as follow:— 18S5.—Hankey (C.), 4,540 ;IJ& Marchaut (L.), 2,560-ma.jority, 1,980. 1892.—Combe (C.), 4,589; Baker (L.), 2,751— ma.jority, 1,858. The progress of parties is made clear by the following figures: 1885. 1892. 1897. XJ 4,540 4,589 4 845 R 2,560 2,751 3,977 U. Maj. 1,980 1,838 863

Take Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters. It is the best Peinedy ot the Age for Weakness, Nervousness. Low Spirits, Indigestion, Sleeplessness, Chest Affection", and liOss of Appetite. Sold ia Bottle*. 2s. 9d and 4s. bd, each. 41617 1

CARDIFF AND THE QUEEN'S JiECOKD KElGiN, MUMEFIOENCE OF LORD BUTE. A public meeting was held at the Town-hall. Caiuifr, oil VV c-u:uts,ua,, al teiii'>ii io Ueci».c what stcus shouia lie L.dten in ilie town to fittingly ctnebrato iiie diamond rtijn of Queen Victoria. If;e mayor (Alderman E. Reava: who had cuiiveneu the meeting, presided, among; a large and representative attendance r" johu Guan (president ul tha Cardiff Chamber of Commerce), Aiderman Tnounee, A.ldermau Sanders and Alderman Daniel Lewis; Councillors V call, J eiiiaus, Andrews, David. Munn, Thoixiiitj, F. J. Beavan, Robiii £ on, and Hughes; 1Jr, Garrett ll order and Dr. Hushes; and Me«rs. W. K. Hawkins. LeweLell Wood, James Hurman, (j. l'ercy Thomas, G. Grant, J. B. Ferrier, J. Austen Jenkins. W. V/. Jones (chairman L'ar- diff Shipowners' Association), aud H. Jones Colonel Guthrie, Mr. G. 1 auneid, thc^Revs. J. D. Watters, G. St. Clair, Mr. J. L. Wheatley (town-clerk), &c. Among those present were a large number of Cardiff pilots. Several letters expressing regret at inability to be presGut were read. Sir William Thomas LewIS. who was detained at Merthyr, wrote that the Marquess of Bute fully sympathised with the proposed erection of a. new hospital for seamen m th3 place of the Hamadryad Hospital Ship, and would be pleased to sub- scribe the sum of £5,000 towards starting the fund, and would also arrange with the Bute Estate for the purchase of a suitable site, which he would Dresent for the purpose of erecting the necessary buildings, &c., provided that at least £30,000 ware raised by subscrip- tions and devoted to the provision of suitable bu^wJigg and their equipment. (Applause.) Mr. John Cory, Dvffryn, wrote advocating the erection of a permaneot seamen's hospital, and promising to contribute £ 1,000 towards the fund. Councillor Morel wrote stating that his firm would contribute £500. and double their annual subscription, and Mr. E. R. Moxey sent his sympathy, and said he would give his help when required. The Town-clerk read the resolution passed a.t the meeting of the Cardiff Chamber of Cornmeroe, advocating the erection of a sea- men's hospital, and also a letter from Dr. T. Garrett Horder suggesting that a convalescent home should be built at Barry and stating that Lord Windsor would undoubtedly give the necessary land. The Mayor, in the course of an earnest and eloquent address, spoke in glowing terms of the reign of Queen Victoria, and expressed the sincere hope that the local celebrations would be appropriate to the occasion. Cardiff, at any rate, could boast of beinsr a Victorian town, for when the Queen l>eran her auspicious reign the town whs hl1t very litPc known, but during the last 60 years it had srroM n to suoh an abnor- mal extent that the members of the corporation, and, no douht, gentlemen at the docks could hardly find the means of keeping pace with the requirements. He had great pleasure in pro. posing—"That this meeting of the inhabitants of Cardiff rejoices at the opportunity of loyally and dutifully celebrating the sixtieth year of the srlorious and beneficial reign of her most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, the longest in the history of the country, and hereby pledges itself to make every effort to raise a fund for the purpose of erecting and completing as a memento of her Majesty's long and successful reign a permanent seamen's hospital for the port of Cardiff in the place of the Hamadryad Hospital Ship: defraying the cost of loyally celebrating her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee in the county borough of Cardiff by means of publio street decorations, illuminations, fire- works. or otherwise, as may be determined by the executive committee, hereinafter mentioned; and for purchasing a suitable badge to be worn upon all public occasions by each Mayoress of Cardiff successively. pJ^r- John Gunn, the chairman of the Cardiff Lhaanbor of Commerce, seconded the proposi- tion, which he said he hoped would b? carried unanimously. It was sometimes said that the matter was a purely dock affair, and that ship- owners ought to take the matter in hand and do what was necessary themselves. He deprecated the idea enjtircly. Too much distinction was made between tlie towTi