South Wales Daily News

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. -4- T THE TWISS LIBEL CASE. The Twiss libel case was contined yesterday. Lady ei lgs denied that she had ever been arrested, or that Went to defendant's office in Bedford-row to obtain al]0lley. Louisa Harrison, whose first husband was ^ged to be Lady Twiss's brother, negatived this state-' tQ6l?t, and deposed to efforts being made by defendant liduce her to give evidence against Lady Twiss. b6.° witnesses who were called to disprove any likeness <>1 Lady Twiss and Madame Gelas, were not cross- e%h luedby defendant. Case adjourned until Friday. A SYMPATHIZER WITH THE CLAIMANT. Wa- ^stniinster police court yesterday Mary Ann aged thirty, a married woman, who laughed W v during the whole of the examination, was charged j^?*6 Mr. Arnold with being drunk and riotous. A he fCe Coustable said at five o'clock yesterday afternoon the prisoner drunk in Totbill-street with a *av aroun^ her. She was complaining of the unfair 111 which Sir Roger Tichborne had been treated, bitn as be was locked up she would be locked up with g0 Witness tried to get her away, but she would not }je^nd threw herself down, saying if they could pick IIP they could not pick Sir Roger up so easily. P' Arnold What have you to say ? l)ic/|Soner: Nothing; we had an argument about j^oorne, and I believe he had been badly treated. 04 r. rilol You are fined 5s., or four days, but I e^j^t accommodate you with the company of the ant in prison. ^otl>iSonei'; I wish you could, for I'll go to prison I cji Pay the money. 0 was then removed in custody. j, THE STRIKE AT LEEDS. ,6 among the Leeds flax operat ves continues, 16{)J 18extending to other trades. The mas'ers' promised had not been received at eight o'clock last evening. S UNPUBLISHED LETTERS OF BYRON. slw.^ral unpublished letters of Lord Byron's will v be laid before the public. h -9artlbridge crew were on the river twice yester- y Randolph taking seven. The form altogether ^,6(t great improvement on the previous day. v ^c^et-collectors and porters on the Lancashire be eQ ^kshire Railway have requested that ten hours ^sidered a day's work.

