The Cardiff Times

1)40 -)41) Cardiff Cintes. SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1867. SJf THE REFORM QUESTION. i«^&- Disraeli, in his efforts to please everybody, has oM>leaaed Ilobody He wished to take the House of 2tV:?m°Qs iato his counsel, and make them share the responsibility of framing a Reform o o"Or but the House had no stomach for the work the th* to l-^6 responsibility. Men as widely apart in ✓ opinions as Mr. Lowe and Mr. Bright rS 1{. ^iated the notion of proceeding by resolution, ir'i vj 'he fact was at last apparent that nobody in the J t» °USe' excoPt Chancellor of the Exchequer, ap- °ved of such a mode of proceeding. There were lXlany among the supporters of the Ministry, if there not even members of the Administration itselfi ,j, „ 0 shrank from receiving from the House what *J ey evidently considered should be advanced on the J i^o&aibility of a Government, and although to the J' it was clear that the Chancellor of the 3f Chequer clung tenaciously to the opinion which y e had twice formally submitted to the House, it is dually manifest that he has been compelled to (\ Orifice personal considerations to the exigencies of j forty 1 Xhe country, however, may be congratulated on the faot that Mr. Disraeli has voluntarily decided JJPOQ accepting the alternative to which he would ftvebeen driven by the Liberal party had he not liim- determined to put an end to all further uncer- j^i&ty on the subject, and in the course of next week submit such a Reform Bill to the House as, to tL90 Mr. Walpole's own expression, the Government Ina)' without hesitation pledge its own existence to :aas. This decision was not made an hour too soon, Qt Whilst Mr. Disraeli announced the final resolves the Government, Mr. Gladstone had virtually 019ced before the House a protest against proceeding fu*ther by resolution. The events of the last few days have materially altered the prospects of Re- **»!. Mr. Lowe's slashing speech on Monday night, the singular fact of Mr. Bright concurring with Lowe, must have dissipated any hopes of the ^iaiatry founded on a division in the hostile camp. Sports, too, which were flying about early in the -eek regarding a probable break up of the Ministry "ere far from reassuring, whilst the apparent unani- mity with which the Liberal party greeted the an- 4OTarteement that Lord Russell had virtually given tile leadership of their party to Mr. Gladstone was Efficient evidence that something more than reso- lutions" would be required to satisfy the cravings for Settlement of the Reform question. The Govern- **QQt had made it to appear that they really had no Policy to offer to the notice of the House and the Expectations of the country were twice disappointed, 4fter being raised to the highest pitch of excitement, "'lten Mr. Disraeli first made an explanation" "hich explained nothing, and afterwards one which ilealt with details not actually before Parliament. The last chance of the Government is the com- plete measure which will be before the House next Thursday on the responsibility of Her Majesty's Advisers. It is a great opportunity, and the Bill "'ill afford a true test of the statesmanship of men, Who have not shown themselves incapable in other Matters. Without the apparent humiliation of any compromise, Mr. Disraeli has changed his front in the presence of the enemy, and upon his tact and discretion now depends the settlement of a question that has perplexed Cabinets for the last fifteen So far aB we understand the propositions put forward by Mr. Disraeli on Monday night, it is ob- •ioua that several features of the Ministerial plan provoke much discussion, for neither the House Bor the country seems inclined to accept a less liberal measure than the one rejected last year. If Mr. Diaraeli adopts the course which Lord John banners affected to despise, of taking council with 14r. Bright, the present Chancellor of the Exchequer Inal have a fairer hearing for his Reform Bill than feia predeoeBBor had. LOCAL TOPICS. I THE proceedings of the meetings of the local railway companies, and the length at which we have quoted from Mr. Waring's report, in order to fully acquaint our readers with the condition of the sewerage sys- tem cf the town. have very much curtailed the ppace usually accorded for remarks on local affairs We regret to find that there exists among the tenant farmers of the western end of the county an indispositioa after all, to merge their local agricul- tural society in the projected county association. The reason they give is a very selfish and puerile one—they fear they will not be so sure of vanning prizes when competing against the whole county, as if the object of agricultural exhibitions were the money to be won by exhibitors, rather than the benefit to be conferred by comparison anu whole- some emulation among the farmers of a distnet or county. We hops our Swansea contemporaries will, endeavour to enlighten their readers cu this point. The landowners and more intelligent class of farm- ers of the western end, we trust, will adhere to their plan and agreement with the agriculturists of this district. The malcontents will soon f'Ee thl,o,r mis- take, when a County Exhibition oc two has ueeu held. Dr. Paine's resignation of the pest of Health Officer for Cardiff w a matter calculated to excite sincere regret. His qualifications for that onice, aud his conduct in it, have been simply admirable. It is a post requiring not merely medical ijkal and standing, but unwearied vigilance, great energy, tireless industry, and high courage. Dr. Paine's irrepressible activity made him pre-eminently the I right man in the right place, as Health Officer, especially during epidemic visitations, and his retirement from the offioe leaves a vacancy v.-hich it will not be easy adequately to fill. We express this sentiment the mere frankly because we have had occasion of late so strongly to differ from Dr. Paine in political and public matters.

