The Cardiff Times

't m—mmm——m.-mmmmw-mrmammm—> WAR OFFICE REFORM. a Opinions in Clubland. 9 Central News BUYS *!iat in clubland and 9 j: (yv^ce circles the Array Reconstruction Com- f rePor6 was s0'a topic of conversa- W-erday. The reception which the report a (j^'ves is generally favourable. The criticisms f scheme seem to be mainly directed against 1 of theGroverainenHo bring abont as an j so drastic a aohome without previously t consent Parliament. This ( ^Ujt,on' 'be Central News states, was antici- I ky the Prime Minister and his colleagues ^.recent Cabinet meeting, since when it has the highest legal consideration. His W^aty'a Government have been advised that it ^Qot necessary for the Government to obtain other approval than that of the King. At Sk Batce time the fullest opportunity will be kJ'J for tha discassioo of the entire sciieme iu "iament. $M)harles Dilke will Support the { Sfihp.r.ia j "ZZoeai&Z*1 til& scheme closely agrees K forward by Sir Charles &e ]Q tbe course Of an able Jectaro at the ,/Jl United Service Institation on Friday. I ICis already weU known," said Sir Charles, V interview, that I iavonr the aboli- .'OU f tj,e Commander-in-Chief. At my was noticeable that Sir Clinton Daw- ancl ]yjr Snenser Will'inson seemed opposed b but in spite of my c. ear challenge, no one coald be induced to say a word in favour nregarding the strengthening of the Defence O^itteoof tha Cabinet, I have always been iu tjj °lr of that course. I note, however, that at c°mrnencemeat of Lcrti Esher's report it was that the Defence Co-umittes was to fulfil 'n&iin functions of a general staff. On the | hand, the writers of iha excellent leader in Morning rost «.nd the leader in L Times," the form«r inclined to waver, **he latter entirely favourable, both differed ^,or(^ Esher on this point, and sug- I R^eral n*aff was rather to be Min the office of the military member b 1'he new War Office imita5" mof the Admiralty ■iJ^rd and of the Fir; Sea Lord. The t^imes suggested that ST* George Clarke was I OQ Secretary the new Defence jq Urnittee of the Cabiuet, f.nd Lord Esher's appeared to be thit th? Secretary, armed j tj,'h the power of the Prim* Minister, as Chair- 1*0 of the Committee, wouir- be anavalandmili- Moltke. If the view of the two leader writers correct, it appeared that the First Sea Lore! jjJl' a strong mac —and ths ^irst Military Mem- of the War Office Council -if a strong man— JJfld be the two Moltkes- Wei!, whichever plan correct, everything will depend upon the en. but thia is an importanL difference." What will bo yout- attitude towards the ^Ctne ?" asked tho Pressman. it*, utbink 5,: ba3 a Rnfficiont claim to be sllo^ved C&ances of smooth wording."

MR SEDDON is TIRADE. CHINESE IN SOUTH AFRICA. ^^euter's Agency has received from the Agent- f^eral for New Zealand communication of the Rowing telegram — Wellington, Sunday.—The Premier, 3peaking bt II. banquet at Timarn.said.refenins to the tL°PosedChinese immigration into South Africa, was general indignation with the Home q^errsment for not recognising it as an Imperial It woold embitter the Boers against j,*Dd delay federation, and instead of British ft Migration would ensure British emigration South Africa. He was satisiied that if tho mineowners would establish emigration ",Pots in the United Kingdom they would get $fr-uch labour as was wanted. He undertook to y, ^onstrate that a sensible British labourer jj.^id make a good quartz miner in a week. *dSeti^'n'lie per ccnt- l^e miners in Australia ^ef ^ew ^sa'anc^ iifc^er been in a mine J$J°?e landing at the goldlields. To say that j^'sh labour was not equal to Chinese was an a One English workman was equal to 3^e Chinamen underground. economic grounds the employment of white would be more profitable to tLaKand mina- w. ^8> t0 say nothing of collateral advantages to the Transvaal Colony. Special l;1ceme nt had been held out by the British Gov- t0h^-Sri,: t0 a uamher of members of Colonial ^^ogente to stay in South Africa, and for Hjj j'alian and Kcw Zealand settlers to emigrate '"er. This was now ignored by the Transvaal A protest had been made by three *t>d">VerniD^ Colonies—Cape Colony, Australia, f)(j P w Zealand. They consider it an Imperial .Cn ^reat moment to the Empire, though rJpc'ally to South Africa. ^ti°re allon^ a referendum to the people of liqh Africa. The matter was of sufficient Mr a!i<e ^or careful consideration of tbe Parliament. Mr Heddon assertea that woa!d bo failures in the mines, and if adrift would spread over South Africa, Norther increasing the racial difficulty e.

APARTMENTS NOTTCCEPTABLE. ^lyncorrwg Husband's Defence. ¡ Borough Police Court on Monday 'Navies, collier, Glyncorrwg, was smn- 1,:)tI"" 'eglecting his wife and two children • !(. them chargeable to the Neath Union. 0^?• .nghes, Bridgend, appeared for the and informed the Bcnch defendant 1 c get t0 wife back, but as he could a ^ooSq they would have to go into This arrangement she refused. Tho lie., ^.summoned her husband at Aberavon for I V*e?e Ues-l't:ri avid cruelty, but the Bench K*n!iR;moai5'-v dismisHed the case. A few eoe ^n'l her children went into Neath P.H»?^So- and now the law was set in motion vva^* (Mt Hughes) felt he must '"0 ,)COr 'Rw being exploited at ,'re of a npitoful woman, who won Id not vyjp? ^6" ha:,b;>.nd. The defendant was ready ^4 aad anxious to live with his wife Bench made an order for the per weok, adding that represen- svrjd ,Mftdo to tl:0 Raardian3 on the coaaidsration would be given to

j" *?1 968 l^ev va rev*ve^ thB rumour that hi '3 t0 be married,—Henpsclc: hi '3 to be married,—Henpsclc: h* Kr.rprising. It is natural for vt>1 of v,^ kuow something about every

