The Cardiff Times

LATEST NEWS FROM L ASHANTEE. "I THE ALLEGED CS.CLARATI0N OF .W A R. DISCLiiMEHBY THE KING. The British and African Company's steamship Maleinba, which arrived in the Mersey on Thurs- day, brings further details of the Ashantee matter and the arrival of the Embassy from Alensah. The messengers arrived at Elmina on the 18th February, and told the Governor that the King was greatly surprised at the British pre- parations for war, as he had no intention of quarrelling, and the gold axe had been stolen from Coo:nassie. The general impression, however, is that the statement v.as altogether inaccurate, and t! at but for the prompt action of the Governor the difficulty would have become serious. The nature of the Governor's message in reply to the King's was not known, but it was thought not improbable that be VtOuld make a demand from King Mensah of a further portion of the in- demnity which was levied oa the Ashantees at the close of the last war, and of which only about one- third has yet been paid. The messengers further stated that the mother of King Mensah had threatened to commit suicide if he declared war, ) and this would probabJy lead to a civil war and I the banishment of the king. The gold mining company at Tacquah has suffered serious iuconvenience by the panic caused by the report that the Ashantees were on the march. All the French, and most of the Eng. lish workmen deserted, and took refuge at Axim, but before they went tiiey took away as much of the machinery as they could, and buried the remainder. The English miners, however, went back afterwards. The uetatchment of Houss3.S and guns which were sent to the Frah Lave been recalled, owing to the distance from the supports. The castle and the buildings all along the coast had been con- siderably strengthened with earthworks, etc., and native contingents are being formed at Wassab. It was expected that about 8,000 men would en- list. At Sierra Leone, on the 22nd February, a serious fire took place at a store there. A large quantity of petroleum was on the premises, and the whole block was completely destroyed. The epidemic of small pox at Bathurst still eXÍ8!,e.

GOVERNMENT INQUIRY IN RADNOUSMRTI. THE SALMON FISHERY LAWS. EVIDENCE OF SIR R. GREEN PRICE AND LORD ORMATHWAITE. A public enquiry int > the changes of the law, if any, which are required to remove the grievances to which it is alleged that the disturbance which occurred during the past winter, in calTYÎILó ont, or in defiance of the Salmon Fisho^i Acts, 1860 to 1878, are attributable, was held at the Severn Arms Hotel, Penybont, on Wednesday. Amongst those present were—the Inspectors of Fisheries (Mr Spencer Walpole and Professor Huxley), His Grace the Duke of Beaufort (chair- man of the Wye Board), Lord Ormathwaite, Sir llichard Green Price, Bart., M.P., S. C. Evans Williams, Esq., M.P.,Captain Otway, high sh^it Messrs B. D. Green Price, J. v<- >3evern> J. Hotchkiss, &c., &c. There was a '■> ■-i^nilance of tne public. ■^fr ,V1 -iaon, chief constable of the county, wa.a Jftued, and he stated that from November 4th, 1880, to December 'Jth, lSSU, there were twelve disturbances on the Wye and its tributaries, in which an aggregate number of at least 500 men took part. Sir Richard Green Price, who spoke from an | iutimaje kuowledge of the county for many years, said that the river, in his opinion. had been overnetted in the middle waters, so that the fish could not come up, having no peace night and day. The supply had decreased from 1801, Last year he had fished the river for salmon, and could hardly catch one, and found the river full of a coarse fish. The fishing by means of nets did not go on so iucessantly 40 or 50 years ago as it did at pre-ent. The construction of railways to Hereford had no doubt increased the demand, 'ihe abolition of night netting alone would not satisfy them, but he tl1ought; there ought to be an extension of the close time. There WàS no nigiit netting in the higher varts of the Severn, and why should their river be an excep- tion ? He had no personal iediug or interest whatever in the matter, and had not moved ill tbe r.,i1.tter until he became county member. To Mr C. 11. Lyne (re; ire entins; the middle pro- prietors) The netting of the middle waters Hag an iuj.xry. It would be a boon to do a.Nay with night netting; but he did not t..i¡¡k that alone would be l10 benefit to the general public. Spear- ing would not become very genemi on the river if allowed, as the 1\ ater ti. ould ollly rarely serve. If alio ed to spear, they could not take every fish. lhe Kebeccaices weut out in the close season, because, they argued, it was the only time when they could catch a fish. He hoped they ai in't suppose him desirous of pu ting a spear into the poachers' hands, but if their upper aud middle classes were conciiiated, they would exercise an influence vith the lower classes to stop these practices. For years the conservators had not had the couuteuance of the upper proprietors, who felt they bad not been fairly used. The fish went higher up the river in the close season tuan at other times, and on the upper parts of the tri- butaries poaching took place,anJ also on the Wye, He supported taking laspring with rod and line. There would be no difficulty in enforcing the law, and t'.ey could ome to a friendly arrangement with riparian owners of property like Lord 0,. mathwaite aud Mr Severn. The spear may be legalised in the upper waters, where the rocks began, and where netting 1\ as impossible. To Mr Lawrence (representing the Wye Board and the Duke of Beaufort): He had always voted in favour of bye-laws favourable to the upper pro- prietors. He was aware that some years since a great number of Dutchers and stop nets were removed from the river. Mr Aldrich Blake then commenced to cross- examine the witness, but Sir Richard declined to give evidence to the statd of things from time immemorial. Mr Blake also putting his questions in tiie form of statements, the Commissioners decided that he could not be allowed to do this, but give evidence himself. Lord Ormathwaite, Lord Lieutenant of Rad- norshire, said he confined himself to the general feeling of the people of the district. Ho should cot attempt to refer to matters from time im- memorial," as he had only known the county but about 15 years. He fl):!nl tne present laws quite in- operative aai very unpopular, and he saw little chance of their being enforced a3 they stood at present. He thought the prevailing feeling was in favour of ti e abolition of night netting in the middle and lower waters, of fishing with the spear during the season, and of catching laspring. The feeling was shared by all classes. The influence of the landlords and tenants woul I be sufficient to put an end to poaching. This influence was not at present exorcised, because they thought they had a grievance. lo Mr Lyne The landlords did not care for fishing, because they could not catch with nets or wit. rod and line. They could not see why the fish sho .Id be preserved for the people at the bot- tom of the river. He went by report, and had talked to all classes on the matter. To Mr Lawrence The conservators had a large staff of watchers. Twenty extra policemen were employed, because the chief constable declared that he could not be answerable for the county with the present force. There were no riotous proceedings afterwards. The spear was most easily used in the close season. He could not say if many inhabitants would be likely to pay a license to use the spear. The conservators should have powers to pass bye laws regulating the use of the spear. The conservators would receive. greater income if more articles were licensed, and could reduce the charge on rod and line to 10s 6d, and make a like charge tor using a spear. Catching laspring was not a very exciting sport, but they are vary good to eat. (Laughter.) It was before the Act was passed that he discovered this. (Continued laughter.) He had caught some six iuches long. The science of netting had improved considerably of recent years. The "grievance mongers" thought that the channel of the river had been contracted down below. To Mr Green Price: He had heard complaints of the conduct of the watchers, bat did not for- ward them to the board. Mr Aldrich Blake again commenced a cross- examination of the witness, but was stopped by the CommLsioners, Mr Percy Severn and other gentlemen also gave evidence, and the inquiry was adjourned to Rhay- ader, on Thursday.

THE ASSASSINATION OF THE CZAR. to" FIXTURE OF THE FUNERAL. REMOVAL OF THE BODY TO THE CHURCH. THE NEWLY-DISCOVERED MINE. ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday.—It is officially announced that the removal of the remains of the late Emperor to the Cathedral in the Fortress of Peter and Paul will take phca on the 19th inst. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS]. ST PETERSBURG, March 17.—The boJy of the Emperor was placed in the coffin yesterday and conveyed to the great church of the palace. The head of the coffiu was borne by the Emperor Alexander III. and the Grand Dake Vladimir, the shies being held by the other Grand Dukes and the Princes of Lauchtenberg and Oldenburg. The persons present iu the halls knelt as the pro- cession passel. On the arrival at the church the mass for tiie dead was celebrated. The remains will be solemnly removed to-morrow from the church of the palace to the Fortress ot S3. Peter and Paul, where they will lie in state. THE NEWLY DISCOVERED MINE. The excavation of the mine under Little Garden-street was continued on Thursday morn- iug. Work was discontinued during the night, A gallery has been found leading from the shop where the mine commenced to the centre of the street. Telegraphic wires are carried along the gallery. It has been decided to extract the mine from under the street, first saturating it with water. Various unknown liquids in bottles have been found, and also the elements for constructing a galvanic batter; The shop was taken in January by a peasant named Borouege, and a man and his wife named llozileff, who disappeared as soon as suspicion was aroused next door by the fact of the woman smoking cigarettes—a custom unusual in the peasant class. The police searched the house once or twice before discovering the mine. The Emperor and Czarewitch generally passed through this street on their way to and from the parades in the Michael Riding School.

THE PLAGUE IN TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Thursday.—Fifty deaths from the plague have occurred at the village of Redjeff, between the 6th and 11th iust., and eleven at Djagara.

