The Cardiff Times

IMjs, Itarriagtst MB [These announcements are inserted free of charge, but they cannot be attended to unless authenticated by the name and address, in full, of the sender. No cards » are charged 23. 6d. each.] BIRTHS. On the 9th instant the wife of Mr. G. S. Stow, of a daughter. On the 1st inst mt'at 31 Bridge-street, Waterford, the wife of Christopher Law^nce Esq., of three daughters, (youngest still- °On'the 6th instant, at Brunswick Cottage, Swansea, the wife Of0n'tho ^ird''instant? at the Vic!r4'e, Aberystwith, the wife of tbOnRth; SSStte Gerwyn, NofthWalcs, Lady Georgina Pnl' fiLVsMnstant, at Gellydywyll, Carmarthenshire, the wife of W H Hall, Esq., prematurely, of a son, who survived his biOn Jthinstant, the wife of William Walter Nell, of a daugh- ter. MARRIAGES. On the 1st, instant, by license, at St. Mary's Church, by the Rev. Canon Morgan, William Kesterton Dowie, only son of Mr. William Dowie, Cardiff, to Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. Geo. Harris of Wellington. No Cards. On the 31st ultimo, at Llanishen, Monmouthshire by the Rev.—Price, Mr. Richard Baker, of Acton Turville to Louisa, eldest daughter of Mr. John Handy, of Hill-farm. On the 2nd instant, at St. George's Hanover Square. London, (by the Rev. E. H. Perowne. B. D., Fellow of Corpus Christi Coll., Cambridge, assisted by the Rev. A. D. Matthews,) Frederick Ernest, eldest son of G. F. Muntz, Esq., of Umberslade, Warwick- shire, to Georgiam Jane, eldest daughter of Alexander Borrow- man, Esq., of Edinburgh. On the 2nd instant, at Awre Church, Gloucestershire, (by the Rev. Charles Brooksbank), Kilncr Brazier Creagh, Esq., Her Majesty's Military Train, younger son of George Washington Brazier Creagh, Est; J. p., Creagh Castle, county Cork, to Catherine Hcrnuone, sixth daughter of Henry Crawshaw, Esq., Oaklands park, Newiiham, Gloucestershire. DEATHS. On the 5th instant, at his residence, Highfield House, near Tewkesbury, William Hatch, Esq.. aged 4i years. On the 3rd instant, at 12, Caledonia-place, Clifton, in her 81st year, Maria Actonin, the widow of Major General Oliver Thomas Jones, of Fonmon Castle, and daughter of the late Hemy Swin- burn, Esquiie, of Hamsterly Hall, in the County of Durham. On the 5th instant, William Jenkins, Farmer, of GelynogLlan- trissant, aged 84 years. On the 5th instant, at 9 Edward-terrace, Cardiff, of consumption Mr. George Noel, aged 48 years. On the 4th instant, at Vere-street, Roath, George Anthony James, aged 25 years. TT On the 2nd instant, the infant son of Mr. D. Howell Thomas, surgeon, Swansea. On the 2nd instant, at Swansea, Mary Hazard, the wife of Mr. "William Owen, aged 6 years. On the 4th in-itaut. at 11, Garden-street, Swansea, Mrs. Jane Prichard, at the advanced age of 92 years. On the 30th, at her residence, 22, Garden-street, Swansea, Mrs. Mary Eaton, in her liOth year. On the 1st instant, at her brother's residence, Castle-road, Roath, aged 24, Alice Watkin, eldest daughter of the late Mr. F. Evans. Tvmawr. Cwmavon. On the 7th, instant, at his residence, Wellington-terrace, Cardiff, Mr. Joseph Hartland, junior partner in the firm of Messrs Hartland and Son, architects, and formerly of Bristol. On the 8th instant, at Cardiff. Harriet, wife of Mr. James Brock. late of Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, aged 78.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER It, 1869. ILLEGAL ENGAGEMENT OF SEAMEN. AT this time it is interesting to know what is mari- time law. In the ensuing session of Parliament a huge battle will be fought over the prostrate body of the saiLr. A plethoric Bill has been conceived by the Government, and. in a few months, the process of gestation will be accomplished. It is well known that various views Iwiva been taken as to the policy of the Merchant Shipping and Mercantile Marine Acts. Many a doubt has been expressed as to the lucidity of their multiform provisions, and, at Cardiff especially, some years ago it became a moot point whether it were possible to put the latent legal power therein contained in force—we mean to allude here to the sections applying to seamen-but recent revelations have upset all that, and the many pro- secutions and convictions which have taken place at the police court, have proved both the power and the advantages of these Acts of Parliament. It. is, however, wise to profit by experience. It is said there is nothing so good in this sublunary sphere, but it may he improved. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us. now when we lmve got the short recess of legislative rest, to ruminate upon the provisions of the new Bill, and to do what in us lies to improve its features. One of those features is that contained in the 147 th and 148th sections, and which bear the same numbers in thp old Act. The object of these provisions is to protect the sailor in his pursuit of a berth. S-amen are constantly changing their em- ployment and, although not necessary in all cases, this unsettled life is to a great extent forced upon them by thi-1 very nature of their calling. It is well known they are peculiarly beset by pretended friends. A harsher word has been much more used than 4 pleasant in that regard in Cardiff. We hope it has now, or at least will soon be, expurgated from our vocabulary, How necessary was it then for the Legislature to step in and protect these erratic and wayward children of the sea ? Provisions were enacted making it penal for any one, except those specified in the Act, to engage seamen for a sea service. These privileged persons are the master of the vessel in the which the service is to take J „ place, the owner of the same, or any person being a servant bona fide in his employment-these for their own ships—but for the general working of these sections, the superintendent of mercantile marine, or, as it has been construed, any servant under him and acting in his name, also persons licensed by the Board of Trade for the purpose. For years there have been three or four licensed agents at this port; and it has been a moot point with owners, masters, brokers, &c., whether their services could not very well be dispensed with, as at Liverpool, Sunderland, and some other ports. This we do not care to inquire into, but leave those interested to take their choice to employ them or not, as we un- derstand it is quite a voluntary matter altogether. What we .;>) v wish to allude to here is the penalty in the 148th section, which imposes X5 upon any person who receives or demands a fee from a seaman for providing him with a berth. Under the new Bill the penalty is X10, as proposed and we hope, and have little doubt, it will pass into law. The tendency of legislation is towards greater severity in that respect, and very justly so. It may seem a small matter to charge a mariner a small commission for finding him a situation-a reciprocal benefit being thereby en- tailed but it must be borne in mind to what abuses U'saCh a aystera might lead, in a seaman's history, f' Some few weeks ago a case was brought before our Stipendiary Magistrate' wherein a seaman had been charged ten shilling for procuring him a situation, which had no existence, for when he went to take possession, he found another victim had preceded him. How many more were in the same fix, did not appear in the evidence. A similar offence, last Friday, reeeiVe(j tin- full penalty and by an obser- vation which fell from the Magistrate- he seemed to re- gret the prosecution was not take11 under another sec- tion, where the penalty is £20. The good effect of these I convictions will soon tell, and they have, we are in- ( formed, already borne 8ome fruit We have no patience ru). if with tbe mawkish sentiment Qf gome ^rested per- sons who commiserate 8TJch offender8( gnd we trust ( owners and masters of vesseis thege regu]ts to heart, and not hard-fisted sailor w°n money It will be b„rns in .ntadtor^y of 4ao t e of ,]ie person emplonng un.nlhotil^ and it i. problem w]!ose >*«<1 the next may fall. There is just another point we wish to mention that is, the penalty imposed by the 148 section does not apply to any one in particular, but the law ap. pears to be wide in its applicøtion, and seamen when imposed upon in this way, should remember that rl0 licensed or unlicensed person has any legal right to charge him one penny for procuring him a situation. In a port where some 20,000 ;nÙ'11 or British ships are engaged every year, this warning is of some im- J ,>ortance. We only wish it were extended to the < men who ship for foreign craft for the extortion which these poor unprotected fei;tnVs are liable to j, V Tightful-one pound per man being a common charge, we understand, for some trades. In the new Bill, to which we have alluded, there are facilities provided for foreign nations to take advantage of our system when their ships are in our ports. To this we may have another opportunity to refer, for some improvement therein is much required.

