South Wales Daily News

TIIE MARRIAGE OF THE MARQUIS OF BUTE. We are enabled to announce that the marriage of e Marquis of BUTE to the Hon. Miss GWENDALINE ^V'AIII) will be celebrated in the month of April. tTj llls information, we are sure, will be received with the greatest gratification by all onr roadars, and with esPecial pleasure by the inhabitants of Cardiff, whose felicitations, when we made the announcement the marriage, betokened the deep interest they take n his lordship's welfare, and the earnest wishes they ave for the future of one so intimately connected with their town. The fair fiancee arrived at her 18th birth- Wednesday, 21st inst., on which occasion there rejoicings at Glosop Hall, in which the Marquis of Cte was a participator. The philanthropy and many n'tg of broad-hearted charity of Lord Howard, and the aimhble disposition and kindly characteristics of the lady in whom Cardiff now takes such a deep in- fest. have given the HOWARD family a high place in affectionate regard of the people of Glossop and the ^ghbouring district. That regard has been quickened and intensified by the auspicious event now so closely ^Pproaching, and the marriage of the eldest daughter of 16 ancient family, who have so long lived in their will be hailed in that part of Derbyshire with a equal to that which the same tidings will excite *°Ughont the county of Glamorgan.

ALLTWEN. of AJ^^TATTON. —The members of the Friendly societies (vv ,s neighbourhood met at the Rock Inn, on Monday j> 111Eg, to show their respect to Dr. G. Griffiths, of ty a? j'dawe, by presenting him with a handsome gold Rev for his unremitting attention to them for the last Years. The chair was taken by Mr. Arthur Gil- n 7°n, and the vice-chair by Mr. J. James, Gotre-'r- t>r n Tlie watch was presented by Mr. W. Morgan. s • Griffiths thanked the representatives of the various Pieties present, and the proceedings terminated.

p HAVERFORDWEST. att EBROKESIURE ASSIZES. The Hon. W. R. Grove I1, ,e<I divine service in St. Mary's Church on aY morning, at half-past eleven. After the f0r ll}S of the usual proclamations, the grand juries county of Pembroke and for the town of till P'fordwest were sworn. The rand jury ignored the Tho 1n the case of the prisoners Edwin James, Thomas of jVas> and David Davies, charged with the manslaughter la^ er^ellyn Rees, at Llandewi Velprey, in September of a ~hoEaas Griffiths and James Davies pleaded guilty in,st Sauhing the gamekeepers of Earl Cawdor, on the 4th were severally sentenced to nine months' impri- fi"e nt with hard labour.—The court was occupied until v, j clock in the evening with an action for slander, Jones Hess i1,68' The parties are relatives, carrying on the busi- iti t-hot saddlers, at Narbeth. After hearing the evidence i 's case, the hearing was adjourned until er(ay.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S AND PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] 0' FRANCE. THANKSGIVING SERVICES FOR THE PRINCE OF WALES. PARIS, Tuesday.—Lord Lyons attended the Thanks- giving service to-day, in the Rue d'Aguesseau. The church was very full. This ,was also the case in the Avenue Marhenf, notwithstanding that many English residents had gone to London to witness the ceremonies there. VERSAILLES, Wednesday.—Knmours of a message in connection with a plebiscite are contradicted. PARIS, Wednesday.—It is stated that M. Thiers will raise the state of siege in April. PARIS, Wednesday.—It is stated that Powers having Treaties of Commerce with France will remonstrate against the proposed taxes on raw material. A grand diplomatic banquet was given yesterday by M. De Remusat. PARIS, We(iiip-sday.-Tlie Bank of France has re- duced its rate of discount from 6 to 5 per cent. PARIS, Wediiesdity.-It is believed, in diplomatic quarters here, that England will accept the competency of the Geneva Tribunal on indirect damages. VERSAILLES, Wednesday Evening.—The Prussian Government kas notified its willingness to accept anti- cipatory payment of the 410,000,000 francs remaining due on the fourth half milliard, and to allow five per cent. discount. The French Government will at once pay this sum. PABIS, Wednesday Afternoon.—Rentes closed at 56 62. GERMANY. BEKLIN, Weduesday.-A Thanksgiving service for the recovery of the Prince of Wales was held yesterday in the English Church in the castle of Monbyon. BERLIN, Wednesday.-Semi-ol-licial provincial cor- respondents :say the Emperor's health continues to improv# satisfactorily. ITALY. APPROACHING DEPARTURE OF THE POPE FROM ROME. ROME, Tuesday.—The Pope is said to have addressed a letter to the Emperor of Austria, in which he declares that his presence is necessary near Germany, in order to combat the schism which has taken place in that country. His Holiness will probably leave before Easter, accompanied by the foreign Ambassadors ac- credited to him. INDIA. CALCUTTA, Tuesday.—A holiday has been observed here to-day, and thanksgiving services held. CALCUTTA, Wednesday.—General Brownlow is sur- veying the country. The arrangements made with the Howlongs are satisfactory. REJOICINGS IN INDIA. The Governor of Bombay and all the Government officials attended in state a special thanksgiving at the Cathedral, on Tuesday, for the recovery of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The Gackwar has placed a lae of rupees at the Governor's disposal for a public work in honour of the event. The Hon. A. D. Sassoon has added 5,000 rupees to his former contri- bution of a lae of rupees for a new High School, as a thanksgiving offering. A number of Parsees, invited by Sir Jamsctjee Jejeebboy, met at the Fire Temple; and the Parsae community, at the request of the Hon. A. D. Sassoon, held a solemn service in their synagogue. At the invitation of the Honourable Manguldass Hnthoobhoy, about 10,000 Bombay Hindoos, of all denominations, assembled to-day, in the Mombadabee Temple, and offered up thanksgivings. Similar meet- ings were held by Mahometans and every sect of Hin- doos. It is estimated that more than 100,000 persons joined in the various services. AMERICA. THE ALABAMA DIFFICULTY. WASHINGTON, Tuesday.—A Cabinet meeting was held to-day to consider the Alabama claims. It is reported that it was decided not to withdraw any part of the claims presented. Mr. Secretary Fish's reply to Earl Granville probably goes by Saturday's steamer. THE REDUCTION OF DUTY ON PIG IRON. The House of Representatives rejected to-day a bill to reduce the duty on pig iron.

