The Cardiff Times

SIR E. J. REED AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. A copy of the following letter has been sent to us by Sir Edward Reed's secretary Broadway Chambers. Westminster, London, S.W. 6 May 18tb, 1893- Dear Mr Collier,—In order to utilise the Parlia>- mentary Whitsuntide holiday for the reinvigora- tion of my health, after the trying effects of recent close attendance at the House of Commons, I am leaving London to-morrow for a short trip at sea to the Fjords of Norway. I cannot go, however, after reading the local papers of to-day, without thanking you, and through you the friends who voted with you last evening, for the manly and generous manner in which you stood by me in my absence. It is most RTatifying to find that while there are a few men-I believe only a very few—in one's con- stituency who would seek to reduce their repre- sentative to the level of the non-reasoning part of the creation, there ara many others who bring good sense and fair-mindedness to his support at a time cf great dimcuity and anxiety. I cannot feel much irritated by what happened last night, or on Sunday last, because, for some reason or other known only to them.-elves, the editors of the South. Wales Daily News repeatedly seek to excite a section of my constituents against me, and no doubt are in some degree the cjmse of a certain amount of hostile feeling. I venture ts say that nothing more unfair to a member ot Parliament was ever penned than the short leader of that journal which appeared on Satur- day last. It was so written as to convey to my constituents the belief that I had on the previous day spoken from my place in Parliament adversely to the Government and the Home Rule Bill, and for the purpose of eliciting Opposition cheers. The utter un- truthfulness of this implication is deruonstratèd in their own columns of the same day, for it is there, in the report of Parliament, made perfectly clear that I rose to support the first clause of the Home Rule Bill, to advise the House to conclude the debate upon it, to protect the Irish members from an unfair complaint that they refused ta speak upon the clause, and, generally speaking, to promote the objects which I sit in Parliament to further. If you will look down the report I refer to you will find that while I was cheered only jour times by the Opposition, and always cn side issues, I was cheered no less than ten times by Ministerialists and Nationalists Another example of the extraordinarily mis- leading spirit of this article is to be found in tha fact that I am accused therein of having un- necessarily intervened in debate." This foolish suggestion would b9 sufficiently answered by the fact that my speech greatly assisted in bringing the debate to a close. But apart from this circumstance, just think of an editor of a newspaper sitting in a back room in Cardiff, who could not possibly have known all the circum- stances, accusing the member for Cardiff of unnecessarily intervening in debate, when speak- u ing fQr the first time, and for a few minutes on upon the greatest measure of the Session, and on which has been before the House of Common for weeks and even months past I I am satisfied that the good sense of the elector of Cardiff will lead them to frown or to smile I hardly know which to do myself-at sue manifestly absurd efforts to discredit the repre- sentative of that party whom this newspape professes to assist and support. I will not, however, prolong this letter for I have observed that on all occa.sion when I have been subjected to sue unjust accusations and censures there have bee found good men and true who decline to submi to this arbitrary and unfriendly dictation, an claim for themselves that right of personal judg ment which I for one glory in. Through all the years that I have had tb privilege of being representative for Cardiff j have continually enjoyed the absolute freedom o observation and comment which the Cardif electors, alike in large meetings and in small, hav always gladly accorded me. I cannot doubt that my efforts to prevent tb present Home Rule Bill from being converte into a very much more extreme one, under th pressure of the Irish majority in the House o Commons, will eventually be appreciated an< applauded throughout the constituency. Thi country must have fair play as well as Ireland that is my contention. I see that at the meeting of last evening on individual attempted to show that tbe labou classes of Cardiff were adverse to my action. do not believe it. I cannot believe that th labouring clashes of this country wish for any on of the things which I am opposing as threatene alterations to the present Bill; and of one thing am absolutely certain, viz., that if the Bill i altered from its present form, so that t existing over-representation of Ireland in t House of Commons is continued after a Horn Rule Bill is passed, the working classes of th country will have many years to wait for the fu filment of their just and reasonable expectation The Irish question has blocked their way f<^| many a long year past—nearly ever since I hav^J been in the House of Commons—-and if, after tb^J Irish people obtain Home Rule for themselve we are still to have the same excessi representation of Ireland in the Hou^l of Commons aa we have ab presen^| and the same endless Irish discussion then will be fulfilled the prophecy which the la^H Mr Parnell made to me personally when be sai<^| If the Irish members were retained in tt^| House of Commons after the passage of a Ho Rule Bill, the Imperial Parliament would not relieved at all of Irish questions; they would continually under debate there, and would coiH tinue to block the way of necessary legislation A nice prospect this for the labour interests I this country! The line I am taking in the House of Commo is taken in the interests of labour and other sn^H questions, and in pursuance ot my own pledg^H given to my working men supporters in Cardif^| and those who seek to put a different complexi^H upon my action are only endeavouring, knowing^B or ignorantly, still to smother such questions the House of Commons for many a long year come by prolonging the Nationalist and Oran controversies at Westminster till we are in o graves. With renewed thanks, dear Mr Collier, a begging you as far as convenient to convey n^H thanks to the other friends of the Adamsdo Ward who so kindly insisted on acting fairly a justly.-I remain, always yours very truly, (Signed) E. J. REBD.

DISAFFECTED MILITIAMEN A PEMBROKE DOCK. ■ There are murmurs of complaint amongst t|^| men of the Milford Haven Engineer Militia, wl^B are now undergoing their annual training Pembroke Dock. They complain of having work very hard, and say the hours of labour a unreasonably long, and the interval betwe meals very much greater t'lan it should According to their statement they leave t battery where they are quartered, and whf their food is prepared, at eight o'clock in t^H morning, and do not return to have dinner un^H five or six, and occasionally seven o'clock or lat^H in the evening. Such a long interval witho proper food naturally reduces them to a state absolute physical exhaustion. They think th their officers should cause arrangements to made to permit of them having their rmae regularly at proper times.

G. A. S." is about to turn Sala's Journal i a limited liability company. A LL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MENH USE ST. JACOBS QIL ■ atL For Rheumatism, Gout, Sciatica, Neuralgia, Cra Pleurisy, Lumbago, Sore Throat, Bronchitis, Soren^^H Stiffness, Braises, Toothache, Headache, £ ackac^^| Feet-aclie, Pains in the Chest. Pains in the Pains in the Shoulders, Pains in the Limbs and bodily arhes and pains, it acts like magic. Safe, s and never failing. Price Is l^d and 2s 6d. £ JONQUERS J3AIN. TT lEBIG'S CHEMICAL FOOD ir lEBIG'S CHEMICAL OOD Tr lEBIG'S CHEMICAL FOOD T lEBIG'S CHEMICAL FOOD OR WINE OF PHOSPHATES. TESTIMONIAL FROM SIR CHARLES LOCOCK, PHYSICIAN TO THE QUEEN. I have for some years recommended LIEBl CHEMICAL FOOD in cases of general ill-he with the most beneficial results." This remarkable preparation not only contains the materials necessary for the foundation of a i^^B constitution, and for preventing or curing disease, ^^B also evolves everything required for forming rich, and healthy blood, muscle, flesh, bone, brain, &co, contains the very elements of LIFE: 14z, HEALTH, STRENGTH, AND ENERGY DR. T ALOR'S JpHOSPHODYjH FOR THIRTY YEARS Has maintained its worlU-wicle reputation all best and ONLY SAFE, RELIABLE PHOSPHORIC CU or Brain Wreckage, Sleeplessness, Harassing Dre and all Functional and Diseased Conditions of ^^B system caused by the Deficiency of the Vital For JJR. T ALOR'S JpHOSPHODY^M Supplies tho Blood with it* Brain, Nerve, and B<H forming element—Phosphorus, and by its tonic ac^^H on the^ Nervous System, stimulates Heart, Lu^| Liver, Kidneys and Stomach, to the healthy per^^H mance of their seveial functions. THE EFFECTS OF ^^B DR T ALOR'S pHOSPHODYlB In Nervous Debility and its Kindred Evils is mediate and permanent, all the Miserable Feel^^H and Distressing Symptoms disappearingwith a rapi^^H that is REALLY MARVELLOUS. Thousands of unimpeachable Testimonials fror^^H parts of the world, and from the highest Authorities. D R T ALOR'S pH°spH°DyM -M- Is unsurpassed as a Tonic after Influenza and. Debilitating Diseases. Sold in bottles, 4s 6d and 119 each, by all che ADDBESS- DR LALOR'S PHOSPHODY:^B LABORATORY, ^^B FT4MPSTP.» D. LONDON. N.W. 14^^B

SHOCKING FATALITY NEAR ABERAYRON. Information reached Swansea on Tuesday of a distressing fatality near Aberayron, Cardigan- shire. As Mr Wm. Thomas, of Pantyrergoed, a well-known and highly-respected farmer, and brother of Councillor Aaron Thomas (Swansea) and Dr. G. Thomas (Newport), was driving near hit home, he was thrown from the vehicle and, the wheels passing over him, he was instan- taneously killed.

