The Cardiff Times

¡ "HER DARLING FOE!" BY HARRY BLYTH. Author of "Third Class Crimes," "'Twixb Fetter and Fortune," Secrets of the London Squares," &c.» &c. CHAPTER XII. THE LAST. They a]i regarded Silas with wondering and acquiring looks. This was indeed an astonishing reve'°Pment of the drama in which they had all actors. 4 Lash broke went to 8 el ton," said Webb in -Perplexed way, and it seems that after all has killed him. Does this account for his Pf^arance here, and his extreme penitence ?" •fOest was as excited as poor Quern), and this ^natural, but he showed his agitation less. n^What are you all talking about?" asked Silas. *» hat nonsense is this about Calder Lashbroke ^ing of poison ? Wink knows how he died and *°ere he lies buried. I have been betrayed, and r?°u they will come and take me. My curse on fcj IJi)an 0 so^ me everlasting curse on i-He sank back in his chair breathing heavily. glared at them collectively and individually, jp He must know the truth from us now," said •"Oiest, and then perhaps we can get the real Jaots from him. Look here, Mr Querm, my father, Calder Lashbroke, never went down that as you so cunningly planned he should. He "fiver called on you then. He was not in Eng- It wa9 me you saw, and I was cleverly disguised. I guessed your intention of killing £ j*i and I evaded the pitfall you laid for me, *» ink never found any body because there was IIot one to find. He led you to suppose you were ttiurderer for his own ends. We would have J°'d you the truth in good time. This paper says •oat Calder Lashbroke has been found in one of t^ur rooms this very day. and dead poisoned. c*6 has left a paper saying that you killed him. d you see him before you came to us ?" » Thank God I am no murderer. Thank God that. It is one crime the less." A smile lit !*P. his cadaverous face. His eyes became more rJWaated. The latter, and even more surprising r??t of Ernest's statement, seemed to have missed altogether. You do not appear to understand the gravity the position," said Wink. "We knew you r|d not killed the man in the way you supposed, ~jjt now you are openly charged with his murder, K*d the deed seems to have been done to-day. hat have you to say to that ?" 'Nothing," answered Querm, except that the 5°'ld js going mad, or I am. If it was not Raider Lashbroke I opened that trap for on that r*rible night, I have not seen him since the jSyR long years ago when he stood in the dock Jiarged with a crime he had never committed. am so thankful for your news," he went on 2?1,'6 gleefully. How nappilv are my troubles "ttQed." it seems to me," grumbled Webb, that they 6 just commencing. I wish you would bring mind to bear on this extraordinary para- jP»ph in the paper. Now tell us straight- |?Jardly whether you have seen Caldar Lash- £ to-day, or yesterday, or any time lately ?" „ Have I seen "him ? How can you ask such a JJJj^tion 1 The sight of him would have killed £ *• It would have been like the dead returning JP111 his grave. If I had survived the shock I J-^ld have welcomed him joyously and cherished He would have been safe with me—very fr"There is some strange mystery here," said r^est. I think it ia plain that Mr Querm is faking tho truth." i. tTnless," whispered Webb, his terrors drove mad for a brief time, and all he did then is a in bis mind. The sudden leaving of his k°*i8e in his weak state was scarcely the action of kiie man-" thing that seems certain," declared nioodily, is that my poor father is dead. 'knew him to love him as .'a son should V*l. j^t this is a dreadful end for him—dread- had hoped to see him pass his days in contentment." *»th cou^d scarcely have been," said Sarah, Aft^ that life sentence hanging over him. a little perhaps you will see that fate in yon.8 ^ia thing has been kind to him and to *Vstji^e only bow to its decrees. No struggles *U11V against destiny," Ernest returned mourn- ??r Ernest, how sorry I am for you. But ratherseetry father dead than charged awful crime." It was May who spoke. %°rgive me," he answered. "I was think- MO'y of my trouble, and not of yours which is « Wuter" Inust help you to bear it." .'if ^at's to be done," said the practical Wink WJ'ORs goon developing at this rate we shall bt ,J°. °Pen a special department at the office family affairs. It seems to me, Mr keif' t*5at you anc* our y°un& friend here ought a detective on the premises all the year *"?M&t ^e''S ke6Q a kit ™ore necessary than a Bhall be paid for all you do for me and ««»> said Silas. 'tot > not that. It's a case of all in run or 6re my partner and his sister are con- l There is only one thing to be done that see. Some one must go down to Selton «t jscertain exactly what has happened. '.i^ill go," eaid Ernest. J* hiL join you," added Wink. Two beada t^)an one>. even though one of them *her '° a Pr'v^te inquiry agent. Let's see. a couple of hours before we can get a I'nj "hat will give us time to get some dinner. einpty as an election speech." »< see about it at once," said Sarah. *°.r u9>" cried Wink, we'll have some- n 0lltside. There may be some more news &this time. Now," he continued when he were outside, how is this business jijS to end do you think ?" ? streets resounded with the cry of "Terrible H atl Selton." It followed their footsteps they went. Ib floated through the a h- of the restaurant where they snatched .y meal. •« i believe that Querm is innocent." you ? Well, I don't. My theory is that iiw father made his appearance before the old aid that the shock destroyed his reason for Otoe bein^- It's not over strong now. He W Ved to get rid of the dreadful apparition by ^lU^Jeans that first came to, hand. No doubt fyu ^d poison in the house, and he flew to it. e.0Dce more saw his enemy dead his reason in a measure, and all recollection of the *Cehe had committed was wiped out of his sSuch cases are not uncommon. Then ;!41 "Oft the house and came On to us. Calder re- sufficiently to scrawl those words on a paper, and that's the whole thing." shall see," said Ernest. Here is a boy GQv a later edition. Perhaps some fresh dis. tffy has been made." 5 ParaKraPh had been extended to column, but there was nothing "In the news except the startling headline, FLIGHT OF THE SUPPOSED MURDERER." K ■Ihese papers do work it up for a man if he j&a.ij'10 .trouble," said Wink. He's weighed tried long before he sees the jury. No the Press helps justice, but it gives the ^h^r'Jal a lot of tips also. So they seem to think >.0,las has run away. He was seen to take andon train to Selton. We shall have to .Vsuerm up. Innocent or guilty he must face He will only condemn himself by 'r •« o bluet he is innocent for May's sake." ^tr>e people would say you couldn't very •' j?af:ry her if he is guilty." v of renQark you have gob nearer to the » Yn lf mystery than you can guess." Can ?^have such rum notions. I'm bothered if J0,!ow you." Sooan*cy my meaning will be pretty clear to ^°Pe so. I'm getting tired of this U3 lHn °t conundrums. It will ba quite a Wftpe ^t^iHto some straightforward, common-1 outside publio bring you all the Thaf'°n' an<^ you take the money? 3 exactly it." yparenfc ithoughts were sad, but he spoke with r^ion P°?cern. He knew that his com- ?foke as extinction of Calder Lash- K?Ppened a% the best thing that could have jetted *?r Webb and Sarah's sake he j^dy. Querm had been involved in the 3p th 18 I-Ornpletely roused from its placidity ^°ied to eve1nt. The whole population crime S? t"e pavement discussing the R n^a'c,, £ comments on Mr Querm were to. °ogh evorw^ a sneering, bitter character, they fPu?.ae Was excited, they all protested M l>ave been .!° surP,rise- It was just what was x.? ttii8er. sPectied from such a queer, morose ht reftgon„^m j^he tone of Selton's talk, one alreadv m J have concluded that the rope tbl*6 a t6» wh! the papermaker'a neck. There weteL,fheir arrival Ernest and his com- V- Th's il i0rtunf? » meeting John Rudga b!ftn'fi au awful business/' he said Ster agitated. Mr Qaerm was' S A a s"tictlv and.\am very sorry for him. He V^^ohn uy ?pr,ght man- of had never been known to say an-ill. ?t>&pSd°n £ th>s. testimony in the favour ot ^eat ,uob c!ount for much. But *j \< "I dont know so much about that. It makes my blood boil to hear them all running the poor old man down. Bless me, he couldn't hurt a fly, much less poison a man. Besides they have got hold of a mare's nest altogether." What do you mean 1" cried Ernest and Wink together. Why this. He wasn't in Selton when Mr Lashbroke arrived here, so how could he have killed him 1" "Great Scotland Yard," cried Webb, If but this is a fair knockout." K Ah," said Ernest with a faint smile of relief, my theory will be found the correct one after all." "You're so precious carefultokeepyour theories to yourself till you know everything," grumbled Wink. We can all be wise after the event. Come on Mr Rudge. Tell us all about it." This afternoon a man, dressed as a sailor, called at Mr Querm's house, and requested to see him on a matter of the utmost importance." Dressed as a sailor, eh ? Wink interrupted. I suppose he had his long-white hair cut close ? It was cut close, and the police say dyed. His face was stained with some brown Buid-" "No doubt be was cleverly disguised, and that's how he escaped us all. His wits must have become suddenly bright, for he did not seem very sharp when he was with us." He had set his heart on one deep, vengeful purpose," said Ernest with a sigh, and he brought all his faculties to bear on its consumma- tion. It was a mad, wicked scheme, and I think it has failed. Don't you begin to see now how he strove to make it impossible for me to marry May ? Go on with your tale, Mr Rudge, I shall be like Mr Ernest, and keep my notions to myself until I know." Dredge admitted the man and asked him into one of the rooms. Then she went to consult her master. She was quite amazed to find the bed- room empty. Mr Querm had not mentioned his intention of going out to her. She con- cluded that he could only have gone a little way, and that he soon must return. So she asked the visitor to wait. After a time she went into the room to see how he was getting on. To her horror she found him dead, and with that piece of damning paper in his pulseless, rigid hand. The discovery made her almost crazy. Her cries attracted attention, and soon the police were on the spot, and with them came the reporter of the local paper. He, of course, smelt a fat job, and he wired to newspapers all over the kingdom. The authorities here quite understood now that Mr Querm could not have committed the crime. It is established beyond all doubt that Mr Lash. broke reached Selton by a train which arrived here after the one which conveyed Mr Silas away bad left. I suppose the reporter is still busy tele- graphing this fresh aspect of the case. He is very pleased, and says he can keep the interest alive for another month. You see Mr Querm's innocence only adds to the mystery of the affair. I confess I can't understand it at all." "Yet," murmured Ernest, "the solution is easy. My unhappy father was tired of his life, and he resolved to sacrifice it in such a way as should gratify his vindictive feelings towards Mr Querm, and raise an effectual barrier between May and me. It is probable that he took some poison which he knew would work its deadly purpose in a definite period. He had heard that Mr Querm could not leave the house. In his hot, excited brain he planned his own dramatic death in the very eyes of his enemy, and it soothed him to think that enemy would be charged with his murder. Mr Querm's unex- pected absenoe from home completely shattered his deep-laid scheme of vengeance. The poison was in him, and he could not help dying when he did. That, I am sure, broadly is the explana- tion. I speak freely before you, John, for I know you are not given to chatter. The least said on this subject now the better." There's one tiling," said Wink, you always did say your father meant mischief between you and Miss Querm. But who would have thought that he would do such a thing as this ?" I wish he had died at peace with himself, and with others," Ernest murmured sorrowfully. A shocking end to a wretched life. Heaven help me Turning to Rudge, and in a pleasanter way he said, How is Miss Hastings 1" Wasted to a shadow. But. but, we shall be very happy soon." I'm sure I hope so." Won't you come and see her ?" Does she wish it 2h It will make her happier if you speak kindly to her." It will be a relief to me just now, and I hope at all dimes, to make anyone happy. I shall be glad to leave the gloom behind me. I suppose there is nothing more to be heard in Selton than you have told me 1" I think not." While you call on Mrs Hastings I will go to the telegraph office and wire to Webb," said Mr Wink, they will be anxious to know what we have done." "You had better go to the railway station," suggested John, "I expect the 'local scribe' monopolises the wires at the post-office." Thanks for the hint. You'll find me at the hotel. And jolly glad I shall be to get there," said Mr Wink to himself as he hurried away. "Everyone seems too intent on his own affairs to think of eating and drinking. I've a lot of lost time to make up for." A hectic flush flew to Flo's cheeks as Ernest took her thin, feverish hand. I arn very sorry," she commenced. "Tut," he said, think no more about ib. I was a little to blame, and out of pure thought- lessness I have been wild and wicked, but the new man gives place to the old. And the new one has his sufferings now for the old one's heart. lessness. If you haye learned to know John's true worth all is well and for the best. He is a good man, and deserves a good wife." He merits the love of a better woman than I am," she whispered faintly. I did not say that. I only pray you may both be happy.' They all pressed him to stay, but he said that he was in a poor humour for conversation, that he had much to think about. So he made his way to the hotel alone. There he found Mr Wink, looking very plea- sant behind;a. steaming tumbler^of hot brandy and water. You had better do as I am doing," said that gentleman,' 10 warm yourself up with a good strong dose, and then I suppose we'll take the train back. By the way, that French chap is down here already. He has identified your father. He seems annoyed that he did not succeed in catching him." I shall not return to-night. I want to see my father. I shall remain here over the inquest, and until he is buried." "Umph I suppose its the proper thing to do. But really I think you would be better employed trying to cheer Miss Querm up. Hullo, what's that ? A fire ?" The cry resounded through the streets. There was the quick trampling of feet along the roadway. There were hoarse mut- terings and excited murmurs. They ran to the door. "By George, it is a blaze and no mistake," said Wink, as he watched the livid flames in the distance strike upwards against the murky sky. Its in the direction of Querm's house," said Ernest, anxiously. It's old Querm's house that's a burning," said a rough man as he passed them, and it would be a mercy if the old rat was there hisself to get a taste of the fire afore his time. Fine doings for Selton murder and arson all in one day." Come on," cried Ernest excitedly to Wink, leb us see if anything can be done." But they, like the rest of the awed spectators, were powerless to arrest the flames which seemed in mad merriment over the devastation they were making. They roared and crackled, and danced and laughed at man's impotence to stay their fury. Water there was in plenty, but no appliances for its proper direction. The little hand machine from the tiny fire-station of the town might have been a boy's squirt for, all the effect it had. The origin of the outbreak was soon known. Dredge, overcome by excitement and copious drams of whisky, had overturned a lighted paraffin lamp. She had watched the burning fluid run along the floor and wall with imbecile helplessness and fatuous interest. But for the police, who were in the house, she would have been consumed with the rest of the building. They got her out, and saved themselves. But it occurred to no on9 to face the blinding smoke and terrible heat for the sake of the gruesome corpse lying there. When Ernest arrived the time had passed for such an attempt to be made. A few charred bones were all that remained of Calder Lashbroke. So how he had been poisoned, what bad poisoned him, could never now be known. It was remarked with some surprise that this appalling denouement had a greater effect on Ernest than even his father's death. He went away from them all and for some time, first begging May to be of good cheer, for he would return to her in his own season, and make her his wife. Not one could tell where or how he passed this interval. •. When he returned be seemed younger, more joyous, and, if possible, more loving. The new life has commenced indeed now," he said as he caressed her. I have effectually buried the past. Where is your father, dearest ? He is living at Bournemouth," she said. He is very quieb and gentle, but so feeble, can it only be a matter of months with him now. My mother has gone down to nurse him." Then they are really reconciled ?" Oh yes. AH is forgiven, and many things forgotten. Mr Webb is prosperous aDd Mr Wink as lively as ever. John Rudge has married Miss Hastings, and they are living in London." "Happily?" I think so. She goes out a great deal, and I fear is rather extravagant, but in her husband's eyes she can do no wrong. Mrs Tutt lives with them as a sorb of friendly boarder. My father has put it in her power to pay them well." And about ourselves. May, darling When; are you to be entirely mine f She hid her crimson face in his breast, and murmured, When you are quite sure you have ceased to be wild and wicked." He kissed her thankfully, glad she (did not plead for delay. THE END.

