Weekly Mail

LLANDAFF. TESTPERANCE.—A social gathering, in connection !th the Parochial Temperance Association, was j.i in the Schoolroom on Friday week. The pUowing ladies presided at the tables :—Mrs. i^ckley, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Merry, Mrs. J. C. Morgan, J- Evans, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Colwell, and iiss Morgan. After tea a public meeting was p'd, the room being well filled. The chair was *«en by the Vicar, and excellent addresses were by the Rev. Vincent Saulez, the Rev. T. R. nillips, and Mr. Lewis Williams. The Temperance j/hoir sang at intervals, under the leadership of .•N. Merry. Mr. Reuben Phillips took the solo j1 the beautiful hvmn, I'm hiding in Thee." At Ki_ close of the" meeting several persons re- fined to enrol themselves as members of the ^sociation.

NEWPORT. J, IIOLY TRINITY CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.—On riday week the annual tea and entertainment -P*1 the teachers was given at the Temple-street '-ehoolroom. The Rev. F. Bed well spoke of the '^tisfactory way in which the school had been inducted during the year. Music and recitations "ere given, and an enjoyable evening was spent. INQUEST.—Mr. W. H. Brewer held an inquest on ^aturday on the body of Ann Pickard, aged 70 j'ears, wife of a boatman in Raglan-street. She lad been unwell for some time, and died suddenly On Friday. Verdict, "Died from natural causes." SALE "OF A TROTTING MARE. — Mr. Baker, ticrick, has disposed of his famous trotting mare '<' a North of England purchaser for £100. This 's the mare that recently ran with a famous Welsh Pony on the Cardiff-road. It is said her purchaser 'Qtends putting the mare in training, and hopes to itCcoruplish great things. "EsLEYAN MISSIONS.—On Sunday the Rev. W. 'ibson preached at Maindee on behalf of the oreign Missions of Methodism. CAUTION TO FARMERS.—Scab is vdry prevalent the district around Newport. Timely aid should e given to the infected animals, and all who ^tect the disease should at once report it to the Police, or be liable to heavy costs. PROJECTED IMPROVEMENTS BY THE GREAT ^'KSTTERN RAILWAY COMPANY.—On Monday and uesday Mr. Lean, contractor, of Gloucester, made ^frangements for a. contract that he has under- taken on behalf of the Great Western Railway j PInpany to erect a handsome viaduct over the evel crossing in Dock-street leading to the New- port Docks. We understand that the great im- provement proposed will practically abolish the nconvemence that has been experienced for jwty made8' °f thi' obstruction to can-ij! ,crof]n& a Z™at i'i,- • „ ^•ages and foot passengers. is is p plan which has been for some time under consideration, and which was matured ftstyear, after scleral conferences between the town council Parliament committec and fhe rectors of tlie Great Western Railway. The show that an ornate structure is intended to oe erected, and, probably, the work will be com- peted during the mayoralty of the present chief Iuagistrate. HISTRTONIC CLUB.—A letter has been re- ccived bv Mr. W. J. Dix, hon. secretary of this ^'Ub, from Messrs. R. H. Johns and J. C. Brook, on. secretaries of the free library, thanking the for their valuable aid at the recent entertain- for the furnishing fund. CHRIST CHURCH LOCAL BOARD.—The fortnightly feting was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. J. »adon in the chair. The collector re_portad that tK S0*" 'n on rate account and ne clerk reported that he had received £ 3 10s. 8d. 10m the county treasurer. The quarterly report the medical oflScer of health (Dr. B. Davies) tlf^^ that during the last three months of 1831 births in the district numbered 28, wJiich was tho rate of 35 per 1,000 of population. ^e same period there were 12 deaths, (j at the rate of 15 per 1,000. Four of tho ^Ceased were under five years of age and eight and upwards, three being 60 years old. In- ^ttnnatory affections of the lungs caused four ^•ths, and one was due to whooping cough. ^i°g the whole of 1881,100 births were registered j at period, against 106 in the preceding twelve giving a rate of 32 per 1,000. In the same of time the number of deaths was 40 (seven than in 1880), the rate of mortality being 12 8 1'1 er 1,000. Four died under one year, five between and fifteen, three between 15 and 25, seven ^^een 25 and 60, and twelve over 60. infectious diseases, regarded in the widest °f the tet-m. there were onlv five «i» nanie')" whooping cough, three erysipelas, puerperal fever, one. The other chief causes <jf)e Path were-Rheumatic fever, one; phthisis, ^ea ♦ lnflammatory airection8 of the lungs, nine disease, three accident, one. The district its reputation for healthiness. Repairs iv..„ ordered to be done in Albert-avenue. This the business. V?js VOYAGE.—The Polly and Emily, sailing *>f Newport, belonging to Messrs. Williams SQns, recently accomplished the voyages between Bilbao and Newport and Newport and I Bilbao in the exceedingly short, time of 24 days, j during six of which she was detained by unfa- vourable weather off the bar outside the latter port. port.

SWANSEA. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday morning George Godfrey, a haulier in the employ of Mr. Jepson, contractor, South Dock, was in charge of a waggon when his foot slipped, and he was thrown down. The waggon ran over him, and he was so seriously injured that he died as he was being taken to the hospital. He was a single man, and lived at Killay. SALE OF CORPORATION PROPERTY.—Mr. Lewis (of the firm of Beynon and Lewis) offered for sale or on lease by public auction, at the Guildhall, Swansea, on Wedn85day, several valuable building sites in Alexandra-road. The property was acquired by the corporation under the Artisans' Dwellings Act, 1875. The portion of the property now offered is known as area No. 4. It extends from High-street to Back-street, and then along Back-street northwards to Dyfatty-street. It had been divided into 47 lots, the first 26 of which, being situated in High-street and Alexandra-road, must be utilised for the erec- tion of shops of a uniform design. These lots are nearly all of 25 feet frontage, with a depth varying from 25j to 150 feet. For Lot 1, which has a fron- tage to High-street of 291 feet and a depth of 150 feet, an annual rental of JE30 was bid. and it was withdrawn. Lot 4, a site on the angle of High- street and the Alexandra-road, produced an offer of JE40 a year, but the auctioneer withdrew it. None of these sites were sold. Lots 28 to 47 are situated in Back-street. They have a uniform frontage of 18ft., and a depth varying from 31ft. to 71ft., and are intended for cottage sites. Mr. Thomas White, builder, bought Lots 28 and 29 for £3 10s. per annum each Lot 30 for £3 12s. 6d., and Lots 31, 32 and 33 for £3 7s. 6d. each. Mr. White also offered £3 5s. for Lot 34, but the reserve price was £4 10s. Lots 43 and 44 were knocked down to Mr. White for £3 each. Lots 45, 46, and 47 were sold to Mr. Watkins, of the firm of Thomas Watkins and Jenkins, builders, for £2 12s. 6d. per annum each. None of the other lots were sold. FOUND DROWNED.—Charles Ryder, aged 60, a marine pensioner, was found drowned on Wednes- day morning in the South Dock. It appears that the deceased left his lodgings about 6.30 a.m., and accidentally walked into the dock. An inquest on the body was held by Mr. John Gaskoin, deputy- coroner, apd the jury returned an open verdict.

MERTHYR. SCHOOL EOARD.—On Friday week the fortnightly meeting of the school board was held, when there were present Messrs. Thomas Williams (chairman), W. Bell, D. Davies (Glebeland), and the Revs. J. M. Bowen, J. Williams, and D. Griffiths. A report by the general purposes committee, giving answers to certain questions as to the working of the Education Act, was also read and adopted. The last question-" Have the board any observations to make on the causes, if any, which hinder the efficient working of the laws a.s to school atten- dance ? was answered as follows:—" Dame or private adventure schools, where a fee of Id. or 2d. per week is charged, and where parents send their children—and chiefly with that view—to avoid the vigilance and inquiries of the officers specially appointed to look after the children's attendance, should not be allowed. Only an im- perfect register, if any, is kept. and the children go to and return from these schools just as they or their parents please. When fines are inflicted by the magistrates upon parents for breaches of the Act they ought to enforce their own penalties without requiring school authorities to apply to them to do so." The report was adopted. A letter was read from the local board of health, enclosing a copy of Dr. Dyke's communication, already pub- lished, recommending the closing of all schools for one month. The members of the board thought that if that were done it would be necessary to also close Sunday Schools, places of worship, public- houses, and other places where the public congregated. On the proposition of Mr. Bell, it was agreed that the clerk should write to the teachers of the Trebarris School, desiring them to be careful as to the admission to school of children from infected houses. A letter was read from the Rev. Mr. Sanders resigning his membership, and after a conversation Mr. Bell and the Rev. J. Williams gave notice of their intention to move at tho next meeting that the two vacancies be filled up. This was all the business. Two MISSING CHILDREN.—On Monday it was ascertained that two little boys who had been misting from Merthyrwere in the Rhondda Valley. Their names are Michael M'Mahon, 10, Bethcsda- struet, and William Famngton, 11, Bank-street,, Merthyr. On Thursday the first-named fell under a tram at Dinas, and was shockingly injured. He was taken to the workhouse infirmary, Pontypridd. The other was found begging at Penygraig, and taken in charge by the police, and conveyed to the Pontypridd police-station that evening.

ABERDARE. FUNERAL OF MRS. T. WHITTY EVANS.—On Satur- day the remains of the wife of Mr. T. Whitty Evans, chemist and druggist, were interred at the cemetery. Among the mourners were Messrs. D. Davies, J.P., MMsyffynon D. E. Williams, J.P., Hirwain; Thomas Phillips, solicitor; W. H.Wat- kins and W. P. Watkins, Tredegar and the ser- vice was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Price. Signs ot mourning were manifested along the line of route, and great sympathy is expressed for Mr. Evans, who is left with a family of six young chil- dren. Deceased was only 33 years of age.

BRECON. THE LATE MR. HUOHES.—On Monday the funeral absequies of the late Mr. Hughes, the principal of Messrs. Hughes and Joseph's Bank, took place in the cemetery. It was a private funeral, but the esteem in which deceased was held was distinctly manifested by the almost universal putting up of shutters and drawing down of blinds. The deceased was remarkable for his charitable actions and his benevolence will be missed by very many poor people. It is reported that his will is likely to be proved under £200,000 at least.

