South Wales Daily News

MR WILSON AND THE SHIPOWNERS At a special meeting of the members of the Cardiff district of the Amalgamated Sailors' and Firemen's Union, held C'n Monday at Cardiff, it was unanimously resolved, after hearing an expla- nation from Mr John Gardner, district secretary, in refersnce to the statements made with regard to the accounts at the last Liverpool Assizes, That this meeting hreby reiterates its un- abated confidence in the general secretary, Mr Wilson, and its determination to stand by him in apite of the efforts of the shipowners to create dissension in our ranks."

CHRISTMASTIDE WITH THE CARDIFF POOR. The arrangements made by the various denomi- nations in Cardiff for entertaining the poor of the several parishes in such manner to enable them to participate in the festivities of the season have been on a more liberal scale than hitherto and although Cardiff is just now enjoying a reputa- tion for good trade, and the returns of persons receiving relief from the union have of late shewn a satisfactory falling off, there is still sufficient poverty in the town to entitle nearly .3.000 men, women, and children to a share of the- good things provided for disposal by the cl«>rgy by the timely benefactions of the more easily- circumstanced. With a consideration which the recipients must have greatly appreciated the necessary "materials" for a substantial Christ- mas dinner were sent to over 500 poor people in St. Andrew's parish and the priests of St Peter's and St David's were equally mindful of the unprovided-fur among their respective flocks, meat and other necessaries being delivered in good time on Wednesday. The poor in the parishes of St John and St Mary—two of the most densely populated in the town—are, doubtlessly, eagerly looking forward to their annual gathering on New Year's Day, when what may be termed in anticipation a sumptuous repast will be laid before them. In other districts entertainments have been, and are to be, provided and thus, while realising that the ccmmunity of Cardiff comprises a numerous proportion of poor people, the efforts put forth at this season of each year are the best possible evidences that they are not forgotten.

THE ESSEX TRAGEDY. The. Coroner's inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Joseph Lcatherdale, farmer, cf Salcot, Essex, whose mutilated body was found in the cupboard of his house, was re- sumed at Salcot on Tuesday. The deceased's nephew, ",110 is charged with the murder, was present. 7

ELOPEMENT FROM WOLVERHAMP- TON. Ths residents in the Dunstall Hill district of Wolverhampton were on Monday supplied with an item of gessip which will, no doubt, be the sub- ject of conversation for some little time to come, a couple of the inhabitants, a lodger and his married landlady, having eloped,and it is believed secured berths on board one of the American liners which left Liverpool on Saturday. The lodger, who was a widower with one child, a girl about twelve years of age, had been employed for the past ten years at a varnish manufactory in the Ha had <1 SOffitcwll3.t re"1)(' llc,ible positicn: dressed with studied neatness, and was generally re- garded by his friends as of too steady a disposi- tion to be guilty cf such conduct as running away with another man's wife. For the past three years he and his daughter have lived in apartments at the house of a respectable artisan living in Dunstall-road, who was not only a mar- ried man, but tho father of five children. No suspicion appears to have existed that any other than a friendly feeling existed between the lodger and his landlady, when the unexpected disappearance of the pair on Friday led to en- quiries being made. A trace of them was ascertained, but it was too late to pursue it, and all doubt as to whether they had fled together was dispelled on Monday when the unfortunate husband received a telegram from his erring wife announcing the fact that they were on their way to the States. The woman with her her youngest child, a baby six months eld, and her companion also has with him his daughter. As may naturally bo expected, much sympathy has been expressed fcr the unfortunate husband. ft

FUNERAL OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK. On Tuesday the remains of Dr. Thomson, Archbishop of York, were committed to their last resting place. Although it was felt that York Minster would he an appropriate p a.co of sepulture, yet, in compliance with the deceased prelate's last wish, tt. funeral, which was of a quiet and unostentatious character, took place in the little churchyard adjoining th0 Palace at Eishopthorpo. A commemorative service, how- ever, was first held in the minster, at which there were present the Archbishup of Canterbury, the Bishops of Durham, Winchester, Newcastle, Ripon, Wakefield, Sodor and Man, Beverley, Richmond, and the co-adjutor Bishop cf Man- chester. The Lord Mayor and corporation and the mayors of ether were present. The" Dead March in Saul" was played. After chanting the 39th and 9C,th Psalms, the Nicene creed, to music by Miss A. Thomson, was rtcited. Spohr's anthem, Blessed are the departed," was well rendered, and the whole congregation, kneeling, sang, "Lead, Kindly Light," the recessional hymn being, Oh Paradise Oh Paradise." The funeral at Bishopfchorpe was attended by a largo con- course of clergy and laity. The pall bearers were 16 working mn of Sheffield. The place of sepul- ture was a spot selected by the late archbishop, the plain earthen grave being lined with flowers, ivy, and moss. The officiating clergy were the Bishop Suffragan of Beverley and the Dean of York, assisted by the archdeacons of the diocese and the Rev R. Blakcney, Vicar of Bishopthorpe. After an appropriate anthem, the hymn, Rock of Ages," was suns*, and tho blessing was pro- nounced by the Archbishop cf Canterbury.

NEW MAGISTRATES FOR MON- MOUTHSHIRE. The following gentlemen have been added to the Commission of the Peace for Monmouthshire Mr Ernest Hartland, Mr Mark M«rdey, Mr Rcbert Gully Cullum, Mr John Watson Mulligan, Mr St. J-'hn Rickards Phillips, Mr Edward Windsor Richards. w-

MAZAW,I=,E TEAS are a Household Word in Wales: they recall the delicious Teas of 30 years ago. "TOBACCONISTS ComitENciN(;. Guicie 3d. How to comu:ence.-Tobacconists' Outfitting Co., 183, Eusteu-roatl, IOSDOU. I:IR7