GLAMORGAN YEOMANRY. Opening of the Cardiff Drill Hall. There wa3 a large gatheriug at the opening of the new drill hall of the Cardiff squadron of the Glamorgau Imperial Yeomanry at St. Maiy- street, Cardiff, on Saturday evening. The new premises arc beneath the Philhaimonic Restau- rant, and they are of the most commodious da- ecription. There is a laree drill ball and. parti- tioDed off from this, well-equipped reading and billiard rooms. The wholo place had been charm- ingly decorated for the occasion with llag? and banners, and a temporary platform, adoraeawith iiowers and palms, had been erected. Colonel Wyndham-Quin, 0.13., D.S.O., M.P. (O.C. Glamorgan Imperial Yeomanry), performed the opening ceremony, and was supported on the platform by Major Pritchard (O.C. Cardiff squadron), Captain Charles Wyndbam-Qriin, Captain and Quartermaster O. H Jones, Lieu- tenant Cope, Lieutenant Nell, Lieutenant Powell, all of the Glamorgan Yeomanry Lieu- tenant Allen (Welsh Regiment), Lieutenant Emanuel (3rd V.B. South Wales Borderers). Mr A. C. Macintosh, Councillor R. Hughes, and Mr R. C. Griffiths (Bridgend). The audience in- cluded representatives of every local corps. The committee that had charge of the arrangements consisted of Sergeant-Major Winks, Sergeant Hugh A. Pettigrcw, Sergeant-Major Stallybrass, Sergeants Jobson, Howell, Rowo, I'rancis, Corporal Moon, Trooper Stevenson, Trooper Loagher, with Sergeant-Major Giddens ana Sergeant-Major Smith. Major Pritchard, who presided, at the outset remarked that the Glamorgan Imperial Yeo- manry had now been in existence for three years, Tney had got on very weJI. but in Cardiff they had begun very keenly to feel the want of a drill hall. Now, be was glad to say, they had- succeeded in getting It, and they wero going to use it not only for drill, but for social purposes also. I Hear, hoar.) He desired before asking Colonel Wyndham Qnin to declare it open, to express their thanks to Lieut. Cope and the other officers of the sauadron for all the trouble that they bad gone to in getting the new drill hall and club. (Hear. hear.) Colonel WyudhamQnin, who was very heartily received, expressed pleasure at being present. He was delighted to sse that, thanks to the energy of all ranks of the C Squadron, they had at last been able to secure those large premises. They had in Sergeant-Major Giddens a most excellent instructor an;i now they had an equally fine drill hall he hoped he would soon sge some of the C Squadron coming forward to represent the Glamorgan Yeomanry a.t the annual tournament at Islington. (Hear, hear,) In that connection he recalled what his old regi- ment, the Gloucestershire Hussars, had accom- plished, and be was glad to see some of them present that evening. (Cheers.) After references to the Yeomanry shooting returns and the high place occupied by the Glamorgans, and the impo-tance of esprit de corps; the speaker alluded to the responsibility now resting upon them. They had all heard from the new Secretary of State for War. that in the future this country would rely in the main for its security for its horns defence on the auxiliary forces, while the Kegular Army was to be looked upon as more exclusively for foreign service. He felt practically certain that that reliance would not bo placed in vain. (Cheers,) England, in company with the other great nations of the world, had been largely increasing the establishment of its Yeomanry, the importance of which was now recognised on every hand. Iu conclusion, Colonel Quin Ba.ia he had great pleasure in declaring tbe new drill hall open, and from the bottom of his heart he wished a long and successful career to the C Squadron of the Glamorgan Yeomanry. (Loud cheers.) Q..M. 0. H. Jone3 moved a hearty vote of thanks to Colonel Wyndham-Quin for opening the hall. The fact that their colonel bad come down from London to do this showed the keen interest he took in his battalion, which largely owed its success and efficiency to his untiring efforts. The vote was adopted with acclamation. Sergeant. Major Giddens then took the chair, and a capital smoking concert was held, during which a silver vase, presented by Captain Charles Wyndham-Quin, was presented to Trooper .Hawkins as the first prize winner in the machine ^an section musketry handicap. Among those who contributed to a capital pro- gramme were the Yeomanry Band, conducted by Bandmaster Paul Draper. Trooper J. Morgan, Troopar Ferrier, Sergeant Jobson, Mr Lucas, Mr S. Taylor, Trooper Beer, Trooper A. Llewelvn, Trumpeter Lester, Master Beer, Mr E. Williams, and tbe Bohemian Comedy Quar- tette. Mr Pcrcy Wheeler officiated ably as pianist.

2nd GLAMORGAN VOL. ARTILLERY, Resignation of Officers. If one may judge by tbe number of resigaationa which have either already taken place or are likely to occur shortly, tha 20:1 Glamorgan Volunteer Artillery is experiencing very hard luck. In all cases these resignations are stated to be clue either to business or domestic reasons. Captain W. G. Morel, Captain Pyma.n, Lieu- tenant E. Gunn, and Lieutenant R. H. K, Adams have, we understand, all sent in their resignations, while jt is s'ated tbat Lieutenant H. L. Taylor may very possibly follow suit. Lieutenant A. L. Moon i8 at present jn South Africa, and it is doubtful whether be will return, while Lieatenant Randall, of Bridgend, ia in the United States on business, and the date of bis return would appear to be uncertain. These gentlemen represent one-fifth of the commissioned officers of the corps. Presentation to a Veteran Nan. Com. LThe sergeants of the headquarter cotnpan e of the 3rd V.B. Welsh held their annual' dinner at Barry's Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday evening. Sergt.-Majar Broad presided, and an'ongst those present were Sergt. Ma/ior Acraman and Sergt.- Major Bryant (Barracks Staff), Q.M. Sergt. J1 Perkins, CoL-Sergt. J. Iloltham, Col.,Scrgt. Taylcr. and Sergt. Geo. Williams. A capita, dinner was provided, and at its ciosethsusnal loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honoured. During the evening a ceremony of peculiar in- terest took place to celebrate the retirement under the age regulations of CoL-Sergt. Holtham, who joined the old Cardiff 10th corps in 1876, and who has therefore completed the splendid record I of 28 years' service. During that period Col.- Sergt. Holtham has rendered splendid service to hia corps, and his example and influence over its younger members have been of incalculable bene- fit to the 3rd V.B. Welsh. It is noteworthy that as a. young man before joining the old Cardiff 10th, Col.>Sergt. Holtham saw war service as a volun- teer in Northern Italy. The presentation ou Saturday evening by hia brother non.-coms. was made the occasion of many well-deserved expres- sions of the highest esteem and deep re^rot at the fact that the time had como for hisi to sever bis long connection with his old corps. 3rd V.B. Welsh Penarth Companies. Wa understand that a special effort is shortly to be tcada to bring the Penarth companies of the 3rd V.B. Welsh up to full strength, ana the authorities are taking steps to secure a drill hall with more adequate accommodation than that which is at present in use. Retirement of a Welsh Marksman. Sergeant G. Starkey, who has been for some years past a well-known member ot the 3rd V.B. Welsh (Cardiff Detachment) is about to retire from the Volunteer force after a long and bononr- able career. Sergeant Starkey has in his time won many prizes in all parts of tho couatrv for shooting. At one time he wou the championship of Devonshire, and a few years ago won the Car- diff Detachment Cup. The reason of Sergaant Starkey's retirement is that ho is now Jiving at Senghenydd, and finds it inconveuient to put in the requisite number of drills to enable him to qualify as efficient, Ue has for something like 20 vears past been a regular attender of tbe N.K.A. meetings at Wimbledon and Bisley.

