The Cardiff Times

COUNCIL AND ITS SURVEYOR. Proposed Vote ot Censure. On Friday evening, at the ordinaty meeting ot the Barry Urbaa District Council, au unusually exciting discussion took place in reference to a sensational resolution of which Mr W. Saunders had given notice, which was couched in these emphatic terms :— That owing to the disgraceful and inefficient way in which the surveyor has allowed the various private improvements to be carried out in this district, the surveyor be forthwith suspended from his duties, be- lieving such action to be beneficial for the district. Mr J. C. Meggitt presided, and at the outset explained that the clerk had received a letter from the mover of the resolution, and as this referred to himself, act- ing entirely upon his own responsibility and as a member of the Council, without thfo knowledge of any of the officials or other persons directly or indirectly, he approached Mr Saun- der as a friend, and was surprised at the terms of the letter sent to the clerk. It was far from his intention at the time to say auything which might be interpreted as intimidation, but as a member of the Council he felt it his duty to put before Mr Saunders, who was a new member, certain facts which must have been unknown to him, in regard to his resolution, and he was now per- fectly willing to defend his position. Mr SAUNDERS I do not wish the letter read, Mr Chairman, if you will comply with the re- quest it contains. The CHAIRMAN, unheeding this remark, pro- ceeded to read the letter, which declared that after the representations which were made to him (Mr Saunders) in the course of the interview referred to, and seeing that his mind was already made up in regard to the question at issue, Mr Meggitt should vacate the chair during the pre- sent discussion. Concluding, the Chairman remarked I must distinctly decline to vacate this chair, and I am prepared to say here that I am only sorry and very surprised that he (Mr Saunders) should have thought fit to have written this letter. Mr SAUNDERS persisted in his intention to move his resolution, notwithstanding the fact that the chairman would not vacate the chair. He dealt lengthily with the reasons for bringing for- ward his resolution.and detailed certain instances of the alleged unsatisfactory manner in which work bad been carried out. Mr MORRIS JONES. for the purpose of allowing the resolution to be discussed, seconded the motion. The CHAIRMAN, in a lengthy speech, character- ised the action of the officials ofthe Council as being at all times absolutely irreproachable, and warmly eulogised the surveyoras being a man of thestrictest integrity and honour, and characterised the reso- lution as the outcome of the bias displayed by a small knot of persons who all along railed against the officials. An animated discussion ensued, which was par' ticipated in by most of the members present. The resolution was eventually put and was lost, three of the members voting for and nine against it. The Builders Defending the Surveyor. A meeting of the contractors and builders of the Barry Dock distriot was held at the Clarence Coffee Tavern, Holton-road, Barry Dock, on Friday night, to consider the bye-laws which the Council intend to enforce on builders in future. At the;end of the proceedings the attention of the meeting was called to the report in the South Wales Daily News of a resolution to be proposed that evening by one of the Labour representatives on the District Council. After due consideration a resolution was proposed and passed unanimously, deeply regretting the reckless and unwise resolu- tion which was to be proposed at the meeting of the Urban District Council, and the publicity given through the South, Wales Daily News to the resolution before It was first brought before the Council, and as builders, who had had practical knowledge and experienoe of Mr J. C, Pardoe in hie capacity as surveyor, expressing the greatest confidence in him as an able and efficient official of that important Urban District Council.

FACTORY ACT PROSECUTIONS AT NEWPORT. Mr Augustus Lewis, chief inspector of factories in South Wales, prosecuted in a number of cases of alleged breach of the Factory Acts at the Newport Borough Police Court on Monday. The first case was against Councillor Charles Collier, in whoSE; bakehouse a youth just under 18 years of age was found working at five o'clock in the morning. Mr Lyndon Moore, solicitor, told the Court that the lad told Mr Collier that he was over 18 when taken on, and that he had worked in two other bakehouses. The lad was now called, and said that he had been out of work, and told Mr Collier that he was 18 in order to get work. Mr Collier was fined 10s and oosts.—Mr John Henry Williams, baker, ot Wharf-road, was under the impression that the age limit was 16, and had a lad in his employ that had just passed 16. Mr Williams was now fined 20s and costs.—Miss Catherine Thomas, of 9) York-place, dressmaker, who had failed to notify the inspeotor that she had removed her business from Bridge-street to York-place, was fined 10s and costs.—Mr William Jones, who has a bakery business in Bishop-street, was also summoned for employing a lad under age. It now transpired that the lad was Mr Jones's son, that he was a solicitor's olerk, and went to the bakehouse on the morning in question to assist the baker, instead of his father, because the mother was lying dangerously ill and could not be left. The case was then dismissed.—Messrs Jordan and Co., Limited, who had failed to fence a 8y wheel of an engine were fined 40s and costs for the neglect. Mr Lewis said that the defendant com- pany were very good promisors, and the Home Department desired to make them better execu- tors. The wheel has bince been protected.

FATAL LAMP ACCIDENT AT NEWPORT. Late on Friday Enoch Bøachm. 18 years of age, 54-j Adelina-street, Newport, died in Newport Infirmary from the effects of a lamu accidont which occurred on Monday at, Mr C. H. Bailey's engineering works, Pillgwenlly, Newport. It appears that the young fellow, who wad an apprentice, was at work near a paraffin lamp, which exploded, and the oil burnt his head, face, and back. He was at once removed to the Infirmary, and receivod every attention, but expired as above stated. An inquest was hold on Monday afternoon at the Town Hall, Newport, before Mr Lyndon Moore, Borough Coroner, on the body of Enoch Beacham, 54, Adeline-street, who did in New- port Infirmary on Friday morning from injuries received in the explosion of a paraffin lamp. Deceased, who was 18 years of age, was all apprentice at the Tyne Engineering Works (Mr C. H Bailey's) as a fitter, and on Monday after- noon week was repairing a patent naphtha lamp, used for heating and lighting purpose, placed on a bench before him, when it exploded, portion of the metal bottom giving way, and the naphtha covering his head and clothing. Other witnesses having given evidence, the jury returned a verdicb ot Death accidentally caused from burns."

