Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

IN MEMORIAM. THE TAY BRIDGE DISATEIL A nation's moved to tears, and stands appalled At the sad scene whose mournful memory Will long be with us and has touched the heart Of peasant as of Queen. What wonder tho' we weep ? For so the Gracious Master wept as He beheld The scenes of human woe. The festive season—time of joy and mirth— Drew near its close, as 'mong the Scottish hills, And with expressions warm of kindliest hopes, Friends took their leave of friends, and then Commenced that journey whence was no return. Swift moves the train upon its onward coarse Its passengers—some joyful and some sad— Perchance beguile the time as best they may Some think with sorrow on the friends they've left— Friends whom they have, it may be, lov'd for years: Others, expectant, journey on to greet Those whom they hold most dear, and yearn to see Their faces, and to feel the clasp Of friendship's hand in warmest welcome given. All heedless of th' impending doom, they rush Forward upon the way where lies their fate. Without—the storm is terrible and wild: The mighty wind in fury seems to rage; Above—the sky with murky clouds is black, Portentous omen of disaster dire Beneath—the billows swell with angry roar, As though they were with sudden frenzy seized; Their road—the Bridge, a stately pile and fair, Which seem'd the storms of centuries 'twould brave. rnconscious most of that which is most near, They speed their rapid way through blackest night; The fatal spot is reached-a. horrid crash— Heard only by themselves, for those who watch Naught but the fury of the gale can hear ;— And swift into the cruel tide are hurled That priceless hundred of immortal souls Of once-fair prospects and hopes entertained There now remain but rudely-shattered wrecks And everywhere throughout the land are heard Sad sounds of lamentation and of woe. Why death thus came we know not—none can tell: But this we know, that He, the Great First Cause Of all, whose name is Love, ruled o'er that storm, And, whispers Faith, He doeth all things well W. G. F.

[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED,] NEMO. BY M 11 S. JJ. )1 0 E LEY. CHAPTER VII. (Continued). THIS charming little town possessecfthe greatest privilege a parish can possess—an excellent clergyman also a thorough organist, a well- trained choir, and a large fine old church, which was always filled. This church was built on a hill, commanding a varied and extensive view, First of all could be seen the three roads lead- ing into the town, all from one direction, one below the other on the side of a hill; then a succession of fields, by a pretty winding river, leading past a fine old bridge—much admired by antiquaries—to a little village with only a few houses; on the right, the ruins of a fine old castle, inrtlie midst of which a pretty mo- dern villa had been built; farther on field after field, with here and there the silver windings of the river; to the right the Welsh hills in succession closed up the horizon and to the left could be seen for miles the white turnpike roads, the one leading to the assize, and the other to the cathedral, town. There was a large and alas! well-filled churchyard, with seats for the" weary traveller to repose," some fine old elms, and though last not least, a Heaven-directed spire that could be seen- for miles round, with a melodious peal of bells. Carry thoroughly enjoyed the service on Sunday morning. There was the voluntary exquisitely played on the rich full-toned organ; the correct, good singing of the choir, and the earnest sermon that strengthened its hearers to bear up against the little, as well as great, trials of life, and directed them how to live, as well as how to die. Mr Bernard, the rector, was almost idolized by his parishioners. He seemed to possess the happy knack of penetra- ting into people's joys and sorrows without ap- pearing meddling or inquisitive. In their per- plexities and in their failings, he would always speak a word in season without appearing dic- tatorial. Many a one had poured "blessings on his kindly voice." After Carry knew more about him, she realised the poet's description of what a clergyman should be: His office saered, his credentials clear. By him the violated law speaks out Its thunders, and by him, in strains as sweet As angels use, the Gospel whispers peace. He 'stablishes the strong, restores the weak, Reclaims the wanderer, binds the broken heart, And, arm'd himself in panoply complete Of Heavenly temper, furnishes with ans Bright as his own, and trains, by ev'ry rule Of holy discipline, to glorious war, The sacramental host of God's elect."

