South Wales Daily News

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S AND PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.] .e FRANCE. THE POLITICAL CRISIS. PARIS, March 5. —Strong efforts are being made to induce M. Casimir-Perier to tako the Ministiy of Finance, but hitherto he has refused, and he has pri- vately asserted that he will not accept it. The debate on the Internationale v as continued by M. de Meaux, who combatted the assertion of M. Tolai I respecting the improvement of the French ouvrier. The debate will be continued to-morrow. Although the Papal Nuncio" has left Paris, his depar- ture is declared to have been caused not by the appoint- ment of M. Fournier as French Minister at Rome, but by the illness of a relative. The Prefect of Police has been so alarmed by certain cases of rinderpest in Paris, that he has appointed special inspectors. PARIS, Wednesday Afternoon. Rentes closed at 56f. 60c, VERSAILLES, Wednesday Evening.—The committee on the Press Prosecution Bill has modified it, and struck out Article 2. GERMANY. BERLIN, Wednesday.—The Emperor granted on the anniversary of the entry into Paris, three hundred thousand thalers each to Prince Frederick Charles, Counte Moltke, Generals Yon Roon and Manteuffel, and smaller rewards to other generals and statesmen. BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, March 5. —During the debate on the Budget for the foreign department a discussion arose in the Chamber of Deputies to-day with regard to the question whether it was desirable that Belgium should detain a Minister at the Papal Court. Oil the part of the Government a conviction was expressed that a Minister should be maintained at the Court of the Pope, ill order to defend the moral and religious interests of the majority of the Belgian population. ROUMANIA. BUCHAREST, March 5.—The Chamber lias passed the tended Budget for 1872, the amount of which is in- Creased by 1,222,671 francs, and the members have taken the Post and Telegraph Treaty into considera- tion. The Senate has passed the bill for the construction of Wie railway from Jassy to the Russian frontier.

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE. The Cambridge University crew finished their practice the Carh yesterday morning. In the Oxford boat Tesley rowed number 6. SINGULAR DIVORCE SUIT. In the singular divorce suit of Partington v. Parting- toli and Townend, yesterday, co-respondent denied Barges of adultery, and the cross-examination failed 0 shake his evidence. The jury found that the respon- ~0nt had not committed adultery with him, and con- tained petitioner in costs. SEIZURE FOR INCOME TAX. The goods of the Exeter tradesmen who refused to y income tax were seized yesterday. There is con- querable excitement. \rISIT OF PRINCE ARTHUR TO LIVERPOOL. Prince Arthur wjll be present at the opening of the park in Liverpool during Whitsun week. CHARGE OF PERJURY. At Leeds yesterday three police officers were charged Witil perjury by Councillor Blakey, who was convicted tUonth ago on their evidence of riotous conduct in the tfeets. His case, however, broke down. MR. LOWE ON THE INCOME TAX. In answer to a deputation on Income Tax yesterday, Lowe gave his reasons for declining to abrogate J>hedule D. He could not separate it from the rest of tax, nor could he alter its inquisitorial nature. He the feeling of the House of Commons when money a", wanted was to raise it by Income Tax. ARRIVAL OF DESPATCHES FROM AMERICA. S.LIVERPOOL, Wednesday Morning.-The White Star '101' Atlantic, which was selected on account of her Jjteed, to bring important Government despatches from Jw York in reference to the Alabama question, arrived I Qcieenstown at ten o'clock last night, and the papers at once forwarded bv the mail train. 4ttE QUEEN AND THE POLICE ORPHANAGE, tj e Queen has given a donation of £ 100 towards e funds of the Metropolitan and City Police Orphan- The Orphai age was established on the 1st of j/Uuary, 1870, to clothe, maintain, and educate as of the destitute orphans of the members of the htropolitan and City Police as the funds will admit of. are now 65 children in the Orphanage, and >000 has been collected towards a building fund.