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. THE CHARGE OF MURDER AGAINST MR. EDMUNDS. Mr. Edmunds, who stands committed for trial at the Gloucestershire assizes for the murder of his wife, was yesterday admitted to bail.by Mr. Justice Hanuen himself, in Y,4,000, and sureties to a like amount. THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE. Important changes were made yesterday in the Cam- bridge University crew. French, number three, was removed to bow Robinson from two to three and Benson from bow to two. This alteration greatly im- proved the steadiness of the boat, by equalising the weight at the two sides. Ultimately French was sup- planted by the younger Close. THE TICHBORNE CASE. The cross-examination of Lady Doughty elicited the fact that she had at first presumed, from Lady Tich- borne's assurances, that claimant was Roger. She, however, mentioned the tattoo marks when first called on for evidence. She withdrew Bogle's pension by the advice of her solicitors. A long wrangle be- tween counsel occupied a great part of the day. HEALTH OF THE COUNTRY. The Registrar-General reports the aggregate mortality in twenty-ene cities and towns, for the week ending Saturday, to be at the annual rate of 26 per 1,000. ° CHARGE OF ABDUCTION. At Sheffield yesterday a man named George Tyree was committed for trial on the charge of abducting a young girl under sixteen. Two women were remanded on the same charge. STRIKE IN THE FOREST OF DEAN. The Foxes Bridge collieries and the Forest of Dean are again out on strike. Lord Lyttoa has declined the Lord Rectorship of St. Andrew's, whieh has fallen to him in consequence of Mr. Ruskin being ineligible. k

TROEDYRHIW. RAILWAY APPOINTMENTS. The Taff Vale Railway Company have this day removed Mr. Morgan (late station master here), ta their station at Yatrad' in the Rhondda Valley, where he will act in the same capacity as he did here. During the time he w.s in Troedyrhiw, he won the esteem of all classes, for his uniform attention and courtesy. He is succeeded by Mr. Masters, late of the Aberdare station.

TONYREFAIL. The series of popular readings at the Baptist Chapel continues. The meeting held on Monday evening was well attended, and the programme interesting. The chair was ably filled by Mr. L. Davies, sen., deacon ef the chapel. The Ffrwdamos choir is expected to sing at the next meeting. —

PEMBROKE. The Lords of the Committee of the Privy Council on Education have issued an order this day for the formation of a School Board in the parish of Camrose, Pembroke- shire. Mr. J. EVANS, the much respected superintendent of the county police for this district, died yesterday morn- ing, after a short illness. DEATH BY DROWNING.—On Tuesday night, just after darkxess set in, a man servant in the employ of Mr. J. H. Scourfield, M.P., while on his way from Neyland to his mother's house at Williamson, fell into the river and was drowned.

