South Wales Daily News

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1889. THE COLLIERY DELEGATES' MEETING. WBlLB the meeting ot colliery delegates held yesterday at Aberdare had several topics of great importance under consideration, it can- not be said that on any one of them there was a final agreement. The resolutions passed represent the opinions of the majority only, but we believe it is still a question how far the minority will make concessions. Thus it appears that while the vote at the combined meeting was in favour of one scale for all South Wales and Monmouth- shire, it is equally clear that the house-coal colliers are not willing to accept of this proposal. It also remains to be seen how far the Ferndale and the Ocean colliers will consent to accept of that one scale for all. Furthermore, there is considerable difference of opinion as to the monthly holiday, 4I MABON and some others strongly urging that some concession should be made to the wishes of the employers in that mattel. It will be remembered that at the outset the employers seemed to look some- what shyly on the proposal to have a monthly holiday, whether on Monday or any other day. The idea at the time was that a monthly holiday and a rise of five per cent. would be almost ruinous. We have now got far ahead of I that stage, and not only is the advance more than the much talked-of five per cent., but the monthly holiday is also an arrange- ment taken for granted. The question now is entirely as to the day. The workmen prefer Monday their em- ployers prefer Saturday, and so anxious are the masters to have the latter selected that they have intimated their willingness to pay wages on the previous Friday when the holiday Saturday happens to be pay-day. It was evident at the meeting, however, that those who were present did not all see this with one eye. There are objections to the Saturday, and the whole matter will consequently have to be discussed before any final decision has been arrived at. We liope that the reasons for preferring one day to another will be stated on both sides so clearly that there will be no misunderstanding. To an out- sider the difference may be unimpor- tant, but it would be absurd and unfair to presume that there are not on both sides reasons of considerable weight for preferring the Saturday to the Monday or the Monday to the Saturday. We trust that there will be no sticking to one day without insurmountable objections. Every- thing has gone on so promisingly up to this point that there is all the more reason to hope that no side issue or matter of secondary consequence will be allowed to come in the way of an early and amicable settlement of difficulties which at one time threatened disaster to the whole district.

OBJECTIONABLE ADVERTISEMENTS. A VERY useful l'ttle measure has been introduced into the House of Lords-useful, at least, as far as intention goes, but very feeble as far as execution is concerned. The bill merely provides punish- ment for the person who is observed posting them up, not for the printer, or the quack who issues them. In its present state the bill if passed would be a dead letter. æ pc/sts}" and a resorts to which I need not allude. They are handbills, and are carried in the pocket, and require no paste. Just a lick of the tongue is sufficient to make them adhere. Hence it can readily be imagined that the practice will go on despite the law. There would be a great difficulty in catching the offender. However, these placards always contain the address of those responsible for them and they should be held to be the guilty parties. Were the bill altered in this manner it would be extremely valuable. Many corporations have bye-laws dealing with this class of publicity, but of course their jurisdiction does not extend to the country which suffers most from this evil.

ILLNESS OF THE REV KILSBY JON ES. We regret to learn that the Rev J. R. Kilsby Jones, the well-known Congregational minister, is lying seriously ill at his residence, Glenview, Llanwrtyd. He recently caught a cold which developed into inflammation of the lungs. His medical attendants, Drs WorraU and Bennett, held a consultation on Monday afternoon, and subsequently reported that the rev gentleman's condition was such as to give rise to grave alarm. Oar readers will join with us in the earnest hope that Mr Kilsby Jones will soon be restored to his customary good health.

THE STRIKE AT THE GREAT WESTERN COLLIERY, PONTYPRIDD. AN APPEAL. A special meeting of the Rhoudda Valley miners' delegates was held at the Bute Arms Hotel, Abetdare, on Monday, when a resolution was passed urging the miners of the Rhondda Valley to send monetary contributions to the 40 persons who have for the last 14 weeks been on strike at the Great Western Colliery, Pontypridd.

A GYMNAST'S DIVORCE SUIT. AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE. ALLEGED ADULTERY AT CARDIFF. A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD CO- RESPONDENT. In the Divorce Division on Monday the case of Quaglieni v. Quaglieni and Wood was heard. This was a husband's petition for dissolution of marriage on the ground of his wife's alleged adultery with the co-respondent, John Wood. The petitioner is an Italian by origin, but is now a naturalised British subject, and he had resided at Cardiff, Sheffield, and other place. By profession he is a gymnast. Mr Middleton appeared for the petitioner, and Mr Waddy, Q.C., was for the respondent. The co-respondent was not represented. Mr Middleton, in opening petitioner's case, said that his client was a professional gymnast. He was an Italian by origin, but was naturalised in this country. He was married to respondent on the 16th March, 1870, and of that marriage there bad been five children. From 1878 until their cohabitation terminated in 1884 the wife was addicted to drinking habits, and to that petitioner attributed all his troubles. In the latter part of the year 1882 he went to live at Cardiff with his wife, and in the early part of 1E83 he went to Swansea, where he had a professional engagement. He left his wife and children at the house of a Mrs Wood in Cardiff, and it was alleged that the adultery in question took place there with co-respondent, who was a son of the landlady. In 1883 or 1884 they removed to Sheffield, and in July, 1884, petitioner obtained an engagement at Hengler's Circus, and went among other places to Scarborough and Newcastle, but his wife and children remained at Sheffield. The petitioner alleged that when he accused his wife of misconduct she had admitted that she was guilty. She bad made counter charges of adultery and cruelty, which petitioner denied. The petitioner was then called, and gave evidence in support of his counsel's statement, stating that be was an equestrian and gymnastic artist. He denied that he had ever committed adultery or cruelty. His wife lived at Sheffield with her father. Cross-examined by Mr Waddy He did not employ co-respondent to watch his wife. Wood called him "papa," and in letters addressed to him he addreuse i him as mv dear papa." A certificate of the birth of the co-respondent was here put in. which showed that he was born on May 16ch, 1870, and the adultery charged was in 1883, so that be was only 13 years of age at the time. Petitioner said he believed the co-respondent was 16 or 17 years old. Mr Waddy: As to the age of the co-respondent, I may state that the alleged confession previous to condonation is stoutly denied by my client. His Lordship: Unless they can substantiate adultery with Wood in 1883 they have no case. There is a counter-claim for divorce hy the wife. What do yoa propose to do with that? Mr Waddy I shall say nothin* about it. His Lordship: Are we to go on with a co- respondent who was only 13 years of age at the time? Mr Middleton I confess I am taken by sur- prise. His Lordship: Is it worth while to go on with a case of this sort, considering the age of the co-respondent. ? Mr Middleton said he would consult his clients. His Lordship: You had better ask for the custody of the co-respondent. (Laughter.) Mr Middleton: Had the co-respondent been of mature years there would be a strong suspicion, but in my judgment in all the circumstances the case gives rise to no suspicion when I learn that he is only a boy. The evidence which I bad to offer was of his having been seen going into her bedroom and coming out of it. His Lordship Is it worth while going on with such evidence? I shall never find adultery, considering his age. That being so, the suit must be dismissed, with costs.

DAMAGES FOR MALICIOUS PRO- SECUTION. A foreman of gasfitters in the employ of the London and South-Western Railway Company, and named Bryant, obtelirio(i in the Queen's Bench Division on Monday JE125 damages against the company for malicious prosecution for alleged theft of tools.