and the Docks, but Car- diff would be nowhere without its docks. They might go to the outskirts to live, but most of them would be stranded if there were no docks or dock trade in the town. He was not sure whether the outside public had a proper idea of the large number of seamen who entered their docks year by year. He had some re- turns by nim which showed that at the port of Liverpool during 1896 the number of seamen shipped was 117,704, from London during the same period 72,156, and froan Cardiff 63,700. (Applause.) Every one of the large ports, with the exoeption of Cardiff, had made.,rea.son- able provision for its seamen, and the time had now arrived when their town should do likewise. He was not saying that the best pos- sible use had not been made of that old hulk the Hamadryad, for he knew that the medical superintendent, Dr. Hughes, and his assistant 'had done splendid work. but there was ai present a state of thing? which should no longer be allowed to exist. He had a. report for the year 1895, and he found that during that year something like 355 cases were treated on the ship, and between 10,000 and 11,000 out- patients were visited by Dr. Hughes or his assistant. He thought that statement alone proved that the question was not simply a dock question. (Hear, hear.) That was practically the first occasion that dockmen had gone to the town for help, and he trusted there would be no division of opinion. They at the docks had always been ready to support any praiseworthy object in thio1 town. (Applause.) He hoped they would sftl give as much as they could afford, and he had pleasure in saying that his firm would contribute 100 guineas. He wished it had been a thousand. In conclusion, Mr. Gunn read a letter which he had received from the Dean of Llandatf, in which the dean re- gretted that he was unable to attend through illness, but extended his warmest sympathy with the proposed erection of a seamen's hospital. "1 can well believe," said the dean, "that the large heart of our august Sovereign would open itself to the fullest capacity at such a commemoration, In one corner of her dominions, of her incomparably glorious reign." Colonel Guthrie supported the proposition. He had been a member of the committee of the Hamadryad Hospital Ship for twenty years, and had been a sailor for 26 years, so that he knew a. little of the needs and requirements of seamen. The Hamadryad had done some good work in her day, but was now unfit for the pur- poses °f a hospital. The sanitary arrangements were defective for one thing. Last year 400 in- patients were treated, and at the present moment uiey had not a spare bed, and there was great danger of overcrowding. Another objection to the sship wae that the men had to walk about the decks over the patients' heads, and this caused a good deal of additional suffering. He hoped that Lord Bute's munificent offer would be well supported, and that the scheme would be a complete success. (Applause.) Dr. T. Garrett Horder said he was decidedly in favour of having a permanent seamen's hospital; ait the same time he thought there were other wants in Cardiff which were, perhaps, quite as urgent, and in order to arouse dis- cussion he would like to bring before them the necessity that existed for a convalescent heme for children. In a large town like Car- diff, with its 25,000 or 30,000 children, it must happen thait some of those children suffered from complaints of various kinds, and it must occur to those present that Cardiff was not a town in which children quickly recovered from serious illness. The death-rate was a low one, but there was a great deal of sickness of various kinds, and the authorities had not been a.ble to banish various infectious complaints that attacked children more especially. They knew how difficult it was for children to fully recover unless they were sent away for a change of air. It seemed to him that there -was no reason why the two schemes should not go hand in hand, and he, therefore, proposed: "That this meet- ing, whilst recognising the necessity for erecting a permanent hospital for seamen, is of opinion that a. convalescent home for children is slso required, and begs to recommend the adoption of bith schemes as a. fitting way to celebrate the Diamond Reign of her Majesty the Queen." He had a rought plan with him, and he found that a home with every necessary appurtenance cculd be built for 50 children for £5,500, a.nd could be maintained for £500 per annum. Mr. Percy Thomas seconded, and suggested that a. smaller home than that recommended by Dr Horder should be built. Mr. Grant could not agree with the amend- ment. Twelve years ago they recognised the necessity for a seamen's hospital, and the neces. sity had been increased every year. He thought that unless (something