AWFUL SUiCIDEOF A LUNATIC. At" Wexford (the Irish Times says) the coroner's inquired into a remarkable case of suioide of a farmer named James White, who had been several times an inmate of a lunatio asylum, but being harmless was released, and lived with his sister on a farm. He shut her out last Tuesday night, and the following morning the house was seen to be on fire. When entered the- charred remains of the man's body were found, and the police came to the conclusion that he had deliberately set fire to himself and to the house. The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a stute of insanity,"

DUNVIUJS'S OLD IRISH WHISKY is known and sold all over the world. It is recommended by the Medical Profession in preference to French Brandy. Can be supplied in cases and bulk direct from the Hr~i Trinh Distilleries, Belfast.

Sir Edward Reed's Retirement. PRESENTATION OF THE BOROUCH'S FREEDOM. The Casket Selected. A meeting of the Special Committee of Cardiff Corporation appointed to carry out arrangements for the presentation of the freedom of the borough to Sir Edward J. Reed, M.P., was held in the Town Hall on Friday, the Mayor (AldermanP. W. Carey) presiding, and there being also present Alderman T. W. Jacobs, Councillors S. A. Brain, J. Jenkins, and E. Thomas, and the town clerk (Mr J. L. Wheatley.) Several designs for the casket to contain the burgess ticket were submitted and considered, and one by Mr W. H. Maton, jeweller and optician, Park Hall Buildings, Cardiff, was unanimously selected. This design is in the style of the later rennaisance, the body being oblong in shape, with covered lid, which will be surmounted by an allegorical figure repiesenting the town of Cardiff. The summit will hold aloft in one band a. model of an ancient ship of war, in the other a spray of laurel. On the head of the figure will be a mural crown set with diamonds and rubies, an emblem of civic dignity, and is gracefully resting on the ship's capstan, the anchor and rope at the feet, and will bo further supported by a shield bearing the arms of Cardiff, the whole suggesting a seaport. The lid will bear on the front panels a repre- sentation of the Japanese war vessel Hi Tei, which was designed and constructed by Sir Edward Reed for the Japanese Government. This view will be in rich enamel, beautifully drawn and painted. On the reverse side of the lid will be a similar enamel paintinr of a British war vessel, carried out in a similar manner to that on the front. The lid will have two end panels, and will contain emblems and models typical of the sea, such as a lighthouse, trident, anchor, shot and rope coil, &c., all ot which refer to naval matters and Sir E. J. Reed's connection there- with. At either comer of the lid will be a model I' of the Prince of Wales's feathers shown in white. The body of the casket will be a highly-

NEWPORT SCHOOL BOARD, I The monthly meeting of Newport School I Board was held at the offices of the Board on Friday. The chairman (Col. Wallis) presided, I and the whole of the members of the Board were present except Mr W. M. Fuller. After the minutes had been adopted, Rev. Father Bailey rose and pointed out that the next business on the agenda was a notice of motion by Mr W. H. Brown with respect to the precept. Father, Bailey submitted that the motion was out of order and that if it was in order the proper time to bri ng ii on was at the conclusion of the ordinary business. The Chairman ruled the motion out of order on the ground that the precept had already been dealt with and sent to the Town Council. In reply to a question, the Chairman said that the precept had not yet been signed. Mr Brown protested against the ruling, and moved that the board adjourn, Mr T. H. Mordey seconded the motion to adjuuru, which was supported by the Revs. H. Abraham and G. Hargreaves. The motion to adjourn was defeated by seven vote to six.—The Chairman also ruled out of order a notice of motion by Mr T. H. Mordey to substi- tute the names of the Revs. George Hargreaves and H. Abraham for those of Messrs T. B. R. Wilson and T. H. Mordey on the Sites and Building Committee. A protest was also made against this ruling, and it was pointed out that Mr Hargreaves had been left off the whole of the committees of the board. The Chairman pointed out that the committee had been appointed for 12 months. The Chair- man said he had not consulted the clerk upon the question. Rev. H. Abraham considered that the chairman should have oonsulted the clerk before giving bis decision.—The ordinary business was then proceeded with. Rev. Father Bailey brought forward a resolution to give notice to terminate the agreement with Sergt.-major Knowler, the drill-instructor to the Board schools. Father Bailey said that under the new code it would be neoessary to teach the Swedish or some other modern kind of physical drill in the schools. This was seconded by Mr R. T, Martin, and opposed by the unseotarian mem- bers of the board, the whole of whom voted against it, but the motion was adopted by eight votes to six votes.—Subsequently, Rev. Father Bailey moved that the board petition Parliament to amend the law so that the School Board rates should be equally divided between all schools, whether Board or Voluntary schools. Father Bailey said that the Voluntary schools could receive but 27s 6d per head out of the public funds, whilst the scholars in the Board schools cost the public funds from 23 to JB5 3s per head. As long as the country was divided, as at present, on religious matters there would be a need forVoluntary schools, and he therefore asked as a matter of fairness and justice that the Voluntary schools should receive equal treatment with the Board schools. If such grants were made out of the rates to the Voluntary schools no objection would be raised to a thorough investiga- tion being mad" by the ratepayers into the affairs of such schools. Mr T. B. R. Wilson seoorded the proposition. Rev. G. Hargreaves moved an amendment to the effect that the board declined to discuss the question, considering it beyond its province. This was seconded by Mr T. H. Mordey, but it was defeated by eight votes to six. Mr W. H. Brown moved a further amendment, that the rates be apportioned to such schools the managers of which were prepared to hand over the management of the schools during the ordinary school hours for secular education to the elected representatives of the ratepayers.—Mr Brown pointed out that she title Voluntary schools was a misnomer. During the last school year the Voluntary schools of Newport received from the Treasury in grants and fee grants £ 4,355 10* 7d, whilst the Ciiurchpeople in the same year had only subscribed £ 137 18s 10%d towards the support of their schools. R*v. H. Abraham seconded the amendment. Father Bailey, in reply, said that since Mr Acland had taken office the Catholics of Newport had spent 44,000 upon their schools. Mr Wilson said that the subscriptions received for Church Voluntary schools in Newport during the last school year amounted to over 2400. On a division the amendment was defeated, and the motion was adopted by eight votes for to six against.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT ST. MElLONS. I Abraham Shortman, the dock labourer who attempted to commit suicide on the 18th ult. n«ar the Rhymnoy Railway Bridge, Cardiff, and wandered about until he was found by a man named Hodges at Michaelstone,and was taken to St. Mellon's Polioe Station, was brought up on Saturday at Newport County Police Court. Supt. Perry said the offence was undoubtedly com- mitted in Cardiff borough, but that the Cardiff police would have nothing to do with prisoner. His friends had been wired to, and had promised to come, but had not done so. Dr. McCormack, surgeon at the Newport Union, where prisoner had been, said that the prisoner was suffering from melan- cholia, but was now better. He was evidently of unsound mind, and said he cut his throat (a very bad cut) because it was the Lord's will. The Bench decided to remit prisoner to the Union to enable his friends to claim him if they did not do so by Monday, the police were to band him over to the Cardiff authorities. Subsequently prisoner's two brothers, respec- tively from Porth and Bath, attended before the magistrates, and prisoner was handed over to them.

RAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. This institution is established to afford the opportunity for those who sympathise with rail- way servants to help them in the time of need. The extent of its usefulness depends in a very large measure upon public support. It provides for necessitous members and widows of the railway officers and servants in the United Kingdom, and clothes, maintains, and educates orphan children. Since the establishment of the institution in 1858, upwards of ;M5,000 have been distributed amongst the widows of 3,221 men killed, 6,190 dying of sickness, and 53.898 injured in the performance of their duties; 1,210 widows and disabled servants have received pensions and 985 children have been educated and sent forth into the world fit and useful I members of society. At the present time 845 members and widows are receiving annuities of from J310 to £ 30 each, and 310 children are being reared, trained, and educated in the orphanage and other schools.

Sir Isaao Pitman has lost his brother, Mr Joseph Pitman, who died at Worttiijig in his 77th year. He was actively engaged for many years in spreading the knowledge of Pitman's shorthand in conjunction with Mr Thomas Allen Reid, with whom he travelled in various parts of the kingdom, leoturing upon the system. Mr Pitman bas been bring in retirement for the past te« years. the kingdom, leoturing upon the system. Mr Pitman bas been bring in retirement for the past te« years. decorated piece or workmanship of semi-circular shape, and will b supported by a sb-old contain- ing the full coal of arms, helmet, orest, and mottoes of Sir Edward, onamelled in proper colours. It will te further supported on the right side by another shield containing emblems of justice. There will also be models of the civic maces, faces ani axe, representing municipal dignity. The snail panels on either side of the centre will be spaidrioal in form,and bear a model of the goat of Wales. Beneath the centre pan-I w ill be a small siield bearing the monogran R N. (Royal Navy) il blue enamel, surrounded by wreaths of Britiih oak. The reverse side of the casket will contain an oblong panel, and the naval monogran of Sir E. J. Reed, the Roya! Crown, and the Tador roses, all richly enamelled, also models of thn trident and ribbands bearing the following lekbud-" Chief Constructor of the Navy," and nacal demonstration at Aboukir Bay. At either tide will be models of the Welsh harp. The ends of the casket will contain panels bearing the arms of the Principality of Wales, supported by tie dragon of Wales richly enamelled in true colours, also the coat of arms and motto of Cardiff, surmounted by the mural crown, and supported by the maces and the leek. Around the cssket, and forming the frieze h etwn the lid snd body, will be small panels, those in front bwing the names of the towns represented by Sr Edward Reed, those on the reverse side refe-enoea to his achievements. The casket is further decorated with boldly-modelled dolphins at either corner. The plinth on which the casket rests will be of velvet, decorated in front with a hanlsome shield for an inscription, being surmount411 by the mural crown. It will be further decorate) at either end and reverse side with shields. The whole will rest on an ebony plinth, and the weight of silver will be 110 ounces. The price is £ 7'. The date of .he presentation has not yet been fixed.

ALLEGED BU-TTER FRAUDS yr SWANSEA. The magiste^al investigation into the charges against Davies und Connor, alias Gean, both of Swansea, was rssimed at the Police Court, Cork, on Friday, before. Mr J. Kilbride, R.M. Mr H. T. Wrij .t, Ciown Solicitor, prosecuted, and Mr H. Wynat*, LL.D., solicitor, appeared for Davies, and Mr B. C. Galvin, sol citor, for Connor. John Bishop, Uts of Swansea, who was con- victed at the lasl winter Assiaes on a somewhat similar charge, vas examined. Witness appeared dressed in convidi garb, and his evidence was most interesting. He was two hours under examina- tion. He deposed that prior to his conviction he carried on business as butter merchant in Swansea. He laew Davies for about 18 years, and Connor fa six or seven years. In 1888 or 1889 he sold hs butter business at 64. Oxford- street, Swansea to Davies, who carried on business in Swansea as the Carmarthenshire Dairy Company. About 1889 or 1890 he entered into business wth the prisoner Davies, and the title under whiol they did business was the Car- marthenshire D.iry Produce Company. Tho company went to the wall about September, 1891. Some tine in 1891 witness introduced Davies to Conno' in the shop, No. 2, St. Helen's road. In 1892 ohat shop was in the joint occupation of lih, prisoners, but witness could not say if it were so in 1893. When the butter arrived from Ireland it was taken out of the casks. margarine was nixed with it; it was then put into Welsh catkn and sent to the market for sale. Davies used to sell the butter in the Swan- sea Market for every price he could get for it. In 1893 Davies asked wttuose to open a butter business in his own name, and he would give him the names of customerl in Ireland on the condition that he got from witness half the butter sent over. This witness refused to do as he had no references. Davije said to witness that that could be easily got over by paying at first for a few small lots. That would give confidence. Irish merchants, Davies added, were a very innocent and a very soft lot. Witness did not enter into arrangements with Davies, but dealt on his own account. Mr Wright: With the result that you are in theposition you are to-day. Witness It is *et to be proved whether I can beat you when I gat free. You'll hear the end of it before you'll beur the end of me, I hope. I'm a young man yet, and I'll keep the Irish lawyers going a little bit after this. Cross-examined by Dr. Wynne, solicitor for Davies: The may, swindled were poor ignorant Irishmen. Mr Wright: Do you want that on the depositions ? Dr. Wynne: Certainly. There is plenty of rubbish on the depositions already. Mr Wright: I think that is an offensive obser- vation, and there is nothing to warrant it. In reply to Dr. Wynne, Bishop said I have been wrongfully oonvicted. If I had not mixed myself up withycur clients the authorities would have never suspetted me. Dr, Wynne When did you turn informer ? Witness: I kaven't turned informer. Au informer is one who has been connected with a swindle and turns Queen's evidence. I have not been connected with a swindle. Dr. Wynne What do you can this evidence now ? Witness My object in giving evidence now is to dear myself aud to convict the true swindlor. To Mr Wright: He meant by that one of the men in the dock. Dr. Wynne: Do you swear that it was not with the intentioa of getting oub you are giving evidence? Witness: I have noobjeotion to be where I am. My children are well cared for. In answer to farther questions, witness said I would not rnitud putting another man where I am if he deserved it. I was a mining engineer before I had anything to do with the butter business. After Dr. Wynne and Mr B. C. Galvin had addressed his Worship on behalf of the accused, Mr Wright replied on the part of the Crown, and the priseners were committed for trial