2 £ j3c&1 Jntelltgmce. CARDIFF BATHS.—Number of bathers during frV week ending 23rd February, 1867.-In the Turkish Ixuh, S3; hot water baths, 75. PRESENTATION.—The officers of the Custom tl^iLse have presented a beautiful photographic likeness of himself to Mr. A. Thompson, on his leaving the service of 11.M. Customs for that of the Bute Trustees. The portrait was iakta by Mr. Collins. of Bute-street. SUDDEN DEATH. — On Thursday afternoon a Mrs. Thomas, living at 15, Station terrace, was seised with a at of coughing, during which she broke a blood vessel, and died before medical aid could be obtained. CARDIFF RACKS.—In consequence of other appointments these races have been again postponed by the fete-wards. They are now fixed for Tuesday, the 3Uth of A.pril, and Wednesday, the 1st of May. SIXTEENTH BUTE RIFLES.—The corps will assemble for commanding officer's parade at the Town Hall every Wed- nesday, at 7.30 p.m. Position drill and preliminary mus- ketry instruction at the Drill lioom, on Monday. Thurs- days and Fridays, at 7.30 p.m and recruit drill at b.30 p.m. THE ASSIZES —We understand that nctwithsbjiding the recent clearance of the ealendar offected by holding an adjourned sessions for the purpose, the criminal business of the Assizes, which commence next Tuesday at Swan-tea, is likely to be quite heavy. It as yet includes only one charge of murder, which will probably on examination turn out to be manslaughter. The civil business of the Asstvea is also expected to be considerable. MR. ROBERT CRAWSH.YY.—We have recti</<:d from Messrs. Schenck and Son, of Edinburgh, a proof copy of the portrait of Mr. Robert T. Crawshay, of Cylarthfa Castle, Merthyr. It is half length, large-size, and is exe- cuted in a style of lithography of the most finished character, possessing much of the efIect and beauty cf a cravon draw- ing. Mr. Crawshay's is the latest addition to Messrs. Schenk's series of lithograph portraits, and, with a few oth&rs, is selected by them for views in the Paris Exhibition, as an excellent sample of portrait Lithography. CATHOLIC GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.—The want c-I .schools for the children of the more respectable class • i catholics has long been felt in Carditi. T i supply this waut, the catholic clergy have raised a new and suitable building in David-street. Wo understand that the schools will be opened on the 1st. of Aplil. The school for rhe young ladies will be conducted by the Sisters of Providence, and that for young gentlemen, by the members of the Order of Charity, to which the catholic clergy of this town belong. Every honest effort to advance the cause of sound education among all classes has our hearty sympathy. W e therefore wish success to thi* undertaking, in which we are glad to see a new proof of the persevering energy with which the catholic clergy of this town work for the childr" "-i oi their communion. CARDIFF GAS LIGHT AND COKE COMPANY.—The six- tieth half-yearly meeting of the shareholders m this com- pany was held in the Board-room at the G;ts 5A orks on Tuesday last. William Bird, Esq, in the chair There- port of the directors, also an abstract of the accounts for the past half-vear, was read by the secretary. A dividend at the rate of ten per cent, on the old shares, and eight per cent. on the new shares was declared, payable on -he 25th of March next. The retiring directors and auditor were re-elected. The thanks of the meeting were voted to Mr. Bowen, the engineer and manager, and also io the chairman and directors for their attention to the intertsi^ oi the company. THE THEATRE.—On Monday, Mr. Melville produced a new burlesque, entitled Paris." This piece has been per- formed with great success at the Strand Theatre. He has been at considerable expense in providing new scenery and dresses. The principal charater (Palis) is exceedingly well performed by Miss Marion Taylor this lady, besides being an accomplished actress,Jhas ajvoice of no ordinary character, and during the evening sings many of the modem tunes with taste and skill. Miss Blanche Stammers is well adapted to the character of Venus. Miss Williams played her charac- ter (Minny) well. Mr. Wilstone and Mr. Fred Hart, as usual distinguished themselveb in their characters of Cupid and CKnone. The most amusing actors in the burV-sque are the Twin Stars, personified by Mr. Hilton and Mr. Hohnan. THE WORKING CLASSES AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTES.— Last Sunday evening, in accordance with the recommenda- tion made at the recent conference of the working classes, the Rev. J M.Evans, pastor of the Ebenezer Congrega- tional Chapel, preached a sermon specially addressed to the working classes. The attendance was exceedingly good. The preacher took for his text the 3rd verse of th-j oth chap, of St. Mark, Is not this the carpenter, and they were offended at him." After refining to some of the objec- tions made by working men at the conference to attendance at Divine worship, he said he was v*er\,r ,i,^ v° ri? state that the case was far different in VV ales, wh re t bulk of our congregations ave formed of the working cJ a -ses. I he discourse was delivered with groat eanxestE. £ &9> -ABtetied to with the pre roundest attention. SALE OF CIRCUS PLANT.—Perhaps one of the most sin- gular and successful sales ever held in Cardiff, cauie on at the Music- Hall on Monday, th auctioneer bMng Mr. -J. D Thomas, of this town. The plant consisted of thirty-seven splendid trained horses and ponies, carriages, and "lie usual paraphernalia of an equestrian establishment, lately in the possession of Mr. Boorn, a bankrupt. It was not generally supposed that such a class of animals and goods would have met with a reaiy sale in a town like Cardiff; but somehow or other when the auctioneer mounted the ros-rum, he found himself surrounded, as if by magic, with every equestrian manager in the kingdom, Iwd a large and respectable attend- ance of gentlemen from various parts of England and Wales. Mr. Thomas' energy and tact as an auctioneer were never more fully displayed, and his appropriate witticisms kept the large concourse of buyers in good spirits until the bale was over. This circumstance, no doubc, influenced the re- ceipts of the sale to the extent of seme hundreds of pounds, as the prices realised were much higher than were anticipated. We :may mention a few of the lots. Shewballs mare, Gipsey, £46; horse, Sunshine, £ 54, mare, Bella, e27 mare, Lucy, £56; spotted mare, Lady, AbO dun horse, Cato, £22; grey mare, Rose, £ 28; cream entire horse, Joe Goss, £ 29; white mare, Victoria, £ 82; the spotttj. pony, Albert, described as the unequalled trick pony, and the aighest jumper in England, after an amusing competit-on, was knocked down for the enormous sum of £ b0. Altogether the sale was a great success, the plant having reaped, we believe, upwards ofjEHCO. CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—This Board met on Saturday at Canton, present E. W. David, Esq., chairman, Mr. Alderman Alexander, vice-chairman, Alderman I ride, Dr. Paine, Mr. P. Bird, Mr. Cory, Mr. Gorsed, Mr. Amsley, Mr. E. Evans, Mr. Matthews, Rev. H;, J- Ihomas, &-c. The Master of the Workhouse reported 75 admiefiif i>3, 1/ discharged, and 355 now in the house, being 58 increase on last year. The Master of the Industrial School reported that there were now 208 pupils, an increase of 28 on last year. Mr. E. EVANS applied that the Clerk be ;.n £ true ted to produce a bakery account, to show the ^ratepayers whether there was a profit on the bread made on the premises, and if so to what amount. The CHAIRMAN said that on the pub- lication of the accounts one of the guardians had stated that the profit amounted to £ 200 a year. The Clerk said, any profit which arose would consist of the difference between the cost of the bread made at the workhouse, and the amount which the same quantity of bread would have cost by contract. The cost of the bread made here had been fully set forth in the accounts, and the other infermation could only be obtained by inquiring of the bakers. Dr. PAINE suggested that the Clerk should ascertain the prices which the Infirmary had paid for bread during the corres- ponding periods. The Clerk said he would obtain that in- formation by the next meeting, This was aU the b^inese. PARTNERSHIP DISSOLYED.