The Cardiff Times

LETTER FROM A SWANSEA SOLDIER. The following letter has been received from a Swansea man :— Stanger, Natal Colony. South Africa, 16th March, 1679. My dear Mother,—The last tiuie I wrote to you was in August last; but aJaq. dear mother, many sad changes have taken place since then. On the 10th August, 1S73, the Volunteer Corps to which I belonged was ordeied to King William's Town, for the purpose of beinir disbanded, the Kaffir war being ended. I had money enough saved up to bring me home, but, unfortunately for myself, I got on the drink, and the end of it was, I was taken as a deserter from the 88th, and was tried by a district court-martial and sentenced to 336 days. but in consequence of my services in the ^iaffir war, the General remitted ICS days. I was sent.from King William's Town to Cape Town, to rejoin .11Y ompany, a distance of 600 mile", Whilst in the prison at Cape Town, my company was ordered to Sfc. Helena, a distance of 1,750 miles. During all this time I was a prisoner. I was putting my six months of imprisonment 11P, and was out only two days when the company was ordered back, to proceed to the Zulu war. a distance of 2,300 miles from the island of St. Helena so that you see, dear mother, that I went from the battle-field into prison, and then from the frisoa to the bat le-field again. My dear mother, could have wrote to you from the prison, but I did not like to maka yon uneasy. Let me know did you receive the e5 I sent in my last letter. Dear mother, no doubt you have heard of this terrible war. Already there has fallen about 1,500 British troops. It's a far more dangerons war than the last one I II as in. Sickness is very bad in the shape of dysentery and fever, caused through heat and bad water. My dear mother, I don't wish to fill you with fear or uneasiness about me therefore, I shall write no more about it until I come out of it, if ever I do. Whoever reads this must do so with patience, for it's on my knees I have to lay the note-paper, 80 that you can't expect it written well. My darling mother, who would be a soldier after what I have seen ? Flogging is done away with in the army so I heard, but you must know it is only in times of peace. III times of war they do just as ihey like" ith you. I have seen some frightful Bights of flogging for a simple drunk on the line of march it's two years imprisonment and 50 lashes. Good-bye, dearest mother, and don't 'o forget your unfortunate son Stephen in your prayers. Address, Stephen Heynolds, F. Com- pany, 88th Rest., Stanger. Natal,—Dear mother, iron can see what camp life is in war times by only looking at the dirtiness of the notepaper, in fact, we have not time enough to clean the vermin Dff ourselves we wear a shirt for weeks upon weeks at a time no time to wash.

DEVASTATION OF NATIVE VILLAGES. SYDNEY, April 24th (via San Francisco).— Commander Bruce, while on a cruise in the sloop Cormorant, called at Brooks' Island, where he found some property which had belonged to Mr Ingham, who was murdered. He consequently devastated some of the villages.

CAUSING THFDEATH OF A WIFE. At Glasgow on Thursday. James Granford, a commercial traveller, was apprehended, charged with causing the death of liis wife, whose dead body was found on the floor covered with bruises. _—————

A GENEROUS LANDIJORD. ] The Duke of Bedford has informed the whole of his tenants of farms and lands that he will forego this year's rent, due last Lady-clay. This gift amounts to an enormous aggregate.

SIIOCKINCTDmFoFA STOW- AWAY. A stowaway has been found dead in the hold of a New York liner. The slow, lingering tortures he was subjected to had stamped their terrible expression on his features. The eyes were wide open and staring, and the mouth was firmly set, while the hands were clenched.

THE NORTHERN FAILURES. The first meeting of creditont in connection with the late Cleveland failures took place on Thursday, of the Skerne Iron Company, limited, ot Darlington. The liabilities were £50.000, in- cluding £7.000 of book debts, £ 13,000 for stock irvu-the iron to deliver, and hose plant. There are in addition, the works of the company, and 23 acres of land. It was stated that if the works were dismantled and sold off there would be more than sufficient to pay the creditors in full. It was resolved to wind up the concern.

LAUDANUM V. SPIRIT DRINKING. Dr. Moffat, speaking at a Sunday Closing meeting, said they must bear in mind that there weie greater evils than beer drinking. He re- ferred to the increase in the consumption of laud- anum and opium since public-houses were closed earlier. Eveu in that parish he asked a druggist if he had found any increase in the sale of laud- anum since the public-houses were closed at ten o'clock, and the chemist informed him that in one village alone he weekly sold two quarts of laudanum. Since then he knew a family which spent 10s weekly in opium alone. If a man did not get sufficient beer to send him to sleep his wife was obliged to give him a dose of laudanum. He knew one instance where the husband thrashed his wife because she had not procured trim his usual do.ce of opium.

A PARISIAN MYSTERY. Another mysterious crime has just come to light in aris. 1 he decomposed body of a young woman wifea a rope tied round her neck was found in the Seise. At first it was thought to be a case of suicide, but investigation proved it to be one of murder. The body turned out to be that of a wrv&Kt nameo Elise Rouck, who came from Bel- gium A couple of months ago to seek a place in Paris. She disappeared shortly after her arrival. The r,,W round her seek, on being examined, was found to be broken. Divers were sent down into the river, and ti.ey succeeded in finding a large •tone, to which was attached the remainder of the rope.' The body, thus weighted, must have kept at the bottoai of the Seine till the constant action of the water broke the rape. A portion of her clothes still remained intact, and in a pocket were discovered some jewellery and money. This fact Would lead to the inference that robbery was not the motive of the crime,

A CAUTION TO YOUNG LADIES. The Civil Tribunal of Paris has annulled a mar- j riage solemnised in a London Protestant church f between Julien Galloin, the son of a rich Paris merchant, and Selina Deacon. The bridegroom, »ent by his fattier to spend a year in London be- fore serving a year in the army, fell in love with his landlady's daughter, four years his senior, and, though only 18, represented himself to the clergy- man as of full age. Recalled home, he left his wife enceinte, and was persuaded to renounce a bond illegal if only through the absence of the consent of the parents. The wife, admitting the invalidity of the marriage, pleaded good faith as entitling her future offspring to a pecuniary claim, II but the court rejected this plea, and simply an- nulled the marriage, with costs against Alias Deacon. What makes the case more distressing is that the lady is legally married in England, though not iu France s ■

THE EUSTON SQUARE MURDER. STATEMENT BY MRS BASTEN- DORFF. Superintendent Davies, of Canterbury, has received a letter from Mrs Bridges, at whose house Miss Hacker lodged for some time, in Bed- ford-place, Russell-square, offering to give her services with respect to identification. Super- intendent Davies is having several old photo- graphs of Mis& Hacker printed, and these are like to prove useful.. It is definitely ascertained that Miss Hacker went to live at Mornington-crescent in April, 1877, and left in the August following. She probably went to Eustou-square shortly after- wards, and was last seen alive on Wednesday, October the 10th, 1877, and Mrs Talbert believes it waa in that month she heard the scream men- tioned a few days ago. It is stated that Hannah Dobbs, when she visited Bideford last year, presented to a young person in that to-vn a brooch, with Bastendorff's likeness in tt. The police are anxious to get possession of this brooch, but cannot find it. The belief is strong that Dobbs paid a hurried visit to Bideford previous to August last, and it is certain that her mother paid a brief visit to London about the same time, and the police are directing their attention to these matters. Hannah Dobbs is described as a broad shouldered, illiterate woman of 2(5, and the youngest of three sisters, two of whom are married and living at Bideford. The parents of Hannah Dobbs who were com- municative enough a week ago, when it was imagined their daughter was the victim, are now reticent. Hannah Dobbs is in Tothill Fields Prison, and has written this week to her parents at Bideford, expressing great penitence at having brought them into disgrace, and declaring thac the offence for which she is suffering is the first she ever committed. There is good reason for doubt- ing that Mrs Dobbs was at home in the summer of 1877, and then brought with her a little boy, Peter Bastendorff. Before entering Basten- dorff's service she w as employed by a widow lady at Redhill. Her mother was one day telegraphed for, and on returning from London brought Hannah with her, and com- plained that Hannah's conduct had been the cause of great expense to her. The watch, about which inquiry is made, was in her possession, her parents state, two years ago, but they did not ask how she became possessed of it, or what had become of it. Last November she said the watch had been left her as a legacy. Mrs Bastendorff has made an important state- ment to the police. She remembers Miss Hacker perfectly well as a lodger, and described her habits. About 12 months ago she was informed by Hannah Dobbs that the old lady had gone away in a hurry, leaving the place in a disgrace- ful state. She occupied the second floor back. Mrs Bastendorff went to the room, and found it all in disorder. Knowing what is supposed to have happened, Mrs Bastendorff thinks there might have been a struggle there. Turning to Hannah, she asked why she did not tell her when people left like that. They ought to pay something for damage. She forgets what answer Hannah made. Mrs Bastendorff also remembers that somewhere < about the same time Hannah went to the country, and that when she came back she told everyone that her uncle had died, leaving her JE50 and several articles of jewellery. Hannah was very liberal with her money, and made presents to all the Bastendorffs. Thejpolice, on examining the room alluded to, found a large blot on the carpet. They cut the piece out. It is believed to be blood stains. One of the Bastendorff's workmen remembered seeing several rings fin Hannah Dohbs* possession. He has been taken to Scotland Yard to identify several which are in the hands of the police, and it is stated that he has recognised some of them as the same which Hannah Dobbs showed him. It is well-known amongst those who are ac- quainted with the Bastendorffs, that two of Mr Basteridorff's unmarried brothers had been paying marked attention to Hannah Dobbs while she was at Euston-square, and after she left she was out of employment from the time of her dismissal until arrested for robbing furnished lodgings.

THE BIRMINGHAM LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the Birmingham Liberal Association, on Thursday, a resolution was passed that as the House of Commons aid not represent ths people of England, it ought to be dissolved. It wasaL-o resolved That Greece had strong claims upon the sympathy of the people of England, and that its exteution and development would offer a strong guarantee of peace and liberty ill the East of Europe, and that it was the imperative duty of Her Majesty's Ministers to co-operate with the Government of the French Republic in insisting: upon the fulfilment by the Porte of the stipulations contained in the 13th protocol of the Berlin Congress, and the 24tb article of the Treaty of Berlin."

THE TERROR IN RUSSIA. Further political trials at Kieff are announced. T e firrt ou Wednesday of two personal, not ] ereditary, nobles, Vlalisl.is and Henry I,¡bitsky. charged with being members of a revolutionary s<Jciety, and with circulating revolutionary publi- cations, and with the more serious offence of offering armed resistance to a police-officer. Vladislas is also charged with escaping from prison on the 23rd. A peasant, Ivan Zuberjitsk, is charged with each of the above offences, and also with forging and usin: three false passports. No information is yet published respecting the trial of the fourteen }.ersons, including six women, at Kieff on the 12th, nor of the three persons, in- cluding oue lady of noble birth, on the 17th. At Prague ¡he Workmen's Union was dissolved on account of the Socialist agitation; and at Kolornea, in Galicia, the sister of the well-known author Pawlik, who lately fled from Lsmberg to Geneva, was re-arrested for distributing a Socialist aId revolutionary pamphlet auiongstthe Ruthenian peasants in East Galicia.