THE LOKDS AND THE WELSH PEOPLE. We congratulate our Welsh friends (says the Weekly Dispatch) on the fact that the House of Commons has by a decisive yote expressed an opinion in favour of the Disestab- lishment of the Enghsh Church in Wales. Unhappily, however, the House of Lords will make snort work of the Bill when it reaches that august assembly, and the time spent on it in the House of Commons will have been spent in vain. Wales has declared almost unanimously against the Establishment, yet the Upper House, representing nothing but vestfjd interest* and sacerdotal intolerance, will prevent this act of justice being done. It is an old, old story, and it is quite clear that until tha Gilded Chamber is put an end to the aspira- tions of the Welsh people must go unsatisfied.

MAY DAY AT MERTHYR. At the meeting on Friday at the Castle Hotol, Merthyr, of the Merthyr May Day Show Com- mittee, Mr Thomas Jenkins, J.P., high con- wtaklz, and president of the show. was congratu- lated upon his reappearance afte;r recent illness. He roforred to the circumstances of the visit lately of the secretary of the National Lifeboat Institution, and referred to the opportunity of amalgamating with this year's show a lifeboat demonstration. On the proposition of Mr W" G iffiths, chairman of the committee, seconded by Mr Dan Thomas, a resolution was passed unani- mously inviting the National Lifeboat Institution to send one ot their lifeboats with a crew to Merthyr for inclusion in the May Day procession. Also, thot staps be taken to ilkake I). street collec- tion when the show is held in aid of the funds of th* National Lifeboat Institution.

DEATH OF A VETERAN. Another old veteran of the 41st Regiment has just died at Dundee. The deoeased, John Fer- gusson, enlisted in March, 1854, joining the depot at Mullingar shortly afterwards. He pw- ceeded with a draft to the Crimea some time. after the commencemsnt of hostilities, and took parb in several night attacks, as also in the affair of the Quarries and the storming of Sebastopol. He also served in India and in the West Indies, and was finally discharged from his regiment in 1876. He was in receipt of a pension of Is a day.

In connection with the Wilde case it may be said that the maximum punishment for the full offence is penal servitude for life, or any other term not less than ten years and that the punishment for the abtempt to commit the offence is punishable with penal servitude for from three to ten years. Incidentally it may be mentioned that in Scotland, until 1887, the offence was, according to statute, a capital ofenoe.

nn r ■— ■— — w Welsh Disestablishment Bill. LETTER FROM MR GLADSTONE. [FROM ODE LONDON WSLSH CORRBSPONDKNT. ] Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., who entertains very strong views on the proposed allocation of the national tithes under Mr Asquith's Bill, has been in communication with Mr Gladstone on the subject. Some short time ago the member for Merthyr addressed the following letter to the late Ptime Minister :— U House of Commons, 18th March, 1895. Dear Mr Gladstone,— "A point of much importance in the Welsh Dis- establishment Bill that is already exciting much interest in Wales is the proposed method of allocating the Church funds, and I should highly value an expression of your opinion upon the matter if you can see your way to give me one. In the Bill, a copy of which I send you. it is pro- posed that the income (about 947,000 gross), now derived by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners from Wales, shall go to form a central fund to be applied in the first instance towards carrying out the Act, and afterwards to purposes of advantage to Wales generally. But as regards the bulk of the endowments, i.e., the property attached to parochial benefices (about £234,000 gross annual value), the Welsh Commissioners are to vest any tithe rent-charge in the County Councils of the counties and boroughs of Wales and Monmouthshire in which the land out of which the tithe rent-charge issues is situate, and they are to vest the glebe m the council of the parish or of the county borough or urban district comprising the parish. The County Council of the county in which a parish is situate is to prepare a scheme with the approval of the Welsh Commissioners for the application of the property now attached to the parochial benefice in which due regard is to be had to the Wants and circumstances of the parish in which the property is situate, or from which it is or has been derived, and generally to the circumstances of each particular case.' Now this appears to me to be not only a departure from the precedent of the Irish Act, but a complete reversal of the national prinoiple upon which Welsh Disendowment had, up to the introduction of the Bill of last Session, been urged. The contributions to the central fund by the various localities will be most unequal, as you will see by a return I send you. The great majority of parishes will contribute nothing, while theendowmeots of others will be atmost entirely handed over to the central fund. But the gravest injustice will, to my mind, be in the allocation of what I may call the parochial fund, residents in many of the populous and poorer districts will be almost completely de- prived of any share in this national property. In my opinion all the ancient endowments now held by the Church should go to form a national fund for the benefit of Wales generally, so that as far as possible every Welsh resident might participate in any advantage that may be derived by the diversion of these endowments from their present uses. It has been contended by those who take the parochial view that the Irish Church surplus has been frittered away, but surely it is as easy to pro- 1_ vide proper safeguards for the protection of the corpus of the property in a national fund as in a number of local funds. "Witb sincere wishes for your continued health and strength. Believe me, dear Mr Gladstone, 44 Yours very faithfully, D. A. THOMAS." "P.S.—I should like to know how far you Consider the principle adopted in dealing with the surplus in the Irish case is applicable to <the Welsh, and it has occurred to me that should you feel disposed to comply with my request it might be of interest to you, before expressing any opinion upon the Welsh Bill, to have before you the precise words in which you explained your grounds for oreating a national fund in the case of Ireland. I have, therefore, copied from Hansard' extracts from your speeches on the introduction and second reading of the Irish Church Bill, and give tbem below. On introduction of Bill How are we to dispose of the residue ? I will state the con- ditions which appear to me to be combined in a good plan for the disposal of such a fund. One condition of a good plan is that the question being Irish, and wholly Irish, the plan must be equal in its application to all parties, and, as far as may be, to the whole community in Ireland.' 44 Referring to some of the modes suggested for the application of the surplus, and mentioning that 4 it had been proposed by some that the fund should be applied to public works in Ireland,' you gave several objections, and said, in the third place, do what you could to promote equality, the applicxtion of the money must be unequal: it must be given to certain districts, and many other districts must in a great degree fail to share in ú. On second reading ;—' There is a trust- whether in the legal sense I know not—but in the political, the social, the moral sense, there is a trust impressed upon this property from firlolt to last for the benefit of the nation. It was for the nation that the property zoas given. It is true it was given to corporations. Yes but why ? The real meaning, scope, and object was that, through them, it should be applied for all time to the benefit of the entire populatwn of the kingdom, and this was a natural and intelligent arrangement when the entire nation was of one faith.' 44 Referring to a quotation given by Sir R. Palmer from a speech of yours made in the country, you said :—' I stated to the House, in introducing the measure, that in our view it was essential to the satisfactory character of any plan for disposing of the residue of the property that it should be equal in its application to the various parts of Ireland, and if my hon. and learned friend examines into the matter he will find that it is not possible to devise any scheme which shall more exactly redistribute the benefit of these funds than this scheme we have proposed. There is not one purpose to which we propose to apply them that does not reach over the whole of Ireland. Mr Gladstone's reply, although apparently written at Cap Martin, was only despatched from Hawarden on Wednesday, the 3rd instant. The letter, which is written throughout in Mr Gladstone's handwriting, is here reproduced. Mr Gladstone's letter is very much what one I might have t-xpeoted. It is very courteously but cautiously worded, but there oan be little doubt that it is, if anything, in favour of Mr D. A. Thomas's views on the allooation of the tithe fund. Mr Gladstone admits that the question is much controverted, but that be says is not his reason for declining to state his opinion. It is only because he fears he might produce a great I deal of embarrassment by declaring his opinion, and he does not think it would be fair to those responsible for the measure to do so. It seems fairly clear that Mr Gladstone would not cause any embarrassment by: the expression of an opimon favourable to the views entertained by his late colleagues. He Lbuld only create embarrassment by expressing an opinion opposed to that of the promoters of the Bill. Cap Martin, March, 1895. "Dear Mr Thomas,—I have duly received your letter, and I thank you for the pains you took to make your question easy. But I am sorry to say I must not attempt to answer it. The subject is much controverted, but this is not my reason. My reason is that by delivering from the outside my opinions on the disputable points necessarily involved in the Welsh Disestablish- ment Bill I oould do little good, and might produce a great deal of embarrassment. I am now virtually out of Parliament, and I hope to leave the matter to be settled by those who will be responsible for what they say and do. This, I think, is only just to them, and is also most for the interests involved. "Yours faithfully, "W. E. GLADSTONE."