was done they would find the Hamadryad either going out to sea or falling to pieces. They wanted to set a. brilliant example which other ports would follow, and, in his opinion, there was no more fitting way of celebrating the Diamond Reign. Councillor Veall thought it was a mistake to trv a.nd carry the two schemas; by putting them forward they might fail in both. Councillor Andrews appealed to Dr. Horder to withdraw his amendment, so that, they could go to the publio with an undivided schema Mr. T. A. Stephens also spoke. The Mayor, in reply to Councillor Robinson, said he understood by Sir William Thomas Lewis's letter that tho Marquess of Bute would give £5,000 in any case, and would give the site on condition that £30.000 were raised, tha.t sum including bis own gift of £5,000. After some further discussion Dr. Horder withdrew his amendment, and the resolution was then carried unanimously. Mr. W. W. Jones, chairman of the Ship- owners' Association, proposed thaHhe fallowing gentlemen should act on an executive committee for the purpose of making the necessary arrange- ments :—The Mayor. Sir W. T. Lewis, Messrs. John Gunn, L. Wood, W. W. Jones, Colonel Guthrie, J. J3. Ferrier, H Jones, Councillor Jenkins^Mfr. Jenkins (pilot), C. Solirocter, J. Moore/Counoillor Veall, James Hurman, W. R. Hawkins, G. E. Petty, H. J. Simpson, J. N. Ivestell, R. Forrest, T. Morel, D. Badcliffe, E. Handcock, W. C. Peace, J. C. Shepton, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Horder, and Alder- man Trounce. Mr. E. Jones seconded, and the motion was earned. Upon tho proposition of Mr. James Hurman. tfw mayor was asked to act as treasurer to the fund and the town-clerk as secretary. A vote of thanks to the mayor fur presiding concluded the srooeedioP'

CARDIFF CORPORATION AND CATHAYS PARK. AND CATHAYS PARK. THE PROPOSED PURCHASE FROM LORD BUTE. THE TERMS ACCEPTED. A meeting of the general purposes committee of the Cardiff Corporation ww held on V» td- necday for the purpose of considering the ques- tion of purchasing the Cathays Parle from the Marquess of Bute. The chair was occupied by tne mayor (Alderman Ebenezer Beavan). Tiie letter received from Sir William Thomas Lewis, Hart., offering to sell the Cathays l'ark on certain conditions for £ 150,000, and that of the towa-clerk to Sir William asking for fur- ther information on cert a: a points (both of which have been published) were read. In order that the reply of Sir William Thomas Lewis may be understood it is necessary to give an outline of the points raised by the town- clerk. They are follow: — (a.) That the corporation do not require an Act of Parliament to purchase the park, but if an Act be necessary, could not the Marquess of Bute insert a clause in the Bute Docks Bill or otherwise seek powers to enable him to stttl ? (b.) It was assumed that Lord Bute would grant permission to remove such trees as may be actually necessary for the purpose of form- ing roads in laying out the park. (c.) The necessity of removing some trees on the eastern side of the park for the purpose of widening Park-place when necessary. (e.) Necessary consents to construct bridges ov the canal and feeder. (f ) Terms upon which land could be obtained for widening the North-road, &c. The following letter fro^i Sir William Thomas Lewis was read by the town-clerk: — Bute Estate Office, Aberdare, Feb. 22, 1897. Feb. 22, 1897. Cathays Park. Dear Sir,—Having regard to the full discus- sion that took place between your yub-com- mittee and myself when I had the pleasure of meeting them, the contents of yoar letter on the 18th intt., which arrived during my absence in Scotland, surprised me very muoh. With respect to the points you mention upon whirfi the corporation require further particulars, 1 beg leave to state: — (a.) That, after f urlbering considering the sub- ject of Pirliamentarv powers in the event of an arrangement being arrived. at between Lord Bute, Lord Bute's trustees, and the Cardiff Cor- poration. we regret it is impossible to dispense with the Parliamentary sanction indicated in my letter to the Mayor of Cardiff, dated the 6th inst. As to your suggestion of preventing delay by inserting a clause in the present Bute Doclts BiN, I have to point out that there is no relation whatever between the Bute Docks Com- pany and the subjects of their Bill of this ses- sion and the proposed transfer of land belong- ing to Lord Bute and the Bute trustees to the Cardiff Corporation; and, with every desire to meet the reasonable wishes of the Cardiff Cor- poration, I regret we cannot advise hny such attempt M you propose being made, which wouid not have the slightest chance of being enter- tained. If the corporation desire to avoid delay, there is no difficulty, in the event of an understanding being arrived at, as