THE MAY MEETINGS. BRITISH WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION. CANON FARRAR ON TEMPERANCE. Canon Farrar, presiding at the largely attended annual meeting of this association at the Mem- orial Hall, Farringdon-street, on Thursday night, was supported upon the platform by a Dumber of ladies, who, as speakers, rendered the gathering specially interesting. From the report it appeared that the association, only recently formed, under the presidency of Mrs Lucas, had made consider- able progress during the year, having established 15 branches. For Scotland, Edinboroogh has been made a centre. Twelve public and seven draw- ing room meetings have been held in Lancashire. A ;petition: is in course of signature against the Sunday liquor traffic. Increased financial support was asked to carry on the work, the in- come having only reached JS196. In his introduc- tory remarks, the Chairman observed that whether omen should tako part in political agitation might be an open question, but in all social movements ladies migiit legitimately share. Women were those who most suffered from the curse of drink. He alluded to the report of the Lords' Committee, which stated that the growth of female intemperance was on a scale so vast and a rate of progression so rapid, that it was such as to constitute a new reproach and danger, Ia spite of such startling evidence he ventured the belief that, numerically, intemperate women were in a small proportion. He dwelt upon the ravages caused by drink in the family circle, especially referring to its deteriorating influence upon women. He looked to two quarters for help, namely, to legislation and and to temper- ance reform. Of the former he was now.a little more hopeful than he was not Iong ago. Even since the beginning of this year the eyes of states- men have been greatly opened, and they were seeinsr that the time had come w hen something must be done. The resolutionstof Sir Wilfrid Lawson would, he hoped, be the basis of serious legislation. He expressed great hopes of the Artizans' Dwelling Act, and said there were irany streets in London which ought to be re- moved for the benefit of the inhabitants, and for the aid of philanthropic efforts. He hoped the time was not far distant when they would have in England the Sunday Closing Act, which had proved so acceptable and successful in England and Ireland, and for which Wale8 was not only ripe, but actually crying out. In Aberdare 92 out of every 100 had voted for it, amongst the majority being many publicans. Chiefly to the increasing temperance agencies of the day he looked as a means to create public opinion and svrnuathy with the work. Mrs Servants, Mrs Anderson, Mrs Schofield, and Miss Brean delivered addresses, the latter uttering a specially eloquent protest against the evils of drunkenness, and an appeal for aid in tile temperance reform. j ARMY SCRIPTURE READERS' SOCIETY. This society—established for the evangelization of the army-held its annual meeting on Wednes- day afternoon, at Willis' Rooms, under tie pre- sidency of the Earl of Fortescue. The report stated that the staff of home atrents had been strengthened by a: pointing additional readers. Following the course of events which led to the occupation of Cyprus after the Treaty of Berlin, and the transport of an army corps to that island, a reader was sent out towards the close of 1878, and was now hard at work among the troops in that newly-acquired settlem nt. The desire was to for vard agents to the troops in Afghanistan, but the difficulties appeared too great to admit of this being done. The outbreak of hostilities in South Africa pointed to Zululand as an appro- priate sphere of effort, and two readers had been already despatched thither. T e total number of readers now employed was 86. Since the origin of the society, much had been done to improve the mental, moral, BOchl, and religious condition of the rank and file. The establishment of reading-rooms and soldiers' institutes had been largefy promoted, and, as a consequence, the men admitted to the army were drawn from a better class of the community than heretofore. Among the many evidences of usefulness might be noted the employment of men, formerly m the army, in the rank* of London City Mission agents, and by the towns' mission. Several were also placed in charge of mission-halls in the provinces. The balance-sheet showed that the receipts were JE1,406 48 4d the balance in hand < was JM 10s, i

NEATH AND BRECON RAILWAY BILL. This Bill came before the Examiner of the I House of Commons, on Thursday, for proof of standing orders. The Examiner decided that they i had been complied *dth, and will report accord- ingly to the House. < — (

