Weekly Mail

FIGHTING ON THE NIGER. MADEIRA, NOV. 13.—Among the passengers for England on board the Glasgow steamer Kinsembo, jelonging to the 8ritish and AfrÍc4Il Steam Navi- gation Company, and which has just called at Madeira, is Midshipman Hay, who was lately ierving on one of her Majesty's gunboats on the West African station. He states that the com- manders of various English gunboats in the Gulf of Guinea, considering it necessary to make an expedition in force up the Niger, a oody of 150 men was landed, under Captain Brooke. They shelled the town of Aboh about 100 miles inland, and proceeding up the river ibout 2'JO miles further shelled the town of Egga. rivre was severe Lush fighting, and three seamen were killed, Midshipman Hay himself being so severely wounded that he was ordered home.

ANOTHER FIRE IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, NOV. 18.-The American Steamship Company's wharves at Philadelphia liava been burned. The steamship Indienna had a narrow escape from theRames. The damage to the wharves is estimated at £50,000.

STOPPAGES IN THE AMERICAN IRON TRADE. NEW YORK, Nov. 13.—The continued dulness throughout the country in the iron trade has resulted in many places in a complete deadlock. A large number of iron mills have stopped. The number of hands who have found themselves thus suddenly without employment is not less than 20,000, and it is feared that unless trade improves there will be more eiosingsof mills and consequent additions to the unemployed.

A NEW SUEZ CANAL. CAIRO, Nov. 17.—A syndicate of bankers, repre- sented by the Anglo-Egyptian Banking Company, has offered the Egyptian Government to find the necessary capital, if the Government will itself construct a new Suez Cannl.

THK STATE OF ZULU LAND. PIPTERMARITZBURU, Nov. 16.—A Zuhtland corre- spondent reports that in the absence of control over Cetewayo's territory some of his late followers have organised bands for plunder and revenge. A son of Cetewayo's Prime Minister with a small force recently dashed into Zibebu's land and murdered the occupants of six kraals. Reprisals ive expected. Tho country will be white with Jones if the Government longer defers to establish some control.

THE EGYPTIAN DEFEAT IN THE SOUDAN. HICKS PASHA SURROUNDED. THE FATE OF COMMANDER MONCRlEFF. CAIHO, NOT. 19.—Full confirmation has been received here of the reported defeat of an Egyptian detachment on the 6th inst. at Tokkar, 45 miles of Suakim, and little doubt is entertained that Com- mander Moncrieff has been killed. The number of troops killed in the affair was 486, consisting of 'ihe last. reinforcements despatched to join the soudan expedition. Only fourteen men succeeded n escaping to Suakim, pursued by the hill tribes, who attacked the town itself on the afternoon of .ha 12th inst., but were repulsed. Another attack was expected to be made, and the inhabitants were leaving the place by ship. A letter from Suakim, dated the 13th inst., states that some refugees have reached Jeddah. Sir Evelyn Baring this morning received a letter from Commander Moncrieff, dated 4th inst., two days before the fighting in which he met with his death. CAIRO, Nov. 19.—Telegraphic intelligence has oeen received here from Khartoum to-day reporting the army of Hicks Pasha to be surrounded by the enemy and short of provisions. It is added that there is still no direct news from Hicks Pasha.

A COTTON STEAMER DESTROYED BY FIRE. SUPPOSED LOSS OF LIFE. NEW YORK, Nov. 19.—A steamer has been de Stroyed by fire on the Mississippi River, with 3,564- bales of cotton on board. It is feared that several deck passengers perished. The loss is estimated at 250,000 dollars.

FATAL ACCIDENTS IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, Nov. 17.—A boiler explosion has occurred at a saw mill near Williamsport, Pennsyl- vania, by which three persons were killed and the latrse number injured.—A fatal railway accident is reported from Streator. Illinois, owing to a freight (rain running into the rear of a passenger train. Six persons were killed and several injured.—One ierson has been killed and 24 badly bruised owing .0 a train running off the line on the Alabama Srreat Southern Railway.—A train has also left the 'ails on the Rock Ishnd Railway, in the State of Missouri. One person was killed and several injured. NEW YORK, Nov. 13.—A railway collision has occurred on the Illinois Central Railway, near Bradford, Tennessee, by which three persons were killed and several injured. MEXICO, Nov. 17.—A cotton mill near this city has been destroyed by fire. Five persons perished in the flames. The loss is estimated at S6GO,000.

HORRIBLE MURDER ON LONG ISLAND. NEW YORK, Nov. 18.—A terrible crime is reported from Glencove, Long Island. Two women, mother -tnd daughter, aged respectively 76 and 36, have Deen found dead, having been strangled, it is sup- posed by thieves. No arrest has been made.

SHOCKING BOAT ACCIDENT. EIGHTEEN PERSONS DROWNED. PARIS, Nov. 20 (NOON). — Intelligence has been received here of a shocking accident which has occurred at the town of Douarnenez,in Brittanv A number of workwomen were being conveyed in a. boat to their work at a factory, when the craft suddenly capsized. Seventeen of the womeu were drowned and also one of the boatmen.

THE FRANCO-CHINESE NEGO- TIATIONS. PARIS, Nov. 21.—The Marquess Tseng attended the usual weekly reception of the diplomatic body at the Foreign Office to-day. He was received by M. Ferry, to whom he presented the formal reply of the Chinese Government to the last French pro- posals or communications. It is confidently asserted that M. Ferry has declared that the reply is most unsatisfactory.

OFFICIAL CORRUPTION IN RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, NOV. 21.—According to trust- worthy reports from Tashkend, which, however, ire not likely to be allowed publication here, General Gradeboff has issued an order of the day deploring the abuses and corruptions discovered Hl the administration of the province of Syr Dary. No fewer than 36 functionaries, it appears jave been arrested and charged with embezzling 40 per cent. of the import duties, and a number of other officials have been called upon to answer charges of extortion and other varieties of plun- dering.

THE COLONIAL AND COMMERCIAL POLICY OF SPAIN. MADRID, NOT. 21. The important Colonial, Mercantile, and Geographical Congress, which recently held their deliberations here, have, I understand, presented a report to the Government, in which they make the following recommenda- tions ;-(1) The conclusion of a Commercial Treaty with Morocco, and the establishment of a line of Steamers connecting the southern ports of Spain with Morocco siud the Canary Islands, subsidijsd by the Spanish Government. (2) A thorough commercial and scientific exploration of the northern region of the Riff. (3) The establishment- of a commercial station at Ifai, a new possession on the Moorish African coast, and of commercial schools and spools for teaching the Moorish lauguage in ths Canary Islands. (4) The cancelling of the Anglo-Spanish Treaty of 1835 relating to slavery and the right of the search for slaves. (5) The colonisation of the Spanish possessions in the Gulf of Guinea and other places on the African Coast with coloured and white emigrants from Cuba, the Canary Islands, and the Azores and the establishment of Government, commercial centres in Fernando Po, Cape St. John, Gaboon, Annoban, and on the coast of the Red Sea. (6) The establishment of a naval station and a free port in the Caroline Islands. (7) To give moral support to French action in Tonquin.

THE TAFF VALE RAILWAY POLICY. The attitude of the Tatf Vale Railway Company towards the commerce and trade of the district which their railway serves and on which it thrives is not dissimilar to that adopted, and till recently maintained, by M. de Lesseps towards the com- merce of England which passes through the Suez Canal. The railway company, like the canal com- pany, appears to be actuated by the illiberal and, in the end, unwise policy of exacting high rates frol11 customers, whose patronage is the source of all revenue, in order that an unreasonably inflated dividend may be distributed to the proprietors. The railway company strives to maintain the ex- orbitant dividend of 18 per cent; M. de Lesseps, on his part, adheres to a maximum margin of 20 per cent, We may even dmw the parallel further. The policy of the canal company has united the merchants, manufacturers, shipowners, and pas- sengers of England and the East in the resolve to secure one of two results-a modification of the charges or the construction of a new and inde- pendent watersvay between Europe and Asia. The policy of the railway company has brought about a dptermination among many of the freighters and the communities served by their !ine to terminate the monopoly so long enjoyed, and so selfishly used by the Taff Vale Company. M. de Lesseps has, how- ever, become alive to the inconvenience, to say the least, which may result to his company if the high-handed policy of the past is continued. English opposition may cripple future extensions of the canal, and possibly destroy the prospective large profits. Hence we now see the astute and skilful Frenchman in England attempting to avert the danger by conciliating those whose interests and claims have hitherto been too little considered. The Taff Vale Company have also made con- cessions to the freighters, who are, by the way, the largest section of their customers. But this was not done until their profitable monopoly had been threatened by the serious proposal to construct rival lines out of capital fur- nished by mine-owners, merchants, and manufac- turers. The reduction in freights thrown out at the last moment as a sop to appease the complaining freighters is, nevertheless, calculated on the maintenance of the 18 per cent. dividend. It comes too late to stave off the inevitable result of a provocatively selfish policy, and only tends to confirm the conviction enter- tained that the inflated dividends have been earned by the exaction of higher rates and higher fares than circumstances justified. We might also add by grinding the faces of the patient workmen in the company's employ. For many reasons great profits are uncertain, and, therefore, insecure. They invite competition, which runs sometimes to excess. A glance at the price of railway stock in the money market, and a comparison of the value placedon Taff Valedividends withthat placedonthe profits of less remunerative railways is a significant indication that the former are regarded as insecure The Midland Ordinary Stock brings to its holders a profit of about 5 per cent.; the Taff Vale Ordi- nary Stock bears a profit of 18 per cent., or 3 £ times as much as the Midland. Now, while each Midland £100 share will realise £133, a Taff Vale share of equal nominal value noly realises £ 277. That is to say that, at current market prices, the amount of capital invested in Midland stock repre- sented by each £1 of dividend will sell for £26105., while the amount of capital invested in Taff Vale stock represented by £1 of dividend will, if sold, realise but £15 10s. It may be asked why should there be this enormous difference? The answer is, because the extraordinarily high dividends of the latter company are regarded as temporary by financier.o, who are shrewd judges of prospective values. Sooner or later, in their opinion, these dividends must be materially lessened by the rivalry they invite. Io is but natural to expect that the body of freighters whose payments are the main source of the company's exceptional prosperity are anxious for cheaper rates, and that they will regard the creation of a rival line or lines as a profitable application of their own capital, and the best means of decreasing the freight charges. Already the grasping policy of the Taff Vale directors has brought them face to face with several projects, each of which aims to share with them the traffic they now monopolise. The purchase of the Glamorgan- shire Canal by the Marquess of Bute may, or may not, portend some important future addition to local transit facilities, but Sir George Elliot's activity in tapping the Rhondda Valley, and the several projects for connecting that El Dorado with the seaboard by other means than the Taff route, some of which are in progress and others await Parliamentary sanction, are an un- deniable index pointing to one conclusion—that the days of Taff Vale monopoly are numbered. Timelv concessions of lower freights, cheaper rates for passengers and merchandise would have dis- armed or rendered less inviting the now portending competition; and a far-sighted policy would long ago have discerned the expediency of such a course. It would have been, we think, to the enduring interest of the shareholders and the value of their exceptionally situated pro- perty had they contented themselves with a dividend of 10 per cent. and an ample reserve fund for contingencies. The application of the in- crement bevond thi3 maximum dividend would have been wisely applied to the advantage of freighters, traders, passengers, and workmen, whose claims to lessened tariffs, and in the case of workmen to better hours and pay, have been almost entirely disregarded. A liberal considera- tion of these claims would probably have rendered contemplated competitive schemes abortive, 01' if not abortive certainly unprofitable, while on thp other hand a perpetuity of prosperity \v u'd have been assured to the Taff Vale proprietors. It is too much to hope that the directors will seize the opportunity of eleventh hour repentance, and by liberal concessions modify existing opposition,and we, therefore,anticipate that the immediate future will see the Taff Vale vainly striving to maintain its unhealthy status in face of competition. Among other difficulties springing from the com- pany's narrow policy is one with their own em- ployes. The workmen, responsible for the manipula- tion of the traffic, have with great patience and mode- ration long agitated for shorter hours of duty and for the abolition of excessive overwork. They are required to work twelve hours for a day's wages, wilen it is narionally admitted that a clay's work of only nine hours is sufficient for mechanics, operatives, and labourers. Xot only this, but either from deficient arrangements or an insuffi- cient staff, engiuemen and trainmen are kept on duty for continuous periods of eighteen, twenty, and even thirty hours without relief or rest, to the danger of the public safety, and to the certain physical and mental deterioration of the workmen so overworked. The same unwisdom which has earned the resentment of customers is displayed towards the staff, and their undoubted claim to shorter hours, and to time for proper rest, re- creatinn, and social intercourse, is put off unsatis- fied. The men are, in fact, being driven into rebe11lon against the inhuman exactions of their wealthy employers. The gross overwork of these worthy and responsible servants of tho public is a disgrace to the civilisation of the nineteenth cen- tury, and we wonder how the directors of the Taff Vale can see it continued with the equanimity and indifference they appear to display. The disaffected workmen allege that whether their hours or wages be considered they are much more unfavourably situated than their confreres employed on railways whose dividends are but a fractional part of the 18 per cent. paid by the Taff Vale Company. In a letter we recently published the Workmen's Committee state other grievances endured. They complain that the company's growing prosperity has been marked by ingenious devices for reducing wages, and the imposition of fines in cases of damage to stock most oppressive to the workman. These fines are arbitrarily imposed by an official whose will is law, from which there is no appeal. In the case of one workman, no less than £40 is said to have been withheld from his earnings for damages, which, in the nature of rail- way work, are more or less inevitable. Then, the clothing supplied is inferior in quality—made without regard to the height or width of the wearer, and, in lieu of being worn with pride, is thrown aside as somewhat degrading. Even in the matter of brake-vans used on mineral and goods trains, the men allege that they are in a bad state of repair, permitting the rain to penetrate and the draught to chill the very marrow of the overworked guards. All these minor complaints aggravate the disaffec- tion felt with the conditions of employment, while repeated refusals to supplications for amelioration have forced on men, hitherto adverse to strikes the serious consideration of terminating the issue between themselves and their employers by resort to an open rupture. The alienation of the freighters and the discontent of the staff are the result of the same unbending, unconciliatorv, illiberal policy. Without pretending to prophesy, we predict from the circumstances before us that the Taff Vale Railway Company has reached the meridian of its prosperity. It has of its own choice gathered against it forces which will impel the future of that line down a gradual, but certain, descent to the level of other railway enterprises in the kingdom.