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New Series of 25 Short Tales. o An Australian Episode. By MURRAY EYRE, Author of "Two Lepers," Ac., &c. One morning, in the-early Southern springtime of August, when the air was heavy with the scent of mimosa blossom, a company of white- uniformed mounted troopers were going through the various manoeuvres necessary for their drill. The ground they used for this purpose was a flat on one of the outlying lands of an Australian town-a steep hill swelled abruptly upon one side of it, on the other, and at some distance from the exercise-ground, the crumbling banks of a river fell sheer to its bed, where through the waste of rough shingle and debris the fast narrowing stream flowed that carried the last of the winter's rainfall to the sea. The troopers were doing their revolver drill, which is to ride in rapid succession past the salut- ing point, and to fire at a target that was placed upon the hill side, in the instant of passing. Their skill in this practice of each was such that at least some part of the target was hit in each action of firing. Their well-trained grey horses curveted and pranced, as they were reined in after the target was passed, as though they rejoiced in their smart and well kept trappings, while the bright bits and curb chains caught the sun's rays and flashed 81 vibrations of light again. Suddening above the noise of the galloping horses the air is rent by a shriek, and the man who rode next before the last is seen to throw up his arms on the instant of the last report, then to lean forward heavily upon his horse's shoulders and to slip fron thence helplessly out of his saddle to the ground. All this has taken place before the trooper who followed him can realise that his last shot carried wide, or what indeed has happened. The exercise is stopped while the troopers hurry to the fallen man-whose white charger—though fear sped still for a little distance stands now looking towards his late rider-witbneck stretched high, and head turned inquisitively, the delicately- veined ears pricked anxiously forward, while his nostrils are wide and snort with terror, for his rider lies over there on the grass-and is dying. And as his failing speech strains for each gasping breath, his voice sounds shrill and thin, uttering nothing but imprecations upon the man who by some unfortunate mischance has shot him. He is told by the other men, who have come to his assistance, it has been an accident, but he will not believe it. i. Accident)!" he scornfully repeats, and with awful curses he emphasises his unbelief, while his face is passion and pain-rigid, and his eyes have the cold hate-stare in them, as they are fixed with unforgiveness upon the man who, kneeling by him now in an agony of grief, pleads for one word, one look, or indeed for any sign of pardon. God help me, Maloney," he cries. Believe j me, I did not, I could not know ? rd shoot myself a thousand times rather than kill a man like that. Say you'll forgive me, Maloney; say you believe me!" But the other's voice rises again with fury to articulate his unbelief, to leave him voiceless then for ever. A kindly hand leads Heath away from the closing scene, in pity for the awful situation of the dying man, in pity for the hopeless grief and self-reproach of the living. The above happened more than twenty years ago. And although Heath has supported and educated the family which were left unprovided for by the death of Maloney, and has done every- thing in his power to make amends for the loss he had caused them, he himself can never forget the dreadful scene, and at times such an outburst as the following occurred "Doctor-doe-tor," Heath calls from his bed, in a querulous and excited voice, Doctor! Ah, nurse—here, you'll do. Come here. Oomre <*lose, nurse, I want to whisper it,"—^looking round suspiciously—" He'll wake up and swear when he bears me speak." "Nurse, you know Maloney ?" he questions, hoarsely, turning his restless eyes to her face, and with his trembling right hand points towards a bed on the other side of the long ward, while the other fingers the bedclothes nervously. Nurse, can't you see him ? You can see his white charger then. Look, look there—just there by Daley's bed What; you can't ? Oh I" shrugging his shoulders with a hopeless moan. Then with a sudden movement catching her hand, and sitting up in his bed cries "Why, look! There he stands pawing the mosquito net. He'JI tear it into a thousand rags, nurse, andknock poor Daley's brains out. I say, make haste. He's climbing up the blank wall now—the brute's afraid-at last. Hi don'b you see him ? Let me go as the nurse forces him firmly back upon bis pillows. Ob, nurse," sighing reproachfully, while his eyes avoid her and remain fixed while he speaks with great rapidity, and the words flow as in a a recitation. Look He stands still now, his neck stretched out, the pink of his nostrils show. ing and distended by fear; hiseyes shine andglow like coals in the fierce sunlight, the swelling veins tells how quick his hot blood throbs; look at his ears listening, listening for the voice that will never sound again, at his quivering lip that shall never know again the touch of that rider's hand, for it lies there upon the grass so cold and still. Get the horse off that curtain—he's mad, I say." The doctor came into the ward as Heath made another effort to spring out of bed, and catching sight of him he burst out with a wild laugh, Ha, hat Ha, ha. That you, doctor. I shot Maloney -shot him dead—couldn't help—pistol went off- accident I" speaking in a flippant way. "Oh, no, no no with a weary moan, and returning again to simply mechanical words-- I see Maloney falling from his horse like a leaden weight upon the ground, and I following on my charger so close almost trample him under foot before I can swerve from off the track. I see him lving on the grass, while the red blood from the wound stains his white uniform. With a wider margin as ib flows I hear the sound of its quick regular dropping upon the ground where it collects there dark and still, and above I hear Maloney cursing me!" He paused for a few seconds and went on argumentatively, while the doctor had turned away to take his hypodermic syringe out of its casp. All right ten minutes ago—hard as nails— and sitting his horse like a rock. And now- dying and by my hand He took his right hand in his left, and looked at it for a few minutes in silence. What say doctor?" letting it fall again. Accident ? No—no—-no—ho I" he shouted. «« Ah »__What are you doing—to my arm ?" as the needle of the syringo pricked through the skin. Little morphia—keep him quiet—eh? repeat. ing the doctor's words as he spoke to the nurse. Disturb other patients, eh ? Steep ? Oh—yes —doctor—I'm all right I" and closing his eyes presently muttered vacuously for a few moments, and sighed heavily—soon the words came at longer intervals, and were less distinct; then, as the weary eyelids closed, he said drowsily—' Nurse, are you—there." And his hand clasped hers convulsively. Nurse, will you-will-you stop here?" with a pitiful little smile, half opening his eyes to look at her, and presently he fell asleep. THR END.