Advantageous Exchange for the Vatican J A T New Man for an Old Hat.—Punch*

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT," HOUSE OF COMMONS, THURSDAY. The Speaker took the chair at four o'clock. THE CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO IN IRELAND. Mr CALLAN gave notice that on going into Committee of Supply he would call attention to the Acta relating to the cultivation of tobacco in Ireland, VOLUNTEERING FROM THE RESERVES. Colonel ARBUTHNOT gave notice that he would move an amendment to Colonel Mure's resolution with respect to the state of the army on the system of short service, to the effect that it was desirable to. afford greater facilities for enabling the reserve men to volunteer for active service. MILITARY EXPENDITURE JN SOUTH AFRICA. f Mr RYLANDS said that in lieu of the resolu- tion of which he had given notice, with respect to the military expenditure in South Africa, he would, on the third reading of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, move that in view of the large and increasing military expenditure in South Africa, the House is of opinion that the colonies of the Cape of Good t Hope and Natal, being in the possession of responsible Government, should be required to contribute their due proportion towards the ex- penditure'now being incurred tor their protection, and which ought not in justice to be solely charged to the Imperial Exchequer. THE SURVEY CLAUSES OF THE SHIP- PING ACT. Lord SANDON, iu reply to Mi elver, said that he did not consider that the experience of the working of the Survey Clauses of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876 had been such as to show thaCithey required amendment, considering how short a time the Act had been in force. THE GREEK FRONTIER. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, in reply to Mr Laing, said it would be extremely inconvenient if he were now to enter into the de- tails of the negotiations which had taken place, and w erejstill sought for the rectification of the Greek frontier. The influence of Her Majesty's Government had been exerted to obtain the ac- ceptance by Turkey of the recommendations of the Congress of Berlin, which were of a general character. Papers were being prepared, and would shortly be 1airl on the table. BESETTING A WORKSHOP. Mr CROSS, in reply to Mr Burt, said that as the decision of the magistrates at Birkenhead with respect to the offence of besetting Messrs Brassey's works was very important, and had been very proparly appealed against, he mu-st decline ex- pressing an opinion on it. OUR STRENGTH IN SOUTH AFRICA. Col. STANLEY, in reply to Mr Waddy, said that the strength of the regular forces of all arms in South Africa, according to the lastest returns, was 116,957; the number on their passage out, 1,066; and the number under orders, 1,515; making a total of 19,538. He believed that the number of coloured forces was 4,450. Mr W. H. SMITH said the number of blue jackets landed was 850. THE DISTURBANCES IN THE DECCAN. Mr STANHOPE in reply to Mr Hanbury, said the Secretary of State had a day or two ago telegraphed to the Governor of Bombay for the latest information with respect to the disturbances and incendiarism in that presidency, and read a reply which was to the effect that they were to be attributed to the distress resulting from the famine, which had caused a revival of Dacoitism. The leaders of some of the bands had been captured, and the other, which did not consist of more than 300, was being pursued. The Secretary of State was in communication with the Governor of Bom- bay as to the measures to be adopted for the relief of the agricultural population in the Deccan. If moved for, the papers would be laid on the table. VOLUNTEERS FOR SOUTH AFRICA. Coionel STANLEY, in reply to Colonel Mure, said that if there was a chance of a Bill of a single clause to enable the first-class reserve to volunteer for service with the regiments in South Africa, he would bring one in, but if it was likely to undergo a prolonged discussion he would prefer to wait for the passing of the Army Discipline Bill, in which there was a clause with this object. THE LUNACY LAWS. Mr CROSS, in reply to Mr Dillwyn, said that the-Lord Chancellor was very anxious to bring in a Bill to amend the Lunacy Laws, and would do so as soon as the state of public business would permit. THE ALLEGED SLAUGHTER OF A WOUNDED ZULU. Sir M. H. BEACH, in reply to Mr O'Donnell, said that the account of the slaughter of a wounded Zulu chief in the Durban correspondence of the Daily Telegraph of the 19th inst., by a force under Capt. Prior, in the direction of Upper PoUgola Drift, had been since contradicted. The statements of the correspondent of the Standard of the refusal to give quarter to the wounded Zulus, after the battle of Gingihlovo, were made on hearsay evi- dence, and he had not thought it necessary to inquire into them. Circumstances which he re- grettod had no doubt occurred, especially in con- nection with the native levies, but he was certain of this, that the military authorities would deal with a British officer or soldier refusing to give quarter when asked for. REINFORCEMENTS. Colnnel STANLEY, in reply to Mr Otway, said for some time past reinforcements had been sent out, and were still being sent, to fill up the vacancies caused by the heavy casualties that had occurred. Forsome time past these reinforcements were taken from the brigades in England, and, as a matter of course, their efficiency was propor- tionatelv impaired. Mr W. H. SMITH, in answer to a ques- tion, said it was true that there was a force of 2,000 marines perfectly ready to embark for service any where if it should be un- fortunately necessary to send uut further rein- forcements. One battalion of marines would be amongst the first sent out. Col. STANLEY, in reply to Mr Rylaoids, said that it was true that further reinforcements for South Africa had been'asked for, but the Govern- ment were waiting more definite information on the matter. THE QUANTITY AND VALUE OF EXPORTS. MrlMACIVER wished to put a question of which he had given notice to the President of the Board of Trade There appeared in t e Timei a statement com piled from official sources, to the < effect that whilst the value of the exports had diminished, the quantity and volume had in- creased. He desired to have some explanation of this fact. (Order.) The SPEAKER called the hon. gent, to order. Mr MACIVER said he would put himself in order by concluding with amotion. He proceeded, amidst incessant interruptions, to ask for infor- mation with respect to the nature of these exports —whether they were of manufactured goods or raw material! He moved the adjournment of the House. Mr G. P. BENTINCK seconded the motion, which was at once negatived. Mr MACIVER said he would raise the ques- tion again, on the motion for the adjournment for Whitsuntide. THE IRISH UNIVERSITY BILL. The O'CONOK DON asked if the Chancellor of the Exchequer was now in a position to hold out any prospect of being able to give a day for the resumption of the Irish Universitv Bill. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, in replv, could not hold out any definite expecta- tion of being able to accommodate the hon. mem- ber. Still, he recognised the importance of the subject. If the Government were assisted by the House, it would facilitate compliance with the request, but at the present time it was impossible for him to fix a day. He urged the hon. member to come to some arrangement with hon. members who had bills and notices on the paper. Many of these were of little pressing importance, and as very few of them were likely to be passed, it would be much better for the hon. member to come to some arrangement with them rather than oress the Government to sacrifice the very limited time at its disposal for its own Bills and the ordi- nary requirements of the public service. If the hon. member failed to do so, he would, when the Government business was more advanced, do what he could to meet his wishes. Mr SHAW moved the adjournment of the House, in order that he might endorse the appeal made by the O'Qonor Don for the assistance of the Government in obtaining a day for the passage of the Irish University Bill. Sir W. PRAZER objected that the motion could not be repeated without another motion having intervened. The SPEAKER ruled that the objection applied only to a debate, and not to the present occasion. Mr SHAW continued, and urged various argu- ments in support of his appeal. Mr SULLIV AN also supported the appeal made to the Government, and stated that there had last year been semi-otficfal negotiations on the subject, which led to the belief on the part of the Irish members that the proposals contained in the Bill would receive the favourable consideration of the Government. In the answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer a pang of regret and a chord of bitter feeling had been struck in the breasts of the Irish people, and he felt that after that answer it would he a mockery to retain the measure on the Order Book of the House. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he had not anticipated the indignation caused ) by what he had said. He had onJv intended to appeal to the common sense of the Irish members, who knew that there was a large amount of public business that mua" be got through, and which they might materially facilitate. He hoped the Home would assist the Government to get on with that business, in which case he hoped to be able to find an opportunity for the further consid- eration of the Bill in question. He had in no way endeavoured to stifle proceeding with the Bill; he only desired that the facilities he had spoken of should be accorded. The O'CONOR DON did not take the strong view enunciated by some of his friends, and was loath to abandon all hone of passing the Bill, for which object he would put it down for snch a date as might afford an opportunity of its further con- sideration, if facilities were placed within his reach. Perhaps after the holidays the Govern- ment would be enabled to give a definite answer as to what course misht he expected to be taken. Mr O'CONNOR POWER accused the Govern- ment of waiting to see how the tide of public feeling was likely to go on this question, in order that they might shape their course accordingly. Mr NEWDGATE hoped that if the Govern- ment gave a day it would not be so near the end nf the Session as that upon which the Intermediate Education Bill for Ireland was brought in last year. V Mr COGAN joined in tht*opinion that the :ourae taken by the Government would create an anessy feeling in Ireland as to the course they in- tended to pursue on this question. Major NOLAN pointed out that ,*he question )f finding a day for further considering the Bill night involve the question of which si(5^ should occupy the Treasury bench in the next Parlia- nent. Mr A. MILLS expressed a hope that the Honse would go on with the business on the paper. Mr O'DONNELL argued that the answer of t :he Chancellor of the Exchequer gave the cue to iertain hon. members who were strongly opposed 'O the Bill to so occupy the time of the House nuulitiaa could piobablv b« afforded f«V I nuulitiaa could piobablv ba afforded fwt I passage of the measure this session, and he was of opinion that there were many who might be in- duced to act upon the hint. He denied that the movement in favour of this Bill was carried on at sacerdotal instigation. The Marquis of HARTINGTON thought the Irish members were calling out before they were hurt. The Bill was only introduced last week, and had already received one day's discussion on the second reading, and he waa in- clined to believe that on due consideration the Government would agree that a measure so im- portant should be further discussed at a day not too distant for practical purposes. Nothing had fallen from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that at all forbade the hope that the Bill would be fur- ther considered this session, Dr WARD suggested that the Government should give them next Saturday for the further discussion of the Bill. Mr PARNELL did not concur with those who thought the case utterly hopeless, but in order that there might be hope, the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer must abandon the attitude he had as- sumed. Mr SHAW then withdrew his motion. Sir J. GOLDSMID asked Mr Shaw whether he was to be regarded as leader of the Irish party. The SPEAKER ruled that the question was irregular, as it did not refer to any motion or sub- ject before the House. THE INDIAN BUDGET. Mr STANHOPE then rose to move that the House go into Committee to consider the Indian Budget, and in so doing stated that the accounts for 1877-78 showed a gross revenue of £58,9ö9,000, and a gross expenditure of JE62,512,000, giving a deficit of £3,543,000, this result being mainly due to the famine. The figures of 1878-79 showed an increase on both sides. The revenue being JE64,687,000, and the expenditure£63,236,OOO, showing a surplus of £1,450,000, which, remem- bering the enormously increased loss by exchange, and the payment of £670,000 on behalf of the war, did not compare unfavourably with the figures given in the estimates of last year. The direct loss to the revenue by the famine in Southern India had now been ascertained to be £ 5,400,000, besides the cost of relief works, the loss of inland revenue, &c., which increased the total loss by the famine to about £13,000,000. The total mortality was estimated at from 7,000,000 to 11.000,000 in Mysore alone while in Madras it must be left to the census to show what the real loss had been. From both provinces the Govern- ment had received conclusive testimony as to the great advantages conferred on the country by the charitable fuuds so largely contributed. Houses had been restored,oxen had been supplied, seed had been provided, and ploughs, looms, and otherillstrumen ts had been furnished to the suffer- ing people. Then the Government had had to provide for the cost of what he « as glad to call the late Afghan war. Last year the amount brought into account on that head was estimated at £2,000,000, It had been said that this was an in- adequate estimate, but it was an estimate on due consideration by the Government of India, who had the best means of knowing. Another matter to which he had to refer was the ques- tion cf the import duties on cotton goods. Lord Lytton had issued a commission of inquiry into the subject, and the report had since been re- ceived. It indicated that the limits of exemption of last year could not be maintained and that the time had come when relief could be given to the suffering classes. The Government of India had decided on extending the limits of exemption, so as to abolish all those cotton duties that were of a protective character. With regard to the in- land revenue, that might now be said to have reached its normal state. Last year, owing to a remission of the sugar duties, the exclusion from the tariff of various articles which brought in only a limited amount, and the exemption of a class of coarse cotton goods, there was a loss of revenue to some extent. This year the exemptions from duty of yarns had caused a loss of £192,000. but in spite of this and the state of depression through which India was undoubtedly passing, there had been a consider- able recovery. During the present year the opium returns showed a remarkable fluctuation. Last year the revenue from opium: was one andja half millions more than the estimate, and the proceeds of the taxation recently imposed were expected this year to be £1,300,000, The salt revenue showed only a slight increase, and was no v in prel-ty nearly its normal condition. The recent fall in the salt duties, accompanied as it was by the abolition of the inland sugar duties, could not but be regarded as a great step. The net loss to the revenue on this head was esti- mated at j348,000, and this was expected shortly to be recouped by the increased consumption that would take place in Bengal. The amount of salt consumed last year was greater than was ever known before, and when hon. members spoke of the oppressive nature of the salt tax they did not consider the way in 'hich it was collected, and.the infinitessimal payments, which extended over the whole year. Taking a review of the financial position of India during the five years the present Government had been in office, and ex- cluding any proceeds of new taxation or pay- ments on account of the war and public works, the result was only a deficit of three millions, and this had arisen from causes entirely beyond the control of the Government, the total of the extraordinary expenditure made during that period having been nineteen and a-quarter millions. For the present it was esti- mated there would be a deficit of one and a- quarter millions. The right hon. gentleman went at great detail into the figures connected ith civil charges, the '.Indian debt, &c., and urged that having regard to all the circumstances, it was impossible to effect a very large reduction of the expenditure at present. Still, it was estimated that, independent of the results which might folio v the inquiry into the organisation and ex- penditure of the army, and a reduction of two millions in productive public works, the Govern- ment of India would have improved their posi- tion by a reduction of a million a-year. Mr FAWCE IT, who had given notice of an amendment—" That this House regards with apprehension the present state of the finances of India, and is of opinion that measures should at once be taken to reduce expenditure"—said, after the statement the House had just heard, he would no longer ask it to pass that amendment, but would alter it to such a form that the House might declare that, while regarding with apprehension thej state of the finances of Indu., it approved of the decision come to by Her Majesty's Government to reduce the expenditure.' He argued that the fact that the Governmen had seen tit to provide for such a reduction of the expenditure as had just been announced was a sufficient proof of the necessity for the amendment as originally placed on the paper. The Government proposal to advance two millions to India, free of interest, raised two points. Either it was a charitable gift, or it was a contribution hich England was bound to make. In the first case it would be a most injudicious precedent to set; in the second it was manifeftly inadequate, because England and India were jointly interested in the Afghan war, for which the money was required, and the enter- prise being an Imperial one, the contribution of wealthy England should have borne a higher pro- portion. Having generally criticised the policy of the Government with regard to the Indian loans, the hon. gentleman expressed his gratification at the announcement that there was to be a re- duction in Indian expenditure. He deprecated the enormous and growing military expenditure of India, and ascribed much of the increase to the constant and costly changes that were made in the British army without any thought of their effect on India. With regard to Indian public works, he hoped the proposed reduction would be carried out not too precipitately, and with fairness and impartiality. He had heard of thousands of labourers being dismissed, but he had not heard of any case in which persons having £1,000 a year salary had been got rid of. As to civil expenditure, he was glad to learn that it was proposed to admit a larger proportion of natives into the public service, and he counselled greater care in the matter of pensions, as well as in the reduction of many items that crept into the home charges, which, he argued, had no business there. He was, however, free to admit that the Government were not responsible for many of the costly charges which had grown upon the finances of India. They were the results of previous policy in regard to that country. Mr BIRLEY expressed his strong approval of the financial statement. Mr LAING pointed out that, with an accumul- ating debt, the interest on the money was paid not out of the revenue, but by loans—a process which he condemned. He also strongly objected to the policy of the Government in the extension of our Indian frontier, which he argued would cost an enormous sum, and, as this meant in- creased taxation, which it was impossible for India to bear, the same sort of policy must, if persevered in, lead to bankruptcy. Mr SAMPSON LLOYD approved the financial statement. Mr GLADSTONE wished to disentangle the elements of the discussion, which had no connec- tion with each other. On the present occasion the topics of the Indian Budget were unusually numerous, and a great change had taken place in the position of the debate. He had come prepared to support the original amendment in favour of reduced expenditure in India. He concurred in the eulogium passed on Mr Stanhope for the clear and able statement he had made, and congra- tulated him on the agreeable announcement he had made as to a reduction of Indian expenditure—an announcement that had done away with the notion that the House any longer had any contentious issue before it, at least for the present. Therefore, be advised Mr Fawcett to postpone to a later date the amend- ment he had moved, and expressed a hope that if the hon. gentlemen were willing to take this course, the House would allow him to withdraw his amendment, so that the discnssion might pro- ceed without the perplexity that would be Occa- sioned by it retentions. Mr FAWCETT, after the assurance of the Under-Secretary for India that a serious attempt would be made to reduce the expenditure, asked permission to withdraw the amendment. The amendment was withdrawn, and on the motion of Sir G. CAMPBELL, the debate was adjourned. The House adjourned at a quarter to two o'clock.