THE editor of the Medical Annual after a care tal examination of Cadbury's Cocoa, pronounces it to be ~>«*h «. food aad a beverage of the highest quality 141

OPENING OF THE tNQUtRY AT. COWBRIDGE. TbAfRoyaHContn>i93ion appointed-to inquire i into the conditions under which land in Wales is held, owned, and cultivated, opened its inquiry at the Cowbridge Town-hall on Tuesday, under the presidency of Lord Carrington, the other commissioners present being Lord Kenyon, Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn. Bart.. Mr Brynmor Jones, Q.C., M.P., Mr Edwin Grove (chairman Mon. mouthshire County Council), Professor John Rhys, Mr Frederick Seebohm, Mr J. M. Griffith, and Mr Richard Jones. Mr D. Lleufer Thomas, B. A., the secretary of the commission, was also present, and there was a large attendance of farmers from various parts of Glamorganshire. I The proceedings commenced about 11.30, the commissioners having previously been in con- ference together. STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN. Tha noble CHAIRMAN at the outset made a statement explanatory of the course the commis- sioners would follow according to the agreement arrived at by them at a preliminary sitting. He said Gentlemen, befortt I make any obaeiva- I tioai, before the ooiijmifcsion opens, I think, in the name of my brother commissioners, I may say that we congratulate ourselves upon the attend- ance that we see here to-day. (Hear, hear.) It shows that a very general interest has been taken in the subject, and it encourages us in our labours, which we most honestly hope will be conducive to the public good. (Hear, hear.) Before we commence the examination of any witnesses who are prepared to give evidence, I think it expe- dient to make one or two observations, and in these observations I have the entire concurrence of all my colleagues. We have talked the matter over, and in connection with these observations and what I have the honour to say in their name is entirely and heartily agreed to by us all, though the substance of what I have to" say may probably be well known to most of those who are interested in the inquiry we are about to under- take. I will now proceed to recapitulate what has already appeared in the Press, but perhaps it may be advantageous for us to run through it again. First of all. with reference to the pro- cedure. We have decided that all meetings of the commission for the purpose of taking evidence shall, unless otherwise ordered, be open to the Press and to the public. We have also decided. in accordance with the course pursued by similar Royal Commissions, that the examination and cross-examination of witnesses by counsel should not be allowed. We were guided to this conclusion more especially by the precedents of the Devon and Bessborough Commissions, the two Crofter Commissions of 1883 and 1893, and the Housing of the Poor Commission-all commissions the scope and nature of whose inquiry were in many respects similar to those of tbe present one—and also by the precedent of the Welsh Sunday-Closing Com- mission, upon which the propriety of admitting examination by counsel was raised, aud unanim- ously decided in the negative. We do not anticipate that the commission can be made the means of any unfair attack "upon the character or conauct of any individual, but in case any individual should feel himself agrieved by any statements which he believes to be unfounded, we provide the following checks which we believe will be adequate for the prevention of pain or injury. In the first place, permission will be given to any persons present at any sitting to put questions in writing to any witness through me, the commissioners reserving to themselves the right to decide whether such questions be per- missible or not. Secondly, the secretary has been instructed to send notice forthwith to every per- son whose character or conduct has been im- pugned by the statement of any witness, thus giving such person an opportunity of explanation or of rebntting the charge either personally or by letter. Next. tho secretary has received several letters promising friendly co-operation, for which the commission is very milcn obliged, in reference to our sittings in Glamorganshire. There were a. good many of them, but the only one in our judgment that calls for special notice is that from 1\1.. Edmund Vincent, who writes on be- half of the Landowners' Association of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and which is in the following terms :— My Lord,—On behalf of the Landowners' Association of South Wales and Monmouthshire I offer my respectful thanks for permission given to make this briE-f statement. It is concerned with the following points :—First, the association, albeit young in point of time, represents a large number of landowners possessed of gieat and small estates, and I am expressly instructed to say that it is the desire of the executive com- mittee to afford all possible assistance to the commission towards the common object of dis- covering the truth. Secondly, art idea seems to prevail in some quarters that this commission exists for the purpose of trying contentious issues, either between political parties or between land- owners and tenants as opposed to one another. The corollary to this wrong idea is the suggestion that, m some form or another, tenants who offer evidence may suffer resentment from their land- lords. On the part of my association I am in- structed to repudiate the idea absolutely, and to say that. apart from the fact that witnesses before Royal' Commissions have abundant protection. it is the desire of the owners composing this association that every witness should give evidence with a feeling of absolute security that he will not suffer in any way. Thirdly, the fact that no evidence will be offered by members of this association during the present sittincs of this court must not be miscon- strued, as it has been, into a manifestation of' hostility to the Royal Commission. Such a manifestation, indeed, would bo absurd, having regard to the fact that, early in the year 1892, an application for the appointment of a commission waa made to the late Government on behalf of a very large number of Welsh landowners. The only reasons why evidence is not offered now are :-(1) That we are aware the commission is abundantly provided with evidence for the present sittings (2) that it is physically im- possible for us to present, upon notice so brief (I received the complete syllabus on May 5th only), evidence of that complete and accurate character which is indispensable. It may be said that if tenants can offer evi- dence now.landlordsíought also to be in a state of preparation, but the cases are of essentially different character. Individual tenants may have specific grievances concerning which they have a right to complain, but a glance at this syllabus suffices to show that to answer tho various questions therein contained must require, particularly in the case. of large estates, elaborate investigations of books and estate records. Such investigation .is now being made in the case of landlords of estates in South Wales, and the results of it will be submitted to the commission in a form as complete and concise as possible. Let me also add that I have pledged myself, at the secretary's request, to fill up two whole days in London in July with Glamorganshire evi- dence, and that it is our earnest hope that the commission will sit again in Glamorganshire at some convenient time, after the corn harvest from choice, in order to inquire more completely than can be possible in the course of a week into the very important questions which are raised in the syllabus, and into one or two other points, undeniably material to the terms of reference, which have been omitted, by accident no doubt, from the syllabus. Such a course would, I am sure, be satisfactory, I will not say to all parties to the issue, but to every person who is interested in the inquiry. Even now I have a certain amount of rough evidence ready, and, following a precedent set by the Labour Com- mission, I shall always be ready, where I have the materials at my disposal, to indicate roughly the aspect of any particular set of facts which may have been presented to me. finally, my lord, permit me to express the gratitude whioh I feel to you and the secretary for the uniform courtesy shown to me oven when we have had the misfortune to differ upon points of procedure. (Signed) J. E. VINCENT. The Chairman continued Well, gentleman, tbe commissioners were anxious to begin our work without any delay, but we were aware that the fact of our having visited Glamorganshire so early may have made it difficult for all the evi- dence to be prepared. Under these exceptional circumstances we are willing, if it is so desired, to make further arrangements for taking evidence in regard to this county, but we wish it, however, to be distinctly understood that we are in no way by this laying down any precedent. Our rule must be that at each sitting local evidence should be given representing all phases of opinion, and that in the event of any witness failing to give evidence it must not be assumed that we can make further arrangements for giving them a further opportunity of doing eo. There is only one other matter upon which I need touch—that is concerning the protection of witnesses, which has been referred to in Mr Vincent's letter. Experience has shown that unless the witnesses speak out boldly, and without fear, inquiries like the one we are engaged in are futile. We have no reason to believe that undue pressure will be brought upon any class of witnesses or any individual witness, nor have we reason to think that the giving of evidence by any person in this county will lead to his being in any way injured. But it is, of course, possible-we cannot shut our eyes to what has before now taken ahoa in regard to things of this kind—that some men are less scrupulous than ethers, and that it is pos- sible that witnesses who speak here what is in their minds may be subjected to loss and annoyance. We desire, therefore—and it is our duty to do so—to point out that the recent Act, the Witnesses' Protection Act, 1892, affords a remedy adequate to meet any ordinary case. I have only one more word to say now. In order to avoid waste of time, and in order to guide the commissioners in conducting this inquiry, we cannot emphasise too much the desirability of attention being given to the direc- tion prmted on the heads of inquiry. The direc. tion printed on the heads of inquiry is in order to guide the commissioners in their examination of witnesses. It is there requested that persons desiring to submit evidence should call upon the secretary at 6, Old Palace-yard, London, or for- ward the names of tbe witnesses proposed to be examined, together with particulars and terms of the heads of the evidence which they are pre- pared to offer. I think, gentlemen, this is all we have to say, and without any loss of time we will proceed to call evidence. The Mayor of Cowbridge, Councillor J. Llewellyn, then offered the commissioners a hearty welcome to Cowbridge, which, he said, waa the centre of one of the most important agricul- tural centres in the Principality. They were pleased to see the commission there, but were sorry the commissioners could not hold a .two days' sitting. Examination of Witnesses. Mr Edward John was the first witness Cftlta), and he tendered evidence on behalf of the Vale of Glamorgan Farmers' Association. Examined by Lord Carrington, Mr John said ho was a seed merchant, an agricultural implement seller, and agent, living at Cowbridge. He knew the farming condition of the district wet!. There was a good deal of uncultivated land in the neighbour- hood. In some instances, common lands had been enclosed but when the enclosures were made the rights of the public were not sufficiently protected. There were a few allotments set apart, but no recreation grounds. When the awards were made originally, there may have been certain portions set apart for recreation, but be did not know where they were. (Laughter.) A considerable number of squatters' cottages had been erected on this waste ground in various places, and in his opinion the squatters had been DEALT WITH VERY HARSHLY for a number of years. The squatters had en- closed portions of land abutting on commons, or portions cf commons, for which they paid chief rent. These enclosures had not taken ptacerecentty, but bad been held by the same owners for many years. About four years ago, however, to the surprise of everybody, the lord of the manor took and sold the whole of these squatters' cottages and tbe enclosures. He had really confiscated the whole of them. He could not tell whether these enclosures were made under an Act ot Parliament; but a great deal of hardship was felt at the time. In many instances the cottagers had buiit good substantial houses, and were pay- ing ch.ef rents for these under the impression, rightly or wrongly, that they were the actual owners by paying the chief rent. However, their cottages were sold, and the money went to the lord of the manor. They did not consider the rights of the public had been sufficiently pro- tected in the enclosure oi commons and in the case of allotments the plots allotted had generally been the worst pieces of the common. That was his opinion. Asked to give instances of this, Mr John referred to the enclosure of the piece of ground known as Golden Mile. The allotment given to the cottagers there was 3imply an old quarry. Replying to Lord Kenyon, the witness said that the lord of