South Wales Daily News

FOliEIGN INTELLIGENCE. It [REUTER'S AND PRESS ASSOCIATION TEkEtflUMS.] .0 FRANCE. VERSAILLES, Saturday.—It is believed that M. Le- franc's Bill will pass with modifications. The committee on Lefranc's Bill were elected to-day. Nine members are against the Bill, but three would Accept it, with modifications. Six are favourable to the **dl. M. Gambetta defended the Bill. M. de Larcy, Minister of Publi made a L)gitimist confession of faith and voted against the Government. It is reported that Government has resolved to make hs acceptance of M. Lefranc's Bill a Cabinet question. Thiers recently stated that Government would ^Ottiiiiata an ambassador to Bome shortly. M. Du- Piuloup is expected to take part in the discussion on this subject. SPAIN. MADRID, Sunday Evening.—An electoral coalition against the Government is in process of formation by the other parties. BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, Sunday. Raoul Rigault and Cluseret are SaId to be at Geneva, preparing an ineurrectional move- ment in Southern France. ANTWERP, Sunday.—There is considerable excite- ment in the neighbourhood of Count de Ohambord's and large crowds throng the streets. The gen- omes are out keeping order. BRUSSELS, Saturday.—Depuly Courbier has given Notice of questions respecting tha disturbances at Ant- Werp. ANTWERP, Saturday.—-Notices have been posted call- lQg on the inhabitants to convene a meeting to protest gainst the presence of the Count de Chambord. Notice been issued forbidding the assembling of more than persons fn the publie streets. A proclamation has j^st been issued urging the citizens not to countenance y their presence manifestations discreditable to the cIty. A crowd assembled, but the manifestation was, Oil the whole, peaceable. DENMARK. C GOPENRAGEN, Saturday. -Mr. Fenger, the Minister of °Qimerce, has announced his resignation, but con- lflUes for the present to hold office. AMERICA. THE ANGLO-AMERICAN DIFFICULTY. The New York World says the destruction of the f6aty ig preferable to the Government sneaking out its position and ignominiously acknowledging that it presented an untenable and chicaning case. WASHINGTON, Saturday.—The National Labour Asso- latipn has nominated Judge Davies as President. THE ALABAMA CASE. NEW YORK, Saturday.—The Washington correspond- tfr ^e New York papers states that the adminis- ation will propose that the question of admissibility of Indirect claims be submitted to the Geneva board. ,"he Tribune says Mr. Fish's reply courteously declines of tiTan £ G American case. There is no possibility £ 'he Government withdrawing from its position. The If°p^ Arbitration must decide its own jurisdiction. 8tii] rea't Britain withdraws, the American case should bo argued before the arbitrators. INDIA. 0 THE LOOSHAI EXPEDITION. 0 ^CUTTA, Saturday.—General Bouchier telegraphs ha twentieth instant, that the tribes of Venolel c Ve surrendered unconditionally, and the whole k^ry through which he passed is subdued. The cb,r ra^s have delivered up their arms, and the three ha,ve been surrendered as hostages.

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. JHE RECENT ASSASSINATION IN LONDON. ■•-he funeral took place yesterday of George Merrett, th °.Was murdered in Lambeth the other morning by a American, Minor. The widow and children followed, to Vev.eral thousand persons attended the procession footing Cemetery. AN ALLEGED REFUGEE MURDERER. t Bow-street, on Saturday, Isaac Gibbon was a ^fged, under the Extradition Act, with the murder of fc&isian merchant at Marseilles. He was remanded. SHORT TIME MOVEMENT IN LEEDS. felt class meeting of men engaged in the woollen, flax, de and silk trades at Leeds resolved, on Saturday, to and the nine hours' limit. A PARK FOR LEEDS. 11 opposition is being made by residents near C0f y> Leeds, to the purchase of a park by the hgJ^fttion for a People's Park. A town's meeting, the °Q Saturday, urged the authorities to complete Purchase. wlox ELECTION.—CLOSE OF THE POLL. Pender 704 held p Reid 496 Polled two to one in Kirkwall. J, MR. DISRAELI IN LANCASHIRE. oil Disraeli will address two meetings in Manchester ftster Tuesday and Wednesday. -jfjSE NEW UNDER-SECRETARY FOR WA ^ohoki Observer believes Lord Lansdowne will most Q, Y be Under-Secretary for War. DEATH OF MR. VICKERS, M.P. On Q' Stanley Yickers, member for Wallingford, died aturday. ,kt -We THE CHARGE OF MATRICIDE. D"Ztblir rship-street police court on Saturday, Amelia ltleth ury was committed for the manslaughter of her 61'. XJ, FOOTBALL MATCH. 6 return football match on Saturday, between ^4land d Scotlaad>at Kennington Oval, was won by '■Th?t^TH OF THE BISHOP OF JAMAICA. die^ -^ght Rev. Aubrey Spencer, Bishop of Jamaica, 11 Saturday morning at his residence in Torquay. ThTHE QUEEN AND THE LORD MAYOR. kvpe Is no foundation for the statement which the r in several of the Saturday evening papers that Eighth Mayor of London had received the honour of fttldreg ?°d ou occasion of the presentation of the 8 to Her Majesty at Windsor on that day.

