Weekly Mail

| It's, PHOYIDENCE IN tTIIE NORTH. K meeting of the Northumberland ulers' P^rmxnent Relief Fund EM g the Central-hall. Newcastle, the & ^*ote^'t??uP^ed bv Mr. Parkinson. The ail0wlts principal efforts to the provi- 2?0f > Mj41068 ^(>r members disabled by aow8, and superannuation, and is Si1 KM aseocia-tions which will be 111 Xl ected by the Workmen's Compensa- CSi I?* tKc ore Parliament. The annual fwlut ft, ending December. 31, 1896, E? .number of members of the fund being an increase of 1.313 over KL1** VfT' ^he income consisted of from the contributions of k>wWVncrease of £ 2.201 5s. 4d.; owners' S?W Ott ^^ted to £ 4,585 0s. lid.; the nentg was £ 7,205 68. 6d.; & ^"ascriptions to £ 46 19s. 6d.; the 5K><iitu°rr tfhe -ve,ar £ Hl-005 Us- Sli^P *ith i t^e twelve months was HP>♦*> r^}e!?acies, £ 1,778 7s.. widows and ^8. 7j 10s. 4d., permanently disabled ^Porannuation £ 34,099 Is. 10d., ^86 ^16.899 7s. Id., local manage- fSc- ?H 10d., and general management (A, /'f iji'p £ 98,952 10s. 3d., leaving a JpWj^ietv 1 08. 9d. The present capital fe te vl f,^7'818- The number of fatal the year was 163, 93 members SJW ^c^ar^L>uiav'n!? 93 widows and 163 r^° the fund, 47 single and V^i. fi The rate of death per 1.000 Su8,2r\ £ ^n-f^f°re-.V33 P61" HnnOTn- Tho accidents during tho year V*a»l*ciPieni»nUWbf!r of aPPlicflnte for'per- ^idr>t^ the fund at the end of V**T. ^i«a.bl1'136. children 1,199. per- Vl on, reIle^ 240. and 691 aL'ed suPfTa^nuation department p«cir»«»,2.on^>8- The total number of V> fond at the end of V? 7cc 1-136. children 1,199, perma- V J,00- superannuated 3.v?85. There h, to ut'ons on the agenda with £ POSed -%Iterat-.ians in the rules, V UDjlUCi,;PrJed to the effect that the f°r another year.—Air. to .iff -^oWand delegate, said it the ruleg when the Work- ^^tVtU^Poo y Bill might have so great Cf 80c,eV- He believed the TIT MM 1~LAN soc'?tiefl like theirs, "▼soon for existing recipients. ik,

CARDIFF. Coal shipments during the paafc week barely reached 310000 tons, and the market in aU departments has displayed a quieter tono. The lull, however, is not likely to last long. as the primary cause of the slackness is the nearness of Whitsuntide, Patent fuel shipments continue satisfactory, and the demand for coke has been uniformly brisk. To-day a holiday feeling pro- vails, and, as the weather is favourable, busi- ness is not likely to resume its normal aspect until next Wednesday. The following were the quoted prices for early loading:—Best steam coal lis to 118 2d, best seconds 10s d: to 10s ód, second-, 9s 9d to 10s, beri small 5s 9d to 6s, and seconds 58 3d to 5s 6d; best Monmouthshire 9i4 3d to 9s 6d, seconds d6 9d to 9s best house ooal 10s, seconds 9s 3d to 9s 6d; No. 3 Rhondda large 11a to lis 3d, brrsh 9s 6d to 9s 9d, and small 3s to 8s 3d: No- 2 -Rhondda large 8s to 8s bd. through and through 6s 9d, and small 5s to 5s 6d; patent fuel 10s to 10s 9d: special foundry ookc 22s. I foundry 17s to 18s 6d, and furnace ooke 14. 6d to 17s per ton—the above quotations are all f.o.b. and subject to a. discount of 2i per cent., cash 30 days; pitwood 15s per ton ex ship. The iron ore market keeps steady. Best Ri.bio is at 138 9d to 14s and Tafna 15s 3d per ton The manufactured iron and steel market exhibits no material change. Rail orders continue to come in freely, but the tin- bar trade has been naturally slack, in view of the partial observance of the "stop week" in the tin-plate trade.