BRIDGEND. BOARD OF HEALTH.—An ordinary meeting of this board was held on Wednesday, when Mr. L. Wallington presided. The clerk reported that the proposed new by-laws had been returned by the Local Government Board, who refused to approve of them for several reasons set forth in a letter which they had forwarded to him. It was resolved that the clerk and sur- veyor go through the draft by-laws sent down by the Local Government Board, and suggest any alterations they consider necessary at a special meeting of the board, to be held next Thursday. The medical officer's report on the condition of the cottages on the Rhiew was read, and the surveyor was instructed to give the necessary notice to the owner to abate the nuisances existing there, and prevent their recurrence. In reply to a. question, the Clerk said the person who received the rents must be considered the owner. The surveyor having reported that the owner of the houses known as Farley's-row was prepared to make such improvements as are necessary to make them in- habitable, no further action was taken to close the premises. The surveyor having reported that he had written to Mr. ll. J. Randall, calling his atten- tion to certain nuisances on the property of the Earl of Dunraven, and that nothing had been done to abate them, he was instructed to serve the usual notices. CHOIR TREAT.—The members of the Nolton Church Choir were entertained on Tuesday evening, at Fitzhamon House, by the Rev. F. W, and Mrs. Edmondes, to a supper of a recherche• description". The evening was pleasantly spent by the singing of glees and solos, and at the close the donors were thanked for their hospitality by Mr. R. Lott. It was apparent at the revnwn that the choir are resolved to do what lies in their power towards furthering the erection of tlte new church.

CAERPHILLY. CcrRCH PASTORAL AID SOCIETY.—On Sunday the Rev. T. H. Hughes, secretary to the above society, preached two very eloquent sermons on behalf of the society at St. Martin's Church also at Pwllypant Church, at three o'clock in the after- noon. CollectJODS were made at the close of each service in aid of the funds of the society. The services were very impressive throughout. FATAL ACCIDENT. About midnight on Sunday a carpenter, named Robins, was killed in the Llantwit and Black Vein Colliery, Caerphilly, whilst setting the guiding rope" in its right place on the drum.

I/LANWONNO. SCHOOL BOARD.—The monthly meeting of this board was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Vestry-hail, Pontypridd, Mr. "T. Edwards in the chair. Mr. T. C. Phillips, Mountain Ash, was elected a member of the board, in the plate of Mr. Beavan, of Ferndale, whose resignation was read at the last meeting. The Clerk reported that the attendance at the schools of the board, particularly at Mountain Ash and Ferndale, was unsatisfactory, and, as the work was getting too heavy for him, the board resolved that the school management committee be empowered to appoint someone else to take a census of the children of Mountain Ash. Mr. J. W. Jones gave notice that inasmuch as the clerk stated that his work as attendance-officer was too heavy, he will bring the question of school attendance under the notice of the board at its next meeting. It was decided to give notice to the Ystrad School Board that if the transfer of the Ferndale Joint School be not completed by the June examination they will not have anything to do with it. A letter was read from the Guildhall, Swansea, in reference to the proposed college, but no action was taken upon it. Mr. J. W. Jones gave notice that he would at the next meeting move the rescinding of so much of the resolution as to the taking over of the Miskin and Newtown School teachers at Mountain Ash as related to the question of salaries. A memorial £ 'as read from Ynysybwl, asking leave to hold English Church services at the schoolroom. There being now on the books a resolution that none of the schools of the board be allowed to be used except for the purpose for which thev were erected, the Rev. J. H. Protheroe gave notice that he would move the rescinding of such resolution. Mr. J. \'i'. Jones gave notice that at the next meeting he would call attention to the exclusion of the Bible from the schools of the board.

LLANDDAROG, CARMARTHEN. LECTURE-—On Monday last a lecture was de- livered at the National Schoolroom of this place by the Rev. E. A; Pavies, vicar of Llangennech, on the popular subject of Y Geiniog a'r Aelwyd," or. How to make the best of the Penny, and Double the Happiness of Home." The rev. lecturer proved by a series of practicable plans the possibility for every working man on the smallest wage to live well and make ample provi- sion for the future, so as to avoid the necessity of ever becoming dependent on chantv or parish relief in failing health and the infirmity of age. There was a large and appreciative audience, the Rev. N. Thomas, vicar of the parish, presiding, fupported by the Rev. D. Jones, vicar of Hangen- deirne. The proceeds of the lecture were in aid of the funds of the schools in the parish.

MAESTEG. BOARD OF HEALTH.-—An ordinary meeting was held on Friday week, Mr. D. Grey presiding. The clerk was requested to obtain from Mr. Stock- wood the lease of the Town-hall, together with his opinion as to the power of tho board to borrow money on it. It was stated that a suqi of J6500 was required to meet tho cost of erecting the hall, in addition to a like amount which had been previously obtained and for which the personal security of the mem- bers of the board was pledged. The surveyor was directed to draw a plan of an improved bridge at Craig-v-Vedw, and to report as to the necessity of a lamp at Blaenllynvi Bridge. The clerk was directed to prepare a memorial to the Lord Chan- cellor to have the county court held at Maestcg.

MOUNTAIN ASH. LOCAL BOARD.—This board met on Monday, Mr. Yeo presiding. On the motion of Mr. Prichard, seconded by Mr. Morgan, the agreement with the Powell Duffryn Company and the board for carry- ing out improvements in the Cwmpennar streets was adopted, and the clerk was instructed to apply to the company for the money. A report was read from the roads committee,recommending the accept- ance of Mr. John John's tender for carrying out private improvements in Henry-street. The recommendation was adopted, on the motion of Mr. Little. On the motion of Mr. Little, seconded by Mr. Edwards, it was re- solved that the private improvements in Rock- street must be carried out within two months by the owners, otherwise the work would be carried out by the board, and the owners charged with the expense. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Little, that a retaining wall should be erected along the new Penrhiwceiber-road, to pro- tect Mr. Thomas Charles's two houses on Ty'rar- lwydd, at a cost of £28. Mr. Little moved, and the Rev. J. Howells seconded, a motion, which was carried, that Mr. J. Lewis be re-appointed inspector of nuisances for three years at the salary of JE20 per annum, provided that the Local Government Board refunded half that amount. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Martin, the clerk was.instructed to write to the con- tractor respecting the want of progress made by the Penrhiwceiber-road. The medical officer's quarterly report went to show that ten fresh cases of scarlet fever had taken place in the district during the past fortnight. The total number of births in the quarter for the whole district had been 129, 74 males and 55 females last quarter 102, 52 males and 50 females. The birth-rate would, therefore, be 50'0 per 1,000. The total num- ber of deaths in the quarter had been 53; last quarter 43, which would give a death-rate of 20 4 per 1,000. Mr. Griffiths gave notice that he would at the next meeting move that the board petition the Postmaster-General to make Mountain Ash a post town

PONTYPRIDD. INO.UEST.—On Saturday Mr. H. LI. Grover held an inquest. at the Horse and Groom touching the death of John Bowen, carpenter, who died sud- denly on Friday mornmg. A verdict of Death from natural causes was returned. WATERWORKS COMPANY.—The half-yearly meet- ing of the shareholders of this company was held on Tuesday, Mr. D. Davies, Maesyffynon, in the chair. The report, recommending payment of 5 per cent. dividend on preference shares and 2| on ordinary, was adopted. The officers were re- elected. The reservoir is progressing favourably.

YNYSIIIR. FATAL ACCIDENT.—A man named John Manning, working as a navvv at the excavation of the road near Wind-street, Ynysliir, on Monday was killed by a fall of the rubbish which he was working at. He was got out as soon as possible, but he must have been instantaneously killed, and the body was conveyed to the poor fellow's lodgings, a short distance off. Dr. H. N. Davies's assistant, Dr. Yachell, examined the body, and said the deceased had had his skull fractured and his leg broken. SUDDEN DEATH.—Margaret Jones, wife of Wm. Jones, master sinker at the National Steam Coal Company's pit, died early on Wednesday morning. She was at work at ten o'clock on the previous night, but complained of being ill. In the morn- ing, however, she appears to have suddenly become very ill, and expired in about five minutes.

CARDIFF. MONDAY.—(Before Mr. R. O. Jones.)—Offence by a fSeaman.—James Carrol was charged with using a seaman's certificate of discharge which did not belong to him. The offence took place on the 28th iust., and was admitted by the prisoner, who was now ordered to pay 40s. and costs. A Caution to Old Offenders.—Mary Jane Martin, an old offender, against whom a previous conviction for disorderly conduct was proved by In- spector Price, was now sent to gaol for three months with hard labour for being disorderly out- side the Fishguard Arms. The case was proved by Police-constable Franklin. The Chief-constable stated that the woman was almost continually in gaol. Savage C07ldIlCt.-A youth named Winstone was charged with assaul- ting a boy named Thomas Henry Hughes on Satur- day night near the Dowlais Wharf. He was also charged with assaulting Bute Dock-constable Thomas Foster. It appeared that the prisoner was ejected from a crane-shed, and he then turned round upon Hughes and kicked him in a dangerous part. The constable camo up and separated them. Then the prisoner beat the officer, who had to put the handcuffi on him. He received a bad character, and was now sent to gaol for two months ) with hard labour for the assault on Hughes, and for one month's imprisonment for the assault on the police officer. TUESDAY.—(Refore Dr. Paine and Mr. Vachell.) —Alleged Assault on a Wife.—John Reid, a hawker, was charged with assaulting his wife. Complain- ant stated that defendant struck her with a poker, and Inspector Harris deposed that when the woman came to the police office to give informa- tion she was bleeding profusely from a wound on the left side of the head. Defendant denied having struck her, and went on to say that she flung a poker at him. Thinking he was going to retaliate she ran out and fell down, thereby causing the injury she bore. She was always drink- ing, and kept very bad company. The Chief- constable confirmed this statement,saying she was known to be a drunken, dissipated woman. The magistrates gave defendant the benefit of the doubt, and dismissed the case. Theft from a Boarding-house. George Fuller, a seaman, was charged with stealing a woollen shirt, the pro- perty of another sailor named Owen Davies, from a boarding-house, No. 20, Louisa-street. The shirt was missed after prisoner went out, and, when apprehended, he was wearing it. He was sent to prison for fourteen days with hard labour. Stqyposed Theft of a Coat.— Dennis Driscoll was re- manded till Friday charged with having in his possession a coat supposed to have been stolen. WEDN fiSDAY.—(liefore Mr. R. Jones.)—Robbing a Shipmate on Board the Steamship Rhondda.—Charles LoOkey was charged with stealing a watch, \Vorth £2, the property of Carl Anderson, a fellow seaman on board the steamship Rhondda, on the 30th ult.. Mr. Downing, solicitor, said he appeared both for the prisoner and the owners of the vessel, and it was very desirable that the charge should be with- drawn. There had been a collision between the steamship Rhondda and the steamship Alsace- Lorraine. A Board of Trade inquiry had been held in Malta, and the steamship Rhondda was exone- rated from blame. But the owners of the other Vessel had brought an action against tue Rhondda to recover £18.060. The prisoner was the man at the wheel on board the steamship Rhondda, and as the action was about to be tried in Malta, and the vessel would leave Cardiff for that place on Thursday, it was essential that he should not be detained. The learned magistrate did not see his way to depart from the usual course ot criminal procedure. A charge of felony, he said, should not, be withdrawn. The case was gone into, and it appeared that'the prisoner had taken the watch from the steamship Rhondda. He afterwards pledged it at Mr. S. Biaiberg's for 10s., and on Tuesday he was apprehended on board the steam- ship Advance by Detective Oxley. He was sent to gaol for one month, and. the magistrate ob- served that Mr. Downing might apply to the Home Secretary if he wanted the evidence of the prisoner taken, and something would perhaps be done in the matter. The Robbery on the Hast Moors. —Thomas Francis was charged with stealing a quantity of old iron from the East Moors, the pro- perty of the Marquess of Bute, on the 13th of January. It appeared that the prisoner was one of four "men who took a large quantity of old iron to Mr. Donovan's marine stores, Ivor-place. A piece of iron now produced was sworn to as part of it. A man named Lord, who had since been sent to gaol for six weeks, re- ceived £1 5s. for the whole of the iron. Prisoner now observed that he did not receive any of the money. He elected to be tried at this court, and was sent to gaol for one month with hard labour. School Board Prosecutions.-—Several per- sons were ordered, at the instance of the atten- dance officers, to send their children to school. Alleged Polluted Wells.—Jane Thomas was sum- moned to show cause why certam wells in North Church-street should not be closed. The town- clerk appeared for the prosepution. and called Inspector James, who said he had taken samples of water from wells of which defendant was the owner. He handed them over to Mr. Thomas, borough analyst, and now produced certificates which this gentlemnn had given. Defendant said she had drunk water from the wells since 1&48. Dr. Paine said the whole of the samples were unfit for drinking purposes, nind contained sewage con- tamination. The case was adjourned for a week in order that the defendant might have an oppor- tunity to procure legal assistance. A Question Bet-ween Legal Gentlemen.—Mr. W heatley, addressing the court, referred to a recent dispute in which the defendant had taken a case to a higher court. He said his friend Mr. Scott, who appeared for the defendant, did not agree upon a certain point, which the learned magistrate might settle. Mr. Scott had contended that he (Mr. Wheatley) had waived a point in the police-court as to notice not having been given of an intention to dispute, and that it could not, therefore, be inserted in the statements. He (Mr. Wheatley) alleged that he only waived the point out of deference to the bench, and he thought, as they had confined him to the four corners of the Public Health Act,, that he must take every possible objection on his side. Mr. R. O. Jones referred the two gentlemen to the magistrates' clerk, who had taken the notes of the case but he said he had no recollection of ever desiring anyone to waive objections; and, if the objection in this instance was waived, it could not be allowed in the statements for the higher court.

