The Cardiff Times

"ALONE IN ENGLAND." A young man in tolerably good clothes, and with a curiously strong facial resemblance to portraits of Sir Walter Scott, made a strange application to Mr De Rutzen at Westminster police-court. Speaking with diffidence, and with a vacant look in his eyes, he said Please, sir, I'm all alone in England.—Mr De Rutzen You are what?—Applicant: Alone in England, sir.—And how long have you been alone in England?— Since my parents went to America, sir.—I suppose you mean that you are destitute ?—Yes, sir.—Where have you been living ?—At The Grange, sir, Ewell, Surrey.—In what kind of capacity ?—As second cook, sir.—And why did you leave there ?—Because I wished to go to my mother, sir. (Laughter )—And where is she ?— In Halifax, sir, Nova Scotia.—But that was not a very sensible thing to leave a situation, being destitute, to go to your mother in Nova Scotia. I can't send you to Halifax, you know.—The applicant, with no apparent relevance to what had gone before, exclaimed: I was religious. I've been a monk, sir.—Mr De Rutzen Been what ? —Applicant: A monk, sir. I was a monk.—Mr De Rutzen Well, I don't know that there is any reason why you should not become one again but, really, I can't help you.—The applicant left the court repeating that he was alone in England, and wanted to go to his mother in Halifax.

A BETTING WIFE. At the Hull police-court, on Monday morning, John Stones, labourer, was charged by Mr Dun- can, relieving officer to the Soulcoates Union, with having deserted his wife and child, leaving them chargeable to the union. Prisoner said his wife had left him five limes, and he had taken her out of the Anlaby-road Workhouse three times. She would sit in the house all day reading the newspaper, marking horses for him to go and back, and when the horses lost she would call him names. She had pawned the clock to get money to back horses, and that was how the money had gone. He was a teetotaller four years and a half, and she made him "break" by throwing a glass at him and hitting him on the eye. Prisoner, who had made his appearance at the workhouse in a drunken state on two occasions, was com- mitted for 14 days.

THE CARDIFF FINANCE COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the above committee, held on Wednesday, presided over by Alderman Sanders, several subjects of unusual interest came up for discussion. THE LOCAL TAXATION GRANT. Mr Wheatley, the town clerk, reported that the total sum which would be received by the borough under the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act, would for the current year amount to £4,780.-Council1or S. Brain: That is wrung out of the brewers, is it not ? (Laughter.) CLERKS AT ELECTIONS. The Borough Auditor (Mr T. Webber) having suggested that clerks employed in elections should be paid more promptly than is now the case, it was resolved that the the bills for elec- tioneering expenses should be paid immediately they became due, uponthepresidingofficercertify- ing that the money had been duly earned. In his letter, Mr Webber made use of the following re- mark :—" Instead of having to wait a month for their remuneration and to pay discount to some one for cash, as appears to be the present cus- tom." The Committee ordered strict inquiry to be made as to what foundation there could be for any such allegation. CARDIFF STIPENDIARY'S SALARY. The question of the salary of the Stipendiary Magistrate of Cardiff came up for discussion.— Alderman Sanders (chairman) presented a report from other towns showing what was paid the stipen- diary elsewhere. The report showed the popula- tion, rateable value, date of appointment, salary paid, number of days on which the stipendiary sits, average number of oases per day, whether the stipendiary was allowed to practice or to act as arbitrator, etc. Only part of the return had been read, when it was decided that it should be printed, and a copy given to each member, the subject to be brought up at a future meeting. It was shown in the return that Liverpool, which has a population of 518,000, and a rateable value of three and a quarter millions, pays its stipendiary a salary of £1,000 a year, and that for this remuneration he sits six days weekly, whereas the Cardiff Stipendiary sits only three days.

LORD BUTE AND THE MAYORALTY OF CARDIFF. Proposed Statue. We understand that a movement is on foot in Cardiff to commemorate by the erection of a statue of his lordship his office of mayor. It is proposed that the statue should represent his lordship in his civic robes, and that it should be erected at the junction of Cowbridge-road, Castle. street, and Westgate-street. A public weeting will be called to confirm the decision of the com- mittee, which has sat on several occasions to con- sider the best means of providing a memorial of Lord Bute's mayoralty.