THE PUBLIC HEALTH. THAT old grievance, the chaotic state of the public health laws, is again the subject of solicitous attention in the report of Dr. SiMON, thePrivy Council's medical officer. Of the many evils under which the English public labours, this is one of the most needless and vexatious. The Legislature has passed abundance of measures; indeed, so far as mere lawmaking goes, very little has been left undone. And it is quite certain that most of these excellent pro- visions have been productive of good, and that the sum total of disease in this country has been materi- ally lessened. Unfortunately an Act of Parliament is not all that is needed to terminate abuse or inaugurate reform; laws must be supplemented by proper appliances for enforcing them, and if the active co-operation of the people be required, the statutes must be intelligible to the multitude. The good effect of the measures passed for the preserva- tion of the public health has been materially cur- tailed, in some cases almost wholly lost, through want of means for carrying them out, divided autho- rity, and the chaos and confusion attendant upon fragmentary legislation. The Acts exist: but everything besides is wanting. Nothing can be clearer than the intention of the English law in providing ample means for the summary control of all states of property, end all personal actions which may be dangerous to the public health. Large powers have been given to local authorities to suppress nuisances and to pro- vide all needful sanitary works. Other powers, the exercise of which is more or less optional, have been conferred with respect to baths, common lodging- houses, hospitals, burial grounds, and the like. The State has most reluctantly interfered between employer and servant, between parent and child, for the promotion of this or eat object. Xcglecting the vaccination of children, selling bad 6 il I meat, adulterating food, vending poisons, and the conduct of certain branches of industry have all been carefully regulated by law. But how indifferently have these good intentions been realised in prac- tice Dr. SDJOX calculates that diseases which are directly owing to the ineffectiveness of the nuisance law are still occasioning one-fourth of the entire mortality. The Legislature has gone to work with such caution, that it has been necessary to supple- ment one Act with another. Rarely has any great portion of the ground been covered at once, and the result has been a terrible confusion-a. patching and piecing, which has given rise to extreme complexity and not a little inconsistency. Then the jurisdic- tion is in a most unsatisfactory state. One local authority rules the highways, another looks after drainage and water supply, another confines hif attention to nuisances proper. As regards per- missive health legislation, there may be in one place distinct functionaries for lodg- ing houses, baths and wash houses, and burials. Where, special health areas exist, under the control of local boards or other authority. they have no relation with poor-law relief districts. The medicaloflicialof a local board has no dealings with ,s the medical attendants of the sick poor. Nor are things managed better at the central Government. The Lords of the Council bear the essential respon- bilitv touching the public health, but the Home Secretary has some fragments of authority in the matter, and so has the Board of Trade. Much is lost, too, through the want of proper communication between the central offices and the local jurisdictions. "Government," says Dr. SIMON, "is supposed tc superintend the public health but Government may remain a long time uninformed even of very im- portant outbreaks of disease." This is constantly happening in the case of typhoid fever. A very fatal outbreak of diphtheria continued for two years beginning in 1855, in different parts of the country, with the central authority absolutely ignorant of the fact. Dr. SIMON'S prime remedy for the amendment of this state of things lies, as might bo expected, in the union of jurisdiction. It is before all things necessary that there should be one con- solidated health authority in every district. The local magnates who have control in the matter of nuisances, and those who are supreme over sewers, ought not to be two distinct bodies, but one. The same power should have jurisdiction over paving, lighting, labourers' dwellings, burial grounds, and the many other local arrangements which are now under the control of different corporations. In the next place the country ought to be thoroughly divided into dis- tricts. Cities and towns with municipal governments are now "health-areas" under the management of the Town Council, and these would not be interfered with. But in the case of those numerous places which have no proper sanitary government, Dr. SIMON would identify the health districts with the poor-law divisions, and entrust both departments -health and destitution—to the same authority. The poor-law districts present many advantages for sanitary purposes. The Registrar-General's statistics of births, deaths, and population are regulated by these divisions, and thus the net good brought about by proper health provision could always be calculated. More important still, every union has its staff of omeers-clerks, visitors, and medical men. The Privy Council officer deems it better that these organisations should undertake the care of the public health than that new ones should be created for the purpose. Moreover, if a distinct sanitary system be formed, the medical functionaries would not, as they now are, be entirely distinct from the medical men connected with the poor law. Provided that occasional independent inspec- tion be obtainable, Dr. SIMON thinks that the poor- law doctor might act advantageously as the health doctor also. His arguments for uniting the two duties have much weight, the chief consideration on the other side being that the double functions may involve an excess of labour and divided atten- tion which would b. prejudicial to the full performance of either. But so difficult would it be to create a thoroughly efficient health organi- sation, independent of the poor-law authorities, that this plan will in all probability be adopted for future sanitary districts, those now in existence re- taining their present arrangements. The protec- tion of the public against the sale of adulterated and damaged food, the malpractices of water companies, offences under the Pharmacy Act, proceedings as to the diseases of domestic animals, and several other dutieo of the kind will require a proper judicial autho- rity; and this Dr. SIMON would entrust to magistrates at quarter sessions. Each of the borough and county courts ought to provide a public analyst to investi- gate matters affecting the water supply, adulteration and the like. The greatest benefit may be expected from these local improvements, but the reform of the central authorities is a question of no small importance. Dr. SIMON has many suggestions to offer, the chief of which are that divided power should, as far as possible, be abolished, and that the relations between one office and another should be more clearly defined. The returns sent up to the Imperial Government ought to be much more complete. These questions, with others relating to the distribution of central I sanitary work, are at present being considered by the Ministers whose departments they specially concern. It is to be hoped that the Government will not rest satisfied, but will proceed to the more important work of reforming local jurisdiction. There is much to be done before the health adminis- tration of the country is in a really efficient state but the difficulties are all matters of detail. Thelaws have been passed, and the i, ur of putting them into thorough operation cannot be insuperable

THE FRENCH EMPEROR'S ILLNESS. THE agitation which has been created throughout France by the mysterious illness of the EIIPKKOII is a remarkable and instructive phenomenon. It may safely be asserted that such a panic would be impos- sible in any other country in the woiid. In England the news that a great statesman was on the point of death might produce a widespread feeling of sorrow; but seldom, indeed, would it interrupt the course of public business. Nor would the dangerous illness of the Sovereign, though an occurrence of absorbing interest, give rise to any fear of national disaster. But in France a so called slight affliction of the Emperor has brought about a commercial, crisis which could be produced here only by very grave misfortunes. Day after day has the Paris Stock Exchange been a prey to the wildest excitement. Everything has gone down except bank shares." The French funds which rose steadily when the EMPEROR resolved on con- stitutional reform, have sunk rapidly to a lower price than that at which they stood when the new order of Government was proclaimed. Remarkable as is this state of fright, the explanation is rational enough. The EMPEROR is the main- spring of French society, and without him the whole machine would stop-with what results no one can tell. In England if one ruler disappears another rises bub the EMPKKOU NAPOLEON represents a form of government which arose and can be maintained only by himself. The essence of personal Government is that the one man in whom it is vested should be equal to tap control of the State; and after the EMpERon there is but a ■ woman and a child. It may be that this illness affords no real ground for alarm; but the French people may well be excused for giving way to fear. The sovereign is getting into years, constitutional government exists at present only on paper, and a powerful Republican party may be expected to seize thefirst opportunity of trying for supreme power. In the prospect of such a contingency there is but one thing that can reassure the peoplG-the appear- ance of the EMPEEOII in public. Many days hav-e elapsed since the agitation first commenced, but the sovereign has not been seen out of doors. The occur- rence is fraught with instruction. It ought to convince tlife EMPEROR that whatever might be possible in former times, arbitrary rule is out of date in a great and highly-civilised community. With the rule of the people the death of the Sovereign merely means the removal of one item in the Government. The rest of the organisation goes on, and the vacant place is soon filled up. But the death of NAPOLEON would mean the destruction of the whole Government, leaving the system to be built up again from the beginning. Alliance between the head of the State and those constitutional aids which are now in request all over the world, seems an indispensable requisite of the time.

(FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) LONDON, THURSDAY. Some years ago when Prince Napoleon made his celebrated Ajaccio speech, which drew down upon him the wrath of the Emperor, one of his confidential advisers in Paris asked me if I could direct public attention to this spcech, as his Imperial Highness was very anxious to make a taiage. There was no need of any assistance to produce that result. The speech made "row" enough in all conscience, and led to his Highness's eclipse for some. thing like four years. I am reminded of the incident by the fact that the Prince has mac1e another and still more reo markable speech, and that this time he has not only incurred no rebuke, but is by common consent looked upon as the coming man should his cousin succumb to the rheumatism" which is now twinging every Bourse in Europe. The Prince who was thus prematurely anxious to get talked about is a very able man. In face he is the very image of his famous relative the First Napoleon; but he is much taller. He has frequently visited England, and took part in the festivities of the International Exhi- bition of 18G2. He is 47years of age to-day, and his marriage with the Princess Clotilda, daughter of the then King of Sardinia, was the first move of that diplomatic game which led to the victories of Magenta and Solferino, the establishment of the Italian Kingdom, and the revindi- cation of Nice and Savoy. Prince Napoleon held an important command in the Italian war of 1850, but he contrived to be just in time to be too late for the final battle. I was travelling in Italy at the time (finding it, by the way. extremely difficult to get out of the country, all the railways being seized by the Govern- ment for the conveyance of troops), and I well remember tho ridicule which was poured down upon Prince" PIon. plon," as he was nicknamed. He is certainly more of a statesman than of a soldier, for not only was he late at Solferino, but he threw up his command in the Crimea. Should he come to the throne, I suspect that one of his first acts will be to withdraw the French troops from the Papal States, and allow his father-in-law and the Pope to arrange matters by themselves. Was Mrs. Stowe's article on Lord Byron intended to make a tapage? If so, the purpose for which it was written has been entirely fulfilled. Mr. Grove, of the Crystal Palace and of the Palestine Exploration Fund, has signalised his accession to the editorial chair of Mac. millan., Magazine by an event which has brought the September number-to a fourth edition within a week of publication. It was rather a bold stroke. When the announcement of the article was first made the solicitors of Lord Byron's representatives waited upon the pub. lisher and besought him that it might be stopped. When he refused their request they endeavoured to get a legal injunction, but were unable to do so. And thus the terrible narrative saw the light, and thus everybody is reading it, and everybody is denouncing its authoress. I never remember such a unanimity of opinion on a question of ethics. In the United States, where the article appeared at the same time as in Eng- land, the condemnation of Mrs. Stowe is far more vehe- ment and emphatic even than in England. Speaking of Mr. Grove, I may call attention to his own article in the present number of the magazine, The New Testament under a New Aspect." It will, as he says, startle many persons to know that the story of the woman taken in adultery recorded in St. John's Gospel is not found in either of the three chief manuscripts, the Vatican, the Alexandrine, and the Sinaitic, nor indeed in any manu- scripts until the middle of the 5th century. How it got into our present Bible, is a question which Mr. Grove has not answered. In connection with the Dyron scandal I may mention that the remarkable article which appeared in the Times on Monday week, aoccepting all Mrs. Stowe's state- menta, was written by the Hon. Mrs. Norton. It was written during the absence of Mr. Delane, and but for that circumstance would probably not have appeared. At any rate there appeared a few days later in the same paper a Jeading Ilrticled a very different purport, and admitting that there was a good deal to be said on the other side. Let me add here that the authorship of the famous letter by An Amateur Critic," on Formosa," which appeared in the Times, is attributed generally to Mr. John Oxenford. This may seem remarkable, considering that Mr. Oxenford is the regular dramatic critic of that journal, and that in that capacity he had spoken favourably of the play. But, here again, it was necessary to effect a modification in order to harmonise with the popular tone. One scandal drives out another and Mr. Boucicault has been put into the shade by Lord Byron. Have any of your readers noticed the large number of lady writers now writing in the magazines ? Gone over to the women" is the cry raised afresh nearly every month by some jealous males. For instance, at the present time the St. James's Magazine is edited by Mrs. Riddell, authoress of "George Geith;" the Argosy is edited by Mrs. H. Wood, authoress of "East Lynne," and both ladies are writing several tales in Ttnsleifs Magazine. Miss Yonge, authoress of the "Heir of Redclyffe," is editing the Monthly Packet. Mrs. S. C. ITall assists in editing the Art Journal. Mac- millan's Magazine contains, besides the article by Mrs. Stowe, "A Brave Lady," by Mrs. Craik (Miss Muloch), authoress of John Halifax;" Estelle Russell," by Miss Olney; Children's Literature," by Miss Yonge Lady Duff Gordon," by the Hon. Mrs, Norton. The' story in Temple Bar, '"Red as a Rose is She," is by a lady. Miss A. B. Edwards is the authoress of the principal story in Good Words, "Debenham's Vow." Miss Emily Davies has an article in the Contemporary Review. which used to be par excellence a man's .magazine. The writer of the article on "Bells," in the Churchman's Shilling Magazine is Miss Stothert, of Bath. Nor is this the only field in which women are elbowing men out of the way. The first are now competing with the second for private secretaryships. The private secretary of Sir diaries Lyell is a lady, who is preparing a popular edition of his great work. Sir Francis Goklsmid, M.P. for Reading, has a lady secretary, known in the literary world as the translator of Schleiermacher. Who will now say that women are deprived of their rights? Relating to magazines I may mention that Mr. Edward Spender will have an article on Defoe in the October number of Meliora, and that Mr. Towns- heud Mayer's story in the Churchman's Shilling Magazine, The Trials of Margaret Brandreth," will be brought to a close in the October number, and will be succeeded in November by a short story from- the authoress of Son and Heir and Kings- ford." Mr. Mayer will probably retire from the editorship of this magazine shortly, and will in that case transfer his services to another periodical of a similar character. He will be accompanied by several of the present, contributors to the first-mentioned monthly. The change is induced in some measure by the dissolution of partnership which takes'place between Messrs. Houlston and Wright. the publishers of the magazine. Mr. Houlston, sen., died a short time ago, and Mr. Wright leaves the firm. The latter gentleman has given a large sum for the copyright of Ince and Gilbert's outlines of history. There are about ten of these little volumes including the histories of England, France, Scotland, Greece, Rome, &c..and the sale of some of them has been enormous. That of the first, I believe, is about 400,000, and the Sultan of Turkey has recently ordered 500 copies. A history of Ireland is to be added to the series. Still on literary subjects, I may state that the author of the tourist's sketches of Switzerland in the John Bull is Mr. Cobb, whose interesting articles on Russia, which appeared some years ago in the Western Morning NCKS and the Churchman's Family Magazine attracted a good deal of notice at the time. Another item is that the partnership between Messrs. Elliott and Vizetelly, pro- prietors of Echoes of the Clubs, has been dissolved, and that Mr. Robinson, of Oxford, no longer writes for that paper. Another is that the penny Conservative journal Britannia has been purchased by Mr. Chambers, of the English Churchman. Lastly, let