————- I PENARTII. MONDAY.— (Before Messrs. J. S. Corbptt, James Ware, and George Fisher.)-—k rerunj < Open During Prohibited Hours.—William Kennersley, Cadoxton, was charged with keeping his licensed premises— the Three Bells—open during prohibited hours. A fine of 5s. and costs was inflicted. A Curious Defence.—A man named Evan Morgan, residing at Cogan, was charged by Mr. Ivor Williams with neglecting to send his daughter Janet to school. Defendant excused himself on the plea that the road was bad, and he could not afford to keep a horse And trap for the purpose of conveying hia girl to and from school. The case was dis- missed, defendant undertaking to conform to the requirements of the Act. Theft from a Public-house.—Bridget Folley, Cardiff, was charged with stealing various articles of wearing apparel, the property of Mary Ann Griffith, St. Pagan's Arms, Penarth. Sent to prison for a month. Theft from a Shop Door.—William Hayes and James Donnelly, two youths, were charged with stealing twelve shirts, of the value of 30s., from the shop door of Benjamin Morris, Penarth. The la.ds pleaded guilty, and were each sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. In passing sentence the Bench condemned the prac- tice of exposing goods outside shop doors, as being a great source of temptation, and after hearing a few remarks from Mr. Barnet Jacobs, pawnbroker, decided that the articles be not given up to the tradesman from whose shop they were stolen till the money advanced upon them when pledged by the prisoners was refunded. Charge of Receiving. —In connection with the preceding case, a man namedJohnTurnerwascharged with receiving three shirts,knowing them to have been stolen. Accused, who had been in prison for a week, was allowed to go. Alleged Attempt to obtain Money by Threats.— George Henry Jay and William Thomas, Penarth, were charged by Charles Workman with attempt- ing to obtain money by using threats. Com- plainant stated that on Sunday night, as he was on his way from Grangetown to Penarth, defen- dants accosted him, and asked for money to pay for a night's lodging. He replied that he had none, whereupon they threatened him, and, when he ran off, they followed till they fell into the hands of a policeman, from whom he claimed protection. From the statement of the defendants, it appeared that one of them had been walking out with com- plainant's sisier, who was, for that reason, beaten by her brother. The girl's suitor and the companion in whom he confided agreed that similar punish- ment should be meted out to the self-constituted guardian of that treasure, and they admitted having lain in wait for the purpose, as they un- romantically described it,of giving him a"hiding." The Magistrates, not sharing this view of rough- and-ready justice, ordered each of the defendants to pay 10s.

LLANDAFF. MONDAY. — (Before Messrs. G. Phillips and Edward David.)—bsing Threats.—Eliza Williams was charged with using threatening language to- wards Elizabeth Patrick. Complainant said defen- dant threatened to "do" for her and put her in the canal. The case was adjourned for a month. Drunk while in Charge of a Cab.—For being drunk while in charge of his vehicle a cabman was fined 12s. 6d., including costs.

NEWPORT. MONDAY.—(Before Mr. A. (J. Stevens, in the chair, and Mr. T. W. Wansbrough.)—Violent Be- haviour.—John Carter, a labourer, who said he had only recently come from Yorkshire, was charged with being drunk and assaulting Police-constable Nursey, and a woman named Margaret Burke. The Chairman said the prisoner had committed two unprovoked assaults, and he would be fmed 21s., or, in default, 28 days' imprisonment. Coal Steal- 11ig.-William Abrahams, 15, and William Dance, 16. were charged with stealing coal belonging to Messrs. Davies and Liscombe. Both prisoners pleaded not guilty, but the Bench considered the charge made out, and sentenced Dance to two months' imprisonment. with hard labour, he hav- ing been several times previously convicted. Abrahams, who also had been in trouble, was sent to gaol for 21 days' hard labour.—Mary Ann Mainey, 11, living in Baldwin-street, was charged with stealing a quantity of coal belonging to James Maddock. Sentenced to two days' impri- sonment. WEDNESDAY.—(Before Mr. R. F. Woollett, Mr. T. Cordes, and Mr. R. G. Cullum.)—Cruelty to Animals. —Elijah Pope was summoned for ill-treating a donkey. Inspector Kennedy said on the 4th ult. he saw (Mendant in charge of a donkey, on which were tw., old sores. It was cruelty to work the donkey in that state. Defendant said he had the best donkey in the town, and he did not know there was a sore, although he had put a handker- chief round the collar to prevent any sores. His donkoy always won the prizes on the football ground. Ordered to pay 4s. 6d. costs.—William Brown, Llantrissent, near Usk, was summoned for cruelty to a horse. Mr. Morrish said in the early part of last December he sent a cob to defendant's farm. A few days since, from information he re- ceived, he went to a stable in Newport and saw the cob, which was in such low condition he hardly knew it. There were two sores on its back. He ascertained that the cob had been driven about continually. Mr. Dennis, veterinary surgeon, and Inspector Kennedy gave evidence, proving the charge of cruelty. Fined 10s. and costs, including the veterinary surgeon's fee and the journey to serve the summons. Coal Stealing.—Catherine Welsh, fifteen years old, was charged with stealing coal, the property of James Maddock, on the 23rd ult. A girl named Mainey was convicted on Monday as one of the girls who took part in the robbery. Police-constable Alfred Smith proved the charge. The two girls threw down two cwt. from a truck, and there was a small girl standing by on the watch. This was the prisoner's third offence. Fourteen days' hard labour.—Edward Rich, aged eleven, was charged with stealing coal, the property of Vipond and Co. Dock-constable Stovle said at 8.20 a.m. on Monday he saw the boy get on to a truck, throw down lumps of coal, and carry them away. Sentenced to one day, and six strokes with a birch rod.— Margaret Mulcahy, a middle-aged woman, was charged with stealing coal, on Monday last, the property of the Ebbw Vale Company. Police-con- stable Wm. Thomas was watching during the dinner hour, when he saw the prisoner and fifteen others coming from King's-parade. Prisoner oame alone to the trucks; and the others stood by to watch. She got on to two trucks and threw down several lumps from each. As this was her first appearance she was sentenced to only one day's imprisonment,. Assaults.—Jas. Horton was.charged with assaulting his wife, Catherine. She said he used her "awfully bad," and on Tuesday he struck her on the arm with a bread knife. To pay costs, and bound over to keep the peace.—David Robson was charged with assaulting Walter Richards, whose forehead was covered with plaster on both sides. Complainant was a fireman onboard the steamship Deronda. On Tuesday he was going on board to fetch his clothes. Defendant, the chief engineer, had his clothes locked up, and when he asked for them defendant struck him with a file, wounding him over each eye. He was knocked backwards, and the back of his head was injured. Defendant was fined 40s. and costs, or a month.—Thomas Davies (who did not appear) was charged with assaulting Louisa James on Sunday last. Fined 5s. and costs.