R SWANSEA. toLLANGYFELACH FAIR.—The second day's fair continued attract its large number of buyers and visitors from the et e surrounding country. From north and south, from tq s aiyl from west Wales the cattle and the goods came 'k Wfi the importance and the magnitude of the sales, ^om o illlel S°ods were ver.y high in prices, averaging above previous quotations. The sales were Hg e.Ver; very extensive, and the buyers seemed inu- Wo 1 T'ie thie weather continued all through the Jovm yS' anc^ everybody seemed bent on business and en- H017ut- The texture of the flannels was certainly supe- o{ .i (> any presented heretofore, and the great abundance ie g°ods was freely commented upon. The horses ftgov Very dear though the demand was large. The re- of .^uient booths were crowded, and the day closes on one tost important and the largest fairs ever remem- re .le^!)!;[CE COURT, WEDNESDAY.(Before Messrs. J. T. N. P. Cameron, and Samuel Sharpe.)—Captain <Jert!am Berg charged Johan Sappina with deserting the the j^an.s^P Emma Kray, on the 22nd February. As forej^aolstrates had no jurisdiction, the defendant being a tyere^neJ'> the case was dismissed. The police, however, r, ereci to convey the man back to the ship.—James Jiess 8 anl Edmond J ones were charged with drunken- Se\ ei, 0l} tns 1st inst., and were fined 5s. and costs, or "ays.—Elizabeth Davies and Evan Ellery were KB' with being drunk and riotous on the 3rd instant, tyas hch inflicted a fine of 5s. each and costs, which paii Up Jeremiah M'Cunliffe, a captain, was brought hi^T i .by Mr. John Thomas, engineer, with assault- ashore. Mr. IJartland (Davis & Hartland) fully .J' and Mr- Woodward defended- The case was tliree 4.r°ye^ and defendant was fined £ 3 and costs, or $2, imprisonment.—Llewelyn Bevan was fined W hoi- ln^ costs, for being at too great a distance from Tile TV.*S6 an^ cai't, in default three weeks' imprisonment m°uey was paid.

a RHONDDA YALLEY. ^strad66 I of ena'hieers was held at the Griffin Inn, the -Monday evening, to consider the propriety of °f °urs system, and resolutions passed in support « movement. —

jIH LLANELLY. a c, tIIIE ANCHOR Hous.E.-Oii Tuesday evening, Atu;Y10L. TT° o'clock, smoke was seen issuing from the ^Ppilv a draPei"y establishment in Market-street. Wished n°t come to much, and was soon extin- 18 e«timnf11 a' of a few buckets of water. The loss at ("arrnn!u at m- Mrs. Fanny Davies, the owner, was uarthen at the Assizes.