SWANSEA. The state of the trade of the port, which has displayed greater activity since the commence- ment of the present year than ever before ex- perienced, continues satisfactory, and the progress now being made is, if anything, more rapid. The trade of the past week shows a considerable increase over the corresponding week of last year, notwithstanding that the figures for that period were above the average. In imports the increase is no less than 60 per cent. These include from Spain 6,310 tons iron ore, 1,396 tons copper produce; France, 1,902 tons pitwood; Hamburg, 210 tons general cargo; Chili, 2,824 tons wheat and 54 tons ores and metals; New York, 285 tons general cargo. The coal trade was exceptionally active, particularly shipments for Franoe, South America, and San Francisoo. There was also a fair shipment of patent fueL Owing to the non-arrival of tonnage, there was little doing in the tin-plate exports, as against very large ship- ments last year. After the holidays, however, a very busy period in anticipated, as two steamers are to load for Batoum about 5,000 tons to 6,000. Fixtures for next week include —Jersey City for New York, Corbridge and Wordsworth for Batoum, City of Belfast for Hamburg, Comorin for St. Petersburg, aNi Baroea for Venice. Imports, 19,118 tons; exports, 53,533 tons; and total trade 72.651 tons, compared with 53.387 tons the previous week and 59,359 tons the corresponding week last year. Shipments of coal 42,570 tons, patent fuel 5,278 tons and tin-plates and general: goods 5,685 tons, the latter including for France 550 tons, Portugal 160 tons. Holland 250 tons, Germany 100 tons, Italy 283 tons, New York 1,200 tons, and home ports 3,137 tons. Shipments of tin-plate 12,684 boxes and reoeipts from works 56,936 boxes. Stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 186,526 boxes, compared with 142,274 boxes this day week and 154,056 boxes at this date last year. Imports.—Pig iron 1,766 tons, scrap steel 140. tin-plates 93, iron ore 6,310, copper ore 629, copper matte 802, copper bars 80, gold and silver ores 292, blende ore 152, building material 676, nitre cake 376, pitwood 1.902, grain 3,245, Hour 252, potatoes 40, fish 2, sundries 1,773. Exports.—Coal 42,570 tons, patent fuel 5,278 tons, and tin-plates and general goods 5,685 torus. Lart week was a particularly busy one for imports at Swansea docks, there being an increase of 7,218 tons, or 60 per cent., copper. wheat, and pitwood accounting for the bulk of the increase.

BRITON FERRY. In accordance with the notices given to the employers hy the men, "a stop week" was ob- served last week at all the tin-plate works in this locality. Happily, the time chosen was when the oanal was under repairs. The furnaces of the Briton Ferry Steelworks were idle throughout the week, but there waa an average make of steel bar at the Albion Works and of pig iron at the Briton Ferry Works. The export ship- ping trade was brisk, but the imports were considerably below the average.

SWANSEA VALLEY. During the past week 78 mills were at work throughout the valley. Late on the 29th ult. the Foxhole and Yniameudwy workmen decided on following the example of the Mor- riston tin-platers to work: therefore, instead of three obeying the Union mandate, only one did so. At Cwmfelin Works no lees than four steel-smelting furnaces, ten mills, and about twenty tinning sets were fully emploved last week. and this establishment appears to be coins: better than ever it did before. The full complement of mills ware at work at the Dyffryn, Upper Forest. Morrkton. Midland, and at Player's Clydaoh establishment*. A oouÐle of mill. WeniI idle at the Beaufort ard Foxhole. The output of steel d'arin the week was again below the average. Altogether fix furnaces were idle in the district last week, making over 1.000 tons less steel for tin-plate TOqking. Work is being continued at the Dyffryn bar mil! pending a decision from the Board of Trade. With the exception of a plight faIling off in the demand for house coal, the collieries are experiencing fairly good timeB. The product of the various chemical works h?s been normal. Even the stopping of a few mills for a week has a deterrent, effect on the nnpniy from these factories. The Standard Wagon Company sheds are not so full as they were a month ago. neither have the foundries done so well as during the preceding week. The demand for castings, however, during the next few months will. in all probability, be greatly in excess of what it has been for the first six months of this year.

NEWPORT COAL TRADE. The quantity of coal shipped from Newport for the week ended June 5 is as follows:— Foreign, 61,372 tons; coastwise, 20,249 tons.

TAXATION OF MACHINERY. In reply to a memorial from the Association of Chambers of Commerce in reference to the present state of the law as to allowances made in income-tax assessments for depreciation of machinery and for obsolete machinery, the Chanoellor of the Exchequer has directed the following letter to be written:—"The chief points raised in the memorial are as follow: — (1) That the allowances in respect of repairs and depreciation of machinery are msafficient, and the methods of calculating such deprecia- tions are unsatisfactory. (2) That no allowance is made for the cost of replacing machinery whioh has become obsolete. As to the first point, I am to say that, as the law now stands, deductions are allowed both in respect of expenditure iaourred in repairs or alterations of machinery according to an average of the three years preceding the year of assessment, and also in respect of the diminished value of machinery by reason of wear and tear during the year. The allowance of these deductions is in the hands of the district or special com- missioners, as the case may be, and they have to decide in each case. as it arises, the adequacy of the deductions allowed. As to the second point, I am to say that the Board of Inland Revenue have given instructions to their surveyor at Leicester, which is particularly referred to in the memorial, that where a claim is made in respect of the introduction of more modern machinery in a factory, no objection is to be taken to the allowance, as a deduction from the assessable profits of the year, of so I much of the cost of replacement as is repre- sented by the existing value of the machinery replaced. Any excess in the cost of the new machinery over the actual present value of the old is an addition to the capital of the business, and cannot properly be regarded as a charge upon revenue for the purposes of income-tax assessment. I am to add that similar instructions will be given to surveyors I; in other districts when this question arises there."