CARMARTHEN WATER COMMITTEE. An adjourned meetiug of the water committee of the Carmarthen Town Council was held ou Thursday, the mayor presiding, there being pre- sent Alderman J. Rowlands, Councillors J. J. Joues, T. M. Davies, W. R. Edwards, W. J. Morgan, W. S, Spivey, E. A, Rogers, and W. Llewellyn. Mr J. JEXKTJJ JOXES, referring to last Thurs- day's lively meeting of the committee, a report of which appeared in the South TIra'«; Daily flews of Saturday, said he hoped that in future it would be thought advisable not to admit reporters to com- mittee meetings. At such meetings only questions of detail were &sked,and discussions took place v. hich could be of no interest to the public except to amuse them. At present they were becoming the laughing-stock of the whole country. Alderman ROWLANDS said that some years ago the press wete excluded from committee meetings. Since then an outcry was raised that the discus- sions were "hole and corner," and that certain things had been done which ought made public. To prevent recurrence of such an outcrv a r«,*o,luu was passed that reporters ba acju,ii,i«5a to all meetings, and since then it had been tacitly agreed that they should be. Mr SPIVEY said that was so. About 22 years ago the council resolved to admit reporters to all committees. Mr J. J OXES There is uo reason why that re- solution should not — The MAYOR (to the reporters) I hope you will not take this duwn- Mr J. J. JONES Ah that is it, you see. Mr SPIVEY I think you should leave it to their discretion. If the reporters are admitted, they must report just what they please. I think if every gentleman recollects that the press repre- sentatives are present, we would have uo more scenes. It would have a wholesome effect that way. If Mr Jones wants to bring it ou, he must move that that resolution be rescinded. The MAYOR That is what I say. This is out of order, and I don't want it to go out to the public that Mr Jones is opposed to the press. Mr T. M. DAVIES If Mr Jones moves to rescind that resolution, I wid move that the public be admitted. The MAYOR They have that right now. The matter then dropped. THE CONTROVERSY WITH THE SURVEYOR, The committee then proceeded to investigate the surveyor's accounts relating to the sinking of No. 2 well at the waterworks, a controversy hav- ing arisen at the list meeting between Messrs Spivey and Rogers and tiie surveyor as to tho cost of the work. On that occasion, Mr Rogers said the C'ht was £ 7(5, while tLe surveyor main. tained it was under £:!7. During au examination of the account-book produced by the surveyor, Mr ROGERS pointed out that the names of the workmen and the record of their work were in different handwritings, aud could not have been made at tile same time. Mr W. J. MORGAN said that charge meant that 8ince the meetiug that day week the accounts had bet-nfaisihed. lhat was the charge. The MAYOR did not understand Mr Rogers to make the charge. Mr J. JoKm asked whether the books might not be examined by Messrs Spivey and Rogers, who could report, so that the time of the com- mittee should not be wasted. Mr W, J. MORGAN protested against the pro- ceedings. If Mr Rogers meant that the entries were forgeries, he had better say so, and prove it. The inference was that the surveyor had been cheating the council. Mr SPIVEY No one used the word cheating- Mr RoGERs Except you. Mr SPIVEY (to Mr Morgan): You have come here to be very offensive, and you are offensive. Mr JONES Mr Rogers said he coald bring wit- nesses. Mr ROGERS said he was a heavy ratepayer, and it was hia duty to inform the public ho.v their money was speut. Mr J. J. JONES asked whether Mr Rogers con- sidered himself the only heavy ratepayer at that board. He paid through his tenants, and so was not a heavier ratepayer than others there. Mr LLEWELLYN said the complaint was that so much time was spent at that well. If the sur- veyor could show that the men had been other- wise employed part of the time it would be satis- factoiy. Mr ROGERS said that in December the Water Committee asked the surveyor for an estimate of the cost. He promised to prepare one, and sum- mon a meeting of the committee. Instead of that the committee were asked to visit the wells, and afterwards a paper was sent round for them to sign giving authority for the work being proceeded with. If the estimate had been properly presented be would baye said nothing about the matter. Mr J. JONES said that Mr Rogers was annoyed simply because he was not consulted, and not because the figures were what they were. The MAYOR saiu the estimates were ready on the 20th December, and were brought to two Council meetings, but a quorum ot members never would stay to examine them. Mr SPIVEY said the complaint wat that no meet- ing of the committee was called from December till March 10th, and the surveyor had first carried out the work, and then presented the plans. The MAYOR supposed he must take his share of the blame for not summoning a committee. Air W. J. MORGAN said that taking the sur- veyor's estimate of JE27 for labour and material, with about £9 for 22 days' labour of the engine- man and the coal, made a total of £35 odd, and not £76 as Mr Rogers had said. Mr ROGERS 1 adhere to my statement, and I ask that the engineman and waterman be sum- moned here to be examined. The MAYOR I can never sanction that. Mr J. JONES said it was a distinct charge against the surveyor of falsifying the entries. The MAYOR No, no don't go so far as that. Mr LLEWELLYN Mr Rogers did not say that. Mr ROGERS said Mr .Tones was very insulting. JVlr W. R. EDWARDS reminded the Mayor that Mr Rogers had said the entries were made for a purpose." Mr ROGERS denied saying so. Mr J. JONES said that Mr Spivey, than whom there was no one more competent at jthe com- mittee, had examined the accounts, and found them bear out the surveyor's statement. Mr RoczRS If my account is disputed, I shall insist upon having the men here. They will give us information. The MAYOB I dare say they will when they are asked, but I will never sanction that. Mr W. J. MORGAN I deny Mr Rogers' state- ment. I know the diary-man as well as he does. Mr LLEWELLYN You recommended him to the Council. Mr MORGAN That was before I knew him. The MAYOR I will not have a Star Chamber here. After some further discussion, Mr W, LLEWELLYN said he was satisfied the surveyor's figures were correct. Mr W. J. MORGAN moved "that the committee, having examined the accounts, were satisfied with the statement of the surveyor that £27 had been expended for material and labour." For the further information of the public he added a rider that the proportion of wages paid to the engine. man and the cost of the coal brought the total sum to J335 12s 10.J. Mr. J. JONES seconded. Mr ROGERS I ask that the engineman be sum- moned here. The MAYOR: I will not do that. Mr ROGERS: Then I hope the press will take note that you have refused. The MAYOR: I hope they will. No such reo quest has ever been made to a mayor before in my lifetime. Air ROGERS Then I have nothing more to do with it. Subsequently in the discussion, Air ROGERS stated ho har1 asked the engineman to keep a re- cord of the labour and material expended at the weils, so that the public might know what their water-rate ought to be. Mr J. JONES said that was a revelation. Ho put it to the committee whether any member had a right to make one servant of the Corporation a spy uuon others. ("No, no.") Mr'T, M. DAVIES regretted the absence of the pay sheets. The AIAYOB I gave orders for them, but the clerk 111 charge at the bank is not.at home. It is not my fault, so what are you bothering about them continually for ? Mr Rogers' amendment not being aecouded, that gentleman rose abruptly and left the room while the motion was being put, banging the door jifter him. Mr Morgan's motion and rider were then as. sented to. Mr SPIVEY said he was glad the matter was settled, It had given rise to a lot of nasty talk," which would now be at an end. The proceedings then terminated.

CHEPSTOW. AT THE PETTY-SESSIONS on Thursday—before Messrs W. iE. Seys, Hy. Clay, and R. P. Jen. kins—Richard Thomas, an employe at the Severn Tunnel works, was brought up in custody charged wiih stealing two fowls, value 5s, the property of Mr Edward Long, of Caldicot. Mr Clifton, of Bristol, defended. It appears that several persons had lost fowls, and complaint was made to P.C. Hardy, the vigilant and experienced constable in charge of that district, and after some days his suspicions fell upon the prisoner, and 011 visit- ing his house he found oue fowl ready cooked, and three others partially dressed for cooking. The constable gave his evidence in a most conclu- sive manner, and he was not at all put out by the cross-examination of Air Clifton. Ha was corro- borated by P.C. Close, and, after a speech from Mr Clifton, the magistrates consulted, the result being the sentencing of the prisoner to a month's imprisonment, with hard labour.—David Williams, Newchurch East, and Morgan Waters and Wm, Grey, Shirenewton, were charged with keeping dogs without a liceuce, and were each mulcted iu the sum of 233 3d.

CAERLEON. PETTY-SESSIONS.—At these petty-sessions on Thursday—before Mr J. James (chairman). Sir A. Mackworth, Bart., and Mr F. J. Mitchell— John Davies, who did not appear, was fined 20s or. in default, 14 days' hard labour for assaultiug his wife by striking her with a brush.—Alfred Williams, a young man, w as fined 10.J including costs, or, in default, seven days' hard labour for being drunk on the highway at Caerleon.—Wm. Jones was ordered to pay 2s 6d per week towards the maiutenance of the illegitimate child of Annie Thomas, of which she alleged him to be the father,—William Wingfield was, upon the evi- dence of P.S. Povall, fined JOs including costs for allowing two colts to stray on the highway at Caerleon.—Evan Jones, landlord of the King's Head Hotel, Caerleon, was fined 20s and costs for being drunk upon his own licensed premises on ¡ the 8th inst. P.S. Povall proved the case.— Several persons, summoned for non-payment of rates, were also dealt with by Pencil,

THE TIN TRADE AT ABERAVON: A correspondent telegraphs :—There is good news for the tin trade. The Afonvale Tiu >>. otks men, Aberavon, have gone iu at the old rates. Fettling will commence to-day (Thursday.)

SETTLEMENT OF THE COLLIERS STRIKE Arf1 DINAS. Twopence per ton used to be allowed the Dinas colliers for pushing the trams up the steep incline which leads to the working places. Last Saturday the allowance was stopped, and on Alonday the men stood out. On Tuesday the complication was amicably adjusted, au I on Weduesday the I colliers resumed operations"

THE PONTYPRIDD GUARDIANS AND SUNDAY CLOSING. At the Pontypridd Board of Guardians meeting on Wednesday, the Rev. D. W. Williams. Fair- field, presiding, a letter was read from the Sunday Closing Association, of which Air H. H. Vivian, M.P., is chairman, in which it was remarked:— You are aware that Air John Roberts, M.P., has secured an early day for the second reading of his Bill for the closing of public-houses on Sun- days in Wales. After the wonderful unanimity which was so recently shown by-the people of Wales in calling for that measure, it is obviously unnecessary again to send general petitions to Parliament in its support: but considering that opposition is not unlikely to arise outside the Principality, it is thought advisable to have as many petitions as possible from public bodies. The association went 011 to express a hope that tha Pontypridd Guardians would sign a petition which was enclosed ill favour of the Bill, and thus secure for Wales the boon which the inhabitants were 'so anxious to obtain. The chairman asked the members what their sentiments were upon the subject? Mr Josiah Lewis, Tyny- oyuimer, one of the vice-chairmen, did not favour the BiU. Mr Aaron Cule was disposed to eudorse it. By general consent, however, it was eventually resolved not to take action in the matter. This was the only public business of importance.