K 33.8 qOl:dl!: BETWEEN FRENCH JOURNALISTS.—A duel with 6ttye8' °°k place on Wednesday,in theBoisdeChatillorj M. Dogat, a writer on the Pays, and M. ?SC(w San ton, on the Cor&aire. The cause of the K was a dispute in the columns of the two 6le&8' -R°gat received two slight wounds, one in ang and the other in the breast, and the combat was to. His seconds were MM. Paul de Cassag- lr«on Cavalier, while those of his adversary rj, Bouvier and Victor Bergeret. TREATY STORY.—It appears that the ^1 in +?ova Scotia) Chronicle, in reply to an edi- SeCrej. i 'he Toronto Globe ridiculing the story of the re-asserts its authenticity, and says it is ti0*1 of n,n*ormefl that it was signed after the conclu- 6 &tit ? Washington negotiation by Lord De Grey for Government, an(j gir John A. Macdonald, as t 8 stat^ Cana<Ja, on the part of the Gsvernor-General. j.i that the chief points had been agreed upon be- A as n Governments some years previously, ana h^Uelv Britain was concerned, it had then been d 'cy. as the basis of her future colonial tv^ght 0Theri Lord Bury long since published his ii .Undo* treaty it was deemed advisable to reduce til thflrS to the shape-of a formal compact \t, ,P^Parently satisfactory conclusion of the fhas thon„L1.fficillt.y by the Washington Treaty had, as 8» em fina% relieved England from danger and that „ar?8lements on this continent. The Chronicle p Lor<? Lisgar, Sir John A. Macdonald, and 9 Cartier are cognizant of the treaty.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—FRIDAY. Their lordships met at five o'clock. RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT IN THE COLONIES. The Marquis of SALISBURY called attention to the pro- posed application of the system of responsible government to the colony of the Cape of Good Hope, which the Secre- tary of State had offered to the colonists, with a view of putting an end to disputes between the legislature and the executive, which at present was not dependent on the majority of the former. That offer was not received favourably by the people at the Cape at large, chiefly on account that the large native population, which was the low franchise there, would command the Government of the colony, or leave it, if the natives did not register, in the hands of the Dutch settlers. He wished, therefore, to ask if the Secretary of State intended to press the proposal without giving the colonists an opportunity of expressing their opinions. In his opinion, the colony, which was poor, and the state of education and intelligence very low, was not yet fit for responsible government. The Earl of KIMBERLEY said the question was a most difficult one, but he had not ventured to deal with it without some warrant from the colony. The present system had become unworkable, and the only alternative was to vastly increase the power of the Crown, or to establish a responsible Government. A proposal to the former effect made by the last Governor, Sir J. Wode- house, but not favourably received, and the other alterna- tive which remained was one for the colonists to decide and, in his opinion, the time was now favourable for putting an end to the present transitional state of Govern- ment. Steps will, however, be taken to consult the wishes of the white population. Earl GREY deprecated the introduction of party government, which was miscalled self-government, into colonies situated like the Cape. He, at great length, showed its unfortunate results in other colonies, and strongly objected to handing over the large coloured population of the Cape to the tender mercies of the English and Dutch colonists. After some remarks from Lord LYVEDBN and Earl GRANVILLE, the subject dropped. DETENTION OF SHIPS. The Earl of LAUDERDALE put a question with respect to the detention of the Midland and Great Northern at Liver- pool. He believed that these vessels were being built for Havannah, and were probably intended for the Cuban insurgents, in which case Spain would have set up a claim for damages. He wished to know whether a case had been made out for condemning these vessels, and if not, whether compensation had been demanded for their detention. Earl GRANVILLE replied that two years ago these vessels were, by the advice of the law officers of the Crown, placed under supervision under the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act. They were released by the same advice, and the owners bad sent in a claim for com- pensation this being the case, he could not enter into the merits of the case. The Irish Church Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The House adjourned at seven o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.-FRIDAY. The Speaker took the chair shortly after 4 o'clock. NEW MEMBER. Mr. BLENNERHASSETT took his seat for the county of Derry, in the room of Lord Castleross, called to the Upper House. THE EDUCATION OF THE ABYSSINIAN PRINCE. In reply to a question put by Sir STAFFORD NORTH- COTE, as to whether Prince Alamayou of Abyssinia had been withdrawn from the care of Captain Speedy, and what arangements had been made for his future care and education, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated that as Capt. Speedy was employed under the Indian Government, and as the English Government had come to the conclusion that India was a bad place for the education of a child, and it was, moreover, not very creditable to the Govern- ment of this country that the movements of that child should depend on the movements of a gentleman who was employed by the Government of India, and who was liable to be ordered from one place to another as it might suit their purpose, it had been determined that the boy should be brought home to England, and he had con- sequently been brought hither under the charge of Captain Speedy. As however, Captain Speedy held an appointment which he was not likely to give up for the sake of remaining in England with his young charge, it had been thought desirable to place the child in some school where he could be properly educated; but the boy's health being delicate, Dr. Jones and Dr. Quain had advised that he should not besent toa public school where he might meet with rough usage from other and stronger boys. He had been placed under the charge of Dr. Jex Blake, the head-master of Cheltenham College, not as a pupil in the public school, but to be taken care of as one of the family of that gentleman, who would from time to time report the progress the youth was making. It was deemed only right that the boy should have a good education, not only for his own sake but because the day might come when his character might be of the greatest consequence as regarded the civilisation of a part of the world which was at the present moment in a very backward state. ALLEGED MASSACRE OF NATIVE CHRISTIANS IN JAPAN. In answer to Mr. R. EGERTON, who asked whether any information had reached the Foreign Office in regard to an alleged wholesale massacre of native Christians in Japan, Lord ENFIELD stated that the information received at the Foreign Office was to the effect that from sixty to seventy persons professing the Christian faith had been removed from villages in the neighbourhood of Nagasaki, and taken to various other parts of the country. The officials at Yeddo had expressed their regret at this con- duct on the part of the local authorities, and had caused enquiries to be made into the circumstances. He was happy to be able to state that he had received no informa- tion as to any atrocities or cruelties practised on those who had been arrested. THE MEGÆRA COMMISSION. In reply to Mr. CORRY, Mr. GOSCHEN stated that he believed the evidence taken by the Megasra Commissioners would fee published in about a week. WELSH LEGAL OFFICIALS AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE. On the order of going into Committee of Supply, Mr. 0. MORGAN moved "That in the opinion of this House, it is desirable, in the interests of the due adminis- tration of justice that the Judge of a County Court dis- trict in which the Welsh language is generally spoken, should be able to speak and understand that language." He complained of the appointment last autumn of Mr. Homersham Cox to a County Court Judgshipin the South- West Wales district, on the ground that Mr. Cox was in utter ignorance of the Welsh language. Mr. Cox was a political writer of eminence, who had rendered consider- able service to the Government, but he urged that that was no more a reason why a judge, who did not under- stand Welsh, should be appointed in Wales, than that a judicial functionary should be sent to India who did not understand Hindostanee. Mr PARRY seconded the motion. He regarded the ap- pointment as a tangible grievance, and an injustice to the Welsh inhabitants of the district. Mr. HANBURY TRACY, who had placed an amendment upon the paper, but was precluded by the forms of the House from moving it, said it was inconvenient that a County Court Judge in Wales should be ignorant of Welsh but at the same time it would be equally incon- venieet to lay down a principle which would limit the area of selection. Mr. SCOURFIELD thought it was desirable that every Judge in Wales should speak the Welsh language but it was equally desirable that every lawyer should speak a language which everybody could understand. The ques- tion, however, was one for the Executive Government rather than for the House. He strongly objected to the passing of any resolution which would diminish the re- sponsibility of the Executive. Mr. RICHARD was anxious to correct one or two falla- cies which existed with regard to Wales. One was that it was necessary to discourage, and, if possible, to extinguish the Welsh language, in order to establish closer political union between the two countries and another was that there existed among the Welsh people an intense anti- pathy to the English language, and a settled determina- tion not to learn it. Both notions were wrong, and the latter was directly contrary to the truth, because there was a universal desire to learn the English language, and it was taught in all the schools throughout the Princi- pality. After some observations from Mr. HOLLAND, Mr. McARTHUR read a letter from a gentleman re- siding in Mr. Homersham Cox's County Court district, in which the writer asserted that 7 per. cent of the suitors did not understand English, and were under the necessity of employing lawyers, however simple their case was, in order that they might have full chance of obtaining jus- tice. Mr. W. WILLIAMS strongly censured the recent appoint- ment, and hoped the House would accept the resolution. Mr. BRUCE defended the appointment of Mr. Homer- sham Cox, and contended that it was not absolutely neces- sary, in a district were two languages were spoken, that the judgli should be able to understand both, so long as lie had the services of an efficient interpreter. With regard to the resolution, if it were now withdrawn, and reintro- duced at a subsequent period, with the amendment of Mr. Hanbury Tracy, as far as the limits of selection would allow" incorporated in it, the Government would acceptit. The resolution was then withdrawn. THE EWELME RECTORY. Mr. MOWBRAY called attention to the recent appoint- ment of the Rev. W. Wigan Harvey to the Rectory of Ewelme. The right hon. gentleman gave a brief history of the case, from the time the living was separated from the Regius Professorship of Divinity at Oxford, down to the appointment of Mr. Harvey, and, without questioning the fitness of Mr. Harvey, contended that that gentleman was not a person qualified according to Act of Parliament to be appointed to the living Mr. Harvey was not, at the time of his appointment, a member of the Convoca- tion of the University of Oxford, and the appointment was consequently a wanton evasion of the spirit and in- tention of the Act of Parliament. Mr. GLADSTONE, in defending the appointment, said he was charged with having deliberately violated the spirit and intention of the Act. He thought, however, that Mr. Mowbray had failed to assign any rational construc- tion to the statute as it stands, which served to sustain the sweeping condemnation he had pronounced upon the Act he (Mr. Gladstone) had performed. The contention of Mr. Mowbray was, that a member of Convocation was a man who had been educated in the University of Oxford. If Parliament meant so, why had it not said so? It was not, however, a fact Aat all those who were educated at Oxford were members of Convocation. The number of persons admitted into the University of Oxford in 1871 was 628, but only 266 took the degree of Master of Arts, and a very large number of those who went through the University with credit and took their degrees did not re- main members of Convocation on account of the payment which that membership involved. He regretted that the feeling which induced one University to covet connection with the learned and distinguished member of another was expiring, and that it was being substituted by the ancient superstition that a man was unfitted to hold particular office unless he was born in a particular parish. He had appointed Mr. Harvey because that gentleman had been recommended to him by very high authority as one of the most learned and best of the divines of England, and a great Oriental scholar, and the appointment was filled up as speedily as possible because Mr. Harvey's health was suffering, and a change of residence had been recommended. Mr. G. HARDY spoke of the view taken by Mr. Mow- bray, and urged that Mr. Gladstone had skilfully kept out the real point at issue, which was that whereas the Act said the person appointed must be a member of Con- vocation of the University of Oxford, Mr. Harvey was not a member of such convocation. He accused the right hon. gentleman of arbitrary wilfulness in interpreting the Act of Parliament, and placing a meaning upon it contrary to that of all the rest of mankind. The debate was continued by Mr. Henley, Mr. E. T. Williams, the Attorney-General, Mr. Scourfield, Mr. Bouverie, Mr. Parker, Mr. Bruce, Mr. W. Hunt, Col, Barttelot, Mr. Greene, and Lord J, Manners, and the subject daopped.