Jimpcrial lpv!tament HOUSE OF COMMONS.—-WEDNESDAY. The Speaker took the chair shortly after twelve oic-lock PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. Lord ELCHO gave notice that on the 19th of March lie should move a resolution with respect to the conduct of public business in the House. He would state the terms of the resolution to-morrow. FORTIFICATION OF LEITH. Mr. MACFIE gave notice that on the 26th of March he would call attention to the advisability of completing' the fortifications for the defence of the port of Leith, and of other commercial centres forthwith. WITHDRAWAL OF MOTION. Mr. NEWDEGATE withdrew the notice he had given of his intention to oppose the Ballot Bill. and said he would state to-morrow the reasons for the withdrawal. LOCAL BOARDS OF MANAGEMNET IN IRELAND. Mr. KAVANAUH gave notice that on Friday he would ask the Secretary for Ireland if the statement was true that the Government intended to appoint local boards of ma- nagement in Ireland. SALMON FISHERIES BILL. Mr. DODDS moved the second reading of the Salmon Fisheries Bill. Alluding to the opposition which had been raised against the Bill, he said the interests of the persons represented by Mr. Dilhvyn, who had introduced a second bill, could have been fairly dealt with by amend- ments in the measure now before the House. Having detailed the nature of recent legislaton in reference to Salmon fisheries, he stated that the present bill was based upon the recommendations of a select committee which considered the subject in 18C9. It proposed to con- fer upon the Secretary of State powerto alter and recombine fishery districts and to form fresh boards of conservation these boards would be representative bodies, elected every three years by means of voting papers. They would con- sist of from six to thirty members, one-third of whom would be elected by the license payers in the tidal por- tion, and one-third by the license payers on the non-tidal portion of the river, and one-third by the owners of pro- perty on the banks of the river. In order to facilitate fishery improvements the Bill proposed that the Board should have power to levy a rate not exceeding in any one year 25 per cent. of the sum paid for license duty. It further proposed a new schedule of license duty, aid imposed a penalty on taking salmon without a license. The Board of Conservators were also empowered to make bye-laws for the bettsrr protection, preservation, add improvement of the salmon fisheries within the district, and to inquire into the legality of all artificial obstructions to the passage of fish In certain cases, where there was not a sufficient fish-pass, they would have power to order a fish way to be made at the owners' expenses. The hon. member con- cluded a speech of very great length by describing the machinery by which he proposed to carry out the provi- sions of the bill. Mr WALSU moved that the bill be read a second time that time six months. He grounded his opposition upon the fact that several of the clauses of the bill would ope- rate with great injustice upon the owner of the upper waters, and that it removed none of the grievances of whieh they complained. Mr. K. N. HODGSON, in seconding the amendment, urged that the provisions of the bill would seriously in- jure the property and rights of many individuals, not- withstanding that they i eceived a promise from Parlia- ment that their rights should not be interfered with with- out compensation. He criticised some of the clauses of the bill, to show how they would prejudicially affect the owners of property in the upper waters of a river. He believed the existing law was working exceedingly well. Mr. LEEMAN, who approved of the principle of the bill, suggested that it should be referred, together with the bill of Mr. Dillwyn on the same subject, to a select com- mittee. Mr. LIDDELL concurred in this suggestion. Mr. DILLWYN could not accept such a compromise, on the ground that there was a vital objection to the present bill, inasmuch as it perpetuated dissensions between the proprietors in the upper and lower parts of a river. Mr. WINTERBOTHAM said they were all agreed that there were defects in the existing fishery laws; at the same time he believed that either of the bills now before the House could be rendered satisfactory in committee. But he was bound to confess that the measure proposed by Mr. Dillwyn was a more workable meaaure than that now under consideration. At the same time, if the House thought both measures ought to be referred to a select committee, the Government would not objact. The debate was continued by Mr. Assheton, Mr. Brown, Mr. McMahon, Mr. Stevenson, Lord Kensing- ton, Colonel Whitwell, and Mr. Hugessen. Mr. DOBBS said he had no objection to refer the bill to a committee. Upon a division, the numbers were— For the second reading 109 Against 122 Majority 13 The bill was consequently rejected. Mr. DILLWYN then moved the second reading of the Salmon Fisheries (No. 2) Bill, and explained that it pro- posed to continue the existing Commissiotiers, to allow them to report upon illegal obstructions, to permit the Secretary of State, upon the recommendation of the Con- vervator, to alter the time of close seasons in the fishery districts, and to give to the Board of Conservators a re- presentative character. Mr. MCMAHON moved the rejection of the Bill. After some discussion the Bill was read a second time. LOCAL LEGISLATION IN IRELAND. The second reading of the Local Legislation (Ireland) No 2 Bill was postponed in consequence of an appeal from the Marquis of Hartington. SOCIETY OF FRIENDSLMARRIAGE BILL. The Marriages (Society of Friends) Bill was read a second time and passed MISCELLANEOUS. Leave to bring in bills was given to Mr. MORRISON, to make provision for proportional representation of the people, and otherwise amend the laws relating to the representation of the people in England and Wales. To Sir D. CORRIGAN, to extend to the whole of Sunday the present restriction on the sale of beer, etc in Ireland, To Mr. HERON, to amend the law of evidence and the laws relating to tithe-rent charge in Ireland. The House adjourned at 5.45 p.m.