MESSRS CORY'S NEW OFFICES. Now that the new offices for Messrs Cory Brothers and Co., Limited, have been com- pleted, the accompanying picture and descrip- tion of what must be admitted to be an important architectural addition to Cardiff's business quarter—" the Docks "—will prove interesting. The imposing new building is in itself an evidence of that remarkable progress of the coal trade, as well as of the great extension of the business of the firm which will occupy it; and it is most satisfactory to observe indications in all directions of still further advance in the staple industry of the district. In such an advance Messrs Cory and Co. must share to the fullest extent; and in their new offices they will find abundant room for expansion. Any visitor to the old offices is made painfully aware of the inconvenient crowd- ing which rapidly-increasing business has occa- sioned, notwithstanding that it is only 15 years since they were built specially for the use of the firm and there are departments which have been quite crowded out, and have had to find accommodation in neighbouring premises. Con- tinuous extension has been the record of succes- sive years, until the total shipments of the firm during the twelvemonth just ending have reached a total of nearly 1% millions of tons. The original firm was established in 1844, under the name of Richard Cory and Sons, and con- sisted of the lato Mr R. Cory and his two sons— Aldermen J. and R. Cory. The business was then confined to ship-broking, but later on the firm became agents for Messrs Wayne and Co., colliery proprietors. Afterwards ths agency was terminated, Messrs Cory becoming coal shippers on their owr. account. The late Mr R. Cory retircd from the firm at the end of 1859, when the business was continued under the title of Cory Brothers and Co. till early in 1888 when it became Cory Brothers and Co., Limited. The members of the firm are—Alderman J. Cory, J.P., Alder- man R. Cory, J.P., Messrs S. C. Cory, H. B. Cory, C. J. Cory, and E. R. Moxey, J.P. Until 1857, the business was carried on at 106, Bute- street, but in that year removal* was made to a building on the site of that now occupied, which edifice was razed and the (now) old office built in 1875. The name of Cory's Corner" has for more than thirty years past been borne by the locality adjacent, and it is not unworthy of note that the removal to take place will not cause abandonment of this association. The operations of the firm have become most widely extended since their establishment of depots in different parts of the world, a branch of business commenced on the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, and which has proved entirely satisfactory. The splend iel new 0ffices which adjoins the Docks Post Office, and arc situate opposite the old home of the firm, aro designed in the free classic renais- sance, and bailt upon a solid bed of concrete over I the whole surface, which, with a cement floating form the floor level of the extensive cellars and strong rooms in the basement. The whole of the front is entirely faced with Corsham stone from the Bath stone Firms, Limited, standing on a base course of grey granite. All the windows on the ground and first floor are double-glazed with plate-glass to keep out the sound of passing vehicles. The cotract was let to Messrs Charles Shepherd and Son, who have ably carried out the building under the superintendence of Mr Ed. H. Bruton. F.R.I.B.A., senior partner of the firm of Messrs Bruton and Williams, Mr John Evans acting as clerk of the works. On passing through the front entrance the visitor gains a handsome oak lobby, with massive swine: doors. The ground floor is one large office, having a wide spacious staircase in the centre, and a polished counter on each side dividing off the accounts department from the coal offices. All floors are of fireproof construction, made of iron joists and concrete, by Mr A. D. Dawnay, of London. The staircase is of York stone, with wrought iron ornamental balustrading, and polished oak handrail, the first flight being flanked on each side with four Scagliola columns on pedes- tals in similar material, and carton pierra caps, supplied by Messrs G. and A. Brown, of London, the whole carrying an ejjiptic arch and cornice supporting the stairs above leading to the first and second floors. The first floor contains one large central clerks' office, loading at each end to the directors' pri- vate offices and board-room. The second floor has a long corridor, which gives access to a large number of rooms not yet apportioned, with the exception of those for Miller's and Cory's Cape de Verde Islands, Limited. The third floor is given up entirely to store- rooms and five apartments for the caretaker. A spacious tank-room is provided on the floor above, and each floor has its separate lavatories and conveniences, hot water being laid on and a coal lift from the cellar to each floor. A smaller lift is also provided from the strong rcoirt for books. These were supplied by Messrs, T. Thomas and Sons, of St. Mary-street. Each department is kept in touch with the others and with the directors by speaking tubes and electric bells supplied, together with the sanitary appli- ances, by Mr J. G. Proger, of. Trinity-street. The whole of the desk fitttings are new, of oak mahogany, and pitch pine, excellently made by Messrs Bartlett and Son, of Bristol. The walls and ceilings have been painted and decorated by Messrs W. Davis and Sen, of Queen-street, a material called anaglypta being used for the former, giving it a very nice effect. A side entrance and staircase from But,place is to give access tj the diffelent floors after office hours. The total cost of the new premises v/ill be about 213,000, and they will be occupied on Jan. 1st.