DUEL AT MON.ACO.-The latest sensation reported from the little principality of Monaco is an affair of honour between M. Carle des Perrieres, a dead shot, and an elderly gentleman calling himself the Chevalier de Breuilly. The arm chosen was the pistol, and the distance fixed was 19 paces. The cause of quarrel, as usual, was something very frivolous. Both combants were accompanied to the ground (which was chosen within earshot of the gaming-table) by a pair of se- conds. One of M. de Perriere's friends was M. F. d'Armfelt, represented as a correspohdent of the Pall Mall Gazette. The encounter was not attended with fatal consequences, one gentleman missing his shot, and the other firing in the air. THE CASE OF LADY CHARLES KER.—So many unau- thorised and distressing statements have been circu- lated concerning the hopeless condition of Lady Charles Innes Ker, that we are glad to be able to state that many of the worst symptoms are passing away, and that the healing process of repair and absorption are obviously in progress. The eighteenth day has been passed quietly, consciousness has returned, the local paralyses of cranial nerves are passing away; and although of course the case, which is one of extensive fracture of the base of the skull, is still full of anxiety and doubt, the state of the patient is, in the opinion of Mr. P. Hewett and Mr. Clayton, who are in at- tendance, one of gradual improvement. The case is in many ways a remarkable one, for a condition so favour. able is rarely seen after so frightful an injury, and re- coveries from fractures of the kind, although not unknown in surgery, are rare.-Britisit Medical Journal.