the manor to whom he had referrjd was the Marquis of Bute. The squatters' cottages had been erected as far back as he (wit- ness) could remember. Examined by Mr D. Brynmor Jones, Mr John said that the word" common," as used by him, meant waste land that had not been enclosed. The squatters had fenced in portions of such waste lands, and the chief rent was paid to the lord of the manor, the Marquis of Bute, or to his agent, Mr Corbett. After these people had built upon this waste land and onclosed it, and paid rent to the agent, the enclosures were sold and they were turned cut. In some ca.Q88 the squat- ters themselves bought their tenements, the sale being by a public auction at Cowbridge. The Golden Mile was enclosed under an Act of Parliament about 25 or 30 years ago. If there bad been provision made tor a portion of that common to be set apart for recreation purposes he did not know where that recreation ground was. The land set apart for allotments was certainly not suitable. The Marquis of Bute was not the owner of the quarry referred to—that quarry was in the parish of Conwilstone. There were a good many small estates in the district; there were few yeomen proprietors. He did not think the difference of language became a factor in that district at all. The lord of the manor of the Golden Mile was Mr De Burgh Thomas, now dead, and it had now become ihe property of Mr Pritchard. Replying to Mr Griffiths, Mr John said he did not think the squatters were admitted to the court leet, as was customary in other manors. There was a court leet held by the lord of the manor in that district. COMMONS. By Mr Seebohm The commons that he had spoken of were not commous over which there had been common pasturoge, but little bits by the wayside, and enclosures along those commons and others. It was grass land entirely. They had no commons there consisting of arable land. Tliey had in this part of the world no system of having the common an open field, divided up into strips, over which the tenants would have common rights after the crop was removed. He had beard of something of the kind. At Ystradoweu, three or four miles away, allotments were given to cottagers for garden purposes. The rights of common over the grass land commons were held by copy. holders and the brinkers, or those who lived on the edges of the common'. They had a right of putting cattle, sheep, and horses upon the common, not und«-r a common herdsman, but under some officer appomted by tbe court. It was strictly a manorial right. Replying to Mr Grove, witness said the Peullyne Common was enclosed in 1854 or 1855. Some portions of it were lei out for garden allot- ments, but he could not tell whether any rent was placed upon the allotments in lieu of tithe. The allotments for gardens had been very successfully treated. He knew tho Treoes allotments. There the complaints were about the same. The allotments given the cottagers were subject to floods, and were of very little value to them. OPKKATION OF THE INCLOSUBB ACT. Sir John Llewelyn questioned witness as to whether there were no awards made under the Enclosure Act 25 years ago. He (witness) sup- posed awards were made, and that the lord of the manor was given certain rights, bub he could not say what those awards were. The complaints made with reference to those awards were that the lord of the manor got his proportion, and the copyholder got bis proportion the allotment holder got the worst piece. The righta of the squatters were sold about four years ago. No exception was taken to it at the time, except that grievous complaints were made at tbe time that a great deal of hardship was inflicted. They were sold by public auction, but he did not think a protest was made at the sale. RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL DliTBBBSCTS. By Mr Seebohm It was an advantage to the farmer to have the privilege of running so many sheep over commons and so save their own pasturage. He did not consider it would be an j advantage to the farmers to have the common apportioned in lots to the farmers. Very often religious and political differences bad a very detrimental effect upon the letting of land. Lord Kenyon Can you give instances ? Witness I may say, my lord, that Ibave instances I can give you-some very strong in- stances. Mr Seebohm Have you anything to tell us as to agents ? Witness: I may say that our association feel | very strongly as to the appointment of inexperi- enced agents, which has been most detrimental to the interests of both landowners and tenants. We consider that experienced land agents should be appointed. Our committee felt that land agents should have special training on a large farm, so that they may be practical agriculturists, as well as being able to measure the land. Lord Kenyon Is it the rule that land agents have not had experience ?—Yes. Do you think there are a number of agents here who have not had experience ?—Oh, dear, yes. (Laughter.) They should know the tillage ot the soii as well as other work. Mr Brynmor Jones: And there have been instances where agents have been without that practical knowledge ?— Oh, yes, sir. Lord Kenyon: I am sorry to hear it. Witness: And so are a good many of the farmers, my lord. Replying to Mr Richard Jones, witness said that the number of landowners at present in that neighbourhood, compared with the number 25 to 30 years ago, remained just the same. Very few estates had been sold. They had been bought up by large landowners. There were yeomen who had inherited property, and there I were successful tradesmen who had bought large estates. Mr Richard Jones: What kind of landlords do you consider them ?—Sometimes they are exceptionally good. HOW TENANTS SUFFER. You referred to the question of language, politics, and religion. Do you know of any instances where the landlord or the agent has tried to ascertain the politics or religion of an applicant for a farm that might be to let ?—I do. And In that case it acted detrimentally to the applicant ?—I think so. By Mr Jones I think the best interest of the whole neighbourhood is that all this land should be enclosed and apportioned honestly. Mr GnfFths Are these agents who have not bad special training the people who are called upon to value farms ?—No; I think that, as a rule, they employ practical valuers on both sides. Lord Carrington A question has been put in by Mr Vincent which, I think, the commission will agree to. The question is, Will the witness specify instances in which politics and religion have operated prejudicially to the candidates for tenancies 1" I Witness I certainly can, my !ord, give names to the 'commission, but not publicly. It must be clear to your lordship that there must be a reason for it), as they are tenants on a farm. Mr Brynmor Jones Is it on your own account or on account of the persons you have referred to that you are reluctant ? Witness: On account of the persons to whom I referred. On my own account I would not have the slightest reluctance. Professor Rhys Do I rightly gather from the whole tenour of your evidence that you admit that the sale of the commonable land now unen- closed land was according to law, but that you complain of the whole proceeding, law and all as occasioning hardship ?—-That is so. At this point the commissioners retired for a quarter of an hour. The noble Chairman stated, when they returned to the hall, that on the specification of the instances in which politics or religion were alleged to have operated prejudicially, they had thought the matter over, and it must be distinctly understood that the commissioners were in no I way anxious unduly to press any witnesses. That, he thought, was perfectly well understood, but, under the circumstances, they invited Mr John, if he could obtain the consent of parties who were alleged to have been injured, to furnish the com- missioners with the names in each case in writing. Mr John stated that he would be glad to assist the commissioners as far as he could. Con- tinuing, he said he bad omitted to mention in his evidence a case of great hardship to a squatter on the Ruthin estate. The squatter had paid 2s 6d a year to the lord of the manor (the Marquis of Bate). Eighteen years ago the man built a house, and four years ago the house and land were ad- vertised for sale. The man had got a hfe lease in it; still he paid 2s 6d a year. A LAND VALUER'S TESTIMONY. Mr D. J. Jenkins, tenant farmer and land valuer, Great Frampton, near Cowbridge, and vice-chairman of the Cowbridge Farmers' Club, said the general rule was to let farms from February 2nd on annual tenancy, there being scarcely any demand for leases. Changes of tenancy had become more frequent in recent years. He attributed that to the increase of rents from 1872 and 1873, and that since 1875 there waa a period of depresaioo which necessitated the second tenant having a reduction or being unable to pay his rent, whilst in some cases tenants had to move. What he complained of was that the new tenant had not merely a reduction in rent, but probably all or many of the improvements which the old tenant asked for in vain. The yearly tenancies were held under agreements, which until recently were very stringent, a good many being considered oppressive. The agree- ments had been simplified of late. Amongst the restrictions the tenant was restricted from selling hay or straw, which was a very great hardship. The came would be preserved and cause much unpleasantness. He was not aware that the regulation as to selling straw waa very stringent now, but at one time it was. As to the cent he thought there was very little tooompiantofoa the large estates. The rent was usually fixed in a lump sum for the farm, and not so much per acre, which had a tendency to make the rents higher. The basis of rents had been raised since 1872 73, and he wou'd say there had been an increase of 30 per cent. since that time. He could not say whether there were many small farms amalgamated with large ones, but there must be few instances of that. There were few farms over 250 acres. IMPBOVSMENTS. The landlords usually made the improvements, -so far as permanent buildings are concerned. As to drainage there waa very little done, and when the tenant did it the value was spread over 14 years, that was the improvement was ex. hausted in 14 years. The four-course system was generally adopted, and it was the very best. The allowance to outgoing tenants was very fair, being for manure, seed sown, ex- pense of working, &c., but there was nothing in the custom as to permanent improvements. THE GLAMORGANSHIRE CDtsTOM. By Professor Rhys: He thought it a great hardship tbat the outgoing tenant should be denied the privileges granted to the one who followed. The outgoing tenant's rights were valued by a valuer, and a statement had to be got of those. He thought the custom of the district was better than in any other place. He had known an instance wheie the valuers thought fit to bring in the Agricultural Holdings Act and mix it up with the custom of the district, and the tenant got much less than he should have received. There was nothing in the custom that gave com- pensation for improvements on buildings; it was all on the land. There was sufficient labour at present in the district, but being close to a mineral district, when things were busy there was a scarcity of labour. There had been several plots of land on the roadsides reclaimed, and he knew of no waste except some common lands. In some cases the tenants availed themselves of the game laws, but not generally, and in some cases the landlords preserved the game, but that was not general. Tenants had not much oppor- tunity of availing themselves of the Hares and Rabbits Act, and that being so could not keep the rabbits down. There was not muoh damage done by rabbits, except in a few cases. There was not much fruit culture on account of unfavourable climate. Railway rates in the district were so excessive that farmers, rather than employ the railway, used their own teams, unless the distances were very great. That necessitated their keeping; a larger number of horses. By Mr Seebohm: The farmers weresatisned with their tenant right in the district. There were several ways in which the custom could be improved. For instance, since wheat bad been so reduced in price there had been a great deal of land turned into pasture, and it took a good many years before it became of real value as such. There was nothing in the custom to com- pensate the outgoing tenant for laying down pasture. That would not be met by the General Improvements Act of 1883, and it would be im- possible to make legislative enactments that would suit all parties or all cases. By Mr Jones There was the advantage' of getting the early spring for putting the seed, &c., by entermg on February 2nd instead of Lady Day. There had been abatements of from 5 to 15 per cent., or possibly more, but few over 15. There had been a considerable number of per- manent rent reductions and several changed of tenancies, PBKSENTDAY FARMING. As to the value ,f produce now as compared with 1872 or 1874, during tbe last-mentioned years wheat sold at 8s a bush* now it was 3s 6d, while barley sold at 6'1 3d, now it was 3s 61. Fanning was now as well conducted as it used to be, though some of the labourers weri very iu- efficient but they had to put up with them. As to wages, labourers with cottage, who bought their own food, were paid 15s a week, and men living on the farm got 10*, food and lodging. The soil was as productive as it used to be if it were honestly treated. He did not know that the seasons had had a great effect on the