me call your readers notice to the the interesting article on "Alnwick Castle," in this month's Art Journal. Of new books I have not much to say this v. t Russia. appears to be the favourite country for literary travellers just now. While Mr. Hep- worth Dixon is travelling in one part of the empire, and Sir Charles Dilke in another, Mr. M. D. Conway, a frequent contributor to the Fortnightly Review, has fore- stalled them, and will very shortly publish his notes. Mr. Maclear's volume in Macmillim's Sunday Library, The Apostles of Midiseval Europe," is published to-day. Messrs. Longman and Co.'s announcements for the new season include an illustrated edition of the Lord's Prayer, by F. R. Pickersgill, R.A., and the Brothers Dalziell; "Fairy Land," a child's book, illus- trated by Richard Doyle; the "History of the Norman Kings of England," by Mr. Thomas Cobb the concluding volumes of Mr. Froude's History of the Reign of Elizabeth a new biography of Albert Dnrer, by W. B. Scott; new editions of Aristotle's Ethics and Hume's works; a book of travels in the Pampas of South America, by Richard Seymour; a Welsh history by Jane Williams The Mythology of the Aryan Nations," by George Cox The Geology of England and Wales," by Mr. D. Mackintosh, F.G.S. Students Manuals of Irish and Indian history, the first by M. F. Cusack, the second byCol. Meadows Taylor;" The Life and Letters of Faraday," by Dr. Bence Jones, and the" Life of Oliver Cromwell," by J. A. Andrews. Finally, in this department of my letter I have to record, with regret, the death, from fever, of Mr, Edward Wood at the early age of 30. Mr. Wood was the author of Curiosities of Clocks and Watches," "Giants and Dwarfs," and "The Wedding Day in all Ages and Countries," and was a joint author of the "History of Clerkemvell." His writings were certainly not very original, but they displayed much industry. Ecclesiastical matters come next upon my list. The translation of Bishop Wilberforce to Winchester is now taken for granted on all sides, and the income, it is added, will be JE10,500, or more than that of London. In reality, the income will be £7,000. It may fairly be asked if the Church would not have been better served by the division of this enormous diocese, and a division of the old income. The see of Winchester in- cludes the whole of London south of the Thames, except, I believe, Stratford, which, being in Essex, was transferred to the diocese of Roches ter when Dr. Claughton succeeded Dr. Wigraiu. It includes also Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and the Channel Islands—a jurisdiction clearly beyond the capacity of one man, be he even as efficient as Dr. Wilberforce. There is still nothing definitely Blatcu about the new Bishop of Oxford, but I have heard nothing to alter my belief that the Master of Balliol will he chosen. The Bishop of Bath and Wells has now definitely resigned, so that Mr. Gladstone has virtually three mitres to bestow. Bishops Gilbert and Phillpotts make no sign, and it is understood that the latter, at all events, mean- to continue the administration of his huge diocese from b, bedroom at Torquay. I have not yet heard who wih 'succeed Lord Auckland, but I believe Mr. Gladstone will on this occasion select a Cambridge man, the new Bishops of Salisbury, Winchester, and Oxford beiin: Oxonians. Among those whose names are most in favour are Canon Cooke, of Exeter; Dr. Barry, formerly Head Masterof Cheltenham, and recently appointed Principal or King's College, London Dr. Thompson, who succeeded Dr. Whewell as Master of Trinity College; and Archdea con Bickersteth, the Prolocutor of the Lowe. House of Convocation. Canon Miller would atari-! a good chance if it were not for the far! that it is the Cantabs' turn to have mitre. In making his appointments Mr. Gladstone wii; be guided by the prevailing theological tone of the diocese Salisbury is an essentially High Church diocese, a' <! therefore the selection of Dr. Moberiy for that see was appropriate. Bath and Wells is not very pronounced on either side, saving that Bath is almost entirely under the control of Simon's Trustees, and, therefore, so far as thr* city is concerned, a Low Churchman would iji- preferred. It is possible, however, that Carlisle will fad vacant before long, and that Dr. Miller may be reserved for that diocese which is, perhaps, next to Manchester the most thoroughly" evangelical" in the kingdom. The Ritual Commissioners have not yet finished their labours. But they have agreed to recommend a new Lectionary, the division of the services, short services 0)' week days, so that men of business may attend them, »n<i an alteration in the Burial Service. They have not entered upon questions of doctrine, but in selecting ne .v lessons have taken the advice of the Divinity Professors. They have also determined to call attention to the sale of livings and to the scandal caused by the non-retirementof aged and incapacitated incumbents. The site for the new Roman Catholic cathedral has been bought, but Archbishop Manning has determined that. hf will not lay a single stone until he has sufficient funds in hand to make great progress with the work. He does not expect to see the building erected in his lifetime. The architect is the Archbishop's nephew. Another Hotnn. Catholic prelate well known in Rome, Mgr. Nardi, is now in England, and has just been establishing in Kensington a confraternity of Peter's pence. Of art matters the principal topic is the International Exhibition of 1871. The preparations are now so far advanced that the publication of particulars is authorised. The exhibition will be held in South Kensington, opened on May 1, and closed on September 30. It will be the first of a series. The articles exhibited will be of a less miscellaneous description than in previous exhibitions, and will be confined to the most important products of our own and other countries. A certain space will be allotted to each nation exhibiting, and English Commissioners will select from the articles submitted to their choice. There will be no prizes, but every exhibitor will have a certificate stating that he has had the privilege of admission. There will be ten distinct classes, and each year will be more especially devoted to a spocial class. Eighteen hundred and seventy-one will be a fine art year. Subsequent years will be devoted to mechanical inventions, manufactures, &c. Thus every years's exhibition will be different until 1881 brings round again the same class as will be exhibited in 1871. The site of the Exhibition will be on the ground originally purchased by the Commis- sioners of the Exhibition of'1851. There will be a glass cloister on three or four sides of the Royal Horticultural Gardens communicating with the Albert Hal], which is now fast approaching completion. Thus Mr. Cole will once more have the pleasure of seeing Albert Land thronged with a motley crowd of all nations. I mentioned in a former letter that this had been one of the worst years ever known for artists, and yet it has been the best year ever ever known for the chief of our picture exhibitions. In 1868 the sum taken at the doors of the Royal Academy was about £11,000. This year it was nearly £20,000. The receipts averaged nearly £2.30 a day. There are to be two winter exhibitions tlij9 year one as before at the Dudley Gallery (Egyptian Hall), the other close by, at the Old Bond-street gallery. The latter exhibition is being got up by the gentlemen who opened the supplementary exhibition of rejected pictures. Still on art matters, I may mention that the Queen has presented to the Royal Academy the bust of herself, executed by the Princess Louise; that Mr. Durham has completed the Leigh Hunt memorial, which will be openet1 on October 19, and that the omnivorous South Kensing- ton Museum is going to devour the National Portrait Gallery. A very bold inventor, Mr. G. W. Jones, of Essex- street, Strand, occupies nearly a column and a half of the smallest type in. the Times to describe a marvellous pro- ject which he styles Universal Penny Railways." The principal features of his scheme are that all the main lines running from London shall be trunk lines and 011 each of them, at the most convenient positions, and averaging about sixteen miles apart, a. turnpike or stop-station will be erected. Every