CANON W. L. BEVAN'S JUBILEE. Withiu the next few weeks Canon Be van, who is so widely known as a writer of educational works and as an authority on Church history, will complete his 50th year of ministerial work as vicar of Hay. A few members of his congrega- tion met a short time since to disouss the desira- bility of doing something to mark the event. It was agreed to call a public meeting to deoid. what action should be taken in the matter, as during his long ministry Canon Bevan has taken a general interest in the town of Hay, and that he might continue his work amongst its inhabi- tants he has repeatedly declined offers of prefer- ment, though it is well known that the living of Hay is a poor one. The public meeting was held on Thursday in the Foresters' Hall, the chair being taken by Mr Charles Griffiths. It was resolved that the memorial take the form of a presentation of plate to Canon Bevan, and that if funds permit some object be erected in the town a a permanent memento of Canon Bevan's work in Hav. Messrs F. B. Cooke (of the National Provincial Bank, Hay), and T. C. Morgan were respectively elected hon. treasurer and hon. secretary, and a ladies' committee to assist in collecting funds was also formed.

LLANELLY NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. A deputation from the Llaneliy National Eisteddfod Committee visited Swansea on Satur- day in order to point out to the promoters of th? I Swansea National Rugatta the confusion of dates between the closing date of the eisteddfod and that fixed for the visit of the Prince of Wales. The deputation saw Col. Pike, aud there was a general fueling expressed that the presence of the Britannia at Swansea during the eisteddfod week would militate against the success of the national event. After further conversation, it was resolved that both sides work together with the object of getting over the difficultv. Our Swan-it-st representative write;Thefacb that both the",e events clash on the August Bank Holiday is most unfortunate, and every possible pressure is being brought to bear by the Llaneliy Eisteddfod Committee to get the date of the regatta altered. This it is feared will be quit» impossible. The date of the regatta, at which the Prince of Wales's yacht Britannia is to race, has been fixed by the Yacht Racing Association, and immediately follows that at Cork, and precedes that at Penzance, and any alteration now would mean a complete dislocation of the regatta arrangements.

In Lord Wantage the Volunteers will lose almost, if not quite, their most prominent sup- porter. His lordship is a man of great wealth as woit as patriotism. Stecdman's Soothing Powders for children cutting their teeth have now been in use over 50 years. They relieve feverish heat, prevent fits, convulsions, eto» and preserve a healthy state of the oonstitution during the period Of teething. Manufactured only a Walworth, Surrey. Sold everywhere Please observe Walworth, Surrey. Sold everywhere Please observe the BBin Steedman.. 163

OPENING OF PENARTH PIER. The Penarth Pier, although having been liberally patronised for some months past as a promenade, was formally opened on Saturday in somewhat unfavourable weather. Notwithstand- ing this fact, however, a keen interest was manifested in the event. The structure looked gay with co!our. decked as it was with a pro- fusion of flags and bunting. There were flags, too, on the sea route from Cardiff to Penarth, whilst the Bonnie Doon and Waverley were both rigged up for the occasion. Shortly after 2 o'clock the former steamer left Cardiff with a foodly number of passengers. On approacbiug 'enarth a salute was fired from the pier. It was replied to from the vessel amidst cheers, followed by the strains of the Cogan Brass Band, whose services had been retained for the occasion. Upon reaching the pier Mr Edwards was the first to step upon the structure. There were no speeches, and after discharging passengers for Penarth, the steatner proceeded for the first time this season to Weston. The operations of the Waverley, which followed, wer« pretty much in the wake of the Bonnie Doon, and the proceedings terminated. We noticed three of the directorate of the Pier Company present—Messrs Edwards, E. Hancock, jun., and Mr Vellacott.