EARLY CLOSING llOVEMEST AT MERTHYR. A meeting, convened by the High-constable (Mr D. Williams), was held at the Bush Hotel,011 Wed- nesday evening, for the purpose of considering the desirability of closing all establishments in the town at an earlier period than at present. The High-constable presided. The question was dis- cussed at gome length, a proposition made that there should be early and uniform closing meeting with some opposition. It was proposed that all shops should be closed at 10 o'clock on Saturday night, and at eight in summer, week night, and seven in winter. This proposition was not carried, but it was resolved to adjourn the meetiug, a committee being appointed to wait upon the tradesmen and ascertain their inclinations on the subject.

FUNERAL, — On Monday the Rev, Alfred Howells, eldest son of Professor Howells, of rre ecca, was buried at Talgarth Churchyard, his uie belo,

THE SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. I MONMOUTHSHIRE AND SOUTH WALfiS COLLIERIES ASSOCIATION IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE COUNCIL AT CARDIFF. THE IMPENDING CRISIS. An important meeting of the Council of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Collieries' Association was held at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on Thursday, The meeting was one of the largest that has been held in connection with this associa- tion for a long time. All the principal colliery proprietors were present, and who were induced to attend the meeting owing to the serious position of affairs between colliers and their employers at the present time. In the absence of Mr William Thomas Lewis, of Mardy, the President of the Association, who was unavoidably detained in London on urgent business, Mr Jones, Newport, the vice-president, occupied the chair. The meeting was a large one, and although the proceedings were, as usual, carried on with privacy, we have reason to believe that they were confined to a general review of the situation in which the masters felt themselves placed at the present moment. The questions arising out of the existing state of the coal trade were carefully, deliberately, and earnestly discussed, but from the general tone of the discussion, and the ab- sence of resolutions, the action of the masters will in all probability be somewhat regulated by the result of the mass meeting of colliers to be held at Pontypridd, on Monday next. At the last meeting of the Sliding Scale Committee no reso- lution was then arrived at, as the delegates under- took to again lay the question of the desirability of the men accepting a reduc- tion of 10 per cent., which the masters required, before their constituents. Since that period the Dowlais colliers have passed a resolu- tion to accept the reduction of 10 per cent. The Cyfarthfa colliers have also accepted the 10 per cent reduction, and thus the colliery proprietors see their business gradually drifting into the hands of the ironmasters. The crisis is one of serious moment, but it is hoped that at the meeting on Monday the men will agree to the terms proposed by the masters, and which at a former meeting of the Sliding Scale Committee were considered by them as essential to the carry- ing on of the works and as contracts will be shortly in the market, the acceptance of these terms by the men will place the colliery pro- prietors, who are still members of the Masters' Association, on a level with the ironmasters and those colliery owners to whom the reduction has been conceded by the men.

SWANSEA RIFLE MATCH. On Thursday a friendly match between 10 mem- bers of the Newport and 10 of the Swansea Rifle Corps took place at the range of the Fourth Glamorgan Rifles, Cwm Donkin. The weather was unfavourable, the wind being very fluctuating, and drizzling rain falling at intervals, the result being that the firing was not up to the usual standard. The match terminated in favour of the Newport men. At the conclusion of the match the competitors sat down to a capital spread at the White Hart Hotel, Oxford-street. The time being necessarily Bhort, only a few toast-i were proposed, but we may say that the whole of the party enjoyed themselves. Subjoined thp goorea SWANSEA. Lieutenant Smith 57 Col.-Sergeant Evans TO Sergeant Mattey 61 Private J. Morris. 62 Col.-Serjeant John Sergeant G. Williams 44 Sergeant J. James 42 Sergeant T. Johns 66 Corporal J. T. Williams 45 Private J. Richards 50 Total 497 NEWPORT, Captain Thompson 41 Lieutenant S. Brian ,.69 Colour-Sergeant S. J. A. Williams 46 Colour-Sergeant C. A. Williams 64 Sergeant F. J. Richards 41 Corporal S. e. S. Pope. 56 Private G. Greenway 62 Private W. Garland ..52 Private D. Francis. 55 Private J. Tiew ..4 Total 500

THE RIFLE COMPETITION AT HIRWAIN. A SCENE. The rifle competition of the members of the 2nd Administrative Battalion Glamorganshire Rifle Volunteers at Hirwain, on Wednesday, was con- tinued until too late an hour for the scores to be compiled and dispatched in our parcel of that evening. On Thursday we reported that Sergt. J. Powell, Merthyr, won the chief prize, and, in- deed, the members of the 12th seem to have been unusually lucky, its members taking away altogether no less a sum than 2-n 7s 6d, out of JB59 15s Od given away. The members of the Dowlais corps have also reason for satisfaction at the good account they gave of themselves, for they won £16. The fact that Sergt. Powell had won the great prize was telegraphed to Merthyr and when the last train arrived a large crowd had gathered at the station, besides the band of the corps, led by Mr Carrington. A large "number of volunteers in uniform, with Capt. Lewis and other officers at their head, had assembled, and were drawn up in line in the station. As the train steamed in the band struck up "See the Conquering Hero comes," and as Sergeant Powell came out of the carriage he was welcomed by deafening shouts from his comrades. Raised shoulder high and carried by his comrades, a march around took place. We append a detailed list of the scores, the ranges being 200 tnd 500 yards:— Points. 1st prize jMO, Sergeant T. Powell, 12th Glamorgan 61 2nd iC7, Private Walter Jones, 2nd Glamorgan 57 3rd Z5, Corporal John Owen, 2nd Glamorgan 56 '4th jE3, Lieutenant T. Evans, 12th Glamorgan ô6 5th 4C2 10s, Private J. Roberts, 10th Glamorgan 65 6th £2 10s, Col'-Sergt. Hepburn, 10th G amorgan 55 7th £2, Sergeant T. Griffiths, 8th Glamorgan 55 8th £ -2 Co).-Sergt. E. Shannon, 14th Glamorgan 55 9th £ 110s, Lance-Corpl. Owen Evans, 2nd Glamoraran 55 10th £ 1 10s, Sergeant Week-, 12th Glamorgan 55 11th £1 10s. Drum-Major Thompson. 16th Glamorgan 55 12th £1, Captain Darling, 2nd Glamorgan 54 13th £.1, Serge;:nt J. Price, 2nd Glamoi-Lan., 54 14th zel, Sergeant ilardage, 16th Glamorgan 54 15th jEl, Quarter-Master-Sergt Jones, 20th Glamorgan 64 16th .£1, Sergeant D. George, 12th Glamorgan 54 17th 15s. Major Powell • • •• ..64 18th 15s, Corporal T. Lewis, 10th Glamorgan 54 19th 15s, Private O. Daniel, 12th Glamorgan 63 20th 16s, Private J. Flynn, 13th Glamorgan ..53 21st 12s 6d, Captain J. F. Harris, 12th Glamorgan 53 22nd 12s 6d. Captain Phillips, 14th Glamorgan 63 23rd 10s, Sergeant D. Evans, 2nd Glamorgan ..63 24th 10s, Private W. Dukens, 16th Glamorgan 62 25th 10s, Colour-Sergeant O. Bvans, 12th Glamorgan 52 26th 10s, Colour-Sergeant T. Griffiths, 16th Glam. 52 Thf. fnllowinc competitor. who made 51, were counted outPrivate W. Harrison. 2nd Corps Private C. Hodge, 10th; Corporal T. L. James. 16th Sergeant Thomas James, 14th; and Quartermaster-Sergeant Price, 10th. OFFICERS' CHALLENGE CUP, VALUB JE50. More than usual excitement attended this com- petition, as the officer having the highest aggre- gate score for the past three years became the possessor of the valuable trophy, The ranges were 200 yards and 500 yards;, seven shots at each. The cup, which is a magnincent one, has been won and held by Captain Howell and Captain Darling respectively, the latter officer leading the popular captain of the Aberdare Corps before Wednesday's competition by four points. The greatest excitement, as we have already mdicated, prevailed on Thursday, as the two officers were so close. Captain Howells very first shot caused not a little controversy. Firing with customary steadiness, he made a "bull," a fact that was patent to all the observers, but, strange to state, the marker displayed the "outer" disc. Notwithstanding the rule that "the marking was not to be questioned," the gallant captain and his friends materially objected to such a glaring mistake. So important was the result cf one shot to Captain Howell, that an examination of the target took place, and it was a< parent that an error had been made by the marker. There was not a single "outer" shot on the target, and it was pretty evident that a bull's eye should have been recorded, and not an "outer." Captain Darling, to whom a single point was of vital con- sequence, objected to a "bull" being scored, basing his objection on the fact that one of the conditions was that the marking was not to be questioned. He also refused to permit another shot to be tired instead of it. Notwithstanding this contretemps Captain Howell won,scoring,as will be seen below, 61 points at both ranges, making at the 500 yards no less than ? out of a possible 35. For this excellent shooting Captain Howell re- ceived the loud and continuous plaudits of the volunteers on the ground, and when he got to Aberdare there was a demonstration of the w delight of the men in their respected otficerkha vml; won the great pnze, Captain Howell even beat the score which took the chief prize of the battalion shooting, without taking into consideration the points not given him in respect of his first shot. Captain T. Phillips, Aberdare, aided by his brother, Lieutenant J, Phillips, acted as hon. secretary, a post which, from long experi- ence, he discharged in such a manner as to give the utmost satisfaction to all. The officer, scores were, at 200 and 500 yards:— Captain Howell, I4tn uiamorean. 61 1 Captain Darling, 2nd Glamorgan. 5& I Major Cresswell, 2nd Glamorgan., ..63 ( Captain Phillips, 14th Glamorgan 53 Lieutenant Evans, 12th Glamorgan ..60 Qaptain Davies, 12th Glamorgan 37 Major Powell, 12th Glamorgan 37

INTIMIDATION AT LOUGHOR. A dispute has arisen at the Mountain Colliery. As the men's terms were not accepted they gave ft day's notice to leave. Two of them, however, went on as before, and to show their disapproba- tion of those two men's conduct some unknown persons, on Saturday night, smashed the windows of their houses. P.O. Smith has been trying to find them out, but his efforts hitherto have been in vain. On Wednesday four men from Cwmavon, Port Talbot, were at work in the colliery. On leaving they were accompanied on their way to their lodgings at Gower-road by a band of women and children, playing on tin pans and shouting "Bab."