8!" HONOURS TO VOLUNTEERS. 3rd Glamorgan Services. The Mayor of Swansea (Mr Griffith Thomas) last uigbt attended1 at the headquarters of the 3rd Glamorgan Riilea and presented medals to members of the 3rd Active Service Company belonging to the regiment, clasps to the 1st and 2nst Companies, V.D. s to two officers, long- service medals to three non-commissioned officers, and a handsome present to ex-Ser^eant-Major Mason. The 3rd Glamorgan supplied no Jess than two officers and 67 men for the recent war, while the whole regiment volunteered. Colonel W. D. nees presided, and he WIlS supported by Colonel T. W. Jones and the other officers of the regiment, while there was a strong master of non-commissioned officers and men. Colonel: Hees explained that the presentation had been delayed by the illness and subsequent death of Colonel John Crow Hiehardsoa, who was to have made the presentation. The Mavor expressed his high appreciation of the 3rd Glamorgan its long record in a con- solidated battalion and the smartness and efficiency of its members, and then presented the medals. The recipients belonging to the 3rd Service Company were *.—Lieutenant W. H. Jenkins, Sergeant R. C. Huntley and Privates D. J. Bevan, W. H. Bowman, A. Buckmaster, T. J. Cnllan, E. J. Fry, P. Howard, J. G. Jones. A. .Tonkins, W. H. Jones, W. J. Tracey, J. H. Wed- lake. L. J. Williams, and T. W. Fossell. Then bars were presented to 24 members of the 2nd Service Company and to 27 of the 1st Com- pany. These were for service in the Transvaal, the Orange Free State, Capo Colony, and South Africa. 1901, and South Africa. 1902. Long service medals were presented to Sergt.- Bugler Jumes, Corporal W. Wilcox, and Private A. Williams. The Volunteer decoration was presented to Major J. E. Thomas and Chaplain Bolney. A good condnct medal was presented to Sergt.. Instructor Smith, Gorseinon. Afterwards the Mayor, on behalf of the regi- ment, presented a. handsome clock and a pursa of gold to ex-Sergeant-Major Mason in recognition of long and valued services to the regiment. «

h NEWPORT DAILY EXCHANGE. To be Opened Next Week. The Mayor of Newport (Councillor Clifford Phillips) received a letter from Lord Tredegar on Monday intimating that it would please him to formally open the Newport Daily Exchange otv Wednesday, February 10th. The committee will hold a special meeting to-day to make the final arrangements.

FISKLITERS." Old Man I've yeard yer ole man's bin took bad, Mrs Jones. ( 11 1: Mrs Jones Yus, 'c's werry bad. The doctor ses 'e's got the" Fiskliiers." 'E*s walkiu1 ug an' daliu the room all day Ion- wiv a bit o glass m one eye an' a thing in 'is coat 'e ses is a horchard, an' 'e keeps on a sayin' 'e's the King. I'm jist worrited to death. _Gaboon by F. C. Gould. Published by arrangement with the" Westminster Gazette." 11 mom fJ

THE INTERNATIONAL MALE I VOICE COMPETITION. A Criticism by M. de Rille. The enthusiasm aroused amongst Welsh musi- cians, and particularly amongst the Walsh male voice choirs and their supporters, by the presence of M. de Rille at the International Competition at Cardiff on Boxing Day was reflected in equal measure in the breast of the distinguished Frenchman him3elf. V. glowiug and detailed account of the proceedings appears over bis signature in the Echo des Orpheons of Janu- ary, a journal published in Paris and circulating í among French musical societies. M. de Riile expresses his thorough appreciation of the civic I welcome accorded at Cardiff, which be says took the form of a touching manifestation of sym- pathy for France. But what will be read with most interest by M. de Rille's admirers in South Wales are his criticisms and valuable hints. The choirs from Paris and from Brussels (writes M. de Rille) shone only by their absence- Genuine disappointment was manifested by the public. Their regret was very keen. But not one of the English societies who entered, failed to appear, although some of them, such f18 the Apollcs of Middlesbrough,came froui very tar. j One general remark applies to the competlnon. Of seventeen competitors, the three which are placed at the top sang without the piayao fourth, which would have obtained a vsry place but for an unfortunate accident, sang ai without a piano. This marks great is recalled that tbe Welsh choirs wfiich^ were j heard at the Trocadero (Paris), choruses Exhibition of 1900 sang all then cnoruses t W I? wasP,aManchest9r, follows very closely by Cardiff, which obtained the_ chief prize, under the direction of Mr Manches- ter sang the "King of Worlds m a manner which bears comparison with onr. best Northern Societies. The voices possessed an admirable purity, a transparent limpidity. The Song of the Crusaders did not reach quite the same perfection. Let it be noted that bar 112 must not be moderated in speed the cortege is moving away-bufc it marches at the same pace. I Cardiff (70 voices) director, Mr Roderick Williams, occupies with honour the second place. The Song of the Crusaders was as well ren- dered by Cardiff as by Manchester certain pas- sages even pleased th6 writer more but in the King of Worlds the voices, although they blended perfectly together, did not attain the crystalline purity of Manchester. There was here a very slight difference, it is true, bat it wa3 nevertheless appreciable. Mountain Ash (70 performers), director air Richards, is also a tine society, which sings like the two first, without accompaniment. In the Crusaders" it should have executed the crescendo from bar 88 to bar 102 and the decres- cendo from bar 102 to bar 112 more gradually, in such a manner as to produce the effect of a cortege which approaches and which moves away (the decrescendo of bar 101 was sudden, as if the cortege turned a street corner). The King of Worlds was better rendered. Rhyainey (68 performers), director Mr Owen I who does not make use of a oiano either, suc- I ceeded better in the "Crusadera" than in the King of Worlds." In this choir a vexatious accident occurred which caused.it to lose its position, without, however, placing it in a posi- tion of inferiority as compared with the societies which the use of the piano guarantesa against these mishaps. h Cambria (59 performers), director, Mr David Jones, gives an Entirely delightful performance of the II Crusaders Mr Joucs conducts in a very interesting manner. Tor the first tirr.e a choir appears full of movement and life (Cam- bria was the fourth society entered). In the second chorus the voices appeared a little fatigued. Moeiwyn (69 performers), director, Mr Cad- walaar Kofcerts, sings the Crusaders very well. However, the contrast of the piano (bar 42) is not sufficiently accentuated from the mezzo forte of bar 3o. The cortege approaches and moves away perfectly (bars 88 to 112). Tbe KinS of Worlds," less successful in exactitude 9 moyement and even, what is more serious, In correctness of intona- tion, causes this choir to lose the promin cnce it achieved m the preceding chorus. The whole performance remains, however, sufficiently satisfactory in order to secure at the aauia time to Moeiwyn a. place of honour, After having thus classed the six societies, Manchester, Cardiff, Mountain Ash. Rhymney, Cambria and Moeiwyn, in the division of excel- lence requited to sitig the Martyra of the Arena," the French adjudicator thinks that the North Staffs. Dowlais, and Garw Valley Societies, who displayed great and earnest qualities, might also have been admitted, and regrets that tha regulations preverited their inclusion. One genera! observation is addressed by M. de Rille to all the societies In the Crusaders," the bar No. 11, marked ni.f., oiight to be made piano, and bar 12 m.f. This is not written, but it ought to bo nnderstood. The two m.f. ought not to have tbe same character. The piano of bar 12 mast be accentaated more in order to give to the minor phrase a different character to the phrase in A major. The sol in bars 53 and 162 must be sustained vigorously in order to prepare a fine reopening of the subject. Finally, it is good to broaden out bars 1S4, 195, 196, and 197. that gives more vivacity and more brilliauca to the final animato. After taking the opportunity of expressing his thanks to Dr. Riscly for his ready assistance, anil giving a short description of the presenta- tion made to himself on the platform of the Park Hall, M. de Rille gives a brief bnt graphic account of the performance of the Martyrs of the Arena by the mussed choirs. The execu- tion is absolutely perfect. The movements of the condnctor are seized as soon as indicated. The attack of the excellent soloists aud of the solid choirs is made with abnoluto distinctness. The oigan points, the rests, the sudden quick movements—everything ia rendered. In fine, there is movement, warmth, passion tho singers and the public are on theit feet; English hurrahs resound, and the composer is unable to j clasp all the hands that are outstretched towards him."