Jîuntinn pp ointment+ Uuke of—Mon., Newnton Lodge; Wed., Sat trS ^ate Thurs., Avening Fri., Lower Woods • down—11. StinPklnge's> Lord—Mon., Lamb and Flag; Wed., 4?ield Thurs-' Moreton Maypole; Sat., North, (Mr. J. H. Arkwright's)—Mon., ^eforrTu-' Thurs', Eastweod Oak—10.30. i?Te> South (Captain B. Helme's)—Tues.Hare- k&Kihki Whitfield—10 30. ia Yan Chepstow-Tues,,Pen-yeoed Castle Fn., ^SdUthArire~-Mon-> Llanarth Lodge Thurs., Prysk *»*eek>WMoS; week. Pyke Wood (Pontrillon); Thurs. e^broVQ u?e Salmons (Graig)—10.30. e-10.30. shIre-Mon., Middle Hill; Thurs., Woodstock S5dJSre' s°uth—Mon., Bush; Fri., Gloyne-11 S m' Lynsewydd Thurs., Abcreif ed—10.30. tr?hurR if W- w.—Mon..Hanmer; Wed.,Macefen; Sat, Pulford—10.30. j ^ittsbur fS'' Haddon Gorse; Thurs., Mr. Swaffield'g p yj—12. T T>f?ta*n U. —Mon., Gledryth; Wed, Cefentallych; HVS MQCAE-10-SO- w.i New Mill; Fri., Castle-an-Dinas; *W8, J?-k> Goidsithney-iO -10.30. -Mon., Llwyngroes j Thurs., Maenygwinionj

SWANSEA". WALF.R ROAD C6N&HEGATTOS>1- CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.—On Friday Jat Adult Bible Class presented their toucher, Mr. Evan Lewis, with a beautiful album, con- turning aboV-i 20 portraits of the members of the Class, with te inscription elegantly written, as a token of their love and esteem. Mr. Lewis suitably acknowledged the unexpected present. The meeting was addressed by the pastor (the Rev. Thomas Jones), Mr. Prust (superintendent), and several members of the Class. CONCERT AT THE MUSIC HALL.—A concert will take place this evening at the above hall, in aid of the funds of the Swansea Hospital. Particulars of the same will be seen in our advertising columns. A very excellent pro- gramme has been provided, and a rich treat is in store for all who will attend to aid so philanthropic and benevolent an object. THANRMITIM DAY IN SWAMEA.—The Worshipful the Mayor having suggested that Tuesday next, the 27th ittsfe., should, as far as practicable, be kept as a holiday in the borough Of SwAiisea in connection with the happy re- covery of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales from a dangfefous illness i alid a desire having been expressed that a Royal salute should be fired from the town battery at the South Docks, fifty men of the 1st Glamorgan Artillery Volun- teers, will assemble at head-quarters at twelve o'clock on that day, from whom two detachments will be selected, who Will tire a Royal salute at one p.m. precisely. Un- dress, without arms. Band to attend at Castle Hall. SWANSEA TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. --ThE! usual Saturday- night meeting of this society was held On the 24th inst., at the Ragged Schoolroom, in Back-stteet. FOr the last 13 years these meetings ha bèen continuously held there to denounce intemperance and the vice of drunkenness, and the fire and zeal of the advocates has not yet spent itself. The meetings are chiefly addressed by working men, and have been the means of reclaiming hundreds from a state of wretchedness and destitution. Sometimes between two and three hundred a year have joined this teetotal fund. Mr. Hill, the worthy chief of the Excelsior lodge, presided, and Messrs. Liscombe, Evans, Bevan, Bellings, &c., all working men, addressed the meeting. A number of teetotal melodies were sung during the evening. There was a good attendance. At the close the secretary (Mr. Tucker) announced that Mr. Piper, the grand worthy chief, of Ireland, would preach at several places of worship on Sunday next. A WARNING TO LANDLORDS. — George Veitch, the landlord of the Plymouth Inn, Oxford-street, was charged with permitting drunkenness in his house. The Bench admonished him, and inflicted the whole penaly, 25, as he had been guilty of this offence before. MARKET TOLLS. -A number of persons were summoned by the lessee of the market for an evasion of paying the usual tolls. Mr. Glascodine appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Woodward (Clifton and Woodward), defended. The prosecutor attempted to prove that two of the country- men so charged had been selling carcasses of beasts out- side the market precincts, but failed to bring the charge home clearly. A woman, a huckster, was charged with selling poultry. The case was clearly proved, and she Was fined Is. and costs, which amounted to 21 14ti.