THE SALVATION ARMY. The following official statement in regard to Commissioner Smith's resignation has been for- warded to us from the Salvation Army head- quarters :— With regard to the misleading statements which have been circulated upon this matter we have only to say 1. The statement that the funds subscribed have been, or are intended to be, merged into the general fund of the army is absolutely untrue and without any foundation, eithsr In fact or inten- tion. 2. The finances of the Social Reform Wing cf the Salvation Army have been up to the present time, and will continue to be, kept rigidly apart from the finances of the other departments. The amounts subscribed to this particular scheme are, and have been, lodged to a separate "social account in the City Bank. 3. The account books of the Social Wing have been from the beginning under the supervision of the headquarters accountant, an experienced officer of many years' standing. It is quite true that up till very recently these books weia kept at the temporary headquarters si the Social Wing. It is perfectly true that, as a matter of conveni- ence, they have been transferred from Upper Thames-street to the accountant's department, at 101, Queen Victoria-street. This was cur inten- tion from the beginning. It was never intended tha,t the direct control of the very largo sums of money which have been entrusted to the General by the public for the furtherance of this scheme should bo left in the hands of the head of the department. 4. The arrangements connected with the account-keeping of the Social Reform Wing have been approved by the firm of chartered accountants, Messrs Knox, Burbridge, Cropper, and Co., who audit the entire accounts of the Salvation Army, and it is, indeed, mainly upon their suggestion that the arrangements complained of have been carried into effect. 5. We are quite atisfied that men of business will thoroughly endorse the General's action in this matter. It is not at all likely that tho General would launch what is admitted on all hands to be a very large scheme, and leave the entire financial control in the hands of a comparatively speaking untried clerical staff. Wo are quits satisfied that the responsible head e of his department had his hands so full with matters relating to the organization and manage- ment of his department that it would have been utterly impossible for him, in addition, to have efficiently supervised the finance and accounts. If this were so with th scheme in its infancy, how much more impossible will it be when the larger scheme has been fairly launched. 6. The deed of trust controlling the adminis- tration of the funds placed at tho disposal of the General in response to the appeal in "In Darkest England tJ the Purposes therein set forth, as distinct from our ordinary operations, will be executed and enrolled in a few days. 7. It is preposterous to complain that the Social Reform Wing could not draw freely on the money subscribed for the purposes of the new scheme. What would have blen thought of General Booth if, before he even knew that there was a fair prospect 0f "raising the fund, he had begun to spend It on work "which was already being carried on by the Salvation Army before Darkest England' was heard cf? That money has been sacredly preserved for tho purpose for which it was contributed, and though, nc doubt, when the new scheme has been fully launched it will embrace the existing operations and financial responsibilities, the very fact complained of evi- dences that every penny of this money will be properly used. 8. It has been asserted that the Social Wing staff has been used by the departments to address meetings, the implication being that these meet- ings were the ordinary evangelistic services of the army. This is entirely wrong. The meetings referred to were tho«s organized by outside friends for the promotion of the scheme, and the officers of the social staff were suitable to form deputations to address such meetings. The arrangements for these meetings, and also for the Exeter-hall meeting, were entrusted to the demonstration department, which has an organised staff, who are accustomed to work of this kind, and, by utilising; them, much time and labour were saved.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF PRINCI- PALS OF UNIVERSITY COLLEGES. The conference was this year held at Bangor, on the invitation of the University College of North Wales, on Tuesday, December 23rd, Principal Reichel in ths chair. The following were present :-Principal N. Bodington, M. A., Yorkshire College, Leeds Principal W. Garnett, D.C.L., Durham College of Science, Newcastle- on-Tyne Principal R. S. Heath, D.Sc., the Mason Science College, Birmingham Principal W. M. Hicks, M.A., Firth College, Sheffield Principal J. Viriamu Jones, M.A., University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire ProfessorO. Lloyd Morgan, M.A., University College, Bristol; Principal H. R. I&eichel, M. A., University College of North Wales Principal J. E. Symes, lVLA., University College, Notting- ham Principal the Rev Henryj Wace, D.D., King's College, London. The following subjects were discussed :—1. The University of London— (a) the proposed scheme for reconstituting the university (b) local centres at^provincial col- leges for the honours examinations of the uni- versity. 2. Day training collegts—(a) Relations of the university colleges in this ,cHtnection to (1) the education department, (2) th ience and art department (b) organisation noqepsary to mako these relations c-perativo. 3. Couhtop councils—(a) Relation of county ccunClIs to twnal insti- tutions outside the strict county (b) devotion of local taxation money to purposes of technical instruction. An invitation frcrn. ^he University of London to meet next yar in London was accented.

WELSH METHODISM. The yearly returns of membership of the Welsh CalviriLstic Methodist Connexion for 1890 show a communicants' roll of 132,334, and thus an increase during the last ten years of nearly 42,000. This is inclusive of the W«lsh churches in Lcndon, Liverpool, Manchester, and other parts of Eng- land, as well as the English causes m the Princi- pality. In the United States there are 184 Welsh churches belonging to the Connexion, with a membership of 13,000.

STRANGE STABBING CASE AT CARDIFF. At Cardiff police-court on Tueqday-Dr Paine, Sir Morgan Morgan, and Major Sloper being on the bench—Ellen Cole, 37, was charged with cutting and ..wounding Susan Jennings, at 21, Evelyn street, cn the previous evening. The prosecutrix, who keeps a shop at the address named, was preparing tea between five and six o'clock, when the prisoner suddenly rushed in, and brandishing an ordinary table knife, struck at her. Mrs Jennings raised her arm to guard her face, and received a stab on the back of the wrist, which bled freely. The prisoner, to whom she had not spoken for nearly a year, nor had any dealings with, then ran out of the shop. P.C. Morgan (65) arrived shortly afterwards, and was abcut to go to the house of th9 prisoner, No. 15, Ebenezer- street, when Cole returned, and, upon, seeing the wound which she bad inflicted, exclaimed, Oh, Mrs Jennings, I am very sorry for what I have done." The prisoner was then removed to the central police-station, where Dr. Wallace-who certified to the pro- secutrix having sustained an incised wound- subsequently examined her, and now described her as suffering from delusions, and not responsible for her actions. The prisoner, who seemed wholly indifferent to tho proceedings, chimed in with Oh, yes, I am, sir, "—The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr Rees) Do you wish to ask the doctor any questions ?—■ Prisoner: I don't feel any ways out of my mind. am all right, sir.—Tho magistrates decided (after hearing the medical evidence) not to deal with the case, but to send the prisoner to the Union.

PROPOSED NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO "GLANFFRWD." A movement is on foot in Pontypridd- to 'raise a fund for the purpose cf erecting a suitable me- morial over the grave cf the late Rev W. Glan- ffrwd Thomas in the Llanwonno Churchyard. The well-known artist, Ab Caledfryn, has under- taken the secretaryship, and his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams is to be approached with a view of his becoming president of the commit

I CORRESPONDENCE. "F.r.ux-Box." Your letter is inadmissible, since it is < written on both sides of the paper. A.D.L. (Swansea).—Legally, no doubt a school board has the power of admitting or excluding rate- payers at its meetings. But we can hardly reMIse the possibility of such a board, or of any other similar body, desiring to exclude the public. Rather must they be yearning for the presence of vast audiences to hang with enthusiasm upon the stirring and polished eloquence which forms so prominent a feature in their proceedings. If your board, with misplaced modesty, seek to shroud themselves from all human ken, your remedy is to oppose them whon they seek re-election, or in. sist on a pledge that the meetings shall be open. Surely oratory is no less important a part of education than free-hand drawing. W.E. (Pontypirdd).—The length of the Suez Canal from sea to sea is about 100 miles.

MABON, M.P., AND HIS CON- STITUENTS. FORTHCOMING LIBERAL CAMPAIGN IN THE RHONDDA. Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), has arranged to hold a series of meetings during the coming week in various parts cf "the Rhondda, when he will be support ed by several of his colleagues in Parliament. On Monday evening the hen. .member will, accompanied "by Mr D. A. Thomas, (M. p.. visit Tonypandy on Tuesday he will address his electors at Trelurbert, when he will be supported by Mr Randell, M.P. Wednesday night's meeting v. ill be at Bethany Chapel, Treorky, when Mabon will be accompanied by the ton. member for East Glamorgan. During the following week Mr Lloyd George, M.P., will visit the Valley, and, in company with Mr Abraham, witi deliver addresses atFerndaleon Monday night, the 12th, and at Ten on the following evening. Mr Frank Edwards, the Liberal candidate, for the Radnor Boroughs, will preside over the Ferndale meeting. As -in indication of how Mabon's services to the miners are appreciated, we may mention that during the past week the workmen of the Albion Colliery, Celfynydd, contributed £5 to his parliamentary fund, the contribution being, like some others, remarkable from the fact that those subscribing form no part of ths member's constituents. To-night (Wednesday) Mr Abraham is announced to address a meeting of his countrymen at Stockton- on-Tees on "The Prospects if the Welsh Nation."