MAESTEG LOCAL BOARD. An ordinary meeting was held on Friday even- ing, Mr James Tamblyn presiding. It was decided to give the use of the town-hall on Sun- day evenings, from 5 to 6 p.m., to practice for the National Eisteddfod of 1894, to Miss Minnie Morgan and the ladies' choir on the same terms as previously given to another musical society. The usual charge is to be made for the concert. Notice of the proposed re-arrangement of the district in the Bridgend and Cowbridge Union by the county council was read, and it was decided to hold .110 Special meeting on the matter Some of the members favoured joining Llangynwyd Middle to the Maesteg district— AIJ navies. M.D., complained of the refuse m Souih^SX i A. of The matter was referred to the surveyor.-Dr Daviea also stated that the Local Government Board had several times requested theboard toprovide a fever hospital. Theone now held by the board in Neath-road had all the characteristics of a good., infectious diseases hospital, viz. It is easy of accesaand QOnvenietdi for the railway station; it has a good elevation, being 700 feet.abovetbe sea level: and it is 400 yards from the nearest street and 200 yards from the nearest abode. The site was most convenient^ and suitable. To erect another would put the board to at least £ 1,000 extra expense. Mr Knox (Mitss Talbotfa agent) considered the present hospital too near the town. The board unanimously decided to seek an interview with Mr Knox at ap^ewrly date., —The board directed the clerk to write to Mr Knox that they could not give up the weigh. bridge,site for concession in regaxd to water =oe to BrYnn-awr Psrm.-A letter from the Local Government Board inquired as to the present position of the waterwotka soheme.

DELICIOUS MAZAWATTKB TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEK TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWAOTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TRAS. < DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE XEA& k. I

THE editor of the MedUial Annual, after a care* tul examination of Cadbury's Cocoa, pronounces it to be- both A food and a !t<eYeta<e of the .highest aualitv. 114

ODDFELLOWSHtP IN THE RHONoOA. Celebration of the Silver (Anniversary. The Oddfellows in the Rhondda Valley had a field day on Monday in celebration of the silver anniversary of the formation of the Ystrad- Rhondda lodges into a separate district in' con- nection with the Mancheater Unity of the Order. In 1874, when the district was first formed, the Rhondda comprised 12 lodges, with a capital Of. jBl,200, and a membership of' 1,200, and up to that time these lodges were affiliated to the, Aberdare district. In the meantime, however, there has been a marvellous growth, for to-day there are in the Ystrad-Rhondda District, which includes the valley from Dinas to Twherbert, no fewer than 24 lodges, with a membership of 2,944, and 305 in the juvenile lodges, while their united capital has increased to £ 11,941. With one exception all the lodges turned out on Monday to celebrate the silver anniversary, and the demonstration was in many respects imposing. Unfortunately, the weather turned out most unfavourably, and the huge procession, with its gay banners, pranc- ing horses, and glittering regalia, trndged along msies-of muddy roads through a blinding, irritat-. ing drizzle. With a clear sky and genial sun- shine, the turn-out would doubtless have been .of dazzling brilliancy. The various lodges were afoot at an early hour, and the processions started from the several lodge-rooms at 10 a.m., the rendezvous being the Llwynypia Cricket Field. Brass bands without number were engaged, and among those that led the processionists to the place of meeting were the Pentre Volunteer Band, the Cwmpark Drum and Fife, the Court Band, Tonypandj, the Trelierbert Brass Band, and the Pentre Town Band. In the aricket field a vast marquee had been erected, and here, shortly after one o'clock, the members, numbering many hundreds, joined around the festive board to partake ot a substantial repast, catered in a very excellent manner by Mr Young, butcher, of Tonypandy. Subsequently, the procession, which had now assumed gigantic proportions, reformed, and marched through Tonypandy, returning over Trealaw Bridge to tile pavilion. The procession was admirably marshalled, and for this credit is due toG.M. Daniel Bvacs, P.G. J. H. Hooper, and P.G. George Churches, who acted as the chief conductors during the day. During the afternoon a "convivial" waeting was held in the pavilion, under the presidepcy of Bro. E. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre, a gentleman who is connected aq honorary member with nearly every friendly society in the district. Dr. J. K- James, J.P., another enthusiastic supporter of philan- thropic bodies, filled the vice-chair, while sup- porting these gentlemen were Mr Heniy Flowers, J.P.. of Norwich, the Past Master of the Order Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon); Mr W. Evans, P.P.G.M., agent of the Cambrian Association of Miners, and others, MrE.'H.'DAVius, J.P., in his opening remarks, gave an historical sketch of the Order, ttie origin of which he traced to the reign of Nero, the Roman Emperor. Their peculiar name, he bdieved, was a corruption of "God's fellows," or fellow- workers with God, in the grand work they accomplished now as then for the elevation of humanity and for the relief of the fatherless and the widow. (Hear, hear.) He spoke of the need of providing for old age and sickness, and regretted that any friendly society should at the present day refuse admission to meu engaged in hazardous employment. He rejoiced, however, that the Manchester Unity had not yet closed its poitals a«»inst any mail who desired to find refuge within its ranks. (Cheers.) It was a source of gratifica- tion to them all that the Manchester Unity stood unexampled in its finances and integrity, and that its progress and development bad been one of the most characteristic features of the age. While there were nearly 24,000 friendly societies in the country, with a membership of over four millions, and funds amounting to nearly 23 millions, the Manchester Unity comprised a fifth of the aggregate membership, and possessed a third of the total funds. (Cheera.) He welcomed the presence among them that day of one of the pioneers of that grand Order in the person of Mr Henry Flowers, of Norwich. (Loud and prolonged cheers )—Mr PoweIJ, of Tieorky, the C.S. of the district, followed with an interesting address in We!sb. in which he gave statistics of past experience and the present position of the district. In 1880 the sick pay amounted to £504, and the death grants to £140. whereas in 1893 these figures wore £ 3,126 and JM65 respectively. During the existence of the district they had paid as much as;027,938 in sick relief, and £ 4,190 in death grants. (Cheers.) Mr Wm. Evans, P.P.G.M., gave these statistics in English.—Speeches were also given by Dr. James, the Rev. J. W. Maurice (Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire), and Mr W. Abraham, M.P., all of whom offered hearty welcome to Mr Henry Flowers on his visit to the Rhondda. Mr HENRY FLOWERS, J.P., Norwich, the P.M. of the Order, next spoke, and was received with great enthusiasm. 1 he speaker gave a graphic description of the marvellous growth ot the Order, which now he said, comprised a total membership of 722,725, which was a gain of 13,322 as compared with the previous year. Their juvenile lodges composed a membership of 90,057, and here also was an increase of 7 815 while those transferred from the juvenile to the parent lodges —a most significant item—numbered 5,791. The figures for 1S93 were not Yet announced, but in 1892 the receipts of the Urd^r reached £ 1,554,214, and the total payments to 3ft,163,307, showmg a total saving on they.ar of ^290,906. Twenty years aaro they had 481,630 -wich, a capital of £ 4,412,498; to-day they, Md 722.725 members, with a capital of £ 8,136,532, so that they had saved during that period the enormous sum of £ 4,724,036. (Applause.) They spent JB5,000 every day of the week in relieving their sick and burying their dead. It was worthy of note that the Order included 26,000 members o*er 65 years of age. (Cheers.) The first valuation of the Order by the actuaries revealed a deficiency of two millions sterling, but according to the sixth valuation, which had just been concluded, this deficiency was now reduced to £ 631,265 Lost year, while the deficiency lodges had decreased by 96, the solvent lodges had increased by 159. In conclusion, Mr Flowers strongly urged the Rhondda district to adopt the forward movement of the Order in the direction of forming women's branches. -=::