CARDIFF. LOCAL PETITIONS.—Petitions were presented on Thurs- day night by Col. Stuart from Cardiff and Llandaff against alterations in the Education Act; by Mr. H. Richard from Wanstead for amendments in the Scotch Education Bill; from Llanvabon and Pontmorlais Chapel, Merthyr, in favour of the Permissive Bill; and by Mr. Richard from Brecon, Ystradgynlais, Trecastle, Hirwain, and Aberaare, and Mr. Holland from Aberdovey and Festiniog, against the appointment of persons unac- quainted with the Welsh language to be judges of county courts in Wales. THE THEATRE LICENSE.—Yesterday Mr. John Thomas, the lessee of the Theatre, renewed his application for the license of the Theatre, which had been adjourned by the Bench in order that certain repairs might be carried out. He pressed the Bench very strongly to grant the refresh- ment license, and referred to the approaching meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society as an additional reason why they should do so. Messrs. Parsons and Bryant, a deputation from the Cardiff Temperance Society and Good Templars waited upon the magistrates and presented a petition signed by upwards of 260 persons against the renewal of the refreshment license. The Bench mentioned that they had heard complaints made about smoking being allowed in the Theatre. Mr. Thomas stated that it had been stopped for some time, and there could be no grounds for such complaints in future. The Bench consulted for about five minutes, and then announced that they would grant the Theatre license, but not a license to sell spirits. EXTENSIVE ROBBERY OF WATCHES, JEWELLERY, &C.- At the police court, yesterday, before Messrs. R. 0. Jones, W. D. Bushell, G. Bird, and H. J. Paine, M.D., Henry Taylor, a respectably dressed young man, a native of Abergavenny, late in the employ of Mr. Moretti, jeweller, &c., was charged, on remand, with stealing several watches, jewellery, &c., belonging to his employer. Several witnesses from Abergavenny proved buying the articles of prisoner. The prisoner, after being chargpd, pleaded guilty. Mr. Ensor, who appeared for the de- fence, read several letters from various gentlemen of Abergavenny, testifying to the previous good character of the prisoner. Dr. Smyth wrote to the effect that the young man had most likely been drawn into bad company The Bench said they would take a lenient view of the case, and sentenced the prisoner to be imprisoned for six months, and to be kept at hard labour. THE SHORT TIME MOVEMENT.—A short time since the workmen employed in the Bute Docks sought to obtain a concession of the nine hours' limit, and a formal request was made to Mr. M'Connochie, C.E to that effect. It was understood that an answer to their memorial would be given not later than yesterday, but considerable dis- appointment was expressed at the continued silence of the gentleman from whom the large body of artizans and labourers expected a prompt and satisfactory reply.