WHICH is the most reliable Cough Mixture ? Cross's Vegetable Balsam. It acknowledges no equal in curing couchs, colds, bro :'ii«. <fec. The effect is wonderful. In bottles Is and by post, Is 3d and ill (ML—Sold only by J. Munday, Chemist, Cardiff. 3112

THE SUICIDE OF A BRIDE. A SAD DOMESTIC TRAGEDY. Several facts have been discovered which throw light upon the strange suicide cf Sophia Mar- garet McDowell, who recently married at Kimberlev, South Africa, Mr Robert Hall McDowell, described as manager cf the British United .iJinmond Mining Company at Kim- berley. They recently came to Ireland, and took up their residence at the Imperial Hotel, Bangor. Here they lived in expensive style, che husband stating that he had been successful in the diamond fields, where he had spent the past twelve or fourteen years, and that he had come to the old country a very rich man. The story of the suicide and its probable cause is best told by what was elicited at the inquest. The in- quiry was held on Monday afternoon at the Impe- rial Hotel, befora Dr. Parke, coroner for the northern district of the county, the husband being represented by Mr Mabon, solicitor, while the proceedings were watched on behalf of the police by Sergeant Walshe, of the Royal Irish Constabulary. The body, it was stated, was found in the middle of the road lead- ing from Bangor to Bally lio! me, at a spot almost directly opposite the scene of another recent tragedy, namely, the coast where Lord Cantelupe's ill-fated yacht Urania was wrecked. The dis- covery was made at about nine o'clock on Sunday morning. A small bottle labelled Carbolic acid was found beside the deceased, who had evidently died some hours previously. — The first witness was Robert Hall McDowell, the husband of the unfortunate young woman. He appeared to be in a dazed condition. He deposed that he was manager of the British United Diamond Mining- Company of Kimberley. The body that the Jury had just viewed was that of his wife, who was 23 years old. He was married not quite four months ago, the ceremony taking place in September last, at Kimberley, where he met the deceased. Her maiden name was Roberts. He believed she had some fri.nds living, but he had never seen any of them. He last saw his wife alive on Saturday, about 5.30 p.m. He had had no dispute with her, and, had no grounds for believing she would couimit suicide. He did not know if there insanicy in her family, but he believed she had once before attempted to do away with herself. This he had heard flom herself during the YOY;1ge home from the Cape, when she told him that prior to her marriage she had taken prison on ono occa- sion, but having taken an overdose she did not die. Ho had nover had cross words with her, but she had twice complained about his leaving her alone in the evenings. The last time she men- tioned the matter was about a fortnight ago. On Saturday evening he left the hotel where they were stayiug about half-past five, and returned shortly after ten o'clock. He: lIen inquired for his wife, and was informed she was not in, but he believed these who told him so were trying to play a joke on him. While he was out he had • two or three bottles of champagne, and when lie returned to the hotel he was slightly intoxicated. The barmaid's brother helped to undress him and put him to bed. He did learn what his wife had done durlno his alienee until the morning, when he found she had destroyed over three thousand pounds werch of scrip. Early on Satur- day he had taken the deceased for a drive to Grawfordsburn. and she appeared then in ex- cellent spirits.—Lizzie McNeill, barmaid at the Imperial Hetel. deposed that Mrs McDo'.vell and her husband had bc-n staying at the hotel for the past ten days. On Saturday evening the deceased asked witness to send fir her husband. Witness did so, but as he di 1 not return after the lapse of some time, the deceased asked for the hand-bag that she had left in the witness's care, and with this she went upstairs to tho dining-room. A tho same time she showed the witness a bottle labled Poison." Witness followed thedeccased and saw her take a number cf papers from the bag and buKji them. Witness then ran downstairs to attend to a customer, and on again returning to go upstairs she met Mrs McDowell coming- down. She asked where she was going, and she said, "To look for my husband." Witness, referring to the destruction of the papers, which she knew to In valuable, remarked, You will be sorry to-morrow for what you have donebut deceased replied, I shall be a corpse to-morrow." When Mr McDowell returned witness did not tell him what had happened, because he was under the influence of drink but she sent her brother and another young man to search- for the deceased.— Medical and other evidenc; having been given as to the purchase cf a bottle of carbolic disinfecting., fluid, and the finding of the body, the jury re- turned the following verdict:—"That the said Sopha Margarot McDowell came to her death by taking a dose of carbolic disinfecting fluid, and was induced to do this by the intemperance and neglift-enro of her husband and they further add that the deceased was labouring under temporary insanity."

FUNERAL OF MR A. F. MORCOM. On Tuesday, at Arnos Vale Cemetery, the remains cf Mr A. F. Morcam, formerly secretary of the Taff Vale Railway Company, were in- terred. The deceased gentleman was originally an accountant, and if not the first secretary he was one of the earliest officials of the Tafi Vale line. He subsequently became a member of the Bristol Stock Exchange, but up business about four years ago and retired to Portishead, where he died on Friday at th.3 advanced age of 79 years. At the funeral the mourners were Mr S. Parsons, SGn-in-law Mrs Parsons, daughter Mr E. M. Harwood, and Mr W. L. Morcom, of Llandaff, nephew. As the deceased had taken a prominent part in Brc.admead and Cctham Grove Baptist Chapels, Bristol, there was a large assem- blage of friends at the graveside.

DEATH FROM EXPOSURE AT MERTHYR. On Tuesday, Mr R. J. Rhys, coroner, held an inquest at Merthyr upon the bedy of Martha Brown, the young woman whose body was found near the cottages off Studt's show-ground. After hearing the medical and other evidence, the jury found n. verdict to the clfect that deceased's death was due to congestion cf the lungs, accelerated by exposure.