AT GLASGOW on Saturday chloroform was ad- ministered to a girl named Agnes Roy during an operation for hare-lip." She never recovered consciousness. and aoou died.

PURCHASE OF THE GLAMORGAN CANAL BY THE MARQUESS OF BUTE. STATEMENT OF THE TERMS. PROPOSED DOCK IMPROVEMENTS. HISTORY OF THE UNDERTAKING. We announced a few days ago that negotiations were in progress for the acquisition by the Marquess of Bute of the Glamorganshire Canal. These negotiations have now reached a point of j completion, the terms offered by his lordship having been formally accepted by the proprietors of the Glamorganshire Canal Navigation Company at a special meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on Monday, for the purpose of considering the subject. The I offer was contained in a letter from Mr. William Thomas Lewis to the chairman of the company, Mr. W. Crawshay. The effect of it wns that the shareholders should transfer to the Marquess of Bute their shares in the undertaking, on condition that his lordship should pay as interest 6 £ per cent per annum on the £100,000 original share capital, and 4 percent, per annum on the £3,600 share capital raised under powers subsequently obtained; the interest to be secured to the satisfaction of the Canal Company's legal advisers by a charge on the Bute Trust Estate; and, after a lapse of fifteen years from the date of transfer, the Marquess of Bute to have the option of buying up the share capital at 22J years' purchase of the interest paid. The meeting referred to was convened by a circular bearing the signature of Mr. W. T. Crawshay. In this it was pointed out that if these terms were accepted each share of JE172 13s. 4d. would be entitled to JBll Is. 51d. per annum interest for fifteen years; and at the end of that period the Marquess of Bute might at any time purchase the capital by paying for each share the sum of 1249 2s. lOd. in cash. This sum, if in- vested, would yield the same dividend as the Marquess of Bute engaged to pay per annum dur- ing the fifteen years. The circular continued :— It may be that the shareholders will not be able to receive the full amount of interest during the first year, as there are some debts owing which will have to be discharged. I recommend this offer to your favourable consideration," kc. Mr. W. T. Crawshay presided at the meeting, anu there were also present:—Messrs. G. W. G. Thomas, C. H. Williams, R. O. Jones, H. J Evans, Dr. Taylor, and Frank James (Merthyr). The meeting, which was private, occupied about two hours and the result of the discussion which took place was the unanimous adoption of a resolution, proposed by Mr. Frank James and seconded by Mr. H. J. Evans, accepting the offer made by Mr. W. T. Lewis on behalf of the Marquess of Bute. It appears that before the arrangement can be con- cluded the consent or all the shareholders must be obtained, and the meeting was adjourned for this purpose. There is no doubt that this consent will at once be given. Mr. W. T. Crawshay is the owner of a large proportion of the shares; the other principal shareholders were present, and from some of those who did not attend the chair- man had received letters approving of the dis- posal of the property. The arrangement is con- sidered to be a very favourable one to the share- holders, whose last dividend was only 4 per cent. And it is certain that if the undertaking were put in the market it would not realise the money now to be paid for it. The maximum dividend that can be paid under the Acts of Parliament held by the company is 8 per cent., and, although this amount has been reached in the past, there is no reasonable prospect that so handsome a profit would accrue from the most energetic working of the canal, either at the present or the future. The terms proposed are equivalent to per cent. per annum in perpetuity; and there are very few persons who would not be prepared to invest their capital at this substantial remuneration. As will have been observed from the statements made above, the total amount of share capital invested in the undertaking is £103,6(;0, When the company was formed the amount of capital authorised was £100,000. Powers were afterwards obtained to enable the company to raise an additional £10,000, and of this £3,600 was contributed by the then existing shareholders. The shares are, therefore, all held by the same persons, and the 4 per cent. will be paid upon £6 in each of the 600 shares. To put it in another way, we may say that 6h per cent. will be paid on £166 13s. 4d. in each share, and the 4 per cent. on £6 in each share the total value of the share being £172 13s. 4d. Before the negotia- tions for the sale of the canal were opened, it was the intention of the proprietors, in accordance with the powers they have recently obtained, to make important improvements in their under- taking at an estimated cost of about £20,000. The canal was to be deepened and staiths erected for the shipment of coal, the latter of which were to be supplied by the short line of railway constructed by the Great Western Railway Company. This work will now be abandoned. The Marquess of Bute has made a similar offer for the acquisition of the Aberdare Canal, which belongs to the same proprietors. And it will be seen from an adver- tisement in another column that a special meeting of the Aberdare Canal Navigation Company has been convened for the purpose of considering the subject. This is another example of the great com- mercbl enterprise ofthenoble lont of Cardiff Castle, and it is a happy augury for the future of the town and port. It is evident that his lordship and his able advisers are determined to do their utmost to give ample accommodation for the trade of the district, and ifpossible to meet the sometimes unreasonable requirements of freighters and shippers. The pur- pose for which his lordship has acquired this pro- perty has not transpired but it is understood that he intends to make use of it to improve the accom- modation of tho Bute Docks, and the facilities for trade generally. There are various rumours afloat, some of which have probably some founda- tion in fact. It is stated that Lord Bute requires the water of the canal for the purposes of his docks; that large timber floats are to be constructed, and that there is a new line of railway in contemplation. These statements, however, are premature. Mr. W. T. Lewis and Mr. L. V. Shirley are now in London; and to-day (Tuesday) we understand that they are to meet the Trustees of the Marquess of Bute to further consider this very subject. In due course the plans to be adopted will be announced; and at present we cannot say more than that works of importance to the town and district are under consideration. At this point a brief sketch of the history of the Glamorganshire Canal will be of interest to our readers. The Bill for the construc- tion of this undertaking was promoted, says the title page of the Act of Parliament, at the Parlia- ment begun and holden at Westminster the Eighteenth day cf May, Anno Domini 1734, in the Twentieth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third." And from thence continued, by several prorogations and adjournments, to the Twenty-first day of January, 1790, being the seventh session and the sixteenth Parliament of Great Britain." The preamble of the Act of Par- liament sets forth that the making and maintaining a canal for the navigation of boats and other vessels from a place called Merthyr Tidvile," to and through a place called the Bank, near to the town of Cardiff, would open communications with several extensive iron- works and collieries, and be of public utility. The Act incorporates the following company 'of pro- prietors, viz, John Basset, John Blannin, John Butler, the Right non. Lord Cardiff, Richard Crawshay, Mary Crawshay, William Crawshay, Mary Crawshay, jun., Ann Crawshay, Charlotte Crawshay, Elizabeth Crawshay, James Cocksthute, Edward Cockshute, Henry Charles, Thomas Charles Thomas Dadford, Thomas Dadford, jun., the Rev, Thomas Davis, Richard Davies, Richard Forman. Thomas Guest, John Harris, Francis Homfray, Jeremiah Homfray, Samuel Homfray, Harford. Partridge anu Co., Mary Harford, Elizabeth Harford, Richard Harford, sen., Samuel Harford, John Ifariord, John Hall, Richard Hill, Calvert R. Jones, Elizabeth Jonas, Wyndham Lewis, Henry Llewellin, Samuel Lund, William Morgan, Thomas Mabury, John Morgan, William Morgan, John Morgan, John Peirce. Wm. Porter, Walter Powell, John Powell, Richard Reynolds, Count de Redin, Thomas Ransom, Wm. Stevens, Samuel Sabin, John Kemys Tynte, Wm. Thompson, John Thomas, William Taitt, Godfrey Thornton, Samuel Thornton, Robert Thornton, Henry Thornton, Joseph Vaughan, John Wilkinson, Wm. Wilkinson, Bloom Williams, Daniel Williams, Geoffrey Wilkins, Wilkins Jeffreys, Wilkins and Williams, William Wilkins, Pennoyre Watkins, Robert Williams, William Williams, Thos. Wilkins, and John Williams. The company were empowered to make and complete a canal navigable and passable for boats and other vessels from MerthyrTidvite. through the parishes of Llanfabon, Kglwyfilan, Whitchurch, Llandaff, and St. John and St. Mary, Cardiff, to a place called the Bank, at Cardiff, and to supply the said canal with water whilst the same shall be making, and when made, from all such brooks, springs, streams, rivulets, and water courses as shall be found in digging or making the canal, or within a. distance of 2.000 yards thereof, to make the necessary reservoirs, feeders, aqueducts, kc. The proprietors were authorised to raise jE60,000 to carry on the work and this money was to be divided into 600 shares, and deemed personal estate. If this sum were in- sufficient. do further sum of £30,000 might be ruiatd by calls upon the company, and we here observe that all this money was raised, and the £10.000, which made up the £100,000, was subscribed on a provisional order subsequently obtained. The company were empowered to levy rates as follow: —For all stone, iron, timber, goods, wares, mer- chandise, and other things (except ironstone, iron ore, coal, limestone, lime, and manure) any sum not exceeding 5d. per ton per mile for all iron- stone, iron ore, coal, limestone, lime, and manure any sum not exceeding 2d. per ton per mile. Ships passing through the lock into or out of the dock or basin, which might he made by virtue of that Act, were to be subject to the payment of Id. per ton and no ship or vessel should be allowed to remain in the dock or basin for a longer time than should be reasonable for loading or unload- ing. Certain payments were also to be made for wharfage and powors were given to the company to alter the rates whenever necessary, a provision being inserted that the profits should not exceed £8 per cent. per annum. Power was given to make railways from any collieries or works within four miles from any part of the canal; subject to certain conditions relating to the acquisition of the land, kc. Previous to the formation of the canal coal and other produce of the surrounding country was conveyed to the town principally on the backs of mules. These animals arrived periodically in large droves, discharging their burdens at the Old Quay, where the small vessels which visited the port at that time discharged and took in their cargoes, the River Taff not being navigable by ships of larae burthen. The canal was commenced in August, 1790, and completed in 1794. In 1796 the previous Act was amended, and power was obtained which enabled the company "to extend the said canal to a place called the Lower Layer, below the said town," and in June, 1798, the first vessel passed the sea lock. The length of the canal was 25 miles, three furlongs, three chains. It was brought through a mountainous country, the head of the canal at Merthyr Tydvll being 568ft. 8in. higher than the sea. lock at Cardiff. The beneficial results of the construction of this canal were soon made apparent in alarge,increasing trade, and the undertaking became so inadequate to the traffic of the district Jthat the large vessels were obliged to take in their cargoes from lighters in the Penarth Roads. In 1801 the population of Cardiff was 1.018, and in 1841 it was 10,077. The increase of trade was proportionate to the increase of population. And in 1838, the year before the opening of the first dock at Cardiff, the value of foreign shipments amounted to £362,000, carried in 292 vessels. When the Bute Docks were constructed the Glamorganshire Canal lost its great commercial importance but it has nevertheless continued to carry on a considerable traffic, and to earn for its proprietors a moderate return on their share capital. It is now close upon 100 years since the canal was formed; and the people of Cardiff will ever look upon it with a certain amount of venera- tion as being the enterprise which gave the first impulse to the trade, not only of the town, but of the district.