¡- —— — ISasiittss :1brtsS!s. 0 O E R S' AK ALES AND pORTERS (In 44 Gallon C-sks and upwards). BREWERY, BRISTOL. CARDIFF STORES WORKING-STRE EX. NEWPORT STORES COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. CHEPSTOW STORE .BEAUFORT SQUARE. Applications for Purchasing Agencies in South Wales to be addressed to J. B. MADDOCKS, PENARTH. 4267 SPRING, 1889. B. EVANS & COMPANY HAVE NOW DISPLAYED IN THEIR SHOWROOMS A MAGNIFICENT STOCK OF CABINET Fu RNITURE, -B' c ARPETS, F URNISHING D RAPERY, AND HOUSEHOLD JRONMONGERY. DRAWING ROOM, DINING ROOM, LIBRARY, & BEDROOM FURNITURE IN ALL WOODS. WICKER, RUSH, and BAMBOO GOODS. BRITISH and FOREIGN MANUFACTURED CARPETS, including BRUSSELS, TAPESTRY, KIDDER- MINSTER, ROYAL and PATENT AX- MINSTER, PERSIAN and TURKEY CARPETS. THE C AH PUT OF THE SEASON, ••THE ROYAL SAXONY BRUSSELS," LINOLEUMS, FLOOR CLOTHS, &c. KARA, CANTON, CHENILLE, ORIENTAL, CROSS STRIPE and other CURTAINS, and CURTAIN MATERIALS in Great Variety. HOUSEHOLD IRONMONGERY AND DOMESTIC MACHINERY Of every description. B FDSTEADS, BEDDING, &c. ALL BEDDING MADE OX THE PREMISES, And Guaranteed Pure. MAIL CARTS, PERAMBULATORS, CHILDREN'S CARRIAGES, With all the Latest Patents anil Improvements. DINNER, TEA, AND BREAKFAST SERVICES, TOILET SKTS. &C. A VISIT OF INSPECTION RESPECTFULLY INVITED. Temple-street, Swansea, April 9th, 1889. 1046 SPRING FASHIONS O AT CAVENDISH HOUSE, CHELTENHAM We are now making special displays of the latest Fashion Models ill the Show Rooms devoted to COSTUMES. MANTl.ES, MILLINERY, AND JUVENILE DUESS, The Collection being one of the tiuest we have ever shown. Ladies at a distance are invited to apply for Sketches of Styles. Patterns oi Materials, Estimates of Cost, etc. CAVENDISH HOUSE COMPANY, LIMITED. 1279 Tr EWIS AND I EWIS. ALTERATION OF PREMISES. EXTENSIVE ADDITION OF THREE LARGE SHOWROOMS, NO- 23 24, DUKE ST., QAKDIFF. gPECTAL J^INE J)AYS' gALE, APRIL 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th. LEWIS AND T EWIS of tbeir xuuufnsb of Valuable JJLURNITURE, BEDSTEADS, AND JJEDDING AT THE ENORMOUS REDUCTION OF PER 20 CENT. (4S IN the B Discount) FOR CASH ON PURCHASE OR DELIVERY ONLY. Goods allowed to be Booked will be Charged at TTai, tl D"Iul I^0UM tivue< The Public should take advantage of this Grand Opportunity of Purchasing High-class Hoods at Lower Prices than are obtained for inferior articles. ALTERATION OF PREMISES. EXTENSIVE ADDITION OF THREE LARGE SHOWROOMS, Jj-o. 23 DUKE ST" c AP-DIFF, LEWIS AND T EWIS. JLi 5193 apEETH.—Complete Set One Gainea L Single Tooth. 2s bd. Five years' warranty. Re- nodels, repairs, Ac. Painless Dentistry, Gas, &c,— QOODHAN AND Co., 1, Old Dock-street, Newport, and 56, Queen-si Cardiff. 13041 1114 The Policies granted by the STANDARD LIFE OFFICE ÐNINTERHUPTED 0 since 1865 have each year exceeded EI,000,000 Sums As- ..ured, a result maintained con- SUCCESS, tinuously for so long a period by no other Office in the United Kingdom Funds, ói Millions. Premiums Moderate—Conditions Liberal. 13TANDARD LIFE OFFICE Bristol Office, 57, Broad- street. 3734 JOSEPH i ULER, Local Secretary. c ROSSLEY'S -4 "OTTO" GAS ENGINE OVER 28,000 INX7SB> From 2 man to 100 b. p. yiEFEBENCES for ALL TRADES and in ALL TOWNS. Second-Hand Engines. Deferred Payment System. £ JROSSLEY JJROS., J^IMITED, OPENSHAW. MANCHESTER.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEAT III-, Hotices of Birth*, Marriages, and Deaths, are &I tU rate Bt the rate of Is for tkefirtt Twenty Worat, and 6d, in every additional Ten Words, and must be PREPAID. 1 mil coses the notice munt ile authenticated oy the nam mad addrett of the writer DEATH.. BREWER.—On the 7th inst., at Arcot House, Rsatb, Cardiff, Johu Brewer, aged 77. 925 IN MKMORIAM. DA TIES.—In ever-loving memory of Rice Davies, who c2 died at 30, Sapphire-street, Cardiff, April 9rh, 1888. 963 The SOUTH WALES DAILY NEWS may be obtained n LONDON each morning, immediately after the arrival of the 10.46 G.W.R. train, at our office, 160, Fleet- street; Smith and Sou's Bookstall, Paddington Station; Messrs Everett and Son, 13a, Salisbury- square and Messrs Everett and Son, 17, Royal Exchange

THE TIN-PLATE "CONSOLIDATION." THERE may be a number of tin-plate manu- facturers holding the views of Mr J. RUSH- TON TPRNOCK, whose able letter we published on Friday. They may regard the proposed "consolidation" as not impracticable, and may go so far as to consider that for certain reasons it is desirable. Whether such consolidation" would, as Mr TUR- NOCK believes, result in the advantages which lie specifies is a debatable question and, as leading to a better understanding of the points at issue, we would direct attention to events now in progress connected with the Salt Union, which was organized and suc- cessfully carried through by the Messrs FOWLER, who now seek to "consolidate" the tin-plate (industry. Without entering into controversy with Mr TUENOCK, whose special knowledge of his own business entitles his opinion to greater weight than that of any outsider, we would relate such facts in connection with the Salt Union as have a bearing upon the matter in discussion, for these are hard facts of experience, and are, therefore, worthy of higher regard than any might be's of forecast. The limit of profit which the "consolidation" promoters suggest in regard to tin plates is evidently an outcome of their experience in salt, for the result of putting up prices to too high a rate in that industry has been most detrimental. Telegraphing on Saturday, the Press Association states that the raising of prices is resulting disastrously in the Northwich and Winsford (which are the principal) districts. Stocks are ac- cumulating, particularly of salt for use in chemical manufacture; and, as a result, works are being stopped, and men are being discharged in considerable numbers. Thus it is that the wage-earners are injured, solely by the syndicate opera- tions they lose their wages, not from any changes in demand for the produce of their labour, but because the capitalists who | prices to a prrAribitiTe figure, Baip more serious than this temporary cesaation of employment is the fact that the increase of prices has aroused vigorous opposition. An association of chemical manufacturers who, using large quantities of salt in their business, have been greatly affected by the operations of the Union, have at length taken effectual steps to protect themselves they are opening out new brine pits, properties are being bought in all directions, and the probability is that the chemical traders will ere long supply all their own requirements. In this fact lies the certainty of future evils of no small magnitude, for prior to the Salt Union buying up all the works and (by establishing a monopoly) getting power to raise the price, the profits of salt manu- facturers were very low. When, therefore, all the new brine pits are in operation, and still larger supplies of salt are brought into I the market, prices cannot be prevented from again falling to an unremunerative level and the last state of that trade will be worse than the first. Capitalists will have their investments locked up in enterprises which pay no dividends wage-earners will find their wages low and their employment un- certain. Artificial monopolies, such as the Salt Union and that proposed for the tin-plate trade, are inherently weak their very existence brings into fatal operation hostile forces which other- wise would not be set in motion. No one profits by them except the promoters, who, having formed the Consolidation," or "Union," or Trust," are peculiarly wide- awake to dispose of their holdings at the first sign of coming storm. The collapse of the Salt Union, not much more than a twelvemonth after establishment, is already speculated upon. Theproprietors raised prices nearly 100 per cent., but the salt workers obtained no advance of wages-on the con- trary, the employers tried to make six men do the work of seven, and as a result a number of the men have gone out on strike. The welfare of the workmen is profoundly involved in such a project as that under consideration and the remarks of our Swansea correspondent in reference, to pro- bable independent action of the men should be carefully considered, for if the owners of works were inclined to dispose of them to a syndicate and to bring upon the trade all those evils which are just now beginning to be felt in the salt industry -evils which are inevitable—it would be an act of simple self-preservation for the work- men to start manufactories of their own. Such enterprises are by no means beyond the range of probability, lightly as the idea may be regarded by those accustomed to present conditions of manufacture. Any- one who has a knowledge of what joint- stock co-operation has achieved in Oldham— share capital taken up almost entirely by cotton operatives, and to such an extent that nearly the whole of that great town is depen- dent upon joint-stock mills-will not regard doubtfully the ultimate success of workmen's enterprise in the tin-plate trade. It would be a duty to themselves for the wage-earners to prevent their being made the sport of speculative capitalists. Where, in that case, would be the fixed unvarying profit of 2s per box 1 It is the competition of the Oldham joint-stock mills which made cotton-spinning so unremunera- tive for so long a period their improved machinery, and the personal interest of the shareholding workmen, enabling them to put on the market a product of lower price and at least equal quality with that of the capitalist manufacturers; and, in an industry so much dependent upon the skill of the workmen as in that of tin-plate manufacture, a workmen's enterprise would fight certainly on equal terms with the best organization a syndicate could create. We have no space to go into the question of the effect on American trade but quote the following figures from the Board of Trade returns to show how important that trade is as compared with the trade to other parts of the world Tb87. 1888. 1887. 1888. Quantities. Value. I Tons. Ton. £ £ Germany 4,357 5,862 62,696 82,911 Holland 3,296 3,04& 50,467 54,604 France 4,837 4,550 66,279 67,005 United States 268.355 292,623 3,562,972 4,087,147 Australasia 6,916 7,708 98,975 116,55o British North America 17,584 20,042 258,720 286,208 Other countries „ 48,161 56,960 6a2,745 843,980 Total 353,506 391,291 4,792.854 5,538,310