PERFECTLY TRUE that the" Coltsfoot Chest Protector (Registered) has cured hundreds of severe cases of coughs, colds, asthma, weak chests, <ftc. Tonic and strengthening to the lungs and throat, safe and reliable for the infant to the adnlt. In bottles, Is l%d, 2s 9d, and 4s 6d each. Prepared by Morgan W. James, Manufacturing Chemist, Uanelly. Sold by Chemists Si25

THE CHURCH IN WALES. While so much controversy goes on over the statistics of Church and Nonconformity in Wales, it may not be without interest to give the follow- ing figures as to some parishes in Pembrokeshire, which may fairly be considered authentic, inasmuch as they appeared in a recognised organ of the Establishment, the National Church. The parish of Bayoil, with a population of 140 and a living of the annual value of £104-, lias six com- municants at the parish church; Casmael, population 245, value of living £101, twelve com- municants MaeuclacUog, population 510, Llan- dilo, population 97. Llangolman, population 264, united value of the thr.e livings £ 284, com- municants 36; Llanycefn. population 279, living £ 76, communicants 6; Mynachlogddu, popula- tion 470, living £ 129, no Churchmen in the parish. The National Church remarks that this state of things "deserve the careful attention of the Bishop of St David's." Do the archdeacons and rural deans of the diocese," it asks, "perform their duty? We fear that there is a laxity with regard to rural incumbents. It may be that the ordinary has no power to deal with recalcitrant vicars. If he has not, the sooner it is obtained the better, for nothing brings the Church more into disrepute than the conduct of incompetent and idle clergy. No amount of English lectures will compensate for the absence of earnest and efficient clergymen in the Welsh- speaking rural districts.

SIR PRYCE PRYCE JONES ON WELSH LOYALTY. Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, Conservative candidate for Montgomery boroughs, speaking at a banquet on Monday evening, held at the Town-hall, Newtown, said that hitherto amongst Welshmen there had been no toast more cordially received than that of the Queen. Ho was extremely sorry to find that in the southern part of Wales recently a number of young- mer.or rather young geese— had actually hissed the National Anthem. Strange to say the incident took place at a meeting held in connection with cno of the Welsh University Colleges, and he was surprised that these young unfledged birds should have brought disgrace upon themselves and upon a scat of public learn- ing—an institution which received a grant from the National Exchequer. lie hoped that such conduct would never be recorded again, and that Welshmen would always continue, despite their strong differences upon other points, to join in showing their loyalty to the Queen.

SABBATH LABOUR IN SOUTH W ALS. j TO THE EDITOR. s Sm,-Allow me a small space in your & a' valuable paper. There are hundreds of t1 working on Sundays when there is no neces^, for their doing so. How many roll turners thrown• out the tin-plate trade work ;n the Sabbath ".I when it could be done on Monday morning' 011 commencing at one a.m., and then finish so en' ugh for the morning turn, especially when men make only 36 boxes per turn. Tho turners, as a rule, are thoroughly respected to their masters, and I believe that if they were ask this favour it would bo granted them.—I &c., ONE WHO WANTS TO Dec. 30. TO CHURCH.

CARDIFF CORPORATION PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTED GL A meeting of the Parliamentary Committed the Cardiff County Council was held 0I1T ^ja) day. The Deputy-Mayor (Alderman presided, and there were also Sanders (tho deputy-mayor), Alderman J aC°av, Alderman D. E. Jones, Alderman Councillor Vaughan, Councillor Tucker, j** Councillor Ramsdale.—Ths Town Clerk ( v' L. Wheatley) reported that the usual tary notices Lad decn deposited en behalf of 0 Corpcration for an Electric Lighting Bilb Ii amount of capital to be expended being lia,inf y. £ 24,000. This applied simply to the eompUlS ,j area.—The Deputy-Mayor It would be a deal better to buy gas than wast-) money u this.—Progress reported.. ed The Borcugh Engineer (Mr Harpur) exp'a'^ the proposals contained in the Great W, tf Railway Bill and the oarry Dock and Rail^Vg Bill, so far as they affeetcd ths streets cf l't town. It was agr« ed to await the develops10" of events before openly formulating any posals in the interests of the Corporation. A memorial to the Board of Inland Rev^ic\ was read, urging that tho whole of Cardiff sh°, be placed under the jurisdiction of the 0 Income Tax Commissioners, instead of ,^0 parishes of Canton and Roath being under '!1 supervision of a separate surveyor-of taxes. -L inconvenience of tho present arrangement y j pointed out; and it was agreed to rccomnllt the Corporation to attach the common seal to memorial. ø' At a meeting of the Parliamentary jg) mittee, the Deputy-Mayor (Alderman presiding, .a letter was read from Mr Hawk1 the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, municating the rt solution of the Chamber desn"1 to heartily co-operate with the County Council its efforts to make Cardiff a first-class port. "Lg Chamber also affirmed the desirability of the Custom House to the Docks.—Alder#1, Jacobs objected to the latter propDStbe which, he contended, would injuriously affect p general interests of the town. Mr AlderI11aIl w E. Jones thought the existing Custom House „ very central, so far as geographical situation 9-111- concerned.—Councillor Tucker declared that ø t It a ship captain would never see St. Mary-stf?- the Custom House was removed to the Pier and there would be no buying of silk the wife. (Laughter, and hear, hear.) NodoUj on the other hand, the removal of the Cus^g House would be a great convem^ to the brokers.—Alderman Jacobs moved tll theCouncil oppose the project.—Alderman Sand g6 deprecated any hasty action. It was a strfrø anomaly for the Custom House to be away jg the whole of the shipping interest..f would not have been the case in Cardiff11 shipping had not formerly been where the # torn House now was. In view of the fact that Chamber of Commerce had appointed a dep^1 tion to wait upon them, they should firsb j? ■. what they had to say before they came to » -j. sion in the matter.—The Deputy-mayor reI°¥:ff, bered when the canal was the port of His father was one of the Customs °r]jer- 65 years ago, and he was there hiIilself.1 rvlJoS man Jacobs withdrew his motion, and it decided to ask the deputation to meet the c° rnittee on Monday next.—With reference aS-" memorial in favour of making Cardiff a first'c-nSr port, or, in the words of the petition, of raisi it to the status of a wine-tasting port wit"1^^ accompanying advantages, it was pointed that there was more wine imported into Ca.iilor: f than either Plymouth or Newcastle.—Counc Vaughan Wiil the wine tasting be in the xna^0f# parlour ? (Laughter.)—It was decided to supP^ the memorial.