THE CARDIFF EXHIBITION. Local Tradesmen to be Protected. A meeting of the Cardiff Exhibition Council was held at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Monday evening, Councillor Noah Rees presiding. There were also presentCouncillors E. Thomas, F H. Jotham, Mr F. S. Lock, Professor Atkinson, Mr J. Munday, Mr Crouch, Dr. Pritehard, Dr. Horder, and the secretary (Mr Cook.)—Mr Cook stated that Mr S. W. Allen badlconsented to act as chairman of the photographic section and had promised to bring the matter before the Cardiff Photographic Society with a view of obtaining their co-operation.—It wag resolved that the recommendation of the finance com- mittee that the terras of the National Pro vincial Bank be accepted, and that Mr Todd be appointed lion. treasurer to the exhibition. The secretary stated that at the last meeting the guarantee fund amounted to 1 £ 5,947, and it had now reached £6,486, or an increase of £ 500 during the last fortnight. This had mainly been obtained by direct personal can- vassing. In accordance with instructions re- ceived at the last council meeting he had sent a circular letter to members of the council, urging them to endeavour to let have guarantees to the extent of jBlOO each. He had received no guarantees, and no response to that circular, so that it would become a matter of personal canvas. There was still some £ 3;500 to wipe out. It was suggested that the tradespeople of the town had net fallen in withthemovementso enthusiastically as they might have done, owing to the fear that a considerable retail business would be done at the exhibition and thus ofter serious competition to them.—The Chairman said hethoughtthey ought to guarantee as far as they ^could that nothing would be sold by retail at the exhibition calcu- lated to injure local tradespeople. The Secretary said it was the custom to allow nothing to be sold from the exhibition except articles manufac- tured inside, refreshments, etc.- Councillor Thomas argued that they ought, in allotting spaces, to give the first offers to the guarantors, and that local tradespeople nave the preference. -Dr. Horder and Professor Atkinson contended that they ought to maintain the exhibition as an exhibition and not convert it into a huge shop.- Mr Crouch suggested that consideration of the matter should be deferred, a suggestion which was ultimately agreed to.-On the motion of Mr Pritehard, it was resolved to ask Lord Windsor to accept the position of president of the exhibi- tion.

SAD SUICIDE BRIDGEND, Mr E. B. Reece, eoroOWi held an inquest at the police-station, Bridgend, on Monday, on the body of Emma Deacon (19), a servant and house- keeper to Mr Jones, chemist, Caroline-street, Bridgend, who committed sUIcIde on Saturday by poisoning.—Joseph Deacon, the deceased's father, a pilot, living at Giant's Grave, Briton Ferry, deposed that he came to Bridgend on Friday evening and saw his daughter about an attach- ment she had formed for a young man. As he disapproved of the engagement he urged her to give her sweetheart up, and to come home. She made no promise in the matter, and said she would let him know her intention later on. Hia remarks did not appear to have affected her at all, and they parted on affeo* tionate terms. — Mr Jones, deceased's em- ployer, deposed to finding deceased very ill on Saturday afternoon, and she afterwards admitted that she had taken arsenic, which she had pro- cured from the drng-rooct Dr. Edmund Thomas, who was sent for, did everything possible to save her, but she died about nine o'clock the same evening. She stated, in reply to the doctor, that she put about a teaspoonful of arsenic into a cup of water, and drank about half of it, containing, Dr. Thomas said, about 60 grains. The remainder of the poison was found in the cup in her bed- room, and contained enough poison, according to the medical evidence, to kill about 20 people.— Thomas H. Parker, an 1 uncle of the deceased, stated that she bad beott- very depressed during the last 18 months, 4 ana was of an hysterical nature. About 15 monthe,before she behaved in a manner .which seemed to suggest that she waa premeditating suicide.The jury brought in a verdict of Suicide white temporarily insane." n

A. BOON TO MANKIND 1 •— Sufferers froth Grriiwti Lumbago, Piles, Ppins m the Back, DtOmt wind and Water Complattts, Diseases of Kidneys, Btaiftdter, Urinary Organsi!.Stone, Gleet, Strlcftfcre, Sciattea, Rheumatism, and» ftout will find a poeitt+e cure tn. Hold royd'a Gravel JJyls. Try a small box, and if Botsatisfled your money, will be returned. ~Price is VAtiu: Of all chemists or ;-post free for 12 aktens irdm' Holdroyd's Medical HMl| Cleekheaton, Ttwfy. Don't be pnt off. If you cannot get them write to the ^croprietor and a box will h? sent next pest;. ,1516 «