productiveness of the soil, but the yield, especially of wheat, in wet seasons, was not so large. He did not think the animals throve so well on the grass as they did 20 years ago, especially in a wet season. Many farmers had not a single servant girl, and very often there was one where there should be two. He did not know of any place in the neighbourhood having been abandoned owing to the scarcity of women, but cheese-making had had to be given up for that reason, and the loss in consequence had been considerable. The average value of corn land in the district was 15s an acre. The agents were good as a ruls, but men such as solicitors were not trained for that particular business, as it was necessary they should be. Agents should be thoroughly practical men. My Mr Griffiths: The average size of the farms in the district was abaut 250 acres, there being enly half-a dozen cr so that exceeded 300. There were more roots grown than formerly. By Mr D. Brynmor Jones, M.P. The local custom was advantageous to all parties, and it seemed to be better than the terma of the Agricultural Holdings Act. He understood the landlord was responsible for compensation, though it was usually paid by the incoming tenant, and compensation was usually fixed by valuation or arbitration. He did not know that it would be an improvement upon the Agricul- tural Holdings Act of 1883 if a person were appointed by the court to give an award, which award could te enforced like a judgment of the court. There had been complaints that out- going tenants had not received sufficient com- pensation but that was where the valuers might have disagreed. He did not think it was the general custom to give awards under the bead of general improvements. The landlord effected the improvements generally —for dwelling- houses, houses for stock, See., and fences-but the labour for the latter and such-like was sup- plied by the tenant. FARM BUILDINGS. On some estates tha farm buildings were good, whilst on others they were frightful. On his farm the buildings were a disgrace. His farm was 245 acres, and he employed four or five labourers, sometimes more. To the men living in the cottages they hired he paid 15s a week, and to the indoor men 10s. But h. knew of a farm of 300 acros which was worked by the tenant and four sons. they scarcely ever employing outside labour, and those men worked very hard. He did; not know if the sons in such cases were generally paid. C I]. H. C. Gould was the land. lord of his house and 159 acres, and his other landlord was Mrs Murley, of Bath, who owned the other 8& acres of ground he occupied, By Lord Kenyon: The produce of corn land seemed to have been less within recent years, but he did not think meadow land had depreciated. The clause as to the sale of straw had not been so generally inserted recently because of the difficulty of land- lords to get good tenants owing tothedepreciation of the land. The object of such a clause was to prevent manure being taken off the land, and was a protection against a bad tenant. Labourers had not pasture, but gardens, in which they grew produce for their own consumption. He thought that under the present Hares and Rabbits Act the farmer had not sufficient power to keep vermin down. A DESIRE FOR PROTECTION. The Chairman put four questions handed in, and witness, in reply to one regarding tbe remedies for improving the profits from land, suggested reduction in rents, and, as they suffered so much from foreign competition, he thought a tax ought to be put upon foreign flour, malt made from foreign barley, and upon all foreign manufactured goods imported. There were a good many coses of the tenants holding a farm for generations in succession. The short- ness of cottage accommodation had caused labourers to go into the industrial districts, and the children of labourers, and even farmers' sons, nowadays sought the industrial centres rather than farming and farm work. MR GEORGE THOMAS, OF ELY. Mr George Thomas, of the Ely Farm, Cardiff, was then called upon, whereupon A farmer in the hall got up and pointed out that Mr Thomas came from Cardiff, and as the commission would probably sit again at Cardiff, he suggested that the Cowbridge farmers be called that day. Lord Carrington, examining witness, ascer- tained tbat Mr Thomas had been deputed to give evidence as the representative of the Cowbridgo Farmers Club, whereupon his Lordship remarked hat under the circumstances it would be best to proceed with the examination of the witness. Mr George Thomas, in reply to the chairman, said he was one of the eldest valuers in the county, and had had great expe- rience in that branch of business. Rents were raised in that district between 1372 and 1875. In 1875 they had great floods all over tbe country and they had never had good weather since! There had been no permanent reductions in rent since 1875, so far as he was aware. With refer- ence to improvements, the custom in the district was for the landlord to undertake to keep the house and farm buddings in repair generally. The tenants cultivated Wie land on tho four- course system. The tenant knew well that he could recover in leasing his farm the tenant right, or what he called the landlord right as well.. 1 ho landlord was always safe of his rent if the outgoing tenant was in arrears. The incoming tenant came and paid the outgoing tenant by arrangement. It was optional with the incoming tenant whether he would settle with the out- going tenant or with the landlord, but it was frequently the case that tho outgoing arranged with the incoming, if he had sufficient means to pay the outgoing claim. There was a custom prevailing in the district tbat the outgoing tenant was paid for tillages, crops, manure, and unexhausted improvements. It was considered that a tenant reaped the benefit of his improvements in 14 years. By the Chairman He did not think he bad been mistaken in saying there had been no permanent reduction of rents in the district since 1875. There had not been any tbat he was aware of. but there had been abatements in several cases, though not every year. MODE OF FARMING. The mode of farming waa as gOOd'ASit was 40 years ago, although the same system did not exist. There was not so much of the four-course system as existed At th". present tims, and that was the roason there were so many root crops, which intervene between the cereals. The root crops were far better than they bad been back, 50 or 60 years ago. He did not think tenant farmers in the district had taken advantage of discoveries and inventions in machinery, nor had they adopted the system of chemistry. They used a lot of artificial manure," however, for the production of root crops. The 4 Agricultural Holdings Act was more liable to lead to litigation than was the custom of the district, and he would prefer the latter. He did not like the stringent clauses of the Act, and should have clause 44 amended so as to allow the landlord to distrain at any time, and not be liablo to lose the fnt if he did not distrain within a oertain time, as was the case now. He objected to the method of th* enforcement of claims. He thought the game law was a sore point between landlord and tenant. Every tenant ought to have the right, under his occupa- tion, to kill the game but lie believed most tenants were very glad to see the landlords shoot- ing it. The tenantswould be the best gamekeepers for the landlords. (Laughter.) He desired to add that they were perfectly satisfied in Glamorganshire and the Western Division of Monmouthshire with the custom prevailing. COST OF LABOOB. The difference in the cost of bis labour bill was about a third more now than when he commenced farmirj. Servant girls were paid three times aa I much. There was not much attention paid to poultry farming or to fruit. He considered tbat tbe landlord, in cases of distraint, should have preference over all others. The landlord was a protection to a great many tenants. The Rector of Llangan, examined by Mr Bryn- mor Jones, said that he produced the original award, dated March, 1860, with reference to Treoes Moor. He bad obtained it from tho overseer for Penllyne, There were trustees existing now of the portions allotted for general purposes, such as recreation grounds and allot- ments. The trust wasnot operativejatpresent,inas- much as the trustees from the beginning neglected to colltct rents, so that at the present moment the occupiers had freehold possession. They had been in possession for over 20 years, and now resisted payment. The matter had naver been tested at law. The churchwardens and overseers for the time being were the trustees. MR W. V. HUNTLEY. Mr W. V. Huntley, of Welsh St. Dbnats, and secretary of the Glomorganahire Agricultural Society and the Cowbridge Farmers' Club, was next called. He considered that the condition of the tenant farmers of tho Vale of Glamorgan to be as good as any ho knew, and satisfactory on the whole. The rents had in many instances been lowered since 1875, and the only remedy he could suggest for agricultural depression was in a leaning towards Protection. Replying to Sir John Llewelyn, witness said he considered" the Glamorgan custom to be in many respects far preferable ta the Agricultural Holdings Act of 1883. The labourer now was less skilled, and it now took "three men to do the work which used to bo discharged by two. He did not know what the farmers would have done had it not been for the machinery devised lately. The average sizes of farms in the vale would be about 150 or 180 acres. MR REES THOMAS. Mr Raes Thomas, af Boverton Place, said he ■ occupied a farm of 700 or 000 acres, and this, he thought, was as large a farm as any in thg vale. His landlord was Lord Wimborne, and toovagree- ment had been drawn up in perfect accordance with his wishes. He had turned about 100 acres of arable land into permanent pas. ture. At a previous farm he held nine years ago at St. Athan difficulties arose over the outgoing valuation, and the agreement he had had to sign was a most stringent one. There was no hay or corn to be sold—nothing but corn and stock. He sold some small straw which he did not require, and the estate charged for it. He also sold some mangolds, and had to pay for that. It would thus be seen that the landlords got all they could out of him. (Laughter.) The price of barley had been going down every year since the repeal of the malt tax. He considered a tax on imported barley would not be out of place, because it was for a luxury. Having regard to the quantity of beer brewed during the last few years, the quantity of barley used should increase, but it was noi so. and he maintained that every cask of beer should be labelled what it was made of. (Laughter and applause.) He, like Mr Huntley, had the game for his own use. MR THOMAS MORGAN. Mr Thomas Morgan, Llantwit Major, said that in 1842 he took a farm at Ash Manor, near that town, and found that it was clayey, wet land. He considered that his treatment had been excep- tionally harsh. He quitted the farm eight years ago. Soon after he took the farm he joined the landlord in draining it, he (witness) paying five per cent. on the landlord's outlay, in addition to the rent and doing the hauling. He applied for a lease so as to get seourity of tenure, in view of the expense he bad incurred. His landlord, however, advised him not to take a lease, as there might be stringent clauses inserted which were not in his agreement. He abandoned the idea of getting a lease, and was well treated until the landlord died, when he received notice from the trustees to increase his rent 40 per cent. upon his own improvements, and he had to pay 32 per cent. before he could keep the farm; while, in addition to this, five acres of tbe land were taken from bins without compensation to make a plantation. He left the farm, as he could not remain in a place where be f thought he had been so mtach wronged. MR THURSTON BASSBTT. MrR. Thurston Baasett said he was a land- owner in the district, and gave evidence at the reqaeat of the Cowbridge Farmers' Club. Game was very scarce, except in two or three places in [ the county. There were no hares, except at three places, one being at Lord Wimborne's, another at Coity (Lord Dunraven), and another at a tenant farmer's at Sully. Prior to last year he had occupied the position of land agent for twelve years, and had a. good deal of experience with game. He had found that most of the farmers availed themselves of the Ground Game Act. Those who availed themselves of the Act they did not compensate, but they compensated those who did not, and he had never heard of any com- plaints. There was no damage whatever done by game in the county. There were plenty of foxes, and they helped materially in keeping down the rabbits. The condition of agriculture in that district was fairly satisfactory, and one of the great reasons for it, in hIS opinion, was that tenant farmers and their sons did a vast amount of work in a very superior manner. As far as he could see, the rents were not excessive, and as a whole the feeling between landlords and tenants was very satisfactory. There had been permanent reductions in some of the rents on the estates of which he had had the management. Hewasspeak- ingoftheestates of C*ptoinHuinpbrey, of Penlleyn Castle, and Col. Tyler and bis own. On the larger estates in tbe county there had been sub- stantial abatements. There had been nothing in that county like the permanent reductions that had token place in Lincolnshire. Mr T. Lewis, St. Mary Hill Court, and other witnesses were also called, and the inquiry was prolonged until a late hour.