SWANSEA. MONDAY.—(Before the Stipendiary, the Mayor, Mr. John Buse, and Mr. f. Cook Davies.)—Assault- ing the Police.—Abraham Stephens. 20. labourer, was charged with being drunk and riotous and assaulting Police-constable Rosser whilst in the execution of his duty in High-street, and also with tearing the constable's great coat. Ue was sent to prison for fourteen days for the assault, and was also ordered to pay aefinp of Is. for drunkenness and 7s. 6d. for the damage to the police-constable's coat, or remain in prison foranother fourteen days. Stealing a Coat.— Alexander Ford, tailor, was charged with stealing a monkey jacket of the value of 9s., from outside the shop door of Mr. Hyman Freedman, Waterloo-street. Prisoner was caught in the act by Detective-Inspector Jones. He pleaded guilty, and the Bench remanded him for a week in order that inquiries might be made as to his antecedents. Unwarrantable Assault. —James Lewis, bailiff, Cardiff, and David Williams, chemist, Swansea, were charged on an adjourned summons with assaulting Sarah Jane Barlow, on the 12th inst. Mr. Davies appeared for the complainant and Mr. Woodward for the defen- dants. The evidence showod that the defendants entered the complainant's house through the window late at night, and tried to carry off a table from the kitchen. A struggle ensued, in which Mrs. Barlow was struck down and very much bruised. The Stipendiary said the proceedings of the defen- dants were quite unwarrantable, and nned each of them jE5, or a month's imprisonment. TlJkSDA'i. (Before the Stipendiary and Mr. Phillips.) Alleged Theft.-Margaret Fortune, 40, married, Waun Wen-road, was charged with steal- ing a table of the value of 6s., from the shop of William Thorne, College-street, The case was ad- journed until Thursday. Disorderly Women.— Margaret Rees, nineteen, and Mary Thomas, girls of ill-fame, were sent to prison for fourteen davs for being drunk and disorderly in Oxford-street. A Licensing Offence— John Corneliils, landlord of the Mansel's Arms, Wellington-street, was charged with selling intoxicating liquors during prohibited hours, namely, at 12.30 on the morning of the 24th ult. Mr. Woodward defended. Police-constable Beer stated that at the time mentioned in the charge he saw Bridget Walton and another woman come out of the defendant's house, carrying a jar of beer. He went to the house and told the land- lady she had done wrong, and she said it was only half a gallon, and she was very loth to let them havtf it. The beer was taken to 51, Garden- street, where there was a wedding party. Mr. Woodward said he would call three or four wit- nesses who would prove that the beer was pur- chased and paid for at 10.30 the previous night. If the magistrates believed tho evidence of tha policeman against the testimony of three or four other persons, it would be a bad look-out for the publicans. The Stipendiary: I do not think you ought to say that. Mr. Woodward: If you choose to believe one policeman's oath against the evi- dence of three or four other witnesses, it is a bad look-out for the publican. He was very sorry to be obliged to sav so, but he did say so. Two women na'med Johnson and Walton were then called. The former swore that. she took the jar to the house at half-past ten, and paid for the beer. At half-past, twelve she went with Mrs. Walton for it. Johanna Tittle, another witness, said she drew the beer for Mrs. Johnson at half- past ten o'clock, and was paid for it then. The Stipendiary said he could not think it probable that the beer was purcluised at half-past ten, and he did not believe a word of the story. But even supposing it were so, it would be illegal. The de- livery of the beer was the completion of the sale, and it would be opening the door to all kinds of tricks which would be very injurious to the management of public-houses. However, he and his colleague believed that the beer in this case was purchased after closing time, and the defendant would be fined £5 and the licence would be endorsed. Mr. Woodward asked that the licence should not be endorsed, and said Mr. Rogers, the owner, would £ rtt a fresh tenant. The Stipendiary Vory well; if he will do that we will not endorse it.

MERTHYR. MONDAY.—(Before Mr. J. Bishop, stipendiary.) —A Disobedient Apprentice.—Thomas Williams, a.n apprentice of Mr. J. P. Pool, painter, Brecon-road, was summoned for neglecting his work. It ap- peared that this was the second time that the lad had run away. The Stipendiary made an order for the fulfilment of his contract of apprenticeship, and warned him that in case he repeated the offence he would be sent to gaol. Theft from a Public-house.nis Sullivan was charged with stealing a quart tin can from the Shamrock Into, Brecon-street. Dowlais. The theft was admitted, and prisoner was sent to gaol for a fortnight. WEDNESDAY.—(Beforfe Mr Bishop, stipendiary.) — Wounding by a Lad.—Thomas Jones, a youth of I twelve, was charged with wounding Mary I Connolly, at Dowlais, on the 31st ult. The youth- ful offender threw a large stone at the girl, and struck her on the side of the head, causing a frightful gash. Upon the mother promising to give the lad a sound thrashing with a birch rod, in the presence of the police, he was liberated.

ABERDARE, TUESDAY. — (Before Messrs. John Bishop, stipendiary, R. H. Rhys, D. E. Williams, and D. P. Davies.)—Vagrancy.—Thomas Lewis, charged by Police-constable King with begging at Canon- street, was sentenced to seven days' hard labour. Refusal to Quit.—David Smith, for refusing to quit the Welsh Harp Inn, Commercial-place, on the re-' quest of Mr. Lewis Griffiths, the landlord, was sent to prison for fourteen days with hard labour, in default of paying a fine of 10s. and the costs. Obstructions by Tradesmen.—John Jones, grocer, Ferndale, whom Police-constable Williams summoned for leaving his horse and cart on the highway at Cardiff-road, Aberaman, to the ob- struction thereof, was fined £1 and the costs. De- fendant did not appear.—A fine of 10s. and the costs was imposed on John Smith, master haulier, summoned by Police-sergeant Evans for a similar offence in the same thoroughfare on another day. Coal Stealing.—Mary Anne Lewis and Ann Jenkins were each fined 5s. inclusive for stealing 601bs. of coal, the property of the Wayne's Merthyr Com- pany, from Gadlys.—A fine of 10s., inclusive, was imposed upon Thomas Davies, collier, for stealing a like quantity from Cwmaman Colliery. As- saulting a County Court Bailiff. — Samuel Harries, collier, and Elizabeth Harries, his wife, were summoned for assaulting Henry Vernon, county court bailiff, and endeavouring to rescue their goods, upon which an execution had been levied. Mr. Simons prosecuted. Defendants maintained that the goods belonged to their son, and because Vernon refused to believe that story the husband attacked him with a mandril helve. For this offence the man was now fined £3 and costs, and committed to prison for a month with hard labour in default of payment. The wife was discharged. Breach, of Colliery Rules.—Thomas Hitchings, collier, was fined 10s. and costs for taking a pipe into his working at the Navigation Colliery, Mountain Ash. Mr. Kenshole, solicitor (instructed by Mr. W. Pritchard, the manager of the colliery), prosecuted. Thfft hy a Tramp.—John Movie, a professional vagrant, was sent to prison for a month with hard labour for stealing a boot belonging to a labourer named John Price, from a cow-house at Lletty Shenkin Farm, on the previous Saturday. Assault by a Beerhouse-keeper.—Evan Williams, landlord of the Prince of Wales Stores, Dean-street, Aberdare, was fined 5s., with 12s. 9d. costs," for assaulting Harriet Jones, a woman who visited his house in search of her children, who, together with her husband and furniture, were said to have taken up their quarters there for good.

ABERGAVENNY. WEDNESDAY.—t Before Messrs. James Hum- phrey, chairman Major Charles Morgan, and Cap- tain Wilson.)—iMTceny.— William Connor was brought up in custody charged with stealing a second-hand watch, value £ 210s., the property of Stephen Collins, at Abergavenny, on the 25th ult. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Evidence was given by the complainant, Mr. John Poole, landlord of the Porter Stores, Abergavenny, and Police-con- stable Crowley. The prisoner afterwards elected to be tried by the bench, and now stated that he was guilty. Mr. Iltyd Gardner, who appeared for the prosecution, stated that the prisoner would not have to wait longer than Friday or Saturday for his hearing if he were committed for trial. The Bench fully committed the prisoner for trial at the Monmouth Assizes. A n Assault Case.—George Isaacs, a lad, charged Hannah Cripps with assault- ing him by striking him in the face, on the 24th ult., coming out, of the theatre on the Grofield. Complainant said he gave defendant no provoca- tion whatever. John Jones corroborated the evi- dence of the complainant, and defendant was fined 2s. 6d. including costs, or seven days.

BRECON. MONDAY. (Before the Mayor, Mr. Lewis Jones Dr. Williams, and Mr. H. C. Rich.)—A Deserter.— William Hamilton, a deserter, was sentenced to six months'imprisonment with hard labour.

CAERPHILLY. TUESDA Y. (Before Mr. H. T. Williams, chairman, Mr. H. Jackson, Mr. W. Rees, Dr. J. Leigh, Dr. F. G. Evans, and Dr. J. Llewellyn.)— Assault. Daniel Price, landlord of the Cross Keys public-house, was summoned by Edwin Lewis for having assaulted him on Dec. 27, 1881. Fined 20s. including costs: Disordedy Conduct.—Geo. Sands and Daniel Price, colliers, were charged by Mr. Superintendent Mathews with drunk and disor- derly conduct, which tended to a breach of the peace, on Dec. 25. Police-constable Stebbs proved the offence. The Bench fined Sands 10s., and Price was fined 12s. 6rj.—Henry Edmunds was charged j with committing a like offence on January 1. Police-sergeant, Wrightson proved the case. Fined 10s. oteainiy IVood.—Caroline Hughes, a married woman, at Llancaiach, was charged with stealing some wooden fencing, belonging to the Powell (GeJigaer) (-olliery Company, valued at 6d., from their colliery yard, on December <s9. Mr. F. W. Ralfe, the resident manager, prosecuted. Acting- sergeant M'Don^d proved the case. Owing to the defendant's husband being ill, tha case was not pressed. Fined 5s.

CARMARTHEN. MONDAY. — (Before the Mayor and Mr. William Spurrell.)—Open During Prohibited Hours. —Ann Davies, Square and Compass, Water-street, was charged with keeping her house open during prohibited hours on the 26th inst. Police-constable Nicholas went to the house after eleven o'clock and found two men in the kitchen. Edward Jones and William James admitted baing there on the night .mentioned. The Bench fined Mrs. Davies and the two men 10s. and costs each.

PENTRE. MONDAY.—(Before Mr. Gwilvm Williams.)— Charge of Wounding. — Henry Carter, painter, Treorky, was chcrge'd with cutting and wounding James Lake, his brother-in-law. On Sunday after- noon the defendant and his wife quarrelled, and the complainant interfered and got wounded in the forehead. The case was adjourned until next. Monday for the attendance of a witness. Charye against Colliers.—A number of hauliers em- ployed at the Bute Colliery (Lady Margaret's) were charged with illegally absenting themselves from work. and thereby seriously hindering the progress of the duties at the colliery and causing the pro- prietor a loss, nominally estimated at 40s. Mr. David Rosser appeared for the prosecution, and stated that the complainant had no desire to press the charge against the defendants, and was pre- pared to withdraw on the defendants agreeing to pay costs, express regret for what, they had done, and promise not to offend again. The defendants accepted the above conditions and were dis- charged.