PARISH COUNCIL BOUNDARIES, Inquiry atGlyn Neath. A local inquiry was on Monday conducted at the National School, Cwmgwrach, by Mr Oliver Henry Jones and Mr Walter Meyrick North, who had been appointed for the purpose by the joint committee of Glamorgan County Council And the Breconshire County Council. The inquiry was in reference to proposals which had been made that the parish of Ystradfellte, in the county of Brecon, be removed from the Neath Poor-law Union and Rural Sanitary District, and attached to the Merthyr Poor-law Union, and that somuch of the hamlet of Rhigos as is within the watershed of the river Neath be, removed from the Mertbyr Poor-law Union and Rural Sanitary District, and attached to the Neath Poor-law Union and Rural Sanitary District.— Mr Abel Thomas, Q.C., M.P., appeared for the Merthyr Union and a Humberofparishionera; the Marquis of Bute was represented by Mr Win. Evans, barrister-at-law, London; Mr L. J. Kempthorne appeared for the Neath Highway Board; Mr Edward Powell for the Neath Union and the Neath Rural Sanitary Authority Mr T. Phillips, Aberdare, for the hamlet of Rhigos-: Mr J. Evans, Aberdare, for the parish cf, Ystrad- fellte and Mr C. Kenshole, Aberdare, for Aber- »dare Burial Board.—Mr Edward Powell opened the case on behalf of Neath, and pointed out that Neath Union had already been reduced in size by having parishes lopped off.— Mr Rees Morgan, relieving officer, eaid the majority of the inhabitants of Ystrad- fellte lived within a roilo of his house. Neath was the market town. — David Newland, school attendance officer, said that from 40 to 50 attended the Upper Neath Board School from the parish of Ystradfellte. The total attendance averaged 110.—Mr Meredith Davies, guardian, said Neath was*-much more convenient than Merthyr for the administration of the poor law, the tram fare being considerably higher than the latter place.—Dd. Vaughan, a former guardian for Ystradfellte, sajd the inhabitants desired to have their parish (Ystradfellte) included in the Brecon Union, as the rates in the Neath Union were so much heavier. The Brecon rates were about half of the Neath rates. J. Ealdon, manager, Glyn Neath Powder Mills, said a meeting of parishioners decided that it was desirable that Ystradfellte should be severed from Neath and attached to Brecon Union.—County Councillor Edward Vaughan said he called two meetings of county councillors for Ystradfellte. Both meetings agreed in the desire to be removed from Neath to Brecon Union, failing that to Merthyr Union.—County Councillor R. H. Rhys, questioned by Mr Abel Thomas, said he thought a division of the parish ot Rhigos Was undesirable, and he believed the feeling of the parish was unanimously in favour of being left alone. Mr Thomas Phillips, solicitor, of Aberdare, tho clerk to the Rhigos School Board, opposed the removal of Rhigo?.— Mr Isaac Jones, chairman of the Rhigos School Board, said the division of the parish into two districts would involve great expense for pur- poses of education,—Mr D. E. Williams, J.P., said he had been associated with tho Merthyr Union for 40 years. He presided at a meeting of Rhigos ratepayers, which strongly protested against the division of th. parish.—Mr Ware, surveyor and laud agent to Lord Bute, said Lord Bute's interest in the watershed of Neath was 2,240 acres. The proposed change would be very disadvantageous to Lord Bute's tenants. —County Councillor D. P. Davies, chairman of the Aberdare Burial Board, called by Mr Kenshole, said the Penderyn burial ground was being filled up. If the district were removed, the inhabitants of the transferred district would suffer the great disadvantage of paying double fees, as they would be without the burial' board district.—Mr A. S. Gardner, called by Mr Powell, said the question of water supply was becoming an increasingly important one. He supported the proposal, as the district was within the watershed of the river Neath.—Other witnesses were heard, after which the commis- sioners said they would report their conclusions to the executive of the county council. Later in the day Mr Oliver H. Jones, Mr W. M. North, and Mr Idris Williams sat at the Gwyn Hall, Neath, to hea* evidence in reference to the following proposals:—(1) That the portions of the hamlets of Michaelston Lower and Baglan Lower that are within the borough of Aberavon, and the portion of Baglan Lower that is in the Briton Ferry Local Board district, be united to the parish of Briton Ferry. (2) That the portion of the hamlet of Blaenrhonddan that is within the borough of Neath be united to the parish of Neath. (3) That the portion of the hamlet of Michaelston Higher that is within the urban sanitary district ot Glyncorrwg be united with the hamlet of Glyncorrwg. (4) That the parish of Llantwit Lower be divided into wards. (5) That so much of tho parish of Rhigos as is within the watershed of the Neath River shall be removed from the Merthyr River shall be removed from the Merthyr Rural Sanitary District and attached to the Neath Rural Sanitary District.-Alder- man H. P. Charles asked in reference to the portion of the hamlet of Blaenrhonddan, which it was proposed to join to Neath, whether the rates would be increased ?—Mr Edward Powell, who appeared for the Neath Guardians, said there would probably be an increase of the rates to the extent of 8d, but if the proposal were not carried out there would probably be still higher rates to pay.—Mr Taliesen Jones, farmer, made objection to the dividing of Llautwit Lower into wards, but his opposition ceased when he was informed by Mr North that the division would be merely for election purposes.—There was no objection to the other pioixjSals.—Mr O. II. Jones said they would report to the county council committee. The question of the number of guardians to be allotted would be discussed at some future meeting.

DARING BURGLARY AT i HAVERFORDWEST. An old man, giving the name of James Thomas, but whom the police stated was known to possess innumerable aliases, was brought up at the Shirehall, Haverfordwest, on Monday, and charged with burglariously entering the shop of Mr P. G. Birch, outfitter, High-street. Haver- fordwest, on the night of Monday, May 28th, and stealing therefrom an overcoat and one umbrella. From the evidence it appeared that the prisoner entered Mr Birch's house by passing through the front door, whioh was ajart He was seen by the servant girl, who, however, being alone in the house, was so frightened that she tried to escape through the back door. while the prisoner pur- sued his course up a flight of stairs until he came across the goods mentioned, which he secured, and then made off. The girl meanwhile got into the street, and her master coming in a few minutes after, she gave information, with the result that the prisoner was apprehended shortly after with the goods in his possession.—The Bench com- mitted him for trial to the next Pembrokeshire Assizes. ■

MR R. McKENNA AT UPPER CWMBRAN. In continuation of his campaign in the consti tuency, Mr Reginald McKenna, of London, th selected Liberal candidate tor North Monmouth shire at the next election, addressed a meeting o bis supporters at the Board:School-room.. Upper Cwmbran, on Friday evening. Councillor T. Scott, Pontnewydd, presided, and, considerine- the unfavourable weather, there was a good attendance, whilst the proceedings were marked by considerable enthusiasm.—Mr R. Evans pro- posed a resolution expressing implicit confidence in the present Government.—Mr Q. Lang seconded; and Mr McKenna supported the reso- lution in an eloquent address (which was fre- quently enthusiastically applauded), and it was afterwards unanimously adopted.—The Chairman proposed, and Mr G. Edwards seconded, a reso. lution approving of the selection of Mr Reginald McKenna as the Liberal candidate for North Monmouthshire.—This was carried unanimously; and a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

THE PRIVILEGE" OF GETTING DRUNK. It used to be commonly supposed that man alone enjoyed the proud privilege of getting drunk. But Mr Lawson Tait made the fact known through our columns that wasps were given to inebriation and now it appears that the horse and other animals become slaves to an intoxicant known as the "loco plant." Once having tasted of this forbidden luxury and it is impossible to reform them. They become aban- doned creatures of the most dissolute habits, for what-abaintbe and gin are to human beings loco plant is to beasts of the field. When they have tasted the alluring herb they are liable to fall backwards in consequence of their brains being affected. 51 They leap heights in their frenzy and dash down precipices." It is sad and hope- less case altogether. Fortunately loco plant. is not frequently met with, and consequently our domestic animals are seldom confirmed dip* somaniacs, but act ;on the strictest teetotal principles. ■■

ASSISTING A RUNAWAY. On Saturday, at Merthyr Police-court—before Mr North and Mr Smyth—Samuel Kitto, Troedyrhiw, was summoned for unlawfully a«sisting and preventing a lad named James Howells from returning to the Joint Truant School, Quaker's yard, on the 14th May.—Mr. Stephens explained tho case. It appeared tnat the boy bad escaped from a window in bis sbut, and had a sheet wrapped round him. It was raining hard at tho time, and defendant, taking pity on him, fed him and clothed him. But instead of returning the lad to school, defendant paid his train fare to Merthyr, and eventually the labour superintendent of the school (Samuel Hewson) found him on an omnibus going to Dowlais, where the lad, it appeared, had pre. viously resided.

8ERI0U8 FIRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK. STF..JOHN (NITW BRUNSWICK), Monday.— Threa large business houses here have been destroyed by fire; The loss is estimated at 250,000 dols;, of which only 130,000 dols. are covered by insurance.—Reuter.

DELICIOUS,MAZATVATTEE TEAS; DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TJEA«. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS; DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DEW9J9US MAJSAWATTEE TEAS \'¡