The ss Amazonas, which was safely landed|on the gridiron outside Cardiff Pier Head on Wednes- day evening, was on Thursday morning towed off and docked in the Cardiff Graving Dock for TOWit* t

3^t|fCARDxFF, ASCBNBION DAT.—Thursday being Ascension Day, divine seryice was held at several churches in the town in the eveniug, and at some of the churches morning services were also held. THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT ON THB RHYMNEY RAILWAY.—An inquest was held at the Cardiff Infirmary—before the deputy coroner—on Thurs- day, on the body of Thomas Thomas, a mineral guard, who fell from a train, on Saturday, when passing through the Cefn Ou Tunnel, and sustained such injuries that he died on Tuesday. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." GOSPEL HALL. EVELYN-STREET, BUTE DOCKS.— A juvenile entertainment was given on Wednes- day, consisting of selections from Moody and Saukey's hymns and solos, and from the "Crystal Spring Band of Hope Melodist," by the Sunday School children's choir. The leader was Mr J. Powell. Recitations and dialogues were also given. The room was well filled. Votes of thanks were given to the leader, and to Miss S. A. Hook, the accompanist. "HAMADHYAD" HOSPITAL SHIP, CARDIFF.— Report for the week ending the 21st day of May, 1879:—Number of patients remaining last week, 88 admitted since, 12 discharged. 8 died, 0 Out-patients treated, 80; remaining 011 board, 42. —W. Hughes, Medical Superintendent. CARDIFF SCHOOL DEBATING SOCIETY.—At a meeting of the above society, held on Wednesday evening, the vice-president, Mr Newell, in the chair, the motions before the house was, "That the execution of Charles 1. was not justifiable." The motion was brought forward by Mr J. Stephens. The following spoke for the motion— Mr Newell, Mr Sankey, and Mr Locke against the motion—Mr Grant. A rider, brought forward by Mr Monro, That although the execution of | Charles I. was not justifiable, yet he committed acts worthy of punishment," was supported hy Mr Hughes. At nine o'clock the house divided thus :—For the motion, 17; against the motion, 6 majority 11 for the motion. For the rider, 19 against the rider, 4; majority 15 for the rider.

NEWPORT. PROGRESS OF TEMPERANCE.—A society for the promotion of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks has been formed in connection with the Stow Hill Baptist Chapel. Meetings are to be held weekly. A newly formed fife-and-drum band in connection with the Good Templars marched out for the first time on Wednesday evening, and attracted considerable attention.

CHEPSTOW. AT THE PETTY-SESSIONS on Thursday, Walter West, a lad, was charged with entering the Chep- stow Flour-mill, and stealing one shilling and fourpence, and eighteen postage-stamps, the pro- perty of Messrs Parnall and Jones, his employers. The prisoner, who worked at the mill, slept by the boiler. He entered the premises by a window, opened a safe with bradawls and a file, took the money mentioned, and a key. With the key he opened Mr Jones's desk and took the stamps. He pleaded guilty, and was ordered to receive 12 strokes with a rod, and undergo 14 days' hard labour.—John Barry was charged with being drunk, and refusing to quit the Black Rock Hotel, Portskewett. wheq ordered to do so by Mr Samuel Adams, the landlord. Defendant wai fined 15s and costs, 8s 3d—John Haines, Farmer, Newchurch East, was charged with ill-treating certain sheer, the property of James Richards, It appeared the sheep were found by defendant trespassing on his land, and he set the dog to worry them, and struck one on the head with a stake. Haines was fined Is and costs, 33s 9d— William Franklin, haulier, pleaded guilty to a charge of working a horse in an unfit state, and wasfiued 20s and costs, 8s 9d.

—^ LYDNEY. AT THE POLICE-COURT on Wednesday George Gibson, a tradesman, of Avlburton, was summoned for drunkenness and riotous conduct at that place on the night of the 17th inst. Fined 5s and costs. Mary Ann Merchant, who described herself as Gibson's housekeeper, was charged with drunken- ness on the same night. Under a second charge Mrs Merchant was arraigned at the instance of William Hancock, shopkeeper and postmaster of Aylburton, for having committed injury to fa door. Defendant was ordered to pay 19. 6d fine, and costs, on the first, and 12s, inclu- sive of damage and costs, under the latter charge.

PONTYPOOL. TABERNACLE CHAPEL.—On Sunday the anniver- sary of the Sunday school was celebrated, when special sermons were preached by the Rev, B. Thomas, In the afternoon there was a children's service, the musical part of which was under the conductorship of Mr S. Fisher. On Monday, the Rev. B. Thomas, Narberth, delivered his popular lecture on "Joseph Harries (Gomer), Swansea." The attendance was large on each occasion. THE BOARD OF GUARDIANS met on Thursday. Present—Messrs. Henry Lewis (chairman), John Browne, G. R. Greenhow-Relph, C. Conway, D. Llewellin, W, Jones, R. Greenway, T. Derrett, John Morgan, J. F. Powell, J. E. Price, W, Marfell, J. Watkins. H. C. Byrde, H. Parfitt, W, Paiker, Rev. T, Evans.—The master's report showed the following to be the state of the house:—Men, 68 women, 43 children, 52 total, 163. Since last board day there has'been 16 admissions, 27 discharges, 1 death. The number of inmates on the corresponding day of last year 171.—Resolved that Mr G. Jolliffe's-tender for the repairing of the workhouse be accepted at £ 44.—Cheques were signed to meet the cost of out-relief during the two ensuing weeks, as fol- lows :—Abersychan district, £65 and J655 Ponty- pool district, £55 and £52; Uak district, j325 and £25. The expenditure of the past two weeks was as under :—Abersychan district, JS67 6s 6d and JE63 16s; Pontypool district, £56 19s 3d and £52 63 6d U&k district, JB20 12a and J624 9a.— This was all the public business.

TREDEGAR. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the bi-monthly meeting on Wednesday, Mr Jenkin Matthews presiding, a letter was read from the Tredegar Iron Company, offering the board a piece of ground, near the union, for garden purposes, at a yearly rental of £3, The offer was accepted. The schoolmaster's report was read. There were 33 boys and 37 girls attending the school, and 19 boys and 31 girls under indubtrial training. The Chair- man announced that there were at present three or four girls in the house of competent age to go into service, and it would be doing good to the girls and to the ratepayers if the guardians could recommend them as servants. Mr H. Fowler, pay officer, tendered his resignation, as collector, which was accepted.

BRYNMAWR. VOLUNTEERS.—On Monday the 2nd Brecon Rifle Volunteers were inspected by Col. F. X, Gwynne, the colonel commanding the battalion. The corps fell in at the Drill-hall, and, headed by their band, marched to the large playground of the girls' department at the board schools, where they were put through a number of evolutions in a highly creditable manner. At the Drill-hall, previous to dismissing the men, Col, Gwynne re- marked, for the second time, that he was exceed- ingly pleased with the manner in which the com- pany drilled, and especially considering the large number of recruits in the ranks. It was a thing he had neverJdone to any corps, but upon this occa- sion he would treat them to some beer. ON TUESDAY EVENING, a son of Mr Thomas Fowler was watching a swinging-boat at the bottom of Beaufort-street, when he was struck a severe blow on the back of the head, and it is feared the scalp is injured.

ABE RYSTWITH. THE TOWN COUNCIL met on Monday, the Mr David Roberts, presiding. The estimate ot 2s in the £ improvement rate aad Is in the £ water rate was adopted for the ensuing year. It was resolved that builders be allowed to cart sand from the beach in front of the Marine-terrace up to the 1st of June this year, owing to the very severe winter. A resolution passed at the meet- ing of the council, held on the 15th April, reduc- ing harbour dues on stone to 2s per ton, is to be rescinded, provided the Cardigan Bay Steam Packet Company would reduce their charges to 8i per ton. The town clerk was asked to ascertain on what terms Mr Novelli and Captain Alexander Richards v, ould let the council have land for the purpose of a reservoir.

NANTYMOEL. FOUR candidates were baptised by immersion, by the Rev. J. Jones, in the baptistry of the Saron Baptist Chapel, on Sunday evening last.

GARW VALLEY. THE anniversary services of the Noddfa Baptist Chapel were held on Sunday and Monday last. Powerful and effective sermons were delivered both in English and Welsh by the Revs. J. L. Jones, Glyncorrwg; J. Jones, Ogmore Vale G, James, Bridgend H. Jenkins, Blackmill.

MAESTEG. A complimentary concert was given on Wednes- day evening, at Tabor Chapel, to Mr and Mra Price, previous to their departure for America. Mr D. J. Williams presided at the piano. The vocalists were Miss Grey, Miss Davies, Mrs Price, Eos Dyffryn, Eos Cynwyd, Messrs W. Y. Davies, H. Lee, J, Hocking, Ap Mawrtb. The Rev. L. Jones presided, SABON CHAPEL.—On Wednesday a competitive meeting was held under the presidency of Mr Jenkin Evans, Maesteg Merthyr Colliery, who also adjudicated upen the recitations and im- promptu speaking. The musical portions were adjudicated upon by Messrs John Morris and Rees Price (Ap Mawrth). The chief prizes in singing were awaided to Messrs W. Williams (Gwilym Taf) and W. T. Davies. Several songs and duetts were rendered during the proceedings by Eos Cynwyd, Miss Catherine Davies, and Ap Mawrth. The ohoir sang glees, led by Eos Gynwyd.

LLANTRISANT. A CONCERT was given on Monday, in which several ladies and gentlemen of the neighbour- hood assisted, amongst whom may be mentioned Mrs W, R. James, Llanharran Miss Morgan, LIantiisant; and Mhs M. Evaus, Pontcwn Mr Lewis Arnold, of Neath Mr W. Davies, Mr Illtyd Williams, and Mr E. A. Leah, of Llan- triMant.) Mr Evans, minister of the Pontclawn Chapel, was in the chair. The proceeds are to go towards liquidating the debt of the Junction Chapel. a

CROSS INN. r THE half-yearly meetings in connection with the Baptist Society where held in the Baptist Chapel, on Sunday and Monday, and moat im- pressive discources were delivered1, by the Revs M, Jones (Owmivor), J, Roberts (Bfynamman), J. Jones (Felinfoel), and W. Haddock (Swansea). The collections in aid of the restoration funds amounted to £24 3s.

M AES Y CWMMEB, VESTRY,—On Saturday night the members of couM" Temple of Peace" A.O.F., held at the Butchers' Arms, presented Bro. McEwen, P.D.C.R., with an address and a sum of money on his resignation of the office of president in connection with the Juvenile Foresters' Court, he being about to remove to Bristol, The chair was taken by Bro. W. Castle, P.C,R., who was faced by Bro. D. Morgan, P.O.R. ON SUNDAY ANNIVERSARY SERVICES were held at the English Baptist Chapel, when the Rev JL R- Probert (Abercarn) occupied the Dulnit..