-E. and A. Davie?, Cowbridge, stationers. LLYNVI AND OGIIOBE RAILWAY BILL,-This bill passed its second reading in the Commons on Tuesday. LOCAL BANKRUPTS.—The following have been gazetted:- John Lewis, currier, Herbert-street, Cardiff; Robert Wy- burn, outfitter, Bute-road, Cardiff. RATING OF MixES —On Monday evening a petition in favour of the rating of mines, woods, plantations, and real property was presented by Mr. Talbot, from the Board of Guardians of Bridgend and Cowbridge Union. Why is the Government Reform Scheme like a tobacco pipe ?—1st. Because it is a mere-sliam (meerschaum). 2nd. It is likely to end in smoke. 3rd. If the Government indulge in it any longer, they will be sure to suffer from Dizzy-ness. P.D. RAILWAY BILLS IH PARLIAMENT.—In the House of Lords on Tuesday, before the Standing Order Committee (presided over by Lord Redesdale), their lordships passed the following unopposed bills:—Sirhowy Railway, Swansea Vale Railway, Crickhowell Gas and Water, and Llynvi and Ogmore Rail- way. CARDIFF AND PENARTH STEAM TOWING COMPANY.—A. special meeting of this company was held a few days since at the Windsor Hotel, when it was resoived that the company should be wound up, and its property, consisting of seven tugs workshop, and plant, be sold. ST. JOlIN'S SOCIAL Eyt:NINGS.- The meeting on Tuesday evening at the Working-street School-room, was presided over by the Rev. E. A. Green, and notwithstanding the augmentation of the priet was well attended, and the pro- gramme was of a character calculated to maintain the very great interest and success which has attended these readings all through the winter. LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL.—Sunday, March 3rd.—Morning Prayer: Venite, o; Daily Psalms, 23: To Deuin, 9,2; Benedictus, 4 (Don.) Introit, 2U4; Responses, Aldrich in u; Hymn lot).—Evening Prayer: Daily Psalms, 24; Mag- niticat, Nunc Dimittis, Aldrich in I, Anthem, The wilder- ness," Goss Hymn, 238.—The Litany Hymns, 157, part 2; Iv8, 17, 1, s', 3, and last. THE CATTLE PLAGUE.—A meeting of the County Magis- trates was held at the Guildhall, Swansea, on Saturday, when the county was reported free from the plague. One case which called fur investigation had occurred, but on exami- nation death was found to have resulted from disease of the lungs. Mr. Penrice being ineligible to hold office as Chair- man of the Cattle Plague Committee, in consequence of his appointment as High Sheriff, Mr J. T. D. Llewellyn was appointed to the office. THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—The general traffic manager, Mr. Grierson, has issued a notice which states that, there being no alterations in the trains on this railway for the month of March, no time-bills or books will be printed for that month. The dividends will for the last half year be on the Great Western Original Stock, at the rate of 1 per cent, per annum on the South Wales Ordinary Stock, £ o os. per cent. per annum; and the Vale of Neath Ordinary Stock, 5 per cent. per annum. THE NEW DRAMATIC COMPANY played on Thursday evening at the Music hall, for the benefit of Mr. Elphinstone, and we think there is much credit due to them for the able manner (after only a short month's practice) with which they sus- tained the different characters in the two pieces of The Harvest Storm" and Turn him out," but we are sorry that, owing to the unpropitious weather, the house was a very thin one but the young aspirants to fame met with their due meed of applause. THE HIRWAIN COAL AND IRON COMPANY (LIMITED) meeting was held on Thursday week, under the presidency of Mr. Handel Cossham, chairman. Tho report stated that during the past year 130,000 tons of steam coal had been raised, which had been sold at good and remunerative prices, and it is confidently expected that the get" during the present year will be largely increased. The directors re- commend, out of the accrued profits, that an ad interim divi- dend, at the rate of 7J per cent. per annum, be declared for the half-year ending Dec. 31. The ironworks, which were stopped in August, are still standing idle, but the directors are carrying on negotiations for letting them, which they hope to bring shortly to a successful termination. The resolution was adopted, and a dividend according to the recommendation of the directors was declared. SHIPPING CASUALTIES.—Blonde, Bentley, from Cardiff, ar- rived at New York on the 5th instant, with bulwarks stove. -Lark, Hudgins, from Cardiff, was off Baltimore 8th in- stant, leaky.—Silvia, Easton, from Cardiff for Australia, put into Simon's Bay 15th ult., with mainmast badly sprung, having experienced heavy weather about 400 miles from the Cape.-Captain Davey, late master of the barque Rochester, of London, from Cardiff for Buenos Ayres, reports that he sailed from Cardiff on the 12th of January, and on the 18th, while in the Bay of Biscay, the vessel was struck by a heavy sea, which flooded the cabin deck. The crew worked hard at the pumps up to the 22nd, when it was found impossible to keep the water under, and thinking their lives in danger, abandoned the ship, arriving at Lisbon all well.-The Brei- dablik, schooner, of and for Berger, from Cardiff, with coal, was wrecked on the Jedder, near Stavanger, February 27.— crew saved by socket apparatus. PRESENTATION TO LADY AUGUSTA QUIN.—We mentioned re- cently that the ladies of Biidgend and neighbourhood were collecting money wherewith to present Lady Augusta Quin, bride-elect, with a souvenir of her marriage. We are now enabled to state that the souvenir has been obtained in the form of a splendid bracelet, containing a clu-ter of Queen's brilliants, and valued at 100 guineas. The bracelet was pro- cured by Mr. L. Beha, jeweller, Bridgend. Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Jones, of Bridgend; Mrs. Leyshon, of Island Farm Mrs. Gronow John, of Norton Hall; and Mrs. John Thomas, of Cowbridge, were selected to make the presentation. The following inscription is engraved on the bracelet:—Presented by the Tenants of the Dunraven estate and a few neighbours to the Lady Augusta Wyndham Qnin, on her marriage to A. P. Vivian, Esq., February, 1867." The presentation was made last week, at ClearwellCourt, Gloucestershire, one of the seats of the Countess of Dunraven, mother of the bride. LLANDAFF HIGHWAY BOARD.-At a meeting of the board on Saturday, there were present E. W. David, Esq., chairman, Rev. H. J. Thomas, Rev. J. W. Williams, and Messrs. Eli Evans, Thos. John, W. Ainsley, D. Matthews, T. Rogers, J. Jenkins, H. Garsed, and T. Goddard. A memorial was read from the vestry of the parish of St. Fagans, praying that the improvement of the Tyla Morris be deferred until the improvements on the same road in the parish of Pen- tyrch be agreed upon. Cheques were signed for the Sur- veyor, for X196 6s. 8d., £3ù" and £15. The Surveyor pre- sented his estimate for the amount required by the several parishes, for the repairs of highways for the six months ending 30th September next; and that the same be paid in three equal instalments, on the 20th April, 24th May, and 20th July. The proportion from the various parishes was as follows :-Llanishen jESI, Lanvedw JE60, Llandaff JB145, Lanedarne zt93, Llanillterne £12, Lisvane £ 24, Pentyrch J87, Radyr £ 48, Rhydygwern £ 7 10s., Roath £ 32, Rudry, ^6, St. Brides-super-Ely £ 12, St. Fagans £ 45, Van £ l8, y hitchurch £ 198. Resolved, that the tenders received for the alteration of Tyla Morris be considered at the next meet- mg of the Board. The tender of Messrs. T. and D. Lle- wellyn, for widening Cynant road, in the parish of Rudry, Was accepted, the amount being £ 55. A letter was read from Col. Hill, as to the state of Pontcanna footpath, and the Surveyor was directed to put the footpath in order.