SITTING AT*PONTYPRIDD." Sensational Evidence. Tho Royal Commission to enquire into the tenure of land in Wales, resumed their sittings at Pontypiidd on Wednesday. Lord Carrington again presided, and there was a large attendance of witnesses. The first witness was Mr Thomas Evans, Pen. trefid, St. Fagans, holder of 133 acres from Lord Windsor under a verbal agreement. He said the agreement bad been shamefully violated, much to bis loss, some of his best land having been taken from him and included in a park. He held the farm under a verbal agreement, under which he was to be a tenant for hfe, and now he had got notice to quit, after having spent about a. thousand pounds on improve- ments for which he would get nothing. He had known of rents of several ot Lf>rd Windsor's farms having been raised from 100 per cent. downwards, but he did not know of any reductions. Witness furnished startling evidence of the depredations caused by game on his farm. Even to protest against game gave offence to the agent and prejudiced one's tenure. He once claimed compensation, and got £7 for damage amounting to JB50. He afterwards had to pay £26 to the purchaser of standing crops for depredations done. Subsequent to the purchase a whole field of swedes had been damaged, and practical valuers assessed bis loss at £ 3918s, though the actual loss to him was nearly £80. He sent his application for compensation under the award to Lord Windsor's asrent three months ago, but he had not yet been paid a penny. Lord Carrington directed that a copy of this witness's evidence be sent to Lord Windsor's agent.. r Continuing, witness said that ,unti Mr Forrest became agent of the Windsor Estate he never knew a tenant leaving the tarm unless it was to make room for his son or his daughter, but since then a great many had left or been sold up. He attributed tbe. ungenerous treatment meted out to him to the personal animosity of Mr Forrest, who he said was a Scotchman, a stranger to the district, and had no sympathy with the Welsh nation. By the teatment with which he had been dealt Mr Forrest had designed to suppress his (witness's) political and social independence,or failing that to remove him out of the neighbourhood. Had he known that the exchange of land which Mr Forrest had so plausibly pressed upon him would have reduced hIs leasehold tenure with the stcurity of one year's notice, as it had done, he would never have parted with his lease and the independence of his position, nor have placed •his prospects in life at the meroy. of a vindictive man. He attributed Mr Forrest's animosity to the attitude which he (witness) had taken 01K political, social, and agricultural affairs. Lord Windsor had beeu personalty acquainted with his grievances against the agent, but with no result. He had come to the conclusion that his lordship did not understand the affairs of his estate, and that, in fact, hIS lordship was the puppet of his own servant. In the actual management of the estate the agent was the lord. Mr Evans suggested the establishment of a land court for the fixing of fair rent, and said that Nonconformists and Liberals had great difficulty in getting or holding farms or cottages on the estate. Mr John Williams, a retired farmer, Glossop- terrace, Cardiff, corroborated the statements of Mr Evans, and agreed with his suggestions for remedial legislation. Several other witnesses were examined, their evidence being of a similar character.