CI ACCTTIR-XT HAVERFORDWEST. f, J(itnal01.T" t Mrs. Thomas, wife of Mr. Willam Thomas, Y^rt, near p endergast, was thrown out of a spring ftnC S0? Tuesday last, while on her way to St. > r serimi' an- '111 'lor broke her arm and sustained t Hos 111 Junes. ■v^ted T!|'AL SOCIETY.—A meeting of gentlemen in- Sfiiarket Haii scrJence of horticulture, was held-at the taie<i to QfoJi. on ue-iday evening last, when it was re- 6 pla,np in B0ciety, the first exhibition of which will 06 m the month of August next.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. --$-- HOUSE OF COMMONS.—"WEDNESDAY. The SPEAKER was in his place at twelve o'clock, but twenty-five minutes elapsed before a sufficient number of members were in attendance to constitute a House. THE PREVENTION OF BABY FARMING. Mr. CHARLEY moved the second reading of the Infant Protection Bill, and explained that it was framed upon the recommendation of a committee, which inquired into the subject last year. He complained that while in Eng- land there was a compulsory system for the registration of births and deaths, there was none in Scotland, and he attributed to this the fact that the per centage of illegiti- macy in Scotland was apparently larger than in England. The bill provided that persons who for a money consi- deration placed themselves in loco parentis towards two or more infants for more than a day, should obtain a certificate of fitness from a medical practitioner, minister of religion, or justice of the peace. It further re- qpired that a register should be kept by the persons so licensed of the infants entrusted to them that in case of death a coroner's inquest should be held, unless a certifi- cate was furnished by a registered medical practitioner that the death arose from natural causes, and that no burial should take place without a coroner's certificate. The penalties imposed were not excessive, the most severe being six months' imprisonment. The exceptions, from the Bill included relatives, guardians and j^arents of in- fants, persons who took children from abroad to nurse for hire, infants' homes, public orphanages, and pauper chil- dren boarded out. No demand would be made upon the public purse, because the proposal for a system of inspec- tion was abandoned and no license fees would be required to be paid. Mr. HURST criticised the provisions of the Bill, and said the measures would require careful revision in committee. He warned the House that they miht run into the danger in this kind of legislation of throwing the shield and authority of the Legislature over baby farming institu- tions, which it should be their object to discourage and put down. Mr. KINNAIRD, Dr. DALRUIPLE and Dr. BREWER sup- ported the Bill. Mr. WALPOLE was of opinion that the provisions of the measure ought to be made more stringent, or they would fail to remedy the evils complained of. From 80 to 90 par cent. of all illegitimate children were put out to nurse, and what became of the majority of them after- wards was never known. He suggested that the Bill might be passed, if the President of the Poor Law Board would make provision for the compulsory registration of births and deaths Mr. BRUCE said the Local Government Board was at present engaged in considering the question of registration, with a view of legislating upon it, and he would under- take that Mr. Walpole's suggestions should receive atten- tion before the Bill went into committee. Mr. HENLEY expressed the fear that legislation of this character, instead of effecting a saving of infant life, would lead to more of these children being put out to nurse and never being heard of again. Dr. PLAYFAIR urged that before they could strike at the reot of the evil they must reform the laws of bastards, the laws for punishing seduction, and the laws for the registration of births and the verification of deaths. The mortality among these infants arose from two causes- criminal negligence and ignorant negligence, the latter being the most prevalent, owing to the fact that nurses in the lower ranks of life really understood nothing of the requirements of the children under their charge; but the result of the scandal of the present system was, that no respectable woman would enter into the trade. This diffi- culty would be removed by the passing of the present Bill, and, therefore, although