TREDEGAR. TUESDAY.—(Before the Rev. W. Hughes and Dr. Brown.)—Coal Stealing.—James Welsh and his daughter Mary, aged 10, and Ann Price, Rged 9, were charged by Police-constable Samuel Vaughan with stealing coal at Sirhowy. James Welsh was fined 10s. and 14s. costs, and the girls were dis- charged with a promise that for the next offence they would be punished severely.—Mary Ann John was fined 5s, for stealing coal at Ebbw Vale.— Mary Jane Jones and Catherine Cochlin, charged with stealing timber at Tredegar, were fined 5s. and 2s. 6d. respectively. False Pretences.—Enoch Dudley, employed at the South Wales Colhery, Abertiilery, was charged with obtaining money by false pretences from his employers. He resided at Crumlin, and obtained an advance to remove his goods to Cwmtillery, but did not return to work. Fined 10s. and 14s. costs. Stealing a Shirt.—Sarah Williams was sentenced to 21 days for stealing a shirt from. the shop of Rose Bernstein, Tredegar. Stealing a Coat.—John Seannell, charged with • stealing and pledging a coat belonging to James Langdon, at Ebbw Vale, was fined 10s. and 14s. costs.

PONTYPRIDD. WEDNESDAY. — Prohibited Hours. — William Thomas, Trealaw, was fined 408. andcosts for I5eing in the Prince of Orange storehouse during prohi- bited hours. The defendant had aggravated the offence by giving a false name and address to the police-officer. Assault upon a Police-officer.—John Burns, a tramp, was sentenced to one month with hard labour for assaulting Police-constable Francis, Treforcst. while in the execution of his duty. Stealing.—George Clark, a tramp, was sentenced to fourteen days with hard labour for stealing two < saws and an adze, in 1880, the property of Thomas I James a.nd John Jones, Cymmer. Travelling t Without a Ticket.—Richard Rees, grocer, Treorky, 1 was charged with travelling without a ticket on the Taff Vale Railway between Llantrisant and ( Pontypridd. The case was withdrawn on the de- fendant agreeing to pay 18s. costs. Robbery.— i Joseph Jenkins, Trealaw, was fined 15s. and costs for stealing a fowl, the property of Thomas ] Williams, of the same place. J

LLANELLY. WEDNESDAY.— Travelling Without a Tick't.— William Beven, of no occupation, residing atBurrv < Port, Pembrev, was charged by Inspector Miles, < Great Western Railway, Carmarthen, with travel- < ling from Llaneliv to Pcmbrey without a ticket, on ] December 2 last. Defendant was represented by Mr. W. Howell, Llaneliv. The case was clearly f proved, and defendant fined 10s. and costs. ]

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. J The usual monthly meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians was held in tho Workhouse. Cardiff, on Saturday, under the prcsidoncy of Mr. C. W. David.—The Master's report showed that there 1 had been 31 admissions, 21 discharges. and two deaths during the week, leaving 483 in the < house, showing an increase on the corresponding week of last year of 39.—The Clerk reported that, during the week out-door relief had been adminis- J tered to 2,659 persons, at a cost, of £289 8s. 9d., showing a decrease, as compared with the same week of last year, of 172 in the number, and JE11 2s. 10d. in the amount The Chairman said that Mr. Bircham, the Local Government Board inspector, had supplied him with a very interesting return, showing ^he de- ] crease which had taken place in pauperism in the ( Cardiff union since the accommodation was en- lurged and out-door relief restricted. The fol- lowing was the return :—1871: population, 78,701; rateable value, £353,115; number of paupers on the 1st of January—in-door 577, out-door 3,127, tot;],l' 3,704 percentage of paupers on population, 4 8; expenditure-in-door.e4.977. out-door .£14,219, total £19,196; rate in the £ Is. Id. 1881: popu- lation, J09,709 rateable value, £555,4!0; number of paupers on the 1st of January—in-door 646, out-door 2,732, total 3,378; percentage of paupers on population. 3'1; expenditure—in-door j66,561, out-door jei4,966, total £21,527; rate in the £ 9Jd. —This concluded the public business.

A proclamation in Tuesday night's Dublin Gazette dissolves the Queen's University, Ireland, in favour of the Royal Irish University, which is now in a position to confer decrees.

CONSERVATISM AT CARDIFF. LECTURE ON THE PAST AND FUTURE SESSIONS." A lecture entitled ''The Past and Future Sessions" was delivered under the auspices of the Cardiff, Cowbridge, and Llantrisant Conservative Associa- tion, at the Stuart-hall, Cardiff, on Wednesday night, by Mr. Richard Dawson, B.A., of Oxford. The hall was crowded in every part by a large audience, and the greatest harmony prevailed throughout. Councillor Tray es, who presided, was supported on the platform by Messrs. Jonas Wat- son, R. E. Spencer, Thomas Waring, North, E. Lynch Blosse, P. Davis, J. N. Flint, R. A. Blake, Stevens, E. J. Thomas, D. W. Jones, Ballantyne. Grogan, Parker, Roberts, Walkey, Burt, Treharne, Glass, Pipe, Laughlin, Maddox, Thatcher, Jenks, Hunt, D. Lougher, Prickett, Chick, Symonds, Holder, Robert B. Rennie (registration agent), and others. The CHAIRMAN, in introducing the lecturer, who, he took the liberty of saying, was an Irishman, said the object for which Mr. Dawson had kindly consented to come was to instruct and edify them on the matter of Conservatism. (Hear. hear.) Mr. DAWSON, who was received with applause, said that when he announced his intention of coming to South Wales he was looked upon as a bold man by some who imagined that in this part of the country there were no Conservatives whatever. But when he looked at the great meeting assembled that evening and remembered that every man had come there, notso much to hear him, but as an ardent supporter of the Conservative cause, he did not think there need be any fear for the great cause of the Con- stitution in South Wales..(Applause.) He had been announced to speak that evening upon the past and the future sessions, but he felt sure he would be excused if he omitted one part of the programme. An American philosopher had very wisely remarked that one should never prophesy unless he knew. While, therefore, he (Mr. Dawson) had a good deal to say of the past sessions he did not intend to say much respecting sessions to come. When Mr. Gladstone came into power, in addition to the many promises he strewed broadcast in Midlothian, he wrote in the Nineteenth Century an interesting article, in which he an- nounced 21 measures as absolutely necessary to be carried out for the benefit of the people of this country. How, since he had been in office, had he redeemed his promises? With the excep- tion of the Burials Bill and the Hares and Rabbits Bill, he had done absolutely nothing in the way of domestic legislation. As Minister of Finance he had extorted from the people of this country, according to Mr. W. H. Smith..61,400,000 more than the Con- servative party had sought for. When Mr. Glad- stone was asked about the stagnation of domestic legislation, his answer was that he had been pre- vented bv obstruction in the House of Commons and the immense press of business thereby created. But Lord Beaconstield's Government—(applause) —had obstruction to contend with in the House of Commons. (Hear, hear.) And not only had he to Confront obstruction, but to perform a difficult task in pursuinga policy at h line and abroad which would bring the people of this country to a condition where they would not only gain peace but also gain honour. (Applause.) Yet he was able to pass in behalf of the working people of this country a number of Acts, which in number and importance had never been equalled bv any pre- vious Ministers. (Applause.) He "passed the Mines and Factories Act, the Friendly Societies Act, the Artisans' Dwelling Act, and the"Employ era and Workmen Act, which,.as Mr. Howell said, was the charter of the liberties of the working men of England. (Applause.) Mr. Gladstone, on the other hand, notwithstanding his sensational programme of 21 measures, and despite the fact that he had always posed as the friend of the working men of the countrv, could not, find a spare moment in two sessions to pass any domestic legislation in their behalf. It would have been well had Mr. Gladstone been equally idle in other branches of legislation. The speaker then touched upon the shameful with- drawal of British troops from Afghanistan and, in alluding to affairs in Africa., said that the present condition of the Transvaal was as bad and as dark as it was bright and hopeful two years ago. The weakness which Mr. Gladstone's Government had displayed in their Indian and Transvaal policy was certain to very injuriously affect our Colonial Empire. The possession of colonies, if rightly understood, was an advantage to the Empire at large, and besides, it entailed responsibilities which ought not to be neglected before our great mission in the world was completed. (Hear, hear.) Speaking next of our Continental rela- tions, he characterised the action of the Govern- ment in reference to the Joint Note sent to Egypt by England in combination with France AS hesitating and unstable. On his way to Cardiff he could not help being struck with the evidences of prosperity and progress he saw on all sides, and rompr1.ring with these the present impnveriRhed condition of Ireland. Mr. Herbert Gladstone re- cently tried to ascertain the real state and feeling of Ireland by taking a two or three weeks'trip through the South and West. He (Mr. Dawson) had heard of Mr. Herbert Gladstone being in the neighbourhood of Cork. but that gentleman called himself there Mr. Herbert. He omitted the "Gladstone" — (laughter)—and probably would have remained unknown had not a chambermaid in the hotel where he was staying found his name in the corner of his night-shirt. (Great laughter.) That little incident might possibly discount the effect of Mr. Herbrrt Gladstone's a8surnnce to the English people that he found the state of Ireland everything he could wish. (Hear, hear.) For the unhappy condition of his native country he (Mr. Dawson) held Mr. Gladstone responsible. Why were the landlords of Ireland hunted down like bulls r Why did Mr. Bright get up and exultingly say that the Irish landlords were running "for their lives ? Mr. Bright might have remembered when he made that flippant witticism that many of the landlords, thanks to him and the Liberal Government, had not been able to escape with their lives. We had been told that these men were rack renters, and so on, and were justly punished, but when lie (the speaker) applied for information to impartial sources be found that the reverse was the ease. No doubt rents in many cases were too high, but his fellow- countrymen who knew anything of land tenure. would "bear him out in saying that the estates on which the land rental was high had been pur- chased under the Landed Estates Court, and Dot the estates of those landlords in whose families they had been held for hundreds of years. (Hear, hear.) If the rents of the estates purchased under the Landed Estates Court were high it was the fault of the Government of this countrv, who ad- vertised the renrs as low and capable of being raised. We were told that the Sub-Com- missioners under the new Land Act would be experts, but instead of that they were merely partisans bent on making reductions. But, it might be asked, are nor the professional valuators the best. in the country ( By no means, for if a man failed to get a profession in Ireland now-a- Jays he became a valuator. (Laughter.) Ab- senteeism, doubtless, was to be regretted, but the lbsent landlords were not the men who suffered. They had property elsewhere. The real sufferers were the owners who lived amongst their tenants ind tried to do their duty by them. Mr. O'Donnell had said that if the Land Act were carried aut in the present fashion five-sixths of the landlords of Ireland would be ruined. So much for Mr. Gladstone's attempt to solve the land problem in Ireland In conclusion. Mr. Dawson denounced the only piece of prospective legislation with which he could deal—the introduction of the cloture—an a measure un-English in character, having for its object the submission of the Eng- lishman's dearest birthright—the liberty of speech. (Loud applause.) Mr. JON*AS WATSOX, in seconding a vote of thanks to the eloquent lecturer, spoke of the humiliation he experienced when, on his way here from Africa, he heard from the lips of Lord Carnarvon the dis- gruceful peace concluded in the Transvaal. Mr. Dawson, in his criticism of Mr. Gladstone's legis- lation, had been too moderate, for what Mr. Smith said, with reference to the burden of taxation im- posed, was that while'the permanent taxation had been increased £1,400,000. the addition of a penny to the Income-tax represented £1,800.000 more. Mr. SPENCER seconded the vote of thanks. Mr. DAWSON, in reply, said that someone having remarked to him that if the Conservative working man could be found he would put him under a g-Iass case, his rejoinder was that he had better »fcurc the Crystal Palace to start with. ^Laughter.) Mr. WAHING proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, whose victory in the South Ward at the nunicipal election he characterised as the greatest riumph which Conservatism had achieved in the >orough of Cardiff. Mr. BLAKE seconded the proposition, which was carried by acclamation. The OKAIEMAN having suitably replied,the meet- ing broke up.