[BY COSMOS.1 HEAVING THE LEAD. ELECTBICITT has invaded the bottom of the sea. I don't allude to lights for divers. Heaving the lead is to become a term of the past, and the depth of the sea is to be registered in a new fashion. An electric lead," or a shallow-water indicator, has been devised by two Mexican inventors, and should be found useful by navi- gators. It is a strong cylindrical vessel, weighted so as to remain upright in the water while hauging freely on the line from the ship. In its centre is a glass •. or vulcanite tube half-full of mercury, the ends being closed by me. tallic plates connected to wires which are in the circuit of a battery and bell. When the indicator touches the ground it begins to drag on it, and being thus tilted on its side the mercury completes the circuit, and the bell cn deck or in the captain's cabin instantly rings. Mark Twain is said to have assumed this nom de plume from the cry of the Mississippi pilots when heaving the lead. The mark twain may still be heard, but more probably, it will be read off on a table. A life on the ocean wave is fast being robbed of its romance, even if it ever possessed any—which is doubtful. But if "heaving the lead be done away, another kind of heaving promises to remain.

BAROMETERS FOR BREAKFAST. IT appears that anyone can forecast the weather without the trouble and expense of writing to the Meteorological Department, and with much more certainty. The breakfast barometer which a correspondent describes is within the reach of the humblest household, thanks to the action of bounty-fed sugar. Whether it is efficacious or not I cannot say, as I do not drink coffee for my morning repast. But the enthusiast who vouches for the accuracy and delicacy of bis instrument is a firm believer in the process. In the old Norse legends you frequently come across some liquid which the hero carries, and which becomes cloudy on the approach of enemies, and there could be no worse enemy to the Vikings than a storm, so perhaps the gentleman's matutinal cup is a lost art revived. But all the above will be Dutch without the key. Take it- a barometer for breakfast. This prophet says :— With my breakfast I driuk coffee, mixed with milk. When poured into the cup I gently drop in the lumps of loaf sugar, and shortly after the fixed air in the sugar rises to the top in small detached bubbles. Now watch these-I call them my little people, who will tell me whether it is going to rain or not, and although the coffee is perfectly still, these little babbles will be on the move, almost like life. It will be noticed that if it is going to rain very hard they will almost rush over to the side of the cup—as much as to say, I shall get under shelter as quickly as possible." If the ram is only to be a gentle downfall, then the bubbles all meet together, evidently to deliberate on the matter, and then quietly move over to the side; but if it is not going to rain, every bubble that comes up remains stationary in the middle of the cup. Now, for all these years these little people have not deceived me a dozen times altogether, but have acted some- what marvellously. On one occasion, a most lovely morning, with every sign of a fine day, I remarked, "What can be the matter with the coffee this morning, as it showed signs of wet?" Before 12 o'clock came down poured the rain to the astonishment of every one and I could relate many other such instances. I cannot anyhow explain why this should be so, but I have found it not only a source of amusement and wonder, but a most valuable guide for the day.

THE HANGMAN CLAIMS HIS VICTIM. IT is no satisfaction to me to record that the Swansea petition has failed, and that Allen will suffer the extreme penalty of the law. If any man deserved his fate, he does, and whilst the infliction of death remains part of our system of jurisprudence, the Zulu could not have been reprieved unless banging were done away with altogether. By all meaus let ths humane agitate for the abolishment of capital punishment, but whilst the law is in force it would be a dreadful straining of mercy to have shown any clemency to the murderer of Mr Kent. Really the excuses which have been made for Allen are something absurd. Here's an assassin secretes himself in a bedroom, and when the lawful occupant tries to eject him stabs him with a weapon which apparently has been brought for the purpose, in the hopes that dead men will tell no tales, and that escape will ensue owing to this sacrifice of life. If midnight murderers are to be shown any leniency we shall soon have the revolver used with even more frequency than it is at present. Manslaughter indeed! How on earth could it be brought under that category ? Mr Kent was unarmed, and merely used force to remove a burglar from his bedroom. Allen, who had no right there, slaughtered an inoffensive person in thelatter's own bedroom. If Mrs Kent bad shot the scoundrel through the head an innocent life would have been saved. It was not her fault, but her misfortune, and the misfortune of the community too. I certainly am far from gloating over the fact that the hangman will do his dread work this week at Swansea, but I fancy sentimental people would have been better engaged in demanding the erasure of hanging from the statute book than in pleading for the life of a criminal who richly merits his sentence.

THF. TYPHOID OUTBREAK AT MOUNTAIN ASH. I SEE that consequent upon the outbreak of typhoid fever in the locality a couple of years ago, Mountain Ash figures in the 17th report of the Local Government Board. But the inquiry instituted does not seem to have arrived at any certainty as to the cause of the epidemic There was a trinity of evil suspected—sewage, milk, and watAr these three, but the most culpable of these three, in the opinion of the com- missioner sent to investigate, was the last. At any rate he inclines to the behef that the water supply was the cause of the disease." After all, the only thing we are certain of isltliat there was a rather alarming outbreak of enteric fever in the neighbourhood of Mountain Ash. whose leading inhabitants made praiseworthy efforts to alleviate the distress of the sufferers and prevent the spread of the disease. A temporary hospital sprang into being, which it was expected would have ere now developed into a permanent institu tion. But I understand that the requirements of the Local Government Board would involve a greater expenditure than the majority of the members of the local board of health are willing to incur. They maintain that such institutions at Aberdare and other places have not been suffi- ciently appreciated by the people to prove a success. Most of them would be willing tc go in for a modest hospital, but they are not permitted to have what, in their opinion, would best meet the requirements of their case. Refusing to bow to the will of the old ladies in London," they have therefore hitherto chosen to remain in statu quo, notwithstanding a resolution adopted some time since in favour of the erection of a hospital.