CHAPTER VIII. THE week passed quickly and market day came with Lizzie Sewell for her visitors. Mrs Norman showed an almost strange unwil- lingness to part with them. After wishing them good bye over and over again, she stood at the door, watching them down the street. When they drove round the corner, and she was hidden from their view, a strange unac- countable dread fell upon Mary's heart, and for some time after they left the town her mo- rpo B$r's ^ace ^aun^e^ ker, and she experienced a I HOUSlParting from her that was inexplica- Meadow Lane, sidering that she was only going away now in the occui- days. Her companions were laugh- Apply to Mr THOM.vant of mirth, and teasing her about it was not on his account that she rrO LET ASSE' kac* heard from him that morn- 1 Entertainment lch better> and would sooa re- Harmonium.—For fu r, she soon brightened up, and TOVEY, Forge Hamir companions in observing the took or met on the road. Many rp0 LET, No. 10, Paused for a glance at Lizzie 1U lojf-retn uwhipped on her horse and •ivasana^—n the slightest possible bend of £ and a defiant curl of the lip '.e them admire her ten times jod P6 soi oi p9 } puss, she knew it too. "Mud arand overtook a strange medley on Jso/^ro crong, fresh-coloured, hearty young 'ivassnr k°me their marketings; mothers j on their heads a bag of flour and in tr arms a sturdy youngster; drunken endeavouring in vain to sit upright on their horses, and staring, with sottish leer, at every girl they met; newly-married, spruce young couples, lovingly driving home together; aged grandmothers walking laboriously, with the cold, clammy perspiration of weakness on their faces, along the road they had so often travelled with the quick, elastic tread of youth and hope—old women who have done their duty in that state of life unto which it has pleased God to call them—who, in spite of the toil and fatigue, like, now and then, to revisit the little town, where they meet with a warm, hearty welcome, and all possible respect. Here, too, in this quiet country road, are old women who, in their youth were giddy and heedless; despising good advice, they followed their own inclinations—and now, ragged in dress, their bloated features bearing the stamp of drunken- ness and vice, they are hooted at by boys and shunned by all. Can any spectacle be more wretched than that of a woman who has de- faced in herself all that God intended to be gentle, pure, and good ? Just before dark, Carry and her companions turned out of the road into a lane leading j down to Mrs Sewell's farm; and such a rough road as they went down, Carry thought never could have been made, or rather left unmade. It was jolt, jolt, jolt—shake, shake, shake; but the rougher the jolt the louder rang their laughter, which did not cease until they met a tall, finely-formed young man of about nine- teen, with clear, fresh, rosy cheeks, blue eyes, and a quantity of curly flaxen hair. He was introduced by Lizzie Sewell as "Tedclie," her youngest brother. There was a vast amount of droll, quiet humour about him, and he and Carry soon became great friends, though upon his first introduction he blushed and looked as shy as a young girl of fifteen. How can I describe" Rickery" farm. house: It was the coolest, the cleanest, the pleasantest of places, where young "people could be free: and merry, and enjoy themselves without fear of restraint or censure The front door opened into a very large room—half hall, half kitchen—but nevertheless a comfortable sit- ting-room. The cool stone floor was without a speck upon it; the oak tables, chairs, and dresser,were polished like mirrors; tho latter was filled from the top shelf to the bottom with a pewter dinner service, bright as silver, which was quite a heirloom in the family. Then there was the large diamond-paned window, with roses peeping in, and its deep comfortable seat, whereon lay the large family bible, open, with a pair of silver-framed spectacles lying by its side. Oh that was a charming room to enter it was to feel that worry and care were banished far away, and that dreamy rest and peace had taken their place. A door opposite the window was opened and there entered a tall, stately woman. She had so much dignity, such a stately figure, and a fine, noble, handsome face, that Carry almost felt she was about to be introduced to the lady of some baronial castle, instead of a well-to-do farmer's widow. Mary was evidently a great favourite of hers. She told Carry afterwards that she knew of no one with whom she better liked her daughter to associate Mary never gave herself airs or dressed above her station in life, or considered house-work degrading in short, she was more like the girls of her own day than those flighty, giddy things of the present, with their smat- tering of everything and perfect knowledge of nothing. There were three other sons besides Teddie, and Carry was surprised to find bow well- conducted and even gentleroanlyjtbey were,con- sidering the out-of-tho-way place in which they lived. Carry had not been long at the farm before she entertained great admiration for the whole household. There was ouly one maid- servant kept, and Lizzie Sewell was up at five, milking, cheese-making, feeding and dressing poultry, broad-making, cooking, ironing, and so on—dashing off her work as if not in the slightest degree fatigued or troubled, doing everything in such an energetic, cheerful way, that it was quite a pleasure to sit and watch her. Then after dinner, she would come down in some pretty, stylishly-made dress, her hair arranged in the latest fashion, quite lady-like in manner, and as free from all signs of fatigue as if she had been lounging about instead of working hard all the morning. Also how in- dustrious and praiseworthy her four brothers were—each attending to his separate duty upon the farm—never buying, selling, or arranging anything without consulting their mother.whom they treated with the greatest veneration and respect. They never disagreed with each other; were always cheerful and contented. With the whole family, flaxen-haired, rosy-cheeked Ted- die was the pet and favourite ho was the mer- riest and tho wittiest—his mother's pride and darling. Alas poor Teddie was doomed to an early grave, just in the pride and glory of his manhood. But at present no dark cloud ap- peared over the head of anyone, aud all was sunshine and mirth. It was the hay-making season, and many pleasant hours they all spent in the hay fields, working really hard. For the Sewells, though always hospitable and polite to their visitors, never allowed pleasure to inter- fere with any of their farm duties, so that Carry and Mary were always careful to be em- ployed, and not make themselves a hindrance to others. And then the appetites with which they returned from the fields The cooking at Rickery Farm was excellent. Never had Carry tasted better flavoured dacks, coffee, or tea than she did there. The butter and eggs were also the freshest, and the ham tho best-cured. The table-linen, too, was always perfectly clean,and the table well-arranged altogether the arrange- ments were entirely different from what Carry had supposed they would be. The evening after their arrival, Laura Field- ing, the only daughter of a neighbouring far- mer, called to tell Lizzie Sewell that their an- nual pic-nic to the Dacre Hill would take place on the following Monday, instead of a few weeks later, as previously intended. Lizzie Sewell was delighted, as Carry and Mary could be present. Then followed a dis- cussion as to dress, &c., Teddie offering to ride over to town and bring back any muslins or ribbons, &c., they might require. However, after adjourning up-stairs and making an in- spection, it was found that sufficiently appro- priate dresses had been brought with them. When this important matter had been arranged, nothing would do but the return of the whole party with Miss Fielding to supper at Hill- side," and accordingly they all went, except the eldest of the Sewells. Now Laura Fielding had two or three reasons for wishing them to return with her. She was very much in love with Teddie Sewell, and at the first sight of Carry she became jealous of her—not that she showed it in the least, for she addressed her as dear," and you darling," every moment; but she did not like the idea of Teddie and Carry being under the same roof for such a long time. She feared, poor little thing, that Teddie could not fail to admire, and perhaps love, such a fine, stately girl. Laura had a piano, and could sing and play fairly well, after a school-girl fashion. Poor as this was, her friends made much of it, as she was the only one among them who pos- sessed such an instrument, or could play upon one. She imagined, therefore, that at home she would enjoy a triumph over her imaginary rival, little dreaming how far Carry could excel her in that accomplishment. Laura was only sixteen, aud as amiable and agreeable as an only and much-spoilt daughter could be. It must be confessed that wicked Mr Teddie did try to make her heart flutter a little, and that be liked her, although not yet decid- edly in love. He did not like Mr Fielding,who was always snubbing him and treating him as a boy, appearing to consider his daughter much too good for him, so that Teddie felt a little in- clined to show that another had charms to fasci- nate him. Their way to Hill-side Farm lay through pleasant corn and bay fields, and Ted- die kept close to Carry's side, laughing and talking upon subjects far removed from love yet, wicked fellow, he managed to make a show, by looks and attitudes, of a meaning far dif- ferent from his words, so that poor Laura, who was following them, and, as he felt sure, was closely warching them, really imagined they were carrying on a serious and vigorous flirta- tion, and, in consequence, she suffered much from heart-ache on that pleasant summer's evening. At length they reached the house, and were received by Mr and Mrs Fielding. The former was a valgar, dictatorial, boasting, money- loving man, though thoroughly kind and warm- hearted towards those for whom he felt a liking. He met them with a pipe in his mouth and a cup of cider in bis hand. Mrs Fielding was a young-looking, quiet, subdued woman—a wife evidently well trained and well kept in her place by her husband. They were no sooner seated in the sitting- room than the piano was openeQ, and the com- pany informed by the host that Miss Fielding would give tbem some music. Now there is nothing more uDploasant than to visit at a houso where yon are condemned to listen for the whole evening to most indifferent music and singing. Politeness forbids your showing ennui, and demands your seconding the wishes of your host, however much you may be annoy- ed by hearing commonplace polkas and waltzes played in bad time for an hour or more. Such was poor Carry destined to endure at Mr Field- ing's. Then followed some songs, which were certainly an improvement upen the polkas; but they were bad enough, as Miss Fielding's sing- ing consisted of a low cooing, in which not a word was audible. She sang each song without the slightest variety of expression, from the commencement to the end, in one monotonous, low-voiced murmur. Teddy, who sat by the piano turning over the leaves, was quite enchanted. Poor fellow he thought all perfection, having never heard any- thing better. At length, Mrs Fielding, having been told by Lizzie Sewell that Carry played, whispered to her daughter, who turned round with a triumphant air, and asked Carry if she would kindly favour them with something. Carry had better sense than to play classical music, which would neither be understood nor appreciated, so she played two or three simple airs with variations in such a pleasing manner and with so much skill, that Laura Fielding, who was in reality a thorough good-hearted girl, gave full vent to her admiration, and com- menced deprecating her own style of playing much more than necessary. Notso Mr Fielding, who was fidgetty, talkative, and, at times, posi- tively rude, whenever his own daughter was not playing. To make use of an old saying, he was one of those who always think their own geese are swans. One piece of impertinence Carry highly resented—he constantly spoke of his daughter, a girl of sixteen, as Miss Field- ing," whereas he always alluded to Miss Sewell, who was some seven or eight years her senior, as Lizzie Sewell." They managed, however, in spito of all draw- backs, to spend a very pleasant evening, anJ Carry was a great favourite. She possessed to perfection the art of accommodating herself to any society in which she might be placed, and where her good taste was not offended by vulgarity and Mr Fielding, though a coarse man, bad sufficient good sense to see when his conversation was not agreeable.