DARING JEWELLERY ROBBERIES' IN BIRMINGHAM. John Harris. it returned convict, nearly 70 years )f a»e. was charged on Wednesday at Birmingham ft ith stealing nearly one thousand pounds worth of diamonds, amethysts, topaz, carbuncles, and other Drecious stones from the warehouse of Mr. John Snipe, manufacturing jeweller, Birmingham. Last Sunday week the prisoner was seen by people ivin £ opposite the premises to boldly unlock the ivareTiouse door at midday. A few'hours after- wards it was found that the iron safe containing :J1e precious stonps had been forced and the place -arsacked. Prisoner was further charged with Jurghriously entering the premises of Silvester ind Co., jewellers, Summer Hill-street, the previous night, and stealing £200 worth of wedding rings, ind other jewellery. The prisoner was arrested )D Tuesday by Detective-inspector Black. A re- mind was granted. Harris has only just returned 'rom penal servitude for attempting a similar -obbery. He was then captured upon the roof of t house, after a chase for several hours over the :,0P" of the houses in the principal thoroughfare.

CONSERVATISM AT NORWICH. An important town council by-election of the Eighth Ward at Norwich was contested on Mon- hyon purely partv lines, and notwithstanding Mr. J. H. Tillett, one of the Liberal members for the city, attended meetings in support of the lladical candidate, the result of the polling was rhirkettle (C.). 575; Green (L.), 32o Tory majority, 250. This will show that the Conserva- tive cause has not died out in Norwich, and stronelv indicates the reaction which is spreading throughout the country, as the Eighth" ard has ilwuys b^en considered a stronghold of the Liberals.

Mrs. Langtry has been engaged for the whole of the ensuing season by the management of the Hay- market Theatre. At a large gathering of the members of the Senate of the University of Cambridge on Tuesday, it was resolved to have a portrait of the Duke of Devonshire painted, as a memorial of their Chan. 1U|-(

I THE GLAMORGAN AND MON- MOUTH INFIRMARY. ANNUAL MEETING OF GOVERNORS. REPORTS OF GENERAL AND BUILD- ING COMMITTEES. The annual meeting of the governors of the Glamorgan and Monmouth Infirmary was held in the- Crown Court, Town-hall, Cardiff, on Monday. Mr. R. O. Jones presided, and there were present Mr. W. Done Bushell, Dr. Sheen, Mr. J. A. Ie Boulan- ger, Mr. E. Seward, the Rev. A. Tilly, Mr. C. Thompson, Mr. R. A. Griffiths, Mr. James, Mr. R. Cory, jun., Mr. J. Bird, the Rev. J. Waite, Mr. J. Davies, Mr. T. W. Jacobs, Dr. Vachell, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Rees Enoch, Mr. J. H. Wilson, Mr. Lewis Williams, and others. Mr. W. DONI: BCTSHEXL read the annual report of the committee, as follows:—" The committee have much pleasure in presenting to the governors the 45th report of the institution. The number of in- patient* admitted during the year just ended has been 444, being 37 less than the number admittod in the previous year; whilst 7.764 out-patients have been relieved, being 706 iA excess of the number in 1880. Very substantial repairs, invol- ving the partial closing of certain wards for a short time about twelve months since, have been carried out, and a large sum has been spent in supplying new and proper surgical instruments for the house; but, on the other hand, there has been a considerable reduction in the expenditure for drugs and provisions. The governors will also note with pleasure that there has been an increase ofjElOS 4s. 6d. in the annual subscriptions. Your committee have found that for some years past a few of the governors only have used their privileges of admitting patients, and that no regular system has been observed in issuing tickets for that purpose. They have, therefore, framed a new series of rules on the subject, and, as they have followed the practice of all kindred institu- tions known to them, they trust that their recom- mendations will meet with the approval of the governors. It is essential, on the one hand, to maintain the high value of the admission tickets, and, on the other, to bring the sub- scribers into closer relations with the patients themselves. Availing themselves of the recent high prices of Government Stocks, your committee invited the governors, at a meeting held on the 14th of November, 1881, to authorise the trustees to sell out of the funds of the Infirmary such sums as would produce j67,140 lis. 2d., and invest the same in a mortgage of the Cardiff Waterworks. This course was formally approved, and has since been carried out, the result being an annual in- crease of jE71 7s. 8d. interest to the funds of the institution. The committee desire to draw your attention to the Infirmary Sunday collection, which produced this year £348 19s. 8d. The In- firmary Saturday collection realised JE665 8s. 8d., a most important addition to the funds of the in- stitution. Without this sum the annual statement would have exhibited a deficit. The total income of the year amounts to £3,191 18s. 8d., and the expenditure to £2.940 13s. 9d., leaving a balance of £251 4s. lid. to be carried to the credit of the present year." Mr. BUSHELL then read a detailed statement of the accounts of the institution, and remarked that there was a reduction in the expenditure upon almost every article. He moved the adoption of the report. Mr. J. A. LE BOCLANGFR seconded the motion. He said that the committee had done their utmost to promote the interests of the institution, and they trusted they had succeeded to the satisfaction of the governors. The motion was carried. Mr. R. A. GRIFFITHS proposed a vote of thanks to the out-patient medical officers for their valuable services during the past year. This was seconded by the Rev. A, TILLY, and agreed to. Mr. C. THOMPSON moved, "That the following governors be elected members of the committee for the present vear. viz., Rev. A. Tilly, Rev. J. Waite, Rev. W. C. Bruce, Rev. G. A. Jones, Mr. J. A. Ie Boulanger. Rev. C. J. Thompson. Mr. A. Fultcui, Mr. R. A. Griffiths, Mr. J. A. Flint, Mr. Nell, Mr. L. Tylor, and the Rev. W. E. Winks." He said that four of the members of the old committee had been omitted from this list. Mr. Gaskell on account of death, and Messrs. A. Hood. Rees Jones, and J. H. Wilson because thev had, in virtue of their donations, become er-ofRcio members. Mr. R. CoRY, jun.. seconded the proposition. Mr. DAVIES (Ship Inn) moved "That the name of Mr. T. W. Jacobs be substituted for that of Mr. Flint." Mr. D. LEWIS seconded the amendment, which WR-s carried. The resolution "was adopted with this alteration. Mr. R. BIRD moved a vote of thanks to the clergy and the ministers of the various denomina- tions for the collections made by them in aid of this institution. Mr. J. H. WILSON seconded the resolution, which was passed. Mr. W. DONE BUSHELL moved that the thanks of the meeting be given to the committee of working men, and to the treasurer (Mr. Lewis Williams), and the hon. secretaries (Messrs. G. T. Coleman and A. D. Jones), for the most valuable assistance afforded to the funds of the Infirmary by their contributions on Infirmary Saturday. He said that they were greatly indebted to the working classes for the liberal support they received from them. Dr. VACHELL seconded the motion, which was carried. On the motion of the Rev. J. WAITE, seeondud by Mr. JAMES, a vote of thanks, was accorded to the local press. Mr. REES JONES moved a vote of thanks to Mr. W. Done Bushell for his invaluable services as treasurer. Dr. SHKEN seconded the motion, which was passed with applause. Mr. C. THOMPSON then proposed the following resolution, of which notice had been given, viz :— That in place of the present rules 12, 13,14, and 27, ah".ll 00 substituted the following ;— 12.—That even: subscription of Two Guineas, annually, shall entitle the suloseriloer tD reeonlInelld one in- patient and ten out-patients during the year. 13.—That, every subscription or Oue Guinea, annually, 9J a'l entitle the subscriber t. recommend ten out- patients during the year. 14.—Tlir.t every subscription of Half a Guinea., annually, shall entitle the subscriber to recommend iive out- patients during the vear. 27.—That the wording of the rule, so far a9 the word j nstitutioll," stand as at present; and that in place of t he clause beginning. "And every clergy- man and minister, &c. the following he inserieti: —" And ministers of religion and bodies of worunun making annual collections for the Infirmary shall be entitled to recommend two-thirds of tLe number of patients that is allowed to be recommended by annual subscribers of a like amount." The Rev. A. TILLY seconded the proposition. Mr. LEWIS WILLIAMS asked if the privileges of the working classes would be increased by those alterations. Mr. C. THOMPSON replied in the rsnative, and Dr. VACHELL added that the percon'ges allowed them would be greater than were allowed in any other town. Mr. LEwIs WILLIAMS s-ud he was glad of this, and he had no doubt it would encourage the work- ing classes to contribute still more liberally. The resolution was adopted, a separate vote being taken upon each alteration. Dr. SHEEN then read the report of the building committee as follows:—In compliance with your directions the building committee obtained tenders by advertisement for the erection of the proposed new building, and have accepted that of Mr. Clarke Burton, of Cardiff: for the sum of £22.978, the building to be completed within twenty months. The work will, therefore, be commenced forthwith. At the last annual meeting of the governors the sum promised amounted to nearly £16.000. This sum now stands at about £17,050. Owing to the large amount of time devoted to the perfection of the plans, which included their being placed before Mr. Xash, as stated in our report of November 14, 1881, the building committee have not had that opportunity for canvassing for fresh donations which they would have desired. Of the donations already promised, about £4,000 is now lying at the National Provincial Bank, and about £1.850 was received by the previous building committee, exclusive of Mrs. Leigh Morgan's legacy of £900. thus making a total of about £6,750 in hand. We propose now to make vignrous efforts to colk-ct the balance of the promised donations, and to obtain such further contributions as will enable the committee to open the building free from debt." Mr. J. H. WILgON proposed the adoption of this report. He spoke in eulogistic terms of the ser- vices rendered by the building committee, and said that the new building would approach as near to perfection as it was possible for it to bp. Dr. SHEEN seconded the motion. He said that since the present building committee was ap- pointed many of their donations had been doubled. He read a list of increased donations, of which the following are the principal:—Lord Tredegar, from £150 to £1,000; Mr. James Ware, from JE52 10s. to £1,000; Mr. C. Thompson, from £100 to £200: Mr. J. Cor\ £100 to JEZOO the Bishop of Llandaff, £100 to JE150 Mr. A. Bassett, £50 to £100; Messrs. Dowson, £5 to £100; Mr. A. Bruce Pryce, £2 to £50; Mr. J. P. Thompson, £10 to £50; Mr. H. Thompson, £10 to £50; and Mr. R. o. Jones, £20 to £100. He hoped that the example of those gentlemen would be followed by others. The motion was adopted, and the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the building committee and to the chairman.