ROYAL COMMENDATION OF A WELSH INDUSTRY. The following letter, written at the request 0 the Queen, has naturally given much pleasur the Welsh folks at Denbigh. It appears tb weaver, Mr Edward Williams, cf Henllan-s in that tcwn, sent, through Mrs Main wan Welsh heme-spun petticoat to the Queen- 't'n Dowager Lady Churchill, as Lady-in- a1 fq has Soiit the following acknowledgeenJ « Windsor Castle :—" I have found petticoat on my arrival h<re. It is nice one. I have given it to the H who is much pleased with it. Will ys^ s' j? the weaver that tho Queen is much obliged. for having sent it to her, and her Majesty very much."

TEE CHIEF CONSTABLESHIP OF GLAMORGAN. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—I have been informed that all the '-selected candidates fcr the above appointment are unable to speak and converse in the Welsh lan- guage. Whether this is true remains to be solved. But, if true, I consider it a great injustice to the county, which is a Welsh-speaking county. Where are our representatives ? What would an Englishman say if a Frenchman, who did not understand a word of the English language, were appointed chief constable of one cf the English counties; fir say, apjvint a Welshman who did not understand a word of English. No nation under the sun would tolerate, such a thing but the Welsh.—I am, &c., A RATEPAYER OF THE Doc. 30. COAL DISTRICT.

TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—I wish to say nothing to the disparage- ment of Constablb Irwin, but I cannot forbear expressing the liopo that the ultimate decision will betheresult of .a most.-cafebal jaenwaL an A. comparison of the testimonials presented by.j.f selected candidates. In every respect the monials of Captain Norton are superior to t of his five rivals, and as we may fairly ass<? that each candidate has presented his best er^- tials, I cannr-t see how he can fail to sicurt; coveted pest. One of tin hears Captain :No styled the adjutant of the Merthyr This is incorrect — ire is the adJut of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion ] Welsh Rep-im^nt. This regiment 1" 1 largest in the United Kingdom, an:! of men drawn from the classes a chiol would be brought intj contact with. It remembered that Captain Norton brought a01! from the Rhondda and district a .tliou^ men to lino the streets of Cardiff when the Fr'lXl visited the town; the tact and ability with he handled the men in tho midst f the crowds, and the efficient manner in which t "training" cf tho troops was managed t subject of universal adimrati n. That Norton's powers of organisation were rt-cog'^ at headquarters was evident from the fact ci' bemg selected as guide to the Royal 1" Princes during the jubilee review at He was, moreover, ono of those in whose haIl the train arrangements of some 30,000 were placed. Captain Norton is the beau of a chief constable—courteous bnt firm, prime of life, and possessed of considerable perience, and last, but not ,least, popular with all classes.—I am. &c., '1' Dec. 30. ANOTHER RESIDE!

THE CARDIFF PANTOMIME. TO THE EOiTOK. a SIR,—A cheap way, if not perhaps the way, of advertising is to write a letter to a with a large circulation and get it in-erted correspondence column free, gratis, and nothing. The letter by A London Critic the South Wales Daily News to-day is one » £ most transparent of this kind of advertisen^1 It is to be hoped that the "London Critic's'' in Cardiff will be long enough fcr him to visit other pantomime, and then perhaps aI10 letter will appear. Should he ieQalj an introduction to the management, .-hall be pleased to give him an introduction t' Mr Elphinstone. In the exuberance of his vjv bosity ho hath o'erstepped ivmself, and shows iS knowledge of old Cardiff pantrnumes and evidently frequent visits to that pretty S1.1b".J of Roath by his stating- that the pantoiuini^s improved. I admit the improvement, but he t, wrong in saying that the improvement, is ditf p the growth and development of Cardiff. reason is tho opening of the Grand, with the r sequent healthy conroetition.—I am, C I A CARDIFF CRITIC- December 30th.

TO THE KDITOR. j, SIR,—London (?) Critic's letter in t-c-o»L paper is a very good free advertisement for 1 t.o Theatre Royal, but I think before ho rushed iri j print he should have also visited tho Gjjo Theatre and his unbiassed (?) opinion .}[ t j, two pantomimes. I have my opinion as to wb of the shows is the best, but as this gentlem»n seen some magnificent productions in his tUlle, will no doubt give the Grand a deserving llotl$ 1 really think ho was joking at the expense cf ø Fletcher when he compares London and Christmas elltertaimn:1ts.-I am, &c., NOT A LONDON CRITIC, BUT ALL* Cardiff, Dec. 30. SLOPER II.

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS. TO THE EDITOR. j SIR,—Now that tile gronnd is frozen Oard i nearly covered with snow let us not forget to if the feathered tribe. Even if it be only a 'f.y crumbs from our table, they will be g^ L received. I am quite sure that the birds than repay us for our charity by their songs in summer.—I am, &c., Dec. 29.

A CORRECTION. TO THE EDITOR. t> SIR,—I hope you will allow me to slip in the Old Stager's Notes in to-d^- j, issue. Penygraig did not play Penarth t ft. Boxing Day, so they could not make a draw «>» L I am anxious for this correction to be made .1, Ii same mistake has occurred before.— C am, &c., M. JENKINS. R Hon. Secretary Penygraig Dec. 29th, 1890. 1

CARDIFF FOOTBALL TEAM.—A wq FOR THE FORWARDS: "SOME OF TO THE EDITOR. Sm,-Tlllugs in connection with the team have now arrived at a point when subscribers should have a word to say, and the favour of space to do so. I heartily with "Old Stager's" remarks re the forW^y In the early part of the season the Press genfl^Jfl came out pr.'tty plainly on the easily recogniz* g "wingers," but the committee are above tabe notice of the views of those who provide to funds for them to dispose of. Is it not plainly be seen that the five or six hard workers III u; pack ar. sick and tired cf working their lives °eJ1 of them to keep up the credit of the club, < rý' they see tho places cf honour given to the l'bØ men who shirk their work and loaf aboutc wings?—I am, &c., A SUBSCRIBE Canton, Dec. 30th.

To ALL WHO ARE SUFFERING from chroni^ ney and Liver Diseases, Diabetes, or Bng^nt s i or any discharges and derangements °t ul? ojir71 body, nervous weakness, general debnity, • loss of memory, want of brain power. 1° ll* f j" I will send genuine information free of enarg<3 v, cheap, and sure cure, the simplest '» discovered in the Mississipi alley. it&TVT addressed stamped envelope to James « I Hart-street. Hish Holborn, London.