ALLEGED ROBBERY OF BUILDING MATERIAL. On Monday, at the Cardiff Police-court, Thomas Llewellyn (44) and John Beasley (51) were charged before the Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr T. W. Lewis) and Mr opencer with having, between April 6th and May 26th, stolen 4 tons 7 cwt. 2 qrs. 6 lbs. of iron, brass, and lead, vajueJBS 14s, the property of Mr Wm. Thomas, builder, and others also with receiving the goods knowing them to have been stolen.—Mr Belcher, who appeared for the complainants, explained that Mr Thomas and others had a piece of waste ground not far from the Exchange buildings, on which they intended to erect six houses. For that purpose they had deposited there a quantity of building material, including that taken away, and on Saturday week last Mr Chubb, manager to Messrs Thomas & Co., whilst going his rounds, saw the defendants, who had a truck with them, removing something from the ground in bags. In consequence of that he went round and had a conversation with them, and discovered that they had got in the sacks a quantity of iron, lead, and brass. He (gave the men iuto custody, and on the premises of a marine store dealer being searched there was discovered four tons 17 cwt. 3 qrs. of iron, 1% cwt. of lead, and %cwt. of brass, of the total value of jBlO 15s 6d, and the property of Messrs Thomas and Company.—Mr Chubb corroborated the statement made by Mr Belcher, stating also that, after giving the men into custody, he, along with a detective, visited the marine stores of Mr Burns, Havelock-'place, Grangetown, and found the quantity of materials described. He was certain the materials were the property of Messrs Thomas and Co.—Mr Wm. Henry Burns, manager to Mr Daniel Burns, marine store dealer, Roath and Grangetown, said that according to his book defendant Llewellyn brought to the store in Grangetown, between April 6th and May 25bh, the quantities of iron, lead, and brass. He bought the materials from Llewellyn.—Mr Belcher asked why Llewellyn's name was entered in the book as Williams,' of Gray-street, Canton, and witness was informed by the Stipendiary that he need not answer questions that might incriminate himself.—Witness said he wished to explain that Llewellyn used to gather things for him, and in June, 1893, his name was entered as "Llew61lyn, Gray-street, Canton." Llewellyn was an Army Reserve man, and after comingr back from training witness by some mistake took his name to be uam Williams," and entered it as such in connection with thesa transactions.—Mr Belcher pointed out that in the course of five weeks there were 39 transactions, and asked how he had made the same mistake 39 times,— Witness again gave the explanation that he took the name to be Williams. Llewellyn told him he had got the materials in a dust heap at Clarence- road. In reply to the stipendiary magistrate, he said he was not suspicious when defendant told him that. He had first asked Llewellyn if he had come by the things honestly, and that was the reply. On several occasions Beasley went to the stores with Llewellyn. Defendant Llewellyn did not give a false name. Witness did not ask his name, merely asking if he still lived at Gray-stroet, Canton, and thinking the name was Williams. He did not know why he fixed on Williams as the name.—Evidence was then given by Police constable Geo. Reid as to the arrest, and by Detective Stephens ns to finding the materials in Burns's shop. The latter also stated that when identified Llewellyn said he gave Burns the name of Llewellyn, 16, Gray-street," every time.- Witness Burns, recalled by the stipendiary, said he paid Llewellyn JB10 18s 3%d for the materials he bought.—The Stipendiary And you believed that the materials were all picked up in the rubbish heap in Clarence-road ?—Witness Yes I believed that was where he got it—In reply to the clerk, he said he paid all the money to Llewellyn.—At the close of the evi- dence, Llewellyn, on being asked to plead, said, I deny stealing it. At the beginning of April I was on a spare piece of ground at the back of the Barry Station. I be. gan to turn over this rubbish from the fire, and a man who was hauling said, If you keep a good tip here for us and keep the road in repair you shall have all the old stuff that comes out here.' Some days I got more, and some days I got less."—Beasley said he bad nothing to do with the affair except to bring the truck out to Llewellyn to fetch the stuff to the store.— Llewellyn said he bad a wituess he wished to call; and a haulier who, up till Saturday last, was in the employment of Messrs Thomas and Co., stated, in reply to him, that he carted rubbish from the ruins of the Merchants' Exchange to the place mentioned, and had seen Llewellyn there. Witness also said the hauliers had asked Llewellyn to keep the rubbish level. The Stipendiary committed both defendants for trial at the ensuing quarter sessions, adding I wish to direct the attention of the police to the conduct of the witness Burns, who bought the goods from the defendants, and order that his book be kept in the custody of the police."

A SUICIDE'S LAST LETTER. An inquest was held—before Mr Robinson, coroner for the Mid.Division-at Cowley Bar- racks, near Oxford, on the body of CoL-Sergt. Parker John Green, of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, who shot himself through the head with a rifleon the previous morning. It was stated that tha deceased, who had been in the service about 18 years, o»-Friday morning complained of being very bad, and on getting up said it was no use, he could not get through his work. A few minutes afterwards the report of a rifle was heard, and Green was found on the floor of an unoccupied bunk, bleeding from the head. He had complained of having had extra work, and said he had been keeping company, and had met another.—A young woman with whom the de- ceased had been keeping company produced the following letter :— Cowley Barracks, Oxford, May 29, '94.—My dearest, fondest, little Jenny,-Do tell me I have not offended you at all. I have had no bit of peace to-day, for lately we seemed at last to be drawn closer together, and we have not quarrelled for so long. I could not quite make out your manner last night for some part of the time. Was it the pleasure of going away or of leaving ine ? Perhaps, darling, it is for the best. as we have been so much together, and then we shall find out if the love is on one side only (Parker's). I do hope it is uot. as I love you so thoroughly, have so much trusted you, am willing to (to anything you wish, so 1 hope once more that you will love me bet;er in time. Do try, Jenny, be my good angel, although far away, so that under fond guid- ance I may be right. Darling beauty, we cannot undo the past. Let us live for the future, although now for a time it may look black. I tell you all. No one single girl was ever trusted as you are. Yon are my only hope. Let uie rely on you. Do never blame me again about Louie. Let "us speak of her as of others—as of a mistaken past. I will say no more,as you knov you have always my love, and I shall never part from you until you make me, and I think you would find I was a trouble to get rid of bat I will not think of such a thing, as I always hope, dream, and think of my little wife that is to be. J ondest love, and until the end of our life from your ever faithful and true PARKER. Another young woman, to whom the deceased was formerly engaged, deposed to having broken off that engagement with him last October.—A juryman stated that the deceased, who was 38 years of age, had had slight sunstroke in India.— A verdict of "Suicide while of unsound mind" was returned.

A POINT IN LICENSING LAW. On Monday at Cardiff Policc-crurt-the Stipen- diary (Mr T. W. Lewis), Sir Morgan Morgan, Mr Lewis Williams, Mr W. R. Williams, and Mr Spencer on the bench—Mr H. Cousins, solicitor, applied for sanction to have the licence for Elliott's Hotel extended to the new portion now being added to the premises. He explained that the place would be greatly improved, but would remain practically the same. —The Stipendiary said this was a matter for the magistrates and the brewster sessions, and the magistrates present at the police-court that day bad no power to extend the licensed area. He thought Mr Cousins had done all that was necessary by mentioning the matter at the police- court.—Mr Cousins replied that he had received sanction it) similar cases before.—The Stipendiary: But that would be only provisional, because, clearly, this court has no jurisdiction or power to do so.—Mr Cousins Enlargement of the pre- mises does notr necessarily mean new premises.— The Cerlc (Mr ilees) stated that it had been the rule for years in cases of the kind to apply for a new licence.— Mr Cousins contended that the present licence should cover the new portion back to Mill-lane, and that the magistrates there sitting in special sessions could give the necessary sauction. He had discovered, however, that this was not a special sessions, and would consequently postpone his application.

CARDIFF "FREE LABOUR" EXCHANGE, Closed for Lack of Support. The premises in the Cardiff Exchange occupied by the erstwhile free labour bureau are now to let, and that rather costly experiment in guarding against the possibilities of a strike is now a thing of the past, ft is worthy of remark that, while the bureau was established on excellent business principles and upon, as stated, a. recognition of the mutuality of interest existing between employer and employed, the men of only one firm of timber importers in the port enrolled themselves in it. The cost of maintaining the concern was con- siderable, and the Bristol Channel Timber Importers' Association, after giving the experi- ment a fair trial, decided to close the bureau, its advantages not being appreciated by the general body of workmen.

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL." Preaching at the Wesleyan Chapel, Wisbech, last. week, in celebration of the Sunday-school anniversary, the Rev. Mark Guy Pearse said that if he had his way he would do away with Sunday-schools. He would write up in the centre of a church, "No Sunday-school." He urged that the name of the Sunday-school should be changed to that of The Children's Church, the Children's Service, the Children's Worship, the Children's Hour, or anything that would bring brightness and gladness with it. Children six days' schooling in the week; they had ns many lessons crammed into their beads as tney could carry, and for pity's sake let them res# on the seventh.—Christian Commonwealth.

> t>ELICir/tTS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DJSUClOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS v DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS; f ) DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. ( DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS 1 DBLICIQUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS; DELICIOUS MAZAWA1TEE TEAS:

