The Cardiff Times

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, & DEATHS BIRTH4*. JONEI;On the 17th instant, at 12, Russell-street, Swansea, the wife of J. W. Jones, Superintendent Prudential Assurance Company, of a daughter. 9823 LEWIS.At Minerva Mouse, Cardigan, the wife of Mr L". Lewis, of a son. 567 MARRIAGES. DAVIEI-LANF--Illl the 17th inst.. at St. Catherine's Church, Cardiff, by the Rev Jos. Baker, Thomas Owen Davie", of Cardiff, to Amelia., eldest daughter of Mr Tracy Lane, Golden Grove, Cadoxton. EVANS—WILLIAMS—On the 17th inst., at Salem Baptist Chapel Porth, by the Rev. W. E. Davies, Calfaria, Clydach Vale, assisted by the Iev. A. Williams, Nebo, Y'strad, John Evans, Court Hotel, Tonypandv, to Sarah A. Williams, Tyntyla Farm, Ystrad- Khondda. DEATHS. CADVTA".—0:I the 18th inst., at Neath, Nli-, Margaret Cadin:> n, widow of the late Mr Joseph Cadman, aged 91. 710 CI.ARKI:. — On Dec. 16, at 24, Metal-street, Charles, youngest son of the late William Clarke, butcher, age 26. DYKKS.—35th jnt., at 271, Bute-street, John M. Dykes, hatter, aged 75 years. FARNWCRTH. -On Dec. 13th, Nathan Firnworth, for 21 years manager of Messrs Cross Bro,: branch at Caerphilly, aged 71 years. Foieign papers please copy. 328 HKLLII:—At the Adelphi Hotel, Bute-street, on 13th December, 1894, Albert William Hellier, aged 40. Deeply regret tc-ii. HCZZKY.—December 12, at S!ow-gate Villa, Newport, Henry Alfred Huzzey, aged 62. JONES.—On Dec. 14th, at Graig-road, Pontaraawe, Agneli Winifred, beloved daughter of Rees and Winifred Jones, aged 3 years and 3 months, deeply regretted. MARSHALL.—On Dec. 17th, at 4, Eirawood, Tredegar, Agnes Hill, widow of the late James Marshall, Mill Farm, aged 56 year. Funeral on Friday, at two o'clock punctually. Gentlemen only. 5-831 M\U6I.—December 14th, Annie Jane, wife of Lawrence Maggi, Clare-road, age 28. after a painful MOIIGAN -On December 12th, 1S94, suddenly at 63 De Burgh-street, Canton, Herbert Morgan, aged 56. TAYLOR. -15th inst., at Marine-terrace, Penarth, after a long and painful illness, Edward Taylor, aged 67, for many years submarine diver toT. V.R., at Penarth Dock. TRRGASKIS.—On the 18th inst., at 35, Plymouth-road Penarth, Julia Ann, the dearly loved wife of George H. Tregaskis. 591 WILLIAMs,-On the 11th inst., at 38. Carlcon-terrac^, Swansea, the beloved wife of Griffith Williams, aged 74 years. 9784 IN MEMORIAM. HAMMOND.—In loving memory of Elizabeth (the beloved wife of Joseph Hammond, accountant, Pontypridd), who died, after a short illness, on the 15th December, 1893. Much regretted. 9772

FICTION FOR THE NEW YEAR. On January 5th we shall start publi- cation of a New Novel by Mr Fergus Hume, the author of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," entitled THE THIRD VOLUME. go Othet- special arrangements have been made for some of the best and latest serials by the most popular writers. A New Series of COMPLETE SHORT STORIES Have been secured from the following (among other) well-known authors Iota (author of A Yellow Aster"). George R. Sims. John Strange Winter. Julian Hawthorne. Dora Russell. Helen Mathers. NEXT WEBK several of our usual weekly features, which have been crowded out of this number, unll be resumed. ROGERS' AK ALES AND PORTERS, In 4% Gallon Casks and Upwarus. PALE AND MILD ALES from lOd per Gallon PORTER AND STOUTS from Is per Gallon BREWERY, BRISTOL. CARDIFF STOILILS. WORKING-STREET. NEWPORT STORES COMMERCIAL-BUILDINGS CHEPSTOW STOBE.8— BEAUFORT-SQUARE. Applications for purcnasing agencies to be made to the Brewery. r 139o6 2475

SATURDAY. DECEMBER 22, 1894. CHRISTMAS OLD AND NEW. MOST people like to imagine, and they are constantly telling themselves and their z;1 ir friends, that although everything is changing in the world, and that very soon nothing will remain as it is, Christmas never changes. Christmas, they gleefully tell you, is Christmas still, with its feasts and family gatherings and goodwill, with peace towards all men. It is a very pretty senti- ment, but the spirit of change has made its impress on the chief Winter Festival as it has on every other custom which mankind delights to honour. There is an old Christ- mas as well as a new Christmas, and they lie far apart. After all, there is no need to regret this so long as the good feel- ing remains with us and the duty of charity and the precept of good will are honoured in the observance religiously. It matters not about the change in the methods of observing the feast, or the sending out of greetings each generation has its own notions about these things but what we should keep inviolable is the spirit of for- giveness and good fellowship which has always characterised the British nation's observance of Christmas. Except in a very few rural districts the observance of the old customs connected with this season have changed immensely. In towns a log fire at Yule cannot be had, nor do wo hear the good old-fashioned singing of the waits. The Boar's Head, without which an old family would never think of keeping Christmas, has passed out of request, and instead game of one kind or another is regarded as absolutely necessary to the success of the feast. The only two things which cling to the celebrations are the Roast Beef and Plum Pudding. The old home-brewed nut brown ale in prime condition, the pnde of the housewife, is a thing of the past, and tli3 visitor is now asked to drink to the season a thimbleful of some light foreign wine The Christmas of old days is only left to us in the illustrated Christmas literature, which again is an inno- vation, and has taken so strong a hold of j popular imagination and sentiment that one- half of the Entrlish tseot>l« would as soon think of spending Christmas without feasfeiiig a Christmas pudding as going without the "Christmas Number.' Happily the Christmas Number is not a luxury fof the rich and the well-to-do. It is one of those pleasures brought about by a cheap Pfess, which can b3 enjoyed by the poorest in the land. We can part with the old log fires and the waits and their strange perform- ances, because they are kept for us in the spirit in the Christmas number but What would Christmas be to-day without its special numbers ? We regard the ehange that has come about ill the observance of Christmas as a very welcome one, and there can be no cause for regret so long as charity is not shut out in the cold at this season of the year, and men and women do not forget the injunction to let peace and goodwill reign on earth. As an illustration of the advantages which are to be found in the changes which have come over the observ- ance of the festival, we would point out that in our columhs this week 1Tb present to the reader, for the sum of a penny, a budget of Christmas fiction and literature, such as the wealth of a gentleman could not have purchased a few generations ago. In the present day the Christmas number is issued for the masses, and there is no more pleasant reflection for the newspaper worker during the round of the year than that the Christmas number, packed with good fiction and special articles, will carry amusement and recreation as well as instruction into thousands of working-class homes, and that they will be able, like the richest in the land, to enjoy a feast of the season's good literature. We now invite our readers to our Christmas feast, and wish them once again, in the good old-fashioned way, A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. IN a few weeks' time the meetings of the Liberal Federation will be held in Cardiff, at which there will be a great gathering of the supporters of the Liberal party to meet the leaders. We may expect to hear some- thing about the intentions of the Govern- ment in the new Session, but at any rate the country will soon be officially informed, for Parliament will re-open on the 5th of February. Very little change is to be noticed since the close of the last Session, and there can be no doubt that the coming Session will be the most important in the history of the Government. It will be a very critical one for Lord ROSEBBRY. The loss of two bye- elections, Forfarshire and Brigg, shows no great or general change 111 the feeling of the country, and there is no desire to replace a Conservative Government in power. It is true that reformers of every kind seem in a hurry to get their particular measure first, and the Conservative press has not been slow to seize upon this, and pretend to see in it considerable differences of opinion among the leaders of the party. But the Conservative press, when their party are in opposition, manufacture rumour and opinion to suit their desires almost daily, and it is done with such splendid disregard of the truth of the situation that the soundest Liberals at times are apt to be taken in by the rumour and consequential party statements and to regard the position of their own friends in an unfavourable light. It is an old maxim that you have only to repeat an untruth often enough to give it the semblance of a truth, and then it is accceptcd as the truth itself. This is one of the first principles of Tory Opposition, and it has to be confessed that they practice it with vigour and persistency. It was never done with greater vigour than since Mr GLADSTONE'S retirement from the leader- ship of the Liberal party, and probably no Liberal Prime Minister has had to face so much wilful misrepresentation as Lord ROSEBERY. We sincerely hope that the faction which is aiding the Tory Press to bring about a premature General Election will be disappointed. There is every indica- tion at present that the Liberal Govern- ment will settle down in the new session to carry out the remainder of their pro- gramme, and if Lord ROSEBBRY is loyally supported by his followers, only the Veto of the House of Lords, which is gradually be- coming a completely unanimous Tory Committee, can prevent Liberal measures of reform being placed on the Statute Book. Mr BALFOUR has ex- pressed his determination to extract from Lord ROSEBERY what his intentions are with regard to the House of Lords. Lord ROSEBERY has made known his determina- tion to limit the power of the Upper House, and the proper time for an expression of opinion on this subject is undoubtedly at the end of the Session. Not even all the charges of the Opposition against the Government of omission or commission amount to anything worth serious notice. The Government have acted wisely and well in home and foreign policy, and it has to be admitted all round that the general ad- ministrative work of the country could not be in better hands. Indeed, the administrative work of the Government has been one of its most remarkable features. It has never been better or more thoroughly done, and Mr GLADSTONE'S last selection of a Cabinet has brought out several young men who have proved themselves to be as capable statesmen as any who have held office in recent years. The present Government has done more work during its period of office than any previous Administration, on the showing of the Opposition, and its duty, It seems to us, is to go on and complete its programme, reserving to the end of the Session the struggle with the House of Lords.