'W ■— MERTHYR. SMALL-POX.—This dreadful disease continues to spread rapidly. On Wednesday Miss Crookes died after three or four days' illness, of this disease A CRUEL HUSBAND.- At the Police Court on Wednes- day, Edward Ashton, of Nantywaun, was charged with assaulting; Janet his wife on the 12th inst. It appeared from the wife's evidence that their married life had been very uncomfortable, and for some time past she and her partner had resided with their respective mothers. Lat- terly the husband had done his utmost to induce Janet to return to her roof, but she was proof against all his allurements, and at last he resolved upon trying force. He entered unexpectedly into her mother's house, and finding her therf* nursing the child, struck them down to- gether.—His Worship sentenced the prisoner to 21 days' hard labour. DESERTING A CHILD —A young woman, named Davies. was brought up in custody charged with unlawfully neg, lecti'ng and deserting her child to the danger of its life- The evidence showed that the young woman had depo- sited the child on the doorstep of the house in which its alleged father lived. The young man upon whom the paternity was sought to be fixed, denied it altogether, bnt the child was taken in hand and cared for for a time by his relatives The Bench said the evidence did not fully bring the charge home to the prisoner, who would be dis- charged, but her conduct was severely censured.

NEATH. ALDERMAN DAVIES'S SCHOOLS. Her Majesty's In- spector, the Rev. P. D. Bmns, concluded the examination of the above school yesterday (Wednesday). The number in attendance was far in excess of former years, and the results of the inspection, will doubtless be exceedingly gratifying to the managers, as well as creditable to the large staff engaged in the education of the scholars.

ST. NICHOLAS. FUNERAL OF MRS. BRUCE PRYCE.-The obsequies 9t the late Mrs. Bruce Pryce, the esteemed and venerable wife of Mr. J. Bruce Pryce, of Duffryn. St. Nicholas, were celebrated yesterday. The funeral, though of a strictly private nature, was attended by a number of the personal friends of the deceased lady, and a large body of the tenantry and parishioners, by whom she was held in high respect, followed her remains to the grave.