COLUMN FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. By Maggie Symington. Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower, Comes a pause in the day's occupations. That is known as the Children's Hour. —Longfellow. How brown, how red-cheeked, wholesome and hearty, are the little folks flocking back from farmhouse and moorland and seaside as October approaches A real good play-time you have had, I can tell, and that is as it ought to be. But now let me see what you have bean doing with my holiday suggestions. Not much, I fear oh, you idle little play-lovers Not one member of my Round Table has had any travelling experi- ence, at least, no one has had the good fortune to meet with an incident of travel worthy of telling I am afraid when you take a journey you shut your eyes and ears. I have received some re-told stories from books, and one little bit of family history, told so very nicely by Nellie Taylor that I give her the prize book. Here is the story How a Clergyman and His Sister went to London together. AJclergyman living near St. Clear's had a sister residing at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, about thirty miles lower down. They wished to go to London together to see the Crvstal Palace. Accordingly they met to talk it over. The day was settled upon and the time, the only ques- tion was the class. The clergyman (a rector of a Welsh parish) was not rich. and said he could not afford to travel second cJass his sister was rather proud, and said she would rather not go than travel third. Both being of an unyielding disposition, they parted without making any definite arrangement. The day arrived and his Reverence, feeling the absurdity of going to Lon- don in a different carriage to his sister, bought a second class ticket and waited with beaming countenance at St. Clear's station for the train his sister would arrive in. Imagine his disap- pointment and indignation when the train drew up to find liis sister in a third-class carriage, she haying pocketed her dignity, and for once ridden third to please her brother. She who wished to ride second could not do so with her third-class ticket and her brother, having paid for a second-class ticket would not travel third, Thus, in the same train, in different carriages, they travelled to London tojether.—NELLIE TATLOE, aged 14 years. Just a few of my young folks have bad the patience and tho wisdom to go to the insects themselves, and get a story from them others have preferred books. I give the preference, as I said I should, to those real facts which have come under the actual observation of competitors. James R. Murray carries of the prize. This Knight Medallist of my Round Table is so inde- fatigable. Everything he attempts shows infinite painstaking, ana this I believe to be ihe grand secret of success, therefore it gives me great pleasure to award the prize to him. I must, at the same time, highly commend the stories of Dudley Stevens, Florence Whittaker, and Nellie Webster. Medals of the Order will be sent to Dudley and Florence, Nellie has won hers in some former competition. Here are the stories :— A Story of a Spider. Deep was the vale, and silent as 'twas deep, A voiceless dream of perfect solitude Crag soar'd o'er crag around, and 'midst them lay Canopied by its trees, this unknown spot. Winter o'erspread the ground; but in a cave, Safe from the snows, a mighty serpent lay Dormant, his swollen coils and folds relaxed, Slumbering till the winter's cold should pass. Unseen, unfelt, an insect o'er him hung- A tiny spider, weaving her thin thread Around the giant body slow but sure The web grow; weak at first, the doubled silk Slender, yet strong as iron. at length became. And when the snake awoke, vain was his strength To burst that tiny network of fine lace. Held was he by a L:md that seemed of steel, So thus did perseverance conquer strength. JAMES R. MURRAY, K.M., aged 14 years. The Story otTwo Flies. Once, as I am very fond of watching flies, I saw a very funny incident, and I am going to tell you about it. There were two fiies on one pane of the window. My little brother, who does not know any better, killed one of them. Of course I tried to stop him, but could not. When the fly saw that his companion was dead, it seemed to me to get in such a state. It walked round and round the dead fly, and at last went up to it, and walked over and tried to raise it, but at last went away. It did not seem happy or contended, however, for it kept on coming and foitig up to the dead fly, so I thought I had etter take the dead one away. When I took it away, the other one came up to the place where its friend had lain, but, finding it gone, flew away quite happily. -DODL.EY STEVENB, Esquire of the Round Table. Aged 14. About Some Ants. I have just come in from the garden where there is an ant hill close to which I have been seated for the last hour. I have been watching the ants, and I find them very interesting. I should not have known that there was an ant hill, but when I glanced downwards the soil seemed to be moving, and on taking nearer view I found that it was scores of ants. I at once sat down close to them, and, to my great delight, found that one of the ants was trying to drag along with it a bit of dried, withered'leaf, which, however, was too much for it, but as others soon came to help, the bit or leaf was soon pushed and dragged to a little passage, into which it was tumbled. The ants then went back for some more, but this time carried it on their backs, and treated it in the same way as the previous one. They did this several times until I thought I should like to see what they were making; so I very gently made the passage larger until 1 could see to the bottom of it. Oh, the hundreds of little ants that were in this one passage They all ran about for some time confusedly, during which time I was examining the contents of the passage. From the bottom of this one passage other little passages ran off in all directions. It is very interesting to watch them. I go to see them every day, and take them a crumb of bread sometimes, but I do not know what they do with the bits of leaves. — FLOREXCE WHITTAKER, aged 15. What is Gratitude P I had just filled a jug with water when a fly dropped in. It struggled hard to free itself, but to no use. At last it kept quite still as if exhausted, so I took a spoon and drew it out of the water then I put my finger near, and it crawled on. I shook it on to the table, on which the sun was shining brightly. It rubbed its legs together, shook its wings, and bagan to crawl about. Suddenly it flew on to the window, then round and round on my head, on my hands, face, and neck. Do you think it was trying to say "Thank you?" I do.—NELLIE WEBSTER, D.M., aged 16. Other Competitors. Jessie W. Scott and Lucy Colton have told the same story in different ways. Sarah E. Hilton tells her story nicely, but the incident is a very common one. Norah Smith has sent an essay, not a story. Of the re-told travellers' tales Agnes Colton's is the best. Winifred B. j Williams sends a nicely written letter for a little girl of only nine years, but it can hardly be called a traveller's tale. Now the holidays are over we shall all want to work in earnest, I hope, so you will find some More Prizes to be Competed for announced very shortly. Next week I have some- thing very special to tell you about another new venture of the Round Table, so be prepared to hear of something altogether delightful, my pets. Some of you who have received little flying leaf- lets from me this week with your certificates, &c., will have an idea what this secret is. I must be quick and tell you about something else or I shall be betraying it, I fear. There is just one thing we cannot do at the Round Table, and that is, stand still. Being a round table I suppose it must always be on the move. Now listen to this story :— A Little Lost Poet. A famous comedian of France once had a ittle boy who was so gifted that his cleverness astonished everybody. He only had lessons for three hours a day, and yet when he was five years old he could speak several different languages. Kings and queens, and great nobles petted him, and yet oould never succeed in spoil- ing him, for, with all the learning, he was yet only a simple, timid child. He was very fond of play, and one day when some foolish person wondered that such a clever little poet should care for just what any ordinary child did, the wise little man replied, "To me the finest of sonnets is not worth a ball" Everyone almost in those days had heard of little Francis Beauchateau's scholarship. Some of his poetry had been pub- lished in a book, called The Music of Little Beauchateau." It was considered a very clever thing then to publish a book, and for a boy of ten years to publish a book, and for a boy of ten-years to have one printed was truly won- derful. When he was 13 years old he came to England with the French Ambassador. Cromwell was then Protector, and he received the little lad in his palace, and made much of him, as every- body did. The boy's desire for knowledge in- creased with his years, and when still only 13 he had a great desire to visit the East. He set sail from Plymouth wfth two learned geometricians from Oxford. They we-e going to visit Persia, and enquire of the wise men there but from that day to this nobody knavs what happened to them. Some say the siip went down at sea., while others think the litele poet was taken by pirates, and sold as a slave at Tunis or Aigiers. But, as I said before, nobody really knows what became of the clever little ÍeJ]m7, and I expect nobody ever will now. Address all communications to AUNT MAGGIE SYMINGTON, Hunstanton.