CHAPTER IX. ONE of the greatest drawbacks to the pleasure of living in a quiet, retired, rural spot is the fre- qnent distance from a church—sometimes, too, the service is performed in a manner far from careful or reverent. After a walk, perhaps of some miles, on a broiling hot day in summer, there is certainly some advantage from the church being a cool retreat, but after a brisk walk on a frosty day in winter, when the body is iu a glow, and the blood coursing through the tingling veins, the damp, cheerless, stoveless church chills the very marrow, while in a wheezing voice a poor, shivering, badly-paid, half-starved, and 'thinly-clad curate struggles through the service. The Sewells lived some distance from their parish church, and on Sunday morning started off early, so as to take their time and not over- heat themselves. When they were about half- way there, they sat down upon some timber to rest, and a respectable-looking man came from a cottage near, and offered them some cider, of which they were really glad to accept, although, as Mary said, it was not a very proper thing to be doing on their way to church." Carry had never been in a regular old-fashioned country church before, and could not but admire the Sewells for walking so far to hear such a dead- alive service and to see so few faces as were to be seen there, even on a fine Sunday in summer. The rector had married the village school-mis- tress, who now presided at a little squeaking harmonium, surrounded by a choir of village children, very few in number, of whose singing she took not the slightest notice, screaming out herself at tho very top of a cracked flat soprano voice, which was not improved by the addition of sundry unnecessary shakes aud turns. Carry was so much horrified at the parish church and its service that the Sewells said they would take her, in the afternoon, to ano- ther, which would mako her think their church quite what it should be, by comparison. So, soon after dinner, Teddie and Carry set off, the others not caring for another walk after the long one of the morning—at the same time they joked Teddy, telling him he only persuaded her to accompany him to make Laura Fielding jea- lous, as she usually attended that church in the afternoon. They had not far to walk. When they reach- ed the churchyard they found about a dozen or more people assembled. All of these Teddie knew and he had kind enquiries to make of one, a jocose word for another, kisses for the babies, and pats on the head for the bigger children everyone appeared to look the bright- er for the presence of the handsome lad. Three o'clock at length came,then quarter-past —but not the slightest sign of a clergyman. One man said he supposed there would be no service, for, as he came past the Rectory, the servant told him her master was suffering from a bad cold. Well," said Teddie to Carry, if we are not going to have any service, we will go and see the inside at all events." The church had an older and more mouldy appearance than the one which they visited in the morning, but there was in it something which strangers came from miles aroend to see —a handsomely-carved oak rood-loft. So fra- gile and delicate looked the carving that Carry fancied a breath of wind would destroy it; yet, there it had stood, Teddie told her, for about a thousand years. The carving was exquisite. They were thinking about returning home,when at the church door they met a perspiring curate, rushing in with breathless haste to perform the service. The choir, consisting of five men and one woman, arranged themselves in a square pew near the belfry. They had no instrument, and Carry and Teddy were in perfect agonies during the singing. The prayers and sermon occupied just twenty minutes, being gabbled over at railway pace. Service was held at this church once a week, so this was all the religious consolation afforded daring that time to thode, of the congregation who were not able to attend other churches. Carry was amazed, but Teddie, who had been accustomed to that kind of thing all his life, took it quite as a matter of course. The Fieldings were there, and Laura trium- phantly took off the curate to spend the evening with them. So now it was Mr Teddie's turn to be jealous and uneasy, as Miss Fielding, with all her money, was just the girl to suit a needy curate. In the evening Carry felt tired, and gladly remained at home to keep Mrs Sewell company, whilst the others went for a walk, Teddie told his sister he was sure she intended haunting the Fieldings' house, hoping to catch a glimpse of the curate. (To bo coiituLUcd.J

Orders have been received at Chatham Dockyard tor i-eductions to he made in the ropeuiaking depart ment, and a number of hands will be discharged. Dynamite has been tried, at Monte Catilio, near Tivoli for pulverising rock adapted to the cultiva- tion of the olive, and the experiment is described as very successful. Thymus Butterworth, who was severely injured by the recent boiler explosion at Rochdale, died a few days ago. This makes tho third death caused by the accident. A statue of the late Earl Russell is to be placed in the House of Lords. It will be 6ft. 6in. high, and will represent his lordship in his usual attitude when addressing the House. The Russian Government are stated to have con- tracted with Messrs. Clark, Standfield, and Co., of W estminster, for the building of four more pontoons, by which the docking power of the depositing dock at the arsenal of Nicolaieff will be increased to 6,000 tons. The Nicolaieff is the only dock in the world capable of receiving the new Imperial yacht, which is now being huilt on the Clyde by Messrs. Elder and Co., and which has a beam of no less than 150 feet. Alfred Brennan, a clerk, has been charged on re- mand at Bow Street Police Court, London, with absconding from Ceylon, and embezzling the sum of £1,;)00" the moneys of his employer, Mr. Elphin- stone, a coffee planter of that place. Mr. Besley tor the defendant, took several legal objections, and asked that an opportunity might be given to discuss them before the extradition of the prisoner was ordered. Sir James Ingham acceded to this, and igain remanded the case. I The election of a School Board for Portsmouth I Clas been decided, under the cunmlative vote. Of ;e fifteen members composing the Board five re- ared. All the old members offering themselves for •c-election were returned, the result being twelve Liberals and three Conservatives, the eaine position politically as the previous Board occupied. Tho present Board consists of four members of the Church >f England, nine Nonconformists, one member I d the Jewish persuasion, and one Roman Catholic, i