MR WINSTON CHURCHILL. Breezy Speech in Scotland. Speaking at a meeting of the Young Scots' Society in Edinburgh on Monday night, Mr Winstou Churchill said they were beginning the Parliamentary Session shrouded in unusual un- certainty for the prospects of the Government and the Unionist Free Traders. buc not for the prospects of Free Trade. The Administration would not be destroyed until and unless Mr Chamberlain desired there should be a dissolu- tion, and there were signs that the period of grace would be allowed to the Government be- cause that DOtenate was to take a holiaay. Unionist Frea Traders were in a peculiar diffi- culty. Two hundred Conservatives were conscien- tiously opposed to Mr Chamberlain's proposals, but how many would vote ? As he had spoken so he would vote. If the Conservative members against the policy had stood against Jt from the beginning the party would not be in their present difficulties. The campaign bad proved the magnitude of the injury Mr Chamber- lain had done to the Conservative party which had nourished him and his followers. When Parliament met they would find them- selves on much more even terms. Free Traders contended this was the mo"t prosperous country in the world, and Protection would accelerate its ruin, and that even if Protection were wise in theory the influence of Custom House officers, the interference of the Government with busi- ness, and the corruption introduced would more than counterbalance the advantages.

On Saturday uight, at the Castle Hotel, Brecon, at a dinner given by the past and pre sent staff ot the Brecon branch of the National Provincial Bank, iifr H. E. Bradley, who recently retired frdm the management, was I the chief guest, and was presented with a mas- sive silver loving cup, suitably inscribed. The! chair was occupied by Mr Siiead Williams, I manager of the- Builth Wejls Ijraach of the National Provincial Bank, j

RISCA COLLIERY DISPUTE. I CLAIMS AND COUNTER-CLAIMS. Management and Workmen. A special Police Court was held at Abercarn on Saturday to hear claims and counter-zlairns as between the United National Collieries Co. and their workmen. The magistrates were Alder- man George Jones (in the chair), Mr E. Jones Williams, aud Mr John D&kers. Mr Abel Thomas. K.C., M.P. (instructed by Mr C. Ken- J shole, Aberdare), was for the company, and Mr I S. T. Evans, K.C., M.P. (instructed by Mr T. I S. Edwards, Newport), was for the workmen. Their Worships inquired if there was any possi- bility of settling the matters in question. Mr Abel Thomas said that negotiations had • taken place, but had faaled, and the cases J would have to be gone into. He proposed ) that the case of John Smith and 149others suoutd be proceeded with first, the company claiming £.3 from each for breach of contract by leaving work Bit the Risca Collieries without notice on the 3rd December and remaining out rntil December: Counsel stated that there had been a Sis- pute between the management and a timberman named Forward about November 11th as to his leaving at 2 o'clock in tho day instead of 4 ° f "as asiiecl t0 ?o on the coal, but ha { refused, and tbe men came out on December 3rd. J tie would not imagine there was any question for fK t0 decide other than damages. From the ord to the 16th December the conopanv had lost in profits and otherwise tbe sum of £ 2,263. lhere were 700 day-men engaged at ths collieries, and the company felt justified m claiming £ 3 per bead against all the men who absented themselves. There conld be no ques- tion of right in this matter, as tbe men had chosen to pnt themselves wholly in the wrong by not giving the necessary mouth's notice accord- ing to the agreement between masters and men. At this stage Mr Evans suggested that one of the men shonld bo selected who bad counter- claimed against the company. Mr Thomas stated that workmen ha.d counter- claimed for breach of contract by the company in not posting up notices astothenumberof men who should descend on the bond. The company admitted they were in eror, and had Caid 10s to the men who had lost one day, with the excep- tion of two. who, tile compa.ny now agreed, should be paid the same amonnt. n This disposed of the counter claim, and tbe case against the men for absenting themselves without, notice was proceeded with. Witnesses statsd that in November a timber- man named Forward clAimed to go out at 2 o'clock instead of 4 o'clock, as he was Workiug in a wet place. This, he said, had been the custom at the colliery. Bo was afterwards asked to go on the coal. He said ho would work at anything, only he would have to be paid as a. timberman. Another man named Down refasei to take bis place, while another workman, named Emery, worked there for three days and left without I assigning ajiy reason. The officials dispnted the man's right to leave at 2 o'clock, and maintained that there was no reason for his doing so. as the place conld be worked without the man getting Wet. Mr Evans, for the defence, said there had also been a. dispute a-3 to measurement, which was referred to the Conciliation Board, andhesus- gested that the present proceedings might have been referred to the same body instead of being brought before the Justices. Mr Abel Thomas said that the object of the COflciJiation Board was to prevent strikes, not to deal with what happened from strikes. Mr Evans contended that Forward, who was working in an unhealthy place, was justified in ¡ leaving work as 2 p.m. instead of 4 o'clock. After consultation in private the Chairman said the Kench had carefully considered the ca.oc, I' and had decidod to give judgment for tbe plain- tiffs for the full amounts claimed— £ 3 each, 5s 6d court fees, and 6s 8d costs. The counter-claims of 111 night-men against the company for refusing them work between the 3rd and 16th December were then proceeded with. Evidence was given that night-men were with. Evidence was given that night-men were told there wa.J DO work for thsm as the day shift had not worked. Mr Abel Thomas contended that the manage- ment could stop the night-men if the day shift had not worked. The Chairman said the Bench had decided to dismiss the counter-claims, and suggested that there should be no costs allowed. Mr Evans said that there were important points involved, and he asked the Bench to stfete a case for the High Court.