CARDIFF. SCHOOL FOR DEAF AND DUMB, LLANDAFF. — Mr. Melville begs most thankfully to acknowledge the receipt of a cheque fur £ 4 4s. lOd for this school being the col- lection at Thanksgiving Service at Trevithin"1 Church, per Rev. John C. Llewellin, M.A vicar. SHIP LAUNCH.—Messrs. Schlessinger Davis & Co. launched from their shipbuilding yard, Wallsend, New- castle-on-Tyne, on Saturday last, an iron screw steamer of about 1,100 tons, named the Cornwall. This vessel has been built for Mr. Richard Short, of Cardiff, and others, and will be fitted with engines of the compound class, of 95 horse-power nominal. SHORT TIME MOVEMENT.—The concession of nine hours and ten per cent, on piece-work sought by the cabinet-makers and upholsterers of Cardiff, has, we un- derstand, been conceddd by Mr. Daniel Lewis, of Duke- street. A strong hope is entertained that this step will be followed by a similar concession on the part of other employer?'. It is needless to say that the course pursued by Mr. Lewis is greatly appreciated by the members of the trade concerned. MUSICAL SERVICE AT SPOTTLAND.—-Last night a most interesting service of sacred song was performed at the Congregational Church. Splotland. The service was en- titled "The Pilgrim's Progress," and consisted of a large number of readings, and ahoral performauces-similar in character to the musical service performed at St. John's Church a few months ago. There wasa good attendance, and the gathering was presided over by the Rev. J. Waite,-B.A., who. with the Rev. T. Jenkins—the pastor of the church—read the prose portions of the service. The choral pieces were undertaken by the church choir under the leadership of Mr. R Price, and the manner in which he rendered the numerous songs was worthy of the highest commendation and afforded greatest satisfac- to all present. The enter1 ainment was of a most inter- esting character, and the performances, if generally adopted, will undoubtedly do much towards improving the character of congregational singing. SALEM WELSH BAPTIST CHAPEL, SPLOTLANDS.—On Tuesday evening a very pleasing entertainment in con- nection with the Sunday School took place. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Dr. Davies, who made allusion to the thanksgiving- for the recovery of the Prince of Wales, after which the following programme was gone through:—Recitation, Mr. T. Bryant; recitation, Miss M. Rees solo Miss Morgans recitation, Miss S. Rees recitation, Master D. Bryant; solo, Miss Jane Davies, Hen Feibl Mawr fy Mam" recitation, Miss Lewis, :Mac'r Byd yn Gwella" solo, Mr. J. Thomas choir, \V ork, for the night is coming"; duet, "Gentle Stranger," Mr. John Llewellyn and Mr. Joseph Bryant (which was loudly encored, but time would not allow of its being repeated); solo, Mr. T. Bryant, God Bless the Prince of Wales"i; recitation, Mr. J. Bryant, "Ty ar Dan" solo, Mr. Evan Thomas extempore speech, sub- ject The Clock," successful competitor, T. Bryant. The of the choir was much admired, and reflected great credit on their conductor. Mr. J. Llewellyn. OBSTRUCTING THE PATHWAY.—At the police court, yes- terday (before Mr. J. Pride and Mr. A. Bassett), Mr. A. Coleman, of the Phoenix brewery, was summoned for allowing an obstruction to be caused in front of his brewery. On the ICth of this month there was a cart with one wheel on the curb-stone, allowing very small space for passers by; and on the 20th there were two sacks of malt also causing an obstruction. Mr. Coleman was fined for the first offence 5s. and costg, and for the second the costs only.—Morris Cross was lined 20s. and costs, for allowing an be caused in Working-street, by placing some casks on the pavement. P.C. Gower proved the DRUNKENNESS.-—Thomas Phillips was charged with being drunk and riotous in Adam-street, on Tuesday night. P.C. John Miles proved the charge. Prisoner was fined 5s. and costs, or seven days. BREAKING GLASS.—Ann Moore was charged with breaking a pane of glass in the Carpenters' Inn, St. Mary-street, on Tuesday night last. Maria Joseph, the, landlady, stated that the prisoner came into her house on the above date, and called for some beer, which she re- fused to give her. Prisoner then became very noisy, and was turned out hy the landlord, and while he was doing so she sent her fist through the pane of glass in the win- dow, causing damage to the amount of 3s. 6d. or 4s. The prisoner, in her defence, said that the landlord did the damage in turning her out, and that she did not touch the glass. The magistrates thought the case proved, and fined prisoner 5s. and costs, or fourteen days' imprison- ment. ————