LABOUR CONFERENCE AT JTERTHYB. On Saturday eventing a conference of the joint committee representing the iron and steel-workers and colliery workmen of Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, and Plymouth was held at the New Inn, Penydarren. Mr. Thomas Thomas presided. A resolution was passed declaring the opinion of the conference that the repre- sentation of labour on the different local governing bodies of the parish was not a.t present sufficiently adequate, and urging the various boards to give their earnest considera- tion to the matter. A resolution was aJso passed affirming the necessity for more work- men's representatives being placed on the board of management of the Miners' Per- manent Provident Society, with a. view to the interests of the workmen being more effec- tively safeguarded. A further resolution was carried whereby it was asserted to be of the utmost importance that the workmen should be allowed to avail themselves of the services of Mr. Price, bone-setter, of Penydarren, without prejudice on the part of the medical men. and it was decided that the matter should be submitted to the society above-mentioned at their next general meeting. It appearing that the Brecon and Merthyr Railway Com- pany had undertaken to run excursion trains on Mabon's Day at a single fare, it was resolved that the other railway companies be asked to I extend a. similar privilege. It being the turn of Dowlais to elect the next representative of the district on the Sliding-scale Committee, authority was given to the Dowlais com- mittee to make the appointment.

LADDERS.—Ladders for Boilders, Painters, PLu. terers, Farmers, Private Die, &c., all size* tJk I Oottrell's old-eatabluhed Manufactory, Barr'inrtrtk't, Oottrell'e okl-fJ81ablùhed H&Dufactor, Barr"8< BriatoL 43

--I THE IRFON YALLEY AS AT PRESENT. A Village of Llangamimarch. C Lake and Pump House Hotel. E River Irfon. B Railway (L.N.W). D Barmm Spnng and Pump House. F Ornamental Lake.

LONDON WELSH WATER SOHEMEL THE PROPOSED IYRFON LAKE. A RESERVOIR SEVEN MILES LONG. RURAL BRECONSHERE SUB- MERGED. Despite the activity of London water com- panies in promoting Bills in Ptarliament to obtain greater powers for securing increased water supply near home, the Solons at Spring- gardens appear to be still pottering at their preposteroua scheme for the raiding of Wales ajid the annexation of the watersheds of the Principality. A further sum of £ 7,500 was voted lately for the promotion of the scheme— not a large amount, it is true, but sufficient to provide the cost of delightful excursions into rural Wales for the fortunate members of the London County Council water committee and their officials. Two or three years ago we gave some particulars of the scheme, with illustrative sketches, and now further particu- lars have come to hand as to the Yrfon section. The first of the plans herewith, with the explanatory letterpress, shows the present state of the Yrfon Valley, the second shows thfe condition of which it will descend if the London County Council is allowed to work its way. The Yrfon is the biggest of the three lakes to be oonstruoted under the scheme, and will, we are informed, extend from Cikuery to Llan- wrtyd, a distance of nearly seven miles. The plans involve a concrete "dam at the end of the lake, 300 feet thick and 120 feet high, while near the middle of the lake it is pro- posed to build' a stone bridge in. ten spans of 7Cft. each. From this lake the Load cm County Council calculate to draw 121,000,000 gallons daily, while the total supply under the whole scheme is estimated at 400,000,000 gal- lons daily. Thea, of course, its promoters proudly claim that this is the greatest work of its kind the world has ever seen, and appear ready to claim the concession and the right to carry it through on the ground of its mon- strous proportions. The water, which will be greater in bulk than that which flows in the Riyfcr Thames, is to be oonveyed the 150 miles which separate the locale of the lakes from London through tunnels 12ft. square--me of these tunnels being described as fifteen miles long-and, at certain places, through three 7ft. iron pipes. The cost is put at £ 38,000,000, but this is swnply an engi- neer's estimate, and we know what that usually meauns, while, confessedly, it only allows for the bringing of the water to the outskirts of London, nothing appears to be said as to the ooet of bringing the water to the doors of the consumers. That can only be i done by laying down a new service of water mains throughout London-an almost im- possible feat in that much-tunnelled oity--or the buying up of the mains of the present water companies: a task which is well cal- culated to exhaust the energy of two or three London County Councils. Wales must not go to sleep over the matter: it must be pre- pared to offer continuously stern, unbending opposition to those who drain the whole country for the sake of London, but it is quite evident that for some years Londoners who want Welsh water wilf have to come htere individually to fetch it. I THE IRFON VALLEY WHEN SUBMERGED. I