LLANDAFF DIOCESE. A GENERAL ORDINATION. By advertisement in another column it will be seen that the Bishop of Liandaff announces his intention to bold a general ordination on Sunday, June 16tb. Candidates are notified that they should at once apply for permission to present themselves, and particulars are given as to further procedure,

Tim Seville Orange Marmalade Season has now Closed, and W P. Hartley has made 3,767,360 lbs. 1,664 tons), thus showing the great demand lor Hartley's unequalled brand. H3r

LONDON LETTER. (FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.) [SPECIALLY WIRED. I LONDON, Monday Night. A new writ for Rochester was, on the motion of Mr Akers-Douglas, ordered to issue, and the election will be settled probably before Easter. In private conversation Conservatives familiar with the condition of the electorate are very con- fident that they will be able to keep the seat. They are certainly determined that no effort shall be lacking to that end, They are fortunate in having a good candidate, a local man popular in the borough, who has had time for full preparation for the conflict. If he does not win, the revulsion of political feeling in Rochester must be very remarked. As to Birmingham, Conservatives and Dis- sentient Liberals who know the place agree in the conviction that, after all, things will come right for the Ministerial candidate. The Con- servatives cannot be expected to throw themselves enthusiastically into the contest after the manner in which they have been treated but, with very few exceptions, they are regarded as certain at the last moment to go to the poll fand vote for Mr Bright. The more imminent the risk of Mr Beale's being returned, the more complete is the rally of Conservative forces expected to be. The crowded appearance of the House of Commons familiar of late suddenly fell away to-night. There were plenty of seats to spare in the strangers' gallery, and the usual crowd in the outer lobby, waiting on the chance of getting in, was absent. On the Conservative side there were wide gaps, members not being attracted by the special fare of the evening. The Liberals showed up much better, there being an especially strong muster of Irish members. Mr Gladstone sat an attentive listener to the statement of the Lord Advocate, and waited another half hour to hear what the Scotch members bad to say. Lord Rosebery, walking over from the Lords, looked down upon the scene for a few minutes, but did not remain. The Speaker made known in the usual form that two more Irish members had been disposed of by the procedure of the Coercion Act. Mr Cax has gone to prison for six weeks, and Mr Kilbride for three months,which practicallyremo ves for the rest of the session a pretty diligent voter against the Government. The announcement was listened to in silence, the Irish members having finally Abandoned the intention with which they approached the opening of the session, of insisting on their right to discuss the circumstances attending the committal of a member before giving what is held to be the necessery sanction to the action of the county judge. Their position in this matter was originally based upon the dictum of no less a person than Sir James Stephen. The Speaker has, however, privately intimated that he was of the opinion that the rules ot the House pre- clude conversation on the subject and what threatened ts be a recurring scene was permitted quietly to drop. There were two question on the paper upon a subject which is exciting considerable attention both in town and country, Mr Darling and Mr Chaplin had each a question designed to ascer- tain whether the Government would roscined an crder of the 1st of March, passed by the Privy Council, which permitted the importation of cattle and sheep from Holland. It is pointed out that the boundary line of Germany (where the foot aud mouth disease is raging) and Holland is of considerable length, offering innumerable openings for contagion. Mr Darling is member for Deptford, and was moved to interpose iu the matter in the interests of his constituents, who are largely employed in slaughtering cattle at the port of entry. Mr Chaplin speaks for the great body of agriculturists who, for more reasons than one, desire to restrict the importation of cattle and sheep. The Government, not anxious to incur the odium of raising the price of meat, and careful for the goodwill of an influential class represented by Mr Chaplin, have hit upon a clever device. They are going to invite the Royal Agricultural Society to appoint a person or persons to proceed to Holland to inquiry into the reality of the danger indicated in Mr Chaplin's question. If the emissary discovers any grouad for suspicion that infection is carried across the borders into Holland, the order of the 1st of March will be rescinded. As Mr Chaplin observed to a friend, talking over the matter, If the Royal Agricultural Society man cannot tind the necessary evidence, he has mistaken his vocation." The evidence will of course be forth- coming, and the Government, relieved from, direct that all fcftttle And <:h IcVua,JTVJ from Holland sbaH be slaughtered at the port of entry. Mr John Moriey. rising to drag in the famous Lstterkenny battering ram, together with its chains, ropes, crowbars, picks, and scaling ladders, was loudly cheered by the Irish members. Mr Balfour, of course, was unable to deny the existence of this formidable agent in civilised government; but he, with something less than his usual success, endeavoured to make out that it was purely a defensive implement designed to protect the lives and limbs of the police. How the battering ram could be used for defensive purposes was a matter upon which Mr John Morley vainly sought for further mformnt;on. But: Mr Balfour was not to be dislodged. He stood by his battering ram, which, according to the latest news from the Vandeleur estate, will shortly be wanted in th-tt populous and unhappy district. It is not generally known that the revenue regulations permit of the halfpenny stamp being affixed to postcards of private persons. One reason for the ignorance on the matter is that the Post-office have decreed that cards shall be so stamped only at Somerset House. If firms in the country want to avail themselves of this convenience, they must engage a London agent who must attend in person at Somerset House. An effort is now being made to induce Mr Raikes to extend this privilege to all the large towns throughout the country, so that the stamping and official printing may be done in the local post- office without the expense and inconvenience of sending to Somerset House. Bentley's have in hand a cheap edition of Mr and Mrs Bancroft's account of themselves on and off the stage, a book which was one of the features of last season. The high-priced editions are sold off and the new edition, being the sixth, will be issued at the price of half-a-crown I have seen an advance copy, and marvel how it can be done at the price. It is beautifully printed on good paper, runs over 400 pages, and is tastefully and usefully bound. Being at tho price brought within reach of everyone, it ia likely to have a phenomenal sale. The Lords had an mterasting, almost animated, debate on Lord Milltown's bill providing flogging for burglars caught in possession of firearms when in pursuit of their business. The careful and searching examination cf the question, in which Lord Salisbury, Lord Granville, Lord Herschfell, Lord Esher, and other high authorities took part, presented the House at its best in tha character of a legislative assembly. It was ultimately resolved to refer the bill to a standing committee, a proceeding which is not full of promise for the measure becoming law this session. The Lord-Advocate's exposition of his bills amending the Local Government Act in Scotland, and creating parochial boards, had a small but exceedingly attentive audience. Close at hand on the Treasury bench sat Mr Ritchie, who has bad a good deal to do with the framing of the measures. There is no doubt of the broadly-favourable reception of the bills. But I gather in conversation with Scotch members that future stages will develop some thorny points. The Parochial Boards Bill in particular is regarded by advanced Liberals as retrograde in its tendency. Perhaps the portion of the scheme that will create the most virulent opposition is that which proposes to. appropriate public money for the advantage of denominational schools. 10 public little has been said on this point, but in private the Scotch members ominously shake their heads.

HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—A fre- quent cause of gout and rheumatism is the inflamma- tory state of the blood, attended with bad digestion and general debility. A few doses of the Pills taken in time are an effectual nreventative against gout and rheumatism. Anyone who has an attack of either should use Holloway's Ointment also, the powerful action of which, combined with the operation of the Pills, must infallibly effect a. cure. These Pills act directly on the blood, which they purify and improve. Having once subdued the severity of these diseases, perseverence with the Ointment. after fomenting the affected joints with brine, will speedily relax aU" stiffness and prevent any permanent contraction.