LUTHER COMMEMORATION AT CARDIFF. GREAT PUBLIC MEETING. ADDRESSES BY THE DEAN AND ARCH- DEACON OF LLANDAFF, AND OTHERS. THE ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. On Tuesday a public meeting was held in the Public-hall, Queen-street, Cardiff, for the purpose of commemorating the 400th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther. The building is estimated to accommodate about 3,000 persons, and it was crowded to the door, a large number of persons being compelled to stand at the back and in tho aisles. The meeting was an unanimous and enthusiastic one throughout. The mayor (Mr. R. Bird) presided, and amongst those on the platform were the Very Rev. the Dean of Llandaff, the Ven. Archdeacon of Llanrlaff, the Rev. J. R. Buckley, the Rev. V. Saulez, the Rev. J. Davies, the Ret. C. Jones, the Rev. A. Tilly, the Rev. J. D. Watters, the Rev. N. Thomas, the Rev. J. A. B. Harry, the Rev. J. G. Lidgett, the Rev. J. Rae, the Rev. A. Rogers, the Rey. J. Waite, and the Rev. W. E. Winks Mr. Lewis Williams, Mr. Rees Jones, Mr. G. A. Stone (ex-mayor), and Dr. Andrew Davies. The Blu* Ribbon Choir occupied a portion of the platform, and led the audience in singing a selection of Luther's hymns. The MAYOR, in opening the meeting, expressed his regard for the character and life of the man whose name had brought them together that night, and whom he considered to be one of the greatest men who ever lived. (Applause.) The Ven. the ARCHDEACON of Li.ANDAft, who was the next speaker, said he judged from the immense audience which he saw before him that the object for which the meeting had been con- vened was one which had awakened the interest of representatives of different schools ot religious thought in Cardiff, and that they were there to give expression to that interest. Continuing, the ven. gentleman said:—I do not think that we can too much magnify the greatness of what we are met to commemorate. We commemorate a man, but wo more earnestly commemorate principles and truths which this extraordinary man was the honoured instrument of rescuing and reasserting, and which are the foundation of our common faith and trust. We commemorate not Luther so much as Luther's work. I am glad to be allowed to stand upon this platform to acknowledge the obligations the particular Church to which I belong, and in which I am allowed to minister, owes to Luther's labours. It has been, and is still to me, a matter of grief that the voice, the approving voice. of that Church has not been more generally, more loudly heard on the side of this movement. I must candidly confess that I do not like this silence. (Cheers.) It awakens in my mind very serious thoughts and unpleasant forebodings. God grant that I may not be putting a wrong construction on this silence when [ look upon it as an indication of laxity in holding those principles which alone give my Church a right to be regarded as the Church of Protestant England. (Prolonged ap- plause.) I know that this word Protestant is not as much used, not as much loved, as it once was. It is, indeed, by some warmly repudiated. But whether repudiated or not, the Church of England, when rightly professed, is a Protestant Church. This name may not be found in her official formularies, but it is stamped on her Articles, and breathes throughout her Liturgies. It is a title she ought to be proud of. (Cheers.) Most truly has it been said that Luther, more than any other leading Reformer, was the mightiest agent in the doctrinal Reformation of the Church of England, as a Reformed Church, when it shook off its subjection to Rome. Why, my friends, many parts of the Prayer Book are translated from the Lutheran Service Book. No less than fourteen of her 39 Articles are taken, often word for word, from the two Lutheran confessions of Augsburg and Wittenburg. (Cheers.) Is it not to the pro- fession of these reformed doctrines that she owes her present independence? What claim3 has she for a separate existence if she abandons these ? If ever the Church of England does abandon them she will cease to exist-her mission will be over— other organisations infused with Luther's spirit, animated with Luther's courage, bent on main- taining in its integrity and in its purity Luther's work, must take her place. (Applause.) England is as determined to-day to be Protestant as ever she was. This may not be the moment for moralis- ing, but I cannot refrain from doing so. I look with tearful, yea, hopeful eyes on England's position. I hope, nay, I am firm in the conviction, that when the old banner of Protestantism is again raised, should the necessities of the times require this, and should lost ground have to be recovered, though there were as many devils of opposition and hos- tility to our privileges, and to our rights, a3—to use a figure now made familiar to us by the com- memoration of Luther's labours—there are slates on the houses of Cardiff, our love for a free country, our love of religious freedom, and our determina- tion to continue in the possession of what has been bequeathed to us, will lead us, in a united phalanx, to fight under the banner ot our reformed creed. (A pplause.).Let this commemoration inspire us with courage. If we fail in our duty God will find other instruments. His truth will, and must, prevail. Mav the day never dawn when England will cease to be the home and the parent of freedom. (Cheers.) The ven. gentleman then referred to the historical aspect of the question, and said that, taking Luther all in all, he stood forth as the greatest man the world had known since the days of the Apostles— the man to whom England was more indebted than to any other man. (Applause.) Mr. HERS JOVKS spoke of the importance of the Lutheran revival as a defence of the Protestant faith against the attacks that were being mado upon it. The Very Rev. the DEAN of LLANDAFF, who was received with prolonged applause, was the next speaker. He said he was glad that Cardiff claimed its part in this great popular commemoration. He was sure that that town, or that Church, or that heart which refused its tribute of sympathy to this remarkable movement would be the poorer for doing so. (Applause.) After commenting on the benefits of commemoration, the speaker continued With what a voice does the name of Luther speak to us as to the way by which God has led us hitherto. Other men have laboured; ye have entered into their labours." Ungrateful that we are, arrogant and self-sufficient that we are, we are always imagining ourselves the first and the greatest originators, discoverers, authors, and finishers of the truth, and the whole of truth. Some of us are already tired of the Reformation itself, and stand aloof from the Luther Commemoration because they are not sure that they like the thing, and are quite sure that they can throw a stone at the man. Therefore, we are glad to see that Cardiff is not tired of the Reformation; and that Cardiff is not too proud to acknowledge that but for one man, not an English- man, we should not have had it. (Applause ) Who shall refuse his admiration to Martin Luther? What a man! How human, how manly, how honest, how brave! How interesting in all aspects! What an individuality! What a personality? What a union of conflicting elements Vehement, sometimes to violence—yet tender as a. woman. As someone wrote of him the other day—" Passionate and self-restrained, visionary and statesmanlike, revolutionary and conservative, mystical, musical, melancholy, and merry; he excites surprise always, pity often, he never loses our sympathy." What a life! How curious a study—in its vicissitudes, in its reverses, in its strange contrasts and contradic- tions Beginning in a miner's cottage, ending by shaking States and thrones. Beginning in a men- dicant friar's cell, ending in a. married home, itself the centre of combination which made Rome her- self tremble. And what a work! How thrust and forced upon him bv circumstances, by Provi- dence, by irresistible necessities! Going from step to step almost blindfolded, he knew not whither. How would he have started aside and turned back from it in its early stages if he had known whither it would lead him. But God knew and led him onward. I say again, What a work! How manifold, how.anxious, how laborious, how perilous! The very rev. gentleman then went on to speak in eloquent terms of the labours of Luther on the Bible, and, continuing, said:—From that work of Luther upon the Bible sprang countless results. He re-asserted the right of each nation and of each nan to the Word of God in the tongue wherein each was born. We uv think little of it now. It I has become a matter of course, it has become a truism; it is difficult to go back to the time when it was a paradox and a heresy. Let us tremble lest we trifle with that prodigality of possession which is either the greatest of blessings or the most terrible of reproaches, according as we use it. By this publication of the mysteries he struck the fatal blow at the spiritual exclusiveness of a sacerdotal order. All Christians are priests, under the High Priest—all Christians, not one class or caste. Church order, Church edifying requires a ministry they who are taught of God will honour it. But not a sacrificing and not a conscience- keeping ministry-not the most. distant approach to either. The Word of God speaks direct to man, and the soui of man speaks direct to God. Further, by this emancipation of souls he gave a vast impulse to the cause of freedom-intellectual, social, national, cosmopolitan. Some will say, '•Yes, and you see what freedom comes to You see the insolencv of free thought, you flee the infidelities, the blasphemies, the Atheisms which have sprung from it. Here is your Luther, here is I your Reformation." We will nor, dare to say that any human good is absolutely free from attendant evil; but we would suggest, first, that there is some confusion in such inferences of thejsorf hoc and the propter hoc. Sequence is not always consequence, nor priority cause. Between religious freedom and infidel freedom there is community of name. Is there much more? Between "the liberty wherewith Christ makes free" and the liberty wherewith the devil makes free is there much in common i' Does the one, in any true sense, spring out of the other? The heart set at liberty by direct access to God, the mind set free to ponder God's truth, the life set free to keep His commandments-wlmt Imve these in common with the life of wicked licence or with the talk of bold unbelief? One country seems to refute the argument. France refused the Refor- mation. Instead of it France had the Revolution. We say not that without the Reformation there would have been no freedom. But we may say that freedom has flourished mo"t brightly and most salubriously where the Reforma- tion has taken the deepest and firmest root. We may say that the countries which have accepted the Reformation are the countries which all point to as the home of general enlightenment, countries of progress, of education, commerce, of benevolent institutions, of self-govern- ment—on the whole, of health, wealth, and peace. We are not insensible to the roughnes.5 of much of Luther's work—we believe that roughness alone, given the time, the place,and the cjrcumstance,could have accomplished it. There is something in favour of such work being work (like our own reformation) of Kings and Senates, llIoùemting, mediating, adjusting, modelling—so it be not a work of tem- porising and compromising, breaking down by its own weight in tht lapse of years and centuries. Luther's reformation was from below, not from above, done by a man of the people in antagonism to Courts and Princes—secular and spiritual. In the same degree it was, if more thorough, yet more violent. Reformation and Revolution in his case ran almost into one. We wish well to gentler methods of reforming the Romanism of to- day. We would hope almost against hope that that which calls itself the Old Catholic movement may advance and expand itself till it shall become co- extensive with Romanism. But we sec small sign of such success—and we miss the strong right arm of a more heroic cham- pion. Such was Luther. We stand still to-day, here in this distant corner of a distant land, to give thanks to God for him. We owe to him some grand Christian melodies—you have heard some of them to-night. We owe to him some magnificent maxims, "My conscience binds me," I will submit everything to man's judgment save God's Word," Here I stand—God help me." We owe to him some grand texts of the Bible, brought out of the Divine Treasure-house to be the strength of the living and the comfort of the dying. Above all, we owe to him an imperishable example of the power of the everlasting Gospel in one who, fearing God, feared none beside—believing in Jesus Christ, knew himself safe for two worlds. (Cheers.) The Rev. R. GLOVE it (Bristol), in a compre- hensive speech of great eloquence and power, treated of tho work and teaching of Martin Luther. The Rev. J. D. WAT runs followed, taking as his subject Luther's work in Germany. Mr. LEWIS WILLIAMS also spoke, and, referring to the Farthing Scheme in connection with the University College of South Wales, which had been sanctioned by the representatives of the miners of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Mid it was interesting to note the fact that Luther, who had done so much for education in Germany, was himself a miner's son. Might they not hope that frutn amongst the colliers of Wales would arise men who would be blessings to their race. (Applause.) Alderman Coav moved a vote of thanks to the speakers and the Blue Ribbon Choir, which was seconded by Mr. G. A. STONE (ex-mayor of Cardiff), and carried amid loud applause. The Rev. A. TILLY proposed a vote of thanks to the mayor for presiding, which was seconded by the Rev. J. A. B. HARKY, and carried with enthusiasm. The meeting closed after the choir had sung the hymn, "Out of the depths I cry to Thee."