THE MARKET-SQUARE HOARDING AT MERTHYR. Mr W. Simons and the Workman. On Wednesday—before Mr North and Mr W. Smyth—at the Merthyr police-court, Mr W. Simons, solicitor, appeared to answer the adjourned summons issued by Thomas Hopkins, labourer, in the employ of Mr J. D. Williams, the contractor for excavating the site of f~ae Market-square Buildings, for an assault alleged to have been committed on the 3rd inssapi- Complainant's evidence was to the effect that when he was working at the Market-square, defendant came and told him to knock the hoard- ing down. Complainant said he would not do so unless he had proper instructions, and defendant ran across and commenced to kick the boards. Complainant remonstrated, and defend- ant said if he did not put the boards down, he would ———— soon kick him as well, and defendant kicked him twice on the shin. He thought defendant was mors like a wild man than a gentleman. In cross-examination, complainant said the defendant came to him first. He had not seen him kicking the boards before. He did not tell Supt. Thomey that he could not put off the case because he had engaged a, solicitor. He was going to engage Mr Plows, he said. Defendant did tell him he had no right to put up the hoarding to prevent access in that way. The letter (which defendant said was addressed to Mr Gwilym James), handed by complainant to defendant, was thrown by the latter in com- plainant's face. Defendant did not tell him he was not Mr Gwilym James. Defendant did say if the hoarding was not removed he would kick it down. Defendant kicked three boards loose. William Johnson, labourer, said be saw defen- dant come to the square, and heard him .say the boards had no business there. Then defendant started kicking them down. He did not see him kick the complainant at alL Defendant kicked the boards and then walked away. Mr Simons said the boards were not to be there as they were an obstruction. Complainant pulled a letter out of his pocket, and showed it to the gentleman, and he threw it dcwn. P.C. Lamb stated that at half-past 11 o'clock on the morning of the 3rd inst., when he was in the High-street, he heard someone speaking rather loud, and he noticed Mr Simons and the complainant. Mr Simons was kicking at the boards, and witness asked him not to make a row and not to cause a crowd to assemble, and then defendant went away. Mr North What, state was Mr Simons jn- angry?—Rather angry. Did you see him kick the man ?—No. Did the man say anything about it ?—No. Superintendent Thorney, called by Mr Simons, said m conseQuence of the defendant's request he went to the complainant to ask for the adjourn- ment of the hearing. Complainant said No, the summons will stand as it is. I bave em- ployed a solicitor," Witness asked him who the solicitor was, with a view of seeing him himself, and telling him what defendant had asked him to do, and complainant said Mr Plews. Mr North said in this case the magistrates were not trying the question of kicking the boards, but the simple question whether complainant was assaulted by Mr Simons. Now, if it was possible the man, as was said, put his feet between the boards and Mr Simons, as a natural consequence he might have received a kick, and that would not be an intentional assault. It seemed to him very strange that his two witnesses who, he said, came on the scene at once, did not see him kicked. His evidence was uncorroborated. The Stipen- diary Magistrate also dealt upon the untruth which complainant had wid Supt. Thorney in reference to a solicitor, and said lor these reasons the case would be dismissed. In reply to Mr North, Mr Simons said he did not propose to proceed against complainant on the summom issued against hire for obstructing the pavement with the hoarding. He (Mr Simons) did not see that he should make himself a public prosecutor. Mr North said since Mr Simons had issued the summons, he had taken the trouble to look into the matter, and, to use a vulgar expression, he thought he had got hold of the wrong sow by the ear. Mr Simons said when he applied for the sum- mons he was not quite a\ntre-of all the circum- stances of pulling down the hoarding, and had he known of them he thought he would not have applied for the summons. The summons issued by Mr Simons against Hopkins forobstruction was, therefore, withdrawn.

ALLEGED RITUALISTIC PRACTICES. The Central Newe correspondent at Lurgan telegraphsThe Protestant parish church of Maralm, near Lurgan, was the scene of a remark- a.ble occurrence on Monday. A new pulpit had been erected, surmounted by three crosses. These latter were regarded as emblematic of Ritualism, a.nd at a mass meeting of the parishioners their erection was denounced with consider- able force. The meeting adjourned to the church and insisted upon the crosses being removed,' and turned a deaf ear to the remonstrances of the vicar. The crowd thronged tha building and declined to leave until their demand was complied with. The Rector continued his appeals to their moderation, but all to no purpose, and at hftlf-past teu workman were summoned and the crosses removed. Some other alleged symbols of Popery were then taken down, the work continuing until past midnight.

LONDON COLLEGE OF MUSIC. Merthyr Centre. The following candidates were successful at the recent local examination. Passed— Miss E. Williams, Treharris Mr Arthur Eynon. Mountain Ash Miss Y. Morgan, Victoria; Mis Agnes Bray, Ebbw Vale Mr J. Y. Hughes, Merthyr Vale Miss Maggie Evans, Dowlais Miss S. David, Penygraig Miss Lily Morgan, Beaufort. Passed with honours—Miss E. M. Brown, Miss M. S. Shepard, Tredegar Miss Carrie Jones, Taff-vechan Vicarage Miss K. W. Jones, Cefn Miss Florence B. Jones, Neath Miss M. E. Morgan, Neath Miss May J. Williams, silver medallist, Skewen Miss E. Pegge, Briton Ferry. All the above are pupil* of Xli- Edward Lawrance, of Merthyr, the local representative. The following pupils of Miss M. Edwards, the Court School, also passed with honours—Mfss G. Edwards and Miss J. E. Evans, also Miss A. Edwards, Rhymuey, pupil of Miss James.

COWBRIDGE LAW. Remarkable Police-court Scene. An extraordinary scene occurred at Cowbridg* Borough police-court on Tuesday, consequent on a* enquiry made by Alderman James as to whe was responsible for the withdrawal of a sum- mons.—Superintendent Thomas said that it Waf done at the instigation of the mayor.— TU Magistrates' Clerk said it was not M unsual course, and Alderman James re- torted that it was Cowbridge law.' Mr Stockwood said it was common law. In replJ to Alderman James, Sergeant Smith said that the Mayor had offered him half a sovereign if tin summons were withdrawn. The Mayor Ser- geant Smith has told a deliberate In in reference to this case. His own conduct wai perfectly clear. He had acted openly and on hù own authority, and had written to say that th, summons would be withdrawn. The Magistrates Clerk thought the matter should never hav8 beee made public.