ii ■ LATE CANADIAN PREMIER, The captain of H.M.S. Blenheim visited the Colonial Office on Wednesday, and conferred with the permanent officials as to the ceremony and etiquette to be observed in the conveyance of the remains of the late Sir John Thrmpaon to Halifax. The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway will run a spectial train for the conveyance of the remain8 from London to Portsmouth. The train will leave Victoria at 9.10 on Saturday niorning, and arrive at the South Railway Jetty, Portsmouth Dockyard, at half-past 11. Any persons wishing to travel by the train to Portsmouth will be able to obtain tickets in the ordinary way at Victoria Station. The remains will leave the temporary mausoleum in Baker-street about eipht on Saturday morning, "I and reach Victoria shortly before nine. The special train will return from Portsmouth (town station) at three p.m., and arrive at Victoria at 5.10 p.m. The arrangements made by the First Lord of the Admiralty for the reception cf the remains at Portsmouth and their embarkation have already been made public. The Blenheim will sail at noun on Saturday, and is expected to reach Halifax on Mouday morning:, the 31st mst. It is understood that the Bishop of Ports- mouth will receive the remains on their arrival at that port. The minute guus will be fired whilst the body is being embarked on board the Blen- heim.

In Ireland there are 28 packs of harriers, 20 of foxhounds. and six packs of ataghotmds.