NEWPORT GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians was h«ld at theTownHal! onSaturday. Councillor W. Wheeler presided. There were 318 persons in the Workhouse, decrease 12 the persons in receipt of outdoor relief numbered 2,809. Thwre were 191 children in the Caerleon Industrial School increase 8. The .(mended plane for the proposed alterations at the House of Refuge were adopted, and ordered to be forwarded to tb" Local Government Board. The alterations are estimated to cost JS600. It was resolved that the vaoant relieving offieership, caused by the dth of Inspector Winmill, should not be filled, and that P.S. Hale perform the whole of the duties. It was decided to grant Mr Frank Needham, the master of the Workhouse, who is retiring after 27 years' service, a superannuation allowance of B78 per annum and Mrs N eedham, who was the matron, was voted a retiring Allow- ance of JB20 yearly.

YES-IT STILL" TOUCHES THE SPOT." Homocea. is just the same, and has met with wonderful success, whether used for colds in the head, or bruises, cuts, and sores, toothache, rheumatism, or piles, the result, is the samp. Every home should have a box ready and handy for use. By all chemists at Is lV»d and 2^ 91 per box. Sold in Cardiff by Messrs Stranaglian and Stephens. 9, Castle-?Ueet D. Anthony and Co., 39, St. Mary-street Hicks and Co., Ltd., Drug Stores, Quenn street. Duke-street, and Cowbridge- road Duck and Son's Drug Stores, St. John's- square Albert Hagon, Manufacturing Chemist, 39, Bridge-street, and 24, Bute-street and H. Spencer Fargher, Chemist, Hayes Bridge. WBDDINO, KBEPKR, AND ENGAGEMENT Rnraa— Great Variety at Tainsh's, 2, St. Mary-street-, Cardiff.