BANKING AT NEWPORT. The Newport branch of the County 0: Gloucester Banking Company opened bus^ nest on Tuesday ai the new offices at the bottom oi High-street, which have been erected specially fo> them. The general counter is in a spacious hall- like room, and there are vaults and strong roonu below for the reception of bullion. The Gioucestei Banking Company, which has its headquarters at Cheltenham, and has prospered since it omu. menced business in 1836, was thfi- first torecognise that Newport was one of the coming ports on the Channel. Other banks have followed their lead. The new premises of the Provincial Bank of England branch, one of the oldest, and doing the cream of the banking business of the port, are slowly .aspiring to the sky-line on the other side of High-street. When completed, the approach to High-street from Commerce-street will bt worthy of the aspirations of Greater Newport. The outlay on the Provincial premises will total £30,000.

ACCIDENT.—Shortly before midday on Friday, a collier named David Williams, known better ai Day North, a married man, residing here, sus- tained a very severe accident to both legs whilf at his work in the Penmain Rider Colliery, situate between Fleur-de-Lis and Llancaich. A large piece of stone fell upon him and fractured both his leers. He was speedily extricated bv hiij fellow-workmen and removed to his home, where Dr lieady, the surgeon of the works, attended to his injuries. Much sympathy is evinced for Williams, who not very long since had one of his legs fractured in a neighbouring cohierv.

AS T H' M A No matter of how long stand. ing or how severe, by PFRMAVFXTT V SPiiiNCER'8 PERMANENTLY ASTHMA CURE CURED. A CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDY c which treats the disease by removing the cause. Its effi. cacy and therapeutical value is an established fact THE BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK, 4th edition, entitled '-Asthma, its Tiaatment and Cure," by E. Edwin Spencer, M.A., M.D., etc., etc., gives plain, intelligent, and comprehensive informa- tion, which meets every phase of Asthma, Catarrh, and Bronchitis. It presents a course of treatment which is permanent in curing safe, economical, and never-failmg. Sent post free on rercipt 01 od, by THE GEDDES MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 249, HIGH HOLBORX, 14436 1 O N D O N

A MURDERER'S BEQUEST. Johann Lischewski bequeathed to the city of Berlin the sum of 50,000 marks for the erection of a hospital for "poor Christian men." The condition imposed on the authorities was that the hospital should receive the name of the donor. At a. recent meeting of the authorities responsible for the conscience of the community, it was decided that, taking into consideration the facts that the donor had killed his maid servant and that he had committed suioide, the bequest must be declined.

CAKES AND ALE. Some parochial records in the Metropolis show that in the olden time preachers, however virtu- ous, did not dispense with cakas and ale, and London was not singular in that respect. At Darlungton an old parish register contains the entry, in 1639 :—"Paid for Mr Thompson, that preached the forenoon and afternoon, for a quart of sack, 14d and again (1650), for six quarts of sack, to the minister that preached when we had not a minister ( J). 9s." Bnt it was not always sack, for in 1691 a pint of brandy was got for Mr George Bell, price Is 6d. The higher clergy felt also the need of stimulant, for, says the clerk, "When the Dean of Durham preached here, spent in a treat with him 3s 6d," and, lastly, i ^f<w a Btrwjgw thatj preached, a dozen-of ale,