CARMARTHEN. COUNTY POLICE COURT.—At this court on Saturday last, Jane Thomas, Cross Hands, Llanelly, was fined 50s., and costs, for assaulting Anne Watkins, the landlady of the Star Inn, Pontyberem, on Wednesday the 17th of January. —David Evans, collier, Llanddarog, was fined 60s., and costs for assaulting Griffith Evans, farmer, of the same parish, on the 10th inst. Defendant was likewise bound over in the sum of 220 to keep the peace for six months. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the usual meeting of this board on Saturday no business of any public importance was transacted. Mr. Williams, of Llanginning, gave no- tice that he would at the next meeting, call the attention of the board to the advantage of feeding gigs at the Work- house for the use of the poor (laughter).

PEMBROKE DOCK. TEMPERANCE HALL.-A errand concert of vocal and instrumental music was given last Friday evening by the amateurs of the town, to celebrate the re-opening of the building, the proceeds to be devoted towards the expenses of the ealargement. Our congratulations are due to the trustees of the Temperance Society for the public spirit and. enterprise they have evinced in undertaking the responsibility of the improvement. The town had long felt the need of a good spacious public building, and this want has now been amply met. The changes made in the entrances are marked advan- tages. The platform, also, is now in direct com- munication with a most convenient suite of ante-rooms. As we are deficient of sufficient musical ability to attempt a critique, even if we possessed the other desideratum, space, we must be content to say that those most con- cerned, the listeners, were evidently well pleased, if the frequent bursts of applause are any criteria to judge from. It is but scanty praise to say that the different parts were admirably sustained; this the vast audience, no doubt expected, from the well known reputation of the amateurs taking part in the programme—we almost think artistes would be the more correct word, as the cast in- cluded Miss Lloyd, Messrs. Blake, Radmore, Hancock, Powell, Griffiths, Blackwood, &c., &c. After these names the fullest and finest interpretation of which the various pieces were capable was ensured. Although this is the first grand concert that we remember Mr. Blake conducting, the success of which we freely ascribe to him, yet without detracting from him it is only fair to mention that his duty must have been considerably lightened by having such veteran instrumentalists as Messrs. Radmore and Hancock to support the work of his baton. We may say without prejudice to anyone that the singing of Messrs. Blackwood and Griffiths were specimens of high art, particularly Mr. Griffiths in Remember now thy Creator" was a triumph in every phase of vscal execution. Both singers were loudly ap- plauded in their respective solos; the latter being com- pelled to respond to an encore from all parts of the house Miss White as leading soprano, and Miss Edwards as con tralto acquitted themselves to perfection. Misses Lewis and Morgan also sang very sweetly, and were loudly ap- plauded. Miss Lloyd deserves spesial notice, as her ac- complished and finished style on the Harmonium contri- buted much towards the success of the concert. At the close of the interval between the first and second parts, Mr. H, R, Road, president of the Temperance Society, came forward and thanked the audience for the support rendered to the trustees by such a full house. We were informed that the result in a pecuniary sense is very satisfactory. —

BRIDGEND. shops will be closed on Tues- day next, the Thanksgiving day. DAMAGING A DRAIN.—At the Police-court on Saturday, the Bridgend Gas and Water Company were summoned for damaging the arching of the tewn drain, and for breaking up the road without giving notice to the governing body of the town. Mr. Ensor appeared for the Board, and Mr. H. Allen, barrister, for the defendants. It was admitted that the servantsjof the Company had done wrong in not giving notice as to the breaking up of the roads, but it was assumed that the local surveyor was aware of what was going on, and had at different times supervision over their operations. It was agreed to adjourn the case for a fort- night, the company undertaking to reinstate the drain and pay costs. ALLEGED SHEEP STEALING. -Thomas David, of Lan- ilid, farmer, was charged with stealing sheep the property of Messrs. Lewis, farmers, who occupy an adjoining farmer. Mr. Ensor appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Allen for David. It appeared that on the 9th of June the prosecutors lost some sheep, and although they enquired at David's farm and other places, they did not hear anything of them until the following day, when prisoner told one of the Lewis's that he had found 14 of the missing sheep among his flock. From a circumstance which transpired the prosecutors suspected Davis knew something of the other sheep, but they neglected to proceed in the case until this week. The prisoner in the meantime had served them with a writ for defamation of character. Mr. Ensor in presentingthe case to the magistrates, said that he did not look upon his case as a strong one, but full of suspicion. There was no direct evidence to track the sheep to the porsession of the prisoner. Mr. Allen suuggested that the time of the bonch ought not to be occupied with the case if there was no direct evidence to bring the charge against his client. If the case proceeded he should be able to prove conclusively that the sheep which David had sold at Pontypridd that week had never been on his farm, and could not have been the sheep which the prosecutor had lost. After a little conversation, Mr. Ensor acknowledged the weight of the counsel for the defence and withdrew the charge.