VOLUNTEER NEWS. The 1st Monmouthshire Volunteer Artillery paraded on Saturday for a week's camping at PortsJcewett. The three batteries numbered all told about 350. The officers present were Colonel Walii is. Colonel Williams, Majors Wil- kinson and Phillips, Captains D. E. Williams and H. Watts, Lieutenants Wallis, Davies, Wallis Jones. and G. B. Williams, Cap;ain- surgeon D. T. Richards, Lieutenant-surgeon W. E. James, and Chaplains Basil Williams and W. Sanderson. On the arrival of the men at camp great satisfaction was expressed at their neat and smart appearance. On Sunday a great number of Volunteers assembled at the drum head service, and a large number of civi- lians were also present. The Rev. J. Sander- son. chaplain of the Panteg Battery, preached a most impressive sermon. The aftoon W8 I spent most pleasantly. On Monday (at 5.30) the men were early astir. Drill was the order of the day. Beyond the departure of the 1st Monmonth- shire Volunteer Artillery for camp little in the way of Volunteering has been done at Newport during the week. The camp of the 1st Mon- mouthshire Volunteer Artillery at Portskewett is ideally situated. It is on an eminence which projects into the River Severn. Being near the railway station and the village, it is especially convenient, a capital road, in faet, leading direct to the field whereon the encampment has been made. Only a very short way off the camp is a field, almost as level as a thresher's floor, which is used as the parade ground, and from which firing takes place. The scenery of both the estuary and the adjacent inlands is picturesque to a degree. Indeed, it might be said that Nature is there in all her varying moods of water, wood, and wold. The camp is eapeoially suitable for firing practice. Altogether, the camp at Portskewett numben about 410 men, and old soldiers say that it is about as natty and complete a little camp as could be desired. The greater part is illumi- nated by electricity. The force of the encamp- ment will be largely augmented on Thursday on Friday, when the inspections take plaot. At 9.30 on Monday (and each day is similar) (lie non-commissioned officers attached to the Volunteer Artillery (1st Monmouthshire) turned out for mounted drill. Captain A. V. Siockley, adjutant of the brigade, assisted by the g»nial brigade instructor, Sergeant-major Carter, inspected the men as they went through s*ord ptactice, marching past, &c., and at the eon- oiusion expressed satisfaction at the manoetf&ree, taking into consideration the fact that it was the first attempt of the non-oommissioned ofUcers whilst mounted. At about 2.30 the drill was again gone through, after which fire discipline was practised. Last week I explained the curious tangle into which the question of the disposal of the Carmar- thenshire recruits' medal for last year has been tied. A meeting of the council of the Carmar- thenshire Rifle Association has since been keld, and it was resolved. "That. in view of the fact that Private John Davies (K Company) did not enter for the recruits' bronze medal or olarimed the same until April 22, 1897, the council can- not now entertain his claim." I am informed that the effect of this resolution is that Lieute- nant John, of Carmarthen, becomes the pos- sessor of the medal, but I imagine that an appeal against the decision will go to the N.R.A. from Llanelly. This recruits' medal is given by the N.R.A., and they define a reoruit as a first, seoond, or third year man. The Carmarthenshire Rifle Association, however, have always held the competition under their own rules, which define a recruit as a first-year man. It is this conflict of rules which has given rise to the dispute, and Private John Davies has certainly a grievance that the application of wrong rules has kept from him two years in succession a medal he has twice won on the scoring. His obvious reply to the council of the county association is that he did not enter for the medal because the council's rules told him—wrongfully, it now turns out-- that he couldn't. The new range at Machynis, Llanelly, has been opened. It is fitted up in the latest style, with regulation canvas targets. The only objec- tion to the range is its distance from the town. It means a good half-hour's walk, whereas the old range at Stradey was not more than ten minutes from "anywhere." The Llanelly shots are taking kindly to the new rifle, as was illustrated in the battalion match recently, when Corporal T. D. Phillips put on a possible at the 500 yards' range. Sergeant W. T. Davies got 29, with a muss, at 600. "W. T." has something to say about that miss. The regulations with regard to the cleaning of the new rifle after every shoot are pretty stiff. At the same time, they are not more stringent than they ought to be. Owing to the corrosive tendency of the cordite ammunition, one rule has been introduced which says