I am in a. position to sign a preliminary agreement on behalf of Lord Bute, as well as Lord Bute's trustees, which the Cardiff Corporation could have ratified by Parliament next session. (b.) While Lord Bute desires to avoid the removing of trees, he does not in the slightest degree wish to prevent such removal as may be actually necessary for the purpose of forming roads and laying out the park. (c.) As you will probably recollect, I explained to your committee at our interview that Lord Bute attached importance to preserving the bank of trees between Cathays Park and Park- place, and, although there is no pledge or understanding to that effect between Lord Bute and the lessees of the houses on the east Bide of Park-place, his lordship considers it would be unfair to his lessees to concur in suoh an arrangement as you now propose. Apart from this, there is • not, in our opinion, the slightest necessity for such widening as you now suggest, which, if carried out, would involve the corporation in the purchase of valuable buildings and land south of the feeder, which I can hardly conceive it possible they would entertain, and more especially having regard to the fact that immediately north of the feeder, under the proposed arrangement of acquiring Cathays Park, the traffic would be relieved by turning into the proposed road to be constructed in the park parallel with the feeder. If hereafter the width of Park-place should prove to be insufficient, the present foot- path on the west might be thrown into the road, and a pleasant shady walk for passengers formed between the first and second line of treef. which leaves ample space for three or four people to walk abreast. (e.) With respect to the Bute Decks Com- pany and the Glamorganshire Canal Company's interests, although I have not had an oppor- tunity cf submitting the matter to either of those companies, I think the Cardiff Corpora- tion may assume that no difficulty would be raised by either of those companies as to the easements required, provided the plans of the bridges are subject to their approval. I should, however, mention that the canal company will require the corporation to waive their objection to the company extending their wharf ground up to the we&teru side of the North-road, according to the plan which was sent to tho corporation some years ago. (f.) On the unceretanding that the land neces- sary for the widening of the North-road on the east, and also the piece striped blue, as well as the land required for the new avenue, -8 always to be kept open. and no buildings erected theron, the additional area so re- quired, as woil as the casements over the canal and Bute Docks pvopeities, may be included for a sum of £ 10,000, in addition to that men- tioned for the park. If the Cardiff Corporation so desire. Lord Bute has no objection to re-pay the sum of £ 4,000 received frcm them for the site of the proposed museum in Park-place, upon that site being re-conveved to his lordship. Wo fail to understand the object of re- moving the hoardings in North-road, and would like to know why you say the corporation desire it. As I have indicated, if the Cardiff Corpora- tion decide to avail themselves of the oppor- tunity Lord Bute has -fforded them of acquiring Cathays Park and the porU'.m indicated on the plan accompanying my letter of the 6th inst. (read with .his letter), there will be no difficulty, as I have previously indicated, in a provisional agreement being entered into, but it must be clearly understood that the matter cannot re- main open beyond the date already mentioned, viz., the 31st of March next. I remain, dear air, Yours very truly, W. THOMAS LEWIS. J. L. Wheatley. Esq. In answer to Mr. Mildon, the Borough Engi- neer stated that the land required was about 21 acres in extent. Mr. F. J. Beavan asked whether the corpora- tion were precluded from erecting any but public buildings on tihe park. The Mayor: Entirely. I thought I made that clear at the last meeting. Mr. Beavan: Then our only source of revenue will be the ground rent of public buildings? Alderman Trounce: There is no limit as to public buildings? The Mayor: No. Mr. Ilftyd Thomas called attention to a clause in Sir William Thomas Lewis's letter, which reads as follows:—"The space inter- vening, striped blue on the tracing, being conveyed to the corporation and preserved here- after as an open garden in froot of the pro- posed Town-hall buildings." He took it from that that the Town-hall question had been settled. ("No, no.") The Town-clerk then read the conditions upon which he suggested the park should be purchased. One of the principal clauses cast upon the Marquess of Bute the burden of obtaining an Act of Parliament authorising him to sell the park to the corporation, who would contribute a. sum to