it did not go as far as he wished, he should support it. Mr. WINTERBOTHAM said the Government did not ob- ject to the second reading of the Bill; but he had not much faith that it would remove or even mitigate the evil complained of with regard to the criminal part of the question. The Bill was then read a second time. THE EDUCATION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB Mr. VVIIEELHOUSE moved the second reading of a Bill for the education of blind, deaf, and mute children. He stated that the provisions of the Bill were identical with those of the measure introduced last year. The object of the Bill was to render compulsory, either upon the Poor-law Boards or the School Boards of the king dom, the education of all blind, deaf, and dumb children, who. by themselves or their parents and guardians,, were unable to make provision for their own education. Mr. HIBBERT opposed the Bill upon the same grounds as those on which he opposed the measure last session. He said he should be very glad to see some provision made for the education of this unfortunate class of per- sons, but he could not agree with the mode proposed in the Bill. It entirely changed the principle on which Poor-law relief had hitherto been granted, and introduced the new one of maintaining, at the expense of the rates, persons who were not paupers. If this principle were introduced with regard to blind, deaf, and dumb persons, he saw no reason why it should not be extended to the case of cripples and lunatics. He moved that the Bill be read a second time on that day six months. Mr. SYMAN also opposed the Bill. Mr. McLAREN asked if any provision had been made for the education of the blind, deaf, and dumb under the Elementary Education Act. Mr. W. E. FORSTER said it was the business of the Privy Council to point out to districts where there was a deficiency of Education, and that it was the duty of the School Boards to provide it; but beyond that they could not go. The School Boards had power under the Act to make provision for the education of these children but he did not think the Privy Council could fairly be asked to demand that the School Boards should make provision. Sir D. CORRIGAN strongly opposed the Bill. Mr. WHEELHOUSE replied that the Bill was negatived without a division. ADULTERATION OF FOOD BILL. Mr. MUNTZ moved the second reading of the Adul- teration of Food and Drugs Bill. He said he should not persevere with it if the Bill of Mr. Stansfield on the same subject passed. After a brief conversation, the Bill was read a second time. MUNICIPAL OFFICER'S SUPERANNUATION BILL. Mr. RATHBONE moved the second reading of the Municipal Officers' Superannuation Bill. He said he introduced the Bill not so much for the sake of the officers interested as to secure economy and efficiency but he pointed out that the principle of superannuation was recognized in every other branch of the public Bervice. Mr. RYLANDS moved that the Bill be read a second time on that day six months. He deprecated the adoption of a principle which was repudiated by all the large mer- cantile firms in the country. The servants of private bodies were compelled to provide for their old age and provident habits and it was for the public interest that a large body of officials should be superannuated. The retirement of a considerable number of public officers at middle age from so-called ill-health, become a scandal, and he opposed the extension of a the system to the country generally. Mr. DICKENSON seconded the motion. 0 The Bill was supported by Mr. Birley, Mr. Melly, Mr. Graves, and Mr. Alderman Liwrance and opposed by Mr. J. Feilden and Mr. Goldsmid. Mr. BRUCE supported the Bill, but was of opinion that it was capable of amendment in Committee. Upon a division the numbers were—for the second reading, 99 against, 27 majority 72. The Bill was read a second time. Mr. SHERLOCK obtained leave to bring in a Bill to amend the laws relating to Municipal Corporations in Ireland. Mr. EYKYN gave notice that to-morrow he would ask the Government whether, in the absence of a public pro- secutor in this country, it was their intention to undertake the prosecution of the person who laid claim to the Tichborne estates, and such other persons as might be roved to have been implicated therein. The IJouse adjourned at 5.45.