Ciub Prosecution at Cardiff. AN EX-rUBLICAN AND HIS BARMAID. Herrtarkabli Evidence If the Defendant. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST A SOLICITOR, On Tuesday tit Cardiff Pdlice-coiirt Henry Baker answered to a Suuimoils chargihg him with illegally dealing in beer byselllng it at No. 345, Oowbridge-roftd, premises Jthowh Us the Windsor Club. Mr F. Co Llold (deputy tdwn JIrJt) prosecuted, and Mr GedfgS David conducted the defehce. DetectiveW. Gretton statedthatonSliiidny, Da. oeiiiber2nd, he Was one df several officers who raided these premises about eight o'clock in the evening. He saw Baker in a doorway leading to the bar. There were then twenty men in the bar and the kitchen, most of them With vessels containing beer before them. A man named Coticannon was giving out the drihks. Seventeen of the men had no cards of membership. but the others produced share vouchers in the Windsor Ciub Company. Inspectors James and William* were among the police-officers concerned, and Inspector Williams found lying- On a bed tlpsfcaifs Mfs Elizabeth Coles, Baker described to wtolti Wiillftms as being the manageress. Mrs Coles soon afterwards came into the bar and served two men. Her atterttlon being directed to the money in a hole in the feounter which was used as a till, she swept it Up, saying, I may as well take care of that, as it will help to pay the fine." Inspector James corroborated, and added that) Baker was the owner of the club premises, and also of the house next dooh These houses had but one entrance at the rear. Mr David observed at this stage that he con- sidered there was no case for him to answer, but the Stipendiary ruled otherwise. Defendant was then sworn. He said he was a commision agent. It was quite true that both these houses belonged to him. He had been living in lodgings with his tenants in the, house next door to the club for about three weeks. Mrs Coles and her son lived at the club. He had let the club premises from October, 1893, to the Windsor Club Co., and had no other interest in the club beyond that of an ordinary member. On the 6th November last he was convicted for selling beer at this club. This was because he had without thought gone behind the bar counter. Cross-examined: The club company was the same now as it was when he first let the premises. They had paid him irregularly up to June, 1894. He denied that be had told the inspector that Mrs Cjles was the manageress. The agreement was a verbal one, but the club premises were let by him for £40 a year. Mr Lloyd: What is the relationship between you and Mrs Coles ?—Nothing. Did she manage the business for you for which you were convicted ?—No. Did she break windows of yours and did you not after giving her in charge withdraw, explaining to the police-officer that you were under her thumb"?—No; I withdrew because I believed she did it in temper, for she's got a violent temper. Have you kept a public-house ?—Yes the Ron.illy Inn. Was Mrs Coles there with you t— She was my barmaid. What were her wages £20 a year. When you left the Romilly what notice did you give her 1-1 didn t give her notice. She knew she must leave, for the houne was sold. Row did you pay her ?—Quarterly. And she left at a moment's notice ?—-Well, I didn't give her any. Where did she go ? -I don't know. Did she live in the same house as you ?—Well, no. Do you know how she came to be manageress of this club ?—No, I don't. I suppose the directors got her application. Did you recommend her ?—Yes, I believe I did. Was she not charged with you with illegally dealing in beer ?—Yes. And you pleaded guilty ?—Mr Beloher did that for me in my absence. You were convicted ?—Yes. Then ib was proved that she was your sertant ? —She was not my servant, but the club's The Stipendiary But you pleaded guilty.— No, I didn't, sir. It was Mr Belcher. This is a serious matter. Do you mean to say that Mr Belcher pleaded guilty on your behalf without your instructions ?—Yes, sir, I do. Iu reply to further questions from Mr Lloyd, witness admitted that Mr Belcher bad appeared to defend Mrs Coles as well as himself. The olub had paid his costs, Mrs Coles handing him the money. When the business was brisk he said he went behind the bar to Msist in serving, but added that this was done without receiving the authority of the directors. He simply volunteered, as he was accustomed to the trade. He denied that he had derived other than legitimate profit from the club. He had mortgaged his property after the previous I charge for £100 and paid his One (£25) himself. He lent j35 of this money to Mrs Coles, it being understood that he should be paid when she was able to get the money. He could not say what wages Mrs Coles received as manageress of the club. By the Stipendiary She certainly was paid by I the club. Did you not go upstairs to the manageress on the occasion of the raid 1—Witness hesitated, and then said "Yes." Was it not a general thing for yoa to KO up- stairs when the manageress was there!-—Yes, as one would go to call one's servant. The Stipendiary: Was she your servant ou the 2nd December?—No. Pressed by Mr Lloyd, witness insisted on goinïftto details, and reiterated, But I always knocked at the door." By the Stipendiary: He had knocked at the manageress's room—which was a sitting-room and bedroom—on several occasions. The Stipendiary: What right had you to knook At the door of the manageress's bedroom ? —No right at all. air, only the same as other members, sir. There was a front room upstairs for members. By Mr Lloyd He knew that Mis Cole's room was used as a bedroom. After being again cautioned, witness, in reply to the Stipendiary, denied that he -bad ever been inside this room. Further examined, he said he had slept on the club premises many times, the last occasion being about two months ago. He then occupied the back bedroom, the other two being occupied by Mrs Coles and her son. By the Stipendiary Did you pay for the bed- room 1-No. What right had you to do this ?—Well, I stopped there a bit late, that's all. Where did the furniture in the bedroom you occupied come from 1-1 don't know. The furni- ture of the club is on the hire system. It was got from Mr Bev&n and Mr Marshall. How do you know that ?—It was I that hired it. 1 let it to the club. They pay me £358 a quarter for it.—-In answer to the Stipendiary, he stated that the fittings in the bar and utensils were his, too. The club paid the rates and taxes. By Mr Lloyd: Mr Hodge, the seoretary, paid the rates. The Stipendiary olosely questioned defendant as to his allegation against Mr Balcher, but Baker maintained that the statement made by him was absolutely true. The Stipendiary said this was a matter seriously affecting the reputation of a professional gentle- man. Mr Belcher was, in his mind. above suspicion, and he would adjourn the case until Wednesday morning so as to enable that gentle- man to be examined.—Mr David concurred, and was understood to remark that he withdrew from the case. The adiourned case against Henry Baker, summoned for the illicit sale oi beer at 343, Cow- bridge-road, occupied the attention of the Cardiff magistrates on Wednesday. In the course of oross- examination on Tuesday defendant made a charge against Mr Be!cher, who had defended him previously on a similar charge, the allegation being that on that oooasion Mr Belcher had pleaded guilty in direct contradiction to defen- dant's wishes in defendant's absence without having received any authority to do 80. The Stipendiary accordingly adjourned the case in order that Mr Belcher might attend and answer the assertions made against him. On the case being called, Mr George David, who had had the conduct of defendant's oaae on Tuesday, rose and, addressing the Stipendiary, said, ''Since the adjournment I have had an opportunity of considering the whole of the evidence, especially that which was elicited in oross examination I have also seen Mr Belcher, and I have come to such conclusion as will necessitate my withdrawing from the case." Mr Beloher then rose and said that before the case was gone into any further he would like to make a statemenb in reply to a very gross allega- tion made by the man Baicer yesterday against him. He desired to make this statement and to take their worship11 opimon. A raid was made j on this club on Sunday, the 21st October. Now the summons was issued on the 24th in regard to that partioular day. On the Monday and Tuesday, the 22nd and 23rd, before the summons was issued, the defendant caune to him and consulted him about the matter. He came alone. Ho (Mr Belcher) then had a general consultation about the case, and from what defendant told him he thought it was a case in which there was absolutely no defence, and intimated as much to him and advised him to shut up the club. Now, from that day he understood, before the summons had been served, that defendant had shut up the club, and that the club continued shut up until the 6th of November until he came before their worships, so that they would see that was an acquiescence in what he (M Belcher) advised, and he held that he was per- fectly justified in giving him that advice. The Stipendiary said that he himself said so at the time. Mr Belcher (continuing) then referred to the serving of the summonses, and said that defendant came to him with three summonses against himself, against Mra Coles, and against a servant named Harris he believed. Now they were made returnable on the Tuesday, but having an engagement at Caerphilly his friend Mr Lloyd, who always studied his con- venience, and the Bench agreed to an adjourn- ment. The case was adjourned for a, week, and during that week, he might say, the books were carefully examined. Statements were given by Baker, Mrs Coles, and the other defendant. These statements were taken down by his chief clerk, and he (Mr Bel- cher), after considering them very carefully, came to the conclusion that he was amply justi- fied—and justified to this extent, that he believed other solicitors had been consulted about it—in coming to that certain oonolusion. On the Monday before the hearing he took the opportunity of having nrimu oonveeMtion with Btimt but he need i hardly tell thetii what took place. That Was nob tifccMsary. He, however, told defendant that the case was a perfectly hopeless one, told him to plead guilty, aiid said that the l-esult of that course would be a considerable initigation ih the penalty. After l(-n#Uiy deliberation he acqiiibsced, but he might say that he told defendant that if he dïd not do this he couid £ o to somebody else—'although he had befcii in his office woi-n than a week—and that he would return him the whole of the fees if he decided not. to follow the course and advice hft had given. Defendant re- plied that he was perfectly content tti follow his (Mr Belcher's) advice. On the morning oftho hearing he had another conversation with de- fendant, again reiterated his opinion, and he again took his instructions. Mr Be'cher then spoke to addressing the Stipendiary at police-court on behalf of Baker in mitigation of the punishment, ahd he might Say that his Worship thought that he had exet- j Cised a wise discretion in the mat- ter, and ventured to submit that a fins was inflicted, considerably less than it other- wise would have been. Then he wished to refer to another gross mis-statettient. Defendant camo to hi" office in the afternoon. He acquiesced ill the course taken. He expressed np to a certain point satisfaction With What had been done, and the only slight demur he made was to his (Mr Belcher's) statement that it Was Hon his intention to carry oil the busi- ness agetiu. He certainly understood that he was instructed to give that pledge. The only demur was against that. He never demurred to anythmg else from first to last—in fact, at that interview he aAkeri him to lend him money to pay the fine of £30 which was imposed oil a second mortgage on his property, He mentioned this to show that he made not the slightest remonstrance with What he had done. He would not lend him the money, pointed one the serious consequences that would ensue if he were con- victed on a second occasion, and the penalty he would incur. From that day to this he had never seeu or heard anything of the man Baker, nor had he the slightest idea that he objected to the Course taken. He (Mr Belcher) was very much obliged to their worships for hearing the explanation, and he hoped thllot he had given reasons why that course was adopted. He felt that the allegation I made yesterday was infamously untrue, and said that during his long association with that court his word and conduct had never before been questioned. The Stipendiary said that having regard to future possible proceedings he would refrain now from expressing an opinion on the case. He had the very highest confidence in Mr Belcher, and would be very slow indeed in believing any such imputation made against his profession whatever. Mr Belcher said he was willing to go into the box and swear on oath that the statements he had made wre true. Mr George David having withdrawn from the case and defendant not being represented by a solicitor, the Stipendiary asked him if lie would care to get legal advice. Baker said that,he would, and asked that the case might be adjourned. The Stipendiary Very well, the case will be adjourned until three o'clock. On the court re-assembling the Stipendiary asked defendant if he had obtained professional assistance. Baker replied that he had not. He had been rather taken aback, and could not get money. He asked for a further adjournment of the ensa to enable him to call witnesses. The Stipendiary This is an application, Mr Llovd, which cannot be resisted. Mr F. C. Lloyd: Well, sir, I must oppose. Defendant has been given ample time in fact. Mr George David notified his intention to defendant that: he would not go on with the case last evening. He mentioned the fact that there were 22 cases hanging on to the present one. The Stipendiary It is a great inconvenience to public OffiCIllIs, but still I am anxious to give the defendant every indulgence. I will adjourn the case until Friday, and then it will definitely be deah with. I

FUNERAL OF AN OLD INHAIT AN r. I The iiiterment took place on Thursday at the New Cemetery, Cardiff, of the late Mr J. M. I Dykes, who has for a considerable number of years carried on business in G>r lift as a hat and cap maker. The deceased, who was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends, was born 011 the 28th October, 1819, and belonged to an old Notting- ham family. He came to Cardiff 26 years Pgo, and started business in partnership with Mr Richards, hat merchant, of St. Mary-street, Car- diff. After trading with Mr Richards for over 10 years he opened an establishment at 271, Bute-street, Cardiff, a.nd since than he has been singularly successful. He was a member of the Liberal Thousand, and a promi- nent worker in all the great political contests fought in Cardiff. He was very conspicuous in supporting the candidature of Sir Edward Reed. He was also a member of the Congregational body. He died on Saturday last, after only 13 days' illness, leaving a widow and a family of seven. One of his daughter*, Mrs Pudge, was an unsuccessful candidate for St. Mary's^ Parish at the recent election of guardians. The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr Summers, Broadway, Cardiff.