THE BOARDING SCHOOL SCANDAL. At the Central Criminal Court. London, on Tuea- day, George Barwick Skilling, 41, described as a tutor, pleaded guilty to five indictments which charged him with indecently assaulting young girls placed undiT his charge at Leyton. Mr. Montagu Williams, who was instructed" to prose- cute with Mr. Poland, said that the case was one of a most. terrible character. The prisoner was a schoolmaster, and there did not appear to be anv doubt that ever since the year 1679 he had been carrying on the most disgusting practices towaids young girls entrusted to his care. Mr. Geoghe- gan, who appeared for the prisoner, said that so far as he was concerned all he could say was that by pleading guilty 11 ve prisoner had made some reparation, and had spared the un- happy children the additional degradation of coming into the witness-box and giving evidence. He did not ask for a lenient sentence on the pri- soner's account, but he would remind his lordship that he had a wife and family depending upon him for support. The Recorder said he had read the depositions, and the case was one undoubtedly of a very shocking character. The prisoner had made some reparation by pleading guilty and thus sparing these poor children the additional pain of having to give evidence in public. The prisoner's conduct, however, had been most dis- graceful, and was aggravated by the fact that the children were to a certain extent placed under his protection, and he had acted most scandalously under such circumstances. He then sentenced the prisoner to eighteen months' hard labour.

SWANSEA S CHOOL BOARD. 1 An ordinary month ly meeting of the members of the school board for the united district of Swansea was held at the Guildhall on Wednesday. Mr. W F. Richards presided, and there were aiso present —Mrs. Higginson, the Revs. A. J. Parry, W. P. Wil- liams, and W. Williams, and Messrs Edward Roberts, J. Rosser. H. Davies, F. S. Bishop, T Harris, and R. Martin. MORAL AND RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Mr. EDWARD ROBKET? moved the adoption of the report of the schools management committee. The committee, after having considered the report of a sub-committf ? on the question of moral and religicus instru; •a, thought it desirable that the teachers stioulj tc encouraged to ofrer short ex- planaiioi ? on tue Bible readings to their classes oa coii-itsoD that no ailuwon should be made to the sacrai-ients nor to the differences which exist between :.ne various Christian bodies, and that they reco-i from day to day the passages .-ead in a book for the purpose- Mr. r. A F. K, c seconded the motion Mr. BISHOT said the adoption of the committee's report W ouid involve all the teachers beinj en- coura.v-d henceforth to read and explain the Bible ir the schools The object was simply this —not r< teacn religion as such. according tc anv doctrine-, or Q. groas of any particular sect nor on the wide basis of universal Christianity, but rather to teacx; rnorauty. He could have wished the com- mittee had recommended religious instruction, as he had always maintained that standpoint, and he did not see why the differences in religion could not be avoided in this question. To his mind re- ligious education was the onlv education at all consistent with Christianity. He did not understand education apart from re- ligion any more than he understood education in ordinary phvsics, where there was a difference of opinion as to whether the earth was round or flat. He read an extract from the code in which the teachers were instructed to impress upon the minds of the children the duty of obe- dience, consideration and respect for others, and honourand truthfulness in word and act. Now, as far as he was aware, these- things were never wade the subjects of real teaching. They entered into the lessons, to a certain extent, in copies and dictation, but there was no attempt at really teaching them. Thev were on]v treated as incidental. His aim and object in introducing this snbject. before the management committee was to obtain for the children the benefit of a definite portion of time being set apart for the inculcation of religious and moral duties. He only saw his way to having that done in the time devoted to religious instruc- tion, that was. at the commencement and close of the school hours. He did his best to have this explanation of Scripture made compulsory, in order that the moral teaching might be thorough in all the schools. The committee, however, did not see their way to agree to that, and he could understand and sympathise to a certain extent with their feeling. In accepting this recommen- dation, he hoped the majority of the teachers, if not all of them. would carry it out. Be accepted it because he considered half a loaf was better than no bread. The Rev. W. WILLIAMS said it was a matter of very great importance that religious truth should be inculcated in the minds of the children, but it did not seem to him that this recommendation ex- cluded religion. It was not mere morality because the Bible was to be read and explained. It seemed to him that there was an essential difference be- tween teaching morality as merely a utilitarian thing and teaching it as based upon God and upon our relation to Him. Of course it was understood that the teachers were to base their morality upon religion. In morality divorced from religion he did not believe, and he thought the recommendation of the committee was that children should be taught morality based upon their duty and responsibility to God. The Rev. W. P. WILLIAMS said they bad no notice that this question would be brought forward that day, and as it was a very important matter he would move that it should be deferred. Mr. BISHOP remarked that it was not an altera- tion of principle. The principle had been adopted, and now they were merely extending it. The Rev. W. P. WILLIAMS thought that betore they extended it they should have time to make up their minds on the matter. The amendment was not seconded. Mr. MARTIN said the committee did not mean to ask the teachers to teach religion, but simply to jive them permission to take occasions to impress upon the children some moral truths, provided they did not infringe upon the differences which existed between the various Christian denomina- tions. Their business was not to teach religion, and, therefore, he objected to the explanation being made compulsory. On the other hand, he thought, tlley ought not to object to religioustruths being inculcated in the minds of the children unless the parents taised an objection. Mr. DAviES thought they 'should have time to consider thi" matter. The Rev. A. J. PARRY said he was certainly dis- appointed at not seeing the notice of this matter on the agenda paper. However, he was pleased to find the question before them, and also to find that there was such an agreement of opinion upon it. For his own part, he should like to have por- tions of the Bible selected whereon instruction in morality might have been based, and it would have be&n for the protection of the teachers, the children, and the parents if that course were adopted, instead of leaving the matter in such a vague state. However, hequiteagreed with the instruction being carried on upon the lines suggested in the pro- position. He did not quite agree with Mr. Bishop that the present teaching of morality was altogether incidental, inasmuch as it formed part of the lesson. Mr. ROBERTS said he believed the teachers read a portion of the Scriptures to the children every day, and that they explained it as far as the moral, historical, and geographical part was concerned. This recommendation was going a little bit further than the Birmingham Board, in whose schools the Scripture was read without note or comment. The motion was then carried.

BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The usual weekly meeting of the guardians of the Bridgend and Cowbridge Union was held at the v,orkhouse, Bridgend, on Saturday, when Mr. J. C. Nicholl, the chairman Vf the board, presided. After some unimportant business had been dis- posed of. The CHAIRMAN said he considered it necessary to resign the office which he had held at that board for nearly 25 years. The guardians might suppose that he did so in consequence of what took place at the previous meeting, in addition to what had occurred before. He wished it to be understood that he did not resign the office of chairman in consequence of the decision at which the guardians arrived, but chiefly on account of the way in which tht-y had conducted, or, to his mind, misconducted, the business of the board for some time. He then directed the guardians to what had taken place relative to the case of I;r. Bates, and said that as he had been lsd to believe by the opinions expressed in private by a large cumber of guardians that they would be willing to grunt Dr. Bates a superannuation allowance smaller than that which was originally proposed, he moved that a sum of£lS per annum be given him. It was, therefore, with some surprise that he found on the previous Saturday that guardians who were opposed to his proposition attended in such numbers that they passed a resolution contrary to the one which he moved. What he wished to refer to was, not so much the decision at which the guar- dians arrived, as the vacillation, caprice, and temper shown by them when the question was considered, which was utterly inconsistent with the proper conduct of business. (Hear, hear.), The temper was shown in the running accompaniment of impatient remarh which occurred when the vice-chairman (Mr. W. Jenkins) seconded his proposition, and showod that a number of the guardians had merely come to the meeting for the purpose of carrying a pre- conceived resolution. He wished to be understood that he resigned on account of the way in which the guardians had shifted backwards and forwards, the temper displayed, end that most obnoxious of all things, the swamping of the decision of the work- ing members of the board by a large body of persons who attended there, not to Ihten to what went on, but to upset any good deed that might be in con- templation. As this was the twenly-fifth yea.r that he had sat in that chair, he thought that on that ground alone, perhaps, it was quite time to make room for someone else. He would say nothing tl1:.1.t day :8 to the general policy of thl" board he w0uJd ùo that on a future occasion, and in another place but he wished it to be thoroughly understood that he gave notice of his resignation that dot)", but perhaps it would bv better to allow a week or two to elapse before he vacated the chair in order that the guardians might consider the question of electing his succes- sor. If the guardians pursued the course which they had adopted for some time past the board- room would beeomc the" joy of wild asses." No chairman, if he ware worth anything, would sit there long. Mr. THOMAS THOMAS (Cowbridge) said he was sorry that what emr.nated from him at the previous meeting had given so much annoyance to the chairman, but he considered it was his duty to faithfully represent the views of thoee who J. cted him, and in this ca.>« he had done so. He hoped the chairman would reconsider his decision. The Rev. F. W. EDMONDES and Mr. H. BFVAN ex- pressed deep regret at the decision at which t he chairman had arrived. Mr. T. M. FRANKLrx suggested that the chair- man be requested to continue in office until the next ckction of guardians, when he will h"\V8 completed .hi? twenty-fifth year of office. (Hear, Iwar.) Tho CHAIRMAN stated that if it was the wLh of the guardians he had no objection to act until the end of the vear. (Hear, hear.) Although he re- signed the chairmanship he did not intend to withdraw from the board. (Applause.) On the motion of Mr. T. M. TRASKLEX, seconded bv Mr. W. LLOYD, the chairman was unanimously requested to continue in office until the election, to which Mr. Nicholl assented.