GILFACH GOCH. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.-A serious accident occurred on Tuesday last at the Ogmore Colliery, to a boy named D. Daniel; while engaged at his work, a stone of a bell shape fell on him and crushed him very badly, but for- tunately no bone was broken.

SWANSEA. GLAMORGANSHIRE SPRING ASSIZES. -The spring assizes for the county of Glamorgan will open this day. at the Guildhall, Swansea, before Sir William Robert Grove. As we have before intimated, it is the intention of the Mayor and Corporation to present the learned judge with a congratulatory address, as this will be the first visit he made to his native town since his elevation to the Bench. The calendar contains the names of twenty prisoners for trial, and some of the cases are of a revolting and highly criminal nature. POLICE COURT, FRIDAY.—Before Messrs. J, Glasbrook (Mayor) and R. Richards, William Thorn, landlord of the Welsh Oak beer-house and eating-house, High-street, charged Richard Smith, a respectably dressed and middle- aged man, with cutting and wounding. It appeared from the evidence produced, that the prosector attempted to eject the prisoner out of the house on the previous evening, as his wife had become particularly obnoxious by using abusive and indecent language. While in the act of pushing him through the bar-room, prisoner snatched a knife out of his left hand pocket, and stabbed him twice or thrice in the wrist and palm of the hand. Sentenced to two months' hard labour at the house of correction. ST. HELEN'S WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTE.—The fifth of a series of entertainments took place on Thursday evening. In the absence of Mr. J. C. Richardson, Mr. Alexander Richie took the chair. A very good programme was prepared, but on the account of the wet weather, the audience was limited. THE METAL TRADE.-COPPER.-The imports of Chili copper into Swansea, Liverpool, and Havre, during the second fortnight in February, were 19,000 tons. Stocks at Swansea and Liverpool have increased 700 tons but there is a decrease to a corresponding extent on the stocks at Havre. The French stock is only equal to two months' consumption, and any further reduction would cause an immediate advance in prices. The probability, therefore, is that for the next two or three weeks orders for bars for shipment to France, will be received here to a consider- able extent, and this will tend to strengthen the market. In Chili bars there has been a moderate business at £83 k84, according to brand. Wallaroo made 292 case and £ 94 ..three months prompt. Tin.—There has been a steady advance on prices during the last four days. A large business was done in straits at R141 to £14:3. and the market closed firm at the latter price. The smelters, however, raised the tin standards 94 per ton all round. Prices stand thus:—Common, 134s. superior common, 135s. fine, 136s. and superior fine, 137s. per cwt. This is a rise on the ore of nearly 54s. per ton. Some firms are asking 149s. for common tin, and 151s. per cwt. for refined English tin.-Speltei-The market is quiet, only a few transactions have been reported. There are sellers of Silesian at 221 10s. to 221 15s. in ware- house in London.