THE NATIONAL HOME-READING UNION. Its Work in South Wales. At the beginning of the present year, Lord Aberdare wrote a letter, which we published in our columns, calling the attention of the people of Wales to the importance of an educational move- ment under the title of the National Home- Reading Union, and which he warmly recom- mended to be taken up. Partly as a result of that letter and partly owing to certain efforts which were made by gentlemen connected with University College and other educational work, something practical was done, and though it was only a beginning it can hardly be described as satisfactory. It is true that the movement was made rather late in the session, and herein may lie the cause for the smallness of the work done. But this year, a better start is being made, and in good time before the reading session commences in October. With a view to increasing the influence of the National Home Reading Union in Wales, a conference was held in the library of the Uni- versity College, Cardiff, on Thursday evening, at which there was a fair, though not large, at- tendance but what seems desirable to give the thing a good start is a public meeting, addressed by one or other of the officers of the Union. The need for the work of such an organisation in Cardiff is urged by Lord Aberdare, Mr Lewis Williams, Professor Vaup'han, Professor Sorley Rev Father Hayde, Mr C. T. Whitmell, Principal V. Jones, by the Hon. Miss Bruce, and many others, and in this connection a history of the movement may not be out of place. THE EXAMPLE OF THE NEW WORLD. In America one of the great influences for good at work is admitted to be that of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, which now numbers over a hundred thousand members, mostly in America, but with branches in every part of the world. It was really the outgrowth of a Sunday School movement for the encouragement and direction of the reading of the young and old people in good literature, and has become in the first decade of its existence a great university for the people. The National Home Reading Union is founded somewhat on the ideas of the American institution, though it varies greatly from it in its management and selection of reading. The National Home Reading Union was inaugurated at Blackpool on July 16th, 1889, when Professor James Stuart, M.P,, one of the ardent workers and disciples of the University Extension Movement, delivered the first address at the summer gather- ing. In that memorable address he said "The cause of this assembly is simple. The origin and ?o £ ne assembly is the Education Act of 1870. Ihose who, neglected hitherto, were first got into the scnools then, have now grown to be men and women in the prime of life, and in the first flush of young and capable activity and north and south, and east and west, the effect of that fact is becoming evident." We have the children of the people taught how to read and write under the Education Act, but what then ? Thus far the Legislature went and no further. We spend upon national education millions of pounds a year of the national revenus, and children are carried on toaperiod mlife which is the most important in their existence, when the State system of education abruptly ends. Year by year, at the ages of 12, 13, and 14, tens of thousands of young people leave the schools, and at the same time ends all attempt at mental im- provement. We build up an enormous system of elementary education at the public cost, and at the most critical part allow all the good results to run to waste. At the time the thousands of young people "complete their education" in this country, the German boy or girl is still having its faculties trained and developed in continuation evening schools—intermediate, higher, and technical schools. Too often we find that the youth thus neglected "turns its arithmetic to roguery, and its literature to lust," as Canon Farrar forcibly puts it. THE ORIGIN OF THE HOME READING UNION. It was mainly to fill up this gap of legislative shortsightedness, and to teach young and old people how and what to read with the highest pleasure and advantage to themselves that the National Home Reading Union was founded. It is to regulate the reading which otherwise may become foolish, frivolous, or debasing; to stimulate the spirit of inquiry which otherwise might flag, to satisfy the mental demands which are too often neglected." It also aims at "widen- ing the intelligence, at elevating the aspirations, at guiding the studies, at deepening the happiness of those who will faithfully accept its guidance. In short, it is a bold attempt at bnnging univer- sity teaching to the people. ITS CONSTITUTION. The Home Reading Union is non-political and unsectarian, and the composition of its viCe- presidential roll and Council includes the great men and women of the Church of England, the Church of Rome, the Nonconformist bodies, the great public schools and universities, and politicians and social workers. It is really and truly national in its character, and seoks to do a great national work. The Union has completed two years' successful work, and at the close of the first reading session it had enrolled 4,596 members and granted 2,356 certificates to members who had read the various prescribed courses. The help and encouragement which the reader can obtain from the Union is surprising. It enrols each reader as a member, so that he comes into personal relation with it, and is associated with a large number of other readers like himself. The reader may join either the young people's section or the general readers for a fee of Is or 3s, aud a reduction in tho latter fee of one-third is made to working men and women. Each member receives a pamphlet containing the specially- selected courses of reading, and may choose to some extent his or her reading for the nine months from October to June. A copy of the monthly journal is also sent to each member, by means of which his or her interest in the work of the Union is maintained. It is this journal which is the main bond of fellowship, and its articles and directions are contributed by University men and women, and specialists in the subjects which they treat, so that the direc- tion which the member gets is of the best. The objects of the journal are :—(1) To give introduc- tions to each book that is to be read, showing its main points of interest—the good to be got from it—the best ways of reading it, &c. (2) to give explanatory notes, such as a tutor would give a class, on words, &c., in the books read (3) as far as possible to answer difficulties that are found in these books by their readers (4) to show the influence of reading" upon character and the happiness of life, and thus to awaken a deeper sense of the educative value of read- ing." (5) to make announcements, and, to create a bond of fellowship between readers. In ad- dition memoranda sheets are sent to each member, so that, if possible, a short account of what has been read may be sent by each reader once a month, and any special difficulties may be stated that need explanation. These record memoranda will be kept, and certificates will be given at the end of the year according to the work done. A special certificate will be given at the end of the full course, which will extend over three years. It will thus be seen that the most isolated reader in Wales may, for a small fee, enter a bond of fellowship and receive help and en- couragement, and new hopes in his studies. But it is not only to the isolated and individual reader that the Union appeals. Its greatest hope of success lies in the formation of reading circles. These circles may be formed among friends and neighbours, and in. connection with day and Sunday schools, clubs, guilds, trades' unions, mutual improvement societies, co-operative societies, and literary and scientific societies. The method of procedure in circles is the same as with individual readers. Each member joins the Union, and receives all the advantages of member- ship, with the additional advantage of meeting weekly, fortnightly, or monthly in the circle, where the reading may be discussed and difficul- ties solved. WHAT WALES HAS ALREADY DONE. Of the 5,500 members which the Union had at the close of the second year's work, 300 came from Wales, and there are some 130 in Cardiff, or nearly one-half of Wales' contribution. The only other town in the Principality which has a con- siderable number of members is Swansea, but circles and members exist at Caerphilly, Marsh- field, Bridgend, and Mountain Ash. Cardiff has a District Committee, and it is hoped that this will ultimately become an organising centre for the whole of the Principality. The Welsh Students' is also working in connection with the Cardiff Centre, and efforts are being made to get the books printed in Welsh, and Principal Roberts and Professor Lloyd, of Aberystwyth, are working earnestly towards this end. There is a considerable amount of promise in these small beginnings in the Welsh Metropolis and the places already named, but public meet- ings will be needed before any large enrolment of members is secured, unless the teachers of Sunday schools and kindred organisations take it up. Wherever it has been taken up a vigorous propaganda has preceded it, and this should be done for Wales. The work which the National Home Reading Union seeks to do is adrqitted to be needed by all whose opinion on such subjects is valuable, and it has in it all the prospects of becoming a really important and valuable national institution. It should be mentioned that the National Home Reading Union has held three summer assemblies of members at Blackpool, when lectures have been given by eminent scholars and lecturers. A movement is already on foot, which had its origin at Bristol, to hold a summer gathering of members in the West of England, and should Wales swell the membership roll of the Union this year, n all probability a successful gathering will be held. But the first object for Cardiff and Wales generally is to make members, and for this purpose all information and literature on the subject may be had from tho secretary, Surrey House, Victoria-embankment, London; Prof. Vaughan, of 33, Oakfield-street, who will lecture at the college during the winter on sub- jects dealt with in the Union syllabus.

EXTRAORDINARY SUBSIDENCE AT SWANSEA DOCKS. Early on Tuesday morning a subsidenceoccnrred at Swansea Docks by which about 150 feet of the massive sea wall on the New Cut side of Capston Point has fallen into the river where hundreds of tons of debris now lie. Fortunately the portion close to the Cen- tral Dry Dock entrance is such as not to cause material obstruction to navigation. The cost of repairing the damage dome is estimated at £2,000.

COLMAN'S MUSTARD OIL.—Those who suffer from rheumatism may obtain speedy relief by using Colman's Mustard Oil. Outwardly applied, it is of marvellous efficacy, as thousands of sufferers can attest who have found relief from its application. Sold by all Chemists aud C^ocers, at Is per bottle. 1157 TOBACCONISTS UOMMKNOINO."—-Illd Guide, 3d Tobacconists' Outfitting Co., 186, JSaston-rd., London.