CONFERENCE OF MINERS' DELE. GATES AT ABERDARE. THE SLIDING-SCALE AND ITS REVISION. IMPORTANT DISCUSSION. SHALL THE MONTHLY HOLIDAY BE CHANGED ? [FROM OUR RONTYPSIDD REPOETKB.] On Monday a general delegate meeting of steam and house coal workmen of South Wales and Monmouthshire was held at the Bute Hotel, Aberdare, when there was a large attendance, 160 collieries and 60,270 workmen being represented. The meeting bad been convened by the work- men's representatives on the sliding-scale com- initteewith the object of considering and formulat- ing amendments in the sliding-scale arrangement; of discussing the advisability of drawing up one scale for the whole of South Wales and Mon- mouthshire, and to decide whether the workmen's representation on the scale committee should be increased. It is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that, up to a few months ago, there were in existence three sliding-scales regulating the wage rate of South Wales miners-one being in force at the collieries of the associated coal- owners, the second at the Ferndale collieries, and the third in connection with the collieries of the Ocean Coal Company. The latter, however, .was abandoned three mouths ago, though a proposal in favour of formulating another scale has since been made. The present suggestion to have one scale regulating wages at all the pits has created great interest, and has been the subject of thoughtful discussion among the mining community generally, the agitation being the natural sequel of the recent crisis in the trade, when the men demanded, and were conceded, an advauce in wages over and above what the scale showed to be due. CO.> FERKNCIC OF HOUSE-COAL MEN. At 9 30 a.m., the liouse-c(ial delegates held a preliminary meeting to discuss matters pertaining to their interests, Mr John Price, llhondda, presided, Mr 1. Evans, Neath, astingassecretary. The first point was as to the advisability oi having a separate scale for house coal and steam coal. It was agreed-" That we, as house-coal workmen, go in for one scale for house coal and steam coal, with separate oasis." THE JOINT^CONFUBENCE, The joint conference of house and steam coal delegates commenced at 11 a.m., under tho presidency of Mr David Lewis, Brynmawr. Mr J. Jenkins, Llanfabou, was voted to the vice- chair, the attendance includinr Messrs W. Abraham, M.F. (Mabou), Puillip Jones, Thomas Griffiths, David Morgan, Isaac Evans, Morgan Weeks, Daniel Jones, -And Lewis Miles, the representatives of the men on the sliding-scale committee. THE ADMISSION OF THE PRESS. Much of the time of themesting was speut at tha commencement in discussing whether or not the representatives of the press should be admitted. Several propositions and amendments wore made, but eventually it was agreed without a division that reporters should be admitted, provided that the discussion on the proposed amendments in the sliding-scale arrangements were not reported. THE RECENT ADVANCE IN WAGES. Mr PHILLIP JONES and Mr ISAAO EVANS, of Neath, two members of the sliding-scule commit- tee, then gave a lengthy report of the proceedings at the recent conference of masters' aud workmen's representatives held in Cardiff, when an advance in wages was conceded. The particulars of this agreement have already boen published in these columns. £ Mr ISAAC KVANS, Neath, remarked thn,t much as tIC valued the advance secured, he appreciated still more the readiness shown by the masters to agree to the men's demaud to amend the scale. (Hear, hear.) The masters had made a very important advauce in this direction. (Cheers.) Previously they were ready to consider whether any amendments were necessary, but now they were willing to make whatever amendments would be found necessary and pro- vided the workmen's representatives could carry the proposals which would be submitted by them, the colliers ot South Wales and Monmouth- shire would reap very considerable advantages. A conference of both parties would shortly bo held, and he had reason to hope that the next audit bui one would be conducted under the amended scale. (Loud cheers.) This was a most favourable time to amend the scale, for, as Mr John Jenkins had frequently reminded them, siiding scale arrangements in the past invariably bore the impress of the period during which they were made. Personally, he was in favour of an entirely new scale. (Cheers.) Referring to the advance in wages, the speaker said that they as representatives bad done all in their nswer^o se<j«f§ .lm m1¥N' of the grufeiid that some of them Lhd prf>pai*»i tfaeiv March paysheets, and that they had uo 5»,ifch in retrospective payments. However, they had succeeded in obtaining 7 per ceut. on the 1st of April, and another 2 on the 1st of May, in addition to what the scale might then show to be due, and he would honestly tay that of all the settlements of which he had bad experience during the last twenty year?, this was the most satisfactory. (Loud cheers.) THE MONTHLY HOLIDAY QUESTIO-SHAIL THE DAY BE CHANGED? Mr DAVID MORGAN, miners' agent, followed, and explained the circumstances under which the month's notices were withdrawn. The withdrawal ) referred only to the general notices given in con- nection with the dcunuud tor an advance its wages, and did not in any way bind individuals who wished to move from one colliery or one county into another. (Hear, hear.) With reference to the holiday Question, the masters bad expressed a desire that the day bs changed from the first Monday to the first Saturday iu the month. The workmen's representatives on the scale had no authority to discuss this question but they had asked the masters whether, in the event of the m .1 change taking place, they would be willing to pay wages on Friday, in cases where the holiday fell on pay Saturday. The masters said that they would, and, 011 that understanding, he (Me Morgan) expressed a belief that the chango might well be made. (No, no.) Well, at any rate, that was his opinion. Mr W. ABRAHAM, M.P. (Mabon), said that in the Rhondda district disputes had arisen in reference to the withdrawal of the noticas, some managers not being willing to allow any of their workmen to leave. Be that as it might, the version he and his fellow representatives on the scale had given of the withdrawal was the true one, and in all the cases of disputes which had come under his notice, he bad unconditionally demanded, and had1 succeeded, in obcaiuing the return of the money withheld. (Loud cbeors.) If there were any other cases of a similar character remaining unsettled, ha would, if advised of them, adopt a similar course. (Cheers.) Now, as to the monthly holiday, the employers bad pressed upon them the urgent necessity of changing the day from a Monday to a Saturday. They had now abandoned the contention that the men had no right to the holiday-that was one point gained—(cheers)—all they urged was that it should be observed on a Saturday and not on a Monday, and that because of the injurious effect of a Monday holiday on the remaining days of the week. To prove this assertion the masters had quoted a mass of figures showing tho proportion of men working at various collieries on the days immediately succeeding the holiday, according to which the effect of the holiday was felt even until the Thursday of the holiday week, By these means, so the employers contended, the total output at the collieries bad been reduced to the extent of ten per cent., which meant a considerable loss both to employers and men. Now, seeing tha,t the masters were willing to grant the holiday, th'e question arose whether they as workmen would reciprocate that feeling by taking their holiday on a day that would least injure tbe work of the collieries. This was undoubtedly the fairost way of looking at the question. A delegate remarked that this question as to the day of the holiday had been thoroughly ventilated at the time the holiday was established, and there were now no additional reasons for changing the decision then arrived at. A motion adopting the report given of the agreement having been passed, an animated discussion arose as to whether the holiday ques- tion, seeing that it was not on the agenda, should bo considered. Several speakers contended that they had no right to discuss it and eventually it was decided by a large majority to adjourn it to a future conference, woen the voice of each colliery with refeience to the question should be taken. MB ISAAC EVANS AND THE CARDIFF TOKY JOURNAL. ALLEGED MISREPRESENTATION. Mr ISAAC EVANS, Neatb, asked the indulgence of the meeting to refer to what he termed the gross misrepresentation of his views in the leading article of the Cardiff Conser- vative paper for that day. (Mr David Morgan: This is nob the first time.) He should explain—(Mr John Jenkins: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill,ahd laughter)—that during last week be wrote a short article calling attention to that day's meeting, and forwarded cop'e.. of it for publication in the South Wales Daily News and its contemporary. The former iuserted it, but the latter did not. In the course of that article he cited a