FROM PONTYPOOL TO CALCUTTA BY THE REV. T. R. EDWARDS, (Late Student of Pnutypool Collige.) PORT SAr-O, fePEZ C-4 NAL, AND SUEZ. Nov. 3rd, o^'iltinuefd.—After posting our let- ters, we made back for the vessel, being allowed only two hours on shore. And glad we were when the steamer gave a loud shriek or two,sig- nifying its readiness to depart, and thus clearing away the hordes of Turks and Egyptians as- sembled on i. k. A few minutes more and we were off and fairly entnod the famous Suez Canal. The Suez Canal, it is known, was con- structod by M. Lesseps, a Frenchman, still living. It connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, and is one of the most daring achievements of the present century. From Port Said, the entrance on the Mediternulèao side, to Suez, at its northern extremity, where it joins the Gulf of Suez, it is upwards of 90 miles in length. About 50 miles of this distance is occupied by lakes, and the remainder is aidesert of sand, through which a deep cutting is made. This must have been extremely difficult, on account of the loose, shifting state of the sand, and the frequent and violent sand-storms which con- tinually blow across the desert. However, the engineering skill of M. Lesseps triumphed over all obstacles. The total expenditure was £ 16,000,000. As yet it has not realised the ex- pectations of its shareholders, but it is hoped that with the increase of trade it will yet pay. It would be unjust to suppose that the idea of a Canal across the desert originated with M. Les- seps. The idea is as old as the Israelitish bondage in Egypt/for with a degree of proba- bility it is conjectured that they were encaged on some such work. Certain it is that Pharoah Necho, about the 5th or 6th century B.C., was actively engaged in constructing a Canal, and would have completed it but that he was warned by an oracle to desist, on the ground that he was working for barbarians." This was true, be- cause, if completed, it would greatly have as- sisted the Persians to invade Egypt. Ptolemy Philadelphus, who li"bd 250 B.C., completed this great work, so that war vesselscould sail without any difficulty out of the Mediterranean into the Red Sea. Under the Roman sway it was kept in first-rate workiBg order, and proved exceed- ingly useful to them. Since then it has been almost entirely neglected, and now it is com- pletely filled up. But it must be remembered that this ancient Canal differed from the pre- sent in two important respects. The ancient Canal started from the River Nile to Suez, and waaconsequeatly a fresh-water one, while the pre- sent Canal starts from the Mediterranean to Suez, and is salt. These are the bare facts of the case. Certain it is that M. Lesseps has wrought a marvel, ar d made it permanently practical. Still there are many who say that he committed a great blunder in fixing upon the present site of the Canal. They say he could have constructed a Canal upon the ancient site for half the enormous sum the present one cost; and being a fresh-water Canal, this would have been a source of exceeding great fertility in the desert through which it passed, forming, like the ancient one, almost a second Egypt for fruitfulness. This, they say, alone would defray all the expenses connected with it. However, be that as it may, we entered the Canal at about 12 o'clock on Sunday. Vessels are not allowed to travel at a rate exceeding four to five miles an hour. This precaution is necessary—other- wise the vessels would run aground, and then the cargo would have to be taken out and placed in barges ere they could be got off again. Still, taking every precaution, this is a very common occurrence, and vessels frequently are delayed for days. The steering is so difficult through the narrow channel that a large staff of efficient pilots are kept for the purpose. In some places the Canal is so narrow that it is almost possible to leap on shore. For a longdistance from Port Said, on the side next Egypt, there is a large salt lake called Menzaleh, and in several places men and boys were wading or bathing in its shallow waters. On the side of the Can'al farthest from Egypt there lay a trackless desert of sand, no- thing but sand, glaring brightly 111 the burning sun. Presently, to our astonishment, its appear- ance was completely cliauged, and a beautiful, softly-smiling lake, stretching as far as the eye could range, came to view, dotted here and there with numerous islands rising abruptly from its clear, blue surface. It reposed softly, like a mirror, in the brightness of thp It appeared so distiuct that every one ;ve vowed it was real. This was the Mil ego the Desert.' We had read much about it, but little did we think that we should ever see it. I. flow strange! how wonderful!" all simultaneously exclaimed. But its loveliness only hides away its hideouaness, for, lured by its apparent reali- ty, the traveller, thirsty and weary, has often turned aside and given chase, hoping speedily to bathe in its cool waters and slake his burning thirst; but at length, to his infinite disappoint- ment, it grows more and more hazy, and at last vanishes altogether away, leaving him far more thirsty than before, besides being exhausted and bewildered, and the result is that he droops and dies-that most horrid of all deaths-of thirst. Soon the birds of the desert gather round, & be- fore long all that remains of him are a few white bones bleaching in the sun-sad landmarks of death, too often, alas seen in the desert. What I a series of endless horrors the history of this il- lusion, if written, w, uld present. How strik- ingly illustrative this of the folly of seeking I true happiness in tLVthings of the world, and of making such purbaits the great aim of life Thousands, alas when too late, have found out their mistake-that they have been chasing an I illusion as deceptive as the mirage of the desert. I About 5 o'clock we came to the end of the lake Menzaleh. Here stands the way which from time immemorial has been used by travellers in passing to and fro between Egypt and Palestine. Hundreds of armies, with thundering tread, have crossed at this point. Along this route the Patriarch Abrabau: passed to and from Egypt. And here, too-O wonderful thought-tbe Sa- viour of men, the Redeemer of the world, was borne along, while yet a helpless babe, by his parents, into Egypt, fleeing away to escape the inhuman cruelty cf Herod. We stood gazing on the spot until it grew hazy in the distance, aad then drew away our eyes with feelings no tongue can tell. In many places the desert waa completely hidden from view by the depth of the cutting, the sand on either side looking like immense dirty snow-diifts. When the sliadcB of evening gathered round, the vessel pulled up for the night, daylight being indispensable to large vessels proceeding through the Canal. After a short but impressive service, we retired to rest, undisturbed by the motion of the pro- peller. (To be continued.)