passenger, at starting, will pay one penny (or 3d. second class, or 6d. first class), and for that payment he will be conveyed as far as the first turnpike orstop-station (alight- ing at any intermediate station) on the trunk line. If the passenger proceeds beyond the turnpike or stop station he has to pay again (the same toll, Id. or 3d. or 6d.), and pursues his journey to the next turnpike or stop station, with the right of leaving the train at any intermediate station and so on throughout the entire length of the trunk line. The third class passengers will not have tickets, but will merely pass through a turnstile and deposit their pennies on passing. As this class is two-thirds of the whole number of pas- sengers, a considerable cost now incurred in printing, issuing, and collecting tickets will be saved. Th" railways will become the property of the nation so that there will be no intricate cross accounts to be kept. There will be fast trains run- ning at double the ordinary speed, and double the ordinary fare. There will be no excursion trains, the ordinary fare being so low as to render them unnecessary. As it would not be possible to purchase the whole of th" B500,000,000 worth of railways at once, Mr. Jones would have the Government buy up the Irish lines, and also a few of the principal English lines, such as those from London to Holyhead and Edinburgh. Mr. Jones is clearly a firm believer in his plan, for his advertisement in the Times must have cost him some £25. Lovers of the Christy Minstrels may like to know that the Christy Minstrel Hall at St. James's Hall, London, has been newly decorated, and has new scenery. Among other miscellaneous topics I may mention that the Seyssel Asphalte Company are now laying down one of their pavements in front of the War Office that Mr. Benjamin Edgington, the well-known tentmaker has just died, leaving a very large fortune, and that there is likely to be a very sharp contest for the Lord Mayoralty of London, on account of Mr. Lawrence's intention to offer himself for re-election. As Mr. Lawrence is M.P. for Lambeth, his friends think that it will be useful to have a Lord Mayor who will be in the House of Commons when the proposed reform of the metropolitan corporations comes on. Mr. Gladstone is gone to Raby Castle, to stay with the Duke of Cleveland, and so an end is put to the rumour „f his serious iliness

2tataI JitMIipita. ACCIDENTALLY D it OWNED.—On Monday a seaman, named Andrew Gerald, 20 years of age, belonging to the ship C. H. Soule, of St. John's, New Brunswick, was walking up the quay by the East Dock, when he slipped and fell into the dock. His body was grappled for, and after some time recovered, but life was extinct. An in- quest was held in the evening before Mr. R. L. Reece, when a verdict of Accidentally drowned'' was returned. BICYCLE RIDING.—As an instance of the advantages possessed by persons who take their exercise on bicycles we may mention a case which has been brought under our notice of three gentlemen leaving their business here at 5-45 p.m. on Wednesday evening, two of them arriving at Cowbridge at 7'20, partaking of refresh- ments, starting on their return journey at nine p.m., and arriving in Cardiff, after considerable leisure on the road, at about 11 p.m., and, we are assured, feeling not at all fatigued. ACCIDENTS. — Two serious accidents occurred on Thursday. In Whitmore-lane, a boy named Joseph Power was run over by a Hansom cab and severely hurt. Dr. Louis, who happened to be passing at the time, pronounced that the boy had sustained fracture of the hip bone, and he was taken to the Infirmary.— A boy employed at the new post-office building in St. Mary-street, fell from the scaffolding, and, in addition to other injuries, had one leg broken. CASUALTIES TO SHIPPING.—On Saturday a collision occurred in the channel, off Morte, between the Chanti- cleer, barque, from Cardiff to Havanna, and a brig which the captain of the Chanticleer believes was the Julia or Julius from Workington for Cardiff. The Chanticleer sunk soon after the collision in Ilfracombe bay, and the spot is indicated by the topmasts which are out of the water. Some of the sails have been recovered. The screw-steamer St. Bede, which left the Thames on Friday last for Cardiff laden, is reported to have gone on the Malphin Sands. MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY.—The following report of the committee of management will be presented to a general meeting of shareholders at the company's offices, Newport, on Wednesday next. The committee much regret to announce the untimely decease of Mr. Powell, in whom the company have lost a very able and energetic director. The requisite state- ments of receipts and expenditure on the capital and revenue accounts, and of other statistics, for the half- year ending on the 30th June, 1869, are annexed there- to:—Revenue account—The traffic receipts (inclusive of canal tolls) are £67 less than the preceding half-year, and £6,929 more than in the corresponding half-year in 1868. The receipts were for the half-year ending 30th June, 1869:—Gross traffic receipts, £73,289; working expenses, £34,903; net earnings, £38,386. The outlay under the relaying account has been credited with A'6,000, transferred from the net revenue account. The average rate of interest on the total amount of bor- rowed capital is £4 12s. 4d. per centum per annum. After placing £1000 to the account of debts due from sundry freighters, of which debts the recoverable amount has not yet been ascertained and £1000 to the reserve fund account; the net revenue account shows that there is a balance of £22,483; and as that sum will (less Income-tax) yield a dividend at the rate of £5 per centum per annum on the preferential stock, (in amount £7,695), and a dividend at the rate of £4 per centum per annum on the ordinary stock and shares, and a balance of £718 to be carried to the next half-yearly ac- count, the committee recommend that those dividends be declared and made payable on the 5th of October. A contract has been entered into with Mr. Joseph Fir- bank, for constructing and completing the Cwmfrwy- dore and Cwmnantdu branch rail >■ ays by June 30th, 1870. In the course of last half-year the committee arrived at the conclusion that the services of Mr. Sayer, the engineer, could be dispensed with, and econo- mical alterations made in the engineering department; in furtherance of this the committee have made the alterations, and placed that department under Mr. Har- rison, the general manager; the result will be a saving of about JE500 per annum in salaries and wages as com- pared with the amount prior to 1869. ROATH LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.—The ordinary monthly meeting of this body was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. C. Pearson in the chair. There was also present, Messrs. J. Thomas, J. Evans, Rees Enoch, J. R. Thomas, and R. Meyrick. At the last meeting the surveyor was requested to advertise for tenders for the carrying out of private improvements between Oakfield- street and Partridge-road. Tenders were now opened which had been received from Mr. Gibbs, Messrs. Cooper and Day, Mr. M. Donovan, and Messrs. Smith and Pring. The tender of Mr. P. Gibbs, being the lowest, was accepted.—A letter was read from Mr. Page, with reference to the nuisance in Back-lane, caused by garden refuse. Mr. Page denied that it was caused by him, and complained of the manner in which the scavenger did his work. The nuisance had, however, been removed, and no further notice was taken by the Board.—The Collector reported that during the last month he had collected JE215 lis. 5d.—The Surveyor reported that the flushing of the sewers in Splottland had been effected periodically, and had been attended with satisfactory results, and he recommended that a man named James Dibble be appointed to look after the flushing at a salary of £6 a year. This proposition was adopted.—The Surveyor also reported the new sewer in Splottland was progressing satisfactorily, and notice was directed to be served, that it would be necessary to carry it through the garden of the Great Eastern Hotel. He also said that the private improvements should be carried out in System-street, and notices to that effect .were ordered to be served upon the owners and occupiers. The paving in Constellation-street was nearly comple- ted, one side being already done. With reference to Meteor and Eclipse-streets, it would be necessary to raise the streets to suit the level of the houses, which was ordered to be done. There was no other business. THE DESERTION OF SEAMEN.