sliding-scale as arranged in June, 1832, in order that miners generally might have an opportunity of considering what amendments were necessary. Now the Conservative paper for that day was pleased to say that Mr Isaac Evans proposes a somewhat elaborate amendment of the existing scale, which stipulates, among other things, that 'the standard upon which .future advances and reductions are made shall be the several rates actually paid' for the month of December, 1879." These prices were mentioned by the writer as though they wore the rates that he now proposed, but so far from that being the case, those were the very figures he wished to see altered. (Loud cheers.) This brought the morning conference to a close, the delegates adjourning to dinner. THE AFTERNOON CONFERENCE. The conference was resumed at two p.m., when THE REVISION OF THE SLIDING SCALE became the subject of discussion. The CHAIRMAN said that there were on the agenda three points referring to this matter, viz- (I)-to consider and formulate the necessary j amendments in the sliding scale, (2)—to consider the advisability of forming one scale for the whole I of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and whether the representation thereon shall be increased. These were important subjects, and he very much doubted whether it would not be wiser to relegate the whole matter to a select committee, composed, say, of the men's representatives on the sliding-scale committee, with four or five otherr added. A committee of this kind could revise the scale very much more effectually than would be possible at a large meeting such as this, but the committee could report to a meeting of delegates to be again called. A Rhondda Valley Delegate, who said that be represented a pit of 1,200 workmen, proposed that they should give six months' notice to terminate the present sliding-scale arrangement. He considered it would be beneficial to them as a body of miners, and to the country at large, that they should be without any system of sliding scale for a short time. Let them take the voice of the meeting as to whether they should have a scale or not. The CHAIRMAN ruled this to be out of order. The motion, however, was seconded and'sup- ported. A Monmouthshire Representative asked whether the Ocean and the Ferndale men were represented that day. If not, it would be useless discussing tho one scale suggestion in their absence. Mr DAVID MORGAN pointed out that the question as to the existence of a scale arrangement could not be discussed, for the settlement recently arrived at between masters and men at Cardiff was distinctly conditional upon the men binding themselves to the principle of sliding-scales. (Hear, hear.) It was agreed that the scale should be amended, but, for all that, if both parties could not aree as to the nature and extent of the amend- ments, then the scale would fall to pieces. The workmen's representatives at the Cardiff meeting bad full power to settle the dispute in the manner that best recommended itself to them. Their action bad received the approval of that meeting that day, and therefore why quibble about the existence of a scale ? (Cheers.) Mr LLOYD remarked that were they to remain there for a week they could never agree upon a definite course of action, and therefore he proposed that a revision committee be appointed, that committee to report to a further meeting of delegates. This having been secouded, A lengthy discussion took place as to whether or not the sliding-scale members had exceeded their authority in this matter. Mr David Morgan and others spoke on this point, the feeling of the meeting being that the sliding-scale members were perfectly justified in the action taken by them. Several speakers urged that the subjects should be discussed that day, as they were ready with suggestions for amending the scale. A Penygraig Delegate suggested as a rider to the motion before the meeting that all such suggestions should be forwarded in writing to "the revision committee when appointed. A Monmouthshire Delegate was of opinion that the voice of the meeting should be taken as to whether one scale should be adopted for the whole of South Wales and Monmouthshire, and therefore proposed That this meeting is of opinion that the best interests of the colliery workmen of South Wales and Monmouthshire would be best served by having one scale regulating wages furthermore, that a committee be chosen by this meeting to draft and formulate amendments in the scale, and that the various collieries in South Wales and Monmouthshire wishing or having amendments to propose before the committee, should send them to the secretary of the sliding-scale, Mr Lewis Miles." Mr LLOYD thereupon withdrew his motion in favour of the one proposed by tbe last speaker. Mr ISAAC EVANS reminded the meeting that in this matter of having one scale, they would have to consult not with the Ferndale and Ocean men alone, but also with the house-coal workmen- (cheer.g)-who had separate opinions which must not be ignored. (Hear, hear.) The Ferndale and the Ocean men, though invited to be present, were not represented there that day, and that, he considered, showed pretty clearly what those people thought of the matter. It showed that they did not desire co-rperation, and certainly they in that meeting should not do anything that would tend to tie the bands of any section of workmen, or compel them to fall in with their views. He considered it would be premature to pass a resolution declaring that one scale would be beneficial. The opinion of the whole body of house coal men was that one scale with separate bases for honse and steam coal men—the wages of each section to b9 governed by its own prices- would give infinitely srreater satisfaction to the mining community in South Wales. There were thousands of steam coal men also of that opinion, men who considered that their connection with the honse-coal section had been a drag. Under these circumstances it was their'duty to do all they could to secure that which would give the greater satisfaction to the greater number, even should that prove to be financially a loss to them. Another house-coal workman from Clydach Valo followed in the same strain,pointing out that all the house-coal men desired was to be levelled up to where they had bean dragged from," Mr JOHN JENKINS, Llanfabon, said that for two years the house coal men had worked under a separate scale such as the one now suggested by them, and he challenged the meeting to show him that the house coal men had derived any h"Rrf'iJXtfr.r5Jlm9 very sorry to tind such a spirit maTittustad by the traase coal men. He had been under the impression that they were that day of one mind on tli3 question, and he was sorry to be undeceived. The three separate scales that bad existed in the past had been most detrimental to each other, and the only remedy was for the whole body of miners to agree to one scale. (Loud cheers.) If the house coal men bad grievances, let those grievances be redressed, but they certainly would not be remedied if they were to be disunited. (Hear, hear.) Mr ABRAHAM, M.P., said that the action of the house-coal men was quite contrary to what he had expected. If the house-coal men thought that having a separate scale to that of the steam- coal men would be of advantage to them. then he I would be the last to place the least obstacle in their way. But, for all that, he would be the last in the world to ad vocate the least rupture between the parties. An appeal had been made to the meeting to assist the house Coal men to secure a separate basis. Now, he was willing to remain quiet, and not to take any part in the movement, but be was not ready to promise to do anything to get two bases or two scales. There was no advantage to be gained by either of the two parties in separating. They tried separation for two years with no beneficial results. Would not a rupture then be a weakuess to their common cause ? Mr ISAAC EVANS contended it was the duty of the steam-coal workmen to assist the house-coal men, especially wheu, by so doing, they would not injure themselves. He quoted figures to show that the house-coal men had gained nothing by joining the steam-coal workmen, whereas the latter had materially benefited, Mr ABRAHAM differed, and said that, did time permit, he could easily disprove the statement put forward by the last speaker. Eventually Mr ISAAC EVANS agreed to the appointment of a revision committee, and the voice of the meeting was takeD as to whether it was in favour or against the one scale proposals. Out ot 160 present, 84 voted in favour of the motion, the remainder abstaining from voting either way. The proposal was therefore declared carried, and a committee, consisting of 12 members in addition to the workmen's representa- tives on the sliding scale, was appointed. ELECTION OF THE SLIDING-SCALE COMMITTEE. Messrs W. Abraham, M.P., D. Morgan, Phillip Jones, Thomas Griffith, Morgan Week?, Daniel Jones, and Lewis Miles were re-elected to represent the workmen on the sliding-scale committee. The conference then ended, having extended over seven hours.

THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. [FROM MONDAY'S MARK-LANE EXPRESS."1 The weather has been rather unsettled during the past week, and farm work has therefore beeu subjected to some little delay, especially where land is dense and insufficiently drained. Sowing operations, however, are well advanced. The aspect of autumn wheat continues very satisfac- tory. It is close and low down, but very thick, regular, and of excellent colour. Early sown barley is peering above the Kronud, nud IS of a healthy tinge, having seemingly started well. The markets of the past week have not fully supported previous quotations for English what. the deliveries being often miserably inferior in quality, condition, and weight. Flour has been neglected, and a turn cheaper, both at Liverpool and London; while the very important flour market of Glasgow was 6d lower on the week. Foreign wheats bave been in but small request. Trade in spring com has been lacking in strength, and without a very serious retrogression in value, the tendency in prices has not been in favour of sellers anywhere. Imports both of barley and oats abow diminution from the preceding week. Beans and peas are 6d cheaper at most markets. Maize is a trifla steadier from Wednesday, when the depression reached its acme, and 61 decline was quoted.

SUDDEN DEATH OF A FARMER. The Newport county police have received information of the sudden death of Mr Elijah Bishop, farmer, of Micbaelstone Vedw, which event occurred late on Saturday night, and have made arrangements for the holding of an inquest.

DR. DE JONAH'S LIGHT-BBOWN COD. LIVER OIL—IN CASES OF CHRONIC COUGII ITS EFFICACY IS UNEQUALLED.—Dr. Hunter Sample, Physician to the hospital for Diseases ot the Throat and Chest, writes I have long been aware of the great reputation en- joyed by the Light-Brown Cod Liver Oil introduced to medical practice by Dr. de Jongh, and have re- commended it with the utmost confidence. I have found Dr. de Jongh's Oil very useful in cases of Chronic Cough, and especially in Laryngeal Disease compli- cated with Consumption.' Sold only in capsuled Im perial Half-pints, 2s 6d; Pints, 4s 9d; Quarts, 9s, by all chemists. Sole Consignees, Ansar, Harford and Co., 210, High Bolborn, London. 1

Mrs Humphry Ward has been offer81 BI,000 for a short story 30,000 words long—at the rate of 8i a word. Mns S. A. ALLKN'S WORLD'S HAIR RESTORER never fails to restore grey bail- to its youthful colour. It acts directly upon the roots of the hair, invigorating them, cleanses the s< alp, removing dandruff, rendering the bair soft, silky, and glossy, and (ii-posing it to remain in any desired position. It has hosts of admirers, male and female, young and old. Sold by Chemists and Perfumers, •

NON-MAINTENANCE AT CARDIFF. WHY THE HUSBAND DECLINED TO PAY. At Cardiff police-court on Monday—before Dr Paine and Mr Rees Jones-John Thomas, a sail- maker, was summoned by the Cardiff Guardians to show cause why be should not contribute to the maintenance of his wife and two children, who bad become chargeable to the union. Mr J. H. Jones appeared for the defence. Mrs Thomas, defendant's wife, was called and stated that she bad been obtaining relief ever since her husband went to sea. Cross-examined by Mr Jones She lived in her own house with her two children. Last year a Mr and Mrs Ireland lodged with bar, as did also a second cousiu of the defendant's, one David Jones. There were three bedrooms in the house, one of which was occupied by witness and her children, Mr and Mrs Ireland .¡.r;-s tùo otWor, on<l felt* lodger) vbca licj-ae from sea, in the third. She emphatically denied ever having slept with David Jones. This being the case for the guardians, Mr J. H. Jones -.tddreis--d the bench, saying that from incompatibility of temper and other causes defendant and his wife bad not lived together for years. Defendant, however, had always supported her until returning from sea lately, when he heard sufficient to convince him that she had been euilty of adultery. Richard Ireland, who said be lived at 112, Craddock-street, but formerly resided with Mrs Thomas at 4, Telford-street. While living there with his wife David Jones,the mate of a vessel, frequently stayed in the house,and on each occasion occupied the same bedroom as Mrs Thomas. Mrs Thomas had the front bedroom, witness and his wife the room adjoining, while the children were in a room at the back part of the premises. His wife and he had often heard Jones and Mrs Thomas talking in the next room, and had seen Jones enter and leave it. By the Beuch He had a slight dispute with Mrs Thomas when lie left herbouse, but "nothing to cause any malice." Mrs Sarah Ireland, wife of the last witness, had beard Jones and Mrs Thomas talking together in the front bedroom, but had never actually seen them together there. By the Bench: She once taxed Mrs Thomas with her misconduct, and she admitted being in the room with Jones, but denied that any act of adultery took place. The bench, after a brief consultation, expressed the opinion that the evidence was not sufficient to establish the charge of adultery, and they made an order on defendant to continue his contribu- tions.

WELSH SUNDAY-CLOSING ACT. PUBLIC MEETING AT CARDIFF. THE POLICE AND THE ACT. On Monday night Mr E. Beavan presided at the Colonial-hall, Cardiff, over a very enthusiastic temperance gathering. In his opening remarks the Chairman publicly reiterated bis conviction that the Welsh Sunday-closing Act was a great success even in Cardiff, which had to contend with peculiar disadvantages, as it was a border town where men could stop trom wales into England and get drunk, Wales then being saddled with the responsibility. With all respect to the Head-constable of Cardiff, that gentleman bad always been against them in relation to that measure, and yet bad admitted that the act was a success. (Applause.) Of course the chief coostabte told the "special commis- sioners that it was a terrible and utter failure- (laugliter)-but when he went to his own records on the books, those silent messengers bore irrefutable testimony to the efficacy of the Act in Cardiff. From the 15th December, 1888, to the 15th March, 1889—13 weeks—there were only six convictions for Sunday drunkenness. (Loud applause.) Listening to the opponents of the act, one would have conjectured the hgures would have been 1666. (Laughter.) But, as a fact, they only numbered six half a man a week. (Loud laughter.) They could afford to wait the issue of the commission without flinching. (Applause.) He regretted that so good a nobleman as Lord Aberdare had been so easily led away by ex parte statements as to the Act. That the "special" statements were one-sided went without saying; it was only necessary to state that the special" emanated from the Western Mail. He moved the following resolution That this meeting fully believes that the Welsh Sunday-closing Act has been a great aaccess through- out the principality, not excepting Cardiff (though Cardiff is a border town). It further rejoices in the fact that an inquiry is to be held, by Roy il Com- mission, into the working of the measure, and is of opinion that such commission will result in a still more comprehensive measure, which will deal with bogus clubs and the bona tide traveller clauses, and so im- prove and strengthen any weak parts which may be open to abuse in the present act. (Loud applause.) Mr FITZGKBALD seconded the resolution, and argued that the campaign had defeated its own ends. It had simply roused the temperance party to fresh and forcible effort. I,, (Applause.) He should like to see the "special" before the coming "commission." (Laughter.) Mr BRTAN and Mr OWEN supported the resolution, the lattor remarking that before the passing of the act the streets of Cardiff on Sunday presented a melancholy and sad sight. The resolution was enthusiastically carried, and the CHAIRMAN afterwards pointed out that neither Father Junes nor Dr Gibbings had dared to accept his challenge to prove the statements made at a licensed victuallers' banquet that drunken. nesa was more rife now than before the passing of the act. (Applause.)