MASTER BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION. On Tuesday evening the Cardiff Master Builders' As. sociation held its annual dinner at the Queen's Hotel, when between thirty and forty gentlemen connected with the building trade were present. The chair was taken by Mr. W. P. James, aad the vice-chair by Mr. Daniel Jones, and amongst the company there were Messrs. Proger, P. Price, R. J. Nicholl, Mitchelmore, J. Moore, Sbepton, R. R. Watkins, Locke, T. and E. Cross, O. Davies, David Johes. Saager, Bland, Kerr, J. Price, Cooper, Hogdeo, Jenks, Trist, E. Heme, Brim- stone. The dinner was provided in a style highly cre- ditable to the hostess. On the removal of the oloth, the Chairman gave the usual formal toasts, and Mr. P. Price responded to that of the Bishop and Ministers of all denominations," in a humourous speech, in which he re- roarked that his frequent connection with ecclesiastical building8 almost entitled him to be considered one of the pillars of the church. The Army, Navy, and Volunteers" was responded to by Mr. Jenks and Mr. nicholl, and the Trade of Cardiff," by Mr. T. Cross. In proposing the Cardiff Builders' Association," the Chairman noticed the prospects and object of the society. He referred in a liberal spirit to the success which had attended the trades' unions, which rendered the masters single-handed almost powerless to oppose any demand made by their workmen. He would deprecate any at- tempt of a master's association to grind down the meD, but thought it very desirable that the masters of the town should support their association, and act unitedly in dealing with proposals made to them by the work- men. He also referred to the great competition which existed in contracts for building, and to the impossible conditions which masters were frequently required to agree to. He also pointed out many benefits which would result to the masters by their thorough co-opera- tion. The vice-chairman responded to the toast as president of the association for the ensuing year. He approved of every man endeavouring to obtain as high wages as possible, but strongly objected to tba restnc- tions which the unions endeavoured to place upon the master's management of his bns/ness. After referring to the notices which the local carpentfra had given for a rise of wages, and the masons for a reduotion of hours, he denounced the tyranny cf tbl' anion* which ren. dered a workman a black sheep" if be did more than his companions thought he should do, &od to the dis- satisfaction occasioned by clever ond incHpulle workmen being placed on the same footing. lIe ake pointed how former demands of the masons were now acting preju- dicially to their interests by the much lewer classed work which was required for bnilaingp. He also noticed the loss which plasterers had brought upon themselves, and expressed his opinion that mtny of the disputes between the masters and the tree wss not caused by the older and better conducted handsf but from tbe agita- tion of the migratory members cf the trade. Various other toasts were proposed, interspersed with songs and recitations, and the evening's proceedings were of a J moat agreeable character.

PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK AND RAILWAY COMPANY. The twenty second annual meeting of the above com- pany was held at the Royal Hotel yesterday ( Thursday) afternoon, Mr. W. S. Cartwright, vice-chairman, pre- siding. There were also present, of the directors, Mr. John Batchelor and Mr. H. J. Evans Mr. T. Watkins, auditor, Mr. Booth Bacon, secretary, and about half a dozen other shareholders. The following report was taken as read — The directors present you with their twenty-second report, which is for the half-year ending 31at December, iHGii, with the statements of capital and revenue account for the same period. The balance of revenue account, after paying the whole of the debenture interest, is £11,464 4s. 4d., which will allow the payment of a dividend at the rate of five per cent. per annum on the preferendal, and at the rate of four per cent. per annum on the original shares, carrying a balance to the current half-year of £ 4.02 Is. 8J. Your directors regret to state that the Leases of your property to the Taff Vale Railway Company, which have been definitively agreed to, engrossed, and, in February, 1866, sent to that company for their seal to be affixed, have not yet been execuied. The en- tire undertaking, however, is in their possession, under the provisions of the Leasing Act, the terms of which are as binding on both companies as if the leases had been executed. The new roa-1 from Cardiff docks to Penarth, which has been open for traffic since June last, your directors believe will prove a great auxilian to the profitable development of your undertaking by the increased facilities it affords masters of vessels, shippers, and other parties in obtaining access to the dock and harbour. The returns, showing the authorisation and exercise of the debenture loan powers of the company, required under the provisions of the Railway Securities' Act of last session, have been made and registered; your directors are able to state that the company's Parliamentary powers have been strictly observed. Your directors have with pleasure elected Lewis Davis, Esq., to a seat at the Board, and that gentleman, with the Hon. George H. W. Windsor Clive, ALP., and Thomas Powell, Esq., are the directors who retire in order, but are eligible for re election. The retiring auditor is Mr. James Sydney Batchelor, who is eligible for re-election. The CHAIRMAN, after regretting the absence of Mr. Crawshay Bailey, the chairman of the company, wh,) had been prevented by his parliamentary duties from attending, remarked that he believed with the develop- ment of the Penarth dock facilities and of the western coal fields generally, the traffic over the company's line and shipments at its dock would rapidly increase, so that the shareholders would receive not only the guaran- teed minimum dividend from the Taff Vale, but a con- siderable additional per centage of profits, half of the gains over the stipulated minimum being secured to them under their agreement with the Taff Vale Com- pany. He moved the adoption of the report and ac- counts. Mr. J. BATCHELOR seconded the motion. Mr. T. WATKINS, in no hostile spirit to the directors, but solely for the promotion of the welfare of the com- pany, proposed to offer an amendment, which he be- lieved if adopted would be calculated materially to assist the directors in successfully carrying on the under- taking, which had already struggled through great diffi- culties, and still had many obstacles to contend with. It was as much the duty of a shareholder to become acquainted with the financial position of a company to which he belonged, as to study his own personal busi- ness affairs; but the published accounts, correctly stated as the figures were, were often not to be clearly understood without facts appearing which were not visible upon the face of the accounts themselves, and such facts in relation to this company he proposed to supply for the information of the meeting. Mr. J. BATCHELOR said it would be convenient, for the purpose of enabling the proprietors to follow Mr. Wat- kins's argument, that they should know at once what the amendment was which he intended to offer. Mr. WATKINS said he proposed