SOUTH WALES IRON AND STEEL TRADES. MEETING OF THE SLIDING-SCALE COMMITTEE. REDUCTION OF WAGES. The result of the first audit that has taken place under the new sliding-Scale for the regula- tion of wages in the manufactured iron and steel grades of South Wales was made known on Tuesday at a meeting of the joint committee, held at the Park Ii :.>tèl. Cardiff. The proceed- ings were of a strictly private nature, for some unknown reason, but we are able to state that the effect of the auditorial ascertainment is to bring down wages all-round 2j per cent. In view of the quoted prices of steel rails during the past six months, a reduction of a material description was not unlocked for by the more intelligent section of the operatives, and there is little doubt that if it had not been for the improvement in the tin-bar trad:, the general realised prices, which* the accountants would have had to report OE Tuesday, would have meant an appreciably larger reduction in wages than 2, per cent. From what can be gathered, the men's represen- tatives on the joint committee, and those of their executive committee, who were present to con- sider points upon which the operative members of the sca.18 committee had not been advised, entertain no feeling of antagonism to the new method of adjusting wages by reason of this re- ductIon resulting from the very first audit. On the contrary, they are convinced by the facts and figures of the realised selling prices placed before them by the joint auditors, and are evidently willing to gracefully accopt the inevitable, in the hope that their turn will come next.

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. SLIDING-SCALE COMMITTEE AND THE ENGINEMEN, &c. On Tuesday evening a conference, which opened on Monday morning between representatives appointed by the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association and representatives of the Enginemen, Stokers, and Outside-Fitters' Association, was brought to an abrupt termination at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, the result being a failure of all negociations. The object of the conference was to discuss the feasibility of a scheme for regulating the wages of those classcs of workmen and each side alternately held meetings—em- ployers at the Angel and the workmen's delegates at the Grand Hotel—after each of which proposals were submitted by the workmen and counter proposals by the owners. The primary conditions of the workmen's proposals had reference as to the working hours and a revised standard of rates and wages for tho Aberdare, Rhondda, and the eastern and western districts. Notwithstanding that the conference was d so protracted a nature, however, the negociations fall through at the last moment, and the respective delegates separated without any arrangement for another meeting.

SWANSEA GASWORKS EMPLOYES. The men employed at the Swansea Gas Works have for some time been agitating for an advance of wages which would place their earnings on a level with the employes of other gas companies. About a month ago a petition was presented to Mr Thornton Andrews, the manager, in which were stated the requirements of th.3 men and the ground of their application. All the inn are members of the Gas Stokers' Union, of which Mr W. Thorne, of London, is the general secretary. The executive cf the union requested Mr J. H. John to carry on the negotiations with Mr Andrews, and gave Mr John full power to make arrangements in accordance with his judgment. In an interview between Mr Andrews and Mr John, Mr Andrews undertook to make certain recommen- dations t., the directors of his company, and these, with a few minor alterations, were agreed to by Mr John on behalf of the men. On Monday evening a large number of all classes of employes at the Gasworks met at the Wyclift'e School. The president of the branch, Mr Edward Ellis, occupied the chair.—After a few appropriate remarks, he called upm Mr J. II. John to explain the new arrangements and rates that were to prevail at the Gasworks from January 1st, 1891.—Mr J. H. John having ex- plained the details, a vote of hearty approval of the new terms was passed, as a1.>o a vote of sympathy with Mr Thornton Andrews in his present illness.—Mr John having also been thanked his services, the meeting broke up.

STRIKE AT MORRISTON. The strike of the tinhousemen of the Duffryn Works, Morris ton, continues, and the position is unchanged. The men are as determined as ever to hold to their demands, and the masters are equally as determined in their rejection cf them.

PROPOSED NATIONAL UNION OF CLERKS. In acknowledgment of the plebiscite of clerks recently taken on ths question of founding a National Union of Clerks, the executive cf the existing Clerks' Union, in Ald^rsgate-stre»t, have issued a circular letter to inform those who have responded that, in order to maitffain a substantial unity in action, a subcommittee has been ap- pointed to draft a constitution fr the organisa- tion of clerks of all grades and classes upon a thoroughly national basis. With a view to make all clerks familiar with the projected scheme and the future policy rJ the Union, it is in contemplation to hold a congress next year in London, at which it is hoped that delegates from all parts of the country will be present. The pur- port of the congress is to arrange the classification of the various descriptions cf clerical labour, with fixed rates of remuneration for each class, which is to be accepted as the union rates of remunera- tion. By the exposure .f unscrupulous em- ployers the union hopes to provide increased legal protection to employes unjustly treated, grossly underpaid, or grievously overworked. To render it as comprehensive as possible, fen:ale and foreign clerks are invited to join for mutual pro- tection.

IT IS INTERESTING to note how the public changes. Instead of the heavy, thick beer of the past, they will now have nothing but a light, sparkling, clear, well-hopped, and delicately flavoured ale. The difficulty of the brewer has been to brew such an ale so that it will keep. The following extract will show how well Messrs Watkins and Son, of the Hereford Brewery, have succeeded in hitting the mark" with their "Golden Sunlight :—"The firm speaks very highly of the ale, in fact, the Captain mentioned that after the ale going to Bombay, and on its return to England, was in grand con- dition, in fact, he never had tasted finer ale in his life."—To be obtained in casks and bottles, at the stores, Cardiff, Swansea, Leominster, Ludlow, and Hay, or from over 160 agents in all parts oj the United Kingdom. For Agency terms, apply The Hereford BrfawcsY. (Established 1834-1.1240