A cheap and efficient substitute for the band- grenades sold for putting out fire can be made by tilling ordinary quart bottles with a saturated solution of common salt. The salt forms a coating on everything the water touches, and makes it neaily incombustible. I

THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. I EXPORTS FOR MARCH. J Appended is a table showing the quantities and I value of tin plates and sheets exported from tbi* 1 country during the month ended March SI iarq.— United Sulh°r0.?: fe British North America e23 g'aA2 k Australasia c;, S France £ ,500 J Holland Sp £ .08? # Germany 264 X'BQ? 1 Other Countries J! i b,295 76,790 | TODS. 3S.568 £ 530,i55 f uomparea with the corresponding month ot last f year the bgures shew a very gratifying increase. ft The exports in March, 1888, totalled 32,681 tons, ft The exports in March, 1888, totalled 32,681 tons, ft the estimated value of which was £ 491,906, or some £ 40,000 less than the value of the quautity exported in March of the present year. For the three months ending March 31st, 1889, the quantity exported was 110,017 tons, representing au estimated value of £ 1,513,541. In the corres- ponding quarter of the previous year the quantity exported was 87.591 tons; the value, £1,312.822. For the first three months of 1887 the quantity was 77,559 tons the value, £ 1,047,303. It will thus be seen t6at there is a continuous and rapid expansion of the trade, the value of the exports in the first quarter of 1889 being over £ 200,000 in excels of that of the same period in 1888 and £ 466,000 more than tba value for the correspond- iug period in 18S7. j

THE TIN-PLATE SYNDICATE. | TO THE EDITOR. I SlB,—I notice iu your issue of to-day a letter ■ from Mr J. Rushton Turnock, which is an indica- 5 tion that there is still a disposition to coquette I with this tin-plate sydicate proposal. It is 'jailed I a consolidotion, but perhaps it is a little more I honest to call it, what it really would be, viz., a I syndicate. The word syndicate has got a bad I name. and as many people have good reason to think, deservedly so. Now, sir, it was clearly manifested at the meet- ing on luesday last that the absorbing considera- tion of the trade at the present, time is the prospect of an increased duty ou tin plate in America. This subject was almost more discussed than the actual business of the meeting. I am one of those who do not think that a large industry bke ours is going to receive its quietus so readily as soma suppose. Depend upon it, if we die we shall die hard. But we shall not die, any mort; than pig iron, or wool, or calico. At the same time it would bo a shivering blow, which we should only be able to counteract t by, if possible, cheaper methods of manutacture, Yet this syndicate is urged as a rpeans of protect- ing us against the Araericau Protectionists. What I nonsense Is the capital that is proposed to be ¡. subscribed going to demand no interest, to say nothing of dividend? Are the "preponderating number of ii,ills going to be purchased at half price ? I think not; but I rather fancy I see a number of makers chuckhne over their bargain. With this capital and these cheap mills, how are the Messrs Syndicate and Co. going to reduce the cost? Ch they are going to provide that no maker shall obtain more than 2s per box (I presume IC 14 by 20 basis) profit over bis cost. These promoters at the meeting stated that they knew nothing about the trade. Very truf, or they would know that the trade would feel like singing a constant doxo'.ogy if it could only have a steady sixpence, year in and year out, over and above its costs. But has this syudicate honestly any intention of confining the profit to 2 per box, and on whose cost is it to be based-the cheapest and most geographically favoured maker, or the dearest ? Let us see. One of the recommendations of these promoters was that they had successfully promoted the salt syndicate. Well, I see in to- day's paper it is stated by a conference of sea fishers that the syndicate had.raised the price of salt in Yarmouth 100 per cent., but a small r reduction had been obtained, bringing it down to the modest advance of 70 per cent. and, further. it is added, n the tiall industry could Dot bear the strain placed upon it." They could obtain the salt from abroad, but trusted they would not be forced to so unpatriotic.. procoeding, though some firms in Yarmouth had actually done so." Now, it is fair to assume that the same causes would produce the same effects when operating upon tin plates. Is it not so ? The question of stimulatad production and its prevention the promoters admitted they had not j considered. Yet this is the cruxof the whole qua*. tion. But forthi?,stimulatedoriiy byuaturalforces, j tin-plate makers could to-day be demanding f almost any price, for no trade has developed with greater rapidity. The reply was, tho syndicate could crush out competition. Well that is very doubtfol, and whether they are going to do in salt is doubtful too. It is ominous that on my return home from the meeting I found a prospectus of a new salt company awaiting me, and the next morning read of another. So the success of the salt syndicate is still a matter for history to record. Let us hopet for the sake of those concerned, it will not be disastrous as tin and copper. The wealthiest syndicate in the world could not carry the copper of the world, nor can, in my hnmble opinion, any syndicate long carry even the tin-plate tradn with its almost unlimited Dowers of increased { production. | I must apologise for so long a letter, and for so f young a member of the trade attempting to lecture it. I am surprised that tbe scious of the trade i have not more opanly pronouncad against it I wish nothing but permanent good to our industry. If my views are wrong I am open to conviction. I hope I have no prejudice*. I should have preferred a norr, de plume but lest I should be chargsd with cowardice t will subscribe mvself- Y ùur. & < W ALEXANDER TAYLOR Rodbrook, April 6th, 1889.

I LADY OVERSEERS AT NEWPORT. In the list of overseers tor the parishes in the Newport county patty-sessional division sanc- tioned by the magistrates at their last meeting occur the names ot two ladies. These stand for Goldcliffe and Redwick respectively with an overseer of tha sterner sex, who has been placed first in the list. For Goldcliffe the cverseer8 are Mr A. W. Harper and Mrs Elizabeth Green and for Pedwick Mr G. H. Tborne and Mrs Susan Hoggett.

FATALITY AT DOWLAIS. About 11 o'clock on Sunday morning a young man named John Sullivan was found dead near the No. 2 blast furuace in the Lower Works at Dowlais. Deceased was working in the cast house, and an hour or two previously was seen going to the place where his body was found. It is believed that the unfortunate young fellow was suffocated by the poisonous vapours. He was 19 years of age, and had only recently arrived in Dowlais from Ireland.

THE WELSH SHERIFFS. The following gentlemen have been approved by her Majesty in council held at Windsor on I Saturday to serve as sheriffs for the year 1888 for the enmities named :— ANGLESEY Col. Georee McCorquodale. of Gadlys. BELECON.-Thotiias Chichely mrgrave Watkins, of Brec■■«. esquire. CARDIGANSHIRE.—The R'-ent Hon. the Earl of Lisbunie, of Urosswood, Aberystwyth. CARMARTHENSHIRE alter Powell Jeffreys, of Cvnghordv, Llandovery esquire. "CARNARVONSHIRE.—kaward Brook, of Polo Hall,' Conway, esquire. DENBIGHSHIRE.—Charles William Townshend, ot Trevalvn. Wrexham, esquire. FLINTSHIRE —Edward Walthall Delve Walthall, of The Cottage, St Asaph, esquire. OLAMORGANSHIRE. sir John *Jones Jenkins, of Xbe Grange, Swansea, knight, AIEFLIOI;ETusulitF. -Richard Henry Wood, of Pant. glas, Trawsfynydd, esquire. JIONMOUTHSHIRE. Joseph Alfred Bradney, of Tily. coed Court, Monmouth. MONTGOMERYSHIRE.-Henry Leslie, of Bryntanat, esquire. PEMBROKESHIRE.—John Donal George Higgon, of Scolton, esquire. RADNOR.—James Allgood Beebee, of Womaston, Walton, esquire. I

DESPERATE THIEVES AT CARDIFF. At the Cardiff police-court on Monday Thomas Mackiu and William Newton, young men, were charged with stealing a <4 quantity of brass bearings from a boat at the 9 Taff Vale Little Dock, Bute-road, the pro- perty of the Taff Vale Railway Company, on the 6th instaut, A Bute Dock con- stable deposed to seeing the prisoners carrying [ a bag containing something aioug the canal. He apprehended Newton, and Mackiu then tripfwd him up, bit him with a stone, and threatened to stick him with a knife. In the strugfflo that ensued both prisoners got off.—-P.O. j Pheips« 5" the borough force, said he was ou duty I at Wood-street Bridge on Saturday m jrniog, when t he s»w the prisoners climb tbe fence alongside tbe 1 new church and run down Wopd-street. He foliowod them, and, regarding thoir conduct as suspicious, apprehended them in an empty house in Park- street. The prisoners were clearly identified by the dock constable, and were sent to gaol for two months.

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