Steedman's Soothing Powders for children cutting their teeth bave now been in use over 50 years. They relieve feverish heat, prevent fits, convulsions, etc., and preserve a healthy state of the constitution during the period of teething. Manufactured only at Walworth, Surrey. Sold everywhere. Please observe the EE in Steetlpian. V 15053

CARDIFF. Whit-Monuay was an ideal holiday so far as the weather wais concerned. It is possible for the day to be too fine, though perhaps in our variable climate stress should not be laid upon that fact. But on Monday there was a delightful sunshine tempered with a fresh, cool breeze, and during the morning at times a few fleecy clouds occasionally dulled the landscape, whilst the sunless interval ie-invigorated the pedestrian or cyclist. After the rain of the past few days, especially the heavy showers of Saturday, there were not wanting prophets who foretold a wet holiday, but it has been sagely remarked that since the Yankees have left the weather alone, owing to their pre. occupation with the Chicago Exhibition, things have gone on very smoothly. From an early hour Cardiff was alive with people. Many towns- folk hurried away by sea or rail to seek amuse- ment outside the limits of their daily toil, but a much greater number Socked to the town from the outlying districts to par- ticipate in the Hibernian Fete and Gala, to visit the theatres, music-ball, and Panopticon, and generally promenade the streets in the all-round task of sightseeing. One very popular fixture was the cricket match in the Cardiff Arms Park between an Eleven of the Glamorganshire County Cricket Club and Twenty.two Colts. Durrog the afternoon especially, when the seniors were batting, there was a large attendance in the field, and a lot of people lined the wall in Westgate- stre^t. There were matinees at the Theatre Royal of the Prodigal Daughter, and at the Grand of the Seten Sitters, whilst the Panopticon was in full swing all day. The processions of the Suuday-school children and, later, of the Hibernians, caused the streets to resound with martial music, and the campanologists of St. John's played changes in major and minor until they were tired. There was a good deal more public drunkenness than at Easter, a fact which it is difficult to account for, and the police report a few cases of pocket-picking, but there were no serious accidents. HIBERNIAN FETE AND GALA. The members of the Hibernia Benefit Society held their annual fete and gala in th6 Sophia Gardens Park on Whit-Monday. They first passed through the streets- in procession, attired in the costume of the order, and, headed by three bands, large crowds of people assembling in the principal thoroughfares to witness the march past. In the spacious park there was gathered every gissible species of popular show*, ranging from ostock's Menagerie to the time-honoured game of skittles. Roundabouts, rocking-horses, patent switchback railways, exhibitions of fat women, thin men, hairy children, and monstrosities of all sorts, swings, boxing booths, and shooting- galleries aU succeeded in obtaining the popular, penny, and judging from the thousands of people who attended the showmen must have done a roaring trade. Mr Alfred Montgomery, who pro- vided tbe principal attractions, had erected a large stage, flanked by two monstre sets of gym- nastic appliances. Here were to be seen the Arnold Peneys, Mdlle. Violetta, and M. D'Enoi, gymnasts; Algar, in his balancing feats those excellent negro performers, the Alabama Coons; the Hawthorne change artists; Rosie Alladeen, serio- comic vocalist; the Marvellous Midgets; and Gecondo and Enrado, the dizzy gymnasts—all these were to be seen for the mere trouble of standing and looking at them. There were three bands, those of the 2nd Glamorganshire Artillery Volunteers, Messrs Spillers' and Bakers', and the St. Paul's Fife and Drum, in attendance, and as the evening wore on there were j'gs on the green. Financially the fete was a great success, and should result in a handsome donation to the Widows' and Orphans' Fuud of the society. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL TREATS. The brightness of the day, the advent of which so many thousands of children have been eagerly looking forward for weeks, was sufficient guarantee that the little ones would have a real good time on Whit-Monday. Attired in their best bibs and tuck", or Eton collars and knicker- bocker snits, as the case might he, the children of Cardiff gathered at the various schools attached to local churches and chapels, for the mast part about noon, and shortly afterwards marched te the Cathays Park or the other neighbouring playgrounds, where the afternoon was to be passed. Those who were taken some distance into the country, by road or rail, of course made an earlier start. Cathays Park was the principal local resort, and no more charming spot could be found. The recent rain has so freshened the foliage and developed its luxuriant vegetation that the park was a delightful rendezvous, where the bright dresses of the children lit up the green sward and deeper hues of the trees with artistic effect. Elsewhere, too, reports to hand show that the little ones had a royal time, and the only pity is that every child in the town could not snare in the enjoyment of their more favoured com- panions. St. Mary's parochial scholars, number- ing no less than 1,070 children, accompanied by 125 teachers and friends, went in procession to the Cathays Park. The superintendents were Messrs Mackadam, Thatcher, Davies, Wilmshuret, and the sisteis of charity attached to the mission. The Crwys-road Wesjeyans formed a procession at the chapel at 1 p.m., and 886 children, with 54 teachers, and the members of the men's Bible class, conducted by Messrs William Lewis and William Jenkins, went to a field belonging to Mr Hopkins, in Uanishen- road. The Rev Ebenezer Morgan and Mr W. H. Kernick, superintendent, took charge of them. The children and teachers of Llandaff-road Baptist School numbered 230, and they either walked or were carried in waggons to theSweldon Farm at Caerau. Mr W. H. Williams, superin- tendent, and Mr A. J. Williams, secretary, were the organisers. Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon United numbered 415 children and 40 teachers, and accompanied by Mr J. Ramsdale and Mr T. Oldfield they went by the Rhymney Railway to Llanbradach. St. Fagan's Park, by means of the G.W.R., was the destination of 437 children and 45 teachers from Hope Baptist Chapel, Canton. The Rev. T. W. Meahurst and Councillor Wm. Lewis were in charge. Splot-road Baptist School sent 355 children, and 100 teachers and friends to Llandaff by the T.V.R., Mr A. A. Bryan, superintendent, looking after their comfort. Messrs John Morgan, superintendent, and A. B. Stephens, secretary, took 180 children and 20 teachers from Frederick-street Calvinistic Metho- dist School to Ystradmynach by the Rhymney Railway. The Ebenezer (Welsh) Congregational School sent 400ciiildren and teachers to Sully, the arrangements being made by Messrs S. Stephens, E. R. Gronow, and W. C;, Jones. Three hundred and fifty children and 250 visitors and teachers from the Longcross-street Baptists went to Llanishen by train, Mr T. Hopkins being the secretary and the Severn-road Primitive Metho- dists sent over 150 to a field owned by Mrs Griffin, near the Ely Common. Vans were supplied for the smaller children, and Mr W. Hockey and the Rev. Geo. Trailer were in oharge, with Mr H. Bishop, the superintendent. The Ebenezer Baptists sent 213 children and teachers to Pengam Farm, Mr F. Dash taking charge, and the Broadway Wes- leyans conveyed 610 children and 55 teachers to Llanishen by the Rhymney Railway Messrs C. Sara and H. Tucker were the superintendents. From All Saints', Llandaff-road, a party of 332 went to a special service at the cathedral, and tea was afterwards served in the Bishop's grounds. The Rev. J. R. Buckley, Mr O. E. Gibbons, and Dr. Arthur looked after the children. A party of 162 went from Bethania Chapel to Ystradmynach, under the care of Mr A. Matthews. Over 550 went from the Woodville- road Baptists to the Wedal Farm, Llanishen, in charge of Mr Isaac Watkins. and the Star-street Chapel sent 400 to St. Fagan's by Great Western Railway train. Mr Watson looked after the party. Llanishen was selected by Mr W. Hughes for bis party of 370 children and teachers from the Eldon-road Baptists, and over I,000 went to Llandaff from the l-toath-road Wesleyans, Messrs David and George Shep- herd being the superintendents and Mr W. H. Clogg the secretary. All Saints' mrfcy of 270 went to Caerphilly by tbe Rhymney Railway, the- superintendents being the Rev. W. R. Compten Davies and Mr Knight, and Cathays Park accommodated 1,300 children and teachers from St. Andrew's, Messrs A. James, W. Pritchard, and Rev. G. W. Hanford being the superintendents. The Richmond.road Congregationalists sent 450 to Pentrebane, near St. Fagan's, in breaks and waggons, Councillor Noah Rees taking charge with the Rev. J. A. Jenkins, B.A. The Windsor-place and Cathays Mission, Pre&by- terians, had a party of 450 children, 35 teachers, and 300 friends, at Mr Harding's farm, Maindy, the Rev. J. D. Walters and Messrs J. M. Bey- wood and D. B. M'Calluin taking charge. Taber- nacle School, to the number of 350, went down to Peterstone-super-Ety, where a very enjoyable day was spent. They were led by the Rev. C. Davies and Superintendents John Pritchard and W. L. Jones. NEWPORT. The holiday was taken full advantage of at Newport. The day was fine, though cloudy and threatening throughout. Early trains brought in large contingents of visitors from the Monmouth- shire hill districts. Tbe up-country exoursion trains also dropped a considerable number of holiday-makers at the Uskside town. The prin- cipal feature of attraction 10 the morning was the demonstration organised by the Newport Sunday-school Union, in which 24 schools took part. The scholars mustered at six centres, and.after addresses by the ministers of the town, the various sections united and formed a processiontwhicb, with the banners and bannerettes of the various schools, and the holiday dresses of the female demonstrators, pre. sented quite a picturesque spectacle. The terminus was the open space in front of the Queen's Hotel, where the band of the Caerleon Schools gave a selection, and the massed sohools rendered the Whitsun hymns. The Roman Catholic children held a separate demonstration, aud their turn out was much admired. Afterwards, the various schools were conveyed to all parts of the district. Mr C. D. Phillips received at the Gaer Farm quite a host of young folk. Han. tarnam, Caerleon and Llanwern were the most popular places for other treats. The athletic sports, with the added attraction of an inter- national gymnastio competition, drew a large crowd, and the victory of the Newport men was discussed with enthusiasm afterwards in the town. Other attractions for visitors included a boxing display at the Circus, at which Morgan Crowther and Johnson, of London, appeared whilst a water polo match and other aquatic sports took place at the Corporation Baths; AQUATIC SPORTS. At the Newport Corporation Baths on Monday evening successful aquatic aports.orgitnised by the Newport Swimming Ciub, were brought off. There was a full house. The principal item on the programme was a water polo match between teams representing Newport and Swansea. The homesters showed to advantage at all points of the game, and won easily. In the hrst half Newport pressed into their opponents' territory repeatedly, and scored four goals. On change of ends Newport's superiority became more apparent as the visitors had to act wholly on the defensive, Newport increasing their lead by six goals. Final score: Newport, 10 foals; Swansea, nil. Teams i^ JSwansea—Goa1, P. Jones; backs, D. Davies, W. Robinson, and W. Simons forwards, D. Morgan (captain). H. Fish, and W. Watkins. Newport-Goal, T. H. Frederick; backs, E. C. Lane, F. Phil- hps, s and H. O. Kirby forwards, R. Lloyd, N. Evill, and S. J. Rees (captain). Results of the events :-50 yards (novices).— 1,. C. H. Frederick, received 6 sees. 2, H. C. Kirby, received 6 sees. 100 yards open handicap —1, T. H. Frederick, Newport, received 20 sees. 2, D. Morgan, Swansea, 16 sees. 3, H. Fish, Swansea, 16 sees. Cork bobbing contest—1, ç. T. Herbert, Newport} 2, S. J. Rees, Newport. 50 yards club banàicap-l, C. T. Herbert, reoeived 10 sees. 2, 8. J. Rees, received 7% sees. High dive—L W. J. Collins. 50 yards obstacle race—I, N. Evill; 2, 8. J. Rees. SWANSEA. Though there were some showers early in the morning the weather cleared up, and there was brilliant suuabine and a fresh breeze from nine o'clock. Consequently, there waa a great influx of people to Swansea from all parts owing to tho cheap excursions run and, on the other hand, there was an almost equally large exodus of townspeople, the Velindra aud the Alexandra, which went to llfraoombe, taking a full comple- ment, and every available vehicle being requisi- tioned to take pleasure-seekers to Gower and other places of interest. Nearly all the Suuday schools gave their annual treata on Monday, and it is pleasing to know that everything was favourable to the thorough enjoyment of the children. During the whole of the morning the streets and the sands were thronged with people. The Mumbles was almost overtasked by the demands of the many people who went there, every train and car being Sacked. In the afternoon there were sports at the Ir.cket and the Vetch Fields, which were fairly well patronised. THE VETCH FIELD SPOHTS. About 1,000 people witnessed these sports, where the attraction was a match between clown cricketers and a team selected from the Militia. The officials were—Judge, Quartermaster Sergt. Davies starter, Sergeant-major Lyne. Follow- ing are the results :— 1%-Mile Trotting Race (handicap).—1, E. A. Clarke's Margam Boy, scratch 2, Roth's Leah, lOyds; 3, R. Morgan's White Rose, 210yds. One Mile Pony Galloping Race (handicap), for cobs and ponies 14 hands and under.—1, J. E. Jones's Crown Princess, 25yds; 2, James Deer's Bolt, 80yds. Horae Jumping (jowpetitlon.-1, Thomas's Dolly; 2, Gardner's Dick. In the cricket match the Militia made 52 runs and the clowns 36. CADOXTON AND BARRY. The holiday in the Oadoxton and Barry dis- tricts waa most eojoyably spent, tbe island, Whitmore Bay, and Pebble Beach being largely patronised by visitors. The members of the English churches at Barry Dock and Cadoxton and the Welsh church gave their annual treat to the children at the Market-hall, the feast being much enjoyed by the little ones. After partaking of tea at Mount Pleasant Baptist Chapel the members of the Sunday-school proceeded to the country; and the children attending the Bible Christian Sunday-school disported themselves to their hearts' content in a field kindly placed at their disposal by Mr J. J. Williams, Tynewydd. At Porthkerry Park Sunday-school scholars from Cardiff and Penarth had their annual outing, and the picturesque scenery surrounding was much admired. SPORTS AT THE WITOHILt FIELD. The annual sports were held at the Witchill Athletic Grounds, the attendance being most satisfactory. The officials were:—Handicapper1?, Messrs B. Hoddinott, J. Jeremiah, T. B. Morgan, W. M. Morgan, H. Burbidge, and A. Ciiappell judges, Mr W. M. Thomas, West Kensington, London, and Mr Le Roy, London starter, Mr Gil Brock. The weather was ad- mirable, and the arrangements, under the super- vision of of Mr B. Hoddinott, were in every particular most complete, the secretarial duties being discharged in an efficient manner by Charlie Hoddinott. At intervals the Penarth Artillery Brass Band played a choice selection of music. Results:— 100 Yards Open Handicap for Boys under 14 yeare,- 1, £1, G. derrick, Cadoxton; 2, 5s, T. Richardson, Cardiff 3, 2s 6d, J. Pugh, Pontlottyn. 