NEWPORT. THE SHIPPING TRADE —During the past week, the arrivals have been about the average, and in consequence no delay has been experienced owing to the crowded con- dition of the docks. There has, however, been delay in the discharging of ballast. The demand for coal continues brisk turns for loading are not excessively long, shippers not caring to take on too much tonnage. The principal shipments are for the Adriatic, Mediterranean, and the West Indies. The number of Italian vessels at present present loading is large and it is anticipated that trade with that couutry in coal this year will ex- ceed almost any preceding year for a long time past. Iron shipments are active, and require the utmost efforts on the part of the dock authorities to prevent detention for loading berths. The States and the West Coast of America take large quantities. A steamer is loading rail for Tunis, and another for Italy. Imports from foreign have been brisk, consisting of two steamers from Nantes with barley consigned to Messrs. Parnell, for Burton-on-Trent, a cargo of barley and several cargoes of pitwood, A NOVEL TEA PARTY.—On Thursday evening the Rev. J. W. Wrenford and his zealous coadjutors provided at the Town Hall a tea for the soldiers now quartered at the barracks. About 130 men accepted the invitation some from the Royal Artillery, but the majority from the 94th Regiment. The arrangements were carried out, we un- derstand, by a committee of ladies, members of St Paul's, who prepared and served the repast. The hall and tables had been prettily decorated with flowers from the conservatories of gentlemen in the neighbour- hood and this, together with the attractive uniforms of the red, white, and blue," produced a pleasing effect. At the close of the tea the tables were cleared, and after singing a hymn, prayer was offered, and addresses of an appropriate character were delivered, Colonel Stirling speaking in suitable and affecting terms to the men. On leaving the hall, a copy of Buuyan's Pilgrim's Pro- gress" was given to each soldier. POLICE COURT.—At the police court yesterday, before the Mayor, and Messrs. Wollett and Phillips, after a number of drunk and disorderly cases were disposed of, John Cumerford was charged with stealing coal, the pro- perty of Messrs. Latch and Co. P.C. Hall proved the charge. When he apprehended the prisoner on the charge, prisoner said Mr. Watkins had given it to him. Charles Jones proved the ownership of the coal. Pri- soner's defence was that he picked it up from the road- way, where it lay exposed. Sentenced to one month's imprisonment. -George Palmer, aged 12 years, was also charged with stealing coal, the property of Messrs. Latch and Co. Prisoner had been remanded from Wednesday last. P.C. Hall also proved this charged. The boy said he very sorry, and said it never should occur again. Sentenced to one month's imprisonment.

ABERDARE. On Wednesday night a meeting was held at Bryn Sion Calvinistic Methodist Chapel at the above place, to pre- sent the Rev. P. J. Walters, their late minister, with a testimonial. Mr. Walters left the above congregation a few months ago, and removed to Aberdylais. near Neath. But it seems that his friends were unwilling that lie should leave without some proof of their congratula ional affection towards him, showing that they appreciated his ministry during the time he had been there. The testimonial con- sisted of a very fine oil painting of the rev. gentleman's portrait, which is of a high class character. Mr. Morgan, one of the deacons, occupied the chair. There were three choirs, from Nazareth, Bethania, and Carmel Chapels, who sang several pieces during the meeting. The testi- monial was presented by Mr. Bryant, the senior deacon, who made a few appropriate remarks. The gift was acknowledged by Mr. Walters in a touching manner. Several ministers addressed the meeting, and the large congregation dispersed, greatly satisfied with the proceed- ings. ———

O. KIDWELLY. We have received a note from Mr. Morris, stating that no official estimate of the loss occasioned by the recent fire at Anchor House has been made, and finding fault with our reporter for naming C20 as the probable amount of damage. As the writer does not tell us whether the estimate is excessive or the opposite the matter must rest where it is until the Insurance Agent has expressed an opinion on the point. We may add, however, that we sincerely trust the injury to the premises and their con- tents is not of a very serious character.