that the report should be adopted, but that no dividend should be declared. The CHAIRMAN ruled that this amendment would be out of order until a resolution was offered for declaration of dividend. Mr. C. H. PAGE desired an explanation in regard to several items of the accounts. In the capital account, it appeared that they owed bankers and otheis £67,000, and on the other side they had a balance of £61,000. Why did they not paywhat they owed ? Then there was an item in the revenue account which he did not under- stand-" interest for excess of share capitaland on the other side they took credit for share capital un- issued. This account could be simplified by deducting the one from the other. Then there was interest on Taff Vale rent account," which seemed an immense item. They could not charge interest on what they bad received. Was it to be understood that they had not actually got their money from the Taff Vale ? Then there was E125 put down on both sides of the account as directors' fees. Then they took credit for £ 5069 interest of debentures, and afterwards subtracted that amount from the balance. It would be very much simpler if that amount did not appear at all. The CHAIRMAN said an answer had been given on several occasions as to why they showed a balance of £ 61,000 on the capital account, while they owed a nearly equal amount. This company had contracted with Smith and Knight to make the docks at a certain price. They were unable to perform the work, and by the Court of Chancery the directors were authorised to take pos- session, and they finished the work themselves. The works were set down in the capital account at the con- tract price, but in faot they cost considerably more, and the directors now claimed that balance from Smith and Knight. As to the revenue account, the item of X2837 rent arose in this way,—the directors charged the Taff Vale Company rent on the whole of the share capital, at 4! per cent.; but they had not been able to get the 2 whole of the shares taken by the public, and only upon the shares actually issued was the rent divided. Mr. PAGE Then it is a reserve of interest on the un- issued shares. The CHAIRMAN said, yes: and the unissued shares amounted to £ 108,000. The directors delivered to the Taff Vale an account for rent on all the share capital except the £ 30,000 which the new road had cost. The Taff Vale demurred and only paid rent on £ 700,000, while this company charged them rent on £ 799,000. As to the directors' fees, this company entered it on one side of the account as received from the Taff Vale and on the other as paid. Mr. PAGE asked what amount of the unissued shares had been taken up in response to the circular issued by the directors. The CHAIRMAN regretted to say that only one share- holder took sixteen shares, io addition to the directors themselves. One director and his family alone took X15,000 worth; the Chairman took £4,000, and the other directors took additional shares in proportion to the number they bad previously held. Mr. WATKINS said the capital expenditure bad been iC714,000 and a further expenditure of £ 86,000 in consequence of the excess of actual cost over Smith and Knight's contract prioes. Then there was £ 26 000 for interest.. The CHAIRMAN objected to these details being gone into here, there being an arbitration pending between the company and Smith and Knight. Mr. WATKINS said be was going to state nothing that was not disclosed in the claim submitted to arbitration. Nothing that he should say could alter the facts or figures or affect the company's interest in the arbitra- tion unfavourably. If he thought that giving an expla- nation to the shareholders at large would have that effect, for his own interest as a proprietor he would not do it. The CHAIRMAN: I must express it as the opinion of the chair that it is inadvisable. Mr. WATKINS If you docide that it is not competent for me to state the facts I will refrain; but otherwise I must exercise my own discretion. Mr. BATCHELOR said an explanation of the accounts by the Auditor could not be disadvantageous, but he ought not to expatiate on matters which the directors had not thought it advisable to give to the public. Mr. WATKINS said a definite claim had been made on Smith and Knight, and there could be no earthly reason why he should not state the facts anyone accustomed to analyse accounts could form a tolerable guess at the amounts from the figures which the directors had laid before the meeting. He wished only to state such facts as would guide the meeting as to the propriety or other- wise of declaring a dividend. Mr. M. GROVKK thought that statements made by the Auditor on this occasion might be used against the com- pany in disputes between it and Smith and Kni-It on the one hand, or with the Taff Vale Railway Company on the other. Mr. PAGE said there was no way for shareholders who were not present to learn the real state of the c mpany but from such explanations as Mr. Watkins proposed to give. Mr. WATKINS then resumed his remarks, stating that in addition to the figures he had given there was of outstanding expenditure for land and other matters, so that the total actual expenditure had been £ 839,000 there were items which would reduce this to £ 832,000, or £ 3000 in excess of the total capital of the company. Should the claim against Smith and Knight be realised it would of course bring the expenditure within the capital. It was notorious that writs had been issued against the company, and he considered that in order to save the company from proceedings so detrimental to its reputation and interest, the money proposed to be paid as a dividend ought to be retained in hand. The CHAIRMAN said Mr. Watkins was correct in say- ing that the company had spent £;3,000 beyond its capital; but they had a lien on Smith and Knight's pl-nt even if they recovered nothing more from those individuals, which would bring the amount down to a sum wifchia the capital. They were advised that their .1 claim was of the strongest character, and they felt sure that a large sum would be realised, even though Smith and Knight's mercantile posit'on was not now a very good one, for they retained a lien on £ 23,000 of Smith and Knight's assets. The arbitrators had now been ap- pointed as between the company and Smith and Knight. One was Mr. Hannen, Q.C., and Mr. Bateman, C.E., was to assist him in engineering questions. Mr. GnovER We were told of their appointment at the last half-yearly meeting. The CHAIRMAN The Chairman and myself have be- come security for the value of the plant, and the <trLi- tration will proceed in due course. Mr. WATKINS said it was a great oversight that a time was not limited within which the arbitrators should sit. It might go on sine die for want of that. The CHAIRMAN said the company had instructed its solicitors to press the matter on. The report and accounts were adopted. The CHAIRMAN moved, and Mr. BATCHELOR seconded, a dividend of five per cent. on preferential and four per cent. on ordinary shares. In moving it, the Chairman urged the shareholders to come forward and imitate the directors in taking up the unissued shares. In regard to the writs, they had only had one or two served on them, and they were paid. MR. WATKINS said he was glad to hear this, for the credit of the company, for very exaggerated rumours had prevailed on the subject. He