THE DISESTABLISHMENT CAMPAIGN. What the Welsh Press Thinks of the Inauguration. [BY ADOLYGYDD.] The Welsh papers of last week are full of the Pontypridd meetings, and the formal inaugura- tion of the Disestablishment campaign is heralded by a. blare of trumpets, "O Gaergybi iGaerdydd." 1 he Baner devotes over eight columns to a report of the proceedings, and three columns to an editorial upon them. It declares that the Pontypridd gathering was one of the most im- portant political conferences ever held in the Principality, and that the campaign is one on the success of which the heart of a whole nation is set. At the same time the Baner warns its readers that the battle will be fiercely fought by our opponents, and that all the resources of tho Establishment, including the wealth of land- owners, the stratagem of the clergy, and the influence of Church folk, will be requisitioned to prevent the Welsh people gaining the victory on which their heart is set. The Declaration of War," says the Bancr, was characterised bv intense enthusiasm and the most determined spirit. All the speakers seemed to be deeply impressed with the magnitude and importance of the new departure. This was very plainly manifested in Mr Stuart Rendel's opening speech, which at the start fixed a high and dignified standard for the whole of the subsequent speeches. We feel bound, too, to direct attention to the speech delivered by Major Jones, of Cardiff, one of the best during the whole of the sittings. The more acquainted we become with Major Jones, the greater becomes our esteem for this talented aud able Welshman we do not hesitate to say that on account of his wide Liberalism, his extensive acquaintance with commercial interests, and his deep sympathy with the needs of the Principality, he possesses the indispensable qualifications for an ideal Welsh member. If a vacancy should occur m a Welsh constituency, we shoufu strongly recommend the electors to give their compatriot, Major Jones, a hearty welcome. But to return. The Pontypridd meetings were throughout good the addresses were eloquent and effective, and the enthusiasm of the audience almost unbounded. fhe most excellent spirit pervaded the proceed- ings from first to last. The success of the movement is already practically assured." The article concludes with a hope that every locality will at once take m hand the work of assisting l^ts Committee by opening subscription "The Disestablishment Campaign has been commenced in earnest," says the Herald Cym- V?c'Jl be seen, there was more at Pontypridd than the patriotism of empty words. It is a promising sign that the present movement begins so low down in the pocket. There is some hope for a patriotism which has cost something. The excellent example set at Pontypridd will serve to awaken Wales from end to end to the duty of contributing towards the success of the movement. Well beg-un is half do and once let it be understood that the Welsh delegates at the Newcastle meetings have left a favourable impression upon the National Liberal Federation, the Committee will not expect in vain financial support from the country. It is true that it is a somewhat novol departure to find Welshmen con- tributing money towards political objects but it is equally true that a new spirit possesses the 7" t or(ler of things—the servility, the lack of confidence, the intense modesty, the indifference-have almost disappeared, thanks to the extension of the franchise, improved educa- tional facilities and leaders full of national zeal. There need, therefore, be no anxiety that the present movement may fail from lack of financial support. Not only are the Liberal leaders pre- ?rrI'?(u iSU^ JN °ncoriformi.st Wales, but the We.fall clergy and the Ecclesiastical Commis- sioners are undermining the Church in their eager hunt for the tithes. While they continue to do this we can afford to view with complacency their taking a leaf from our book and starting a campaign on their own account in England." The Tjjit ar Dydd says:—"The man who asserts that any important section of Welsh Nonconformists are opposed to disestablishment, must be either woefully ignorant of Wales, or utterly heedless of the truth? The truth is Wales has fully made up her mind on the matter, and is just now ready to cast everything else aside in favour of this movement. Keen-sighted Church- men already understand tin-, and are preparing to fight to the bitter end rather than loosen their grip upon what is s° profitable to them. "But Wales believes that her hour has come, and that the sword cannot again be sheathed until this battle is won. Nor can the battle any longer be delayed; and we are glad to see that our leaders in and out of Parliament see this, and are already turmng their face3 towards the field of battle. They have been put aside too long undor the plea that the tune was not yet come; now the time his come, and the Pontypridd meeting was the formal muguration of the campaign. The younger section of our Welsh members have come to the front just in tiraefor this fight. The war can- not be waged without the energy and enthusiasm which they possess, and nothing should be done to damp their ardour or weaken their arms. We would not upon any account lose the services of our older members, who have so long served Liberalism, but they, too, must now move forward. Ihe army is advancing and cannot wait for laggards however serviceable they may once have been. Welsh Nonconformity has long lain under its burdens, but has now fully awakened to its political power. It will no longer rest until the yoke is broken." Sercn Gymru has no doubt that the specified fund will be readily obtained from the contribu- tions of the Welsh people, rich and poor. It, however, anticipates the possibility of further funds being necessary, and suggests the sending of a special deputation to America. Such a deputation, says the Seren, "headed by Major Cardiff, pleading our cause among the Welshmen of America, would certainly ^onse" r. a generous and patriotic re- sponse. Commenting upon tho effect of the ew departure upon the opposing camp the Seren says The shots are already throwing the enemy s camp into aonfusion. The Bishops andaff and St. Asaph are getting uneasy, It IS true the uneasiness of the Bishop of Llan- aalt does-not signify much, for, from the days of .Liampeter Velfrey a Nonconformist gnat was enough to make him ill, while a fly would drive him mad. But there are signs all through tho camp that the power of the attacking army is already dreaded. The Times, the subsidised organ of the Government, admits there is danger at hand, while the Standard, with its higher principles, admits that the fortifications require to be strengthened." The Celt says that though the meeting was not JacIcing in talent and eloquence it was chiefly characterized by enthusiasm, a healthy tone, and warmth of feeling. So far as Wales itself is t:'le Church is already disestablished. -uuo lory England bangs a dead weight on the lr' the political garment, and we are thus ^ept year after year without the measure of justice for which we have so long cried. Judging by the tone of the Pontypridd meeting, it will be a comparatively easy matter to raise a war fund ot ten thousand pounds. Let every valley in w ales see to it that no effort is spared. Let care be taken to gather in the small sums which the people are ready to contribute, and the Disestab. lishment Purse can always be kept full. + v J?°leuad is the only Welsh paper which tokes matter up in a half-hearted fashion. 1 l?V,?n ^"°^eua/^ adniits that the movement hashad a promising beginning, and has a claim to Welsh support. "it will afford an oppor- tunity, says the Goleuad, "to show the depth of the cry for Disestablishment." The Fund Increases. Among the recent supporters of the Campaign Fund is the Right Hon. Lord Kensington, who has intimated to Mr R. N. Hall, the finance secretary to the Campaign Committee, his inten- tion to subscribe £100 to the fund. Mr J. P. Jones, architect, Cardiff, has promised £20. In a few aays several other large subscriptions will au5j?UIlce<l. The fund now stands at a little ?r6r ,>500, a quarter of the amount required. More than £ 1,200 has been subscribed by Church- men, and other members of the Church of Eng- land have promised pecuniary assistance in bring- iog about a settlement of this burning question. ? "J8? list of subscribers will be printed at the end of this week. One effect of the Pontypridd meeting has been to cause a general and urgent request for the ser- vices of Major Jones to address tho local meet- ings now being arranged to carry" on this move- ment to such an extent that Major Jones will be absolutely unable to entertain a tithe of the invitations addressed to tho committee for his assistance.