THE SOUTH WALES COLLEGE. THE DAY'S WAGES » SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME. MEETING AT YSTRAD. A fairly attended representative meeting of gentlemen connected with the district was held at James's-hall, Pentre. on Tuesday, to promote the Ystradyfodwg scholarship project, when there were present among otbers-Rev. W. Lewis (vicar of Ystradyfodwg), who was voted to the chair; Revs. —) Williams and H. Morris; Messrs. Idris Williams, T. John, M. 0, Jones,. D. Ellis, E. II, Davies, J. Davies (Brynfedwen), Ll. Jones, D. Evans (Treorky), G. Pike, D. Evans (Bodrin- gallt), Partitt, J. W. John, Lewis, Osborne, Gibbon, kc.—There was a lengthy discussion upon the relative merits of the farthing scheme," and the" day's wages scheme," and, while it was pointed out that the miners' delegates had pledged themselves to lay the "farthing scheme" before their constituencies, it was remarked that the men themselves had not adopted ltas yet. The question, therefore, was whether the men could not. be pre- vailed upon to consider the day's wages scheme at the same time, and see which was best. Mr. D. Evans and Mr. E. Thomas, while urging the claims of the day's wages scheme," strongly deprecated the'notion of clashing with any other scheme, and pointed out that it was only by united action that the scholarships could be established. Each of them remarked that if the local scholarships scheme could he carried out he would give five guineas towards it, though Mr. Evans had already subscribed towards the College. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the con- tributions of employers also, Mr. Evans intimated that though the Messrs. D. Davis and Sons, Fern- dale, had subscribed largely to the funds of the College, they were prepared to meet their men in this matter. (Applause.) Various suggestions were made as to the way to proceed, but ultimately it was decided to hold a series of public meetings throughout the Ystrad Urban District to discuss the scholarships question generally, and to specially bring before the public for proper con- sideration the day's wages scheme, which is con- sidered to emanate from this local committee. Committees to carry out the local arrangements for eaeh meeting were appointed as follow :-Fl)r the Treherbert meeting, Messrs. M. O. Jones (the secretary of the Central Commit tee), Ellis, Gibbon, and J. Davies, with power to add to their number; for Treorky, Messrs. D. Evans, W. Jenkins, (Ocean), Eynon, kc.. for Pentre and Ystrad, j Hev. W. Lewis, Messrs. E. Thomas, D. Evans. —. Pike, James (Pentre), &.c.; for Llwynpia, Messrs. — Hoods M. R. Rowlands, &c.; Porth, Messrs. J. Griffiths, T. Griffiths, Idris Williams, M. Lewis, Josinh Lewis, W. Davies (Coedcae), J. Morgan (Hafod), &c.; Ferndale, Mr. D Evans to convene a committee. In each of the foregoing committees it was stipulated that the local clergy and ministers of all denominations should be members, and that each committee should have power to add to its own number.

THE NORTH WALES COLLEGE. With respect to the College for North Wales, which is to be located at Bangor, nothing definite has been decided as to the site, nor are there any indications that the institution, as was antici- pated, will be in active operation at the beginning of the new year. Considerable progress, however, is being made with the election of members of the governing body. As regards the life governors, who qualify in respect of a donation of.B250,ad- vantage is being taken of the clause in the charter which enables subscribers of £1 and upwards to combine in favour of one nominee until the neces- sary amount has been reached. Under such a combination the workmen engaged at Lord Pen- rhyn's Carnarvonshire slate quarries have elected by ballot five governors out of their own body, and the like course has been adopted by the subscribers at Bangor, Menai Bridge, and elsewhere. Mr. C. Peirce, the chairman of the Bangor Committee, has increased his subscription to £250, and so becomes a. life governor.

CONSECRATION OF A NEW BURIAL GROUND AT MARLOES, PEMBROKESHIRE. The Bishop of St. David's has consecrated an ad- ditional burial ground for the above parish. There was a largo congregation present to witness the interesting and solemn ceremony. Evening prayers were read by the Rev. W. L. Stradling, vicar, assisted by the Rev. W. Kay Robinson. The first lesson was read by the Rev. T. Meares, and the second lesson by the Rev. Humphrey Jones. The following clergy were also present, viz.:—The Revs. D. Winter Morris, Alexander Griffiths, T. W. Rees, W. Harries, and T. Fot-hergill. The Bishop preached an excellent sermon from 1st Corinthians, xv., 44, It is sown a natural body. it. is raised a spiritual body." After which the bishop and clergy, fol- lowed by the congregation, marched in procession over the ground to be consecrated, repeating alter- uately the 39th Psalm. The usual legal formalities having been gone through, the Bishop offered up the consecration prayer. Then followed a hymn and the benediction, which brought to a close a most interesting service. The singing on the occasion was very good, Miss Thomas, of Philbeach, presiding with her usual ability at the harmonium. It may be added that the ground, about a quarter of an acre, was given by Lord Kensington, M.P. The cost of levelling it was borne by the vicar, and the walling of it is defrayed by the parish.

A NEWPORT SALVATION ARMY "MAJOR" CHARGED WITH THEFT. Henry Ed wards, who said he was a major" in the Salvation Army at Newport, was charged at that place on Wednesday with stealing three shirts, a pair of drawers, and a pair of socks, the property of Charles Davies, living in Charles-street. Prisoner had recently come to Newport, and on Monday last went to lodge at prosecutor's. Next day the above-named articles were missed. He was appre- hended on Tuesday night at the room where the Army holds meetings, and was wearing one of the shirts, the socks, and the drawers. Prisoner elected to be tried at the sessions, and was committed accordingly.