A paper issued by the Educational Department shows that there are now 21.854 pupil teachers under its con- trol, of whom 10,221 are males and 11,633 females. Of these 6,408 were, on the 31st Decmber last, in the first year of their engagement. Iiachael Busby, who was sentence to death at the last Summer Assizes at Oxford, for the murder of her child, has just given birth to a stillborn infant at the Oxford county gaol. Twelve matrons were empanelled at the trial, but they found there was no ground for respite, and but for the exertions of some philanthropic gentlemen at Oxford, the convict would then have been executed.

CONCLUSION OF THE TICHBORNE CASE. A NONSUIT ENTERED. THE CLAIMANT TO BE PROSECUTED FOR PERJURY. HIS APPREHENSION. The hearing of this case was resumed yesterday morning in the Court of Queen's Bench, it being the 103rd day. What took place in connection with this case on Monday last had the effect of causing great crowds to assemble round the approaches to the Court long be- fore the appointed time for meeting. So eager were people to obtain an entrance that it was with the ut- most difficulty that a numerous body of police who were in attendance could secure the entrance of those who had business to transact. Of course in the Court itself every available spot was inconveniently crowded by barristers and others, who waited patiently for the sitting of the Court. Shortly before eleven o'clock the Attorney-General, Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., Sir George Honeyman, and the other counsel for the defendant took their seats, and soon afterwards Mr. Serjeant Ballantine followed. The Lord Chief Justice came into Court at three minutes past eleven, and the foreman of the jury handed in some further communications which he had received, he said, from New York. His Lordship looked at one of the communications, and said that that one was not from New York, and it was to his mind like many others which he had re- ceived it was of no consequence whatever. He pe- rused another of them at length, and said it belonged to one of a class of which many had been received from persons who had lost relations, or who fancied that they had claims to property. There was another paper, which contained suggestions which to his mind were of no importance whatever. Mr. Sergeant Ballantine then rose and said -I need hardly say that after the communication of the jury on Monday, I have considered the position in which we are placed with great anxiety, and desire to do that which is right to all parties. I have not had any personal comunication with Mr. Giffard, which I-greatly regret; but I have received a communication from him, in which he has discussed tl8 matter at conside- rable length, and in a manner that might be expected, p IR and in his views I entirely concur. I have, therefore, the satisfaction of acting entirely in concert with Mr. Giffard and my other learned friends in the case. I may also say that I have the full sanction of my clients r dealing according to my discretion with their inte- rests. I have felt it necessary to recall the evidence that has been given for the plaintiff, and to read several communications that have been made to me upon the subject of a particular portion of the case. The Far- ticular portion that I allude to is that which is now called the tattoo part." The expression of opinion by the jury upon this part of the case, the jury said that they did not require further evidence. I am aware that I am called on to prove affirmatively that the claimant is entitled to this baronetcy and estates, and, failing to do so, I am bound to admit that I should not be in a position to ask for a verdict. At the same time I should be glad thoroughly to understand the mean- ing of the statement made by the jury, as to which my mind is at present in a state of obscurity. I should be glad to know whether they are acting solely upon the tattoo marks, or whether what they have said applies to a general view ef the ease, and their duty in reference to it. It would be 'a great injustice if they have taken into consideration state- ments which have been made by the Attorney-General in his speech, many of which statements have received no proof. I think that the jury would feel that their minds should be carefully guarded against acting on statements of which there is no proof, and should be governed solely by what has been proved. I make the suggestion because upon the subject of the tattoo marks we have been taken entirely by surprise, and it would not be my duty to withdraw from the case upon this alone, because we could call witnesses who could throw a great deal of light upon this particular part of the case. But when I fully apprehend what the jury mean, I shall know how to deal with the meaning according to the'duty that I owe to my clients. The Attorney-General referred to several passages in tho evidence of the plaintiff to show that notice was given during the plaintiff's case that the question of tattoo marks would be raised. The Lord Chief Justice said the jury had heard that the learned serjeant did not know for certain what the intimation of opinion by the jury was, and particularly not whether they had come to their decision partly upon evidence, and partly upon the statement of the At- torney-General. He did not know whether the jury had intimated that upon the whole case they did not require any further evidence, or whether they had con- fined themselves wholly to the tattoo marks. The Foreman of the Jury said that they should be glad to retire to consider the matter, and they left the Court in custody of an officer at 25 minutes past 11. So crowded, however, was the Court, that they could not find a passage in the ordinary way, and had to climb over the end of the jury-box, cross the Bench, and pro- eeed past the Judge's room to their chamber. At twelve o'clock the jury returned, and clambered into their box by the way in which they had left it. THE VERDICT. The Foreman then said—I am authorised to state, my Lord, the views of the jury, expressed in their com- munication to the Court the day before yesterday was founded upon the entire evidence, as well as that relating to the tattoo. Mr. Serjeant Ballantine—It is not necessary for me to enter into any consideration as to what the duty of counsel is under certain circumstances. I have no difficulty, because my clients have given me full autho- rity to act, and under these circumstances I have advised them to submit to be nonsuited. COMMITTAL OF THE CLAIMANT. After some discussion, a nonsuit was entered, and his Lordship ordered the plaintiff to be committed to the next Session at the Central Criminal Court upon a charge of wilful and corrupt perjury, and ordered him to remain in custody until then, unless he should find bail, himself in £5,000 and two sureties in 92,500, or four in £ 1,250 each. He also expressed his opinion that the Government should undertake the prosecution, and he bound over Inspector Dunning as prosecutor. The Attorney-General: My lord, I stand here to-day in a somewhat difficult postion. Of course I am the counsel .for the prosecution, and I am the Attorney- General, and, therefore, I have myself felt the diffi- culty of acting in my public capacity in which my own private feelings and interests are so largely embarked. But after what your lordship has said, it entirely re- lieves me from any personal feeling in the matter, and I can only say that I will undertake that the prosecu- tion shall be a public one, and shall be conducted at the expense of the country. Perhaps as your lordship has directed the prosecution, and as it will be carried on entirely with your lordship's suggestion, I may ask your lordship to issue a bench warrant for the apprehension of the plaintiff. Mr. Inspector Denning was then in formal terms bound over by Turner, the Clerk of the court, to pro- secute Thomas Castro, falsely calling himself Sir Roger Charles Doughty Tichborne. ARREST OF CLAIMANT. At twenty minntes past one the claimant was appre- hended at the Waterloo Hotel, and conveyed in his brougham to Newgate, where, after the usual formalities, he was lodged in a cell. According to the Judge's order bail will be accepted—himself in £ 5,000 and two in £ 2,500.