SWANSEA. HIGHER AND LOWER SCHOOL BOARD.—A contest for the election has been avoided, by the with- drawal of Mr Vivian and the Rev, W, Davjes, Waunarllwyd, The board will consist of five Nonconformists and two Churchmen. ^DISORDERLY CHARACTEas, — At the borough police-court, on Thursday, before the Stipendiary (Mr J. C. Fowler) and other magistrates, John Bell, of Pleasant-street, was, on the evidence of P.O. Cutcliffe, convicted of being drunk and dis- orderly in High-street, and fined 10s and costs, or seven days;—James Phillips, aged 63, a tramp, was charged with begging in Inkerman-street, St. Thomas, and on the evidence of P.C. Cheeney was sentenced to seven days hard labour.—Mary Bevan, Frog-street, married, was charged with wandering about in an unsound state of mind in Ferryside. She was handed over to the Relieving Officer of the place.—Catherine Sullivan, of Regent's-court, prostitute, for being drunk and disorderly in Quay-parade, was sentenced to ten day's hard labour. ROBBERY AT THE PATENT FUEL WORKS.— Francis Todd, of Hafod-street, fireman, was charged with stealing a number of brass bearings, water taps, and a quantity of old brass and copper, from the Patent Fuel Works of Messrs Cory and Yeo. It appeared from the evidence that a fellow workman at the works in question was engaged in removing some wood in the yard when he found some brass bearings underneath the wood. The prisoner came to the works when off duty, and when he had no right to be there, and suspicion having been aroused the accused was taken into custody. On the house being searched by Inspec- tor Jones 30 lbs. of brass bearings and pieces of copper were found in a box in a cradle upstairs. The prisoner, on being apprehended, said it was a bad job. An engine fitter at the works identified the property as belonging to Messrs Cory and Yeo. Sentenced to 3 months hard labour. ALLEGED ASSAULT.—George Preece. Bethesda- street, was charged with obstructing railway officials in the execution of their duty. Mr Woodward defended. Edward Merriman, fireman, engaged at the South Docks by the Great Western Railway Company, stated that on the 24th of April, about half-past two o'clock, he was on duty at the South Docks, when he was told by Augustus Rice to shift a wagon from the siding. He went and turned the points when George Preece, the defendant, came and turned them back. Witness turned them a second time, when defendant put a stone in the point. Witness removed it, when defendant caught him by the collar. Witness, however, managed to turn the point, and allowed the engine to pass to the other end. The reason of defendant's interference was to prevent witness from shifting a wagon which defendant was loading with coal. Case adjourned for a week. MISCELLANEOUS. — Edward Reece was sum" moned for non-payment of wages to Richard Richards. Mr Lewis (Smith and Lewis) ap- peared for the complainant, and Mr Jellicoe for the defence. The bench made an order for £2 13s 4d and costs.—-Benjamin Lewis, sawyer, was ordered to pay 2i 6d per week towards the maintenance of Mary Thomas's illegitimate child, of which he was adjudged to be the putative father. ENTERTAINMENT.—A tea party and entertain- ment, in connection with the Sailors' Home, Lodge I.O.G.T., took place at the Sailors' Chapel, Adelaide-street, on Wednesday night. Mr Lloyd, president of the United Temperance Association, presided, and gave an interesting address on the principles of total abstinence. Miss C. Lewis was the accompanist. The other artistes who took part in the entertainment were Miss Lilly Mills, Miss Locke, Miss Edwards, Messrs D, Howells, Rees, Brown, Bevan, Mugford, and Williams. The Brynhyfrid choir rendered good assistance, and the affair was a decided success.

LLANELLY. MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.—The annual meeting of this institution was held on Tuesday at the Athenseum, Mr Maclarren, vice-president, in the chair. There were 16 nominations for 10 seats on the committee, and the result of the election was the appointment of Messrs David Francis, Meyler Daniel, William Scott, J. F. Young, David Bowen, Henry Thomas, Thos. Hughes, and Rev O. Edwards, The Rev Thos Davies and Mr J. G. Dawe having obtained an equal number of votes, the committee will have to select one of the gentlemen at their first meeting. Mr James, Old Castle, and Mr J. Gower Bevan, were re-elected auditors,

NANTGAREDIG. EISTEDDFOD AT PONTARGOTHI.—On Thursday an eisteddfod was held at Pontargothi, a hamlet near Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire. The proceeds were in aid of a fund for erecting a bridge over the Cothi at Ynysowen, the present structure having become dilapidated by the constant traffic. Mr W. L. Jones presided. The Rev. Mr Thomas was conductor and adjudi- cator on essays, &c., and MrG. R. Jones (Caradog) judged themuilical competitions. The recitation prize was won by W. J. Davies, 28, New-road, Llandilo. Seven competed for the bass solo How willing my paternal love winner, J ames Davies, of St. Clears. Five compositions were sent in tor the elegy on "The late Mr W. Garuons Hughes, Glancotby," and six for that on The lat) Mr H. J. Bath, Alltyferin." The prize for the former was awarded to Mr J. T. Morgan, of Llangunnor, near Carmarthen and that for the latter to the Rev. D. 0, Brace, of Ystalyfera. Best rendering of Daw Meddylian am y Nefoed,"by juvenile choirs. Prize divided be- tween the Llanelly and Whitemill parties. Three couples entered for the impromptu debate, and the prize was won by W. J. Davies, of Llandilo, and his partner. The prize essay on Hunting by the Ancient < Britons was by William Edmunds, of Merthyr Tydfil. The prize for rendering the congregational tune Beddgelert" was awarded to the Glyncothia. choir. One party entered for the anthem Clyn ° Dduw fy Clefom," prize J38. The Glanyavon United Choir was successful. Mr Jones presided at the afternoon meeting. The prize for reciting "Tir, tir, tir," was won by Iago, of Llandilo. Evan Thomas, of Lianegwad, and ELen Evans, of Llanfynydd, were the authors of the best essays on The necessity and advantage of having a new bridge over the river Cothy, instead of the one called Pontyrynyswen." "Twelve sailors," of Llanddarog, were awarded the prize for the singing of i" Alarch." Two parties sang the quartette, "Fy anwyl Fam. The prize was won by the Llanddarog party. Only one choir ap- peared to compete for the E20 prize— Carmarthen United—anthem, "Bendigedig fyddo Arghvydd Dduw Israel."

PONTCLOWN (LLANTRISANT). A CONCERT was given on Monday evening at the New National School-room, presided over by the Rev. W. Gilbert Evans, and in which the following ladies and gentlemen took part:—Mrs W. R. Jones (Mynfatiwy), the Misses M. Evans (Maesyfelin), M. Morgan (Llantrisant), Maria Evans, Mrs D. Tavlor, &c., &c. Messrs Lewis Arnold (Neath), E. A. Leak, W. Davies, J, Williams (Llantrisant), Mr Thomas (Ynysphvm), E. Floud and W, Williams (Pontclown), and the Junction Chapel Choir, under the leadership ot Mr David Taylor. Miss Laura Scott was the ac- companist. It should be added that complaint was made respecting the behaviour of some young men present. It is to be hoped that this ( intimation will have the effect of preventing a renewal of the cause of offence. The proceeds are to be devoted towards liquidating the debt on the Junction Independent Chapel.

CYMMER, ON MONDAY evening a concert was held at the Old Cymmer Chapel, under the presidency of the Rev M. Lewis, in aid of the Cymmer Brass Band. The pianist was Mrs Lewis. The braes band Band acquitted itself well under its conductor, Mr J. Prestwood.

PENCLAWDD. THE INDEPENDENTS held their anniversary ser- vices at the Three Crosses Chapel, near this place, on Sunday and Monday, the following ministers officiating -Revs. D. Ed ards, Pilton Green J. Thomas, Pontardulais D. M. Davies, Old Walls; W. Davies, Llandilo and J. O. Davies, Llanelly. Liberal collections were made towards liquidating old debt of the chapel lately erected.

CARMARTHEN. LITERARY INSTITUTION.—The annual meeting of members of this institution was held on Tuesday evening, Mr J, Hughes in the chair.—Mr Hughes said their average number of members was larger than it had been for years—nearly 300, and their finances were in a good condition. Having com- plained of the practice of stealing literary matter from the rooms, he said he was sorry the Society of Arts examinations were not better patrouized than they were. Their library was in a good con. dition, and they had over 4,000 volumes. He was sorry Mr J. H. Smith had made up his mind to retire from the hon. secretaryship. He hoped a volunteer would be found to take his place, Mr George Bagnall moved the adoption of the report, which was carried. A vote of thanks was passed (on the motion ot the ex-mayor) to the officers and r committee for their services, and to the donors of books and papers. Mr T, M. Davis was re-elected treasurer. — The meeting left the choioe of a paid secretary, at JB10 a year, to the committee.—Mr Smith brought forward certain recommendations to the commit. tee to take steps for altering the rules so as to re- duce the number of the committee from 20 to 12 to increase the subscriptions of lady members (of the library) from Is 6d to 2s per quarter and to vest the appointment of the secretary and trea- surer with the committee permanently.—On a division the first recommendation was lost, but the other two were carried. This decision, how- ever, is only preliminary. The matter must come before two special general meetings again before it is fairly decided.—Mr Smith moved "That it be a recommendation to the committee to open the reading-room daring some part of Sunday.— The Chairman You have sprung a mine under us. (bensation.)—A great deal of discussion fol- lowed, and Mr Smith's motion was lost by 19 votes, the number being—for, 21; against, 40.

ROOSE, PEMBROKESHIRE. MARLOES BAPTIST CHAPEL.—A lecture was delivered on Monday, by the Rev. J. John, Sar- dis, the subject being "Poor Richard's Almanac," The Rev. W. Harries (pastor) presided,

DARRAN. ON SATURDAY a competitive meeting was held, under the presidency of the Rev W. Tibbott (Vochriw), when there was a very good attendance. The adjudicators Were Mr W, Jones (Gwilym Dar), music Mr J. Lewis, speeches and recita- tions while Mr E. Evans was the accompanist. The awards were as followsChoral parties of not less than 16, "on any piece, J61, Zoar party, Pontlottyn, conducted by Morgrugyn; quartette, "Mae Breniniaeth," W. R. Owen and party; duett, "Betty Wyn fy Nghariad," Messrs J. P. Jones and S. Thomas; song, "MyuyddiMi," Mr J, P. Jones; solo, Wyt ti yn Cofio'r Lloer yn Codi," Mr S. Richards; Song, "Y Derya Pur," Miss Ellen Evans recitation, Can y Cor Mawiv" one from Pontlottyn speech, "Bryn- gWD, Bryndraw," Morgrugyn,

HIRW AIN, THE FUNERAL of the late Mr Howell Jones, an old and respected inhabitant, who for 30 years had been a local preacher with the Welsh Independents, took place on Monday, at the Penderyn Church burial ground. It was very numerously attended. The S^rvioe was conducted by the Rey a. Brittain.