was glad there had only been one writ served. The CHAIRMAN I did not say there was only one. Do not cry stinking fish," on your own property. y- Mr. WATKINS said, if by crying stinking fish he couid get fresh fish imported into the market, he would do so. He moved as an amendment, that the sum available for dividend be appropriated not to dividend, but to extension of capital, and credit given to share- holders in proportion to the shares held. He hoped that this, if adopted, would to some extent relieve the company's affairs. His interest in the undertaking was a large one for him, but he was willing to forego a dividend in order to put the company in a better position, and enable the directors to meet their engagements without having to pay also the costs of writs and legal proceedings. Mr. BATCHELOR said the preferential dividend could not be appropriated as Mr. Watkins proposed. Mr. WATKINS admitted that as to that it could only be done by the consent of the preferential shareholders. But next half-year those would become in the same cla-s as the ordinary shares, and it was evidently their interest as well as that of the others that a dividend should not now be paid. It was very unlikely that Smith and Knight could be made to pay anything beyond what the company had a lien on, and the law- yers' cos' s had to come out of that. Then there were £108,000 of shares unissued, and the company owed £.50,000 or more at the bank. How were they to pro- ceed ? They had be. ter set aside the money proposed to be used for a dividend and let it help to meet claims against the company. Then their relations with the Taff Vale Company needed grave consideration. In the Act of 1864: it was provided that as soon as the dock was certified by Mr. Hawkshaw to be completed, the Taff Vale should execute a lease of this company's under- taking. In August, 1865, Mr. Hawkshaw and Mr. Dobson certified that the dock had been in all respects completed and fully answered the necessary purposes. Even if there had not been this certificate, the Taff Vale had accepted the dock as complete, and had been work- ing it ever since, but the report stated that the l aff Vale Company had not yet executed the lease. Were they not taking advantage of this company's impecuniosity to delay payment and force it into litigation ? Thi, was another reason why the money of the proposed dividend should be held by the directors in case it were needed to protect the company's interests in this matter. But instead of litigation, he hoped that the directors, acting on the basis of the Chairman of the Taff Vale's remarks at Bristol, that the Penarth system bade fair to become a source of additional prosperity to the Taff Vale, would negotiate with the Taff Vale Company for the absolute purchase by them of the Penarth under- taking. on fair terms, allowing them not only for the secured minimum rent, but 1 or li per cent. additional in lieu of the half share of future profits over the mini- mum of 4t per cent. Mr. BATCHELOR said that would require an Act of Parliament. In regard to the dividend, the directors had well considered the whole question before pro- posing it, and he hoped Mr. Watkins would withdraw his motion until a future meeting, when the preferential shares became classed as ordinary. The directors were as anxious as any one to have money to meet demands; but after careful thought they had become satisfied that it was for the interest of the undertaking that this dividend should be paid. Mr. PAGE seconded Mr. Watkins's amendment. He said the directors' attempt to induce shareholders to take up the unissued shares bad been a signal failure. Why should he have taken up fresh shares, when he could have gone into the market and bought shares at a discount P He thought the directors instead of claiming credit for what fresh shares they had taken, should have taken up all, for it was their fault that all these shares were not issued years ago, when people were willing to buy them. They made a great favour of it when they allotted him Y,1000 of stock; they might have had all their stock taken up at that time, but they chose to re- serve a large amount and now the public would not buy except at a discount of 15 per cent. He regarded this as resulting from the unsatisfactory state in which the directors allowed their relations with the Taff Vale to continue. The lease was engrossed and sent to the Taff Vale in February, 1866, and it had not been signed yet. Why not bring the Taff Vale to book ? The directors of this company were successful men in the conduct of their own business, and could not they cope in a negotiation with the Taff Vale directors ? Cardiff men were surely able to hold their own against Bristol men. There was the present Chairman for instance. In his own afiairs he had been exceeding successful, the names and fame of his horses were known to ail- The CHAIRMAN Allow me to call you to order. Mr. PAGE went on to say that notwithstanding Mr. Cartwright's success in other fields, it must be admitted that the original great heat between Penarth and Taff Vale had been lost by the former, not by ha!f a length, but by a half per cent.-for they could have got 5 per cent, instead of 4! rent—and the defeat was not owing to Penarth being over weighted, but to bad jockeyism. And the directors now should be ashamed to come here and admit that they could not get the Taff Vale to sign the lease, nor pay the money. The Smith, Knight and Co. affair was very lamentable, but the Tatt Vale was a very different concern, and the shareholders would lend the company money for litigation rather than not have their rights. The CHAIRMAN, in reply, asked what chance they would have of getting their unissued shares taken if they paid no dividend. He reminded the meeting of the remarks of the Taff Vale Chairman when asked respect- ing the details of their negotiations with this company. He told his shareholders to have confidence in the di- rectors, and not press for information which they thought it not wise to give; and he recommended this proprietary to act as the Taff Vale shareholders did. Mr. WATKINS: First put us in the same position as they-give us ten per cent.-and we will act as they do. The CHAIRMAN said the difference of dividend did not vary the dictates of prudence. This company were en- titled to every shilling of the rent they claimed from the Taff Vale, and the directors were fully determined to have their rights from that company. Mr. WATKINS suggested that the dividend money, if retained, would pay for litigating, if necessary, with the Taff Vale. This company did not enforce its rights, not- withstanding what the Chairman said about maintain- ing them. The CHAIRMAN said they must avoid making a false step; but the shareholders might rely on it that the directors would take proper means to enforce their rights. The amendment of Mr. Watkins was lost, only three hands being held op for it. The dividend was then declared. On the motion of the CHAIRMAN, seconded by Mr. H. J. EVANS, Mr. Lewis Davis, the Hon. Captain Clive, and Mr. Themas Powell, were re-elected as directors. Mr. PAGE moved to reduce the number to two, but Mr. BATCHELOR stated that the number was fixed in the Act. Mr. Sydney Batchelor was re-elected auditor. On the motion of Mr. WATKINS. a vote of thanks to the Chairman was carried, which terminated the proceedings.