n MERT&YB. I><ktCE>—Thte (ioiift was occupied on Saturday in dis- using of charges of drunkenness, and cases of assault only THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION OF GUARDIANS.—The Merthyr Telegraph, in an article dealing with local elec- tions says "When the election of Guardians especially comes round, the Nonconformist ratepayer must re- member that there is no board—not even excepting the School Boardpwhich has more to do with qvlestlons affec- ting our religious liberties than the Board of Guardians. We hftve seen 1.1ndite atterilpts ltiddB .to prdselytize inrtl&teB, to prevent Sotiiftti Catholics frOm Accepting offers of service in Protestant faItiiles, and to elidow dhÜrfJh: men and Catholics with public money for teaching their dogmas to paupers. If Nonconformists wish the princi- ples,Of. religious liberty to \J"f1 Established and faithfully carried Oiitj feliiey- itiUst draild bjjr tlteiiSS jiriiicimeg at their local 'dOrttijgfcSj and retiirii the men Whd Will r^siet eivery attempt at subverting them. We mention no names in view Of the approachiiig contests, but we hope these con- tests will display no symptoms of weakness or demorali- zation, but pass Off td the credit and to the lasting benefit of the parish." „ BDARRI dp GuAiirJiAss.—;Thd ordinary meeting Of this Bdard was held on Saturday, when there was a large attendance of guardians, the chair being occupied by Mr. G. T, Clark. The usual formal business having been dis- posed of; a loiig repdrt £ as read fromi a committee,. of Which Mr. J. C. Fowler was chairman, appointed to in- vestigate sundry charges preferred by the nurse against Dr. Gabe, the house-surgeon. It appeared from the re- port that the nurse had made specific charges of negli- gence against the. doctor. The committee heard the evi- dence of the parties themselves, and of the Master and Mr. Ward, who officiated for Dr. Gabe during his ill- ness., They came to the opinion that the majority of the charges made by the nurse were not substantiated, arid had been preferred in a moment of irritation but with respect to one patient, named M'Vie, it did appear that he was not seen from Saturday until his death, which occurred the next eveniug, and the doctor said he had concluded that it was a hopeless case, and therefore did not go to see the patient on Sunday. The committee thought the apparent hopelessness of any case was no ex- cuse for discontinuance of visits and medical treatment. The Workhouse medical relief book had not been regularly entered up, but it was explained as the consequence of recent illness, and Dr. Gabe promised regularity for the future. One of the committee (Mr. J. Lewis) happened to visit the Infirmary and, found the legs of one of the patients imported into this dispute, riaiUed Quinlan, in a foUl condition for want of washing which was clearly the result of negligence on the part of the nurse. The com- mittee went so far as to ascertain the opinions of the late nurses, the Sisters of Charity, of Dr. Gabe, and both con- sidered him kind to the patients, attentive and skilful in treatment, but Sister Francis thought he was rather abrupt in manner. It was probable that this abruptness on his part and the evident excessive irritability of the nurse's temper had brought about the existing unpleasant, and the com- mittee were of opinion that unless the doctor showed the nurse as much consideration, at least as he'had shown her predecessors, and the nurse Controlled her temper it would be impossible for them to work in harmony for the benefit of the patients or of the Guardians. The report was signed by Mr. Fowler, and the Board ordered it to be brought forward for consideration next week.