THE GOWER CONSTITUENCY. Forthcoming Meetings. We understand that a Labour and Liberal demonstration will be held in support of Mr David Randell, M P. as member for the Gower Division, at Clydach, Swansea Valley, on Tues- day, October 5th, when addresses will be given by TV'T^P'T8 • Abraham (Mabon) and S. T. Evans, "riT' AUd ^essra Isaac Evans, W. Clement, and J. Morris, agent, president, and secretary respectively, of the Neath, Swansea, and klanelly District of Miners. jkahrstofa series of meetings, which are to i\ 1.n Gower constituency in support of ,Vld Randell, MP., will come off next Mabon s Day (October 5th), at Clydach, Swan- sea valley, when the hon. member will be accompanied by Mr Dillwyn, M.P., Mr S. w oTanS' an^ Messrs Isaac Evans, W. Clenient, and J. Morris (agent, chairman, a J secretary respectively of the Neatli, Swansea, and Llanelly District of Miners, of which the hon., member was recently appointed successor to .F, {p* Evans, M.P., as solicitor). Meetings will subsequently be held at Morriston and other districts In the constituency, when amongst other speakers will be Mr W. Abraham, M.P., and MrJ. Lloyd George, M.P. Mr Randell will also appear shortly in North Wales in support of Mr Lloyd George.

THE LINTHWAITE MURDER. At Huddersfield on Monday, James Stockwell (32), of Linthwaite, waschaiged withinurdenngCa- therine Dennis, a servant girl, at Ivy Hotel, Lin- thwaite, in August last. Mr Fletcher, solicitor, who prosecuted for the Treasury, said the prisoner had made the following statement:—It is no uso going so far round about it. I might as well get over it at once. It's all through drink I was lying on the seat, and she kept pulling my hair.—Evidence was given that prisoner was seen to leave the house shortly before the deceased was found stabbed in the neck. A medical man said that an outrage had been attempted on the girl, though unsuccessfully. Prisoner was com- mitted for trial.