TREDEGAR. SMALL-POX.—We gladly learn that this disease has been less rife during the week in Tredegar than hitherto. Perhaps, if the authorities will see that the streets are properly cleansed, and other sanitary matters duly at- tended to, the plague will die out. Otherwise, the warmer weather, which may be expected will lead to fatal results. FUNERAL OF MR. WM. JONES. This funeral took place on Thursday, and was attended by a large number of people, and a poriion of the Oddfellows' Order, of which Mr. Jones was a member. He had been overman of the blacksmiths at Tredegar Works for a long number of years, and was one of the oldest inhabitants of the town.

MAESTEG. LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION.—The third course of lectures and entertainments provided by this Assocation came to a close last Thursday evening. The directors intend holding a soiree this year as usual.

NEATH. SELLING STALE FISH. George Crump was charged before the Mayor and Ex-Mayor with exposing unwhole- some fish on Wednesday in the market; fined 20s. and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment. THE PONY CASE.—Thomas Scriven was brought up yesterday, charged with obtaining certain money from Mr. G. J. May. Mr. Middleton appeared for prosecutor, and stated that from information received from prisoner and corroborated by respectable witnesses, he was in- structed to withdraw the charge, He then applied for warrants against James Jones, John Jacobs, and John Miles, for the offence of perjury, committed while giving evidence on the 22nd of January last in the County Court. The learned advocate examined five witnesses in support of his application, whose evidence was taken in writing, and which satisfied the Bench, that theiewas good ground ;r foi the extraardinary proceeding. It was ultimately arranged to issue summons, and the case will come on for hearing next Saturday. EMBEZZLEMENT.—At the close of the above case, Mr. J. D. Thomas, applied for a warrant charging Scriven with embezzling various sums of money which he had received, when sub-bailiff of the County Court, and had not accounted for. Mr. Thomas stated in reply to the Mayor that he had no doubt there were 20 cases against him. The request was granted. EJECTMENT.—Mr. Scale appeared before the county justices on behalf of Mr. Pendrill Charles, and made an application for a warrant of possession against Mr. J. Sibbering, who had refused to give up possession of the woollen factory, in Gold-street, occupied by him under Mr. Charles as landlord. Defendant paid the rent monthly, but required six months to quit. Warrant granted. BEERHOUSE OFFENCES.—John Sladdon, and Joseph Evans were charged with opening their house at illegal hours. The former was let off by paying casts, but the latter was fined 20s. and costf.

MERTHYR SCHOOL BOARD. The usual bi-monthly meeting of the Board was held yesterday, but no business of importance was trans- acted. The principal question was upon the motion that the seal of the Board be affixed to the bye-laws, and this elicited a lengthened and rather heated discus- sion. The Rev. D. W. James moved, and was seconded in his resolution by Mr. T. Williams (Dyffryn), that the seal should not be affixed. The Rev. F. S. John- stone, in a speech of considerable length, could foresee nothing but a shadowing of mischief and evil in the measure, which he stigmatised as inexpedient, impo- litic and unprincipled it would bring about a collision between the ratepayers and collectors, as he knew for a fact that many inhabitants would proceed to the last extremity rather than pay this obnoxious rate. The Rev. O. W. James said that they would oppose it, if need be, to the bitter end, and the Rev. C. Griffiths, concurred, expressing sentiments of the same kind. Mr. C. H. James said that the action of these gentlemen amounted to religious persecution as a Nonconformist himself he should have liked to side with,them, but such narrow-mindedness and persecu- tion, for it was nothing else, made him feel so indignant that he could hardly trust himself to speak, and he felt that there were some things greater than sectarianism. Eventually the question was put to the vote, and sides were equal, but the casting vote for the measure being given by the Chairman, the bye-laws were sealed forth- with.