be agreed upon, towards the expenses. The corporation were also to purchase the three-cornered plot re- ferred to, and land for the widening of North- road, for £ 10,000. Mr. Robinson asked when the northern part of Duke-street was to come down. COuld not a. definite agreement be made with the Mamuess of Bute to carry out that improve- ment within a certain time ? The Mayor: When we were talking aibout that matter, I said: "The people of Duke-street require that they shall be paid a. sum which would cover the whole place with sovereigns. But that is not the worst of it, the sovereigns would ha.ve to be on edge, and we a.re not going to give it." Mr. Morgan Morgan said Sir William Thomas Lewis explained to the committee that the leases for the Duke-street property would expire shortly, and then the castle wall would be continued from Castle-street to North-road. Alderman David Jones stated that the whole of the property on the north of Duke-street did not belong to Lord Bute. Some of the hotwes belonged to the Vachdlls, a couple to the Tynta Estate, while several persons were interested in the Glove and Shears Hotel, if th-i Marquess of Bute took down the houses on his property, somebody would have to buy the others. It would be better to leave this matter alone for the present. Mr. Veall stated that some of the leases had already expired, and the property was let from year to year. Referring to a clause suggested by the town- clerk that the corporation should not be bound to erect the Town-ball in the position indi- cated in Sir William Thomas Lewis's letter or in any other part of the park, Mr. George David contended that by adopt- ing a resolution to that effect the corporation would ba raising unnecessary difficulties. Mr. Beavan asked if it was not raised in Sir W. T. Lewis's first letter. Alderman David Jones said Lord Bute took a great interest in the college and other scholastic institutions, and it was this that prompted him to sell the park. Mr. John Jenkins complimented the town- clerk upon the care he had taken to protect the interests of the corporation in the clauses which lie had drawn up. He was in favour of dis- cissitig all tho conditions before coming to a decision to purchase. Mr. Mildon expressed an opinion that there was something behind. He could not under- stand the objection to the town-clerk» clause with'reierence to the site of the Town-hall. lderiii.iu Jones moved that the words, "in front ut "de proposed Town-hall buildings," in i.o clause ijuoced by Mr. llltyd iuuinaj from Sir T. Lewis's first letter be omitted. The question of a Town-hail cite was, ne said, discussed wnen the committee had sin interview with Su- W. T. Lewis, but the corporation were nut bound in any way. If Mr. Mildon thought the committee had some ulterior object, he was absolutely mistaken. The Mayor said ho did not think the Town- hall site influenced Sir William in any way. •Aevertheless, it was discussed. During further discussion it was mentioned that when the interview with Sir Williaih took place the borough engineer was instructed to prepare a rough plan showing how the park could be iaid out. Mr. Harpur produced the plan showiug the possible lay-out of the park and the sites which he suggested for the Town- hall, college, and technical school. In the letter accompanying the plan Mr. Harpur stated that it must, not be taken as representing the views of the corporation, as he had no instruc- tions from them, and the suggestions were, therefore, purely his own. (Hear, hear.) The site set apart for the Town-hall was of almost exactly the size and shape which it was pro- posed to purchase for the same purpose at Tomperancetown. For the college he had set apart six acres, which was one acre more than was scheduled some years ago for the same purpose in Cathedral-road. The Town-hall would be distant only 350 yards from the comer of Duke-street. Alderman David Jones stated that the plan was prepared at the request of Sir W. T. Lewis. After a Ion? discussion, the terms and condi- tions set forth in Sir William Thomas Lewis's letters were accepted, and on the motion of A iderman David Jones, seconded >by Mr. Morgan Morgan, the following resolution was unanimously carried:- "That the corporation apply to Parliament next session for powers to purchase the Cathays Park: that powers be inserted in the Bill whereby Lord Bute e.nd his trustees can be permitted to sell the park, and that his lordship and his trustees be desired to support the Bill." CONFIRMATION BY THE COUNCIL. This recommendation was submitted to a special meeting of the council, held immediately afterwards, and was unanimously approved. It was further resolved that a provisional agree- ment with Sir William T. Lewis, on behalf of Lord Bute and his trustees, be entered into.