SPECIAL REPORTS FROM OUR TRADE CORRES- PONDENTS AND EXCLUSIVE SOURCES, ] CARDIFF TRADE REPORT. [SPECIAL REPORT BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CARDIFF, Thursday Night.—Although the ship- ments of coal up to the present date keep fairly up to the recent satisfactory average, our shippers, as the present week closes, are far from being so busy as they have been during the last few weeks, and in most cases are anxiously looking round for further employment In fact the state of things existing at the present womcnt is most anomalous. The statistics of the clearances would appear to show that a brisk tmdeiis being done, and yet, with one or two isolated exceptions, all ship- pers and charterers are complaining that nothing is doing, and that there is no prospect of any fresh activity in the trade. Coal prices, however, have undergone a perceptible change. The port has been well-supplied with tonnage, the arrivals fairly compensating for the charterers; but the number ot the arrivals affects in averysmall degree the amount of businessactually doing, as the grea- ter part, if not all, these vessels were chartered some tlittie time back, and their cargoes ithen arranged for. It is now more apparent than ever that the recent activity of business in this district was due to the Durham strike, A large quantity ef tonnage was thereby thrown into this market, with the natural result of bringing freights dOI\ n in nearly all directions. Charterers, availing themselves of the opportunity, executed as many orders as possible at the low rotes, and nearly all their immediate requirements being thus provided tor, a temporary lull is the result. Singularly enough, the present scarcity of coal orders re- maining on hand for execution is coincident v> ith an exceptional scarcity ot both sailing and steam tonnage in the freight market, so that the charter- ing doincr at the moment is reduced to a minimum, and offers few features to comment upon. French rates are steady at recent quotations. The Mediterranean upper ports are somewhat firmer, but othes ports are either unaltered or weaker. The homeward business is still in a most unsatisfactory condition. There is very little demand for the East Indies. Chartering for the West Indies is also very quiet. A large steamer has been fixed for Matanzas, but Transatlantic business is otherwise quiet, though there are still a few orders in that direction, at rates which do not seem to be readily accepted. There are no steam orders just now for Brazils or the Plate, but there is a slight improvement in the sailing rates. Should any appreciable number of fresh orders come into the market, we shall prob- ably see an improvement in the freight market, in consequence of the prevailing scarcity of tonnage. The Durham strike being ended, this;-»carcity seems likely to be of some little duration. The imports of iron ore during the week amount to 4,181 tons, of which 1,400 tons come from Spain, 1,927 tons from Italy, 674 tons from Africa, and coasting 180 tons. About 5,000 tons of pitwood have arrived during the week. The entries outward of vessels to load in Car. diff comprise 58 steamers of the estimated bur- then of 76,302 tons, and 89 sailing vessels cal- culated to carry 56,283 tons, making a total of 132,585 tons, against 111,591 tons of last week. The fresh supply of tonnage amounts in Swansea, for the week, to 15,135 tons, and in Newport to 25,614 tons. Cardiff has cleared foreign during the week 62 steamers and 6ij sailing vessels with 104,868 tons of coal, 4,187 tons of iron, and 3,262 tons of patent fuel. Of the iron 1,079 tons went to Barcelona, 850 tons to Genoa, 840 tons to Galatz, 757 tons to New York, 300 tons to Stockholm, 200 tons to Port Vendries, and 161 tons to Amsterdam. The coal and fuel shipments were as follows :—Medi- terranean ports, 37,050 tons; France, 24,483 tons; East Indies, 14,181 tons; Eastern Medi. terranean ports, 13,370 tons; South America, 8,000 tons Spain, 4,408 tons; West Indies, 3,262 tons; Baltic, &c., 1,675 tons, Africa, &c., 1,359 tons; and Portagul, 241 tons. XSwansea has cleared foreign during the week, 7 steamers and 27 sailing vessels with 11,862 tons of coal, and 4,240 tons of patent fuel, as follows —France, 4,515 tons South America, 3,370 tons Mediterranean ports. 3,240 tons Africa, etc., 1,605 tons Spain, 1.473 tons Eastern Mediter- ranean porta, 989 tons West Indies, 760 tons and Portugal, 150 tons. There has been no iron cleared here during the week. Newport has despatched foreign during the same period, 18 steamers and 18 sailing vessels v. ith 23,691 tons of coal, and 1,921 tons of iron. Of the iron, 1,160 tons went to Rio Janeiro, 356 tons to Maracaibo, 205 tons to Santander, and 200 tons to Porto Torres. The coal shipments were dis- tributed as follows :—Mediterranean ports, 7,704 tons; Eastern Mediterraaean ports, 4,308 tons Spain, 4.232 tona France, 3,4(58 tons Portugal, 1,836 tons Africa, etc., 1,063 tons West Indies, 900 tons and United States, 240 tons..

SWANSEATRADE REPORT. [SPECIAL REPORT FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] SWANSEA, Thursday Night.—Although tonnage cleared from the port of Swansea during the past week shows an increase of 17 vessels, with 2,978 tons register, the figures being 91 vessels, 13,974 tons, against 77 vessels. 10,996, yet the greater part of the increase would seem to be in the I home trade, the exports of coal foreign being only about the average. The patent fuel trade has been ruach brisker, over 5,000 tons having been cleared during the week of which France took 1,846 tons, viz., Ha.vre, 446 tons; Granville, 310 tons; Caen, 40 tons and Ora.n, 1,050 tons. Italy 2,600 tons—1,550 to Naples, and 1,050 to A neon a, the other cargo, 720 tons, being for Varna. The eXpQrts of coal were aa follows:—France, 3,221 tons; Italy, 2,164, viz., Piombino, 934 Castellamari, 640; Ancona, 230 Naples, 260, the other shipments being— Palma, 320; Oporto, 150, and 15 tons tin- plate Copenhagen, 230; St. Petersburg, 159 Philipine Isles, 760 Cape de Verds, 1,000 Cape Town 605; and Autofagajta (Peru), 290 tons, with 23G tons coke, and 100 fire bricks. About 160 tons of metal were also exported to Havre. The imports have been small, being decidedly below the average, and the doclcs do not present a very brisk appearance, the supply of tonnage on hand being hardly equal to the requirements of shippers. The war between the republics on the West Coast of America has already been productive of inconvenience to the shipping trade, and should it be continued will interfere greatly with the imports of copper ores. There is no change of special moment in the works and manu- facture in the neighbourhood, all being very quiet, and complaints general as to the unremunerative character of present prices. The report that the differences with the Dynevor Duffryn| Company's colliers has been arranged, and the men returned to work will be received with satisfaction, the company being large shippers both at Neath and Swansea. There is very little doing at the Dry Docks, but the Albion Graving Dock is being en- larged in preparation for anticipated improve- ment.

NEWPORT TRADE REPORT. SPECIAL REPORT FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEWPORT, Thursday. — The shipping trade, which ha3 been active for the last few weeks, has during the past few days suffered a lull as far as regards arrivals. Owing to the number of arrivals during the past week and the first days of the present, the shipments of coal will be, up to the present, quite up to the average, in all probability, but unless a good deal of tonnage arrives in the next few days, the forthcoming week Willlhow a falling off in shipments, and that to a considerable extent. Prices of coal have undergone no alteration, and this, notwithstanding the large quantities shipped. The idea of a cessation of work at all the collieries in the country seems to have been given up by the men, and with very good reason, as it would have failed in its object and made things worse for the men themselves. As regards the masters, they could afford to view it with a certain amount of indifference, as their profits (where there are any) are too small to cause them to feel much personal anxiety in the matter. No doubt, considering what would hive been its ultimate effect on the general trade of the coun- try, it would have caused much uneasiness and loss to the whole working and trading population in the district. Iron shipments have not been numerous. One steamer cargo has cleared for Porto Torres. The ship Glengarry has taken a large cargo of rails to Rio Janeiro, and a few other clearances will probably bring shipments up to a higher mark than for some weeks past. There is not, however, very much in course of shipment at the present time. Impm.ts.-The quantity of Iron ore received from Bilbao is less, owing to the tides at that port, but in addition to three or four cargoes from that quarter, the Colombo from Pormau, and the John Byng from Carthagena, have brought very large cargoes. Pitwood.—One steamer cargofrom Bordeaux, and a few small cargoes from other Darts of France have arrived. Prices have receded to a very low point, and there is no encouragement to import. Freights.—The rates Hor the East and West Indies, etc., continue generally about the same as the previous week. Several boats have been fixed for the Mediterranean and Adriatic, and things are a trifle easier in this direction. Some amount of chartering has been done for Portugal and the North Coast of Spain, and shippers are not now so much pressed for tonnage. There is slightly more inquiry for France, but rates have not al- tered in any material degree. For the Baltic little is doing, and coasting quotations are at the same low rates. The trimming charges on the steam coal still form a subject of complaint at this port, and one or t-vo stea nera have, during the last fortnight, gone to Cardiff to load, in consequence of the saving of cost on trimming coal at the latter port by so doing,

WEST MIDLANDS TRADE REPORT. [SPECIAL REPORT FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] BIRMINGHAM, Thursday.—The sales of pig iron at some of the furnaces are falling off, and on this account the proprietor of the Bilston Brook fur- nace, Bilston, has determined to blow out. This example may be followed by other firms if trade remains as depressed as it is at present. Stafford- shiteuall-mine iron was priced this afternoon at from £3 5s to £4 58 per ton. Pigs made from hematite, hydrate, or Northampton ores, were offered at considerably under these prices. Part- mine pigs ranged from £210" per ton upwards. The description of finished iron in which most business was done was sheets of a high class re- quired mainly by the Japanese and the tin-plate workers. Makers who produce this quality iron are here and there busier than they were two or three weeks ago. For sheets (singles) £7 5s is still the quotation, and for doubles £8 5s; stiips and rods and common angles and bars, sold tamely. High class bars ace being bought by con- sumers in the rural districts, and Government are also ordering iron of this class, and likewise some first class plates. Generally speaking, the demand for plates is very restricted, with prices at from j6710atoj28. The crucial price for marked. bars remains I\t£7 10s, with the Earl of Dudley's quo. tation for bars, rolled at hit Round Oak Works, J68 2s 6d. Furnace coal, West of Dudley, sells at 8s per ton, lump at 7s, and fine slack at 3s 6d to 4s per ton. according to duality. The amount of business i -.jiwA doing is small, and one could not expect it to bf* otherwise, seeing the small amount of manufactfl* ring that is being carried on in the district, also that the weatner doea not necessitate such large consumption for domestic purposes. His evident that all hopes must be given np of the colliers consenting to extend the hours of working ? they gained this privilege of short hours when trade was prosperous, and when the masters c nild not well afford to deny them. and now they ar? determined to stick to the concession, whatever be the condition of trade. — We have had only a dull market, and indis- position to purchase was general, yet the market was abundantly supplied with all descriptions of raw and finished iron and minerals. It became known that two more furnaces are likely to bo added to those out of blast, and an effort was made to get up prices by a few vendors, but the market would not respond. A growing feeling of cautious* liesa was strengthened by the announcement that George Thornton, edge-tool manufacturer, h"d petitioned for liquidation, with liabilities afe £17,000, and assets £2,000.