At the Manchester Quarter Sessions, yesterday, Win. Samuels, an oil merchant, was sentenced to twelve months' hard labour for fraudulently obtaining and dis- posing of goods.

CARDIFF. TH2 POLICB FORCE AND TUB WAGES QUESTION.—At the monthly meeting of the Watch Committee, held yes- terday, as stated in the South IValei Daily News a week ago, the members of the Boiough police force submitted a memorial to the committtee asking them for an increase of pay in all ranks, and pointing out that in Newport and other towns there had been an advance made in the wages of the force, and that the price of labour was rising all over the country. The memorial was made the subject of discussion, and ultimately the committee resolved to postpone the consideration of the matter until May, in order that inquiries might be made in other towns. We understand that in the county police force a aimilar agitation is taking place, which will result in an application to Quarter Sessions for an increase of pay and that an increase has been, or is about to be made in the wages of the Bute Dock police. ANOTHER SEAMAN DROWNED. — Following a case last week of exactly the same character, Mr. 11. L. Reece held another inquest yesterday upon the body of a missing seaman, found floating in the dock. The deceased was named Charles Chillingham, aged thirty five, supposed to be a native of Yarmouth. He was one of the crew of the barque Ocean Spray, of North Shields, which has left the port, the fact of his being missing classing him as a deserter. He was last seen alive on the 2nd of February, when he was in Bute-road in a state of intoxica- tion. In company with a shipmate, he went to the Freemasons' Hotel, and asked for spirits, which the landlady, seeing that he had drank too much, refused to give him. He and his shipmates then parted, the latter to go on board, and the deceased to find a place where he might get some spirits. Drunk, he must have staggered in the direction of his ship, and, in his attempt to get on board, fallen into the water, where his body remained for upwards of a month, it being discovered floating on Mon- day morning by Bute Dock constable Hole. The verdict of the jury was Found drowned." WATCH COMMITTEE.—The monthly meeting of the Watch Committee was held yesterday, Mr. Alderman Pride in the chair. Police Constables Thompson and John were reported for having used abusive language and misbehaved themselves to two foreign captains. The circumstances were somewhat singular. The constables saw the foreigners knocking at the doors of the Royal Hotel, after that establishment had closed for the night The policemen told them that the house would be too ex- pensive for them, and that they could show them a cheaper 0110. The captains accompanied the constables to the York Hotel, near the Cus'om House; but w:ere not satisfied, and refu- e l to stay there. The constables then became abusive, and said that they ought not to have gone there unless they intended to stay, and by some means induced the captains to pay them a sum of money-in amount about 2s. This was the substauee of the statement made to the committee by the captains in support of their complaint. It appeared that since this occu i-ence P C. John had resigned, so that the com- mittee could not deal with him. P. C. Thompson, after a full enquiry was reprimanded by the committee, and fined a week's pay. Another matter of importance related to the in- crease of salary voted to Mr. James, the sanitary inspector, at the last Boardof Health meeting. The Watch Committee declined to confirm the resolution increasing James's salary from 30s. to C2, and the question was referred back to the Board of Health to be reconsidered. MR. B. S. MARKS'S NEW PAINTING.—Mr. B. S. Marks, formerly of Cardiff, has been for some time engaged upon a large work, which is vtry favourably spoken of in artistic circles, and is expecte I, when it is exhibited, to add considerably to his already high reputation. The subject is similar, with a difference of detail, to the pic- ture which attracted so much attention at the Cardiff Ex- hibition. The work is thus spoken of by a London con- temporary In the studio of the above artist at Hol- den-terrace, Buckingham Palace-road, is now exhibiting a picture, which from its subject, independently of its many artistic merits, will excite the interest of our readers. The picture, which teaches more forcibly than words the advantages of rescuing the little Arab of our streets, and giving him a Christian training, is divided, so to speak, into two parts. In the one we have a group of lads in their native state-dirty, neglected, half-starved, half-clothed. In the other they appear after they have been taken eare of at the Boys' Refuge in Great Queen- street or have served on board the Chichester. The difference is wonderfully brought out. In each picture we have the same face, but yet the contrast between what they were and are is striking. Mr. Ruskin has been to in- spect the painting, and he commends it highly. It is to be hoped it may be secured for one or other of the charit- able institutions which are the glory of our metropolis."

NEATH. HIGHWAY BOARD.—The usual monthly meeting was held yesterday (Wednesday), at the Town Hall, the chair being occupied by Mr. G. Llewellyn. The Board ordered that the Swansea Vale Railway Company be called upon to take up certain rails laid down by them on the Tin Works road at Lansamlet Higher. The Surveyor re- ported the roads generally much damaged by scouring in some parts, and the increase of traffic in others, where fresh coal levels had been opened: He also stated that Messrs. Jones and Jepson had satisfactorily completed tne con- struction of abridge at Bryncaws, at a cost of zCl34 3s. lOd., and that the unpaid calls amounted to £:363 8s. 3d. The funds necessary for the ensuing month would be 2256 16s. ———

ABERCRAVE. LECTURE —A very interesting lecture was delivered at the School-room of the above place, last Tuesday evening, by the Rev. F. Samuel, of Swansea, on Oliver Gold- smith." The chair was occupied by Mr. E. Foster. The proceeds were devoted to the funds of the British School.

YSTALYFERA. NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAGUE.—A committee of the branch was held last night, and several members were enrolled. It was resolved to invite the Rev. D. Evans, Newport, to address a public meeting on the principles of the league. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed and although defeated on Tuesday night in the House, we are determined to work until our ideal becomes a reality.