Palm Sunday in South Wales. In no other country or county is the Palm Sunday of the Church of England calendar observed as it is in Wales, or, to be more precise, in South Wales and the neighbouring county of Monmouthshire. To many people resident in those parts Palm Sunday is an unrecog- nised term, the Sunday before Eastertide being known only as "Flowering Sunday." It is a custom peculiar to Wales, whioh is fo!lowed with great fidelity by her countrymen, and although controversy has raged around the propriety of its observance there can be hardly anyone who will not admit that the oustom is a touching and pathetic one. In a town like the Metropolis of Wales the rite, perhaps, would not strike a stranger with its beauty, its solemnity, and its sympathy as it would were he to visit a graveyard in the country distriot. There he would find much less of the Sunday resort and promenade that prevails in towns like Cardiff, and he would see the observance in all its simplicity, which adds so much to its beauty. Although many Welshmen claim the custom and its origin as peculiar to their country, this oan hardly be admitted. There are a number of adherents to the belief that Flowering Sunday" is a surviving remnant ot Catholic times in Wales, when processions with palm branches traversed a road strewn with flowers. In fact, this belief was so much held that upon a lecture being delivered at Newport in 1851 advocating an observance of Palm Sunday, a pamphlet was immediately publIsbed condemning the lecture as oue which advocated a return to the ways of Roman ism, a stp which the narrow-minded opponent to Flowering Sunday was evidently very much afraid of. Others. again, argue that the custom is an outcome of Roman Catholic ceremonies because it is very much allied to the Continental observance of All Saints' Sunday, when the graves of departed friends and relatives are visited, and this argument is strengthened by the fact that until the eftd of the 16th century the members of the Church of England kept the observance of AH Saints' Day by visiting the graves of the dead, the only difference being that the observance takes place in England in the earlier part of the year, where. as on the Continent, it is recognised in the autumn. But to object to the only tangible recognition that people can aocord their departed relatives and friends by decorating their graves with flowers because it is a remnant of Romanism does appear at least incongruous. Just as well might objection be taken to the decoration of churches for the same reasons, and it must be remembered that after the severance of the Church of England from Rome many of the ancient customs were maintained. The celebra- tion of this festival is, by other- said to be connected with the observance in the Karly Church, oommemorative of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem. Baring Gould's opinion that the custom is one of modern practice seems to be incorrect. It may be in Cornwall, although that is hardly probable. It is more than likely that the custom has its origin aft a much earlier date even than the Roman Catholic religion, for it is recorded of the early Christians that they refused to cast flowers on the graves of their departed, because by so doing they would contribute to a perpetuation in their creed of heathen dootrines which it was their endeavour to stamp out. However, be the origin what it may, the custom is doubtless peculiar in its observance to Wales and the neighbouring county, and has been tor so many generations, that it might now well be termed a Welsh custom. Further, it is one that the country may well be proud of, for in spite ef all that has been said agamst it on account of its Romish character, it is a very touching and beautiful observance. Leaving out of mind the promenaders who visit the Cemetery, and turning to those who are there, let us say with a legitimate and reverent object, there can surely be nothing more impressive than to see an old man placing his humble offering on the grave of his children, or of a young man paying what respect he can to his lost parent, or it may be to the last of his relatives or than a group of children who have buried their mother or one of their brothers. In the midst of a crowded Cemetery these mourners are undisturbed; no one would thmk of breaking in upon their thoughts, and whatever may be said by those who disagree with this custom, it is difficult to see how any good purpose could be served by opposing it. AT CARDIFF CEMETERY. Palm Sunday, or, as it is locally called, 44 Flowering Sunday," was observed at Cardiff New Cemetery in the usual manner, the graveyard being visited by considerable crowds throughout the day. The ceremony was observed on much the same scale as last year, there being no evidence that the decorations of graves is on the increase, but it seems to remain as stationary as it has done during the past four or five years. Not only were the hu:nhle mounds adorned with wreaths of wild flowers, but the more imposing tombs were embellished with wreaths of charming exotics. In spite of the vast number of visitors, the excellent arrangements of Mr Whitworth prevented anything of an unseemly or undesir- able character occurring. LLANDAFF. At Llandaff Cemetery the graves of the rich and pour were similarly beautified with wreaths and wild flowers, the whole having a charming effect, particularly seeing that during the after- noon the sun. which had been obscured by the threatening clouds during the morning, made its appearance, adding warmth and brightness to the scene. Visitors trom Cardiff and elsewhere turned up in large numbers, bringing with them in many casesadditional floralmomentoesof thedead. Every part of the Cemetery was thronged with mourners and spectators, and with a bright sky overhead, together with the pleasant chimes of the Cathedral bells, the scene presented was more of the nature of a joyous thanksgiving than of mournful regret. Everything passed off very orderly and quietly, the grounds being in a well-kept oondition, and the trees and shrubs bearing ample indications of the freshness of44 beautiful spring." PONTYPRIDD. Palm Sunday was as usual generally observed in this district at Glyntaff Cemetery. Many hundreds of people congregated during the day, the graves and tombs having in most oases been decked by loving bands with garlands of flowers. Perfect order was maintained. ABERDARE. In spite of the very wet weather which pre- vailed on Saturday, and the fact that the Aber- dare Burial Board bad decided that no flowers should be taken in on Sunday, the graves in the Cemetery were covered with floral decorations, as were also the graves in the old Parish Churchyard. Both the Cemetery and the churchyard were visited by a very large number of people during the day. The cemetery was only open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. MERTHYR. The weather in the afternoon was moderately fine, and a large number of people availed them- selves of the occasion to visit Oefn and other Cemeteries in the district. TREORKY. Thousands of persons visited the Treorky Cemetery on Sunday afternoon from different parts of the valley to see the decorations of the graves. The weather was very fine. Most of the graves were covered with flowers and wreaths, which indicated that the custom is not dying out in the valleys. NEATH. The various burial grounds in the neighbour- hood of the town were visited by thousands of people on Sunday afternoon, notwithstanding the showery weather. The graves were beautified by flowers, some ct the wreaths and other symbols of bope being of most exquisite arrangement. MORRIS I ON. The parish churchyard and the different chal burial yards looked at their best on Sunday, busy hands having cleaned and decorated the graves of their departed ones Wreaths and other floral devices were in abundance, and a large number of people visited the different yards. At the different places of worship special references were made to desecration of the Sabbath by the decorations, &c. BLACKWOOD. On Palm Sunday the usual custom of plaoing flowers on the graves of departed friends and relatives was as well kept up as in years gone by. The day was very showery, but in spite ot this people came from all parts to decorate and view the different graves. GELLIGAER. At the Parish Church here the auuual custom of decorating the graves was again well observed. Ax beautiful collection of wreaths, crosses, and flowers adorned the graves. HENGOED. The chapel graveyard here again this year was well looked after by the friends and relatives of those departed. Although the day was very wet people oould be sees wending their way towards the ground early on Sunday morning, some bringing wreaths or crosses, while others went just to inspect the different flowers which adorned the graves. LLANFABON. The graves at this parish church were very tastefully decorated as usual on Palm Sunday. YSTRADMYNACH. The new graveyard at Holy Trinity Church was on Palm Sunday very tastefully decorated. The day WaS very showery. Bethania Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel yard was very well looked after, choice flowers. wrentha, and crosses adornin all graves hflrp. MYNYU lAsLWYN. At the parish church on Palm Sunday the usual custom of decorating the graves of departed ones WMwei) observed. The weather was showery. Many people visited the graveyard during the day' BEDWELLTY. On Palm Sunday the parish church here was thronged with people to inspect the flowers, &c., on the graves. I has always been the custom of people for miles around to go to Bedwellty on Palm Sunday. Although the day was wet the weather did not stop the usual custom. SWANSEA. The custom of fioraJiy decorating the graves of departed friends was very largely observed at Swansea on Sunday. The weather was showery 011 Sunday, and as Saturday was also wet the floral tributes wore not as general or as elaborate as usual. Still, in the afternoon great crowds went to the various burial grounds, and especially to the Cemetery, where aamirablo arrangements as to order were made. BARRY DISTRICT. Hundrerjs of people visited the Merthftttotan Cemetery during the day, wbete the graves had been moat profusely bedecked with floral WibaMI in memory of the departed. The weather during the morning was cloudy and uncertain, but in the afternoon it cleared up considerably, and tha walk to the picturesque 44 God's acre" was an additional fnducement to the inhabitants of the dietrict. PENARTH. The Parish Churchyard presented a touohing exemplification of Washington Irving's beautiful words, that" Our sorrow for the dead is the only grief from which we refuse to be divoroed." A wealth of floral tributes graoed not only the cold marble but also the unadorned 4' narrow bed," and despite the showery weather, the graveyard was visited by a large number of people during the day. In the morning the rector improved the occasion by delivering an earnest and apposite address.

THE PROPOSED MEMORIAL TO THE LATE LORD ABERDARE, TO THE EDITO*. SIR,—It has been suggested, in support of thfl contention that the proposed 1Ilemorialshould be collegiate in character, that the late Lord Aber. dare would himself have wished it so. But it is not really clear that such arguments are likely to have much weight with any representative meet. ing of South Walians who sympathise with the movement. The late Lord Aberdare was not only a 44 schoohman," but much more, and there is nothmg to show that the inoreasing number of scholastic people in South Wales, who owe so much to his efforts, will ebject to a popular posthumous compliment if it should assume a dis- tinctive form other than that of some additional school-house or scholarship. Nor will it be gotten that the late Lord Aberdare nine yean ago unveiled in the streets of Swansea a statue of his friend and co-educationist, Sir Hussey Vivian, Bart., M.P. (the late Lord Swansea), and that he then gave a most enthusiastic speech to the assembled host of 30,000 people, demonstrating fully his satisfaction to see such honour paid to a living man when that man was believed to be deserving of it. The statue remains Sir Hussey is dead. Lord Aberdare did not object to com- memorative statuary.—I am, &c., JOHN G. E. ASTLE. Merthyr, April 6th. 1895. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—It is time that we Welsh people ahonld begin to honour the memories of our distinguished dead. We are not backward in praising them at their funeral obsequies, but that is our last tribute. Of course, it has not yet been decided what form the memorial to Lord Aberdare wi" take. I hope it will be a good monument, which will serve to perpetuate the memory of that truly noble man, ana at the same time add soaae interest to the locality where it will stand. I like monuments they explain the past and point out the future. Scholarships, of oourae, are excellent in their way, but statues interest the community at large, and are ever a source of pleasure, and often profit, to the locality they adorn. I take exception, however, to the suggestion made in your paper of Saturday last by the able magistrate of Mid-Rhondda, Mr T. P. Jenkins, that the monument, if such will be the memorial, be erected at Cardiff. Why a.t Cardiff ? Is it because Aberdare has added so materially to the prosperity of that town ? Has not that town among the hills its interest as well as Cardiff t If the departed nobleman was proud to associate his title with Aberdare, where he hved. and where his remains find a resting-plaoe, surely it is only right that that town should be honoured with his monument. Moreover, Aberdare is not a sequestered village, visited by an oooaaional traveller, but a centre of life and industry, and typical of Welsh national life. As I am a native of the Rhondda, which is about midway between the rival plaoes, it cannot be said that sentiment and prejudice obscure my better judgment. It is a mistake to gather together all that is rare and beautiful in art into one place oitiaens among the hills, too, have a liking for that which ia grand and beautiful, and feel that they are exalted with it. The people of Cardiff-for they are a wealthy and potent community—might easily erect another to adorn their oollege grounds but tIe national oolumn-for it will be such-hould stind in the centre of Aberdare.— I am, &c., J. ROWLANDS. Gwaunarlwy Ad.