INDIAN FAMINE FUND. MEETING OF THE CARDIFF COMMITTEE. i ■ On Monday afteonoan the mayor of Cardiff (Councillor E. Beavan) presided over a meeting of the Indian Famine Committee held at the Town-hall, at which be reported that the fund had been increased since the last meeting to £ 1,542. He hoped that this figure would be largely increased, especially as he had not yet received subscriptions as the result of collec- tions from manv of the churchee and chapels in the town. The churches had done a great deal better than the chapels, as out of 33 in the t'.nvn the congregations of 24 bad Bent in sub- scriptions, while out of 70 chapels only fourteen had responded to the appeal.—It waa resolved that the mayor be asked to write to Mr. J. M. Maclean, M.P., and solicit his services on be- half of the Cardiff fund, and with his worship was also left the decision as to whether or no the subscription list should be published in the local press. Sixty collecting books had been, printed, and some of theee are to be sent to the gentlemen who have promised to canvass the Central and South Wards in accordance with the following list of districts:—The Docks. Messrs. J. W. Courtis, W. Lester Jones, and J. B. Ferrier; Bute-street, the Hayes, Work- ing-street, St. John'e-square, Quay-street, Custom House-street, and the Aroades, Mr. S. Blaiberg; west sicle of St. Mary-street and High street, Mr. J. Manuel; Charles-street, l'ark place, Edwards-terrace. Windsor-place, St. Andrew's-cresoent, Park-grove, and Dum- fries-place, Mrs. Thompson- Queen-street, Mr. Lewis Williams; east side of St. Mary* street, Duke-street, Castle-street, Church. street, Trinity-street, and Westgato-street, Mr. Walter Cook. The mayor of Cardiff wishes, through the press, to make on urgent appeal to those con- gregations oi churches and chapels which have not up to the present subscribed to the fund. His worship points out that there is but little time left before the fund doses, and hogeg that intending subscribers will send in their additions to the fund a.t as early a date as possible. MORTALITY RETURNS FOR 1896. In the Hotwe of Commons on Tuesday, Lord GEORGE HAMILTON, in answer to Mr. Bhownaggree, who asked for information regarding the mortality caused in counectiou with the Indian famine, said the total number of deaths for the year 1895 was 349,000, and for 1896 463,000. The latter year was exceptionally unhealthy, and the deaths from cholera were 30,000 in excess of 1895, from fever 59,000 in excess, from dysentery and diarrhoea. 9,000, smafllpox 1,000, and other causes 11,000 in excess. That mortality gav'j for the whole year a death rate of 36 per thousand in 1695 &nd 49 per thousand in 1896. MANSION HOUSE FUND. The Mansion House Indian Famine Relief Fend amounted on Wednesday to £344,000. THE CARDIFF FUND. On Tuesday the Mayor of Cardiff (Alderman E. Beavan) forwarded to the Lord Mayor of London a cheque for :£500, making altogether £1.500. His worship has received a cheque for £23, the result of a collection at tihe Presby- terian Church, Cardiff.