MARRIAGE OF MR. WYNDHAM LEWIS. Great interest was excited in Cardiff and the sur. rounding district yesterday, by news of the marriage having taken place in the morning of that day at St. George's, Hanover Square, of Wyndham W. Lewis, Esq., of the Heath, Lanisheo, to Maud, youngest daughter of the late W. Williams, Esq., of Aberper- gwm. Mr. Lewis is not only the head of one of the most ancient aad distinguished families of the county, but one of the most extensive landowners of the district, and withal an affable and kindly gentleman, who mingles freely with other people, without the air of conferring a favour by gracious condescension. He is consequently popular not only with his own tenantry, but with the townsfolk and country peopij in general and it is years since such a display of bunting has been seen in Cardiff as was made yesterday in compliment to him. Flags streamed in every street, and in many an evening company health and happiness to the wedded pair were drank. St. John's bells rang merrily all day. At the Heath there was a dinner and festivities of the tenantry and neighbours. At Capel Llanillterne (Mr. Lewis's birth place, we believe), there was also acelebra- tion. By the kind permission of H. Garsed, Esq., cannons were fixed on Craig-y-Park, where the btidegroom has spent many happy days of chiidhood. The firing began under the superintendence of Messrs. A. JohD, Do Williams, T. Johns, and Thomas Millward, at 8 o'clock a.m., and was kept up for several bours. At 3 o'clock p.m., the neighbouring gentry and farmers met at the Star Inn, where a dinner was provided for the occasion. Mr. Charles Pritchard was in the chair. He proposed tbe usual loyal toastsand the toast of the evening, which was drank with musical honours, to the bride and bride- groom. The chairman recited a song which he had composed in honour of the bride and bridegroom, and which was received with ioud acclamations. Mr. William Morgan read a piece composed by himself for the occa- sion. Several other gentlemen proposed toasts, which were well responded to, and everything passed off in a most joyful manner.

INQUEST ON A CHILD AT CANTON. On Tuesday morning the coroner, R. L. Reece, ESQ,; held an inquest at the Canton Matket Hotel, before a respectable jury, of which Mr. Yorath was foreman, upon the body of an illegitimate child whose death had occurred on Saturday. The child's mother was Ann Davies, a single woman, living at 5, Union-street, Can- ton, who bad cohabited for the last eight or nine years with a gardener named Richard Stanley, living on Ely Common, and both, when before the coroner, appeared to be decent, respectable people. Since the child's death there bad been various rumours prevalent in Canton with regard to its cause, and the inquest was held prin- cipally to inquire into the truthfulness of those reports. The first witness called was Martha Quirk, wife of John Quirk, shoemaker, who said she had been lodging at 5, Union-street, Canton, for the last five months. About a month after she went there Ann Davies gave birth to a male child, who was the deoeased. It was a fine child when born, and it re- mained so for a week or a fortnight, after which the child got weaker and weaker every day. The child did not refuse food, but the only thing it bad was a bit of bread and some sugar put into a piece of calico and placed in tbe child's mouth. The mother did cot suckle the ohild. [At this stage the mother was called into the room, and Stanley, tne reputed father, was also admitted.2 The witness's evidence having been read over Quirk continued The child did not thrive under the mother's treatment, but she did not know if it suffered from any of the usual complaints of ohiidrens. On Sunday, 27th January, the mother went away from home about eleven o'olock in the morning, leaving the child in charge of Letitia Davies, another child of Ann Davies, aged six years. Witness got up about four o'clock on the next (Monday) morning, as the deceased was crying very much. She found the child in bed alongside Letitia who was asleep. Witness took the child up, and made some soaked bread and sugar, but it refused to take it. Witness afterwards put the child in its bed and she went to sleep again. Witness got up about half- past seven o'clock, and as the child was stili crying she called a young woman named Catherine Parker, who also lived in the house, to come and take charge of the child. Letitia was sent for her mother, who returned to the house some time on Monday. The child remained in the charge of Catherine Parker from that time to the day of its death, which took place on Saturday as Ann Davies was attending Mrs. Stanley (mother of the re- puted father of the child) who was very ill and died last Sunday. Witness had occasion to be away from her house on Wednesday morning last, and on her return her husband directed her to go and see the child as it was crying very much. She found it lying on two chairs, and wrapped in two flannel petticoats and a cloak. She found the child lying as if it bad fallen on one side, and its face was covered with the cloak. Witness called some of the neighbours, and the child was taken to Mrs. Parker's (mother-in-law to Catherine Parker) bouse where it remained till Catherine returned home about four o'clock the same afternoon. The child never rallied from that time till its daath on Saturday last. By the Jury The mother sometimes fed the child with bread and sugar in a spoon. A midwife attended Ann Davies at her confinement. By Ann Davies The child was frequently fed with a spoon, and was always kept clean. She often asked witness to look to the child when she would go out. She never saw her (Davies) neglect tbe child. Ann Davies, in answer to the coroner, said on the Sunday referred to by Quirk she sent the father of the child to. Catherine Parker to tetlher to look after the child. Catherine Parker, stated that she arranged with Ann Davies, four weeks last Monday, to take charge of the child for a few day?. On the preceding day Mr. Stanley came and asked witness to put Letetia to bed, and said that Ann Davies would be home in the evening. Witness went to bed that day about nine o'clock, and was surprised to bear next morning that Ann Davies had not been home all night. Witness washed and fed the child on Monday and sent Letetia to Stanley's bouse (which was about half a mile off) to tell Ann Davies that she mllst come