LLANELLY. THE NINE HOURS MOVEMENT.—On Friday evening a meeting of the compositors of this town ,was held in the Nevill Memorial to consider the propriety of memo- rialising the master printers for a reduction of the hours of labour. After some deliberation it was resolved to limit the request to fifty-four hours per week. It was also resolved to request an advance of 2s. per week to stab hands, and a halfpenny per thousand on all descrip- tions of composition to those on piece. Thirdly, that such alterations shall come into operation on the first of April next. ———-

SHIP ON FIRE IN CARDIFF DOCKS. An alarming fire broke out on Saturday night in the ship Peruvian Congress, of St. John's, New Brunswick. She had recently entered the port, and lay in the west side of the east dock, opposite No. 10 tip, discharging ballast. Between six and seven o'clock, Captain Stockton, master and part owner, left the ship for the night, and it was then safe, three of the crew remain- ing on board. Two hours later a fire was discovered in the after hold, where it is supposed to have originated among some matting. An unaccountable delay of more than an hour took place before information was given to the fire brigade, and during this time, although every possible effort was made to quench the rising flames, they continued to ascend, and seized upon the woodwork under the cabin. At 10.25 the Cardiff Fire Brigade was summoned, and in ten minutes Mr. Superintendent Freeman with a staff of police, and the steam fire engine and manual engine, in charge of Mr. Evans, and the members of the Fire Brigade were on the spot. The dock manual engine, and the floating steam fire engine, were already there, and by the direction of Capt. Johnson, the dock master, who, with Captain Pengelly, was present, the vessel had been hauled away from the dock wall. In a very short time five hoses were fixed, and a con- stant and abundant supply of water was being poured into the ship, the three lengths of hose worked by the Cardiff steam-engine discharging at the rate of 250 gallons per minute, and the combined discharges of the other engines nearly equalling that in amount. The gallant efforts of those on board to subdue the fire were for a time frustrated by the impossibility of discovering where the fire was, no flames being visible, although smoke rolled up the hatchways very thickly. As the only means of saving her then apparent, it was determined to scuttle the vessel, and three holes were cut in her port side; but her capacious hold filled very slowly, and some hours passed before the effects of scuttling showed themselves, except in a list to the quay wall, which at one time was so threatening that the engines were removed clear of the ship, in the fear that she would come over on her side. Ultimately, after several hears-about three o'clock yesterday morning-the exertions of the brigade to keep the flames from extending, had been successful, and the fire was confined to a small space abaft the mizen mast. Then the deck was pierced, and water directed upon the burning woodwork, and the firemen were lowered with a rope in relays into the hold, where they were enabled to beat the destroyer back from plank to plank, and would no doubt then have overcome the remaining fire had not the blinding, suf- focating smoke made it dangerous for them to remain below more tfcan a few minutes at a time. The water rising in the hold as the vessel gradually went down, drove the fire into the upper beams, and the exertions of the firemen and their many willing assistants at last, and about six a.m., so limited its extent that it became easily extinguished. The vessel had by that time grounded and had righted herself. The steam fire-engine continued to play into those crevices where the lingering fire still smouldered until nine o'clock yesterday morning, when it was clearly and safely extinguished, and all the dan- ger was over. Although there were never any flames visible above deck, the ship was at one time in danger of destruction, and it is undoubtedly due to the vigorous and courageous acts of the band of untiring workmen, the firemen, police, and volunteer assistants, that the flames were confined to so small a space, and did, comparatively speaking, so little injury. The ship, the largest in the dock, a fine vessel, of splendid lines now rests on an even keel on the bed of the dock, but luckily the water does not reach her deck, so that the greatest evil attendant upon scuttling has been avoided. The rigging, a good deal of the stores, and a stock of oil and petroleum, was saved, some of the latter being carried cut at great personal risk by Engineer Evans and othej members of the FireBrigade. We understand that the sbip was insured only to part of her value. She was consigned to Messrs. Worms, of this port, and her broker is Mr. Willans,

dARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of the Board of Guardians of the Cardiff Union, was held on Saturday, Mr. E. W. David, chairman, presiding, and there were present Messrs. J. Pride, R. Cory, J. Cory, P. Bird, W. H. Martin, J. E\ans, H. J. Paine, M.D., T. L. Glaves, C. French, Eli Evans, &c. The Master's report showed that there had been 29 admissions, 1 birth, 9 discharges, and 1 death during the Weeli, leafing 311 in the House, being a decrease of 44 upon the corresponding week of last year. The number of tramps relieved during the week was 39, at g cost of 3s. llid. The report of Mr. Harris, the mas- ter of the Seboois; was to the effect that no children had been admitted, and nine discharged, the number remaining being 271, an increase of 11 upon the cor- responding week of last year. A number of bills, passed by the finance committee, were approved by the board, including one sent in by Mr. R. B. Watkins, for one quarter's registration fees, of 61. A difficulty having arison with regard to the supply of stones from the ballast tips at the Bute Docks, and the price, owing to the scarcity, having been raised, it was resolved that the board should put itself in direct communication with thô dock authorities, instead of buying through a contractor'. THE ADVANCE OF SMALL-POX. Dr. PAINE said he wished to move a resolution, Which was intended to meet a difficulty they would probably soon be placed Iti; It Was well known that the present epidemic of small-pox was :p':I')din to an enormous extent in every direction. Fortunately, so. far, the Cardiff Union had been most successful in resisting its approach; but he feared they would not be able to do that much longer. There were certain localities in the rural districts whøre, if small-pox should be introduced, it would spread in tbN, same degree as in other and neighbouring towns. He vidr,fcl tnove that a meeting of the sanitary committee should hteld next week, i for the purpose of considering the whole idaittferj and whether any and what further steps were required to be taken. Among the details which they would have to consider was the fdesirability of providing an hospital for the reception of small-pox. The suggestion of Dr. Paine was adopted, and a sanitary committee meeting was fixed for Wednesday at three. The Clerk said he received from Mr. Williams a week ago an intimation that a case of small-pox had occurred at Rudry. He thought it desirable to com- week ago an intimation that a case of small-pox had occurred at Rudry. He thought it desirable to com- municate with the Sanitary Inspector of that district, Mr. Superintendent Matthews, of Pontypridd, who very promptly, in fact, immediately, visited the case himself, and gave directions for the disinfection of the house and other necessary steps. He mentioned this to the Board in order to show the extremely prompt manner in which Mr. Matthews acted (hear, hear). The CHAIRMAN remarked that he was sorry to hear, as he came in that morning, from the Inspector at Canton, that a case of small-pox had occurred at Can- ton, the sufferer being a child eight months old, so that they had, at last, small-pox in their district. He asked Dr. Paine if there was any in Cardiff. Dr. PAINE said there had been only six cases during the last month; three were sailors and the others were imported cases but he was sadly afraid the district was surrounded by it. THE ADOPTION OF A CHILD. A letter was read from the Rev. A. Maguire, St. David's Presbytery, stating that Mrs. Connor, the wife of a person in a substantial positisn, in Staleybridge, who had no daughter, desired to adopt from the schools an orphan Catholic child, from 10 to 12 years old, whom she would send to school, and treat as her own daughter. The Rev. Mr. Maguire was in attendance, with a child whom he had selected and who was without parents or relatives. The board made the necessary enquiries, and then sanctioned the request. PROTESTANT MINISTRATIONS AND CATHOLIC PATIENTS. The Rev. Mr. Maguire said he would take the liberty, now that he was before the board, of referring to a matter which it would have been necessary for him to bring before them another time. The other even- ing he was called upon to attend the Refuge, to visit a Catholic inmate who was sick. When he went in he found a person there reading what must have been considered a Protestant religious service, in a room where there were four or five Catholics who could not move out of bed. He did not think that was legal, and he thought if the board knew it they would not sanc- tion it. The CHAIRMAN We are sorry if anything should be done distateful to the Catholic patients but I presume that the person was reading to the other sick people. What was he reading? Mr. Maguire Well, the individual or person-I can- not call him a gentleman, because I do not consider him belonging to our profession-was reading some- thing about Scripture. The CHAIRMAN What did you do ? Mr. Maguire When I found he was reading I at once closed the door, and did not go in until he had finished, and then I went to see my own patient. The CHAIRMAN You don't know what he was reading then he may have been reading the newspaper. Mr. Maguire I heard one or two words; it was a Parable of the Gospels. I made enquiries and found out that he was in the habit of reading there. The CHAIRMAN: Who is the gentleman ? Mr. Durke I believe it was Mr. Smart. Mr. R. CORY (to Mr. Maguire) You could not have any abjection to his reading the Scriptures ? Mr. Maguire: Not to the Scriptures themselves; but I object to the Scriptures read according to his views. Mr. CORY: He was reading the Scriptures. Mr. Maguire: But he selects only those portions which he likes, no doubt, and perhaps does not limit himself to the mere reading of the Scriptures-he makes comments, and that I certainly object to. The CHAIRMAN: But is that so, Mr. Maguire, that this gentleman