A SOLICITOR'S-WIFE GAINS JUDICIAL SEPARATION. Mrs. Teale, of York, on Thursday sued for a. judicial separation from her husband, Mr. John William Teale, solioitor, practising at York, North allerton, and Bishop Auckland, against whom she alleged cruelty and adultery. The charge of cruity was not contested, and peti- tioner's counsel said he would proceed on that alone- It was staled that the parties were married in 1877, and lived happily until 189s, when the respondent became acquainted with, a Mrs. Humble Smith, who lived next door. After tills he struok petitioner, beat her with a. stick, and kicked her. Once be smashed her face, and she was covered with blood down to the waist. He had also blacked petitioner a eves, and followed her with a sword.;—Justice Barnes, in granting a judicial separation, said it was a very bad caM.

THEATRE ROYAL CARDIFF. By special request, and in order to meet the wishes of many patrons of tho Theatre Royal from outlying districts, a 6peoial matinee will be given of "The Prisoner of Zenda" on Saturday a* two p.m. The play was a deci<kd success, and Cardiffians are nightly evidencing itheir appreciation of .Mr. Abud's excellent company by their exceptionally large attendance. On March 29 another of Mr. Abud's companies will be here playing" Under the Red Robe," froan the pen of Mr. Stanley Weyman. It is a romantio drama, and is still running with unabated success at the Haymarket Theatre, London, and we are assured that the company, staging, and dresses will all be up to the usual high standard of Mr. Abud's productions.

LIBEL ~ACTION AGAINST "ALLY SLOPBW PBOPBIETORS. In the Queen's Bench on Thursday Henry Stanley, bookmaker, brought :m action for damages for libel against Messrs. Dalziel, pro- prietors and publishers of Ally Sloper's Half Holiday." The plaintiff had been com- mitted to the Surrey Quarter Sessions on a charge brought by one Morgan of having sbolen a betting ticket. Morgan alleed he had made a bet with him on Perplex at Hurst Park, and that he was entitled to £6 upon the ticket, which he charged Stanley with having stolen. Stanley was acquitted. In February. 1896, appeared in. the periodical a picture of rough men. described us Hurst Park rustlers, and on the representation of a signboard the worda "Stanley v. Welsh." Plaintiff said this meant he was a wdeher, and conspired with others to defraud persons lof money, afterwards lll- treating them to prevent them obtaining re- dress. Defendant denied the drawing and tho words bcra the construction which plaintiff put upon them. Judgment for plaintiff, dan;ages J650.

A LIMEHOUSE MYSTERY. Tiie Limthouse police are inquiring into the mysterious death of Mrs. Maynard, otherwise "Sootch Annie," an unfortunate.. She was found dead in her room m Nesbit-street on Friday with a towel tied round her neck, and the police detained a coloured seaman, who was however, a,ble to prove he had not been in the woman's company, and was released. The neighbours state that an unknown man left the house at six o'clock on Friday morn-

SAD DEATH OF TWO NAVAL GUN-NEBS. A sad fatality was reported at Sheemesi on Thursday from her Majesty's battleship ijansipareil, acting flagship of Vice-admiral Nicholson, commander-in-chief at the Nore. The bodies of two gunners of the Royal Marine Artillery have been sent ashore to the dock- yard mortuary, and, according to particulars at present obtainable, they met their death by poisoning through inhaling foul air in the double bottom of the battleship. Their xwmeg are Balls and Shipley.

The first "half-year's wark«*r of the Sheffield tramwaYiI bv the corpora-Ik* Kas reeuited in a profit- of £ 5,400. noAwkh^taiwInig a sub- stantial r-diioiion in the hours of the employes and the fact that the system has Dot been extended.. Gwilym Kvms' Quinine Bitter*, the Ve*«!t«ble Tonic, ii the' best safcg'Wi during d"mp 1UI<i changeable weather. Sold iu Bottles, 2s. 9.:1, ind 4'1. 6d. each. Utvrare of Imitations. See the wune "Gwtlym Evans" QD. stamp, label, sad bottle. 416U