NEWPORT SHOra ASSISTANT'S SUICIDE. At tho Town-hall, Newport, on VVedtieeuay, Mr Lyndon Moore (borough coroner) held an inquesb on the. body of a man named William Woodward, 38, ironmonger's assistant, who resided in Victoria-crescent, and who was found in the wood adjoining the Newpoit Cemetery on Saturday morning, at 10 o'clock, by a grave- digger named Willis, with his throat cut. A penknife and a pair of scissors were lying by Woodward. Both instruments appeared to have been used. Deceased was removed to the infirmary, and died about an hour after being admitted. Frank Seary, an employee at Messrs Arnold's, stated that deceased had been employed as an assistant at Messrs A. G. Arnold's iron- mongery establishment, High-street, Newport, and was discharged three weeks ago. Deceased's wife and child left him a fortnight ago because of his threats. Deceased, witness said, had been of weak mind for some years, and he had heard him threaten to shoot himself. The jury returned a verdict of H Suicide whilst temporarily insane."

A MAN'S BODY FOUND IN THE TAFF. Information was on Tuesday received at the Central Police-station that a man's body had been seen floating down the river Taff, The police at Grangetown were immediately com- municated with by telephone, with the result that the body was recovered by Sergeant Ferris and P.C. Jones. The following is a description of the body, which was conveyed by the police officers named to the mortuary :—About 25 years of age, 5ft. lOin., stout build, brown hair, clean-shaven face, wearing blue serge jacket and vest, striped tweed trousers, new laced boots, grey worsted tockings, and grey Welsh flannel shirt. Tha body was fearfully decomposed, and had the appearance of having been in the water about eight weeks. It now lies at the mortuary await- ing identification.

ANOTHER DISCOVERY IN THE TAFF. A Boiy Feund near Clarence Bridge. P.C. Hanoock reported at the Central Police- station, Cardiff, on Thursday the discovery of the body of a man amongst the piles now being fixed in the river Taff below the Clarence Bridge, Cardiff. Ib is that of a man between 60 and 65 years of age, proportionately built, white hair, but bald in the front and on top. Three teeth were missing from the front of the lower jaw and three from the right side of the upper jaw. He was dreseed in a black and white striped coat, slate and black check Welsh flannel shirt, old rough trousers broken at the knees, reddish brown colour socks, old patched brown leather shoes with blue cloth tops, and protectors in the soles and heels. The pockets of the trousers were full of small coal and brass and iron rivets, and a pegging awl, The body appears to have been 111 the water about two weeks. There were a couplfl of large wounds on the head which seem to have been caused after death.

BATTLE IN A BARRY IOARDING- HOUSE. | Ann Webù, wife of a boarding-house keeper, living at 3, Travis-street, Barry Dock, was charged at the local police-court on Thursday with wounding a seaman named George Parsons by striking him ori the head with a pokor the previous day. Prosecutor, who appealed 111 the wituess-box with his head bandaged, said that he was employed as a cook in the kitchen, and prisoner finding fault with him for the maimer in which he cut the bread he struck her in the face. Prisoner retaliated by using a parlour pokHr on his head, causing a wound on the left side of the tmpie, which Dr. Livingstone said bled pro- fusely. The Bench, taking into consideration the provocation reeeisted, reduced the charge to oue of common assault, and fined defendant 10s and costs.

MERTHYR HOSPITAL, Sir W. T. Lewis's Generosity. As the result of a visit to tho Merthyr Hospital this week Sir Wrn. Thos. Lewis has intimated his willingness to subscribe the sum of £1,000 for thu endowment of a bed in an accident ward, provided the committee of the institution deter- mine to erect such a ward. A great defect in the efficiency of the Merthyr Hospital is the absence of an accident warn, and the generous offer of Sir W, T. Lewis will doubtless induce the committee to take such measures as will require t!j« speedy fulfilment of Sir William's spontaneous promise.

If We are always declaring that the English climate gets worse and worse. But the earliest known oontinuous weather record in tha world, containing observations by the Rev. W. Merle from January, 1337, to January, 1344, is in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. This record shows the weather to have been similar to what it is

CARDIFF CORPORATION v. BUTE Rights in the Taff. At Wednes:v's meotitiy of Cardiff Property and Markets Commits;;—Alderman Jj. E. Jonfcs presiding—a letter was toad from Mr Oorbett thti-i as arranged at a meeting on behalf of the eofnmi tie» of the time should be given for the purpose of di.cii^sing the terms of settlement ill connection with the elec- tinll of a pumping station and ntllfT works by tlnj Hute authorities on the river Taff adjoining the Ponarth-road Station. Councillor H. WMITB ask-xl for an explanation of this Istter. He pointed out that he had raised the question at the previous meeting of the council, When he suggested that the special comiiuttee who happened to be in London had usurped the functions of the sub-committee ap- pointed to deal witti the matter. H« took it that the letter was the outcome of certain suggestions made by tiie special committer!, but Alderman David Jones h:1L1 denied it. The Town Clerk I do not think I can say any more than wil;i t I said "t the council uieofcingi Councillor White I want to know by What authority these suggestions Weis made. It is evident that some authority has been given, and I want to know by whom th«se suggestions were made. The Town Clerk These are matters which I think had better be laid before the slib-cJoibmit- tpP. Councillor AVIIITIC Forgive me, but Mr Cor- bett's letter is emphatic. He wishes to say that ns arranged on behalf of the committee, I am prepared to accede to the suggestion then made on behalf of the committee of the corporation, that this mattei should stand over for a short time in order to afford time for discussing the terms of settlement." Every word of this 's fraiiglit with importance. Yet Alder- man David Jones says this committee never did, anything of the kind upon which this letter is supposed to be bus d. It is very unsatisfactory, and demands some explanation. The Town C'erk Alderman David Jones crave the facts pretty fallv. I can add no ntore to it. Councillor E. TliOMAB The letter says oh behalf of the committee." Councillor WHITS I ak who arranged it, and by whom was the suggestion made? I shall certainly not be a party to any settlement without knowing very much more about it than I do at the present time. Tho Town Cl-rk You are forgetting, or At all events, yon are not putting it fairly. Councillor WHITIC 1 am putting nothing, I simply ask by whom was this arrrngement made, and what were the terms. There are stMe ments made here which are absolutely denied by the chairman of tin. committee in London. The CHAIRMAN Would it not be better to go into the matter 111 sub-committee ? Y,-ti know as well as I do that there are many difficulties in this matter, and it is not always wise to show otir hand. Councillor WHITK I will say no more. There appears to be a desire to quash investigation in this matter at the present juncture. The Town Clerk That is all unfair sbatement to make, If Alc WlilL. wishes me to answer ] him fully, the Press being here, I will do so, but he must take the responsibility. I am simply carrying out the wishes of the oommittee. and yon are forcing the hands of the corporation to theit tilsKdvanta!{f\, Councillor WHITE I asked the question at the council meeting, und have done so Hgain to-day but in deference to the wishes of the chairman I will say no more. He desires to have the matter referred toastib-cotiiirtittee, and I shall have an. other opportunity. The Town Clerk It may be that we shall want counsel's opinion on the matter. Councillor WHITK I am in your hands, but at present this matter is very unsatisfactory. The CHADtMAN We had a strong harbour trust oommittee. Counoillor WHITK And yet they repudiate this. The CHAIRMAN And perhaps they are respon- sible after all. The discussion then dropped, it being arranged that the sub-committee should met to discuss the matter on Friday afternoon naxt, at 3.15.