ABERYSTWITH. IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. —A monthly meeting of this body was held on Tuesday, the Mayor presiding. Cheques were signed, amounting to e42 9s. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Tom Taylor, of the local Govern- ment Board (in answer to a petition from the Commis- sioners, for permission to complete the paving and drain- ing of the town), acknowledging the receipt of the memo- rial, and promising that the application should be duly considered by the department. The letter also requested that a copy of the Improvement Bill (promoted by the Commissioners) now before Parliament, should be sent to the Board. This was ordered to be done. An additional watering-cart was ordered to be procured for the use of the town. Mr. J. B. Balcombe then rose, and said that at a very influential meeting of the ratepayers, held last Oc- tober, the consolidation of the governing powers of the town-the Town Council and the Improvement Commis- sioners—was recommended, and the Councillors who were elected on the 1st of November were pledged to support the proposal. The matter had been ventilated in the Town Council, but it was found the Commissioners must take the initiative and he therefore begged to move that a special meeting should be called for the purpose of transferring all powers vested in them to the Corporation. The Clerk asked Mr. Balcombe if lie would not wait until the Improvement Bill was passed. Mr. Balcombe said that personally he was not inclined to wait. The Clerk Then you will destroy the Bill. The Mayor Yes, I am afraid so, indeed. Mr. J. P. Jones Well, I have great pleasure in seconding Mr Balcombe's motion. The Clerk If youjlo away with the Commissioners at once you will destroy the Bill Mr. Balcombe Then I will alter my motion somewhat, and propose that as soon as the Improvement Bill is passed or lost, a meeting shall be called for the purpose I have already named. The motion as amended was again seconded by Mr. J. P. Jones, and agreed to. There was no other business of public importance.

LLANDAFF. COLLEGE IRON WORKS.—The advance, of wages given by this company is to take effect from the 4th inst., but the precise rate of increase is not yet settled, except in regard to the puddlers' Whose wages are advanced 9d. per ton.

LLANTRISANT. LITERARY INSTITUTE.—The annual general meeting of members of this institute took place on Tuesday evening, at the Reading-room. The balance sheet for the year ending 29th February, shows a balance of 228 6s. 6d. in favour of the institute. All the out-going officers and committee were re-elected, and new appointments were made to the vacancies whicn had occurred. I

NEWPORT. PARTNERSHIP I ';SOLVED. -J' Bond and F. B. Bluck- borow, Newport, Sirhowy, and Tredegar, Monmontlisliire, and Cardiff, carting agents. INFIRMARY AND DISPENSARY.—Number of patients attended at the Dispensary during the week ending 2nd of March, 357 visits paid to patients at their own houses, 287. Number of patients in the Infirmary, 10. Surgeon for the week, Dr. Davies Mr. Alfred A. Kidger,1 house surgeon. POLICE CounT, WEDNESDAY. — Before Mr. David Harrhy, Mayor, and Mr. Thomas Gratrex, several drunken cases were disposed of. Julia Goodwin pre- ferred a charge against Miss Druiff for refusing to give up a black lustre dress, which had been pledged at the pawn- shop of defendant. Complainant stated that the dress she pledged WHS worth £ 1. When she went to take it out defendant said it could not be found. She was shown a. number of other dresses, neither of which belonged to her. Defendant said the question was whether or no the complainant had given back the pawn-ticket ? If sh" had dune so, they would then have been able to find the dress. The Bench ordered the payment of 8s. and the costs.—Sarah Ann Jones, a brothel keeper, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dolphin-street, greatly to the disgust and annoyance of the respectable inhabitants of the neighbourhood. The police characterized the house as a most disreputable one. Fined 10s., and costs. Two cases of coal stealing were remanded till Friday; George Palmer and a girl named Ellen Dunioi-ai.-Williarn Morgan, for being drunk, disorderly, and assaulting Mr. Harris, landlord of the Salutation Inn, and also P.C. Godd, was fined 21s., or a month's imprisonment.—The case of rope stealing, preferred against John Harrington and Andrew Wilson, and remanded from Monday, WM dismissed. ———