130 Yards Novice Handicap (open).—-1, £3, T. J. Chamberlain, Barry Dock; 2, j61, F. Maizey, Cadoxton 3,10s, 8. Fidler, Cadoxton. Two Mile Galloping Handicap (open).—1, jE8, R. Richard", L!an4,ri-.aiifc, Tap2, £2. T. Benjamin, Pandy, Can't Go3, JB1, Moses Thomas, Tirphil, h Little Nancy." 100 Yards Handicap (open).—1, £8, T. J. Chamber- lain, Barry Dock 2, £2. W. M. Jones, Bridgend 3, £1, William Woodaeld. Cadoxton. Two Mile Local Trotting Handicap, for which a prize of £5 and a cup valued at £10 10s, the latter being given by Mi- L. W. Jones, Metropolitan, &c., Bank, the same to be won twice in succession, or three times ill all. There were nine entries. -Mr E. Finney's (Cadox- ton) Whitefoot proved an easy first; Mr J. Dyer's (Barry Dock) PoUy. second; and Mr J. Price's (Barry Dock) Moss Rose, third. There were no entries for the tug-of-war," for which prizes of £2 and £1 were offered. A most unfortunate incident occutred during the running of the two-mile galloping handicap, Little Nancy's saddle becoming detached, the conse- quence being the rider was perforced to cover the distance on bare back. The lad most pluckily held on, but in the last lap fell from the animal's back and injured himself. He was subsequently attended by a medical gentleman. NEATH. The various Nonconformist schools, excepting the Wesleyan and the Neath Mission Schools, assembled at the Corporation Field, where they were marshalled in due order by Mr Evan Jones, Siloh Chapel, and Mr T. Williams, Gnoll-road Chapel. A hymn was sung by the assembled schools, under the conductorship of Mr Philip Thomas (British Schools), after which a prayer was offered by the Rev. Ebenezer Jones (C.M.). The schools, which numbered in the aggregate about 6.000 persons, then formed a huge proces- sion, which paraded tbe various streets of the town. The scholars were afterwards regaled with tea and cake in their respective schools, and then repaired to various fields in the neighbourhood, where old-fashioned, but ever fresh, games were indulged in to the full content of all who partici- pated. The schools counected with the Church of England joined in a short service at the parish church, after which they paraded the town, and had tea, which was followed bv the customary amusements. At Cadoxton the Mayor of Neath (Mr E. Evans Bevan), who kindly lent one of his fields for the use of the young people, himself entered into the sports with a zest quite refresh- ing to witness. Mr J. H. R. Kitson showed a similar kindness to the combined Nonconformist schools of Aberdulais. The day was delightfully 6ne, a light breeze tempering the beat of the suo. PONTYPRIDD. The 26th annual fete, gala, and sports in con- nection with the Foresters of the Pontypridd district was held on Whit-Monday at the People's Park, Pontypridd, and attracted many thousands of spectators. In the morning, the members of the various Courts, arrayed in their regalia, marched in procession through the principal stree's of the town, preceded by the Penrhiw Brass Band. At the sports Mr G. Ham officiated as starter, and Messrs Firbank, King, and J. F. McCIune as judges, the secre- terial duties being, as usual, discharged by Mr A. Parsons. In the bicycle oontests the judging was entrusted to Mr W. M. Morris, of the Cyole Works. The following were the principal events Boys' Race (twice round the course)—1, W. E. Nor- man, Pontypndd, lOyds. 2, George Aklerman, 45yds.; 3, A Morgan, 45yds. 120 Yards' Handicap (local)—1, J. Hackett, Ponty- Sridd, 10%yds. 2, L. Wride, Pontypridd, 12yds. 3, D. Baker, Pontypridd, 91f2yd! 1% Miles' Bicycle Handicap—1, T. James, Aber- arnan, 15yds. 2, A. Osborne, 45yds. 3, All. Lewis, scratch. Osborne, however, having passed Lewis in the last lap on the inside, was disqualified. 120 Yards Open Handicap.—1, J. Dike, Hopkins- town, 14%yds 2, J. Hackett, Pontypridd, 151f2yds; 3, J. Mills, Pontypridd, ll%yds. Three Miles Bicycle Race.—1, T, James, Aberamman, 30yds 2, A. Osborne, 90yds 3, J. Potter, 190yds. 440 Yards Handicap—1, J. Hackett, Pontypridd, 27yds. 2, T. Evans, Pandy, 10yds. 3, G. Cosslett, Pontypridd, 30yds. Football Race—Pontypridd Juniors. One Mile Handicap.—1, M. Perkins, Porth, 100yds. 2, J. Hackett, Pontypridd, 115yds. 3, Charlie Powell, Crickhowell, scratch. In the evening a magnificent display of fire- works was given by Messrs W. and J. Wilder. OYMANFA GANC AT FENCELCRAPEL. The annual Cymanfa Ganu, in connection with the Welsh Calvinistio Methodists of the Ponty- pridd district, was held as usual on Whit-Monday, at Pennel Chapel, Pontypridd. The chapel was crowded at each service, many hundreds failing to get admission. Mr D. Jenkins, Mua. Bac. (Cantab), Aberystwyth, was the conductor, and gave unshaded praise to the singers, whose train- ing had been perfect. Tbe choirs numbered many scores, and were drawn from Treharris, Treforest. Upper Boat, Llantwit Vardre, Hafod, and Pontypridd. An anthem was sung at each service, a feature of theafternoonbeing a requiem, composed by Mr D. Jenkins, in memory of the late Dr. Saunders. An excellent rendering was also given of Mr Rhedynog Price's anthem, "Nidi ni o Arglwydd," the composer, who was present, himself wielding the baton. The presidents of the day were Messrs A. Rosser, Gyfeillon E. Williams, Glanba'd and the Rev. D. M. Jones, Treforest; the instrumentalists being Miss Robotham, Treforest; Mr Ed. Evans, Hafod and Mr Jacob Richards, Pontypridd. DEAN FOREST. Tho holiday was one of the finest on record, and the rain that fell last week had made the face of the country fresher and greener and all the more charming. The chief attraction was the < friendly society fete at Lydney, this being the anniversary of the Lydney Park Benefit Society, which is the strongest in Dean Forest, containing 500 men. There was a church parade, a tea in Mr Bathurst's park. a programme of sports, and a big dance in the Town-hall to finish up with. At Cinderford the Hearts of Oak Lodge of Oddfellows, Man. chester Unity, had their procession and sports at Latimer Lodge. The anniversary of the Baptist Sunday-school at Lydbrook, another Whit-Mon- day annual feast, also came off. BRITON FERRY. The Nonconformist Sunday-schools, numbering about 2,500, paraded the town, eaoh sohool headed by magnificent banners and singing marching tunes. Afterwards tbe-scholars retired to their respective places of worship to partake of tea and cake. The Baglan Church Sunday-school also had their annual treat. PORTHCAWL. Portheawl was well patronised on Monday, it T61S? Visited by >nany thousands. Upwards' of 3,000 were booked from the valleys of Ogmore, Garw. and Llynvi; there were great crowds by road and rail. The weather was delightfully fine, Mrs ±vibey was out for a drive with a friend, accidentally drove over a little girl. Dr Williams being on the spot attended the child, which was not seriously hurt. MAESTEG. The anniversary services of Betbania Welsh Baptist Church — the largest Nonconformist Church in the place—were held ou Whit-Sunday and Whit-Monday. The Rev. Mr Richards, of Brynhyfryd; the Rev. Twrfab Williams, of xnyslwyd j and the Rev. Lee Davies, of Ponty- pool, officiated. There were crowded congrega- tions at the services both days. MOUNTAIN ASH. •» rJ^n,n'5'ers<lly services were held on Sunday and Monday at Bethlehem Welsh Calvinistic Ohapel, Mountain Ash, when the following mimsters preached Owen Evans, Colwyn Bay Thomas i?vies'n. eorky' an4 Daniel Thomas, Taft's Well. T. he congregations were large, and the preaching most effective. The Rhoi Welsh Bajtticst Ohuroh held its annual tea party, which was largely attended. The Primitive Methodist Church, at Ncwtown, held its Sunday-school anniversary, and, after the principal streets had been paraded, retired to the ohapel to partake of tea. RESOLVEN. The celebration of the anniversary of the Sunday-schools took place yesterday, when a procession (numbering about 850), headed by the Resolven Drum and Fife Band, and consisting of the various Sunday-schools, viz. Zion (C.M.), Sardia (Eng. B.), Bethania (B.), an i Jerusalem (1.) Sunday-schools, was held. After parading through the place the scholars assembled on the square, where the tune St. Garmon," under the leadership of Mr D. Evans (G.), was sung, and a prayer offered by the Rev. D. C. Davies (B.) The differentschools then went to their respective chapels, where tea was held for each school, PENGAM. Throughout the whole of the surrounding districts work was at a standstill on Whit- Monday, and a general lioliday was observed. In addition to the ordinary passenger train several special trains were run on the local lines of railway, and hundreds of pleasure-seekers availed themselves of the opportunity to visit Cardiff, Merthyr, Abergavenny, Swansea, New- port, and Caerphilly. At the Pengam Welsh Baptist Chapel, the children had their usual treat of tea and plumcake during the afternoon, and a recitation meeting was held in the evening. HENGOED. The customary literary and musical meetings were held on Whit-Monday afternoon and even- ing in connection with Hengoed Welsh Baptist Sunday School and Horeb Gellygaer Welsh Baptist Sunday School, which were well attended. The children of both schools were regaled with a bountiful supply of plum cake and tea. BURRY PORT. A "very successful eisteddfod, under the auspices of Zion Welsh Independent Church, was held on Wbit-Monday in a spacious marquee erected on grounds adjoining the Copperworks' Schools, Mr W. J. Buckley, M.F.H., Llanelly, presiding. The weather was very enjoyable, and many thousands of visitors were brought into the town by special and ordinary trains. Choirs from Llanpumpsaint, on the west, and Landore, on the east, as well as from Llanelly and Pembrey, entered for competition. Mr David Bowen, Abercarne, adjudicated on music Mr E. Cadivor Samuel, Hanelly, conducted, and Miss Jane Michael accompanied. Results :— Solo alto, Oh, rest in the Lord," Miss Lizzie Williams, Burrv Port. Duett, "Lie treigla'r Caveri," Messrs Robert Hughes and John Lewis, Landore. Musical composition, Mr Arthur Gower, Burry Port. Juvenile choir, "Deuwch Canwn Iddo Ef," Graig Pwll Choir, conductor Mr Will. Davies, Pwli. Stanzas, "The Light- house," Mr Enoch Richards, Ciydach, Swansea. Solo tonor, "Gwlad y Delyn," Mr John Gilmore, Llanelly. Cnoral singing, "Y Gwlithyu," Pem. brey Choristers, conductor Mr John Williams, Parkmeadows, Pembrey. The chief choral com- petition bad not been decided when our parcel left. ABERAVON, Whit-Monday was observed in Aberavon by the usual Sunday and week-day school demon- stration. The weather turned out gloriously fine. Thousands of youngsters with their teachers and bands paraded the streets in the afternoon preparatory to the annual tea-meetings, the Church sohools especially turning out in strong numbers, and headed by two bands. The chapel contingents were also well represented and, after partaking of tea in their several chapels, an adjournment was made to the Aber- avon Moors, where games, &c., were indulged in until dusk. The Church schools partook of tea on the open moors, and everything passed off satisfactorily. A large number of the inhabitants availed themselves of the various excursions advertised, and left the town for Cardiff, Swansea, Chepstow, Weston, and other places. TENBY. The delightful weather which introduced the Wbitsnn holidays continued on Monday, and consequently the streets and promenades were gay with visitors and pleasure-seekers. Special. inducements to visit the Skating Rink were held out, but beyond this no amusements had been provided. The steamers Privateer and George Peabody, which, earlier in the day, landed batches of excursionists from Llanelly and Swansea, were well patronised in a trip made to Stack Rocks. Several parties visited this latter place by land, while others in large numbers availed themselves of the cheap tickets provided by the railway com- pany. Pleasure boats secured a fair share of patronage. Altogether a more delightful day for trips on shore or afloat could not have been de- sired. Business was practically suspended. MILFORD HAVEN. The above annual athletic sports, bicycle and pony races, took place in a field adjoining the town. The weather was all that could be desired for the occasion, and great numbers of people availed themselves of the excursions which were run for the occasion. The various events, which took place under the management of a most re- spectable committee, were conducted in an admir- able manner, which gave universal satisfaction. The band ot the 1st V.B. Welsh Regiment was in attendance, and played a selection of music during the afternoon. In the evening a dramatic entertainment was given in the Masonic-hall. The members of the Victoria and Albert Lodge of Oddfellows held their annual demonstration. The procession, headed by brass bands, patrolled the streets of Milford Haven and Hakin, pro- ceeding from thence to the Tabernacle Chapel, where a sermon was preached by the Rev. Caleb Gwion. After service the procession was re- formed and marched to their clubroom. ABERCARN. The whole of the industries of the dislrict were id!e on Monday, but there appeared to be a lack of money, which kept people at home, with th<; result that the trains running down the western valleys were lighter than they have been for years past, and the sports at Newport naturally suffered to a great extent. The customary Sunday-school demonstration at Aberearn took place in the afternoon, and was more successful than ever. The seven schools, viz., Nazareth Calvinistic Methodist, Primitive Methodist, Wesleyan, Garn Congregational, English Baptist, Chapel-of-Ease Enghsh Baptist, and Caergorlan Welsh Baptist, each headed by its respective choir, paraded the district, and subsequently the combmed choirs adjourned to the Market-square, where, under the baton of Mr Alsop, the chorus, Worthy is the Lamb," was effectively rendered. Each school from here adjourned to its own chapel, where tea was provided, and subsequently a miscellaneous meeting was held. The children attending the Chyrch school, which did not amalgamate with tfie others, were provided with tea at their schoolroom. At Newbridge the same order of things were observed by the combined schools. TREORKY. On Whit-Monday a singing festival was held in Noddfa Baptist JCbapel in the morning, after- noon, and evening. The building was crowded. The conductor was Mr W. Thomas, leader of the Treorky Male Voice Party. The choir was drawn from Nebo Chapel, Ystrad; Libanus, Treherbert; Blaenycwm Noddfa, Treorky • Hebron, Ton Bethel, Cwmparc; Moriah, Pentre; Siloam, Gelli; Calvaria, Blaenrhondda; and Zoar, Blaenycwm. Mr Isaac, Moriah, presided in the morning, Rev. B. James in the afternoon, and the Rev. B. Thomas in the evening.