"TICKETS, PLEASE!" Alleged Ingenious Frauds on T.V.R. Several cases of defrauding or attempting to defraud the Taff Vale Railway Company were dealt with at IJlandaff on Monday. In the cases against Samuel Bloomfield, Cardiff, and Samuel .Haasar, of Pontypridd, it was alleged that they obtained return ticksts from Cardiff Great Western Station to Trs- herbort, and used the return half twice. They were able to do this by getting out at Queen- street Station instead of going on to the G. W.R., tbe tickets for Queen-street being collected at Llandaff and those for Cardiff G.W.R. being only examiued. Pv getting out at Queen-street; they retained pos:;ossiou of the ticket that bad been issued from the G.W.R., and used it next day. Basser did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, and Bloomficld's case was adjonrned a fortnight to enable him to call wit- nesses on his paying £ 2, th« costs of the T.V.Il. witnesses and solicitor (Mr Thompson). t In the cases against David Watkins, Tredegar- terrace, Whitchurch, and Bertie Watkina, aged 13, his son, tbe latter a3mitted travelling from Tylorstown to Llandaff witho.it a ticket, and waa lined 20s and costs. As to the father, be had a ) Workman's ticket which was out of date, and was fined 40s aud costs, or 14 days. His wile, Emily Watkino, was lined 10s and costs for attempting to defraud the Taff Vale Railway Company. I11 thid case the wiie of a I platelayer named Lentil, employed by the com- pany, obtained two privilege tickets, representing that one was for her husband and the other for herself, but instead of the husband using the ticket it was tendered by Mrs Lentil lor Mrs ticket it was tendered by Mrs Lentil for Mrs Watkins, who was travelling in the same com- partment, and had no other ticket. In the case against Moses Abel, dentist, Tudor- road, CardilI-wbo was defended by Mr Harold Lloyd-a. successful defence was raised. Defendant was travelling from Treherbert to Cardiff with a ticket that was two day3 out of date, but he con- tended that he was entitled to use it then as he had not used it previously. The prosecution failed to prove that he bad previously used tho ticket; and the case was dismissed. Timothy Trigg, Whitchurch, was fined 40s and costs for travelling on the Ilbymuey Kailway at Hanishen without a ticket.

FATALITY AT LYSAGHT'S. On Monday evening Mr Lyndon Moore, New- port coroner, conducted an inquest 011 the body of Arthur John Flanaghan, 10, Archibald-street, Newport, who died at the hospital on January 28th. The evidence showed that deceased met with an accident while working on a turntable I at Lysaght's Works on the 23rd ult., and was taken home, where he was attended by two doctors. He was admitted to the hospital on January 27, but died the following day from blood-poisoning, as the result of the accident. It was stated that bad the instructions of the works foreman to repair the turntable been carried out the accident could not have happened. A verdict of Accidental death was returned.

HUSBAND'S FATAL BIT £ At South Shiolcte on Monday an inquest was held on Susannah Audersoti, a married woman, who disd iD hospital frcm blood poisoning, and whoso husband, Archibald Anderson, is no-.v in custody. It iranspirsd that in a quarrel Ander- son bit his wile's little iinger. Biozul-poisouin;? j set iu. aud the woman died. The jury istnrnecl I a verdict of Manslaughter against Anderson, who was cotuuuiUecl for trial ou tho ,coipner'(i warrant.

COMPENSATION TO PUBLICANS I PROTEST AT SWANSEA. I Cardiff Justices Criticised. At the King's Hall. Swansea, on Saturday i evening a. well-attended temperance meeting | was held to protest ag&i ns t the Prime Minis- ter's promise re magisterial discretion and com- pensation to publicans for loss of licences." Mr R. Martin presided, and he was supported by MrCory.YeoandMraYeo.Mrs Thomas Jones, Mr Leif Jones, Mrs Home, Mr F. Rocke, Mr C. Davies, and the Revs. Morris Morgan and Ter- tius Phillips. In opening the proceedings the Chairman explained what the proposal of the Government meant. While in Birmingham the magistrates had by the exercise of their discretionary powers been able to reduce the licences from seven to five per 1,000 inhabitants, and in Liverpool from 9k to 6, the proposal would be to prevent this in the future. But a more serioas feature was the attempt to give the publican a vested interest in bB licence. For 400 years the law had refused to give the pablican any more than one year's right to his licence. Were they now going to allow the Government to alter this principle ? It hid cost the nation about 230 millions to con duct the Boer war, and a? the result of that vast expenditure the nation suffered from scarcity of money. Bnt thaj sum, large as it was, would ba a mere fleabite in comparison with the sum that would be required to compensate the publicans once they were given a vested interest. The Ilev. Morris Morgau moved, and the Rev. Tertius Phillips seconded; that a petition be sent to the House of Commons stating that the peti- tioners were alarmed to learn that hia Majesty's Government contemplates early legislation pro- viding suspension of justices' discretion in refusing re-issue of liquor licences on public grounds free from compensation—a novel policy in dealing with the drink traffic in this country, deliberately regarded by the petitioners as being fraught with mischief in relation to the British public. Therefore the petitioners prayed the House to reject all such proposals in the interests j of pnblic morality and national prosperity. The Rev. Tertius Phillips said on this question of temperance reform he must admit that Swansea was the Metropolis of Wales, and he only wished the magistrates of Cardiff bad as much grit in them as the magistrates at Swansea bad proved to possess. (Cheers.) He regretted they bad not a layman like Richard Watkins, of Swansea, to represent the temperance party in the Cardiff Sessions.or a federation to back up the work such as existed at Swansea. At Cardiff their leaders had been against the establishment of such a federation in tbe past, saying, Trust the magistrates," and so they had till they had all gone wrong, and they could trust them no longer, and therefore it was refreshing to get inspiration from Swansea. Mr Leif Jones, speaking to the motion, re- ferred to the power of those interested in tbe liquor traffic, showing how, after the licensed victuallers bad said Mr Arthur Chamberlain must go, they found him no longer chairman of the Birmingham licensing bench, and no longer even a member of the Licensing Committee. Take Cardiff, again. The justices last year gave notice of what they intended doing this year, and what was the result ? The licensed i victuallers began to work, and last Wednesday j another committee was electcd which is supposed j to be more favourable to the liquor trade. Coming to the proposal of the Government and ML- Balfour's recent complaint of magisterial activity, lie said this was the first time we had bad a central authority blaming the magistrates^ for having done too much, though often the magistrates had been blamed for not doing enough. He said it was a very evil change for | tbe country that a complaint should be made such as that made by the Prime Minister. Until j the power was given to the people he urged the electors not to allow the Government to take away the power now possessed by the m&gis- trutes. The resolution was carried unanimously.