NEWPORT. CATTLE MARKET, WEDNESDAY.—There was a large supply of stock in to-day's market, particularly of cattle, with a good show of beef for butcher's purposes. Cows and calves were well represented and sold at high prices. The number of sheep was augmented by several pens of Spanish sheep. Business in some departments was active, but there was a dray on the sale of sheep, purchasers being indisposed to give the high prices asked. There was an average supply of pigs. Prices ruled as follows :— Beef 7d. to S^d., mutton lOd. to 10d. per lb. Pigs from 9s. fid. to 10s. 3d. per score. Cows and calves sold at from 218 to THE INFIRMARY AND DISPENSARY. Number of patients attended at the Dispensary during the week ending February 24th, 387; number of visits paid to patients at their own homes, 274 number of patients in the Infirmary, 9. Surgeon for the week, Dr. Cheese. Alfred A. Kidger, house surgeon. THE PREVALENCY OF DRUNKENNESS.—At the police- court yesterday, before Messrs. William Evans and Thos. Gratrex, there was a large number of drunken cases dis- posed of, and in the majority of them a fine of 5s. was imposed. Several of the offenders were charged with disorderly conduct, and were mulcted in the costs. Others were visited with an additional fine for assaults which they committed when in a state of intoxication. In the last were the names of Hugh Steele, William Brawls, Henry Smith, and Charles Flowers, who wilfully broke in the door of his father's house. UNLAWFULLY TAKING A PLEDGE.—William Morgan, a publican, Commercial-road, was charged with receiving a pledge in payment for beer, from George Jeffrey, a labourer. After directing the attention of defendant to the consequences of such an act, the Bench ordered him to restore the coat to the owner, and to pay all the costs, together with the day's wages of the defendant. A TASTE FOR "DOLLY VARDEN."—Sarah Williams was charged on remand with stealing a piece of Dolly Varden print from the shop door of Mr. W. A. Smith, draper, Commercial-street. Two shop assistants proved the loss of the goods, and one of them saw prisoner hover- ing about the door, but the material was not found on the prisoner. In answer to the bench, prisoner said she re- sided in Caroline-street, Cardiff, and bad come to New- port in search of her husband, whom she could not find. Inspector Price and Inspector Glass and the Cardiff force knew her well, and could give her a good character. She had never been before magistrates before in her life. The bench remanded her in order to ascertain if there .was any truth in her statement. STEALING BISCUITS FROM A SHIP.—John Jenkins, David M'Carthy, and John Desmond were severally charged with stealing a bag of biscuits from the Italian ship Galato, now in the dock. P.C. Hale proved the charge. Prisoners were at work on board the ship, and took occasion to put a bag of biscuits, weighing 46 lbs, under the ballast i. the tub before it was hauled out of the hold. Desmond and Jenkins were sentenced to one month's imurisonment, and M'Carthy, who made a clean breast of the affair, was sentenced to fourteen days' hard lubour. THE THEATRE.—There was again a numerous attend- ance at the performance by the Cardiff Dramatic Company at the Victoria Hall, on Tuesday evening, when Mr. Grover's new and original comedy drama, I.O.U." was capitally put on the stage. The author himself was the leading actor and impersonated, with wondrous ability, five distinct and exceedingly difficult characters. The plot is deserving the highest commendation, and the truly sensational scene—the Old Rip Mill—is the most com- plete success ever attempted here. The play has unques- tionably made a genuine hit, and will run on for several nights. The pantomime "Cinderella" affords great amusement. ———

CARMARTHEN. ELEMENTARY EDUCATION ACT.—Much interest and anxiety is felt by the Liberal party here as to the intended vote of Col. Stepney, M. P., on the motion of Mr. G. Dixon. The gallant Colonel, to the great disappointment of his constituents at Llanelly and Carmarthen, was one of the few Liberals who, when the Education Bill was before the House, supported the Government on all amendments proposed in the interest of the Noncon- formists. It is, however, hoped that he will vote for the motion of Mr. Dixon, it being desirable that even if it be lost, the Government shall find themselves opposed to all their usual supporters.