THE WEEK'S MARKETS. t CORN. CARDIFF CORN MARKET, Saturday.—Moderattt attendance. Good samples. Wheat very scarce and sold at late ratts. Alaize tending up war. is ia price. Oats in good demand, and firm. Be ,118 poas, and barley unaltered. COWBRIDGE (JORN MARKET, Tuesday.—There; was a number of farmers from the neighbourhood in the market, and several millers and maltstersw Some business was done at 6s for best wheat < barley, 4s for inferior qualities, and 4s tid for best, samples oats, Z" 6d to 3.') per bushel. NEWPORT CORN AIARKET, Wednesday, —Thew was only a moderate attendance at to-day's mar- ket, aud a quiet business was done at last we ek'a quotations. HEREFORD CORN MARKET, Wednesday.—There was an exceedingly large attendance at market to-( day, and a large supply of sample. no doubt caused by the close proximity to rent day. English wheat was not quite so firm, owing to tha J. market being glutttd. Best wheat made us pee buahel barley, for malting, 4s to 4s 9d. Oats. beans, and peas the same as last week. BIRMINGHAM CORN MARKET, Thursday.—The supply of English wheat was limited, and fairly dry s.ynple3 were bought at Is over last week's rates American wheat was also Gel to Is higher. Demand for barley rather brisker, CATTLE. COWBRIDGE CATTLE MARKET, Tuesday.— There is still 110 appearance of stock of any kind in the market or ill the tcwn but ruling priced for purchases in the district by dealers, butchers^ &c., are—for best fat cattle, 8d second do, 7d pec Ib best fat sheep, yearlings, la second do, lUti to lid per Ib fat calves, lOd per I b bacon pigs., lis per score light porkers, 12s per score heavy, do, 113 per score. NEWPORT CATTLE AIARKET, Wednesday. Owing to tiie order of the Privy Council there waa again a very small market to-day, and a slow sale prevailed. Prices were as follow :-13ecf 7id to 9d per 10,; mutton, 91 to lid per lb. There were no pig- BAUGOED CATTLE FAIR, Tuesday.—Ou Tuesday. tho first af the annual cattle fairs to b3 held ill: March was to have taken place, but in conseq;ifuic9 of the general Order of Council prohibiting cattle; fairs, there was no stock for sale. A great many, of the cattle dealers and graziers of the district were present during the day, and in some cases: private sales were effected for future delivery. There was a large pleasure fair in the afternoon and evening. HEREFORD CATTLE MARKET, We Inesday.—' There Was a small attendance nothing Q. fat stock, anything else beiug preveuted by the t'rivy Council Order. Best beef made Sd perib seconds,' 6J told; fa.t caives, 9d to lOd bacon pigs, 1181 to 12s er score porkers, 10s to Its Gil. LONDON CATTLE AIARICET, Thursday, — The few sales made in beast n.aiket have been on lower terms, very little being wanted. Sheep dearer, and all sold. Calves and pigs unaltered. Beef. 4s to 5s 4d mutton, 5s to 7s 2d veal, 5s 6d to < 6s 6d pork, 4s tiLl to 5s 6el per Sltn. Beasts, 360 sheep, 1, \JO calves, 30; including foreign beasts, 80. BIRMINGHAM CATTLE MARKET, Thursday.— Fairly good trade. Beef, 6gd to 7jd per lb;, mutton, 7d to lO.^d per lb. Bacon jugs lis 0<1 to; lis 4d sows, 10s Od to 10s 6d porkers, lis lid to 12s Od per score. PRODUCE. LONDON PRODUCE AIAUKET, Thursday.—Sugar —no public salt's, market quiet, but firm at late values. Coffee—sales delayed by fog prices quoted about the same as yesterday. Tea—dull' sale for China Congous realised (jvd to O.jd Ping Suey gunpowder, in boxes, lG|d to Is 6|d do half-chests, 7;td to Sid. Rice very steady. Cotou market strong, and prices rather higher. Jute still active. Tallow unaltered. LIVERPOOL PRODUCE MARKET. Thursday.—» Sugar maintains recent improvement, aud a gooJ trade done. Rum quiet but firm. Coffee—more animation, with tendency in sellers' favour. Cocoa without improvement. Rice very firm. Linseed dull, and previous prices not obtainable. Hemp firmer. Petroleum tinner, at 9Jd to 9p: per gallon. Tallow, 33s 6,.1 to 35s Cd for norths, being cheaper. Lard, 55s Od to 5Gs Od, being 6a lower. PROVISIONS, CARDIFF PROVISION MARKET, Satuiday.—(From Messrs Johnston, Miles, and Co.'s Circular.)— Iresii beef-owiog" to the irregularity ill arrival 01 steamers this week, the market has been irregularly supplied, sides making 5.N to 6d per lb, Extra Inuia mess beef—there have been a few enquiries made, but little business passing. Stocks nominal. Pork—owing to the scarcity of hogs, holders almost decline offering, and will not offer at aU for later than this month's shipment. Bacon—the scare which took place ten days ago, and depressed the market, has been followed by a sharp reaction to higher prices, and it is almost impossible to get a quotation for forward delivery, the bulk of tha packing houses iu Chicago being closed. The receipts of hogs are about five to ten thousand a day, which is not more than sumci nt for tha butchers' trade, consequently packers are doing little or nothing. It remains now a question whether the hogs are beiug kept back on account of bad road- or whether there is a short crop. The prohibition issued by t,:e French Government: has been modified very much. Hams are in fait request. Shoulders little enquired for. Cheese- there is a fair trade passing, still tbe demaud if not particularly good but shipments and receipt* being light, holders are not anxious to sell. Dutte-l —owing to the fine growing weather we have had the last week, holders have becomo anxious, ant have pressed sales at considerably lower prices and heavy sales have resulted. Lard—the market., which opened weak on Monday last at 53s, closes: strong at 58s 61 per cwt. The demand for pure; lard has increased considerably, through buyern being afraid to operate in impure lard, owing tc the late prosecutions. MONMOUTH WEEKLY BUTTER, POULTRY, ANE PROVISION MARKET, Saturday.—Dressed poultry- fowls varied in price in accordance with size, say from 6s to 8s, about 9 £ d per lb. Prime fresh butter from Is 5d to Is 7d per Ib wholesale tc hucksters, from Is 4d to Is 5J per lb. Eggs— 16, and some 18 for Is. Home-made lard, Bd pet lb. Live poultry—fowls varied from 43 to 68 t per couple: chickens, 3s to 4s 6J per couple ducklings, 53 to 8s per couple guinea fowls, 58 tc 7s per couple. Fruit—cooking apples, 8d to 11 per gallon; oranges, 16 to 20 for Is rhubarb, from 3d to 4d per bundle. Vegetables—brocoli, 2<1 to 4d per head; onions, 2d per lb; potatoes. from 6d to 8d per gallon planting ùo, from 8d to Is per gallon beans, 6d per quart; peas, Is. Meat (prime joints only quoted)—beef, mutton, and veal, all lOd per Ib pork, from 8d to 9d. COWBRIDGE PROVISION MARKET, Tuesday,— Business still dull.; Supplies under the average. Best fresh butter. Is 5d to Is 6,1 per Ib eggs, 7d to 9d per dozen.Fowls 3s 6d to 4s Od per couple. BUTTER. CARMARTHEN BUTTER AIARKET, Saturday. [From J. W. Morgan's Circular.)—Finest new butters again found ready buyers at the extreme prices quoted of late, viz., Is 3d to Is osd. Supply not large, but old butters were well represented 5 buyers of such not beiug over zealous, not more than from Is l^d to Is 2d per lb was given. The) quantity of cheese brought into market was not large, holders anticipating highest prices never- theless, the few lots that sold reached from :!8:> to 30s per cwt. Oats dull, at from 18s to 20s per qr. CORK BUTTER AIARKET, Thursday.—Ordinary -filSts, —s seconds, 123s thirds,'80s fourth* 598; tifths, -8. buperfine, —s; tine mild,—s, mild, 123s, Mild kegs, —s. Salt kegs—seconds, II83 thirds, —s; fourths, —s fifths, —s. Firkins in market, 358.—W. J. LANE, IhLter Exporter, Cork. SUGAR. BRISTOL SUGAR MARKET, Tuesday.—Since out last report ot this maiket prices have gradually increased, and a large amount of business has been, transacted at an advance of 6d on the fiueat quality crystals, and 3d on medium descriptions and all pieces. The market closes with an exceedingly. firm tone. The finer sorts of foreign lonf remain unchanged in vatue medium sorts may be quoted about 3d dearer. Cubes continue steady at last weeks rates. Fine syrups arc scarce, and the turn dearer; other sorts unchanged, CLYDE CRUSHED SUGAR MARKET, Thursday,— Refiners ask a further advauce, which buyers re- fuse to pay, the market resulting in a fair amount of business at yesterday's prices. The official report states market less active, a good businest has however been done at yesterday's prices. DEAD MEAT. LONDON DEAD MEAT MARKET, Thursday, Fair supplies on sale, and trade generally quiet at Lhe following quotations :—Beef, 2s 8d to 4s 8d 1 prime Scotch do, 4s 8d to 4a lOd mutton, 3s 4a to 6s Od veal. 5s Od to 5s 8c i large pork. 3s 2J to 4" 4d small do, 4s 6..1 to 4s lOd per 81bs. HAY AND STRAW. COWBRIDGE HAY AND STRAW AIARKET, Tuesday. -Business quiet this week. Best hay, 50s to >5s per ton straw, 27s Uti; reeds, 12s 6d to 15* per 100 spars, 48 6d per 1,000. LONDON HAY AND STRAW MARKET, Thursday. Market quiet at about previous values:—Inferior to good hay, 35s to 70s best do, 80s to 1023 6d uferior to good clover, 60s to 84s best do, 95a ,0 115s straw, 30s to 44s per load. WOOL. LONDON WOOL SALES, Thursday.—10,959 bales. were brought forward this evening, comprising ;.142 Port Phillip. 3.607 Sydney, 1,200 Capa and STatul, 7o7 Adelaide, 201 New Zealaud, 42 sundries., Large attendance of buyers, and competition very ipirited at full prices. Quotations are now about jd dearer for most wools than at the opening ofi series. Sales terminate on the 25th. BRADFORD WOOL MARKET, Thursday. — riiere has been rather more demand for wool since our last report, especially for lustre wethers, md both these and Irish wools are fully ¡,I per lh learer. A fair numher of transactions has )ccurre 1, and the tone is more cheerful. Hitherto ;he improvement does not extend to yarns ba' n pieces there have been more purchases by th< xorne merchants. METALS. LONDON AIETAL MARKET, Thursday.—Cot pei :asier good ordin iry Chili done at jg60 17s So :0 £61 on the spot; .£61?s to £ 02 forward. Tia firm good business in fine foreign at £ 87 7s 6c :0 jeS7 10s cash English ingots, £ 90 10s to £ !ii. spelter, jei6 5s. Lead—English, £15 to £15 7s Gd, Scotch pig iron. 4ds 6d to 48s Hd cash. GLASGOW PIG InON AIARKET, Thursday.— In the afternoon the tone was rather steady. Business took place at 483 Id and 48s 0,,[ cash xlso at 4Sd 2:'1,1 and 48s lg.1 one month closing juyers, 48s cash, and 48s 1 £ d one mouth sellers id more. -=