VOLUNTEER UNIFORMS. Regulations have just been issued by the War Office as regards the supply of clothing to the Vo- luntecr Force. It is evident that the desire of the authorities to compel the adoption of the national scarlet is as strong as ever, as every inducement in the mode of payment is held out to corps adopting that colour. Application for permission to change the colour of the uniform of Rifle Volunteer Corps will be favourably considered, provided the change be to scarlet. Prepayments will not be required from Artillery and Engineer Corps, norfrom Corps clothed in scarlet, for clothing supplied from Go- vernment Corps, but the value of the articles will be recovered by a deduction from the capitation grant, to the extent of not more than one-third of the amount earned by the corps for the year. If the value of the clothing required exceeds one- third of the capitation grant, the balance will be spread over the next two or three years; while corps clothed in grey or green will be required to pay for any clothing they may want before the order for its issue can be given. This partiality to scarlet doubtless arises, to a very great extent, from the simplicity which would be produced in the supply of clothing from Pimlico if only the one colour were demanded; but, as matters stand, corps clad in grey or green will be severely handi- I capped by the advantages offered to their comrades in scarlet. I —————mmmtm

SAD RESULT OF SPECULATION IN FOREIGN LOTTERIES.—An inquest was held at the Black Horse Inn, Swansea, on Saturday, on the body of a man named Thomas Ridd, 45 years of age, who about eight years ago returned from Australia, where he had accumulated a considerable amount of money. It appeared that deceased shot himself with a revolver on Thursday last, while in a state of temporary insanity." Several tickets in fo- reign lotteries were found among his papers. Kpps's GLYCERINE JUJURFS. CAUTION. These I effective and agreeable confections are sold by most Chemists. By othe-s, however, attempts are often made at substitution. jVe therefore deem it necessary to caution the public that they^Ban only be obtained in boxes, 6d. and Is.; Labelled JAMES Epps & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, 48, Threadneedle Street, and 170, Piccadilly, London.

CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. We have received from the Reverend Henry Carrow, of London, Hon. Sec. of the Prayer-Book Revision Society, papers on a subject of the gravest importance to the community at large, namely, Auricular Confession and Priestly Absolution. These Papers consist of the copy of a bill intro- duced into Parliament by Lord Ebury (President of the Society) near the end of last Session, for the alteration of a few passages in the Book of Common Prayer which have been wrongfully utilised in support of Auricular Confession and Priestly Absolution. When this Bill is re-introduced by Lord Ebury next Session, it is proposed, with a few technical alterations, tc add a clause to the following effect: Wherever in the Book of Common Prayer the word Priebt' is used as designating a Minister of the Church of England, such word Priest' shall be deem- ed and held to have the meaning of the word 'Presby. ter' and no other meaning. We have also received from the Secretary an ap- peal to the country for support, upon the result of which Lord Ebury's future actionem respect tq the Bill will greatly depend; it is understood that Lord Shaftesbury has already expressed full con- currence in the step taken by Lord Ebury. A form of petition in favourof the Bill has also been forwarded, expressing regret at the rapid in- crease*of the practice of auricular confession and priestly absolution in this country, as being alike inconsistent with the Protestant character of the National Church, injurious to public morals, and subversive of the peace of families and it is added that some members of the Episcopal Bench, when appealed to, have expressed their inability, under the existing state of the law, to deal effectually with the evils complained of. We have been requested to give publicity to the above communication, and to mention that a writ- ten copy of the petition, together with any further information that may be required, will be for- warded on application to Mr J. Still, Prayer-Book Revision Society, 17, Buckingham Street, Strand, London.

THE IMPRISONMENT OF A WELSHMAN FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT, In the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice, on Tuesday, an application was made to the Right Hon. the President in reference to the imprisonment of Mr Evans, who resides near Pontypool. It will be remem- that he was ordered to bring in a will in the suit of Evans v Williams, and failing to do so he was sent to prison at Usk for contempt of court. Mr Bayford said that the gentlemen had sent in the will, and thus he now complied with the order of the court, and he asked to be released from custody as to- morrow was his birthday. (Laughter.) The applicant was quite willing to pay the costs of the proceedings. Sir James Hannen said that he. had done all he could, so that the applicant should not be in custody at Christmas. Mr C. A. Middleton said that he had no information that Mr Evans had acceded to the order of the court. Mr Owen, the registrar for the day, said that he had a will handed into court of William Evans, dated the 13th of July, 1874. Mr Middleton said that being so the only question was as to the costs. All had been done to save Mr Evans from the inconvenience of being in prison. Mr Bayford said there would be no question as to payment of the costs from his client. Sir James Hannen said that he would grant the re- lease of the applicant, and the question of the costs could be discussed hereafter. He would now make the orderfor release and order Mr Evans to pay the costs then the other side, if necessary, must enforce that payment.

GOVERNMENT AND THE LONDON WATER SUPPLY. The Land Agents' Record, referring to the early acquisition by Government of the London Water Companies, says,—"The policy of the Government will probably be to ask for a cer- tain amount of Government stock, which will be exchanged for the existing stocks at the value to be decided upon. Seeing that 3 per cent. per annum is the average rate returned to investors by those securities during the past year, and that that is also the rate paid by the Metropolitan Board of Works on the borrowed capital secured upon London rates, it is not improbable that the stuck exchanged by the Government will carry the same rate of inter- est. Should this prove to be the case stock- holders will at once realise the fact that, in place of their present principal and interest, they will hold a British Government stock the average price of which may be fairly stated at 102."

STEAMER SUNK NEAR THE MOUTH OF THE USK. On Monday night, the steamer Maindeo Park, belonging to Newport, from Bilbao, with iron ore, came into collision with the steamer Ran- ger, for Dublin, with coal. The Ranger sank near the mouth of the River Usk, and the crow got on board the Maindeo Park, which has sus- tained considerable damage to her bows. It was deemed impracticable to bring the Maindee Park into dock. She is owned by Jones Bros.