SWANSEA. THE Hoxorn OF KNIGHTHOOD.—Mr. Justice Grove, the new judge in the Court of Common Pleas, and a native of Swansea, has just received the above usual com- plimentary and distinguished mark of Royal favour, at Osborne, at the hands of Her Majesty. A MISSING VESSEL.—The brig Law Ogilby, of Swansea (official No. 11.173), which sailed from Huelva on the 8th of November last with mineral ore for Swansea, has not been heard of since, and is supposed to be'lost, SWANSEA VALE RAILWAY.—The ordinary half-yearly meeting of this company took place yesterday (Wednes- day) at their offices. Several directors were present. The report of the directors was presented by Mr. Thos. Moriey, and was duly received, and a debtor and creditor statement of accounts was presented and freely com- mented upon. A declaration of the usual dividend, and 5 per cent. on the original shares was then declared. The last half-year has been one oL.«uceess, and the future prospects were in every way-encouraging. HOSPITAL.—POPULAR READINGS AND CONCERT.—The last entertainment of the season, under the able leader- ship of the Rev. G. P. Evans and his co-adjutors, was given at the Music Hall on Tuesday. The place, which is computed to hold nearly 3,000 people, was tilled to over- flowing. For the last three winters the above committee have worked right earnestly to spread broadcast a popular feeling- in favour of supporting liberally the New Swansea Hospital, which was recently erected at such enormous cost and there can be little doubt that the object has been achieved, and that everybody in Swansea begins to feel that the hospital is really and truly theirs. A splen- did programme was prepared for this last occasion—Miss Powell. Miss Mosson, Miss Francis, Miss Katie Jones, Miss Williams. Mr. Barger Hall, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Lougner, Mr. G. Jones, Mr Gwllym Cyxon, and last, though not least, the inimitable Mr. E.'Crapper. 'The conceit -was opened by playing an overture, that was fol- lowed up by the singing of several choice songs. There were a few part songs and trios, and selections on the pianoforte; and Mr. Barger Hall, aided by Miss K. Jones, rendered with professional brilliancy Something of the Time of Charles XII." Mr. E. Crapper Some- thing Comique" and" Something Funny,"and elicfted roars of laughter by his stump oration on Am I right, or any other man ?" which touched very gently upon every principal transaction in a most "delicious and ludicrous manner, concerning many of the recent local events in Swansea, only known to those who are pri- vileged to get behind the scenes." Much praise is due to the other ladies and gentlemen, all of whom outvied each other to please the audience. A financial statement was read by the Rev. Mr. Evans, which stated that a sum of about 2120 had been raised by means of these readings. They had unitedly put their shoulders to the wheel, and had accomplished more than they anticipated, Mr. Crowhurst proposed that the best and warmest thanks of that large audience be given to the lie v. G. P. Evans, Mr. T. Prothtroe, Mr. Arthur Rendell, and the other gentlemen of the committee, whe had laboured so long and brought these pleasant evenings to such a successful issue. This was passed with much acclamation. The secretary informs us that £;)2 was taken at the door on Monday evening, notwithstanding the lowness of the charge of admittance. We commend the indefatigable exertions of the above gentlemen to others to go and do likewise, so that our public institutions may not so often languish under the pressure of debt. AN IDLE AND DISORDERLY PERSON.—At the Police Court on Tuesday, before Mr. J. Oakshot, David Evans, a labourer, was brought up charged with refusing to main- tain his wife and child The result of his conduct was, that they became chargeable to the Union, whilst he pre- ferred a vagrant life. He confessed that he had to put up with many privations, and that his course of life had been anything but a happy one. As he had given no sub- stantial or valid reason for absconding, the Bench sent him to prison far a month with hard labour. A BAD PAYMASTER.-—William Davies, a seafaring man, summoned his master (Captain John Jones) for the pay- ment of wages due. The complainant further stated that he had been very ill and was quite unable to work at present, but that his contract was fully in force. To this the defendant, whilst not contradicting the statement of facts, urged that as the man had left his employ his respon- sibility ceased, and the contract fell through. The court, however, decided otherwise, and ordered immediate pay-- men t and costs. PEACE SURBTIEs.-On Wednesday, before Messrs, Trevellian Jenkins and N. ft Cameron, Mary Auu Jenkins summoned Emma Dare to provide sureties for preserving the peace towards her. As the evidence did not sustain her charge, the case was dismissed. DRUNK AND INCAPABLE.—John Lewis and Martha Eynon were charged with being drunk and incapable. Their cases were dismissed, however, on the payment of Is., with a caution. RAILWAY OFFENCE.—William Morris was summoned by Mr. Traherne, the inspector, for a breach in the railway bye laws, The defendant did not appear, and a war- rant was issued for his apprehension. There was various other charges, but the cases, in most instances, were ad- journed. —

BRIDGEND. PUBLIC COMPANY.—A meeting of the Bridgend Gas and Water Company was held last Monday, when the meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the company, Mr. P. Price. The report recommending a dividend of five per cent was adopted, and the retiring directors were re- elected, as also the retiring auditor. LECTURE.—Dr. Yellowlees gave the second of two sketches of a tour in Switzerland and Italy, to a very respectable and large audience on Tuesday evening. The lecture, which was delivered in the Town-hall, was listened to with great attention, and a vote of thanks was warmly accorded to the lecturer at the close.

MAESTEG GREAT ri IRE. -Bet-,veen nine and ten on Tuesday night a fire broke out in the branch establishment of Hibbert and Davies, Bridgend-road. It commenced in a match drawer under the counter, which was nearly all burnt. Great damage hs been done in the part next the Queen's Hotel; but by the energetic and continued labour of the police and others, the fire w as put out before it extended to the adjoining premises.