COMMERCIAL SALES., J JOHNSTON MILES, AND CO. CARDIFF, IMP 0 R T E R S or AMERICAN AND CANADIAN PRODUCE. I ARE OFFERING FOR SALE WAREHOUSE— HATELEY'S CUMBERLAND CUT McGEOGH'S CTJMB"STcLAND CUT FERGUSON'S /CUMBERLAND CUT MORAN;S CUMBERAND CUT &Lso, TIIiRTEEN HUNDRED FIRKINS AND TUBS CHOICE JdORMSBURG BUTTER THREE HUNDRED TUBS STATES BUTTER AND FIFTY BARRELS CHOICE ROLL BUTTER. 00034—3527 OED POTATOES, SEED POTATOES. For all Kinds of 1 SEED POTATOES :do.t Apply to J. H. ENGLAND, St.. Mary-street, and West Cute Dock, 9267 CARDIFF. 50501 LAVERTON& CO'S CELEBOATKD TEN GUINEA UNIVERSAL CHALLENGE SUITES FOR DINING-ROOM, DRAWING-ROOM, AND BEDROOM. THE MARVEL OF THE DAY. Warranted Strong and Serviceable. Apply for Drawings and Patterns, sent free per post STEAM CABINET WORKS, MARYLEroRT STREET, AND EUIDGE-STIIEET, BRISTOL. Nothing ever supplied so Cheap by any Famishing House in the Kingdom. See opinions of the Press 03 the Rame. "131—44532 LAMPLO! JGH'S PYRETIC SALINE. SAVE IT IN YOUR HOUSES. AND USE NO OTHER fhis is the true antidote in Fevers, Eruptive lions Sea or Bilious Sickness, having pecuF- excio- live merits. For the protection o* PQy^c "gainst fraudulent imitations, I h»«? °T °* kuned a perpetual c08tS- defendants «-■»«rre the GEMJINE has my J»AME and Ii; UlliX on a BUFF COLOURED WRAPPER, 113, HOLBORN-HILL, LONDON. 8443—45939

THE WAR IN THE TRANSVAAL. THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. ACCEPTiN JE OF TERlIS BY THE BOERS. RELIEF OF BELEAGUERED GARRISONS. (BETTER'S TELEG.1AMS.1 NEWCASTLE, Thursday.—At a conference yes- terday between Sir Evelyn Wood and the Boer leaders, tha latter agreed to ths general acceptance of the peace conditions, reserving several point?, A Mount Prospect telegram in the second edition of Thursday's Daily Tele./raph says General Wood had a conference with Kruger and the Boer leaders yesterday. The conference lasted altogether from ten in the morning until Nearly six in the evening, the Boers having an Interval for private consultation amongst tbern- !elves. It is generally reported chat a peaceful tettlement is probable, concessions on both sides having been made.. General Wood has stated that the Boers have agreed to a great extent to the British propositions, reserving one or two points for future discussion. MOCNT PROPECT, Thursday.—To-day there was t long interview between the English and Dutch representatives. About seven o'clock the con- ference broke up. Sir E. Wood told the news- oaper correspondents that very little information could as yet be given to the Pres.-1, as matters were still under discussion, but the Boers had accepted, to a great extent, the proportions made by the British Government, reserving one or two joints for consideration at a meeting to be held to-morrow or next day. [REUTCIL'S TELEGRAM. 1 NEWCASTLE, March lu.—Operations have been resumed for the relief of the beleagured garrisons. British troops havo been crossing the river daring the day, and a pontoon bridge is baing constructed. The Press Association has been furnished by the War OSes with the following telegram from Alajor-General Sic Evelyn Wood, Natal, dated— MOUNT PROSPECT, Thursday (10.0 a.m.).— Rations received at Wakkerstroonx aud Stander- too. conducting othcer, received cour- teously. Standerton—5St!>, Cocupton 94th, Montague, yrccm, Campion, Davidson, Massey, 'Swanns, McNaughton, Surges, Parkinson, Prater, Llovd commissariat conductors— Watts and Uasseil all weil. Doctors kept. Wounded doing well. Tile following telegram frorn Sir E. Wood has ilso been received at the Colonial Office MOCNT PROSPECT, Thursday.—Colonel Stewart nisoner, at Het ieiberg. reports (March 10tb) that hey have been exceptionally well treated by the I Boers. They have not only received ration,, bi-, t also delicacies. The eight officers and 49 men of his I party are all well. J.ieut. Miller, 49th, and Conductor Field, slightly v. ounded, nearly re- covered. NEWCASTLE, Thursday.—The British garrison will receive four days' provision.c, but it is con. sidered unnecessary to send supplies to Pretoria.

C A R M A RTH KM T0WN~ COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Carmarthen Town Cur.ucu was held un Tuesday, the Mayor pre- siding. THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL GOVERNORS AND THE PRISONERS' FIELD. A letter was read from the clerk to the gover- non of Carmarthen Grammar School asking when the Council would be-rt pared to give up posses- ion of the Prisoners' Fieid, and desiring a reply before the 25th inst, Oar readers will recollect that thi-i property, of which the Council, as trustees of the Lady Eliza- beth Morgan and Jonathan Oakley Charities, have had possession for centuries, was, by a recent acheiue of the Charity Commissions, transferred from the Corporation to the governors of the Endowed Schools, in trust for the schools. The lield has for a considerable time past been pardy used for storing the manure of the town. It seems a far cry" from the Carmarthen Grammar School to the much-vexed question of uiauure storage, yet this distance was travelled by tho Council in the full hour which was spent dis- sussiug the simple request of the governors that ihey would name a day for giving up what no longer belongs to them. Mr W. J. MORGAN moved that the Public Works Committee be instructed to enquire for another site tor the manure heaps, and the desira- bility of having two sites. In replv to questions, ) The iov/u Clerk s:dd the manure heaps realised f Jby auction from £100 to £ 120 per annum. After some further desultory conversation, The Tow n Clerk said the Prisoner's Field was left in trust for the benefit of poor debtors in the jjaol. That use became obsolete, and then £ 10 a year was paid for the ground rent of what was then called the Jesus College School. That was, Bo doubt, a of the trust, but, of jcoursp, the payment wou'd cease w helt the field ^was tians-fened. Being one of the governors him- telf,lle might tell tne Council that that body jwould do one of two tilings, either build upon the ,ield or sell it. Alderman WAR KEN said tho governors already (bad £ 1,GOO in hand for the nevv buildinsr". They [calculated they might sell the field for £ 1,200 ;more, and with iliese two sums they might go to .the public for further subscriptions. It was ultimately resolved to notify the gover- "jnors that tug Council were prepared to give 'possession on receiving six mouths' notice. After a discussion 011 the placing of lamp*, the Council adjourned.

PONTYPOOL COUNTY COURT. ALLEGED FORGED RECEIPT. At the Pontypool County-court, on Wednesday, Mr E. Puliii;, butcher, Pontypool, claimed £21 rent uus from the defendant, Charles Wheeler, of Poatnewynydd. also a butcher, Mr T, Watkhis appeared for plaintiff, and Mr F. Vaughan, of Newport, was for defendant. The defendant's plea was that he had paid the money, and he produced a receipt which he said, on oath, was signed by piaintiff. The plaintiff, being sworn, said it was not his siguature, and that he never received the money. His Honour at the la,t court said there was a great similarity between the signature in question and others wuich plaintiff admitted to be his, and suggested that the case be referred to a jury, as he felt incompetent to decide. Botn parties preferred that thacase should fca tried by His Honour, who consented, on the und-JK-itandiug that he siiould reserve judgment, ill ordtr to consult an expert in comparing writing. His honour now said that, after a most careful comparison of the signature to the leceipt witix the several Signatures to other documeuts put in. which were auvitted by plain- tiff to be genuine, and after consults a number of professional and other friends, amongst whom two ¡¡¡lght be considered skilled witnes&OS fro:n the long practice they had had iu exaK'iu'nS writings, with a view to ascertain their genuine- ness, he was of opinion that this .signature to thO receipt put i;i v.as a forgery, and plaintiff was, > therefore, entitled to judgment with costs. This case caused very great interest in the town.

Lord lienuJesham, member for East Suffolk, has be"n relieved from atten iauce on one of the Private Bill Committees of the House of Com- mons.¡ consequence of Utiles^. The Ashton and Oldham Coalowiiers' and Miners' Association have invited Mt Ii "gh Mason to accept the position ot umpire iu the question of fciis advance of w«g-i» ami toe iJiiiiuff acaia, 1

MERTHYR BOARDQFIEALTH. OUTBREAK OF SCARLET FEVER. At the fortnightly meeting of the Merthyr Board of Health, held on Wednesday afternoon, Mr G. Martin was chairman.—The committee appoin:ed to consider Messrs James's claim with respect to the Town-hall site, amounting to £1,700, reported that the, ha 1 met, and requested the clerk to check the unexpired terms of leases with Messrs James aud Co., aud it was arranged that an interview should take place with Mr C. Russell James on the subiscj- 16tb, before extremes were proceeded with. It was considered that a f»' rvie arrangement in. „ume to. A deputation, consisting of j Mr Frank James, solicitor Mr D. Walker, Gil- fachmain; Mr Thomas Harris, Cwmfeliu Mr John Howells, Bedlinog; Mr John Powell, I Bedlinog; aud Mr Evan Hughes, Cwmfelin, waite i upon the board, and asked that it would join with the Highway Committee of Gelligaer in making a road and bridge over the river to Cwm- felin.—Some opposition was raised by Mr Bryant, who maintained that the expenditure of nearly B800 would be simply for the good of a very small district, and that no adequate benefit would be derived by Merthyr.—On the other hand, it was contended by Mr W. Harris, and others, that as the people of Cwmfelin mar- keled at Merthyr, the road in question should be made for their accommodation.—The arguments of the deputation having been heard, it was resolved to defer the matter tor a fortuight, and in the meantime a committee of the whole hoard inspect the ground over which it is proposed to make the new roadway.—The medical officer of health (Dr Dyke) reported as fallo.\s :-1 regret to have to say that I have received information of the outbreak of scarlet fever in many paits of the district. Whenever this coutagious malady ap- pears, it aluays becomes a question whether the public schools should or should not be temporarily closed. If the disease had appeared in one locality, the closing of the school of that locality might timit the spread of the con- tagion, but in thd present case the malady has broken out in nearly all parts of the district within a very short: period. At Aberfan, Troedyr- hiw, Abercanaid, Georgetown, Heolgerrig, Swan- sea Road, and in Merthyr and Dowlais, cases had already occurred. The long continued prevalence of scarlet fever iu the neighbouring parish of Aberdare has doubtless been the source of the infection to many of those v. ho in this parish have become affected by i{. Under these circumstances I cannot say that the closing of the schools would preveut the malady, but I believe that if a long extension of the Easter holi- days were given, thereby preventing the gathering together of children from infected houses, the disease would run a more gradual course, and be of a milder character. There are certain well-known means that may be used by tho public to limit the contagiousness of the disease; these, if it should be your wish, I would draw out, >nd have printed and distributed." After a brief conversation, It was resolved, on the mo- tion of Mr Bell, that the recommendations of the medical officer be printed and issued as a handbill. —The board then sat in private to consider some matters arising out of the contract for the new Neuadd reservoir.