There are no less than fifteen Bills or notices of motion, which affect the drink traffic, in one way or another, next Session. TheState line steamer Mikado, which arrived in the Clyde the other day from New York, expericna <i very heavy weather in the Atlantic. Tremendous seas swept the decks, and while one of the stewards of the ship, a young man namod Stewart, was draw- ing water at one of the pumps, he was washed over- board and drowned. Details are only just coming to hand of the damage done in Scotland by the gale of the 22nd December. On Lord Kinnaird's estate of Rossie 2,800 fine trees were uprooted, and on Lord Breadalbane's property, between Drummond Hill and Aberfeldy, from 7,000 to 8,000 trees were destroyed. Western Inverness- shire suffered severely. Yielding, it is stated, to the solicitations of his con gregation, expressed through his deacons and elders, the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon has consented to remain another few weeks in Mentonc, where he has already experienced much improvement in health. SINGULI R CHARGE OF BRIBERY.—The prosecu- tion of W. Coath, late cashier of the Patent Shaft and Axle-troo Company, was completed at Wolver- hampton on Friday. The accused was committed for trial at the Stafford Assizes, bail being re- fused. Coath made a long statement, alleging that in tbe company's private ledger were entries of bribes in sums of from .£10 to X 100, paid to in. spectors, engineers, and others, when they came to the works, to pass wheels and such like things made for their employers. The prosecution has already searched in vain for the private ledger. Coath, however, declares one was kept. THE AMENDMENT OF THE LAW.—Mr Arthur Charles, Q.C., the Recorder of Bath, in addressing the grand jury of the quarter sessions there on Friday, said two important Acts of Parliament had recently come into operation-one of which provi- ded for the establishment of a public prosecutor. Hitherto there had been, no doubt, failures of jus- tice but they hoped that the eminent gentleman who bad been appointed to the office would be able to cause justice to be more effectually admin- istered. The other was the Summary Jurisdiction Act, which gave largely increased powers to justi- ces of the peace, and would indirectly affect quar- ter sessions, inasmuch as by its provisions persons summarily convicted would have the right of ap- peal. HOLLO WAY'S PILLS.—Weary of Life. Derange- ment of the liver is one of the most efficient causes of dangerous diseases and the prolific of those melan- choly forebodings which are worse than death itself. A few doses of these noted Pills act magically in dispelling low spirits and repelling the covert attacks. made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos- pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excitement The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway's Pills, which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for taking these Pills, and obediently putting them In practice, the most despondent will soon feel confident of a perfect recovery. THE REV JOHN SHEWARD, of Milton, Kent, writes October 29tb, 1878 My nerves were so shattered that I dreaded the simplest duties, and lost all energy and pleasure in the performance of them. The despondency I endured became almost unbearable. Since taking COBDEN'S PILLS the change in my health for the better is very marked. I have lost that horrible depression, my nerves are much stronger, and my geueral health very greatly improved. I cannot express how truly thankful I feel for the remarkable and pleasing change." COBNEN'S QUININE AND PHOS- PHOROUS PILLS give strength, energy, and vigorous vitality. Infallible in Neuralgia.—Ask for COBDEN'S PILLS," 2S. 9d. and 4s. 6d., and have no others. Any Chemist will get them if they are not in stock, or they will be sent, Post Free, on receipt of 33 or 54 stamps (great saving), by the Sussex Drug Co., 135, Queen's Road, Brighton. Local Agent:—E. B. FORD, Chemist, George Street Pontypool. Well, my dear, how did you enjoy yourself at the Tea Party?" Oh, very much, mama; Mrs Jones had splendid Cake and such nice Pastry from FCBLOW'S, in Crane-street, Pontypool.—ADVT.

HORRIBLE MURDER AT HENDON. On Saturday the body of a man named William Sibley, residing at Burnt Oak, Edgware, was found floating in the Bront River. On examination it was found that some parts of the body had been cut awav and were missing. The remains were removed to the Midland Hotel, at Hendon, and inquiries were set on foot, when it was found that Sibley, who is 61 years of age, slept on Friday night with his son at Burnt Oak. The son did not see him get up, and did not wako until eight a.m., about the time when the body was found, three miles off in the river. In- spectors Millward and Bandister were engaged in trying to unravel the mystery all day on Saturday, but nothing could be found of the missing parts of the body. On Sunday morning, however, the local ?olice, imder Inspector Goldsmith, and Sergeant 'orter, were dragging the river very early, and also searching around the spot, when' tlioy found some distance away the missing parts hidden in the hedge. They subsequently found a hat and a sack, also hidden, and lastly, a knife covered with blood. This was a sharp one, and similar to a dessert-knife, with a white handle. There can, therefore, be no doubt but that the deceased met with his death from foul play, as there were only a few spots of blood in front of the bridge; and the missing parts of the body were found 20 yards from the place where the de- ceased was put into the water, whilst the knife was carefully hidden away. This leads unmistakably to the conclusion that the body was first mutilated and then thrown into the river, which is very wide hero. It is supposed that the man was brought to the bridge in a cart and then thrown over into the water. The body was at first seen about eight a.m. on Saturday, by a man named George Abery, who was driving past in a cart, and who, with the assistance of two men who were with him, got out and threw a rope over the floating body, and thus got it to tho shore. The greatest excitement exists in the neighbourhood owing to the shocking discovery.

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MONEY ORDER SYSTEM. It has long been felt that considerable improve- ment might advantageously be made in the money order system. Post-office orders are very useful np to a point, but their use is complicated and expensive, and the introduction of a simpler system of transmit- ting small sums of money would be very serviceable. With this object a bill has been prepared to be laid before Parliament during the coming session to legal- ise a scheme of postal notes in conjunction with money orders. The idea is to issue notes of fixed sums of 2s. 6d., 5s., 10s., and 20s., the two first to 4 charged one penny each, and the two latter twopence each. These notes are to be payable to bearer at any savings bank or money order office, while, to ensure extra security, senders will be able to cross such notes, or make them payable at any particular office, and to insert the name of the payee, thus giving them all the safety of a crossed cheque payable to order. An important feature in the scheme is that these notes will be sold in books as well as singly, so that the necessity of going to a money-order office every time money is to be transmitted, and between certain hours in the day, will be done away with. Persons making periodical payments can always have a book of notes ready to be filled up and. sent out, without any trouble beyond the posting. Such a system of paper currency could not fail to prove of great service; and as the originator of the idea is Mr. Chetwynd, re- ceiver and accountant-general to the Post-office, and the author and joint organiser of the present system of the Post-office Savings Bank, there is good reason for believing that the scheme has been well thought out in all its bearings.