COWBRIDGE. POLICE COURT.—There was only one case for hearing at this court on Tuesday, when a lad was fined 6d. and costs for destroying gooseberry trees, and tne value of 5d. SMALL-POX.—We believe there has not as yet been any fresh cases in the town this week. Our Corporation are rather slow in seeking means to prohibit the excess of travelling-professed beggars over-crowding some of the low lodging-houses, whereby in some cases this sad disease is more or less spread in the country. We are pleased to hear that the gentry and farmers of villages in the locality are on the alert, and providing the services of efficient doctors, and fixing temporary hospitals, should the malady break out among any of their poorer neigh- bours. ° EDUCATION LEAGUE.—At a recent meeting of this society, held at the vestry-room of ths Baptist Chapel, under the presidency of the Rev. Timothy Thomas, Bap- tist minister the following resolutions were unanimously adopted Ttiat this meeting approves the resolutions to be moved by Mr, Dixon in Parliament on the 5th of Miirch, respecting alterations in the Education Act of »S70, especially the obnoxious 5th clause, and respect- fully but earnestly requests our representatives to give Mr. Dixon their valuable support." Also, That thia meeting approves of the Resolution adopted by the Execu- tive Committee on the 15th of February, 'that in view of the great number of teachers required under the Elemen- tary Education Act, 1870, for schools under the control of the representatives of the ratepayers, it is the duty of the Government to provide normal schools under public and responsible management, and that Mr. G. O. Trevelyan, M.P., be requested to introduce a motion into the House of Commons to this effect."

LL ANTRISS AN T. SMALL-POX.—We are happy to state that there is not at present one single case in the town. LECTURE. —A lecture was delivered at the Welsh Baptist Chapel, on Monday evening, by the Rev. J. Jenkins, on the" Fair Sex." The rev. gentleman appeared to amuse and evoke great laughter from the large audience that had come to hear him. THANKSGIVING DAY.—Special Thanksgiving services were held at the Church in the morning and evening, also services were held at the Wesleyan Chapel in the evening. The shops were not closed, and there was no general holiday. ———

WHITLAND. The public will hear with pleasure that Mr. R. H. Powell, of Maesgwynue, Whitland, has so far recovered from his late serious illness that he was able to be removed to his residence on Monday.

of Volunteers were somehow or other got together and induced to march to church, perchance accom- panied by a band while a flag or two, here and there, attracted notice in streets made dismal by the closing of the shops. The unhappy victims to the dreary blankness of the occasion excited sympathy, and many of them, sinking into dull despair, took refuge in homes made melancholy by disappointed expectations. Others found the public-houses more cheerful, and not a few of the more boisterous of the holiday" keepers, amused themselves by playing practical jokes, damaging public property, throwing stones, chaffing" passers-by, and generally disporting themselves as only the r/amins of our population can. At Swansea, where a praiseworthy effort Was made to emulate MARE TAPLEY and be "jolly" under untoward circumstances, red-tape appears to have strangled their nascent hopes, and the excite- ment of a royal salute was denied the town. In Cardiff, the people walked up the main streets and- down again lounged about the thoroughfares 11 1 blocked up the pavement in little groups, or wan- dered about in search of something—something theyknewnot what." It seems almost incredible that 110 steps were taken to provide for the amusement of the thousands who gladly rested from their ordi- nary labours. But so it was in almost every part of Wales. Neither concerted action nor public spirit operated to secure the simplest entertain- ment for the vacant throng. They were left to their own devices, and the day was for the most Part absolutely wasted. Fortunately in many Places exhibitions of one kind or other offered their attractions in the evening, and enabled the disconsolate idlers to pass the eleventh hour of their "holiday" in a cheerful way; but with public gardens and capital bands, and plenty of fire-works, easily procurable, nothing was any- where attempted in the shape of a fete or an al fresco entertainment, such as the exceptionaal fine- ness of the weather would have rendered enjoyable, 'Illd for which a tithe of the money dissipated in vain efforts to drown sorrow and chase away ennui, Would have amply paid. Taught by the experience Tuesday, it may be that the leaders of thought 111 our midst, bearing in mind that man is a social attimal, may come to the conclusion that it is as much a duty to provide for the enjoyment of People to whom a holiday is given, or at all events to help them to achieve so desirable an end, as to Ornish forth a table of good cheer when guests at'e invited to partake of hospitality. The occasions of public rejoicing are far too few among us, and o opportunity should be lost of brightening the hves of those whose lot it is to pass their days in laborious pursuits.