PO.NTV l'OOtTLOCAL BOARD. This board held their monthly meeting at their Board-room iu the Town-hall, on Wednesday. The members present were Messrs E. H. Davies (chairman), T. Fletcher, Thomas Williams, G. J. Jee, W. H. Rosser, W. Sandbrook, G. A. Bevan, G. Gorrell, R. Russell, George Wilton, W. Has- kins, F, Morg n, Henry Fox, and P. Eckersley, Mr Gnrreil, according to notice given last meeting, brought on his motion—" That the clerk be in- structed to write to the Abersychan Gas Company, asking tuem to fix: a day to receive a deputation from this board to discuss the supply of gas by ti em to the public lamp3 within this district." III the course of his remarks, Mr Gorrell said that companies in other towns supplied the public at a much cheaper rate than the Poutypool Gas and Water Company, and read a long list of prices in different towns, showing in some instances very odious" comparisons with Pontypool. The Pontypool Ga3 Company, with their annual con- sumption of about 13 million feet of gas, charged four shillings per thousand feet for the public lamps, while our nearest neighbours, the Aber?ychan Gas Company, with a consump- tion of 8,000,000 aunually, only charged 3s 21 for the public lamps Abergavenny, 3s (id to private consumers, public lamps free; Swansea, 3s 3d Cardiff, 2a 10.1, &c.;and he further said he knew,on good authority, that the Great Western Railway Company had an offer from another gas company to supply this district with gas at a much cheaper rate than by the Pontypool Gas Company. He could not see why this board could not do the same.—Mr Eckersley seconded the motion,—Mr Gus. A. Bevan moved an ameudment, seconded by Mr Fox. which was withdrawn after aa intima- tion from the chairman, as it contained very little more than a negative to the resolution.—The motion was put, and it was declared carried by 9 to 4.—The deputation was then appointed, to consist of the Chairman, Messrs Gorrell, Fletcher, and Eckersley.—Mr G. A. Bevan then brought forward his scheme for a volunteer fire brigade, to consist of 16 men, uniform suit and helmet being supplied to each man. He estimated the cost at about £80, which he thought would be met by voluntary subscriptions, as he had already been promised by two tire insurance companies the sum of £5 each, another fire insurance society £2, and £6, being the proceeds of a night's play by the Pontypool Amateur Dramatic Club. He (Mr Bevan) also advised the board to find a new engine, as the old one was not in repair.—The Chairman observed that in his opinion the scheme was a good one, and that the Panteg and Llan- vrechfa Upper Board would do well to join in the purchase of a new engine. The scheme being ap- proved of. a committee was appointed to carry it ont, to consist of the Chairman, Messrs Fox, T. Williams, and G. J. Jee.—The clerk uas asked to produce the attendance sheet, which showed that three members had been disqualified by non- attendance, in addition to the eight regular members retiring, making in all 11 vacancies to be filled cp the next election. Mr Sandbrook here introduced his motion for a proper and suitable cattle market for Pontypool, and II lid that while the neighbour- ing towns were making progress in this direction, Pontypool had really no accommodation for a cattle market save the public streets, and as a consequence our markets and fairs were greatly reduced. while other markets in the neighbourhood were steadily increasing. All the members were of oae mind as to the necessity of a cattle market, and a committee was appointed to see if the scheme was practicable—to consist of the chair- man, Messrs Sandbrook. Fletcher. Gorrell, aud Jee.—The medical officer's report was read, which stated that the health of the district was very satisfactory. 2Y birtl 1 s and 9 deaths had occurred during the mouth.—Mr Fletcher read the fiuance committee's report, which showed a balance due to the treasurer of 1:162 Od 7d. The meeting then adjourned,

M BRTHYR CPU ,NTY COU RT. NEW TRIAL OF THE BDTTER CASE.—On Wed- nesday, before Judge Falconer, a new jury was empanelled, and the court was occupied during the greater part of the day in hearing a re-opening of the case in which Messrs Jones and Co., butter merchauis, of Dowlais, sought to recover a sum of B.30 odd from Mr T. D ivies, grocer, of Georgetown, Merthyr. Mr W. Simons again ap- peared for the plaintiffs, and Mr W. Beddoe for the defendant. The evidence given was exactly the same HB produced at the previous he 'ring, ^vhen the jury, not being able to agree, were dis- charged without giving a verdict.—The jury, after a biie: deliberation, returned a verdict for de- fendant. CLAIM RO^ DAMAGE TO A WAGGON.—Williams v. Price was :1.: adjourned action in which it was sought to recover £8 10s for damage done to a waggon, and loss t.:{ work occasioned thereby. The plaintiff, wùo is a haulier, residing at Twyny- rodin, was represented by' Mr W. Pric<^ and the defendant, a horse-dealer, by Mr W. Simoo&i The judge gave a verdict for defesdaofc

• HOUSE OF LORDS—TauitsDAY. The Lord Chancellor took his sext attlve o'clock. ARMY ORGANISATION. The Duke of ARGYLL appealed to Lord Abinger to postpone for a fortnight his notice to call attention to the Army Organisation Scheme of the Government. Lord ABINGER was happy to accede to the suggestion, aud would fix a day which would suit the convenience of the Government. PEACE PRESERVATION (IllELAND) BILL. The reace Preservation (Ireland) Bill went through Committee. ALKALI WORKS REGULATION BILL. The Alkali Works Regulation Bill was read a third time and passed, RIVERS CONSERVANCY AND FLOODS PREVENTION BILL. The Rivers Conservancy and Floods Prevention Bill was read a third time, and on the question that the Bill do pass. The Earl of CAMPEUDOWN moved the omission of the 25th clause, and urged that so far from i is proposal interfering with the principle of the Bill, the erasion was necessary if the principle wus to be ap; lied to all landowners. The Bill was fouuded upon the bisis that flools were liable on all lands of all descriptions in a greater or less degree, and that all lands should be liable alike to taxation for the measures necessary to prevent or to mitigate floods. The clause which he v. anted struck out provided that nothing in the Act should authorise any provisional order empowering any conservancy board to interfere witix lands vested in the Lord High Admiral, any principal Secretary of State, the Board of Trade, the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, or the Duchy of Lancaster, without their consent. The Duke of SOMERSET, in opposition to the amendment, observed that the bodies named could have no other motive in their action than the public interest. It was undesirable that the Government department should be placed at the mercy of conservancy boards. The Marquis of SALISBURY said the only effect of striking out the clause would be that the departments referred to would be included in a provisional order which would be submitted to Parliament, whereas the effect of the clause would be to empower them to prevent questions affecting them from being brought under the coguisauce of the Legislature. Earl SPENCER could not agree to the amend- ment, which would cause a great deal of incon- venience. He admitted that Lord Salisbury's argument, but considered it very undesirable that, upon all inquiry respecting a question of public interest, two public bodies should appear on opposite sides. The amendment was negatived without a divi- sion, and the Bill passed. THE TURCO-GREEK QUESTION. Lord STRATHEDEN and CAMPBELL called attention to the correspondence on the Greek frontier, and moved au address for copies of the remaining despatches from the French Government on the difference between Greece a^d the Ottoman Empire. Three of the despatches in question had been published by the English Government, and others had appeared in print in France, aud from what he had seen of them he thought the whole deserved the greatest publicity. He was of opinion that their publication would facilitate rather than impede negotiations, and .voul i tend to reduce the chance of hostilities between Greece and the Sublime Porte. Such a war must throw back Greece financially, at least for a considerable period, at"' probably stir up a]1 f' <i\t::1llents of dIS- cord 'e Danube and the Bosphorus. jiiari GRANVILLE replied that the Govern- ment had not received any additional despatches from the French Government since those which had been presented to Parliament. It was true that the French Government sent two circulars to their representatives there and elsewhere, and those circulars were published in the Yellow-book; but except in that form Her Majesty's Govern- ment had not seen them. The substance, how- ever, was given in the Blue-book, in a despatch from Lord Lyons, and in a communication from Mr Corbet from Athens. The motion was negatived. Their lordships adjourned at six o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—THURSDAY. The Speaker took the chair at four o'clock. RUSSIAN INFLUENCE IN AFGHAN- ISTAN. Sir W. PALLISER asked for information as to the obstacles that prevented the completion by the Russians cf the Caspian and Askabad Rail- way, and froai establishing themselves at Herat; and whether, iu the event of Russian influence being established in Afghanistan, it would be necessary to augment the gariisons in the Peshawar Valley and along the Indus Valley unless Candahar were held. The Marquis of HARTINGTON, in rep'y, said ho was not sure whether they were material I or political obstacles that were referred to. it material objects, then any information on the subject in the possession of the Govern- ment v. ould be in the Intelligence Department of tHe War Office, and the question must be ad- dressed to his right lion, friend. It would be hardly possible for him to enter into a discussion of the political obstacles that may exist to prevent the completion of objects entertained by the Rus- sian Government, nor could he be expected to ansvver the hypothetical part of the question. The object of question addressed to ministers was to obtain as shortly as possible information on matters of fact winch are not accessible to mem- bers generally, and he was extremely anxious to give every information on matters of fact, but there was nothing to be gained by an expression of his opinion. If he thought the hon. member would accept as conclusive that statement of opinion he would be very glad to answer. (A laugh.) But in view of an opportunity of express- ing an opinion in the course of the Candahar debate he did not think he should answer now. NIHILISTS IN LONDON. Mr CALLAN asked if the Criminal Investiga- tion Department had any information as to a statement that on Saturday, at the head-quarters of the Nihilist fraternity in London, there was a large attendance, proving that the plot to assas- sinate the Czar was known. Sir W. HARCOURT said that he had received no information as to the statement referred to.