I THE TREDEGAR SHOW. On Tuesday the 65th Tredegar Show was opened in the Newport Cattle Market. Owing to the pre- valence of foot-and-mouth disease there were neither cattle, sheep, nor pigs. Only poultry were exhibited, the horses being reserved for Wednes- day. There were 666 entries in the various poultry classes, and in every respect the show was a good one. The judges—Mr. R. Teebay, Preston (poultry); and Mr. F. Esquilant, Brixton, London (pigeons)— did not get through their labours until about two o'clock. We arc unable, owing to a pressure on our space, to publish the. list of awards, which will appear in our issue of Thursday. TRIAL OF HUNTERS. The trial of hunters in connection with the show took place on the Tredegar Stud Farm at Coedkernew on Tuesday. The weather was any- thing but favourable, and as a consequence the proceedings were not near so enjoyable as they would otherwise have been. Rain had fallen heavily during the previous day, and made the ground exceedingly heavy. Added to this was the trying nature of the course, which is, perhaps, as difficult as any in the kingdom. In circumference it is about a mile, with a steep rise above the water jump. The corners are very awkward, and are calculated to fairly test the merits of the best of hunters. Con- sidering these eircumstances it is not surprising that horses which have distinguished themselves on the course have been able to hold their own at other shows amongst the best cattle of the day. In point of importance the Tredegar Show ranks fifth or sixth among the shows of England, and, despite the unpropitious character of the elements on Tupsday, we doubt not that this year's anniversary will fully maintain the distinctive and honourable reputation it has so long held. Sixty-five years is a good age for what some might regard 3! a small show, but the intrinsic merits of the annual trials are sufficient in themselves to entitle it to existence. The entries for the meeting on Tuesday fell short of those of last year by eleven. But from many points of view the gathering was equal in im- portance to any of its predecessors. The atten- dance was as large as in any previous year, and there was no falling off in the numbers of influen- tial county families who annually grant their patronage. Lord Tredegar figured prominently on the course, and amongst those who lined it with their breaks were Colonel Morgan, M.P., the Hon. Arthur Morgan. Mr. J. A. Rolls, M.P., and Mrs. Rolls, Mr. T. Cordes, Lord Hayford, Sir George Walker and party, Sir William and Lady Gordon, Sir Joseph and Lady Spearman, Colonel and Mrs. Lindsay, General and Mrs. Munday, General Wat- son, Col. and Mrs, Justice, Capt. Murphy, Mr. Tudor Crawshay, Mr. Jonas Watson, Mr. I). Watson, Mr. E. A. Lee, Mr. K. Leybourne, Mr. D. Whitehouse, Mr. F. Widrlowfield, Mr. H. Lynch Hlosse, Mr. Walter Smythe, Mr. E. C. Curre, Mr. E. J. Grice, Mr. Dowson, and Mr. and Mrs. C. T. Hoare. The trials commenced about eleven o'clock, the judges beiog Captain Herbert, Clytha, and Captain Sumner, master of the Cotswold Hounds. There were only two competitions two prizes being offered for the best weight-carrying hunter, and two for the best light-weight hunter. The trials were witnessed with great interest, and proved at times rather exciting. The winner in the first class was a fine chestnut mare named May Queen," the property of Messrs. W. H. and T. Yeo, Bodmin, Cornwall. She displayed tine action, and took the leaps without llèsitation. The water jump of fourteen feet proved a trifling obstacle to the majority of the horses, but the double was rather more difficult. Mr Dowson's Robber" was not far behind in jumping, but his action was inferior. In the second class the first prize was won by Mr. H. Thomas's Barleycorn," and the second by Colonel Lindsay's" Harlequin." The competition in this class was very close, and it was with some diffi- culty that the judges made their award. Ap- pended are the names of the prize-winners :— WKIGHT-CAKRYINO HUNTER.—1st, £20, Messrs W. H. and T. Yeo, Bodmin, Cornwall, ch III May Queen, 7 years: 2nd, J610, Mr J.W. Dowson, Rose Hank, North Road. Cardiff, b g Kohber, 4 yeard. LIGHT-WEIGHT UU.VTKK.—1st, £ 20, Mr J. G, Thomas, 2, Stan well-road, Penarth, gr g Barleycorn, aged; 2nd, £10, Lieutenant-Colonel Lindsay, Woodlands, Cardiff, 1) g Harlequin, 6'years. IMPLEMENTS. This interesting feature of the show was well kept up, but not to so largo an extent as under ordinary circumstances. Nevertheless, there is plenty to catch the eye of the practical farmer, and we have no doubt that on the second day of the show there will bo a numerous attendance of those whose business it is to use the valuable machinery to be seen in the yard. Mr. J. S. Stone, of Dock-street Works, as usual, shows a very largo collection of carts, wagons, carriages, steam engines, and general implements. Mr. Stone shows some of his Glamorganshire first prize carts, which resemble in design those which have secured him many first prizes in competition with the leading makers of the kingdom. In the light carriage department Mr. Stone was well represented, and no one can fail to admire the finish and sty1e of tbe manufactures. Mr. Charles D. Phillips, of the Emlyn Engineering Works and Farmers' Supply Stores, Newport, makes an attractive, as well as extensive and varied, exhibition of agricultural implements, carts, wagons, and machinery generally, com- prising almost every requirement of the British farmer. Being sole agent for the district for the Bristol Wagon Works Company (Limited) he ex- hibits a fine collection of their celebrated carts and wagons, of various sizes and descriptions, the superior manufacture and finish attracting con- siderable attention. The firm of Ransomes, Head, and Jefferies was equally well repre- sented by Mr. Phillips. Mr. Phillips also exhibits very largely in steam engines of various sizes. Mr. Phillips's exhibition, on the whole, was very choice and, in addition to what we have already described, it comprised pulpers, corn crushers, and grinding mills by the noted finn of Barford and Perkins, sheep racks, cattle cribs, chain harrows, mowing machinery, horse rakes, haymakers, and a neat collection of churns of various sorts and sizes, by the celebrated maker, Hathaway, who was awarded the prize medal at the Royal Show, Reading, and first and second prizes at the Glamorganshire Show at Pontypridd in August last. With regard to chaff cutters, the largest at work is one made by Crowley and Co., and is the invention of Samuel Edwards. We are pleased to hear that since the year 1870 Mr. Phillips has been awarded nearly 70 first prizes by various agricultural societies in this country, and that he numbers amongst his nume- rous patrons her Majesty the Queen, H.R.HL the Prince of Wales, and the principal noblemen, gentry, landowners, and agriculturists in the king- dom. Messrs. Lilwall Brothers, purveyors of cattle food, condiments, kc., have their usual stall, and there are several other small ones with various goods. The prizes for horses will be awarded thi1l day (Wednesday). Although the usual dinner will not take place Mr. Gritton will provide an ordi- nary-at five o'clock. On Wednesday the show yard was visited by comparatively few people, owing to the absence of cattle. There was a good show of horses in four- teen classes, comprising 118 exhibits. There was a fine lot of cart stallions, and the prize was carried off by a handsome roan named" Milton," the property of Mr. W. Greaves, of Stourport. In cart mares and foals and cart colts or fillies there were many useful animals; and there were several splendid ponies and cobs. Lord Tredegar won the cup for the best yearling colt with his chestnut colt" Posthaste," Mr. J. E. Brewer's colt Lord Haste" being highly commended. His lordship also won the prize in the next class for two-year- old colts or fillies, Mr. S. M. Thomas and Mr. J. E. Brewer being highly commended. The horses were shown in the ring. Lord Tredegar and a party of ladies and gentlemen from the Park visited the show during middle-day. The judges for cobs and thoroughbreds were Captain Herbert and Mr. R. Pell, of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire for cart horses, Mr. Harvey, Gloucester. The following is a list of prizes fcj HOHSES.