THE OVERNOR OF BOMBAY. It is very long since an appointment has given greater satisfaction than that ofTi --d Sandhurst to the Governor- ship of Boinbiy, which, on Lord Harris's rottirn in a month or two, becomes vacant. Thn pre- sent peer is the sun of the firat Lord Sandhurst, who was ele- vated tOR. barony for the brilliant services he ren- dered his coun- try during the Mutiny when, as Sit" w illialH Mansfield, lie acted as Chit<f of the Staff, and towards the beginning of LOltu sAN nil UH.ST (the NewGovernor ofBombav.) 1858, became Commander-in-Chief of the Forces. Lord Sandhurst has I)-en a Lord-in-Waiting to the Queen, and is persond grata, at a Court which fully endorses Mr H, H. Fowler's recommenda- tioll. Just now, England Witnts a strong Governor in Bombay, as there is always the latent fear that lurking beneath the present quiet there may be preparing a recrudescence of the religious outbreak which two years ago caused such an infinity of trouble. The new Governor TTSi°r S0lne time past occupied the post of Under (Secretary for War, and is, so they say in Pall Mall, a perfect master of Military detail. Lord Harris's return will ba signalised by great rejoicings in Kent, of which county he has always been the darling. It will also be a red-letter day arnozig erick8ten; everywhere, for, if we except W. G. Grace, there are few men In the country who liare done more for the advancement of cricket. Lord Sandhurst is just over 40, and married to a daughter of Lord Spencer-

MR MUNDELLA ON HIS RETIREMENT. Addressing his constituents at Sheffield on Saturday evening, Mr A. J. Mundella, referring to his recent retirement from the Presidency of the Board of Trade, said when the financial cyclone swept over the Atistralian colonies the company with which he had been connected was compelled to suspend business, but, it had been reconstructed, and he behaved that every debt of the company would be paid. As the liquidation of companies was one of the functions of the Board of Trade, he resigned because he was unwilling that the Government or the De- partment should be attacked through any aotion of his. During the last six months some of his friends, having regard to what had sinoe transpired, had blamed him for quitting office, on the ground that his resignation was premature and his action Quixotic. He did not think so. He felt certain that he took the right course in relieving himself from the pain and embarrassment which he would have suffered if the Government had been assailed on his account.—A vote of confidence in Mr Mundella was passed with enthusiasm.

SIR A. SULLIVAN. There is great hope for the future of English opera when we find Sir A. Sullivan wielding the baton in Berlin to the strains of his Ivanhoe," which seems to have tiokled the ears of the Vater- land's critics. It is questionable, however, whether they would particularly care for the Chieftain," his new opprA, at th., Savoy, for which the editor SIP. AKTICUU .SULLIVAN*. of provided the book. Slaver it will, praise, as much as they like, the Chieftain is no more a success than was Mirette." Tiie. music is always bright, but the catchiness of the "Pinafore" and has fled the com- poser's pen. The performers are all more or less good, and the niec-) has been lavishly mounted,

HOME RULE IN THE BACK- GROUND. Unity ef the Irish People Required. Speaking at Fermoy 01 Sunday, Mr John Dillon said they had been cold that they had allowed Home Rule to be put in tiie background by English Ministers. Hb thought Home Rule did not depend on tho will 0; any English Minis- ter, but oil the unity and organisation of the Irish people themselves, for, it the Irish party were united and had at their back a united people, chey would win Horns It'de, no matter any English Minister did. H regretted the peopi.i Wirtl not so wfell organised as they should It was very necessary that, the Irish people should have, as in tl>e past, an organisation to spread the truth in English constituencies.—Mr Abraham, M.P., said what they wanted was a number of Protestant Home Rulers to go on English plat- [ forms and contradicb the villainous ohargea f bv alanjdfrom Ulster-

I SWANSEA COUNTY COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Swansea Coilnoil was held 011 Wednesday, tile Mayor (Alderman Edwards) in the chait.—On the recommehdation of the Watch committee, the resignation of Supt. Dd. Jones was accepted with regret, and it was decided that he be supetfthhUated at per niniuin.—It was decided thftt the Head- constable report as to the necessity for appointing a supej-itUeiidehh to succeed Mr Joii6?, and as to the officer who, ill his opinion, is best suited to fill the position.On the motion of tile Mstyot-, wecofided by Mr E. R. Datlie!, a vote of Ooiulo- fence was passed with the relatives of the late Lord Swansea, and testimony Was borne as to his worth and the loss the town will sustain by his death, —The general purposes Committee drew attention to the report from a Jtoard of Trade inspector as to the death of a Child through being run over on the Mumbles Railway, and recommending that it be fenced.—Tho committee recommended that it was still undesirable to fence the line at anv point.—Mr Leoder said though it was impossible to fence the IlnP, yet means could be taken to prevent accidents. He contended the engines were not of a character that should be used on the line. The pt'esent emission of stentn was most dangerous to drivers Oil th" Mumbles-road, and he moved ris an amendment that the atten- tion of the Board of Trade be called to the danger attending the use of the present engines. —Mr Maytie seconded, and, after a discussion, in which Alderman Chapman and Mr Milward supported, the amendment was carried.—It Was resolved that application be made to the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer for a Government grant of £5.000 towards the establishment of a metal- lurgical school in the borough, and the town clerk was requested to draft the necessary memotial, to which tha mayor was authorised to affix the common seal.— The council assented to 1\ recommendation that the following be appointed a committee to con- sider the desirability of treating with the tram- ways company for the Ilcqni;Ji tion lJy the corpora- tion of the tramways within the borough.—The minutes of the general purposes committee con- tained the following.interesting references to the work being- done in regard to the electric lighting of the borough :—The sub-committee reporter that it had considered the report of Mr lfi. Manville on the proposed establishment of a municipal electric power station in the borough, and recommended thAt the question of the electric lighting of the borough be proceeded with in the compulsory area referred to in the Swansea Klectrio Lighting Order, 1839, in combination with plant for the destruction of town refuse. Having regard to the probable extension of the lighting beyond the compulsory area, the com- mittee are of opinion that the high tension alternating current transformer system should he adopted. It is also recom- mended that Aldermen Naysinith and Richards and Councillor Lindley, together with the surveyor, bo requested to inspect and report upon the combined electrio hghtUlK stations and refuse destructors in operation in certain towns, and that thereafter Mr Manville be invited to again confer with the committee, provided his charges for attending do uot exceed 10 guineas. The streets comprised in the com- pulsory area are:—Quay-parade, Mount-street, Wind-street, Castle-squme, Castle Bailey-streeb, Temple-street, Castle-street, High-street, Alex- andra-road, Grove place, Delabeohe-street, Cradock-.street, Union-street, Oxford-street, Dillwyn-straet, Northampton-place, Goat-street, and Caer-street. Tho committee further gave the following reptrt on the question of refuse destructors ;—"lour committee report that they have visited and inspected certain refuse de- structors at work, and are of opinion that there would be no difficulty in obtaining from a destructor power for the purposes of electric lighting without in any way affecting the absolute destruction c'f the refw,B, and it is recommended that Mr Mi-nvdte be invited to a conference with tile feleotric lighting committee wih 1\ viw to instructions being given for the prw- paration of plans and estimates for the erection of all electric lighting station in combinaion with a refuse destructor." The minutes further stated that Mr Manville had attended a further meeting when the foregoing minutes were discussed, and it was resolved :— (1) That so much of the borough as is included in the compulsory area referred to in the Swansea Electric Lighting Order, 1889, ba lighted by electricity (2) that the high tension alternating current system, referred to as Estimate No. 2 111 Mr Manville's report of the 18th June last, be the system used (3) that a refuse destructor be erected and used 111 combination with the electrio generating station and (4) that Mr Manville be instructed to prepare the necessary plans and estimates and superintend the carrying out of the before.mentioned works.—After some discussion, the action of the finance committee in issuing through the Bank of England, at per oent., £150,000 three per cwnt. redeemable stock, was approved. It was also decided, ou the recom- mendation of the S¡HnRCOtnmittee, th1tt. Q. renewed application be made to the Looal Government Board, under section 33 of the Local Government Act, 1894-, for a unification of the rates in the borough.