does comment as he reads? Mr. Maguire: I cannot say so but the mere fact of that reading there aloud we object to on principle. For those who are not specially entrusted with the task to expound the Scriptures is the practice of a denomina- tion opposed to our doctrine. Mr. CORY: He was only reading the Scriptures. I do not see what right you have to object. Mr. Maguire But I do object. Mr. CORY: I say you have no right to object. Mr. Maguire I beg your pardon, and I think the law will support me in that in a Government institution like this. This minister also utters prayers, I believe. Mr. CORY: Do you object to that ? Mr. Maguire I object to the mere fact of the reading in the presence of Catholic patients. Mr. CORY: Then I say again you have no right to object. Dr. PAINE: If I apprehend the matter rightly Mr. Maguire wants to prevtnt any attempt at proselytising. Tho flTTATRMAN And very proper to. Dr. PAINE Yes I quite agree with him. If we can meet Mr. Maguire's objection, we shall be glad to do it, and if we can do it in a legal manner we will do it. If he will point out any means of preventing any attempts or suspected attempts at proselytising, we will take steps to adopt them. Mr. ELl EVANS: Speaking as a Guardian, I think it is our duty to take a broad view. My own feeling is, that I am sorry Mr. Maguire did not join the man who was reading the parable, and give a better explanation (hear, hear). I am grieved to think that a person of education should be so narrow-minded as to come here with such a complaint, when he did not know what the person was reading (hear, hear). Mr. CORY Why did you not go and read ? Mr. Maguire: We have other things to do. Our religious duties do not enable us to read. I was called to attend a sick person, who required what we call the last sacrament, and I was prevented for a time from administering it by this person, who was holding what I must call a public religious service in a room in which more than half the inmates were Catholics, Mr. ELI EVANS: We cannot get a different room for every different religion, Dr. PAINE I think, perhaps, to put an end to this discussion, it would be better for the matter to be brought before' the Visiting Committee, and for them to con- sider the complaint of Mr. Maguire, and if advisable remedy what he complains of (hear, h-.ar). Except in the sick wards, I apprehend the minister of any denomi- nation can have private communion with members of his own particular community, and there can be no possible objection to that (hear, hear). I should just as strongly object to a general religious aiseooirse from a Catholic priest in a room where Protestants were com- pelled to be present, as I should for a Protestant to minister in a room where Catholics were present. I think there is a great deal, however, in the objection Mr. Maguire has mentioned, and I think it would be more satisfactory for the Visiting Committee to give it their attention. Mr. EM EVANS The only means of meeting Mr. Maguire's objection is to have a room for Protestants and a room for Catholics. The CHAIRMAN I don't think that. But it is a matter for the Visiting Committee to consider. May I ask. Mr. Maguire, whether, after this gentleman left, you did administer the sacrament ? Mr. Maguire j No, I did not. I found the sick person was one to whom I had already administered the sacra- ment before she was brought into the Refuge. I had 6 seen her outside. The CHAIRMAN Was the person sick in bed ? — Mr. Maguire; Yes. The CHAIS^AS } Did you pray or read Scripture to her? Mr. Maguire: No there was no occasion. Mr. EM EVANS You did nothing, then ? Mr. Maguire ? No. I had already done all that is required by our ChtJrih lor persons in fear of death. The CHAIRMAN May I when you attend a sick person too ill to be removed frcrtt the Refuge, what is. your practice ? Do you administer your sacrament ia the presence of Protestant inmates ? Mr. Maguire Yes, when it is impossible to avoid it Eut the ceremony takes place in a low tone at tbe bed- side, and does not reach their ears, though it may fall under their observatio-iii Prayers are repeated in Latin after haying done ttiat, the Priest may say a few prayers in English. I do not think I have done so once in the Refuge though once in the Wotfkboase I did. That I should not object to-to the ministers going round to the bedside of those who belong to he Protestant Church; but when they go and read a sertiee publicly in the middle of a room where half the inmates are Catholics, I don't think that it is right, and I think I have authority for saying so. Mr. R. CORY: As a Guardian, I should have no objec- tion to your reading the Douay Testament to them afterwards. Mr. Maguire No doubt you are quite right, sir, from your point of view but I speak from mine. We believe we are both right in our opinions, with this difference that I believe also there is authority to support mine, which will determine the matter. The CHAIRMAN There appears to be great difficulty in this matter. When Protestants and Roman Catholics occupy the same room, I do not see how a religious ser- vice is to be communicated to a sick person of one Church without it being in the presence of the other. It is a matter that must be dealt with by the Visiting Committee. Father Maguire then thanked the board and with- drew, and the matter was referred. This was all the business.