THE PEACH NEGOTIATIONS IN THE TRANSVAAL. Mr GLADSTONE, replying to Sir Stafford Northcote, who asked for information as to affairs in the Transvaal,said I quite agree that the ques- tion put is extremely seasonable. The report in some of the newspapers that an arrangement has been made with the Boers is premature. Com- munications with the view to such an arrangement are proceeding bet een Sir E. Wood aud the leaders of the Boers, but I do not thiuk it is for me to express au opinion on the probable issue of these communications. As it might not be ad- vantageous to the public service, tiie right hon, gentleman v. ill hold me excuse J.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY, ARMY ESTIMATES. On the motion to go iuto Committee of Supply on the Army Estimates, Colonel BAltNB moved that the present con- spicuous and tight-fitting dress and accoutrements of the British army placed it at a serious disad- vantage when opposed to trcop3 armed with weapons of accuracy, and caused the unnecessary loss of valuable lives. He referred to the recent conflict on the Ingogo, in which the GOth Rifles with their dark green dresses had suffered heavily, and instanced the brilliant scarlet uniforms of other corps as calculated to afford a special mark for experienced sharp-shooters. Sir H. VERNE Y, in seconding the motion, concurred in the views expressed by the hon. member for Norfolk, and hoped the matter would receive the attention of the War Office Authori- ties. Lord ELCHO suggested that the question was one for consideration. Colonel HARNE withdrew his motion, and the House went into Committee of Supply. Mr CHILDERS then moved the vote for the number of men, viz., 134,060 for t e forthcoming year. This number was an increase of 850 over the number given in the estimates, and the change had been made so as to follow the recom- mendatiun of the Controller and Auditor-General that the number should be the maximum antici- pated in any given month iu the financial year. With regard to his former statement on army organisation, the changes recommended hardly required legislation, aa the necessary changes could be effected by Royal warrant. He hoped that the vote for men would be agreed to, and that auy discussion on the organisation scheme would be taken on the money vote. The vote wi-s agreed to. Mr CHILDERS then moved a vote of £4,436.000 to defray the charges for pay and allowances of the army at home and abroad during the forthcoming year. He referred the House to the statement he had previously been permitted to make on the question of army organisation. The vote now before the Committee was £143,000 less than the' vote of last year, and though it might at first sight seem that this was caused by a reduction of pay, the fact was not so, the decrease being due to the transfer from one vote to others. As far as the non-commissioned officers and men were concerned, there was an increase in the estimates of about t30,000,i;but. economy had been exercised in some of the smaller votes. Colonel STANLEY was glad that the right hon. gentleman had only asked for what was deemed necessary to keep the Army in order, and hoped he would have reason to be satisfied with the general approval with which his recent state- ment ou the proposed changes iu army organisation had been met. With respect to the alteration about to be made in regard to territorial rights,he considered the proposed change an important one, but still lIe hoped it was not to be looked upon as finally settled, but as forming peat of some scheme to be more fully developed iu the future. Another important change was the fixing of the minimum age of recruits at 19 and in making this change he hoped the war authorities would see that they got full quality for their money. He could hardly J agree to that part of the scheme which related to toe promotion of officers. Mr CHILDERS said that the right hon. gen- tleman had been misled by the desire for sym- metry, and to cut do vn what might at first sight seem to be an inordinate list of generals. Sir H. VERNE Y urged that the period of ser- vice ndght be extended in the case of those soldiers who wished to remain in the army, and that encouragement should be given in the shape of posts, which might be filled by them on quitting the service. The discussion was continued by General BURNABY and Sir A. GORDON. Colonel ALEXANDER urged the claims of the quartermaster to consideration. Sir H. HAVELOCK-ALLAN regarded the I scheme of army organisation as offering what, upon the whole, wouid be a substantial improve- ment. Lord E. CEC IL concurred in sayine that, upon the whole, the now scheme would be foe tiie Mb vantage of thg army. With regard to short I servico, lie said there bad been always great diffi- culty of late years ia getting men to enlist for long periods. He hoped, however, that the right hon. gentioman the Secretary for War would be successful in inducing men to enlist for seven or eight years, though he thought it doubtful, in as- much as they had now got used to the short service system. As to the non-commissioned officers, he was glad to see that they had been considered in the manner set forth in the scheme and with reference to the militia, he hopdd that by some means or other that force would bo kept up to its full complement. With respect to the leserve force, it was impossible to keep that up unless the raw material was kept up also. On the question of the a:;e at which recruits, were to be enlisted, he was glad to And that the minimum had been fixed at 19, and that the Secretary for War was in hopes that he should before long be able to carry it to 20 but he put it to the light hon. gentleman, why did he not accept the latter figure at once ? As "to the territorial regiments, the objections ap- plying to the linked regiments would be applic- able to them, ^and unless care was taker:, there might be a repetition of what was described as having taken place on Majuba Hill, when it was said the mixed men of the different corp3 did not work as steadily together a3 if the men had gone from the same regiments, aud had been accus- tamed to work together md rely on each other. The discussion was ctmtinned by Major Nolan, Capf. Aylmer, Capt. O'Shea. C'apt, Home, Col. Loyd Lindsay, and Major O'Bsirne. Mr CHILDERS, iu reply, said a further op- portunity would be given to discuss the scheme. He was glad to find that it had upon the whole been received with so much approval, but at so late an hour (one o'clock) he could not attempt to go in detail through the criticisms and suggestions that had been ma ie. He hoped the War Office would be able to take steps to make the service more popular than it had been. The steps taken in this direction had done much towards popularising the navy and though the same point had not been readied with regard to the army, it wo ild be his endeavour to do his best to aid in bringing about so desirable a result, The vote was then agreed to, and progress being reported, the House resumed. SUPPLY. The report of supply was brought up and agreed to. The House adjourned at 1.45.

At Armagh Sessions, Thomas Ryan was sen- tenced to twenty years' penal servitude for a robbery oIllWe heom S&uhm fectorw. I

MILITARY RIOT. 4- ST. PATIHCICS DAY AT ALDER- SHOT. CHARGING THE RIOTERS WITH THE BAYONE T. A most serious riot took place at Aklershot on Thursday evening. Soon after five o'clock a large number of soldiers bel m^ing to the 18th Royal Irish, together with Irishmen belonging to other corps, who had been commemorating St Patrick's day, ue;:m a disturbance in a low part of the town, siiouting for "Old Ireland," and flourishing sticks. A few day provosts attempted secure a fe v of the men, but utterly failed, and were, with others II ho had joined them, driven fn.m one end of the street to the other by a volley of stones from tha newly laid road. The mounted police galloped into camp, aud the authorities ordered the assembly to be sounded. The regi- ments who fell in, in response to the call, were then marched into town, and with drawn bayonets attacked tha rioters amidst the most lively scene of excitement, several windows were broken and personal injuries sustained. Every public-hou3e aud dancing saloon was c1eared, and prisoners taken in large numbers. Some of them being found slighly wouuded by bayonets. The provosts, who altempted to quell the early dis- turbance, were also injured. The riot Listed nearly three bourse

N EWPOLLT T0WN~~CQUNCIL. The Mayor (Mr J. 11. Jacob) presided at a special meeting of the Newport Town Council, held on Tuesday, for the purpose of deciding upon a course of action with respect to t, e projected new street. There were also present Aldermen C. Lyne, Wyndham Jones, H. J. Davies, J. Murphy, and D. Harrhy Councillors H, P. Bolt, H. A. lluzzey, J, Gibbs, D. A. Vaughan, T. Jones, junr., H. Faulkner. W, West, W. Oliver, J, H. Richards, B. Evans, T. Be, non, J. Phillips, S. Goss, O. Goss, A. Blake, J. Maddock. J. Thompson, H. R. Evans, G. Hoskins, and A. R. Bear. The minutes ot the previous meeting were read and confirmed, RESULT OF THE OPPOSITION TO THE WATER COM- PANY'S SCHEME. The MAYOR, in the first place, claimed the indulgence of the Council while he referred to a matter of great interest, though not within the notice convening this meeting, namely, the result of the action taken by the Corporation in opposition to the ne v scheme of the Newport and Pilgwenlly Water- works Company for an extension of their works and au increase of capital. He reminded the Council of the objections raised on the part of the Corporation at the recent official inquiry into the matter, conducted by Major Alarinden, aud he was glad to inform thein that the commissioner had reported in favour of their objections. They had objected to the proposition to nearly double the capital by raising £\.17,000 more, and the com- missioner had submitted in his report that the above capital should be jE55,000 and the loan capital £10,000, thus practically reducing the proposition of the promoters by one-third. The Corporation had also objected to the proposed maximum dividend at the rate of 8 per cent as being too high, and the commissioner had reported in favour of the maximum & at 7 par ceqt. «« they recommended. Thov t'fici "also gained their point with respect to the filtration of the water (as to the occasional tur- bidity of which the Mayor had himself testified), inasmuch as the commissioner had suggested the insertion of a clause in the uew provisional order, providing for the construction of new filter-beds:if, after proper inquiry, it should be considered neces- sary to do so. Thus the corporation had suc- ceeded in effecting their object in regard to these three important points, but with regard to the alteration they had suggested with respect to the proposed extra charge of 10 per cent for the water supply, above the datum level, the evidence of Mr Taylor had been so strong that the commissioner did not deem it advisable that there should be any alteration of this clause. Nor did he agree to any alteration in the terms of the supply for manufacturing purposes, which did not appear to him to be excessive, nor to any other powers being given to the Cor- poration with a view to purchasing the water- works beyond what they possessed under existing Acts of Parliament. It was agreed, upon the suggestion of the MATCH, that the report of the commissioner should be printed,in order that the members of the Corporation may have the exact terms laid before them. IMPROVEMENT OF INKERMAN-STBEET. Alderman IJYNE also took the opportunity of stating, with reference to some strong observa- tions at the last meeting a3 to the delay in carry- ing out the agreement with respect to the im- provement of Inkerman-street, that he had seen Air Homfray yesterday upon the subject, and he had assured him that there was every desire on his part to carry out bis agreement with the Cor- poration, but that the work had been delayed owing to the difficulty of obtaining the necessary ballast. THE ritOJECTLD NEW STREET. The Deputy Town Cleik read a short report: of the Parliamentary and Im- provement Act Committee, in which they estimated the cost of the formation of the pro. jected new street, at a uuiform width or 40 feet (after allowing for the produce of the sale of surplus lands), at about £40,000. The MAYOR moved the adoption of the follow- ing resolution ;—" That the compulsory powers of the Corporation for the purchase cf land for the proposed new street, being limited to the 1st November, 1881, it is desirable that such powers be exercised forthwith where deemed necessary, and that a new street 40 feet in width, be con- structed between High-street and Dock-street, within the limits of deviation shown iu the plan referred to in the Newport Improvement Act, 1876." He weut on to maintain that this action on the part of the Council was fully warranted by the approval of the ratepayers according their vote upon the question at a recent meeting in the Albert Hall, when the resolution in favour of the scheme was carried by a majority of at least ten to one by the largest and most important assemblage of ratepayers which had ever taken place in this borough for municipal purposes. (Hear, hear.) He refrained from again going into tho merits of the scheme upon which he had previously expressed his views fully, and which had been thoroughly discussed, but he maintained that any gentleman who should place himself in antagonism to such an expression of the rate- payers' feeling in the matter as was made at the meeting referred to should have a very weighty argument to bring forward. (Hear, hear.) Alùerman LYNE, in seconding the motion, said he did so with much pleasure, as he agreed with every word the Mayor bad* said, aud never in his life met with a more determined expression of opinion on the part of the ratepayers than that of last week at tha Albert-hall. It was a matter in which he considered that the Corporation should bo unanimously supported. Alderman MURPHY admitted that this new board would be a great improvement, and the only point that he had wished to argue with the Par- liamentary Committee was that of cost. It was still his impression that the Mayol"14 estimate of £:30,000 was too low, and that it would not in reality be short of i:50,000, and, calculating the interest upon this amount for 50 years, and adding interest to principal he still adhered to his former statement, about which he "as taken up rather 3harply, that it would involve the town in an expenditure of £100,000. (Much laughter.) No other member of the council offering any remarks upon the subject, the MAYOR called fora show of hands, and declared the resolution unani- mously adopted. The Council then rose.