that imme- diately a man finishes iring he must clean out his rifle. It will take the men some time to get accustomed to this regulation. The 2nd V-B. Welsh Regiment had their first battalion drill for this season in the People's Park. Port Taibot. There were about 800 men under arms, under the command of I Colonel Homfray, who was ably assisted by Colonels Trick and Powell, and Captain and Adjutant Coke. The 1st Volunteer Battalion, of the Welsh Regiment will contribute a contingent of 40 men to attend the Diamond Jubilee celebration in London. The men are being carefully selected. Twenty will go from the corps at the Haverfordwest headquarters, and the remaining twenty will be contributed by the other corps forming the battalion. The 2nd Volunteer Battalion Welsh are to share in the honours of the Jubilee. It was mentioned in these oolumns a few days ago that Lieutenant-colonel Trick, of Swansea, intended to select twenty men to take part in the proceedings in London on Jubilee Day. The colonel has taken considerable trouble in making the selection, and with excellent results. Every man of the score is over 6ft. in height, and the oolonel says his little band will compare favourably with any detachment of Volunteers which will be on duty on the 22nd. A good start has been made by the Rogerstone (I) Company, 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Walee Borderers. The corps numbers about 70, and is chiefly composed of workmen at Messrs. Nettlefold's ironworks. The drill practices have been weJI attended, considering that a great many of the Volunteers are em- ployed on the day and night shifts, which prevents them putting in an appearance every week. The lieutenants are Mr. Frank Jones, Bassalleg, and Mr. Rees, Brynhedydd, Rhiw- derin, the latter having been gazetted only a few months ago. The company meet two or three times weekly in the spacious hall connected with the Castle Works Club and Institute. Here every facility is afforded for excellent drill praetioe, which is conducted by Sergeant-instructor Martin, whose genial manner makes him a favourite among the men. Every encouragement is given to make the corps one of the smartest in the battalion, and, with the cordial feeling that exists between both officers and men, this posi- tion will, undoubtedly, be eventually attained. The whole battalion, comprising four com- panies at Newport, one at Risea, Blackwood, Tredegar. Chepstow, and Rogerstone, go under canvas at Aldershot from July IT to 24. The first competition of the present year for the cup given annually by the offioers of the Merthyr detachment of the 3rd Volunteer Bat- talion Welsh Regiment oommenced on Thurs- day. It possessed exceptional interest bv reason of the fact that it formed the first local contest in which the competitors fired with the Lee-Metford rifle. A match between teams representing Swan- sea and Neath Companies of the W Volunteer Battalion Welsh Regiment, took place at T p Baglan on Saturday, resulting in a victory for Swansea by 23 points. -Scares: SWANSEA. 2M SM 600 yds. yds. yds. Tl. Lieutenant Brook 18 29 27 84 Captain Naysmiih 33 26 24 83 Seiigeant Paxley 27 28 2 57 Corporal Eadon 28 26 17 71 Sergeant Lewis 31 26 30 87 Corporal Williams 88 30 33 95 Corporal M'Murray 29 30 20 79 Colonel Trick 29 29 23 81 Private Jones 32 14 28 74 Sergeant Miller 30 25 32 87 798 NEATH. 200 500 600 yds. yds. yds. Tl. Private Parkins 29 33 33 95 Cnlo,ur-serpant Gregory 31 20 20 72 Private Jones 32 26 28 86 Sergeant Goldsworthy 28 20 28 76 Sergeant Munro 29 33 27 89 Private David 27 22 22 71 Sergeant Gair 25 30 34 85 Sergeant Clark 29 29 0 58 Sergeant Grant 30 24 0 54 Sergeant-instructor Raphael 30 30 29 89 775 The regimental sports of the 2nd G.V.A. will be held at Colonel Fisher's residence, Radyr, on Saturday, June 19. The list of events is a long one, and the entries numerous. A oonvenient train will leave the T.V.R. station at three p.m. The 2nd G.V.A. will be represented at the Jubilee festivities in London on the 22nd inst. by two officers, two sergeants, and forty men. Colonel Fry, who was in command of the parade of the 2nd G.V.A. at the Cardiff Arms Park on Thursday, presented long-service medals to Sergeant D. Hewitt, who had put in twenty-three years' service, and Corporal T. Lane, whose term of service was twenty-one I years. The commanding officer's parade of the 3rd V.B. Welsh Regiment, which will be held on Monday next, will be attended by the regi. mental goat. presented to the battalion bv the offioers of the 1st Battalion, now stationed at Plymouth. The annual church parade of the head- quarter companies of the 2nd G.V.A. will be held at Penarth Church on June 20, at 2.30 p.m. Nos. 8, 9, 10, and 11 Companies will also attend. &eondl-lieutenant Morgan Hugh Buckley Morgan, recently gazetted to the 3rd V.R. Welsh Regiment, Cardiff, has been posted to S Company, DRTTMMMt BOY.