Eisteddfod at Fern-d" le. 8;, CHORAL COMPETITION. A REMARKABLE GATHERING. [BT MAEUSWTN.] The eisteddfod held on Monday at Ferndale wjll take rank among the most important and the most exciting ever held in South Wales, and it was one of the few great gatherings held in recent years where the hostility between certain com- petitors was such as to lead to fears of an open rupture. Tba rivalry between Dowlais and Merthyr Choirs was practically the only feature of the Ferndale, Eisteddfod abotit which people were talking* and which from the first settled the question of the success of the eisteddfod. All else was fcr- gotten ir. the face of the battle of "the giants; even tho fact that there were 13 candidates in .the brass bund com petition—anevent which underotlrer circumstances would have aroused a tremendous amount of interest—seemed to pass unnoticed. Everybody was thinking of the great competi- tion, and of nothing else. The morning of Monday opened boisterously. A violent; thunderstorm raged and rain fell in torrents for several hours. In all my experience of eisteddfodau I have never witnessed such terrible weather; and remembering this fact, one can only wonder that there were some hundreds of people waiting to get into the eisteddfod field long before the gates ware opened. The eistedd- fod was held in a marquee of tremendous size set up in a field near the Maxwell Hotel, and around it were several smaller tents, in some of which refreshments were served, and others wece for the preliminary competition.?. On Saturday morning the storm raged with fury, and the large marquee was almost torn, to shreds. But the rents were repaired the same day, and on Monday the eisteddfod pavilion was as good as such frail structures usually are. The rain streamed in through the roof, and at two o'clock the prospects of an even tolerably enjoyable day were very dismal indeed. Proceedings were commenced about eleven o'clock, when Miss R. A. Jeiikins, Ferndaie, sang Gyda'r Wawr as the eisteddfod song. This young lady, who was first brought to public notice through the agency of this journal, possesses, as I have stated more than once, a truly fiue voice, and her rendering of the pathetic old melody was a treat of the very highest order. The singing of the last verse especially stamped Miss Jeukins as a finished artiste. Immediately afterwards thé COMPETITIONS were taken up and disposed of. Before dealing with them, however, I should like to observe that the subjects of the various solo competitions were very badly selected. Not an operatic or, oratorio solo was selected in any of the contests, but instead a number of songs, excellent in the concert-room, but perfectly worthless as real tests, were chosen. Soprano Solo Competition.—The first competi- tion of the day was that for soprano soloists. The prize was a guinea and a half, and the subject a new song by Mr John Henry, called Cenwcli i'm yr hen ganiadau." Of the uinecompetitors who had entered, two only were. selected to appear before the audience in the eisteddfod pavilion. The prize without hesitation was awarded to the phenomenally Successful Miss Maggie Morris, Tonyrefail, a young lady who, only about 18 years of age, has now won the extraordinary number of 77 eisteddfodic prizes, and who certainly takes rank with the very best of our amateur singers. Juvenile Choral Competition.—A somewhat heavy work, Mr David Jenkins's arrangement of the old Welsh air, Cwynfan Prydairi;" was the test piece in the juvenile choral competition, the prize being J37, supplemented by a gold medal of the value of :£2, Three choirs com- peted, viz., Clvdach Vale, Mardy, and Ferndale. Mr W. Docksey, Bradford, and one time leader of the famous Burslem Choir, gave his adjudica- tion in English, He said he must tell them that he had been disappointed with the oompetition. All the choirs bad had the wrong method of voice production. If the method of production he had noted was continued, it would result dn forcing of the voices. In the course of a detailed adjudication, Mr Docksey came down severely upon some of the points in the different per- formances. When the award was given, the supporters of the victors cheered again and again, and the.stirill cries of delight from some scores of little people made up a sound but rarely beard at the eisteddfod. Essay Competition—A prize of five guineas was offered for the best essay, in either English or Welsh, on "Darwin and his Theories." The Rev..T. Ceulanydd Williams, Maesteg, was the adjudicator. The winner was Mr Joseph Harry, of Cardiff College. Contralto Solo Competition.The prize in the alto solo competition was a guinea and a half, and the test piece was Cowen's "Light in Darkness." There were 17 competitors, but two only were selected to appear on the platform. The first of these was a little girl, and Pedr Alaw, in giving his adjudication, said that so far as possibilities were concerned, she stood very high indeed. She had done capitally. The other lady had sung with fine feeling and her phrasing was very good. The winner was Miss Esther Williams, Rhymney. A good deal of dissatisfaction prevailed among numbers of people present at the eisteddfod. Three or four splendid singers, including Miss Gwen Foster (Penygraig), Miss Annie Williams (Cardiff), and Miss M. J. Williams (Dowlais), believing that the competition would come off at half-past eleven o'clock-as was stated in the programme— journeyed to Ferndale by the second train, and arrived shortly before noon. But the contest had, so they allege, been taken fialf an hour too early, and so they had no chance of taking part inthecompetition.. Testimonial to Dr. Parry. -A prize of two guineas was offered for the best swt of stanzas eulogistic of Dr. T. W. Parry. J.P., Ferndale. The winner was Biynfab, Pontypridd, who recited his poem to the audience. The stanzas, beautifully printed on silk and framed, were then presented to Dr, Parry by Mr Frayk Edwards, M.P., in a neat little speech, and the doctor suitably respond< d. Tenor Solo Competition.—The test piece for tenor soloists was Mr W. Daviea's song, "Among the hills of Wales,"and there were 18 competitors for the prize of JB1 Us 6d. The preliminary test reduced the number to two, both of whom gave a beautiful rendering. The prize Was awarded to Mr David Howells, Gwynalaw, Ferndale, who later in the day gave a splendid interpretation of "The Last Watch." Bardic Chair.—A prize of two guineas was offered for the best carved oak chair, to be given to the winner of the bardic poem prize. Mr E. H. Davies, J.P., said that only one ehair had come to hand, and it was well worthy of the prize. The winner was Mr Humphreys, Carnarvon, Bass Solo Competition.—Another song by Mr \Vm. Davies, entitled, "Y Banerwr" ("The Bannerinan "), was the test piece for bass soloists, and the prize was £1 lis 6ri. Out of 15 com- petitors two only were selected to .appear before the audience. Mr Docksey said that the compe- tition had been a very good one. Mr Ivor Foster, Penygraig, was hailed the winner. Second Choral Competition.—A prize of L20 aud a gold-mounted baton, of the value of five guineas, was offered in the second cboral compe- tition, the test piece being Gwilym Gwånt's "Y Gwanwyn." Three choirs competed in the follow- ing order, viz., Mardy, Tabernacle Choit, Fern- dale, and the C'vmamr.h Glea, Society. Pedr Alaw, in delivering his adjudication, aaid that the Mardy Choir possessed some good voices. Their phrasing, however, was not good, and there was a want of sympathy between the voiees. The time was good, and the intc-unti,)ik "W," good, except towards the close of the piece. The second choir also possessed good voices,: but the altos were rather harsh. The basses were very good, but before the end the sopranos went out of tune, e and consequently drew the whole choir out. The time and the phrasing were good. The third choir (Cwniaman) possessed excellent voices, and began better than the others. The intonation was very good, but the time rather faulty. There seemed, however, every sympathy between the parts, and the adjudicators had. not tho slightest hesitation in declaring the last choir the best. The conductor, Mr Thomas Evaus, was invested by Miss R. A. Jenkins, Ferndale. Chairing the Bard.-A prized five guineas and the carved oak bardic chair were offered for the best poem in Welsh on t" rV Ngwlad ("My Country"), and eleven compositions liad conie to hand. Seeing that the people were noli ip a humour to Its ten to a long literary adjudication, Ceulanydd merely announced that the winner \yas a competitor who turned out to be Brynfab, Pontypridd. That gentleman was chaired in the usual way, and bardic addresses were delivered by several of the poetic fraternity present. But it must be admitted that tho ceremony fell some- what flat. Brass Band Competition.—There, were three prizes of the respective value of £ 15, £ 10, and £ 5 in the brass band competition and the candi- dates for them played on a. bandstand placed out- side the pavilion. As the weather was at times simply wretched, the contest was carried on under most depressing circumstances. The following nine bands completed, viz., LI anally, conducted by Mr J. Samuel Ferndale, conducted by Mr James Ryan; Blaina, conducted by Mr G. rF. Birken- shaw; Tillery Temperance Band, conducted by Mr E. Sutton Tillery Colliery Band, conducted by Mr J. Griffiths; Abercanaid. conducted by Mr J. Davies; Pontlottyn, conducted by Mr E. Sutton; Aberdare Church Mission Band, con- ducted by Mr Smith Mardy, conducted by Mr W. R. Howe; Aberaman Silver Band, conducted by Mr James Prestwood. Mr Thomas Seddpn Kettering, who acted as adjttdicator, said that two bands were so close in the competition that he must aek them to play over again The bands selected were Ferndale and Blaina, The final award was made in favour of Ferndale, with Blaina as second and Llanelly as third. The special prize for the soprano player in the CMU- petition was won by Mr Thomas C. Edwards, Llanelly, and the special prize for the best euphonium player was awarded to » member of the Blaina Band, whose name did not transpire. Tbe awards were immensely popular.7 Great Choral Competition.—It* was half-past four o clock when the Blaenycwm Choir mounted the platfoi-in to commence, the great choral com- petition. The prize was £ 100 and a silver cup, valued at B25. The other choirs in the eompeti- tiou were Merthyr and Dowlais., Each cnoir was well received on asoeudiug thfc platform. The stipulated number of singers was SOO, and a member of the eisteddfod committee counted the Dowlais Choir and found tbe111.tonuinber 194. Some members of the Merthyr Choir, however, counted the choir and found tbenvto number 207. It was then announced that a protest would be raided against Dowlais should that choir win, aiad a delay took plaçe. Considerable excitement was aroused, and some high feeling was displayed on the point. The adjudication on the competition was given by Mr Docksev iq English, aua reeled by Mj: Peter Edwards in Welsh. Mr Docksey said that the contest between two of the choirs, namely, Merthyr and Dowiais, had been a very hard one. It Was difficult to criticise the magnificent rendering of the Mertliyr choir. The tone of the Sopranos was quite inspiring; they had a. good volume of voice, and gave the attack splendidly. The tenors were simply perfect, and the bass did n6t force themselves. The blending together of the parts was excelient, and reflected thf highest credit upon the conductor. The Dowlaie; Choir rcommenced rather slow, and their speed was somewhat varied. They slackened at times, and then pulled up again. The bass at letter "G" were rather forced, but were exceedingly good, and it was difficult to find fault with the choir. The altos were very good and rich, but the choir lost inintonation and .sympathy between the parts. The phrasing wa\! remarkably good, and on the whole the choir gave a very excellent performance. Taking everything into con- sideration, they had no hesitation in awarding the prize to the Mtrthvr Choirl Mr Dan Davies, the hero of a hundred fights, was invested with the prize by Madame Clara Novello Davies. ¡. Male Voice Competition.—Two choirs com- peted, namely, Ferndale, led by Mr T. Bowen, and Treherbert, conducted by Mr J. J. Jones. The test-piece was Hail, David, hail" (D. Jenkins), and the prize offered was J320 and a gold-mounted baton, valued at £5, to the con- ductor. The prize was awarded to Ferndale. Enthusiastic Welcome Home of the Merthyr Choir. About a quarter to 7 o'clock, telegrams were received in various parts of Merthyr announcing the victory of the Merthvr choir, and the news was discussed excitedly by large and increasing crowds, more.pa.rticularly;n the neighbourhood of the railway-station. Shortly before eight o'clock the special Taff train conveying the Merthyr choir home arrived at Merthyr, and upon leaving the station, the conductor, Mr Dan Davies, was shouldered by some of his stalwart friends, and a procession was formed and a great demonstration took place. At various points onwards to Bethesda-street and Georgetown, there were renewed outbursts of enthusiasm. There was enthusiastic cheering for Mr Dan Davies, Mr Wm. Harris, and Madame Clara Novello Davies. About twenty minutes past nine o'clock a special train reached Merthyr with members of the Dowlais Choir. It i is only fair to say that the Dowlaisians were also well received, and Mr Harry Evans, the conductor, was accorded an enthusiastic measure of cheering m recognition of the gallant manner in which he had led his vocal army.