FLUX IN THE TIN-PLATE TRADE. TO THE EDITOR. SIR, — The perusal of your correspondent "Tinplater's reply to my last letter has caused me no small amount of gratification, inasmuch as he gives clear indications of a resort being had to the ruse of "no case, bully your opponent's attorney." He unjustly accases me of exhibiting signs of anger in my last letter, and inferentially claims for himself immunity from such an error. I leave your readers to decide whether the expressions he makes use of, such as "warpath," "silly remarks," "in the name of common sense," "fanatical desire," et hoc genus omne, justify his assumption of this virtue. I have every desire, and have endeavoured throughout, to divest the question of all false issues, by placing the truth in its simple naked- ness before your readers. Can your correspon- dent say as much ? Has he yet returned a straight and unequi vocal answer to my question regarding the explanation of the workmen's incon- sistency in condemning "flux "at works where patent machines are adopted, but approving its use at wcrks where the old method of working obtains ? This is the third time this question has been submitted, and I still await an answer. If Tinplatcr is unable to give the reply, let him in common fairness say so, and not shirk the question. This is not tho only instance where awkward enquiries are conveniently shelved. I will instance the reply given to my query as to the cause of defects appearing on wasters" and not on "perfects, which, according to "TinpJater," is the case. The answer given by him is, "1 have given sufficient evidence in my last letter to that effect, and I deem it useless to produce it again." "Tinplater's" idea of fair argument is of a most peculiar character if he considers this a satisfactory reply. To my mind it is a convenient way of shelving the question, and in order to give your correspondent an oppor- tunity of proving me to be mistaken, I invite him now to point out one single word in th: epistle re- ferred to which can be said to support his assertion. I am accused of simply contradicting" Tin- plater's statements without giving proof. Will he point out one solitary instance where I have done this, and refused to give tho proof when called upon ? I have consistently maintained that the workmen make unfair use of the" flux" complaint as a cloak to cover their attempt to do away with patent machines. I point for prcof to the following statement made by the tin-house men of the Dytfryn Works, Morriston, at a meeting held at Zion Chapel en Saturday, December 20th. The deputation (waiting on Mr Edwards regarding the abolition of the patent machines) then asked him what he pro- posed doing with the boys (meaning thereby the risers at the patent machines) when they got too old to do the rising, and if he could not get other boys in their place ? This statement is culled from the report of the meeting which has appeared in precisely the same terms in four newspapers, and I therefore accept it as being correct. I now ask Tinplater to point out in what manner pos- sible can this demand be connected with" flux," and can he deny that it has, on the contrary, to do with the attempt to displace p,1.tpnt macrrnes in order to maintain the three men at the sets by the reintroduction of the old method of tin- ning ? I have further insisted that flux" is perfectly innocuous, and in support I point to the same report. This is what Mr T. Phillips, the work- men's secretary, stated "Mr Morgan, of Swan- sea, had analysed the flux, and his report stated there was no harm attached to it provided they did not drink it." The caution regarding the drinking of the flux" is pregnant with meaning, and to my mind conveys a scathing satire on the extremes to which the men are prepared to carry things in the effort to suppress these patents. I have further asserted that the men engaged at the patent machines do not suffer in health from the use of "flux." In confirmation I still bring my proof from amongst tho men themselves. In the report already quoted Mr T. Phillips testifies that "from the appearance of the men who had just spoken in condemnation of the 'flux,' he was inclined to believe that was not so injurious as the tinhouse men had represented. Considering the source from which this acknowledgment emanated, a more crushing* blow to the present agitators could nrt have been delivered. Dees your eorresp<ndenb require further proof? And he but states su, it will be forthcoming. I will, with your permission, d.t.:tl as briefly as possible with Tinplater's" questions as given in his letter, lie asks on what I base my denial of the injuriousness cf "flux," if lam ignorant of its chemical components. If he had but exercised the personal reflection and common sense he himself recommends, the query would be unnecessary, as he would perceive that the answer was contained in his next question. If I had not already stated that my contention was founded on the report of a, leading analyst, how could your correspondent ask me why the report was not published. Yet this is what he does in the very next paragraph. Further, with regard to the gasfit tings, I deny I ever stated they were perforated at the patent pots and not. elsewhere. I assert, and ask Tin- plater" to prove the contrary, that the gas fittings are equally as liable to corrode "elsewhere" as at the patent machines. Will "Tinplater," however, explain in what manner the fittings are more exposed to air and neglect in the old method sets than they are in patents," as this is what he asserts ? I must have touched your correspondent on & very tender point in dealing with the trough question, judging from the acidity cf his reply. Here, again, he fails to grasp the pcint at issue, as it is a custom almost general throughout the trade to place sulphuric acid in the trough in order to clear any remaining dirt from the plates, and this is done irrespective of the method through which the plates have to be tinned. "Tmplatr," in th i closing paragraph of his epistle, vigorously rejects the "soft impeach- ment connecting the restoration of the washman with the present agitation, but giving no proof in support of this denial, and this utterly regardless of the precept laid down in the first part of his effusion, that bare contradiction proves nothing. Public sympathy will certainly not follow the present action of the men once the dishonourable tactics now being resorted to are revealed in all their ugliness. 1 will give you an instance. A man who is, and has been, loudest in his con- demnation of flux has been known after a night of carouse and debauch to seek sympathy the next morning as suffering from the effects of flux at the same time ostentatiously displaying a medicine' bottle which, on examination, was found to contain (what think you?) gin and bitters. Comment on such conduct is superfluous. It is doubtless the wish of all that the present dispute should be amicably adjusted, and that tho feeling of confidenco between employer and employed which, let us hope, has existed in th" past will be restored. To ensure this however it is necessary that tho men should refrain using dish-nest means to the r.cc^mplishm'nt of the end in view.—I am. &c., TIN. Dec. 26th, 1890.

FOOTBALL -THE WELSH INTER- NATIONAL MATCH. TO THE EDITOR. S1!5)-"Before th selection was made of a team for the Jingiish niatch, you kindly allowed me a small space to air my impressions. I did not then select a team, nor will I again on this occa- sion name any individual player but I can stata my candid opinion, and that is—the best possible team has not been selected, and I am afraid, now Garrett has been placsd hors de combat, that Wales will have to suffer f?r the incompetency of some of tho selection committee. I believe I am right in asserting that two or three of the five committeemen have only seen three cr four of the Welsh teams playing, and that is enough in my opinion to prove that they are not the right men in the right place, and the only reason for their presence on tho committee is their in- fluence. Real Welsh players will not have fair play so long as such members retain thf-ir seats on the committee, and I hope, when the Rugby Union next meets, that this matter will ° be thoroughly thrashed, and that the claims will not be overlooked of men like Mr Douglas, Cardiff Mr Harding, Newport; Mr Carlyle, Swansea, and others that I could name—gentlemen who sacri- fice much time and money to referee weekly, and who are thereby qualified to know who are the best players, and who also know that there are more than three clubs in the South Wales Rugby Union.—I am, &c., HOME RULER. Dec. 29th, I89i?

SUNDAY GAMBLING AT MAESTEG. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—While we hear so much of the raids made on gaming-houses in London and the pro- vincial towns, is it net a strange thing that in a small place like Maesteg, where every inhabitant almost knows his neighbour's business, the greatest facilities are afforded to these whose base inclinations make them prostitute the Sabbath a.nd scandalise their fellow-men?—I am, &c AN UNSEEN WITNESS. Maesteg, 29th December, 1890.