cup COMPETITION AT MERTHYR. The first offio"sl oup competition in con- nection with the Merthyr detachment of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Welsh Regiment was ooncluded on Saturday, appended being the winners of the money prizes:—Lance-corporal H. Chamberlain, b2; Private T. Powell, 60: Private W. Gibbons, 58; Lance-corporal W. M. Maodonald, 58; Private A. Parker, 56: Pri- vate E. Powell, 55; Sergeant-major L. Wade, 55; Private J. Saunders, 54; Private T. Evans, 54; Private J. A. Bannister, 54. TRIAL OF LEE-METFOKDS AT LLANELLY. The Llanelly new rifle range was opened on Friday afternoon by a practice of the members of the Welsh Twenty. Some exoellent scores were put on with the new rifle. the men finding the target aA once, although it was their firet experience with the Lee-Metf--d rifle. Private John Davies put on a highest possible at 200 yards. The highest aggregates were: -c*'rgeant W. T. ^Davies, 97; Private Tobias Williams, 86; Private J. Davies, 95. CAMP .T PORTSKEWETT. The 1st Monmouthshire Volunteer Artillery Corps (Colonel C. T. Wallis in command) departed for camp at Portskewett on Saturday The first battery, stationed Newport, and the 1st Risea, moved out of Newport at eleven 9'olook, being timed to arrive at their destina- Won between four and five p.m. The dis- mounted party left by the 1.30 train. The corps, which will remain in camp until Safcur dav next, will be honoured during the week by the presence of General Forrester Walker commanding officer of the Western district, who will inspect the batteries.