CARDIFF UUARDIANS. THE SHEADING OF BK&KD. At the weekly meeting of the Cardiff Board 01 Guardians on Sa,turday-the Rev. J. It. Buckley (vice-chairman) presiding—the oaae at Mr Henry B.vliwin, an old Army veteran, residing in Da* id-street, and who, on being suddenly removed to the Workhouse on beinfl found in the in an unconscious oondition about 10 days o, had his beard shorn by a nurse, was again mentioned. At the previous meeting of the boa'd it was stated that Baldwin, who had served in he Crimean. Indian Mutiny, and the second A fghan Wars, had been m town paying club uoney, and had been takeu suddenly ill, beÜ. subsequently removed to the Workhouse Hcspital. It was also stated that the beard was a large and fine one, and strong protests were entered against the allega< tion said to have been maie by the nurse that thi beard was unclean. The subject was referred tIel the House Visiting Committee for investig' tion.—Councillor F. J. Beavin now expta" that the committee had not yet Yner r^woouo qu-ut!y had no report to mako. Baldwin wa< still ill, and it was doubtful if he would reoover and as the committee would not in the ordiaarj course meet until next week he thought thei should have a meeting earlier. Councillor J. Ramsdale said the sooner they met the better, ai that would allay unrest. On the suggestion ol the Chairman it was agreed that a special meetl8. of the House Visiting Committee be held on Mon- day at half-past two o clock. A USEFUL REGISTER. It was stated that there was a register of yoU81 persons fit for service kept at the Workhouse! Canton, and that it was now open to thi inspection of those who might be ia want of assistants. THE RELIGION OF CHILD KEN. The Clerk (Mr A. J. Harris) read < better from the Bridgend and Cowbridgi Union respecting the religion of the children seal to the Bridgend Cottage Homes. The lattei stated that as the head officer and 80104 of the subordinate officers at Elf Scheoli were under the impression that aU children sent from the schools to the cottage homes at Bridgend should belong to the Church of Bac- land, the board desired that the offioera be ill- formed that ohildren were admitted into the homes irrespective of religious creed er sect. Tlac Chairman said it had always been bit opinion that children were admitted te the homes as at Ely, irrespective of religion, and that there must have been some mieappre* hension on the part of the Ely Sohools officials.- BATING OF MACHINERY BILL. In view of the Rating of Machinery Bill havini passed through committee, and as the third read, ing would soon be token, it was decided to 0001. municate with members of Parliament represent' ing any part of the Union, and also the Looal Government Bord, requesting them to oppoec the third reading. _n.

A CATHEDRAL DISPUTE. At Bristol Cathedral on Saturday Judff* Ellicott, sitting as Bishop's Commis sary, concluded an inquiry into I dispute between Mr George Riseley, the cathedral organist, and theDean and Chapter, respecting the organist's duties. Sir Richard Webster and Mr Lawes represented Mi Riseley, whilst Sir W. Phillimore ap peared for the Dean and Chapter, and MI Bullen represented Precentor Mann. A large number of witnesses were oalled, and it appeared that for a long time there had been unpleasantness between Mr Riseley and thi Precentor. The real point at issue was whethet the chapter were legally entitled to make all order upon the organist requiring him to perform additional duties.—Judgment was deferred.

SWANSEA AND THE AMERICAN MAILS. Swansea firms having correspondence wi" Amerioa have been notified of an alteration in th< despatch of American mails. Hitherto letteti intended to be carried by Cunarders have bees posted at 6.30 p.m. Now they must be posted ai, hours earlIer-at 12.20 p.m.

REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF GAS AT SWANSEA. At the annual meeting of the Swansea QM Company the directors reported that, notwitfc. standing the depressed state of trade, the profiu for the half-year ending 1894 amounted tc £7.389. and the usual dividends of 10, 1%, and 1 per oent on the various classes of shares were declared.for the half-year. The Chairman (Mi Travers Wood) announced that it was propose* to reduce the price of gas from 3s 2d to 3e pel 1 000 lo private consumers

FALL OF AN EMBANKMENT, On Saturday afternoon an embankment neai the Cornish Down Bridge of the Pembroke and Tenby Railway fell, with the result that tbt traffic on the hne was stopped.

Nothing more is likely to be heard of the missing Spanish cruiser Reina Regent*. 8hG has disappeared like H.M.S. Serpent did a fa* years ago, leaving" not a wrack behind." Like the Serpent, too, she was heavily weighted with large guus forward, and top-heavy. The Duke d'Aosta, who is to marry the Pril* cess Helene, is a fine, wen-favoured young fellow, manly, plain-spoken, and of easy oarriage and manners, who has seen much more of the world and the ways of men than is to be imbibed af Courts. He is a fine sportsman, and has travelled much and kept his eyes and ears open. He baa visited this country many times; and when he comes, like his brother, the Due Louis of Abrueei, he travels incognito, puts up at an hotel, goea about unaccompanied, visiting the plaees of amusement and the sights with equal diloe. and is particularly addicted to Rotten Row between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock. He ia rich, adds St. Paul's, deriving abom fi66,00& <t year from the estates and collieries in Belginm.