THE GLAMORGAN HUNT. Farm«rs' Dinner at Cewferidge, The annual farmers' dinner in COlutflotion with the Glamorgan Hunt was held at the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge, on Tuesday evening, and was largely attended. An excellent repast was provided by Mr and Mrs Thomas, the host and hostess, and full justice was done to the good farfi provided. Mr R. T. Bassett, the respected master, pie- sided, and he was supported by Judge Gwilyn: Williams, Mr C. H. Williams (Roath Court), Col. Tyler, Mr R. K Prlchard, Rev D. Bowen (vicar of Cowbridge), Mr H- li- Horn fray, Councillor n. Thomas (mayor of Cowbridge), Mr 0. H. Jones, Mr F. W. Dunn. Mr Hamlen Williams, Mr W. R. Rnndall, Mr J. H. Brain, apd a host of farmer* from all parts of the district.—The loyal toasts having been honoured, Mr F. W. Dunn proposed The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations," and the Rev. D. Bowen responded.—The Mayor of Cowbridge proposed The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," and Col. Tyler spoke in response.— Judge Williams proposed "Success to Fox- hunting." In'his opeuing remarks he alluded to the great los3 the hunt and the county generally had sustained through the death of that true sportsman, Mr J. S. Gibbon. Referring to She toast, he said ho regarded foxhunting as the king of eporte. Its influence for good was great. It enabled a great many people to come together and, sinking all differences, to enjoy themselves in a convivial and sportsmanlike manner. With regard to the remarks which had appeared in the Press with referlince to the of the Hunt, the person who made them had not the courage to present 11 i mself 1\\1 the meeting bt1ld At Cardiff and lay the charges, and his mouth must be considered for ever c:o8d, (Applause,) A better master than Mr Bassetb it would be im- possible to find, and he enjoyed the confidence of all who were connected with the Hunt, as was most strikingly manifested by the large attend- ance that evening. (Applause.)—Mr O. H. .Tones p, oposed The Tenant Farmers," and alluded to the very cordial relations which existed hetw8tll1 the farmers and the members of the Hunt.—Mr Emerson, of Sweldon. made a capital speech in response. Mt, E. D. Lewis proposed the health of Mr Bassett, and the toast was drunk with ringing cheers. That gentleman on rising to respond mat with a perfect ovation. lie expressed hie thanks for the kind remarks that had been made by several gentlemen and for the way hie name had been generally received. He had been made a target of by one who was not plucky enough to sign his name—(cries of "Shame 1I}-;Hlll he did not intend to he a target any longer. (Hear.) He had seriously intended giving up the mastership at the end of the season but after the very kind way they had received him that night he would try and think matters over. (Load cheering.)—Other toasts followed.

NEWPORT COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER'S AFFAIRS. Mr W. J. Lloyd, deputy registrar, dealt with several bankruptcy cases at Newport ToWn-hall on Thursday. In the case of George Winter Jones, 192, Dock-street, debtor stated that he carried on business as a builder's merchant at Newport for six years. Four years ago, however, owing to a indgment being given against him in the High )ourt, he gave up business, because he found that he was iu an insolvent position. During that period he had been engaged as a commercial traveller, and out of his income he had reduced his liabilities during the four years by £100 or £150, The debtor stated that his liabilities were j6518 5s 9d, and the assets j617 153 5d, and the deficiency amounted toJB500 10s 4d. His wife was currying on busi- ness as an ironmonger at 192, Dook-street, and she had been doiug so for four and a half years. In answer to Mr F. S. Dauncey, solicitor, debtor said that he had no interest in his wife's business, but he assisted in the business. At present debtor was in the employ of Messrs Tanks and Co. at Cardiff at a salary of £2 per week, and he also sold goods on commission. A formal adjournment was granted.

THE TIN-PLATE CRISIS. Our Llanejly correspondent has been furnished with the following official report of the proceed- ings at the Cardiff County-court and the finplate Workers' Union The agenda contained the Workers' Union The agenda contained the I following matters :(l) To consider important matters arising out of the critical condition of the ,tin-plate trade. (2) To decide rates of contribution to the Union.—After deliberating for eight hourt the council unanimously agreed to the following resolutions :—" That we accept the recommenda. tion of the excecutive, but ask that the fllA.Ine b6 submitted to the branches for final decision.» The executive's report and the council's recom- mendation were as follows :— Fellow workmen,—Your executive, viewing the deplorable conditioll of the tin-plate trade, due to ovt>r-rireduction in Wales, aided by the production of in-plates in other countrien, have given moat careful c 'sideration to our general condition, and heg to Mil unit as follows(1) That the council should declare itself in favour of 1\ uniform rate of wage. (2) 'J'liat innsmuch as reductions of wages of 10 per cent. iiilow the staiidald of 1874 has been accepted, and is now j\1 operation, anti that. further and heavier dt mauds are made, the council, under present circuni- si,'teres, srrongle urge iipeu every hooy of tin-platers (11\ ni. ,1\'Cí:1l1l1. to ngto [.o:t A"1Ï:t'Ht' reduction than 10 per cent. and further, TO lake care that no COli- tract bs a"i'i!»(l 10 ex.further than the end of March, 1895. (J) That the seven dUaricts be re- qU611iled (.0 elect one member each to act 111 conjunc- tion with your 12 executive 11 embers, and that the I tin-plate master:, be invited to appoint ail equal num- ber to form a. board to deal with wages and other matters pertaining to the tin-plate trade. f4) That oontributlons to the central fund be according to Union per week.—(Signed) Lirwis RICHARD, President A a.

) CAPTAIN ASSAULTED AT SEA.: A FRENCHMAN IN A PA33I0N. A the Newport Police-court on Wednesday-— before the Mayor and other magistrates— Alexandre Nebel, a French seaman, was charged with assaulting and refusing 10 obey the orders of the captain of the Kestral. The j vessel, which belongs to Loudon, and is now lying at the AWaiulra Dock, Newport, was 011 a voyage in November last, and whr-u oft' Caps Le Mare, there being a rough sea and tiie wind blowing hard, defendant was ordered to the wheel. At first he refuted to p;o, but subse- quently went and did the steering for about five minutes. Then lie left th« wheal, with the! i result that the ve-sel deviated nine points from her course, and there was danger of a collision, as vessels were passing on each sule of tite steamer at the time. Captain William Sturgeon took Nebel by the arm and pushed him towards th", wheel, when he turned ou the captain and struck him, and then drew a knife and struck at the officer. In thestrnggle the captain had two of his fingers Defendant was overcome and put in irons. At Rotterdam Nebol j was taken before the British Consul, who. however, declined to deal with tiie matter. Nebel now declared that the captain first assaulted him, and produced the written depositions of some fellow- seamen, which, however, were 111 French. These documents were handed to Inspector WinmiU, who looked at and said, Tiiey am not 111 English." The. officer then handed the documents to the Bench j and they were passed on from one magistrate to another until they reached Mr T. Canning, who was quite able to parlc von Franectis, for ho proceeded to read the documents, and then, turniug to the defendant, he said: "These documents bear out the evidence given to-day." He then read extracts of the depositions to the defendant.—Mi- Lyndon Moore, solicitor, who appeared to prosecute, said that defendant had a violent temper, and if he did not guard himself against it he would be charged with murder some day.— The Magistrates' Clerk told Nebel that he had an enemy in his temper.—The Bench fined defeudant 40s for assaulting the captain, and 40s for dis- obeying the orders, or one month's imprisonment in each case. —i RESULT OF A COLLIERY SPECULATION, Things Which Lead to Bankruptcy. Frank Smith, landlord of the Feathers Hotel, Coleford, who has filed a petition in bankruptcy, underwent the ordeal of a public examination at the Newport Bankruptcy Court on Thursday. Debtor told the court that he com- menced business as a butcher, with a borrowed capital of £100. Seven years later he took the Feathers Hotel. Debtor was doing fairly well until 12 months ago, when his brother le:1"e(l a small colliery, and debtor advanced-him £260. This venture turned out badly, and debtor regards the a bad debt. The liabilities expected to rank fordivJdend were j3570 53 7d the assets, after deducting the claims of secured creditors, were £12 Is lid, leaving a deficiency of £358 3 8d. In answer to a creditor, debtor said that he had in keeping the horses for the colliery. Hp was not aware that the colliery was at pre- sent being worked in his brother's wife's name. It was arranged between him and his brother that debtor was \;I) receive half the profits and that the loan was to be repaid. Mr Hobbs, another creditor, grtid that debtor was mOllt care- less in the conduct of his business. He had written asking debtor to roturn some barre1s, and when he visited the hotel he found some of them in a pool of mud. The Deputy Registrar saId thnt he was afmid those were some of the things that led to bankruptcy. The examination was th1\ formally adjourned. _n_