MERTHYR. Mr. R. Fothergill, M.P., and Col. Roden, M.P., were anions: the guests invited to meet f:(R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh at Lord Granville's dinner party, on Tuesday night. BOARD OF HEALTH. The ordinary meeting of this board was held yesterday, Mr. W. Jones, chairman, pre- siding. The representative of the United Kingdom Pro- vident Office attended the board to witness the execution of the mortgage deed for the loan of £ 20,000 on sewage irrigation account, which had been paid into Barnett's Bank, London, to the credit of the board. In a conver- sation with reference to the ventilation of houses, Mr. Harris and the Chairman expressed opinions to the effect that in cases where cottage owners were unable to effect the thorough ventilation of their property, from a want of funds, the board would do the work, and recover from them in the same way as they recovered the expenses of private improvement. On the recommendation of the Surveyor, the sum of t293 Is. 8d. was ordered to be paid to Jones & Jepson, on account of their contract in the extension of the sewerage works. The board also agreed that their contractors should fence in the northern and eastern sides of Craig-Evan-Leyshon Common, and lay a line of water-pipes for the supply of Navigation house upon the rates in the schedule of their present con- tract. The Surveyor reported that there was a crop of Italian rye grass on the sewage farm at Troedyrhiw ready for cutting, and the sale was ordered to be announced, with the price for delivery in various parts of the district. With respect to the- sale of the vegetables, it was agreed that stalls should be taken in the Merthyr and Dowlais market houses for their sale. The report of the Medical Officer of Health stated that during the last quarter the births amounted to 510, and the deaths to 332, showing a birth-rate of 39 per 1000, and a death-rate of 25LV per 1000, which was 2 less than the average rate of mortality t of the fifty large towns among which Merthvr was classed by the Registrar-General. During the past fort- night 176 new cases of small-pox were reported to him in the whole of the district, making 436 since the outbreak of the disease. One person out of every 115 had been attacked. The deaths had been 13 during the fort- night, making the total number of deaths 56. Various measures of a remedial nature were ordered to be taken to repress the disease as much as possible, and every facility was ordered to be given to poor people in lime- washing their houses.—The Clerk presented a synopsis of his bill of costs against the board for various matters of legal business done for the board between August, 1869, and August, 1871. It amounted to £ 1,944 11s. 5d., of which a portion had been paid, leaving a balance of £1,034 lis. 5d. still due. This was exclusive of London agent's charges, which amounted (balance included) to E258 Os. 8d. The bill was ordered to be referred to a special committee of the whole board. The board, before breaking up, intimated that they would forward an invi- tation to the Royal Agricultural Society during the visit to Cardiff this year to inspect the sewage farm at Troedyrhiw. ———

ABERDARE. THE SHORT TIME MOVEMENT —The carpenters and joiners employed by Messrs. D. Jones, J. Morgan, Rees Morgan, W. Howells, and D. Harris have been since Monday last, March 5tli, working on the nine hours' system. The time of working is, on Monday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. other days (excepting Saturdays), 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. FATAL ACCIDENT.-On Thursday, a young man work- ing at Bwllfa, and living at Llwyclcoed, fell off an engine, and was mangled in a frightful manner. He had a leg and arm broken, and was otherwise injured. He lingered some hours, wheu death put an end to his sufferings.

PONTYPRIDD. ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. — The annual dinner ef the Court Ilosa Harriette," took place onj Monday evening at the Union Bridge, Trallwn. Mr. G. J. Penn, was elected to the chair. Justice having been done to an excellent dinner, the Chairman introduced the loyal toasts by alluding to the recent illness of the Prince ef Wales, and the loyalty exhibited towards the Royal Family. The toast Army and Navy," was responded to by Captain Williams, of the 19th Glamorgan Volun- teers. Among the toasts was given the "Ancient Order of Foresters." The report showed a balance of 241 17s. 8d. PETTY SESSIONS.—The usual weekly sessions were keld in the County Court Hall before Messrs. E. Williams, W. Prichard, and D. Davies. CLUB LITIGATION.—John Lewis, 74 years of age, an old workman in the Chain Works, sued Daniel Morgan, Jas. Hughes, and Daniel Griffiths, committee men of the Friendly Benefit Society, held in the Tredegar Arms Inn, Pontypridd, for that they refused to continue to pay him certain weekly allowances, he having declared upon the funds of the club as a member thereof. The Bench made an order on the funds for payment at the rate of Is. Gd. per day from August last, with costs. MASTERS AND SERVANTS' ACT.-Theol)bilus Thomas, Thomas Price, David Jones, William Thomas, Matthew Rees, and Edward Miles (lads), hauliers under ground, in the employ of Messrs. Insole and Son, Treorki were sum- moned for leaving their work without notice on the 4th inst., whereby a loss of t5 was incurred by their masters, which amount is now claimed. The Bench reprimanded the lads, and pointed out the immense amount of loss sus- tained and mischief which their conduct might have caused to the rest of the men working in the pit. They were ordered to pay costs.