TREDEGAR PARK COURSING CLUB. The second day's coursing took place yesterday. The meet was at the Duffryn, and there was a good atten- dance. The following was the result of the contests LORD TREDEGAR'S Cup.-There were four entries; but Mr. Racster and Mr. Hole withdrew their dogs, leav- ing in Mr. Yorath's bk b Yokena and w b Young Blanche. The former carried off the cup. THE TREDEGAR PARK STAKES.—At £3 10s. each, for all-aged dogs (unlimited); 1st, R19 2nd, E8 3rd R4; 4th, R2 5th, k2. Mr. Racster's nms w & bk d Regular beat Mr John Thomas's f d Rainbow. Mr T. LI. Brewer's w,t r b B L ran a bye Stakes divided. RUPERRA CASTLE STAKES.—At B3 3s. each, for dogs P»PPed in 18,0 (unlimited). 1st, £ 15, 2nd £ 6, 3rd £ 2 2a., 4th £ 2 2s. Mr. H. W. Punchard's b and w. d. Pat M'Grath beat M -KT „ r- Racster's r b Rhubarb. THE NEWPORT STAKES.-At £ 2 2s. each. 1st £ 1010s. 2nd nfV, 3rd, fl Is. 4th Sl Is. Mr. T. LI. Brewer's b d Black Bantam beat Mr. Morgan'a r d Marander. Mr. T. LI Brewer's nms High Pressure II. beat Mr. John Thomas's Mountain Doe. Mr. Coleman's b d Beaufort, beat Mr. J. Thomas's b d Whipper. II. Mr. T.LI. Brewer's High Pressure II. beat Mr. Coleman's Beaufort, and won. The Coedkernew Puppy Stakes and the Marshfield Stakes were afterwards run.

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE IRON TRADE. The shipping orders continue abundant, but in the present unsettled state of the trade it is not easy to place them, unless for limited quantities and at top prices. Makers are seriously apprehensive as to the effect of the new demands of the colliers, not only in increasing the price but in diminishing the supply of fuel, and as the leading firms are well under orders still they decline to look at ordinary specifications. The smaller makers who do not produce for expert are less particular. But tke demand for home consumption is more irregular, and though some varieties of iron, such as sheets, gas, strip, nail, and wire rods and boiler plates, are in very active request, business altogether is a shade quieter this week. Prices are not quotably changed, but for some of the heavier descriptions lewer offers are not refused.

ARISTOCRATIC DIVORCE CASE. The case of Joliffe v. Joliffe and Willyams was before the J Divorce Court on Thursday. This was the hus- band's petition for a divorce on the grounds of his wife's adultery with the co-respondent. The respondent and co-respondent answered, and denied the adultery. The petitioner is the Hon. Edward Hylton Joliffe, the eldest son of Lord Hylton, and he was married to the respondent, Lady Agnes Mary Georgina Jolitle, daughter of the Earl of Strafford, in 1858. The petitioner had been in the army, in the 4th Dragaon Guards, but retired in consequence of ill-health. After the marriage they resided at various places, and ultimately at Pendanon, in Co n wall. There are two children the issue of the marriage. They made the acquaintance of the co-respondent, Mr. Edward Bridges Willyams, M.P. for East Cornwall, and who had a residence in Cornwall, some seventy miles distant from that of the petitioner. He lived there with his wife and family, and between the two families a great intimacy sprang up, and they often visited each other's houses. In the first week of Januaiy, 1871, the petitioner and his lady were to have gone on a visit to the co-respondent's, but the petitioner, having received intelligence of the death of his brother-in-law, Lord Blaquiere, had to proceed to London to attend the funeral. After his departure Lady Agnes Jolliffe proceeded to the co-respondent's to fulfil the engagement, to be joined there by her hus- band on his return. Instead, however, of proceeding direct to the co-respondent's, she was met by that gen- tleman at Plymouth on the 6th of January, and thty spent the night at the Duke of Cornwall hotel there as man and wife. The next day the respondent pro- ceeded to the co-respondent's residence, and a few days after she was joined there by her husband, the pe- titioner. On the second night after his arrival there he went into the smoking-room, the co-respondent telling him that he would join him in a minute or two. He did not, however, do so, and the petitioner left to go to his bedroom. On going there he found his wife in her night-dress, and the co-respondent in the dressing- room adjoining. He ordered the co-respondent to leave, and he left the house himself next day, and commenced the present suit. He had never seen his wife since. The petitioner and other witnesses were called, who clearly proved the adultery, and there being no defence to the case, the jury, under the direction of the learned judge, gave a verdict for the petitioner, and the court pronounced a decree nisi, with costs.