CANVASSING INCIDENT AT NEWPORT. A Trades Union Secretary Fined far ¡ Assault. The magistrates at the Newport Police-oourb I on Wednesday investigated a canvassing incident which took place in connection with the recent board of guardians election. David Bowen, the secretary of the local branch of the Seamen's Union, was summoned for assaulting a young woman named Margaret Evans, ot 23, Caroline-street. It appeared that on Monday evening defendant and another man called at the house of complainant's father. Miss Evans's statement was that when defendant called she told him that her father was not in, and that he did not wish to see Bowen. Defendant was then alleged to have struck Miss Evans in the shoulder. Subsequently the Joun woman and her mother were in the court when Bowen was said to have caught hold of Miss Evans and wrung her arm. It transpired that Miss Evans's father had been 1\ member of ahe Seamen's Union, but hl8 wife and daughter had induced him to discontinue his paJrments to the union. Mr Digby Powell, solicitor for the defence, oalled the man who was oanvassing with the defendant at the time, who said that Miss Evans used uncomplimentary language, and shut thfl door in defendant's face. In the street he tried to get at her to shake her, but witness took him away. The Benoh, however, considered the oaøe proved, and fined the defendaut 10"1 6d, and bound him over to keep the peace for six months.

JUDGE HUGHES AND FOOTBALL Herse Racing and Betting, A meeting was held at Chester on Wednesday I ta form a branch ot the Sporting League. Mr H. Enfield Taylor (managing direotoi- of the Chester Race Company, Limited), who presided, ax- plained that the League had been formed to resist I those who wished to interfere with the sports and recreations of the people, but it could all the same J time discourage all malpractices in connection with sport. They would do all they could to resist the pernicious influence of the "faddists." (Applause.) It was proposed and seconded that a branoh should be formed.—Judge Hughes (the author of Tom Brown's School- days ") proposed an amendment opposing the formation of a branch. He yielded to none iu a love for true sport, but he failed to see the necessity of a league in Chester. Where were the faddists referred to ? In his opinion gambling had become almost a professional vioe. Harrliy week passed in which he did not come across poor, wretched people who had become affected with the gambling mania, and be was obliged to send them to prison. The bishop and the head of the police agreed with him that the gambling mania had in Cheshire, an any rate, become a disease. He could remember the time when foofcboll was one of the noblest games in England, but now, what with professionalism and gate money, it had become a fosterer of gambling, and there was no doubt their races also brought about this disease. Mr Taylor said the faddists" included Mr Hawk, Mrs Ormiston Chant, and others. He contended that they would never be able to put down the spirit of gambling, which was born 111 Englishmen, and all talk about stopping it was ridiculous. Dean Hole was in favour of racing. Judge Hughes explained that he did not object to racing, but the usual accompaniments. Mr Taylor quoted the report of the ohief constable of the city, showing how Chester Races ha.d improved during the last few years, and claimed that out of 60,000 people who oame to the Chester Cup only about 5,000 would bet. Ho also pointed out that betting was legal.—Judge Hughes You cannot recover a wager in a county-court.—Mr Tavlor Betting men don't want to go to law they are too honourable,—Aid. Smith, the chairman of the Chester Corporation Racing Committee, approved of the objects of the League, and pointed out that there were people in their midst who were trying to abolish Chester Races. He felt sure the objects of the League were to promote legitimate sport.—Judge Hughes's amendment was not seconded, and the motion was ultimately unanimously carried.

LOCAL BillS. Cholera and Infectious Diseases Hospital At Thursday's meeting of the Cardiff Parlia- mentary Committee, the Mayor (Alderman Carey) Sresiding, the Town Clerk reported that the Bute locks Company, the Great Western Railway Company, the Pontypridd Local Board, the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board, and the Merthyr Tydfil Local Board were seeking powers to execute certain works which might interfere with the corporation sewers, mains, etc. In the case of the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board a pro- visional order was being applied for to acquire an acre of land at the Fiat Holms Island for the purpose of erecting » cholera and infectious diseases hospital. A letter was read from the clerk to the Barry and Cadoxton Pert Sanitary Authority again offering to co-operate with the Cardiff Port Sanitary Authority in this matter, and stating that inasmuch as the interests of the two authorities were identical it would be a pity that they should be at variance with each other. A letter was read from Sir William Thomas Lewis stating that the Mar- quis of Bute was favourable to the proposal of the Barry and Cadoxon Authority, but stating that it would be necessary for the Cardiff Corporation to surrender as much of their lease as applied to the land scheduled by the Barry and Cadoxton Authority. After some discussion it was decided so refer the matter to the health committee to report thereon. — Mr Harpor, the borough engineer, submitted his report on the various Bills referred to by the town clerk, and instruc. tions were given that the report should be printed, together with the observations of the town clerk. Mr Harpur pointed out that the works for which power was sought in the Bute Docks Bill and the Great Western Railway Bill would seriously interfere with the corporation outfall sewer, and it was suggested that the representa- tives of both parties should be approached with the idea of carrying the sewer further out so as to avoid interference.

CLEVER THEFT ON BOARD SHIP ^Between one and two o'clock on Thursday after- noon a clever theft of a gold watch was effected on board the steamship Valin, Iloafch Dock. Mr L. Dizet. the chief engineer, to whom the watch belonged. left his cabin at one o'clock, locked the door, and took the key with hnn, leaving his waistcoat, with the watch in it, hanging inside. Upon returning he found the door of the cabin still locked, but access to it had evidently been gained by some means, as proved by the fact that the coat had been tampered with and the watoh taken from the pocket. The matter is now being investigated by the polio*.

I WINCHESTER BARRACKS BURNT DOWN. A fire broke out shortly after night on "Tu' sday at the Palace designed by Sir Christopher Wren for Charles the Second, but which late in the last century, beinfi unfinished, was converted iht-o a barracks fnC At "last post" (\I! Tuesday ail seemed ate, bl.t soon after 12 oil Wednesday rhornine flames were disooverediti the pay office, 1ll the ànf{¡" of OI1A (1 the end witJg". An alarm Was raised, and 111 » few miuutes the City Fire Brigade were on tho it-put, their engine supplemented by garrison manuals. Volumes of water j loured upon the biding, but with no effect for, standing a* the structure does, on a hill, th* flames, swept by a Strong soutli-wesr, Wind, soon passed along tho roofs and cortidots. tfnd ih aboil' two hours 400 rooms were destroyer!, with nearly all their furniture, arms, and books, the lliei- having enough to do to «ecure their own escape. rmn", but the historic half of Elias de Derefl" was fortunately preserved. Viie damage is esti- mated at thousand# of pouuds, and the soldier- lost everything except What they stood upright m. The cause of the is iihlnioWn. It ii4 stilted that the depoS will have to be temporarily removed elsewhere, there being no Accommodation for the troops Which have so smldetfly lv en rendered homeless. The original building was Norman, and wt" added to in thlcJ tima of HplIIY Ill. as Well that of Charles Jl. It. was in Henry's time that the Dereham Hall was constructed, iu wliioh Parliaments have sat, and in which tile judgw or assize held court for six centuries.