BY A LADY JOURNALIST. A COUNTRY BALL COSTUME Is quite a necessary part of a visiting outfit, and as nearly all the young ladies of my acquaintance are going on their annual tour of country-house receptions, it behoves them to have a thoroughly useful dress for this particular purpose amongst others. To have a ball gown that travels well, it is very important that it should be of a material that does not crease, or crush, and for this, if a thin texture is required, there is nothing better than crepe de Chine. If a more substantial one is advisable, then I should recommend any one of those thick rich silks that are also quite soft and fall into lovely folds, without cracking where they are pleated to the dress. A combination of both these charming stuffs is possible in the dress model I give you this week, though I do not think the mixture altogether advisable. The colour of the silk is entirely a matter of choice which should be directed by the colour of the hair, and the complexion of the wearer. It might, with good effect, be made in pale fawn, or a primrose yellow, with pink roses for the former, and very velvety deep red ones for tha latter. A pale blue with Gloria dc Dljon, or yellow tea. roses, or a light pink, or willow green, with deep crimson roses for the pink and purplish pink for the green Any of these [mixtures would look pretty. I should advise, if the dress is mainly composed of crepe de Chine, to have the fold of the. corselets of satin as well as the straps over the puffed sieves. The folds across the chest to be of ciepe de Chine. If the dress is made of a richer, thicker description of silk than the crepe de Chine, I should have the puffs of the sleeves and folds across the chest made of the most glossy brilliant silk gauze possible—always, of course, of the same shade exactly as the material of the dress. With careful folding, such a dress, from its very simplicity, ought to pack and carry beautifully. The roses, of course, would be packed separately in a box where they would stand no chance of spoiling. A PRESERVING APRON I give this week, because it is not only of great service and protection for the dress when making the many jams and jellies that there are yet to be done before one's store cupboard is properly stocked, but because it will also he found a thoroughly useful overall in all sorts of house- wifely duties. You may make it of what material you like, all provided it is strong, and washable. Strong white linen or brown hollaud is the most suitably The plan of the apron in verv simple, and with the most ordinary measurements might be made by quite an amateur seamstress. The plastron, in front, should be cut in one with the braces. The upper part of the sleeves is fulled into this band far enough to be quite firm ip putting on, and to entirely cover the dress sleeve from the chance of splashing when jam or jelly is poured out into the pots. The band at the waist should be large enough to slip the hand through. To make it sit well, the waist- band should be shaped and the upper part of the apron gathered into it, so that it nearly meets be- hind and entirely covers the skirt. I think you will find this as practical an apron for the pur- pose as you can have, and, of course, it is capable of any amount of elaboration and beautifying in its decorations, but for ordinary hard wear I believe that plain things are the best. THE LATE HOT WEATHER Makes the careful housekeep think very anxiously how important it is that the house should not only be a. healthy one, but kept healthy. We often hear of a healthy mind in a healthy body," but how can they be healthy if they do not live in a healthy house ? This is not always easy to find, for it is unfortunately a fact that building contractors are too often unscrupulous and dishonest—particu- larly those who build the smaller and cheaper class of houses. That they are dishonest we have ample proofs from time to time in the shoddy kind of tenements that spring up around all large towns. A friend of mine was riding in the suburbs of London one day, and he watched a bricklayer building a doorway to an unfinished house. The outside brickwork looked fair and solid enough, but the men filled the inside with all sorts of rubble and rubbish. My friend exclaimed to the bricklayer, Why, man, that will never last The workman smiled, and probably more honest than his master, the contractor, said, Lor'bless you, sir It wanl't never meant to last! Such houses are generally dreadfully de- fective in their drain service, therefore in any house that you hire or build for yourself, take the greatest care to disconnect all waste and overflow pipes from the drains, and allow no drain to run under your house place all soil pipes outside where they can be ventilated, and in no way near nor connected with your cistern or water pipes. In taking a house you cannot exercise too much care or anxiety in not only testing the soundness of its floors, &c., but in investigating the condi- tion and efficient working of its drain system. The illness of the tenants is often the first warning people receive of the slover.ly-made drain-work of a new house, which is as often hard to discover. No landlord has the right to endanger the lives of his tenants by refusing to remedy bad drains, neither to threaten them with notice to quit if they oomplaia of them rather than put his house into proper condition. TO BE HEALTHY, All houses ought to have their sanitary arrange- ments periodESkUy injected, Si bas been suggested that a skilled and intelligent plumber should be employed by the authorities to go the round occasionally of every house, taking special and personal charge of the sanitary matter con- nected therewith. This would greatly relieve householders who, with the best desire, rarely understand drainage and sanitary systems enough to quickly detect a flaw-though they know well what it is to suffer by them. Back yards and out-houses cannot be too frequently white-washed. If you happen to notice damp places in them, or in your floors near a waste pipe or cistern, take up the flags, or have the wall opened so as to at once find the mischief, or it will but increase to the great danger of yourself and family. There is another trouble belonging to pipes, but which ? happens more often in the country than in town namely, the gradual blocking of the interior by the mineral deposits of the water. We all know the hard sodiment that gradually cakes on the sides and bottoms of kettles where lime-charged water is in constant use. In boiling, this is more rapidly thrown down by the water, but in the ordinary flow, unboiled, through the pipes that conduct it into the house, it none the less de- posits its limey burden, till I have seen the water- way, in a pipe of two inches in diameter, narrowed to a little hole through which one could not pass a common cedar pencil. I find that I must leave to another time the regulation of one's house from a sanitary point of view, as I cannot longer ignore the very wonderful correspondence upon the "Slavery of Drink that has been going on in the columns of one of our great London daily papers. I have often speculated on the question IS ALCOHOL NECESSARY FOR WOMEN ? Because, as far as my own experience and observa. tion go, I should say that it is not necessary to nearly the extent it is now employed. So many ladies, as well as middle class women, take wine or beer regularly at their meals for no other reason than because they like it. Others have a good deal of superstition about it, and think it is good for their health, because, for the moment, it stimulates them and makes them feel livelier. But a good tonic, taken daily for a week or two would do them infinitely more good, and be far more wholesome. Now, I am no temperance person, abstainer, nor absurd blue ribbonite but I do not advocate stimulants of alcohol, or fermented liquor-like beer and porter-for any woman who desires to keep her health in good order, by which I mean her digestion, her circulation, and her complexion—which last seems to trouble and interest so many of my correspondents. If the wine that finds its way into our houses was always pure and un- adulterated, and as harmless as the ordinary wines that people drink abroad, it would not matter, but our clarets are comparatively strong, our ports heavy, and our sherries are so-called "fined," with any amount of abominations, in which there is included a great deal of adulterated brandy. These are the chief wines of upper-class English women. I do not deal with spirits, be- cause no healthy woman who respected her health would make a practice of drinking spirits daily, unless she was specially ordered by a doctor to do so, and in this doctors often make many mis- takes. Beer or porter is simple ruination for any- one—man, woman, or child, who has inherited a gouty, bilious, rheumatic, or acid constitution- and if they have not got such a one naturally, it will soon make it for them. People, and I regret to say many members of my sex, are so silly. They feel low, or depressed, or tired, and instantly they fly to a stimulant, under the great delusion that stimulus means strength. They will find that in an hour's time, or less, they are just as bad again. Whereas (as the lawyers say) had they taken a dose of iron and quinine, they would have laid in a little stock of strength that would have given "tone" to the whole system, the wearied and weak stomach which is too tired to do its digestive work properly, and in fact to all the organs that depend on it. This is undoubtedly stimulus, but it is also strength, which neither of the other stimulants are. Water—pure, whole- some filtered water is our natural beverage, and is best and least heating for the blood, and is decidedly the most healthy so long as it is good. Filters are so cheap and reasonable now that no one need be without them, nor have an excuse for bad water. Water is the most wholesome fluid to mix with one's food in eating, and it stands to reason that no kind of spirituous liquor can make healthy or good blood. So that those who persist in pouring fermented and spirituous fluids into their unfortunate interiors must take the consequence in heated blood, rheumatism, acidity, indigestion, and a variety of other dis- comforts. BUSY BEE. RULES FOR CORRESPONDENCE. Letters for inquiry on fashion or other matters should be addressed to "Busy BEE," care of the Editor, and will, if possible, be answered in the following edition. If an earlier answer is required, a stamped addressed envelope must be enclosed. Paper patterns of any designs given can be supplied on the following tenns French English Patterns Patterns Complete costume, to given measures.. 4/- 1/6 B&dice 11 1. 2/09 Short Mantle "It 2/6 1/0 Long Mantle "It 4/1/6 Each application must have postal order aud stamps for postage enclosed. Ladies are re- quested to cut out and enclose the picture of • the garment required, and the pattern shall be J forwarded in about a week's time. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ECONOMY.—I should advise your sending your dress to a cleaner as they make them look equel to new. Of course if you have a clever laundress you could have it washed at home, but then there is the chance of its shrinking afterwards, and not fitting. My advice would be, as it is nice stuff, to send it to Puller, of Perth, or some good dyer and cleaner, and have the whole dress dyed a deeper colour-first, as it is (with out taking to pieces), as our London dyers do. It would then look nicely for winter wear, and last along time. You had better send a piece, and ask if they can do it without shrinking. It would be well worth the slight expense. Do you not wear preservers under the arms ? I should advise you to do so. The black velvet jacket would go with the dress in any case. IRIS LONSDALE. -(1.) I believe pocket cameras are from 5s upward. (2.)—Wearing vloves night and day is supposed to whiten the hands.

THE STRENGTH OF OUR ARMY The returns of the British Army for the year 1890, published on Monday, show that the effective strength of the Regular Army at the end of the year was 210,760. The total enrolled in the auxiliary and reserve forces was :-Army reserve, 60,233 militia, 113,162 yeomanry, 10,697; • volunteers, 221,048.