home if she wished to see the child alive. Witness did the best for tbe child that she could, but it was very weakly. She gave the child soaked bread and sugar, and wine as brdered by the doctor. The child did not like milk. Beef tea ordered by the doctor was not supplied by Ann Davies. As fat as witness knew the mother took pruper charge of the child till the time witness entered into the arrangement to look after it, although she frequently left it. Last Wednesday witness left the house about twelve and returned soon after two o'clock. By Ann Davies: She (Davies) never refused to give her money to buy wine and other things for the child. Mr. Henry Edwards, surgeon, Canton, said he first saw the child on Sunday the 27th Jan., when it was brought to his surgery by Ann Davies accompanied by Catherine Parker. The child was in a very few condition and seemed wasting away, and he ordered beef tea and wins to be given it. He saw the child again last Saturday morning at its mother's house before it expired. He had since made a post mortem examination, and found the body extremely emaciated. All the organs were healthy, but perfectly colourless, partly from want of nutrition and frum a tendency to mesenteric disease Those two canses were quite sufficient to account for the wasting away of the child's body. When there was 9 disease of that sort the stomach was generally greatly upset. When he first saw the child he did Dot think any amount of food would recover it. The Coroner in addressing the jury expressed his opinion that there bad been a good deal of negloet in the care of the child, but he did not think it sufficient to amount to criminal neglect. f Mr. Edwards remarked that he was aware that or Sunday, the 27th inst., when Ann Davies was away so long, that Mrs. Stanley bad a severe fit, and was thought to be dying. He found Ann Davies supporting Mre, Stanley when he went to the house, and he had iio doubt that the serious character ef Mrs. Stanley's illness would account for Davies not going home that night. The jury, after a few minutes consultation, returned t verdict that the child died from natural causes, but they considered that there had been general neglbct of iht- deceased on the part of those who had charge of Liin, but not amounting to manslaughter. c" >v .» The Coroner expressed his approval of the verdict, and regretted that there was no provision made hy the law for cases which did not amount to manslausrbtf r^ and were yet of more than ordinary neglect. There was- a good deal of blame attached to the mother in regard to the child's death but on the other band there was the extenuating circumstance that she was attending a dying woman who was virtually her mother-in-law. The Coroner called in Parker and Davies, and informed them of the jury'a verdict, with which the proceedings concluded,

c GOVERNMENT SAVING'S BANK, 0120. j1*- Saturday from 10 till 2; and on Saturday aud Mon Evenings, from Seven till half-past Eight. v^(intleiTlcu to be in attendance are—on Saturday, Mr. Mr- O. H. Evans on Saturday Evening, Mr. I'ride; *TC3f <Uy Evening, Mr. John Bird. —_

I RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS. 1867. 1866 J* week ending Feb. 34 £ 67,192 £ 07,474 hke' Week ending Feb. 23 6,056 6,161 IC0' Week ending Feb. 28 693 »47 Merthyr, week ending Feb. 17 1,110 l,lCr2 week ending Feb. 23 2,&45 2,959 >7 Lj^i Week ending Feb. 23 1,251 1,151 —Ogmore, week ending Feb. 28. 718 659 R Weekending Feb. 28 662 596

girtfe glarnsges, anb §eat&s. .K^Oouneements are inserted free of charge, but they cannot nr il ^ed to unless authenticated by the name and address in of the sender. "No Cards" are charged 2s. 0ti. each.] Faf-L BIRTHS. iacifL)j]e ^Ist inst., at Merthyr-mawr, the wife of John Colo r, ilfiv' of a daughter. !K.V.feire ^d ult., at 43 Loudotm-sqnare, the wife of Mr. Robert 0f a daughter.. M t Pelx?e l^th nit., at Grangetown, Cardiff, the wile of Mr. jpe!», *raaois, jun., of a daughter. '• MARRIAGES. „ ult., at Morylebone Parish Church, by the Rev. om~ Hi™ Mothersole, Mr. Henry Kii;naird York, of Sully ana aritk Wn, to Mary Athersfone, elder daughter of George liatf of 49. Welbeck-stroet, Cavendish-square. all J & IS 2lst nit., at St. Mary's Church, Cardiff, by the Rev. TV. w ,^°rgan, M.A., Mr. William Ellis, to Elizaoeth, eident mKT er °f Mr. George Day. • TW DEATHS. onS'fch?e ^h ult., at Taunton, in his 70th year, Mr. W llliam (father of Mr. T. Webber, accountant, Ax., of this town.) setflk tegrettcd by a large circle of friends. 0W3»fcp ~4th ult., at Cardiff, after a lingering illness, Mr. Henry tY oi H son of the late Mr. George Scale, one of the propne- On Aberdare Ironworks, aged oS years. ie o"16 17th ult., at the Union, Bridgend, Mr. Edmund Corr, tS biM^^tendent of Police for this county, aged63 years, n it Iftstweek at Clyn-gwn, Bedwas. at an advanced age Mr. Jackson, father of Mr. T. Jackson, Cross Key. C&et- Oh 36th nit., at Nantygwenith, Merthyr Tydvil, Mr3. Mary |i%8,aSe4 WyeEis. She was for many years a rebident at loth inst., at Rhydyrhelig Works, near Trefore^t, after KDP U gJ'ness, Jane, the 'beloved wife of Thomas Ord, mechani- Ife# ^cer, in her 61st year.

GREAT ROBBERY OF BULLION.—An extraordinary robbery wa" perpetrated during Tuesday night. Two boxes of silver bullion, valued at .£2000, were shipped on board a steamer, at London, for Rotte'dam, and the boxes and their contents, which weighed 2001b. each, were abstracted. The thieves got clear off with their booty, which was most ex raordinary, as the mate had seen the cases securely stowed away in the hold, and as other goods came down these were placed round the bullion cases so as to fill up the 'tween decks. The hatches were then put on, and fastened with iron bars; these were secured with a padlock, locked by the chief mate, who kept possession of the key. There were on board at this time ten hands of the crew and three Cus- tom-house officers. At night time they kept watch and watch the same as the crew did, and during the whole of Tuesday night and Wednesday morning there were always two persons on deck keeping watch indeed, if they are to be relied on, they never quitted the deck for a moment, and yet, by some unaccountable means, two of the cases of bullion were abstracted from the hold, and the thieves got clear off with them.

PENARTH. The usual amount of work has been done at the dock, and nothing of importance has occurred during the week.