DEATH OF sIn EDMUND LECHMERE, M.P. The Press Association's Evesham omre^poa- deht states that the sudden death of Sir Edmund Lechmere, M.P., has caused a pro- found sensation in South Worcestershire. Sir Edmund, when attending the annual meeting of the Conservative Association* at Pershore on Tuesday afternoon, appeared to bo in excellent health. Wlien seized with illhess in the evening he was conversing with some of his most prominent supporters. Mr Horace Haynes, of Evesham, who was present if! the room, went to Sir Edmund's assistance, and laid him down. His efforts, however, wer" of no avail, for in less than three minutes after the seizure the hon. member had ceased to breathe. Death is attributed to apoplexy, and a doctor having been in attendance it hM been deemed unnecessary to hold an inquest. Th* first intimation which the large audience received that anything was wrong was whnn 1\ft Moore, the agent, came forward and asked the meeting not to cheer Lord Coventry, who was to preside, when ho oame 011 to the platform, Shortly afterwards his lordship, who was so much upset that he could hardly speak, announced that Sir Edmund was seriously ill, that Dr. Haynes was in attendanoe, and that they must hope for the beft. He asked the meeting to quietly disperse, and it soon became known that the hon. member was dead. After the meeting Lord Coventry drove to Rhydd to break tbe ead news to Lady Lechmere.

COWARDLY CONDUCT. A Magistrate and Wife Beaters. At tho South-Western Police-oourt Riohard Hiilier (39), a carman, uf Nine Ehns-lane, Babter- sea, was charged before Mr Plowden with com- mitting a violent assault on hia wife, who appeared in court with her head bandaged. The allegation against the urisoner was that he first felled his wife to the ground with blows with his fist and then kicked her about the head. The wife showed great reluctance to give evidence, but in answer to the magistrate said that she provoked him to strike her. Shs could not say whether he kicked her or not.—Mr Plowden You haveswom to tell the truth, and I must ask you to be care- ful, Is it true that he kicked you 1-The Com- plainant I don't know.—The daughter was called, and exhibited the same reluctanoe to describe what took place, but on being pressed by the magistrate admitted that her father first knocked her mother down and then kicked her. —Mr Plowden Several times ?—Yes.—This ad. mission caused some sensation in court, as the mother and daughter had both declared solemnly that no kick was given.—The prisoner excused himself by saying that he WM provoked.—M>' Plowden said the mother and daughter had done their best to shield the prisoner from the consequences of bis act, and it was only by pressing them that he was in a position to get the truth. It was cowardly enough to knook a woman down, but it was still more brutal to kick her when she was down. The prisoner's oonduct WM cowardly and brutal in the extreme, and m. of his class must understand that women wer< sacred to physical force. He sentenced tbf prisoner to three months' hard labour.

CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH Robert Lempson, aged only two mondl. left in the kitchen by his mother at their honse, 2 Haden Park-road, Shepherd's Buah. His batlt sister was playing with A pitMof atiok, and having placed it between the bars of the fireplace, dropped it on the baby, who was at once enveloped Hj flames. He subsequently died in great agony in the Fuiliam Infirmary. At tiie inquest vesterdaj a verdict of "Acoidental death was returned. The district coroner of Camberwell haa beer. notified of th" delttb of Victor Henry WriØlrhli..tte two-year-old aon of Wm. Wright, a plumber, of 71, Picton-street, Camberweil. During tha tem- porary absence of his mother the little fellow pigged a scrap-book, with which he was playing between the bars of the grate and set tire to bit clothes. He was burned in a shocking o»aoner< and expired a few hours afterwards.

A HEARTLE8S CASE. Adding Insult to Injury. Arthur Edward Perks Morris, who has bald 1 captain's commission in the army, attended a' Westminster Police-oourt on Wednesday tc ao journed summons taken out by a young wema* named Evelyn Ada Hamilton, a lady's oomo pan ion, of Sel wood-terrace, Ooslow-gardeiM. wilt respect to the maintenance of two childnn. Complainant said ehe Jived with the defendant for years as his wife, until, indeed, he Ieh bot and got married. Defendant said i. trl10 that he signed an agreement In 1891 to p»y |he complainant 10s a k for the children, but be was quite unable to keep up the paymaqta, Se was now an undischarged bankrupt, and thPffuK^ the publiqity of this case suspended from ft situa- tion bringing him a pound a week. It was uo- true, as complainant alleged, that he aedwsad her —Mr Dutton This is adding insult to injury. H< asked the court to make the fullest order in itt power. Over JS40 was due to complainant wsdei the agreement, and defendant's wife wai M taking divorce proceedings against him for hii conduct with another woman,—Mr (Da ftutzet told the defendant that there was not ooe single redeeming feature to be urged in his aJoar. Be made the full order of 5s a week is rMpeok 01; eaoh child with 10 guineas coat.

SEQUEL TO A VILLAGE WEDDING, Respectable Men in Trouble, On Wednesday at the Hundred House Petty sessions three well-dressed young men name' Walter Fox (Great Witley), Frank Hankain< (tailor, Ross), and Arthur Enoch Drew (tailor, Ross) were charged with steahngthree bottles C7, wme from the ceUars of the Hundred Bous Hotel early on the morning of December 12th. The three men were seen coining from the cellar' of the hotel at one o'clock in the morning by Inspector Walker, who found three bottled oi wine in their possession. He arrested them 00 a charge of burglary, and they were remanded or thab charge, it being afterwards reduced to one ol larceny. It was discovered that the men ha<J broken open the wine-cellar door, and had filled the three bottles of wine from the casks. It was alleged that the men, having been to a village wedding, had imbibed too freely during th< festivities, and had gone to the cellars for a lark- Mr Aldridge, the proprietor of the hotel, said thab Fox had been in his service for aevera. years, and he bad always placed implicit <*>n- fidenoe in him, Evidence was oalled as to th< respectability of the other defendants. Th" magistrates expressed regret to see three reapeet* able men placed in the dock on such a oharge Fox was fined 40s and costs, and the other defen* dants 30s and costs.

FATAL FALL WHILST HUNTING, Mr J. Lomax, of the Elms, Chalfont 811. Peter's, Buckinghamshire, met with his deatt while hunting on Wednesday with the West Hounds. He was riding through Wood, near Shardeloes, when, in takmg a fence, he was thrown, and, falling violently 011 his head, his neck was broken. The body wai conveyed to the Griffin Hotel, Amersham, wherf it awaits an inquest. The deceased gentleman was a well-known figure in the hunting ield, having hunted with the Queen's Btagboooda apd the O.B.H. for a number of years,

j FATAL ACCIDENT AT NEWPORT. On Thursday a rigger named John Jamf) who resided in Market-street, was working board a vessel in the Alexandra Dock, Newport* when he fell from the rigging into the B°k>l sustaining a fracture of the skull. The injui^ man was taken to the Infirmary, but died shortly after his admission.

SHIP ON FIRE AT BARRY DOÐK, On Wednesday morning the officers of tb8 steamship Wannington Hall, lying at the Graving Dock, discovered smoke issuing from fore-hatch. An alarm was at once raieed, the hosf) and reel wore speedily It was found tha.t some hoarding was ablate, with a steady stream of water the fire extinguished in about 20 minutes, before fr"7 I serious damage had beim done.

■ —■ -—■" —■;»>fl* There are to be some tableaux and'P" theatricals in the Indian room at Qsborngthe* after next, which will ba arranged Louisn and Princess Beatrice.