—C irt stallion Mr W. G-reaves, Astley Pound, Stourport. Cart- mare and foal: 1111' H. Williams, Stormy Farm, Pyle, Bridgend. Two-year- Id cart colt, or filly: Mr C. D. Phillips, Gaer Fach, Newport. Yearling cart i-olt or tilly: Air H. Williams, Stormy Farm, Pyle, Bridgend Sucking cart colt or iflly (gut by Non Such): Mr J. Hay ^aril, Cross Farm, Nash, Newport. Pony stallion, not exceeding 12 hands 2 inches Mr T. Jenkins, Cefnjrwyn, Cross Inn, Llanon, Aberysl with. Pony, not. exceeding 12 hands high: Mr C. Christie, St. Andrew's- cieseeut, Cardiff. Puny, over 12 hands, but not exceed- ing 13 hands high: Mr E. Davies, Cowbrldge. Cob, over 13 hands, but not exceeding 14 hands high: Messrs W. H. and T. Yeo, Bodmin, Cornwall. Cob. over 14 hands, but not exceeding 15 hands high: Mr C. Shepherd, Pennine-street., Cardiff. Yearling eolt or lilly, for hunting purposes, got by a thoroughbred horse: Lord Tredegar, Tredegar Park. Newport.. Two-year-old colt 01' tilly. for hunting pur- poses, got by a thoroughbred horse: Lord Tredegar, Tredegar Park, Newport,. Three-year-old eottorimy, for hunting purposes, got by a thoroughbred horse: Mr S. JI. Thorn,id, Coity Mawr, Talybont, Brecon. Weight- carrying hunkr, up to 14 stone at least: 1st, Messrs. W. H. and T. Yeo, Bodmin, Cornwall; 2nd, Mr J. W. Dowson, Rose Bank, North-road, Cardiff. Light-weight hunter. up to 12 stone: 1st, MfJ. G. Thomas, 2, Stan- well-road, Penarth; 2nd, Lieut.-Col. Lindsay, Wood- lands, Cardiff. Brood mare. calculated to produce hunters, in foal to, or with foal by her side by, a thoroughbred horse: Mr J. C. Brock, High Kidge Farm, Dundry, Bristol. Thoroughbred entire colt, two years. old or upwards Lord Tredegar. The following is a list of the awards in the poultry classes, which we were compelled to hold over on Wednesday in consequence of pressure on our space:— FOWLS.—Game (black or brown-breasted reds), cockerel or cock: 1st. and 2nd, C. W. Brierley, liosedalo. Ten- bury, Worcestershire 3rd, W. Williams, 3, Money-court, c Brecon. Game (black or brown-breasted reds), pullet or hen 1st, C. W. Brierley; 2nd, I. A. Dowle, Pendarren, Crickhowcll 3rd, A. Stevens, Penhill, Cardiff. Game I (white), cockerel or cock: 1st and 3rd. E. C. Phillips, The Kims, Brecon 2nd, A. W. Evans, Henllis Vale, 1 Newport. Game (white), pullet or hen 1st and 2nd, A. I W. Evans; 3rd, C. S, Palmer, Wellesley Villa, Itomford, Essex. Game (anv other variety), cockerel or cock: ( 1st, W. C. Phillips,"The Aviaries, Worcester 2nd, 0. W. Brierley; 3rd, Lieutenant W. F. Bell, Merthyr Vale. ) Game (any other variety), pullrt or hen 1st., C. W. I Brierley; Znd, A. H. Sim's, Ynysybwl, Pontypridd 3rd, J. Lewis, Sapey Bridge Hotel, near Worcester. Spanish, cockerel or cock 1st, P. M. Chatterton, 30, Wharton- street, Lloyd-square, London 2nd, W ingtield and Davies, 33, Sidbury, Worcester; 3rd, W. Cooke, Golden Lion, High-street., Fulliain. Spanish, pullet or hen: 1st, W. H. Bull, Newport Pagnllll; 2nd, W. Cooke; 3rd, F. M. 1 Chatterton. Dorkings (any colour), cockerel or cock 1st, J.Harrii.WeHiieId-road,Carmarthen; 2nd, B, Smith, Cropwell Grove, Nottingham; 3rd, O. E. Cresswell, I Morney Cross, Hereford. Dorkings (any colour), pullet f orhen 1st, B. Smith, Cropwell Grove, Nottingham 2nd, I O. E. Cresswell; 3rd,liev.Bartram, Berkhainsted,Herts. ( Hamburgs (gold or silver pencilled), cockerel or cock: 1st, J. Rawnsley, Langley Farm,Bingley, Yorkshire; 2nd, | E. Snell, JCetton, Stamford 3rd, S. Fielding, Trentham, Staffordshire. Hamburgs (gold or silver pencilled), pullet or hen: 1sr., J. Rawnstey; 2nd and 3rd, 8. ] Fielding. Hamburgs (gold and silver spangled), < cockerel or cock 1st. G. and J. Duckworth. Canal Mill, Church, Lancashire; 2nd, T. Blakeman, Tetten- ham, Wolverhampton; 3rd, S. Fielding. Hamburgs (gold or spangled), pullet or hen: 1st, G. and J. Duck- < worth; 2nd, S. Fielding; 3rd, J. J'awnsley. Cochins I (buff), cockerel or cock: 2nd, A. E. Ward, Thorold Grove, Sale, Cheshire; 3rd, J. Bloodworth, Wycoinbe- ville, Cheltenham. Cochins (buff), pullet or hen: 1st, R. Mitchell, Thorpe House, Idle, Bradford; 2nd, H. ] Tomlinson, Gravely Hill, Birminghtun 3rd, Mrs Barton, ] Warton Grange, Carnforth. Cochins (any other variety), cockerel or cock: 1st and 2nd, A. E. Ward; 3rd, Mrs J. Turner, Twerton-on-Avon, Bath. Cochins (any other variety), pullet or hen 1st and 2nd, J. LI. Williams, 51, Partridge-road, Roath, Cardiff; 3rd, Mrs. J. Turner, < Brahmas (white), cockerel or cock 1st., R. P. Percival, < N' orthenden, Cheshire; 2nd, W. Thorn, Dove Cliff Farm, Uttoxeter, Stafford; 3rd, J. Bloodworth. Brahmas (light), pullet or hen: 1st, B. Mitchell; 2nd, A. E. Ward 3rd, J. Bloodworth. Brahmas (dark), cockerel or cock: 1st, G. and J. Duckworth; 2nd, S. J. Adyde, St. Kit.ts, Castle Hill Park, Kaling 3rd, R. P. Percival. U rah was I (dark), pullet or hen: 1st, R. Mitchell; 2nd, R. Holland, 11, Brackley-road. Polish (any variety), cockerel or cock 1st. and 3rd, C. Bloodworth, Bays Hill, Cheltenham; 2nd, C. H. Huish. 2, Primrose Villas, Forest Hill, S.E. Polish (any vairety), pullet or hen 1st, C. H. Huish; 2nd, J. Rawrisley; 3rd, R. Clarke, Eaton, Torporlev, Lanca- shire. French fowls (any variety), eockerd orcock; 1st, J. Porter, St. Mellon's, Cardiff 2nd, J. T. Calvert, keigliley, Yorkshire 3rd, P. Hanson, Old Windsor, Berks. French fowls (any variety), pullet or hen 1st, Mr S. W. Thomas, Cockett, Swansea; 2nd, P. Hanson; 3rd, J. Porter. Leghorns, Minorcas, or Andalusians, cockerel or cock: 1st, Mrs J. Hopkins. Wellington-road, Bridgwater; 2nd, A. C. Bradbury, Nuthall, Nottingham 3rd, Mrs. J. Hopkins. Leghorns, Minorcas.or Andalusians, pullet or hen: 1st. A. C. Brailoury 2nd, E. Gibbs, Merthyr Tydfil 3rd, H. Bach. Belle Vue, Caerleon. Any other distinct variety, cockerel or cock 1st, A. Stevens 2nd, J, Rawnsley; 3rd, S. Fielding. Any other distinct variety, pullet or hen 1st, J. Kawnsley; 2nd, A. Evans, Star Villa, Copper-street, Roath, Cardiff; 3rd, Mis Rickett.s, Knighton Vicarage, Jiajiiorsliire. Bantams (game), cockerel or cock: 1st, J. M. Skarrctt, Vernon House, Lower Wick, Worcester; 2nd, C. W. Brierley; 3rd, E. Baugli, 1, Atlas-terrace, Canton, Car- diff. Bantams (game), pullet, or hen 1st, J. M. Skarretf; 2nd, W. T. Hinton. Bransford-road, Worcester; 3rd, E. Ray, 48, Bougliton-street, St. John's, Worcester. Ban- tams (black or white), cockerel or cock 1st, A.. and E. Morris, 22, Park-place, Cardiff; 2nd. H. Stanworth, Worsthorne, Buruley, Lancashire; 3rd, F. J. Crowther, Knole-grove, Mirlield, Yorkshire. Bantams (black and white), pullet or lien ht" F. J. Crowther; 2nd. A. and E. Morris; 3rd, R. H. Ashton. Mottram, Manchester. Bantams (any other variety), cockerel or cock: 1st, H. Pickels, Earby, Leeds 2nd, T. F. Phelps, Merton House, Ross, Herefordshire; 3rd, R. L. Garnett, Wyreside, Lan- caster. 1\ant:\I:IS lany other variety), pullet or hen: 1st, R. L. Garnett; 2nd, J. W. Lloyd, Kington, Hereford- shire; 3rd, M. Leuo, jun. DUCKS.—Aylesbury drake and duck 1st, W. Westton, Mount-street, Aylesbury; 2nd, E. Snell; 3rd, J. W. Hedges, Castle-street, Aylesbury. Rouen drake and duck: 1st, E. Gibb^, Merthyr Tvdiil; 2nd. R. H. Treweeks, Pembroke 3rd, E. C. Phillips, The Elms, Brecon. Any other variety drake and duck 1st., E. Snell; 2nd, M. Leno, jun., Hemcl Hempstead, Herts 3rd, P. Castang, Leadeuhall Market, London. GEKSU.—Any variety, gander and goose 2nd, J. C. Brock, High Ridge Farm, Dundry, Bristol 3rd, Rev. L. E. Sweet, Hullavington Vicarage, Chippenham. TURKEYS.—Any variety, coek and hen 1st, E. Shaw, Plas Wilruot, Oswestry 2nd, Miss P. Lewis, Home Farm, Belmont, Hereford; 3rd, Mrs Moses, Blaina Wharf Cottage, Old Dock, Newport. Sb.Ll.IXlT CLASS loit FOWLS.—Cock and two hens, or cockerel and two pullets: 1st, T. W. Butt, Portland House, Ilminster; 2nd, birs. Muir, Margain, Taibach 3rd, R. Mitchell; 4th, Miss S.M. Prett, 22, Comiuercial- road, Oxford. SKLUNG CLASS FOR DUCKS.—Drake and two ducks; lst,J.\V. Evans, Castle-street, Aylesbury; 2nd, W.J. Kyte. 17, Queen-street. Cardiff; 3rd, H. W. Toomer, Grove Hall, Twylord, Berks 4th, E. Jones, Clay Pits Pottery, Bridgend. PIUKONS.—Carrier: 1st., J. F. Harvey, Melbourne Villa, Swansea ?.nd and 3rd, T. Wicks, 34, Chamberlain- strsct. Wells, Somerset. Pouter 1st, R. Woods, Crow Hill House, Mansfield, Notts; 2nd, A. E. Fuller, Shel- burne Vilia, .Lausdown, Bath 3rd, H. Francis. Camp Hill, Birmingham. Jacobin ht., Hurst, St. John's Ocklynge, Eastbourne, Sussex 2nd and 3rd. J. V. Leeder, Tiie Willows, Swansea. Dragoon (blue or 1st, V. S. Dean. Cheltenham-street, Swindon 2nd, It. Woods 3rd, T. Pattcrwn. Chelt.enham-stred.. Swindon. Dragoon, any other colour 1st and 2nd, It. Woods; 3rd, F. S. Dean. Tumbler, short-faced 1st, H. Francis, Birming- ham 2nd and 3rd, B. Goodburn, Gloucester. Tumbler, lon¡;-facetl: 1st and 2nd, G. England and G. Bellamy, Clifton; 3rd, T. Simmonds, Newnham. Fantail: 1st, W. Alford, Somersetshire 2nd, A. E. and A. L. Goold, Gloucestershire; 3rd, J. F. Loversidge, Newark, Notts. Antwerp, long-faced 1st, H. Francis; 2nd, \V. E. Hib- bard, Newport; 3rd, Edwards, Fishpoot, Moil. Antwerp, any other variety 1st, It. Woods; 2nd, F. S. Seward, Cricklewood, London 3rd, — (iibb3, Merthyr Tydfil. Nun, 3,lllo\ or magpie 1st. and 2nd, A. Stevens 3rd, R. Pike, Walter-road, Swansea. Pigeon of any variety 1st, H. Francis 2nd, A. Stevens ord, It. Woods. SKLLIXO CLASS FOR PiGKoNS. — 1st, T. Wicks 2nd, S. F. Dean 3rd and 4th, J. F. Huvey.