NORTH OF ENGLAND REPORT., [SPECIAL KEPOKT FROM OUU OWN CORRESPONDENT.! MiDDLESDUROUGH, Thursday. The heavy failures which we reported last week has not been minimised in their results, as the facts have got to be known. The leading firm in the list-that of Lloyd and Co., comprising as its partners Mr J. Wilson, M.P., Mr W. H. J. Hopkins, and Edgar Gilkes—has liabilities to the extent of about £380,OôO, whilst the three partners have, it Is stated, joint liabilities fornefuly as much more. Hopkins, Gilkes aud Co. (Limited), of whicU these gentlemen are the principal shareholders and also directors, have liabilities to the extent ot about B200,000, and the Skerne Iro:i Co. (Limited) from £40,000 to £45,000. The banks aro creditors, and it is believed that the ether firms JIl the district, on whom the losses fall, will be to bear them. In the case of Messrs Lloyd and Co., it is generally assumed that there will ba scarcely anything for the creditors, but the two companies are likely to pay a faIr dividend. There can be no question as to the disastrous effects of these failures, especially corn* ing after those which have occurred in the district since the depression of the last four years. Ovef a third of the blast furnaces and a like proportion of the finished-iron works have been in liquidation,. and it is to be feared that the evil has not jet reached its maximum, judging from the transition which is going on in the iron trade, as steel mu&fc supplant all the finished-iron works, and the exist* ing plant is of but very little value, as scarcely any of it can be adopted. The Durhnm strike has terminated. About half of the 85 furnaces which were in blast at tha commencement of the Durham strike have beett •; "damped down." Bolckow, Vaughan and Co.* who have 28 furnaces, about one-sixth of Ute whole in the' whole in the North of England, have not one in blast owing to the failure of the coke. supply. In about 10 days it is expected tli at supply will be obtained, as the Durham men havO gone to work. They have only, however, resumed work under protest, and with the averment tha* they will give notice for a 20 per cent. advance. It is a pity that the men cannot observe the sign. of the times. It is a matter of indifference to at least half of the coal-owners whether the meB work at all. They are making no profit, even if they are not incurring a loss. They cannot be eX* pected to carry on coal producing for the benefit of the workmen. If the latter want work, they must accept such wages as the busines* will allow, and which has been fixed by a competent referee. If the men are wise, they will settle down to work under the award whicfr has been made. In Northumberland the absurd demand for a 20 per cent advance, because priceS of coal had been increased for a week or two 11 the Durham strike, would appear to have be60 abandoned, as since the refusal of the employer*" to entertain it nothing has been heard of the' matter. Another wages matter pending in tbi. district is that in the finished iron trade, whereby the plate-makers ask for a reduction of 15 per cent off the wages of tho higher paid class of opera. tives—rollers, Bliinglers, shearmen, &0. The em" ployers urge that these men are disproportionatel1 paid to the work they do, as compared with" puddlera and the reduction is therefore sought*- The matter is to be referred to Mr David and the decision will be looked for with a goo« deal of interest both by masters and men in South' Wales and other iron districts, as, if the demand be granted, a new principle will be initiated in th«" iron trade, where special classes of men always earned very high wages. Of the iron trade itself, all that can be said that it has been very quiet throughout the pa8*' week. Prices have been lower, in some no doubt, because of the failures, but in a greater" measure because of the termination of the ham strike. The average rates are about 46| No. 3, and 44s to 44s 6d No. 4 forge. Certain the makers are asking more, but they are no* getting it, and prices, when more furnaces a*? blown in, are likely to be further reduced, espeojf ally as Cleveland rates are proportionately higher than those of Scotland. There have bee** good deliveries made for South Wales of Cleve- land pig-iron, and Scotch shipments improved. Tnere has not been much change w* manufactured iron. Prices have been unaltered* Plates, about £ 5 to £ 5 5s; common bars, £ 4 17s to £5 angles, £5 to £5 2s 6d, less 2! per cent. The foundries are fairly busy, and so are the ship' building yards. The Northumberland steam coal trade ha9 lately been very brisk, and full time has °ceit made. The demand will probably be somewha less now the Durham colliers are getting int? work. Ships are now coming into the north-e^V ports for gas coals, as the supplies have been vet7 irregular and short during the period of the stri^f^ Coal and coke are fast resuming their old Vir^c5? The supplies of coal from Yorkshire anij umberland for the districts ordinarily supPTlec, k- Durham coals, including Cleveland have n ceased. .JI

NEWCASTLE TRADE REPORT. [SPECIAL REPORT FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.! NEWCASTLE-ON-TINE, Thursday.— The setHi" nient of the miners strike at Durham has the business on 'Change a little brisker than it been for some weeks. There has t tVg- some difficulty during the strike in meeting tn» requirements of vessels that came to the port, 5?g. fitters and brokers have had some trouble, whole of the pits are getting to work, but the out put will be slight for a few days. There is a £ °,°u demand for gas coals, but the household 0°^: 7 usually quiet at this season, and the stocks were on hand have only been reduced to the nominal condition. The Northumberland co* trade has reaped some advantage from the str^IK.» and the demand from the Baltic is keeping the P' busy. The iron trade is very quiet, and t failures in Cleveland, while not at all falli"? the Tynesidfc firms, has had a depressing influe^ on the trade. Freights are not much changed, the demand for shipping is restricted by the nn ber of vessels in port waiting for cargoes. chemical trade is quiet, but prices are firm.

LATEST MARKETS. CORN. j-. COWBBIDGE CORN MARKET, Tuesday.— more animation in all kind of grain, FewsamP1 on offer, best wheat realising from 5s 6d to 5^ 8 J inferior samples less money. Barley—no businc ø done. Oats firm at last week's quotations, rOl 2s 7a to 3s per bushel, re" BIRMINGHAM CORN MARKET, Thursday.—Tne was a very quiet market to-day. Buyers °"ercf- 6d to Is less money, which was, however, C generally taken. Very little doing in American, last week's prices. Oats a fair trade. turn in favour of the buyer. Beans and peas ° quotable alteration. BRISTOL CORN MARKET, Thursday. — (Fr°^ Mr Geo. Coleman Junior's Circular, Lla114]?^ Green.)—I have little alteration, to note in t^. wheat trade. The rates of last week maintained. The barley trade is quiet..pi peas, maize, and oats unchanged. ^>relita' ftrices of British and foreign grain:—Dautzic per 4961bs), 48s to 50s;. American, white, to 47s do. fine red, 44s to 46s; do, ondary, 40s to 41s; Ghirka, Odessa, and Nic°E i, 40s to 41s Saxonca and Petersburg," 40s to 40s o f English, old, red, and white, 40s to 46s; do. D tØ" do., 40s to 46s. Barley: Fine malting, 40s; French do, 33s to 34s; Irish do, 32s to Odessa, grinding, 20s to 21s. American JL. 20s to 21s. Oats Swedish and Dutch (pej lbs), 23s to 24s; Limerick, white, IjS 20s; Dublin light. 18s 6d to 19s; Cork, Wat^. ford, and P. E., 17s 6d to 17s 9d. French bm»V maize, 24s to 25s flat, 23s to 23s 6d vbarx" flour, 21s to 22s. t > CATTLE* NEWPORT AxczNSioN FAIR, Thursday.— i" annual stock and pleasure fair, better known Stow Fair, is growing "small hy degrees beautifully less," The fair is literally dyinS. natural death. It w;is held at the cattle j but there was scarcely any stock on offer, » this chiefly the refuse of the previous day s c9'. j market. The show of horses was very limit and the business transacted only nominal. 'fJ er.' COWBRIDGE CATTLE MARKET, Tuesday.—In was an average supply. Pntes ruled fir'D „ Best fat cattle from 8d to 8 £ d per lb. Fat she< £ sold well,and fully maintained last week's nu°^5 tions from 9d to lOd per lb in the wool; out wool, 8d to 8jd. Pigs, principally storers, sold », an advance in price.. BRISTOL CATTLE MARKET, Thursday.—The* was a shorter supply of beef than usual at t market to-day, and trade ruled somewhat "firpf?* 70s to <23 per cwt for best descriptions, and 60s 65s for secondary samgles. Of mutton there a hunted supply, and with a fair trade. jp" weth* vs out of wool realised 8Jd per lb, iw ferior sotts 7 £ d. Lamb was sold at Is b • There wa« a moderately good show of P'P"« trade ruled exceedingly (juiet at the prices:—10s for bacon, ana 10s 6.1 per pork. Tiiere were not many store cattle oa o and all were not disposed of. •ne9tf' LONDON OATTLE MARKET, Thursday.—BuS1 at a standstill. Less rates than on Monday quoted for both beasts and sheep. Lamb, i3ggf 8s per 81bs; beef, 4s to 5s; mutton, 4s veal, 5s 6d to 6s 6d; pork, 3s 8d to 4s Beasts, 450; sheep and lambs, 5,260 ca 170, iucluding foreign beasts, 20 sheep lambs, 20. DUBLIN CATTLE MARKET, Thupday.—Qt was a very substantial failing off iu stipp^ hrisk- stock here to-day, which fact produced gdr trade. Lambs of good class wanting. Beef, to 72s 6d seconds, 60s to 65s; mutton in 9 £ d to lOd shorn, 8 £ d to 9 £ d uufimshed 81; veal, 8Jd to lid. BUTTER. CORK BUTTER MARKET, —Firsts, 92s seconds, 84s: thirds, 77s l<fi'iJt,Ø, 60s; fifths, 35s. Superfine mild cured: 100s; seconds, 87s j thirds, 82s. Firkins in m ket, 1,571. CAERPHILLY CHEESE MARKET, Thursday-^ Small supply, which were bought up qUIck, prices from 55s to 60s per cwt. SUGAR. CLYDE CRUSHED SUGAR MARKET, Thuri Fair business done, values remaining Printed and Published by the ProPS^tifl# DAVID DUNCAN & SONS, at their Steam Works, 76 aid 76, St Mary-street and West& im ia the couatv ot