FEL0 DE SE AT FOURTEEN. A verdict of Fclo do se was returned at I Meltham, Yorkshire, on Saturday in the case of Jamos Crabtree (14). whose body was found on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. Deceased, who bad been employed at the Mel tham Mills Co-operative Stores, had been suspec- ted of theft. The follawicg note was found on the body ¡ Albert Carter has been calling me a thief and a coward and swearing at Mr ——— Oh, forgive me for what I have done. I should have been alive yet but for Albert Carter. He has been swearing at Mr and ho began first thing this morning. Carter, the manager of the stores, denied this statement, and said the deceased was at times stupid and wanted his own way. Another note found on the body said :— Tell Arnold not to trouble himself, as this plot has been in my head all day. If I had not killed myself I should have gone mad. It was said that a marked sixpence was found ¡ on the deceased.

■■ I ENVELOPED IN FLAMES, I Chepstow Servant's Distressing Death. At Chepstow on Monday Mr C. Evill. deputy- coroner, held an inquest concerning the tleath of Mabel Violet Jones, of Blakeney, aged 15 years, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr F, Harumond, surveyor and inspector of nuisances j to the Chepstow Rural District Council. On Friday, January 22nd, deceased had, against orders, used paraffin with the fire, and some of the oil fell on her clothing. According to her statement, aspark flew out of the fire and ignited her dress, and she rushed out into tho opeu air. Mrs Hammond throw a skin and a round her, but sua broke away and screamed for j water. Her clotuss were burnt off her, and in j the afternoon she was admitted to the Work- bouse Infirmary, vfbeia she lingered till Sunday night. The jury returned a verdict of ".Acci- j dental death." j

SEATS FOR SHOP (HRLS, Rhondda Tradesmen Fined. Beiore the Ystrad magistrates on Monday David I Williams, draper, Bute-street, Tieorky, wassum- inoned for not providing seats for the shop assistants, as required by Act of Parliament, Inspector Williams stated that he visited the defendant's establishment, and in tho second assistants, as required by Act of Parliament, Inspector Williams stated that he vi.3ited the defendant's establishment, and in tho second shop there was not a single teat provided, neither were Rny placed in a suitable position. Mr Mil lard, who defended, said that the assistants had been ordered to use the cbairs provided for custo- mers when they were not engaged in serving. The Stipendiary remarked that this was the old- fashioned way, and imposed a fine of il.-John Gunn, 144, Bote-street, Treherbert, was also fined 11 for a similar offence.

PONTYPRIDD MAN'S ESCAPADE. Leap From a Train at Newport. The Newport justices on Monday heard the story of the escapade of J. O'Brian, labourer, of Pontypridd. On Saturday O'Brian went to Car-, diff and there took too much drink. lu the even- ing be went to the Great Western Station, and joined the Bristol train without taking a ticket. By some means the ticket collectors overlooked him when they examined tickets at Marahfield and Newport. Just outside the Newport Station the train slowed down, and O'Brian leaped from the train and rolled down the embankment. Some men who were passing along Church-road. and had seen O'Brian leave the train, went to his assistance, and foand him in a dazed condi- tion at the bottom of the bank. They assisted > bim off the railway to the street, and tfe cjuickl, recovered and walked away, but a few minuttfs later he was arrested 1 or leaving the. tram whilst in motion vnd for travelling without a ticket. O'Brian, who had apent tha interval in the calLi, j told the Court that it wa-i the first time he bal J been in trouble, and tbat he could not remember what had taken place, lie was iiued Sis or a 1 month's imprisonment.

MARRIAGE BELLS. Great Rush of Society Nuptials. Wedding belle will be ringing out in jovous and unusual volume during the earlier part of the month that has begun. Lent commences on Wednesday, February 17th, aud, as there iz no marrying or giving in marriage during that period, there will be many weddings in town and country between now and the 16th. Tho most interesting of these approaching marriages are as follow On Saturday the Hon, David Mitford, Lord Redesdates second soo, weds Miss Sydney Bowles, daughter of Mr Tommy" Bowles, M.P., the ceremony taking place quietly at St. Margaret's, Westminster. On February 9th Colonel W. F. Hawkins, C.M.G., R.E., and Miss Constance Archer will" be married at WroskwardineChurch, Shropshire,, and on the same afternoon at Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, Mr Frederick Wood, son of the headmaster of Harrow, weds Miss Mabel Buszaxd. daughter of Mr M. C. Buezard, KC. The Royal Wedding and Others. February 10th is the Royal wedding day, when Prince Alexander of Teck and Princess Alice of Albanv will be united at Windsor, the King him. self giving the bride away. No fewer than fourteen other weddings are to I take place on the same auspicious afternoon, in. eluding Mr Ronald Nortoft and Lady Florence I Bridgeman, Lord Bradford's daughter, at St. Paul's, Knightsbridge Colonel B. H. PhiJlips, C.M.Gr., and Miss Lacy Marton, daughter of Colonel Marion, of Capernwray Hall, West- moreland, in the private chapel at Capernwray and Mr Douglas Powell, a smart young officer I of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, eldest son of Sir R. Douglas Powell, the well-known physician, and Miss Mariel Powell, at St. John's Church, Sbarow. Ripon. There will be three mteresting functions solemnised on the 11th. The Duke of Norfolk is I to be married on that day to his cousin, the Hon. Gwendolen Constable Maxwell, elder daughter of Lord Herries the wedding taking place quite privately at Everingham, JjordHerries Yorkshire seat. j Another big Roman Catholic wedding also takes place on that afternoon, the bridegroom being Baron de Forest (one of the wealthiest men j in Europe), the adopted son and heir of the late Baron Hirsch, the bride, the Hon. lithel Gerard, only daughter cf the late Lord Gerard. This wedding will also be very quiet, and will be solemnised at Garswood, in Lancashire. At St. Margaret's, Westminster, the Hon. R. D. Denman, brother and heir presumptive to Lord Denman, weds Miss Helen Sutherland, only daughter of Sir Thoma9 Sutherland. i On February 16th two members of the Distin- guished Service Order are to be married. At the Guard9 Chapel Captain the Hon. Ferdia | Stanley, Grenadier "Guards, son of Lord Derby, marries the Hon. Alexandra Fellowes, daughter of Lord and Lady de Ramsey, and Mr Eric Segrave, H.L.I.. weds Miss Nellie Kennedy, j daughter of the late Admiral J. J. Kennedy, C.B. The weddings on the 16th will be followed on I the 17th at St. Luke's Chnrch, Chelsea, by the marriage of Lord Langford, an Irish Peer, and Miss Augusta Brace, daughter of the late General Robert Bru<:e, I Welsh Connections. A marriage has been arranged, and will take I place in Avril, between Captain Roland Stuart I Forest,^r-Walker, Royal Monmouthshire lioval j Engineers (Militia), son of the late Sir George Forestier-Walker, Bart.. of Castleton,Monmouth- shire, and Oiive. younger daughter of the late Ralph Thurstan Basaett and Mrs Bassett, cf Crossways. Glamorganshire. The marriage between Violet Picton-Warlow, second daughter of Colonel Turbervill, of Ewennv Priory, Bridgend, Glamorgan, and Ralph Antony second son of the late Rev. Havilland Dr.rand,of Farley, aud Mrs Durand, of Moulin Huet. Guernsey, will take place at Ewenny Priory in April. A marriage has been arranged, and will take place in April, between Godfrey, elder son of the I late Mr Godfrey William FitzHngh, of Plas Power, JJ^nbighshire, and Ethel Mary. second daughter of the !ate Me Edmund Peel, of Brynypys, Flintshire. j