GELUGAER SCHOOL BOARD. At the monthly meeting of this board on Thurs- day afternoon, the members present were the Revs. Aaron Davies (chairman); J. P. Williams, and T. Tiieophilus; Alessra Lewis Lewis, L. D. Rees, W. Beddoe, and Lewis Evans. The Rev. J. P. Williams reported that two of their ex- pupil teachers, Mary Aun Williams, of Troedy- rhiw-fwch, and Clara Tovey, of the board school, George Inn, had passed Becond class in the third division at the Bristol Training College, which was considered highly satisfactory. A recom- mendation was received from the managers of 'she Pontlottyn schools that the teachers should be paid monthly, instead of quarterly. Mr L. D. Rees opposed the application, and suggested that the matter should be left over for six months.—The Rev. T. Theophilus thought they should invite the opiuion of other schools on the subject before any change was made, which woulù. involve additional trouble upon the officers of the board.—Mr W. Beddoe proposed as an amendment that no action should be taken in the matter until an application to that effect was made by a majority of the schools.— Eventually it was resolved that as there was no grievance arising in this respect from the other schools, the matter be deferred for the present.— A recommendation of the Bedlinog managers w as adopted—that Mr Thomas Harris, stone mer- chant, be appointed their treasurer vice Mr J. W. Price, who had resigned.—Upon the application of Mr Kent Jones, of Vochriw, it was resolved to allow the cricket club of that district the use of the Board School for the giving of a concert, on the motion of the Rev. J. P. Williams, seconded by Mr Lewis Evans. The indentures of several pupil teachers having been signe I, a number of parents attended before the board, and were dealt with for not sending their children to school.—The Rev. J. P. Williams said he considered the board should pay more attention to the attendance of children at school, as now not more than 10 per cent attended regularly.—The Rev. J. P. Williams presented a scheme which he had drawn up for the future pay- ment of the teachers in the various schools, which was ordered to be circulated amonst the members, so that the matter might be fully considered at the next meeting. — The fiuancial statement of the board for the past year showed that the receipts had been £4,268 17s ll^d, of which there had been received from Govern- ment grant j31,065 16a 7d, and from the rates £1,800, at Ggd in the pound. The out-standing liabilities of the board at the end of the year had been Loans from Public Works Loan Com- missioners, jE12,402 2s lid and other liabilities including balance overdrawn, JE852 3s 10H The total expenditure had been £4,24118s 1A<J, the net amoent of expenditure to be certified for the pur- 111% m?™eut*ry Education Act being £ 2,943 Is ll £ d. The Deputy Clerk presented an estimate of the receipts and expenditure for the next half-year, which showed that £2.384 would have to be provided, requiring a rate of 7d in the 'P?u uT"Iur ,3| school attendance officer, thought they could not do with less than a Is rate, as they did not know how much of the new assessment would be sustaineJ. Considerable dis- cussion ensued upon the great amount required out of the rates, and eventually it was resolved to make a call for £ 2,000.—This was all the import- ant buamess.

The Queen has appointed Sir Henry J. Tufton, Bart., to be Lieutenant and Custoo Rotulorum of the county of »Vestmoreland, in the room of air Richard f !nurfcana& Muanrave. Btu W, dfCCMItdi I

■CARDIFF. INSPECTION 0.5 THE BOROUGH POLICE i< ORCE.— Captaiu ElgePj held tiio annual inspection of the Cardiff police force at the station yard, Wes.gate- street, < n Thursday. Before the parade a meet- ing of the watch committee was held, for the purpose of the members being present at the inspection, and during the proceedings there were preseut in the yard as spectators, Councillors H. Davies, R. Cory, jun., J. G. Proger, A. Fulton, J. Gunn, Alfred Thomas Rees Enoch, Thomas Evi.ns, Trounce, W. Newbery, and Vaughan. The parade took place at 10 o'clock, when, besides the head constable, there were four inspectors, two detective-sergeants, six sergeants, and 60 constables upon the ground, there being 23 men absent from various causes, bringing up the total number of the police force to 96. A close examination having been bestowed upon the force by Captain Elgee, the men, who formed in parade order, were put through a slight police drill, consisting princi- pally of wheeling round the limited parade ground. Everything was gone through satisfactorily to the inspector, and there could be no doubt of the fact thao the physique of the men on parade was muoli admired. Although Captain Elgee, who is the inspector for the South Wales and West of Eng- land district, did not give his opinion openly, he was understood to speak highly of the force generally, and to compliment tneui upon their ap. pe. trance. QUICK DESPATCH OF STEAMERS PROM ROUEN. —The attention of the French Consul at Cardiff has oeen called by the Rouen Chamber of Com- merce to the following quick despatch of steamers from Rouen. Tiie Avoadale arrived on tiie 15th of Febiuary and left on the lUth, after having unloaded 2,000 tons of maize and 1,500 bales of cotton; the Kjobenuausen came in on the 17th, and sailed ou tho 19\.h, having discharge i 900 tuns of wine in 48 hours. One can judge from tiiese of the facilities the port of Rouen has for the loading aud unloading of ships. THE DEAN OF LLA^DAFF'S BIBLE READINGS. —The Dean of Llandaff proposes to give a Bible reading in the Prebendal House, near the Cathe- dral, on each of the next four Moud iy evenings, at eight o'clock. The subjects of the several readings will be, the Epistle to Philemon, the 2nd and 3rd Epistles of St. Johu, aud the Epistle of St. J ude. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, LITER- ARY AND DEBATING CLASS. — On WeJnesday evening, under the presidency o f Mr Burt, the weekly meeting of this class was held, when an interesting paper was read by Mr George Drury, on "Building houses and Building Societies." Among those present were Councillor Trounce, Dr. Davies, Alessrs A. H. Roberts, Smart, &c. GLAMORGAN RIFJUS VOLUNTEERS.—The officers of the 2nd Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers (late Tuff Battalion) have resolved to invite Colonel David, the honorary colonel, and Captain Nicholl, the late adjutant of the battalion, previou3 to his leaving Cardiff, to a complimentary dinner at the Royal Hote], next week. A large number of officers have expressed their intention of being present.

COWBRIDGE. RIFLE VOLUNTEER BALL.—On Wednesday even- ing the ball of the Cowbridge Rifles took place at the Bear Hotel. The ball-room, under skilful hands, was elegantly decorated for the occasion, and among the decorations was a fiue device of bayonets, flags, &c., while the walls were orua- "ifi'it^d with manv .cut „nd modern implements' of warfare. The %race- ful appearance of the interior wa3 heightened by handsome drapinga of white lace, &c., and the whole, when brilliantly lighted up, combined to give the scene an extremely pretty effect. The company commenced to arrive about nine o'clock, aud dancing began shortly after A ards to the well-known quadrille band of Messrs Roberts and Johnson, of Cardiff. The following is a list of those who were present:— Captain Evans and party, Lieutenant Thomas and Mrs Thomas, Lieut. Gwyn, and other officers of the corps; Messrs F. A. Miles, T. Spencer and Airs Spencer and party; Mr and Mrs Donne, of Aloukton; Mr D. Spencer, Flemingstone, and Miss Burns; Miss Smith, Boverton; Mr S. Gib- bon and the Alisses Culverwell; Mr C. J. Gwyn and Airs Gwyn; Air W. Thomas and Miss Thomas, Great House Air L. Jenkins and Mrs Jenkins, Cowbridge Mr W. A, James and Mrs James; Mrs Aloses, Newport; the Misses Yor- werth, Cardiff; Mr Wilmot; Messrs J. Jenkins, J. Clarke, and R. Elliott the Misses Elliott and party, of Cardiff; Aliss Hunt, Ash Hall; Mr J. W. Hall; Miss Bowen; Messrs E. Richards, C. Thomas, and J. W. Thomas; Miss John, Cly- dacb, and E. Williams, of Cardiff, &e.

SWANSEA. THE SWANSEA ELOPEMENT CASE. —At the Swansea police-court, on Thursday, Thomas W. Alays was charged on remand with stealing a chest of drawers, a clock, chairs, a bedstead, fireirons, six pictures, a bird cage, and other articles, the property of Daniel Williams. The prisoner, who was employed at the circus, lodged at the house of prosecutor, in Little A.iadoc-street, from which place the prosecutor's wife eloped with him. Pri- soner took the articles named, and was subse- quently arrested in London, where he was found liviug with prosecutor's wife in lodgings. Several of the articles were discovered in their rooms. Some further evidence was given by Detective- constable Alorris, who appreheuded the piisoner, after which he was committed to take his trial at the quarter-session'. CRUELTY TO TRAM HORSES.—Air Fowler gave his decision upon a summons charging Ernest Lambert, driver of a tram car, with cruelty to a horse, and fined defendant Is and costs, which amounted to £ 1 9s 6d. The offence consisted in the defendant cantioning to drive a horse after the animal had become lame. ALLEGED THEFT BY SCHOOL CHILDREN.—Tilda Johusou and Anuie Williams were charged with stealing a girl's ulster and a boy's overcoat, from the Trinity Board School on the 14th inst. The case was adjourned. A ROGUE AND VAGABOND. — William Fulton was charged with having been on the platform of the Great Western Railway Company for the purpose of committing a felony. Detective Jones arrested the prisoner from some information as to his antecedents, and he was now sentenced to three months. PATENT WATER HEARTH FOR BOILERS, &0.- Air W. Jones, of the Argyle Works, Swansea, now has on sale a patent water hearth or grate, amongst the advantages claimed for the use of which is a saving of 25 to 30 per cent. of fuel. It consists of a shallow water-box, or cistern, or boiler plate, which takes the place of bars, and renders them unnecessary. The necessary air is supplied through tubes, by which also the ashes readily pass away. A more perfect combustion of fuel is effected, as so loug as the boiler is steaming the temperature of the hearth is uniform, the result being that a mini- mum of clinker is formed, and thus the admission of air to the fire is less interrupted, and with good coal nothing but light ash is left. This alone says a great deal in favour of the invention, especially when the wasteful andlaboiious process of cleaning and slaking heavy fires is taken into consideration. After many weeks' trial of anthra- cite smokeless coal,it has been satisfactorily proved that the intense heat evolved from this description of fuel, so destructive to ordinary fire bars, 1s of advantage to the hearth, as it increases the velo- city of the circulation without in any way injuring it, and without waste of steam. Thus grates can be applied to any description of boiler with very little trouble. It is also available for kitchen ranges in houses. ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONCERT.—On Wednes- day and Thursday evenings a concert was given in the Music-hall, in aid of the Teachers' Benevolent and Orphan Fund, when the choir numbered 1,000 voices. The choir was composed of children at- tending the Board schools iu the district the schools being Aberdyberthy, Brynhyfryd, Bethauy Branch, Danygraig, Goat-street, Hafod, Kilvey, Morriston British, Morriston, Board, National, Parochial, Plasmarl, St. Helen's. Trinity, Wauu- wen, and York-place. The artistes were Aliss Lizzie Williams, Alessrs D. D. Hughes, E. G. Hughes, and others, whilst Messrs Hughes Bros. were the directors. Air Gilbert Legge acted as pianist, and Mr Alfred Jones presided at the harmonium. At the conclusion of the miscel- laueous part of the programme, in the execution of which the children sang together most har- moniously, an operetta, entitled "The American farmer and his extravagant children," was ren- dered, the characters being in costume.