LOCAL COMMISSIONS. n»e "London GMetta" on Tuesday contained ttia following:— War Office, June 8. RESERVE OF OFFICERS. Captain W. F. Tipping, bon. oolonel late 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, having exceeded the age limit laid down in Article 663, Roval Warrant, April 26 last, is removed, under the pro- visions ol that article, from the Reserve of Officers: dated the 9th inst. MILITIA INFANTRY. 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers.—Captain T. M'Keown resigns his commission; dated the 9th net VOLUNTEER RIFLES. 3Td Volunteer Battalion Welsh Regiment.—Second- laeutenant G. W. Davies resigns hÏ8 commission: dated the 9th inst.

CADBURY'S is a perfectly pure Cocoa, without alkali added, like many so-called "pure" cocoas. It has a world-wide reputation as a delicious, strengthen- 1ng beverage, and a valuable nutritive food. Cboott must be pure and unadulterated to ensure the fullest beneficial effects. CADBURY'S is absolutely pure, therefore the best Cocoa. The "iAnoet'* mm• "CADBURY'S represents the standard of highest purity at present attainable." L12OT—-1

NEW METAL EXCHANGE FOR SWANSEA. FORMAL OPENING. The new Swansea, Metal Exchange was for- mally declared open on Tuesday afternoon. The exchange has been in existence ten years, and ha.s proved a great success from every point of view. There are now 253 members, and the last statement of accounts showed a. balance to the credit of the members of £ 1,550. Till now, the members have held their weekly meetings at the RoyaJ Institution, but the extraordinary success that has attended the exchange, both financially and commercially, so thoroughly warranted the erection of a per- manent exchange that the committee decided to have one. They accordingly acquired a idte in Fisher-street, from which access can aJso be obtained from Wind-street. The building was designed by Mr. H. W. Wills, and the contract was given to Mr. Thomas Davies, the total cost of the building being £ 3,500. The exchange is built in Queen Anne style, and carried out in red brick work, with stone dressings. The main entrance is from Fisher-street, though, perhaps, the most convenient means of ingress will be from Wind-street, through the "Cambrian" office —a right of way having been secured by the members of the exchange. The principal entrance is both spacious and imposing, large: columns being on either side, whilst above there is some excellent carving with a centre figure allegorical of Swansea. The corridor is tiled, and leads into the large exchange, the inside of which is 50ft. bv 40ft. and 20ft. high, and has a carved elliptical roof. It is spendidly lighted by of large elliptioal windows, containing upon them the arms of Swansea. The building also contains 2 other rooms, &rranged in suites for offices, and a notable feature about it is the fact that the members of the exchange, having the courage of their convictions and a desire to promote the tin-plate industry, had the roof covered with tin-plates, instead fslate, though with what suoeess it is, as yet, somewhat difficult to say. The ceremony of opening was brief. The president (Sir John Jones Jenkins, M.P.). the committee, and a large number of members assembled outside the building, and Sir Joha, opening the entrance gates, formally declared the building open. The oompany then pro- ceeded to the exchange-room, where luncheon was admirably served by Messrs. Davies and Fitt. Sir John Jones Jenkins presided, and he was supported by Mr. W. Williams, ex- M.P., Captain Call and, Councillor Freeman. Mr. Griffith Thomas, Mr. Law (general superintendent of the harbour), Mr. W. Cox (solicitor), Mr. W. Davies (secretary). Mr. John G las brook, and Major O'Sullivan. Luncheon over, the President gave the toast of the Queen, and in doing so made a very appropriate and loyal reference to the cele- bration of the Quern's longest reign. The "Prince a.nd Princess of Wales and the mem- bers of the Royal Family" were next toasted, after which Mr. Thomais Williams (Neath) gave the toast of "Success to the New Exchange." He said he was glad to learn that a fallow-townsman of his (Mr. W. Davies, the secretary) was one of the originators of the exchange, and he was delighted to know its establishment had been a success--& success which he hoped would be all the more marked now they had such a splendid headquarters. (Cheers.) Swansea was most centrally situated and had proved the natural rallying ground for the owners of works of Llanelly, Neath, the Swansea Valley, Briton Ferry, and Port Talbot. Sir John Jones Jenkins, in response, alluded to the origin of the exchange, and to the necessity for removing it from its original temporary headquarters. This step, at first forced on the members by the corporation, who seemted to think that commerce should be made subservient to a sentiment, was at last found to be necessary owing to the growth of the institution. In the erection of the building, he said, the mem- bers were largely indebted to two members— Messrs. Griffith Thomas and John Glssbrook — who readily took up debentures to meet a balance of the capital required. The build- ing was everything that could be desired, and reflected credit on the architect. The selection had been criticised, but he did not think there was much to be said against it. It was in tha heart of the town, close to the site of the new post-office. and to the site of the new first-class hotel about to be erected in Wind-street. As to the distance from the East Dock, they did not meet to ship their commodities, but to buy and sell. The shipping they could safely kave in the able hands of Mr. Law (the general superintendent of the harbour) and his staff. Alluding to the prosperity of the district, he said if they coula compare the trade of the town to-day with what ii was sixty years ago they must confess they had reason to be proud. Swan- sea was called "Drowsy Swansfea." He did not think it deserved that title. Swansea people were cautious, and, though Cardiff might be more go-ahead, he did not think its coal trade would last as long as Swansea's, with its varied industries. Let them take Swansea's trade in the five months of this year. The imports had largely beaten the rteoord. Iron ore showed an increase of over 72 per cent. and pig iron over 60 per cent. That was to Swansea aloDe, and not to the port. (Cheers.) Having regard to this large increase in pig iron, he considered they would do more towards manufacturing this very necessary commodity in their own neighbour- hood, than which none offered better facili- ties. The harbour trust were now able to offer a site for blast furnaces second to none in the kingdom, and they would entertain applications for that land on very moderate terms, in order to fenexxurage that trade. (Cheers.) Sir John then alluded to the patent fuel trade, the shipments of which during the last five months had been 125,000 tons, while new works were about to be constructed to beep pace with the development of the trade. Coming to the tin-plate trade, he said he had years ago ventured to prophesy that the increase from other quarters besides the United States would in five yeans be more than the American demand. He was so far justified that if the present increase from new markets went on in the same proportion as now the difference would be quite made up, therefore there was nothing to depress them, but everything to encourage them. The hon. gentleman next referred to the Employers' Liability Bill. He said, undoubtedly, it would cause a great revolution in the rela- tions between masters and men, but the principle was right, undoubtedly. In con- clusion, he said he trusted that meeting would be the beginning of a new era in the history of the prosperity of Swansea. (Cheers.) Mr. Tolfree (Pontypridd), in felicitous teims, gave the toast of "The Town and Trade of Swansea." Mr. Griffith Thomas, in response, said his belief was that Swansea was only in its in- fancy. Mr. J. Osbrook also responded. Mr. W. Williams, ex-M.P., gave, in most appropriate terms, the toast of "The Presi- dent and Secretary." appropriate terms, the toa.st of "The Presi- dent and Secretary." Sir John Jones Jfenkiras, in responding, suggested that the exchange, as the only one opened in the Jubilee Year, should be calfed the Royal Jubilee Exchange. Mr. Davies, who was enthusiastically received, also responded.

MINERS' PERMANENT PROVIDENT SOCIETY. I The ordinary quarterly meeting of the board of management of the Miners' Permanent Pro- vident Society was held at the Institute of Engineers^ Cardiff, on Thursday, Mr. Louis Tylor in the chair.—The general secretary pre- sented the accounts for the quarter ended March 31, which showed that the members' contribu- tions amounted to £ 13,733, and proprietors' percentages to 25,901 The funeral allowances paid amounted to £ 453, while the relief to widows was L2,888, to children £ 2,481, and to disabled members £ 3,427- The number of mem- bers on the 31st of March was 75,096, an increase of 1.679 for the quarter. There were 42 fatal accidents, by which 42 members were killed, and the total number of disablement cases re- lie\ed was 6,292. There were on the funds at the end of the quarter 894 widows and 1,515 children.-The question of the Workmen's Com- pensation Bill came before the board for con- sideration, and it was resolved -ThaA iontil the details of the Bill were finally setttsft it was premature for the board to come to an:v conclusion as to the effect this measure would have upon the society, but that as soon as the Bill was printed in the form in whioh it passed through Committee the board, should OMuider and report."