TERRIBLE MURDER AT GLASGOW. A shocking murder is alleged to have been per- petrated in Glasgow on Saturday morning, which, in its details, reveals a sad state of immorality. It ap- pears that a blind man, named O'Neil, and his wife took in a lodger named Joseph Miller at their house in Moodic's Court, Argyll Street, about the beginning of this month. The lodger and Mrs. O'Neil, it is said, became too intimate, and the blind husband, ir- ritated at his wife's conduct, kept to the room of their dwelling, Miller continuing all the time, however, to reside in the houo in Moodie's Court. On Friday night, however, O'Noil returned to his own house, and a sort of reconciliation is said to have taken plac e. Drink was sent for, and a large quantity consumed. Dancing and singing -frere also indulged in, and great hilarity was exhibited all round. Early on Saturday morning the company retired to bed, O'Neil going to the room bed, Miller and O'Neil's wife being left along with O'Neil's children in the kitchen. Some time after O'Neil retired to rest his wife made her appearance at his bed, and the old quarrel was re- newed, O'Neil accusing his wife of being unfaithful. fr". O'Neil afterwards left the room, and went out- side on some errand. Miller, during her absence, went into the room occupied by the blind husband, and quarrelling was again indulged in. In a short time the sound of broken glass was heard, and Miller returned to the kitchen, shutting the room-door after him. Some of O'Neil's children opened the door, hov""v> f.tyl bGown iL,, window glass broken went down to the court below, where they found the body of their father lying on the pavement, terribly wounded, his head being dreadfully smashed by a fall from three storeys. The police were apprised of the matter, and Miller and Mrs. O'Neil were soon after apprehended. The poor blind man was lifted up. and conveyed to the police station on a stretcher but he died on the way. Prisoners were remanded'

SINGULAR CASE OF SOMNAMBULISM. Alfout twelve o'clock the other night, as Police- constable Costello, of the Cheshire constabulary, stationed at Willaston, was on duty at the Five-lano- ends, near Neston, his attention was aroused by hearing the sound of Homeone moaning in the road in the direction of Ashticld, and, on going that way for a short distance, he met a man running along the turnpike road without anything on him but his shirt, am1 fast asleep. The officer, seeing his condition, s<oj.ped him, and with some little trouble roused him from sleep. He then found that his name was Andrew Nonnan, and that ho was a farm labourer, in the employ of Ir. Henry Peers, farmer, Ashfield. The man was then taken to the farm premises, where lie was put to bed in his own room. It appears that Norman slet. in an attic, and that in his somnambulistic condition he had opened the window and fallen to the ground, a depth of about eighteen feet. He fell against a zinc bucket which was underneath his window, and the utensil was considerably dinged by the impact, notwithstanding which the man continued asleep, and started off at a running pacc along the turnpike road, the only in- jury he had sustained being a slight scratch on one of his knees. When the officer met him he had traversed a distance of about a quarter of a mile. When he came to his senses he stated that he had been dreaming that a man was trying to murder him, and that he had made his escape from his assailant.

SAD DEATH OF MR. SERJEANT PARRY AND MRS. PARRY. We regret to announce that Mr. Serjeant Parry died very suddenly on Saturday, and that Mrs. Parry died from grief early on Sunday morning. Serjeant Parry was one of the most finished advo- cates who for many years have practised at West- minster Hall. He enjoyed exceptional natural ad- vantages. He had a commanding presence, a singularly dignified bearing, and an almost unique charm of voice and delivery. He was called to the bar early in life, and became a serjeant as far back as 1856. From the time that he thus took rank" he was retained in all the chief nisi-prius cases, and for many years past had a very largo business. With the one exception of Serjeant Ballantine, he was practically the last of the ancient order of the Serjeants. His other brothers have cither been raised to the bench, or retired from the profession, or devoted themselves to some limited and special branch of practice. In private life Serjeant Parry had no enemies, and many friends. He was uni- versally respected, while those who were privileged to know him entertained far more for him than mere regard. In early life he was a man of letters, and although of late years he never took any active part in politics, ho was always an advanced Liberal. Hia age is 64.

A correspondent says that a shoemaker named Curketiz has just died at Bromberg at the age of 112. At a meeting of the Mansion House Rowland Hill Memorial Committee on Friday it was stated that the subscriptions now amount to about ;Clo,ooo. A fire occufed, on Saturday, in the hemp stores of Messrs. Preston and Co., Bridgetown, Glasgow. Damage to the amount of several thousand pounds was done. On the last day of December two Englishmen btaying at Davos made the ascent of the Schwarzhorn. They fonnd the summit free from snow; thfl sun was unclouded, and the air warm and genial Mr. W. It. Taylor, in business as an engineer at Rochester, on Thursday sued W. T. Thompson and Co., iron merchants in London, at Chatham County Court, for the recovery of Xio. 5s., for damage's sustained through the non-delivery of nine and half tons of bar-iron, as per agreement. Plaintiff stated that the amount claimed was the difference in the price of iron since it should have been delivered and at the time ho was compelled to purchase bar-iron from another company. An order was made for plaintiff, with costs of solictor. Some peasants of Gaza, while rummaging in a sandhill at Tell et Ajoul, discovered lying on its back a splendid marble statue of Jupiter. They sold it to a merchant for a trifle, but the Turkish Governor repaid him the money, took possession of the hill ind is trying to sell the statute, for which the Prussian Consul has made a bid. It is not yet wholly unearthed, but M. de Reinach pronounces it to be of the best Alexandrian age, the faco and hair being admirably chiselled, and it may, perhaps be a jopy of Phidias'is Jupiter Olympus.