EXCITING SCENE IN BARRY ROADS. Nappow Escape of Two Boatmen. On the arrival in Barry Roads of the s.s. Lynton, a pleasure boat, with passengers from Weston, on Saturday evening, an exciting scene was witnessed. The occupants of a small boat, named Howsden and Booker, both licensed boatmen, were cruising about looking for a job, and, their attention for the moment being diverted to the arrival of the Lyrtton, they were run into by the tug Sea Prince which was going full speed ahead in an opposite direction. The boat was capsized, and both men wore thrown into the water. The incident fortunately was ob- served by those on board the passenger boat, who, together with those on the tug, shouted "Men overboard," the cries immediately drawing the attention of Messrs Chappell and Taylor, also licensed boatmen, who hastened to the scene of the accident, and in the nick of time rescued the men.

BARRY CONGREGATIONAL CHCRCH. Ab the close of the usual service on Sunday evening last the pastor (Rev J. H. Stowell, M.A.) announced that he had decided to accept an invitation trom the Congregational Church at Lightcliffe, near Halifax. The announcement was received with much regret. It is expected that Mr Stowell will terminate his ministry at Barry on theN|ast Sunday in June.

The Coai Trade. Miners' Meeting at Aberdare. The monthly meeting of the Aberdare, Merthyr. and Dowlais Colliers' Association was peld on Whit-Monday at the Bute Arms, Abor- iJare, Mr Jacob Trcharne, Tilerog, presiding. Tbt-re was a fair attendance of members from the various eollierics and lodges. Mr D. Morgan, tmners' agent, and Mr D. Parker, secretary, were 'Jlso present The proposed new rules for the South Wa'oa and Monmouthshire Organisation were read by the agent, wit-, also lucidly ex- plained them, and answered an questions asked /hvreoa. It wr.s, however, after a lengthy con- versation, decided that, inasmuch as the col- iieries had not yet considered them, a. conference whoald be convenei in a fortnight to fully go into Ihstn. It was also decided that at that conference the question of the eight-hours' movement should br faily discussed and future action in reference Juet>,t'j agreed upon: the conference to be beJd oil JunH 5to at the Bute Arms, Aberdare one representative from each colliery to be present; and that the checkweighers at each colliery be also invited to be present.—A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to M""@srs D. A. Thomas, M.P., and W. Pritchard Morgan, M.P., for having so fairly represented the views of the district at the recent discussion on the Eight Hours' Bill in the House ot Commons.—It was resolved that the executive and one repre- sentative from each colliery at which the Gellydeg vein is worked should form n. committee to con- eider the case of the Lleity Shenkin men.

SO WALES STEEL TRADE. Conference at Abergavenny. The adjourned meeting of the representatives of the employers and employed at the several steel worksof South Wales and Monmouthshire was held on Monday at the Angel Hotel, Aber- gavenny. There were present Messrs E. P. atartia, Dowlats W. Evans, Cyfarthfa James Colquhoun, Tredegar W. G. Dowdon, Blaen- avon, employers; and Messrs G. Dash, Blaen- avon; James Williams, G. Da vies, Dowlais Jenkin Junes, Cyfarthfa; J. Rudman, D. Davie#, Ebbw Vale, on the workmen's side, and B. Edwards and Evan Jones (joint-sec- retaries). Is will be recollected that about seven months ago the old sliding-scale agreement expired, and ihere followed many futile attempts to restore that method of regulating wages, upon improved 'terms, to the workmen. At length a. tentative agreement waa come to, as referred to in these columns a few days since, and Monday's adjourned sonfereuce resulted in an amicable settlement of ihe question. The now agreement applies to Blaenavon, Ebbw Vale, Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, foDd Tredegar, but not to the Rhymney works, which are not now going." The concessions obtained by the workmen may be described briefly as followe. In the old agreement, Clause 3 ran 'lU.it lite standard maximum rate of wages be those paid at the Monmouthshire and South Welsh Works in March, 3883, that no reduction of wages be made, wheJl the combined average nett selling price of steel rail* 401b*. per yard, and upwards, >iml steel tin bais, is £ A Ss per ton nett on trucks at the above-mentioned makers' works, or below and that the maximum rate of wages be paid when the combined average price of nteel rails 4Gfbs. per yard, and upwards, and steel tin bars, is £6 10s per ton nett on trucks at the above- Tnentioned matters' works?, and above, and that wages be advanced or reduced at the above-mentioned works, WD6U too combined 3.Ter.lge price of rails and bars arc from Si 5s to £5 10s per ton at the rate of 1 per cent. fOf every sbilling advance or reduction in the co m -bined average nett selling price in trucks at the above- mentioned works, and -when the combined average prices are from £ 5 30s to So 10s per ton at the rate of y2 per sent, for every shilling advance or reduction, and thM. all in vogue at the above-mentioned works in March, 1889, remain in force. Under the conditions now agreed upon the scale will work on per cent. for every 6d advance or reduction, instead of the 1 per cent, per Is and rails of 201 bs. per yard will be accounted fur in the audits, instead of rails, of 401 bs. per yard and upwards. It 13 con- eidt-red that the present will, therefore, be-a wore sensitive scale than the old one, and, in consideration of the present position of the iron and steel trades throughout the country, these concessions, it is believed, will be of great benefit to the whole of the workmen—numbering 6,000 or 7,000—at the various works. A new clause was submitted by the employers with reference to certain deductions and at the re- sumed proceedings in the afternoon tue work- men's representatives announced that they bad agreed to accept the same. It ran as follows :— The undersigned, having this day been employed as workmen at the several works of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Iron, and Steel Workers' As- sociation, hereby authorise and require the employers to deduct from time to time out of the wages earned by us whilst so employed all payments or advances which shall from time to time be made by them for us:, upon our verbal or written request, in respect of medicine, medical at- tendance, or the contributions to any friendly or benefit society duly established, or for relief in sick- ness, and also the value of any fuel, tools, or imple- ment. supplied to us by them, aDd also the rent of any tenements occupied by us as tenants and belonging to them, and other usual stoppages duly authorised. The new agreement dates as from Monday, and the first audit will affect the wages for August, September, and October next,

THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. Demonstration at Gorseinon. A demonstration of tin-plate workers was held ftfc Gorseinon on Saturday as a protest against the violation of the rule of 36 boxes per turn on the part of the men at Fairwood, Gorseinon. and Groveaend. Headed by the Cwmtwrch Brass Band, a procession started from Gowerton and inarched to Gorseinon, where addresses were delivered by the president, Mr Lewis Richards vice-presidents, Messrs T. Benjamin and Guy; and executive member, Mr D- Lodwick. The processionists returned to Gowerton, where another meeting waa held, at which the general secretary, Mr T. Phillips, and Messrs H. John, Griffith Hopkins, and others tSpoke on the im- portance ot curtailing the make. Some of the Fairwood men said that the operatives at that works were in favour of the 36 rule, and were prepared to make arrangements for the discontinuance of tbe 40- boxes per shift. An important fact in connection with the demonstration is that the Fairwood men are charged with being the original cause of the present turmoil on the make question in the trade. Hints were thrown out at the meeting of a probable further curtailment of the make and an increase of wastes, and it was stated that this feature will be given a prominent place in the coming struggle at Pontardawe.—The following resolution was unanimously passed :— That tbi5 meeting of tin-platers mosl; emphatically eoademns the action of Fairwood, Gorseinon, and Grovesend workmen for their violation of the 36-boxes rule after the repeated advice of the trade councils, and now appeal to them to discontinue such violation for the sake of their humanity and the future wage- gate of tin-platers.

DEATH OF A WELSHMAN IN SOUTH AFRICA. A correspondent, writing from Johannesburg on April 30, by the South African mail just to hand, announces the death there on the morning previous of Mr H. O. Edwards, a distinguished son ot Wales, who was acting in the Golden City as joint manager of the Standard Bank. Mr Edwards began his business career with the National Provincial Bank, but for the last twenty years he had been with the Standard Bank of South Africa, filling important appointments in several of the leading centres in the Cape Colony, Natal, and the Transvaal. He had been local bank manager at Uitenhage, Mossel Bay, King Williamstown. and Durban successively. He had only been a. few weeks in Johannesburg, and was staying in tbe North-Western Hote!, his wife re- maining at Durban. On Tuesday evening last he had a slight attack of camp fever, but from this he had recovered. On Friday morning pleurisy supervened, and he died yesterday morning. His medical attendant had gone to fetch him a cup of tea, when Mr Edwards suddenly expired in the arms of the nurse, who was turning him in bed, the heart's action. having failed. The remains were buried to-day (April 30) in Johannesburg, the funeral being attended by most of the leading business men of the town.

DEATH OF MR R. PALMER, LLANELLY. Many of our readers in Carmarthenshire will regret to learn of the death of Mr Richard Palmer, which took place at his residence, Gilbert-place, Llanelly, on Sunday night. The deceased gentleman, who was 75 years of age, bad resided for the greater part of his lifetime in Llanelly, and in bye-gone years was one of the principal business men in the town. A man of singularly pure character, and most amiable and kindly disposition, he was loved by all who were privileged to know him, &tv1 his death will be sincerely deplored. Mr Pahner took a deep interest in Christian work, s mi was closely associated with Park Congrega- tional Church, having befn one of the deacons for many years. Muoh sympathy is felt for the fcpreaved relatives, who are highly respected at Itlanelly, in their sad bereavement.