ENGLAND'S LOST~TRADE« The report of Cnosul Boyle, of CopenhMtw, to the Foreign Office has been published. Mr. Aoyle g>ints out that during the last twenty-five fears am burg has, without doubt, taken away the irvlf t.. Ik1 linlttc whifb England originally had. If those interested in commerce wish to get beck this trade, then is no better plaoe than Copenhagen to operate irons. Merchant* can store their goods there %t ridiculously low prices, and by thus doing they wouk. have their goods, so to st. a orutre m the Balt.e. It must pever be forgotten (says the Consul) that our gaman I competitors give many more facilities than do r to foreign buyers especially as regards credtt and j easy ten—. J

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IFE EREZOL (FOR POUSHIHC FURNITURE) Elgii IZE COMPETITION in Cash Prizes. ps AS POLLOW6: 0, eg, B8, B7, £ 6, 25, £3, 22, dEl. N 040 yon make out of the m two «ocds 'Skezol Reflects ? I?* *ord WOr(^ no ^^ers can appear in REPlIptq^ ihan T* un • Aay word may be °^aiaed in NuttaU's Dictionary, ^^STRUCTIONS. 5f TEREZOL, 1 size, from your dl. nust> Oilmen. di "4tv in obtaining, send I stamps to '^Wa?rt Works, Pendleton, Man- LT*Si*vniv TacnK and address of the trades « £ ?p<*t wveT^plie^'wiien a shii.ii,« ^c lw?»#e laxe the coupon which will be list. (shilling size only) and send rt to us the I- iS/9t. \i/'coupon m an envelope, addresseil Pendleton, Manchester <vi *ith .L 'eft-hand corner "Competition, S? Q>t Tfit»^SJ?')er w°rds sent in. All list- Works not later than the S^JV i< Result will be duly announced in 3, ^ARSON'S WEEKLY," and "TIT- > 897* TEREZOL will be sent posi ^laa enough to write, and willing tc L1750

— I Markets. » -—.— 5W,. CORN. 3fN, ip^iay (frcan the Cardiff Grain v^ted's report,).—There was a at our market to-day, and ^hea^33 a holiday character, was 6d per quarter cheaper, u l°wer- Maize, beams, (jS^j s rarley ■were each 3d easier. Oats l»V lu''Saturday (from Messrs. Lucy —At our market to-day there 1.1 8UPPbr °f English wheat, and uM} ;HT bushel cheaper. Foreign V* at fully Is per C quarter decline. Y emier. Maize unaltered. Oati ^5?^' SatoST.^here was a full to V .)«er in the market to-day, which fdllowa. --Clask butter Bid to Bid, lO. bll r* lOd to 10id per lb. i; ?5g. —Primest, 76s per cwt.; 'hl^'rti. ^rst' *^6s ? seconds, 75*: thirds, 688 • 60s. Mild-cured: -ri c^°ioe, 74s; superfine, 78s; fine, 60n«, choicest boxes, 78s. In f 50 mild, and 37 boxes. iJH* c, HOPS. £ j.' ^turday (from Piercy and Long- ijT* jSjgP0'^).—There is only a moderate in hops at present, but prices n^TibtLli?c°d< useful sorts. Stocks tl* **y> m much less compare than this time last year. With a jyjJ^lP^ature and the late showers, ar** ,S row ma-tintj better progress, att:a1c. ""P^ts from most districts of a a^U(l fly, and washing is about to by many growers. 'tt.å, RporpWE ST FAIR. (< £ *» Haverfordwest was somewhat a were concerned. Yearlings rv2 £ 6 lO %aoh two-year-olds ? s^L»a eoivi *° £ 12- There wa« a large thr*I m&ny dealers causing a demand. colt) were sold for m 1* of fcv-Wo°' market wa« well attended, to ^r IN ^h there as a good supply, WM i»| p«r j^I^ice than last year, it fetching AVEEAOB8. a.cl1\.tement shows the quantities r. fte;4,0,ltice of British corn, imperial r^7, 0 *ci5e^ from the inspectors and •, fLj0rif°ttha Kt the week ended June 37 :^bl7 with the Act 45 and 46 62-^ 5 Si 10 h °*ts 1»477 7 » « l 4,378 5 17 9 in ^Yve statement for the corresponding l h of the years from 1893 to 1896 :— !-«*• Si, ■4-V0rai?e. Barley. Average. QrcO. aBtTs-,s. Asv. gde.. !> 5. Qrs. BUB. S. d. Qrs. Bus. s. d. •■?s'23? n V 4 1,1^ 2 22 10 3,865 0 20 0 S-ifS a S 9 1,250 2 2 11 2,3 >2 2 18 6 a 25 9 1,572 2 19 9 6,533 4 15 10 4 25 5 1,3-4 4 21 6 4,971 4 14 8