—We have been favoured with a copy of some correspo dence which has recently passed between a shipmaster and the Board of Trade in reference to a decision by our stipendiary magistrate, Mr. R. O. Jones. In August last, Captain Buchanan, of the Morning Light, it seems, shipped a number of men in London, and paid them a month's advance. The ship came round to Cardiff, and while in this port three of the men deserted. They were afterwards captured and brought before Mr. Jones. The captain produced the ship's register, articles, and other neces- sary documents, but as he was unable to swear that he had seen the prisoners sign the articles, and had no witness present to prove the fact, Mr. Jones decided that the case must be dismissed—at the same-time, if we remember rightly, recommending the captain, if he desired to substantiate any future cases of desertion, to attend at the Shipping Office when the articles were being signed and witness the signing. Last week Captain Buchanan received the following letter:— DISCIPLINE OF SEAMEN. Board of Trade, Whitehall, Sept. 1, 1869. SIR,-I am directcù by the Board of Trade to a?k?ow18dge the receipt of your .leiter of the 7th ,ultImo, complammg of the decision of the lllagIstrate at CardIff 1ll the ease of some seamen of your vessel, the Morning Light," whom you had charged before him with desertion. In reply, I am to inform you that this Board are advised that nnder the circumstances they can- not interfere in the decision of the magistrate. I am to observe that had you produced some witness who could have proved that the seamen in question were among the number of those whfl executed the agreement, it is possible that the case would have assumed a different aspect.—I am, Sir. your obedient servant, THOMAS GRAY. The letter substantially approves of Mr. Jones's deci- sion, and British captains would therefore do well to make a point of being present when the ship's articles are being signed, otherwise they may find themselves without legal aid in punishing deserting seamen. SaDDEN DEATH.—On Saturday last an old man named John Cresswell, 78 years of age, living in Christina- street, died very suddenly. He had been suffering some time from asthma, but his dentil was not expected. TESTIMONIAL TC A RAILWAY ENGINEEII.—Tbe employ- ees of the Tail Vale Railway Company have subscribed upwards of £ 100 for the purpose of presenting Mr. Tomlinson with a suitable recognition of the respect in which he has been held during the many years he has occupied the position of superintending engineer in the locomotive department. Mr. Tomlinson has lately re- signed his engagement under the company, and the testimonial will mainly consist of well selected books. THE WESLEYAN DAY SCHOOLS IN WORKING STREET.— Her Majesty's Inspector examined the above schools in July last. The following government report, which has just been received, will afford satisfaction to all interested in the progress of the schools, and reflects great credit on the teachers, Mr. Woodward and Miss Upright: Boys—This school is making satisfactory progress. The attendance is increasing, and the boys have passed a very good elementary examination. The upper classes have also done decidedly well in geo- graphy. Girls—This school has passed a very good examination in the ordinary standards, and the older girls have also shown a satisfactory knowledge of geography. YET ANOTHER STABBING CASE.—On Sunday evening another case of stabbing occurred in Cardiff, the victim being an Irish American who was dangerously stabbed in the thigh. It appears that the wounded man and another American named Hall, a seaman belonging to the Eastern Empire, a large ship lying in Penarth dock, were sitting, together with about a dozen other men, in the tap-room of the Elephant and Castle public-house, Bute-terrace, when Hall suddenly rose, and drawing a spring knife, deliberately stabbed Carol in the thigh, inflicting a wound more than two inches in depth. In the excitement of the moment Hall escaped and has not been captured. The cause of the outrage is said to have been jealousy, Hall having seen Carol in company with a young woman he is said to be very fond of. Carol had once before been warned that he would be knifed" by Hall if he was not care- ful. In his haste to escape Hall dropped his knife, which was picked up and given to a constable. The wounded man is recovering. DEATH OF Mr. J. HARTLAND.—We regret to have to announce the death of Mr. J. Hartland, architect, of this town, which took place on Tuesday, at his resi- dence, Wellington-terrace. Some years ago Mr. Hart- land had a severe attack of rheumatic fever, and although he ultimately recovered so as to be able to follow his profession, he ever afterwards suffered from heart disease, from which he has died. Deceased was in partnership with his father, who still survives, and to their professional skill we are indebted for many of our modern places of worship. He leaves a widow and four children, and what makes their bereavement the more distressing is the fact that the day previous to his death, Mrs. Hartland gave birth to a daughter. Deceased was greatly respected in the town, and much sympathy is felt for his widow and family by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. NEW LODGE OF FORESTERS.—A new Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters, was opened on Wednesday week, at the Hope Hotel, Maindy. The usual forms appointed for such occasions were ably conducted by the district officers, who were supported by a good attend- ance of officers and members from the various Courts in Cardiff. Under the guidance of the officers of the opening Court (Ruperra, No. 3360), it is confidently an- ticipated that the new Court will become a very pros- perous one. After the initiation of members and the general business of the evening had taken place, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honoured. The toasts of the District Officers," The Officers of the opening Court," and the" Host and Hostess" were given and responded to by D C.R. Bro. Pinner, J. Keenan, secretary of Court 33G0, and Bro. W. Lamb. The chair was filled by Bro. E. L. Pinner, D.C.R.; and the vice-chair by Bro. George D. Jenks, D.S.C.R. Con- viviality,brought a very agreeable evening to a close. MARRIAGE OF THE REV. D. PARKER MORGAN.—The marriage of the talented and popular curate of St. Mary's, Cardiff, was the occasion of unusual festivities at Tredegar, on Tuesday. St. George's Church presented quite an attractive scene, being beautifully decorated with floral designs and arches, and filled with a fashion- ably dressed congregation. The parsonage gates, Sirhowy bridge, and other parts of the town were orna- mented with arches and evergreen decorations, and the greatest interest was taken in the event by the towns- people generally, on account of the respect entertained towards both the bride and bridegroom—the former being Miss Sarah Leigh, daughter of Dr. Leigh, of Llanvabon. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Canon Leigh Morgan, of Cardiff, assisted by the Rev. J. Leigh, uncle of the bride, and the Rev. L. T. Rowlands, Llangeitho. The bridesmaids were six in number—Miss Morgan, sister to the bridegroom Miss Bassett, Pontypridd; Miss Evans, Cardiff; Miss Waters, Sirhowy House; Miss Jones, Blackwood; and Miss Jackson. The groomsmen were—Dr. Brown, Mr. R. M'Donald, Mr. Angel, and, best man, Mr. T. Morgan, of Ross. The bride wore a dress of white corded silk, trimmed with white satin, wreath of orange-blossoms, &c., and bridal veil. The bridesmaids wore dresses of white grenadine, trimmed very prettily with blue satin, wreaths of convolvolus and tulle veils. A very hand- some dejeuner was served at the Parsonage in a style that ought to place Mr. J. Huggins amongst the best caterers for such events. The bridal cake was a mas- terpiece in the art of confectionery. The presents given to the bride filled two tables in the dressing-room, and were of the most costly description. The church choir presented a handsome silver butter-cooler and knife, and the Sunday school a beautifully-bound Bible. During the afternoon, the Tredegar band discoursed some cheering music on the lawn. The happy pair left at 5.46 by the Sirhowy Railway, en route for Malvern, where they will spend the honeymoon. THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD.—At a meeting of the National Eisteddfod Council at Holywell on the 2nd instant, present the Rev. J. Griffiths in the chair, Mi4 Hugh Owen, Gohebydd, Mr. P. M. Williams, the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Brinley Richards, and Mr. C. S. Cart- wright, the following resolutions were passed, viz., moved by the chairman, and seconded by Mr. Hugh Owen, that the council are desirous of availing them- selves of the present opportunity of acknowledging the patriotic conduct of Mr. Brinley Richards, displayed on all occasions, for his generous sympathy with the National Eisteddfod, and particularly for his great liberality in attending, free of charge and at great per- sonal sacrifice at the Eisteddfod at Holywell held for the purpose of liquidating the liabilities which at present hinder the success of the ancient institution of the Principality. Moved by the Hon. Secretary, and seconded by Gohebydd, that the best thanks of the council be tendered, and are hereby accorded to the committee of the Holywell Eisteddfod for their exer- tions and business-like arrangements in bringing the meeting yesterday to a successful issue, and for their generous resolution to hand over any surplus which might accrue to the funds of the National Eisteddfod. Moved by the Chairman, and seconded by the Hon. Secretary, that the thanks of the council be accorded to the Birkenhead Choir for their liberality in returning the prize of JE10 won by them at the Holywell Eistedd- fod towards liquidating the debt of our national in- stitution, and that this resolution be forwarded to their conductor, Mr. William Parry. Moved by Mr. Hugh Owen, and seconded by Gohebydd, that Mr. C. S. Cartwright be appointed general secretary to the Eisteddfod, in the room of Mr. P. Mostyn Williams, who has resigned the appointment, and has accepted that of hon. secretary. Moved by the Chairman, and seconded by Gohebydd, that the meeting of the council be held on the 4th or 5th of October next at the George Hotel, Shrewsbury, the preliminary business to be entered upon at 6 p.m. on the 4th October, and- to be resumed on the following day at 10 a.m. THE BRISTOL CHANNEL DOCKS.—Having paid a recent visit to the works in connexion with the Bristol Channel Docks, at Avonmouth, we are enabled to inform our readers as to the progress that has been mad., and the nature of the operations now going on in connexion with them. To an observer who merely casts a glance at the undertaking from one of the Port and Pier Rail- way trains, or from the river, it no doubt appears as if little had been done or is doina; but if the inquirer will be at the pains of going on to the works, he will find that substantial progress is being made. To begin with, we may state that some two or two and a half yards of excavation over an area of twenty-three acres has been accomplished, that draining sluices and other necessary provisions have been made, and that the main part has been done towards that which alone is needed to admit of greatly extended operations, the protecting barrier or wall. It will be obvious on a little reflection that before any continuous works could be carried on it was necessary to prevent all incursions of the tides. In order to do this it has been necessary to throw up an embankment sufficiently high to overtop the highest tides, and sufficiently substantial and solid to resist the always great strain of the tidal pressure. This, any one who goes and looks at it will see, has been a work of magnitude, but a few weeks, it is believed, will now complete it. Mr. Knox, the acting engineer, always foresaw that the throwing up of this breastwork, which assumes a horse-shoe form towards the Swash, would be an operation occasioning trouble, but we believe we are right in stating that the difficulties have been some- what greater than he and the contractor, Mr. Lawrence, anticipated. Whilst a good deal of the stuff excavated and thrown up to form the wall has been good hard sub- stantial clay, other, and those considerable, portions have been soft in character. It has therefore been nec- essary to give time for settling down, so as for the dif- ferent parts of the resisting barrier to solidity. These settlements have, of course, reduced the depths of the wall at points, and additional quantities have had to be thrown upon it, so as to insure the exclusion of the highest recorded tidal in-now. Time has been lost in this way, but if we understand the intelligent and obliging" engineer arightly, a really capital breastwork will result, within which the workers will be able to carry on their labours with impunity. Part of the tidal-lock has been laid out, and it is so arranged as to run out directly into the Swash-way, the points at the mouth of which are to be cut off and straightened, and (we believe) the mouth itself somewhat deepened. In anticipation of the speedy completion of the earthworks, a steam-engine has been brought to the docks, and will be followed by others, and looking to what the same en- gineers have accomplished elsewhere, wo expect in a very few weeks to find the Bristol Channel Docks j evincing more evident progress.—Bristol FJS'. RESIGNATION OF THE BISHOP CF BATH AND WELLS. The Guardian is authorised to state that the Bishop of Bath and Wells has sent in his resignation to the Arch- bishop of Canterbury. EXCURSION TO ILFRACOMBE.—On Monday the steamer Joe Hazel conveyed a party of excursionists, rather limited in number owing to the prevalence of a stiff breeze, to Ilfracombe. They encountered a very bois- terious sea and several smart showers. FLIGHT OF INSECTS.—On Monday morning tens of thousands of winged insects arrived at Cardiff, forming quite a cloud. On the approach of a sharp shower, and when the wind increased, they were beaten down, and thousands fell at the back of the Pioval Hotel and on the Cowbridge-road. A similar flight- of insects was witnessed a few days ago at Aberthaw. They are about the size of an ordinary spider. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Saturday last Mrs. Wat-kins, w:fe of Mr. W atkins, of the Old Public house, Llanishen, died after a very brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Emanuel, who died only six months ago, within a week of his son. Mrs. Wratkins has been married only six months, or a little longer. BANKRUPTS IN TUESDAY'S GAZETTE.—John Jones, Llangammarch, Breconshire, carpenter, September 21, Builth; Edmund Thomas, Trevethin and Penyrhewl, Monmouthshire, farmer, Sept. 27, Pontypool; John Thomas, Mynyddyslwyn, Monmouthshire, stonemason, Sept. 27, Pontypool. UNITARIAN CHURCH.—We are informed that an effort is being made by gentlemen holding Unitarian views, to establish a Unitarian Church in this town. Unitarian congregations have been established in manv smaller towns throughout South Wales, and it is considered that in a large town like Cardiff, there are probably people holding such views sufficiently numerous to sup- port a cause. THE Cnops IN SOGTH W..I..LEs.-This district, generally rather backward in harvest operations, owing to the mountainous character of some portions of it. is this year more forward than usual, consequent chiefly upon the remarkably fine weather of the last three weeks. Even on the hills and high lands of Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire, and Breconshire, the wheat is nearly all secured in excellent condition, and the crop every- where is described as a fair average one. On some light lands the yield will, perhaps, be less than usual, but, on the other hand, the produce of many localities where there is more fertile soil will exceed the average. There is still a considerable area of cats and barley, partly uncut and partly on the ground, waiting to be gathered, but another fortnight will see the whole of it secured. The barley crop, according to general opinion, scarcely equals anticipations, while the crop of oats is tolerably good. The rains in the early part of last month had a most favourable effect upon the turnips and other root crops, which previously looked unpro- mising, and there is every probability of an ample sup- ply of food for cattle this year. ODD-FELLOWS' EXCURSION.