ASSAULTS ON THE POLICE, III A Pontypridd Brute. At Yatrad on Monday Richard Williams, j labourer, Danygraig-street, Pontypridd, was j charged with assaulting P.C. Wiiiiams. According to the evidence the officer had to remonstrate with the defendant because of the disgusting language he was using. When asked for bis name the defen- dant attacked the officer, and a struggle ensued on the ground. Prisoner throst bis teeth into the constable's coat. struck him on the j&w, kicked him on the legs, and butted him with his head in the stomach. Defendant rashed the constable against the wall and butted him until he vomited. W itness was getting so roughly bandied that he drew bis staft, but this did not stop the defendant.—Mr T. P. Jenkina You didn't hit him hard enough.—The Constable I was exhausted. Continuing, witness said that another constable appeared on the scene and took defendant to the police station. Mr Charles Matthews defended, and called witnesses who asserted that the constable interfered without f-iiv just cause. The Bench imposed a line of £ 2. of Richard Raes, Treherbert, was a!?o fined £1 I for assaulting P.C. Robert Dlvias, Pentre, and 10s for being drunk and disorderly. A Vicious Customer at Neath, At Neath County Police Court on Monday Charles Jones, dias Regan, WHS brought un in custody, and charged with br.ving beeu drunk and disorderly on Saturday nigbt. with having assaulted the police, and with having damaged police clothing. The evidence showed that the defendant, who is known unfavourably at Car- diff and Swansea, was very violent m his conduct, I and savagely assaulted P.C. Daniel Jones. P.C. Rig-ins, aDd P.C. Whitney. The three charges I were proved, and defendant was sent to gaol for I six weeks hard labour.

¡ RELICS OF KING CHARLES t. I In Possession of the Earl of Ashburnham. Saturday was the anniversary of the execution of King Charles I. The shirt worn by him on the scaffold, his watch, his white silk drawers, and the sbeet thrown over the body after execu- tion have been preserved, and are to be seen at Ashburnham-place the seat c4 the Earl of Ash- burnham, into whose family tSey came into pos- session on the death of the monarch. The relics were once looked upon as cures, as recently as 1860 a sick person being brought to Ashburn. ham in order that he might get some benefit by touching them. The Earl of AshburnhtLm has large estates in Carmarthenshire, intheBurry Port and Llanelly districts. His Lordship, who occasionally visits Burrv Port, where the estate offices are located, is a member of the Llanelly and Burry Port •larbour Commissioners. It was largely through his influence that the Benedictine monks established themselves at Glyn Abbey, Kidwelly.

MR R. BELL, M.P. I Resolution of Confidence/ At a. conference, attended by over thirty branches of the Amalgamated Society ofRailsvav Servants, held in Manchester on Sunday night, the position of Mr Richard Bell, M.P., general secretary of the society, was considered. After questions bad been asked and answered by Mr I Bell, the meeting, with five dissentients, passed a resolution of unabated conifdence ia Mr Bell, and expressed its appreciation of his services to labour in general and railway m&u iu particular. It further impressed its regret that Mr Bell should be subjected to continued and mi warrant- able attacks by men outside his o*n society and constituency, who conld not know th-, whole facts and circnmstaiicesi sutroDavliotj bis various j duties uud actioaij. I

Showell's Brewery. DIRECTORS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. At Birmingham Police Court on Monday, the Stipendiary resumed the hearing of the charges against Charles Showell. lite chairman and managing director of Showell's Brewery Com- pany, and Frederick Richards, lately director md secretary of the company. that they con- spired together to defraud the shareholders bv titlsifyiug the stock sheets, and issuing a false balance-sheet for last year, which showed tbe stocks of ale and porter, malt and hops to be £27,000 in excess of their valne as ascertained in the stocktaking. Mr Cbas. Mathews, of London, and Mt Parfitt prosecuted for the shareholders' committee of investigation; Mr VacheUreDre- sented Showell, and Mr McCardie Richards. A number of clerks were called to show that they entered in the stock books for last year an £ the two previous years figures in excess of the actual value, and did this on the instructions of both Showell and Richards. Thomas Swift, the chief maltster,admitted that he signed various stock sheets and stock books as correct without examining the figures, but it was well known to both defendants that he knew nothing of figures, and in fact held his position on the understaading that lie was not to be held responsible for auv book-keeping. He never dreamed that the figures were not absolutely correct. After the balance sheet was issued Richards said, Swift, we are all in the cart," and on his asking what he meant replied, You know the stock sheets are falsified." To that he rejoined, You are a liar," and that closed the conversation. Other clerks gave evidence that the stock sheets and books had been altered in the same way for three years, and one of them, named Holden, added that when be told Richards he was begin- ning to feel uneasy because of what he had been compelled to do. the latter replied," It's all nonsense there is nothing the matter." Sub- sequently Showell asked hiui woat ha hid been saying, and said, You are worrying yourself over nothing at all," aud sent him for a short holiday. When he told Showell the stocks were not right he said it was all a delusion. Mr Barratt, late auditor to the company, and Mr Gibson. actuarial adviser to the committee, gave evidence as to how the documents were manipulated, and that Richards produced to the committee a document in Showell's handwriting, showing the extent to which cach set of figures were to be altered. Mr Jordan Llovd gave evidence that he bought shares on the strength of tbe balance-sheets showing a profit, and that be believed the figures were accurate. Superintendent Daniels, chief of the detec- tives' deoartment 01 the City police, spoke to the arrest of the defendants. Richards said, I never expected this. and not through my own fault." He also asked the chairman of the committee (Sir James Smith) to think of his motherless children. Showell said, I think tbev might have proceeded by summons, and not bad us anested." They made no reply when the charges were read over. Defendants were then formally charged, and, on the advice of their counsel, pleaded not guilty and reserved their defence. They were committed for trial at the Assizes, and admitted to bail, Showell in £1.000 and two sursties of £500, and Richards in half the amount.