LLANDAFF HIGHWAY BOARD. At the monthly meeting of the Llandaff Highway Board, on Saturday, Mr E. W. David presided, and there was a large attendance of Guardians. A long discussion took place upon the repair of the roads at Lisvane, where there are two:roads in a bad state of repair, the Fynon Fai and the Graig, and the advo- cates of each warmly supported the claims of one road to be repaired before the other. The resolution of a vestry meeting of the parish held on Thursday declared in favour of the Fynon Faiby 25 hands to 12 fer the Graig. The cost of repairing the Fynon Fai road would be E185, and that of the Graig E80. Mr. ELI EVANS proposed that E60 should be laid out in the repair of one road and 230 upon the other. The motion was seconded by the Llanedarne guardian- The CHAIRMAN moved that the Fynon Fai-road should first be repaired, in accordance with the resolution of the vestry, and remarked that the two roads could not be repaired out of the ordinary rate of half-a-crown in the pound.—Mr. MATTHEWS seconded the motion, which was carried.—Mr. EVANS then moved that Graig-road should be repaired as well; but the Chairman having pointed out that the balance of the rate, when the Fynon Fai-road had been repaired, would be too small to allow of any other repairs being executed, he with- drew his proposition. The Surveyor (Mr. Preston) reported that Mr. J. S. Corbett and Mr. F. Wride had met and viewed the proposed diversion of Blue House Road, and were of opinion that it would be a great improvement on the present road, and suggested the adoption of a width of 24 feet. The suggestion was approved of by the Board. A letter having been read from the Rev. H. Parsons, Minor Canon, calling attention to the state of the foot- path in front of the Minor Canonries, Llandaff, it was ordered that it should be repaired. It was also ordered that Graig-road, Whitchurch, should be curbed and chan- nelled and that, the contractor for the supply of fencing poles having supplied 108 poles less than 4! inches in diameter, the size specified in the contract, a part of the sum due to him upon the contract, should be retained by the Board, to be used in the event of the smaller poles proving too small. The CHAIRMAN said that some time ago the Board of Guardians, acting as the nuisance authority for the parish of Llandaff, had ordered the construction of a sewer in the Ely-road. It was made, and the con- tractor, Mr. Edward Matthews, was paid for it. The auditor now objected to this sum being charged upon the poor rate, and very properly so, because the parish of Llandaff included the district of Canton, which was a Board of Health district paying a district rate for its own roads and drainage Therefore, it being unfair to expect the Canton people to pay for the drainage of another part of the parish, he pro- posed that instead of levying a special rate, to pay for the sewer, upon the rest of the parish, exclusive of the board of health district, the cost of the sewer should be transferred to the highway rate, which was raised within that part of the parish upon which the charge of the sewer legitimately fell. This plan, which he adopted upon the suggestion of Mr. Stephenson, was far better than ordering the overseers to make and levy a special rate for so small a sum. The suggestion was agreed to, and this was all the business of importance.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE LITERARY INSTITUTE.—The annual general meeting of the Pontypridd Literary Insti- tute was held in the reading room, on Friday evening last, Mr. James Coombes in the chair. The hon. secretary, Mr. W. H. Key, read the statement of accounts for the past year, which showed a small balance in the treasurer's hands. Mr. Penn proposed that it be passed. Mr. A. Chivers seconded, and it was carried. A vote of thanks to the president for last year, Mr. Lenox, was proposed by Mr. F. Cooke, and seconded by Mr. John James. Mr. Penn returned thanks on behalf of Mr. Lenex. Proposed by Mr. Robert Thomas, and seconded by Mr. A. Chivers, that Mr. David Davis, Maesyfynon, be elected president for the present year—carried. Mr. Penn proposed, and Mr. Alexander seconded a vote of thanks to the vice- president-carried. Mr. George Griffiths proposed, and Mr. H. S. Davis seconded a vote of thanks to the hon. secretary fer his gratuitous services during the past year. Mr. Key, in thanking them, called attention to the great destruction of newspapers, periodicals, and books, and" urged the members to work more with the committee in preserving the property of the Institute. The officers having been elected, the proceedings terminated-