—On Monday an excursion from Cardiff to Brecon took place. The weather proving rather unpropitious. the number of people who availed themselves of the trip were not so numer- ous as could have been desired. Brecon being an interesting Welsh town, situated in a fine locality, and the route to it being through a very romantic country, the projectors of the trip anticipated better support; but those who went had a pretty good day's enjoyment in visiting the places of interest in the town and its vicinity. On the way there, the train stopped, according to announcement, at the foot oi the Beacon mountains, to enable the more adventurous spirits, whose aspiration was to be considered genuine Alpine climbers, to reach the summit, and who, airer the departure of the train with their timid companions, gallantly began their ascent, notwithstanding a little rain and mist which soon enveloped them in its folds, so much so, that by and bye, the brave fellows began to lose sight of one another, and as for the view of the country from the top, that, it was unanimously agreed, could be better enjoyed on a future day, under brighter auspices. However, each a.e, like sheep, having gone astray, bethought himself of the Australian practice of cooey-cooeying" for his companion, and after a long trudge in the rain and mist—being thoroughly soaked in their tramp of four or five hours' duration over the mountain and wild country—they all eventually reached Brecon, footsore and weary, where they re- freshed the inner man, and ensconced the extremities of the outer in nice new and-warm pairs of stockings, procured at a Brecon hosier's, whose establishment they stormed on their arrival. The whole party returned to Cardiff without any further michap. having spent the day in a style that will long be re- membered by many of them. THE BUTE LODGE OF FREEMASONS, No. 960, held their ordinary meeting at the Consulate Chambers on Tues- day, but the evening's proceedings were rendered more than usually interesting on account of an official visit by the Provincial Grand Master, Bro. Theodore Mansel Talbot, who was accompanied by the Deputy-Prov. G.M. Bro. E. J. Morris, Bro. R. F. Langlev, P. Prov. G.S.W.; Bro. Thos. Hodge, P. Prov. G.S.W.. Bro. David Roberts, P. Prov. G. Registrar, Bro. E. J. Thomas, P. Prov. G. Dir. Cer., and numerous other officers of grand lodge past and present. The Worship- ful Master, Bro. Win. Willans, was supported by his Past Masters, Bros. W. H. Martin, P. Prov. G.S.D.. John Willans, P. Prov. G.S.D., Thos. B. Bell, Prov. G.S.W., and P. Bird, P. Prov. G. Reg Frederick Wire, Senior Warden, and James Hurman, Junior Warden, in addition to about forty other members of the lodge, which, although the youngest, is about the most numer- ous as well as best worked lodge in the province. Mr. H. L. Ward was initiated into the order, and Bros. J. D. C. Ward and T. Beddoes were passed to the second degree, both ceremonies being performed in a manner which elicited the warm eulogiums of the Provincial Grand Master. The sum of five guineas was voted from the funds of the lodge, upon the motion of P.M.'s John Willans and W. H. Martin, to the relief oi the widow of a late member of the lodge, and after the pro- position of two gentlemen for ballot at the next meet- ing, and other routine business, the lodge was closed, and the brethren, to the number of about fifty, ad- journed to the Windsor Hotel, where supper was pro- vided by Host Samuel Marks, the enjoyment of which was protracted till a late hour.

TREHERBERT. FATAL ACCIDENT.—An accident, which proved fatal, happened at the Bute Merthyr Colliery, early on Friday morning, the 3rd inst. As a young man named Wm. Price was following his occupation in the pit, a quan- tity of stones about a ton in weight fell on him, injur- ing him internally very severely. The poor fellow lingered till five o'clock the same evening when he died. RHONDDA VALLEY AND HIKWAIN JUNCTION RAILWAY.— A meeting of the directors of this line was held here last week. This line, though commenced, has been standing some time now, and as yet there are no signs of its being proceeded with. This line, when completed, will be very convenient to us in this valley.

NEATH. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A KEATH TRADEsMAN,-On Wednesday, the Town-hall was crowded by persons in- terested in the hearing of a charge preferred against Mr. Bartlett, jun., fruiterer and green-grocer, of Wrind-street. Mr. Thomas, from Mr. Kempthorne's, appeared for the defendant; and Mr. Payne for the prosecution. The prosecutrix, a girl about 14 years of age, in her examina- tion, deposed that on Sunday morning she was lighting the fire, when the defendant came down stairs in his shirt and trousers, and behaved indecently towards her. She did not scream, being too much frightened, but he held her wrists and acted improperly, till Mrs. Bartlett, his wife, came to her rescue.—John Beddoe, the girl's. father, deposed that on Sunday last he heard a noise at the house of the defendant, as of a man and his wife quarrelling, and shortly after his daughter came into. the house crying. He inquired of her what was the matter, but she made no reply, and it passed over till the evening, when he took her upstairs, and in the presence of her mother questioned her in reference to the cause of her crying and coming home. He also examined her, but found no bruises or scratches about her. From information he received, however, he went to Mr. Bartlett's house, and on taxing him with the offence he replied, "I am very sorry, Mr. Beddoe, it was only a bit of play. I hope you will forgive me, for I shall never do it again. I hope you will drop everything for the sake of my relatives." The witness replied that he would not let it drop, but would summon him. In cross-examination the witness stated that he was satisfied after what his daughter had said and after his examination of her that jio harm had been done, and he told Mr. Bartlett, sen. so. but on reconsidering the matter he had determined to bring the case before the court, and he consulted the superin- tendent in reference to it. His daughter's dress was not disordered nor torn, but her face was flushed and he knew by her countenance that something was the matter.-the eldest sister of the prosecutrix deposed that she was at home when her sister returned, and that Mr. Bartlett had offered her (witness) the whole of his shop if she would come back and live with him and his wife as she had done some months before with her sister. She told him that her father would not allow her to do so. In cross-examination by Mr. Thomas she stated that her sister never complained to her about Sir. Bartlett's conduct, and that she herself had nothing to say against Mr. Bartlett while she was living at the house.—Dr. Ryding was then called. He stated that he had examined the girl, and there was not the slightest mark upon her person. She was not at all injured, and the appearances showed that the offence defendant rras charged with had not been committed.—Mr. Thomas addressed the Mayor on behalf of the defendant, and wished to call the other servant, who was in the house only ten steps from the place where the offence was said to have been committed.—The Clerk said the Mayor's decision must be given m-Ft.—Alter the Bench had consulted, the Mayer stated that the defendant would be committed for trial on the charge of indecent assault.—Mr. Thomas declined to call the witness, but applied for the prisoner to be admitted, to bail.—His Worship granted the application, the defendant in £ 50 and one surety in £ 50.

DEAFNESS, XOlSES IN THE EAR. (TC.—Many persons inng-ine it useless to try anv remedy for these complaints. This is an Error. For many years BeiUr's Lis, eace oj Deaf- next has been used with unqucstionable efficacy. Ir. nr.s cured many, h1:<1 never faiis to give relief; is harmless, ea: ;iv applied. "lil causes no pain Sold in bodies Is. lid e-ch by all ch^nnsts; and 'he proprietor. J "un Pepper. 2'-i7, Tottenham '-omt-rotd .UIACTOR. A b. safely bv post for- IS stamps..Vent f- Ca -!ni, «Ir. X. WILLIAMS,"Chemist Bu:i! strec*, ;.ni Iv.w A:ad., 6384 J