PONTYPRIDD. MYFYR MORGANWG."—Ou Wednesday evening Mr Gwilyn Williams, stipendiary magistrate, Misken Manor, presided, at the Victoria Hotel, over a meeting convened for the purpose of assisting the arch-druid "Myiyr Morganog" (Evan Davies). There were present during the first hour of the proceedings half a dozen persons, exclusive of the representatives of the press, but this number was subsequently doubled. The Chairman and others referred to the indigence through untoward circumstances of the subject of the discussion, and to his energetic studies of Welsh literature. It appeared that he had at pre- sent on hand a large number of his Welsh work on bardism, and the advisability and feasibility of getting it translated into English was dis- cussed. The further consideration of the latter point was adjourned, but a subscription list was started in the room to aid the old man in his need. Including promises, over £20 was got for the pur- poses of translation. It was anticipated that a goodly sum would be realised in order that the merits or demerits of the work might be eluci- dated to the general public. The Chairman promised to see Lord Aberdare in order to try and get Alyfyr's name inserted in the Civil List. The Rector of Merthyr subscribed to alleviate Myfyr's wants, but expressed himself thoroughly antagon- istic to his general literary sentiments. POLICE INSPECTION.—Captain Elgee, Govern- ment Inspector of Constabulary, and Colonel Lindsay, chief constable of the county, inspected Jhe Rhondda and Pontypridd police-stations on Wednesday. They afterwards reviewed the police force—composed of one superintendent, three ser- geants, and 22 constables. The Inspector was highly pleased with the admirable manner in which tiie offices were kept aud the high efficiency of the men. In these respects Pontypridd yields the palm of prestige to no police detachment in the county. POLICE-COURT.—On Wednesday — before Mr Gwilym Williams, stipendiary, Dr. Leigh, and Mr Jackson—John Sherlock, collier, Ystrad, lihondda, was charged with stealing a watch, value £ 3, the property of his urother-in-law, Thos. Lewis. The watch bad been pawned for 6s with a woman in Breconshire. It was attempted to be shown that the affair was merely a "lark." But the bench learnt that prisoner had been before convicted of theft, and adjourned tiie case for additional evidence. THE CEMETERY BURIAL FEES.—The Glyntaff Burial Board, Pontypridd, have resolved to moke the reduction applied for in the pauper burial feea at the cemetery. A general reduction in these fees is also broached.

ST. MELLON'S. THE LATE AIR HOWELLS.—The remains of the late Mr Moses Howells were, on Thursday, b. ferred in the Calvinistic Methodist burial ground. The fuueral was attended by a large circle of frientin, among whom were a number ot ministers of different denominations. The unexpected j presence Of .his principal employer, Mr D. Davies, I M.P., Cardigan, caused considerable surprise, j Tiie loaa to the ^eLthbouuua Methodiafc sburches t by his death wili be much felt. The following, [ among others, were present :—Rev. D. Edwards, I Newport; Rev. T. Edwards, Eubw Vale; Rev. Samuel Jones, Penarth Hev, J. M. Jones, Cardiff; Rev. R. Jones, Treherbert; Rev. — Lloyd, Castletowu; Rev. A. Edmunds, St. Melton's Rev. D. James, St. Mellon's; Rev. R. Herbert, Rhymney Mr Webb, Cardiff; Air Jenkins, Y strad, and Air Davies, YstraJ.

BLAINA. ABERYSTRUTH SOHooL BOARD.—On Tuesday the first meeting of the new board was held at the Assembly Rooms, Garnfach. There were present Alessrs S. Lancaster, J. P. D. Williams, J. Wal- lace, J. Stanfield, W. Daysou, E. Alorgans, J. Thomas, Rev. D. Williams, and the clerk. Rev. J. Aled Jones. Mr S. Lancaster V as elected chairman, and Mr Titus Phillips (who was un- avoidably absent) was re-elected to the vice-cha r. It was resolved (1) that the consideration of the reconstruction of the preseut schools at Blaina be deferred until next board, so as to obtain additional information from the architect; (2) that the clerk advertise for tenders for the erection of new iufants' schools at Bull Field, Blaina, to ac- commodate 400; (3) that Aliss. M, A. Davies, formerly pupil teacher at Blaina Schools, be assistant mistress at the Garn Infant School,

THE FATAL R0AD~ACClDEfiT NEAlt PONTYPRIDD. On Tuesday afternoon Mr H. LI. Grover, deputy-coroner, held an inquest at the Horse aud Groom Inn, Pontypridd, on the body of William Richards, 81, Zoar-sfcreet, who had, three weeks ago, fallen from the road into an adjoining incline, situate between Rhydfelen and Caerphilly. According to the evidence, the night wheu deceased was passing along the thoroughfare (from Caerphilly home to Pontypridd) was exceedingly dark. There was no protection by the side of the road, and deceased had fallen a depth of from 12 to 14 feet. He was found in an insensible st ite, had lingered on for a fortnight, and then collapsed. Dr Leckie, who had attended deceased, stated that but for this accident deceased would, in all probability, have lived for many years. The fall had inflicted a cut on the right side of the fore- head three inches in length down to the bone, The Coroner: The man died from the injuries, did he? Dr. Leckie: Yes. The Coroner told the jury that the only ques- tion for them was, whether anybody was liable for the injuries to the deceased. No doubt the road at the spot where deceased fell was very unprotected, and the point for them to look at was how far the authorities were responsible for the road not being fenced. But in this case the facts were too remote for the jury to fix upou any- body gross criminal negligence, so as to bring anybody in a verdict of manslaughter. The road had been fenced that day, they had heard. A Juryman I think the person who worked the incline is responsible. The Coroner Then you must fix upon who he is, and arrive at a verdict of manslaughter. I don't think you would be justified iu doiug that. The Foreman (the Rev. Edmund Davies): Will it be out of place for us to call the attentiou of the highway board or the board of guardians to the condition of the road when the accident occurred ? The Coroner Certainly not. You may bring in any verdict you like. All I say is, that this has been an accident or something worse. The jury agreed to the to. emau's suggestion, and the coroner, as it was understood, appended it as a rider to his verdict of Accidental death."

A E F, R D Alt ES C H OOHB 0 A R D. At the bi-monthly meeting on Thursday af.er. noon, there were present Messrs R, H, Rhys (chairman), D. Davies (Alaesyffynon), D. P. Davies, W. Charles D. Davies (Canton House) Kevs. D. Price, VV. James, T. Jones, and B. Evans.—The clerk was instructed to prepare a schedule of the duties to bo performed. A letter was read froin the committee of the Sunday Closing Association, enclosing, for adoption by the board, a petition in favour of Air Roberts' ] measure.—The Chairman was of opinion that that board was not the proper body to send such petitions to. However, if the board decided so to do he would sign it.—Mr David Davies (Maesy- ffynon) moved that the petition be adopted, and the Rev. B. Evans seconded the proposal, the Rev. Dr. Price supporting it.—The Chairman did ] not think it fair that boards which were consti- tuted for other purposes should interfere in such business. What if the board were divided, say six to fiveh— Mr D. Davies (Alaesyffynon): We i are a representative body, and the petition will < receive its proper weight. The motion was carried. Mrs M. Howard, mistress of the Capcoch schools, informed the board that between Friday and Mon- 1 day last all the back windows of the school had i been broken, and the locks of the drawers in the 1 desk had also been tampered with, so that she 5 could not get the registers out. The Clerk ex- « plained that the police had made inquiries, and • succeeded in fiudiug two lads, each about 7 years 1 of age, who confessed to having broken the win- dows, but denied entering the school. The parents of the boys had promised to pay for the panes, but f tVis had not yet been done. It was decided to take out summonses against the boys if the amount ( was not paid on or before Tuesday morning < next. A cheque for £50 was, upon the application t of the treasurer, signed on account of the Hir- i wain Joint Schools.—The Chairman mentioned 1 that he had seen Lord Aberdare in reference to the poundage system connected with the Duffryn Schools about to be transferred to the board, llis < lordship was of opinion that unless some consider- t able loss was entailed it would not be advisable to 1 chauge the present plan, but if the loss were < heavy, then a differeut course might be adopted. J He (the speaker) quite agroed with that, and if the loss were not more than £50 or so matters might remain as they are.-The board subse- quently considered in private a number of deiails ] connected with the proposed transfer.—The grant earned atCwmbach schools was stated to be £J03, 1 and the report was on the whole a favourable one, —The reading of the reports of the superintendent of schools and attendance officer terminated the proceedings.

ATTEMPT TO TIIKOW A'TiilfN" DOWN AN EMBANKMENT' J The 4.10 North-Western express from London to Liverpool, when running half speed along a high embankment two miles from Wolverhampton on Wednesday night, dashed into a sleeper fastened the track* .So cjreat was tiie force of the coucu-:sio:i that it was at first thought that she had left the medals, Tho engineers had to cling to the hand rails, the engine lifeguard was torn away, and the passengers were much shaken, The sleeper was secured to the line by an iron chair at e tch end.

Lady xaush, the wife of Lord Lush, died on Wtldjieadav marninp.

The pigeon-shooting competition fur the Sports* man Cup, at Hen.Ion, terminated on Wednesday. :n the victory of Ur. Carver, who on the final t e-tt killed 79, against 74 by Air Scott, Dr. Carver thuai iviuuitig the title for the cup, an.! the ¡,bke-£6iJOa. Mr Scott immediately challenged Dr. Carver foi the cup and £200 a side. A market train running betwe-u Chesterfield, ind Seymour, Derbyshire, was pulled up 011 Sat- urday night a few yards off a brake block which ltal been firmly fastened to the rail. The train, was heavily laden with passengers, and had tha discovery not been wad" the result would have doubtless been disastrous, as the train uvs travel- ling at a hitth rate of speed. Several previous attempts h ive been ma !e on the ean:o.J train, anJ the police are investigating the matter. P nted and Published by the Proprietory DAVID DUNCAN & SONS, at their Printing Works, 75 and St.. Mai-y-stfeat au.t^'est^.tUhsiiJ'ueU.