T fLontfon TorrtoponDtnct. Family afflictions, like other misfortunes, seldom come singly. Mr. J. L. Toole, who is one of thl1 warmest of friends as well as the most popular oi comedians lost his eldest son a few weeks ago, and now he has to lament the death of his sister-in-law, the wife of Mr. Frank Toole. Her health had long been failing. There is no real break in the efforts being made to establish a coffee music hall in London. The work is still being quietly done. But the holidays have, of course, scattered the supporters of the idea, and they will not be back to town until the end of the month. There is reason to believe that the work will then be vigorously pursued and carried to the point of an experiment before many months have passed. Another nonagenarian is gone. General Sir John Low has succumbed to weather which has been so fatal to aged men. He was in the East India service when Lord Wellesley was Governor-General, in the bad old days of Indian nabobs, ten years after War- ring Hastings had been acquitted. He might have commanded at Waterloo. He did take part in quel- ling some of the disturbances in the earlier part of the century in India and he served in the Indian Mutiny. He spent his life in India, and yet reached an age which few Englishmen attain. What was his secret for combating the Indian climate ? Although it is announced that no attempt will be made at present to imprison the Rev. Mr. Mackono- eliie, sufficient information is at hand to show that more is intended than to deprive him of the office and benefice which he holds in the Established Church. This may be owing to the fact that Mr. Mackonochie has not concealed his intention to test the matter to the fullest, and already his patrons ire preparing for a vigorous resistance to the bishop, who, it is alleged, has family relations with more than one of Mr. Mackonochie s way of thinking. v • No inconsiderable surprise is evinced here at the earnestness shown in certain quarters to promote funds for the relief of fugitive Mussulmans in East Roumelia, whilst famine is, according to the highest official authority, raging within a few hundred miles of this Metropolis, and in a portion of this United Kingdom. The well-known sympathy of the Baroness Burdett-Coutts with the war-stricken population of the East is acknowledged and re- spected but the adage that charity should begin at home weighs very much in the public mind at pres- ent, and we can scarcely be called selfish for first taking care of our own. ■* Much amusement has been caused in London society by a rumour to the effect that during a "lark" amongst the youngsters on board Her Majesty's ship Bacchante the two young Princes, sons of the Heir Apparent, had been tattooed on the tips of their noses with a mark intended to represent an anchor, thereby suffering a considerable facial disfigurement. The affair has been grossly exaggerated. The "lark" is admitted, and the tattooing was one of its features but the mark is said to be on the side of the nose, and not on the tip, and is so minute as to be almost imperceptible. Still there can be no doubt that the whole proceeding was reprehensible, though the Princes were consenting parties. The news of the death of Serjeant Parry has been received with general regret in legal circles and, in- deed, in society as well. The learned serjeant had been ill but a short time, and a mournful interest attaches to his death from the circumstance that it was attended by that of his wife. Serjeant Parry belonged to the elder order of eminent members of the bar, and had held briefs in most, if not all, the great cases of his time. It may be said of him that he was born to the bar if he was not destined for the bench. A commanding presence lent force to an eloquent tongue. He was familiar with all the arts of his craft, and shared with }Ir. Henry liawkins- now the Justice of that name—the reputation of an exceptionally subtle cross-examiner. Serjeant Bal- lantine is now the last of the old order of serjeanta- it-law. ♦ Professor Tyndall has exploded Mr. Ellison.: sleetric light. He is almost the only man who <>uld have written tho article in the Saturday Review" on Mr. Edison's invention. Point by point the great expositor Qf the Royal Institution ;ocs over the new system of Mr. Edison, and point by point he finds each discovery not only old but obsolete. The light which has astonished the cor- respondents is, it seems, produced by just such machinery as a clever inventor ignorant of the whole history of electricity would put up. Dr. Tyndall believes the story as to the cost to be an cxaggora tion. The whole thing is exaggerated. Nor does he believe that Mr. Edison has invented a remedy for neuralgia and set up as a vendor of patent medicines. His reason for disbelieving it is that Mr. Edison is said to have taken the medicine him- self. That is obviously an exaggeration. The attack made upon a priest while officiating at the altar of the Italian Church, Hatton Garden, is attributed to Socialism. It is pointed out that Father Hakanowski, who is a Pole, once wrote a pamphlet severely condemning the German Socialists, md this fact is said to account for the attempt made to assassinate him. The would-be murderer is a German, who gains a modest livelihood as an usphalte maker, and it is mentioned as a curious fact vbat the revolver and dagger taken from him were new, and of a kind which a man in his position would be unlikely to be possessed of. At present the popu- lar solution of this mystery is that Scossha was the instrument of a society of vengeance, by whom he was provided with the weapons. The man is not mad, and he was not drunk. The incident has made a great sensation in Roman Catholic circles, and on Sunday the church was visited by crowds of sympa- thising adherents. It is stated that the attack upon Father Bakanowski was witnessed by two policemen, who took no steps to arrest the assailant until after he had been disarmed. The opening of what used to be called term" at Westminster Hall, but what by some strange irony is now called "sittings," is an event which has its suggestive as well as its melancholy side. With a torrent of business which the Courts appear unable to stem, and with suitors and cases by the hundred iwaiting hearing, most of the judges left town on Monday for the various circuits, not to return till the month of February is far advanced, if not, in. doed, actually ended. By some economy of judicial time one Coul-twill be kept open, and perhaps occa- sionally two judges will bo sitting at Nisi Prius, bu this will only have the effect of making the dearth of j udieial strength more apparent, and serve to give to Westminster Hall, perhaps, even a more deserte aspect. This state of things is causing a great dea of comment not altogether complimentary to thos< who have the control of the judicial arrangements. It is genorally thought that some very importan modification will have to be introduced with regari to the general arrangements, or that at least three more judges will have to be appointed. The metropolis ia likely to be verp much"excrcise< on the question of paying the chairman of the schoo board. A memorial is being got up by persons out side the board recommending, or praying, or what ever you like to call it, that a salary of f2, 000 a ycai shall be allotted to Sir Charles Reed, who has jus been re-elected but why or wherefore pobodj seems able to explain in any satisfactory manner The board, I believe, has power to do it, and if th same spirit animates it as prevailed in the last, have no doubt it will but, in justice to the rate payers, the,idea should have been started before th last election instead of just after it. For one thing if it had been known that the chairman was to hay a salary the board might have commanded the ser- vices of much abler and better-known men than Si Ie. Reed, whose administrative powers arc rather o the flabby order. A salary of £2,000 a year woul, have secured the services of such a man as Mr Ayrton or Mr. Bouverie, or some other statesmai out of work. Sir C. Reed may he of the best tha can be got for us, but he is not what London ough to have at that price. With the majority the pro posal is regarded as inopportune, if not slightly im prudent.

The number of tires which occurred in the metrop olis during the year 1879 exceeded by fifty-nine tha of the previous year. The proportion of blight t serious losses was highly satisfactory, and the valu of property destroyed in London was less than in an year since the formation of the fire brigade. A boy has died in Sunderland from injuries re ceived to the bowels by having accidentally falle over a bottle that he was carrying last Christm, morning. At Chelmsford, a girl named Wade, aged fiftcei has been burned to death, her clothes having ignite from a benzoline lamp. Mr. J. L. Toole has nearly recovered from h illness, and hopes to be able to reappear at the Foil Theatre by the end of this month. Henry Taylor was, the other day, committed fa trial at Marlborough Street Police Court, London, ox the charge of stealing a parcel containing money 11 postage stamps, and other valubles to the extent o £ 300, from the branch post office, Greek Street, Soho The Avonside Engine Company (Limited) o Bristol have received large orders for locomotive from India and New Zealand; also good orders fron Ireland, and they have sold the four locomotives mad for Ireland some time back, but which were left 0J their hands through not being finished to time. A shocking case of self-destruction occurred a Shade, Todmorden, a few days ago. Matty Smith hawker, aged 61, threw herself from the attic win dow, a distance of about seven yards, and alightin with her head on the flags, was instantly killed Deceased had been in a disturbed state of mind fo some time. PONTYPOOL: Pvinted by HUGHES & SON, at thei General Printing Offices, for the Proprietor an Publisher, HENRY HUGHES Junior, o iPenygari in the parish of Trevethin, and published at th FIIFIIJ PKESS Office,Market St.—Jan. 17, 1850