ei^VIEW¥. BUKNHAM BEKCHKS (Rider and Son, 14, Bartholo- mew-close, E.G.) is the title of an excellent little volume, well got up, and issued at a cheap rate by that accomplished forester and naturalist, Mr. Francis George Heath. It embraces the best features of a practical guide-book, without any of the stiffness usually observable about that kind of publication, tho style being attractive and brisk from first page to last. Exclusive of a map, there are no less than eight full-page illustrations to the book, some of them from photographs by Mr. Vernon Heath, and others from drawings by Mr. Birket Foster. In the much-debated question of the locale of Gray's Elegy," we see Mr. Heath takes sides with those-a numerous and perhaps an increasing class of critics-who fix it at Stoke Poges. THE LICENSING QUESTION.—London Pewtress and Company, 23, Little Queen-street, Lincoln's Inn, W.C.-This is an elaborately written pamphlet of which the author, Mr. Frederick N. Newcome, A.I.A., F.S.S., claims to steer a middle course between the Abolitionists and the trade of whose interests these latter are the avowed and uncom- promising enemies. After an exhaustive investi- gation of the subject in its various bearings, Mr. Newcome concludes that repressive legislation of the Sunday Closing and Local Option type is worse than useless, contributing as it does in every instance in which it has been tried to a marked increase of drinking and drunkenness. "Habitual Drunkards" he maintains, "are seldom cured or bettered by taking pledges or wearing blue ribbons." The only satisfactory method of dealing with" a social blight so intrac- table andso persistent as intemperance" is to strive to "elevate the masses to that mental status when self-control will enable them to conquer those inward weaknesses which, given way to so often, end in excess. What we need is to instil into them that innate strength of will which, while satisfying natural and healthy cravings, will yet resolutely withstand temptation. We do not want a nation of milksops, but a nation strong in its own free- will-nlen and women who can take their pleasure with sobriety." These are wise words and good. The time will, no doubt, come when the Bishop of Peterborough's dictum that England would bo better drunk and free than sober and a slave will be found to be no less true than epigrammatic. This pamphlet, the printing of which deserves a distinct word of praise, can be heart jly commendtHl to those who wish to arrive at something like a correct, by which we mean, primarily,an unbiassed opinion with regard to a vexed and very difficult question. MARTIN LUTlllm.-London: Cassell and Co, (Limited).—The publishers have just issued a translation, by Elizabeth P. Weir, of Professor Kcestlin's life of the great Reformer whose four hundredth anniversary is now being so widely commemorated. The work is written from a. sound Protestant standpoint., the tone maintained being appreciative rather than discriminatory. The events of Luther's life are traced with considerable care, and the effect of his attitude and doctrines explained in a way which is in the main satisfac- tory. As a book for popular reading probably no better one than Kcestlin's can be found. The life of Luther and his true influence, whether as a moulder or an exponent of human thought, have, however, yet to be written, we fancy. The book before us, although only issued a. few weeks back, has already gone into a second edition. Lon; AND MAKBIAGE (London: Simpkin, Mar- shall, and Co.) professes to be a collection of old subjects newly treated, with quotations from many of the leading writers in prose and poetry." Tho author is said to be Waring Earle, a pen-name, evidently. The book came to us from Swansea, with the publisher's compliments," but the MS. corrections of the very numerous and very glaring typographical errors it contains give it the ap- pearance of a recent passage through the fastidious hands of a fledgling author. The crudities of construction and spelling discernible herein would hardly escape consure even in one of the amateurish productions called a School Magazine. Of the hundred odd pages of this fear- fully and wonderfully made thing a good fourth is occupied with the story of Antony and Cleopatra, lifted bodily from Merivaie's "History of the Romans under the Empire." Considerably over another fourth is lilled with quotations from other and much better known sources, the amount of Waring Earle's matter—which it would be unfair to describe as original—being exceedingly small. The book is a thing of shreds and patches, and anyone expecting to tind in it new thoughts on the subject of tho master passion will be wofully disappointed. OUR ENGLISH SUNDAY (Cardiff: James Wood and Son) is a pamphlet, we had almost, said leaflet, in the course of which the writer, Mr. Herbert M. Thompson, B.A., Gorphwysle, Llandaff, says that in England" we act as if we thought man was made for the Sabbath and not the Sabbath for man. We, in fact, do not observe the Christian. but the J udaic Sabbath; or, perhaps we should call it after the first man who revived it in the Christian Church, and say the Calvinistic Sab- bath. Before Calvin's time, Sabbath observance, such as we now understand it, was unknown in the Christian Church." The writer advocates in- dulgence in healthy games, the opening of libraries, museums,and picture galleries, yea, even of theatres, and the establishment of Sunday bands. Bold opinions these, coming as they do from under the shadow of the cathedral church of the diocese. A FIRST ADDRESS ON PAROCHIAL MATTERS.—The Rev. Conybeare Bruce, vicar of St. Woollos, New- port, has, through Messrs. Christopher and Sons, of that town, published a first annual record of the parochial work of his living in which a considerable amount of good and useful service appears to be rendered with regularity and efficiency by the machinery organised by the inde- fatigable vicar for the purpose. The mother church md the ecclesiastical parish of St. Woollos have a population attached to them of between 8,000 and 3,000 people, of whom the spiritual care is en- trusted to the vicar and three curates, whose total income amounts to no more than £773. The vicar lias divided the parish into nineteen districts, in jighteen of which 35 visitors are at work; the Jther, assigned to St. John Baptist Mission, having its visiting done by five sisters, with an efficient band of helpers, who also support an in- stitution which the vicar, no doubt correctly, ;erms the inestimably valuable refuge for little ,,irls, which has become one of the leading features )f Church work in Newport." We have not the space to follow the worthy vicar into the various ramifications of his hbour suffice it to say that he tppears to be doing faithful and admirable service, :he clear and excellently-written account of which :o be found in this pamphlet can be heartily com- mended to all his parishioners. THE CHURCHMAN'S FAMILY RIBLK.—London Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Northumberland-avenue, Charing Cross, W.C.— rhe present is the third part of an admirable oublication, the merits of which we have detailed tt some length in previous notices. The 80 pages before us include substantial portions of the jospels according to St. Luke and St. John. Type, aaper, illustrations, and the commentary of the Bishop of Bedford are all up to the usual high !tandard. An illustrated and annotated Family Bible at the low price of 6d. per quarto part ought ;0 command a large sale. CHRISTMAS NUMBER OF ALT- THE YEAR ROUND. -London: 26, Wellington-street, Strand.—This consists of a story, entitled, A Glorious Fortune," ay Mr. Walter Besant, occupying the lion's share of )ix dozen pages, of which the rest are made up of L poem, "Why they kept holiday," by Susan K. Phillips, and two short tales, Miss Jones," by Madge Hepworth Dixon, and What was he ? bv rheo. Gift The scene of Mr. Besant's effort shifts from America to England, the author being ipparently quite as much at home in the one jountry as in the other. As to the plot and the characters, as well of Mr. Besant's story as of the other two, our readers must make them out for themselves; they would lose too much, perhaps spoil, by a condensed reproduction. This is a reallv good sixpennyworth. THE GRAPHIC CHRISTMAS NUMBER, which will be published early in December, contains two large coloured plates, instead of one, as on previous occasions, the subjects selected being Mother Hubbard," by Mr. Briton Riviere, R.A., and The Order of the Bath," by Mr. C. Burton Barber. In addition to these there will be found thirteen sketches by R. Ca!dicott, illustrating Diana Wood's Wedding "Olivia," by Mr. R. J. Gordon Humours of Christ ma stide." five sketches bv Mr. J. C. Dollman A Winter Song," by Mr. J. Mac- Whirter, A.R.A.; "Home for the Holidays;" "An Arrival," by Miss M. L. Gow "CIJristmas in Canada, a Juvenile Skating Ball," by Mr. Adrien Marie; A Child's Christmas Memories," five sketches, by Mrs. Staples (M. E Edwards); and "Little Visitors," by Miss Annie L. Robinson. Its pages are further enlivened by two complete stories entitled Uncle Jack," by Mr. W. Besant, author of Ready-money Mortboy," and A Toy Tragedy," by Mr. F. Anstey, author of Vice Versa," with seven illustrations. The annual is beautifully got up both as regards the letterpress and the illustrations, and the publisher evidently anticipates an immense circulation, as the edition printed will be 560,000. The Christmas number of the Illustrated London News is one of more than usual excellence and beauty, pictolÜlly, typographicalIv, and otherwise. Hal Ludlow leads off with a full page drawing, Dolly, isn't Christmas Jolly," which is better in en- semble perhaps than in detail. Two others, Great Expectations" and Christmas Bell-ringers," by Eo J. Walker and F. Dadd, are unquestionably good in execution and design, the last-mentioned in particular. Una Toccata," from the picture by Miss Phillott, is a very fine study, the hands being models of careful drawing, and the whole figure remarkable for breadth of treatment. The dog in Mr. S. Berkley's Lost" is a well-conceived bit of work. You can swear to Mr. Fred Barnard's pictures anywhere, and it hardly needed the signature to the funny double page Interrupted Ghost Story" to have enabled anyone to tell who the artist was, so full is it of the old characteristic touches in the forms and the drapery. The scene depicted is of the very essence of comic misery. Florence Gravier's "Christmas Morning "is a really capital picture. The child-face and attitude are expressive and life-like, while the lace trimming of the dress has been touched in with wonderful freedom and delicacy. Of the remainder of the illustrations we have only room to mention Mr. Davidson Knowles' "Father of the Regiment," a vigorous head and bust of an old warrior of possibly pre-Puritan times. We must not, of course, omit reference to the two coloured pictures, Tiss Me," from the drawing by that clever delineator of child life, Kate Greenaway, and "Mliss," known to most admirers of Bret Harte, from a painting by the Academician, Mr. Edwin Long. It would be unfair to compare the two, so widely different are they in conception and treatment; but it is not impossible that many will be found to express a preference for the rollicking Bohemian Mliss." for the studied negligence and warmth of colour of the figure and its accessories. Of the letterpress it is unneces- sary, for obvious reasons, to speak at any length. Among the principal contributors are Mrs. J. H. Riddell, Katherine Macquoid, J. Edgar Panton, Byron Webber, Clement Scott, Frederick Locker, W. C. Bennett, and George Augustus Sala. NEW Music.—" The Old Bell-ringer" (Conrad, Herzog, and Co., 62, Hatton-garden, E.C.) is a song written by Mr. C. J. Osborn, and composed by Mr. Thomas Williams, a Cardiff gentleman. The words are good, and the music appropriate without being difficult. The tune is in two keys, G and D major, and tiie notes are brought within easy compass for both voice and piano.—" The Golden Time" (Wood and Co., Great Marlborough-street, W.), a very nice song in F, suitable for a mezzo-soprano or baritone, is the joint production of Miss Margaret Isabel Scott and Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, Mus. Bac. (Oxon.) It has been sung with conside- rable success by Madam IsabellePowers.—"ForLove of our Native Land," a patriotic song, words by Ross M'Kenzie, and music (in A) by George R. Chapman, will be remembered by a number of Cardiff readers as having been sung with considerable success at the pantomime of last, year. The publishers are T. C. Turner and Co., 74, Kingsdown-parade, Bristol, who have also issued for the same composer a topical song called That's what I want to know." The words, of which we cannot speak very highly, are by Mr. Fred Gover. The tune is in A, and suitablu.- The Grand National Eisteddfod March of 1883. by Mr. Frederic Atkins, Mus. Bac. (Oxon.), has been dedicated to Mr. S. Aitken, chairman of the Musical Committee of the Nationtl Eisteddfod recently held at Cardiff. The production is a very creditable one. Eight bars in common time are given by way of introduction to the march itself, which is a two-fourths in the key of E flat. It is not altogether easy of performance, but once mas- tered will be found stirring and tunefuL-We would commend to the notice of beginners an easily arranged Andante Coa Moto in E minor by F. Kiel, from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, of which the English publishers are Messrs. Wood and Co., Great Marlborough-street, \V, Treasured Memories (C. B. Tree, 132, Petherton-road, Highbury, N.), a song in F, words by Mr. Wilmot Page, and music by Mr. Arthur Briscoe, has a smoothly flowing melody pervading it, and an accompaniment in which a superabundance of embellishment has not been resorted to for the purpose of covering innate artistic defects.