PROPOSED CARDIFF CHAMBER OF ARBITRATION. It will be remembered that some time ago a movement was set on foot, in connection with the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, with the object of inaugurating in this port a cliamber of arbitra- tion similar to that established in London on the 23rd Noveii..bar, 1892. The movement, which owed its initiation to Mr Lewellen Wood, the then president of the chamber of commerce, made very satisfactory progress up fa. a given point. This was partly owing to th« energy and exceptional business capacity which that gentleman brought to bear upon everything connected with the chamber during his occupancy of the presidential chair, and partly to the aid which was rendered him by Mr Henry Clarke, of the London County Council, who is the chairman of the committee of management of the London Chamber. The matter has, however, of late been lost sight of, and nothing is now heard of its being further proceeded with. The Cardiff Corporation signified its entire approval of the scheme, and there seemed to be nothing ro- sembling serious obstacle to the accomplishment of the idea. It need hardly be explained that the object of chambers of arbitration is the settlement of disputes between commercial and mercantile men without resorting to litigation. It is claimed for such institutions that they save an immense amount of time are far more economical than the ordinary law courts and that they prevent the ill-feeling and protracted contention which not infrequently result from an appeal to the ordinary logal processes. They have this further strong recommendation — that the arbitrators are all specially qualified men, and that they are selected on account of their special fitness and experience in matters relating to the cases which they have to hear.' In the London Chatober, which is under the joint control of the City Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce, the fee for hearing is one guinea, and the arbitrator's fee two guineas; and no further expense need be incurred in simple cases occupying but a short sitting. The chief causa which has led to the postponement of the move- ment in Cardiff appears to be the doubt existing in the minds of some as to whether such a chamber, if established, would be availed of to any great ex ent. Inquiries made as to the London Chamber do not, we are informed, show that it has as yet done a large amount of work, and if the enormous and varied trade of the Metropolis has not proved such an institution to be raally useful it could hardly, perhaps, be expected that the trade of Cardiff would demand such a tribunal. It is desirable, however, that this matter be fully inquired into, and that in the event of a need for such a chamber being found to exist it be pressed forward without any further delay. A movement has begun in Birmingham for the establishment of a chamber of arbitration in that city, and the scheme is being very favourably received.

CARDIFF AND THE BUTE. I Conference in tendon. A conference took place at the Loudoun Hotel, Surrey-street, Strand, on Saturday, be- tween the Parliamentary committee of the Cardiff Corporation and Sir W. T. Lewis relative to matters in difference between the parties in con- nection with the Bill which the corporation is promoting for street improvements, and against which a petition has been lodged on behalf of the Bute interest. The chair ,vas occupied by the, Mayor of Cardiff (Mr Trounqe), and there were also present Aldermen Sanders David Jones, and Jacobs, Councillors Sliackell, F. J. Beavan, Ebenezer Beavan, Ramsdale, Vaughan, and Tucker the town clerk of Cardir (Mr Wheatley), the deputy town clerk (Mf. Lloyd), the borough engineer (Mr Harpur), an& the water engineer (Mr J. A. B. Williams). -It addition to Sir W. T. Lewis, the Bute interest was represented by Mr J. S. Corbett and Mr WT A- W. M. Corbett. The deliberations were privata 1 he parties considered various matters in differs ence in connoction with the acouisition of lanf belonging to Lord Bute by the Cardiff Corpora tion. The representatives of the Press Weft: informed that the discussion also turned largely upon improvements in Cardiff, and that in relit tion thereto a number of small points werr debated. Both sides, it was added, manifested t: desire to come to terms, and the general tone ot the conference favoured a give-and-take policy. Trades Council Resolution. It will be remembered that at their last meeting the Cardiff Trades Council passed f, resolution requesting Sir E. J. Reed to oppost the Bute Docks Bill in respect of the intended imposition of the new pier-head toll. The: following letter has been received from the hon. member :— Broadway Chambers. Westminster. Dear Mr Richards,am obliged by your lavotir oe the 29th inst., and am very glad to see that the Carditf Trades Counejl t ike the same view 1\9 myself Qn the; very extraordinary proposal in clause 25 ot the But* Docks Bill now before Parliament. I am closely en gaged upon this question, and tne council may relj upon my action in the matter.—Yours faithfully, E. J. REF-D. Similar letters have been received from Mr R, D. Burnie and Mabon. ACTION OF CARDIFF INDEPENDENT LABOUR PARTY. TO THE EDITOR. k.iE, I do not know what steps are being taker to effectually counteract the action oftheCot. poration Sub-comm\ttee in so weakly yielding tho pressure of Sir William Thomas Lewis anflT agreeing to the iniquitous toll. Sir Edward Ree £ M.P., ihust find himself ill a fatse position, for whilst no doubt he is strongly opposed to thr, proposed clause he is practically "bound 00 3.bid. by the decision of the corporation Under these circumstances the emergency eolru mittee of the Cardiff Independent Labour Part' has requested Mr Keir Hardie, M.P., to oppose the Bute Docks (Cardiff) Bill in all its stages through the House of Commons, and Mr Ken Hardie, M.P., has decided to block the said Bill in all its staged until tho obnoxious clause bar/ been unreservedly withdrawn.—I am> &c S. G. HOBSON. Beaucfaamp-street, Cardiff, June 2, 1894.

NEWPORT GUARDIANS- The weekly meeting of the Newpoit Boarder Uuardians was held at the Workhouse on Satnp day, the chaiuTian, Colonel Lyne, presiding. The number of inmates in the house was 293f a decrease of 22; there wero 2,502 out, dooJ pHupers, an increase of 145. In th</ Caerleon Industrial Schools there were 183 ehil dren, an increase of 12.—Rev. C. Ayliffe had given notice of motion to rescind the resolution passed at areoont meeting of the board inetruofr ing the vaccination officers to prosecute in caseC where the parents refused to have their children vaccinated. When the notice of motion way reached the Chairman said that a communication, had been received from the Local Government Board on the subject. This communication was now read and was to the effect that vaccinatioc, officers had no option but to enforce th-; law in such cases, and that th«~ board oould not relieve themselves of the duty of seeing that the provisions of tlv Vaccination Acts were carried out. Any resolcr- tion, therefore, to defer prosecutions would tr illegal.—Rev. C. Ayliffe hoped that no partiality would be shown by the omcersinprosocutiM parents. Mr J. Willuunsalso complained that it the past poor people had been prosecuted, whilst some in better positions had not. He knew of H magistrate, aminister, and a prominent corpora. tion official of Newport, neither of whom hadbafl' Sat^t dnrv^Cmaied-~The Chairman replied' KLS .tli? offioprs bad now been clearl- attention should be drawcy W- A- Williams then moved irplrevino- P6r oase paid to one of the ? i I^°?rs ,or prosecutions in vaooination t Ve abolished.—This was secoudedb? "• JN. Johns, and unanimously adopted*

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