JUVENILE EMPLOYMENT AT THE BHOXDDA COLLIERIES. At the monthly meeting of the Llanwonno School Board on V\ ednesday it was stated that the opinion of the Schoa*. hoard Chronicle wa? tint in places where there were joint schools, such as at Moun- tain Ash, the clnldren would be bound by the bv- laws of the: board within whose jurisdiction they lived. rne difficulty which has been so often discussed at this boafd, that their by-laws require children to have passed the fifth standard before they can be employed in collieries. &c., was again mooted, a.nd on the motion of Mr. Idris Williams, seconded by Mr. J. W. Jones, it was resolved to petition the Local Government Board to allow the board to alter its by-laws, and reduce the standard to the fourth. The difficulty with regard to the Mountain Ash Schools seems to have vanished, for it was intimated that the Aber- dare Board were only waiting the result of the application of this board ere they also apply, if these a.re successful, for a lowering of the standard.

PONTTPRIDD BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Tne fortnightly meeting of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians was held on Wednesday at the Union Workhouse, the Rev. D. W. Williams in the CIBlr. There was a large attendance of guardians. Mr. MORGAN,in accordance with the notice given by hin. at the last meeting, rose to move a resolu- tion m favour of the assessment of mineral ctvl other royalties within the Pontypridd Union. He said — We are much indebted to Mr. D. E. Wiiliams, of Hirwain, himself a landed pro- prietor, for having taken the initiative in the matter at the Merthyr Board of Guardians He then proceeded Let us glance at the valuatioE ot this union. Llaniabon, £11,292; EglwvsilaOj £54-,638; Llantwit Yardre, £41,19.1.; Llantrisant £1\.8.88í; Lla.nwono. £89,014; Ystradyfodwg £:7E..701; total, £4-02,524-. Upon this valuation all except landlords have to pay from 4-s. to 6s. in the £ Why are landlords exempt ? 1 will tell, God has made the land, but landlords made the '5. And, of course, landlords have made the iaws to suit their own purposes and meet their OWD conveniences. They:¡,re wise in thtir genera- tion. What do landlords receive in coal royalties in these three parishes: The output of coal at LJa,ntri63ht, Ll:1nwonno, and Ystrad for tbe vear ended June 30, 1831. was 5,750,800 tons. Take thst at Cd. per ton. and we have the enormous amount of £191.653. Taking the other three parishes of the union into account, we may safely assume that the landlords receive from this union over £200..000 annually, exclusive of ground rents. Hence, were the landlords assessed, our taxation would only be half what it is now. Upon these grounds I think we ought to join the Merthyr and other boa.rds of guardians in petitioning Parliament to get the grievance removed. Mr. Morgan concluded by moving a ^resolution to memorialise the Local Government Board to urge upon the Legislature the assessment of royalties on coal and other minerals. The CHAIRMAN, while thoroughly appreciating the importance of the matter mentioned by Mr. Morgan, remarked that Mr. Gladstone, who was a financier of the very highest order, ha.d promised to take the matter into serious consideration during next session of Parliament. He. therefore. suggested that the matter ha.d better be deferred umiithey saw what Parliament would ùo. Mr. JKFFERIES seconded the motion proposed by Mr. Morgan, and Mr. James Richards gave it his cordial support. Mr. REI.PHE, of Llanfabon. contended that the question wa" a serious one, and required mature deliberation, and proposed an amendment that the consideration of the matter be deferred. This was seconded by Dr. Leigh. and on its. being put to the meeting nine voted for the resolution, which was carried, seven voting for the amend ment. Tins Wa" all the business of importance.

THE WINTER ASSIZES. BRECONSHIRE. The Winter Assizes for Breconsliire were com- menced on Monday by Sir Watkin Williams formal!}- opening the "commission at the Shire- ha h. His lordship, upon his arrival from Carmarthen, was met at the railway station by the high-sheriff (Captain F. W. A. Roche; and the under-sherrff ,Mr. W. J. Thomas.). A body of county police, under Superintendent Five, acted as javelin men. His lordship attended Divine Service at St. Mary's Church, where the sheriff's chaplain preached. In the evening there was the usual sheriff's ordinary in the Castle Hotel. His Lordship took his seat, on Tuesday at eleven o'clock. The proclamation against vit'e and im- morality having been read by the Clerk oi -rraigns. the following gentlemen were "worn as THE (,RAND .1l'HY. Sir Joseph Bailey, Bart.. M.P. foreman); the Hon. Arthur Morgan, Mr. Barnes P. Gwynne-Hol ford, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Conway Llovd, Mr. Crawshav Bailey, Mr. David Evans, Ffrwd- grech; Colonel William Jones-Thomas. Mr. James Lewis. Plasdraw Mr. Henry De Winton, Mr. J. Hodgkiss, Colonel Henry Holtord Stephenson, Mr, D. Jefferys Powell, Mr. Rees Williams, Captain J. E. Dickenson, Mr. H. Powel Powel, Captain Frank Travers, Major W. C. Braddon, Mr. Morgan Thomas, Abersenny Mr. Rees Williams, Mr. Wm. Perrott, and Mr Lewis Jones, Pentwyn House. The Judge having charged the grand jury, they were dismissed to their labours. THE SALMON POACHISG AFFRAY NEAR BRECON. Edward Lewis, 29, and. Thonms Jones, 31, labourers, surrendered to their bail, and were in- dieted for that on the 11th of January last they did unlawfully and maliciously wound and inflict grievous bodily harm upon James Walters Frederick Cross, and William Powell, watei bailiffs. Mr. Bowen, Q.C.,and Mr. Jefferies (instructed b. Mr. H. Edgar Thomas, Brecon), prosecuted; Mi W. L. Rowlands, Q.C. instructed by Mr. Corne; Hereford), defended Jones and Mr. Abel Thoma (instructed by Mr. Bonnel Bishop) defended ttt other accused. At the conclusion of the evidence for the prose- cution, which was a repetition of the facts already reported in the Western Muii, Mr. Rowlands thought he had nothing to answei on behalf of Jones. The Judge Very slight. Mr. Rewinds: I feel that. The Judge: Very slight, but you must exercise your own judgment. It seems to me the identifi- cation of Jones is very s.igÍlt. The jury in-timated that they would like to heai the case for the defence. ( Mr. Rowlands, in an exceptionally able address to the jury. argued that the evidence of identifica- tion was very far from being satisfactory. The jury made an intimation to his lordship that there was no case against Jones, and he was thereupon declared not gui]! y and acquitted. Mr. Bowen and Mr. Abel Thomas then addressed the jury. and. after a summing up by the learned judge, the jury returned a verdict of "Not guilty," which was received in court with loud expressions of approval, which were immediately silenced.. There was bu: "ne other cast—a civil action- for trial, and just before the rising of the court the parties interested settled it privateiv. The assizes weve, conse4uentty, concluded on Tuesday.

FUNERAL OF MR. THOMAS THOMAS. OF PENLAN AT WHITCHURCH. INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF THE DECEASED'S ANCESTOR. On Tuesday last the remains of the late Mr Thomas Thomas, of Pen;an. late manager of Melin griftith Iron and Tin Works, were interred at tht Parish Church. Whitchurch, in the presence of a large concourse of mourners. The works were stopped on the occasion. Mr. Thomas was in his 76th year. and became agent in 1827 at Pentyrch and Melingriffith Iron and Tin Works. He was the great gmndson of Mr. Thomas William George, who was born in Bedwas in 1715, and of his wife, Miss Mary Blake, who was born in 1713. and was relat.,d to the great Admiral Blake. Thomas W. George laid the found it ion-stone of Pentyrch Works in 1740, and subsequently became manager there, dving at the age of 91. His son Vi illiam Thomas was connected with the works fourteen years, and afterwards became manager of Black Works. St. George's, near Bristol. He died iz: 1806 at the age of 58. The change of the sux- name of George into Thomas, or Ab Thomas, was formerlv not unusual in Wales. William Thomas, born 1775, son of the last William Thomas. and grandson of Thomas William George, became agent in 1797, but resigned in 1832. and took Ely Farm after his brother-in-law. In 1843 he gave up the farm to his son. the present occupier, and re- turned to Pentvrch, where he died in 185(7. He was educated at Watford, near Caerphilly, under David Williams (a friend of the famous Dr. Benjamin Franklin, and also of Frederick II. of Prussia), where he leaivit the rudiments of engineering. He surveved the Glamorgan Canal in 1824, from the top of Cv!arthfa Lock to the sill of the Sea Lock at 'Cardiff, to ascertain the quantity of water used, which enabled him with his practicai knowledge to give his evidence clearly and explicitly on the de- ficiencv of water to PentyTch and Melingnfiith Works in the great law cases, before I^ord Chancellor Elnon and other Lord Justices, between Mr. Blake- more and the Glamorganshire Canal Company, which cost Mr. Blakemore about £20.000. Mr. Thomas, whose death we now record, received his educa- tion under Mr. Joseph Jones, at Melingriffith, at the same time, and in the same school, as the late Lord Justice James, and the late John Vaughaa, the great ironmaster, of Middlesborough. He was succeeded as manager by his son. Mr. John Thomas, the present manager, who is the great great grand- son of Thomas William George, and the fifth suc- cessive manager who has descended from him. He has been the mill manager at Melingriffith for a period of 27 years, and has gained the reputation of being one "of the most practical mill managers in the kingdom in the manufacture of tin-plate ant sheet iron, and is a man of the strictest integritj and sterling honesty in business transactions.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER, At the Bristol police-court, on Wednesday (before Messrs. W. Fudge and H. Taylor;, Charles Goas, a commercial traveller, was charged with embezzling various sums of money, amounting, in the aggre- gate, to about £250, the property of his employers, Messrs. Baker and Sons, Bristol and Newport. The evidence went to show that in 1880 the prisoner was engaged by the prosecutors as commercial traveller in the North of England. His duties were t.o take orders, for their Victoria Dog Biscuits, collect moneys, and forward the amounts at onca to the firm at Bristol. The cashier at Bristol, upon receiving these remittances, at once advised Mr. Barnes, the manager of the Newport branch, who credited the customers with the amounts in his books. At first he travelled on who credited the customers with the amounts in his books. At first he travelled on commission only. but that was subsequently altered. Defendant was paid £2 por week, and jEl per day travelling expenses up to j6200 a year. About ten days ago the prosecutors sent out accounts to all the customers in the defendant's district who owed money, and the result of tha answers was that the prisoner was called back to Bristol and given in custody. A number of cus- tomers were called from Wrexham, Denbigh, Dids- bury, near Manchester Rotherham. Sale. Cheshire, and other places, who proved the payment of various sums to the prisoner, which had not been accounted for. The prisoner, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the assizes.

EURNIXG OF A SWANSEA BARQUE. A "Lloyd's" telegram from Stanley, Falk land Islands, states that the Leon Crespo, British barque, of Swansea, for Tocopilla, is on fire, ar J. will probably burn to tha water's edge.