CORRESPONDENCE. Under this head questions on tei/al subjects are answered ".1/ an lexpei-ienced professional !fetltleuuw. Correspondents 1vislting for information or advice, ttre requested to observe the follo icincf rules 1. The facts must be stated fully and clearly; and the questions, if more than one, should be num- bered consecutively. 2. A full cor I mast be sent of any document on ■which advice is wished for. 3. The real name and address of the writer must accompany the questions, but will not be puú. lished if a p■seudonym or initials be also sent for reference. All communications must be addressed to The Editor, Legal Department, Weekly Mail Of ice Cardijf."

TKUSTISK AND LKGATEKS.—" Ogmorian (Tondu) is ad- vised that if the executrix, who is also sole tenant for life, appears to be wasting the capital which is directed to be divided among the testator's children after her decease, a solicitor ought to be instructed to talee pro- ceedings for protecting the property. If the total amount of the trust estate be under taOO, the proceed- ings may be taken in the County Court. When every- thing is given absolutely to the widow it is best to appoint her sole executrix but this ought not to be done when she has only a 111" interest in the property. Bondsmen are not required on proving a will by executors; the executors are supposed to be persons in whom the testator had confidence, and who may safely be entrusted with his personal estate. But when letters of administration are applied for by the next of Idn, as they have not been selected by the testator on ,ecolilit of their integrity, they are required to pro- vide security, that is to say, two bondsmen who are jointly and severally bound for the due administration of the estate in a penal sum equal to double the amount of assets. This is generally looked upon as a matter of form, but occasionally sureties have found that they have incurred a serious responsibility. LIQUIDATION.—" Nims" (Treherbert) is informed that if the liquidating debtor has obtained his discharge ho is thereby released from liability in respect of all debts which were, or might have been, proved against his estate. If lie has not obtained his discharge, and the liquidation proceedings have been closed, nothing can be done until the expiration of three years after the date of such closure ai d even then no action can be brought against the debtor ill respect of an antecedent debt except by leave of the court, which leave will only be granted to a creditor who lias proved his debt and it lias been decided that such action must be carried all for the benelir. of all the creditors who have proved against the estat e. LoAN AND DKPOSIT.—" A. B." (Llandovery) is advised that ilie deposit of any goods as security, without any agreement, in writing, creates a valid lien thereon, and the borrower cannot recover his deposits until he has paid what he owes. In the case submitted to us the lender ought to sue the borrower in t he County Court, and if the defendant should wak" default in payment execution might be issued against his goolls and t he deposits handed over to the high, bailiff or his Illen for sale. That is the proper course. If the lender were to sell without lawful authority he would lay himself open to an action at the suit, of the borrower, and if the latter could show that he had been injured by the unauthorised sale he would be entitled to com- pensation in damages and his taxed costs of the action. BUN LICKNCK.—If "Collector" (Newport) wishes to carry a pistol of any kind he must have a gUll licence, or he would be liable to a penalty. The duty is 10s. peraumun. and the licence would be renewable on the 1st of August in every year; the old licence expiring on the 31st of July, instead of the 5th of April as here- tofore. If our correspondent should determine on carrying a loaded revolver, we hope he will be ex- tremely prudent in the use of it. There Is serious darijjer attending the rash use of fire-arms. LANDLORD ANIJ TENANT.—There is a serious gap in the extracts from correspondence sent by An Old Sub- scriber' (Hereford). It does not, appear what reply was sent to A's letter in which his acceptance of the offer made to him was qualified by the proviso that certain alterations were to be made. Did our corre- spondent write in reply, promising to make the altera- tions required? If so, there was a concluded agree- ment, which could only be rescinded or cancelled by mutual consent, assuming that all the terms of the proposed tenancy had been definitely stated in the previous correspondence. If not, we fear that A is not legally responsible, and, in any event, we think it would be well to consider his offer of compensation. We assume that the letter quoted lirst has had a 7s. 6d. stamp impressed thereon. Otherwise it could not be stamped without payment of a penalty, as the time allowed for stamping has elapsed since its date. Tiie negotiations with B having been broken off, he could not now be compelled to accept the agreement without the clause to which lie objected. NTKSTACY.—" C. S." (Cardiff) ought to have given us more information as to the nature of the property and the pedigree of the family. In case of intestacy of a deceased owner of freehold property, the property would pass to the heir-at-law, while leasehold and oilier personal estate would be divided amongst the next of kin. In the case of a childless widow, whose father died in her lifetime, her eldest brother would be her heir-at-law, or if he is dead, then his eldest son. The brothers and sisters would be entitled to the per- sonal estate (after payment thereout of funeral ex- penses, costs of administration. and debts) in equal shares; and if any of them have died leaving lawlnl issue such issue would take the shares of their re- spective parents. If our correspondent will give us full information we shall be happy to advise him further. TKNANT FOR LIFE.—"Interest" (Cathays) is informed that a tenant, for life, or person having a life interest under a will, is the person to whom the income to arise from the testator's property (or some defined part thereof) is to be paid during his or her life. Auc,pio-iKxit's LICENOE. Z. F. (Pontypool) is informed that an auctioneer's licence confers a personal pri- vilege, and no person except the individual whose name is inserted therein can sell by virtue thereof. Wecannotmakeout his second query. Perhaps he will explain, and kindly use pen and ink. POSTAL DELIVKRY Zaccheus" (Pencader) should write to the Secretary, General Post-office, London, E.C., and ask if arrangements can be made for including his house in the postal delivery. Distance alone does not regulate the delivery. A continuous street of houses extending a mile or more from a post-oflice might be comprised in the free delivery, while a farm-house standing at a distance from any public road might not be included therein. BASTARDY.—"J. B. M." (Mert.hyr) answers his own question. Of course, he is only liable to pay according to the terms of the order. BONA FIDE TRAVKLLER.—If A. B." (Cardiff) has actually engaged lodgings in the town to which he has travelled, and the apartments are ready for his recep- tion, he is in the same position as a resident. Hut if he has travelled 50 miles (more or less) and has no place of abode to which to go as to a temporary home, then he is entitled as a bona fide traveller to demand refreshments at any licensed public-house, even though the time may be during the closing hours. A traveller who arrives at his destination in the small hours of the morning is not expected to go to bed hungry and thirsty because the inns are closed for ordinary business. A. M. H." (Tredegar).-The correct way is The Army, Navy, and Keaerve Forces." 0. E." (Cardiff Ducks).—l'he person in question mgy have no right to add the letters "C.E." to his Dame but we do not know why we should be asked to OPel our columns to a discussion so purely personal. "VV (Swansea).— U'e have endeavoured, but withoU" success, to get authentic figures for you. "RATKPAYKR" (Dowtaia).-Ttie School Board rate 11 Swansea is lid. in the JE. and the Higher Grade 8c'hoÙ. has only been opened a few weeks. The total eipen" diture of the Swan ea School Board in 188<i £ 28,000. The Higher Grade School is not yet started at Cardiff. DUTY OF SCHOOL BOARD.—" F. G." (LIandyMil) It advised that there might be considerable risk of fiijura if any proceedings were taken against the parent 111 case of any variation between the by-laws of the two districts. He could not be proceeded ;igainst in tb* G district, because the child does not reside there a"1?' if the parent has compiled with the by-laws of tha1 district in which he resides he owes no obedience the by-laws of the P district in which the ch' resides. We think, howevtr, that the p School Boar" would have the best chance of success. But we proceedings against the employer under Sections J and 6 of the Elementary Education Act. 1876. There appears to be no reason for apprehending any difficulty, if the P School Board would take this course. AGKKEMKN-T STAMP.—" Landlord" (Penarth) is >nj formed that an agreement of tenancy must be stamPf1 according to the yearly- rent. Tne following is Beale:- 3. d. Pent not exceeding £ 5 per annum 0 6 Exceeding £ 5 and not exceeding £ 10 1 0 10 „ 15 1 6 i b „ 20 2 0 » 20 25 2 6 <:5 „ 50 5 0 >, 50 „ 75 7 S 75 „ 100 10 0 „ 1L0 for every full sum of £ £ 0, and also for any fractional part of £ 50 5 0 DISPI-TRS AS TO SCHOOL.—" J. H." (Looghor) ooes 1110 distinctly say whether the school to wuich his lett<-f refers is partially endowed or a purely voluntary school supported entirely by current subscription* In the former case complaints as to the of the s -houl or the application of the endowment' if (as we infer from the concluding SentenCes in Ill3 letter) any such could be made, ought to be laid the Charity Commissioners, who would have power to inquire into the matter, and to sanction a new schei"" if necessary. It. does not, however, appear tnat tli" provisions of the trust deed have been vioiateu. j3 the fact If we are to advise definitely, We oLl¡(ht¡ to see a copy of the trust deed, which we wouia retl1i'11 if a stamped and addressed envelope were sent wii'4 it. As to the small pecuniary matter which our corre- spondent mentions, it there is any legal claim Ih" proper course would be to commence all action in tll" County Court. But as we are not informed why tb" money is withheld, we are not in a position to for"' all opinion as to the probability of such an action beh'S successful. APPLICATION FOR NKW TRIAL.—We have returued ti'9: notice sent by Many Xears' Subscriber" (iVlertliyr)' It is a sufficient notice, as it ^hows the time wbell the intended application is to be made and th/l grounds for such application. We must advice our correspondent to attend on the appointed day if h" does not wish the application to succeed. From hi* letter it appears that he has made a mistake in sui" £ one person for a debt incurred by another person, and unless he can prove that, the defendant has i-eceiv,a assets of the original debtor more than sufficient tollay funeral and other expenses he would do well to arrange the matter on the best- terms which he call get, or to withdraw from the action. Expenses haV to be paid before debts; and the widow cannot [.111 compelled to payout; of her own earnings any deb's which were incurred by her late husband. PROPOSED LKVSE.—" J. W. D." (Canton) ought to liavg sent us a copy of the clause to which his inquiry re\ fers. As he describes it, we advise him to object to on the ground that it would extend his responsibility beyond the intention of the parties. The eovc¡¡¡,nC ought to be that, in case of lire he would expend tlle money to be re«eived from the insnmllce office in re- building or repairing the premises according to planet kc. LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.—" Ogmorian is that the qualification of a member of a Local B- ard of Health differs according to the population of the dis- trict. If the inhabitants are less than 20,000, he mus11 be seised or possessed of real or personal estate, or both. to the value of £500; or be rated to the relief of thlt poor of such district., or of some parish therein, OIl annual value of not less than £:5, In larger district* the qualification is twice as much. In either case blS must, be resident within the district, or within Jilike thereof, at the time of his election, and so lonf, as he continues in office; and during such period lid must not be directly or indirectly interested in any contract with the board. except as a shareholder in any joint stock company, or in a contract for the sale or lease of land, or any loan of money to the board. other disqualifications are bankruptcy, &c.; abse' from meetings for more than six mouths consecutively* except in case of illness; and accepting a paid oftica under the board. SUNDAY CLOSING.—"A Daily Subscriber" (Llanwrda) may ask his friends to dine and take wine with hilll on Sunday, if he entertains them bona fide at. his oWJ expense. But tricks are dangerous; he must directly or indirectly accept money or money's wortll in return for such entertainment. BREACH OF CONTRACT.—"A Farmer" (Carmarthen) 15 advised that a verbal contract which is not to be fully performed within twelve calendar months from its datØ cannot be enforced. Therefore, he has no remedy- MAKISU A WILL.—"H." (Llangennech) is informed that 9 111 a will cannot be executed after the death of th8 testator. It must, be tinned by the testator, or by so"1? person duly authorised to sign it in his presence: a'1 this must be done in the presence of two witnesse^J who rhust, attest it, in the presence (If The testator aud ofeach other. They must not separate from the fir*" signing to the last. LANDLORD AND TENANT.—We have returned the agre«'j merit sent by H. II." (Cardiff). The notice is clean. bad. He is entitled to half a year's notice from Augu= to February, and the tenancy cannot now be put 8 end to before February, 1835. Gvs LICENCE.—" A. R. B." (Pontypool) is informed th* it is not permissible for two persons to go out ShOOtlllf "with one licence, the licensee carrying both gurig when a magistrate, a gamekeeper, or a policelua comeinsighi It is nonsense to pretend that he **1 shooting with two guns at once, and that the ot^e^, man was not shooting at all. If he wishes to sh0^ hates elsewhere than on land in his own occupation must have a game certificate. A 10s. gun licence W not cover this kind of sporting.

THE EE-VALUATION IN THE ABERAYRON UNION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE" WEEKLY MAIL." SIR,—In consequence of a circular issued by Assessment Committee of the Aherayron Guarf dians, signed by the chairman, Colonel Lewis, 0 Llanllear, vestries have been convened in eac^ pariah to consider the communication, and to thereon. It appears from the papers suppliedfjZ the clerk to the guardians that the countv assessment in ab-ut £8,000 more tn." ti; p0-u rate assessment in the whole of the union, and th8 sums imposed on each parish in order to assi'fl*" late the two assessments .ire stated together, with peremptory instructions that each parish shou'^ immediately take steps to raise the assessing0 from its old level to the level of the county stoc assessment. In a matter of such importance would be well if the parishioners were niO. rel enlightened in respect to the ramifications of work they are called upon to do. If some persoll versed in such questions would be kind enough to reply in your columns to the following questi^frS1 would pave the way to a satisfactory solution the matter in the forthcoming adjourne vestries:— 1. On what basis is the county stock assessing made ? 2. Have both assessments been at any time same amount? It' so, when did the spring up ? And is there any special urgent ca^j- at present for raising the poor to tiie level of county stock assessment 1J 11 3. Are the parishes bound by statute to comp with the recent instructions issued ? f 4. Is it. compulsory that the rateable value °. the parish lists should be altered to the scale "Pj pended to the circulars issued to the overseers,lIdÐ called the" Memoranda of Deduction to be 1111\ from the Gross Estimated L-c. ? ]i# 5. What would be the effect of assimilating poor andcounty assessments, directly or indirect^ It would appear that the county rate is now levie on the county stock valuation.—I am, &c., Abemyron, Nov. 17. M. HOWELL.

BUTCHERS' AGITATION AT CAH.Dlfl". THE FORMATION OF AN ASSOCIATION- A meeting of the butchers of Cardiff and net, bourhood was held at the Royal Hotel on Moru-j evening, when Mr. F. Ward took the chair, there were present a number of the largest in the town. f The Chairman referred to the desirability > securing as many members of the Butchers' Soci13^ which had l .opn formed as possible. The ad* tages of such a society would be obvious. Fort last sixteen years each of them liad had to vv"'),0 single-handed. They wished now to co-ope,'l,:I. one with another, so that when any of tl,e^ brethren got into trouble they might help him clJ.j Mr. H. Cousins, solicitor to the association, that undoubtedly a society like this should be incorporated bony. He had prepared a me"3^ randum of association for this purpose, which 9 now read. It gave the title of the association < the Incorporated Cardiff and District Butch*^ Association." The memorandum set forth objects for which the society was to be establish1-- It was, he explained, compiled in the statu"; form, and embraced provisions for the protect1'l in various ways of the intere-ts of the One of the clauses gave as an object of the society To watch, protect, and advance the interests of 0{ association arid its members of, or in connection wit j in any wise incidental to, or in relation to their busi"^ and dealings as butchers, or the establishment or prolj' ( tion, maintenance, adherence to, or removal of, eit'! j wholly or partially, markets or f,;ir3 for the 0( live or dead stock, or of slaughter-houses, lairs. other conveniences, and to represent by memorial, the committee may determine, the views of the assoC tion to such corporation, county, lccai, or «r§e> authority as may have juiiidietlon in any case or in any way directly or indirectly affecting such terest. < Mr. T. B. Clode proposed, and Mr. Jeri (secretary) seconded, that Mr. Kyte be elected P j. sident for the year.—This was adopted motisly.—The name of Mr. Humphrey Taylor proposed for the post of vice-chairman, but afterwards withdrawn in favour of Mr. F. W4 who was unanimously elected to the position. The following gentlemen were elected men1^! of the Executive Committee:—Messrs. Benjil Kyte, Edward Walford, T. Clode, W. H. Corn* G. Tucker, W. T. White. Isaac Pring, Robert fo if Charles Harris, J. Taylor, and G. Preddell; !,n « was resolved that seven members should torip quorum. A The following resolutions were passed 111 formal manner, on the advice of Mr. Cous That butchers and cattle dealers who reside or Vrll place of business is within a radius of eight mileS I .jji' the front of the Town-hall, Cardiff, be eligible for 1 bersliip. „1''J That a sub-committee, consisting of the fol lerji'' gentlemen, be appointed for the purpose of consio^tV' and settling the by-laws for the guidance of the K three to form a quorum :M(,5srs. F. Ward, Kvte, W. B. Cornwell, George Preddeli, and » Pow. That when the memorandum of articles an-A have been agreed upon, they be submitted to the bers of the association for confirmation. tf16 It was resolved that the subscription association be one guinea, payable in ad** 0* Mr. Edward Jenkins was appointed secret*1 the association, and the National Provinci^^fof^ its bankers. There was no further business the meeting.

===== rtf THE Prince of Wales and left London for Ashford, Kent, on Mond*?^. visit to the Duke of Edinburgh at Eastwell THE corpse of a man much decomposite1' found in a wood near Listowel on Su nda>, jyi"' The head was separated from the body aD t beside it. Mr. FAWCF.TT, in a letter thanking the sttyir S^-JI Glasgow University for electing him ReCt y,*tl»d he hopes before many months elapse to tha° personally. SIR WATKIN WILLIAMS WTNN^, Bart, M-? f been confined to his room at WynnstaV 1 time with an injured foot, has been 0^ London, his condition having become p« THE London and North Western C0113pa station at Northampton was opened 0°