TOOK PRUSS10 ACID Aftep Reading Whitaker Wright Case. At Croydon on Saturday Osman Tickner (19), II well dressed youth. living at Stone Cottage, Baron giove, Mitcham, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by taking prusalc acid, Emily Tickner, prisoner's mother, stated that on Thursday her son bought an evening paper containing a report of the inausst on Whitaker Wright, and handed it to her. After tea he asked her to give him the paper, and she replied tha.t she wanted it a little longer, whereupon he "as" saucy," and she attempted to box his ears. He afterwards went out, and on coming in wrote something oil a piece of paper; put it in his pocket, and went to bed. Later on she heard a scream, aud on going upstairs found him in bed; apparently stretchiug himself out. She fetched a doctor; and then, on searching hia clothing, found the piece of paper referred to and two bottles. Both phials were labelled" Poi. son." The doctor gave her son an eaietic, and be subsequently came to. A short time ago bis brother died of consumption, and he had not seemed right in his head since. Police-sergeant Bresean, who was called to the house, said to prisoner, It is alleged that yon have attempted to noison yourself with prussic acid i" He replied, Yes I have been oat of work, and mother annoyed me. I wish I had finished it." He refused to give any account of the bctttes but witness bad ascertained that the prisoner purchased them of an unregistered chemist, who kept no poison-book. A brother of the prisoner informed the Bench that the loss of his brother and reading the Whitaker Wright case had greatly affected the prisoner. On the parer in the crisoner's pocket was written My clock and cbair give to F. Bailey my box to Maudie. —Good-bye aU, I aID in the way, and in pain." The Chairman, io remanding the prisoner, said he hoped he would think of his folly. He would not take ths re- sponsibility of letting him out on bail.

A PONTYPRIDD MARRIAGE. Wife's Petition tor Divorce. In the Divorce Division of the High Court ot Jastice on Monday, before the President. the c.ise of Blenkiron v. Blenkiron was heard. This was a suit of Mr* Ada Blenkiron, manageress of a dressmaking firm in New Bond-street, for a dissolution of her marriage with Mr Dannau Blenkiron, a. traveller's salesjaan on tbe ground of crneltv and adultery. The suit was undefended. Mr Barnard appeared for the petitioner, and ex- ul&ined t'oat the marriage took place in JnJy. 1S92, at Pontypridd. Afterwards the parties lived together in New Bond-street, London, .and ctber places. There were four children. The husband bad on a number of occasions been guilty of violence to his wife. He had strack her with his fist and used bad language to her. Once be twisted her arm, and he had also pushfeS her downstairs and severely bruised hoc. With regard to the adultery, on the 6th November, 1902. the respondent met a young woman, whom be took to the Empire Theatre at Deptford. He then took her to a bouse, where it was alleged adultery took place. Petitioner gave evidence inLsuppcrt of counsel's statement, and tbe young woman raferred to wa. callcd and spoke to the adultery. A decree nisi was granted.

COALITPPING CHARGES. Action by Cardiff Corporation. The Mayor (Alderman John Jenkins) reported to the Cardiff Parliamentary Committee on Monday the result of an interview he and the Town Clerk had had with tbe president (Mr Wood Davey) and secretary of the Chamber of Commerce with reference to the Cardiff Railway Company's Bill for the abandonment of certain railways in connection with the pioposed new pier at the docks aDd the raising of the limit of the charge for tipping coal from twopence to threepence per ton. Alderman Carey said the proposed chanea in tbe tipping charges was a very serious one for the town and port. He did not desire any vexatious attitude on the partof the Corporation, bat they shauld be careful to safeguard theit interests. It was decided to petition against the Bill. The Town Clerk submitted protective clauses for the Penarth Tramways Bills, and they weie approved.

A HYMN AND ITS STORY. Sixty years ago the Rev. Henry Francis Lvte, anthor of the beautiful hvmvj. •' Abide with Me." which is familiar to Christian communi- ties the world over, died at Nice, a.nd this year a final effort is to be made to complete the re- building of the Church of Lower Brisham, id South Devon. The work was begun in memory of the gifted preacher and poet. Its first vicar, who had laboured amonp the fishermen for 25 yeaTS-, refusing all preferment. The storv of the writing of the llvmn is Ii Dalhetic one At the age of 54 Lyte found himself doomed to die of consump- tion. and in sorrow at having to leave his task unfinishedheprayed that at tha least it might be granted to him tc write something which woultf, live to the glory of God when he was dead. Theo on the last evening be ever spent at Brixham, after preaching his farewell sermon he took pen, and, aa the sun was setting over the ships that lay in the harbour, Abide with Mo" was written. Next mormug he started for the Riviera, and there died a month later. The hymn has lived, indeed, but the barn-like church in which its writer bad ministered fell into worse and worse decay, till 30 years ago it beeamf necessary to begin r<?building it completely. A sum of JE7,000 has since tben neen raised slowly and with very little outside aid, though Brishan? is but a poor little fishing port. Tbe church hai been rebuilt bit by bit, at long intervals of time, as the money cams in £2.000 is still required to complete the work, and this it seems impossible to raise locally.

HARD SWEARING AT BRECON. At the Guild Hall, Brecon, on Monday, tb. borough justices heard a. case 0? alleged assault, in which Mary Ann Price, married woman, Ot Dainter-street, Brecon, was the prosecutrix ari Margaret FQry, married woman, of the same locality, the defendant. Mr George Tadort solicitor, was for the defence. Complainant'' evidence was to the effect that the defendant came into her house on Saturday night ani without provocation struck her on the bead witt a poker. Dr. Gower O'Neill, who attended U complainant's injuries, stated that she bad av incised wound about two inches in length on tbf baek part of the head. For the defence it waf urged by Mr Tudor that complainant had sue tained the injuries by falling down, and ttm. defendant had not assaulted her. Defendant sab sir&nnated this statement.—A case in which th*' woman Fury charged the complainant (Margaret Price) with using violent threats to her prior 11 ths alleged ussaoit was iii-jo heard, The BencSt dismissed tbe C5.S;> of threats, complainant topaj the 00=1?. The case cf alleged assault thev adjourned for a week, the Mayor re marking that the Bench were dissatisfied with the evidence* being of opinion that serious perjury had beet committed by someone or other.